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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Draft Minutes - 09-02-2008CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches i3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Convened 7:10pm ROLL CALL Present: Marie Marston, Chair Cristine Trapp, Vice Chair Tim Brown Kathy Hamilton Greg Ruzicka Absent: Bill Garrett Phillip Lugar Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation It Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, General Services Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Dan Sereno, Parks li Trees Superintendent Teri Craig, Admin Asst b et 71 2-0 � DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Detweiler introduced herself to the Commission nothing that she has 20 years of recreation experience and had begun her career as a Recreation Coordinator at the OASIS Senior Center. Since that time she has worked at the cities of Signal Hill, Long Beach and as the Director of Recreation and Community Services for the City of Cypress. She went on to say that she is Looking forward to working with the fabulous staff of the department as well as with the other departments within the City. Director Detweiler introduced Recreation Manager Janet Cates stating that she had left the City of La Palma after 25 years to join the Newport Beach team and noted that she has been a leader in the recreation field and that staff is very happy to have her join the Department. Director Detweiler announced that Sunday FunDay on August 17th was a fabulous event and well attended by the residents with great entertainment and weather and congratulated staff on a job sell done. Superintendent Levin announced how happy staff was to welcome Director Detweiler to the department and noted that she is a recognized leader in the recreation profession. Director Harmon also welcomed Director Detweiler to the team and noted that she had stopped by the Yard for a grand tour. PUBLIC COMMENTS Bill Ficker distributed a copy of an aerial map of the City Hall entitled Opportunities for Existing City of Newport Beach Hall Site to the Commission. He stated that with the City Hall in the Park plan campaign many questions had arose regarding the site. He asked the Commission to request that Council permit the Commission to take public input and evaluate what should be done with the property. He also reminded them that the Service Area 1 has a deficit of 21.6 acres and that this would be a great Location for temporary events. He requested that he be allowed to address the Commission at a future meeting for approximately 10 -15 minutes regarding future parks and opportunities, specifically Service Area 3 - for Dover West and Castaways planning. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the August 5, 2008 regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. Parks, Beaches rt Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Page 2 2. Item pulled by member of the public 3. Recreation It Senior Services Activity Report. Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Motion by Chair Marston to accept items 1 ft 3 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 2. Park & Operations Division Activity Report. Jan Vandersloot asked the Commission to review the tree removal report specifically the 12 emergency tree removals with an asterik stating dead tree and /or potential liability. He stated that he had concern regarding the use of potential liability as that reason has never been part of the G -1 Policy and asked what exactly constitutes a potential liability. Director Harmon stated that the reporting of these trees has been added to the activity report in the past couple of months because dead tree removal had not been recorded in the past. Superintendent Sereno stated that since Director Harmon began, every tree removed is recorded and that every removal report is signed off by the Director, the City Manager and the Council Member from that particular district is notified with a letter and the picture of the dead tree before the tree is removed. He went on to say that potential liability literally means "dead tree." Motion by Commission Brown to accept item 2 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. ACTION 4. Bayside Village Homeowners Association Beautification Project. Superintendent Sereno stated that this presentation is for information only. He went on to say that that staff had been approached by Bayside HOA because of the decline of their trees and will be requesting removal of these trees. He stated that the HOA had requested that this be accomplished all at once and not wait until all the declining trees are dead. Director Harmon stated that there had been discussion at the Commission level when the street tree was redesignated for that block and that had included the discussion of the removal of all the trees because of the disease. He stated that at that time several Commissioners had mentioned that it might be better to remove those trees as part of a beautification program. Staff met with the HOA regarding the landscaping and irrigation and the City's role as far as the replacement of the trees. Director Harmon stated that this is an informational report only and would not be coming back to the Commission. Chair Marston opened the Dublic discussion Jan Vandersloot referred to the letter in the staff report from RPW stating that the preliminary results are that the trees are diseased but that the infected branches could be pruned and suggested that staff use that strategy rather then removal of the trees. Director Harmon stated that this would certainly take the diseased part of the trees out but would not cure the tree and would continue to deteriorate. Malcolm Reed, HOA President thanked staff for their help. He went on to say that 13 trees have been removed and the remaining trees are diseased. He went on to say that staff had asked for a commitment from Bayside Village regarding the landscaping, groundcover and irrigation along Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Page 3 Bayside Drive, which they have and would like to complete the entire beautification project of by winter 2009. He stated that once the 53 trees were removed that they would irrigate the area but would like to get the trees in first and then the irrigation and ground cover. So he went on to request that the City remove the 21 trees that are diseased immediately and replace with the Queen Palm and Magnolia in September or October and watering by the City for 90 days. Director Harmon stated that as long as there is a letter of commitment that staff would be ok with this request. Chair Marston closed the public discussion 5. Request for Temporary Lights at Bonita Canyon Sports Park Field #5 by Newport -Mesa Soccer Club. Superintendent Levin stated that staff had received this request from October 1 - November 14, 2008 ft January 12 - February 27, 2009 from dusk until 7:45pm. He went on to report about field allocation and stated that club sports do not get the chance for lit fields. He stated that they had requested this last year and noted that Park Patrol was out there on a regular basis to confirm that the lights were turned off. No instances of any problems were reported. However one complaint was received last year concerning that the lights would be permanent. He went on to say that over 1300 notices were mailed out. Superintendent Levin recommended approval of this request. He stated that he did receive one letter from Lee & Pat Harkless requesting disapproval. He asked that the letter be added to the file. In answer to Commissioner Brown's question, Superintendent Levin stated that he had received two phone calls not in favor and two in favor the regarding the placement of temporary lights.. Chair Marston opened the public discussion The following people spoke regarding the temporary lights: In Favor Against Tom Anderson Lee 8 Pat Harkless (letter read by Superintendent Levin) Kay Yasaguchi John Martino Mark Arblaster Steven Nelson Judy Cipriani Nathan LaMorre Ruth Kobiashi Dr. Pananer Scott Allen Tara fi Christa Chris Becham The following comments were made: • Nominal impact which could be mitigated by refocusing the light Noise Concerns • Concern that the lights will become permanent • 68 nights of intense light is too much • Because of the time change - without the lights they would not be able to practice Practice location would be too far for most children to get there if they had to move • Concern that the club could not continue without the time to practice. Tom Anderson stated that they would work with the homeowners regarding the focusing of the lights and that the lights would be turned off no later then 7:45pm. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Page 4 Chair Marston closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to approve the use of temporary lights to Newport -Mesa Soccer Club at Bonita Canyon Sports Park field #5 from October 1 - November 14, 2008 & January 12 - February 27, 2009 from dusk until 7:45pm (weekdays only). Motion carried by acclamation. 6. Balboa Village Reforestation & City Street Tree Redesienation. Superintendent Sereno & Arborist John Conway provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Commission. He stated that in December 1999 - A concept to revitalize the Balboa Village area was approved by the City Council. This Proposal included various improvements, including new street trees, landscaping, street furniture and street lights. He went on to say that in late late 2000 City staff held community meetings to acquaint Balboa residents and business owners of alternative tree species for Main Street. Over 75 species of street trees were displayed and discussed. As the planning process for Balboa Village continued, tree removals and replacements were discussed with various homeowner groups, such as the Balboa Peninsula Point Association, Central Newport Beach Community Association, and Balboa Village Business Improvement District. Each group concurred in the necessity to replace the existing trees within the village and participated in the selection process of alternative trees. He went on to say that in July 2001 the PB &R Commission approved change to street tree designation on Main Street to Coral Gum and on Balboa Boulevard to Willow- Leafed Peppermint. Then in May 2002 the PB &R Commission approved the Ficus tree removals and replacement trees on Main Street with Council approving it on May 28. Since that time staff has maintained a vigorous maintenance schedule on all tree sites that includes annual pruning, tree staking, fertilization, and tree replacements as necessary. Chair Marston asked staff to comment on what 5 years of growth would look like. Arborist Conway stated that the trees on Main Street would be about the same height but more dense with better looking foliage; the ones on Balboa Blvd would be much taller. Chair Marston was concerned with the reasons why these failing trees were selected in the first place. Director Harmon stated that at that time the Business District wanted trees with a big canopy and clearly that is not what we got. He went on to say that staff has spent the last several years trying to breathe life into the trees.. He stated that this would be a great beautification project for that area. He stated that this is not an immediate project because obviously there is some fundraising that must be done; probably a phased program. He went on to say that staff has not received any negative feedback. Discussion ensued regarding size and species of the trees selected and the possibility of donations with plaques to offset the costs. Commissioner Trapp approved the use of the Palm tree for that area. But as a follow up if these trees have 6 feet of brown trunk how much would there be in 5 years? Arborist Conway stated that it is a slow growing tree so there would be an additional three feet of growth in 5 years. Chair Marston opened the Public discussion Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Page 5 David Muller, Newport Harbor Museum Director, and member of the Business Improvement District (BID) Board and stated that they are 100% in support of this project. He went on to say that the beautification project is much needed and has been agreed upon by all members. He stated that the BID has committed $5,000 this year and anticipates that they will commit another $5,000 next year. WR Belding, Central Newport Beach HOA member and resident of the BID. He stated that that map shown does not display the entire area of the BID. He went on to say that after looking at the costs for this project and that it should be covered by the City's General Fund. He stated that the area between the piers has been overlooked by City for many years and that the BID should not have to use their money for this project. He stated that his biggest concern is that this has not come before the Board and would need to go before the City Council before it is approved. Jan Vandersloot stated that he is concerned about the court protected Ficus tree. He commented that it does not appear that this request meets the requirements for reforestation, i.e. letters from the applicant, criteria, etc., and was concerned that the notification only went as far as Edgewater and that the Peninsula goes out beyond the Point. He stated that the Commission should not be making a decision tonight and urged that that the item be tabled. Director Harmon stated that the one Ficus tree will remain. He went on to say that staff is asking the Commission to review the plan and support it when it goes to City Council and that they are not asking for a reforestation at this time. He stated that staff is requesting redesignation of the trees from the Commission. But because of the funding issue the project would go before the City Council. He stated that this is more of a beautification project and that the word reforestation should be crossed off the subject line of the agenda. Again he asked the Commission to redesignate the trees on Main Street and Balboa Blvd from the Coral Gum and the Eucalyptus to the Guadalupe Palm and support the plan as staff brings the project forward to City Council. He stated that 150 notices were mailed but more will be noticed when the project is presented at City Council. Commissioner Brown suggested that the entire Peninsula should be noticed. In response to Chair Marston's question, Director Harmon stated that G -1 applies on the redesignation request; and then asked for the Commission support for a Beautification project and is not part of the G -1 Policy. Ken Drellishak, member of the Balboa Point Association stated that there has been no discussion between the BID fz BPPA with respect to the funding split of approximately $50,000. They have no assessment authority; the funding is premature and is about twice the annual budget of the BPPA. He also noted that he is President of a charitable organization to could be the repository for funds for this project that would be tax deductible. He went on to say that the funding for this project seems large and possibly premature. Cindy Doran stated that she has been meeting with staff and Council Member Henn and the president of the BID regarding the funding for this project. She stated that the project would cost about $198,000 and that they would like to begin to solicit for funds to show the Council that they are moving forward. That they would request that the Council match the remaining portion of the project. She stated that this is premature but they would like to begin sending fliers out to residents and businesses of Balboa to show their attempt to raise these funds. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2008 - 7pm Page 6 Chair Marston closed the Public discussion Chair Marston asked what the schedule would be for this beautification project. Director Harmon stated that it was completely based on the successful efforts of the fundraising. Motion by Commissioner Brown to approve the redesignation of the trees on Main Street and Balboa Blvd from the Coral Gum and the Eucalyptus to the Guadalupe Palm and support the beautification plan as staff brings the project forward to City Council. Motion carried by acclamation. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Parks - Commissioner Brown stated that a future meeting be set. Director Detweiler suggested that the meeting be set for 6pm on October 7. Commissioner Brown suggested that an email be sent out. RSS - Nothing to report AD- Hoc —Youth Sports Liaison - Nothing to report — Community Services Award - Nothing to report Other — MarinaPork - Nothing to report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Brown stated that the Commission should be cognizant of what happens to the City Hall site and offer the opportunity to Mr. Ficker and others to speak about their ideas at a time when appropriate. ADJOURNED- 8:56pm Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin Assistant