The Board Meeting, which was held on June 20, 2007 at the Brentwood City Council Chambers, 734 Third Street, Brentwood, CA, was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President John Sutter.

ROLL CALL

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

Directors Absent: Nancy Skinner, Director

Staff Present Included: Pat O'Brien, Mike Anderson, Dave Collins, John Escobar, Randy Carlton, Ted Radosevich, Bob Doyle, Matt Madison, Sharon Marshall, Brian Wiese, Al Olivera, David Sumner, Roger Epperson, Jim Townsend

President John Sutter opened the meeting by thanking the Brentwood Parks & Recreation Commission for hosting this meeting. He noted the District is happy to be in Brentwood and see some of the local citizens who are present.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. Welcome Comments
   Brentwood Parks & Recreation Commission

City of Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor greeted the Board, welcoming them to the City of Brentwood. He spoke about the growth of Brentwood this past year, and the pride they have in their city. He noted that he appreciates the team work of the Park District with their city. He then introduced some of their staff.

Assemblyman Guy Houston, who was in a nearby meeting with Mayor Taylor, came in and greeted the Board.

Sandy Myers, Chairperson, City of Brentwood Parks & Recreation Commission, greeted the Board, and thanking them for coming to Brentwood. She extended her thanks to the Park District for all the work they do on their neighborhood parks.

President Sutter thanked the Parks Commission for their comments. He noted that the District is examining the possibility of an extension of the Measure AA Bond which was passed in 1988 and that the District is welcoming people's ideas on what sort of projects they would like to see in the future. He noted that he hopes that the Brentwood Parks Commission and their staff let the Park District know of any suggestions they would like considered.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

Regarding Item C-1-e, President Sutter had questions.
Regarding Item C-1-i, Director Severin had a comment.
Regarding item C-1-n, Director Lane had a comment.

By motion of Director Lane, seconded by Director Radke, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved.

• C-1-a
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of May 25, 2007 through June 8, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-6-133 (Attached)
• C-1-b
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meetings of May 1, 2007 and May 15, 2007
• C-1-c
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-6-134 (Attached)
• C-1-d
  Authorization to Apply to the Fireman's Fund Grant Program for the Purchase of Fitness Equipment
  Resolution No. 2007-6-135 (Attached)
• C-1-e
  Authorization to Apply to the Alameda County Homeland Security Grant Program for Funding to Increase Helicopter Interoperability
  Resolution No. 2007-6-136 (Attached)

President Sutter asked if the purpose of this was to be able to use the helicopter for night flying. Police Captain Matt Madison said that it was not, but is to increase the capacity of the fire drops, and make some modifications and upgrade the older helicopter so that it operates similarly to the new helicopter.

• C-1-f
  Authorization to Apply to the Contra Costa County Homeland Security Grant Program for Funding to Increase Helicopter Interoperability
  Resolution No. 2007-6-137 (Attached)
• C-1-g
  Authorization to Enter into a Sole Source Agreement with Aquatic Environments, Incorporated for Dredging and Repairs of the Raw Water Intakes at Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-6-138 (Attached)
• C-1-h
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Appropriate Measure AA Local Grant Funds to the City of Lafayette
  Resolution No. 2007-6-139 (Attached)
• C-1-i
  Authorization to Accept Grant Funds from the East Bay Community Foundation
  Resolution No. 2007-6-140 (Attached)

Director Severin noted her appreciation for the work AGM of Management Services Dave Collins and Grants Manager Jeff Rasmussen has done to receive these funds.

• C-1-j
  Revision to Investment Policy of the East Bay Regional Park District Pension Plan to Change Portfolio Management Allocations
  Resolution No. 2007-6-141 (Attached)
• C-1-k
  Acceptance of First Quarter Report of Investment Activity for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period Ending March 31, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-6-145 (Attached)
• C-1-l
  Acceptance of Quarterly Unaudited Financial Statements for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period Ending March 31, 2007.
  Resolution No. 2007-6-142 (Attached)
• C-1-m
  Authorization for a Sole Source Purchase of One "Diamondback" Airboat
  Resolution No. 2007-6-143 (Attached)
• C-1-n
  Acceptance of Bid for Asphalt Pavement Repairs at Contra Loma Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-6-144 (Attached)

Director Lane asked about the cost differences in the base bids. AGM of Operations John Escobar noted that it is not all that unusual to see spreads like this. A company may see a unique opportunity particular to their circumstances and may be the only bidder.

2. GENERAL MANAGER

• C-2-a
  PUBLIC HEARING: Approval of Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2007/2008, Adopt Resolution Confirming Diagram and Assessment, Order Maintenance, Improvements and Levy Annual Assessment for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1; Adopt Resolution Regarding Protests
  Moved by Director Radke; seconded by Director Lane.
  Absent: Director Skinner
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolutions No. 2007-6-146 and 2007-6-147 (Attached)

CFO Randy Carlton addressed the Board citing information from the staff report. He noted that this item is related to the continuation of the East Contra Costa County Landscape and Lighting District. He noted that there are five items to be addressed, and these can be voted on all as one motion if the Board so chooses. Mr. Carlton noted that there have been no written protests submitted.

President Sutter opened the Public Hearing. There were no public comments, so President Sutter closed the Public Hearing.

Director Radke moved all items for approval; they were seconded by Director Lane, and unanimously approved.

In answer to Director Siden's question, Mr. Carlton noted that the dollar amount is not increased per unit; there is no inflationary factor. GM O'Brien noted that the assessment is diminishing in purchasing value due to inflation, but this is offset by new units so there is a small growth factor.

President Sutter asked if this assessment can be adjusted upwards Director Radke noted that this was put on the ballot as a result of Prop. 218, so the District would have to go through a 218 process again. He also noted that before 218, it could have been adjusted for inflation. President Sutter asked for clarification of the staff report about this. GM O'Brien reported that there are two benchmarks: 1) prior to 218, the Board had the authority to set the rate, and adjust the rate, any time that an Engineers' Report is adopted to accommodate inflation issues; and 2) when 218 passed, the District would have lost the ability to assess if that flat rate wasn't put on the ballot.

CFO Carlton noted that the District is in the black with respect to the funding for the maintenance services without any General Fund support.

GM O'Brien noted that sometime in the future growth in this area may slow down substantially, and if the costs keep going up, at some point in time, the District may consider going back to the 218 process to make some change.

Director Severin thanked Park Supervisor Roger Epperson for his efficient use of funds.

Trails Program Manager Jim Townsend presented an overview of the projects that the Park District has been working on in Eastern Contra Costa County, noting that the vast majority of them are within the Landscape and Lighting District. Using a map of the area, Mr. Townsend pointed out where the District is continuing to make progress on the Big Break / Delta Science Center, and is currently in the process of obtaining the permits to bring in a large amount of fill that will be required to raise the ground up so that the buildings that they build stay dry. He noted that in the design stage is an extension of the Big Break Regional Trail; this section is complete where it connects with the Marsh Creek Trail and the section that is in Design now will connect the Science Center property to the Marsh Creek Regional Trail. Staff is also working with the City of Oakley on an extension of the Marsh Creek Trail out along Dutch Slough. Other ongoing projects are: improving the access to the East Contra Costa County Corp Yard that the Trails Unit uses; a bridge which is to be built over the Hwy 4 Bypass; a bridge next to the Fallman property over Orwood Road; a development proposal for the Pantages Property for possible Delta access; the Cowell Ranch, and a possible trail connection from Brushy Peak to Vasco Caves.

Director Radke noted that he received a call from Senator Torlakson's office asking about the update of the District's Master Plan, and wanted to be sure that the California Delta Trail is included. GM O'Brien noted that the Master Plan map would be done at the end of this year, and the Master Plan would be done after the 2008 election. AGM of Planning/Stewardship & Development Mike Anderson noted that the Delta Trail would be included on the new map. GM O'Brien noted that a letter about this from Senator Torlakson would be good. Mr. Townsend noted he would follow up. Director Siden noted it is commendable what the District has done. He also noted that it would be helpful to have a summary of how many acres have been acquired, and how much money has been spent on construction and acquisition.

Mr. Townsend introduced Ken DeSilva, Landscape/Facilities Manager for the City of Brentwood, who informed the Board of some of the projects they have been working on in the Marsh Creek area. He reviewed projects such as a trail along Marsh Creek Road; a pedestrian crossing on Concord Blvd at the Vineyards development; the trail under crossing at Hwy 4 bypass that will go over Marsh Creek Trail; and the John Marsh/Cowell Ranch property.

Director Lane noted that she would like a copy of this map.

• C-2-b
  Acceptance of the Annual Financial Reports of the East Bay Regional Park District for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006
  Moved by Director Radke; seconded by Director Siden.
  Absent: Director Skinner
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-6-148 (Attached)

President Sutter introduced CFO Randy Carlton who addressed the Board citing information on this item from the staff report. Mr. Carlton announced that Nasi Raissian, Audit Partner, and Jessica Wu, onsite manager, both from Caporicci & Larson (C & L), Certified Public Accountants, were present. He then reviewed for the Board the Annual Financial Reports and the CAFR, and some of the highlights of the reports.

Mr. Carlton introduced Ms. Raissian who gave the Board an overview of their firm, their history with the District, and highlights of, and responsibility for, the various points of the audit.

Jessica Wu then addressed the Board with a summary of the work that was done on the annual financial statements and the audit reports, and the audit procedures that were used.

Ms. Raissian then continued with the recommendations to management, i.e., the Management Letter that was provided to the District and included in the Annual Financial Report. She commended District management for being very proactive in implementing their recommendations. President Sutter asked about prior year recommendations from other auditors. Ms. Raissian noted that follow up on all prior year recommendations is done.

Director Severin asked about a recommendation on a vehicle policy. Ms. Raissian said it has been drafted and will be brought to the Board soon. It has gone to the Executive Committee and to Meet and Confer.

Director Radke complimented CFO Randy Carlton, Audit Manager David Sumner, and Assistant CFO Patti Henry and their staff on their good work. Director Siden noted the award that the District once again received for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

GM O'Brien commended the Finance Department and the various divisions for their work as well.

Director Wieskamp noted she is pleased that they have this audit and likes the relationship between the auditors and the District.

3. LAND DIVISION

• C-3-a
  Authorization to Convey to the City of Oakley Certain Dedications of Real Property from Kaufman and Broad of Northern California, Inc. (Subdivision 6452) and from the Hofmann Company (Subdivision 6821): Big Break Regional Shoreline
  Moved by Director Radke; seconded by Director Wieskamp.
  Absent: Director Skinner
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-6-149 (Attached)

President Sutter noted that there were distinguished guests present this evening from the City of Oakley: Vice Mayor Bruce Connelley and City Manager Bryan Montgomery. He thanked them for joining the Board meeting.

AGM of Land Division Bob Doyle addressed the Board on this item, citing information from the Staff Report. He noted that the District was asked many years ago by the County of Contra Costa to take ownership of this property, a dedication of open space. A small portion of this land is to be preserved as a legless lizard habitat. The rest of the property would be given to the City of Oakley to put in improvements for park facilities for the community.

Mr. Montgomery thanked the Board for this park area and feels it will especially help the environment for the Parkway Community who do not have a park.

President Sutter asked what they will do with the park area. Mr. Montgomery reported they will put in a small community park with a play area and maybe a picnicking area. He stated they do not have actual plans just yet.

4. PLANNING/STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• C-4-a
  PUBLIC HEARING: Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Delta Interpretive Facilities, Flood Protection Project at Big Break Regional Shoreline
  Moved by Director Radke; seconded by Director Severin.
  Absent: Director Skinner
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-6-150 (Attached)

Chief of Planning and Stewardship Brien Wiese addressed the Board on this item, citing information from the Staff Report.

Director Radke asked about the elevation of the facilities compared with existing homes. Mr. Wiese noted that this has been assessed and the other homes will be able to see over the facilities. Director Radke asked where the fill would be coming from. Mr. Anderson noted that staff is working with the person who is doing the fill operation at Gilman Street Sports Field site and they should be able to get the fill fairly quickly.

President Sutter asked if there would be a security residence on the property. Mr. Anderson reported that there is a trailer in place now, but there will be permanent housing. President Sutter asked if there are any new negotiations with the college district for bond funds. Mr. Anderson noted that they will be contributing $1.5 million of bond funds from their Measure A recently passed for the Delta Learning Center project. They will get a lease for 25 years to run classes and programs. GM O'Brien noted that they will also do the educational work.

Director Lane asked about the conceptual design of the outdoor exhibits, and if there were some really high tides, would twelve feet be enough, or would flooding damage them. Mr. Anderson noted that he thinks they are high enough, but that these are considered outdoor exhibits and should be okay.

President Sutter opened the Public Hearing. There were no public comments. Therefore, President Sutter closed the Public Hearing

The item was moved for approval by Director Radke, seconded by Director Severin and unanimously approved.

5. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

• a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District
  (O'Brien)

GM O'Brien reviewed the written material, stating that he had nothing further to add to these items.

6. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien asked Police Captain Matt Madison to give the Board an update on the tragic shootings at Tilden last Monday night. Captain Madison informed the Board about the three murders and one suicide of a local family that was discovered in one of Tilden's parking areas. He informed the Board about the great job that the District Police and Fire Departments did in managing this tragic scene and the subsequent investigation.

GM O'Brien then reviewed the written material, stating that he had nothing further to add to these items.

Director Siden and President Sutter commended GM O'Brien on the GM communications to the legislative staff in Washington D.C. as a follow-up to their recent meetings.

GM O'Brien commended Park Supervisor Roger Epperson and staff on the all the work done on the group camp at Round Valley.

7. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Ecology Committee (3/29/07) (Severin)
2. Legislative Committee (5/18/07) (Siden)
3. Finance Committee Minute and Recommended Actions from the
   May 30, 2007 Meeting (5/30/07) (Radke)

8. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke attended a public hearing on the proposal to move the Plumber house off of the ridge at Carquinez Regional Shoreline down to David Fisher's property. Director Radke informed them that District staff had been working with Mr. Fisher on this. He noted that he received a notice from the County Planning Department that they are having an approval ceremony for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan, and that the HCP will be before the Board of Supervisors on July 25. Director Radke noted that he hopes to attend on behalf as a District representative.
He noted that he enjoyed the field trip, and saw the screech owl at Briones. He attended the official opening of the Pt. Pinole Exhibit that Director Lane and Supervising Naturalist Tracy Parent helped put together.

Director Wieskamp spent a week at the Forum in Ohio and noted it is green and beautiful. The Metro Parks hosting the event did an excellent job on the Forum and they share some of the same problems as this District, i.e., Canadian geese. There were nice projects in the downtown area; and she liked the seasonal shade shelters on the playgrounds in their parks. Last weekend she attended Harry Silcocks 80th birthday party; noting that he is active in "Trail Dogs" and the PAC. Director Wieskamp noted that the field trip was great; and it was nice to see the bicycle community and the Sierra Club representative talking positively about the same possible alternatives. She noted that at the recent Alameda County Mayors Conference that Mayor Tom Bates asked when the District is going to start working on Measure AA extension. She noted that she would like to propose a field trip for this fall to Marsh Creek, the Delta Center, the Round Valley campground, and the Fallman property, and to invite the Brentwood Recreation Department.

Director Siden noted that as a follow-up to the Community Leadership Breakfasts, there were some people who could not attend so they are doing follow-up meetings. Regarding Oakland Strokes, he met with one of the members who is on the Alameda Board of Directors who conveyed his anticipation that District staff and attorneys come to a mutual agreement on this rowing program on the Estuary. Regarding Oak Knoll, he noted that he, Mike Anderson and John Sutter met with some of the neighbors who expressed their concerns for preservation and open space on this former Naval property. He noted that he was invited to the inauguration for the new president of Cal State University East Bay, Dr. Mohammad Qayoumi. Director Siden attended the Tilden railroad's 55th anniversary, and Fire Chief Dennis Rein's retirement. He attended the Ohio Special Park Districts Forum, and encourages their ideas of using shelters. He passed along some brochures that he brought back, stating that they have a tram for folks who are disabled to see the parks. He noted that he liked the play structures in their parks as well. Director Siden suggested that at the Annual Open Space Conference it would be helpful if Public Affairs had a physical presence at the exhibits and also to hand out paper bags with the District's logo on it to hold the materials that people collect. He met with the East Bay Economic Development Alliance Committee; and the Waterfront Action, He noted he enjoys coming to Brentwood for the Board meeting each year.

Director Severin noted she also like the trams at the forum that Director Siden mentioned. She too enjoyed the field trip and seeing the Old Orchard picnic site, and the "fancy" restroom; she attended the ABAG Regional Planning Committee; the Ecology Committee meeting about the use of Round-Up at Pt. Isabel, and felt it was a good meeting; she attended the Dry Creek / Garin sponsored reception for the Hayward Chamber Mixer; and attended Doug Morrison's memorial (HARD Director.) Director Severin commented on the RIN and is interested to see the new "Attendio." She noted she enjoys coming out to Brentwood and thinks it's a nice place. She noted that she talked with some folks in town earlier who love the parks, and would have loved to sell the District 55 acres on the river.

Director Lane noted that she found the RIN in all three of her papers, and appreciates all the programs. She enjoyed the field trip to Briones and Pt. Pinole. She noted that she is working with David Zuckerman, Tracy Parent and John Hitchen on an exhibit at Pt. Pinole. She attended the Mayors' Conference in Clayton, and the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) meeting/workshop. She enjoys talking with the people and hearing what folks would like to see at the CNWS, i.e., open space. She had a good conversation with Martha Lee, who is Superintendent of the National Historic sites in Contra Costa County. She talked with her about what the National Parks might like to see on the CNWS. Director Lane noted that she would like to take her to Camp Arroyo to see what has been done there. She also had conversations with representatives of the Greenbelt Alliance in favor of 50% open space in the area. She noted she is pleased about the Round Valley Group Camp opening. She attended the Open Space Conference and enjoyed sharing the challenges they all have. She noted that she agrees with Director Siden to have Public Affairs set up a Regional Parks display at the conference with a staff person present. She noted she is looking forward to the July 4th parade.

President Sutter noted that the Open Space Conference was very worthwhile and that the maps were very nice and may be something staff might think about for the Measure AA renewal. The Trust for Public Land map showed income levels to park proximity; it would be helpful to have this information. Another map "Upland Habitat Biodiversity in the Nine Counties" looked at wildlife, wildlife corridors, and endangered and rare species of plants, etc. The Greenbelt Alliance is also in the process of designating the areas of open space in the nine counties. This would be helpful in the District's mapping efforts for AA. He noted that another aspect of AA renewal that was received by an e-mail from Director Lane explained some concerns she had about the process of public education on the AA extension, and how that will interact on the revision of the Master Plan map. These concerns were discussed with Directors Sutter, Lane and Siden and Pat O'Brien. Mike Anderson will prepare a report to the Board to explain the current staff efforts on the AA extension. President Sutter feels it is important that at a Board meeting in the near future, for the Board to share these ideas and any further input on what should be done on both on the AA extension and on Master Plan map revisions. The directors have had their community meetings and they all have some ideas.

Director Lane noted it would be good for the Board to revisit how to get community response to the Master Plan map. What would be the future projects on AA, and what is not particularly scintillating is talking about the general improvements that will be in the map. She noted that the map process may need to be divided from the AA projects.

President Sutter wants the Board to share their thoughts on this. He noted that he enjoyed the field trip, the Round Valley Group Camp dedication, the Oak Knoll neighborhood meeting, and a meeting with leadership people from the Oakland Zoo. He attended the fishing derby at Temescal, and talked about how many fish there were and how the kids were a bit afraid of the fish, stating it was great. He met with the Oakland DD committee regarding Oakland Parks and the Bay Trail. He reported that the Chabot Space & Science Center is now doing better financially.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Brentwood Parks Commission Chairperson Sandy Myers again thanked the District for coming out, and looks forward to seeing them again next year.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. by Board President Sutter.

SHARON MARSHALL, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-6-133 through 2007-6-149
Board Committee Reports

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