Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; Minutes, - c), *' rc Minutes of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 530 P.M. January 18,1999 City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Richards called the Regular Meeting to order at 530 p.m. ROLL CAL L Present: Absent: Commissioner Cox Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, and Pieratt Staff Members Present: Ken Price, Recreation and Park Planning Manager Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst Mark Steyaert, Park Development Coordinator Doug Duncanson, Park Superintendent Robin Bettin, Recreation Supervisor II Walter Brown, Principal Civil Engineer Fred Burnell, Park Supervisor Tony Reynolds, Consultant Project Manager rc ANNOUNCEMENTS Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst, announced the resignation of Administrative Secretary, Pam Alm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Pieratt, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 14, 1998, were approved as printed. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, and Pieratt AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cox PRESEN TAT1 0 NS None. PUBLIC OPEN FORUM None. Parks and Recreation Commission -2- - January 18,1999 APPRO VAL 0 F AGENDA ACTION: AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cox On motion by Commissioner Baker, the Agenda for January 18, 1999 was approved . Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, and Pieratt Commissioner Cox arrived at 537 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. 2. 3. 4. - 5. AB# 199-1 COM MISSIONERS REPORT To accept and file the Commissioner’s Report for January 1999. AB #I 99-2 RECE IPT OF DONATION To receive a donation of $500 for the Opportunity Grants Scholarship Program. AB #199-3 RECEIP T OF DONATION To receive $6,000 in donations of product and/or in kind services for the 1998 Fall Festival. AB #199-4 RECEIPT 0 F DONATION To receive $9,210 in donations of cashlor product in support of the Youth Basketball Program. AB #I 99-5 RECEI PT OF DO NATION To receive $251 in cash donations in support of the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Baker, AB #I 99-1, AB #I 99-2, AB #I 99-3, AB #199-4, and AB #199-5 of the Consent Calendar for January 18, 1999 were approved. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None PUBL IC HFARI NGS None. : DEP 6. CHAR1 EE N CIRCLE) AB #199-6 STREET TREE REMOVAUREQUEST TO RETAIN (SEACREST DRIVE AND Doug Duncanson, Park Superintendent, gave the staff presentation on this item. He explained that a replacement of the curb and gutter as well as major street improvements were scheduled due to damage created by the trees on Seacrest Drive and Charleen Circle. He expressed staffs concern about root pruning and how it would weaken the trees’ ability to survive. Mr. ,- .' Parks and Recreation Commission -3- - January 18,1999 Duncanson added that staff was concerned about safety and as a result asked each of the homeowners to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement. I He showed slides of the trees on both streets, and pointed out the areas where damage was caused by the trees. He explained that the damage created problems for people walking and jogging, and also for the street sweeper. He also mentioned that the storm drain on the street was a problem because leaves and dirt got into the storm drain since the street sweeper could not sweep the street. Mr. Duncanson stated that the fire hydrant could be impacted in the future as well. He added that the trees on Seacrest were further back from the curb but were still a problem. He stated that SDG&E cut the trees back to keep them away from the wires. Walter Brown, Principal Civil Engineer, stated that the Carlsbad Municipal Water District did root cleaning in the sewers and asked the City to replace the sewers on the streets. He mentioned that if the sewers were not replaced, there would be blockups in the homes and public streets. He added that he would love to save the trees but regretted that cutting down the trees was the only safe solution. Mr. Brown mentioned that the City asked the homeowners to sign Hold Harmless Agreements but only a few agreed to sign them. Questions and discussion included the following issues: Whether there was a tree where a homeowner signed a Hold Harmless Agreement but the tree still had to be removed Feasibility of roots being trimmed and root barriers installed How much had to be removed to make the trees safe Reasons for replacement of the curb and gutter on Charleen Circle Clarification of what would occur if the homeowners did not sign the Hold Harmless Agreements Explanation of what the project involved on Charleen Circle Minimum requirements for a private driveway Possibility of the City vacating the street and what was involved Timing of the last curb replacement on Charleen Circle Amount of easement and setback from the curb for the properties on Charleen Circle and Seacrest Drive Potential species and size of replacement trees and where they would be located on a homeowner's property Bob Edie, 3400 Seacrest Drive, Carlsbad, explained that the trees cover up the power lines around his house but they allow him to look through to the ocean view. He mentioned that the trees sat 8' back from the gutter on Seacrest Drive and that he was not convinced that the City needed to cut 40% of the trees. He added that he believed there was no risk for the trees on his particular property. Mr. Edie stated that he showed his insurance company the Hold Harmless Agreement and his insurance company recommended that he did not sign it. He added that the sewer was made of old clay pipe and that he did not have any problems with the sewer line to his house but did have a problem with the street sewer line. - Mr. Edie stated that the tree did serve a value to him and that he believed his property value would decrease if the power lines were in full view. He added that he did not think the trees Parks and Recreation Commission -4- - January 18,1999 would fall down if the roots were trimmed, and unlike Charleen Circle, the trees on Seacrest Drive were not up against the curb. Donald Dewhurst, 3425 Seacrest Drive, Carlsbad, stated that he purchased his home over 25 years ago on Seacrest Drive and a main influence in his purchase were the trees. He stated that the trees added significant value to the property and that they were not much smaller than they are now. He added that he never had a problem with them and that the trees did not get into the wires unless they were not trimmed for a long period of time.. Mr. Dewhurst stated that the last street repairs were done over 10 years ago and were minimal. He suggested that a different type of street section could be considered as a possible option and mentioned that he spoke with landscapers who told him that the trees were in high demand. He added that he was willing to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement if details of the sewer could be worked out. Dwight Vallely, 2027 Charleen Circle, Carlsbad, stated that there was a uniqueness of the trees and that he could only recall once when there the trees were root pruned. He stated that the trees survived the storms last year without any problems. He mentioned that he thought the Hold Harmless Agreement was not defined very clearly with regard to the sewers, and indicated that he felt that the City should take a conservative approach to resolving the issue of the trees. In response to a query by Chairman Richards, Mr. Vallely indicated that vacating the streets, curb and entry might be a consideration. Ruth E. Wheeler, 2031 Charleen Circle, Carlsbad, explained why she did not sign the Hold Harmless Agreement. She indicated that she was concerned as to whether the Hold Harmless Agreement would carry over to a new owner. She mentioned that the street on Charleen Circle was never completely repaired in the 15 years that she lived in her house. She stated that the storm drain was not a problem and explained what had been done to the trees in the past. Mrs. Wheeler explained that she felt the City should shoulder the responsibility of the street since no maintenance was done in 15 years, and added that the sewers, made of clay pipe, never backed up. She added that if the Hold Harmless Agreement was the only way to keep the trees, she would agree to sign it but she did not think this was the case. In response to a query by Commissioner Baker regarding financial responsibility, Mrs. Wheeler explained that she was concerned with what would happen if a person sold hidher property, and the effect it would have on the Hold Harmless Agreement. Since the Risk Manager was not available, staff was not able to respond to Mrs. Wheeler’s query. Mrs. Wheeler also mentioned that when the City repaved the curbs, room should be left around the trees to preserve a certain amount of roots. In response to a query by Chairman Richards regarding Mrs. Wheeler’s position on the City vacating the street, Mrs. Wheeler responded that she felt it was a cop out on the part of the City to ask the homeowners to pay for services that she pays taxes for. In response to Commissioner Baker’s query of what the people on the street would be willing to do to keep the trees, since the City had certain responsibilities to the public, Mrs. Wheeler responded that all streets need maintenance and that the cost of cutting down a tree is probably more expensive than maintaining the tree. Commissioner Baker clarified that the Parks and Recreation Commission -5- - January 18,1999 streets were being repaired more often because of the trees, and Mrs. Wheeler replied that the trees were also providing something truly beautiful and as well as increased property values. Gordon Baker, 2035 Charleen Circle, indicated that the trees were planted in 1967 and that they were maintained only once in 41 years. He stated the trees were pruned approximately 12-1 3 years ago but that the tops were not trimmed at the time. He added that the trees were not damaged. Mr. Baker explained that his sewer was repaired in 1979-1981. He told the Commissioners that it was repaired three times and outlined what was done by the City. He added that there have been no more problems with the sewer since the last repairs were completed. Mr. Baker mentioned that he was advised by the homeowner policy holder not to sign the Hold Harmless Agreement and explained what would happen if the tree fell down and damaged his property vs. if the tree fell down and did not damage the property. He referred to the contents of the letter he sent to the City, which was included in the Commissioner’s packets for the evening. In response to Commissioner’s Cunningham’s query regarding the size of the property and whether someone can pull into his driveway and still be off the road, Mr. Baker responded that the person would be off the easement as well. He pointed out that the new trees would be placed on a homeowner’s property, which he felt was not necessary. Greg Wheeler, 2031 Charleen Circle, Carlsbad, mentioned that the street was a very special place to live. He stated that only one repair job was done in 40 years. He mentioned that according to Gordon Baker, there was a way to cut down the roots and put in a barrier. Mr. Wheeler added that there were no sewer problems. He stated that the Hold Harmless Agreement scared the homeowners and that he did not think it was fair to require them to sign the agreement. He mentioned that most people bought homes because of the trees which he felt added a unique value to the homes. He said that there was no lawsuit against the street in 40 years and that the street was a limited use street. Mr. Wheeler added that he felt that he should be able to work with the City on the street without making the homeowners buy the street since he paid his taxes like everyone else. He pointed out that the one descending vote was by an absentee-owner who never lived on the street. In response to a query by Commissioner Schulberg regarding the City vacating the tree if the trees could stay in, Mr. Wheeler replied that money was the issue and that he felt it was unfair to the homeowners to make them responsible for the street trees Further questions and discussion included the following issues: 0 Potential damage and risks of leaving the trees and root pruning 0 Amount of setback of the new trees on the property of the homeowners 0 Clarification of the sewer issue 0 Explanation of the reasons for the request by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District to remove the sewers 0 Makeup of the streets 0 What could happen if the City vacated the street L. Parks and Recreation Commission -6- - January 18,1999 0 0 0 Additional legal advice required 0 0 Bio barriers and their effectiveness c Condition of trees on Donna Drive Comparison of the Hold Harmless Agreement presented to Seacrest Drive and Charleen Circle residents vs.the Hold Harmless Agreement signed by Donna Drive residents Lack of maintenance on the trees in the past Recommendation to plant new trees to start a new life cycle Concern about lumping the issues of Charleen Circle with Seacrest Drive ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Pieratt, AB #199-6, to send the item back to staff to work on a Hold Harmless Agreement to accomplish what needed to be done for root pruning and get each of the homeowners to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement for both Seacrest Drive and Charleen Circle. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None Chairman Richards called a break at 7:15 p.m. The Commission reconvened at 7:20 p.m. 7. AB#199 -7 PARKSITE AMEN ITY GOA1 S & GUlnEL INES/REQUES T FOR PRC COMMITTEE ASSISTANCE Keith Beverly presented the staff report on this item. He explained the ongoing issue and explained that staff evaluated the type of fields and other amenities for the parksites and wanted buy-in from the Parks and Recreation Commission. c ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Schulberg, to approve AB #I 99-7, and appoint Commissioners Baker, Pieratt, and Davidson to a committee to assist with the establishment of Parksite Amenity Goals and Guidelines. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 8. AB #199-8 CALIFOR NIA PAR KS AND RECREATION SOC IETY DISTRICT XI1 AWARDS AND INSTALLAT ION BANGUI Ken Price, Recreation and Park Manager, gave the staff report on this item. He explained that an award banquet was scheduled for February 5, 1999 by the California Parks and Recreation Society District XI1 and invited the commissioners to attend the banquet with their spouses. ACTION: AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None On motion by Commissioner Pieratt, to approve AB #I 99-8, to accept and file the staff report. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt Parks and Recreation Commission -7- - January 18,1999 9. AB #198-9 FY 1999-2000 C APITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRA M AND OPERATING - BUDGET Keith Beverly explained that there were two parts to the item: the CIP Budget and the FY 1999-2000 Operating Budget. Mark Steyeart, Park Development Coordinator gave the staff presentation on the CIP budget. He referred to the handout included in the Commissioners’ packets for the evening which outlined the current and future City of Carlsbad Capital Improvement Program projects. He focused on the major changes for each of the projects. Questions and discussion included the following issue: 0 Status of the trail system ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Schulberg, to approve AB #199-9, to accept and approve staff recommendations for the CIP Budget submittal as outlined in the agenda bill, including the recommended changes proposed by staff. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None - 1. Doug Duncanson and Ken Price gave the staff report on the Dog Park 2. Doug Duncanson gave the staff report on the Jefferson Street Tree issue -c AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT COM MISSION MEF TlNG 1. Citywide street tree policy 3. Committee assignments 4. Volunteer Recognition ADJOURNMENT ACTION: AYES: NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None On motion by Commissioner Cox to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:OO p.m. Chairperson Richards, Commissioners Davidson, Baker, Cunningham, Schulberg, Cox, and Pieratt Respectfully submitted, Ruth Stark Minutes Clerk