Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2012 - PB&R CommissionParks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2012 — 6pm 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER — 6:o6 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Kathy Hamilton, Chair Tom Anderson, Vice Chair Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Absent: Jack Tingley Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation and Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant g) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR Staff requested removing Consent Calendar Items Number 4B and 4D for separate discussion and consideration. Interested parties were invited to address the Commission. There was no response and Chair Hamilton closed public comments for this item. A. Minutes of the October 2, 2012 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Removed by Director Harmon C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receiv %file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. D. Removed by Director Harmon Motion by Commissioner Marston to approve Consent Calendar items 4A and 4C. Motion carried by acclamation. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 2 Director Harmon reported that the second page of the report shows the Irvine Avenue median, noting that the subject has been discussed extensively in the past and that the median is now completed and re- landscaped in conjunction with the City of Costa Mesa. He commended the Public Works Department and noted that numerous compliments had been received on the landscaping of the median. He addressed tying up the canopy of the pahn trees and stated the rationale for doing so. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher referenced written comments submitted to staff earlier and hoped for clarification regarding the current status of the Sunset Ridge and Marina Park projects and wondered regarding Coastal Commission approval. Chair Hamilton closed the uublic discussion D. Reforestation Request — Harbor View Hills South HOA Recommendation: Approve request to remove and replace one City Carrotwood tree at 3719 Park Green Drive. Director Mark Harmon clarified there are three reforestation requests this evening and that this particular request is on the Consent Calendar because this is an on -going reforestation and addressed previous actions and approvals by the Commission. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion: seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Marston, to approve Consent Calendar items 4B and 4D. Motion carried by acclamation. 5) CURRENT BUSINESS A. Special Tree Removal — Groves Bike Trail Recommendation: Recommend removal of 54 Special City Trees — Blue Gum located along the Groves Bike Trail. These trees are listed under Landmark Trees. Director Harmon presented details of the report including brief history on the Blue Gum Eucalyptus noting that they have been determined to be suffering in health. He addressed consideration by the contract arborist who determined that 54 of the trees in the area were diseased and rated highly regarding risk for failure. He reported on areas that have been completed and addressed notification of the item to residents within 500 feet of the area as well as HOA's in proximity. He addressed location, phasing of the removal and replanting of the trees and the types of replacement trees. He noted that not all of the existing trees will be removed. Director Harmon presented details of the problems with the Blue Gum Eucalyptus, noted criteria for assessment and presented recommendations. He addressed the timeline for removal and replacement and noted that estimated completion will be in the summer of 2013. The remaining healthy Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees will remain. He Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 3 stated that the replacement will not be one - for -one but will be determined once the phasing begins. Discussion followed regarding the number of diseased trees with fungus, the number of healthy trees to remain, and the different variety of trees in the area. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher noted this is a major decision affecting a City landmark and felt that notification may have been inadequate. He felt that many of the trees seem healthy in appearance and suggested a more measured approach to make sure that the arborist's assessments are correct. He referenced Policy G1 adding that notices are supposed to be posted on the trees thirty days prior to the meeting. Director Harmon reported there is no way to determine the state of a tree just by looking at it. He noted that the trees had been reviewed by three certified arborists who came up with the same conclusion. He addressed noticing and felt that staff has done its due diligence and continued with the recommendations as presented. Bob Adams stated he would be in favor of the recommendations if it was proven that those trees were, in fact, diseased. He wondered if there can be any other investigations conducted to ensure that they are diseased. He also wondered what measures can be taken to ensure that the remaining trees do not become diseased and asked if health trees were removed on Irvine Avenue. Drew Warmington expressed concerns with the timing of notification, commented on the age of the trees and encouraged the Commission to proceed slowly with consideration of the matter. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Discussion followed regarding noticing requirements and posting notices on the trees thirty days prior to the work starting, removal of trees on Irvine Avenue and the possibility of alternate options. Director Harmon noted that certified arborists know what to look for in assessing the health of trees. In addition, he reported that the majority of trees removed from Irvine Avenue were diseased with many having roots missing and the same thing occurred on Holiday. He indicated that there may come a time when the remaining trees will need to be removed and that staff will continue with the maintenance process and mitigate as possible. Discussion followed regarding intertwining of roots and the availability of growth space for the remaining fifty trees. It was noted that the subject trees are not appropriate for that area and discussion followed regarding providing proper notification. Director Harmon reported receiving comments from residents in the neighborhoods who supported the removals. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve the removal of 54 Special City Trees — Blue Gums located along the Groves Bike Trail. The motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 4 B. Reforestation Request — Cliff Drive Park Recommendation: Recommend approval of reforestation request of the applicants of the Cliff Drive Park area and San Bernardino Avenue to remove and replace four City trees of various species within Cliff Drive Park. Director Harmon presented details of the report noting a request was received for reforestation of trees located in a City Park, noting that it involves a view issue for several residents. The applicant obtained support from twenty -five neighbors indicating support for the removal of the trees. He noted that the residents will pay for the removal of the trees and for four new 36" box Water Gum trees. Discussion followed regarding whether the type of tree is part of the Eucalyptus family, the appropriateness of the recommended tree for the area, the number of residents who initiated the request and the related provision in the G1 Policy. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve a reforestation request of the applicants of the Cliff Drive Park area and San Bernardino Avenue to remove and replace four City trees of various species within Cliff Drive Park. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Reforestation Request — Port Theater Recommendation: Recommend the reforestation request from the Port Theater to remove and replace a City Hong Kong Orchid tree at 29o5 East Coast Highway. Director Harmon introduced the item and presented details of the report. He addressed location of the subject tree, consideration and approval of the issue by the BID and noted that the applicant will pay for the removal and replacement of the subject tree. He addressed the proposed replacement tree (King Palm), which will provide a view to the marquis. Discussion followed regarding over - trimming of the existing tree and other King Palms in the area. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jessica Prause representing the Port Theater reported that the only types of trees in the area are Orchid trees and King Palms so that the proposed tree would be consistent with what already exists in the area. She asked if the location could be moved to the other side of the theater so that the marquis is not obstructed. She presented pictures of the proposed location. Director Harmon indicated that staff can work with the applicant to determine an alternate location for the proposed King Palm. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page g Motion by Commissioner Lugar, to approve the reforestation request from the Port Theater to remove and replace a City Hong Kong Orchid tree at 2905 East Coast Highway. Motion carried by acclamation. 6) PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION / STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION Director Laura Detweiler provided an update on Sunset Ridge and Marina Parks noting that staff is still waiting for the permit from the Coastal Commission and continues to work with them to resolve the matter. It is hoped that the permits will be issued in the near future and start both of those projects by April 2013. She reported completion of the Flag Football Season and commented the coaches, staff and participants for their efforts. She reported that the first Council meeting at the new Civic Center will be next Tuesday but that the Commission will continue to meet at its current venue through February. She reported that there is still work to be conducted at the new Civic Center. Chair Hamilton commented on the increases in graffiti through the City. Director Harmon explained that staff works closely with the Police Department on this issue. He addressed the process for enforcement. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented on Council Policy Gl and noted that it is confusing and outdated. He suggested that the Commission place in item on a future agenda discuss reviewing the policy. 8)ADJOURNMENT — 7:25D Submitted by: Approved by: Teri Craig, Adm 1 Asst amilton, Chair