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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/27/1992 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 27, 1992 '— CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. at the AQMD Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Stitt. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Plunk, Stitt, and Vice Chairman Ruzicka. Chairman Whelan arrived at 6:50 p.m. Commissioner Meyer was absent (excused). Also present were Community Development Director James DeStefano and Administrative Assistant Kellee Fritzal. MINUTES: Jan. 23, 1992 & Motion was made by C/Plunk, seconded by C/Stitt and Feb. 13, 1992 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of January 23, 1992, and the Minutes of February 13, 1992. AA/Fritzal, in response to VC/Ruzicka's inquiry, reported that, upon confirmation that the Jaycees will donate $500 dollars, the DBIA $400 dollars, '— and the Rotary Club $100 to $200 dollars, the Anniversary Event is being planned. OLD BUSINESS: General Plan AA/Fritzal explained that the Commission's revisions, to the Resource Management Element of the City's General Plan items, are in bold and are underlined. Those items that have been deleted are in the strike out form. C/Meyer submitted his comments to staff. Vice Chairman Ruzicka called a recess at 6:50 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 6:52 p.m. The Commission reviewed the Resource Management Element. Section 2.2 C/Plunk stated that, the way it is written, Visual Resources seems to be limited to Tonner Canyon. Chairman Whelan suggested that it be worded, "...a number of undeveloped areas in the City that offer open space and visual resources, not limited � to...". C/Plunk, uncertain with the use of the word "undeveloped" with the visual resources, stated that the verbiage she had previously suggested was, February 27, 1992 Page 2 "The number of scenic resources... to preserve deliberate action to maintain visual ambience". Also, she had referenced trees being a substantial contribution to the visual image. CD/DeStefano suggested that the idea of trees being a substantial contribution to the visual image would be more appropriately placed as an issue later on. Chair/Whelan made note of the item of concern so that it can be discussed later, if necessary. Section 2.3 i Chair/Whelan, noting that the Golf Course is open to the public, suggested that the sentence, "The quasi -public park land requires fees for use, and is not open to the public.", be better worded. CD/DeStefano explained that the issue staff was trying to communicate is that quasi -parks are public facilities, but are not open free of charge to the public. He suggested the wording, "The quasi -public park land requires a fee for use.". C/Plunk noted that the Little League fields are not actually open to the public unless you are a member. Furthermore, the YMCA property should also be identified. CD/DeStefano stated that the YMCA will be identified with the Golf Course and the Little League. He recommended that the sentence, "The quasi -public park land requires fees for use, and is not open to the public.", be stricken. VC/Ruzicka stated that quasi -public park land requiring a fee for it's use is more restrictive than quasi -public park land, and should be noted as such. Chair/Whelan suggested the wording, "Within the City, there are quasi -public park land and/or recreation facilities that may require fees. These include the Diamond Bar Golf Course, the Little League Fields, and three acres of YMCA property.". The Commission concurred. Chair/Whelan stated that the word "acre" should be included in the sentence 11209 undeveloped park land.". He inquired what the 209 acres of undeveloped park land are. February 27, 1992 Page 3 i AA/Fritzal explained that it includes the Country park property, the Sycamore Canyon property, Pantera property, and Larkstone property. C/Plunk stated that the inclusion of the Country park as available park land, does not give a true reflection of the ratio of the total acres of park land available to the public. She inquired where in the document it states that the City is attempting to achieve the standard of 5.0 acres of park land per 1,000 residents. AA/Fritzal stated that it is so indicated in section 1.3.7. Chair/Whelan suggested that the two paragraphs be reworked because they are conflicting. One mentions having 8.8 acres per 1,000 residents, and then the next paragraph indicates that there is 2.5 acres per 1,000 residents, which is below the standards. VC/Ruzicka suggested deleting the last sentence, "The ratio of available park land... public quasi, public and private.". The Commission concurred. Chair/Whelan, concerned that deleting the last sentence confuses the meaning of the paragraph, requested staff to rework the paragraphs to make the intent clearer. AA/Fritzal suggested replacing the sentence with, "The 2.5 acre figure represents 2 acres for developed parks, and .5 acres for undeveloped or passive park area.". C/Plunk recommended that the wording stated by AA/Fritzal be placed in the next paragraph, and that, "By comparison" be omitted, and add " ..a minimum of 2 acres for developed parks, and...". CD/DeSefano suggested that the sentence clarify, 102 acres of developed public parks" and 11.5 acres of undeveloped public passive park area per 1,000 residents". VC/Ruzicka suggested that, as an alternative, in page 2-3, there could be a statement indicated that the City presently has an "X" number of acres of park land, an "X'i number of park space, an "X" d number of undeveloped park space, and an "X" number of privately held park space, and placed in bullet form. Then the next paragraph could state that, as February 27, 1992 Page 4 noted above, there is only an "X" number of acres available for public use. C/Plunk, concurring with VC/Ruzicka, suggested that instead of saying private park space, it should be called private recreational space. The Commission concurred. Section 2.4 AA/Fritzal pointed out that staff has rewritten the Solid Waste section, per the recommendations made by Troy Butzlaff, who is in charge of the Solid Waste Program. Open Space: Chair/Whelan suggested the wording, n ...within the City, as well as it's sphere of influence.". The Commission concurred. Parks and Recreation: C/Plunk inquired if it is appropriate to mention biological resources in the Issue Analysis. The last sentence of the Parks and Recreation subsection should become the last sentence of subsection two. The Commission concurred. The Commission discussed if the Issue Analysis should be reworded. Chair/Whelan suggested that the section identify that there are recreation facilities within the City and the surrounding area, and that the Issue Analysis state that there's a need to actively plan for adequate recreation facilities. The Commission concurred. 1 Energy: CD/DeStefano noted C/Meyer had suggested that the last sentence, which was previously deleted, be replaced with, "The City should avail itself of improved methodsof resource conservation.". VC/Ruzicka, disagreeing with C/Meyer's statement, stated that the City ought to take it's role as one of the leaders in the field of energy and conservation. The sentence suggests that we are followers and not leaders. C/Plunk stated if Diamond Bar can provide for the reasonable safety, then she would not have a' problem with taking a leadership position. C/Stitt', concurred. I! February 27, 1992 Page 5 i lJ CD/DeStefano suggested that the sentence read, "The City should avail itself of environmentally safe methods of resource conservation.". The Commission concurred. Agriculture: C/Plunk suggested that the wording be changed to, "...dealing for agricultural land for the eventual conversion...". CD/DeStefano suggested the wording, "The City should develop specific policies dealing with the eventual conversion of agriculture land to suburban land uses." The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.1.5: Chair/Whelan suggested that the phrase "on-site or off-site" be deleted. The Commission concurred. Strategv 1.1.8a: CD/DeStefano noted that the verbiage is as j discussed, however, it needs to be reformatted into one paragraph. The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.2: C/Plunk noted that it was requested that the wording "ecologically feasible" be added to the second paragraph. The Commission concurred. Strategy 1.2.2: The Commission concurred to reword the sentence to read, "Natural vegetation is to be removed only as necessary to locate approved development and construction of needed infrastructure, and homes." Strategy 1.2: CD/DeStefano noted that the City Council is considering the policy of have a tree replacement ratio of 4:1. C/Plunk suggested leaving it as it is written, "at least a 3:1 ratio", because -if it is changed, and the City Council decides not to adopt such a policyr it will have to come back to the Commission for review once again. February 27, 1992 Page 6 CD/DeStefano explained that the Commission has an opportunity, if desired, to send a message to the City Council if, upon discussion, the Commission decides on a specific ratio. This document sets the policy, and the tree ordinance implements the policy. VC/Ruzicka stated that a 4:1 ratio is more appropriate to enhance the number of trees in the area, as opposed to the 3:1 ratio, which is the minimum. C/Plunk stated that, since it is a general statement with no specifics, she prefers the 3:1 ratio. The Commission discussed changing the guidelines to a 4:1 ratio, with a six inch diameter. CD/DeStefano explained that the way the provision now reads, any tree removed, with a six inch diameter, must be replaced with 4 trees. The Commission acknowledged that they had interpreted it to mean that removing one six inch in diameter tree would have to be replaced by 4 trees that are six inches in diameter. CD/DeStefano indicated that the wording should then be changed so that it is more comprehensible. The Commission requested that CD/DeStefano rewrite the paragraph per Commission comments. Strategy 1.2.3: C/Plunk noted that the Community Tree Planting Program was not to be deleted. Chair/Whelan confirmed that the Commission had concurred to make it an all encompassing, education type, program and to get away from just tree planting. The Commission concurred. Section 1.3: C/Plunk stated her concern with the use of the word "natural" in protecting open space. The Little League, and the upper part of Sycamore Park, could be looked at as not being developed in a natural way. If we're protecting a natural area, we don't want to do a lot of development. It seems to be two separate issues. February 27, 1992 Page 7 VC/Ruzicka suggested adding the wording "wherever possible" to the sentence. Upon request, AA/Fritzal recapped the statement formulated by the Commission following discussion, "Develop recreation facilities emphasizing active and passive recreation areas. The development of a Community Center...", and so forth. VC/Ruzicka stated that "protecting natural open space" is an overall policy that should be emphasized. Eliminating the phrase is not advisable. CD/DeStefano noted that the ties and the significance of the issue is still very prevalent in the objectives and the strategies in the document. The Commission concurred that the issue is well covered in section 1.2 and 1.3. Strategy 1.3.3: C/Plunk noted that she had requested that the word "consider" be placed with the word "designate", to keep options open. CD/DeStefano, noting that the Commission had requested, at the last meeting, further assistance regarding Strategies 1.3.2, 1.3.3, and 1.3.4., explained that the issue in Strategy 1.3.2 basically indicates that new open space areas be maintained privately. The issues in Strategy 1.3.3 and Strategy 1.3.4 indicate that there should be an inventory of all open lands, or undeveloped lands, and be identified based upon the previous approvals for development granted by the County. Furthermore, it states that, those acreages should now be specifically set aside as being nondevelopable areas (for example - Sandstone). Strategy 1.3.3 is an issue of preservation. Strategy 1.3.4 is simply a method of verifying which properties had these restrictions and which did not. however, if so desired, staff can change the language to create a more permissive statement. Chair/Whelan noted that the majority of the F. Commission does not perceive this to be an issue. However, he did request staff to reword the paragraph, to be reviewed later. February 27, 1992 Page a Strategy 1.3.5:i;N;r i C/Plunk noted that she had requested language protecting the visual ambience as an asset to the community. Chair/Whelan suggested wording, "...in conjunction with the mixed use planned development that coincides with the City's visual identity.". C/Plunk requested the wording be more specific concerning the visual identity. The Commission concurred with the rewording to include visual identity. CD/DeStefano asked the Commission if they wanted to specifically identify the golf course as a site for a community civic center. C/Plunk responded that it was a possible site, but not the only site. Chair/Whelan inquired whether they are becoming to site specific. CD/DeStefano questioned whether the Commission specifically wanted to name the golf course. C/Plunk felt that the Commission should not be site specific. Chair/Whelan suggested wording "plan for an, eventual siting of a community center in Diamond Bar in conjunction with a mixed use plan development that considers the Cities visual' identity. C/Plunk felt if the Commission was not being site specific the visual identity in different areas is different, so it should not be included. C/Stitt felt the commissioned developed the, strategy because of the possibility that the golf course may in fact be changed and that we may havei to have a plan for a civic center in that area. VC/Ruzicka suggested using C/Meyer's statement, "Ifi the Diamond Bar Golf Course is ever to be subjected to the potential of conversion to another use of land, then it should first be replaced in kind and the options of using a site for the community and, civic facility should be fully explored." The; Commission concurred. h �. n• -, R A A 11 February 27, 1992 Page 9 C/Stitt suggested that the wording "and the development coincides with the City's visual identity", be added to the statement as framed by C/Meyer. The Commission concurred. CD/DeStefano responded that the Commission requested that the wording suggested by C/Meyer be included with wording considering the City's visual identity. He then asked what does the mixed use planned development mean, referring to public facilities and recreational mixed uses. C/Stitt explained that "mixed use" took into consideration a variety of different uses such as retail locations, recreational areas, and so forth. C/Stitt further stated that the Commission wanted to be specific in calling for a Community/Civic Center located at the Golf Course if ever converted. C/Plunk inquired if other uses were more appropriate than mixed uses. Commission did not concur. Strateqy 1.3.8: Chair/Whelan indicated that the first bullet is awkward, and suggested "...including existing recreation and park needs present and future."; bullet two should be, "the development of design standards"; bullet three should be moved to the first part, of 1.3.8, to "prepare a Comprehensive Needs Analysis and Master Plan of Parks.". The Commission concurred. VC/Ruzicka summarized that 1.3.8 is a Needs Analysis, 1.3.9 is a Master Plan of Parks, and then 1.3.10. The Commission concurred. Chair/Whelan called a recess. called back to order. Objective 2.4: The meeting was I C/Plunk suggested the wording, "...and the use of new energy technology.", instead of "development". VC/Ruzicka indicated that he would like the original wording left, as is. Chair/Whelan suggested the wording, " ..development in use of energy technology that are deemed environmentally safe.". The Commission concurred. February 27, 1992 Objective 2.5: Page 10 CD/DeStefano noted that the paragraph incorporates greenwaste and composting, as was requested. However, all of the paragraph has been reworded, per the input of Troy Butzlaff. C/Plunk inquired which section mentions actually using the greenwaste from the parks. CD/DeStefano suggested that objective 2.5.8 say, "Reduce theamount of yard waste generated by through on going promotion of grass cycling and on site composting of leaves and other organic materials.". Staff will ask Troy Butzlaff to add verbiage that includes parks. Motion was made by C/Plunk, seconded by C/Stitt and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to recommend approval of the Resource Management Element, with the changes as directed to staff, to be forwarded to the General Plan Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair/Whelan stated that the Commission has been invited to attend the Diamond Bar Softball opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m., Saturday. he further stated that it has been a pleasure working with this Commission as a body. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by VC/Ruzicka, seconded by C/Stitt and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting. Respectively Kellee Fritz Secretary Attest: Pat Whelan Chairman I I 11" I