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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2007 - PB&R CommissionNOVEMBER 6, 2007 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES E CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches 13 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 6, 2007 - 7pm Convened 7:10pm ROLL CALL Present: Debra Allen Tim Brown Bill Garrett Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Greg Ruzicka Cristine Trapp Staff: Wes Morgan, RSS Director Mark Harmon, General Services Director Dan Sereno, Parks i3 Tree Superintendent Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Admin Asst DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Morgan stated that the Commission will be talking about Item #4 - Marina Park tonight and again in December to extend the outreach period. Once that is complete a report will be forwarded to Council. •Director Harmon stated that General Services is waiting for the rains to begin so staff can get busy and clean things up. He stated staff received phone calls regarding the ring of black dirt on the beach. Some residents complained to the OC Health Department. Director Harmon went on to say that the Health Department tested the black ring and found that it was not hazardous but just ash from the fires and that it had accumulated as a huge black ring on the beach. He stated that staff used their roto tiller to clean the sand. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the October 2, 2007 regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. 2. Item removed by Director Harmon. 3. Recreation Et Senior Services Activity Report. Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Motion by Chair Brown to accept items 1 and 3 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 2. Park and Operations Division Activity Report. Director Harmon stated that this month staff divided the tree report as requested by Dr. Vandersloot and he noted that these were good suggestions. There was a discrepancy when you looked at the number of tree removal and reforestation requests. The report now contains two sections; one part noting the number of tree removals and the other • will account for the plantings and maintenance of trees. This should make the report easier for people to understand. Director Harmon introduced Kevin Pekar as the new Parks Supervisor. Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 6, 2007 - 7pm • Page 2 . Parks Supervisor Kevin Pekar stated that he appreciates the opportunity to speak with the Commission. He has enjoyed the last five years with the City working with landscape contractors and will continue to work with Recreation Manager Levin on field use issues. He noted that he is a crertified arborist and has a good working knowledge of native California plants. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that he noticed within the report that graffiti incidents have tripled in the past year and wondered if there was a tagging problem within the City. Ll' yy -r Director Harmon stated that this yearspbudget includes a 40% increase for graffiti abatement. He went on to say that there is a silver lining in this because staff has begun working with the Police Department to photograph and catalog the graffiti types and styles so that when someone is caught tagging, the Police will be able to charge those taggers with these maintenance costs. Motion by Commissioner Allen to accept Item 2 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION / ACTION 4. Marina Park Presentation. Director Morgan introduced Dan Herman and Tim Bundy and stated that the project has gone through a very thorough planning process with a lot of input from various members of the community. Director Morgan stated that staff had attended these meetings and that the committee is ready to present the plan to the City Council for approval. • Director Morgan stated that the Commission has been asked to conduct a second public meeting in December that will be noticed for additional outreach. The Marina Park PowerPoint presentation was made to the Commission. Commissioner Garrett asked if a parking ratio study had been done. He stated that he is concerned that this project has an insufficient number of parking spaces. Mr. Herman stated that he met with the City Planning Department. Planning calculated the number of parking spaces needed using City requirements. The plan has 20 more spaces then is required. Commissioner Ruzicka asked what the maximum stay would be for the visiting vessels. Mr. Herman stated it will be 30 days. Chair Brown asked if people normally use the harbor side as a swimming area Superintendent Levin stated that the City's Summer Day Camp and Sailing Program are run along this beach area and that many moms visit with their small children to use the beach for swimming. Chair Brown opened the public comments Louise Fundenberg asked the height of the buildings. Mr. Herman stated that the tallest section is the crows nest whiclsis about 48 -50 feet tall. Ms. Fundenberg was concerned with the public's view being impeded. Parks, Beaches fc Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 6, 2007 - 7pm • Page 3 Mr. Herman stated that currently there is no view of the ocean but with this plan homeowners will be able to see the ocean. People walking or driving past the park will also be able to see the water. Mr. Morgan stated that one of the reasons this item is being carefully reviewed is because of the height of the crow's nest. Commissioner Garrett stated that this plan will provide more ocean view to the public than what is now available. Commissioner Allen asked Ms. Fundenberg to make sure that the word gets out about the December Commission meeting so residents can provide their comments. Mark Abrams asked about the 15`h Street parking and wondered why it was not part of the project. Mr. Herman stated that while it is not presently part of the plan. It might be in the future. Chair Brown closed the public comments. Commissioner Garrett stated that there had been some opposition to trailer launched boats because of pollution and parking concerns. . Chair Brown asked if jets skis would be allowed. Director Morgan stated that only human powered water craft will be permitted. 5. Bench Donation. Superintendent Sereno stated staff is asking the Commission to consider a bench donation at 10`h Street and the bay front beach area. He stated that the Commission had approved a bench donation in September and that this would be the third one at this location. He went on to say that staff is requesting that the Commission provide direction regarding further bench donations at this location. Superintendent Sereno stated that staff had notified 24 residents within 300 feet of the proposed location as prescribed by Policy B -17 as well as the district Council Member and the HCA. Staff received one phone call in opposition from Ms. Abraham who resides at 908 W Bay Avenue, the closest resident to the location. Commissioner Allen asked what Ms. Abraham's concerns were. Superintendent Sereno stated that she was concerned with loitering, trash and other issues happening on the benches. Superintendent Sereno suggested that she contact the Police Department regarding any illegal activities that she observes. Chair Brown opened the public comments; hearing none the public comments were closed Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to approve bench donation from Dan Schiefelbein to be Located at 10` Street and the bay front beach area. Motion carried by acclamation. . 6. Sunset Ridge Park -- Director Morgan stated that he wanted to bring the Commission up to date on the actions taken by the Park Development Committee. Mayor Rosansky is working with staff, the Commission and EPT to conduct outreach. He noted that the first outreach meeting would be held Thursday, November 6 at 7pm. Sunset Ridge will be an active sports park, but will not be lit. There will be parking and a restroom. The'Committee wants to hear from the residents. • • i 11 L Parks, Beaches it Recreation Commission Regular Meeting November 6, 2007 - 7pm Page 4 Superintendent Levin stated that 615 residents; every HOA in that area and anyone that attended the Park Development meeting was notified of November 6 meeting. He stated that he had received a few phone calls regarding the meeting. He believes that the word is out. He went on to say that it was important for the architect to hear from the community on what type of amenities should be included in the plan. Director Morgan stated that the goal of the Recreation and Public Works staff, the Commission, and the Council is to receive as much input and clear communication as possible. Commissioner Garrett asked if most of the opposition was from Newport Crest? Superintendent Levin stated that he has not received much opposition from Newport Crest. People are excited about the prospect of a park. Chair Brown opened the public comments; hearing none the public comments were closed COMMITTEE REPORTS - Parks - Chair Allen stated that there really is nothing else to report; the minutes from the meeting were attached and quite comprehensive and that she looked forward to the Outreach Meeting results. RSS - Chair Brown asked when the Committee would be brought into the loop on the OASIS project. Director Morgan stated that as part of the budget process that Senior Center staff would be compiling a list of programs that could continue while the construction phase is going on. After the list is completed by staff a meeting will be set up to discuss those and other pertinent issues. Budget - Nothing to report. AD - Hoc —Youth Sports Liaison - Nothing to report — community Services Award - Superintendent Levin stated that a press release had been forwarded to the newspaper requesting nominations. Chair Brown stated that certainly there were a number of people connected with the Centennial that could be nominated and worthy of a recommendation. Other —Santa Ana River Vision Plan- Commissioner Trapp stated that she was unable to attend the meeting in September. The committee is hoping to set up a meeting for sometime in November. —1/ 1 Marine Memorial Committee- Commissioner Garrett stated that a fundraiser will be held at the Marriott with the artist on November 9 at 5:30pm. — MarinaPark - Discussed above. Chair Brown asked when the issue regarding what can be burned in the fire pits at CdM State Beach will be brought to the Commission for discussion. Director Harmon stated that staff is working on that issue with Recreation and the Fire Department. Signage and some enforcement recommendations will be brought forward after the New Year. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The following are new or ongoing items to be discussed: • Fire pit discussion - safety; regulate what is burned • Possible implementation of Parks @ Rec Foundation. • G -1 Policy Discussion • Tree Applications - Add information regarding perjury when signing the form • City Council Policy B -17 - Jan /Feb 2008 ADJOURNMENT- 8:25pm Submitted by: Tari Craio Admin ACglgt nt • Parking Signage at Back Bay View Park • Dog Park • Updates on Parks