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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes July 1, 1997 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 1, 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, Recreation Division 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, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips and Schonlau were present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Demmer moved that the minutes of the June 3,1997 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Compton, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau In recognition of their dedication to the Commission and the community since 1989, Chair Schonlau presented both Commissioner Compton and Commissioner Demmer with a plaque. The Community Services Department presented gifts in honor of their outstanding service and the Fire and Marine Department issued them certificates for a Ride -A -Long on the beach. The departing Commissioners expressed their thanks for the opportunity to serve the City and thanked staff for their professional support. III. SEATING OF NEW COMMISSIONERS Newly appointed Commissioners Pfaff and Skoro were seated. They each gave a brief background of their experience and stated they are looking forward to serving on the Commission. IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 3 Parkd, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 1, 1997 Page 2 Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to nominations for Chair. Commissioner Beek nominated Commissioner Glasgow. Commissioner Phillips nominated Commissioner Schonlau. The nomination for Commissioner Schonlau carried by the following vote: Ayes: Dunn, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Nays: Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Glasgow nominated Commissioner Beek. The nomination carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro V. PUBLIC COMMENTS Cathy Michaels, Chair of the City Arts Commission, addressed the Commission. Ms. Michaels stated that the Arts Commission should have been consulted on the selection of benches at Inspiration Point since this is an Art in Public Places project. Pat Brubaker, City Arts Commissioner, addressed the Commission and gave a brief background on the Art in Public Places project and pointed out that bench selections need to be part of the process. She feels that the benches at Inspiration Point have become a "hodge podge " and have ruined the intent of the art project. Commissioner Glasgow advised that their input was taken into consideration when the bench decisions were made. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Skoro moved that the following items be approved except for those removed'. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Item #1- Removed from Consent'Calendar Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Accept report of Park and Tree Division activities during,June and the upcoming projects in July. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 1, 1997 Page 3 Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #5 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1- Communication Commissioner Glasgow reported that John and Nancy Skinner, Art Gronsky and Bette Moses were most appreciative of receiving the Commission's Community Service Award at the City Council meeting. He recommended the same process be followed in the future. Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services Steve Hunt introduced Marilyn Fisher, the new Recreation Manager in charge of aquatics, youth sports and special events. Mr. Hunt reported that Todd Alvarez, Recreation Coordinator, will be leaving July 11 and it is anticipated the two vacant Recreation Coordinator positions will be filled in early August. Director Kienitz reported the lease for the Lincoln Athletic Center was approved by the Newport -Mesa Unified School District Board on June 24. It has been reviewed three times by the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Committee and will be reviewed by'the City Council's Finance Committee before being transmitted to the City Council. Steve Hunt invited the Commissioners to the annual 4th of July celebration at Mariners Park on Friday. It is an outstanding community event enjoyed by all. Item #4 - Bench Donation In response to a question from Commissioner Dunn, Director Niederhaus explained the City Council's policy concerning donations and the bench selection process which requires this Commissions approval. This is the sixth donated bench at Inspiration Point and the second donation from Ms. Jacobs. The former teak benches were heavily damaged and in an unsafe condition. Director Kienitz explained that Inspiration Point is a joint art project with the City Arts Commission and they are concerned that they were not part of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 1, 1997 Page 4 bench selection process. She recommended the Commission consider establishing an ad hoc committee with the Arts Commission to review donations at this site. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve staff's recommendation accepting one concrete bench donation from Lois Jacobs that will be installed at the lower observation area of Inspiration Point. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonl'au, Skoro Chair Schonlau directed staff to draft a letter from the Commission to the Arts Commission addressing their concerns. Item #5 - Change of Designated Street Tree Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 222116th Street, addressed the Commission in support of retaining the Jacaranda as the designated street tree on the east side of Dover Drive between Westcliff and 16th Street. In addition to providing brilliant blue blossoms in the - spring, the tree adds to the beauty of the tree scape and does not present a liability. Dr. Vandersloot recommended that the homeowners association responsible for the area be contacted and citizen input received prior to making a decision. Don Webb, Public Works Director, addressed the Commission, Mr. Webb explained the reasons why the Public Works Department initiated the change of designated street tree at this location. The major reason is that the broad canopy provided by the Jacaranda could cause liability problems for a major street. Mr. Webb passed out comments by the landscape architect and presented pictures of the site. He explained that the proposed Red -Cap Gum, an upright tree more appropriate for a 4 foot parkway, will complement the neighborhood and not create a liability. Following questions by the Commission, Commissioner Skoro recommended the Commission postpone their decision until alternative trees can be reviewed. Commissioner Glasgow moved to accept staff's recommendation that the designated street tree for the east side of Dover Drive between Westcliff and 16th Street be changed from Jacaranda to Red -Cap Gum. Commissioner Dunn made a substitute motion to retain the Jacaranda as the designated street tree. Motion failed by the following vote: I ParkA, Beaches and Recreation Commission July 1,1997 Page 5 Ayes: Dunn, Phillips, Skoro Nays: Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff, Schonlau Vote was taken on the original motion by Commissioner Glasgow to change the designated street tree. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff, Schonlau Nays: Dunn, Phillips, Skoro Commissioner Dunn moved to approve Items #1 and #3. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Item #6 - Recreation Division Slide Show Marilyn Fisher, Recreation Manager, presented a slide show developed by staff showing the wide variety of activities, programs, events, and services provided by the Recreation Division. Commissioner Glasgow commended staff and recommended additional activities be added including statistics showing the number of participants, increases in use and participants, etc. Item #7 - Tree Removal Appeal In response to a question'from Dr. Vandersloot, Director Niederhaus explained that staffs recommendation is to retain the trees. Dr. Vandersloot concurred. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve staff's recommendation to retain the three Eucalyptus trees at 2218 Holiday Road. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Item #8 - Tree Removal Appeal Ron Balgie, 2228 Holiday Road, addressed the Commission. Mr. Balgie requested that at least 2 of the 4 Eucalyptus trees be removed due to crow droppings and roots interfering with his sewer lines. Parks, Beaches-and Recreation Commission July 1, 1997 Page 6 Dr. Jan Vandersloot addressed the Commission and stated that bird droppings and litter are not criteria for removing trees. He requested the trees be retained. Commissioner Skoro moved to approve staff's recommendation that the four Eucalyptus trees at 2228 Holiday Road be retained. Commissioner Glasgow advised Mr. Balgie to document and then contact the General Services Department regarding his plumbing bills. Commissioner Skoro's motion to retain the trees carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Item #9 - Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Beek reported the committee met June 19 to review the draft of the Recreation and Open Space Element. The next meeting is July 3 and it is hoped the revised draft can be reviewed by the Commission at their August meeting. Item #10 - Subcommittees Director Kienitz reported that-almost $5,000 in donations has been received for the opening of Bob Henry Park. In addition, the Arches Restaurant is donating all the food for the event. The following committee assignments were made: Budget Committee - Dunn, Phillips, Skoro Community Services Awards Committee - Dunn, Phillips, Skoro Park and Open Space Committee - Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff Opening of Bob Henry Park - Beek, Pfaff, Schonlau Annexation Committee - Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff Commissioner Phillips invited the Commissioners to a benefit concert for Amanda Arthur on July 10 at the Newport Beach Country Club. VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None 1 >> 1 Park6, Beaches and Recreation Commission Tuly 1, 1997 IX. ADTOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:00 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted June 25 at 9:00 A.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.