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Home My WebLink About05/05/1998 - PB&R Commission1 t • 1 1 � COMMISSION Minutes MaY5, 1998 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 1998 — 7pm CONVENED AT 7nm I. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Commissioners Absent: Pfaff 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. APPROVALOF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Beek to approve the minutes of April 7, 1998. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: Pfaff Abstain: None III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, Newport Beach, representing SPON, distributed a summary of issues discussed at a meeting on April 24 with City Manager Kevin Murphy, Director Niederhaus and other staff. Mr. Vandersloot noted that in the past there has been a history of not allowing enough time for citizens to appeal a decision made about a tree; in one case a tree was removed the very next morning. He also reiterated the criteria used in the G -1 Policy for removing a tree. Commissioner Pfaff arrived at 7:04nm Director Niederhaus noted that since this specific item was not agendized, that he could not comment. The Department has added a sign in addition to the red "X" on a tree when it is proposed for removal. IV. TREE CITY USA AWARD Jim Carter, California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, presented the Tree City USA Award to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Chairman Schonlau accepted the award on behalf of the City of Newport Beach V. CONSENT CALENDAR . 4. Senior Services 5. Tree Donation P 1 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 1998 • Page 2 Items removed from Consent Calendar 1. Correspondence — Commissioner Skoro noted that the Commission should respond to the letter from Mike Wade, AYSO, April 10, 1998. Chairman Schonlau directed staff to draft a letter for his signature. 2. Parks and Trees Division — Commissioner Skoro asked if staff would consider planting a Royal Palm in the center median of Avocado Avenue. Director Niederhaus responded that it would need to be coordinated with the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, but generally Royal Palms are not planted in medians, as they could constitute a traffic hazard. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Blvd., Newport Beach, asked when the tree on 1416 E. Balboa Blvd. was noticed. Director Niederhaus replied that this was an emergency removal, in accordance with the G -1 Policy, emergency removals do not need to be noticed. Commissioner Dunn requested that Director Niederhaus return to the practice of displaying tree removal and replacement locations. Mr. Vandersloot asked if "roto rooter" was considered before removing the ficus trees,at OASIS. is Director Niederhaus noted that staff requires a property owner to show history (at least twice) of plumbing problems before removal is considered. The tree at 1416 E. Balboa completely blocked the sewer; the sewer lateral and the roots were entangled, throughout the system. Chairman Schonlau commented that there must come a time when staff is allowed to exercise judgment on the removal of trees. Mr. Vandersloot also commented that he has been unable to ascertain the location of the replacement tree for one was that was removed in November 1997 at 1733 Candlestick Lane. Staff will provide the alternate planting location. Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing In response to a question from the Commission, Director Niederhaus replied that staff encourage property owners to replace removed trees ,on a 2 to 1 ratio, but not necessarily at the same location. 3. Recreation Services —Director Kienitz asked that a subcommittee be appointed to select names for the Bonita Canyon parks. Chairman Schonlau appointed Commissioners Beek, Dunn and Glasgow, who will serve as Chair. Senior Recreation Leader Manager Hunt distributed the Corona del Mar 5 -K brochure, for the race on June 6. 1998. • 6. Review of FY 1998/99 Draft Budget — Commissioner Skoro commented that the funded CIP projects seem to be more maintenance than improvement. He wondered if anything could be done. 3' • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 1998 Page 3 Director Kienitz noted that the supplemental budgets were not funded; but that Councilmemembers could be contacted on any items the Commissioners may personally find important. Commissioner Phillips commented that fees for non - residents should be increased. Senior Recreation Manager Hunt noted that fee increases based on the KPMG Study is in process. Commissioner Skoro stated that the Commission should strongly urge the City Council to fund reforestation at 100 %. Motion by Vice Chair Beek to accept items 1 — 6 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Special Tree Removal Request — Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission that this item had been tabled from the previous meeting. Staff has met with the homeowner who has suggested moving the drainage to the neighbor's driveway. Director Niederhaus stated that the Utilities Division concurs that the tree should be removed. Commissioner Dunn stated that he had asked Mr. ,Lomeli if a metal sleeve could be inserted to alleviate the problem. Director Niederhaus stated that the backyard is primarily concrete and has very limited drainage and that damage will still occur even if a sleeve is inserted. There has already been $1,564 worth of sidewalk damage; and tree removal is necessary to prevent further damage. This tree does not meet the criteria of the G -6 Policy as it is located too close to the driveway approach. Chairman Schonlau.onened the public hearing; Tom McAllister, 1733 Candlestick Lane, Corona del Mar, stated that he does not want the tree to be removed. He suggested the possibility that the tree could be saved if the drain lines were 'moved. Director Niederhaus stated that the homeowner is merely postponing the inevitable repeat damage. Commissioner Dunn noted that he was personally delighted that the homeowner is open to suggestions, and stated his disappointment that staff would be removing a tree solely because of future or potential damage. The tree should only be removed if and when damage occurs. JanVanderloot recommended that the Commission follow the homeowner's request of saving the tree. • Elaine Linhoff stated that the tree should be saved, and in addition a 24" box tree should be planted on the other side of the property should the tree fail. T • n U • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 1998 Page 4 Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing. Commissioner Dunn asked Director Niederhaus if any written communication had been received from the Utilities Division, stating eminent danger if the tree was retained. Director Niederhaus stated that he had received a strong verbal recommendation; but that the proximity of the utilities is supplemental information only. The grounds for removal •of the tree is the continued damage to the public sidewalk and driveway and private damage to the drain line. Commissioner Beek stated that while the Commission appreciates the recommendation by staff, the tree should be retained until it can be established that everything has been done to save the tree. Motion by Commissioner Beek to retain the special tree at 1733 Candlestick Lane. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Tree Removal Appeal — Director Niederhaus stated that staff recommends the denial of the removal of two City parkway street Lemon Gum trees located at East Coast Highway and Cameo Shores Road. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing Jan Vanderslbot concurred with staff's recommendation. Chairman Schonlau closed the public hearing Motion by Commissioner Beek to deny, the removal of two City parkway street Lemon, Gum trees located at East Coast Highway and Cameo Shores Road. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None 9. Sculpture Installation — Director Niederhaus recommended that the Commission approve the installation of a white marlin sculpture at Rhine Wharf Park to honor the late Mr. Dick Richard. He also stated that the owners of the Blue Water Grill, William Carpenter and Jim Ulikas, have offered to pay up to $300 for the costs of the installation. Staff has noticed adjacent property owners. General Services will repair the sculpture, paint it white and invite the Commission for a small dedication, upon completion. Chairman Schonlau opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed 5 • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 5, 1998 Page 5 Motion by Commissioner Phillips to approve the installation of the White Marlin Sculpture at Rhine Wharf Park and to accept the $300 donation from the Blue Water Grill. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None 12. Subcommittee Reports Parks & Open Space — Commissioner Beek reported that the Committee has met with the architect planning the Bonita and,Arroyo parks. Senior Recreation Leader Hunt•has met with Youth Organizations and has incorporated their suggestions. Public meetings will be held on May 12 and 20 at Andersen School, at which the public will have the opportunity to view the plans. Commissioner Glasgow noted that he has made a suggestion of a skate board park; meetings have been held with the Risk Manager Lauren Farley and Deputy City Attorney Dan Ohl. Director Kienitz was directed to ascertain if members of the Commission could attend these public meetings and if they should be noticed as Commission meetings. • Budget— no new information. • Annexation — no additional information. • VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Director Kienitz reminded the Commission that the Recreation and Open Space Element is on the Planning Commission agenda on Thursday, May 7. Chairman Schonlau requested that Commissioner Beek represent the Commission at the Arbor Day ceremony on Tuesday, May 12. Vlll. ADIOURNMENT - 9:05pm n SUBMITTED BY: j2A:Q� TERI CRAIG, COMMUNITY ERVICES 'EXECUTIVE SECRETARY • 0