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Home My WebLink About05/07/1996 - PB&R CommissionCITY OE NEWPORT BE1 1CH Item II Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission _ G + •) B� o'^o��'��^�'d�o� o, ?�`oX May 7, 1996 City Council Chambers 7 o.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 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 Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES �tion x Commissioner Schonlau moved the minutes of the April 2, 1996 es x, x x x x x x meeting be approved as presented. Unanimous. III. TREE CITY USA AWARD AND TREE GROWTH AWARD Director Niederhaus reported the City has received the sixth annual Tree City USA Award from the State of California. He then introduced Linda Romero, Urban Forester of the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Ms. Romero spoke of the problems associated with older Ficus microcarpa trees which have outgrown their planting locations, however, some citizens love their beauty. The State of California and'the National Urban Forestry are proposing a program called sustainable urban forestry, which is a long range strategic plan for planting trees. She also recognized staff contributions in the development of educational and technical material. Ms. Romero presented the Chair of the Commission and the City with the 1996 Tree City USA and Growth Award. She also presented the two entrance signs the City will receive that announce Newport Beach as a Tree City USA. Director Niederhaus commended Marcy Lomeli, Park and Tree Superintendent, and John Conway, Urban Forester, for achieving the ( awards for the City. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Bob Yant, President of Balboa Peninsula Point Association, addressed the Commission. 'Mr. Yant reported a ficus tree was CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G B O � May 7, Citv Oe- 1996 c° + Page 2 s 0 d 0 s Council C hambers c. m. removed at 1314 E. Balboa which has not been replaced. He also reported that the grass has deteriorated at "M" Street Park. Chair Vandervort informed Mr. Yant that his comments have been noted by staff and he would be contacted later. Chair Vandervort commended Mike Najar and Denelle Reid, Recreation Leaders for the Community Services Department, who presented an outstanding skit for the Arbor Day program. Chair Vandervort requested the Commission read the letter from the California Park and Recreation Society regarding the State Park Bond Act which will be on the November 1996 ballot. V. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion x Commissioner Compton moved that the following item be approved Ayes x x x x x x x except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. Unanimous. Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during April for these two divisions. Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROWCONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Park and Tree Division Marcy Lomeli presented pictures of the palm tree donation at Peninsula Park and stated a thank you letter was received from the Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguard 'Association. Mr. Lomeli also presented pictures of the new beach rake and explained its increased performance over the old equipment. The rake cost $8,400 and is replacing two other types of beach cleaners that cost $49,000 each. Mr. Lomeli clarified the details of the El Paseo storm drain project which is being coordinated with the Public Works Department. During this project, traffic will be diverted on El Paseo Drive and there will be some impact on users of Irvine Terrace Park. Staff will keep the Commission. apprised of the project. Commissioner Compton commented on the nice effect of multiple palm plantings and Mr. Lomeli advised these are used whenever possible, such as the Irvine Avenue entrance to the City. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G 1 m O May 1, 1996 °boo d��'o° G � ` X Page 3 o o o Citv Council Chambers 7 U.M. Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved to accept the Park and Tree Division Ayes x x x x x x x report as submitted'. Unanimous. Item #3 - Balboa Island Benches Director Niederhaus reported that three of the twelve donated teak benches will be installed on Little Balboa Island and' nine will be placed around Balboa Island. The teak benches have been impregnated with a strong resin which has been tested to withstand defacing or vandalism. The benches have been approved by the respective Associations and staff recommends the donations be accepted. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Pat Buderwitz, 221 Sapphire Avenue, addressed the Commission and stated that the authorized benches were a result of a pilot program launched two years ago which has been very satisfactory. She pointed out that the kiln dried teak benches do not crack and j should withstand many years of use. Marianne McDaniel, President of Little Balboa Island Association, addressed the Commission and stated the residents are very pleased with the bench donation program. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved to accept the twelve 6' teak bench Ayes x x x x x x x donations from the Balboa Island Improvement Association and Little Balboa Island Association. Unanimous. Item #4 - Extension of Ground'Lease for the Newport Aquatic Center Director Kienitz reported the Newport Aquatic Center staff have requested a 15 year extension of their ground lease since they are preparing to complete the facility as previously approved. The extension is necessary to ensure the donors of the long term benefits of their gifts and'the trust they have placed with the organization. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Joan Kitchens, 437 Tustin Avenue, addressed the Commission. Ms. j Kitchens stated she felt the Center is a commendable use of public land, however, she is concerned that the area to the north should be protected since it is a sensitive ecological site. Bruce Ibbetson, Board Member of the Newport Aquatic Center, addressed the Commission. Mr. Ibbetson thanked the Commission CITY OF 'NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G May 7, 1996 Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 P.M. for their assistance over the years and pointed out the Center was designed and approved by all the regulatory agencies. The full build out has been approved and will' not impact the riparian zone to the north. A basin was also created for the dock which results in additional habitat and serves as a buffer between the building and the riparian zone. Mr. Ibbetson explained the membership has outgrown the current facility and future parking requirements will be met. Ten of their members will be participating in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to extend the ground lease fifteen Ayes x x .x x x x x years for the Newport Aquatic Center. Unanimous. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #5 - Castaways View Park Emmet Berkery, Project Consultant for the Public Works Department, presented the proposed plan for the Castaways View Park. He .explained the parking lot, access points, pathway system, irrigation and hydroseeding. He pointed out the wetlands will not be disturbed and that the major task is to prevent further erosion on the bluffs. Completion is anticipated for late fall. Steve Lang and Steve Rose, architects from Purkiss•Rose RSI, presented slides of the site showing handicap access, parking lot, pathways, grading, drainage, trails, slopes and pads for the homes. The grassland will be kept intact and trees will only be removed if a safety issue is involved. Examples of different types of fencing were also provided. These will be used adjacent to the trail. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public hearing. Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission and reported two cases where children have fallen and the need for safety features. He also recommended landscaping be given'strong consideration along the bluffs. Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the Commission on behalf of SPON's subcommittee on the Castaways I View Park. He reported they met with the Park and Open Space Committee and want to continue their dialogue regarding details of the plan. Dr. Vandersloot reviewed their support of keeping vegetation native; that all living and dead trees remain on the site; that there be appropriate native plantings near the homes; that there be provision for maintenance; that the trail be paved going to the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G Ma y 7, 1996 19�ti �� `o^ Page 5 o �, City Council Chambers 7 P.M. bluffs; that compressed dirt be used on the walkway at the top of the bluffs; that the historical ruins of the restaurant remain; and that natural wood rails be used for fencing if they are needed. Dr. Vandersloot presented SPON's preliminary plan for the area, which includes a long term plan for re- vegetation with native plants. He stated they are disappointed the swale area was graded, without their knowledge since the top soil is now gone. He requested the soil be tested so it is capable of vegetation. In addition, funds will be needed to restore the wetlands mitigation• plan. In response to a question from Ed Benson, Emmet Berkery explained that the final landscape plan will be reviewed by the Commission at their July meeting. There being no further public,testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Beek pointed out there are a wide variety of thoughts on the proposed plan and it is important; to remember the improvements and development which have made Newport Beach a prime location to live and work. It is also important to keep in, mind that this is a City park for the entire community to enjoy. Motion x Commissioner Schonlau moved to accept the status report on the Ayes x x x x x x x Castaways View Park as presented. Unanimous. Item #6 - Benefits of Parks and Recreation A video entitled "Benefits of Parks and Recreation" produced by the National. Recreation and Park Association was presented which showed the many needs met by individuals and the community through parks and recreation. It showed how recreation activities and opportunities are important in other aspects of life; how productivity is increased and crime reduced; and how the quality of mental and physical health is enhanced by parks and recreation. Item #7 - Reforestation of Parkways Commissioner Schonlau reported Commissioners Beek, Demmer and he met twice to review input and draft an addition to the G -1 Policy addressing the issue of reforestation requests for a specific community area. Commissioner Schonlau presented the five conditions that would be necessary to fulfill the requirements for reforestation in a draft policy. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting,to public hearing. CITY OF NEWPORT BERCH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission G A d °° 'lay Page 996 6 �O� dr City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Yvonne Houssels, President of Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission. Ms. Houssels spoke regarding her concerns in relation to their Association's governing documents since City parkway trees are within the boundaries of their Association. She recommended the following sentence be included in the addendum to Policy G -1: "Where there are community associations, the City will cooperate with the association's elected governing boards in order to reasonably support their governing documents regarding trimming and tree removal." She further recommended that the sentence, "Trees will not be removed solely due to view obstructions" be deleted from the G -1 Policy. Commissioner Beek pointed out the Commission has spent a considerable amount of time on this matter and that Ms. Houssels is trying to write a policy that will work for her Association. The Commission is attempting to establish a policy that gives the Association latitude, to do whatever is necessary as long as the five requirements are met for reforestation. Tess Lier, 4709 Dorchester, addressed the Commission and stated it is hard for her to understand why the City will not accept the Association's CC &R policy which each homeowner agrees to when they purchase a home. Chair Vandervort pointed out that an Association's CC &R's govern private trees, not public trees. Trees will not be removed for view purposes, however, they can be trimmed for maximum view. Director Niederhaus noted that years ago the City topped trees for view purposes, however, that method caused tree damage and is no longer done. James Ensign, Cameo Shores, addressed the Commission and stated the proposed amendment has exposed larger issues. He reported Council Member O'Neil will be speaking at the Cameo Shores Highlands Homeowners Association meeting in May and this will give them an opportunity to discuss the matter with him. Bill Ginter, 2807 Ebbtide Road, addressed the Commission and stated he feels the five requirements in the addendum conflict with the statement that trees cannot be trimmed solely for view obstruction. Commissioner Schonlau explained that the sentence referring to view obstruction refers to single trees and that the proposed gaddendum deals with mass removals and replacement projects. In summary, if a community wants to completely replace their trees, it CITY OF Parks, Beaches G 10\ NEWPORT BEACH & Re.creati on Commission May 7, 1996 Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. would require that the local community agree as well as the larger surrounding homeowner /business association (if applicable). There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to accept the addition to Council. Ayes x x x x x x x Policy .G -1 on reforestation of parkways as submitted and directed staff to forward'it to the City Council for approval. Unanimous. Item #8 - Replacement of Park and Street Benches Chair Vandervort gave a review of the draft policy formulated by the Bench Committee. A list of suggestions for designated benches is also being drafted'by the committee. Following approval of the policy by the Council and the development of a master list of benches, the project will be.implemented: Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the draft bench policy in Ayes 1 x x x x x x x concept which will be rewritten for Commission review in June. Unanimous. Item #9 - Community Service Awards Commissioners Beek and Glasgow will serve on the Commission's nominating committee. Item #10 - Recreation and Open Space Element Director Kienitz reported that an intern from UCI was hired last fall and has been working under the direction of the Planning Department to revise the Technical Supplement. Director Kienitz recommended a committee be formed to' review the development of the Recreation and Open Space Element. The Commission determined that the Park and Open Space Committee be reformed to address this issue. The committee will consist of Commissioners Compton, Beek and Demmer. Item #11 - Amendment to City Council Policy A -5 Director Kienitz reported that there appeared to be a need to identify what non - profit groups can do and the proposed insertion to Policy I A -5 would clarify this matter. Motion x Chair Vandervort moved to endorse the proposed amendment to Ayes Cf x x x x x x x Policy A -5 as submitted. Unanimous. CITY OF Parks, Beaches 09, d NEWPORT BERCH & Recreation Commission May 7, 1996 Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Preservation of Special Trees List and Land Use Under Reservoir will be addressed at a future Commission meeting. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation 'Commission adjourned at 10:34 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted April 30, 1996 at 9:50 A.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. r I is