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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-13-2005 Minutes PP&D Commission CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY SERVICFS DEPARTMENT www.cityoforange.org (714) 744-71:12 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes of Regular Meeting Held October 13, 2005 300 East Chapman Avenue I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Gilmer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance Vice-Chair Remland led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1.2 Roll Call Present: Chair, Tom Gilmer Vice-Chair, Gary Remland Commissioner, Lisa Blanc Comissioner, Mike Hairston (Arrived at 5:45 p.m.) Absent: Commissioner Jack Selman 1.3 Adoption of Agenda Motion: Commissioner Blanc Second: Vice Chair Remland Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Meeting of September 08, 2005 Motion: Commissioner Blanc Second: Vice-Chair Remland Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc I. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Tom Davidson 6122 Santiago Canyon Road Orange, CA 0;1.2, \bDO"O,t D FAX (714) 744-7251 Mr. Davidson addressed the matter of a trail connection from the Dakota Trail Orange Park Acres 230 EAST CHAPMAN AVENUE ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92866-1506 Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 2 of 11 which crosses Chapman Avenue and would connect into High Horse Trail. This connection would serve as a constant connector from Santiago Oaks Park on Cannon Street all the way to Tustin Ranch. Mr. Davidson has asked the Irvine Company and the City Council to consider this project. The Irvine Company has estimated that the cost of the project would be approximately $150,000. This project would include safe trail crossings at all intersections for people to get into the park safely from all areas. Mr. Davidson urged the Commission to recommend to the City Council to have the connection completed. Chair Gilmer had not had the opportunity to view the trail with Commissioner Blanc and Vice-Chair Remland and requested that Mr. Davidson arrange a time for him to go out to the site. (Chair Hairston arrived at 5:45p.m.) II. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS None. IV. ORAL REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER None. V. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 5.1 Update of Orange County Transportation Authority's (OCT A) Approval of the realignment for that portion of the Santiago Creek Bike Trail proposed to be located between Tustin Street and Collins Avenue including funding and scheduling. Ms. Galera reported an update of the project status of the realignment for the Santiago Creek Bike Trail. Ms. Galera acknowledged the members of the team who have been working on the project: Jennifer Le of Community Development, Brad Beyer of the Police Department, Majid Farhat, Paul Tran, Bob Stolhand and Mark Winters of the Public Works Department. OCT A has approved the realignment of the bike trail and has authorized the City to use the transportation enhancement funds for this project. The new alignment connects to Tustin Street along the Santiago Creek on the southeast side of the Creek continues under the 55 Freeway to Y orba Park where there will be a footbridge south of Chapman. The trail will extend underneath Chapman, continue on the west side of the creek to Walnut where there will be another foot bridge that will allow access to the gym that is to be constructed at Grijalva Park. Dual trails will be available from Wanda Street to Collins Avenue. The dual trails will be a soft trail and a 10 ft. wide asphalt trail. There is no fencing included in this project's budget and there will be minimal landscaping on the right-of-way from Wanda St, to Collins Avenue. Once this project is complete, users from central Orange will be able to ride or walk to the Science Discovery Building on Main Street on a completely graded and safe bike trail. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 3 of 11 Ms. Galera added the process for funding is extensive. These are federal funds, Transportation Enhancement Act (TEA). The funds are being authorized through Orange County Transportation (OCTA) and Caltrans. The City is in the process of submitting the preliminary environmental study to Caltrans. Once the preliminary environmental study is approved, the City will begin the technical study. Some of the technical studies include hazardous material and biological studies. The City is required to gain encroaclunent permits through public agencies and the City will also be acquiring small portions of privately owned property. Once this process is complete, the City will get final approval from Caltrans. The City will be able to commence with construction once approval is given. The City has $2.2 million dollars in TEA funds and a match. Staff will continue to update the Commission on the progress of this project. Commissioner Blanc asked for a description of the bridges. Ms. Galera said that the bridges will look very much like the bridge that is in Santiago Park in Santa Ana. The City is also in the process of constructing a similar bridge between the 22 Freeway and Glassell. The bridges will be a weatherized steel material that is maintenance friendly. It will have a wood deck and is designed for bicycles and pedestrians only. Chair Gilmer asked if the property owners of the private property the trail will cross had been notified. Ms. Galera said the City is in the process of identifying properties now and once the cost of the land has been estimated, the City will approach the owners. Public Comments: Mr. Jeff Dickman County of Orange Beaches and Parks 300 N. Flower Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 Mr. Dickman said that he was there to offer county support for this project. Principally the trail will help extend a portion of two bikeways the Santiago Creek Bikeway and the Tustin Branch Trail. Trails help connect the City's park facilities as well as the county regional park facilities. Parks and trails are expensive facilities. Trails are less expensive than parks, per mile maintenance is about $4,000 -$5,000 per mile. A good value for the public dollar. Mr. Dave Casselman 2924 E. Lomita Avenue Orange, CA Mr. Casselman's property backs up to the right-of-way from Collins to Santiago Creek. Mr. Casselman said he understood that there are no proposed funds to provide a barrier or fencing for the right-of-way. He is totally opposed to a path going through that area because of security. In the last two years, there have been two shootings in that area and he was the victim of one of them. He is concerned about security and the well being of his family. Unless the City comes up with the funds to build a block wall, he is totally opposed to that project. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 4 of 11 Chair Gilmer asked Mr. Casselman the nature of the shootings. Mr. Casselman said one was an attempted burglary in the apartment behind his house. His dog was barking and he went out to check on him and got in the path of the burglar's escape and the burglar shot at him. The second was one of those three-strike out people who was being chased by the Garden Grove police. The police had staked him out in one of the apartments on Adele Street. A shoot out occurred before he was apprehended. Mr. John Moore 2707 Killingsworth Orange, CA Expressed his enthusiastic support for the project. He said the longer the trail is the more people will utilize them. He appreciated watching children and their families walking, riding bicycles etc. He urged the Commission to approve the project. Mr. Joe Robinson 5907 Valley Forge Drive Orange, CA Mr. Robinson said he represented the Santiago Creek Water Shed Preservation and Restoration Project. He said he was excited about the extension of the trails, but he did want to address some of his concerns. The bridges at Walnut and south Chapman are diverting people away from what could eventually be a trail on the east side of the creek behind the Chapman Medical Center. He said that Ms. Galera had mentioned buying some private property and it was his hope that the City would consider buying more of that particular area since it is an amazing birding area and a great habitat. It would be nice to have trails on both sides of the creek. His other concern was related to the Grijalva extension project. He felt that a sports complex was desirable but that it comprised the integrity of the water shed. It was situated too close to the creek. He felt that the project should be moved back so that the land could be restored to its original state prior to the landfills. Mr. Oz Enderby 6719 E.Oak Lane Orange, CA Mr. Enderby supports this project and commends the City staff on their dedicated efforts to make this project a reality. Mr. Tom Davidson 6122 Santiago Canyon Road Orange, CA Mr. Davidson urged the Commission's support of the trail project. It is an incredible opportunity. The people need these trails. Mr. Davidson addressed comments that were made by Mr. Casselman concerning crime. Presently Mr. Davidson is the President of Orange Park Acres and has had the opportunity to travel trails and see bikers, hikers and horseback riders. Not many of Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 5 of 11 theses people are gun toting people. The more people that utilize the trails the safer the neighborhoods become. The trails promote community and discourages the criminal element. Ms. Stefanie Holcomb 6336 Bryce Avenue Orange, CA Ms. Holcomb is the Chair for OCPS and a member of the Santiago Greenway Alliance. She supports the project. She feels that the longer the trails are the more people will utilize them. Ms. Susan Obermeyer 6219 Shenandoah Avenue Orange, CA Ms. Obermeyer is on the Mayberry Ranch Board of Directors. She is in support of the project. She felt that the more the area is used the more the security issues will decrease. Ms. Shirley Grindle (mailed in statement) A few years ago the bike trail along Santiago Creek was extended from Hart Park to Cambridge. It is consistently heavily-used by young and old alike, riding bikes, pushing strollers, jogging, qr just walking. Adding the next link up to Collins will provide more residents on both sides of the creek with bicycle access to Hart Park, Y orba Park and Grijalva Park. Orange is privileged to have Santiago Creek in its jurisdiction; for close to 150 years it served as a source of sand and gravel. Now that this resource has been extracted its highest and best use is a linear greenbelt with multi-use trails paralleling its banks, linking Orange's parks. Santiago Creek is a charm bracelet where the chain (the trails) supports the charms (the parks). She urged the Commission to speak with a loud voice in support of this project and in support of our goal to extend this bike trail all the way to Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Commissioner Blanc asked Mr. Beyer of the Orange Police Department for his comments regarding safety and trails. Mr. Brad Beyer Orange Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau Statistics show that when trails and amenities are put in and use tends to be heavy, crime usually goes down in neighborhoods. Mr. Beyer said that the Crime Prevention Bureau and the Orange Police Department are very proactive in trying to design communities to reduce criminal activities before the environment is already built. Mr. Beyer felt that the openness of the fencing deterred crime rather than encouraged it. The homeowners take ownership of the trail. If they see something, they will call the Police Department. There is also a psychological component. A Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 6 of 11 criminal knows that if there is open fencing they can be easily seen and that someone will call the police. Mr. Beyer said he would encourage homeowners to install open fencing near the railroad right-of-way. It will extend their yards, they get a view of the trail which will be an amenity to look at, and it will discourage crime in the area. In most of the studies that he has reviewed, trails don't generate crime. Mr. Casselman (returned to the podium) He did not oppose the trails. In fact, he endorsed them. Mr. Casselman's property backs up to that property. He now has a 12-ft. Bougainvillea plant for security. He does not want a view of the bike trail, he does not want openness, and does not want to be responsible for monitoring the trail to see who is using it. He would like a barrier for security and isolation from anything that might go on back there. Mr. Casselman said that he wanted to start a petition for his neighbors to get their input. He expressed his desire to have the commissioners walk with him on the path behind his house so they could get a better idea of what he was talking about. Chair Gilmer asked for a motion to receive and file. Move: Second: Ayes: Blanc Remland Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston 5.2 Master Plan for the Grijalva Park Extension; Conceptual Architectural Plans for the Gymnasium Sports Center; and Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 1753-05 Ms. Hagan reported in the summer of 2000, the City of Orange capitalized on the opportunity to purchase the 27-acre property adjacent to Grijalva Park. In the Spring of 2004, the City retained Purkiss-Rose RSI to complete design for the Grijalva Extension Master Plan and LPA Architects to create the conceptual design for the gymnasium/sports center. Staff and consultants worked with the public in developing these plans. In July of 2004, the Commission reviewed a preliminary conceptual plan and recommended that staff proceed with an environmental review. This evening, three items will be reviewed: the Master Plan for the Grijalva Park Extension; the conceptual architectural plans for the gymnasium/sports center and the subsequent mitigated negative declaration no. 1753-05. Ms. Hagan introduced Mr. Steve Lang from Purkiss-Rose RSI. Mr. Lang reviewed with the Commission the basic layout of the plan pointing out cross streets Spring and Walnut. One of the maj or constraints was the landfill area. There were construction materials that were left in the ground and that area will be capped. Mr. Lang said there would be a large parking area of approximately 274 spaces, a skate park, amphitheater, and a trail. The main elements of this project are the aquatic center, the gymnasium/sports center and community center. An important aspect of this plan, was improving circulation through the park. The main entry to the park would be on Spring Street and a cul-de-sac would be made out of McPherson so there would be no through traffic. There was also a turn-around drop off feature near the gymnasium. One of their Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 7 of1l objectives was to open the creek area, pull back the landfill and leave the vegetative natural material throughout that area. The Orange County Water District is planning to increase the water storage which would create a visual aesthetic opportunity; that is something that they would be working on in the future. Mr. Lang designated on the plan a paved trail would be located as well as a rustic trail. The gymnasium site was located where it would be recessed and away from residents and at the same time it would not be near the landfill. The gymnasium is also located near the parking area and the trails. Mr. Lang reviewed the cul-de-sac concept at McPherson in regard to reducing traffic through the park. Mr. Lang said that the City's Traffic Department saw it as a solution to potential traffic problems. Chair Gilmer asked if there would be a barrier of some sort at the cul-de-sac. Mr. Lang said that they would probably put up bollards. Ms. Hagan introduced Christa Smallwood of LPA to review the conceptual design of the gymnasium/sports center. The strategy for the floor plan was to create a simple cost effective box. The master plan includes an aquatic center to the north and a community building to the south. The gymnasium/sports center will be 25,000 sq. ft. Ms. Smallwood reviewed the locations of the' entry areas, reception area, office, classroom and storage areas, main gallery and aerobic/dance room. Ms. Smallwood said that there were two regulation size basketball courts. Two games could be played simultaneously or when there is a larger event the feature court would be used. Ms. Hagan said that based on these plans consultants were hired to complete several technical studies, several resource agency permits were filed, and staff prepared the final environment notification - Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) No. 1753-05. The document was circulated for a 30-day public review period from August 3, 2005 until September 01, 2005. The City received seven formal comments and the comments were included in the Commissioners' packets. Funding for the project: The master plan will be completed in phases. A probable construction cost estimate was prepared in December of 2004, for Phase I which includes: . Site preparation . Gymnasium/Sports Center . Support Facilities . Parking Lots . Ground cover The probable construction estimate was $10,025,554. The next cost estimate will be completed on or about December 2006, and final funding for Phase I will be identified by April, 2007. The City has received two grants for this project. $1,000,000 from Proposition12; this grant was transferred over to Proposition 40, and a competitive parks grant of $2,000,000 has also been committed to this project. The Community Foundation of Orange has raised $800,000. Other potential resources for funding would include, future grants, park acquisition and/or developer fees, County of Orange Settlement Funds unappropriated reserves and ~ture donations. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 8 of 11 The next step would be for the Commission to recommend these three items to the City Council. These items will be taken to the Planning Commission on Monday, October 17, 2005, and a public hearing will be held at the City Council Meeting on November 8, 2005. Staff will make recommendations for a project manager in December of 2005. It is anticipated that the ground breaking will be scheduled for July 2006. Public Comments: Mr. Mark Conzelman 224-D N. McPherson Rd. Orange, CA Mr. Conzelman is owner and the managing general partner of Wells Cargo Storage which is continuous to the site in spite of the fact that it is not shown on the site plans. There appears to be a total disregard for the viability of his business. That facility was built in 1996 and is approximately 89,000 sq. ft., and there are 700 tenants in that facility most of which come from the east of Chapman. It is almost impossible for his tenants to exit out of that facility onto Chapman from McPherson. This plan would force them to do that. At present, they have the option, of going to Prospect and using the signal light at the intersection for making a left-hand turn which is vital to Mr. Conzelman's business. Mr. Conzelman said that he is not opposed to expansion, but is very much opposed to a plan such as this which does not take into consideration . the needs of his business and is grossly incompatible. He urges the Commission to consider the needs of his business on that circulation map. Chair Gilmer said it was his understanding that Mr. Conzelman is not opposed to the park but was opposed to the cul-de-sac at McPherson. Mr. Conzelman said that was correct and added that many of his tenants have tractor trailer rigs and cannot make hairpin turns. Presently, there is an exit gate at the north end of our project which allows the tenants on to Spring Street to Prospect Avenue and enables them to make a left at the signal. Without the signal, our tenants can't make a left-hand turn and go to the east end of town. No one has called him from the City to address his concerns or answered his letter. Ms. Hagan referred to the traffic studies. She said working with the designers and architects the main concerns were for safety of the children playing soccer or using any of the other park amenities. Once Walnut Street is opened up, the traffic flow to Chapman would even be heavier, and that was the main reason for the cul-de-sac off of McPherson. Ms Hagan noted that at present the open street has parallel parking but once there is a cul-de-sac the parking will be perpendicular and will add parking spaces to the park design. Ms. Galera said that they were also trying to discourage people who are not patrons of the park from taking a short cut to Chapman Avenue. Chair Gilmer asked why drivers would do that instead of continuing down Prospect St. to Chapman. Ms. Galera said that drivers already take a shortcut. The overriding issue is the safety of park patrons. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 9 of 11 Bill Bouska 270 N. Malena Street Orange, CA Mr. Bouska said in respect to the Wells Cargo facility, that facility was actually built over the Tustin Branch Trail. At the time the owners applied for the facility, they told us how little traffic it would generate. It is amusing to hear that closing off McPherson will hurt their traffic patterns. Mr. Bouska said he is a big fan of this park. The gymnasium is wonderful, the habitat is wonderful, but there is only one thing that he might complain about and that is the amphitheater. Mr. Bouska thinks the City will [md some resistance in the neighborhood because of the potential of noise factor. Commissioner Blanc asked about the potential noise that an amphitheater would create. Ms. Galera said that it is not a huge amphitheater. It is very informal with a few grass terraces and a slight stage area. It is more for weddings or lectures. Ms. Galera said they might have concerts in the park in the summer but they would be very few and of a short duration. Any type of party that requires antplified sound requires permits from the City. This will be an amphitheater where there will be boy scout, girl scout troops and weddings. Commissioner Blanc commented that she liked the idea of the amphitheater and possibly having some performing arts staged there. She liked the way the passive area was laid out and on the . whole she thinks it is a great project. Her only regret is that the City does not have enough money to complete the whole project at one time. Commissioner Blanc addressed the issue of having McPherson as a through street and said that she did not want to see tractor trailers going through the park. She was sorry that Wells Cargo Storage might have problems, but she felt that overall the plan was there to protect the children. Vice-Chair Remland said that he was very pleased with the overall planned. He was concerned about the issue of Wells Cargo tenants and the impact on Wells Cargo business. He also commented that whenever there is a project of this scope there are always these types of problems that exist. Commissioner Hairston added that he shared Vice-Chair Remland's concerns regarding the traffic. Chair Gilmer said that he was concerned about the impact on Wells Cargo, but even more so about the impact of extra traffic. Chair Gilmer said he would go out to McPherson Street and try to assess the situation. Overall, he said he was very pleased with the project. Chair Gilmer asked for a recommendation: Commissioner Blanc moved to request City Council to approve the Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 1753-05; that City Council approve the master plan for the Grijalva Park Extension and approve the conceptual architectural plans. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 10 of 11 Motion: Blanc Second: Hairston Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston 5.3 The naming of the 3-acre passive park to be constructed as part of Tract No. 16601 on the south side of Serrano Avenue, west of the Anaheim Hills Elementary School in Serrano Heights. Ms. Hagan said that the Commission has an opportunity to name a park. The construction document phase has been finished and staff will have a construction schedule shortly. Staff put together an internal committee to come up with some recommendations. They took into consideration the area's history, geography, and topography of the area. One unique aspect of this park, is its spectacular view. On a clear day you can see Catalina. Some of the names that were chosen from the internal committee were: Canyon Ridge, Orange View, Ridge View, Orange Hill Park, Coyote Pass or Foothill View Park. The Commission was encouraged to entertain one of these names or to contribute one of their own. Commissioner Blanc recommended the name Canyon View. Commissioner Hairston moved to call the park Canyon View. Motion: Second: Ayes: Commissioner Hairston Commissioner Gilmer Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston VI. NEW BUSINESS None. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS 7.1 Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival- October 27, 2005 Ms. Hagan invited the Commissioners to the Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival on Thursday, October 27,2005. The event is from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The program and costume parade will begin approximately 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 p.m. 7.2 Veterans Day Celebration- November 11, 2005 The Veterans Day Celebration will be held at Veterans Memorial Depot Park on Friday, November 11, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Staff will be dedicating the new Flag Pole at the Veterans Memorial at that time. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of October 13, 2005 Page 11 of 11 IX. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Second: Ayes: Commissioner Hairston Chair Gilmer Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston The next Regular Meeting will be Thursday, November 10, 2005 BOn! ~a~---- , Park Planning and Development Commission {A0J!;- Attested on Ivm - ~, Reproduction on Recycled Paper