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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/1998 - PB&R CommissionIM090t] COMMISSION Minutes December l,'1998 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 1, 1998— 7pm CONVENED AT 7pm I. ROLL CALL Present: Beek, Franklin, Glasgow, Pfaff, Sinclair, Skoro, Tobin Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David Niederhaus, General Services Director Steve Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Executive Secretary II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 3, 1998. Motion carried by acclamation. 111. PUBLIC COMMENTS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR • 4. Senior Services Items removed from Consent Calendar 1. Correspondence — Correspondence acknowledged from Jim McGee, November 3, 1998; John French, November 10, 1998, Jim and Wendy Erickson, November 16 and November 19, 1998; Travis Grant, November 17, 1998; and to Jim & Wendy Erickson, November 19, 1998. Correspondence added from Jan Vandersloot, representing SPON, December 1, 1998, requesting the Commission to follow through with their motion of July 7, 1998 and forward a letter to City Council stating that the land behind the library should remain open space 2. Park and Tree Division - Director Niederhaus reported that because of the prediction of rain and several flooding complaints from residents, temporary beach berms have been erected. To date there has been one complaint, and after assuring the resident that the berms were only temporary, the resident withdrew his complaint. Director Niederhaus stated that he has received information that the Cameo Shores Association had inadvertently approved the illegal tree trimming of City parkway trees on Milford Drive. Staff will investigate. 3. Recreation Services — Senior Recreation Manager Hunt stated that the Youth Sports Commission meeting has been •rescheduled to December 3, and reminded the Commission about the winter wonderland on December 12 from 10am -1 pm at Grant Howald Park. • 5. Bench Donation — Director Niederhaus introduced Linda Wenger, the donor, to the Commission. The Commission thanked•Ms. Wenger for'her donation of the bench. • r 1 U Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 1, 1998 Page 2 6. Tree Donation — Director Niederhaus introduced Lynda Badham, Troop Leader and representative of the donor, Brownie Girl Scout Troop 2072. Ms. Badham invited the Commission to the tree planting on Saturday, December 5. The Commission asked Ms. Badham to relay their thanks to the Brownie Girl Scout troop. Motion by Commissioner Glasgow to accept items 1 — 6 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Franklin, Glasgow, Pfaff, Sinclair, Skoro, Tobin Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None V. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Review of FY 1999/00 Capital Improvement Projects — Director Kienitz stated that Senior Managers Hunt and Jardine -Haug were available to answer any questions regarding CIP projects for recreation or senior services. Commissioner Skoro stated that that the amount listed for Bonita Canyon should be higher. Director Kienitz stated that this item could be on the agenda again in January after more information is received. She also reminded the Commission that this report is just preliminary. Trustee Skoro asked if the schedule for the budget hearings would be the same as last year. Director Kienitz stated that she expected them to be the same. Director Niederhaus stated that the requests for Capital Improvements Projects are a reflection of what is realistically felt that the department will receive due to limited funding other than what the General Services Department actually needs. Commissioner Skoro stated that it is important that the Budget Committee meets and is present at the budget meetings to support staff. Director Niederhaus reviewed the Parks Division preliminary CIP proposal. He stated that none of the items proposed included athletic field improvement funding. 8. Bonita Canyon Park — Chair Beek stated that an architect from the School District is reviewing the present plans of the park. Staff hopes to have an answer within two weeks regarding where the District would' build a school if it were needed within the 10 year period. 9. Santiago Drive Parkway Street Tree Redesignation — Director Niederhaus stated that staff had contacted Mr. Welsh regarding the illegal planting of two Bradford. Pear trees in front of 2130 Santiago Drive and informing him that they would be removed at his expense and replanted at Mariners Park. The designated street tree for Santiago Drive is the Magnolia. Chair Beek opened the public hearing, • Chris Welsh, 2130 Santiago Drive, stated that petition for redeisgnation of the parkway tree to planted the two Bradford Pear trees, he had no are many of that type on Santiago. he has had four of his neighbors sign the the Bradford Pear. He stated that when he idea that there would be a problem as there • U Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 1, 1998 Page 3 Commissioner Pfaff suggested that the trees be removed from the median and moved to Mr. Welsh's property. Mr. Welsh stated that the reason that the trees were planted in the current location is that it curbed the glare of the lights from cars coming down the street. Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission that only one tree can be planted in the parkway due to Council policy and the location would have to be in the center of the lot and not at the corner. He felt that if the Commission were to approve the retention of the ,pear tree, it would be against Council policy and pose a liability to the City. Mr. Welsh stated that he had already removed ficus trees at his own expense. Chair Beek closed the public hearing. Commissioner Skoro stated that he.felt the Commission was trying to meet the homeowner halfway and suggested that Mr. Welsh canvass his neighborhood to change the designated tree. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to deny the request to change the designated street tree from Magnolia to the Bradford Pear tree. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Franklin, Glasgow, Pfaff, Sinclair, Skoro, Tobin Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None 10. Back Bay Rugby Club — Chair Beek thanked staff for the information contained in the report. Senior Recreation Manager Hunt stated that the City does not have a co- sponsorship program for adult sports and establishment of a co- sponsorship with an adult league -would set precedent. Chair Beek opened the public hearing. Travis Grant stated that he was hopeful that with approval of co- sponsorship that more residents of Newport Beach would join the Club. He stated that the Club is certainly willing to help pay forfield use as the sponsored, groups are currently doing. Chair Beek asked if the current membership of the Club is 30. Mr. Grant said yes, which would make it 50% residents of Newport Beach. The number of club members on the application include others who are not actual players. Chair Beek stated that the current sponsored groups have made substantial monetary arrangements for the fields and stated that it would be helpful if the Club would continue paying the costs for the use of the park. Mr. Grant stated that the Club is completely financed for the year and' would be willing to pay the same fees as he would if they were not a sponsored group. He noted that the best thing the Club can offer is the relationship and volunteerism in the community. • Director Kienitz stated that the youth organization requirement is 50% resident and that according to the application, the Rugby Club does not meet those guidelines. • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 1, 1998 Page 4 Senior Recreation Manager Hunt reminded the Commission that night time play is crowded and would ask them to help with scheduling policies. Chair Beek closed the public hearing. Commissioner Glasgow stated that the City needs to reach all the different sports, including adults, and that this is an example of where an adult can find a sport. Motion by Commissioner Glasgow to approve the application of Back Bay Rugby Club for a 12 -month trial period. Commissioner Glasgow stated that in a year's time the sponsorship should be reevaluated, but they should be allowed some flexibility. Chair Beek asked Mr. Grant how quickly he could come up with a- current member roster. Amended motion by Commissioner Glasgow to approve the application for co- sponsorship of the Back •Bay Rugby Club for one season if the Club is able to satisfy the 50% membership resident guideline. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Franklin, Glasgow, Pfaff, Sinclair, Skoro, Tobin Noes: None • Absent: 'None Abstain: None Chair Beek reiterated that it would be a good gesture on the part of the Rugby Club if they were to continue to pay the same costs for the fields. Mr. Grant agreed that the Club would continue to do so. 11. Volleyball Court Appeal — Chair Beek stated that staff had received a request from Charles Hartwell that this item be continued to the January 1999 meeting. She noted that staff had not received.anything official from a homeowner, but only from a tenant, Mr. Hartwell. Senior Recreation Manager noted that the request from Mr. Hartwell had been received through 'Public Comments at the November meeting, and that a communication from the actual homeowner stated that the volleyball poles should remain. Chair Beek apologized to the public, that were here for this item, but stated that the Commission needs to honor Mr. Hartwell's request. She stated that it would be deferred to the next meeting, but the Commission would take tonight public comments from those ready to speak to this issue. Chair Beek opened the public hearing, Moses Mortazavi, 2406 E. Oceanfront, stated that he has talked to other homeowners and as far as he is aware, most are in favor of removing the poles. He stated that there are safety issues, regarding breakage of windows; he also noted that the noise and language have • become quite offensive. These games create unwanted crowds and they walk on his property to get to the volleyball courts. He also stated that in the last several years the crowds have become younger and even more offensive. He also stated that with the narrowness of the beach the court should be moved to a part of the beach where there is more room. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 1, 1998 • Page 5 Commissioner Sinclair stated'that she is a resident of that same area and feels that by living there it just "comes with the territory." Stacy Madsen, 120 25'h Street, stated that she was surprised; that this issue is even a topic of discussion. She stated that she owns a duplex in that area and the volleyball courts are what attract renters to her property. She also stated that Mr. Hartwell has misrepresented himself, as he is not the homeowner; she would be extremely upset if one of her tenants were to send a request of this kind to the City. She believes that the beach is there to be used and to play volleyball. She also noted that she is on the beach all the time, and has never noticed any offensive language or rowdiness. She stated that she is frustrated that Mr. Hartwell did not even, follow the directions for removing a volleyball court by doing a petition. But that she will do one of her own if this becomes an issue. Eric Thurner, 2406 E. Oceanfront, stated that he has lived in this area for three years. The volleyball court is an essential ,problem; the group that uses this specific court is there three to four days a week. The problem is that they are exactly in front of the property. He recommended that the court be moved to the end of the street where there is more beach. Staff would be willing to contact police to possibly monitor this area. Chair Beek closed the public hearing. Chair Beek stated that this item would be continued to January meeting. • 12. History of Bonita Creek — Report accepted and filed by Chair Beek with thanks to staff. 13. Subcommittee Reports Liaison Committee - no new information. • Open Space Committee - no new information. Budget — no new information. • Liaison with Oasis - no.new information. Naming of Parks - no new information. Community Services Award - no new information. • Skateboard - Commissioner Franklin stated that a tour of the area with the architect from purkiss -rose is scheduled for next week. VI. FutureAgendaltems Removal of Volleyball Courts Status of Marina Park - re: Tidelands Decision Tree Removal - 620 Orchid Avenue VII. ADIOURNMENT- 9:30pm SUBMITTED BY: • TERI CRAIG, COMMUNITY SERVICE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY