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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-2005 Minutes PP&D Commission OR Iff::O. O.ID ~~, ~"':'~~'C"~.:)~."<".;;,l.',:\ 17;' ,,<;::,:j'::h~"~\ """"l '~ ;"-" ,~i',,:"._'i :";:: \ P''''" .\~-/~'~~~;~,~~~:~~~ ~ CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT www.cityoforange.org (714) 744-7272 FAJ((714) 744-7251 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Minutes of Regular Meeting Held November 10, 2005 300 East Chapman Avenue I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Gilmer called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m, 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Selman led the Pledge of Allegiance, 1.2 Roll Call Present: Chair, Tom Gilmer Vice-Chair, Gary Remland Commissioner, Lisa Blanc Comissioner, Mike Hairston Commissioner, Selman 1.3 Adoption of Agenda Motion: Commissioner Hairston Second: Vice-Chair Remland Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston, Selman 1.4 Approval of the Minutes for Study Session of October 04, 2005 Motion: Commissioner Blanc Second: Commissioner Hairston Ayes: Gilmer, Blanc, Hairston, Selman Abstain: Vice-Chair Remland 1.5 Approval of the Minutes for the regular meeting of October 13, 2005 Motion: Vice-Chair Remland Second: Commissioner Blanc Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston Abstain: Commissioner Selman I. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. 230 EAST CHAPMAN AVENUE ORANGE, CALIFORNIA 92866-1506 Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10,2005 Page 2 of 11 II. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS None. IV. ORAL REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER 4.1 Progress Report on the Master Plan for the Grijalva Park Extension at Santiago Creek, and the Conceptual Plans for the Gymnasium/Sports Center Ms. Hagan reported that the Planning Commission had approved the Master Plan for the Grijalva Park Extension' and the Conceptual Plans for the Gymnasium/Sports Center at the Planning Commission's October 17, 2005 meeting. The Master Plan and Conceptual Plans will be presented to the City Council at their December 13, 2005 meeting. 4.2 Progress Report on the Construction of the Santiago Creek Bike Trail Bridge between Glassell Street and State Route 22 Ms. Galera reported that the City will be awarding bid for the Santiago Creek Bike Trail Bridge. This pedestrian bridge will be located between Glassell Street and State Route 22. The purpose of the bridge is to allow users to avoid using the Hart Park Parking lot. There were six formal bids that were opened on October 13, 2005. The bid will be awarded to 4-Con Engineering in the amount or $447,007.00. Staff will be transferring money that is left from the Land and Water Grant, in the amount of $37,232.00. The money will be used for upgrading irrigation systems through the Hart Park area where the trail will be located. In addition, staff will be filing a variance to note that the area is in a flood zone. The bridge is a prefabricated bridge and the contractors will be responsible for constructing the abutments. The City has hired an engineer that will be evaluating the design and construction is anticipated in the spring of2006. 4.3 Update on the Installation of the La Veta Park Fence Mr. Robertson reported that installation of the La Veta Park fence has been completed. He passed out photos of the completed installation to the Commission. This project was in response to citizens concerned about children's safety at the tot-lot zone at La Veta Park. Mr. Robertson said that the project was in excess of$13,OOO. The local morn's club raised a little over $3,000 for the fence and they would be advancing the money to the City. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 3 of 11 V. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 5.1 Submittal of Brownfields Clean-up Grant Application for Grijalva Park Extension at Santiago Creek Landfill Closure Ms. Galera reported that the Community Services Department is interested in applying for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Clean-up Grant. In 2001, the City was awarded an Assessment Grant through the EPA for $200,000. The City utilized the grant to complete an assessment at Cerro Villa Park and to complete Phase II and the Landfill Closure plan at Grijalva Park. The investigation of Grijalva Park revealed that methane was not present, but there were portions of lead in the soil. After working closely with the EPA, the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Orange County Health Care Agency, it was determined that closure for the landfill would consist of a soil cover and that the material could be left there. If awarded the EP A Brownfields Clean-up Grant for $200,000, there would be a 20% local match required. Staffs current estimate for the landfill cover is approximately $600,000. The applications are due on December 14, 2005, and announcement for the award will be spring 2006. One of the requirements for this grant, is that the City have very close communication with the public. Staff has already notified the public through the Department's "Progress" a city-wide magazine. Information will also be posted on the City's website. In addition, Ms. Galera will be making a presentation regarding the grant at the local Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance Meeting. Ms. Blanc asked if the $600,000 estimate was correct. Ms. Galera said that the $600,000 estimate was a rough estimate formulated by staff, but that staff was working with SCS Engineers to get a more accurate estimate. Ms. Galera said that the estimate included mass grading of the site. She noted that the soil content at the site was high in clay and that the clay soil could be used for the cover on the landfill. This project would also include some rip rap on the scope near the creek to protect it from further erosion. Chair Gilmer moved to recommend that the City Council authorize the approval of the Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application: Motion: Second: Ayes: Chair Gilmer Commissioner Hairston Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston, Selman 5.2 Review of Community Services Department's Priority of Projects and Capital Inlprovement Program (C.I.P.) FY 2006-07 Ms. Galera said at the last meeting, staff and commissioners talked about the priority of projects. At that time, the Commissioners requested that staff change the headings and remove the category of low priority projects. The Commissioners also requested that one project be moved up and that was the Killefer Park Master Plan. The criteria used to prioritize the projects: Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 4 of 11 1.) Public health and welfare 2.) Revenue Impact 3.) Quality of Life Commissioner Blanc asked about the replacement of park furniture. Ms. Galera said that staff had completed the furniture replacement at Hart Park, and replaced all the benches at Eisenhower Park. Mr. Robertson added that staff is in the process of evaluating which barbeques were in need of replacement at the parks. Chair Gilmer asked if there was an update on the Killefer Park joint-use agreement with the Orange Unified School Dirstrict (OUSD). Ms. Hagan reported that she would have an update at the December 13, 2005 meeting. At present, staff is working with Killefer Park on a Kaboom Grant. They are. a non-profit organization that helps to build playgrounds with the community's assistance. Chair Gilmer noted that the City couldn't spend any money unless a joint-use agreement could be reached with OUSD. Ms. Hagan said that OUSD had given the City permission to replace the playground equipment. Commissioner Blanc asked if the stabilization of slopes at Eisenhower Park is still going to be kept as a medium priority. Ms. Galera said that staff would keep the slope stabilization as a medium priority because they had addressed the worst slopes that were failing. There is one remaining slope that needs to be stabilized and it is located at the comer of Bixby and Tustin. This slope will be scheduled for stabilization some time in the future. Commissioner Hairston requested and update on the trail system. He said it was difficult to tell how many miles of trails the City had completed. Ms. Hagan said she would agendize a trail update for a future meeting. Chair Gilmer asked for an approval of the priority of projects. Motion: Blanc Second: Selman Ayes: Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston, Selman Ms. Galera said that staff recommended the following projects move forward for FY 06-07: Pro;ects ill Proflress 1.) EI Camino Real Park Renovation - Create a women's fast pitch softball complex. This would include renovation of (4) softball fields, relocate two tennis courts and replace with (I) skate park and renovate the activity building. The cost estimate is $3.3 million. Ms. Galera noted that the Commission had requested that staff allocate their time for each project. As a result, she had added another category, "Administration" in which Community Services staff time and other department's staff time will be broken down along with project management services time. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 5 of 11 2.) Grijalva Park Extension - The Grijalva Park Extension will include the landfill cover and the estimate for that project is $600,000. In addition, staff will be applying for the $200,000 Brownfields Grant. 3.) Gymnasium/Sports Center - The current estimate for this project is $10,000,000. Staff has listed all the funds available for this project: . Suncal commitment - $350,000 · Irvine Co. commitment - $4.25 million . State Grant - $2,000,000 · County-Proposition 40 - $1,000,000 Staff is recommending that the full state Proposition 40 per capita money be allocated for the gymnasium/sport center. 4.) Hart Park Field Renovation - This project has been deferred to FY 06-07. This project includes the renovation of softball fields #2 and #3, improvements to irrigation, lighting and turf, as well as installation of an electrical panel. 5.) Tustin Branch Trail- This trail is the next link ofthe Santiago Creek Bike Trail. The link is from Tustin Avenue to Walnut Street and on the City owned right-of-way up to Collins Avenue. This project is being paid for by the Transportation Enhancement Act (TEA) funds. The allocation of funds is approximately $2.2 million dollars. Urgent - public health and welfare, structural impact anticipated 1.) EI Modena Park Restroom Replacement - Remove and replace upper restroom building and electrical panel. Slope stabilization and retaining walls at grandstand. Funding to pay for the project is allocated from the Cellular Lease. 2.) Hart Park Pool- Renovation includes adding sewer connection for pool and showers, pool floor inlets, removal of top deck and bringing it up to American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Funding for project is potential west end funds. 3.) Eisenhower Park Lighting Renovation - This project includes removal and replacement of existing panels and approximately 100 light standards. Vice-Chair Remland expressed his concern regarding Hart Park Pool being able to sustain itself until the renovation. Ms. Galera said that Dana Robertson and staff are working to keep the pool in working condition. She reminded the Commission that the pool pump was just recently replaced. Vice-Chair Remland and Commissioner Hairston emphasized the need to track staff hours for each project. With the number of projects and funding deadlines, it would seem that more Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 6 of 11 staff are required. VI. NEW BUSINESS None. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS 7.1 Veterans Day Celebration - November 11, 2005 Ms. Hagan invited the Commissioners to attend the Veterans Day Celebration to be held on Friday, November 11, at 2:00 p.m. Staff will be dedicating the new Flag Pole at the Veterans Memorial at that time. 7.2 Tree Lighting ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession - December 4, 2005. Ms. Hagan reported that the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir procession will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2005. The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Choir procession will begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 350-voice choir and a 40-piece orchestra led by Michael Short. VIII. STUDY SESSION 8.1 Study Session on the proposed El Camino Real Conceptual Master Plan Ms. Galera reported that the City is planning to renovate El Camino Real Park. Staff is looking to renovate the softball fields. The City was also presented with an opportunity to put in a skate park. After the public had a chance to review this plan, changes were made to accommodate some of their recommendations. The public had comments regarding the change in configuration to the parking lot, and also the walkability of the park. Ms. Galera said that the plan had addressed the issues of taking out fewer trees, in addition, the parking lot will not be reconfigured allowing more space for four tennis courts instead of two. Since that time, the City has been presented with a great opportunity with the construction of Del Rio Park. It will enable the City to move adult softball to Del Rio as well as install two tennis courts there. Ms. Galera introduced the City's consultant for the project, Steve Lang of Pur kiss-Rose. Mr. Lang reviewed the new version ofthe conceptual plan: · Two premier fields are 220 ft., two fields are 200 ft. . Hub in the middle of field has a concession/restroom bldg. · Area created for emergency vehicles to go through . Area for Skate Park · Maintained a walk area around the field . Added trees to buffer walkways . Maintained existing volleyball courts . Area for bleachers. Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10,2005 Page 7 ofll Mr. Lang said that this orientation allowed for the fields to be lighted. The new lighting that will be installed is state of the art lighting that is directed down at the field with minimal spill over. Ms. Galera added that with the adult softball teams moved to Del Rio Park, these fields will be used as a women's softball complex. Chair Gilmer asked about the timing of the renovation of the park and how that would effect the women's teams schedule. Ms. Galera said that at the time of renovation the City would look for an alternative field for the women to play on, possibly Hart Park or Del Rio Park. Commissioner Selman asked about the budget and ifit would remain the same. Ms. Galera said that staff anticipates the budget would remain the same and it had been estimated at $3.3 million do liars. Ms. Galera added that it was staffs intent to get input from the public and the Commission. Staff has already had preliminary discussions with the Police Department and the Staff Review Committee (SRC). Chair Gilmer opened the meeting for public comments: Ms. Lois Barke (address on file) Ms. Barke said that she hoped that the City would give the same consideration to the people who walk the park as the user groups. Ms. Barke noted that those who walk around the fields have been hit with balls. She also felt that the park is heavily used and is too congested to include a skate board park. Ms. Barke feels that the money should be used to improve the sidewalks and the other amenities that the park already has. Ms. Kelly Singer 2555 McCoy Road Orange, CA Ms. Singer brought her daughter, Kennedy, with her to speak about the softball fields. Kennedy said that she loved to play softball and that it made girls feel good about themselves. Kennedy has an older sister who also plays softball and she always goes to EI Camino Real Park to watch her play. Ms. Singer said she is the vice-president of the girls softball league at EI Camino Park and understands the concern about the balls being hit out toward the pedestrians, but with the girls leagues the balls don't really get hit out that far. It is Ms. Singer's hope that the City will move forward with the renovation. Ms. Jeanette Boyd (address on file) Ms. Boyd said that she was for the girls softball field, but she has daughters that walk the park and that the girls that play can hit the ball out far. She is also concerned about the skate Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 8 of II board park. According to the plans the skate board park would be located near her street. She is concerned about the noise and wanted to know ifthere would be a curfew, ifthere would be pay telephones for those children who are injured at the site, and if there would be full time attendants to monitor the skate park. Mr. Richard Hubbard 392 E. Elm Street Orange, CA Mr. Hubbard said that besides the softball games there are also little league teams that play on weekends. He is concerned about the traffic, parking, noise and pollution. Secondly, installing a skate park will only add to the noise. There are already basketball courts that are noisy at that end of the park. He feels that it would be better to keep the two tennis courts and install a skate park somewhere that will not impact residents. Mr. John Baker (address on file) Mr. Baker referred to the funds that were expected from the west end developments. He feels that the park could be improved and applauded the City for planning to move the adult softball teams to another park because the errant balls are dangerous. Mr. Baker said to the north of the area there are industrial buildings that are empty and that might be a great place to expand the park, and the City should consider using the west end funds for this expansion. Mr. Baker suggested that the plan be changed to move the restroom from where it is now at the east end and extend the walkways farther. He also added that there is a need for a soccer field. Ms. Kimberly Bottomley 1005 W. Arbor Way Orange, CA Ms. Bottomley said that she often waits 30 minutes to 1 hour for a tennis court at EI Camino Real Park. She does not feel that two tennis courts should be removed, however, she would like to see the park renovated. She suggested that someone be contracted to paint a mural on the wall of the handball courts. Ms. Bottomely feels the skate board park should be moved to an area near Main Street where the noise factor would not be a consideration. Mr. Herb Barke (Address on file) Mr. Barke said that the City of Orange has put in 2,000 apartments on State College. There aren't any tennis courts to take care of those people. During the day, the tennis courts are not always full but any day after 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. they are very active. The handball courts are also heavily used in the evenings. Mr. Barke said that he had no idea how far a women would be able to hit a ball, but his experience with the men's adult softball team has been that as he and his friends are walking in the evening they always check to see who is batting and Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 9 of II stand by the light standards to use them as a shield from possibly being hit by a ball. It doesn't happen all the time, but depending on the athlete it can be a problem for pedestrians. He doesn't feel that there is a need for a skate park and believes that skate boarders will possibly cause damage skating on the walkways to the park and he is also concerned about liability. Ms. Dot Timmermans (No address listed) Ms. Timmermans said that she walks her dogs at the park. She noted that several times she has has been hit by soccer balls and has had to dodge bicyclers; she does not want to have to dodge skate boarders as well. Mr. Juan Pablo Serrano-Nieblas (No address listed) Mr. Serrano-Nieblas said he does not think the space designated for the skate park is a good one, and he is not pleased with the tot-lot. He feels too many children have been hurt on the tot-lot and he would like to see it disappear, the handball courts are heavily used, and is a part of the park's history and should remain where they are, and the restrooms located near the children's play area should be taken out. A skate board area could be placed where the restroom was removed. The noise factor would not matter at that location. He recommended keeping the tennis courts. Mr. Serrano-Nieblas also voiced concems regarding the Veterans Memorial Park. It is his opinion that it was a mistake to build the Memorial at the Santa Fe Depot. He said the memorial fountain is always out of order and has been out of order almost every two weeks since it was built. As a decorated enlisted Veteran, Mr. Serrano- Nieblas wanted to know why the fountain would not be ready for Veterans Day. He added that the City was concerned about skate boarders marring the benches, but he could not understand why the City put in devices to halt their use. He did not feel that the skate boarders were destroying anything; they were just putting scratch marks on the benches which were stupidly made out of white marble. Commissioner Selman asked the distance from the proposed skate board park to the residential area. Ms. Galera said that the City is required to keep the skate board park 300 ft. away from the residences. Commissioner Selman asked the distance of the basketball courts from the residences. Ms. Galera said that the courts were 100 ft. away from residences. Commissioner Selman asked for the distance from the walking surfaces to the softball fields. Mr. Lang said that the tighter area is on the north side where there is a main parking area and is approximately 20 ft. Commissioner Selman asked for clarification on the removal of trees: removal of 15 to 17 trees but adding 100 new trees. Mr. Lang agreed. Commissioner Selman asked if the skate board park had a curfew and if there is a set time period for the skate board park. Ms. Galera reported that there is not an additional curfew. The skate park would be open and closed Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10,2005 Page 10 ofll according to park hours. The City could decide to lock the fence at a certain time. Ms. Hagan said that when the Dog Park opened at Yorba Park the City created a set of rules for that amenity and she believed that a set of rules would probably be created for the skate park. Commissioner Remland said that he had coached a lot of girls softball and his experience is that the girls cannot hit the balls very far. Commissioner Remland asked about the type of fence that might be installed near the premier fields. Mr. Lang said that it would be temporary fencing. Ms. Galera said that she did not think that fencing would be necessary. Commissioner Remland asked about the girls softball and if there would be permanent use. Ms. Hagan said that it was an open park and there would be no permanent use designation. Chair Gilmer noted that there was a landscaped field area and asked if any consideration could be given to placing the skate park there and leaving the tennis courts in place. Mr. Lang said he did not recall considering that area for a skate park, but also in an effort to break up all the activities the field was seen as a simple use field. Ms. Galera added that staff had considered moving two tennis courts to Del Rio Park and that losing two of the tennis courts was preferable than losing the green space. Commissioner Blanc commented that she was glad to see that the park would not be losing too many trees, and that the parking lot would not be reconfigured. Commissioner Blanc said that from the beginning of the planning of this park she had a real concern about the skate park. She felt that the skate park is in the wrong location because EI Camino Park is a heavily used park already. If you pass there in the evenings, you will see handball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts all in use. The skate park is too intense for this area. It is a participant sport and as a result there will be a lot of spectators. Commissioner Blanc said that she knows that there is a real need for a skate park, but she does not think this is the right location. In regard to the women playing on the premier ball field, we need to take another look at the ball fields. Walking is in and everyone seems to want to walk. She would not want to see this activity compromised. Commissioner Blanc added that she loved the idea of having a mural painted on the handball courts. Commissioner Hairston said that he had some of the same concerns. He too felt that the park was heavily used. He felt that the City really needs a skate board park, but should look for another place to put it. Commissioner Selman said that he also agreed about the skate board park, but it should really be studied before making a decision. Commissioner Gilmer commented that he felt that balls flying out is a problem that exists with men's ball teams, and added if the skate board park was eliminated the tennis courts could remain. f Community Services Department Park Planning and Development Commission Regular Meeting of November 10, 2005 Page 11 of 11 Commissioner Selman said if there was a consensus to put the skate board park some where else, there would be an opportunity to keep the tennis courts or to have an open play area. Ms. Galera said staff would take all their comments into consideration. After presenting the final plan to the Public Works Department, the Fire Department, and Police Department, staff will return to the Commission with the final plan and staff will notify residents and user groups of the meeting. IX. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Second: Ayes: Commissioner Hairston Commissioner Blanc Gilmer, Remland, Blanc, Hairston, Selman The next Regular Meeting will be Thursday, December 08, 2005. ?,\k.~ Bonnie Hagan Park Planning and Development Commission ~L G)~ 41-0- tom Gilmer, Chairman Attested on Ivrn {"'\ .... Reproduction on Recycled Paper