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Home My WebLink AboutIV-1 - Correspondence• September 14, 1996 Mayor John Hedges, City of Newport Beach, 3300 W. Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660 REIMBURSEMENT FOR OFFICERS WAGES: Item 1 1009 East Balboa Boulevard Balboa, CA. 92661 I am in full agreement with your concept that each department should pull it's own weight with regards to budget expenses are concerned. I therefor think that when citizens use our police officers time to vent their own frustrations, they should reimburse the Police Dept. for services rendered I was confronted by a Newport Police Officer Friday, Sept. 13 in answer to a call from Dona Colombero, 1003 E. Balboa Blvd., but was never charged with any crime. He asked me if I owned the volleyball court in front of my house, and I replied, "No ". He asked me if the volleyball court belonged to the City of Newport Beach, and I replied, "Yes". He then asked me if I had changed the alignment of the court, and I gave him the following information; I stated that I had told Dave McConnell that I would replace one of the deteriorating posts with a 6 x 6 treated timber, so that the net could be kept tight without breaking the bad-post. I agreed that I would paint it blue, and transfer the Newport Beach Logo with regulations printed on it to the new post. This is not a new ;• practice with me since I have continued to provide replacement posts and nets since the Parks and Recreation, designated this court as one of theirs after I sold the property to the City. He thanked me for savinglhe City the' expense, and for providing an on -going volleyball court for Church, School and Junior Life Guard groups to use without having to set up their own court or provide their own net. During the process of removing the old post, three residents approached me stating that the North -South alignment of the net, results in the ball entering the natural plant habitat, and players recovering balls, killed the plants, whereas before when the East -West alignment prevailed this was not a problem. I mentioned that the reason for the proclamation to align all the City Designated Courts was to assist the Beach Cleaners. Since there is a narrow strip of maintained beach between the Board Walk and the above mentioned natural plant area, traversing from East to West adjacent to the Volley Ball Court in question, I left a diagram with Mr. McConnell, and I called Mr. Anderson (Supervisor in charge of beach cleaning and volleyball court maintenance) and he stated that it would be no problem, and they would go with whatever Mr. McConnell decided. After I mentioned that Mrs. Colombero had failed in an attempt to remove all the volleyball courts from the local beaches when Mr. Granger was the Director of Parks and Recreation, after the tragic death oflvlrs. Mlillian by a.dnuuc driver who had been playing volleyball by the Wedge, he stated thtat�she haduld Trim that I ad' was a personal friend of "Wild Bill Donavon ", director of the OSS during WW II. I told the officer that I was not that old but even if I was, "What would that have to do with changing a volleyball post in 1996P' At that, I further stated that if I have committed a crime, hook me, and if not turn the matter over to Mr. McConnell and we will abide by his decision. I would hope that he would take into consideration, the fact that late afternoon games are seriously affected by the setting sun glaring into west facing players. I still have no idea what type crime I was committing that would justify turning it into a police matter. If I were a personal friend of "Wild Bill's ", I would surely be smart enough to know that I could not get away with stealing a city Volleyball Court in broad daylight, and you may rest assured that my only intent in maintaining this volleyball court is see our youth enjoy the beach with wholesome fun. Perhaps billing persons for venting their personal frustrations would free officers for more important tasks like fighting crime. Sincerely, Jesse Sell • cc. City Mgr. & Asst., Dir. of Comm. Ser.& Bch. Mt., Editors of Pilot & Register, Pt. Assoc. , PB&R Comm., Dona and Secondo Colombero (Billings should be addressed to them) & Newport Beach Police Chief. 1996 OFFICERS ART GRONSKY, President ROBERT FISHER, Vice President TOM FUENTES, Vice President JOHN HEDGES, Vice President MATT HOLDER, Vice President ARLENE SCHAFER, Vice President DON WILLET, Vice President JACK MULLAH, Secretary ROBERT McCURDY, Treasurer SANDRA RABUS, Assist. Treasurer WILLIAM HAMILTON, Past President JIM de BOOM, Exec. Vice President DIRECTORS RALPH KISER, Emeritus DORIS ALLEN WAYNE RAGLIN MARIAN SERGESON MARILYN BREWER PETER SUFFA JOHN CREAN CHRIS COX DR. JOHN DEAN JAN DEBAY BARBARAdeBOOM ROBERT FISHER PAUL FREEMAN HOMAS FUENTES NORMA GLOVER TEX GRIFFITH ART GNONSKY WILLIAM HAMILTON JACK HAMMETT JOHN HEDGES CAROL HOFFMAN MATT HOLDER WILLIAM JACOBY BUCKJOHNS ROSSJOHNSON VIRGINIA KELLER AL KLINGENSMITH PAT KRONE HANDY MCCARDLE ROBERT MCCURDY CHRISTY MCDANIELS HARRY MERRILL WILLIAM MORROW JACK MULLAN DENNIS O'NEIL CARL NELSON BUZZ PERSON, TIM QUINN SANDRA RABUS BEVERLY SAY THOMAS RILEY DANA ROHRABACHER PAUL SALATA BUD SCHROEDER ARLENE SCHAFER JIM SILVA RANDY SMITH � ETER TENNYSON RICHARD WILLSIE DON WILLET CHARLES WILSON JIM WOOD BARBARA YOUNG P Item 1 Orange County Coast Association FOUNDED 1913 4N The Honorable Marian Bergeson- ..*'iA „';. Supervisor, Fifth District ', SEP 6 M6 County of Orange CITY CLERK Hall of Administration NEWP R dE1CH 10 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 P.O.'BOX.3097 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 (714) 548 -4942 FAX (714) 631 -5851 September 4, 1996 Subject: County Restructuring and the Future of the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department Dear rA visor Bergeson: Da of our organization, you know that the Orange County Coasciation has since 1913 been a leading force in protecting and improving our extraordinary county coastline. Our organization has brought together prominent members of the business community and public officials to promote proposals that would benefit our coast and to oppose those that would place this precious resource at risk. Over the years, we have supported various County Harbors, Beaches and Parks projects that have contributed to the recreational enjoyment and economic value of our coastline. Likewise, when we learned of a proposal to eliminate the Sheriff Harbor Patrol and substitute a lower cost private patrol service, we rallied in opposition to that idea. We do not want the County to retreat from its commitment to provide top quality projects and public service along the coast. You were with us with respect to the Harbor Patrol. We ask you now, to protect the financial integrity and organizational viability of the County's Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department. We learned only recently that Chief Executive Officer Jan Mittermeier (someone for whom we have great respect based upon her work. as Airport Director) may be proposing to restructure the County in a way that subordinates Harbor, Beaches and Parks Department programs to a new Public Works or similar titled department, and that would effectively eliminate the Harbor department and could radically change the way our harbors and beaches have been administrated. The Harbor Department has .always worked closely with our Orange County Coast Association. There have been two outstanding Directors of the Harbor Department. One was Ken Sampson who did so many things that the Orange County Coast Association Association created an award named after, him to be given to an individual for outstanding achievement of enriching coastal living and environment. The second outstanding Director of Department of Harbors, Beaches and Parks is Robert Fisher who, in addition to being an outstanding past - president of our organization and director, has more than represented the interests of the coastal community, both environmentally and economically. He is a problem - solver with tireless energy. 'Ifat the advancement of the best Interest of eoastal Orange County” Page 2 9/4/96 We assume this restructuring is being considered for cost - saving reasons. However, we must note -- as we did with respect to the proposal • to eliminate the Sheriff Harbor Patrol -- that HBP is financed with special tax and tidelands funds that cannot be used for other County operations. And it would be "penny wise and pound foolish" to cut back on a department that contributes so much to the quality of life and economic vitality of our great County. Thus, we do not understand the financial benefit of the .proposed reorganization. Eliminating or down - sizing the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department and its Director seems to signal that vital coastal recreation issues are a lesser priority in a restructured County. As a coastal district Supervisor and former State Senator, we cannot believe you support that idea. As you well know, the HBP Department manages three outstanding small craft harbors, together with some of the most beautiful and popular beaches and coastal parks in the world. Through the special, HBP taxes, the people of Orange County have created assets valued in billions of dollars and serving over 15 million annual visitors. These assets require high level, visible management to insure periodic dredging, sand replenishment, lifeguard and park ranger operations -- and to perform the role of spokesman for the County's coastal 'interests in relations with various federal, state and local agencies. We have benefitted from professional stewardship since the 1950's when Ken Sampson was first appointed Harbor Director. And I think you will agree with us that these facilities are in good hands today with the current Harbors, Beaches and Parks Director, Robert Fisher. We would not like to see a lesser quality of service traded off for unsubstantiated • cost savings or efficiency benefits. Just as we would want the County's John Wayne Airport provided appropriate organizational status, we similarly believe the County's Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department needs to be visible and accountable. Supervisor Bergeson, we are asking that an opportunity be accorded the coastal cities and civic organizations such as ourselves to hear from you and Ms. Mittermeier before this restructuring proposal moves much farther along. We also believe the subject should be considered by the League of Cities (HBP operates inland• parks, as well, of course). We do not believe that the reorganization 'of HBP should proceed without an opportunity for your constituents and the cities to learn more about and speak up on this matter of great interest. We should appreciate advise our membership. Date representation of coastal sent TO: ® Council Member Manager E3 roar �/l1l,�is cc 0 hearing from you•on this matter so that we might As always, we appreciate your effective interests. yours Orange CounA Members, Board of Supervisors Chief Executive Officer, Jan Mittermeier Mayors, Orange County Coast Cities Orange County Division, League of California Cities Association • 0 • September 10, 1996 Mr. E.P. Benson 1028 Westwind Way Newport Beach, CA 92660 Dear Mr. Benson, (909) 947 -3095 Item 1 Amish Country Gazebos proudly brings you the charm and beauty of hand- crafted gazebos. Now you can make your landscape more functional and attractive while also adding value to your home. Your gazebo will be custom built with great care by our skilled woodworkers who model the high standards of Old World Amish crafts- manship. Our hand selected, pressure treated lumber is kiln dried and comes with a lifetime warranty against rot and termite damage. Each board is shaped and planed for a beautiful smooth finish, and stainless screws and bolts are used to asserribie your gazebo or swing. - --- The enclosed price list shows the many sizes and variety of styles which we offer. If you place your order this month, delivery and installation will be FREE within 25 miles of our Ontario shop. If you live more than 25 miles from our shop you may need to pay a small delivery fee, ✓but installation will still be free. Thank you for your interest in doing business with us. I would be pleased to meet with you by phone or at your home at your convenience. Respectfully, Chet Beiler Partner Newport Beach Farkas Beach and Recreation, Commission 3300 Newport Blvd. Mr. Ed P. Benson 1026 WeStWind way Newport BeaCh, CA 92660 -5725 Newport Beach, Calif. 92658 — Ladies & Gentlemen of the Commission For your consideration and reference with respect to my previous correspondence ISwith your Commission on the development of the Castaway View park. 739 East Francis • Ontario, California 91761 �—