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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/2000 - PB&R CommissionAPRIL 4, 2000 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000— 7pm CONVENED AT 7:05pm ROLL CALL Present: Beek, Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro, Tobin Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian larrived8:42pm) David Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Admin Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Skoro to approve the regular minutes of March 7, 2000. Motion carried by acclamation. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, thanked the Division for their support at the ceremony at Cliff Drive Park on March 25, 2000. TREE CITY USA AWARD John Conway, Urban Forester, introduced Linda Romero, State Representative of the Forestry Department. She presented a plaque to the City of Newport Beach as Tree City 1999, for the 10`h consecutive year and the Growth Award for the 5`h consecutive year. Commissioner Skoro asked if it would be possible to have the same presentation done at a City Council Meeting. Director Niederhaus stated that he would look into it. Director Niederhaus also noted that Mr. Conway and Mr. Lomeli were instrumental in the City receiving the awards. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, commented that after spending many months working on a Tree Policy, that the City still does not have a comprehensive policy and urged the Commission to look carefully at this. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Correspondence - Acknowledge correspondence to John Della Grotta, March 6, 2000; Kurt 13 Kim Jaye, March 10, 2000; from Claudia Owen, February 29, 2000; and Sharon Z. Wood, March 16, 2000. 2. Park Et Tree Division 3. Item removed at the request of staff member. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 2 4. Tree Donation - Accept donation of Hong Kong Orchid tree from Mimi Turgeon at Begonia Park. 5. Tree Donation - Accept donation of California Live Oak tree from SPON at Castaways Park. 6. Item removed at the request of Commissioner Macfarland 7. Item removed at the request of a staff member Motion by Commissioner Skoro to accept items 1, 2, 4 Et 5 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 3. Community Services - Manager McGuire noted that in addition to the written report that Marilyn Fisher, Recreation Manager had resigned but will be independent contractor to run the Corona del Mar 5K, Easter Egg Hunt and the Youth Government Day. Chair Beek congratulated staff on the Special Olympics and noted how efficiently and organized it was. 6. Bayside Drive Reforestation Project - Commissioner Macfarland asked the history of the project. Director Niederhaus stated that Southern California Edison (SCE) has topped the Eucalyptus trees for power line clearance so many times that they no longer resemble trees anymore. SCE is willing to remove the trees to ground level so that another species (Gold Medallion) can be planted. General Services will be responsible for removing the stump and /or planting the trees in another location. He stated that it was cost prohibitive to place the power lines underground. Commissioner Skoro noted his agreement with the plan, and noted that it was long overdue, this was a prime example of bad planting. Chair Beek agreed with Commissioner Skoro, but stated to Director Niederhaus that the item should not have been placed under the consent calendar and that the General Services Department should have notified all homeowners and associations that this would be discussed tonight. Director Niederhaus stated that staff met recently onsite with the two Associations regarding the project and met with no disagreement. Chair Beek opened the public hearing Virginia Herberts, 2290 Channel Road, stated that the homeowners have not been notified of this hearing. She stated that she had talked to the presidents of the Associations, who remembered the onsite meeting but not specific of removing the Eucalyptus trees. She stated that over 100 people are against the removal of the trees and that they actually hold up the cliff, Ms. Herberts suggested that other trees such as the Carrotwood be planted in between the Eucalyptus and that more time be spent on trimming the trees. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 3 Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that the trees should be planted between the Eucalyptus and that the power lines are the problems and urged the Commission to get them moved underground. Commissioner Skoro stated that in order to do that 35 homeowners must be willing to pay to have it done, of that only 2 of them expressed their acceptance. Director Niederhaus stated that to move the lines underground that it could cost as much as $50,000 per block and that the only alternative is to pass the costs on to the adjacent homeowners. Mr. Vandersloot suggested that the City negotiate with SCE and that between the two fund the project. He also stated that the removal of the 21 Eucalyptus trees does not meet the criteria of the new G -1 Policy, specifically the Gold Medallion are 24" box trees, the policy specifically states that they must be 36 ". There is no justification for the removal. Director Niederhaus stated that there is not enough growth space for 36" box trees to be planted and that the Gold Medallion, the specified street tree is not available in that size. He reminded the Commission that this is not a removal request but a request for reforestation. Discussion ensued regarding the growth space needed. Aldon Kelly, SPON Arborist, stated that a competent tree trimmer could prune the tree away from the power lines and would learn to grow away from the power lines. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Commissioner Skoro stated that the removal of the trees was discussed at the Irvine Terrace Homeowners Association last month, and that John Long strongly endorsed the project. Commissioner Franklin stated that a reasonable compromise was to plant the Gold Medallion trees between the Eucalyptus. Director Neiderhaus suggested that the Commission continue this item for 90 days and go forward on planting the Gold Medallion trees. Motion bV Commissioner Skoro that the City plan the Gold Medallion trees, contact Aldon Kelly, SPON Arborist for his recommendations on trimming and pruning the Eucalyptus trees, return to Commission in 90 days for an update and possible removal of the trees. Motion carried by acclamation. 7. Responsibilities of Co- Sponsorship - Manager McGuire stated that to help maximize the use of the facilities that all Youth Groups would sign the amended agreement. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 4 Chair Beek opened the Public Hearing. Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to approve the amended Youth Groups contract. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Installation of Batting Cage at Eastbluff Park - Manager McGuire stated that General Services and Community Services staff met with Dave Sprowl, CdM Pony Baseball, and members of the Boys Et Girls Club along with Pat Beek to discuss the location of a batting cage. Discussion ensued regarding visibility to homeowners and removal of 4 parking spaces. Manager McGuire stated that she had tacked to Planning Director Temple who stated that a building permit would be needed to construct the batting cage and that there were more than enough parking spaces for the location. Chair Beek opened the public hearing Dave Sprowl, President, CdM Pony Baseball, stated that the teams have grown from 2 to 5 in the last year and continues to grow. They are only allocated one practice field for these 13- 14 year old youth and that without the batting cage they cannot effectively practice them. Discussion ensued regarding noise and visibility of homeowners. Mr. Sprowl stated that noise abatement materials would be used and offered to make it creme - colored to blend in. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Motion by Commissioner Pfaff that project move forward with notices being forwarded to the thirteen affected homes. Motion carried by acclamation. 9. Tree Removal or Reforestation Requests - Director Niederhaus stated that with the newly revised G -1 Policy, that staff would not forward the report with recommendations but instead would present the formal report with color pictures and appropriate background information so that the Commission can take appropriate action based on Policy criteria. A. Paul L. Root — 1915 Glenwood Lane Commissioner Macfarland stated that the Commission are not urban foresters and that staff should provide recommendations, Director Niederhaus stated that it was his decision for staff to remain neutral in the written reports, but if recommendations are wanted, staff can provide that. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 5 Commissioner Macfarland stated that the Commission would not know the history and that the G -1 specifically states that the Urban Forrester will make recommendations to the Commission. Director Niederhaus stated that Mr. Root's request would not meet the G -1 Policy criteria for removal. He stated that no prior bills for root damage had been attached, but that the hardscape had been repaired by City crews. Commissioner Pfaff stated that this request has no documentation or proven repeated history of hardscape damage. Why would it be forwarded to Commission if it had not met that criteria? Chair Beek opened the Public Hearing. Aldon Kelly, SPON Arborist, stated that the smaller of the Liquid Amber trees would probably not last more than a year, but that the larger one could start to become a problem in 5 years. Commissioner Skoro asked Mr. Kelly if he was advocating removal. Mr. Kelly stated that nothing should be done until it dies. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that the decision to remove these trees should be based on the criteria for removal listed in the G -1 Policy. This request clearly does not meet the criteria and urged the Commission to deny the request. Iryne Black, stated that the staff should not take a neutral position, and that they should offer a recommendation to the Commission. Chair Beek closed the public hearing. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to deny the request for removal of % Liquid Amber trees by Paul Root, 1915 Glenwood Lane. Motion carried by acclamation. B. Karen Balgie, 2228 Holiday Road Director Niederhaus stated that some of the trees on Holiday Road are infested with lerps or Lerp Psylid. He stated that staff hopes that the trees will survive the disease but that it does create a mess for the homeowners. Staff has used Lady Bugs to try to rectify the problem, but it has not proven as a remedy. He stated that they are not ready to give up on the trees, and are trying to save them. Commissioner Macfarland asked if these trees meet the qualification of "diseased" as noted in the G -1 Policy? Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 6 Director Niederhaus stated that these trees are not in a state of decline, they are trees with the most disease. He stated that it is too early to tell if they will survive. Chair Beek stated that it is only the Eucalyptus Globulus that are the special trees and not the others listed. Director Niederhaus confirmed this. Director Niederhaus stated that some of the diseased trees reside partly on private and public land, but that they are City owned trees. He noted that none of the trees listed on any of the removal request are on private property. Commissioner Macfarland asked if they meet the criteria for hardscape damage. Director Niederhaus stated that they did not. Chair Beek opened the public hearins Todd Schooler, 2234 Holiday Road, although not listed as an item tonight, he also has the same problem with lerps and that any decision should include his property. Chair Beek stated that they cannot discuss his property. Karen Balgie, 2228 Holiday Road, stated that they are requesting removal of 3 Red Gum trees that are infested with lerps. She stated that with the droppage trom the trees that it has becomes a health hazard as well as a problem of keeping the area and the house clean. She stated that discussions have taken place of using Australian Wasps to remedy the infestation. She stated that she is completely against anything being brought over from another country that could cause harm. Commissioner Franklin asked if the reason they were requesting removal is because of the disease. Ms. Balgie stated yes. Aldon Kelly, SPON Arborist, stated that the lerps appeared approximately 25 months ago. He stated that by bringing in the wasps that it could help the infestation but would not cure the problem. He stated that he has noticed that some of the trees are responding to the Lady Bug remedy. He suggested using different soil treatments or microinjections. He stated that this problem will be with these trees for a long time, and really does not know the right answer. He stated that he did not know how he would feel if this problem was in his front yard. He stated that it would get worse before it gets better. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that these trees should not be removed until there is no prospect for recovery, he recommended that the City look into other treatments that could help the trees as well as the homeowners. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 7 Commissioner Skoro asked if the trees could be nurtured along. Director Niederhaus stated that it would be premature to remove the trees, but suggested that those homeowners complete a reforestation request on Holiday Road. Chair Beek asked why state funds couldn't be requested for the removal of the lerps as the Fire Ant. Director Niederhaus stated that the Fire Ant could be fatal to small children or older adults, whereas the lerps are just a nuisance. After much discussion, Chair Beek stated that the Commission would take the tree removal requests from Holiday Road as one item. B. Karen Balgie, 2228 Holiday Road C. Michael Weinstein, 2240 Holiday Road D. Judy Siemonsma, 2222 Holiday Road Chair Beek opened the public hearing Michael Weinstein, 2240 Holiday Road, asked why do they have to wait for these trees to die for the City to do something. He stated that they are a danger to human beings and that there is constantly a mess because these trees are possibly rotting. He stated that he has a real concern of limbs breaking off and hurting his or neighborhood children. He stated that reforestation was never discussed that the only process that was encouraged by the City was a removal request. He stated that he would gladly pay $1,000 to have the trees removed in his yard and plant the appropriate tree. He left by asking the Commission 'would you want this mess in your front yard, I don't think so." Todd Schooler, 2234 Holiday Road, stated that his biggest concern is the danger that these trees pose. He stated that nobody wants all the trees removed just the diseased ones. Commissioner Skoro questioned SPON Arborist, on the safety of these trees. Aldon Kelly, SPON Arborist, stated that he did not believe that the winds could topple these trees; but again stated that if this problem was in his front year, he was not sure that he wouldn't feel the same way. He stated that the biggest problem of these trees is that they are a nuisance. Commissioner Pfaff asked whether they could be pruned. Mr. Kelly stated that it was inadvisable to prune. He stated that bringing in the Australian Wasps is a good next step, and that these wasps do not resemble or act like the wasps that we think of. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 8 Jody Siemonsma, 2222 Holiday Road, stated that her approach has been repaired, and that one -inch in diameter limbs have fallen down on their vehicle. He stated that they have Roto Rooter come every 6 months. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street, distributed photos of the trees, stating that it appears that there is new growth on these trees and that they have a possibility of recovery. Eucalyptus tree limbs tend to fall. He stated that these homeowners should be commended for the clean up that they do but urged the Commission to deny the request for removal until time has passed. Commissioner Skoro suggested that this be tabled for 6 months until the remedy for the trees have had time to work. Director Niederhaus stated that it is premature to remove these trees, he suggested again that the group look at the reforestation option. Commissioner Skoro stated that he sympathizes with the homeowners, but that more time should go by until a decision can be made. Chair Beek closed the Dublic hearin Motion by Chair Beek to remove the diseased Red Gum trees at 2222, 2228 and 2240 Holiday Road with the stipulation that the homeowner will donate the cost of replacing the trees with the approved Willow Leafed Peppermint street tree. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street, stated that there in nothing in the G -1 Policy to allows for the removal of these trees, and suggested that the homeowners petition their neighbors. Iryne Black stated that the Commission should check with the City Attorney regarding the donation from the homeowners. Commissioner Skoro stated that he agrees with Commissioner Franklin and that the homeowners should look at the reforestation suggestion. Commissioner Pfaff stated that reforestation is a good idea, but keeping the homeowners in turmoil is not the answer either. Motion fails by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Pfaff, Tobin Nays: Franklin, Macfarland, Skoro Motion by Chair Beek to remove the 5 diseased Red Gum trees at 2222, 2228 and 2240 Holiday Road. Motion fails by the following vote: Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 4, 2000 Page 9 Ayes: Beek, Tobin Nays: Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro Renewal of Motion by Commissioner Franklin to continue the discussion of the request for removal of trees on 2222, 2228 and 2240 Holiday Road. Motion carried by acclamation. E. Julie DeMichaelis, 700 Marigold /Fourth Street Commissioner Franklin asked staff if they could confirm repeated damage. Director Niederhaus stated that he could not. Motion by Commissioner Franklin to deny the request for removal of Julie DeMichaelis, 700 Marigold /Fourth Street. Motion carried by acclamation. Chair Beek opened the Public Hearing. Hearing no comments. the Public Hearing was closed. 10. Subcommittee Reports • Budget — Commissioner Skoro stated that he met with staff and the City Manager and that he felt he was receptive in enhancing youth programs. He stated that the City of Newport Beach ranks extremely low with other cities in their support of recreation programs. • OASIS Liaison — Nothing to report. • Beach — Committee will meet before the next meeting • Community Services Award — Nothing to report. • Park Et Open Space — Nothing to report. • Tree — Nothing to report. Chair Beek stated that in the future all tree removal requests would be numbered individually, have supporting documentation with verification comments, and state in the report whether the request meets the criteria of the G -1 Policy for removal. She also requested a running total grid denoting: • Trimmed • Removals • Reforestation • Plantings After discussion the July meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Arroyo and Bonita Canyon Sports Park updates. ADJOURNMENT - 11:05pm Submitted by: , Teri Craig, Admin Assistant