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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/07/1985 - PB&R Commissionlotion ieconded kyes 4ay lotion ;econd'ed ayes Item No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH P Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission o licr May 7, 1 985 - City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley, Director Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Street Tree Superintendent Tom Line, Recreation-Supt. Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:02 P.M. Item #2 Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Capretz, Cohen, Hopkins, King, Springer and Wolfe were present. Commissioner de Boom was absent. Item #3 Approval o' Minutes x Commissioner King aske& for the status of the addition to x the minutes of the December 4, 1984 meeting. This item will x x x be included under Special, Urgent or Last Minute Items. x Motion was made by Wolfe and seconded by Springer to approve the minutes of the April 2, 1985 meeting. Motion passes. Item #4 Adoption o x Agenda x The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of a x x x' request from Friends of Oasis which will follow Item #7. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item #5 - Public Beach Restrooms Public Beach Ron Whitley reported that Council had requested the Parks, Restrooms Beaches and Recreation Commission conduct a study of the condition of the existing restrooms and possible new loca- tions. As a result, members from the City's Beautification Citizens Advisory Committee and the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission conducted a tour about six months ago. A preliminary report summarizing this study has been provided in the agenda'packet and was also sent to Peninsula Point, = Central Newport and West Newport Homeowner Associations with an invitation to attend this meeting for public •input. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks,, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX The refurbishment program may take 5 -7 years funded at approximately $125,000 annually. In addition, a public review would occur in each case so that residents will be aware of the proposal's. Mr. Whitley presented a�color scheme of the Balboa restroom. Construction will commence in September and be completed in October or November. Commissioner'Wolfe pointed out the Board of West Newport voted unanimously for a new restroom at 62nd and the River Jetty subject to public input. Following questions of staff by the Commission, Chair Cohen opened the meeting to public testimony. Mr. Ed Benson of the Newport Beautification Committee addressed the Commission. He said he felt the Newport Beach restrooms are in a bad state and totally antiquated compared to other areas. He urged the restrooms be improved and modernized. Elizabeth Wallace, 2017 E. Ocean Blvd., addressed the Commission and stated Peninsula Point Association does not want restrooms at the Wedge location. The area is too difficult to police and would add to traffic and parking congestion. Virginia Herbert of the Beautification Committee addressed the Commission. She reported the Peninsula Poi'nt.Associa- tion voted not to have a restroom at the Wedge area due to parking and liability problems. Ron Whitley pointed out the Wedge was listed as a possible location because it is a high use area, however, there may never be a restroom at this location. Chair Cohen suggested including comments from the Homeowner Associations and the Newport Beautification Committee in the report for review prior to sending to Council. 4otion x King motioned the Wedge area be removed from the proposed lays x x x x x list of locations. Motion fails. Judy White, Chair of the Beautification Committee, addressed the Commission. She recommended the Balboa restroom receive top priority, followed by Newport Pier and then the 15th ( i and 19th Street locations. Following additional discussion, Chair Cohen directed the preliminary report be transmitted to the Newport Beautifica- tion Citizens Advisory Committee for their review and comments. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches. & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers Item #6 - Removal /Retention of Parkway Trees 7 p.m. INDEX Ron Whitley reported the subject report was a result of Council's Study Session concerning the trees removed'in Corona del Mar which were proposed by General- Services in their repair of curbs, sidewalks and gutters. Mr. Whitley briefly summarized the City's Street Tree Policy which is based on trying to retain trees. Public input from Corona del Mar residents is encouraged so that a review and recommendations of existing policy can be developed to benefit residents and the City. Mr. Whitley pointed out that the Peninsula Point Association was involved when the Ficus Trees were removed in a Public Works project three years ago. It is also the Department's policy to notify adjacent property owners in a removal situation. Jack Brooks.stated Public Works and General Services notify this Department of their intentions and we evaluate the tree situation after the concrete work is done. Chair Cohen opened the meeting to public testimony. Mr. Jim McDonald, 320 Hazel, addressed the Commission. He said he felt General Services is only interested in flat side- walks and not the trees. Pat Whelan, 228 Hazel, addressed the Commission and passed out Recommendations Regarding Tree Care and•Removal in Corona del Mar. She read.a letter concerning the property at 301'.Narcissus where two Monterey Pines were removed and the new owner, who will be building on the lot, wants them replaced. She also read a letter from 222 Marigold where the trees are diseased. She then'reviewed the Recommendati she passed out and added that they have spoken with Dennis Royce, consultant, who has alternatives to diseased trees and suggested his ideas be pursued. Mrs. Kay Mortenson, 1530 Miramar on the Point, addressed the Commission. She objects to mass cutting and excessive pruning and asks that the four remaining trees on her block be saved. Mr. Mike Chandler, 318 Poppy, addressed the Commission. He is against the right of one person to determine tree removal and said he felt the replacement trees are cheap looking. As a result, he feels property values and the beauty and charm of 'Corona del Mar suffer. Removal/ Retention Parkway Trees CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission o 12-� Page 4 00 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Mr. Jim Shaner, 317 Poinsettia, addressed the Commission. He read letters urging restrained trimming and preservation of trees in Corona del Mar. The alternative should be to repair the sidewalk. Helen Schneider, 234 Heliotrope, addressed the Commission. She said they bought in Corona del Mar due to the trees and urged the natural environment be preserved. Marilyn Hill, 240 Heliotrope, addressed the Commission and read a letter from Mr. Reynolds, 242 Heliotrope, who favors retention of trees and fixing the sidewalks. Elizabeth Wallace, 2017 E. Ocean Blvd. on the Point, address d the Commission. She said the trees left on the Point are denuded and the top branches are caught in telephone wires. She also complained that the replacement trees are too'small. Virginia, Kempler, 311 Poinsettia, addressed the Commission I and read a letter from Velma O'Brien, 243 Poppy, concerning certain tree hazards. Mrs. Sharer, 31:7 Poinsettia, addresse the Commission and read•a letter from Mr. Herley on Marguerite who is in favor of tree retention.' Frank Holmberg, General Services Department, addressed the Commission. He said their purpose is to have flat sidewalks to reduce lawsuits, and he also added he was sorry they had disappointed so many people. He agreed the loss of trees decreases Corona del Mar's charm. Grant Howald, 243 Heliotrope,, addressed the Commission. He encouraged leveling the sidewalks and retaining the trees. Mrs. Stayner, 232 Heliotrope, suggested fixing the sidewalks Upon the close of public testimony, Ron Whitley invited those in attendance to assist the Commission in the'committe process. Mr. Whitley -also reported Jack Brooks was in Carmel recently collecting material on their tree policies and suggested the committee review this information at length. Chair-Cohen established an Ad Hoc Committee to review Policy I -9 and to make additional recommendations. She appointed Commissioner Wolfe to chair the committee which I will consist of Commissioner Hopkins, Mr. and Mrs. Jim - — — McDonald of Corona del Mar, Mrs. Kay Mortenson of Peninsula Point, Wade Beyeler of General Services, Ron.Whitley, Jack Brooks and a representative from Public Works. The committee will meet at.4:30 P.M. on May 14 in the Council Conference Room. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches. & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Jack.Brooks reported on the tree situation in Carmel, specifically noting that Carmel does not have sidewalks, curbs and gutters which create many of Newport's tree problems. Chair Cohen concluded the public hearings by thanking those who attended the meeting and expressing an interest in the tree situation. III. ACTION ITEMS Item #7 - Request for Senior Citizens Council or Commission Request fo Senior Motion x Ron Whitley reported Ed Williams, President of the Friends Citizens Seconded x of Oasis, addressed a communication on March 13 to the Council or Ayes x x City Council with regard to the formation of a Senior Commission Nay x Citizens Council or Commission. This matter has been Abstain x referred to the Commission for recommendation to Council since this Department administers the Oasis Center. A letter from Norma Gilchrist opposing a Senior Commission and Policy I -17, which identifies the relationship the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission has with the Friends of Oasis, have been included in the agenda packet. Mr. Whitley stated that at this point in time staff is opposed to pursuing a Senior Commission. He explained the reasons for a negative recommendation which were summarized in his report to the Commission dated March 26. Following questions of staff, Chair Cohen opened the meeting to public testimony. Grant Howald, 243 Heliotrope, addressed the Commission. He reported he was President of the Friends of Oasis when the subject was first introduced two years ago and they are now in the process of trying to implement it. Mr. Howald explained that they felt the seniors were not being given enough consideration and that a Senior Commission would be effective in obtaining grants and concentrating their efforts on all the seniors through- out the City. Mr. Barney Larks, 1901 Beryl Lane, addressed the Commission. He said he felt the relationship between the Friends, the Commission and staff works well although there are some differences. Some of the Friends are disturbed there has I ) been a negative reaction with respect to housing, however, - Mr. Whitley had pointed out earlier that this is a Planning „. Commission responsibility. Mr. Larks felt the matter of a senior "Commission should not have been referred to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission since it is beyond the scope of'their responsibility. The reason for,this is CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX that the issue has to do with the entire City, not just the Friends, and a Senior Commission would represent the needs and desires of all'the seniors of Newport Beach. He urged the Commission to reject staff's recommendation and refer the issue back to Council asking them to set up an Ad Hoc Committee to pursue a Senior Commission devoted specifically to the seniors of Newport Beach. Such a Commission would not be linked to the Friends of Oasis in any way. Following discussion, Hopkins moved the Commission recommend to the City Council that Council appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to study the establishment of a Senior Citizens Advisory Committee or Commission which would include members of Council, this Commission, as well as representative seniors. Seconded by Capretz. Motion passes. Item #8 - Request.From Friends of Oasis Request From Motion x Ron Whitley reported he recently received a communication Friends of Se( filed x from Ed Williams, President of Friends of Oasis, with regard Oasis Ayes x x x Y to obtaining an endorsement from City Council appointing an alternate member to the League of California Cities Orange County Division. The Friends of Oasis had moved and approved Mary Allen, who has been active in senior activities, to be nominated for this position. Following a brief discussion, Capretz moved Mary Allen be recommended as an alternate to the League of California Cities Orange County Division. Seconded by King. Unanimous. Item #9 - Request for Additional "Swimming Area Only" Area Request foi Additional Ron Whitley reported a communication-was received in.March Swimming from Dan Lazzarevich regarding establishing another area in Area Only West Newport for swimming only between 52nd and 54th Streets. The Marine Department provided a report included in the agenda packet recommending this area not be considered. Chair Cohen opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Dan Lazzarevich, 5303 Seashore Drive, addressed the Commission. He said the additional swimming area requested would be for the summer only. Due to the increase in vacationers, there is not enough room to swim, and surfers have taken over most of the beach area. t Following the close of public testimony, Ron Whitley added that surfing and swimming areas are designated by Ordinance which is a lengthly process. Historically this matter is referred to the Marine Department who are the experts on these matters. iec „ `ed ayes kbstain CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches. & Recreation Commission o • Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Capretz suggested staff review the hours surfing is permitted to perhaps shorten.the period of time for them. It'was then determined staff will contact the Marine Department to.do a study on the hours with the idea they be modified. Item #10 - Letter Re. P.E. Right of Way Development Letter Re. P.E. Right Ron Whitley reported a letter on the above subject from of Way Richard Babineau along with a petition addressed to Council Developmew has been referred to this Commission for response. He pointed out that those who signed the petition should be made aware that until a consultant has been acquired by - the City there is no-plan for the P.E.-park- development.- When funds are available, a consultant is hired and then extensive public input is pursued. Following a brief discussion, it was decided Mr. Whitley will communicate to Council that a letter has been sent to Mr. Babineau regarding his concerns. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. V. bISCUSSION ITEMS Item #11 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Tom Line reported the Sports Section completed the youth track clinic co- sponsored by the Rotary Club and the championships were held on April 20. The summer brochure will be in the mail the week of May 24. An invitation was extended to the Commissioners to attend or participate in the Fourth Annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K on June 1 and to attend the pre -race party on May 20. Item #12 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and, Street Tre None. Division VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS x Ron Whitley passed out the correction to the December 4, x 1984 meeting. Motion was made by Springer to include the x' x x statement that "The addition to the minutes include a x discussion of making the Marinapark area and study a high priority for future consideration." Seconded by Hopkins. Motion passes. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the,Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:10 P.M. I ) Dottie Flohr, Secretary I