Approved Meeting Minutes
PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

February 26, 2007

ATTENDING: Bank, Coffey, Dotson, Guarienti, Harryman, Haveliwala, Hooper, Kaplan, Kirby, Phillips, Shalaby, Shimansky, Vann, Williams

NOT ATTENDING: Cendana, Hudson, Losee, Phillips, Silcocks

STAFF ATTENDING: O'Brien, Cameron, Kenny, Baglietto, Aguilar, Pulido, James, Wiese, Bolden-Ross

GUESTS: Dallas Harryman

1. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the January 22, 2007 meeting were approved.
2. Introductions: Chair Rich Guarienti asked PAC members, District staff and guest to introduce themselves.
3. Presentations:
   
   1. State of the District – Pat O'Brien, General Manager, updated the group on the District's 2006 accomplishments and future challenges. Presentation highlights included:
      • Total District acreage amounted to 97,132 at the end of 2006;
      • Opened/dedicated the following: Eastshore State Park, Sycamore Valley Regional Preserve, Crocket Hills, Brushy Peak, 30th anniversary of Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, and the Quarry Lakes Barrier-Free fishing pier;
      • Issued balance of the $63.6 million of Measure AA bonds;
      • Leveraged District funds to secure $9.5 million in grant funds;
      • Several key employee retirements, hires, and promotions due to aging workforce;
      • Measure AA Extension election in 2008

      Member comments included appreciation for the publication titled "Wheelchair Riders Guide" which is very popular with seniors who hike since they prefer paved trails; and an inquiry regarding the status of communication standardization among various emergency responders throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

   2. Recommendation on Art Proposal Project at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline – Brian Wiese, Chief of Planning and Stewardship, and Everett James, Park Planner, stated that this proposal by the City of Oakland would construct an interpretive/public art project located adjacent to the Damon Slough Trail bridge and staging area in a highly accessible location at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline. Although this property is owned by the Port of Oakland, it is leased and managed by EBRPD as part of MLK Park. Staff stated that the interpretive art will be based on bay tidal ecology and is consistent with District policy which requires the City of Oakland as the project's proponent to take on primary responsibility for installing and maintaining the art. Staff added that the project will be funded with Measure DD funds as part of Oakland's Waterfront Initiative. Although EBRPD and Oakland staff have been working on the plan's design and an operating agreement, the project must still receive approval from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Oakland's Public Art Commission, the Port of Oakland, and the Oakland City Council.

      PAC members expressed concern regarding the potential of recurring vandalism; whether the City of Oakland has legal authority to remove graffiti, or the art work itself if necessary, without the permission of the artist; whether this public access use is compatible with the park's designation as a wildlife haven; and the impact of rising water levels. Staff stated that the Board Executive Committee reviewed this proposal and recommended that the PAC review it and make a recommendation to the full Board.

      Unanimous Comment: The PAC emphasized the importance of the policy requirement that the donor, in this case the City of Oakland, fund all costs for maintenance to the District's standards, and that this provision be enforceable in the agreement.

      Recommendation: The PAC recommended approval of the Damon Marsh Art Proposal at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. Unanimous 13-0 (Vann/Harryman)

   3. State of the Regional Parks Foundation - Development Officer Nancy Baglietto made a presentation highlighting the Regional Parks Foundation's 2006 accomplishments and 2007 goals. Some of the report highlights included:
      • Raised a total of $1.6 million in 2006, with an investment income of $297,000.
      • Received donations of approximately $13 million over the past 13 years, with $9.5 million going to the District.
      • Increased membership to 9,000 members.
      • Future plans include establishing an endowment fund and an on-line membership sign-up and renewal capability.

      In response to a question regarding the relationship between the Foundation and the District, Ms. Baglietto replied that a contract between the two entities sets forth the roles of each. PAC members commented on the success of the Diamond in the Rough event at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

4. Public Comments: Dallas Harryman agreed that "Diamond in Rough" was a wonderful event and fundraiser.
5. Board Member Comments: Director Beverly Lane commented on her attendance to the recent NRPA Legislative Forum in Washington, DC and a funding request submitted to Congressman McNerney for the 580/680 Alamo Canal Trail segment. She also briefly described the Base Closure Process for the Concord Naval Weapons Station, and stated that she is one of 21 members on the Citizens Advisory Committee formed specifically for this conversion process. Director Lane reported that the District is advocating for the creation of a regional park on at least 50% of the base acreage including possibly an environmental education center. In response to a question she advised that although hazardous materials clean-up is an issue at this site, it is minor compared to other previously closed military bases in the country.
6. PAC Member Comments: Kaplan reported that he attended the January 17th BAEER Faire in San Rafael, assisting at the District information booth; Kirby stated that he and Rich Guarienti, are representatives on the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) pedestrian and bicycle citizens group that advises the ACTIA Board on Measure B sales tax money for non-motorized transportation projects. They are recommending the Alamo Canal Trail and San Leandro Slough Bridge for funding. Williams expressed appreciation to the PAC for electing him Vice-Chair. Chief of Parks Kenny noted the opening of a primitive group camp at Round Valley Regional Preserve.
7. Report from the Chair: Chair Rich Guarienti reported that he and Vice Chair Williams met with GM Pat O'Brien to discuss the PAC's 2007 plans and goals, a mentoring program to help orient new PAC members and the PAC's unanimous comment on the art structure at MLK. He also stated that he attended the February 6 Board meeting at which the Board postponed action on the multiuse trail proposal for Pine Tree Trail and the February 22 Board Workshop at Garms.
8. Board Committee Reports: Operations Committee (Feb. 21, 2007) – Judi Bank reported verbally on the following issues: Live Steamers' lease, Special Use Agreement with The Astronomy Connection to conduct astronomical observations at Del Valle.
9. Status of Recommendations: No comments.
10. Old Business: None discussed.
11. New Business: Ro Aguilar reminded PAC members to note any changes to their contact information on the PAC sign-in sheet. She also announced that the recruitment for lifeguards is on-going, and that the employee newsletter will be distributed by email.
12. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectively submitted,

Allen Pulido
Confidential Secretary

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