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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1996 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes August 6, 1996 — I CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item II 1 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting August 6, 1996 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 CALL TO ORDER The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Vice Chair Demmer. Roll call was,taken. Commissioners Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow were present. Commissioner Bonner and Chair Schonlau were absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Dunn moved the minutes of the July 2, 1996 meeting be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow III, PUBLIC COMMENTS Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission regarding the planning of the Castaways project. Mr. Benson recommended that the third phase of development include adding comfort items, such as a gazebo and benches. Mr. Benson inquired if public input is still being considered. Director Niederhaus explained that dialog is ongoing and input should be directed to the Public Works Department. Dona Colombero, 1003 E. Balboa Boulevard', addressed the Commission. Mrs. Colombero stated a conceptual plan has just been presented from Mr. Camp of Langdon - Wilson which shows the athletic field at Peninsula Park moved from A and ,B Streets to B and C Streets and paved parking installed. She questioned how residents and the Association should respond to the plan. Commissioner Dunn explained that he is chairing a meeting on August 7, at which time Mr. Camp will present a conceptual plan and invite residents to provide input. He encouraged those interested to participate at the meeting. ID City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 2 Steve Hunt advised that he met with the planner and architect who are preparing several conceptual plans for the entire Balboa Peninsula, focusing on circulation, usage, etc. There will be a staff workshop on September 4, after which the plan will be forwarded to the City Council. Each Commission and Board will then review those aspects of the plan which fall under their respective jurisdiction. Sharon Wood, Assistant City Manager, is in charge of the project. IV. 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, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Item #1 - Communications Accept and file letter from Ed Benson regarding Castaways Park Development. Accept and file letter from Bob Yant, Balboa Peninsula Point Association, regarding replacement bench at West Jetty View Park and the new bench policy. Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Accept report of Park and Tree Division activities during, July and upcoming projects in August. Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Plaque Donation Approve donation by American Society of Civil.Engineers State Historical Monument at Lookout Point. Item #5 - Commission Subcommittees Approve list of current Commission Subcommittees. Item #6 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow concerning the Newport Harbor High School pool, Steve Hunt reported that after an on -site visit with the City's Risk Manager, representatives from the Newport -Mesa Unified School District and City staff met regarding needed repairs for safety and maintenance purposes. NMUSD will f City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 3 address many of these issues by work order. A future meeting will be held to discuss major capital improvement projects. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding the LA Cellular Proposal, Steve Hunt explained that they are proposing a 12'x 28' building with an antenna on the northeast corner of Bonita Creek Park next to University Drive: Peggy Ducey, Assistant to the City Manager, is conducting a survey on similar lease programs. The Commission will be apprised as additional information is gathered. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding Newport Ridge Park, Steve Hunt reported that in regards to annexation, the City is having discussions with the County concerning property tax splits. In the meantime, the management group has denied attempts by individual youth sport groups and the City to use the facility. One hundred fifty additional children are anticipated from this area to join the City's upcoming fall soccer season. Commissioner Beek explained that when 51 % of the homes are sold, the control of the fields will become the responsibility of the homeowners association. Director Niederhaus reported that the field area was built for a picnic park, not an athletic field,with heavy use. Improvements would have to be made to accommodate sports such as soccer and baseball. Commissioner Glasgow moved to accept the Recreation and Senior Services report as submitted. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Item #6 - September Commission Meeting In order to maintain the consistency of scheduling Commission meetings the first Tuesday of each month, Vice Chair Demmer asked if there were any objections to the next meeting being held September 3. There being no objections, Commissioner Glasgow moved that the September meeting be held as regularly scheduled on September 3, 1996. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow V. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5 City of.Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 4 Item # 7 - Bob Henry Park Vice Chair Demmer reported this item was requested to be postponed to the September meeting. Item #8 - Proposal for Parkway Trees Vice Chair Demmer reported this item was requested to be postponed to the September meeting. Item #9 - Bayside Drive Trees Director Niederhaus reviewed the background of the 23 Eucalyptus trees along Bayside Drive which originally included removal. As a result of opposition to the removal of the trees and the Fire and Marine Chief's rescinding the necessity for removal, the matter is being reviewed from the standpoint of landscaping and /or undergrounding the power lines and cables. Director Niederhaus explained the two methods by which undergrounding could be accomplished, namely, by Rule 20A funding or by private assessment. Due to the extensive cost of undergrounding, staff recommends a multi- year landscaping plan for Bayside Drive, which could begin by incorporating it into the FY 1997 -98 capital improvement project budget proposal. Vice Chair Demmer opened the meeting to public hearing. Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, addressed the Commission and pointed out that it is the Irvine Terrace Association's goal to landscape and beautify the area. Since it is estimated that an assessment of $20,000 per household would be required to accomplish underground utilities and the Association is unable to financially support the landscaping due to other beautification commitments, they support staff's recommendation for the City to develop a comprehensive landscape plan that would include enhancing the corner of Bayside Drive and El Paseo. Mr. Pat Ormsbee, 1219 Bayside Drive and Board Member of the. Mai Kai Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Ormsbee stated they agree with the Irvine Terrace Community Association that the area needs to be improved without removing the trees. He pointed out that the hillside is their view which is full of weeds and plastic pipe, therefore, their Association may contribute to landscaping this area. Virginia, Herberts addressed the Commission and reported the majority of the people want the trees retained since they soften the look and stabilize the cliff. A City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 5 Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission and suggested the spaces between the Eucalyptus trees are large enough to accommodate Carrot Wood trees. There being no further public testimony, Vice Chair Demmer closed the meeting to public hearing. Director Niederhaus agreed with Mrs. Linhoff's recommendation and stated the Carrot Woods could be the first.planting in.July 1997. The $20,000 per year projected to landscape the 10' setback over a three year period does not include irrigation nor landscaping of the northeast corner of Bayside Drive and Jamboree. Director Niederhaus suggested that the three affected homeowner associations (Irvine Terrace, Mai Kai and Balboa Island Improvement Association) and the City begin working together to beautify the corner. A three yearplan will be prepared for community input at a later date. Commissioner Compton moved to include a multi year landscape plan as a capital improvement project for next year; and that a conceptual plan be prepared which retains the trees and includes landscaping of the corner. Director'Niederhaus stated the conceptual plan will be presented.at the Commission's October meeting. Staff will not pursue the undergrounding of the utilities; this would be the responsibility of the respective Associations. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Item #10 - Tree Appeal at 600 Marguerite Avenue Director Niederhaus reported the Silk Oak Tree is a large stately tree adjacent to the homeowner's property. The same request was reviewed and denied by the Commission in December 1994. Vice Chair Demmer opened the meeting to public hearing. Joseph Orsini, 600 Marguerite, addressed the Commission and stated the tree has destroyed his sprinkler system and he is concerned about plumbing and the roots growing under his house. If root pruning does not solve his problems, he would like an agreement that the tree be removed. There being no further public testimony, Vice Chair Demmer closed the meeting to public hearing. I City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 6 Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Compton moved to remove the existing tree and plant the designated street tree at an appropriate location at the homeowner's expense. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer and Glasgow Nay: Dunn Item #11 - Tree Removals and Tree Donation Director Niederhaus reviewed the request for two tree removals, cost of which would be borne by the,homeowner. The request is a result of the owner's encroachment permit since the trees are located where he would like to develop his property. Staff did not solicit the homeowner's desire to donate to the City $2,500 for the planting of 25 fifteen gallon trees. Robert Wells, 3500 Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Mr. Wells stated that the smaller tree has been hit by vehicles trying to park and .the larger tree extends over his existing house. Roots have already caused sidewalk damage and invaded his sewer system. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and stated she objects to the removal of these mature trees in an effort to "clean up the City." The trees are worth $42,560 and Mr. Wells' donation of $2,500 is not adequate compensation. Mrs. Herberts pointed out that the. Urban Forester was hired to replace the Tree Committee and staff is not following his recommendation to retain the trees. There being no further public testimony, Vice Chair Demmer closed the - meeting to public hearing. Director Niederhaus advised that it is only a matter of time before the larger tree causes the sidewalk to be replaced due to its roots. The smaller tree has already been hit by passing vehicles a few times and the situation is subject to potential liability. In response to a question from Commissioner Dunn, Mr. Wells stated he bought his house with the intention of remodeling. Commissioner Compton moved to remove the two Eucalyptus trees. Commissioner Dunn made a substitute motion to remove the smaller tree and that the larger tree remain unless the applicant removes it at its current value. Motion fails by the following vote: Ayes: Dunn rr Nays: Beek, Compton, Demmer and Glasgow b City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 7 Commissioner Beek made a substitute motion to vote on the request for tree removals and the homeowner's donation separately. Motion passes,by the following vote: Ayes: 'Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Commissioner Beek moved to remove the two Eucalyptus trees. Motion passes by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer and Glasgow Nay: Dunn Commissioner Beek moved to accept the homeowner's donation of 25 fifteen gallon trees as part of the City's reforestation plan. The motion passes by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Item #12 - Sale of 16th Street Site by Newport -Mesa Unified School District Director Kienitz reported that under the provisions of the Naylor Act, the Newport -Mesa Unified School District has declared the site at 1601 16th Street surplus property and is offering it for sale. The one acre site is appraised at less than $1 million. It is not known how long the Department will have the use of the Lincoln gymnasium, which is leased from the N -NMUSD and heavily used on a daily basis for both youth and adult activities. There has been discussion concerning purchasing the 16th Street site for a gymnasium, however, there are currently no funds available. It is anticipated that money could come from in -lieu park fees or CDBG funding. In response to a question from Commissioner Dunn, Director Kienitz explained that future recreation and open space developments, which are not yet planned, include Bayside Park, Freeway Reservation and the area behind the Central Library. Following a brief discussion on the need to take advantage of this opportunity, Commissioner Glasgow moved to transmit to the City Council that the Commission approves proceeding with purchasing the property for the purpose of building a gymnasium. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn and Glasgow Item #13 - Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Compton reported the Park and Open Space Committee met with Jim Thompson who is chairing a committee to raise $400,000 to purchase and landscape the vacant property at Newport Boulevard and Short Street. Thus far, $60,000 has I City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 6, 1996 Page 8 been raised. The City has put 10% down on the lot at Via Lido and Newport Boulevard which will cost $15,000. Since neither park is in the General Plan, an amendment will be required. Director Kienitz reported several City Departments are completing research on the request for a park by the Lido Isle Community Association at Via Lido Soud and Via Genoa. This public /private venture will be reviewed by the Park and Open Space Committee at their next meeting on August 15. Commissioner Compton reviewed the proposed Hoag Linear Park and its recommended improvements. A RFP has been issued by the Public'Works Department. Item #14 - Subcommittee Reports Director Niederhaus reported that Policies G -1 and G -3 are still under review and he will keep the Commission apprised on the revision of the policies. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will include Sponsorships of Adult Soccer Leagues and West Coast Arborist Contract. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:27 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted July 30, 1996 at 2:00 P.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. 10