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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRequest to approve Conceptual Master Plan of Improvements fo Dept. ID CS 17-003 Page 1 of 3 Meeting Date:4/3/2017 _ ? CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH - Y REQUEST FOR, CITY COUNCIL ACTION x f MEETING DATE: 4/3/2017 SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager PREPARED BY: Janeen Laudenback, Director of Community Services SUBJECT: Request to approve Conceptual Master Plan of Improvements for Irby Park, update of the Irby Park Master Plan, and potential updates and/or changes to the existing park Statement of Issue: There is a need for the City Council to review and approve the conceptual master plan of improvements for Irby Park. Per City Council Direction, Community Services Department staff has worked with various stakeholders to develop a conceptual master plan for the Park. Financial Impact: Funding will be identified and recommended to City Council upon the completion of the entitlement process and a final determination of costs. Possible options include a joint public/private partnership utilizing both grants, park funds, community donations, and volunteer services. Recommended Action: A) Approve the Conceptual Master Plan for Improvements at Irby Park as presented, and; B) Approve updating the Irby Park Master Plan, along with potential updates and/or changes to the existing park. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the Conceptual Master Plan for Improvements for Irby Park as presented, and direct staff accordingly. Analysis: As part of the 2016 and 2017 Strategic Planning sessions, City Council included improvements to the undeveloped portion of Irby Park as a quality of life Strategic Objective. In 2016, Council directed the Community Services Department to collaborate with Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to develop an improvement plan based upon community input. The 2017 Strategic Plan also includes an objective to develop a conceptual plan for Irby Park and present it to the Community Services Commission and City Council for consideration. Per the objective, the plan is to be presented to Council before June 1, 2017. Irby Park is located at 6770 Ruth Drive. It is within the residential tract bordered by Goldenwest Street, Heil Avenue, Edwards Street and Warner Avenue. The park is 10.91 acres, consisting of 2.91 developed land and eight acres of undeveloped land. The developed portion of the park was purchased in 1964 and partially constructed in 1971. The undeveloped portion of the park was acquired through a donation and land dedication from a private developer. The undeveloped Item 6. - 1 HB -436- Dept. ID CS 17-003 Page 2 of 3 Meeting Date:4/3/2017 property has peat moss conditions, which makes the area undesirable for the placement of structures such as single family homes. Over the years, the City has looked at a few options to develop the property and at one point, considered declaring it surplus. In 1989 proposals with an offer to sell the land were solicited however, no offers were received. Shortly after, Charter Section 612 ("Measure C") was established to require that any sale or lease of park property be subject to a vote of the public. Since the 8-acre area is zoned and included in the City's inventory as parkland, any disposition would be subject to a public vote. Past development concepts included a water treatment facility in 2006 and more recently, a community garden in 2014 however, neither option came to fruition. Per City Council direction, staff has worked with Cal State Long Beach University Long Beach — Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies (CSULB) to solicit community input on the type of amenities and designs they envisioned for the undeveloped portion of the park. The CSULB students prepared and sent out a survey to residents within 1,000 feet of the park. (Attachment 1) The survey results indicated that the overall design should be passive in nature. Desired amenities included walking paths, restoration of existing vegetation, increased and improved landscaping and pet friendly features. Based upon the survey results, the CSULB students under the guidance of university faculty developed a concept plan for improvements. The plan was presented to the Community Services Commission on April 11, 2016. (Attachment 2) The plan took into consideration that the majority of respondents desired a passive design for the park. The plan received positive comments from the Commission and staff was directed to work with a professional landscape firm to further refine the plan and develop cost estimates for implementation. RJM Design Group has prepared a conceptual plan based upon the work of the CSULB students and staff input. (Attachment 3) The main components of the plan include a loop trail system, landscape improvements, benches and dog bag dispensers. The plan also calls for decorative fencing along Dale Vista and a park identification sign. Other elements of the plan include security lighting and turf hydro-seeding, and irrigation. To complete this project as shown on the conceptual plan, Engineering estimates show the cost to fully develop the 8 acre site at approximately $1.9 million. Because of the passive nature of this park, this estimate is much lower than the average cost of$585,000 per acre, which the City normally uses to develop cost estimates. As a part of this request, Council is not being asked to approve funding for the project however; staff will look at funding options including possible grants and donations, as well as the use of volunteer support to complete some of the elements on the plan as a phased project. Staff estimates that the initial phase of this project would be approximately $150,000. This would include both professional installations together with community volunteer projects. However, before any in- depth strategies for improvements can occur, the environmental review for the project must be completed and an approved plan for the park must be established. As with all park master plans — new or updated, approval must come from both the Community Services Commission and City Council. The Community Services Commission approved the plan at the March 8, 2017 meeting. If the City Council approves the concept for the park, the project would go through the entitlement process, including any required environmental approvals. Staff will then return to City Council for funding as a part of the CIP process. Staff is therefore recommending approval of the conceptual plan as presented. Environmental Status: The project will go through the required environmental process per direction from the Community Development Department — Planning Division staff. HB -437- Item 6. - 2 Dept. ID CS 17-003 Page 3 of 3 Meeting Date:4/3/2017 Strategic Plan Goal: Improve quality of life Attachment(s): 1. April 2016 Survey from and Results 2. Conceptual Plan developed by CSULB 3. Conceptual Plan developed by RJM Item 6. - 3 HB -438- ATTACHMENT # 1 Initial Report Last Modified: 4/06/2016 1. How frequently do you visit the undeveloped portion of Irby Park? 1 Daily 19 15% 2 4-6 times a week 7 6% 3 2-3 times a week 28 22% 4 Once a week ® 10 8% 5 Twice A Month - 11 9% 6 Once a Month 20 16% 7 Never 32 25% Total 127 100% Statistic - Min Value 1 Max Value 7 Mean 4.38 Variance 4.67 Standard Deviation 2.16 Total Responses 127 2. Do you feel Irby Park is in need of restoration and/or development? - MI 1 Yes 108 85% 2 No ® 19 15% Total 127 100% Min Value 1 Max Value 2 Mean 1.15 Variance 0.13 Standard Deviation 0.36 Total Responses 127 F-1-6 HB -439- Item 6. - 4 3. If no, please explain: ResponseText Check all the ways it is used now. You cannot replicate that when it is developed I have been resident of the neighborhood for 25 years and love the open undeveloped land. I feel that upgrading the land will bring more unwanted traffic to the neighborhood. I like it the way it is. I like it the way it isH It's nice to have that piece of land! It is fine the way it is. Others around. We don't want the rif raf brought into the neighborhood. I live across the street from the undeveloped area of Irby Park and since my house was burglarized years ago, the police recommendation has been, "take down the license number of any suspicious vehicle that parks across the street." I DO NOT want more traffic on MY street. Let's leave some spaces open and undeveloped. The developed portion of the park, and other nearby parks, seem to be enough. I walk past the park but do not use it. The undeveloped portion Statistic Total Responses 10 4. What type of amenities would be important to include in restoring the undeveloped portion of Irby Park? 1. Not 5. Very Total Important Important 1 Walking paths 2 3 11 11 69 96 4.48 2 Restore local 2 9 15 18 53 97 4.14 plants/flowers 3 Shade structures 13 7 24 19 34 97 3.56 4 Landscape 1 5 7 20 64 97 4.45 improvements 5 Additional trees 5 4 11 21 57 98 4.23 6 Restrooms 46 12 15 8 14 95 2.28 7 Picnic Tables 19 11 28 21 17 96 3.06 8 Gazebos 47 11 19 10 8 95 2.17 9 Lighting on 24 11 17 12 32 96 3.18 pathways 10 Pet friendly 14 2 14 23 45 98 3.85 features 11 Sports fields 54 8 7 15 11 95 2.17 12 Sports courts 53 8 13 11 10 95 2.13 13 Other (please 4 0 2 1 19 26 4.19 explain) F-,I-7 Item 6. - 5 Ks -440- • - Like the idea of a nature center type setting - see the Secret Garden in Huntington Central Park. Paths through Cali Native plantings and trees. Anything that can make for a nice outing with the family will be greatly appreciated! For example, I like the idea of picnicking there, BUT if there are LEGITIMATE concerns over loitering/etc then I'm also okay without picnic facilities. No official sports field as it would impact parking in nearby streets. No restrooms as that would bring in all the transients, drifters, & homeless. No sports fields or courts. Play structure and recyclable water feature. Our house backs to the field and we really only want to see paths for walking/biking and trees!! We love to walk our dogs back there but sometimes when it's overgrown it's hard so walking paths would be awesome!! Community garden would prefer a park for our neighborhood that would bring in people that like to relax and get close to nature, walk your dog, etc. I do not want low income housing to bring down the home rates and bring in a different kind of neighborhood vibe. I have been a home owner here for over 30 years, this has been such a great place to raise our children and live in a comfortable safe neighborhood. After all the years it has been promised to home owners to be a park it's just time to get it done. A park forever and a day 50 years ago is a long time to wait. I lived in this neighborhood as a kid many years ago and visit occasionally. I don't think a sports field would be good because parking would be an issue.it should remain a simple park with walking paths lighting and nice amenities for kids to play. A section of park has remained an open field which gets over grown and becomes a fire hazard, since it is often used as a launch site for fireworks. Restore local plants and maintain only, perhaps add some water sprinklers. Radio controlled car area. This land has sat idle and undeveloped for decades, literally. The tract is booming with younger families as most of our parents have passed away and the houses we grew up have been sold. With all the development happening in our beloved city and quite honestly I do not see it coming to halt anytime soon. It would be in the best interest of the neighborhood and community if parcel of land was developed as a finished/landscaped park and sports facility. Anything other than a community park would be a travesty to what is now becoming a tourist Mecca in our beautiful beachside community. Save Irby!! Keep it natural. No concrete. would love a water feature. I think it is important to clean it up and make it user friendly but SAFE so keeping it well lit and open is important. Also why I don't think it is a good idea to add restrooms. I don't live right on the park but think it has to be a passive space if that is right word so as not to negatively affect those that do live on the adjacent properties. Close-by Murdy Park has courts and fields; I would like to see Irby Park developed to be pleasing to the eye and a place for a leisurely walk or picnic. Thank you. No sports fields already have too many problems quick people from out of area coming in and making a mess of the existing Park When this track was first put in. The developer was supposed to complete the park because we do not have a school within our homes like the other areas around us so the park was going to be completed for our kids to play at. We need places open for the kids to ride their bikes and play in the dirt NO BATHROOMS! This will attract people to the park during odd hours and make houses more accessible to vandalism. I'd like to keep the park bathroom free!!!!!! I like the open space but it is not very attractive the way it is. It needs to be improved to match the developed part of the park. Needs better security at night, do many druggies hanging out and destroying property in the park. Do not use undeveloped area because of its condition. Must be sure we do not disturbed homes privacy that backing up to park. Drinking fountain. Any improvements would be welcome, just NO HOUSING of any kind. F-1-8 HB -441- Item 6. - 6 Incorporate anything that encourages pet friendly use of the park but not anything that will allow people to stay too late into the night and not anything that will allow people to spend the night at the park. Water features like the city commissioned park improvement plan would be amazing. Environmental water reclamation along with useful beauty. http://irbypark.org/city-commissioned-irby-park-improvement-plan/ A water feature would be amazing, like a splash pad for the kids, or a pond. It depends on the budget, it would be good if the park has basketball and tennis courts (2 each). Even xeriscaping with paths would look better than the way it is now. Parks unfortunately take water. While HB has many sports fields and recreational parks, there are precious few natural environments and gardens. I would love a place that supports that vital connection. As natural as possible and not too many trees too close together. (Spooky if someone hiding in there.) Irrigation and mowing to make it less of an eyesore. I would like this area to continue to serve the neighborhood, not something which would draw residents from all over the city. Our track is very quiet and we would like it to stay that way. Open, undeveloped space is preferred by most here. If it had been mowed regularly, instead of waiting twice a year and "haying" the long grass which fueled weeds, it would be a nice open space park today. Some small seating. Resto Othe LandsPet re Light Sport localWalki cape Additi friend Sport • • • (plea• plants impro • •, fields ays nts es rs in) Min Value 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Max Value 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Mean 4.48 4.14 3.56 4.45 4.23 2.28 3.06 2.17 3.18 3.85 2.17 2.13 4.19 Variance 0.93 1.25 1.92 0.83 1.27 2.25 1.85 1.86 2.57 1.97 2.31 2.11 5.58 Standard 0.96 1.12 1.38 0.91 1.13 1.50 1.36 1.37 1.60 1.40 1.52 1.45 2.36 Deviation Total 96 97 97 97 98 95 96 95 96 98 95 95 41 Responses 5. How often do you attend activities organized by the City of Huntington Beach Community Services Department? 1 Never 29 25% 2 A few times a year 60 52% 3 Monthly 14 12% 4 Weekly 11 9% 5 Daily _ 2 2% Total 116 100% Statistic Min Value 1 Max Value 5 Mean 2.11 Variance 0.90 Standard Deviation 0.95 Total Responses 116 F-1-9 Item 6. - 7 HB -442- 6. Do you reside within the housing tract bounded by Heil Avenue, Goldenwest Street, Warner Avenue, and Edwards Street? 1 Yes 96 82% 2 No 21 18% Total 117 100% Statistic Min Value 1 Max Value 2 Mean 1.18 Variance 0.15 Standard Deviation 0.39 Total Responses 117 7. Would you be willing to attend a community meeting to share your ideas for restoring Irby Park? 1 Yes 89 76% 2 No 28 24% Total 117 100% Statistic Min Value 1 Max Value 2 Mean 1.24 Variance 0.18 Standard Deviation 0.43 Total Responses 117 F_1-10 F.1B _ _ Item 6. - 8 ATTACHMENT #2 0 LL W W 4--J C: 4--J 0 _ M LL S✓ i On > v Z3 > CL CL .J CL CL a IL Wu CL tU "` lL 1 4 i C7 c M a t, S Q ice+ b } •E l 0 0 } (� M CU `TJ U Qi CL M r �? -a E ..+ '^`. r �w h► 71 LA a — V 4-0 Ct3 G3 0 VE Q Item 6. - 9 H B -444- u Q ATTACHMENT #3 f 001 :)P--ERTY BUFFER - wKIN0 s { LED LIGHT t { N-1 POLE � � 4 t why ° e�ro � � raggg °a 1V u E )SEED- NATIVE W R t o. .�s�r.n�..� w .�■� r r ra .. Print Request Page 1 of 2 Request: 29279 Entered on: 03/29/2017 6:44 PM Customer Information Name:Steve Engel Phone:(657) 296-7047 Address: 16771 Debra Circle Alt. Phone: Huntington Beach, CA Email:steve.w.engel@outlook.com 92647 Request Classification Topic:City Council -Agenda & Public Request type:Comment Hearing Comments Status:Closed Priority:Normal Assigned to:Agenda Alerts Entered Via:Web Description Dear Huntington Beach City Council-the residents of the Irby Park neighborhood respectfully request that you consider and approve the Conceptual Master Plan for Improvements to Irby Park. Irby Park is one of the few remaining uncompleted park projects in the City and the neighbors have been patiently waiting for years to have Irby Park completed. Many thanks to the students at CSULB for preparing and presenting the survey and reports to collect necessary data to allow this excellent plan to be prepared with the Community Services Dept. and approved by our Community Services Commission. We hope that you approve this conceptual plan which will allow us to move forward in the near future to complete our wonderful Irby Park. Thank you! Reason Closed Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts to the City Council. A copy of your comments has been entered into the Pipeline system and will also be forwarded to the City Clerk to be included in the record on this item. Thank you very much for writing. Sincerely, Johanna Dombo Executive Assistant Date Expect Closed: 04/12/2017 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Date Closed: 03/30/2017 08:17 AM By: Johanna Dombo Meeting Date: -- �3-- 0:7 Enter Field Notes Below Agenda Item No.' ' - Notes: http://user.govoutreach.com/surfcity/printrequest.php?curid=3148896&type=0 3/31/2017 Print Request Page 2 of 2 Notes Taken By: Date: http://user.govoutreach.com/surfcity/printrequest.php?curid=3148896&type=0 3/31/2017 ♦ K I bF. F p aa$ 1 1 J 1 � 1 i i i f ' f f f : f i 1 x t IN ✓Fri: ' w N "' ,� .�w, {rt { �+fi7 �,a f � _ "�$* y� +.F AL to 6 r s' } • .� �"�g!yy�1'�� ^-� . + �`[�."{� = J �,-..e d,� ,ram '�; Print Request Page 1 of 2 Request: 29284 Entered on: 03/30/2017 10:53 AM Customer Information Name:Aaron Soto Phone:(714) 875-7686 Address:6521 Peggy Cir Alt. Phone: Huntington Beach, CA Email:soto@deztech.com 92647 Request Classification Topic:City Council -Agenda & Public Request type:Compliment Hearing Comments Status:Closed Priority:Normal Assigned to:Agenda Alerts Entered Via:Web Description Dear Councilpersons, THANK YOU for your upcoming vote on the Irby Park plan as recently approved by the Planning Commission. Per the CSULB survey conducted just late last year, our residents our overwhelmingly in favor of such a plan and I can assure you that my household and neighbors that I speak with are also strongly in favor of this plan. I urge you to please pass this plan and thank you again for your vote! -Aaron Reason Closed Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts to the City Council. A copy of your comments has been entered into the Pipeline system and will also be forwarded to the City Clerk to be included in the record on this item. Thank you very much for writing. Sincerely, Johanna Dombo Executive Assistant SUPPLEMENTAL Date Expect Closed: 04/13/2017 COMMUNICATION Date Closed: 03/30/2017 11:19 AM By: Johanna Dombo Meeting Date: —� — Enter Field Notes Below Agenda rem No.- — Notes: Notes Taken By: Date: http://user.govoutreach.com/surfcity/printrequest.php?curid=3149805&type=0 3/31/2017 Page I of I vim' I t� P� A i Y y , r Y17 ° Yr - ArBEN` ► °.�,✓ O ° �RO�EgT.. B JF�cQ CONCRETE o ' ty Y lI 1 WALKING I f PATHS a o LED LIGHT j� I C Imo-PARK POLE (TYP.) J MONUMENT 51GN NATIVE ° Z FESCUE HYDROSEED I NATIVE o t' WILDFLOWER �LODGEDOLE HYDR05EED� �1••� FENCE http://user.govoutreach.com/surfcity/attachment.php?request=3149805&access=37613961... 3/31/2017 Print Request Page 1 of 1 Request: 29290 Entered on: 03/30/2017 4:09 PM Customer Information Name:Cindy Barnes Phone:612-306-3947 Address: 16702 Dale Vista Ln Alt. Phone:714-785-5039 Huntington Beach, CA Email:forsbergcindy@yahoo.com 92647 Request Classification Topic:City Council -Agenda & Public Request type:Comment Hearing Comments Status:Closed Priority:Normal Assigned to:Agenda Alerts Entered Via:Web Description Please develop irby park. It is all weeds and we jave coyotes. It would make the area more desirable not just for the residents but for visitors also Reason Closed Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts to the City Council. A copy of your comments has been entered into the Pipeline system and will also be forwarded to the City Clerk to be included in the record on this item. Thank you very much for writing. Sincerely, Johanna Dombo Executive Assistant Date Expect Closed: 04/13/2017 Date Closed: 03/30/2017 4:25 PM By: Johanna Dombo Enter Field Notes Below Notes: SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION 2 _ i-7 IMMM a e: i Agenda Item No.*, Notes Taken By: Date: http://user.govoutreach.com/surfeity/printrequest.php?curid=3150594&type=0 3/31/2017 Esparza, Patty From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com] Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2017 5:18 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; Agenda Alerts Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request#29291 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Agenda Alerts. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda & Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Bill Hart Description: I recently learned that the plan to improve the vacant portion of Irby Park will be on the Council's agenda next Monday evening. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend but would like to express my strong support for this project. I have been a resident of HB for over 30 years and currently live on Dale Vista Lane, directly across from the area in question. I have served on both the Public Works and Finance Commissions, and am an active volunteer with HB Senior Services. Several weeks ago, I attended the Community Services Commission meeting, along with dozens of my neighbors, when this topic was discussed. Although, frankly, I was surprised at how few Commissioners seemed familiar with the proposed project or had ever visited the park, I was pleased that, in the end, they voted unanimously to recommend the plan without making any changes such as adding parking or restroom facilities. I am confident that I speak for the vast majority of the Irby Park neighborhood when I ask the full City Council to do the same. As I write this, I am looking out my window at the approximately eight, unusable acres, overgrown with weeds and riddled with gopher holes. The modest proposal to develop walking paths and plant native trees and shrubs would enhance the beauty and utility of this park, without changing the quiet and character of the neighborhood we love. I know Councilman Brenden has taken an interest in Irby Park, and has devoted considerable time to learning about this issue. I urge you all to support this proposed project, and the neighborhood residents who have waited over a dozen years to see this vacant lot transformed into a passive park that can be enjoyed by our community. Expected Close Date: March 31, 2017 Click here to access the request Note: This message is for notification purposes only. Please do not reply to this email. Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 4-3-/-7 Agenda Item No.• i Estanislau, Robin From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com] Sent: Monday, April 03, 2017 7:27 AM To: CITY COUNCIL; Agenda Alerts Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request#29329 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Agenda Alerts. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: John Bowden Description: We are 17 year HB residents in the Irby Park tract and are in full support regarding improvements to Irby Park. This has been the best plan yet. Expected Close Date: April 4, 2017 Click here to access the request Note: This message is for notification purposes only. Please do not reply to this email. Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeft Date:-- Agenda Item Ido.• i Estanislau, Robin From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com] Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2017 2:40 PM To: CITY COUNCIL; Agenda Alerts Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request#29321 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Agenda Alerts. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Andrew Hamer Description: I am a resident of HB and I own and live in a residential property directly across from the undeveloped portion of Irby Park on Dale Vista Lane. I have attended prior park planning meetings and participated in the online survey. I may not be able to attend tomorrows counsel meeting but I wanted my opinion to be known. 1 like the master plan developed by csulb and urge the counsel to approve it. Thank you, Andy Expected Close Date: April 3, 2017 Click here to access the request Note: This message is for notification purposes only. Please do not reply to this email. Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeft Date:— �" " ? —/Z Agenda Item No.:__ Estanislau, Robin From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.coml Sent: Monday, April 03, 2017 11:20 AM To: CITY COUNCIL; Agenda Alerts Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request# 29333 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Agenda Alerts. Request type: Question Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: SARAH HENDRICKSON Description: I wanted to send an email of support for the proposed plan as it currently exists to finally improve Irby park and make the vacant field a passive park(WITHOUT A PARKING LOT). I live across the street from the field and would love my children to be able to grow up walking and playing there. Expected Close Date: April 4, 2017 Click here to access the request Note: This message is for notification purposes only. Please do not reply to this email. Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION A90 da bm ND.• i