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Home My WebLink About04/02/1996 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Item II Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G April 2, 1996 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 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. IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved the minutes of .the March 5, 1996 P J x x x x x x x meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. INTRODUCTION OF CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, INC. Director Niederhaus introduced Kirk Johnson and Keith Lalzenby of California Landscape Maintenance, Inc., the new median and roadside maintenance contractor. Mr. Johnson gave an overview of the 30 year old company's background, which includes work for the Cities of Tustin, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo and Brea. Mr. Johnson explained how work will be scheduled and the contract administered. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Vandervort informed the Commission that their addresses and phone numbers are public record and requested they transmit the information they want published to the Secretary. V. CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item 42 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3 Motion P7 Motion Ayes q CITY OF Parks, Beaches d NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission April 2, 1996 Page 2 i I t r r f i v4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Item #1 - Park and Tree Division J In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Directo Niederhaus explained that MacArthur Boulevard will bE reconstructed in two phases, the first phase being Pacific Coas Highway to San Joaquin and the second phase being San Joaquin tE Ford Road. The contract for the first phase of construction shouk start in 60 days. The project will be managed by a privatE engineering company hired 'by the City. A status report will bE presented at the Commission's May meeting. Chair Vandervort thanked Dr. Jan Vandersloot for'his efforts in the planting project at Cliff Drive Park. Commissioner Beek commended the General Services an( Community Services Departments for their help in refurbishing the parks and fields for opening day of Little League. x Commissioner Demmer moved to accept the Park and Tree Divisior x x x x x x x report as submitted. Unanimous. Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services In response to, a question from Commissioner Demmer, Steve Hun explained that the summer class, Computer Explorers, will bE presented by an outside organization which is also a commor practice of ours and other cities. Commissioner Glasgow announced that the Nautical Museum wil make their parking lot available during the Olympic Torch Relay an( suggested this be advertised. Commissioner Schonlau reported the adult rugby game played a Peninsula Park on March 13 went very smoothly. There were onl, two ground balls that were hit outside the field. x Commissioner Schonlau moved to accept the Recreation and Senio Services Division reports as submitted. Unanimous. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #3 - Funding Request from Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club Director Niederhaus explained that the request for funding wa initiated by the Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club in order t renovate the two bowling greens. The buildings and grounds hav been exceptionally well maintained, however, the greens are in nee of repair after 24 years of constant use. The letter submitted by Johi Amies, President of the Club, explains the background of the Clul i I t r r f i CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission m� M y ApPil 2, 1996 � Page 3 4o City Council Chambers 7 P.M. -- — — -- _ — aricf ifs heavy recreational usage. Siaff recommended the approvaf -- of $8,000 funding for the rehabilitation of one green this year and the same amount for the second green next year. Steve Hunt reported that the Community Services Department budgets $500 per month towards maintenance of the greens. The City is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the exterior of the facility and the Club is responsible for the interior repairs and maintenance. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. John Amies, 2732 Circle Drive and President of the Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club, addressed the Commission and spoke in support of their request for funding. Mr. Amies explained that the renovation would include removing 2" of thatch from the top of the greens, leveling the greens, installing plinth boards around the perimeter and planting stolons (plugs). . Blair Lord, 318 Montero Avenue, addressed the Commission. Mr. Lord pointed out that lawn bowling is a recreation that both couples and singles of all ages can enjoy. They bowl five times a week and host many tournaments, including national events._ Maintenance and equipment have been paid by the City's monthly payment, grants and membership self assessments. After 24 years, major renovation of the greens is needed and the request is made to the City to help fund the project. Director Kienitz pointed out this is an important recreational service and that the City owns title to the buildings and facilities. Commissioner Beek expressed her concern over the low bid and the high cost of dump fees; and that the City's proposed 60% funding match may result in higher costs than anticipated. John Amies explained that the company they plan to hire has a location where they can dump at little or no cost. Commissioner Schonlau also expressed his concern over the possibility of higher costs and suggested a Performance Bond be required. Director Niederhaus advised that the cost of a Performance Bond could vary from one to ten percent of the total contract amount. He noted that placing a limit on the City expenditure would be less costly to the Club. 5 There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. CITY OE NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recr- eation Commission April 2, 1996 Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to approve funds not, to exceed $8,000 this year nor $8,000 next year. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus explained that this year's funding of $8,000 will come from the general fund; and that $8,000 has been proposed in the FY 1996/97 budget forcapitat improvement projects. Ayes x x x x x x x The motion was unanimously carried. Item #4 - Tree Removal at 1314 East Balboa Boulevard Director Niederhaus presented pictures of the tree taken last week and this afternoon after the contractor had to remove the curb and sidewalk areas. The photos clearly show the large root sections that have caused significant private and public property damage. The tree is primarily situated�in front of the adjacent owner's property and he is requesting the tree be retained. In response to a question from Commissioner Bonner, Director Niederhaus advised -it is normal to trim trees before sidewalks and root barriers are installed in order that the extra weight of the tree canopy does not cause the tree to fall when the sidewalk or curb panels are removed. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Lillian Lumpkin, 1314 E. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Ms. Lumpkin stated she had requested this tree be removed two years ago due to the damage the extensive root system was causing. As a result of continuing damage, she requests the tree be removed at this time. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Ms. Lumpkin advised she would not want a replacement tree after all the problems she has had. She would not oppose a tree on the adjacent property owner's lot as long as it does not affect her property. Director Niederhaus explained that the tree cannot be replaced due to the location of the utility lines. Thomas Ahern, 1310 E. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the I Commission and read letters from two of his neighbors in support of retaining the tree. Mr. Ahern stated that 75% of the foliage is on his property which provides a buffer to the noise from skateboards and traffic. The tree also provides shade and privacy. He requests the tree be retained. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission O O 00o_ A s April 2, 1996 � °� O�4 °,d �`° j Page 5 a Citv Council Chambers 7 o. m. Elaine Linhoff,1760 Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Linhoff reported this is the last tree on the block and asked that it be saved. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus explained that alleviating Mr. Ahern's street noise concerns may best be solved by private masonry or landscaping barriers. Moti on x Commissioner Schonlau moved to approve staff's recommendation to remove the Ficus nitida tree at 1314 E. Balboa Boulevard without Ayes x x x x x x x a replacement tree. Unanimous. Director Niederhaus reported that due to risk and liability factors, the tree will be removed tomorrow. j Item #5 - Replacement of Park and Street Benches Chair Vandervort reported the Bench Committee met and a draft policy has been written. Their next meeting is May 2 and a final draft will be submitted to the Commission for their review. Item #6 - Amendment to Policy G -1 Commissioner Schonlau reported that at the Commission's Study Session a committee was formed comprised of Commissioners Beek, Demmer and himself to formulate an addendum to Policy G -1. The addendum submitted is for discussion only and will be finalized for review by the Commission at their May.7 meeting. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Yvonne Houssels, President of Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission. Ms. Houssels referred to her letter stating concerns on the changes to the G -1 Policy .which was amended in February 1996. More specifically, she objects to the insertion of the statement that trees will not be removed solely due to view obstruction. Their area is a view oriented community and in order to maintain their property values, their Association policy protects views. If a tree has an unusual view impact, the Association 1 will pay for its removal and replacement. Ms. Houssels also objected to that portion of the proposed addendum which states a petition must be signed by 60% of the 7 property owners favoring a reforestation plan. She explained that it CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 2, 1996 Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. - -is the Board's responsi6i(itty tto enforce their governing documents and that it would be impossible to get 60% of their members to vote. Chair Vandenrort pointed out that there has been an extensive review of Policy G -1 with several revisions made and that CC &R's govern•only private property. Commissioner Schonlau noted that the 60% rate follows precedent, of the amount required to form an assessment district. In addition, 'the addendum was written in order to show there is a requirement for strong community support for reforestation. The City continues to retain the right to remove a hazardous tree. Commissioner Beek pointed out that the 60% figure applies to an area or district boundaries, not the entire community. James Ensign, 215 Milford, addressed the Commission. As a resident of Cameo. Shores, Mr. Ensign, stated he objects to the 60% rule which he feels should be a Board decision; and that no homeowner should be given the power to veto a Board decision. Their CC &R's state no shrubbery can block views, therefore, he requests an escape clause be inserted in the addendum so that the Association can maintain their trees in accordance with their landscape design. He feels the City's tree policy should be consistent with their CC &R's. Commissioners Demmer and Schonlau both pointed out that no Association in the City has jurisdiction over public parkway trees. George Parker, 3407 Seabreeze Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Parker reported that he feels it is unfair for the City not to uphold an Association's CC &R's. In addition, property values can be severely impacted by view restrictions. Tess Lier, 4709 Dorchester Road, addressed the Commission. 'Ms. Lier reported that Cameo Highlands is terraced for views and that City trees need to be trimmed to allow for views. Commissioner Schonlau advised that the G -1 Policy addresses these concerns in the appeal process. The addendum being discussed addresses a special situation wherein organizations desire -to reforest a section of their area. Bill Ginter, 2807 Ebbtide Road, addressed the Commission. Mr. Ginter stated that the main purpose of the Harbor View Hills Community Association is to preserve views; and that the City should adopt a policy addressing common goals. CITY OF- Parks, Beaches NEWPORT & Recreation April 2, 1996 Page 7 Commission 7 p.m. addressed the Commission. s understand the Board's Jcastle Drive residents have Chair Vandervort closed the t the G -1 Policy addresses Dr the appeal process on an that the paragraph in the arty owners who object to purpose of the addendum, is t on reviewing reforestation ive been satisfied when the :d the 60% condition be rs of a specific area. iew public input and reword )mmended action at the )us. pone this item until staff has ild be updated within 60 days >n. Glasgow and Schonlau will cation celebration tentatively Status of Castaways View cy, Staff Report on Land Use Drive and a promotional video v4 City' Council Chambers - -- - - - - -- -" Martlis Jones, -1220 Seacrest Drive, -- Ms. Jones stated their homeowner response and pointed out that no San complained about tree removals. There being no further public testimony meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Compton explained the single trees and gives an opportunity t individual basis. He recommended addendum addressing adjacent prop reforestation be deleted. Commissioner Beek explained that the to shorten the amount of time spen projects so that certain criteria will h� project is addressed by the Commissior Commissioner Demmer recommend clarified, such as 60% of the homeowne Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved to rep the proposed addendum for rec Ayes x x x x x x x Commission's May 7 meeting. Unanim, Item #7 - Preservation of Special Trees Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to pos Ayes x x x x x x x updated the list. Unanimous. Director Niederhaus advised the list cc with a follow up report to the Commissi( Item #S - Goals and Objectives Received and filed. Item #9 - Bob Henry Park Chair Vandervort and Commissioners serve on the committee for the ded 1 scheduled for November, 1996. VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission determined that thi Park, Review of Addendum to G -1 Pol under the Reservoir along San, Miguel 7 p.m. addressed the Commission. s understand the Board's Jcastle Drive residents have Chair Vandervort closed the t the G -1 Policy addresses Dr the appeal process on an that the paragraph in the arty owners who object to purpose of the addendum, is t on reviewing reforestation ive been satisfied when the :d the 60% condition be rs of a specific area. iew public input and reword )mmended action at the )us. pone this item until staff has ild be updated within 60 days >n. Glasgow and Schonlau will cation celebration tentatively Status of Castaways View cy, Staff Report on Land Use Drive and a promotional video CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G April 2 1996 Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. -- — - - -- - 6y the Naiional Park and Recreation Society be addressed ae tthe May meeting. Review of the Preservation of Special Trees list will be addressed after it has been updated. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:55 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted March 26, 1996 at 8:30 A.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. I�