The Board Meeting, which was held on December 18, 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
Carol Severin, Director
Beverly Lane, Director

Directors Absent:
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 2:00 p.m. by Board President John Sutter;
Director Skinner joined the meeting at this time.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O'Brien, Tim Anderson, Shelly Lewis, Dave Sumner, Ted Radosevich, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle, Mike Anderson, Jim Tallerico, Isa Polte-Jones, Sharon Corkin, John Escobar, Anne Rockwell, Jeff Rasmussen, Dave Amme, Mimi Waluch, Steve Myli, Warren Schultz, Carol Johnson, Jon King, Dave Collins, Carol Victor, Jack Kenny, Anne Scheer, Rita Fesler, Everett James, Jack Kenny,

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

District Unit Manager Al Olivera, who is scheduled to retire in a week, addressed the Board and stated that it was an honor and privilege to have worked at the District for the past 37 years. The Board unanimously expressed their gratitude for the work that Mr. Olivera has done and wished him well in his retirement.

Peter Rausch addressed the Board to request that item D.1.s. - Adoption of Interim Land Use Plan for Dublin Hills Regional Park - be pulled from the Consent Calendar to allow for further discussion.

Ellen Barth of CESP asked about the status of the San Francisco Bay Trail, given that it was part of this meeting's Closed Session discussion; President Sutter stated that it continues to be of concern to the Board and that it is the Board's intention come up with an arrangement with all parties involved to complete the Bay Trail in the Berkeley-Albany area.

C. SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO CHARLICE DANIELSEN

Charlice Danielsen, founder of the Native Here Nursery and long-term member of the California Native Plant Nursery, was honored by District for having been awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award for her work in the preservation, protection and public education of native plants. Board President Sutter presented Ms. Danielson a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the District.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

President Sutter announced that item D-1-s will be pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion, while at the request of staff, item D-1-gg will be pulled and continued to a future Board meeting.

Director Lane, seconded by Director Radke, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved, with the exception of items D.1.s and D.1.gg.

• D.1.a.
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of November 24, 2007 through December 7, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-12-310 (Attached)
• D.1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meetings of November 6 and November 20, 2007 Board Meetings

Director Radke stated that he will abstain from the approval of the November 20, 2007 meeting minutes as he was absent at that meeting, while Director Wieskamp noted that she was out of the country for both the November 8 and 20 meetings and will also abstain.

Director Siden asked that in instances where a Board meeting is adjourned in memory of an individual(s), their family members are notified. He also asked that the minutes for the meeting of November 20, 2007 be modified to add his statement asking staff to meet with State Parks personnel involved as it pertains to the discussion of the District's Master Plan Map update.

Director Skinner also clarified her statement in the November 20 meeting minutes. The motion she made was to direct staff to take the lead in establishing an interagency task force that will not only coordinate with the Command Center in Treasure Island, but any and all agencies that may be involved with the oil spill.

• D-1-c.
  Authorization to Print and Distribute Regional in Nature Through Various East Bay Newspapers
  Resolution No. 2007-12-311 (Attached)

In response to a question by Director Sutter, Community Relations Manager Carol Johnson clarified that the Chronicle will be printing and inserting Regional In Nature (RIN) into their newspaper, while the Alameda Newspaper Group and the Contra Costa Times network will be inserting RIN into their papers themselves. She also added that the circulation has increased by 50,000 by changing the distribution date from Tuesdays to Thursdays in the Chronicle.

Director Nancy Skinner mentioned that she has never received the RIN as part of her Chronicle subscription, while Director Siden stated that he does not receive his copy via the Alameda Times Star edition of the Oakland Tribune. Ms. Johnson stated that staff has discussed this with the newspaper providers and assured the Board that steps are being taken to rectify this.

• D-1-d.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds from Public Affairs Division Environmental Graphics Budget to a New Freeway Signage Capital Project Account
  Resolution No. 2007-12-312 (Attached)

Director Lane inquired as to why the signs that she had asked on several occasions be installed on Hwy 680 for Las Trampas are not included in the staff report. Asst. General Manager Rosemary Cameron stated that the sign specifications submitted to Caltrans did not meet that agency's guidelines since the distance between the park entrance and the freeway exit is six miles, or a little over a mile beyond their guidelines. AGM Cameron added staff is pursuing this sign installing by submitting a separate request for Caltrans' reconsideration.

Director Radke added that this same item came up at the last EBRPD/City of Richmond Liaison Committee meeting, and asked that a copy of the staff report be given to the City of Richmond's Mayor McLaughlin, Council member Tom Butts and the City Manager.

Director Siden also requested that signs be installed for Ardenwood near Hwy 880, and Coyote Hills off Hwy 84.

• D-1-e.
  Authorization to Approve the Lease Agreement for the East Bay Aquatics Center with Oakland Strokes, Inc.: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-12-313 (Attached)

Director Siden acknowledged individuals involved in the leadership of the Oakland Strokes who were in attendance at the meeting.

• D-1-f.
  Authorization to Adopt a Claims Presentation Procedure and Policy
  Resolution No. 2007-12-314 (Attached)
• D-1-g.
  Authorization to Enter into an Office Rental Agreement with Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center at the Shoreline Center: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-12-315 (Attached)

Director Siden asked that a correction be made to Karen Boehlke's title from "Freedom Center Executive Director" to "Development Director".

• D-1-h.
  Authorization to Purchase One Hybrid Sedan
  Resolution No. 2007-12-316 (Attached)
• D-1-i.
  Acceptance of Bid to Purchase One Brush Chipper
  Resolution No. 2007-12-317 (Attached)
• D-1-j.
  Authorization to Purchase One Truck
  Resolution No. 2007-12-318 (Attached)
• D-1-k.
  Acceptance of Change Order for Asphalt Pavement Repairs: Lake Chabot Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-12-319 (Attached)
• D-1-l.
  Authorization to Encumber Budgeted Funds and Enter into a Contract with Xerox Corporation for the Ongoing Maintenance of Copy/Print Equipment Located at the Administration Building
  Resolution No. 2007-12-320 (Attached)
• D-1-m.
  Authorization to Enter into a Sole Source Contract for Professional Services and the Transfer and Encumbrance of Budgeted Funds to a Capital Project Account, Sudden Oak Death Mapping and Risk Assessment Study: Tilden Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-12-321 (Attached)
• D-1-n.
  Authorization to File an Application for Grant Funds through the Alameda County Altamont Landfill and Resource Facility Open Space Advisory Committee to Acquire Property: Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-12-322 (Attached)
• D-1-o.
  Authorization to Apply to the California Office of Emergency Services for Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Hazardous Fuels Management Project in the East Bay Hills
  Resolution No. 2007-12-323 (Attached)
• D-1-p.
  Authorization to Extend the License Agreement with the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District: Contra Costa Canal Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-12-324 (Attached)
• D-1-q.
  Approval of Revisions to the District's Administrative and Document Fees
  Resolution No. 2007-12-325 (Attached)
• D-1-r.
  Approval of 2008 Fees and Charges
  Resolution No. 2007-12-326 (Attached)

Director Skinner stated that she was not comfortable with continuing to charge parking fees at Pt. Pinole and Sunol where machines are installed; these require exact change and frequently do not operate properly, and therefore creates a barrier to public use of the park, especially since it is not staffed. She added that while nothing was finalized during a discussion of this issue at a recent Board Operations committee meeting, the 2008 Fees and Charges Schedule is now before the Board for adoption. AGM of Operations John Escobar stated that included in the 2008 District Budget is an increase in staffing for Pt. Pinole, and that machines were used when staff coverage was not available. AGM Escobar added that the District has historically placed kiosks at sites where a "presence" is of value, such as parks with reservable picnic areas. AGM Escobar noted that the Sunol kiosk is normally staffed.

Director Skinner made a motion directing staff to adjust the parking fee policy at Briones, Pt. Pinole and Sunol so that parking fees are only charged when the kiosk is staffed, and to install signs informing the public accordingly; seconded by Director Radke and passed unanimously.

• D-1-t.
  Authorization to Encumber Capital Funds for Payment of Plan Checking and Construction Related Permit Fees for the Tidewater Aquatic Center and Security Residence: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-12-327 (Attached)
• D-1-u.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds to Augment the Construction Contingency for Construction of Trail Improvements: Delta De Anza Trail from Iron Horse Trail to Grant Street, Concord
  Resolution No. 2007-12-328 (Attached)

Director Sutter asked if the District will receive any reimbursement from the CC Flood Control agency. Chief of Design Diane Althoff stated that staff will be approaching this agency for that purpose at a later time.

• D-1-v.
  Approval of Appointment of John Cant to the Park Advisory Committee
  Resolution No. 2007-12-329 (Attached)
• D-1-w.
  Approval of Reappointment of Whitney Dotson, James Vann, Richard Guarienti, Ron Harryman, Bick Hooper and Colin Coffey to the Park Advisory Committee
  Resolution No. 2007-12-330 (Attached)
• D-1-x.
  Authorization to Renew the Youth Employment Services Agreement with the East Bay Conservation Corp
  Resolution No. 2007-12-331 (Attached)
• D-1-y.
  Authorization to Reject Police Patrol Boat Bids
  Resolution No. 2007-12-332 (Attached)

Director Severin asked if the grant funding will be lost as a result of this action; Grants Manager Jeff Rasmussen stated that staff is aware of the tight timeline and is working to re-bid the item before the deadline.

• D-1-z.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Funds from Operations Division Outdoor Recreation Budget to Reservations to Fund Contract Services and Software Upgrades
  Resolution No. 2007-12-333 (Attached)
• D-1-aa.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Operational Funds to an Electrical Improvements Capital Project Account: Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-12-334 (Attached)
• D-1-bb.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Operational Funds to Various Project and General Fund Accounts
  Resolution No. 2007-12-335 (Attached)
• D-1-cc.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Operational Funds to Capital Project Accounts
  Resolution No. 2007-12-336 (Attached)
• D-1-dd.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Funds to Project Accounts to Support Public Safety Division Projects
  Resolution No. 2007-12-337 (Attached)
• D-1-ee.
  Authorization to Appropriate Revenue Received for Fire Department Out-of-County Responses to Augment Existing Fire Department Budget
  Resolution No. 2007-12-338 (Attached)
• D-1-ff.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Board Contingency Funds
  Resolution No. 2007-12-339 (Attached)
• D-1-hh.
  Acceptance of Quarterly Unaudited Financial Statements for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period ending September 30, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-12-340 (Attached)
• D-1-ii. Approval of Corrected 2008 Appropriations Limit
  Resolution No. 2007-12-341 (Attached)

The following discussion took place regarding item D-1-s:

• D-1-s.
  Adoption of Interim Land Use Plan for Dublin Hills Regional Park

By motion of Director Wieskamp, seconded by Director Radke, the Board unanimously agreed to continue item D-1-s to a future Board meeting after a public meeting is conducted in the City of Dublin.

Brian Wiese, Chief of Planning and Stewardship, gave a brief presentation on this item. He stated that this Interim Land Use Plan was initiated via Board direction during its workshop early this year, wherein staff was asked to focus on opening a number of land-banked properties which the public was also eager to open. Mr. Wiese added that the Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) is the mechanism for opening such land-banked properties as cited in the District's Master Plan, and establishes initial conditions for public access to new parkland. An ILUP does not establish land use designations, but addresses resource protection, public access and public safety. He stated that one of the incentives for opening this park as soon as possible was that a staging area is expected to be opened in the spring or summer of 2008 by the developer of the Schaefer Ranch subdivision, thereby enhancing demand for access to a park. He added that this ILUP has been reviewed at two public meetings, and that the only projects being built have been covered under CEQA by the Schaeffer Ranch developer, any projects proposed by staff would be categorically exempt under CEQA and does not require any further environmental reviews.

Peter Rausch, representing Sierra Club's East Bay Public Lands committee, addressed the Board. Mr. Rausch stated that the scope of staff's plans for the park is not clear to the committee; some aspects may not be comprehensive enough, while others may be over-reaching. Mr. Rausch referenced the letter he transmitted to the Board before this meeting, pointing to concerns regarding proposed grazing patterns, trail re-alignments, vegetation surveys, and management plans for the existing ponds in the park.

In answer to Mr. Rausch's concerns, Mr. Wiese clarified that studies will continue to be performed by staff, and that this action is just the beginning of an on-going process of park management and will continue to be refined and adjusted over time. He added that this ILUP is actually the beginning of the active management of the park, particularly in terms of stewardship issues, and will commit the District to perform a full land use plan analysis at some future time.

Director Beverly Lane stated that given the high local interest for park access and the large acreage involved, she felt that there should be more than just Board Executive and Park Advisory committee review and that a public discussion in the locality of the park be conducted.

Director Ayn Wieskamp also stated that more discussion should have been conducted, with possibly a liaison committee and the City of Dublin. Director Wieskamp proposed a delay in the decision to allow for a public meeting, with a discussion of the proposed Interim Land Use Plan as one of the topics.

2. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

• D-2-a. SECOND PUBLIC HEARING
  Adoption of the 2008 Budget for the East Bay Regional Park District
  Resolution No. 2007-12-342 (Attached)

By motion of Director Siden, and seconded by Director Wieskamp, item D-2-a was unanimously approved.

General Manager Pat O'Brien stated that this is the second of two public hearings being held before the adoption of the District's 2008 Budget, which has been reviewed and recommended by the Board Finance and Park Advisory committees. GM O'Brien went over the budget highlights and comments previously received by staff and incorporated into the proposed budget.

Director Lane clarified her comment pertaining to the recommendations for the 2009 Budget process, stating that she was interested in having staff consider a Cultural Resources position that would help manage the District's cultural resources.

Director Sutter commented on the Parks Express budget, stating that he felt it was the most efficient way of providing services to parts of the community that the District has been targeting. GM O'Brien mentioned that it will be considered for the mid-year adjustment process.

Director Wieskamp emphasized the need to allocate more funding so that the District may continue to conduct oral histories, to which GM O'Brien stated that he will provide an update. Director Sutter added that staff testimonies should also be included, especially in light of the continuing retirement of senior staff.

President Sutter opened the Public Hearing at this time, noting that there were no requests to speak from the public.

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Radke, the Public Hearing was closed unanimously.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

GM O'Brien discussed the items listed on the staff report.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Lakes Unit Manager Warren Schultz gave a presentation highlighting some of the projects and improvements at the Lakes Unit this past year.

AGM of Public Affairs Rosemary Cameron introduced Kristen Appel of the Parks and Wildlife Service of Australia's Northern Territories. Ms. Appel addressed the Board, stating she has spent the past week visiting the District and that she will be in the country for a year to study the various systems of parks management.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter stated that there are no announcements from the Closed Session.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Executive Committee
   Director Lane, referring to discussions held regarding Buckeye Road during the hearing on Vargas Plateau, commented that the District should clarify public expectations and indicate that its standards for roads are very different in the sense that they lead to regional parklands and are not meant to be a highway. Director Lane also noted the incorrect opening date of 2008 for the Delta Discovery exhibit as referenced during an Executive Committee meeting, stating that it is actually in 2009.
2. LARPD
3. Finance Committee

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke gave a report; Director Radke

• Will attend the January 3 Contra Costa Mayors Conference in Oakley, to give a presentation on the District's proposed extension of Measure AA with Director Lane;
• Observed the extensive park system during his trip to Argentina;
• Received word of the passing of Oliver Holmes while he was out of the country, noting that Mr. Holmes was very dedicated to public service and was a great District Board member;
• Noted the wonderful letter from a child that had been ill regarding the Nature Area's Little Farm;
• Mentioned reading a very positive article on the District's Fire Break written by the Contra Costa times;
• Reminded staff of a meeting of the East CC HCP meeting agenda, which included a contract with the District for acquisition services.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp

• Mentioned that the weather kept on changing during her trip to Australia;
• Spoke to the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, where she met with people from various organizations. A Fremont resident also thanked her for the District's installation of a new restroom at the Stanford Staging area. She also asked staff to try to get details about a ball park plan for Fremont that a police officer showed her at this meeting;
• Attended the Elected Women's Luncheon where she also sold some Bob Walker books;
• Will be attending her first Alameda LAFCO meeting on January 10, 2008, and will be unable to attend the retirement party for Dave Yoas;
• Asked for other ways by which the District can address the billboard project at Gateway park; Director Sutter commented that the deal regarding the billboard was due to Jerry Brown's plan to subsidize an art school in downtown Oakland, and added that this technique of billboard companies contributing to local causes/issues might be a trend that will be seen statewide, and possibly nationwide;
• Spoke about the District's direction to provide more access into hilly parks next year, and asked that staff also provide opportunities for groups who may not be completely disabled but can walk one or two miles.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• Mentioned that, regarding the Iron Horse Trail, residents were told by the county to remove "informal bridges" they built from their backyards.
• Attended the Contra Costa County Liaison meeting where she received conflicting messages from County staff regarding the Treat Overcrossing: one stated reaching a resolution regarding an issue with John Muir Hospital, with the second one disputing reaching an agreement. Director Lane stated she plans to communicate with some members of the John Muir Hospital Board, and also asked GM O'Brien to have District staff contact Jim Kennedy from the Redevelopment Agency for status confirmation.
• Attended the wildlife management hearing at the Trudeau Center.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended. Director Siden

• Referring to John Muir Hospital, he mentioned that while attending a past Special Park Districts forum, he joined a field trip to a hospital in Illinois wherein this hospital contributed funds to their park district to install a trail for use of their patients.
• Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference with District staff, and made arrangements to give a presentation regarding the District's Measure AA Extension at the next conference in Union City;
• Started his "Appreciation Coffees" where he meets and brings refreshments to various park staff, beginning with Crown Beach and Crab Cove (with Exhibit Lab staff), and plans to visit MLKing, Jr. staff this week. He also encouraged other Directors to do the same for parks within their wards;
• Attended the East Bay Economic Development Alliance meeting;
• Attended the Alameda County Special Districts Executive Committee meeting;
• Attended the SunCal public committee meeting pertaining to Alameda Point;
• Attended the Airport Area Business Association meeting;

Director Severin reported on meetings attended. Director Severin

• Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference;
• Attended the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration meeting held for the stakeholders;
• Attended the HASPA meeting, where a member of Save the Bay spoke on their concerns regarding the shoreline. Also discussed was the planned propositions for power plants in the City of Hayward;
• Attended the Bob Walker book signing event at the Oakland Museum;
• Attended the employee ornament exchange;
• Mage a presentation to the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce with Public Information Supervisor Shelly Lewis.

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended. Director Skinner

• Participated in the Audubon's Christmas bird count in Oakland and was assigned the Claremont/Claremont Canyon and Temescal areas. She reported that while there was a comparable number of species seen this year, the actual numbers are fewer.
• Attended the Richmond Liaison committee meeting and expressed appreciation that the issue on freeway signage was discussed. Director Skinner also brought up the issue regarding the Long wharf lease with Chevron, and the talks going on between ABAG, Chevron, the District and others about the Bay Trail access. She asked staff to once again communicate with the State Lands Department that we want to ensure that public access is a required mitigation in the Long Wharf Lease extension.;
• Attended the Developmental Reviews;
• Mentioned plans of Contra Costa county to set-up an interagency task force regarding the oil spill; asked that staff follow-up with Supervisor John Goia's office to make sure that the District is part of the coordination process;
• Will be attending the Ecology and Legislative Committee meetings.

Director Sutter reported on meetings attended. Director Sutter

• Commented on the hazardous materials training being planned by Contra Costa County for their staff, particularly the Sheriff's Office, so that they may be prepared in advance of an accident, and suggested that the District offer the same training to staff;
• Suggested studying Director Siden's idea to form a liaison committee with the Port of Oakland, and possibly the City Council, given the number of issues shared between these agencies, like the billboards, Middle Harbor, MLKing, Jr., and the railroad plans that will affect Pt. Pinole and Niles Canyon;
• Attended the Waterfront Action meeting;
• Attended the District's Arts and Crafts fair;
• Attended the vegetation management meeting at the Trudeau Center;
• Attended the Chabot Space and Science JPA meeting, where there has been significant pressure and interest in getting AA funds from the District. Director Sutter also stated that the CSSC JPA is interested in building a structure like Camp Arroyo close to their facility to house up to 150 people for events held there.
• Continued to visit District parks: Garin, Hayward Shoreline, Martinez Shoreline, Tilden, Sibley/Huckleberry/Claremont Canyon, and suggested conducting a Board field trip to Hayward Shoreline and the new Eden Landing development.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. by President Sutter.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-12-310 through 2007-12-342
Board Committee Reports

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