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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2003 - PB&R CommissionJULY 7, 2003 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches t3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003- 7pm SUMMARY MINUTES Convened 7pm ROLL CALL Present: Debra Allen Pat Beek Bill Garrett Steve Rosansky Val Skoro Tom Tobin Absent: Roy Englebrecht Greg Ruzicka Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation It Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park & Tree Superintendent Andrea McGuire, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 0 RECOGNITION Chair Allen recognized Michael Andraszczyk for breaking the 1600 meter record atSCMAF Track Meet; and Austin Wobrock for winning the Regional Team Competition for Pepsi Pitch, Hit & Run major league baseball competition skills with a certificates. SEATING OF NEW COMMISSIONERS UY" Chair Allen and the Commission thanked Commissioner Beek was leaving the Commission after serving for 8 years. Commissioner Tobin stated that Commissioner Beek was a tremendous example for the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Skoro stated that Commissioner Beek always did her homework and was an active member and contributed a lot to the Commission, notably with the Bonita Canyon Sports Park and the outreach meetings that were held. Commissioner Beek thanked her fellow commissioners for the opportunity for serving the City of Newport Beach for the last 8 years. More than anything she wanted to thank staff for their their support. • Chair Allen presented a plaque, flowers and pictures to Commissioner Beek. Chair Allen introduced the new Commissioner Steven Rosansky and welcomed him to the Commission. Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 • Page 2 Commissioner Rosansky thanked the City Council for their support, confidence and trust in their selection. He stated that he looks forward to serving the residents of Newport Beach. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Allen opened the nominations for Chair for FY 2003/04. Motion by Commissioner Tobin to elect Commissioner Allen as Chair. Hearing no other nominations, Chair Allen closed the nominations for Chair Motion carried by acclamation. Chair Allen opened the nominations for Vice Chair for FY 2003/04. Motion by Chair Allen to elect Commissioner Tobin as Vice Chair. Hearing no other nominations, Chair Allen closed the nominations for Vice Chair Motion carried by acclamation. • DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director Knight stated that it was a great July 4`" celebration at Mariners Park and thanked Chair Allen for beginning the festivities and Commissioner Skoro for riding on the haywagon, it was a great community event. She also thanked General Services staff for their support in the set up of that event. She announced that the Bonita Canyon Sports Park would be opening on August 24, a Sunday afternoon, details are still being firmed up. She stated that the dedication of the athletic fields will begin at 3pm and will have the Youth Sports Organizations involved in that process followed by some family activities and then a 5pm family concert. Please mark your calendar. The Park Patrol item will be on the City Council agenda for July 22 and a reminder will be sent out once the agenda has been published. Director Niederhaus thanked Commissioner Beek for her years on the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS Larry Porter stated he wanted to talk about the overall quantity and quality of the water supply. He stated that much of what the Commission is going to want to do in the future is going to include irrigation and water. He stated that right now normal storage levels of water in the San Joaquin area is down. He went on to say that a directive has been announced that only 62% of the well water can be pumped. Chair Allen suggested that Mr. Porter make that same announcement at a City Council meeting. Scott Porterfield requested that the Commission reconsider his request for a bench donation at West Jetty View Park at their next meeting in August. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 • Page 3 Kay Moretenson stated that she was speaking to the issue of the Porterfield request for a bench at West Jetty View Park. She stated that she wanted to thank the Commission for the vote to deny the request and encourage the commissioners to not renew the issue. She stated that this is about location, location, location. The Balboa Point HOA met and it was unanimous that this area has too many benches. She commented that, while most think that benches are a good thing, it is not for this Park as it is too small and not a lot of grass. She stated that there are ten benches in that Park. She commented that the location where the Porterfields wanted to have the bench installed was 140 feet from the park encroaching on the beach. She stated that the concrete boulders would need to be removed before a bench could be installed. She urged the Commission not to approve any request for benches at the Location, however there are needs for benches at the end of some of the streets in the area and perhaps the requested bench could be placed there. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the June 4. 2003 study session and regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written and order filed. 2. Item pulled by Staff. 3. Recreation & Senior Services Activity Report. Receive and file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. 4. Bench Donations. • Accept two bench donations from Gina Stewart to replace existing deteriorating benches on the bayfront at the end of Medina Way. 5. Bench Donations. Accept one bench donation from Kelly Aguerre to be installed at Corona del Mar State Beach. 6. Bench Donations. Accept one bench donation from Helen Rask to be installed at the Balboa Pier. 2. Parks Et Tree Division Activity Report - Director Niederhaus stated that the East and Mid Parks of Bonita Canyon Sports Park is finished and the Council has approved the landscape maintenance contract for the entire park. Staff will meet this week with the Surety Company re: the West park to consider some kind of financial conveyance from the Surety Company to the City to take over the park sooner than 3 -5 months from now. More than likely that we will be able to resolve our difference and the park may very well come to Council as early as next month. Director Niederhaus recommended that the Commission visit the north and south Main Street in the Balboa Village to see the 31 new Coral Gum trees. He also passed along thanks to Superintendent Lomeli and Urban Forester Conway for taking the time to locate, grow, and transplant these trees. He stated that it appears that it is going well with the new streetscape. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to accept items 1 through 6 of the Consent calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. • OLD BUSINESS 7. MarinaPark Walkway Gates - Director Niederhaus stated that in April 2003, staff responded to a request from the Commission to remove two Large entrance gates adjoining the public sidewalk and the Marina Park trailer court. The gates were removed to improve public access to the beach areas along Newport Bay after the Parks, Beaches @ Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 • Page 4 Commission voted to do so. The two gates were located at each end of the public sidewalk. To date, no public complaints have been received in response to the removals. On May 6, 2003, staff received a second request from the Park, Beaches, and Recreation Commission to identify the several additional beach access gates that adjoin the public sidewalk and the Marina Park trailer court. Staff confirmed that there are 10 such gates. Director Niederhaus went on to say that there are no existing agreements between the City and the residents of Marina Park with respect to the access gates. Marina Park staff has noted in the past that gates are instrumental in keeping stray animals and litter out of the area. The gates are not locked. Staff has invited local residents to comment on the proposed gates removal. Over 50 residents in the neighboring community as well as the Manager of Marina Park, and the President of Central Newport Beach Community Association were notified that the City would receive public comments at the Commission's July 7 meeting. Director Niederhaus stated that staff has not taken a position on this matter, but provides two alternatives for the Commission's review either: • Remove 10 gates bordering Marina Park that provides public access to the beach along the bay; or • • Retain the gates. Commissioner Rosansky asked if the City had installed those gates originally. Director Niederhaus stated that he was not sure since it had been some years ago since the property was developed. Commissioner Rosansky asked if there had been a purpose for their installation. Director Niederhaus stated that he believed at one time they kept out stray animals from wandering into the park or possibly blocked the litter. Commissioner Skoro stated that we all need to remember that this is tidelands property and it is a requirement of the Coastal Commission that there be public access. He stated that if there is a real valid reason to keep the gates from the residents he would like to hear it. Chair Allen stated that she had asked that this item be on the agenda, although it had been discussed informally and action had been taken to remove the gates but I was not sure that enough public notice had been given. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Patricia Frostham thanked the Commission for taking down the fence with the chain and the lock as it was forbidding. She believes that the beach should be access friendly. The beach in front of the trailers is very exclusive and the shrubbery in front of the trailers • should be removed. She went on to say that there are too many signs that say NO. The beach should be open to everyone. Joe Ribus, Mariners Park resident stated that it has not been a trailer park since 1960 but rather a mobile home park. He stated that the way that the gates now do not have any locks and anyone that chooses to use that beach can do so. He stated that he has a 0 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 5 3 year old daughter with twins on the way and with kids playing right there the gates have prevented his daughter from going out onto the beach. If the City was to decide to remove the gates then a lot of those drop down transition steps are excessive in height and would be need to be brought up to code with handrails from the walkway to the beach in at least three locations. He also requested then that the City install gates in front of each house to allow the residents the ability to keep the children in. He stated that now that the gates are open no one is monitoring the speed of roller skaters and bicyclists. Mr. Ribus requests a dedicated service of police monitoring bicyclists. He also noted that since the gates have been taken down many things items are missing from the homeowners properties. Tom Hyans stated that he did not believe any of the gates had been locked in the park. He stated that those gates do serve a purpose as they provide a little bit of privacy for those residents and not to the detriment of others. Herbert Williams, Marina Park resident, stated that many people believe that the 10 gates along the center of the park do serve a purpose. However, we are tenants of the City and these 10 gates restrict children from getting out. He recommended that the City install these gates with spring locks and signs be installed on the outside of the gates stating public walkway. • Chair Allen closed the public discussion Discussion ensued regarding some possible liability issues on the stairs not being to code if the gates were removed and not being able to enclose the homes so that children cannot walk on the beach. Director Niederhaus stated that hardscape is always a problem but that is a real concern; interior enclosures have been brought up as an issue from some of the residents. He stated that Mr. Ribus' ideas could be done at minimal cost. Commissioner Garrett stated that there really is no access to the beach so he is unsure how we impede any one's use, also he believes that the gates do keep a certain kind of element out of the park. He stated that he does not see the value of removing the gates. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to retain the gates and that signage be added to the outside of the gates indicating public access. Commissioner Skoro recommended that staff look at those steps from a liability standpoint. Commissioner Rosansky stated that he visited the park and that 5 of the ten gates were • open so he is not convinced that they keep the children from getting to the beach but is very concerned about the stairs and urged staff to look at that from a liability use. Alternative motion by Commissioner Rosansky that a study be done to install a fence along that walkway to fence in the park rather than fencing out the people. Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 6 Motion fails due to lack of a second. Motion by Commissioner Skoro carried by acclamation. 8. Castaways Park Revegetation Project - Director Niederhaus stated that he hoped he wound not need to be brief as this is a fairly complicated historic issue and situation and for the benefit of the new commissioner and a lot of the public who are probably not familiar with all the events that took place with the development of the Park he would like to go through the background and discussion items before he gets to the recommendations. He commented that he would be followed by Mr. Lomeli with a map illustrating the amendment of the park plant palette. Director Niederhaus stated that Castaways Park was constructed by The Irvine Company in late 1997, and stated that yocu may remember that Bob Henry Park was also being concurrently developed as an active park, whereas Castaways Park was developed as a passive park. Castaways Park was never designated a view or natural park. Director Niederhaus stated that the City was basically given the land, like other CIOSA parcels in the City. We had very limited funds to develop it; some $900,000 and that was spent on trails, some native plantings outside the fencing, and a view area where the Castaways Restaurant was on the view point, which was the reason for naming the Park. There is a walk /bike way course from Dover and Cliff into the Park; a parking lot adjacent to the Church and there are other amenities in the course of the Park including the walkway that goes all the way towards the Dover Shore area. There were two grants and two projects in this Park that included the planting of native plants; these were done with volunteers and with outside money and some City participation. These projects were sited from the parking lot along Dover and along the west side of the Castaways and in fact they have been in bloom over the last couple of years. In April of 1999, an Ad Hoc Castaways Park Advisory Committee was formed by Council Woman Norma Glover with some 12 members and represented a cross section of expertise and representation of the neighborhood as well as the staff. Superintendent Lomeli participated on that Committee which met at the General Services Department and was chaired by Bo Glover who unfortunately was not able to make it tonight. Mr. Glover took this Committee through the next three years as they worked their way through how to develop a native plant palette or grouping of plants to make this a beautiful natural Park. This Committee came to the Commission on June 6, 2000 with a submittal of a grant application, with costs of $200,000 to develop the Park in native planting and provide temporary irrigation. And as you know, capital improvement money has not been very plentiful in the last several years, so the City approached the Coastal Conservancy for a grant and was ultimately awarded $99,400 toward the $230,000 total estimated cost of the improvements. The City at that time opted to put $75,000 into a capital improvement project that has been carried forward for the last two years. The final player as far as donating funds was the Nature Conservancy, which is The Irvine . Company environmental entity that has been funding various environmental improvements in the County. The Coastal Conservancy agreement, which was presented to the Commission and eventually to the Council with Council approving a resolution and that agreement is highlighted on page 2 of the staff report. The 7 elements of the agreement are: Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 7 • 20 Year Agreement: Agreement is effective June 2002 through June 30, 2022 of the City must return all grant funding. • Completion Date: Proposed work must be completed by March 31, 2004. Upon completion of the project installation, the City shall submit a final report certifying the completion of the project according to the approved work program. • Maintenance Requirements: The City is required to use, manage, operate and maintain the project in a manner consistent with the grant purposes for the term of the agreement. The City assumes all management, operations, and maintenance costs associated with the project. • Limits on Use: The City may not develop or use any other City property in the vicinity of the project in such a way as to interfere with or detract from the project purposes for the duration of the agreement. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted only by the Executive Officer of the Coastal Conservancy. • Failure to Perform: The City will be liable for immediate repayment to the Coastal Conservancy of all amounts disbursed under the agreement if it fails to complete the project or fails to fulfill any of the obligations of the agreement. • Expenditure of Funds: The City must expend funds in the manner described in the approved project budget. Line item limits may be exceeded by as much as ten percent, however, the total budgeted grant amount may not be increased except by amendment to the agreement. • Disbursement of Funds: Disbursements shall be made on the basis of costs incurred to date, less ten percent, upon the City's satisfactory progress with the approved work program. The Conservancy may disallow all or part of the cost of any activity or action that it determines to be not in compliance with the requirements of the agreement. Director Niederhaus explained that the issue is back before the Commission because staff took this to a City Council Study Session on March 25, 2003 and a question was raised by Council Member Webb whether or not we should proceed with this project and if this Park could not have more active use. Staff took that request very seriously and met with the Nature and Coastal Conservancy staff and members of the public and proposed a compromise. Council Member Webb originally wanted ornamental non - native grass like you would have in other parks, such as Bob Henry Park, but the Coastal and the Nature Conservancy staff said that two agencies would withdraw their combined $150,000 grant leaving the City with only the $75,000 City funding if anything other than native grass was planted. So a compromise was reached - certain areas of the Park will be planted and irrigated year round in a native grass that resembles non - native grass and can endure high use. This proposal now needs the Commissions approval in order to go forward to Council again. This is a very tight time frame that we have to deal with due to the grant deadline of March 2004. He stated that we have to redesign the project, prepare new • specifications, and go out to bid; so if this project does not proceed in the next 60 days, the grant money will be lost. He reminded the Commission that there are three other City parks, basically two that we own, in need of future development. The City has no money in the current budget other than to study these new parks, much less to develop the areas. He concluded that staff is very supportive of the effort and requested the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 • Page 8 Commission to consider the alternative and forward this to Council within the next 30 days. Director Niederhaus also stated that the City will need an additional $30,400 with the proposal that will basically fund the alternative grass planting and irrigation. He reminded the Commission that it will be very difficult to go to Council early in the budget year and ask for that kind of money, however, staff is making an effort to salvage this project and try to not only meet the public need to have a more active park but also to enhance the Park which is fairly bare now that fire abatement has been done. To date the City has spent about $18,000 in plans and specifications in keeping the project on track with brush removal and preparation and again recommends that the Commission approves the staff proposal and forward to Council. Superintendent Lomeli explained the amended plan and stated that the drawing shows the area where staff proposes to plant California native grass. He stated that the area is sectioned out into a 20,000 square feet to section for the 50 feet of native grass and a amended 13,400 square feet circular view area for a total of about 3/4 of an acre. The area would be planted and irrigated throughout the year, mowed to keep the grass to a height of 3 inches. He reiterated that timing is very important as the best time to plant California natives is the fall with the projected completed by March 2004. Chair Allen asked Director Niederhaus what would happen if the work was not completed by March 31, 2004. Director Niederhaus stated that any funds would need to be refunded to the Coastal Conservancy if the City did not complete the agreement. The other critical event is that native plants are normally planted in the fall so that they can enjoy the winter and spring moisture, he reiterated again how important the timing was. Chair Allen stated that in other words if the work is not completed by March 31, 2004 we lose the grant money. Director Niederhaus stated yes, we will lose the grant money and then all we have left is $50,000 - $60,000 of City CIP funds for Castaways Park development. Superintendent Lomeli stated that the additional cost for the 33,000 square feet section is $25,000 (for installation and irrigation) with native grasses if done in conjunction with the larger project. Otherwise the cost to do only the native grass portion would be $36,000. Director Niederhaus stated that the point that staff is trying to make is that if the Commission decides that they do not want to proceed on this and want to make that • recommendation to Council, then the fallback would be that yes we could propose to use the balance of Capital Improvement Project funding for ornamental non- native grass and irrigation, and still achieve the amendment but the rest of the Park would be bare. Commissioner Skoro distributed photographs of the Park taken on July 2, 2003 depicting what it looks like 5 years after the dedication. • Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 9 Commissioner Garrett questioned exactly what native grasses look like in comparison to rye or fescue. Superintendent Lomeli stated that the native grass that staff is entertaining is from a nursery that promotes no -water ornamental grass. He passed around a book with pictures of the native grass. Commissioner Garrett asked if this compromise would solve the problem as far as the factions that are concerned about this project. Superintendent Lomeli stated that staff met with the different grant representatives and this is the agreement that was reached with them, anything beyond that would be additional costs that would be borne by the City. Director Niederhaus stated that it was discovered that there was a native turf grass already growing at the Park. It is dwarf Bermuda grass and is thriving on the west slope, Director Niederhaus stated that he believes that buffalo grass and several other alternative grasses. He commented that they would be durable and comfortable for the public to use. Commissioner Rosansky asked if there are additional costs for maintenance or water costs? Superintendent Lomeli stated that the water costs would be a little higher than coastal sage because anytime you mow turf and keep it at a lower height you incur maintenance costs, probably about 20 -30% higher than coastal sage because of the water costs. He also stated that by using this type of cutting edge native grass, that it could be a major test area for water conservation. Chair Allen stated that we should also keep that type of grass in mind for Bayview. Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission that there is a lack of funds to develop Bayview and hopes that this will be the first City native park and something similar could be grown at Bayview with additional grant funding. The Coastal Commission will require us to plant a certain percentage or all in native grass. Castaways Park would be a very good testing area for native plants and the City staff is ready to proceed. He commented that the City might be able to attain more grants to move the Bayview project to fruition. Commissioner Tobin stated that in dollars and cents you are talking about a $20M parcel of land. • Director Niederhaus stated that he did not know the exact value of that parcel but you couldn't cost that out the same as the Castaways property development because of what it is being used for. So it would need to be determined by a current City appraisal. 0 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 10 Commissioner Tobin stated that you also have to look at those homeowners who look down on that Park too. Superintendent Lomeli stated that there was representation from two of those homeowners on the Castaways Ad Hoc Committee. Commissioner Tobin asked if they had bought off on the plans. Superintendent Lomeli stated yes they approved the plant palette that was submitted for the grant. Commissioner Garrett stated that staff had commented early the fire control had to be done up there; he asked if coastal sage was planted there and no irrigation wouldn't we potentially if there were a dry year have a fire control problem. Superintendent Lomeli stated that the Fire Department sat on the Committee as well and there is a fuel modification area that Mr. Niederhaus has pointed out that would be fully irrigated and would meet the Fire Department's requirement relative of a distance of 100 feet from a structure. The abatement that has occurred is due primarily to non- natives and exotics that have been brought into the Park over the year such as mustard, fennel, • thistle, and have been eradicated by the Fire Marshall. Commissioner Garrett asked if this would save us any money if we just left it because of the fire control issue. Superintendent Lomeli stated that one of the charges of the Ad Hoc Committee was to reduce the annual abatement that started around $25,000 per year and reduce it by planting additional coastal sage that would be fire retardant so the Fire Marshall provided lists of fire retardant plants in the coastal sage categories and those were included into the plant palette. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Jo Vandervort, stated that she had served for 8 years as a Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commissioner, lives in the West Cliff Area, and is the Dover Village Association President. She commented that these organizations are not nearly as important as my being a grandmother for the past six years. She introduced her grandson Harrison and stated that they were here tonight to advocate for grass in the center area not just the 20,000 square feet between the asphalt paths. The current status of the park requires all visitors basically remain on the asphalt trails to protect the native vegetation which we call weeds and also because the weed and dirt patches do not lend themselves to many activities. Why is grass important - you can walk, sit, run and play on it. She stated that • there are other areas in the city for people that like to view native vegetation such as the Environmental Nature Conservancy a half a block away, the adults could also drive just up the road the Upper Bay Regional Park and see a large dramatic expanse of bluffs and tidal areas all with wonderful native vegetation; and even has an interpretive center in case you do not recognize coastal sage. We have two active playfields to play organized sports but we are talking here about plain old grass. Grass at the Castaways Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 • Page 11 could be used by families and kids to do all kinds of imaginative activities or just to soak up the sun. This could be a great family destination right here in our own neighborhood if it were designed for families to use. We could all ride our bikes to the park and enjoy family picnics. She thinks grass in the whole center area is an extremely positive step and believes that the Commission can also see that. Commissioner Skoro asked Ms. Vandervort if she remembered any extensive outreach meetings done when she was a Commissioner. Ms. Vandervort stated that frankly the Commission at that time was more concerned with developing Bob Henry Park as an active play park and if you remember there was a lot of emotion involved during that time also. Castaways was designated as a passive park and she does not believe that we should change the designation, it should be a user - friendly passive park. Wendy Thompson stated that she is a graduate of the Upper Newport Bay Naturalist Educational Training program and have led numerous eco kayak tours there. She stated that she considers herself an environmentalist and has a deep appreciation for the rare, special and fragile condition of the bay, that being the largest of the remaining wetlands in California and home to at least five birds on the endangered species list. She commented that over the past 10 years she has noticed that most times the people do not abide by the rules of the back bay such as staying on paths, staying off the island, walking their dogs off paths, etc. Ms. Thompson stated that her point is perhaps if people had more public usable space around the bay they would not venture into the areas that are off limits. A large grassy area would serve many purposes and the other many grassy areas in the City are designated for baseball, and such. It would be nice to have an area that we could picnic, etc., and appreciate the beautiful view of the back bay. Why create a new area that would need to be environmentally policed when we do not have adequate protection for the areas that are already off limits. Coralee Newman stated that she lives in Newport Heights and agrees with the two previous speakers and that this area is calling out to be used by families. If you were there on the 4`h of July you could see that this community wants to use this park in a passive way but be able to picnic on the park and utilize it more in a way that just a natural center. The environmental community in Newport Beach needed to be commended but stated that we have an Environmental Nature Center here in our neighborhood but the Castaways Park is not the right location to add another natural park. She stated that she represents many of the moms in Newport Heights and they are one of the neighborhoods that would utilize this park the most. She commented that what you commonly hear from people at the park is "what's going on here ", "why is this park so ugly ?" "why do we not have any grass." The thing about the Castaways Park is that it is one of only places where you get a panoramic view of both the harbor and the • back bay and it should be open to the community at large and should be used at its highest and best use which is for a broader community use than just preservation. In conclusion we commend the environmental community but Newport Beach has made its contribution to preserving native grass and habitat and Castaways should be a contribution to the families. • Parks, Beaches l3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 12 George Schroeder stated that he also supports a passive park with more grass area. Margit Motta, Newport Heights resident stated that there are many grassy areas in Newport Beach, such as Cliff Drive Park, Mariners Park to play in. I am against turf and I would hate to think that we would give up $100,000 worth of conservancy money to put in essentially more water -able grass and I think we all know that there is a water problem and its coming sooner rather than later. She stated that we have enough manicured parks and that the compromise plan presented tonight sounds very good and would really hate to see that money go and to have to have more space that will need to be mowed and watered. Pat Beek stated that the City Council had voted with the help of Norma Glover to make Castaways a passive park. Ms. Glover yanked the plans, blue prints and all that were already established for that site and it became what it is today - a passive park. So the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was disturbed that the park had been yanked from them and the park remained that way until Ms. Glover asked for an Ad Hoc Committee to be formed to improve the looks of the park especially for people driving up Dover Drive. That Ad Hoc Committee had 3 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission members on it along with Robert House, founder of the Environmental Center; Bo Glover, Marcy Lomeli and a lot of experts including Mike Evans from Tree of Life. The Committee 40 spent all of their meetings coming up with a color palette for year round. After looking at how much it would cost to have color year round, which was over $200,000, it was decided that they would apply for a grant. The Community had a lot of opportunity to object to the park and ask for grass a long time ago. She recommended that the Commission approve the compromise and approve staff's recommendation. Kerry Slayback complimented staff on the compromise and stated that it sounded like a great plan and wanted to say on record that she endorses the plan. She stated that she hoped that we would be able to maintain the grant from the conservancy and go forth with that plan with haste. Alan Beek stated that he agreed with Ms. Slayback's remarks and that the staff does deserve a compliment for working out this compromise that this is a good example of team work. He is very sorry that there are some in the audience who are dissatisfied with the result but thinks that the reason they are dissatisfied is because the original plan for a native vegetation park was sabotaged by the planting not being watered and they all died and there is nothing but brown grass. Although some of the plants are taking hold and we are getting some shrubbery on that hillside. The top is intended to be a meadow and a meadow is a better place for kids to have fun than a lawn is. He stated that you can have a picnic on a meadow, fly a kite, but you can also find ground squirrels and rabbits and snakes and lizards in a meadow. Mr. Beek stated that you can find those things in Castaways. Mr. Beek stated that it is appropriate that the park should be . developed as a meadow and watered so that it exists as such and does not turn brown again. That is the key to get it established, so we can find out what a meadow looks like. He stated that we have a lot of lawns in this City and it appears to me that it is time that we have a meadow. He again thanked the staff and urged approval on the compromise. • Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 13 Chair Allen asked if in the event the City was to move ahead with the plan from staff and in 5 years if folks were not happy and wanted to put in non native grass, would that still be doable. Director Niederhaus stated no, we would need to maintain it the way it is planted for 18 more years per the requirements of the grant. Chair Allen asked if we were to take this money and continue on with this plan then we are basically tying ourselves up for 18 years, is that correct? Director Niederhaus stated that was correct and if the City was to do something that was against the agreement one could expect the Coastal Conservancy to ask for all or a portion of their money back. Christine Carr stated that she agrees with Mr. Beek regarding the meadow and has actually had her gardener come and work on it to keep it as a passive native area for people to enjoy. She stated that there are a lot of areas with grass and grass means more noise, more workers and could open a door for more people and once that happens they will push for a restroom to be installed. She believes that more funds will need to be expended if turf was planted. She recommended that the Commissioners really think this decision out so that everyone can feel that both sides have been looked at. Deaana Epley stated that she has lived in Corona del Mar for 18 years and is a member of the California Native Plant Society but not speaking for them. She stated that she has a native garden on her own property and knows that some people would call it weeds but weeds are in the eyes of the beholder. Ms. Epley stated that the people that came to California came because they like California, they didn't go to England, I just exchanged my house 2 years ago with tow English families, believe me, unless you have a full -time gardener with tweezers, it's a meadow, its not lawn unless it's a stately mansion owned by the government. The people will have a putting green with rabbit holes, tennis courts are covered with algae, She stated that we do not live in a place like that, we live in a place with no water, water has been a problem since my grandfather was here. Water has always been a problem. I see this park as a place where children's curiosity and imagination can go; instead of throwing a Frisbee, which you can do in your front yard. I urge your support of the staff's recommendation. Commissioner Skoro stated that the park was dedicated in 1998 about the time he came onto the Commission. Since then people go up there and see my name there and happen to know my wife and we are asked when will the park be finished and it pretty much has been in dire straits since its dedication. The park is used infrequently. I stopped by the park yesterday and no one was there, I stopped this evening at 6pm and there were 5 people there contrast that to Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar where there is grass and benches and people are enjoying the view continually anytime of day or night. He stated this 17 acres of property is probably worth in today's market $20 -$30M, it is a priceless piece of property. If we accept a grant of $100,000, we will invest $5,000 a year to control the property and asked what kind of business investment is that. It is a bad investment. He stated that the requirements of the grant that were not made clear to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission when it was voted on are as follows: • Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 14 • 20 year commitment • Limits what you can do with the property • Specs are very tight as it requires up to 5 years of irrigation • Requires a success rate of at least 70% of the native plants • Less than 25% weeds The City has an obligation to do that and that would be very expensive over the life of the grant. Commissioner Skoro stated that there were a lot of outreach meetings regarding Bonita Canyon Sports Park and it does not appear that it was done with this park. He commented that one of the residents that live there in the Newport Heights area grabbed me one day and indicated that the park was built for an elitist few. He stated that he felt that it could be better utilized by having a community use it with turf. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to: • Reject the recommendation proposed by staff • Send a letter signed by the Chair on behalf of the Commission to the City Council that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission strongly recommends that planning and implementation be initiated as funding is available to incorporate a sprinkler system and ornamental non native grass in the flat areas of the Castaways Park that are encircled by the asphalt pathways. This proposed turf area encompasses less than '/z of the available park and will allow ample acreage for revegetation and existing natural vegetation. If this plan is inconsistent with obtaining grants from the Coastal Conservancy then Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission recommends rejection of the grants. Commissioner Garrett stated that it is certainly evident that Castaways is not user friendly to the people that go up there and frankly he believes that staff has come up with a pretty good compromise. Substitute motion by Commissioner Garrett to approve staff's recommendation and forward to City Council for their approval. Motion dies for lack of a second. Chair Allen stated that she would support Commissioner Skoro's motion but not necessarily because she is not convinced that the entire upper area needs to be grass. It's because she is convinced that we do not want to tie our hands for the next 18 years for $5,000 a year. She went on to say that the City budget is tight right now and that budgets throughout the state are tight, but that is a situation that comes and goes and this is 17 acres of property that has to be worth millions and millions of dollars believes that if we make an agreement with someone that we are going to accept $100,000 and give up our authority and our right to plan that park in a way that satisfies the concerns of everyone that has environmental areas in it, that has turf areas in it, perhaps even . that has that grass that Superintendent Lomeli has come up with a compromise in it. That may be the best thing and that may be a wonderful solution but she simply cannot accept $100,000 and give up the right to plan this park for 17 years. So that is the reason she supports the motion. Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 . Page 15 Commissioner Rosansky asked if there were any discussion of putting in the native grass in the whole upper portion or was it strictly limited to the band of area displayed on the map. Superintendent Lomeli stated that it was strictly the band other than the meadow that was referred to which is a composition of coastal sage with native grasses and flowers mixed in with that, but strictly the area which is indicated in the report, 2/3 rd of an acre. He stated that was the compromise. Commissioner Rosansky stated that he visited the park over the weekend and cannot say that it was heavily used although I did find that there were a number of people with their dogs jogging through the park, a couple of bicyclists, and he marveled that there was a bush there with bugs with orange spots on them and was full of them and was fascinated by it. He stated that he would like to think that he is a supporter of nature and natural settings however, as some of the speakers did point out tonight we have a number of areas in the City that do have natural settings and I go jogging through El Moro down to the south and Back Bay has a number of areas that you can go and visit the park in somewhat of a natural setting. I do share some of the other Commissioner's objection to tying up this piece of land for 20 years although I also am not convinced that it needs to be a big lawn out there, so I guess I would be in favor of the motion. 40 Motion carried by acclamation. NEW BUSINESS 9. Donation List Ideas - Superintendent McGuire stated that she had met with both Senior Services Manager Jardine -Haug and Park Superintendent Lomeli to come up the donation ideas with costs for the Commission to review. Commissioner Tobin complemented staff for this list and did not realize that there were so many things could be donated. Superintendent McGuire asked if the Commission would like to know where plaques could be located and exact costs. Chair Allen stated that the commission would like staff to work on it. Director Knight stated that staff would work on a brochure that could list these items with pictures for staff to provide to people when they want to donate something. 10. Update on Grant Availability - Superintendent McGuire reviewed the current grants in progress and has been researching other grants but stated that most grants are given to . city's that can show economic need; so we do not qualify for them. 11. Committee Reports Finance - Commissioner Garrett stated that the budget has been approved. Park Development - July meeting has been cancelled. Upper Bayview status is still unknown until it comes back from the Coastal Commission r1 L_J Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2003 Page 16 Recreation Et Open Space Element - Nothing to report. Recreation Activities - Nothing new to report. Director Knight reminded the Commission that Park Patrol will be on the July 22 Council agenda. Seniors - Nothing new to report. Community Service Award - Nothing to report Tree Committee - Chair Allen stated that the next meeting was scheduled for July 15 and it was hoped that the draft G -1 Policy would be approved and thus forward to Council for their review. Chair Allen asked staff to forward the current committee assignments to the Commission and ask for their review for possible reassignments or appointments. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Lot Line Adjustment for Newport Hills Community Association — August/September Limiting of Bench Donations, identify areas where they are needed Irvine Terrace Park Encroachment Bench Donation — Porterfield - September Review of Council Policy G -5 possibly requiring approval of FICA where bench will be installed or gage number of benches in parks. Liability Aspects at MarinaPark ADJOURNMENT - 9 :35pm Submitted by: K� L4 Teri Craig, Admin Assistant