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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/1995 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF Parks, Beaches G • o 0 o c, c � d'\ ij E d4 ^ • Motion Ayes Motion Ayes • 3 NEWPORT & Recreation June 6, 1995 BE1 CH Item II Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX Staff present: LaDonnaKienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marceline Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Dave McConnell, Recreation Manager 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, Glasgow, Grant and Schonlau were present. Commissioner Vandervort arrived at 7:40 P.M. IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES x Commissioner Compton moved the minutes of the May 2, X X X X x x 1995 meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR X Commissioner Grant moved the following items be X X X X x x approved except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. Unanimous. #1 Item - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #3 - Bench Donation Accept donation of one bench, one table and four planters from the Fred Crook family. Item #4 - Designation of Street Trees Approve designated street trees in the Park Lido Homeowners Association neighborhood. Item #5 - Park and Tree Division Approve report of Park and Tree Division activities during May and upcoming projects for June. INDEX CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G • a��^ �oI \60� 2 June 6, Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #6 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during May for these two divisions. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item 41 - Communication - Letter from Michael Hirsh regarding proposal to install two Petanque courts Director Niederhaus presented photos of the proposed area adjacent to the Lawn Bowling,courts on the corner of San Joaquin Hills and Crown Drive North. The results of his survey indicate that it would cost approximately $1,200 to install two courts which would include rearranging the irrigation, building materials and man- hours. It would not include the removal of one tree which might be required. Staff recommends postponing this item to the July Commission meeting in order that more research can be • done. Chair Glasgow opened the meeting to public hearing. Michael Hirsh, 2701 Lighthouse Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hirsh explained the game ofPetanque which is played by all ages. The nearest courts are at Irvine Valley College. He stated his proposal would not require the removal of trees and that the location of the courts could be anywhere. All that is required is packed dirt. In response to questions from Commissioner Grant, Mr. Hirsh explained that 2 -8 people play on each court and that the group would most likely start with 20 players. The players will maintain the area, help with expenses and comply with the "good neighbor" policy with the Lawn Bowlers, particularly when their tournaments are scheduled. In response to a question from Commissioner Bonner, Director Niederhaus explained that the flat turf area will absorb water during heavy rainfall which will not present a problem during the rainy season: John Amies, 2732 Circle Drive, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Lawn Bowling Club. Mr. Amies stated he felt one tree would have to be removed at the proposed location. Problems that could be encountered would be wind blowing the dust around; the dirt spoiling the scenic CITY OF NEWPORT BE19CH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G • o,�^o r'O' csa� �n �a�o^y June 1995 Page ge 3 Citv Council Chambers 7 D.M. TNDFX Motion Motion'' Ayes x x x x x x x x view of the park; maintenance; and parking problems during tournaments. The Board met June 5 and were generally opposed to the idea. Commissioner Compton moved to install the courts as proposed. t Commissioner Grant amended the motion to include-that staff will work with the proponent in an attempt to minimize the City's costs; that the proponent will work with staff as appropriate on its installation; and that the proponent will be aware of Lawn Bowling tournament play. Unanimous. Item #2'- Conceptual Change of Designated Parkway Street Tree Commissioner Demmer reported she is in favor of changing the designated street tree in Corona del Mar but does not support the proposed King Palm. She-encouraged j, the Commission to become involved in this project from } conception to completion. Chair Glasgow opened the meeting to public hearing. Ron Yeo, 500 Jasmine, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee. Mr. Yeo reported that the project started when Ficus trees were having to be removed as a result of the problems caused by their being planted over the inland side sewer line. King Palms are not only the least evasive and aggressive, but are also very elegant. They would be interspersed with flowering trees. They feel that this is a positive and ambitious approach to a long ' range master plan. After the initial outlay of funds, the program will save the City money compared to the costs of i repairing sidewalks and curbs. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Niederhaus explained that there are no funds available for the project during the next fiscal year, however, a Business Improvement District (BID) may be • set up and funds could be accumulated as early as September or October. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Mr. Yeo explained that funds would come from a variety of 'CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission \ 4 G June 6, 1995 Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 n.m INDEX sources, such as the Chamber, BID, individual business owners and grants. Commissioner Demmer stated Corona del Mar is a unique and charming village and feels Palm trees generally on Pacific Coast Highway in West Newport Beach and City center medians are not that attractive and healthy looking. Palm trees: are becoming the accepted street tree in commercial zones and highways in the City, and she feels Corona del Mar will be losing its unique identity by conforming to the norm as well as losing its canopy tree effect. She recommends bringing this issue back with other tree alternatives. Mr. Yen explained that they are attempting to maintain the village atmosphere in Corona del Mar by interspersing every other tree with a flowering tree, the result of which will be twice as many trees. They have no objection to consideration of alternative trees. • Royal Radtke, 330 Mayflower, Treasurer of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Commission. Mr. Radtke stated this program has been given-much study over the past three years and they are not only trying to revitalize the business district, but also hope that the area will be inviting to those in the Down Coast area. Mr. Radtke explained that other alternatives have been researched, however, this plan has been recommended by Sherman Gardens. The Ficus trees need to be removed since they have been creating problems with sidewalks, curb and gutter which result in potential liability. The last repairs were $50,000. He felt there would be no problem with the Chamber trying to raise funds. When the Board of Directors approved the concept, it was out of necessity due to the damage done by the Ficus trees and upon the condition that the palms would be interspersed with flowering trees. They are working in the business district to also improve storefronts while keeping the unique village atmosphere. Request is made to approve the project so that it can go forward. . In response to a.question from Commissioner Demmer, Mr. Radtke stated he would support the Commission conceptually approving the change of designated street tree to two trees and that those names.be.submitted,at a later date along with the plan. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G • a��^ ��oO� ^C�9o� 7� �O'dc� �x June 6, 1995 Page 5 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m - i1UT3' There being no further public testimony, the meeting was closed to public hearing. Commissioner Schonlau stated he strongly supports the King or Royal Palms and cited Naples, Florida as a prime example of their majestic beauty. Motion x Commissioner Grant moved to approve staffs recommendation as written. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort amended the motion to state that possible funding sources also be sought for cutting additional tree sites wherever possible. Motion x Commissioner Demmer made a substitute motion to conceptually approve a change in the designated street tree and that the Commission request a comprehensive plan on both types of trees that the Chamber plans to put into the yes X total area; and that the Commission have an opportunity to _ i ays x x X x x x look at the plan andthe plan of action. Motion fails. Ayes X X x x x x Vote was taken on the amended motion. Motion passes. Nays x V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #7 - Status Report on Castaways John Wolter„ Cooperative Project Engineer with the Public Works Department, addressed the Commission. Mr. Wolter reviewed in detail the status report submitted and presented the latest site plan which includes the passive park grading and drainage plan, active park parking plan and 16th Street layout and modified church parking lot plan. Commissioner Grant voiced his concern that the existing church parking lot and the proposed driveway into the active park are across from each other. Mr. Wolter explained that the plan will include adequate signing of the parking areas to distinguish church parking • from the active park parking site. Commissioner Grant recommended the two park parking lot driveways be made of a different material than that of the church driveway for psychological purposes. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G • a'�^ o e hp�' C' 90� X June 6, 6 a v w Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX In response to Commissioner Grant's question that the trail coming up from Dover Drive is 8' wide rather than the legal minimum of 12' wide being used for the bluff top trail, Mr. Wolter explained that Public Works Department's preference was for a wider trail with grading to reduce the existing steep slope. 'Staff was directedto.use the existing Castaways access and there is sufficient room with minimal grading to provide for a 2' graded shoulder on one edge and a 4' wide drainage swale which together provide adequate width for the trail. Commissioner Grant also questioned what will happen to the trail at Cliff Drive if the Lower Castaways site access road is constructed. Mr. Wolter explained that the trail now follows the natural terrain. If a new access roadway is constructed, grading will be required to join the trail to the sidewalk. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, • Mr. Wolter stated that in the active park the diamonds are 200' to the fence and 40' -60' from the back of the fields to the nearest homes. Commissioner Compton reported it is important that signs are posted stating that this will be an active park site. Commissioner Vandervort also commented that it is crucial that the signs list the sports that will be played.and,that they be posted before the first lot is even looked at. Mr. Wolter replied that the signs will be posted when the property is transferred to the City. Commissioner Grant recommended there be a full disclosure -to all prospective buyers that this is an active park which will emit noise. Commissioner Bonner asked what the paving on the old historical roadway will be. Mr. Wolter explained it will be asphalt concrete. Mr. Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission. Mr. Benson stated that the Dover Shores • Community Association is concerned about accidents on the bluffs and access for emergency vehicles. They are also concerned about noise from the playgrounds and errant balls going into Dover Drive. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G • o'�^��'�36'���c,�ss,o'�y�oX June 6, 1995 Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 o.m INDEX Mr. Wolter explained that there will be two access locations, one from 16th Street through the new parking area and the other from Polaris. These will be gated and closed except for emergency vehicles. There is also a fence along the active park paralleling Dover Drive that will'keep children and balls from going toward the busy street. Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the Commission and stated his items of concern. The baseball players would like an extra 28' so that the ball field can be used for regulation Pony League play. The way the soccer field is located, players will be facing the afternoon sun and the extra 28' would allow the soccer field to be orientated differently so that the players wouldn't be facing the sun. The baseball and soccer organizations need to be consulted as to the best use of the 28'. If not used for enlarging field use, it could be used for parking. In addition, the bus stop behind the batting cage should be moved due to fumes. He suggested the bus stop location be moved closer to • Westcliff or 17th Street. Mr. Vandervort also expressed his concern over the cost of $200,000 for the new church parking arrangement. He felt the turn around should be eliminated and the ravine not be filled in which would result in not losing trees. Mr. Vandervort suggested minimizing grading, leaving the area natural and putting a berm along the bluff top incorporating the trail that would pond water behind the berm so it would not run over the bluff. He recommended crushed granite or compacted dirt on the trail system rather than concrete or asphalt. Mr. Vandervort also recommended minimizing costs by reducing mitigation requirements on the wetlands. He acknowledged that he was pleased to hear that on site mitigation was being considered with the new plan, rather than off site mitigation as before: He suggested preserving history of the area by leaving the ruins of the Castaways restaurant on site but removing the broken asphalt. Commissioner Compton pointed out that the Commission . originally recognized that the ball field would be too small except for Little League and explained that the 28' from Dover Drive would be deemed a buffer area to the street. There being no further public testimony, public hearing was closed. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G June 6, 1995 Page 8 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX Commissioner Grant reported that the plan as presented is not in keeping with staffs recommendations due to its safety ramifications. The trail is narrower than the 12' required for the bluff top trail and it is also too steep. In addition, improvements to the view park are counter to the CIOSA agreement There were many meetings with public input held and it was agreed that the view park should be flat open green space. He commended staff for the improvements to the layout of the active park and additional parking areas. Commissioner Vandervort agreed, pointing out the flat green area for unscheduled run and play activities has been omitted from the plan. Commissioner Schonlau stated he was disappointed that the park was not expanded towards Dover and that the.park cannot accommodate senior leagues such as Pony League. • Commissioner Demmer stated she agreed with Dr. Vandersloot that materials other than asphalt and concrete be used for the trails. Commissioner Vandervort stated she is pleased the trail will be a solid surface acceptable to wheelchairs. Chair Glasgow reported he is also disappointed with the direction the view park has taken, and that it is not the way the Commission envisioned with a flat surface. The City lacks resources and there is a need to provide as many activities as possible. Item #8 - Green Acres Reclaimed Water Project Overview and Bonita Creek Park Irrigation Improvement Proiect Mike Sinacori, Deputy Utilities Director, addressed the Commission and explained in detail the report submitted which is a long range plan resulting from years of study. Staff is requesting the Commission endorse the project funding and forward their recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Vandervort questioned if the nitrates will go into the bay creating algae or stay in the park. Mr. Sinacori bresponded that the fertilizer will be cut back so that the net amount of run off will be the same. Exact numbers can be provided. CITY OF Parks, Beaches G • o��^ ��'O� ^Cd�o� 71 ioZ' ox NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission June 6, 1995 Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX In response to a question from Commissioner Compton concerning the brown spots at the park, Mr. Lomeli explained they are a combination of excessive use, soil composition and the irrigation system defects. Commissioner Grant asked if additional parking for Bonita Creek Park could be added on the Metropolitan Water District easement. Mr. Sinacori advised he will find out if this is possible. Mr. Sinacori invited staff and the Commission to tour the Orange County Water District facilities. Anyone interested should contact him. Director Niederhaus pointed out that it is important to realize this is one of the few capital improvements that has survived. Bonita Creek Park is a premiere sports park and this is the first chance in a few years that we are able to • make improvements. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort stated that realizing Bonita Creek Park is the premiere sports park facility in the City at this time with the greatest potential that is not being realized, she moved that Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 of Ayes x x x x x x x the staff report be approved. Unanimous. Item #9 - Tree Removal Director Niederhaus provided photographs of the Eucalyptus at the northeast corner of Ocean Boulevard and Narcissus. The subject tree has grown too large for the small parkway space and has a history of damaging the adjacent sidewalk, curb and gutter. This resident's request is an opportunity to remove a City liability and replace the curb, gutter and sidewalk at the homeowner's expense. The three adjacent neighbors also approve the tree removal. The property owner will pay for the cost of the removal of the tree, curb and sidewalk and the replacement of the curb and sidewalk. Staff's recommendation is to remove the tree and accept the resident's offer to donate $1900 towards the planting of 20 park or parkway trees at locations • selected by staff. I Marilyn Rousselot (no address given) addressed the t Commission. Ms. Rousselot.gave a brief background of her uncle who resides at 3500 Ocean Boulevard and who was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Rousselot stated the CITY' OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G June 6, 1995 • o'P^ ��qO3 ~C���E ,� ��o G� oX Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. INDEX Motion Ayes x x x x x x x x tree roots have taken nourishment from his yard; the brick wall is raising up; and the tree is destroying his ocean view. She presented letters from his neighbors approving the tree removal which will be at her uncle's expense along with a donation of 20 trees to the community. Rod Taylor (no address given) addressed the Commission and stated the tree's roots are infringing. There being no other trees in the area, he felt Mr. Rousselot's offer is very generous and should be accepted. Commissioner Grant moved to accept staffs recommendation. Unanimous. Item #10 - Progress Report on Recreation and Open Space e en Director Kienitz reported that the Planning Department is being reorganized with a reassignment of tasks, therefore, a better time to respond to this item would be in September. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort moved to schedule this matter Ayes x x x x x x x on the September agenda. Unanimous. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved the July meeting be held on Ayes x x x x x x x July 5, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. Unanimous. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:52 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted May 31, 1995 at 11:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building.