PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY RESOURCESADVISORY COMMISSIONMINUTES OF APRIL 16, 1997 MEETING

Roll Call

Present: Chairperson Mitchell, Commissioners Abrams, Aronoff, and

Dunbabin

Absent: Commissioner Koppel

Staff: Rooney, Flaherty, Amirani

Approval of Minutes March 19, 1997

Motion: "To approve as submitted."

Aronoff/Abrams All Ayes

Public Comments:

Dick McCurdy - 451 - 25th Street

Addressed the Commission and provided written information about Edith Rodaway and her family (park on Prospect is named in her honor).

Matters for Commission Consideration

1997 Project Touch Fall Classic Car Show: Clark Field

Gloria Anderson and Mike Ludwig addressed the Commission on behalf of Project Touch.

Motion: "To approve staff recommendation for Project Touch to conduct

a Classic Car Show on Clark Field, Sunday, October 19, 1997 from

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the stated requirements and waivers

plus the additional waiver of $300 for event administration."

Abrams/Aronoff All Ayes

Sister Cities: Hermosa Beach's 90th Birthday Celebration with Sister City Loreto, Mexico

Jean Lombardo and Dick McCurdy addressed the Commission on behalf of the Sister City Association.

Motion: "To approve staff recommendation for the Sister City Association

to conduct a community celebration on the Community Center

parking lot on July 26, 1997 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with the

stated requirements and waivers."

Dunbabin/Aronoff All Ayes

Greenbelt Improvements

Amy Amirani and Carl Heimberger provided a staff report for the Commission outlining alternatives for the Greenbelt renovation project.

Public Comments:

Terri Bindman - 523 - 21st Street

• The proposed plan is too formal for the Greenbelt.
• It is very important to maintain the alternate path for jogging and views.
• Irrigation should be upgraded.
• Tall palm trees do not belong on the Greenbelt.

Laura Guneau - 527 - 25th Street

• Loves the existing random nature of the plants and trees.
• Replacing mature trees with new ones is not favorable as the growth rate would require several years to match what currently exists.

Motion: "To carry over this item to the next Commission meeting to

allow Commissioners to study the issue further."

Dunbabin/Aronoff All Ayes

Staff Note: Public Works staff is asked to address the issues discussed in this meeting with regards to the character of the Greenbelt, budget constraints and thorough justification for any tree removal suggested.

Park Improvements: Hermosa Valley Park - Council Input

Public Comments:

Laura Guneau - 527 - 25th Street

• Valley Park is heavily utilized and maintenance has not kept up with this use.
• Improving the irrigation system is very important.
• There has been a loss of mature trees in the park with no replacements.
• Unauthorized vehicles access the park from the Kiwanis parking lot and harm the park.
• Erosion on the slopes on Valley Drive side is a problem.
• Renovate the picnic area including the ground cover (plant grass or provide a surface).

Dick McCurdy - 451 - 25th Street

• On February 12, Kiwanis reported to Public Works that tree roots are breaking the asphalt and causing problems in front of the service club buildings.
• Barbecues should be replaced.
• Soccer field is too small for regulation games. Should be expanded.
• Resurface basketball courts.
• Valley Drive sidewalk should be repaired.
• Handrails are inadequate.

Helene Sajobic (Rotary Club) 652 Gould Drive

• Also addressed the problem with tree roots in front of service clubs.
• Erosion problems should be addressed.

Terri Bindman - 523 - 21st Street

• Trees are not trimmed regularly, causing damage.
• Birthday parties bounce toys may cause problems with the turf.
• Vehicular access should be restricted.
• Plaques to identify natural flora would be nice.
• Basketball court is used by younger kids.
• Kids use the concrete pad.
• Hopes the School District sand area will remain the same.

Betty Martin - 257 - 27th Street

• Fix the paths.
• May wish to consider adding a storage room for park program use.
• Should consider improving lighting on the Gould side of the park.
• More benches on the Morningside area of the park (people who park on Gould for lunch eat on that side).
• Consider additional parking.
• Replace the people sprinkler.

Motion: "A) To approve amendments as proposed by City Council and add

the following elements to the items listed for Valley Park:

• Address erosion issues.
• Resurface/improve the existing basketball courts.
• Address walkways as required by ADA.
• Address current uses of cement area and incorporate the uses

into the park improvements.

• Solve the issue of unauthorized vehicular access in the park.

B) To recommend that Council authorize the use of a landscape

architect to develop a landscape plan and conceptual design

for the park improvements."

Mitchell/Abrams All Ayes

Staff Direction: The park subcommittee (Dunbabin/Koppel) will provide general input during the development of the RFP.

Staff Notes: Public Works to discuss closing unauthorized vehicular access with the Police Department. Public Works to ask a licensed arborist about the trees in front of Kiwanis to see if they can be saved with root removal.

Consent Item

Lease Renewal for Project Touch for Room 3 in the Community Center

Motion: "To approve staff recommendation to renew the lease agreement

for one year between the City and Project Touch for Room 3

in the Community Center."

Mitchell/Abrams All Ayes

Motion to Adjourn: Abrams/Mitchell All Ayes

Adjourned: 10:20 p.m.