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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/1996 - PB&R CommissionM CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 1 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 2, 1996 - 7:00 P.M. Item II 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, iBonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Bonner moved the minutes of the June 4, 1996 meeting be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Schonlau and Vandervort III. SEATING OF NEW COMMISSIONER Newly appointed Commissioner Dunn was seated. I.V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Commissioner Glasgow nominated Commissioner Schonlau for Chair. The nomination was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Commissioner Bonner nominated Commissioner Demmer for Vice Chair. The nomination was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau ( i V. PUBLIC COMMENTS City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 2, 1996 Page 2 Bill Huscroft, 519 36th Street, addressed the Commission regarding Irvine sewer water. Mr. Huscroft discussed the adverse effects on the waterways which will affect property values, boating and result in an aesthetic loss to the people of'Newport Beach. Chair Schonlau advised Mr. Huscroft to contact the Chair of the Water Quality Committee which reviews these types of issues. Pat Ward, 1010 Sandcastle, addressed the Commission on behalf of Little League East. He stated they had an excellent season due in part to the facilities made available to. them. Andy Almquist, Little League East player from District 55 and on the All Star Team, presented a plaque to the Community Services Director in appreciation for the department's commitment to providing fields for Newport Beach Little League. Stephen Ward, Little League East player from District 55 and on the All Star Team, presented a plaque to the General Services Director in appreciation for the time and resources spent in helping them maintain their baseball fields, particularly their home field at Lincoln which is one of the best in the County. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Compton moved that the following items be approved except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Approve report of Park and Tree Division activities during June and upcoming projects in July. Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during June for these two divisions. Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #5 - Balboa Island Benches Accept six 6' teak bench donations from Balboa Island Improvement Association that will be installed on street ends at Balboa and Little Balboa Islands. Item #6 - Official Bench List Approve Official Bench List available to be designated benches for areas. Ll City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 2, 1996 Page 3 Item #7 - Designated Bench for West Jetty View Park Approve the Brooks Bench as the designated bench for West Jetty View Park. Item #8 - Removal and Replacement of Bench at West Jetty View Park Approve placement of removed bench from West Jetty View Park to Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Communications Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission in reference to her letter which was transmitted to the Commission concerning Castaways View Park. She requested the first sentence be disregarded and:that the six other items in her letter be considered in the design of the park. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton concerning the Balboa Power Squadron's lease, Director Kienitz explained that the City Council commissioned a study of the area for1ong term use. As a result, no leases will be signed in the interim for this area. When the study is finalized, the Commission will be informed. In the meantime, the Balboa Power Squadron will continue to use the facility at 1714 W. Balboa Boulevard on a month to month basis. Referring to the communication from Lido Isle Community Association concerning their request for a neighborhood park, Commissioner Compton recommended the request be reviewed by the Park and Open Space Committee for future development. Director Kienitz concurred. Item #4 - Dedication Committee for Bob Henry Park Jo Vandervort, 1147 Pembroke Lane, addressed the Commission and reported she was appointed by the City Manager to chair the committee established to plan the celebration for the opening of Bob Henry Park. She corrected the report to show that John Desmond will replace Andy Gonis from the Police Department on the committee. The Commission determined that Commissioners Beek, Glasgow and Schonlau will also serve on the committee and that Commissioner Dunn will serve as an alternate. Commissioner Compton moved to accept the communications with their corrections. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 2, '1996 Page 4 VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Potential Passive Parks Jim Thompson, 3804 Sandune Lane, addressed the Commission and gave a background on the vacant property at Newport Boulevard and Short Street and Via Lidc and Newport Boulevard. He has been given conceptual approval by the City Council to generate private funds to acquire the properties for park sites and donate them to the City. He envisions them as passive parks with a donor wall at the Newport Boulevard and Short Street site. Vice Chair Demmer commented that it is unusual for the City Council to approve a park concept before it is reviewed by this Commission. Commissioner Compton moved that the Park and Open Space Committee meet with Mr. Thompson and that their recommendations, which will be transmitted to the City Council, be reviewed at the Commission's August 6 meeting. The motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #10 - Castaways View Park Emmet Berkery, project consultant for the City on the Castaways View Park, addressed the Commission. Mr. Berkery explained the design of the adjacent projects, the Bob Henry Park and the Taylor Woodrow homes. Three hundred thousand dollars was allocated in FY 1995 -96 and an additional $300,000 was allocated in FY 1996 -97 for . the project. Steve Lang, the landscape architect from Purkiss Rose RSI, addressed the Commission and gave an overview of the circulation walkways. He also clarified the erosion control seeding improvements, planting, grading, drainage; lighting and proposed trail.fences. They hope to go to bid in September. Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission and urged the Commission to avoid approving a plan that, would give no opportunity to make improvements after an initial usage period. He recommended the park be designed and developed in three stages, the first being access roads, parking and the public promenade along the top edge of the bluffs. The second stage would result from changes determined from usage experience. The third stage would implement public comfort items, such as benches, shade structures, etc. Michael Lindsay addressed the Commission and supported the plan with two minor exceptions concerning seed mix and plant selection. I City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 2, 1996 Page 5 Charles Vandervort, 1147 Pembroke Lane, addressed the Commission and recommended the 2 rail wood fence be used for children and animal safety. Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission and stated'she is pleased with the overall plan. She prefers a lower fence to retain views and pointed out the importance of maintenance since it will take a period of time before the native growth is established. She also questions the necessity of lighting since it would detract from the feeling of a view park. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 16th Street, addressed the Commission and recommended the park be kept natural along the lines of SPON's plan. He requested the plants be native to the Orange County area and that a maintenance plan be written into the contract. He also requested that the Olive Trees not be destroyed and that the fence be 3',high. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Glasgow stated it concerns him that the Commission is just starting to hear input from other groups. He pointed out the need to hear from representatives of the entire City, not just one group. He recommended the park be developed in stages and that he would support the lighting and the use of more grass areas. Commissioner Bonner moved to recommend to Purkiss Rose RSI lighting and a fence design that is, inconspicuous, unobtrusive and with the least view blockage subject to the Risk Manager's evaluation. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Commissioner Compton moved to recommend adding benches at the park. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #11 - Tree Removal at 280 Evening Canyon Road Ed Jackiin, 280 Evening Canyon Road, addressed the Commission. Mr. Jacklin requested the Coral'Tree be removed due to its destructive root system which has broken the gas line, meter box and driveway. In addition, two large branches broke, narrowly missing his house and a car. Commissioner Beek moved to approve the removal of the Coral Tree at 280 Evening Canyon Road and that a 24" box container tree be planted at City expense. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Newport -Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 2, 1996 Page 6 Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #12 - Council Policy G -1. Retention or Removal of Park and Parkway Trees and Council Policy G -3. Preservation of Views Director Niederhaus reported that the proposed revisions to Council Policies G -1 and G -3 are being revised and that this item will be addressed at the Commission's August 6 meeting. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and stated she feels the public should be able to provide input on tree policies. She requested the Commission's Tree Committee be reinstated. Item #13 - Application from Balboa Theatre Commissioner Compton stated he felt the area merchants should be allowed to provide input on this matter. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Beek moved to accept the application for 'the Balboa Theatre to be placed on the City's Register of Historical Property under Classification #3 unless corrected. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Abstain: Compton Item #14 - Notice from Newport -Mesa Unified School District Director Kienitz reported the Newport -Mesa Unified School District's declaration of surplus property is a routine requirement. The Recreation Division is in need of a gymnasium, however, there are no funds designated in the Capital Improvement Projects. Commissioner Glasgow moved that staff provide more information as to costs, etc., and report back at the Commission's August 6 meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #15 - Recreation and Open Space Element Commissioner Compton reported the Park and Open Space Committee received three bids for a recreation survey to be reviewed as part of the revisions to the General Plan. 96 City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission 1 July 2, 1996 Page 7 DLG Marketing Research was the lowest bid and the committee met with. Deborah Goffin. Commissioner Compton presented the proposed questionnaire which will be done by a telephone survey to 550 people, approximately 6 minutes each. The 550 replies will assure a statistically valid consensus. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Compton moved to accept and proceed with the survey as written. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek,'Bonner, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and, Schonlau VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will include Review of Subcommittees and Committee Reports. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:25 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted June 26, 1996 at 2:00 P.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. I