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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/07/1995 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF Parks, Beaches a �o�o 3� c °• 7 / o a ^ L dG �n • Motion Ayes Motion Ayes n NEWPORT BERCH Item II & Recreation March 7, 1995 Commission Citv Council ChamhPrs 7 n I DEX� Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. ORDER AND ROLL CALL. The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:02 P.M. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant and Schonlau were present. Commissioner Vandervort was absent. H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES X Commissioner Grant moved the minutes of the February 7y X x x x x 1995 meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR X The following items were approved except for those items x x x x x removed from the Consent Calendar: Item #1 - Acceptance of donation and change of Designated Street Tree Approve change of designated street tree on Acacia Avenue and accept donation of four trees and concrete grates from Ruby's Restaurant. Item 92 - Tree Donation Accept donation of one palm from Nann Von Oppenheim. Item #3 - Bench Donation Accept the donation of one bench from Helen Stanley. Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar I DEX� CITY OF- Parks, Beaches • d NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission March 7, 1995 Page 2 Citv Council Chamhare 7 n_m Tnmc7v Item #5 - Maintenance Safety Inspections Approve status report on maintenance safety inspections originally undertaken by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission and staff members. Item #6 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #7 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during February for these two divisions. Item #8 - Date for July Commission Meeting Approve meeting on July 11, 1995 due to 4th of July Holiday. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #4 - Bench Donation Plaque • Commissioner Grant reported that City Council Policy G -5, Park Improvement Donations, was carefully written to allow donations without allowing them to become memorials and stated he'would'be opposed to any exceptions. He also pointed out that it is staff's recommendation that the exception be denied. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to deny the applicant's Ayes x x x x x request to deviate from City Council Policy. Unanimous. Chair Glasgow advised that the applicant can appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Item #6 - Park and Tree.Division In response to questions from Commissioner Demmer, Director Niederhaus reported that Landscape West, Inc. has been awarded the landscape maintenance contract for City medians and roadsides. The firm started March 6 and the direct liaison is John Lord. Director Niederhaus stated he would welcome any comments or constructive criticism and that a progress report will be presented at the Commission's April meeting, at which time Mr. Lord will • be asked to address the Commission. Commissioner Demmer commended City staff on their maintenance of the medians from Westeliff to Mariners on Irvine Boulevard during the rainy season. CITY OE,NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission March 7, 1995 Page 3 °^ City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX In response to a question from Commissioner, Marcy Lomeli reported that when the ADA projects are completed, there will be a full inspection with regard to compliance. Director Niederhaus reported the trees in Corona del Mar Business District will be block trimmed within the next two weeks in preparation for sidewalk repairs. In response to a question from Chair Glasgow concerning Buffalo Hills, Marcy Lomeli explained that the 5 year old collapsed drains in the outfield have been repaired. Commissioner Grant recommended the manufacturer be contacted in terms of defective materials. Nancy Beard advised that the Department's new Rain Policy in regard to wet field closures will be transmitted to all user groups. Signage will also be placed with accompanying enforcement if necessary. h10'ti on x Commissioner Demmer motioned to approve the Park and Ayes x x x x x Tree Division report. Unanimous. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Main Street Ficus Trees Director Niederhaus reported that his comments on the tree appraisals and field inspection are included in his report. The photo display presented shows the damaged areas and problems that could occur. Ken Delino, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Coordinator, addressed the Commission. Mr. Delino reported that the proposed tree removals are part of the City's Business District revitalization program. The City Council directed that business districts be upgraded to equal residential areas with upscale prosperous businesses and where people can shop and linger. The first area to be revitalized will be Central Balboa. Mr. Delino explained that the large beautiful trees are a • sensitive and real concern, however, the proposed design is a compromise between the Business District revitalization plan and the trees. He stated that all planners have agreed that Main Street is the key to this area, and that every successful shopping center is pedestrian oriented. CITY OF Parks, Beaches G NEWPORT BERCH & Recreation Commission March 7, 1995 Page 4 City CnunniI ChamhPnc 7 n m TKInCV Mr. Delino clarified the proposed site plan which was designed by an expert designer from Langdon - Wilson and Don Sasso, artist/designer. The concept maintains the canopy effect, frames the street, and by removing eight trees it provides enough area on the ground to incorporate additional hardscape for pedestrian facilities. The plans have also been exposed to the public as much as possible for their input. Mr. Delino explained the proposed funding process and pointed out the business owners in the area have assessed themselves $20;000 this year towards the project. The Business Districts plan to implement Downtown Managers to oversee the respective business districts in an attempt to compete with nearby malls. Mr. Delino emphasized that this is a top priority of City Council and just the beginning of the revitalization program which the merchants unanimously support with a few • exceptions. He stated he understands the reasons in support of retaining the trees, however, the goal is a balance to retain some trees and provide pedestrian amenities to revitalize the area. During discussion regarding the hardscape, Mr. Delino explained that after the trees are removed, a hardscape design plan will be developed balancing costs and amenities. Chair Glasgow opened the meeting to public testimony. W. Douglas Boyd, 2101 E. Balboa, addressed the Commission and stated he represented the Balboa Peninsula Point Association during the development of the Specific Area Plan. Mr. Boyd explained the circulation of the area and pointed out that commercial firms will not advertise on Main Street since the tree cover is too heavy. Mr. Boyd stated he supports anything that can be done to enhance and improve access to this valuable area. Kay Mortenson, 1530 Miramar, addressed the Commission in support of the concept with the exception that only 7 • trees be removed. Cindi Doran, 425 Seville, addressed the Commission and thanked'Mr. Delino for his presentation which clarified the project for her. She stated she appreciates the exposure the subject has been given, however, as a result of her CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission v March 7, 1995 o Page 5 Ciiy Cni ail Chamhorc 7 n T�Invv DC 0�0�\N telephone survey 90 of the 100 Balboa residents contacted are opposed to the tree removals. Ms. Doran urged the design plan be implemented around the existing trees. Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission and stated she is in favor of improving downtown Balboa and agrees with Ms. Mortenson that one tree remain in the large gap area. Ms. Linhoff expressed her concern that the trees would be removed and nothing else done. She requested the Commission provide conditions for removal of the trees subject to the hardscape design being completed and funds collected. She also hoped that this would not be the beginning of total tree removals on Balboa. Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission and referred to the Urban Forester's report that states the subject trees are healthy and not causing extensive damage. Mrs. Herberts supported retaining the . trees. Gary Malazian, 4827 Cortland, addressed the Commission and reviewed the area's redesign process which has occurred over the past two years. He stated this is a political and philosophical issue, not a tree issue. Mr. Malazian stated that due to the expense of maintaining cheap trees that have outlived their usefulness and the need to assist the merchants, he supports removing the eight trees. He urged the Commission to look towards the future and the need to establish a motif and theme for the area. George Schroeder, 129 39th Street, addressed the Commission. Mr. Schroeder stated it is too dark on Main Street due to the trees and he supports the proposed plan to remove all 8 trees. Ray Handy, 44 Whitewater Drive, addressed the Commission and reviewed the situation in.Jasmine Creek wherein 452 ficus trees have been removed which caused severe damage. Mr. Handy strongly advocated removing the trees. Kay Mortenson, 1530 Miramar, addressed the Commission • and spoke of the successful results from root pruning ficus trees on Miramar. Shexequested the trees remain with root pruning and proper maintenance so that they can be enjoyed in the future. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches G & Recreation Commission March 7, 1995 Page 6 Citv Council Chambers 7 ❑.m. TNnPY C.J. Williams, 31 Ima Loa, addressed the Commission and stated he felt the area is not maintained and is filthy from the tree droppings. In response to questions from Commissioners Schonlau and Demmer, he explained he cannot control his tenants but will renovate his buildings and do his share to enhance the area when the project begins. There being no further public testimony, Chair Glasgow closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion Commissioner Demmer stated it is important to do the revitalization project correctly, however, she feels that the trees should not be removed until the design is finalized and the project is fully funded. Commissioner Schonlau stated he, too, would prefer funding in place but supports the tree removals if this will provide the momentum for the merchants to unite in . upgrading the area. The main goal is to help the business community do whatever is necessary to accomplish revitalization. Motion x Commissioner Compton motioned to accept the plan as presented by Mr. Delino and remove the 8 ficus trees. Motion x Commissioner Grant made a substitute motion that the Assistant City Manager and Balboa Merchants Association be authorized to remove all the trees if they feel it is necessary for the final plan; that the trees not be removed Ayes x x x until the design plan is finalized; and that sufficient funding Nays x x is authorized to complete the entire plan. Motion passes. Item 410 - Tree Removal at 350 Buena Vista Avenue Director Niederhaus announcedhe was contacted yesterday by Mrs. Frink who requested this item be postponed since they will be unable to address the Commission at tonight's meeting. He also reported that the 3 ficus trees being appealed were planted by the previous owner in violation of City Council Policy: Although they are young trees, they are already beginning to obstruct views and will eventually . damage the adjacent sidewalk. Steve Walker, 312 Lindo, addressed the Commission. Mr. Walker stated the three 6' ficus trees are an undesirable block two species and already parking spaces and views of CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission 0 4 March 7, 1995 v�o� °�\ i'o4 a ^0X Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. TNnFx Motion Ayes x x x x x x ten houses on the east side of the street. He urged City policy be followed and that the trees be removed. Commissioner Compton motioned to remove the trees. Unanimous. Director Niederhaus will advise the owners of their appeal rights to the City Council. Item #11 - Progress Report on Recreation and Open Space Element Director Kienitz reported that this is a Planning Department project and that Scott Ferris has been assigned to draft a Work Plan. When it is prepared, it will be presented to the Commission. A progress report will be given at the Commission's May meeting. Commissioners Grant and Demmer volunteered to interface with Mr. Ferris on the Work Plan before it is finalized. Director Kienitz will notify the Advance Planning Manager. Item #12 - Report from Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Compton reported there was a public meeting held March 6 to discuss the passive area of the Upper Castaways along with a presentation from an outside developer. Discussion included access to the area, 16th Street signal, street widening, walkways, church relocation, environmental issues and parking. The general feeling of those present was that they want the area kept passive with the least amount of development. The major issue is parking and it was suggested that the parking lot be reduced to 24 cars. The project requires Coastal Commission approval. Another issue is that there is no access from the active to passive park without going down to Dover. Commissioner Compton announced that another public meeting will be held March 9 at 7:00 P.M. in the Fire Department Conference Room to discuss the conceptual • designs. Two or three plans will be presented to the Commission for their review at the.April meeting. G 1 Motion Ayes CITY OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation I G March 7, 1995 Page 8 BEACH Commission City Cnunnil Chamhprc 7 n m INDEX Item #13 - Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center Referring to the report submitted, Chair Glasgow stated the pool is currently maintained by the school district at 79 degrees and he would like to know the cost per degree. x Commissioner Grant motioned to instruct staff to maintain the City- School District contract as it has historically been x x x x x interpreted since criteria has been already been established. Unanimous. The Commission agreed that a letter should be sent on their behalf from the Chair to.the Superintendent of Schools addressing this matter. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None Nancy Beard announced that Arbor Day is April 27 and the Commissionwill need to appoint a representative to attend the ceremonies. NancyBeard presented the Award of Excellence from the California Park and Recreation Society to the department i for Best Single Brochure in its Category. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:08 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on February 28, 1995 at 10:00 A.M. outside the City Ball Administration Building. INDEX