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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/1996 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Item II Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission c�y4�o G oX March 5, 1996 City CouncilChambers 7 p.m. -- — – - -- Staff present: -- - - _. -LaDonna Kienitz, Community -Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services -- Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Steve Hunt, Senior 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 Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. ll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved the minutes of the February 6, 1996 Irs x x x x x x x meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved that the following items be approved Ayes x x x x x x x except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. Unanimous. Item #1 - Communication Accept letter from Jane and Ralph Parks opposing the removal of the new bench at West Jetty View Park. Item 92 - Bench Removal Request Deny request to remove one donated bench at Poppy Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Item #3 - Bench Removal Request Delay decision on bench removals at West Jetty View Park until subcommittees of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission and Arts Commission can assess the alternatives. Item 94 - Removed from Consent Calendar 1 Item #5 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during February for these two divisions. 3 ..CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G A O C' March 5, 1996 d °° °�� Page 2 c °r City Council Chambers 7 o.m. - _ - - - ' -- - -- — - - -- - ITEM-REMOVED FROM CONSENT- CALENDAR _ Item #4 - Park and Tree Division Commissioner Demmer stated she was disappointed that the .nine King Palm trees on Riverside Avenue are dead and will need to be removed. This was a joint venture with the City and the Mariners Mile commercial establishment. She urged that in the future we be cautious allowing commercial areas to remove parkway trees, because they want new trees which they want to water and maintain. Commissioner Demmer urged that this situation not occur in other areas of the City. In response to questions, Director Niederhaus explained that the nine King Palm trees will be removed this week and there are no funds available at this time to replace them. There is a proposed tentative capital improvement project in Corona del Mar to plant King Palms on one block of Pacific Coast Highway which Sherman Gardens will maintain. 11 btion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the Park and Tree Ayes x x x x x x x Division activities report. Unanimous. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #6 - Tree Donation for Peninsula Park Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Josh Van Egmond, President of the Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguard Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Van Egmond explained that the proposed donation Is on behalf of Gray Lunde who was a member of the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards and passed away at age 14. The Association will pay for the cost of installation and planting. There being no further public hearing, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public testimony. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the tree donation as Ayes x x x x x x x submitted. Unanimous. I Item #7 - Tree Removal Request Director Niederhaus reported that Ms. Jane Hilgendorf, 245 Heliotrope, and Mr. and Mrs. Grant Howald, 243 Heliotrope, have II `i had extensive damage to public property as a result of the Torrey Pine tree at 243 Heliotrope. Staff recommends removal due to potential liability to the City and in order to prevent further damage. CITY OF Parks, Beaches G 9�ti 40, - X NEWPORT BERCH & Recreation Commission March 5, 1996 Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Inez .Howald, .243 Heliotrope, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Howald gave a brief history of the tree and its problems and presented pictures showing the damage it has caused. There being no further public hearing, Chair Vandervort 'closed ' the meeting to public testimony. Marcy Lomeli advised that the designated replacement tree will be the Monterey Pine which will be planted with root barriers. All replacement trees that the City plants are with root barriers. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the request to remove the Ayes x x x tree at 243 Heliotrope Avenue and replace it with the Monterey Pine x x x x with root barriers. Unanimous. 'Item #8 - Tree Removal at 1009 East Balboa Boulevard Director Niederhaus reported the large Ficus nitida is causing major sidewalk damage which necessitates its removal. Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Herberts .requested the ficus trees remain from -Main Street to the Y until the underground utilities are installed within the next couple years. Mrs. Herberts feels the trees could remain this length of time without causing further damage. To remove them at this time would make the area look too sparse. Jesse Sell, 1009 E. Balboa, addressed the Commission and explained the damage the ficus tree has caused to the street, sidewalk, driveway, curb and power lines. Motion x Commissioner Bonner moved to remove the tree at 1009 E. Balboa Boulevard due to the potential liability as determined by staff. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow amended the motion to state that staff will determine if the tree can be replaced without impacting utilities after Ayes x x x x x x x the hardscape repairs are completed. Unanimous. Item #9 - Tree Removal Appeals at 1516 and 1536 Miramar Drive Director Niederhaus reported the two Ficus nitida have been scheduled for removal due to major private and public property damage. The -tree removals are being appealed by a local resident. 5 Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission d m o o e i o March 5, 1996 v,9o� o� c �`o Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. Mortenson,�1530 Miramar Drive, addressed the Commission. Ms. Mortenson stated she understands the reasons for recommending the tree removal at 1516 Miramar due to its extensive root development. 'She requests the tree at 1536 Miramar be saved since the root structure is similar to others that have been successfully root pruned. Furthermore, the property-is in escrow and the new property owner should be allowed to provide input since the tree is considered an asset to the property. Marcy Lomeli advised that the tree will be subject to failure when a substantial amount of tree roots are removed and the hardscape is repaired. Replacement trees can be planted when the repairs are completed. Harry Otting, 1516 Miramar, addressed the Commission and spoke of the root damage intruding into his pool area. He urged the tree be removed. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved to accept staff's recommendation to remove the two trees at 1516 and 1536 Miramar Drive and replace Ayes x x x x x x x them with the designated Magnolia tree. Unanimous. Item #10 - Tree Appeals 10a - 986_ Sandcastle Drive Director Niederhaus reported that in the Harbor View Hills South area there have been 67 tree removal requests. Thirty nine trees have been removed due to hardscape damage; 41 trees have been planted and 595 trees have been trimmed for a total cost of $35,485. This represents 10% of the total annual tree budget spent in one homeowners association area. There are no other trees scheduled for removal with the possible exception of one. The 19 additional requests for tree removals due to view problems and potential liability from falling branches do not fall under the G -1 Policy and are not recommended for removal. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Yvonne Houssels, President of the Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association addressed the Commission. Ms. Houssels reported that in order to save time she would speak on behalf of the homeowners' trees which are a liability due to the large falling branches. The Associatibn has -been advised by their counsel that f 0 they cannot ignore the situation. Sandcastle Drive is located along Buck Gully which make the trees vulnerable and hazardous during high winds. In addition, the Eucalyptus are a self pruning tree CITY OF Parks, Beaches d �j '� o� o� o^ Motion Ayes Motion Ayes 11 NEWPORT BERCH & Recreation Commission March 5, 1996 Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m., t i I I r r 3 3 - resulting -in - brittle branches that fall next io cars in the narrov -- - parkway. The current 3 year trim cycle is not sufficient to prever liability and the trees have outgrown their location causing sidewall damage. The Association and homeowners are requesting the tree, be removed and replaced at their expense when funds are available Their goal is to beautify'the street by replanting 24" box Magnolia Little Gem trees. The Association will pay for the removal an replacement of the 7 trees in the common area. In, response to questions from the Commission, Director Niederhau; advised that it will cost approximately $4,000 to remove the 19 tree; and $2,000 to replace them. There are no City funds available t remove and replace these trees which are not causing hardscap damage. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed th public hearing. Commissioner Beek stated she personally feels individuE homeowners should be able to determine what tree should b planted in front of their home, however, individual situations an changing the established policy. Staff has taken every,precaution b reduce liability and the Commission should be governed by policy c amend the policy. Commissioner Schonlau concurred. Chair Vandervort pointed out that the Commission reviews the whop street scape and designated street trees have been determined fc the beauty of the street, not the individual homeowner. Commissioner Demmer commented that a new precedent would bi started and the policy would need to be amended 'if trees an removed and replaced based upon the homeowner's willingness ti pay for the costs. Commissioner Bonner concurred. x Commissioner Demmer moved to deny the appeal to remove on X x x x x x x Eucalyptus citriodora tree at 986 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. 10b -1420 Sandcastle Drive X Commissioner Bonner moved to deny the appeal to remove on, x x x .' x x x x Eucalyptus citriodora tree at 1420 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. 10c - 915 Sandcastle Drive 10s - 907 Sandcastle Drive Anita Travers, 915 Sandcastle Drive, addressed the Commissior Mrs. Travers stated the Eucalyptus trees are 25 years old and ar now tall, messy and unattractive trees located on a narrow parkway She urged the tree be removed before its limbs fall and taus property damage. t i I I r r 3 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G 1101, 160, do March 5, 1996 � °q� m /d� °Soy 40-` Page 6 City ounce am ers C 1 Ch b 7 p.m. Motion Ayes Motion Ayes 1 Motion Ayes ® areg ince and Cher lave I for :ity's a on )een ated and the ition aem ised the r for she any 1456 :ures stive. and feral alctor the — - - - "-Mrs. Travers read a 1efter from her neighbors, Mr. and -Nlrs. ( — Preston, 907 Sandcastle, requesting their 2 trees be removed s they are unsightly and dangerous. Large branches have fallen on one occasion caused damage to the hood of their car. In anc incident a branch fell dangerously close to her daughter. Commissioner Glasgow pointed out that staff's expert opinions I determined the trees are not a liability. There is a further nee fiscal responsibility and the need to be governed by the C policies and procedures approved by the City Council. Director Niederhaus reported that the City is liable for damag private property caused by City parkway trees. There have I only a few claims over the past few years and these were associ with windstorms. Staff is very sensitive to potential liability. x Commissioner Compton moved to deny the tree appeals at 915 x x x x x x x 907 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. 10d - 1436 Key View 10e - 1456'Key View Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission on behalf of Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association. The Assocl; requests removal of the trees and' replacement with the Little Magnolia. The trees have falling branches and have ca sidewalk damage resulting in a hazardous situation for whicl- Association could be held liable. The Association would pad removal and replacement. Should the trees not be removed, requests a letter that the City assumes full responsibility for liability. x x x x x x x x Commissioner Compton moved to retain the trees at 1436 and Key View. Unanimous. 10f - 919 Sandcastle Drive Yvonne Houssels.addressed the Commission, and presented pic of the tree which she stated has been damaged and is unattrai The homeowners are concerned about the falling branches raised sidewalk. Commissioner Glasgow advised the homeowner to call the Ge Services Department in regard to sidewalk repairs, and Dir explained that all City sidewalks are inspected annually. x Commissioner Schonlau moved to deny the appeal to remove x x x x x x x tree at 919 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. areg ince and Cher lave I for :ity's a on )een ated and the ition aem ised the r for she any 1456 :ures stive. and feral alctor the CITY OF NEWPORT BERCa°I Parks,, Beaches & Recreation Commission, Motion Ayes t ) Motion Ayes Motion Ayes q G March 5, 1996 Page 7 o ti v4 City Council Ch `10g - 1'200- Seacrest -Cj a - Yvonne Houssels reported Association will pay for its leaves have damaged the p falling branches. Arthur Travers, 915 Sandca and stated that due to the tre should be removed. x Commissioner Bonner mov x x x x x x x Seacrest Drive. Unanimous. 10h - 1300 Sandcastle Drive Martha Jones, 1220 Seacrc Since her sidewalk is market is not being removed. She fi would be to their benefit t replacement of the tree. Marcy Lomeli explained 1 replacement and this work % does not remove trees that a x Commissioner Demmer mop x x x x x x x Eucalyptus citriodora tree at 101 - 1026 Sandcastle Drive Martha Jones, 1220 Seacre: read a letter from Melba Fic requests the tree be remov potential sidewalk hazards. x Chair Vandervort moved to c X x x x x x x Drive. Unanimous. 10i - 1001 Sandcastle Drive 10k -1018 Sandcastle Drive 101 - 1547 Sandcastle Drive 10m - 894 Sandcastle Drive 10n - 1009 Sandcastle Drive 100 - 1520 Sandcastle Drive 10r - 1539 Sandcastle Drive Yvonne Houssels address homeowners' concerns are Request is made for the tree ambers 7 p.m. this is an Association tree and the removal and replacement. The tree's ool filter and there is a hazard from its stle 'Drive, addressed the Commission e's branches and its unattractiveness, it :d to deny the tree appeal at 1200 :st Drive, addressed the Commission. for repair, she questioned why the tree irther stated it was her understanding it pay 50% towards the removal and hat the sidewalk is scheduled 'for vill not damage the healthy tree. Staff •e not causing private or public damage. ,ed to deny the appeal to remove one 1300 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. t Drive, addressed the Commission and ge, 1026 Sandcastle Drive. Ms. Figge ad due to easily broken branches and [any the tree appeal at 1026 Sandcastle ad the Commission and stated the the same as the previous homeowners. s to be removed and replaced. "Mat Aye Mot Aye Mot Mot Aye Nay CITY-OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation March 5, 1996 Page 8 BEACH Commission ti d4 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. iori - - x - - - " -- -" — - Conim'issioner-Bonner "moved to deny -the tree appeals at 1001, s x x x x x x x 1018, 1547, 894, 1009, 1520 and 1539 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. 10p - 1441 Sandcastle Drive Yvonne Houssels addressed the Commission and presented pictures of the Association tree when its branch fell across the sidewalk as a result of the January storm before the tree was trimmed. The Association does not feel the 3 year trim cycle is adequate and the tree has outgrown its location. In addition, there is concern over liability for the homeowners. ion x Commissioner Demmer moved to deny the appeal to remove the s x x X. x x x x tree at 1441 Sandcastle Drive. Unanimous. 100 -1432 Sandcastle Drive Martha Jones, 1220 Seacrest Drive, addressed the Commission and presented a letter from Mrs. Mack requesting the tree be removed. The tree leans out over the street and the angle of it presents a hazardous situation for vehicles. Marcy Lomeli advised that the Urban Forester does not consider the angle of the tree a hazard. ion x Chair Vandervort moved to approve the appeal to remove the tree at 1432 Sandcastle Drive. ion x Commissioner Compton made a substitute motion to direct staff to s x x x x x x reassess the tree. Should the tree cause a hazard to vehicular X traffic, the tree should be removed. Motion passes. The Commission determined that they would have a study session meeting on March 19 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers Conference Room to discuss mass tree removal requests and tree stapes. The agenda will be posted in accordance with The Brown Act. Item #11 - Peninsula Park Athletic Field Vice Chair Schonlau reported that the proposed cooperative funding for a 4' fence will not be possible. On March 2 staff videotaped the YMCA coed soccer game and the five man flag football game. The scheduled rugby game was canceled due to equipment problems. After viewing the, video, the Risk Manager felt that, although the ball was kicked into the parking lot, the situation might be manageable by using warning signs for vehicles entering the parking lot.. Commissioner Schonlau suggested the Commission review a y� proposal for rugby games and a one day soccer tournament to be conducted on a trial basis. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission d March 5, 1996 Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. x Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Schonlau moved the Commission approve the scheduling of a YMCA one day soccer Motion Ayes x x x x x x x tournament in the spring at no rental cost. Unanimous. Jesse Sell addressed the Commission and thanked them for their cooperation. There wete no problems during the play day on March 2. The safety issue was mitigated by moving the soccer field 100' from the boardwalk. During discussion of fencing, Commissioner Compton recommended groups provide their own backstop. The City should not be required to install a fence. Doug Boyd addressed the Commission and recommended organized sports groups provide their own Certificate of Insurance. Commissioner Demmer stated she felt more sports, are needed and' Steve Hunt informed her that adult flag football is starting a league i which will play on Sunday afternoons. Item #12 - Proposed Amendment to Municipal Code Chair Vandervort reported she and Commissioner Bonner met with LaDonna Kienitz Dave McConnell, Paul Ramirez and representatives from the community. The participants were in total agreement that a public park should be used for sport events and park activities. They opposed attendees parking in parks. Their recommendations were transmitted to the City Attorney's office which drafted the proposed amendment. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Dona Colombero addressed the Commission and read a description of the- land use plan adopted by the City in October 1995. She requested further clarification of special events be provided in the amended code. Tom Hyans, President of Central Newport Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hyans stated he felt the language used in the amendment is too broad and that the special event permit wording allows too much latitude. The amendment as written is not satisfactory and is not what was agreed upon at their meeting. There being no further public hearing, Chair Vandervort closed the 1� meeting to public testimony. CITY OF NEWPORT Parks, Beaches & Recreation March P,10996 age BERCH Commission dp City Council Chambers 7 p.m. - - - —i --- was - — - -- -o" Commissioner Bonner stated it was is understanding hat n attendee parking would be listed in the special event permit regulations. Commissioner Demmer recommended deleting the underlined phrase and adding Number C which would state "A special event permit involving moving vehicles must be approved by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission." Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved that the proposed amendment be accepted and that the sentence, "There shall be no event attendee parking permitted," be included in Chapter 11.04.020 of the Municipal Ayes x x x x x x x Code. Unanimous. Item #13 - Castaways Park Chair Vandervort reported Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus and' she attended the Park and Open Space joint, meeting with representatives from SPON. SPON proposed the following: That the olive trees at the end of the church parking lot be saved; Sycamore trees be planted at the new parking lot; that the trails be dirt trails; that the natural vegetation be retained; that grading be minimized; and that building remnants of the Castaways restaurant remain. Chair Vandervort stated she and Commissioner Glasgow emphasized that the park is a public park for people as well as the natural elements. A relatively flat grassy area is needed for picnic purposes, etc. A second meeting will be held on March 21 attended by Commissioners Compton, Glasgow and Vandervort. SPON will be presenting a different vegetation,concept. Item #14 - Budget'Committee Chair Vandervort reported' she and Vice Chair Schonlau reviewed and accepted the draft Recreation budget. Item #15 - California State Games Steve Hunt reported Newport Beach has been asked to host the water polo games for 3 days in August at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center. The host fee of $1,000 will be paid by the Visitors Bureau, however, the Commission must approve their request to waive the rental and staffing fees. �ti CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches - Commissioner Glasgow stated he would support waiving the fees, & Recreation Commission _ G Nto March 5, 1996 d\0,. Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 P.m. - Commissioner Glasgow stated he would support waiving the fees, however, he advised the group will need to contact Corona del Mar Aquatics concerning the use of equipment; their down time is from August 9 -26. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to waive the fees for the water polo Ayes x x x x x x x tournament at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center. Unanimous. Item #16 - California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Conference Chair Vandervort gave a brief overview of the sessions she attended and felt the conference was very successful. A former part -time employee of the Community Services Department, Jennifer Miller, received'a scholarship from the group. Vice Chair Schonlau reported he attended worthwhile sessions on Fund Raising and Searching for Grant Money. He stated the City of Lancaster presented an outstanding seminar on how to join the public and private sectors for the purposes of promoting their City. Vice Chair Schonlau also encouraged the Commissioners to read Chair Vandervort's speech she gave at the conference promoting recreation as a preventive measure for reducing crime. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:55 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted February 27, 1996 at 11:00 A.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. i