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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/07/1997 - PB&R Commission1 11 COMMISSION Minutes 1997 1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes January 7, 1997 Item II } CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 7, 1997 - 7:00 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 Pat White, Administrative Clerk 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, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau were present. Commissioner Bonner was absent. Chair Schonlau introduced Pat White, Administrative Clerk in the General Services Department, who will be the Commission's back -up secretary. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes of the December 3, 1996 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Compton moved that the following item be approved except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau I Parks, Benches andAccreation Commission January 7, 1997 Paee 2 Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Change of Street Tree Designation Approve change of designated street tree for 16th Street east of Dover Drive from Aristocrat Pear to Fern Pine. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item # 1 -Park and Tree Division At the Commission's request, Marcy Lomeli presented photos of the tree damage on Poppy Avenue as a result of the November windstorms. Fortunately, there was no significant property nor tree damage as a result of the most recent windstorms. Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services In response to questions from Commissioner Demmer, Steve Hunt advised that six basketball teams are on the waiting list for the winter season due to the time slots being full at the three gymnasiums. Staff have pursued the use of the high school gyms, however, there is no space,currently available. Registration is $510 per team. In response to Commissioner Demmer's inquiry concerning the number of new classes at the Orange County Museum of Art, Director Kienitz explained that this is the site of the old Newport Harbor Art Museum where classes have historically been held. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Kienitz advised that 250 surveys have been received to date from the insert in the winter issue of the Newport Navigator.. Director Kienitz presented the report from the KPMG Study which will be reviewed by the City Council Finance Committee and subsequently by the City Council on January 27. Staff's responses have been incorporated and the report will be reviewed by the Budget Committee at their meeting on January 17. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Page 3 Director Kienitz also announced that informational brochures have been printed for each of the Department's four divisions. She presented those for the Recreation and Senior Services Divisions and requested input from the Commissioners. Item #3 - Facilijy Inspection Report Commissioner Demmer reported that Newport Shores Park is missing a piece of equipment from the tot lot area. Steve Hunt will pursue replacing the equipment. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Kienitz advised that staff inspects facilities three times a year and that their recommendations are also included in the report submitted. Commissioner Glasgow moved that Items 1, 2-and 3 be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #5 - Use of Open Space in the City Jean Watt, President of the Newport Conservancy, addressed the Commission and thanked them for inviting her to speak. Ms. Watt summarized the current status of the 16th Street school property and the need to augment the City's efforts with outside funding in order to save the Environmental Nature Center's (ENC) footage and eventually provide a gymnasium. Ms. Watt reported that the City has determined that the West Newport Sunset Ridge site be designated as .park. It is important to find out the current status of the area since the Newport Development Company has hired a consultant to start planning the park. Depending upon the number of homes that will be built, the company will be required to donate 5 acres for every 1,000 new residents, which is anticipated to be 15 -25 acres. The goal would be to utilize the park dedication and in lieu park fees in order to eliminate the need for funding. Ms. Watt reported there are plans to put affordable housing on the 12+ acres of open space at the Newport Village site. It has not been dedicated as open space as Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Page 4 it should have been when the projects were permitted according to the CIOSA Agreement. It is important that the 12+ acres of open space are not given away without getting something in return. There are two additional open space sites at Lower Castaways and Bayview Landing which could be considered in the trade. Ms. Watt presented a draft worksheet for the acquisition/development of Sunset Ridge, 3531 Newport Boulevard, the Griswold Property, 1601 16th Street and the Riddle Property. She• summarized each of these opportunities with the assumption that development plans could be phased over a period of time and that no General Funds will be used. Commissioner Compton noted that a number of years ago the County was asking an astronomical price for Sunset Ridge. Ms. Watt explained that CalTrans appraised the site at approximately $8 million a few years ago, however, City documents were changed to reflect that the City wanted a development transfer and open space. In response to a question from Commissioner Beek concerning the 16th Street property, Ms. Watt explained that the School Board has hired a consultant to facilitate the sale of the site. They are considering trying to sell it for affordable housing which would require a zoning change. Ms. Watt introduced Bo Glover, Administrator for the ENC. Mr. Glover presented a background of the Center, their educational programs and the 12 habitats on the site. Last year 8,000 students and 15,000 visitors toured the Center. The Center, a non -profit corporation, is located on the easterly portion of the School District property. It appears that they would lose all their frontage if the property is sold. If the 1601 16th Street property could be purchased, they would envision a Science Center which, along with the habitats, would serve for the benefit of the community. Commissioner Glasgow stated he, would support the purchase providing a gymnasium is built since the City is greatly lacking in indoor facilities. Commissioner Compton moved that the Park and Open Space Committee meet with the Conservancy to pursue purchasing the property. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Parks; Benches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Page 5 Item #6 --Request from the Irvine Terrace Community Association to Install Lighting on the El Paseo Drive Median Val Skoro, President of the Irvine Terrace Community Association, addressed the Commission and explained their request to light their entrance sign and the nine Olive Trees on the El Paseo Drive median in order to provide additional safety factors and enhance their entrance. The Association will pay for installation per City Code, maintenance, electricity and the irrigation controller on the median. Director Niederhaus commented that staff supports their proposal due to safety, aesthetics and timeliness in regard to the current median renovations. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the project as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #7 - Tree Removals at 547 El Modena Avenue Director Niederhaus reported the two Eucalyptus (Red Gum) trees requested to be removed are located on the parkway adjacent to 547-El Modena Avenue on the 15th Street side of the property. The large trees have a long history of massive tree debrillment and topping that has caused the trees to splinter and lose limbs on a regular basis. Additionally, three letters have been received from adjacent neighbors at 543 El Modena and 600 and 601 Gary Place in support of the removals due to the destructive nature of the trees and the residents' fears from falling limbs. Staff concurs that the trees should be removed. Commissioner Dunn stated he felt the trees are beautiful and questioned if the dangerous limbs could be removed without removing the trees. Director Niederhaus advised the whole top of the tree would have to be removed and that this would still be a continuing problem. Marcy Lomeli pointed out that these are the only two species on this street and that the other trees have not been topped as severely and frequently in the past. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. I Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Pnee G r -� Mel Tubbs, 547 El Modena Avenue, addressed the Commission, presented photos and summarized the property damage and near fatal accidents they have sustained due to broken and falling limbs. Mr. Tubbs requested no replacement tree. Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the removal of the two Red Gum trees; that staff select a designated street tree for 15th Street; and that a replacement tree be planted provided the homeowner agrees to maintain it. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #8 - Capital Improvement Projects, FY 1997 -98 Director Niederhaus reported that when the City receives a commitment from the City of Costa Mesa to jointly upgrade the Irvine Boulevard Median, the category for this item will be upgraded to A. In addition, the Park Facilities Improvement Fund, which includes field renovation, was increased due to the number of improvements that need to be made. Commissioner Demmer recommended that Peninsula Park irrigation and all athletic field improvements be upgraded to A, and that the median improvements be designated C. Director Niederhaus advised the Commission of the budget process and pointed out that categories are very specific and clearly defined. Upgrading athletic fields does not necessarily meet the A criteria designated for safety, liability and'urgent items. Commissioner Dunn concurred with Commissioner Demmer that Peninsula Park needs to be upgraded to A. The sprinkler system has created craters and injuries have resulted due to the condition of the field. He recommends, all athletic fields be reassessed from a safety standpoint. Val Skoro addressed the Commission in regard to Bayside Drive improvements. He requested a few trees be removed each time a new development phase occurs on Baysid'e Drive, as part of the capital improvement projects program. Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the Capital Improvement Projects for this fiscal,year with the following two corrections: That Peninsula Park Irrigation It Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Paee 7 and Field Renovation and Galaxy Park Walkway be upgraded to the A category. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau 'Steve Hunt reported the Community Services Department's Capital Improvement Projects are similar to those presented last month which include buildings; play equipment and proposed park projects as discussed with the General Services Department. These provide an essential public service and must be maintained in order that they do not become a liability. The figures submitted are based on preliminary bids. Commissioner Beek requested the funds for Grant Howald Park be broken down. Steve Hunt advised that improvements for this multi use facility were proposed eight years ago and include fencing, lighting, irrigation, fields and berm modification. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the Capital Improvement Projects for the Community Services Department as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #9 - Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Compton reported the status on the conceptual plan for the Freeway Reservation site remains the same. Lawrence & Associates has been hired to update the Recreation and Open Space Element. Review will take four weeks and include all surveys and elements. Three new names have been offered for the naming of the Hoag Linear Park site, namely, Buena Vista Park, Bluff View Park and Catalina View Park. The Park and Open Space Committee reviewed the plan for the Hoag Linear Park site which may be implemented in two phases —the 1000' linear strip would be first and the view park would be delayed . Members of the Villa Balboa Community Association have requested a 4' grade change on the view park to improve the view area. To implement this would be in opposition to the public I __l Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission January 7, 1997 Page 8 hearings and final approval by this Commission. The committee recommends the park be constructed in one step. During discussion Commissioner Beek expressed her concern:that after all the effort and public hearings, two people can, require concessions at the eleventh hour. Director Kienitz reported another meeting for all interested and,involved parties is scheduled on Friday, January 17, at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Conference Room. Item #10 - Subcommittee Reports Director Niederhaus reported the City Manager met with SPON representatives during December. Policy G -1 may be ready for the Commission's review at their February meeting. Chair Schonlau reported the Bob Henry Park Dedication may be delayed. The committee will meet again on February 28. Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the Commission's Community Service Award Policy as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and' Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:30 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted December 30, 1996 at 10:30 A.M. ,on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.