The Board Meeting, which was held on March 20, 2007 at the Peralta Oaks Headquarters Building, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, was called to order at 12:45 p.m. by Board President John Sutter.

ROLL CALL

Directors Present:
John Sutter, President
Ayn Wieskamp, Vice President
Ted Radke, Treasurer
Doug Siden, Secretary
Beverly Lane, Director
Carol Severin, Director

Directors Present:
Nancy Skinner, Director

At this time the Board of Directors met in Closed Session to discuss those items outlined on the Closed Session Board Meeting Agenda.

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m. by Board President John Sutter.

Staff Present Included: Pat O'Brien, Ted Radosevich, Dave Collins, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle, Nancy Wenninger, John Escobar, Tim Anderson, Mike Anderson, Dave Sumner, Larry Tong, Jeff Rasmussen, Anne Rockwell. Liz Musbach, Margaret Kelley, Mimi Waluch, Anne Scheer, Shelly Lewis, Jon King, Matt Madison, Carol Victor, Randy Carlton, Tyrone Davis, Steve Crudo, Sonja Stanchina, David Irwin

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

By motion of Director Siden, seconded by Director Radke, the Agenda was unanimously approved.

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ron Barklou spoke about the proposed BMX bike track at the Hayward shoreline. He noted that he does not feel this is a good idea because of the many species of birds and the nearby wildlife habitat area. He also noted that there are railroad tracks in the area, so it would not be a safe to ride bikes. He would like the District's Board to write a letter to the Alameda County Flood Control, who has the land lease on this property, stating that it is a bad idea and to deny issuing a permit to this BMX bike group. President Sutter noted that the clipping Mr. Barklou handed out is also in the current Board packet. He informed Mr. Barlow that the Board cannot respond to his comments today.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

• Regarding Item C-1-e, President Sutter had a comment.
• Regarding Item C-1-g, Director Wieskamp had a comment.
• Regarding Item C-1-h, Director Lane had a question.
• Regarding Item C-1-u, Director Siden had a question.
• Regarding Item C-1-v, Director Lane pulled this item for further discussion.

By motion of Director Lane, seconded by Director Radke, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved with the exception of Item C-1-v.

• C-1-a.
  Approval of Check Listing for the Period of February 7, 2007 through March 7, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-3-48 (Attached)
• C-1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 6, 2007 and February 20, 2007
• C-1-c.
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-3-49 (Attached)
• C-1-d.
  Authorization to Appropriate and Transfer $5,000 in Resource Enhancement Program Funds for Wildlife Volunteer Projects: Diablo Foothills and Clayton Ranch Regional Parks (Resource Enhancement Program)
  Resolution No. 2007-3-50 (Attached)
• C-1-e.
  Acceptance of General Fund Preliminary Financial Results for 2006
  Resolution No. 2007-3-51 (Attached)

President Sutter noted his compliments to all District staff, noting it is a good report and it is nice to see a positive fund balance at the end of the year.

• C-1-f.
  Acceptance of 4th Quarter Report of Investment Activity for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period Ending December 31, 2006
  Resolution No. 2007-3-52 (Attached)
• C-1-g.
  Acceptance of Internal Audit Charter
  Resolution No. 2007-3-53 (Attached)

Director Wieskamp noted that Audit Manager David Sumner did a wonderful job in putting the District in the right spot as far as having a real charter for internal audits. She feels this is significant and very helpful.

• C-1-h.
  Authorization to Purchase Base Station Radios and Support Equipment
  Resolution No. 2007-3-54 (Attached)

Director Lane asked if this is going to move the District toward better operability to work with other police agencies. Police Chief Tim Anderson stated that it would not do so directly, but that it is an enhancement to the existing radio system for operations personnel in the field for the District's police and fire departments. President Sutter asked if there were going to be any new towers. Chief Anderson noted that the existing towers and dishes would be used.

• C-1-i.
  Authorization to Amend the Budget and Accept Bid for Goat Grazing Services
  Resolution No. 2007-3-55 (Attached)
• C-1-j.
  Authorization to Apply for Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred by the District in Response to Hurricane Katrina
  Resolution No. 2007-3-56 (Attached)
• C-1-k.
  Authorization to Accept Insurance Renewal Quotations
  Resolution No. 2007-3-57 (Attached)
• C-1-l.
  Authorization to Purchase Three Riding Mowers: Cull Canyon, East Contra Costa Trails and Shadow Cliffs Parks
  Resolution No. 2007-3-58 (Attached)
• C-1-m.
  Authorization to Purchase One Hybrid Vehicle
  Resolution No. 2007-3-59 (Attached)
• C-1-n.
  Authorization to Purchase Public Safety Vehicles
  Resolution No. 2007-3-60 (Attached)
• C-1-o.
  Approval of Agreement with The Astronomy Connection for Use of Fire Road Area in Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-3-61 (Attached)
• C-1-p.
  Approval of Golden Gate Live Steamers Lease Addendum in Tilden Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-3-62 (Attached)
• C-1-q.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Operational Funds from Castle Rock Recreation Area to Diablo Foothills Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-3-63 (Attached)
• C-1-r.
  Authorization to Amend License Agreement with Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Redevelopment: Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-3-64 (Attached)
• C-1-s.
  Authorization to Amend Existing Trail Easement and Accept New Trail Easement from John Muir Health and Quitclaim Surplus Easement: Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-3-65 (Attached)
• C-1-t.
  Approval of Agreement with the Model Mariners at Alameda Creek Regional Recreation Area
  Resolution No. 2007-3-66 (Attached)
• C-1-u.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds and Acceptance of Bid for the Lagoon Water System Upgrade: Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area
  Resolution No. 2007-3-67 (Attached)

Director Siden asked if there would be a future proposal for Don Castro. AGM of Planning & Stewardship Mike Anderson said that there would be, but that they wanted to work on one swim area at a time.

• C-1-w.
  Approval to Implement a Retiree Health Savings Plan and Amend the Police Association Memorandum of Understanding, Article 11.5C, to meet IRS Requirements
  Resolution No. 2007-3-69 (Attached)

The following item was pulled for further comments.

• C-1-v.
  Authorization to Transfer and Encumber Funds for Changes to the Existing Construction Contract for Marciel Road Improvements: Anthony Chabot Regional Park
  Moved by Director Lane, seconded by Director Wieskamp.
  Unanimously Approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-3-68 (Attached)

Director Lane noted she would like background on the base bid that was included at Pt. Isabel. AGM Mike Anderson explained that Prop 12 funds were for the project to reestablish turf at the Pt. Isabel dog park. He noted that Pt. Isabel is owned by the United States Postal Service and it currently does not have the land tenure now required by the State for Prop 12 funding eligibility. He asks that these funds now be transferred to the Marciel Road Improvements at Anthony Chabot. There would still be about $450,000 of other funds that can be spent at Pt. Isabel on the base bid.

2. LAND DIVISION

• C-2-a.
  Authorization to Enter into a Ground Lease with the City of Berkeley for the Construction, Operation and Maintenance of the Gilman Street Sports Complex Adjacent to Eastshore State Park
  Moved by Director Radke, seconded by Director Siden
  Unanimously Approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-3-70 (Attached)

AGM of Land Division Bob Doyle presented this item to the Board citing information from the staff report. He noted that this is a fairly long Board item and lease, so in the interest of other speakers on this item, he would summarize the recommendations and history of this item. Mr. Doyle noted a correction on page 3 of the staff report under Environmental responsibility, noting that item 3 should read "the District and the City..." He then asked General Counsel Ted Radosevich to reflect on the later changes that occurred after this item was written. Mr. Radosevich noted that the Executive Committee reached resolution on most of the remaining environmental issues. He noted that the City of Berkeley raised one issue with respect to the future potential that the state may add in new regulatory requirements that would impact recreation, perhaps making it infeasible for the City to continue to move forward. Mr. Radosevich noted that the City asked that the lease be revised to provide a clause that if new regulatory requirements are imposed on the City of Berkeley in operating sports recreation fields, that if the City can get the state to relieve them of the grant requirements and discharge the Park District from any of the grant requirements, they could terminate the lease. He noted that after discussions, the District has agreed to do that.

Mr. Radosevich also noted that staff has revised the resolution to attach the final map showing the site plan, which is the scope of what will be built through the City of Berkeley's efforts and those of District staff to negotiate with the state to meet everyone's needs.

Doug Fielding, from the Association of Sports Field Users, addressed the Board about this item, thanking the District for their support of this worthwhile project, and encouraged the Board to stop by when it is completed.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates addressed the Board noting how much he appreciates the Park District, how much they have done for this project, and especially for all that the partnership has done for Eastshore projects. He noted that this project looks promising that all these things can be done, and he wanted to be here on this "historic day." Director Radke commented that Mayor, then Assemblyman, Bates was the author of the legislation that authorized this District to take over the State's responsibility for making the acquisitions. Before that, he was putting together money and trying to secure funding from various sources and the District's Measure AA gave it another boost. But this has been a partnership for over 20 years and it is remarkable. Director Radke noted that Mayor Bates deserves the lion's share of the credit for being able to preserve that whole shoreline. Mayor Bates said they are in this for the long haul. Director Wieskamp noted she is a strong advocate for recreational activities that are energetic and give people the opportunity, especially in urban areas, to participate. She feels this is wonderful and Berkeley is really lucky to have a very good negotiator in Mayor Bates. Mayor Bates noted they are both lucky and he appreciates the District's efforts. President Sutter stated it certainly has been a team effort and he complimented District staff for their work on the grants, and also for the support of the sports users and the city and others interested in this project. Mr. Doyle acknowledged Grants Manager Jeff Rasmussen and Right of Way Agent Liz Musbach for all their hard work. This is a true commitment to urban parks.

Director Radke made the motion to approve, and Director Siden seconded. It was unanimously approved.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

• C-3-a.
  Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

General Manager Pat O'Brien reviewed the written material with the Board, stating that he had nothing further to add to this item.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien introduced Interpretive Services Manager Margaret Kelley, who gave the Board a Power Point presentation updating the various issues and projects within her unit. She noted there are six visitor centers, with 234 docents contributing over 11,000 hours in one year's time. There are also 222 volunteers who contributed almost 19,000 hours to the District in resource monitoring and projects. She also noted that the low-income school service continues to be a high priority serving over 14,000 students, which is about 40% of the service to school groups. Ms. Kelley noted her unit has also worked with other departments on many other programs. She presented the Board with the District's new interpretive brochures.

Director Severin complimented Ms. Kelley on all the hard work that she and her staff and volunteers have done.

Director Lane stated that the Board has seen the mobile visitor centers, and asked how the District could make use of one. Ms. Kelley said it would really be a good idea to do a feasibility study on the possible uses the District could have for this.

Director Lane asked about the new ways the public can use the District website. Ms. Kelley said that kids are so "plugged in" these days and verbal trail guides can now be downloaded so that it can be used in the parks on cell phones or I-pods, and like equipment with video capabilities. The new booklet "50 Common Wildflowers of Sunol" that Docent Coordinator Erika Herron put together will be done the same way. GM O'Brien noted that the Park District events calendar may soon be downloaded. Director Siden complimented how much is being done and the great experience the docents provide. Director Wieskamp likes the idea of working on these programs with the local children.

GM O'Brien next introduced Police Chief Tim Anderson who informed the Board that Fire Marshall Ken Blonski was appointed the new Fire Chief, replacing Dennis Rein who recently retired. Chief Anderson then introduced Police Officer David Irvin who presented the District's new police canine "Baer." Baer is a three-year old Belgian Malinois from Holland. Officer Irwin and Baer recently went through five weeks of intense training at Camp Parks in Dublin, CA. A short video of the training was shown to the Board.

Regarding one of the items listed in the Park Operations report, President Sutter asked about the Canada geese problem at the parks and lakes and suggests that it be taken up with the State Legislators, noting this is becoming a health issue.

General Manager Pat O'Brien reviewed the written material with the Board, stating that he had nothing further to add to this item.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter advised that there were no announcements from the Closed Session, which was held on March 20, 2007.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Operations Committee(11/16/06)(Siden)
2. Operations Committee(12/21/06)(Siden)
3. Operations Committee(2/21/07)(Wieskamp)
4. Finance Committee Meeting(1/25/07)(Wieskamp)
5. Finance Committee Meeting(2/28/07)(Radke)
6. Legislative Committee Meeting(2/7/07)(Siden)

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke noted that he attended a meeting of the Delta Science Center; he went for a tour of Red Rock Island, noting it is an interesting proposal for public ownership; he attended a meeting of the labor environmental group for Contra Costa County regarding projects in Pittsburg, the shoreline trail, and Bay Point, etc.; he is attending the Richmond Liaison Committee meeting this Friday; a water agency meeting with Contra Costa Water and East Bay MUD about the impact of Los Vaqueros; he brought a resolution from Senator Tom Torlakson thanking the Park District for their participation and co-sponsorship of the Annual Holiday Run and Walk for Help; he received a call from the Senator's office wanting to have another Bay Point clean up in April; and he plans to attend the Mayors Conference in Martinez.

Director Siden noted he attended the Board workshops at Garms; a meeting with GM O'Brien, AGM Mike Anderson and San Leandro's new mayor and city manager; he toured the new Juvenile Hall in San Leandro; he attended the memorial for Claude Moose; the Port of Oakland Good Neighbor breakfast; and the CA Recreation Park Society Conference in Sacramento where he attended a workshop with Doug Houston re Prop. 84, I C. He noted that at that conference there were exhibits of awards of several agencies and it makes you proud of what park and recreation districts are doing; he also met with the Mayor of Sacramento with Director Severin and GM O'Brien, and saw in the exhibit hall two mobile classrooms on display from Fresno; he noted that at the meeting of the Citizen Board Members and Commissioners Organization, Ernie Rodriguez from Brentwood was installed as the new State president; the City of Richmond received the award for Special Park District of the Year. He attended the Retiree's luncheon where former Park District General Manager Irwin Luckman was the speaker; he attended the Alameda Mayors Conference; a tour of Oak Knoll; the memorial service for Susan Duncan; the Board Field Trip to Vasco regarding the wind turbines; next week Alameda County Special Districts Assn., Alameda County Central Labor Council annual dinner meeting where District employee Erwin Lynch will be receiving an award. Director Siden gave out a handout from the MLK Freedom Center youth program.

Director Lane noted she has attended a number of Board meetings including East Bay MUD Liaison, Natural & Cultural Resources, the Board field trip to Vasco and the Board workshops at Garms; on Sunday she attended an Anza reenactment on the Iron Horse Trail which was spectacular; she went with Director Wieskamp to Coyote Hills for an interesting mini tour, and stated that Dumbarton Quarry is in process of grading so it looks like natural hills, noting the grading is fascinating to watch; she asked if there are photos being taken of this as it would be good for interpretive staff. She noted she talked with District Naturalist Beverly Ortiz about the fabulous photos on display at Coyote Hills and thinks the photographers might appreciate knowing they might make the District archives; she asked that AGM Rosemary Cameron discuss this with Ms. Ortiz. Director Lane attended a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting at the Concord Naval Weapons Station, and has another one this evening; they had a special event where CAC members could see what the presentation will be for the Concord Open House, which she attended last Saturday and said it was very interesting, noting that around a thousand people attended. She noted the John Marsh Cowell Ranch General Plan is being heard tonight. She attended the NRPA Conference. She is concerned about vandalism off of Vasco Road and asked what can be done, maybe a photo watch, Police Chief Anderson said some of those systems are out there, but are very expensive. She enjoyed hearing former GM Irwin Luckman's speech at the Retiree's luncheon. Director Lane noted she likes the new District stationery.

Director Severin attended the Operations Committee meeting, the Board workshops at Garms, an Executive Committee meeting, the East Bay MUD Liaison meeting, the HASPA meeting where the BMX bicycle issue was mentioned, and the Vasco field trip. She attended the CARPD State Board meeting on Wednesday; and the Sacramento CARPD conference's many interesting workshops; and coming up is the Salt Water Pond Restoration meeting.

Director Severin noted that while in the desert on Hwy 10, she saw three regional park signs and unlike the Park District's, all they said was "Regional Park." These signs did not have any directional information or a name on it; she commented that the Park District should get a gold star. She asked staff if the Rowell Ranch Parade in Castro Valley will be included on the District's May program, noting that the Little Farm staff would like to participate. She noted that she likes the new "Leaf" newsletter.

Director Wieskamp attended the Operations meeting, two Board workshops, Executive Committee meeting, Finance Committee meeting, Vasco Caves tour, Foundation meeting which mentioned the upcoming silent auction needs donations; she met with two gentlemen who are at Del Valle who asked about parking at the horse camp; she enjoyed the boat trip to Red Rock; and the tour with Director Lane at Dumbarton Quarry was great. She noted she is looking forward to the grazing dinner meeting; and plans to attend the Stop Waste.org's new "Green Building" in downtown Oakland.

President Sutter noted he attended the Waterfront Action meeting, which will meet again tomorrow; he attended most of the meetings mentioned by Director Siden (Board workshops, field trip, committee meetings, etc.); he noted the Chabot Space & Science Center had their annual retreat and he enjoyed that, and also attended one of their board meetings; he attended Oakland's DD committee; the board meeting of Friends of Oakland Parks; the Retiree's lunch with former General Manager Irwin Luckman, noting he was a great contributor to the appearance of parks years ago; he toured Oak Knoll and likes the challenge to have trails connected to Leona Open Space; he also noted that the District needs a sign on Keller Street about the location of Leona Open Space; he noted the windmill tour at Vasco was good; and he asked about the new phone system and if it is working well. AGM Collins said it is.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m. by President Sutter.

Sharon Marshall, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-3-48 through 2007-3-
Board Committee Reports

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