The items were addressed out of order, per agenda, but are presented in order here for clarity.
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Banner Program Request from the Friends of the Parks community foundation for temporary hanging of commercial banners during park renovation projects:
Angie Heyming, President of Friends of the Parks. The current project is Fort Lots-O-Fun and the committee devised the Banner Program to directly supplement funds for playground equipment. The banners will be placed on the fences bordering 6th and Prospect to be seen from all sides of the park during the construction phase only. There are strict guidelines regarding what will be placed on the banners. Proposed start date is December. The banners which are temporary and are only for display during the renovation project. Once the park is reopened, the banners will be removed. The proposal was drafted to allow for this program to be utilized at other City parks that may be refurbished.
Friends of the Parks, as program stewards, will display two banners. The banners will cost approximately $500 and a design proposal must be submitted for approval first. The companies are allowed to use whatever banner company they would like to produce the banner, but again, it must conform to the strict guidelines in place.
Commissioner Fishman stated that the organization is only one year old and has raised approximately $12,000 and asked Angie to talk about the upcoming event Pumpkins in the Park at Fort Lots-O-Fun. The event will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16th.
Commissioner Hollander also commended Angie for making a sign at South Park on the West side.
Angie invited all to attend the Friends of the Parks meetings held the second Wednesday of each month at 710 Pier Avenue, Room 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Fishman to approve the Banner Program request from Friends of the Parks.
Commissioner Francis seconded the motion.
Ayes: Commissioners Fishman, Francis, Hollander, Sigler, Bell
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
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Beach use permit request from Pacifica Surf League for Redondo Union High School:
Mr. John Joseph was not in attendance. Lisa Lynn presented the request. The high school group utilizes the beach in the early morning during the week. there is no conflict with any other Community Resources Department programs. The group is requesting continued use of the beach for the duration of the school year. The approval of this request will bring current usage by Redondo Union High School compliant with City permit procedures for beach use. It will require them to provide the City with a certificate of insurance and place them into the city-wide facility reservations booking system utilized notify the County Guards.
Motion by Commissioner Fishman to approve the beach use permit from Pacific Surf League for Redondo Union High School.
Commissioner Francis seconded the motion.
Ayes: Commissioners Fishman, Francis, Hollander, Sigler, Bell
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
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Request from the South Bay St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Committee (SBSPDC) to hold their annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12, 2005:
Mr. Travers Devine presented the request from SBSPDC for the 11th year and stated there were no changes from last year’s proposal. The following questions and concerns were presented by the Commission:
Commissioner Fishman: Voiced concern that some of the same issues addressed from year to year remain unresolved. Specific items of concern are: signs that were traffic hazards, unprotected cable, incorrect utilization of Lot B and clean-up. SBSPDC answered that as the event date moves closer, items of concern will be addressed. Commissioner Fishman asked Staff if these issues had been addressed in the past. Lisa Lynn stated that at the pre-planning meeting these issues will be addressed with the priority focus on traffic control and street closures. SBSPDC answered that they have addressed some of these issues, but in trying to resolve them, they created other problems. Lisa Lynn concurred with this statement.
Commissioner Francis: Also voiced concern over the length of the items that still needed resolution after 11 years. It seemed that some issues could be resolved simply, such as clean-up. Mike Flaherty stated that this is a large event and clean-up issues may be resolved with an earlier set-up of Thursday with a final clean-up on Monday. All large events produce clean-up problems, especially in the downtown area where storm drains are a part of the issue of clean-up. Mike Flaherty also stated that some of the issues listed do go back 11 years, but progress has been made.
SBSPDC answered that the event ends on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. and clean-up begins immediately. SBSPDC has had a problem distinguishing their area of responsibilities for clean-up versus normal trash on Monday morning after a weekend. Also believes that the problems are miniscule for such a large event. They are currently working with all City staff to resolve said issues.
Commissioner Bell: Would like to see the event as a one day event with just the parade.
SBSPDC: If the event is only one day, an additional $50,000 will be needed to subsidize lost sponsors. The festival is an important aspect of the cultural event. The celebration of Irish pride is an important aspect to be considered by the committee. The SBSPDC has spoken with Steve Burrell and the Chamber of Commerce about taking over this event in the future as this may be the last year that SBSPDC organizes this event. A one day event would be preferable, but it would not produce the funds necessary to pay for this event due to the limited area in which the event is held.
Lisa Lynn asked for clarification on ‘festival’ – does this mean just the music venue/parade or does this include the vendors also and if the vendor booths are a vital component to the event.
SBSPDC: With just the music/parade, there will be fewer people in attendance. The vendors attract more people and attendance needs to be maintained. The vendor booths are not necessary, except to keep people in the downtown area.
Commissioner Fishman: Has participated in this event in the past and believes the cultural aspect of the celebration is most seen in the parade. Is concerned about the impact on the City’s infrastructure and the Commission needs to be mindful of two day events. Requested Staff investigate having this as a one day event.
Lisa Lynn believed that they are within the time frame to investigate a one day event.
SBSPDC: Would like this year approved as is and future events investigated as a one day event. If the event is scheduled for one day this year, it will affect the budget and the City will need to supplement the funds.
Commissioner Sigler: As this is a large event, believes that SBSPDC would like to have it as simple as possible. Asked Lisa Lynn how long it would take to investigate the cost of having the event modified to one day. Lisa Lynn stated that vendor contracts would need to be looked at and other alternatives to produce events and funds.
SBSPDC: Agreed. If funding in place, it is much easier to have the event on one day only but will need at minimum an additional $8,000 in funding. The SBSPDC has not been successful in obtaining large corporate sponsors.
Commissioner Hollander: Asked if vendors would continue to support the event if it is reduced to one day. SBSPDC stated that they will need an additional $10,000 to do one day. They will lose approximately 40 vendors.
Commissioner Bell: Asked SBSPDC about their timing. SBSPDC stated that the mailings for the events are usually prepared and ready for mailing in December. If the decision delays until November, this will create a problem.
Commissioner Francis: Asked about the City’s contribution to this event.
Lisa Lynn stated that the City contributed approximately $9,700.00 up to $15,000.00. Usually $10,000.00 for the two day event from the DEC fund.
Commissioner Francis queried Mike Flaherty regarding the impact on the City to absorb this event. Mike Flaherty stated that currently approximately $3,000 is spent outside of the normal responsibilities and if the event is City-run, then Public Works will be impacted by the cost. The costs may remain the same, but the volunteerism from the SBSPDC has no price tag.
SBSPDC: Again, requested that this year’s request be approved as is.
Commissioner Bell clarified that this Commission does not approve the event, only makes the recommendation to the Council who is responsible for approval.
Commissioner Hollander: Sympathetic to the needs of sponsorship and does not want to place undue hardship on the SBSPDC.
Commissioner Hollander: Asked about the $5,000 Consulting Fee. SBSPDC explained that this is for the Event Producers which is an aspect that the committee cannot handle as volunteers.
Lisa Lynn will work with SBSPDC and have analysis and present to Council for next month’s meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Francis to approve as a one day event.
Commissioner Bell seconded the motion.
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Relocation of two (2) beach volleyball courts situated at 29th Street and the Strand. Request for consideration is to move the courts 27 feet further west from the Strand wall.
Commissioner Hollander invited the Public to speak and stated the rules of only one speaker at a time, with no repeat appearances at the microphone.
Public Comments:
Art Mazirow 2918 the Strand
Filed the motion, was open to questions from the Commission, but opted to reserve comments until after the opposition spoke.
Michael Toole, 946 9th Street
- Attended last meeting and read goal of Community Resources from the website.
- Focus is the enjoyment of the public beach and parks.
- Approximately 20 people in opposition in attendance at this meeting, but there were 40 people in attendance at the last meeting and pointed out that only Mr. Mazirow was in attendance.
- Referred to the specifics on documented dated 8/27/04 Beach Volleyball Court Relocation which charted out all volleyball distances.
- Cited notes of last meeting of statements by Mr. Flaherty that stated 50 foot distance was a compromise reached in 1996.
- Cited comments from Commissioner Sigler regarding the same issues of wind, lighter balls now being used and the level of play decreasing as a result.
- Cited comments by Commissioner Fishman that there was no way to police the issue with noise as this is a public beach.
- Believes that the volleyball players took into consideration Mr. Mazirow’s concerns and actively worked on abating noise.
- Stated that no volleyball player would care if courts were moved further out if wind was not an issue.
- Cited Attachment B and noted that North of 17th Street no net was placed 50’ or further out, closer to the Strand the courts were 19’, 32’ and 35’. Believes these courts were placed at these distances due to the issue of wind.
- Has never seen Mr. Mazirow on his deck, have seen cleaning staff and maintenance workers only.
- Noted that volleyball is only played during the day.
- This is a public place and believes that it is the Commission duty to protect the right to use.
- At a meeting following the first meeting, players complained about not being able to utilize the courts and not wanting to move to another location and the Commission approved the creation of two new courts. Wonders why that type of congestion would be acceptable in this instance.
Arturo Livas, 2411 Prospect
- Attended the last meeting.
- Concerned that Mr. Mazirow did not know if the volleyball players were outside of the community and then discovered that they were local residents who enjoyed the use of the courts.
- Mr. Mazirow made no effort to resolve this matter before taking it to the Commission – before or after the first meeting.
- Volleyball players made an effort to lower the noise during play.
- Wind is an issue and the lighter volleyballs add to the problem.
- If there was a concern by the resident, or a group of residents, it should have been brought to the attention of the volleyball players.
- Have never seen Mr. Mazirow at his place of residence.
- Wonders how one person’s concern can outweigh the concerns of many.
Matt Williamson, 449 28th Street
- 7 year resident.
- Thanked Commission for their time.
- Emphasized volleyball rules are a significant factor and affect the quality of play.
- Wind is a factor the closer you are to the water and also causes frequent replacement of volleyball poles – which , he believes are paid for by the volleyball players, not the City.
- Volleyball brings a lot to the community.
- Does respect Mr. Mazirow’s ownership and his desire to enjoy his residence.
- Does not believe that noise is only from volleyball players. Feels that this is a result of the rapid growth of the City.
- Lives near Valley Park and now that it has been renovated.
- Non-volleyball players who enjoy the games contribute to the noise as well, not just the players.
- Cited two Strand residents who are in favor of the volleyball courts’ location but are no longer available to comment: Mr. Charlie Welch (was instrumental in the original placement of the courts) who passed away last year and Ms. Kristy Hahn who moved away from the Strand.
- Saw Mr. Mazirow on three occasions only.
- If courts are moved out further, this will not allow both courts to be utilized promoting less participation.
Aaron Kasdorf, 2827 Manhattan Avenue
- Read a letter from Charlie Welch’s daughters: Marsha Walland and Elaine Welch who supports the current placement of the volleyball courts.
- Stated that the actual poles are two lots away from Mr. Mazirow’s house but closer to the Welch’s residence.
- After the last meeting, all volleyball players spoke with Mr. Mazirow who voiced his concern that he thought the players were from out of the area coming into the area to create a ruckus and subsequently learned that the players were local.
- Agreed with Mr. Mazirow that if there were any problems – he would speak to the volleyball players. Since the last meeting, there has been no communication with Mr. Mazirow and believed the matter was resolved.
- Wants the court to remain where they are
Dennis Fernandez, 1816 Stanford Avenue, Redondo Beach
- Spoke at the last meeting.
- Lived on the Strand in Manhattan Beach approximately 5 years ago.
- Understands Mr. Mazirow’s issue with the noise but you deal with it.
- Embraced Mr. Mazirow’s concerns from the last meeting and policed themselves with respect to noise.
- Met Mr. Mazirow’s great-niece one weekend and she stated that Mr. Mazirow is never at his residence and is always in Montecito where most of their time is spent.
- Saw Mr. Mazirow and his wife one weekend.
- Concerned that Mr. Mazirow never followed-up with volleyball players.
Tom Perone, 412 29th Street
- Resident, off and on, since 1978.
- Has the flexibility in his job during the summer months and has rarely seen Mr. Mazirow and his wife during the months of August/September.
- During the past summer, volleyball players have utilized the courts on Sundays no more than 2 – 3 times.
Mike Coull, 1721 Monterey
- Wants to go on record to reiterate significant points.
- If you note the distance of two courts – they are close to the Strand due to geography.
- If moved, second court will be compromised.
- Wind is a factor with the lighter balls.
- Believed that they have toned down noise.
- Not seen Mr. Mazirow at the court since the last hearing.
- Asked that Commission please consider geography when making their decision.
Art Mazirow, 2918 the Strand
- Full-time resident since 1978.
- Is a lawyer and is very busy.
- There has been an improvement in the noise level.
- The courts are very popular.
- Does not mean that since he is not seen, that he is not home.
- Lived in this location since 1986 and the noise has only recently become a problem.
- Realizes that he must share the beach.
- Only asking that the courts be moved out 27’.
- Stated that he was uncomfortable with being a policeman by asking the players to lower the volume.
- Understands that the noise does not come from just the players.
Comments/Questions from Commission
Commissioner Sigler
- Concerned that this issue was not resolved and has come before the Commission once again.
- Stated that the area is densely populated and therefore, noise will be a factor.
- Concerned that Mr. Mazirow did not try to resolve issue with the volleyball players. Mr. Mazirow stated that he did not want to be a policeman and did not recognize the players.
- Felt that at last meeting with discussions that took place after the meeting between Mr. Mazirow and the volleyball players this matter could have been resolved without coming back to the Commission for resolution.
Commissioner Hollander
1 Asked Mr. Mazirow if second court is not being used. Mr. Mazirow stated he has observed it being used, but the court closer to the Strand is preferred.
Public Forum Closed
Discussion Among Commissioners
Commissioner Bell:
2 Questioned Mike Flaherty about why the City picked 50’ for placement of courts. Mike Flaherty stated that this was a compromised placement, whether North or South. The 35’ court no longer exists – Attachment B is an old list (April 2004).
Commissioner Francis:
3 Very disappointed that the has come back to the Commission, thought the matter had been resolved.
4 Is in the middle of a remodel and currently living on the Strand next to 19th street courts.
5 The last two weekends, have walked past this court and did not notice any excessive noise above norm.
Commissioner Fishman:
1 Both sides have issues.
2 Standards have been established, compromising at 50’.
3 Disappointed that this matter has not been resolved and is before the Commission once again.
4 Disturbed by the comments of outsiders vs. locals – the courts are for public use.
5 Has corresponded with another resident, Rob Desantis, 2909 the Strand, who believes there needs to be consistency and agrees with the relocation of the courts.
6 Will look at case on a trial basis, but knows that someone will leave unhappy.
7 Understands the wind issue for volleyball players.
8 Stated there are 65 courts throughout Hermosa Beach and courts are also available in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach to avoid the wind factor.
9 Believes that athletes will need to adjust to the conditions of the playing environment.
10 Supports the 27’ relocation of courts because this is the residence of Mr. Mazirow, along with Mr. Desantis’.
Commissioner Hollander:
1 Sought clarification from staff. Mike Flaherty stated that all courts were removed in 1980 due to El Nino and the City may have not been as diligent in replacing the courts. Lisa Lynn stated that any new courts that are added are required to be placed at a distance of 50’ west of the Strand wall, except for those courts that were grand fathered in – these are handled on a case-by-case basis.
2 Believes that a major move is not required as there are many courts in this general area.
3 In favor of the relocation of the courts.
Commissioner Sigler:
1 Cited there is a problem with moving around and infringing on other courts and players.
2 Problem with seeing the olive branch extended and issue not resolved even that both parties are reasonable.
3 Court is not directly located in from of Mr. Mazirow’s residence.
4 Why isn’t there a problem with those residences directly in front of courts.
5 Disappointed that the issues is back again. Should have been resolved by either talking it out, calling the police or bring in other residents who are similarly affected by the current location of the courts.
6 Is opposed to the relocation of the courts, they should remain in the current location.
Motion by Commissioner Fishman to relocate the two (2) beach volleyball courts located at the 29th Street and the Strand to 50’.
Commissioner Bell seconded the motion.
Ayes: Commissioners Fishman, Hollander, Bell
Nays: Sigler, Francis.
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Lisa Lynn reiterated the financial statistics for August 2004, as there was no meeting in September. Registration for the youth programs doubled from last year and revenue was up accordingly. The budget is $33,000 ahead from the month of August, 2003.
Commissioner Bell: The money raised by Friends of the Parks is going towards new park equipment, currently at Fort Lots-O-Fun.
Commissioner Hollander: They are currently working on the design of the playgrounds, so all are welcomed to come out and be a part.
Commissioner Sigler: Thanked Lisa Lynn for her negotiation with American Express for $75,000. A portion will be utilized for the summer concerts and a portion for park equipment.
Commissioner Fishman: Appreciates the Action minutes (interdepartmental preplan and after action meeting minutes) and likes the cooperation of the City Departments.
Lisa Lynn stated that she will continue to provide these minutes for the Commission.
At the last meeting, Commissioner Fishman requested progress reports on Fort Lots-O-Fun, Bowling Green and Edith Rodeway Park.
Lisa Lynn stated that nothing has changed since the last progress report, but she will continue to provide the information in Commission packets.
Commissioner Sigler: AVP next year will need to add another day for tear down and clean-up, but in the haste things are missed in the sand (chunks of cement, wood). This issue needs to be addressed as this may be a liability issue.
Lisa Lynn stated that this has been recommended and AVP is in agreement.
Commissioner Fishman: Need to address the security issue of people sitting in the bleachers during construction.
Mike Flaherty stated that this has been observed by all departments and all have arrived at the same conclusion. Also recommended longer set-up times, as well as clean-up time. It should be noted that this is the first time AVP presented this event alone.
Lisa Lynn stated that all departments work very closely together and are in agreement.
Michael Flaherty: Invited the Commissioners to take the time to visit the Pier Head and view the Pier reconstruction. Life Guard towers are almost completely torn down. Believes that construction will be completed in April or May 2005, but the actual date is July 2005.
