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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/2004 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 - 7pm Convened 7:02pm ROLL CALL Present: Debra Allen Tim Brown Bill Garrett Greg Ruzicka Val Skoro Tom Tobin Absent: Roy Englebrecht Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation ft Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant PRESENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - HELEN JAPENGA & GAIL ROSENSTEIN Chair Tobin stated that the Commission is honoring Helen Japenga and Gail Rosenstein with the Community Service Award and that on December 7, 1999 the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission approved the naming of the palm and the strawberry tree on the Lido side of Gateway Park as: "Helen's Tree - dedicated December 10, 1999" "Gail's Tree - dedicated December 10, 1999" In honor of their dedication to the park. He went on to say that Helen and Gail were not only the driving force behind the fundraising for the park which involved donations from more than 170 individuals, families, and trusts amounting to over $200,000 for the Gateway Park project, but also attended multiple planning meetings over the three years before the opening of the park. Chair Tobin stated that since the opening of Gateway Park, that Helen and Gail have continued to volunteer their time and efforts in routinely helping to maintain the park and keeping the Gateway to the City looking beautiful and that the Community Service Award Committee believes it appropriate to again acknowledge them for their commitment and dedication. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director Knight reminded the Commission that their Facility Inspections reports are due on December 1. She stated that the Aquatics Coordinator had been hired and will begin the end of December. She also reported that in the past month several staff members had received awards from the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation for their dedication to the profession and for their assistance in different events throughout the year, i.e. flag football, track meet, etc. Director Niederhaus noted that Parks & Tree Superintendent Marcelino Lomeli had returned to work after being hospitalized for five days. He also noted that the beaches are very clean after having approximately 400tons of garbage come ashore at Main Beach and 80 tons at North Star logboom. Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Vandersloot, Newport Heights stated that an item had been brought to his attention from a resident regarding tree removals in Corona del Mar. He stated that apparently there had been three to six trees on Poinsettia, Larkspur, Jasmine and today on Iris removed. He went on to say that 31 problem trees had been removed within the last two months ago and wondered what problems they are causing. He presented photographs and noted that it seems that the sidewalk and curb appear to have been repaired recently. He stated that it seems that the City is repairing hardscape damage only to go back and remove the tree. He went on to say that the community values its trees and realizes that there is a new G -1 Policy which allows these so- called problem trees to be removed but staff is supposed to be providing a report each month from the Urban Forester about the problem trees and believes that the community deserves an explanation as to why this is happening and what problem these trees are causing. He stated that a lot of claims related trees have been removed recently and asked how many more trees will be removed? Dr. Vandersloot stated that he did not believe that the City should venture into an orgy of tree removals just because the G -1 Policy seems to be more generous on removing trees. Betty Butterworth stated that she lives in the 700 block of Jasmine and displayed pictures that had been taken in the last couple of days. She stated that tree have disappeared on Poinsettia and notices and on Narcissus. She went on to say that 3 large Ficus trees had been removed from Iris and another on Jasmine where the sidewalk had just been replaced recently. She stated that her concern is that the charm of the town is being impacted and that to take out so many all at once is sad for the town. She went on to say that there should be timely replacements and that the trees should be replaced with something just as large. Mary Porter stated that the community is not privy to all decisions made but is quite concerned about the following phrases, i.e., problem, dangerous and hazard trees, view and interfering trees. She stated that the community all want to have safe and easy maintenance trees but trees grow. She stated that the City should be responsible for pruning trees but that it should be done correctly. She stated that most of the trees around her could be trimmed down and displayed pictures of the tree trimmers not cleaning their shears which can spread disease and suggested that the City set up a regular fertilizing of the Canary Palms. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the October 5, 2004 regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written and order filed. 2. Item pulled from the public. 3. Recreation ft Senior Services Activity Report. Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. 4. Lighting Request from Newport Riptide. Request by Newport Riptide to use the field lights at Arroyo, Bonita Creek and Grant Howald Parks until 10pm on Saturday, January 29, 2005 and until 8pm on Sunday, January 30, 2005 for the Newport Riptide 18 and Under Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team Triple Crown Tournament. 5. Item pulled from the public. Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 3 6. Item pulled from the public. 7. Park Donation. Donation of a boulder with plaque to be sited at Bayview Landing Park in recognition of Long term City employee, Pat Dungan. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to approve the Consent Calendar, except for those items removed (2, 5 and 6). Motion carried by acclamation. 2. Park and Tree Division Activity Report. Dr Vandersloot commended the City for no tree removals in July and September, but was concerned about the 31 claim related removals. He asked if in fact those trees fit the criteria for removal. He went on to say that problem trees that are not designated as special trees may be removed if these trees has had a repeated history of damaging public or private sewers, water mains, etc., or if it has a repreated history of significant interference with drainage despite specific treatment to alleviate the damage or that it has a view impediment. He wondered if all 31 problem trees and the trees that were discussed earlier in the meeting were fulfilling that criteria. He stated that no where does it state that these trees have meet that criteria in any report that he is aware of. He asked for a report that describes the specific reason for the removal of the tree. Dr. Vandersloot stated that there should be a record of replanting the tree because the City Council requires that all removals have a replacement tree. Director Niederhaus explained that the tree removal chart within the Activity Report, specifically the 31 problem trees represent the first phase of the resolution of outstanding claims. He stated that staff had taken the full month to complete phase two of the claims in October but had been delayed with the removal of the additional 42 problem trees. He stated that problem tree removals will be noted in the December reports. He went on to say that in answer to Dr. Vandersloot the criteria set forth by Council was followed carefully, closely and completely and all were approved by the City Manager, Risk Manager and the Deputy City Attorney and all tree removals will be replaced one for one with a 24 inch boxed tree. He went on to say that the City is looking to protect the new sidewalks and that those areas in Corona del Mar had been toured by Council Member Nichols prior to Problem Tree removals. 5. Tree Donation. Donation of one Cassia leptophylla to be planted at the City Parking lot on West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue from Stop Polluting Our Newport 6. Tree Donation. Donation of one Cinnamomum camphora to be planted at Bayview Park from Stop Polluting Our Newport Chair Tobin opened the public discussion Howard Hall, SPON Co- Presiding Officer stated that he had pulled Ilems 5 and 6 because for seven years SPON has sponsored the Frank E Frances Robinson Environmental Award and beet allowed by the City to use a 5x7 plaque and tree to honor those people awarded. He went on to say that this year that SPON was honoring two people since he had been told that the Policy was going to be changed but because of the short time frame, he had gone ahead and ordered the 5x7 plaque believing that the Commission would approve the request. He stated that he Parks, Beaches £r Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 4 had received a communication from Director Niederhaus that they would not be recommending approval to use a 5x7 plaque. He stated that he has been made aware that the City will be going forward with a $4000 dollar donation requirement trees and benches and noted that as a non - profit organization SPON would not be able to do donate in the future, so that this in a sense would be irtheir swan song. He urged that the Commission approve a 5x7 plaque for Jean Atherton and Louise Greeley because of their worthiness of this honor. Chair Tobin closed the public discussion Commissioner Allen asked if there was an exception for people that have contributed something to the community beyond a name on a plaque and asked what it would take to bring these applications within that exception. Director Niederhaus stated that the reason this request was rushed was because the Commission had amended the G -5 Policy to not allow donations with plaques under $4,000 and staff went ahead and presented their case but did not recommend approval only because staff did not want to violate the direction that was given by the Commission. He went on to say that there are like plaques on other trees such as at Castaways Park and that it would not necessarily be a problem to do it two more times before G -5 is approved in December. He stated that is why he suggested that Mr. Hall attend because staff would not be an advocate for something that is against the Commission's wishes. Commissioner Allen stated that her understanding was that at least when this goes to Council that there would be a provision to allow plaques for under a $4,000 donation to honor someone that has made a contribution to the community. She asked Director Niederhaus if he was familiar with that. Director Niederhaus stated yes. Commissioner Allen asked what would it take for these people to be honored within that exception. Director Niederhaus stated that in this case since the Council Policy has not been forwarded yet for consideration the Commission can go ahead and approve Mr. Hall's request. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that his only comment is that we have come to this arbitary decision of $4000, and but that there is no greater tyranny than strict enforcement of any policy and suggested that the Commission will have to be pragmatic and that they will need to have the discretion to allow this. He also stated that policy could be a double edged sword because we do not want to have these kind of requests at each meeting requesting special exceptions. He stated that this request should be considered. Chair Tobin asked if the residents of Bay View Park had been notified. Director Niederhaus stated yes and had not received any feedback. Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 5 Motion by Commissioner Skoro to approve Items 2, 5 and 6 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. NEW BUSINESS 8. Newport Village Concept Presentation - Jess Harrison of Hall £t Foreman presented a PowerPoint presentation of the conceptual plans of the Newport Village project. Commission Skoro stated that this project was a great reflection of how community outreach can work in the design of a park. Chair Tobin opened the public discussion Jan Vandersloot, Newport Heights thanked the City and consultant for a nice plan but recommended that meadow sedge used at Castaways Park would be better than the fescue type of turf as it only grows to a certain height and would not need to be mowed, is drought tolerant, and would not need as much water as a turf type would. He asked that this recommendation be suggested to City Council before a final decision is made. He went on to say that the slope behind the library was planted with coastal sage and has done very well and a great place to look at birds. He asked that since that area would changed because of the proposed parking lot that the sage be replanted at the edges of the park instead of using acacia, which is not a native type plant. Harry Hamilton, Board of Library Trustees President commended the planners for the design of the park and is gratified with the planned parking provisions that will finally bring the library up to what was originally planned for it 11 years ago. He stated that the library has been under parked for all these years and that it is becoming particularly acute now that the management of the shopping center is increasing business and impacts the parking at the library. He stated that the library in unable to hold some public events because of the parking issue. By adding over the 100 spaces that are planned that it will certainly enhance the library and that the trustees look forward to the parks completion. Laura Curran stated that she is a fan of maintaining any of the coastal sage area and echoes Dr. Vandersloot's comments regarding the use of native plants such as sedges and or yarrow which require less water and fits in with the theme of the park. She asked how the creep of turf grass would be maintained into the sedge area and noted that she had some concerns regarding the slope. She suggested that the architect consider using porous materials such as decomposed granite on the pathways and suggested that this park would provide a perfect opportunity for information and education and wondered if this was part of the plan, i.e. water usage. Bernie Svalsted stated that he has requested from Director Knight and will go to Council in November or December the opportunity to take the leadership in establishing a tax deductible trust fund within the City to raise private funds for Newport Village Park. He stated that the mission statement for the trust fund would be to raise necessary funds to build the Newport Village Park as approved by the City. The committee would have no direct mission in the Parks, Beaches it Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 6 development of the park. He stated that he has been told that the necessary funds for the park are approximately $1 M and would hope to achieve that goal within a year or two and try to complete in conjunction with the Newport Beach Centennial Celebration and thought maybe it could be called Centennial Park. He went on to say that this would involve community leaders i.e., SPON, Board of Library Trustees, PB$R Commission, etc. Chair Tobin closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to forward the conceptual plan for Newport Village to City Council. Commissioner Garrett asked if the architect could comment on the suggestions regarding the porous materials since water quality is such a big issue in Newport Beach. Architect Jay Harrison stated that decomposed granite (DG) adds a nice character to parks but over time with rains it will cost more to maintain because as water flows, rivulets will form through it and will need constant maintenance to restore it; however it could be used in the natural area if the Commission requested in order to include a more natural native look within the north part of the park that would lend itself to the look, but again after time it would require more maintenance. Commissioner Allen commended the architect and staff for the great work on the project. She went on to say that she hoped that SPON would raise funds for education and environmental aspects of the north side of the park; Mr. SvaLsted would raise money for the middle section and the library folks for the parking lot. Motion carried by acclamation. 9. Namine of Bavview Landing Park - Director Knight stated that the parcel located at the corner of Jamboree and PCH is in construction on the upper parcel of a passive view park and the lower parcel for the senior housing project. She stated that the Park Development Committee had recommended that the naming of the park should be opened up for public input to assist the Commission in coming up with names to forward to the City Council. She stated that staff received 129 submittals over a 2 -week period with 18 repeats. She went on to say that the Park Development Committee reviewed those names and offers the following for consideration: • Back Bay View Park • Jamboree Bluff Park • Rim of the Bay Park • Upper Bayview Park Director Knight stated that after the Commission's decision it would be forwarded to the City Council. Chair Tobin opened the public discussion Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 7 Roger McGonigal, Newport Balboa Rotary Club member stated that his purpose in attending this meeting was to support the suggestion of naming the park after the contributions of Rotarians but after hearing that the City had received so many recommendations that he has a new respect for the committee. Jan Vandersloot pointed out that the park is known as Bayview Landing Park and urged the Commission to forward that name to City Council as well. Chair Tobin closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to forward Back Bay View Park; Jamboree Bluff Park; Rim of the Bay Park; and Upper Bayview Park as suggestions to City Council their final decision. Discussion ensued regarding forwarding four names versus one name. Motion carried by acclamation. 10. Reforestation Request - Director Niederhaus stated that staff received a reforestation request from Jay D. Rifkin, Marilyn Clark, Phyllis Joy Speek, and George Broughton, property owners of 300, 302, 304, 310 -312 Larkspur Avenue, have submitted Tree Reforestation Request forms pursuant to Council Policy G -1 requesting reforestation of five River She - Oak parkway trees that are planted adjacent to their residences and valued at $13,000. He stated that the property owners are committed to covering the full cost of removing and replacing the tree which will be a Stenocarpus sinuatus (Firewheel Tree). The four property owners are requesting this as a second phase of reforestation for the east side of the street. The west side was reforested in June 2002 when three River She -Oak trees were removed. The property owners have requested the tree removals under the Reforestation guidelines of the G -1 Policy and that they provided a petition with 60% of the adjoining property owners as required by the G -1 Policy criteria. Director Niederhaus stated that staff is asking the Commission to consider this request. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that he has some concerns about of the size of the replacement tree. Director Niederhaus stated that the tree would be a 24 inch boxed tree and that staff will select specimens. He stated that the replacement trees would not be as tall but that they will be colorful and ornamental and that within five years the trees should be approaching 18 to 20 feet in height. Chair Tobin opened the public discussion. Dr. Jeff Antrillo stated that he was representing Marilyn Clark and wanted to let the Commission know that he was here to answer questions should there be any. Parks, Beaches f3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 8 Jan Vandersloot stated that he is the self- appointed tree protector and commented that these trees are not causing any problems and look good. He stated that the property owners want them removed only because of the needle droppings and that reason does not meet the criteria for tree removal in accordance with the G -1 Policy for reforestation. He went on to say that these trees are not the wrong type of tree or in the wrong location and questioned whether everyone is now going to ask for reforestation just because leaves are falling on the ground. He again stated that these trees look good and should not be removed with a little tree and noted that the trees that were reforested during phase one are still little trees. He urged the Commission to establish better criteria regarding reforestation. Director Niederhaus stated that there was a category added to the G -1 Policy entitling the removal of the wrong tree in the wrong spot and staff interprets that there would never be a She Oak tree planted in a parkway because it is too big and too messy. Commissioner Ruzicka asked if the property owners motivations to remove the tree is because it's too messy. Director Niederhaus stated that there is no mention of public or private damage in the request, but the main reason is that She Oak trees are messy and would not normally be planted in a parkway because of its size and there are no other parkways in the City with She Oak as the designated tree. He went on to say that the other side of the street has been done at those property owners expense and that the current applicants are the ones that look at both sides of the street and are asking to have a more uniform look which is the goal of the Designated Street Tree list. Commissioner Allen stated that when the Tree Committee met regarding reforestation, one of the discussions that came up over and over again was that if the City were to plant trees in the parkways now, knowing how big trees grow, and what is more appropriate in each location that many of the trees would never have been planted in their locations. She went on to say that the idea behind reforestation was to allow the homeowner to cover the costs for removal as the City does not have the funds to remove inappropriate trees and replace them with the appropriate tree now. This gives the homeowner the opportunity to come to the City and pay for the substitution and not as a tree removal, and to have a more uniformed tree which is what the City Council actually approved within the Designated Street Tree list. Commissioner Brown stated that he understands this but that his emotional side does not like pulling up healthy trees that have been there for years not creating problems , and just because some folks decided that they did not like them anymore because they are messy wants them removed. He stated that most of the comments made from the homeowners did not address the fact that the tree is messy. All that being said he noted that the only reason that he would agree with this request is because the other side has already been done. Chair Tobin stated that there is no uniformity there now. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 9 Commissioner Ruzicka concurred with Commissioner Brown's observations. Tom Vogelman co -owner of 300 Larkspur stated that he takes issue with the Commission dismissing this request simply because these trees are messy. He stated that he is an avid gardener and takes great pride in the way his yard looks and it is very disheartening to spend hours in the garden simply to have the winds make it look as if nothing has been done at all. He stated that if he had known that there would be skepticism about how messy these trees are he would have brought a bag of pine needles for the Commission to look at versus a bag of leaves. He urged the Commission to approve the request. He stated that the people that are protesting the removal do not have gardens underneath these trees. Commissioner Ruzicka asked if the tree had been there when Mr. Vogelman purchased the property. Mr. Vogelman stated yes. Commissioner Skoro asked if the needles drop year round. Mr. Vogelman stated that the droppings are constant throughout the year. Chair Tobin stated that it probably fills the drain too. Mr. Vogelman stated that as much as this request has been dismissed as a petty nuisance that this is really an issue and urged the Commission to come out and spend an afternoon sweeping up needles. Commissioner Skoro stated that if this is approved that there are still a couple of these trees on the street left and are they going to be requesting removal. Mr. Vogelman stated that there are a few but will be quite spotty and that those folks are content but had signed the petition to go along with the reforestation. Jeff Antrillo stated that it might have been an oversight but there had been hardscape damage in the past. Chair Tobin closed the public discussion. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that a lot of big nice trees have been removed from Corona del Mar just to put a 8000 sq ft house on a 3500 sq ft lot and that he does not like what he is seeing in the neighborhood. Director Niederhaus stated that some of the pines in Corona de Mar are dying of canker and that 10 or 12 trees on Sea View are declining and will also need to be removed and that is one of the main reasons why numerous big trees are disappearing in Corona del Mar. Parks, Beaches li Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 10 Commissioenr Ruzicka asked if these trees have that disease. Director Niedehaus stated no. Motion by Commissioner Allen to approve the reforestation request from Jay D. Rifkin, Marilyn Clark, Phyllis Joy Speek, and George Broughton, property owners of 300, 302, 304, 310 -312 Larkspur Avenue. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Allen, Brown, Garrett, Skoro, Tobin Noes: Ruzicka 11. Bench List - Director Niederhaus stated that staff would be coming back to the Commission on the premise that there is some interest at looking at new types of benches. He stated that the reports displays the types of benches used in the past and the new type that is on Marine Avenue and in Corona del Mar. He stated that staff has no recommendation, but wondered if this should be sent to the Park Development Committee or another committee. Discussion ensued regarding benches and the need to have a brochure with a complete array of benches for the Commission to review. Director Niederhaus stated that he would have staff to compile a much larger list of bench candidates for the Commission's review at a future meeting 12. West Jetty View Park - Director Niederhaus that in 2003, City staff transplanted two large King Palms from the Corporation Yard to West Jetty View Park. The palm plantings were done to replace several Canary Island Date Palms that had died at the site due to Fusarium, a palm tree fungus. He went on to say that in July 2004, a large Triangle Palm that had been dedicated to the late Jack Brooks, former Parks and Trees Superintendent, was also planted in the Park as a further enhancement. Director Niederhaus stated that staff received complaints from residents about the additional tree plantings and improvements (concrete curb planter) associated with the memorial tree. Staff then boxed and removed the three palm trees on September 1. He stated that staff was contacted by Peninsula Point resident Mr. Bob St. John, who lives adjacent to West Jetty View Park, concerning the Park tree removals. After hearing the explanation, Mr. St. John volunteered to petition adjacent property owners to replant the three palm trees and forward the petition to staff. Staff brought this matter to the Commission in October but the matter was tabled to allow the Balboa Peninsula Point Association (BPPA) an opportunity to address the matter with their membership. He stated that they met on October 14 and recommended that the two King Palms be replanted in the Park realizing that they cannot be safely transplanted until spring 2005 and not to replant the large Triangle Palm. He stated that staff agrees with this recommendation. Chair Tobin opened the public discussion Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 16, 2004 Page 11 Kay Mortensen, BPPA Board member stated that the park on the Peninsula side is very small and that there have been a lot of requests for benches, trees, etc., that the area is maxed out and the Association recommends that nothing else be planted or placed in the park. She stated that by replanting the King Palms that it would be nothing more then replacing the diseased trees that had been there but planting the Triangle Palm would actually be an additional tree and that there is just no room for it. Chair Tobin closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to replant the two King Palms in spring 2005 and not to replant the large Triangle Palm. Motion carried by acclamation. • Finance - Nothing to report. • Park Development - Commissioner Skoro stated that most everything that the Committee had been discussing had been covered tonight. He noted that the Committee had met onsite at Upper Bayview earlier to discuss bench locations and looking at the watering system. • Rec & Open Space Element - Nothing to report but asked if the Open Space Element would need to be changed with the new parks coming online. • Recreation Activities - Nothing to report. • Seniors - Nothing to report • Beach Activities - Nothing to report. Director Niederhaus updated the Commission on the status of the sand replenishment dredging project. • Ad Hoc - Community Service Award - Nothing to report. Commissioner Ruzicka suggested that the committee look at Mr. & Mrs. Lastoy from 46`" Street during their next go around. Commissioner Garrett suggested that Council Member Rosansky be alerted to their names as he is in charge of the beach clean up. Director Niederhaus stated that the City had just presented all the beach clean up volunteers with awards - Youth Sports Liaison - Nothing to report Special Tree Committee - Commissioner Allen stated that they were working with staff to identify special trees and would be going on a tour to look at them and should be back to the Commission in another month or two. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Bench Options • Irvine Park Encroachment • Liability Aspects at Marina Park • Landscaping Plan - Bayview & Mesa (January) ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY OF CITY KARATE INSTRUCTOR BRUCE BUTLER WHO PASSED AWAY IN OCTOBER 28, 2004 - 9:05pm Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin Assis