Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes February 4. 1997 Item No. II CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 4, 1997 - 7:00 P.M. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David B. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Robin Clauson, Assistant City Attorney 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, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau were present. Commissioners Bonner and Compton were absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes of the January 7, 1997 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Commissioner Glasgow moved the minutes of the January 23, 1997 Special Meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Glasgow moved that the following items be approved except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: 3 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission February 4, 1997 Page Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #1 -_ Communication Accept and file letter to Mayor and City Council from Chair Schonlau regarding the KPMG Cost of Services Study. Item #2 Removed from Consent Calendar Item #3 -Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Street Tree Redesignation on Crystal Avenue Approve changing the designated street tree species from Lemon Bottlebrush to Hong Kong Orchid Tree on Crystal Avenue. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Referring to Item #9 in the staff report, Commissioner Demmer stated she is very familiar with Dr. Vandersloot's dedication in leading the community's effort in refurbishing Cliff Drive Park. She recommended he receive community recognition for all his efforts and service. Chair Schonlau advised this matter will' be addressed by the Community Service Awards Committee. Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services Commissioner Dunn pointed out the Senior Services Division's Monthly Activities/Utilization Report is very valuable, however, he recommends that the Case Management Service be renamed and the numeric information be clarified in terms of units, volunteer and staff hours. Commissioner Demmer concurred and explained that a number of years ago each Commissioner was assigned to various recreation projects and that she represented Oasis for four years. Commissioner Demmer clarified the report and pointed out that these figures show a very active and dynamic senior center. Steve Hunt advised that staff will implement Commissioner Dunn's suggestions. Commissioner Dunn moved that Items 2 and 3 be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: q Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission February 4, 1997 Page 3 Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #5 - Statement of Economic Interest Robin Clauson, Assistant City Attorney, addressed the Commission and reported that the City's Conflict of Interest Code has been postponed from the City Council's February 10 agenda to its February 24 agenda. She presented the Appendix of Disclosure Categories, of which Items 2 and 3 pertaining to purchasing and regulatory powers apply to this Commission. 'Ms. Clauson stated that it is her legal opinion that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission should be included in the City's Conflict of Interest Code in accordance with the provisions of the Political Reform Act adopted by the state in 1974: Commissioner Glasgow disagreed with the opinion, pointing out that this Commission only makes recommendations to the City Council and does not make any final decisions. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the disclosure statements which are open to different interpretations. Commissioner Demmer stated that should the City Council approve the City's Conflict of Interest Code, she feels this Commission would be legally responsible to comply with the disclosure provisions. Robin Clauson advised the Commission contact the City Clerk or the Fair Political Practices Commission for further clarification and questions. Following discussion, Commissioner Glasgow moved that it be recommended this Commission not be subject to the disclosure provisions because they do not make any final governmental decisions. Commissioner Demmer disagreed, pointing out that the Commission holds public hearings and contributes to negotiations and policy. Vote was taken on Commissioner Glasgow's motion which carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Glasgow, Schonlau Nays: Demmer, Dunn 5 Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission February 4, 1997 Page 4 Item #6 - Tree Removal at 439 Irvine Avenue Director Niederhaus presented photos of the subject tree and reviewed Mr. and Mrs. Turner's request to remove the Monterey Pine located in front of Mr. and Mrs. Bubb's residence. The Urban Forester, Marcy Lomeli and he have discussed the matter with both parties. Staff recommends the tree be retained because it is healthy and not causing any public or private damage. The tree is scheduled to be trimmed this year and there are no limbs less than 14' above the height of the right -of -way. The root system of the tree is in the Bubb's front yard. Although there is no evidence of roots on the Turner's property, they have recently put in new landscaping and are concerned the roots will damage their property. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Nancy Turner, 435 Irvine Avenue, addressed the Commission. She presented pictures of the site and reported that for years no one took responsibility for the tree, however, it has been determined that the tree is on City property. She reviewed her concerns that the roots invade their walkway, patio and pipes. In addition, the pine needles are a dangerous fire hazard; the tree looks diseased; and trucks hit the large branches that fall into the street. Director Niederhaus explained that the previous root cutting was, privately done and the large branches are located by the bike lane and mail boxes which prevent vehicles from encountering the branches. There is no apparent disease and he will contact the Fire Chief concerning potential fire hazard as a result of the pine needles. Director Niederhaus advised that one tree has already been removed, however, the stump remains. A compromise of removing the tree and both stumps was not ,acceptable to the Turners and Bubbs. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer who explained the City's reforestation program, Mrs. Turner stated she would not want any replacement trees. John Bubb, 439 Irvine Avenue, addressed the Commission. Reading from a prepared statement, Mr. Bubb stated that they would suffer financial hardship as a result of landscaping if the tree is removed. The tree adds value to their land and he agrees with staff that the tree is healthy and not causing public or private property damage. Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission February 4, 1997 Page 5 There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Demmer voiced her concern over setting a precedent by removing a healthy tree at a neighbor's request unless it is causing public or private damage. Commissioner Glasgow recommended retaining the tree until both parties agree upon its removal or the tree is proven to be causing substantial damage. Commissioner Dunn moved to retain the tree at 439 Irvine Avenue. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #7 - Proposed Names for the Hoag Linear Park Site Chair Schonlau presented a letter recently received recommending the site be named Tracy Ranae Hays Memorial Park. Commissioner Glasgow recommended the name chosen be one that easily and quickly identifies the park area. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Glasgow moved this item be postponed to the March meeting when the Chair of the Park and Open Space Committee can be present. Commissioner Demmer amended the motion to delete Pacific View Park from the list of proposed names. The motion, as amended, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #8 - Balboa Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee Director Kienitz reported that the two documents pertaining to the study were sent to the Commission two weeks ago. The subject was discussed last night and will be addressed, at the City Council's Study Session at 4:00 P.M. on February 10. Commissioner Dunn reported he attended last night's meeting when residents voiced their concerns bn the proposed plan. He stated he is concerned about the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission February 4, 1997 Page G recreation facilities, namely the possibility that the Las Arenas tennis courts will be removed and that Peninsula Park will become a parking lot. Upon Commissioner Glasgow's recommendation, Director Kienitz advised staff will prepare a report on usage of the tennis courts at Las Arenas Park for the Commission's review at their March meeting. Item #9 - Park and Open Space Committee Director Kienitz reported the Park and Open Space Committee meeting was canceled and will be rescheduled. Item #10 -Fee Study for Recreation and Senior Services Programs Director Kienitz explained the report provided is an attachment to the first reading of the Ordinance. The second reading of the Ordinance and the Resolution will be on the City Council's February 10 agenda. Item #11 -Subcommittee Reports Director Kienitz recommended the Budget Committee meet to review the budget information. Director Niederhaus reported the Tree Policy Committee may need to meet near the end of the month. It is anticipated that the G -1 Policy will be ready for the Commission's review at their March meeting. The Bob Henry Park Committee will meet February 28. Steve Hunt advised that the irrigation system needs to be completed and tested before the park is seeded. Commissioner Glasgow reported the Community Service Awards Committee will meet to review names for awards which will include Commissioner Demmer's suggestion of Dr. Vandersloot. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:40 P.M.