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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/1996 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF" NEWPORT BEACH II Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G s�E oY February 6, 1996 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Dave McConnell, Recreation Manager Todd Alvarez, Recreation Coordinator 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 Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion x Commissioner Compton moved the minutes of the January 2, 1996 Ayes x x x x x x x', meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. r III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Yvonne Houssels, President of Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission concerning the City parkway Eucalyptus trees in the Association's common area where adjacent homeowners have experienced damage. Ms. Houssels stated that in December she had requested a list of tree removals be addressed by this Commission due to liability created by wind storms. Ms. Houssels explained their concerns and presented pictures showing the hazards, the Association's letter and 40 letters from homeowners requesting removal. The Association maintains the common areas and will pay for the costs of removal and replacement. She requested the removals be addressed and approved at this meeting. Martha Jones, 1220 Seacrest Place, addressed the Commission and stated that the Eucalyptus trees are so tall that the tree trimming equipment can hardly reach the tops of the trees. She urged the trees be removed since the limbs have fallen and the curbs and sidewalks have been damaged by the roots. Chair Vandervort advised that the Commission cannot vote on a non - agenda item. Marcy Lomeli explained that Director Niederhaus has requested tree removals be individually addressed. Staff will meet with Ms. Houssels and report back at the Commission's March 5 meeting. Motion Ayes CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G February 6, 1996 Page 2 o��o 3�,^ v�'/ �o ti v4 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. tems be approved lar. Unanimous. Balboa Peninsula nt and responses as during January irk system. :omply with City's 1996. mmunity Services and 6 would be games have been for a 5 -man flag I so that the ball IV. CONSENT CALENDAR x Commissioner Compton moved that the following 1 x x x x x x x except for those removed from the ConsentCalenc Item #1 - Communications Accept and file communications received from the Point Association and Fire and Marine Departme from the General Services Department. Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Approve report of Park and Tree Division activitii and upcoming projects in February. Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #5 - Flag Pole Locations Approve inventory report of flag poles in the Qty pe Item #6 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #7 - Tree Appeals Property owners withdrew their appeals and will request to have hardscape repairs made by April 1 Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #9 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #10 - Five Year Plan for Capital Projects Approve five year capital projects submitted for Cc buildings. Item #11 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR The Commission determined that Items 3, 4 addressed following Item 14. Item #6 - Peninsula Park Athletic Field Dave McConnell reported that rugby and soccer scheduled for March 2 as well as tentative plan: football game. Flag football requires no kickint should stay in the park. tems be approved lar. Unanimous. Balboa Peninsula nt and responses as during January irk system. :omply with City's 1996. mmunity Services and 6 would be games have been for a 5 -man flag I so that the ball CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches.& Recreation Commission G February 6, 1996 Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Commissioner Schonlau reported that the events scheduled for March 2 will be videotaped to provide-an opportunity to determine the extent of liability. One potential hazard, i.e., proximity to the boardwalk, has been solved with the field's relocation. Installation of a 4' fence to stop balls traveling onto parking lots may not be implemented due to financial problems. Commissioner Demmer stated she feels it is important that the park's plans meet all active recreation concerns and she suggested a back stop be installed for softball. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Douglas Boyd, 2101 E. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Mr. Boyd explained that the Peninsula is represented by two Associations and he will suggest they raise $1,900 for a permanent fence to accommodate a safe field. Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission l and' stated the Balboa Peninsula Point Association appreciates the work the Commission has done on the park. She recommended the appropriate groups be notified that the park is available. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Scholau moved to accept staff's report as submitted. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Item #9 - Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center Todd Alvarez explained the City's joint use of the facility with the School District and pointed out that the City adjusts its schedule around the School District. Mr. Alvarez clarified the groups that would use the pool along with the respective rates during both normal operating and non - operating hours. In the past there has been confusion regarding a structured fee schedule for the use of the pool. Todd reported that all pool user groups will be reviewing the new rate schedule are aware of its cost impact to their organization in the coming year. Mr. Glasgow reiterated that it is the desire of the City and Commission to promote their cooperation with special user groups like the U.S. Olympics Water Polo team since this is their home pool. Motion Ayes x x Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the fee schedule for x x x x x x submittal to City Council. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches Item #11 - Parking in Parks & Recreation Commission G o o Ci February 6, 1996 Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 13. m. Item #11 - Parking in Parks Chair Vandervort opened the meeting'to public hearing. Dona Colombero, 1003 E. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Ms. Colombero presented letters from the President of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association and Capt. John Westren concerning parking on Peninsula Park. She requested this item be postponed until there is more -input from the Association, businesses and residents before an amendment to the Municipal Code is drafted. Douglas Boyd, 2101 E. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the 'Commission. Mr. Boyd explained that several years ago there was an effort to redo the Central Balboa Community Plan and at that time there were suggestions on how to handle increased traffic. Parking on Peninsula Park would increase the demand for parking in the area and would require amending the Specific Area Plam which the Association would be reluctant to do. non x Following discussion, Commissioner Compton moved to establish a subcommittee to discuss the matter with the City Attorney and the Ayes x x x x x community with transmittal of their recommendations to the x x Commission. Unanimous. Chair Vandervort and Commissioner Bonner will serve on the committee along with representatives from the General Services Department and Recreation Division. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #12a - Tree Appeal - 3430 Seabreeze Lane Marcy Lomeli reported that the City has removed 30+ trees due to public property damage in, the Harbor View Hills South area and has replaced them with the designated street tree. The nine appeals before the Commission represent 15 trees with a value of approximately $25,000. These trees do not represent present damage to private or public property and the Fire Department does not feel they pose a fire hazard. The area is currently under a 3 year trimming program using corrective trimming methods to open trees up and remove any deadwood. This will make the area more 1 esthetically pleasing. Chair Vandervort opened'the meeting to public hearing. William Dana, 3430 Seabreeze Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Dana reported he has been requesting removal and replacement of the Brazilian Pepper Tree since 1981 because it has damaged the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches G & Recreation Commission February 6, 1996 Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. sidewalk and block wall and would likely cause further damage to the curb, gutter and pavement. In 1992 the City replaced the sidewalk and pruned the roots, result of which it has become unsightly. .Mr. Dana stated he would be willing to pay the costs for removal and replacement and requests the tree be removed before it causes further damage and liability suits. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Marcy Lomeli stated that planting a 15 gallon tree costs $95 and removal depends upon the tree trunk which could cost $100 -$300. Mr. Lomeli explained that the Concrete Supervisor inspects all the City's sidewalks for private and public property damage as part of an on- going process. The Urban Forester and Utilities Department, when requested, also evaluate entire potential tree removal sites for damage. Judgment is made on an individual basis. A tree must be causing sufficient current private and/or public property damage in order for it to be removed. Property owners may submit a claim for damage that they feel is caused by a City tree. Commissioner Demmer commented that we can assume every tree may eventually outgrow its location, and that she respects the Urban Forester and Concrete Supervisor's evaluations. She stated she feels the current program is satisfactory and removals should only occur when necessary; and that trees should be saved and retained as much as they can. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to deny the appeal for tree removal Ayes X x x x x x x at 3430 Seabreeze Lane. Unanimous. Commissioner Bonner commented that he feels the Commission should base their recommendations on the evaluations by professional staff. Chair Vandervort advised Mr. Dana he can appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Item #12b - 901 Sandcastle Drive Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Wanda Flynn, 901 Sandcastle Drive, addressed the Commission and submitted pictures showing the property damage sustained in February 1993 by the Eucalyptus tree prior to its being trimmed. She filed a claim at that time which was denied by the City Council, thereby requiring them to pay for the damage to the vehicle and the tree, which is now disfigured. The tree was planted when the community was developed and has now outgrown its location. Since the tree is dangerous and she is liable, she requests its removal. CITY OF Parks, Beaches G & Recreation Commission February 6, 1996 Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Marcy Lomeli explained that during the last storm on January 1, 1'996 eight incidents were reported City -wide, four of which involved private trees. .Mrs. Flynn's tree breakage occurred prior to trimming in March 1993, and the Association area -is currently being trimmed. to complete the 3 year trimming cycle. Due to budget constraints, trees are generally trimmed every 3 years, however, certain species and locations of trees require more frequent trimming. This Association area is currently on the 3 year trimming cycle. In response to a question from Commissioner Beek, Marcy'Lomeli explained that if a homeowner observes a potential tree hazard, staff reviews the situation immediately whether or not the tree is within the 3 year trim cycle. Trimming due to a hazard mayoccur as needed. Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and stated their Association stands behinds the homeowners. The tree is unattractive and its large falling branches place the Association, residents and City in jeopardy. Commissioner Schonlau stated he would support removal of the tree based upon its past problems and that the homeowner is willing to pay for removal and replacement of the tree. Commissioner Demmer stated removals should not be based upon who is paying for removals /replacements, but rather on the recommendation of the professional Urban Forester who is trying to protect public property and our beautiful environment. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to remove the tree at 901 Sandcastle Drive. Moti on x Commissioner Glasgow amended the motion to state that the tree be Ayes x x x x x x x removed at no cost to the homeowner. Unanimous. Commissioner Beek pointed out the City has a removal policy and stated she assumes the Commission's decisions are based upon policy along with staff's recommendations and the homeowner's input. Chair Vandervort concurred. Item #12c - 1543 Sandcastle Drive Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and requested the tree be removed due to the same problems such as falling branches. Motion x Chair Vandervort moved to retain the two Eucalyptus trees at 1543 Ayes q x x x x x x x Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission d February 6, 1996 Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Item #12d - 1017 Sandcastle Drive Beverly Schuberth, 1017 Sandcastle Drive, addressed the Commission and reported there was a trip and fall hazard two years ago when the tree uplifted the sidewalk. Ms. Schuberth stated she lives in fear of falling branches and feels the sidewalk will be uplifted again. Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved the Eucalyptus tree be removed and replaced with the designated street tree In order to reduce liability and solve the problem permanently. Commissioner Demmer stated every tree has a potential liability and that in this case the sidewalk and curb are in good condition. Ayes x x x x x Motion passes. Nays x x Item #12e - 1406 Sandcastle Drive 1 Harold Doyle, 1406 Sandcastle Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Doyle reported there has been damage to his concrete planter; the trees shed throughout the year; they exceed height limitations; and are hazardous during wind storms. Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and stated that Eucalyptus trees are the wrong species for Sandcastle which is along Buck Gully due to the winds that become very-strong. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and stated she feels the tree scape is beautiful and the trees belong to the entire community. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to retain the two Eucalyptus trees at Ayes x x x x x x x 1406 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. Item #12f - 1505 Sandcastle Drive Yvonne Houssels addressed 'the Commission and presented pictures of the two Eucalyptus trees from the last wind storm. Since the trees could cause serious damage and the concrete is cracked, she requested they be removed. Motion x Chair Vandervort moved to retain the two trees. Unanimous. X X X X X X X Item #12g -1201 Outrigger Drive (� George Hoops, 1201 Outrigger Drive, addressed the Commission. / Mr. Hoops stated the two Eucalyptus trees have caused sidewalk CITY OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation February , 1996 uary 3 -_wa Commission E v4 City Council Chambers t P.M. damage that will occur again. In addition, there has been damage to his pool and yard from the falling leaves and branches. Joan Hoops, 1201 Outrigger Drive, addressed the Commission and presented pictures of the trees' falling leaves which also create a fire hazard. She stated she feels the potential hazard's and lawsuits outweigh the reasons to retain the trees. Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and also commented on the damage done to the Hoops' pool and decking, Since the trees do nothing for, the landscaping, she requested they be removed. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to remove the southerly tree closer to the back line of the property and to retain-the northerly tree closest Ayes x x x x x to Outrigger Drive. Motion passes. Nays x x Item #12h - 1307 Seacrest Drive I Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and read a letter from Ron Richmond requesting the Carrot Wood trees be removed due to substantial. hardscape damage. The Association supports Mr. Richmond's request. Motion x Commissioner Bonner moved to deny the request for removals. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Item #121 -1219 Seacrest Drive Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and reported the two Carrot Wood trees have'been seriously damaged in the past. Ms. Houssels pointed out that the Association appreciates having attractive trees, however, the trees became a problem when budget constraints forced the tree trimming cycle to be lengthened. Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved to retain the two Carrot Wood trees. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Chair Vandervort explained that the Commission's decisions can be appealed to the City Council. Item. #13 - Bob'Henry Park and Castaways Park I Commissioner Compton, Chair of the Park and Open Space Committee, reported the committee has met for the past two years with representatives from the community, Purkiss•Rose and the General Services Department to formulate the designs for the parks. CITY OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation February 6, 1996 Page 9 Commission d4, ^ City Council, Chambers / P.m. Emmet Berkery, consultant and project manager for the project, reported bids will be open February 27 and will be awarded by the City Council in March. Construction will commence in April and be completed in November 1996. Mr. Berkery gave an overview of the conceptual plans and explained the reconfigured parking lot which is a result of the land exchange with the Newport Lutheran Church. Special conditions were imposed by the Coastal Commission which require that there be no impact to the wetlands. Mr. Berkery clarified the emergency and public access areas which will join a network of trails and meet ADA requirements as to grade. , Steve Rose from Purkiss•Rose explained the first phase of the project which includes drainage, grading, erosion control and planting. Commissioner Compton advised that a report was received today from the Police Department addressing their concerns and conditions, which will be incorporated into the final plans. In addition, SPON has formed a committee to recommend plantings for the park. The budget allocation is $900,000 for Bob Henry Park and $300,000 for Castaways Park. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Dr. Jan Vandersloot addressed the Commission and reported that Don Webb and Council Member Glover requested SPON create a committee to discuss plantings. They are working with staff to prepare a preliminary plan that will keep the natural California plants and retain the natural features. Dr. Vandersloot stated he hopes the money will be used wisely and that their plans are acceptable to the community and the Commission. Commissioner Compton suggested the Park and Open Space Committee meet with SPON's committee. Both Dr. Vandersloot and the Commission concurred. David Prather addressed the Commission and voiced his concerns over the concentrated wildlife, primarily the squirrels, which will have no place to go. He stated this affects future generations of species and the coastal bluffs are a critical habitat. He feels it is important to keep this open space and incorporate native plantings. I In response to a question from Commissioner Beek, Mr. Prather explained that site studies are being done to relocate critical animal �L species. CITY OF Parks, Beaches & Recreation February 6, 1996 Page 10 Commission ti d4 'A City Council Chambers 7 P.M. Billy Prather, 1202 Las Serenas Way, addressed the Commission and stated he feels the environmental community is getting the "short end of the stick." He feels most people in the area prefer open space, rather than active fields, and such space is limited in Orange County. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner' Compton moved that the Park and Open Space Committee meet with the SPON committee and the General Services Department; and that their report be submitted to the Commission for their March 5 meeting and then forwarded to the City Council. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Item #14 - Bench Donations Chair Vandervort recommended a committee be formed with representatives from the Arts Commission to meet with representatives of homeowher associations in order 10 set guidelines t for bench donations. Recommendations for designated benches for certain areas could then be reviewed by this Commission. She presented a report by the Arts Commission on a park bench study. Commissioner Beek recommended areas be described and bench options offered based upon usage, vandalism, traffic, etc., to ensure that benches fit the area. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Pat Buderwitz, 221 Sapphire, addressed the Commission and questioned the process of bench donations which might affect Balboa Island. Commissioner Vandervort explained that bench placements are reviewed by this Commission and that the committee is being formed to recognize and recommend benches for different areas of the City. This will not affect the teak benches that have been approved for Balboa Island. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and recommended homeowner associations be included in the committee review process. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the 1 meeting to public hearing. Chair Vandervort and Commissioners Bonner and Demmer will serve on the Bench Committee along with staff representation from the General Services and Community Services Departments. CITY OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation February 6, 1996 Page 11 BERCH Commission A City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services The Commission appointed a subcommittee to review the Recreation Division's draft budget for the 1996/97 fiscal year. The committee will consist of Chair Vandenrort and Commissioners Demmer and Schonlau. Item #4 - Commission Calendar Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to include Review Recreation Ayes x x x x x x x Division Draft Budget lathe month of February. Unanimous. Item #6 - Balboa Island Benches In response to questions from Commissioner Glasgow, Pat Buderwitz, 221 Sapphire, addressed the Commission. Ms. Buderwitz stated the Balboa Island Improvement Association will accept responsibility for the maintenance of the teak bench donations. Although the merchants like the teak benches, they cannot afford them at the present time. The donated benches will be installed on the 'Island's perimeter, after which the benches on Marine Avenue will be replaced. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to approve staff's recommendation to accept the five teak bench donations from the Balboa Island Improvement Association; that the Association will assume all future maintenance and replacement requirements; and that the donor Ayes x x x x x x x plaques conform to City Council policy. Unanimous. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Beek will prepare a report on parks where flag poles can be installed. Status of Peninsula Park will be addressed at the March 5 meeting. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:15 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted January 30, 1996 at 3:00 1 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building.