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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/07/1998 - PB&R Commission" 11 k1- Ok COMMISSION Minutes A pri17, 1998 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ( 1 Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 — 7pm CONVENED AT 7:02am I. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Schonlau, Skoro Commissioners Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Steve Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Executive Secretary II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Dunn to approve the minutes of March 3, 1998 as amended. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None I Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None I Il. 'PUBLIC COMMENTS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Corresnondence —The following letters were acknowledged: To: Mayor and City Council, February 26, 1998 Mayor and City Council, March 6, 1998 4. Senior Services 5. Tree Donation 6. Tree Donation 7. Bench Donation Items removed from Consent Calendar 2. Parks and Trees Division — Director Niederhaus requested that the following be added to the report under Trees Division Activities — Item 4: e. OASIS Senior Center —Remove one to three Ficus trees due to property damage. Commissioner Dunn asked if these trees were located in the courtyard; it was affirmed that they were. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 Page 2 f 3. Recreation Services — Commissioner Skoro questioned whether staff had alerted homeowners regarding the Annual Newport International Men's Water Polo Tournament from June 17 -21 at the Marion Bergeson Aquatic Center, because of past problems with whistle blowing, etc. Senior Recreation Manager Hunt noted that this is an annual event and staff is in the process of notifying the appropriate homeowner associations. Chair Schonlau opened the public hearine Robert Babbe, 2339 Aralia Street, also President of the Eastbluff Homeowners Association, stated that to his knowledge they had not been alerted. Senior Recreation Manager Hunt stated that this application is in the approval process and that notification would be made to the homeowners associations; he also stated the hours of the tournament. Chair Schonlau closed the public hearin Commissioner Skoro requested an additional information regarding letter from Carol Fallon to Councilmember Thomson, regarding the impact of recreational programs at the Lincoln Athletic Center. Director Kienitz stated that staff is setting up a meeting with the parties in the Lincoln area. A date has not yet been confirmed. I Motion by Vice Chair Beek to accept items 1 — 7 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None V. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Tree Removal Appeal — Director Niederhaus stated that there is no significant public or private damage that would justify the removal of the tree. Staff recommends retention of the Brazilian Pepper. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing, Tom Hargraves, 2233 Aralia, reminded the Commission that the sidewalk has had to'be replaced twice in eight years, and will continue to be a problem. There are "sucker roots" surrounding the tree that are 2 feet tall, and he would like to know if they could be removed. Director Niederhaus stated that there are exposed tree roots in the parkway. He does not consider them to be a trip and fall hazard. Staff could remove some of those tree roots starting about 3 feet from the tree, but reminded Commission that this would be very costly process and may kill the tree. Staff has offered to root prune on the sidewalk side, but does not feel that there will be any private damage caused by this tree. The "sucker shoots" will be removed by the City. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 Page 3 1 I Mr. Hargraves presented pictures of the tree located on his property and another of the same type and stated that they were the same age and in the same area. Mr. Hargraves stated that if the Commission were not willing, to remove the tree would at least like the roots to be trimmed back. Director Niederhaus stated that the "sucker" growth would be removed. Chair Schonlau asked if he would be willing to pay the costs of removal and replacement. Mr. Hargraves assented. Chair Schonlau closed the public hearing. Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission that this tree does not meet the G -1 Policy for removal and restated that the tree cannot be removed without Council authority. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to retain one City parkway street Brazilian Pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) located at 2233 Aralia Street. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None I } Chairman Schonlau reminded Mr. Hargraves that if he would like root pruning done to the tree to contact General Services. 9. Tree Removal — Director Niederhaus stated that this tree should be removed and replaced with a Carrotwood tree because it is three feet from, a fire hydrant, adjacent to multiple utilities, and causing public and •private damage. Letters have been received 'from neighbors requesting that it not be removed. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing James McGaugh, 2327 Aralia, stated that he has lived at this address for 34 years. This particular tree is immediately across the street from his home. He stated that it is their view and to replant it somewhere else would detract from the neighborhood. Commissioner Beek asked Mr. McGaugh how he would feel that by retaining the tree, it would hinder the Fire Department in the event of a fire. Mr. McGaugh stated that if the tree is being removed because of the location to the fire hydrant, then all trees in Eastbluff that are near a fire hydrant should be checked. There are no single cracks in the sidewalks. Director Niederhaus stated the location of the tree adjacent to the fire hydrant is only supplemental information. This tree meets the criteria of public (sidewalk) and ,private (planter) damage, and has sustained storm damage. Mr. McGaugh does not feel that this is a diseased tree and requested again to retain the tree. I Robert Babbe, 2339 Aralia, stated that this tree and fire hydrant have coexisted for 35 years. He also stated that the problems of the tree could have resulted from the current pruning policy. He suggested that the Commission revise the pruning policy. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 Page 4 Chris Ondell, 2328 Aralia, reiterated that the tree on his property should be removed, because of the threat to the services in the area. Iryne Black, 1646 Irvine Avenue, Costa Mesa, noted her concern about the application of the G -1 Policy in this instance as it states that the criteria for removing a tree is repeated damage. Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing Commissioner Dunn questioned' Director Niederhaus on the history that has determined that this tree must be removed, besides potential liability. Director Niederhaus stated that the tree trunk is too large for its space and has caused significant private damage; he restated the City liability for costs incurred. Director Niederhaus also noted that neither of the two other adjacent homeowners has commented about the removal after being noticed. Chairman Schonlau stated that the potential damage is not as high as the potential infrastructure damage and potential safety hazard. He stated that according to staff there is decay in the tree; this is an obvious case where staff has correctly identified that this tree should be removed. Motion by Commissioner Schonlau to remove one City parkway street Brazilian Pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) located at 2328 Aralia,Street. Substitute motion by Commissioner Dunn to defer this issue for 6 months. Director Niederhaus reminder the Commission that the Department has limited resources, and could ill afford to pay a $1,000 claim and the City would be obligated to do so. He reiterated that staff strongly recommends the removal of this tree due to public and private damage. Substitute motion fails by the following vote: Ayes: Dunn, Skoro Noes: Beek, Pfaff, Schonlau Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None Original motion carries by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Pfaff, Schonlau Noes: Dunn, Skoro Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None 10. Special Tree Removal Request — Director Niederhaus noted that Attachment A to the attached G -1 policy was outdated, but the correct attachment was available if needed. Root pruning had been done to this tree, but continued pruning could cause the tree to topple. He also stated that there has been damage to the sidewalk and driveway, and that the tree removal will reduce the chance of flooding in the rear of the homeowner's property. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 Page 5 Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing Dean Reineman, 1877 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, stated his concern, as this tree is a special tree, he suggested using copper sulfate in the homeowner's drain, which might alleviate any future flooding. Director Niederhaus stated that drainage is a City responsibility. Copper sulfate is routinely used for septic tanks in rural areas, but should not be used by our citizens. The tree would need to be pruned on the other two sides, significantly at the base; and there is potential damage to sidewalk, curb, gutter, and driveway approach. Iryne Black, 1646 Irvine Avenue, also stated her concern about removing a special tree. Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing Director Niederhaus noted that staff would like to retain this tree, but it must be replaced, and because of age, in excess of 30 years of age, it could not be replanted. Motion by Commissioner Dunn to delay action for 30 days until discussion can be held with City Attorney with regards to liability and having homeowner McAllister attend meeting to describe damage. Director Niederhaus stated that staff has no restated that there is no question that City public facilities such as the tree in question. Motion carries by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Skoro Noes: Schonlau Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None problem delaying the decision for 30 days; but is liable if private drainage is interrupted by 11. Change of Designated Street Tree — Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission of the past incident wherein an unauthorized removal of trees on Windward Lane occurred. Mr. Muto polled his neighborhood and has requested that the designated tree be changed to the Australian Willow and Mr. Muto will accept the total costs of the tree planting. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing. Carol Garrett, 2421 Windward Lane, commended staff on making this replacement such a pleasant experience. Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing. Motion by Commissioner Beek to change the designated City parkway street tree on Windward Lane from the Brazilian Pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) to the Australian Willow Tree (Geijera parviflora). Motion carries by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Pfaff, Schonlau. Skoro Noes: None t; ) Absent: Glasgow, Phillips Abstain: None Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 7, 1998 Page 6 12. Subcommittee Reports a. Parks & Ooen Space — Commissioner Beek noted that the next meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 4pm. An updated plan has been received from Carol Hoffman of The Irvine Company, The Open Space Element will be on the April 23 Planning Commission agenda. b. Budget — Commissioner Skoro reported on the meeting with the City Manager. Director Niederhaus stated that preliminary FY 1998/99 budget proposals should be available on May 1, and that there is a possible shortfall of funding for Capital Improvement Projects. Commission asked staff to report back with a comparison sheet of what budget items were submitted and what was approved. c. Annexation — Commission Beek stated that there no report. IV. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chairman Schonlau noted that the following items would be on the May agenda: • Special Tree Removal Request • FY 1998/99 Budget and CIP Projects • Blue Water Grill • Tree City USA and Growth Award I ) V. ADIOURNMENT -9:05 SUBMITTED BY: � It �P TERI CRAIG, COMMUNITY SERVICE9 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY