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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes August 5,,19-97 Item II 1 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting August 5,1997 - 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. troll call was taken. Commissioners Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Schonlau and Skoro were present. IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Skoro moved that the minutes of the July 1, 1997 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Schonlau, Skoro III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Riki Kucheck, Chair of the City Arts Commission, addressed the Commission. Reading from.a prepared statement, Ms. Kucheck gave a brief background on Inspiration Point and stated this site is an Art in Public Places program and not an exclusive province of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. She asked that Inspiration Point be treated as it always has been, which is an Art in Public Places project. She urged the two Commissions to work together through a joint committee to make recommendations needed for the site. Commissioner Phillips arrived at 7:07 P.M., IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Removed from Consent Calendar r. J f~i Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 5,1997 Page 2 Item #1- Park and Tree Division Commissioner Dunn stated that while reviewing the hardscape damage on Candlestick Lane, he was approached by residents at 1700,1707 and 1721 who requested the trees be retained. Director Niederhaus explained that in accordance with the new G -1 Policy, the trees on Candlestick are on the protected tree list and that a 30 day notice must be posted for all potential tree removals. He acknowledged that some of the sidewalk repair cannot be completed without tree work which is anticipated to start in September. In response to a question from Commissioner Beek concerning the Tree Division Activities, Director Niederhaus reported Monterey Pines in Corona del Mar are dying from a fungus for which there is no cure. Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services Steve Hunt presented a report on the City's tennis court locations, scheduled lessons and revenue. Also attached is a report'from Peggy Ducey to the City Council Finance Committee regarding the use of the 10 acres between 15th and 19f Streets north of Balboa Boulevard which includes the Las Arenas tennis courts. There are seven recommendations, four of which are listed, that will be transmitted to the City Council for their review on August 25. Director Kienitz suggested the Commissioners may want to attend the meeting since the Las Arenas courts are heavily used. Revenue from tennis lessons generates $65,000 /year, 20% of which is from the Las Arenas courts. Commissioner Glasgow suggested an alternate site, such as San Joaquin Hills tennis courts, be researched for night lighting. Steve Hunt reported the two new Recreation Coordinators will start August 18 and be introduced to the Commission at their next meeting. The recently vacated position of Recreation Manager should be filled by the middle of October. At Chair Schonlau's suggestion, staff will draft a letter expressing the Commission s appreciation to Sue Stein, Recreation Manager, who left the City on July 25. Commissioner Phillips moved to accept Items #1 and #2. The motion carried by the following vote: z` Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 5, 1997 Paee 3 Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #3 - Gateway Peggy Ducey, Assistant to the City Manager, addressed the Commission and presented the preliminary design for-the Gateway Park adjacent to Baskin - Robbins at the entrance to the Peninsula. She explained the background and funding for the project, which was initiated by Jim Thompson. The purchase price was $300,000 and $225,000 has been raised by donations. In addition, due to the need to relocate the pump station, the Sanitary District is providing $60,000 for landscaping. The site will be a passive park with no walking trails and is intended to be a visual welcoming statement to the Peninsula. Ms. Ducey clarified the proposed location of the Bottle Trees, Date Palm, plant material, donor wall and plaque. During discussion, Commissioner Skoro suggested soft lighting be used and Ms. Ducey agreed this was a good idea. Commissioner Dunn spoke of the need for a railing and Ms. Ducey concurred that this will be pursued to prevent skateboarding, etc. Following Commission approval of the design concept, Public Works will start the specs, followed by City Council review. It is anticipated construction will start by January 1998. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the design concept and research the idea of soft lighting. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro In response to Commissioner BeeV s suggestion, Ms. Ducey will provide a status report on the project at the Commissions September meeting. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 5, 1997 Page 4 Item #4 - Recreation and Open Space Element Director Kienitz reported the Park and Open Space Committee has been working on the Element for over two years and that the consultant, Larry Lawrence, will be introduced at the September meeting. Patty Temple, Planning Director, addressed the Commission and gave a background on the General Plan and the Recreation and Open Space Element, whichwas last updated in 1985. She advised the Commission to take their time reviewing the Element, which is the physical infrastructure needed to support the recreation and open space needs of the City. The Commission's recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council. Ms. Temple then explained the elements of the California Government Code and the uses and benefits of the Element. She would be pleased to meet with the individual Commissioners should they need further information. Commissioner Beek reported the revised Element is a working document incorporating the community's interests and utilization of future open space. 1 Chapters 1, 2 and 3 will be reviewed at the September meeting and Chapter 4 and the Maps at the October meeting. In response to a question from Commissioner Skoro, Director Kienitz clarified the three surveys that were combined. She will request that the consultant also clarify them in his report. Item #5 - Harbor View Community Association Swimming Pool Director Niederhaus gave an overview of the Harbor View Community Associations request to expand their pool and deck area by 6,000 s.f. into Buffalo Hills Park. The request is based on the significant increase of participants in their swim program and safety factors. At their request, staff prepared a list of amenities for the adjacent Buffalo Hills Park area which will be provided at the Associations expense. All homeowners are members of the Association and have been noticed. The two problem areas are the possibility of a reversion clause that necessitates a title search. If the proposal is approved in concept by the Commission, it will be transmitted to the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Committee for their review. to Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 5, 1997 Page 5 Commissioner Phillips recommended the City retain the property and grant an easement to the Association. Director Niederhaus agreed that this is another option that can be explored. Commissioner Glasgow pointed out that there is a great shortage of aquatic facilities and that the Association pool has become a backup to the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center. Not only is the expansion consistent with the Recreation and Open Space Element, but the Association would also be improving the soccer and ball fields. Commissioner Glasgow stated he feels this is an improved utilization of a City park. Director Kienitz recommended the Park and Open Space Committee review the request in order to provide time for staff research and a full understanding of all the issues. The Community Services Department has not reviewed the project. Chair Sehortlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Patrick Digiacomo,1701 Port Sheffield Place and President of the Harbor View Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Digiacomo stated the current pool is inadequate due to the increase in the number of participants from 50 to 275 and that the deck is not safe. They have been planning, this project for four years and have raised over $115,000 from 125 families. He further stated it was his opinion the Association would accept an encroachment offer in order to expand their pool and deck area. Mike Daley, 1921 Port Weybridge and President of the Harbor View Swim Team, addressed the Commission. Mr. Dailey spoke in support of the swim program which transcends ages and sexes; it also provides a mecca for the community and lifelong friendships. He pointed out the sand volleyball court, which is proposed to be deleted, is rarely used and the community pool is open to everyone. Ted Bandaruk, 1830 Port.Barmouth, addressed the Commission. Mn Bandaruk coaches Junior Water Polo, Newport Aquatics Club and Harbor View Swim Team. Mr. Bandaruk reviewed the history of the Harbor High and Corona del Mar pools. As a result of the tremendous growth of aquatics, the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center can no longer handle all the swimmers who want to participate. Parks, Beaches and Recreation commission August 5,1997 Pie 6 Carl Collier, 1912 Port Weybridge, addressed the Commission and spoke of the value the community pool serves in addition to developing leaders and providing participation in group activities. Bob Wynn addressed the Commission in response to Commissioner Skoro's financial concerns. He pointed out the Scout House facility is leased by the City for $1 /year and that the Boys and Girls Club in Eastbluff is available at no cost due to the value assigned to facilities benefiting the community and providing recreation. He urged the pool expansion be approved. Patrick Digiacomo addressed the Commission and stated the opportunity to expand is timely, funds are in place, and'they would like to start construction in October. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion Commissioner Dunn stated he supports the concept but 1 ) questions setting a precedent by turning public property over to an Association. Director Kienitz reported the Recreation Division would like to provide input on the park's amenities and therefore recommends the matter be referred to the Park and Open Space Committee. Commissioner Beek reported there is no need for the concept to go to committee since the volleyball area is rarely used, the project won't infringe on the fields, and this is a good opportunity for the children and the area. Conunissioners Glasgow and Pfaff concurred. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the concept of the Harbor View Community Association expanding their pool and deck area into Buffalo Hills Park; that the Park and Open Space Committee meet with staff to determine the park amenities; and that staff determine the best method to transfer the property before taking the matter to the Harbor, Beaches and Parks Committee. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro r, l r1 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission August 5,1997 Item #6 - Request for Site for Marlin Sculpture Director Kienitz distributed a letter from Jennie Richard to the City dated February 15,1992 which was included in the City Council's agenda under Correspondence. No action was taken. The marlin sculpture is currently stored at the City Yard and the Richard family has requested it be displayed in the City. Director Niederhaus advised that the sculpture is made of concrete and in need of repair. It should beat least 8' off the ground due to the sharp point and as a means of avoiding vandalism. He recommended the Nautical Museum as a location for the sculpture and offered'to assist in repairs and relocation. Commissioner Pfaff recommended the sculpture be donated to a private sector if a public location cannot be secured. At Chair'Schonlau s suggestion, a committee was formed consisting of Commissioners Dunn, Phillips and Skoro to research sites and report back at the September meeting. In the meantime, Commissioner Glasgow will contact the Nautical Museum. Item #7 - Park and Open Space Committee - No report. Item #8 - Subcommittees Director Niederhaus gave an update on the turf aeration at Bob Henry Park. Signage will be implemented next week and the temporary fence will be removed August 16. Members of the Dedication Committee will meet at the park on August 15. Commissioner Beek referred to the City Council meeting during which time Policy G -1 was reviewed and approved. She stated she was disappointed that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was not recognized for all their work and input on the policy. At Chair Schonlau s suggestion, a Community Liaison Committee was formed consisting of Commissioners Beek, Skoro and Phillips. They will serve on an as needed basis to OASIS, School District, etc. Commissioner Phillips left the meeting at 9:10 P.M. (—,\i Parks, Beaches and'Recreation Commission August 5, 1997 Page 8 VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None VII. ADTOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:20 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted July 29 at 4:00 P.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.