HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/1995 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Item II
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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April 4, 1995 '
City Council Chambers 7 P.M. INDEX
Staff present: LaDonna.Kienitz, Community
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 7:00 P.M.
Roll call was taken. Commissioners Bonner, Compton,
Demmer, Grant, Schonlau and Vandervort were present.
Chair Glasgow was absent.
H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
*ion
x
Commissioner Grant moved the minutes of the March 7,
Ayes
X
x
x
x
x
x
1995 meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Vice Chair Vandervort introduced newly • appointed
Commissioner Ken Bonner. Commissioner Bonner gave a
brief background of himself, stating he grew up in Newport
Beach and is now a dentist focusing on cosmetic and
reconstructive surgery. Vice Chair Vandervort welcomed
Dr. Bonner to the Commission.
Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the
Commission. Mrs. Herberts stated it is her opinion that
The Brown Act was violated at the Commission's last
meeting when they did not address Main Street Ficus Trees
as described on the agenda.
IV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
Marcy Lomeli introduced Sergio Hernandez, Operations
Manager of Landscape West, Inc. Mr. Hernandez gave a
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brief background of his company which began a five year
contract with the City last month. They hope to maintain
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the City medians and parkways to the satisfaction of the
community.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches & Recreation. Commission
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John Lord, supervisor and liaison between the City and
Landscape West, Inc., addressed the Commission. Mr.
Lord stated he grew up in Newport Beach and is looking
forward to keeping the City medians and roadside areas in
excellent condition. They are currently maintaining parks
in Huntington Beach and several County Regional Parks.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion
x
Commissioner Grant motioned that the following items be
approved:
Item #1 - Bench Donation
Accept the donation of one bench from David Holden.
Item #2 - Change of Designated Street Tree
Approve changing the designated street tree in the 700
block of West Bay Avenue.
Item #3 - Park and Tree Division
Accept the report of the Park and Tree Division activities
during March and upcoming projects in April.
Item #4 - Recreation and Senior Services
Accept the report of activities during March for these two
divisions.
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
x
Unanimous.
VT. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Item #5 - Upper Castaways View Park
Commissioner Compton, Chair of the Park and Open Space
Committee, reported that several meetings were held with
input from the community which resulted in the creation of
the four plans presented.
John Wolter of the City's Public Works Department
addressed the Commission and introduced the consultants,
Steve Lang and Steve Rose from Purkiss•Rose R.S.I. and
Ron Yeo, Architect, who are actively,pursuing the
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preparation of the plans for the Castaways.
Mr. Wolter reviewed the history of the process which
included discussion and input by those involved. Mr.
Wolter explained that the A concept shows an opportunity
to provide parking at the bottom of the bluff opposite Cliff
CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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Drive and access for pedestrians/bicyclists, emergency and
maintenance vehicles that would come up onto the site at a
grade acceptable for handicap access.
The B concept is a close duplication of the original
landscape concept that the Commission recommended in
December with the comment that the parking should be
lowered and moved closer to the church property. The
concept is presented in two different ways, one showing a
widened Dover Drive and one that does not. The County
process approving the amendment to remove the widening
of Dover Drive from the Circulation Element takes about 1-
1/2 years.
The C exhibit shows parking higher up on the site, an
option which the committee opposed.
In the meantime, the Lutheran Church has just proposed
concept D which Mr. Wolter presented. Concept D would
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allow access and parking off 16th Street and a portion of
the church property fronting on Dover to be used as park
parking. This would require construction of a terminus to
get in and out of the barrier. In exchange for the area and
easement, a parking lot would be constructed for the
church. This concept would be compatible with Concept A
which the review team supported and would substitute for
the parking at the Cliff and Dover Drive intersection.
Although grading will be done by The Irvine Company,
costs will be higher for Plan D.
Steve Lang of Purkiss•Rose R.S.I. addressed the
Commission and further clarified the A and D concepts as
they pertain to the amount of open meadow space, ADA
access, parking, erosion, drainage, sidewalk, wetlands and
improvements.
In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Mr.
Wolter explained that Plan D would provide for 30 parking
spaces which could be utilized for both the active and
passive parks. Plan A provides 15 -25 spaces. Approval is
required by the Coastal Commission.
During discussion, Mr. Wolter clarified the Commission's
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questions regarding access at Cliff Drive, grading and the
Sparking
area.
Vice Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public
testimony.
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Parks, Beaches
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NEWPORT BERCH
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April 4, 1995
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Mr. Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Benson stated that the proposed park
could be a real showcase if designed properly. He pointed
out that the area at the west end must be accessible to the
general public; that a road is needed in lieu of a trail that is
2 -3% of grade with a 60' difference between Dover and the
top of the plateau in terms of pushing a handicapped person
in a wheelchair; that two public parking access points are
needed and that a third access be considered which could be
the old road at Dover winding up the slope; and that the
public sidewalk be continued at the end of 16th Street in
back of the church property. Mr. Benson presented
sketches of his proposal which he felt would be less
expensive.
Commissioner Compton explained that the walkways on
the property between the housing tract and church are part
of The Irvine Company plan and that there will be no
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property easement between the back of the church and the
back of the housing tract leading to 16th Street. In
addition, the Concept D pathway will provide level
handicap access per ADA standards, which is less than 5 %,
along with the area from the, cliffs to the end of the bicycle
trail that will be paved access coming into the park.
Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Vandersloot recommended developing a
plan at the least cost to the City that leaves the area in its
natural condition. This would require a plan that does not
fill in the wetlands, requires no grading, irrigation and
revegetation. He also suggested that the idea of using the
area set aside for widening Dover Drive be pursued to
satisfy parking needs.
Allan Beek, 2007 Highland, addressed the Commission.
Mr. Beek stated he agrees with Dr. Vandersloot's idea of
minimum grading to reduce City costs. Referring to
handicap access, Mr. Beek recommended a 6' strip around
the church or access via the sidewalk on Dover which
would also provide a view. He suggested preserving the
use of the old historic road for access purposes; cleaning up
the area by the old restaurant; filling the edge of the cliff
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which is eroding and installing a berm along the edge with
a mesh installed to keep out the rodents.
Marianne Towersey, 501 Kings Place, addressed the
Commission. Ms. Towersey referred to an article in the
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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L.A. Times last week concerning Pasadena's use of
decomposed granite when sidewalks are removed in order
to nurture the trees. She recommended this be used on the
pathways; that there be no road installed at Cliff and Dover;
and that the area be kept in its natural state.
Reverend Bill Kirlin- Hackett of Newport Harbor Lutheran
Church addressed the Commission and explained their
formation of plan D which is axesult of their concerns over
the parking issue. They are hoping to find a way of
mitigating the impact of parking to the church and still
provide what the City needs. Although the plan is more
costly, they would be open to modifications of the plan.
Seth Oberg, 2012 Galaxy Drive and President of the Dover
Shores Community Association, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Oberg stated that one of their main
concerns is parking and access to the Upper Castaways
passive park which Plan D addresses. On behalf of the
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Dover Shores Community Association, he urged the
Commission to support Plan D.
Penny'McManigal, 16 Inverness Lane, addressed the
Commission. Ms. McManigal spoke of the current every
day use of the natural area at no cost and urged the
Commission to think about future generations and the sense
of our past as they incorporate it with the future.
Kip Kula, 708 St. James Place, addressed the Commission
and encouraged them to preserve this unique area and
consider using the area set aside for widening Dover Drive
for more parking. He also supported Concept D.
John Sturgess, 601 Cliff Drive and President of the Cliff
Haven Homeowners Association, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Sturgess stated that as part of the
conceptual'team many concerns relating to detail, such as
grading, swale extending to gully, valley effect, sidewalk
and fill in gaps were never addressed. Mr. Sturgess
emphasized that this is the last undeveloped land in
Newport Beach and recommended staff restudy the active
and passive park areas to include the following: (1) Leave
the Castaways passive view park area untouched except for
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minimum erosion and drainage control; (2) Include
emergency access through the church parking; (3) Study
parking on active park areas along Dover, between 16th and
Westcliff Streets and 16th Street; (4) Study pedestrian and
handicapped access from the active park where the
CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH
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restroom facilities are located to the passive park area
between The Irvine Company development and the church.
Commissioner Vandervort questioned Mr. Sturgess' charge
that the review team did not have anywhere to go with their
findings and the plan; that the issue was already decided.
John Wolter explained that part of The Irvine Company's
conditions for their tentative tract map and proposal
required that they grade along Dover and within the limits
of the upper view park along the edge of Dover Drive; and
that the City still has a choice of details as to how access
will be made and details as to how the development of the
view park will be made.
Commissioner Compton explained that many ideas from
the review team have been incorporated in the plans, such
as parking on 16th and Dover, the walkway by the wetlands
and the removal of concrete walkways at the top. He
pointed out that this area will be a- public park and that the
City will assume liability resulting in required
improvements.
In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer,
John Wolter explained that The Irvine Company's tentative
tract maps and the improvements to date provide for the
company to dedicate to the City the open space and provide
grading that will allow future widening of the roadway and
allow Dover Drive to be merged in a transition that will
improve geometries from the intersection of Cliff Drive up
to the church.
Ann Obegi,1101 Somerset, addressed the Commission and
urged that the site be kept in its natural state; that parking
options on 16th Street and on Dover be pursued; and that as
little grading as possible be done.
Jim Bailey, 2301 Margaret Drive, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Bailey urged that another plan be
designed that keeps the area natural with less costly
grading; that access is logical at 16th Street; and that
additional parking be provided along Dover Drive.
Karl Kemp, 128 Kings Place; addressed the Commission
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and: stated he is concerned about parking on 16th Street. He
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suggested.there be a delay in the process until it is
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determined if Dover Drive will be widened.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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Hearing no further public testimony, Vice Chair Vandervort
closed the meeting to public hearing.
John Wolter explained that the City's current master plan
provides for Dover Drive,to be a major roadway which is
six lanes divided. To accomplish this, it would require a
28' dedication and our plan shows that to be on the
Castaways site side of the roadway. The Irvine Company's,
tentative tract map provided for that and, based on our
master plan, provides for the dedication widening. The
process can take up to a year. In the meantime, staff is
developing proposals without widening the existing
roadway.
In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer,
John Wolter explained that The Irvine Company is required
to grade to allow for the widening of Dover Drive and to
improve the failures of the existing slope on the bluffs.
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Don Webb, Public Works Director, reported he just
received the Coastal. Commission's staff report which
provides for The Irvine Company grading on the
emergency access road up to the top.
In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer,
John Wolter explained that The Irvine Company's process
is moving ahead and the City Council has requested a
concept plan so that the City's efforts can be, coordinated
with those of The Irvine Company.
Motion
x
Commissioner Compton motioned to support Concepts A -1
and.D; that the historical trail be kept at its existing level of
possible; and that Plan D provide handicap access to the
park from a,practical standpoint.
Commissioner Demmer stated she felt the motion should
include that the area should be left as much as possible in
its natural, state with the exception of necessary safety
factors.
Commissioner Grant reviewed the plans and the - process in
which he has participated over the past several years.
Recommendations included that the open meadow be used
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as a flat playing field with no scheduled activities, which
cannot be done in its natural condition —it must be graded.
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It was also recommended that the nodule or point area be
kept in its pristine and natural state.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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Motion
x
Commissioner Schonlau made a substitute motion to
endorse Concept D and to try to rework it if Dover Drive is
still able to be widened in the future. The second
alternative would be Plan A -1.
Commissioner Compton withdrew his motion.
Motion
Commissioner Demmer amended the motion to maintain
the meadow area in its natural state with minimum grading
Ayes
x
x
allowed. Motion fails.
Nays
x
x
x
x
Motion
Commissioner Grant amended the motion to state that the
nodule or point be as natural and pristine as practical and
the area between the sidewalk and the top of the cliff be as
natural as possible.
Commissioner Bonner asked that the motion include a
statement that would keep the existing trail/road from Cliff
and Dover as much intact as possible without a trail
connection to the new Concept D parking area.
Commissioner Grant accepted this as part of the motion.
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
x
Unanimous.
Vice Chair Vandervort reported that the City Council will
be reviewing this matter at their April 10, 1995 meeting.
Item #6 - Proposed Department Merger
Vice Chair Vandervort reported that the City is considering
further reorganization of the City's infrastructure. She
stated.that when the Library and Recreation Department
were merged into the Community Services Department last
year a great deal of attention was focused on cost
reductions which became the major rationale for the
merger. However, she feels not enough attention was paid
to services rendered, operation philosophies and clientele
served, which has now become more apparent. One of the
only reasons the merger was successful was because of the
super human effort put forth from the top of the
Community Services Department on down.
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In line with the City's goals of reducing the number of City
Departments, increasing the flexibility and coordination of
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Departments that have similar services or customers and
developing cost, savings, she recommended the
Commission endorse the concept that the Marine
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches & 'Rec re at i on Commission
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Department and former Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Department merge to form the Harbors, Beaches and
Recreation Department. The Marine Department Director
would become the Department Head and the City Librarian
would return to the Library.
Vice Chair Vandervort stated she based her rationale upon
the functions of the two departments which both use
lifeguards, process permits, deal with physical natural
resources, outdoor recreation and managing sites. Both
departments charge for their services and are revenue
generators. Cost savings would result from the elimination
of the Community Services Department Director and
Assistant City Librarian positions. In support of this
concept are yacht club officers, marine business owners,
youth sports group leaders and the Library Board of
Trustees.
Since the residents deserve a cost effective government that
maximizes services, recommendation is made that the
Marine Department and applicable functions of the former
Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department be combined to
become the Harbors, Beaches and Recreation Department.
Should the Commission agree, she asked that her
recommendation be forwarded to the City Council for their
April 10 meeting.
Commissioner Grant stated that although the City Manager
and Community Services Director would have more
detailed information on this subject, he agreed that a
common issue is the lifeguards. He further stated that if the
maintenance functions are minimized, there are greater
similarities in that the Marine Department operates the
largest youth program, namely the Junior Lifeguards, and is
the largest employer of youth for the City. Although the
Community Services Director has done an outstanding job,
he felt that the cultures of the Recreation and Marine
Departments are more aligned than that of Recreation and
the Library.
Commissioner Compton agreed and stated that when he
became involved with the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center
he was surprised we weren't using Marine Department
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lifeguards. In addition, there have been times when the
Marine Department has had to be consulted on subjects
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brought before the Commission, such as beach volleyball,
fire pits and jet skiing.
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Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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Commissioner Schonlau pointed out that the main issue is
span of control and that the City Manager is attempting to
reduce the number of Department Heads in order to have
better and proper supervision.
Commissioner Demmer stated she would like to know the
reasons for the City Manager's recommendation to merge
the Fire and Marine Departments since the Commission
does not have all the facts. She further noted that the City
Council has not requested input from this Commission and
suggested the Commissioners transmit their own thoughts
as private citizens.
Commissioner Grant stated that since this Commission
does not know all the issues involved that he would
recommend transmitting to the City Council that this
Commission is concerned about the betterment of Newport
Beach and would volunteer to research the matter further or
A
suggest another recommendation.
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Commissioner Schonlau asked Council Member Watt if she
could comment on this issue. Council Member Watt
suggested the Commission write something tangible in
terms of the issues involved and the reasons why a merger
with the Marine Department would be better than the City
Manager's proposal.
Commissioner Schonlau stated that although he has not
heard the other side, the only strong bond he sees with the
Marine and Fire Departments is that they both deal with
lifesaving issues.
Commissioner Grant commented that his first choice would
be to allow the Marine Department to be on its own. His
second choice would be to combine the Marine and
Recreation Departments -since they are both nurturing
cultures compared to the Fire Department which is more
authoritative.
Motion
Commissioner Grant motioned that Vice Chair Vandervort
and Commissioner Compton be authorized to augment and
edit Vice Chair Vandervort's recommendation and make a
presentation to the City Council on behalf of the
x
x
x
x
x
x
Commission. Unanimous.
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VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None
CITY
OF
NEWPORT
BEACH
Parks,
Beaches
&
Recreation
Commission
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April 4, 1995
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Vice Chair Vandervort reported that it is Nancy Beard's
last meeting with the Commission and on behalf of the
Commission and herself she would like to thank her for her
years of competency and insight.
Commissioner Grant also expressed his thanks on behalf of
the Commission, the citizens of Newport Beach and all the
children who have benefited from her time and energy.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and
Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:10 P.M.
The agenda for this meeting was posted on March 29, 1995
at 12:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration
Building.
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