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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/2001 - PB&R CommissionOCTOBER 2, 2001 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001- 7pm CONVENED AT 7:03pm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Beek, Englebrecht, Franklin, Macfarland, Tobin, Skoro Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian (arrived at 7:35Pm) Marcelino Lomeli, Park Ft Tree Superintendent Andrea McGuire, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Allen to approve the minutes of September 4, 2001, as amended. Motion carried by acclamation. Public Comments None • Consent Calendar 1. Correspondence - The following communications were acknowledged. To: Members of Newport Beach Community, September 10, 2001 Property Owners, September 12, 2001 (2) Fm: James A. Gallade, September 17, 2001 Patrick Bartolic, Chair, Board of Library Trustees, September 28, 2001 Arlene Cartozian, Chair, Arts Commission, September 28, 2001 2. Park and Tree Division 3. Item putted by Commissioner Beek 4. Bench Donation - Accept bench donation from J. Dean Mollner to be installed adjacent to the boardwalk at 10`h Street and West Ocean Front. 5. Bench Donation - Accept bench donation from William Patrick to be installed adjacent to the bluff at Cliff Drive Park. 6. 38`h Street Park - Accept recommendations for refurbishment of the basketball courts at 38`h Street Park. Commissioner Macfarland thanked the committee for their due diligence, and stated that the changes recommended would be a good balance to the neighborhood. Motion by Commissioner Beek to accept items 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. • 3. Community Services - Commissioner Beek asked that the electricity bills for lights be forwarded to the Finance Committee for their review. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001 • Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Beek accept item 5 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 7. Discussion of Use at Lookout Point, Inspiration Point and Obstruction on Beach - Manager McGuire stated that Recreation Activities Committee had met on this issue because of comments from residents on the overuse of the areas indicated. She noted that the report recommended the hiring of a Park Ranger to ensure compliance of the regulations during evenings, weekends and holidays. Discussion ensued regarding signage. Commissioner Tobin stated that more regulations of use there are, the more problems will occur. He noted that the Police do not think that there is a problem and that it appears that staff wants to spend more and more money on unneeded staff. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that his major concern is that some people take control of these sites and that the public do lose their access to these locations. He also noted that the Police would certainly not stop a wedding. Commissioner Franklin stated that more enforcement of the regulations are needed. Commissioner Beek asked if there were any police reports. Manager McGuire stated no, just what has been gained from the residents anecdotally. Public Discussion opened by Chair Skoro Robert Walchli, POB 603, Corona del Mar, stated that weddings are out of control and that it definitely impacts the public use of the area. He stated that no one is going to go over and ruin someone's wedding day but stated that change is needed; i.e. rates for use should be higher, police bike patrol would be helpful; limit on number of people attending the event. He urged the Commission to review the regulations for more control. John Hamilton, 2735 Ocean Boulevard, Corona del Mar, stated that he has been a resident for 29 years, and that now there are just too many people and too many events. Rates need to be higher; chairs should not be allowed, signage needed regarding alcohol consumption. Commissioner Beek asked Mr. Hamilton if he has called the police regarding consumption of alcohol. • Mr. Hamilton stated that there is no signage to point to; and therefore unable to be enforced. • Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001 Page 3 Manager McGuire stated that public consumption of alcohol on the beach is illegal but would look into additional signage for these locations. Lily Christensen, 11 Harbor Pointe, Newport Beach, stated that there is just too much traffic for anyone to enjoy the area and noted that trash is a major issue at these locations. Jean Brutin, 219 Goldenrod, Corona del Mar, stated that external vigilance is needed and that the area is seriously abused, that there are sometimes five weddings a day at the locations, that they have been verbally abused by the people catering or attending the events, she noted that she would like to see nothing allowed at these locations. Commissioner Beek asked Ms. Brutin if she had ever called the police. Ms. Brutin stated no. Kathy Hamilton, 2735 Ocean Blvd, Corona del Mar, stated that people are pitching tents and that chairs should not be allowed. Chair Skoro closed the Public Discussion • Commissioner Allen stated that she sympathizes with the residents and that a way should be found to enforce the regulations for use of the parks. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that that he believes that use will increase as he believes that 50% of the use is not even done by reservation. He stated that he would be willing to reconvene the Committee to try to be more creative. Manager McGuire stated that these sites are public parks and that people do have the right to use it. She also noted that staff is discussing with the City Attorney the possible use of a compliance deposit. An enforcement officer or Park Ranger would be needed to confirm compliance of use. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht to return the item to the Recreation Activities Committee to revisit the issues. Motion carried by acclamation. 8. Newport Village - Director Kienitz stated that this item is on the agenda for the public to note their recommendations for the park and that the City Council has directed that the parcel of land be an open passive view park. Commissioner Skoro reminded the public that we are not designing a park just listening to recommendations: • Troy Mikeillar, 617 Acacia Avenue, stated that he had three areas to discuss: • Design theme — park should have a garden feel to it; a place to reflect. • Uses — sit and talk on a bench; paint or read and smell the fragrances of the flowers • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001 Page 4 Details — lawn area should be surrounded by natural area with paths, trees (possibly orange) and benches. Plants should be chosen to attract birds. A amphitheatre would be a good addition for music or poetry reading. James Warren, 1201 Surfline, stated that he does not want a parking lot, anything that would be offensive for his view plane or block his view. He noted if trees are planted they cannot obstruct his view. He stated that he would like to be involved in any planning of the park. Commissioner Allen stated that she had heard that there would be grading the berm to conceal the parking lot. Arlene Cartozian, Chair, Arts Commission, stated that she had compiled the following suggestions along with others included in letter to the Commission: • Pedestrian path accessible to some kind of parking lot using a soft hardscape but keeping with the natural environment. • A horticulturalist garden with the inclusion of fountains and or sculpture would enhance the atmosphere. Dennis Baker, 706 Begonia, Corona del Mar, stated that some kind of cooperative • agreement should be made with The Irvine Company regarding their parking lot across from the library which is never filled and that the Commission should look at building a pedestrian bridge from that side going directly into the library. He stated that he does believe that the library needs additional parking but should use what is available. Mike Toerge, 2524, Ocean Boulevard, #A, President, Corona del Mar Residents Association, stated that their board had agreed in the past that the parcel of land should be a passive view park and that the habitat should remain undisturbed; agrees that some parking should be added but that it should look much like Castaways, but with some lawn area. Lily Christensen, 11 Habor Pointe, stated that she was concerned of any hardscape pathways as it would attract skateboarders; she also noted her concern on the number of benches as too many would bring the homeless. Ann Balderston, 415 Begonia, noted that she is concerned with the destruction of open space in Newport Beach; that she believes that nothing should invade the sanctity of the 12 acres. Iryne Black, 1646 Irvine, stated that the library does not need additional parking; that she has not found it to be ever completely fitted. She recommended that the Commission take a trip to the Irvine Arboretum. • Harry Hamilton, 500 Avenida Lorenzo, Board of Library Trustees, stated that the library position is that parking should be a shared use. He noted that the only reason that the parking lot is under filled is because of the restricted use of the Friends Meeting Room. • Parks, Beaches l3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001 Page 5 He stated that parking is a major problem and urged the Commission to remember that issue when designing the park. Doug Campbell, 2901 Ebbtide Road, Corona del Mar, stated that as a passive park that it should not include any asphalt, that it should be a nature park. He noted that the Harbor View Homeowners Community Association recognizes that there is a parking problem at the library, but all should be done to preserve the homeowners view. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, representing SPON Steering Committee, presented a conceptual plan to the Commissioners incorporating natural features leaving most of the land as is. He stated that the SPON Committee believes that nothing should be done that will urbanize the parcel of land. He noted that if the library needs additional parking then communication should be made with The Irvine Company to utilize their corporate lot, which is never more than 5% full. Jean Campbell, 2901 Ebbtide Road, Corona del Mar, asked the Commission to take a walk through the Environmental Nature Center to get a feel for what the park should be. Tom Hyans, 217 19`h Street, representing the Central Newport Advocacy Association, enthusiastically endorses the SPON conceptual plan for Newport Village. • Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Boulevard, urged that at least the upper portion of the park remain undisturbed with possibly a dirt trail of some kind to the grassy knoll. She urged the library to contact The Irvine Company if additional parking is needed and not to use any of the land for that purpose. Louise Greely, 16 Swift Court, voiced her support for a natural park. Chair Skoro closed the public discussion Chair Skoro also noted that this will be continued. 9. Tree Reforestation - Marcy Lomeli, Park li Tree Superintendent stated that Frank Colver, 320 Morning Star Lane has requested the reforestation of one City Ficus tree located adjacent to their residence. He also noted that they have met the guidelines in the G -1 Policy and will assume the cost of removal and replacement of the tree, although with the size of tree well, Mr. Colver has requested that it be planted in a nearby park. Staff recommends approval of the request. Discussion ensued regarding the size of the tree and the possibility that others on the street will request reforestation once this has been approve. 40 Chair Skoro opened the public discussion n U Parks, Beaches i3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 2, 2001 Page 6 Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street, stated that the request does not meet the G -1 Policy and there are no identified problems of the trees, it is not declining in health and urged the Commission to deny the request. Chair Skoro closed the public discussion Commissioner Beek stated that this type of single reforestation is exactly their fear when they were working on the policy, but according to the present policy, the homeowner meets the requirements and therefore it needs to be approved. Discussion ensued regarding the G•1 policy on reforestation. Commissioner Franklin commented that he also was afraid of single person reforestation. Motion by Commissioner Allen to approve the request for the reforestation of one City Ficus street tree located adjacent to Frank Colver, 320 Morning Star Lane. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Allen, Beek, Macfarland, Tobin, Skoro • Nays: Englebrecht, Franklin 10. Tree Reforestation - Marcy Lomeli, Park ft Tree Superintendent, stated that James Hietbrink, 619 Larkspur Avenue, has requested the reforestation of one City Eucalyptus located adjacent to their residence. He also noted that they have met the guidelines in the G -1 Policy and staff recommends approval of the request. Chair Skoro opened the public discussion James Hietbrink stated that he has lived at 619 Larkspur for 27 years and that the City curb has had to be replaced and that they are encountering infestations of pests such as cockroaches. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that the request again does not meet the G- 1 Policy and there are no identified problems of the trees, it is not declining in health and urged the Commission to deny the request. He urged the Commission to deny the request. Motion by Commissioner Beek to approve the reforestation request of one City Eucalyptus tree located adjacent to James Hietbrink at 619 Larkspur. Motion carried by the following vote: • Ayes: Allen, Beek, Englebrecht, Macfarland, Skoro, Tobin Abstain: Franklin 11. Committee Reports Parks, Beaches @ Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • October 2, 2001 Page 7 38`^ Street Ad Hoc - Chair Skoro thanked the Committee for their hard work and retired the Committee. Finance- Chair Skoro stated that a meeting will be scheduled to discuss potential grants totaling approximately $900,000; he noted that staff is recommending that these grant funds be used to correct deficiencies in the parks. Castaways Park - Nothing new to report. Park Development - Commissioner Allen stated that a meeting will be set up before the end of October. Recreation Et Open Space Element - Nothing new to report; Commissioner Beek reminded Mr. Lomeli that the Committee is waiting for input from General Services. Recreation Services - Commission Englebrecht stated that a meeting will be convened to discuss Inspiration Park and will bring back their recommendations at the next meeting. Seniors - Nothing new to report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Joint meeting with Costa Mesa • Review of reforestation section of the G -1 Policy. Chair Skoro appointed Commissioners Beek, Macfarland and Franklin to meet. • Viability of clay sewers • Review fees for youth sports groups. • Signage Do Not Feed the Ducks — Commissioner Beek will discuss issue with Deputy City Manager Kiff ADJOURNMENT - 9:35pm / Submitted by:�`LI�1�ti_ —_ Teri Craig, Ad 4W Assistant •