Approved Meeting Minutes
PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

January 22, 2007

ATTENDING: Bank, Cendaña, Coffey, Dotson, Guarienti, Harryman, Hudson, Kaplan, Kirby, Losee, Phillips, Shalaby, Shimansky, Silcocks, Vann, Williams

NOT ATTENDING: Haveliwala, Hooper

STAFF ATTENDING: Aguilar, Kenny, Cameron, Johnson, Pulido

GUESTS: Dallas Harryman

1. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the November 27, 2006 meeting were approved, with a correction to item 3(b) Phase II Camping Program Update: third sentence should read "........adopted in December 2005."
2. Introductions: The minutes of the November 27, 2006 meeting were approved, with a correction to item 3(b) Phase II Camping Program Update: third sentence should read "........adopted in December 2005."
3. Presentations:
   
   1. Website Upgrade – Rosemary Cameron,Asst. General Manager for Public Affairs, updated the group on the status of the redesign of the District's website, which was originally launched in 1996. She stated that a study showed the seasonality of the website's use, with more visitors during the summer months, which was expected, with the top three most requested pages being the Home Page, Tilden Park, and Map Downloads, and the most requested pdf downloads, aside from job applications, being Mission Peak, Briones, and Tilden-North. One significant benefit to having the ability to download maps on-line was the decrease in the need for the District to re-print park brochures/maps. Ms. Cameron also stated that over time, enhancements to the website included the addition of on-line reservations and program registrations, job information, and a Google search feature. In 2005, the District hired consultants M.I.G. from Berkeley to lead the website redesign, together with a new cross-departmental team from within the District providing input. She stated that the functional and technical components have been completed, and the web design and development is almost complete. The next step, envisioned for April of this year, will be the launching of the redesigned District website. Ms. Cameron gave a sneak preview of the new website to the committee.

      PAC Member Comments:

      • Reiterated their recommendation from previous meetings that a calendar be produced showing, at a quick glance, all activities happening within the District on any given day. They stated that neither RIN nor the website provides easy access to this information. Mr. Losee suggested having PAC members speak to their appointing directors regarding a calendar-based activities list.
      • Possibility of using a larger font for easier reading.
      • Availability of a Spanish language translation on the website.
      • Construction of a Safety Patrol webpage.
   2. 2007 Public Affairs Outreach Plan – Carol Johnson,Community Relations Manager, outlined the various goals for 2007:
      • Connecting with Diverse Audiences and Increasing Visibility through Health and Wellness – multi-lingual public service announcements, disabled accessible recreational opportunities, update of Spanish language brochure in print and website, re-create Senior Appreciation Days", expand communications to relevant trade associations and media, including health organizations such as Kaiser Permanente.
      • Communication the District's Brand: Embrace Life – consistency in the look and feel for all forms of communication (flyers, RIN, website, etc), externally and internally, enhancing Board visibility, expanding the Ambassador program, engaging PAC members in outreach activities.
      • Expanding the District's presence in Eastern Contra Costa and Alameda counties through partnerships with various community organizations, and participating in fairs and festivals specific to the communities targeted.
      • Expanding the use of technology in communications.
      • Promote on-going visibility opportunities with parkland and trail dedications.

        PAC Member Comments:

      • With the increase in immigrant populations, translations into various languages other that Spanish might be necessary
4. Public Comments: There were no comments from the public.
5. PAC Member Comments:
   
   1. James Vanncommented that the PAC meeting was not reflected on the most recent Board packet calendar.
   2. Henry Losee stated that he was glad to be back after almost a year off due to medical reasons.
   3. George Phillips asked the group to forward him the contact people of various organizations that they may know of so he can arrange to speak to them to present the District's Ambassador Program with the objective of getting the word out and possibly recruiting more "ambassadors."
6. Elections:
   
   1. Vice-Chair: There were 2 nominations: Roland Williams and Mike Shemansky.
      • Roland Williams was elected as Vice-Chair (11-0)
   2. Planning Policies/Issues Chair: Henry Losee was the sole nominee.
      • Henry Losee was elected as Planning/Policies Chair (unanimous)
7. Report from the Chair: Rich Guarienti reported that the Executive Subcommittee conducted an orientation for the new members, and there was also a discussion on the PAC's Workplan for 2007.
8. Board Committee Reports: Operations – Rich Guarienti commented that during the December 21, 2006 meeting, the Pine Tree trail at Briones was approved, with some restrictions to bikers at certain portions of the trail due to visibility concerns.
9. Status of Recommendations: No comments.
10. Old Business:
    None discussed.
11. New Business:
    None discussed.
12. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

Respectively submitted,

Allen Pulido/Ro Aguilar

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