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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/1995 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF _' - 'Parks , Beaches d • �� o'er NEWPORT & Recreation December 6, 1995 BERCH Item II Commission City Council Chambers 7 P.M. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino 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. by Vice Chair Schonlau. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow and Schonlau were present. Chair Vandervort was absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ion x Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes of the November 7, 1995 S x x x x x x meeting and the minutes of the joint meeting with the City of Costa Mesa Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Yvonne Houssels, President of Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission. Ms. Houssels thanked Marcy Lomeli and John Conway for their efforts in working with their Parkway Tree Committee and Board towards establishing a designated street tree, reforestation program, and tree trimming program which the majority of the homeowners approved. The Association is requesting that the Magnolia "Little Gem" be the designated street tree for the entire area and that the City continue to move forward with the reforestation program. Ms. Houssels also stated that Director Niederhaus will be receiving individual requests from homeowners and the Association concerning additional trees that continue to cause property damage, particularly the Eucalyptus trees along Sandcastle Drive. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR x Commissioner Compton moved that the following items be approved ition s x x x x x x except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. Unanimous. Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar u Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during November for these two Divisions. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 'Parks , Beaches & Recreation Commission G • o �o i n y December , 1995 Page 2 City Counci p t Chambers 7 M. %%, Item #3 - Bench Donation Approve donation of one concrete bench from Mrs. Nancy S. Muir. Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #5 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #6 - Facility Safety Inspections Reports Approve services recommended for parks and facilities as compiled by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commissioners. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Park and Tree Division In response to a question from Commissioner Compton concerning the proposed teak replacement benches on Balboa Island, Director Niederhaus explained that if teak is not maintained on a regular basis it will not survive the salt air environment. In the- meantime, a • compromise has been proposed by the Balboa Island Improvement Association for a pilot bench program which will be placed on the Commission's January 2, 1996 agenda. Item #4 - Tree Donation In response to a question from Commissioner Bonner, Director Niederhaus explained that the funds for planting (approximately $1,000 for 30 trees) and root barriers will be borne by the City. Motion Ayes x x x x x x Commissioner Bonner motioned to approve the donation as presented. Unanimous. Item #5 - Change of Designated Parkway Street Trees The following people spoke in support of the tree removals, particularly the Eucalyptus trees on Sandcastle Drive, and the Magnolia "Little Gem" as the designated street tree within the Harbor View Hills South Homeowners.Association. They stated that the tree should grow to 25' at maturity and that the majority of the homeowners approve the project. Martha Jones, 1220 Seacrest Drive • Brian Corrigan, 3607 Surfview Patricia Rattray, 1505 Sandcastle Drive J. Guy Cazort, 3501 Seabreeze Lane George Parker, 3407 Seabreeze Lane %%, CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH '*Parks, Beaches '& Recreation Commission G • °O � ^ C v O�s� � ° o ° x December 1995 Page 3 m m o ? City Council Chambers 7 P.M. The following people spoke in opposition to the Magnolia "Little Gem" as the proposed designated street tree. Reasons given were that the tree is a miniature tree that grows slowly; it would be inconsistent with the look of the community; and 'it would decrease property values. In addition, the homeowners stated they were not apprised of the Association's reforestation plan and selection of the designated street tree. They, feel that the Board is view oriented and does not take into consideration input from the non -view residents. Victor Penan, 1214 Keel Drive Lizanne Witte, 3632 Blue Key Malcolm Dunn, 402 Seville Dean Stubblefield, 1215 Sand Key Yvonne Houssels, President of the Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, stated that their last two quarterly newsletters explained that this issue was regularly scheduled at their Board meetings to which every homeowner is invited. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month unless there is an exception. Their Parkway Tree Committee was formed by view and non -view • homeowners, and each homeowner whose tree was to be removed was contacted by both the City and the Association. Ms. Houssels further stated that the Association represents the homeowners and that the majority approve the project and the Magnolia "Little Gem" as the designated street tree. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Marcy Lomeli explained that the nature of the parkway growth space dictates a smaller tree, and that with proper maintenance the Little Gem will flourish. At the time of planting it is 6 -7' (5 gallon container size) and within 6 -10 years it will grow to maturity at 20 -25'. Director Niederhaus advised that he had no knowledge of opposition to the Little Gem until this evening. Director Niederhaus reviewed the history of the project which is based on hardscape damage. An annual sidewalk inspection program was implemented 3 years ago and those areas in need of major repairs were scheduled as a capital improvement project. This area has the greatest sidewalk liability in the City and the project has been planned for 18 months. In the interim, the sidewalks have received temporary repairs. As a result, the schedule for sidewalk repairs can continue, however, the choice of a designated street tree can be postponed. The Little Gem is not a miniature tree, but will become a graceful tree that will not cause • damage nor view problems. Motion x Following discussion, Commissioner Bonner moved to approve the Ayes x x, x x x x change of designated parkway street tree within the Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association aspresented. Unanimous. CITY OF Parks, Beaches NEWPORT & Recreation December 6, 1995 Page 4 BERCH Commission 104 City Council Chambers l p.m. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #7 - Peninsula Park Athletic Field In response to a question from Commissioner Beek, Dave McConnell explained that permits are still being issued for activities which require no kicking,of the ball. In response to a question from Commissioner Bonner, Mr. McConnell stated it may be feasible to use netting behind the goal ,posts to protect the parking lot. This would be contingent upon the netting being removed after each game to prevent vandalism. Vice Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public testimony. Malcolm Dunn, 402 Seville Avenue and a Board member of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Dunn stated he is concerned that the -park may be turned into a parking lot. Addressing the issue of liability, he stated that field • maintenance is the major liability, particularly when the sprinkler heads were exposed. Mr. Dunn reported that he plays with the YMCA soccer group and requests that other options, such as temporary nets and boards, be considered to allow adult soccer. He also pointed out that the players patronize the downtown area which the merchants appreciate. Jesse Sell, 1009 E. Balboa Blvd., addressed the Commission. Mr. Sell reviewed his recreational background and history of the park. He stated he has played softball at the park and that in 21 years there have been no lawsuits and only one window has been broken which was immediately repaired. Mr. Sell also questioned the dimensions of the park as submitted on the plot plan. He reported he is concerned that the park may be transformed into a, parking lot as suggested two years ago. He also stated he feels that the park has become non - functioning and businesses in the area rare hurting, since the goal posts and backstops have been removed: He urged that permits be reissued to the soccer and, rugby groups and that there be new rules and regulations posted for the use of the park. Jim Levisee, 80 Huntington Street, Huntington Beach, addressed the Commission. Mr. Levisee reviewed the- major liability issues and pointed out that, although there have been hundreds of soccer and rugby games played at this site, no one has been injured. The • YMCA soccer users have substantial insurance and the City's liability is minimal. Mr. Levisee recommended the City reinstall the goal posts and move the field toward'the beach. Users can then provide their own nets to alleviate the ball,problems. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH .. "Parks, Be aches & Recreation Commission G • m °� December b , 1995 Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. °C ° �' Stephen Kent, 610 Clubhouse, addressed the Commission. Mr. Kent presented -a petition signed by 23 people in appreciation of the recent changes made to the park. Since the goal posts and backstops have been removed, they can use the park for family activities without concern for their safety. There being no further public testimony, Vice Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Lauren Farley, Risk Manager for the City, addressed the Commission and stated that following her review of video tapes of the soccer and rugby games at the park, she met with the City Manager, Community Services Director and Mr. McConhell and recommended ,the permits not be renewed due to the configuration of the field, players chasing balls, into the parking lot, balls just missing children on the heavily used boardwalk, and balls ending up on private property. Commissioner Glasgow expressed his disappointment in the • negative approach that has been taken, pointing out that all parks have some degree of liability and the City is lacking in facilities. He urged that problems be solved ahead of time in order that the park can be used for as many recreational uses as possible. Lauren Farley explained that her concern was that the use of the park was causing an unsuspecting danger to multi users on the heavily used boardwalk, and that she is charged with protecting the City's assets. She advised that changing the configuration of the field and installing barriers to prevent balls from traveling onto the adjacent facilities may allow continued use by the players. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Mr. McConnell explained that users who sign a rental agreement pay for the use of the park. Commissioner Demmer stated that, although risk and liability are always a real issue, she feels this active park is badly needed since adult activities are already being turned down for lack of facilities. She suggested staff research other mitigating measures, such as design and equipment, so that the park can be used for active recreation. Commissioners Beek and Compton concurred. ion x Commissioner Compton moved to postpone this item to the January meeting in order that the matter can be 'further researched and recommendations made concerning equipment, etc., that meet with the Risk Manager's approval. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH "Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission v December 6, 1995 �\40 Page 6 p,. City Council Chambers 7 M. Motion x , Commissioner Glasgow made a substitute motion to return the Ayes x x x x x x matter to staff to resolve the issue with the users and the Risk Manager in order that the players can utilize the site; and that the costs of mitigating the risks be borne by the users. Unanimous. Item #8 - California State Games Director Kienitz reported a request 'has been received from the Orange County Sports Association asking if the City will co -host the California State Games in August 1996. The finalists are Oakland, Orange County and Ventura. Motion x Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Demmer moved to Ayes x x x x x x approve sending a letter supporting the Orange County Sports Association in their application to sponsor the California State Games in Orange County in August 1996. Unanimous. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None • VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:30 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted. November 28, 1995 at 1:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building.