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Home My WebLink About01/04/1994 - PB&R CommissionParks. BeGaches & Recreation Commission y � d� o �� m� �'o (V January 4, 1994 o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. It\DDC 1 to ler 1 Call )roval Minutes rk and reet Tree vision Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary Z. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order Cal Orc The meeting of the .Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:d0 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Rol Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of App December 7. 1993 of Motion X Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes be Ayes X X X X, X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #4 - Park and Street Tree Division Pal $t' In response to a question from Commissioner Di' Demmer regarding the testing of cross connection backflow prevention devices, Marcy Lomeli explained that testing is required by law and that about half of the devices failed after testing and will be replaced since they were old or worn out and cannot be repaired. In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort concerning the on -going intensive labor effort on the slope at Cliff Drive Park, Marcy Lomeli explained that this weeding is required until the planting is established which should be between six months to one year. The hydroseeding that was completed several months ago will be evaluated and monitored. In the meantime, the container materials are establishing themselves very well. Mr. Lomeli will be meeting the landscape architect that was involved with the project on site to discuss progress. Chair Grant pointed out that this area is a test project initiated by the residents and he recommended that the labor hours, etc. used on the project be documented. Chair Grant also 1 to ler 1 Call )roval Minutes rk and reet Tree vision ,C 1 TY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks... Beaches & Recreation Commission d ° G , 7� Page 2 °' City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX °h i s suggested that Dr. Jan Vandersloot, who initiated the project and is actively involved in it, be invited to attend the site meeting. Chair Grant reported he has been asked if the fields, particularly at Lincoln, will be aerated and commented that the diamonds are in need of repair. Marcy Lomeli advised that the fields have been scheduled for aeration and that the diamonds will be repaired in January. In response to a question from commissioner Vandervort concerning the Lido Isle sidewalk replacement project, Marcy Lomeli reported the sidewalks were installed in the 1930's and will be removed, trees root pruned, and the sidewalks repaired. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Mr. Lomeli explained that the tree trimming schedule will follow that adopted several years ago. They will start in Corona del Mar, followed by the the Fashion Island area. As work progresses, he will give the } Commission updates and forecasts. Director Niederhaus pointed out that the tree trimming cycle was up to 3+ years, but the goal is to decrease it to '2 -1/2 years. Residential areas will be done in the summer months, vice Peninsula projects, so the crews can work at a faster rate. Commissioner Herberts reported' that in the last six °months 69 trees have been removed and only 1 planted. She urged that the replanting schedule be improved. Marcy Lomeli explained that the new Urban Forester is assessing and evaluating requests, prioritizing hazardous trees, and soliciting quotes for replacement. The Department is responding first to removing hazardous trees, some of which look very good on the outside but are hazardous on the inside. Mr. Lomeli stated he will have a schedule on removals /replacements for the Commission's February meeting. Commissioner Herberts stated she is disturbed that it is taking so long to replant a tree following removal. She pointed out it is extremely important to replace trees as soon as possible, particularly when they are not changing the street scape. Item #5 - Recreation Division Recreation Division 2 Nancy Beard corrected the title of the first section of the Recreation Division to read Youth Activities. I NEWPORT ice. i. A :i CITY OF Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. INCEX Chair Grant recommended the recreation brochure publicize for sponsors of events such as Winter Wonderland. Nancy Beard agreed that this is a good idea. In response to a question from commissioner Schonlau, Nancy Beard explained that 50% of the purchased snow for Winter Wonderland is donated by the Elks Club. Commissioner Schonlau stated he felt sponsored events should all be equitable and consistent. Chair Grant stated he felt the Department should allow sponsors to start an event and try it. Nancy Beard agreed and pointed out that the size of an event can be modified but still be fun. Commissioner Vandervort suggested the Commission's picture for the recreation brochure be retaken to include the full Commission. Nancy Beard advised this will be done at the February meeting for the summer brochure. Commissioner Glasgow reported the Marian -Bergeson Aquatics Center will be hosting practice sessions for the U.S. Water Polo Team this month. Item #6 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program No report. Committee Item #7 - Park and Open Space committee Park and Open Space Commissioner Vandervort recommended a special Committee ad hoc committee be formed to further address the matter of a dog park since the committee has already thoroughly discussed it and made their recommendations. Commissioner Compton pointed out that parks which were recommended by the public were not researched and that these need to be addressed. He also suggested that the interested individuals be invited to attend the committee meeting. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Nancy Beard advised that staff is researching the idea of a dog park at the Aquatic Center. Commissioner Demmer asked staff for their input on a proposed dog park and if it would be feasible to generate revenue from one. She also suggested that sites be realistically looked at in terms of the Coastal Commission's policies. CITY OF Parks. Beaches 6 P VA\0A\\\ & Recreation Commission Page 4 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Budget Committee Tree Committee Oasis Liaison Community Services Department Park Donati Request for Additional Volleyball Court Commissioner Compton stated he agrees with Commissioner Vandervort that one or two Commission members form an ad hoc committee and invite members of the public to share their views. It was then determined that Commissioner Compton will chair the ad hoc committee which will also consist of Commissioners Glasgow and Demmer. Item #8 - Budget Committee No report. Item #9 - Tree Committee No report. Item #10 - Oasis Liaison No report. Item #11 - Community Services Department Director Kienitz reported that the Community Services Department was officially formed January 1 and that she is looking forward to working with the Commission. The Department offices are in the Recreation Division offices and she invited the Commissioners to stop by. The next six months will be spent organizing and structuring the new Department and, after that time, it will be decided if the Community Services office will remain at their current location or move to the new Library. An enormous and impressive amount of services are provided by both divisions and a consultant has been hired to assist in the reorganization. There will be an all staff meeting on January 6 at 8:00 A.M. at the Oasis Center, and members of the Arts Commission, this Commission and Library Board are encouraged to attend. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #12 - Park Donation Chair Grant announced that Item #12 has been deleted since it was addressed and voted upon at the Commission's December meeting. i Item #13 - Request for Additional Volleyball Court Nancy Beard presented correspondence just S received from the General Services and Marine Departments and local homeowners. Commissioner schonlau reported the Recreation INDEX Budget Committee Tree Committee Oasis Liaison Community Services Department Park Donati Request for Additional Volleyball Court Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission ti � wh Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INUDC Committee met and unanimously approved application for the installation of two volleyball courts adjacent to the school yard at Newport Elementary School. Two committee members felt that a caveat should be attached that there be a paid staff member from the school charged with removing the nets every day. The third member did not agree to this condition. Commissioner Demmer stated she would prefer the caveat read that the net be removed by an assigned staff member. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public hearing and Mr. Howard Aley, 1406 W. Ocean Front,, addressed the Commission. Mr. Aley stated he and his wife are opposed to any new installation of volleyball courts near the school. There being no further public hearing, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public testimony. During discussion Commissioner Compton stated { he is opposed to the caveat and favors installation of the courts. Normally there are no problems and, if they do arise, they can be addressed at that time. Nancy Beard explained that the volleyball rules now include removal of the nets with the exception of the City supplied nets at Corona del Mar State Beach. Commissioner Demmer stated she felt an adult should be responsible for removing the nets to accommodate the homeowners' concerns. Commissioner Herberts agreed. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Nancy Beard advised the courts would be installed by the City for public use. Chair Grant and Commissioner Vandervort both opposed the caveat and felt the courts should not be subjected to an extra rule. Moti0n Commissioner Compton motioned to approve the two volleyball courts and their location as shown on Option #1. Commissioner Herberts stated she would support the motion since the courts will be located in such a location as to not infringe on a homeowner's peace and quiet. Ayes X X X X X X X Unanimous. : Item #14 - Request for Co- Sponsorship Request fo 6 CO7$p0nsor i In response to a question from Chair Grant on ship 0. � t Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission o c� ni �� Page 6 03 N� diP �' N Oil L °n City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX o s the use of Lincoln Gym by the Eastbluff Boys and Girls Club, Nancy Beard explained they are not charged a facility fee since we could'use their -gym. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Nancy Beard explained that if the request is approved, there will simply be more sharing of the gym. There is limited use at the present time, however, NJB is the primary youth user. Motion X Commissioner Vandervort motioned to accept the Ayes X X X X X X X Boys and Girls Club's request for co- sponsored status. Unanimous. Item 15'- Tree Donation Tree Donation Marcy Lomeli reported that Mrs. Harriet Spencer has donated five Southern Magnolias proposed to be planted near the play area at Eastbluff Park. Mr. Curt Herberts' donation of two Deodar Cedars are to be planted on the arterial slopes adjacent to Newport Boulevard. In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort, Mr. Lomeli explained that after additional discussion with the Freedom Grove organization, Mrs. Spencer wanted her donations directed to the City based upon the return of the investment to the organization. Both Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Herberts determined the location of their respective tree donations. These will be included as part of the City's on- going reforestation as Tree City USA. In addition, Mrs. Spencer received a letter from the Urban Forester acknowledging her donations in time for Christmas. Chair Grant recommended those who donate trees, park amenities, etc., be recognized in the recreation brochure. Director Kienitz agreed and felt that this should be done on a quarterly basis since it is important to recognize donors in a timely manner. Commissioner Herberts read an article on Costa Mesa's on -going tree planting project whereby citizens receive a gold certificate for a $25 donation along with a tree planted in their name. Funds will be used to plant parkway trees in February and March. The project, called Re -Leaf Costa Mesa, is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of trees. N X Commissioner Compton motioned to accept the Aj X X X X X X X tree donations. Unanimous. Item #16 - Review of Policies G -1 and i -9 Review of —7 Policies G Director Niederhaus reported that the City and I -9 II i policies have been under review since last C I TY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation commission o m Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INVEX h N August. At the December 21 Study Session the City Council requested Policies G -1 and I -9 be reviewed by this Commission. Director Niederhaus explained that the G series is a new designation for the General Services policies. Director Niederhaus reviewed and answered questions on the proposed modifications suggested for each policy. Director Kienitz also pointed out that the 'I series is assigned to community Services and, therefore, encompasses not only Recreation, but also the Library and Arts Commission policies. Policies can also be reviewed after they are drafted. Following discussion, the Commission made their recommendations on the paragraphs presented for review as follows: RE. G -1 "This list will contain landmark trees, special trees of beauty, stately trees which contribute to an entire neighborhood, dedicated trees, etc." 5. Not have a consistent history of damaging items such as City sewers, water mains, sidewalks, curbs, walls, fences, foundations, etc., as indicated per City records." Attachment 1 - Neighborhood Trees Add the following: "Candlestick Lane etc. (Baycrest) Eucalyptus citriodora Commodore Eucalyptus citriodora Starlight Eucalyptus citriodora Glenwood Eucalyptus citriodora Candlestick Eucalyptus citriodora Sandlewood Eucalyptus citriodora" RE. I -9 Delete Item 3 since a similar statement is part of Policy G -5, Park Improvement Donations. 114. Prior to the dedication or naming of a n park or public recreational facility for a l/o deceased person(s), there should be a passage of six months from death before the Parks, i Beaches and Recreation Commission acts upon Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission sd o s m Page 8 i N <`) I m °loo °� IDA o_ _ I" City Council Chambers 7 p.m.. IZEX / the request and makes a recommendation to the City Council." Concerning, a request for a new policy encouraging contributions from new individuals, the Commission determined that this issue is also covered in Policy G -5. Motion X Commissioner Compton motioned to accept the recommendations as corrected and transmit them to the City Council as this Commission's recommendations ' for new City policies. Ayes X X X X X X X Unanimous. Commissioner Herberts brought to the attention of the Commission that Page 2 of Policy G -1 had changes made by staff that were not reviewed by the Commission. The Commission then determined that due to their concerns on Policy G -1, they would like to review it again at their next meeting. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 017 - Capital Improvement Projects for Capital t i 94/95 Fiscal Year Improvement Projects fc Nancy Beard reported these items are for the 94/95 FY Commission's information and review. Director Niederhaus reported that a list of parks and recreation areas and capital improvement projects was submitted to the Public Works Department on December 28. Although the City Manager requested a preliminary list be turned in by December 31, the review and approval process is not complete and additional projects can be submitted. During discussion Chair Grant voiced his concern that procedures were not followed as in the past whereby the Commission has submitted their prioritized list for review with staff. Director Niederhaus explained that this is a starting point and that he would' like the Commission's input in order to generate an updated 'list for the Commission's February meeting. The budget is due February 18 'and there is still work to be researched on cost estimates, etc. Chair Grant suggested the Commissioners { provide their recommendations to the Directors by January 17. He also requested Nancy Beard provide last year's list. Director Kienitz suggested the budget process begins in August or September so that there is ample time for private surveys. Nancy Beard Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission J, d h o� o� Page 9 ho City Council Chambers 7 p.m. IrDDC advised this will be added to the commission's yearly calendar. Item #18 - Urban Forester Report Urban Forester Director Niederhaus introduced the new Urban Report Forester, John Conway, formerly of the City of Fontana. Mr. Conway brings 21 years of experience to the City and is a Certified Arborist who actively participates in seven professional associations. Mr. Conway also has a strong academic background in landscape management. Mr. John Conway addressed the Commission and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work for the, City. Mr. Conway reviewed his overall experience, responsibilities and upcoming events. He then introduced the Operations Manager and the Supervisor of West Coast Foresters who answered questions and explained their organizational structure. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding proposed reforestation, Director Niederhaus explained that the first interest is addressing diseased mature trees and replacing each one. Staff will also be reforesting denuded areas and addressing areas that have been neglected. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Compton stated the ad hoc committee for a proposed dog park will need more time to meet and gather information from the public; therefore, this matter will be addressed at the Commission's March meeting. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Nancy Beard explained that the Playground Equipment Replacement Program in the proposed capital projects list is to upgrade park equipment and provide emergency repair funds. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:25 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on December 27, 1993 at 10:00 A.M. outside the 1 City Hall Administration Building l�