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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes May 6, 1997 Item II CITY OF NEWPORT'BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 6,1997 - 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 I. ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Chair Schonlau welcomed newly appointed Commissioner Phillips who gave a brief background of his experience and welcomed the opportunity to serve on the Commission. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips and Schonlau were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Glasgow moved the minutes of the April 1, 1997 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau III. TREE CITY USA AWARD Linda Romero, Urban Forester of the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, addressed the Commission and presented the Tree City USA Award for the seventh consecutive year and the Tree Growth Award for the second consecutive year to the City and the Commission. The awards are presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation to agencies that excel in urban forestry and reforestation programs. 3 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page,2 IV. YOUTH BASKETBALL AWARDS Todd Alvarez, Recreation Coordinator, addressed the Commission and explained the City's youth program which includes approximately 1,000 children. The 5th and 6th grade boys team from Harbor View Elementary School won the City tournament and then the Orange County tournament in their division. They advanced to represent Orange County in the Southern California tournament. Chair Schonlau presented each athlete with a certificate and congratulated'Coach Louie Rumble. V. PUBLIC COMNIENTS Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission and explained the background of the trees on the slope of Westcliff Drive which were approved for removal due to view obstruction in 1987. Part of the job has been completed, however, he is requested removal of the three remaining trees. Director Niederhaus advised that this is a reforestation issue and cannot be addressed at this time. He recommended the matter be addressed at a later Commission meeting following consideration of the new G -1 policy. Peter Drummond, 1706 Antigua Way, addressed the Commission and requested removal of thirteen Eucalyptus trees located along Antigua to Santiago. The residents of the 24 homes in the area agree that the trees raise the sidewalks and present a hazardous situation due to falling branches. Director Niederhaus advised that this request will also need to be reviewed following implementation of the new G -1 policy. Don Long, 1712 Antigua Way, addressed the Commission and presented photos of the trees requested to be removed by Mr. Drummond. He stated they no longer serve a functional purpose and the tree in front of his home had to be maintained three times last year. 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: LI Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 3 Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau Item #1- Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during April for these two divisions. Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Bench Donation Accept one concrete bench donation from Cheryl Pasquarosa to be installed on the upper observation area at Inspiration Point. Item #5 - Bench Donation Accept one concrete bench donation from Mayor Jan Debay to be installed. at Ocean Boulevard and Iris Avenue along the bluffs in Corona del Mar. Item_ #6 - Bench.Donations Accept two 6' bench donations from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bally to be installed on the lower observation area at Lookout Point. Item # 7 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #8 - Beach Volleyball Court Application Approve installation of one beach volleyball court at 1508 Ocean Front. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Park and Tree Division In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding the new sprinkler heads being tested at Begonia and Westcliff Parks, Marcy Lomeli explained that they are being evaluated. It is ,anticipated they will result in lower water consumption. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow regarding the Leeward Lane project, Director Niederhaus reported that staff received two letters of appreciation from Leeward Lane residents and that no tree removals were necessary after root pruning. 5 ) 0 Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 4 Commissioner Demmer commended staff for their coordination with SPON in the tree planting program at Cliff Drive Park. Item #3 - Preliminary Budget - 1997 -98 Improvement Projects Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, addressed the Commission and questioned if the Street Tree Reforestation Phase IV and Bayside Drive Beautification Phase I could be resubmitted for additional funding. He pointed out that when City funds are used to beautify an area, it is an incentive for the neighborhood to participate, such as in the Irvine Terrace community. Director Kienitz explained that the preliminary budget will be transmitted to the City Council Finance Committee and then to City Council, at which time there will be opportunities for public input. Director Niederhaus suggested Mr. Skoro speak with his District's Council Member. It is possible these items could be included in the Supplemental Budget. Item #7 - Street Tree Redesignation, Tree Donation and Tree Removal Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission and stated she counted 20 Carrot Wood trees on Bayside Drive and did not observe any.sidewalk damage. She also felt that a change to Queen Palms would detract from the street scape which includes Coral trees. Director Niederhaus explained that the Carrot Wood is not an approved parkway tree and that there are only four being designated for removal between Harbor Island Drive and Jamboree Road due to significant sidewalk damage and potential future damage. The residents have offered to pay for the removals as well as four replacement trees. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve Items 1, 3 and 7 as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission May 6, 1997 Page 5 Item #9 - Gatewa y Parks Peggy Ducey, Assistant to the City Manager, addressed the Commission regarding sites at 3531 Newport Boulevard and the vacant lot across the street at Via Lido and Newport Boulevard which will be landscaped as entry and exit way parks. The City purchased the site at 3531 Newport Boulevard in March for $300,000. To date, $209,000 has been collected and donations are still forthcoming. The Orange County Sanitation District will construct a new underground pump station at this location in exchange for donating $56,000 towards landscaping. Last week preliminary landscape drawings were received and Ms. Ducey recommended the Commission'•s Park and Open Space Committee review them prior to Commission approval. Commissioner Compton advised that the next Park and Open Space Committee meeting is May 19 and another meeting will be scheduled to review the landscape plans. Item #10 - Annexation of Newport Coast Peggy Ducey, Assistant to the City Manager, addressed the Commission and reported City staff is reviewing the draft fiscal analysis which will include all service and park maintenance costs. The Finance and Legislative Committees of the City •Council'have authorized staff to begin negotiations with the County of Orange and the Fire Authority regarding revenue split. Presentations will be made to Newport Coast residents for their input. Item #11 - Tree Removal and Renlacement at Via Genoa and Via Lido Soud Director Niederhaus summarized the background of the request of the Lido Isle Community Association to remove and replace the remaining one Eucalyptus tree in conjunction with their landscape renovation project at the intersection of Via Genoa and Via Lido Soud. The replacement palm trees will be 36" boxed trees. Christina Grace addressed the Commission and explained that three Eucalyptus trees were removed due to renovation of the sewer pump station at this location, and they are concerned the remaining tree will cause damage to the system in addition to detracting from their beautification project. Ms. Grace presented landscape schematics for the site. The Association will pay for the removal of the tree and landscape maintenance. Parks, Benches and'Recrention Commission May 6,1997 Page 6 Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the Commission and questioned if the tree conforms to the guidelines for removal. Director Niederhaus advised that damage to the trunk occurred during construction and there is potential tree root damage to the vault, however, by policy the tree does not meet removal requirements and is not an immediate threat to the vault. Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the removal of the Eucalyptus tree and support the Lido Isle Community Association in their landscape beautification project. Commissioner Dunn stated that he commends the beautification project but believes the Commission needs to adhere to the G -1 policy. A precedent should not be set by removing a tree for aesthetic reasons. Commissioner Compton made a substitute motion that the Association redesign their plans to include the Eucalyptus tree. Motion fails by the following vote: Ayes: Compton, Dunn Nays: Beek, Demmer, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau Vote was taken on Commissioner Demmer's motion to approve removal. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Demmer, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau Nays: Compton, Dunn Item #12 - City Council Policy G -1 Director Niederhaus reported changes to the G -1 tree policy are an emotional issue on which the City Manager, Tree Policy Committee and various groups have spent an inordinate amount of time. The proposed policy is their best team effort; however, correspondence has been received recently suggesting changes to the proposed, policy. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 7 Yvonne Houssels, 1307 Outrigger Drive and President of the Harbor View Hills South Association, addressed the Commission and presented a letter from the Community Associations Alliance outlining their concerns and changes to the proposed policy. In summary, they feel the new policy is an improvement, however, the requirements are confusing and counter - productive in resolving the problems of view oriented communities and associations that have governing documents protecting their views. Ms. Houssels requests their revisions as submitted be incorporated into the new policy. Ed Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission. Mr. Benson passed out his comments on the proposed policy and stated it does not incorporate criteria for objectionable trees or view enhancements. In addition, it almost eliminates any consideration of views and reduces views to a low priority which is inconsistent with past,policy. Lloyd Krause, 4015 Topside Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Krause presented pictures taken at his home showing the growth of City parkway trees from 1972 to 1997 which now obstruct his view. Reading from a prepared statement, Mr. Krause felt that proper and timely pruning would delay the onset of growth and view problems. He suggested maintenance include height control and shaping. It is his hope the new policy can be revised without penalizing view oriented residents. Guy Cazort, 3501 Seabreeze Lane and Vice President of Harbor View Hills South Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Cazort stated they are not opposed to trees and their Association would be willing to plant replacement trees for those removed to complement views. Ben Stein, from the Cameo Community Association, addressed the Commission and requested parameters be included in the policy in order that the Association can trim trees at their expense. He requested the policy be revised to allow Associations to maintain City parkway trees to accommodate views in compliance with City standards. Tess Lier, 4709 Dorchester Road and President of Cameo Shores and Cameo Highlands Community Association, addressed the Commission. Ms. Lier presented a picture of the tree in front of her home which obstructs her neighbors' views since the City is no longer topping trees. She stated she supports the policy of removal and replacement,, however, she objects to the reforestation policy which 1 10 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page she feels is cumbersome and bureaucratic. She supports the past view policy and requests the changes suggested by the Associations be implemented so that views are not impaired. Debra Allen, 1021 White Sails and a member of the Harbor View Hills Community Association, addressed the Commission. Ms. Allen recommended the new policy include additional language to allow Boards of Directors and Community Associations to govern street trees in their communities. She pointed out there is a big distinction between Associations with view protections as documented in their CC &R's and the rest of the City. Their CC &R's state landscaping shall be maintained to roof height. If City trees block views, then they cannot enforce their CC &R's. Ms. Allen pointed out the City has a Site Plane Ordinance which restricts the height of buildings and landscaping in one -third of Newport Center in order to protect views in their neighborhood, however, City trees are allowed to block their views. She requests the policy be changed to allow their Boards to retain the integrity of their CC &R's. Dr. Jan Vandersfoot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the Commission on behalf of SPON and himself. Reading from his letter addressed to the Commission, he voiced their concerns regarding proper tree removal notification and an adequate appeals structure. He recommended trees proposed for removal be marked for at least 30 days and that notice be provided to interested groups and citizens who submit a request to the General Services Director. He also recommended the Preservation of Special Trees list, particularly Neighborhood Trees, currently listed in the policy be included in the new policy under Special Trees; that guidelines for Tree City USA be followed; and that root pruning be planned to ensure it will not destabilize or kill a tree. The basic principle is that City trees belong to the City at large and that all citizens should be able to provide input when trees are slated for removal. Director Niederhaus advised that the Neighborhood Tree list in the current G -1 policy does not meet the criteria for Special Trees. Additionally, the Tree City USA guidelines specify that the City has an option to either have a citizens Tree Committee or an Urban Forester, or both. Commissioner Beek apologized that she had to leave the meeting but stated she wanted to point out that the new G -1 policy is more lenient in regard to reasons for Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 9 removal and replacement. Associations can now request removal for view purposes throughthe reforestation criteria. Commissioner Beek left the meeting at 9:10 P.M. Jeanne Wanlass, 1700 Candlestick Lane, addressed the Commission and reported she did not receive a notice of this meeting. She stated her block has no views, however, the trees form a beautiful street scape and the sidewalks have not been damaged since 1982. She requests the Eucalyptus trees under Neighborhood Trees be added to the list of Special Trees. Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, addressed the Commission and reported various interested parties were not notified of the meeting. She requests the Neighborhood Trees be added to the Special Tree list due to their beauty and value. Mrs. H'erberts pointed out that trees belong to all the citizens and the City would lose half of them if they were removed for view obstruction. Director Niederhaus advised that Associations and involved parties were notified and that notification will be expanded to include those present. The proposed G -1 policy states that requests for reforestation must be reviewed by this Commission. Doug Campbell, 2901 Ebbtide Road and a Board Member of the Harbor View Hills Community_ Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Campbell stated he feels the main concern should be retaining all trees, selective trimming and replacement of all'trees. He supports the recommendations of the Associations since views are important to the City. He feels the City, needs definite standards for trimming and community options for Associations that can take care of their own needs, particularly if they pay the bill. Additionally, he feels that past decisions on selecting trees were made in error and this needs to be addressed. Director Niederhaus advised that the City adheres to the strict and rigid international arborist trimming standards. Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission. She stated she is concerned that a tree could be removed with notification only given to the adjacent property owners. She recommends a citizens advisory tree committee be established in the new policy to review tree removals. Dick Marowitz, 2719 Setting Sun Drive and a member of the Tree Committee of Harbor View Hills Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 10 Marowitz stated he felt Item c in the new policy is too onerous and unnecessary. He recommends notification be limited to the Board and affected homeowners within a view situation. He suggested no vote be taken tonight and that the Associations, Tree Subommittee and staff meet to implement a view protection policy. Commissioner Compton pointed out that as a result of the Commission's past experience on tree removals, it is important that the entire community is apprised of what is happening in their neighborhood. Philip Arst, 2601 Lighthouse Lane, Chair of the Community Associations Alliance and President of the Broadmoor Community Association, addressed the Commission. He stated they believe they are the best maintained district in the City and the City trees are unkempt, impact their view plane and do not fit in with their landscaping. Recognizing that different areas have different requirements, Mr. Arst recommends the ruling for Associations be deleted and that they be allowed to follow their own procedures. Irene Black addressed the Commission and complimented the Commission on trying to balance the various interest groups. Ms, Black recommends the new policy allow more notice for appeal purposes and input. Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, addressed the Commission. Mr. Skoro reported that Irvine Terrace is a view community which has height restrictions on trees and structures. He requested the vote on the G -1 policy be postponed and that the new policy incorporate consideration. of view protection. Jon Robertson, 2509 Harbor View Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Robertson felt that the new policy is confusing and that there is a need to protect views. Different areas of the City should be recognized and trees,ranked in terms of what the residents want. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion Commissioner Glasgow stated he felt the policy needs more flexibility regarding view clarification and CC &R requirements. �L 1� Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 11 Director Niederhaus recommended the interested parties, meet with staff to review, the recommendations submitted and transmit a revised policy to the Commission at their June meeting. Commissioner Glasgow moved that this item be postponed to the June meeting in an effort to incorporate the suggestions made and accommodate the different parts of the City. Commissioner Compton recommended that "homes that are impacted" be added to the notification process and that the list of Special Trees be.reviewed. Director Niederhaus advised that recommendations will be transmitted to the City Manager and reviewed by the Tree Subcommittee. A draft of the new policy will be submitted for the Commission's consideration at their June meeting. Vote-was taken on Commissioner Glasgow's motion to postpone the G -1 policy to the June meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau Item #13 - Proposed Names for the Hoag Linear Park Site Commissioner Compton moved the first choice be Sunset View Park and the second choice be Ocean View Park. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau Item #14 - Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Demmer reported the committee met with the consultant regarding the status of the Recreation and Open Space Element. Projected usage of open space was also discussed. The next meeting with the consultant is May 19. Item #15 - Subcommittee Reports Director Kienitz reported the dedication ceremony for Bob Henry Park has been rescheduled for August 17. Commissioner Glasgow presented a list of nominees for the Community Service Awards. I `l Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission May 6,1997 Page 12 Following discussion, Commissioner Glasgow moved to nominate the Skinner Family for their efforts on water quality in the harbor; Art Gronsky, past president of the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum; and Betty Moses for her efforts on the dolphin topiary project in Corona del Mar. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, .Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:42 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted April 29, 1997 at 4:30 P.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.