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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/2001 - PB&R CommissionFEBRUARY 6, 2001 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches l3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001- 7pm CONVENED AT 7:03Dm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Beek, Pfaff, Skoro, Absent: Franklin, Macfarland, Tobin Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Beek to approve the minutes of January 2, 2001. Motion carried by acclamation. • PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street asked that the City spend $250 on plants for Castaways. He also advised the Commission that the City Arts Commission will be requesting the City Council reserve the land behind the library while a feasibility study is done. Director Kienitz stated that a meeting for the Ad Hoc Committee for an Arts Et Education Center had been called for February, but time and dates were still being confirmed. Discussion ensued regarding the widening of San Miguel which might require a retaining wall at the gulley and asked staff to bring back information at the next meeting. Director Niederhaus stated that he would include that in a report next month or when information is received. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Item pulled by Commissioner Allen From: Don Glasgow, January 2001 Robert r& Karen Kopicki, January 5, 2001 2. Park and Tree Division 3. Item pulled by staff 4. Item pulled by Commissioner Beek 6. Bench Donation • Accept bench donation from Mary Kilfoy for Balboa Pier. Motion by Commissioner Allen to accept items 2 and 5 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. n U Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 Page 2 1. Correspondence - Commissioner Allen stated that the letter from Mr. Glasgow asked for support from the Commission, she noted that a letter could be forwarded thanking them for their presentation and possibly support in concept. Director Niederhaus stated that a letter expressing their thanks for the presentation but it would be premature for any support in the overall project. Motion by Commissioner Allen directing staff to forward a letter to Mr. Glassgow stating their thanks for the presentation, commenting on the potential for beautification for Corona del Mar. Motion carried by acclamation. 2. Community Services - Manager McGuire stated that she wanted to bring the Commission's attention to the Recreation Services Mission Statement that staff had been working on for the past six months. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Newport Beach by providing diverse recreation opportunities in safe, well- maintained facilities and parks. We strive to provide experiences that create connections between people and community. Our purpose is to provide quality services, to efficiently utilize resources and to respond to community needs. • 4. Bonita Canyon Sports Park - Commissioner Beek thanked Director Niederhaus for the pictures of the benches included in the report. She also asked him to get a copy of the current approved benches and costs for the Commission. Motion by Commissioner Allen to accept items 1, 3 and 4 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Upper Bavview Landing - Mike Sinacori, Public Works Department briefed the Commission on the area known as Upper Bayview Landing on Pacific Coast Highway and Jamboree. Director Kienitz stated that Public Works is excited about this project and that Council wants to move forward. She also noted that a requests for Capital Improvement Project funds had been requested by Public Works. Mr. Sinacori stated that the property will not be accepted until the County is satisfied that the contamination from the gas stations have been cleaned up, at that time the City would consider purchasing it. Chair Skoro opened the public hearine • Jan Vandersloot, stated that this property has a great view, but also has coastal sage, gnat catchers and that it should be an environmentally planned site. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 is Page 3 Chair Skoro thanked Mr. Sinacori for his presentation and that the Commission looks forward to working with him in the future on the project. 6. Lincoln Athletic Center - Manager McGuire stated that this request had been discussed at the Recreation Activities Committee and that all residents within 300 feet had been notified of this meeting. She also directed their attention to the letter from Karen Kopicki. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing John Della Grotta, Newport Beach Little League, asked the Commission to keep an open mind, he stated that if scheduled games are played then their won't be a need to use these hours. He also noted that once Bonita Canyon Sports Park is complete that won't need to make this request anymore. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Motion by Commissioner Beek to grant usage of the lights at Lincoln Athletic Center on four (4) Saturdays, March 10,17, 24 and 31 until 6:30pm for the purpose of . finishing games in progress only. The lights will be programmed to shut -off at 6:30pm. In addition, should the City direct that further energy conservation measures be taken, this program will be reconsidered. Motion carried by acclamation. 8. 38`" Street Park - Commissioner Pfaff stated that the Park Development Committee had met on two occasions meeting with citizens, with presentation by the Police Department on signage and other issues. He also stated that all residents within 300 feet were noticed of this meeting as well as signs posted at the park. Manager McGuire stated the following recommendation from the Park Development Committee: The renovation of 38th Street Park should proceed incorporating the following elements: 1. Remove the double basketball backboard; reducing the basketball playing area to one half court. 2. Install a new pole and backboard on the newly positioned half court and repaint the surface. 3. Install a wall up to 4 feet high between basketball playing area and the remaining asphalt area, including two inset benches or seating areas, facing the restroom area. 4. Repaint the open asphalt area with children's game areas such as hopscotch, • four square or similar games. 5. Remove and replace the playground with a structure that complies with ADA regulations using bark chip surfacing which is ADA accessible for everyone. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 Page 4 6. Install a four -swing structure in an appropriate in the open area next to the play structure. Chair Skoro stated that he was concerned that the basketball players had not voiced their opinions on the parks. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing Lee McGowan, 310 1/2 36`h Street, stated that he has used the park for over 20 years, and that this is one of the few parks with a full basketball court. He noted that people that have moved into this area knew that the park contained courts and urged the Commission to retain the full court. Chair Skoro asked Mr. McGowan about the foul language that residents are complaining about. Mr. McGowan stated that he is not the police and that if residents have trouble with some of the players then they should be called. George Schroeder, 129 35`h Street, stated that he has lived there for 13 years, enjoys • basketball, but that over the years the full court has become too active and urged that the full court be removed. Joel Stone, 3702 Park Lane, stated that his property looks out onto the basketball court. He stated that he has seen over the past several years a gradual shift of use and that the court has become a Southern California attraction. He stated that the profanity has become oppressive and that he and his neighbors are unable to enjoy their homes. Commissioner Beek asked Mr. Stone how long he had owned the property. He stated 8 years. Cathy Watt, 3704 Park Lane, stated that they have attended both committee meetings and stated that the problems at the park have become worse. She stated that on Saturday mornings, there are 30 -40 basketball players playing 35 feet away from her house. George Watt, 3704 Park Lane, stated that the park was redesigned in the 80s and that the problems with the players have become progressively worse, their language and aggressive behavior. He stated that this is not the location for a full court and definitely should not be around a children's playground. He stated that the new plan is sane and reasonable and more compatible with the neighborhood. • Zack Yaklin, 6306 W. Ocean Front, #6, he stated that if profanity is a problem then certainly a half court is not going to solve it. He stated that the players are members of the City and that they have a right to be able to have a place to play basketball. He stated that he is adamantly opposed to any change of the court. i� Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 Page 5 Commissioner Beek asked when the court is used. Mr. Yaklin stated that during the summer that pick -up games usually being at 8:30am to 2pm. He noted that it is very seasonal. He noted that a lot of people just come to watch. Commissioner Beek asked for his suggestion on curbing the profanity. Mr. Yacklin stated that he has never seen police officers. He stated that they need to police themselves. Tom Licata, 1525 Placentia Ave, stated that this is one of the most beautiful courts around or even in the country, and that some of the very best players in the world use it. He noted that if the court was changed to a half court that the neighbors would still experience the same problems. He stated that if it is not a full court, then there should be no court. Adam Goff, 515 35`h Street, stated that it is not true that children cannot be brought to the park, he also noted that if it was changed to a half court the spirit of the game would go away. Manager McGuire stated that she had received a phone call from resident Brett Curr who opposes the removal, stated that the park is used by over 70% of City residents, and that a half court is unappealing. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Chair Skoro stated that this is a major issue and that with three Commissioner absent that he felt that the item should be continued until next month. Motion by Commissioner Beek to continue the discussion of 38`h Street Park until March 6, 2001. Motion carried by acclamation. 11. Senate Bill 124 - re: Cal Trans West - Deputy City Manager Dave Kiff stated that Senator Ross Johnson will introduce a bill to transfer Sunset Ridge, to California State Parks Commission and suggested that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission enter into a contract for a $1 year. He suggested that the Commission urge the Council to move forward on the bill and that it would be appropriate to lobby Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, CPRS and the Orange Coast River Park Committee. Motion by Commissioner Allen that the Commission strongly endorses the project. • Motion carried by acclamation. 9. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Eric Jetta, Newport-Mesa Unified School District has requested the removal of one City Ficus tree adjacent to Mariners Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 • Page 6 Elementary School across from 1927 Mariners Drive. He stated that the request does meet the removal requirements of repeated public property damage. He stated that the tree roots has caused four instances of sewer problems at the school. Director Niederhaus also stated that 36" box Magnolia trees would be planted and that irrigation would be provided with support from the school district. Commissioner Allen asked why this is a removal and not a reforestation request. Director Niedrhaus stated that it is a City tree and therefore the City is responsible to replace it due to private damages caused by the tree. A reforestation is a tree removal and replacement request from a resident and they are responsible for the full cost. Chair Skoro asked it staff is certain that the tree is causing the problems. Director Niederhaus provided a blue print which clearly shows the location of the tree and sewer. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing, hearing no comments the public hearing was closed. • Motion by Commission Pfaff - to approve the request for the removal of one City Ficus tree by Newport-Mesa Unified School District at Mariners Elementary School across from 1927 Mariners Drive. Motion carried by acclamation. 10. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Mr Et Mrs. George Busch, has requested the removal of one City Ficus tree at 1618 Highland Drive. He stated that the request does meet the minimum requirements of of the G -1 Policy. He stated that the tree sits on top of the sewer lateral. He said that the City would pay the difference between a 24" boxed tree vs. a 36" boxed replacement tree and the replacement tree would be a Lavender Trumpet. He also noted that the replacement tree may be difficult to find at that size, but that staff would do their best. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing, hearing no comments the public hearing was closed. Motion by Chair Skoro - to approve the request for the removal of one City Ficus parkway street tree by Mr. Et Mrs. Charles Busch at 1618 Highland Drive. Motion carried by acclamation. 12. Committee Reports • • Budget - Commissioner Beek will set up a meeting. • Castaways Park - Nothing to report. • Park Development - Reported above regarding 38`" Street Park. • Recreation F± Open Space Element - Will meet February 26 at 4:30pm Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 6, 2001 . Page 7 • Recreation Services - Committee will look into ADA requirements for Lincoln Athletic Center fields. Little League will work on funding for a concession stand. • Seniors - Nothing to report. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT - 9 :05pm Submitted by: J-t'� L Teri Craig, Admin Assistant n U •