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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/07/1993 - PB&R CommissionParks. oho .���y� Beaches OA 0 s w, f ' & Recreation Commission December 7, 1993 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Park and Street Tree Division Ex- Officio Member Present: LaDonna Kienitz Staff Present: Ronald A. Whitley, Director David E. Niederhaus, Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent 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, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of November 2, 1993 Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes be Motion X approved as presented. Unanimous. Ayes x X. X X X X X II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #4 - Park and Street Tree Division Director Niederhaus introduced Marcy Lomeli, the newly appointed Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent, who was Park and Tree Superintendent for the City of Beverly Hills and has 22 years of experience in parks development and tree maintenance. Mr. Lomeli brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the City which will improve our parks and landscaping as time goes by. He also participated in the recent selection of the Urban Forester. Commissioner Schonlau stated he is extremely pleased that Marcy is on board. Having served on the Tree Committee for one year, he stated he often voiced comparisons with Beverly Hills and would like to see the same principles applied to Newport Beach, such as different trees on different streets and tree planting uniformity, i.e., same tree species on street. 3 Commissioner Herberts agreed and stated she would hope the City could achieve reforesting without denuding the Streets. She commented I � i that she, too, is enthusiastic over Mr. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Park and Street Tree Division Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission y n d� o �� c `�' `ro \ccDA Page 2 3 0� dN 4`oh NA ed, � City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Lomeli's selection and that he is not only very experienced but also has some wonderful ideas. Referring to Mr. Lomeli's report of October 21, Chair Grant complimented him on his thoughts and insight. Mr. Lomeli thanked the Commission and stated he is pleased and excited to be with the City. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding aeration of fields, Mr. Lomeli reported he is working with the Recreation Division on this matter and has started implementation which will take a little time., The Department is currently using their own equipment but will be exploring use of rental equipment for harder areas such as the Lincoln fields. Commissioner Demmer inquired about the study comparing median landscaping in West Newport to East Newport. Director Niederhaus advised this was mailed to Commissioner Compton on November 10. Commissioner Compton will transmit the study to the Commission. Item #5 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Nancy Beard reported that on Saturday, December 11, 20 tons of snow will fall on CYO for their annual Winter Wonderland from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Commissioner Demmer reported she is still, anxious to find a sponsor for such an event on the west side of the Bay. Commissioner Schonlau suggested alternating the site each year, perhaps using Mariners Park. Nancy Beard explained that this event is sponsored by the Elks who donated $2,000 and is in conjunction with the seniors Breakfast with Santa program. Ms. Beard added that the Department is continually looking for sponsors on this side of the Bay. Item #6 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program Commissioner Schonlau reported that the youth Committee sports users had their semi- annual meeting on November 17 which was also attended by Nancy Beard, Dave McConnell and Marcy Lomeli. Field schedules were agreed upon and the need for V} 11� \` field rest and aeration were also discussed. Commissioner Schonlau summarized the proposed letter to be sent to parents who arrive late to pick up their children from the Drop In Program. The penalty for late arrival will be 50 cents per minute effective the first of the Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission f \\-� LP d� A �i oho Page 3 O nN °� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. IMIX year. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Nancy Beard explained that this will be a three step process whereby the parents would first be sent a warning letter followed by the proposed letter and then a bill. Item #7 - Park and Open Space Committee Park and Open Space Nancy eard y passed out a report summarizing Committee the committee's review of a dog park in Newport Beach. Commissioner Vandervort reported the committee discussed sites, criteria, costs, etc., and determined that there is no suitable site in Newport Beach. she pointed out that both the Cities of Costa Mesa and Irvine will be providing a dog park in locations close to Newport Beach. Commissioner Herberts explained that the committee was not unanimous in its recommendation and she suggested the area behind the Aquatic Center and the area near the church on the Castaways property both be reconsidered. Commissioner Glasgow commented that a dog park at the Aquatic Center would create more traffic. Director Whitley agreed, stating the Coastal Commission might not approve use of this site since they now consider it "maxed out." Commissioner Herberts urged that, although there are hurdles to overcome, the Aquatic Center site be pursued. Commissioner Vandervort reported the committee recommended that the idea of a proposed dog park be abandoned at this time and that we informally aid the Cities of Costa Mesa and Irvine in their implementation of a dog park. Director 'Niederhaus stated the ungraded area adjacent to. the south .side of North Star Beach could be considered as a potential site in the future although there is quite a bit of traffic from the boat users, commissioner Demmer stated she is impressed with the dog park idea as an opportunity to generate revenue and requested staff to research and make recommendations in a report J to the Commission. Commissioner Compton pointed out this matter must eventually be addressed as an action item since it was originally requested from user groups. A response is also needed to address 1111 11", 7111 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 doh City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the sites recommended by them. Chair Grant agreed and announced that the dog park issue will be a formal action item at the Commission's February meeting and that this will be properly posted to the public. Commissioner Schonlau recommended the results of Mason Park's dog park and fee structure be researched. commissioner Demmer agreed and suggested ideas to generate revenue in this regard be thoroughly investigated. Director Whitley pointed out the parking fees charged .at Mason Park are for any use of the park. Commissioner Vandervort also noted that separate agencies are carrying the liability for the dog parks in costa Mesa and Irvine. Item #8 - Budget committee Budget No report. Committee Item #9 - Tree Committee Tree Commissioner Herberts reported two trees were Committee reviewed and recommendation made for retention. Commissioner Herberts also reported that Harriet Spencer called her with an idea to give trees to the City in lieu of Christmas presents, and that she is in attendance to give her presentation. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public testimony and Harriet Spencer, 304 Vista Madera, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Spencer reported that last October The Register published an article on Mary McCurdy in Simi Valley and her concept for a Freedom Grove in memory of past, present and future servicemen. Mrs. Spencer stated two trees will start a Freedom Grove and she would be happy to present a $500 check to the City for five new trees if a suitable site can be found for them. since she is 'a volunteer at the library, she thought it would be a good idea to plant them at the new library, however, it seems Donald Bren has specific landscape plans for this site. In the meantime, Mary McCurdy has sent Marcy' Lomeli the informational Freedom Grove packet. There being no further public testimony, Chair ' Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission o �i h oho m Page 5 O `oy mh �s °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. DDDC In response to a question regarding locations from Commissioner Compton, Marcy Lomeli advised that an area near Oasis has been designated as a Promenade which might be a potential site. Locations, however, will need to be explored as to soil type, etc., and he would recommend a new species be planted. Should the Freedom Grove concept be accepted, Newport Beach would be the first municipality to do so in Orange County. Chair Grant suggested Mrs. Spencer meet with Marcy Lomeli and Virginia Herberts and that their recommendations be presented to the Commission as an action item. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Marcy Lomeli advised that a Certificate can be transmitted from the organization to Mrs. Spencer in time for Christmas. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that the two Pine Trees at City Hall damaged by the last storm could be a beginning for the Freedom Grove project. Director Niederhaus explained that since the trees are healthy and City Hall employees want them retained, the Department will not be removing them. Item #10 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison No report. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Curt Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. Mr. Herberts stated he would like to add $200 to the Freedom Grove project and requested these two trees be planted at the same site as Mrs. Spencer's grove. Mr.'Herberts pointed out that the Redwoods on Newport Boulevard need to be watered and suggested seven more Redwoods be planted at the City's entrance on Newport Boulevard which would make for a spectacular sight. Chair Grant reported he would contribute towards one more tree for the Freedom Grove. Mr. Herberts also reported he and his wife have been researching dog parks and he does not feel such a park would either make money or cost anything of significance. In Newport Beach there are about 25,000 dogs representing J)� approximately 50,000 people who would like to take advantage of a local dog park. Mr. Herberts stated he feels the site behind the Aquatics Center is ideal since there is adequate parking and it is a quiet area. Mr. Herberts pointed out thallt in their travels CITY OF Parks. Beaches s� A moo a, 33 ws 6�� 4l o loh Motion Ayes Motion Ayes ) � � . „� ' ,, r'3,�} '� s•;: `� E ' ' 1.. ,,�,, 1, ..� & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INJDC Annual Pass Fee Park Donatic to dog parks they have never heard loud barking. IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #11 - Annual Pass Fee X Commissioner Schonlau motioned that the annual X X X X X X X pass fee change as presented be adopted. Unanimous. Item #12 - Park Donation Director Niederhaus reported that Susan Jones has agreed to restrict her request for 3 plaques to 1 plaque. Commissioner Demmer stated she is not opposed to a plaque on each bench provided it meets our code requirements. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer on the cost of refurbishing the benches, Director Whitley explained it is high since the benches are specifically made for Kings Road and Bit in concrete. Commissioners Vandervort and Schonlau and Director Niederhaus all stated they see no objection to, providing 3 plaques. X Commissioner Glasgow motioned to accept the X X X X X X X park donation with 3 plaques. Unanimous. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Chair Grant passed out the Facility Inspection Forms which are to be completed and turned in by January 31. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Vandervort presented information on the annual CAPRCBM Conference in February in Anaheim. As a Hospitality Committee Member, she urged the Commissioners to attend this informative conference. Commissioner Demmer inquired about the cost to attend and if any money has been budgeted for this purpose. Nancy Beard advised there are no budgeted funds, and Commissioner Vandervort stated she will report back on the attendance costs. Director Niederhaus reported he has met with the new tree trimming contractor and they plan to divide the City into street tree maintenance divisions. The first project will start in January on 4th Street in Corona del Mar with the largest trees which are most prone to damage during winter storms. INJDC Annual Pass Fee Park Donatic 1i I" Y • y. �i �' S a �. I I'll S� 1� i f 3 f Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission o �o �� mh �o • Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX The three most senior men on the tree crew will stay with the division and the rest plan to work in other areas of the General Services Department at their existing salaries. They can also exercise their right to work for the contractor. The new Urban Forester, John Conway, is from the City of Fontana and will start December 8. Mr. Conway is a Certified Arborist with 21 years of experience and belongs to numerous professional associations. Director Niederhaus will introduce Mr. Conway at the Commission's January meeting. Chair Grant reported he has known Director Whitley for ten years and that, although they have had their differences of opinion, he knows that what he has learned from Director Whitley has benefitted not only himself, but also his family and work. Director Whitley's patience, insight and training experience are most appreciated. On behalf of the Commission, City and residents of Newport Beach, Chair Grant sincerely thanked Director Whitley for his contributions and a job well done. Director Whitley spoke of his first commission meeting 23 years ago when the dog park issue was also addressed and the Chambers were full. He said it seems only fitting that he leaves his last Commission meeting with this same issue before them. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:25 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on November 29, 1993 at 11:15 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building.