The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About10/05/1993 - PB&R CommissionMotion Ayes Motion Ayes CITY CF NEWPORT EACH Item No. 3 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission a h u' October 5, 1993 City Council Chambers 7 o.m INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division Ex- Officio Member Present: LaDonna Kienitz Staff Present: David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. Chair Grant was absent. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of September 7, 1993 X Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes be X X X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda X commissioner Compton moved the agenda be X X X X X X adopted as presented. Unanimous. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #5 - Park and Street Tree Division s Referring to the staff report, Director Niederhaus reported the medians on PCH between Jamboree and MacArthur and those on PCH in West Newport were completed in September. In addition, Nancy Beard and Randy Kearns are preparing a schedule for aerating the Lincoln fields during off season periods. Vice Chair Glasgow recommended all the fields be scheduled for aerating before the soccer and football seasons begin. He urged such a schedule be implemented next summer, Nancy Beard advised that the Little League organizations traditionally help in preparing their fields. AYSO has just recently volunteered to assist by renting a special aerator to soften up their playing fields. I Commissioner Compton reported that the INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Recreation Program Committee will address the aerating schedule at their next meeting. Director Niederhaus commented that the Department is catching up on tree plantings within the City. In addition, Nancy Beard and Randy Kearns have now established a tennis court cleaning schedule. Director Niederhaus also reported that a Corona del Mar resident volunteered and was approved to hand prune the topiaries in the Corona del Mar medians. Staff will investigate the feasibility of her offer in regards to liability. Director Niederhaus reported that future staff reports will include the following month's proposed projects. Projects in November will consist of the continued planting on PCH medians, installation of a flagpole at Newport Island Park; backflow ,testing; resetting bricks in the tree wells on Marine Avenue; and hiring day workers to pick weeds on Newport Boulevard between 15th Street and PCH. Commissioner Compton questioned if the theme of landscaping done by CalTrans in Corona del Mar could be carried down the highway to include West Newport. Director Niederhaus advised he will pursue and report back. Commissioner Compton questioned the trimming of Coral Trees on Prospect. Commissioner Herberts stated some Corals are being poorly cut and this should be investigated. Although, they do get weighty, one limb can support another and she suggested this idea be pursued. Commissioner Herberts also suggested the Department research attractive tree well grates which are an effective method to deal with watering, particularly for the more valuable trees. Director Niederhaus agreed to pursue this idea and prepare an estimate for a future capital improvement project. Commissioner Demmer commented that a Coral Tree was lost at Cliff Drive Park due to the heavy rains last winter. She commended staff for the beautiful job they have done in Cliff Drive Park West and questioned if the backhoe is completed in the wetlands. Director Niederhaus advised that minor hand excavation 1 is required to open the channel under the foot J bridge and that this will be done by day 3 laborers. Item #6 - Recreation Division Recreation Division i In response to a question from commissioner Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission J d �r 50 `o, Page 3 his � City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Ii`DDC Vandervort, Nancy Beard explained that the Department is considering installing a false bottom during the summer at the Harbor High School Pool so that children can touch the bottom during the lesson program. Vice Chair Glasgow reported the front gate at the Corona del Mar Pool doesn't shut and that the phone in the lifeguard office be checked. Nancy Beard advised she will contact the School District regarding these items. Commissioner Schonlau reported the log poles supporting the jungle gym in West Newport Park need to be repaired. In addition, the binding devices have fallen off the ends of the poles leaving them rusty, and both situations present a dangerous liability. Nancy Beard advised that the play equipment is scheduled to be replaced, however, in the meantime she will check out the jungle gym. Item #7 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program Commissioner Schonlau reported the committee Committee / will meet October 11 and will be discussing the following: (1) A letter from Candace Schwartz requesting relocation of the volleyball court at Prospect and Oceanfront; (2) The possibility of charging fees for late pick up of children by their parents at the drop -in sites; (3) Fees for lap swimming passes; and (4) Scheduling aeration and down time for all fields. Item #8 - Park and Open Space Committee Park and Open Space Commissioner Vandervort reported the committee Committee met September 30 and discussed concepts and criteria for a possible dog park. The committee is requesting the Commission's input to their list of potential sites, namely, North Star Beach, San Diego Creek North, 15th Street Park, Castaways, San Joaquin Hills Park, parcel adjacent to Lincoln; Newport Oil property; area adjacent to Bonita Creek Park; and the north side of North Star Beach. Commissioner Schonlau recommended adding Newporter North to the list. Commissioner Demmer stated she is opposed to the 15th Street Park since this park is heavily used by the American Legion, occasionally for special event parking; public j ) parking is at a minimum; traffic is intense; and the park is too small. Because of special events, such as wedding receptions, etc., designating this park as a "Dog Park" would I not be appropriate. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission J d Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts stated that last Saturday she visited the dog park in Laguna Beach and there were approximately 30 dogs in the park. She found it to be clean with no smells or flies, and there were no barking dogs while she was there. She commented that she was very impressed with the park and that the people who use the park are very considerate of this added amenity. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that there is also a dog park in Long Beach and that Huntington Beach is also researching the idea. Commissioner Schonlau commented that there have been many people desirous of such an area on the beach that wouldn't be offensive. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that a dog area needs to be fenced which could not be done at the beach. Item #9 - Budget Committee Budget Committee No report. Item #10 r Tree Committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported four tree locations were reviewed and that there is a problem at 3606 Inlet Aisle where the Brazilian Pepper Tree has been mutilated. Director Niederhaus advised that staff will investigate and, if necessary, consult with the City Attorney's office for any action against illegally removed or damaged trees. Item #11 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported the Friends of Oasis had a very successful rummage sale and they are to be commended for providing so much financial assistance to the senior center. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sean McGowan, 900 Sea Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. McGowan presented a petition signed by 545 residents and 144 non residents in support of a dog park in Newport Beach. Nancy Beard explained that Mr. McGowan is also receiving financial support for the dog park which will be deposited in a fund for this purpose. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Commissioner Vandervort explained (� that the committee will be meeting with Jbusinesses, homeowner groups, etc., to discuss I the potential dog park. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission ^� d i ) o �'� P h �o �cdo Page 5 ?6 9 � mil o �o mh ns do City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX commissioner Demmer questioned why non residents should be a concern in regard to the dog park and Commissioner Vandervort explained that the non resident issue needs to be addressed since some people have expressed their concerns on the matter. IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #12 - Street Tree Appeal - 1737 Centella Street Tref Appeal Place Director Niederhaus reported the two subject Brazilian Pepper Trees are City trees. Staff originally determined to retain and root prune them and their recommendation remains the same. Vice Chair Glasgow acknowledged that there is a root problem since they are raising the ground and going into the water vault. Director Niederhaus explained that staff can separate the roots to keep them from damaging the sidewalk, however, there is still f liability created if a trip and fall occurs from the raised surface roots. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Director Niederhaus explained that root pruning would go 6' in either direction and down 18 ". In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus stated that a clear precedent has been established that someone can sue the City over a trip and fall accident associated with surface tree roots. The trees are worth $500 -$1000 each and it would cost less than half of this to replace them. Commissioner Glasgow suggested the trees be removed for liability purposes and that a series of trees be planted. Director Niederhaus responded by saying this would denude the area, however, replacement trees could be planted but of a much smaller size. Commissioner Herberts commented that if a tree were removed for every potential liability that was not corrected, the City could eventually lose half their trees. She recommended root pruning as needed. i Director Niederhaus pointed out that the —/ Department can root prune, but that within a year the same problem will exist. In the meantime, however, the Department can review the budget in terms of a neighborhood landscape scheme. Motion Ayes CITY OF Parks, Beaches y o a 3 yr C Sm X0, oL 10 3�0i dG 0tr o s NEWPORT �Recreation Commission , Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m X X X X X X X Commissioner Glasgow recommended root pruning take place now and that the owner and his neighbors work together to develop landscape plan for the entire street. Commissioner Demmer motioned to uphold the Tree Committee's decision to deny the removal and accept Vice Chair Glasgow's suggestion that the trees be root pruned and that the homeowner meet with his neighbors to propose a street scape. Unanimous. Vice Chair Glasgow further recommended that their suggestions for a street scape be reviewed with the Tree Committee. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #13 - Commission -Staff Relationship Nancy Beard reported this is an information item which the City Manager has conceptually approved. Item #14 - Agenda Format and Conduct Nancy Beard reported this is an information item and that once the agenda is posted, it must be followed as presented. During discussion Commissioner Vandervort recommended that action items be addressed before Informational and Committee Reports. Nancy Beard explained it is the Chair's privilege to determine the agenda. VII. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Vandervort reported the play, "Mr. Roberts," at the Theatre Arts Center is a huge hit which will conclude October 17. Commissioner Vandervort reported she attended the Los Angeles Basin California Parks and Recreation Commission and Boards Membership meeting which was an excellent networking opportunity among the cities. The next meeting is December 2 in South Gate and she invited the Commissioners to attend. Commissioner Vandervort also reported she will be the Hospitality Chair for the same group to be held February 3 -6 in Anaheim and she invited the Commissioners to attend the annual dinner on February 4. Commissioner Vandervort stated that at their last meeting 2 cities reported they are planning an Adopt A Park program and inquired if she could forward a copy of the City's policy to them. Director Niederhaus advised i that City Council Policies are currently being INDEX Commission - Staff Relationshir Agenda Forma and Conduct CITY CF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation commission J d Page 7 A h� o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX reviewed by the City Manager. Commissioner Compton reported he was invited to represent the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission at the Newport -Mesa Board of Realtors "Meet Your Government" meeting. Representatives from each city attended and the dog park proposal was discussed. Commissioner Demmer urged the Commission to attend Walk on the Wild Side community event on October 10. Commissioner Vandervort presented a pictorial statement of various types of open space available at the Castaways site. Director Niederhaus reported there were two highly qualified applicants for the Park and Street Tree Superintendent position, however, they decided to stay with their respective cities. Staff has readvertised for the position and October 15 is the new deadline to submit applications. Bob Bailey officially retired September 30, however, he has been re- employed as a temporary full time employee until the new Tree Supervisor is selected. On October it the City Council will address the proposal to privatize the Street Tree Division. An informal staff meeting on the proposal will be presented and discussed with the tree crew on October 7. Commissioner Demmer recommended the Commission send a letter of recommendation to Bob Bailey. The Commission concurred and the letter will be presented to Mr. Bailey at the October 7 General Services quarterly awards presentation. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:37 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on September 27, 1993 at 2:40 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr I � i Secretary