The Board Meeting, which was held on May 15, 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
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 Sutter.

Staff Present Included: Pat O'Brien, Ted Radosevich, Dave Collins, Tim Anderson, Mike Garitano, Mike Anderson, John Escobar, Randy Carlton, Nancy Wenninger, Carol Victor, Anne Scheer, Mimi Waluch, Susan Gonzales, Rita Fesler, Jeff Rasmussen, Anne Rockwell, Diane Althoff, Mark Ragatz, Jack Kenny, Shelly Lewis

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Director Severin introduced District Fire Lt. Mike Garitano, noting that he drove the District's 1962 Dodge "power wagon" antique fire engine in the Castro Valley Rowell Ranch parade this past Saturday. Lt. Garitano shared with the Board the First Place award that was received for their entry, noting he would like to see even more support for the Fire Department to be in the parades throughout the District.

Sylvia Schild, former president of Pt. Isabel Dog Owners ("PIDO"), commented about the District's use of pesticide in the Pt. Isabel Park. She noted that she was present at all the negotiating meetings in the early 80's and that PIDO was promised that no pesticides would ever be used, and that it is not good for pets, birds, or people, let alone the water.

Eleanor Yukic, the current chairperson of PIDO, noted she has received many calls about the use of Round-Up at Pt. Isabel, and that they are all concerned about this use of pesticides and its effect on the animals in the area.

President Sutter noted that the Board cannot take action on these comments today. AGM Mike Anderson noted that the use of Round-Up Pro is being used intermittently and needs to be used during hydro seeding and will only be used in a fenced-in area. The fencing will be up for four months after that process. The use of Round-Up Pro should not be a problem for dogs or the environment, or affect the surrounding areas.

Director Skinner noted that you cannot have a very successful lawn without treating the weeds, but asked if barrier material can be used instead of chemicals. She noted that while the intent might be to only use it once or twice, the use of Round-Up Pro is not going to do the job to kill the seeds; they can last for a very long time. She noted that she feels this item should be referred to one of the District committees to review. She asked how many applications have there been. Mr. Anderson noted that one so far, but the second one is due. GM O'Brien noted that this will be taken to the Ecology and/or Natural & Cultural Resources Committee for review of the annual procedures.

Bob Vernagallo, noted that he lives in Ward 3, and spoke about Cull [Canyon] Lake in Castro Valley. He is part of a group that works with Supervisor Nate Miley's office, who talk about the health and well-being of Cull Lake and the history of the lake. He suggested that the Park District may only have peripheral knowledge of those activities and would like to bring this history and the condition of the lake to the Board's attention, and make requests that some coordinated effort be referred to mutual staff of the District and the Alameda County Flood District in an effort to restore it. President Sutter noted that the Board of Directors is pretty familiar with the history of Cull Canyon and the continuing dredging operations. Mr. Vernagallo noted that the safety of the reservoir has been called by the California people involved in dam safety. As a result, the Alameda Flood Control District is looking at four alternative proposals for resizing and reshaping the lake. Since the property is exactly contiguous to the swim lagoon, he noted that it is a wonderful addition to the portfolio properties of the Park District. Funding for proposed restoration is tight and as a result he thought it might make sense to reverse the roles and that the Alameda Flood Control District provide a turn-key delivery of the property after restoration and in turn the Flood District maintain on-going maintenance activities. He noted he hopes that Park District and Flood Control people discuss alternative ways to jointly improving, managing, owning and maintaining this property. Director Lane asked if his position is that it is important for the lake to be dredged and remain as a lake as opposed to the natural succession that is occurring now. Mr. Vernagallo noted that he feels it is important to maintain it as a lake for community use.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

• Regarding Item C-1-d & n, Director Siden had questions.
• Regarding Item C-1-n & r, Director Lane had questions.
• Regarding Item C-1-p, President Sutter had comments.

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

• C-1-a
  Approval of Check Listing for the Period of April 21, 2007 through May 10, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-5-97 (Attached)
• C-1-b
  Authorization to Accept Revenue for the Disaster Recovery Reserve
  Resolution No. 2007-5-98 (Attached)
• C-1-c
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget to Adjust Budgeted Capital Project Accounts to Meet District Grant Requirements
  Resolution No. 2007-5-99 (Attached)
• C-1-d
  Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of Boating and Waterways for Sand Replenishment: Crown Memorial State Beach
  Resolution No. 2007-5-100 (Attached)

Director Siden noted that the beach has lost a lot of sand through the years, and wants to know what is going to be done.
AGM of Planning Mike Anderson explained that the District has a FEMA project to replace some of the sand, but will need more. They are looking for other funds to do this.

• C-1-e
  Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of Boating and Waterways for the Purchase of a New Police Boat: Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-5-101 (Attached)
• C-1-f
  Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Directors Doug Siden and Ayn Wieskamp, and General Manager Pat O'Brien, to Attend the 2007 Special Park Districts Forum, June 5 – 8, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio
  Resolution No. 2007-5-102 (Attached)
• C-1-g
  Authorization to Accept Insurance Renewal Quotations
  Resolution No. 2007-5-103 (Attached)
• C-1-h
  Authorization to Purchase One Forklift
  Resolution No. 2007-5-104 (Attached)
• C-1-i
  Authorization to Transfer Funds and Purchase One Skip Loader
  Resolution No. 2007-5-105 (Attached)
• C-1-j
  Resolution to Support Pending State Legislation AB 1536 (Smyth), ACA 8 (Huffman), and SB 838 (Codgill)
  Resolution No. 2007-5-106 (Attached)
• C-1-k
  Resolution to Oppose Unless Amended Pending State Legislation – SB 670 (Correa)
  Resolution No. 2007-5-107 (Attached)
• C-1-l
  Approval of Appointment of Jean Peters to the Park Advisory Committee
  Resolution No. 2007-5-108 (Attached)
• C-1-m
  Authorization to Accept Funds from the Regional Parks Foundation and Transfer Project Budget between Funds for Development of a Group Camp at Pt. Pinole Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-5-109 (Attached)

Director Lane noted she is delighted to see that the Foundation is contributing so that this camp area improved, and asked why this was going to take until spring of 2008 to complete. Chief of Maintenance Anne Scheer noted that much work needs to be done such as a water line and restroom installation and acknowledge that the Foundation has graciously given the funds to do this.

• C-1-n Authorization to Enter into a New Lease Agreement with Redwood Valley Railway Corporation, Tilden Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-5-110 (Attached)

Ellen Thomsen, from Redwood Valley Railway Corporation Steam Trains, spoke about all the new work that has been done. She thanked Tilden Park Supervisor Davio Santos and Revenue Manager Mimi Waluch and all the people in the Park District through the past years, and invited everyone to their 55th anniversary event on June 2nd and 3rd. Director Skinner thanked Ms. Thomsen for being here today, and noted she is looking forward to another ten years. She also acknowledged Ms. Thomsens' father who was the founder and builder of the railway and designed some of the railway cars. She noted that Mr. Thomsen was a true railroader and preservationist and it was his vision, credentials and dedication that has allowed the District to benefit from this excellent facility. It is one of the Park District's most popular attractions. Director Siden also congratulated Ms. Thomsen noting that his family has enjoyed the railway.

Director Wieskamp noted that she will not be able to attend the event because she will be out of town; but noted a recent story from a Livermore friend whose grandson asked enthusiastically if she knew they had a steam train and a carousel and said that it's such a good time. She suggested that he continue going to Tilden and he'll find even more fund things.

Director Severin and President Sutter also congratulated Ms. Thomsen stating they too enjoy the trains.

• C-1-o
  Authorization to Enter into First Amendment to License Agreement with the City of San Leandro: San Francisco Bay Trail – Hayward Shoreline to Oyster Bay Segment
  Resolution No. 2007-5-111 (Attached)
• C-1-p
  Authorization to Appropriate Funds and Acceptance of Bid for the Construction of Tidewater Phase 2A Utilities and Access Improvements: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-5-112 (Attached)

President Sutter commented on the good work. He noted that at some point the Board would like an update on the Oakland
Strokes negotiations.

• C-1-q
  Acceptance of Bid for the Installation of a Restroom Facility at Grangers' Wharf: Martinez Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-5-113 (Attached)
• C-1-r
  Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District
  Resolution No. 2007-5-114 (Attached)

Director Lane has a question on why the new zone of benefit, Stone Valley, is described as being near Las Trampas
Regional Wilderness Area. CFO Randy Carlton noted that it was just to be shown as a sense of its vicinity. Director Lane
noted that it being in the Alamo area might be better.

• C-1-s
  Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District
  Resolution No. 2007-5-115 (Attached)
• C-1-t
  Approval of Appointment of Michael E. Levi to the Chabot Space & Science Center Board of Directors
  Resolution No. 2007-5-116 (Attached)

President Sutter commented that Mr. Levi was recommended by Glen Dahlbaca, who has represented the District on the Chabot board for a number of years. Dr. Levi has very impressive credentials, works at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and is working on a proposal to put up another space craft to focus on Black Holes in space. He is working on the grant writing for this nearly billion dollar project.

2. LAND DIVISION

• C-2-a
  Authorization to Purchase Fee Interest in Real Property from Robert Chen, et al., and Appropriate and Transfer Funds Therefore: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
  Moved for approval by Director Lane; seconded by Director Radke, with the resolution as amended.
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-5-117 (Attached)

Land Acquisition Manager Nancy Wenninger presented the Board with background on this item, citing information from the staff report. She gave a Power Point presentation showing the Chen property location in the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Director Lane congratulated everyone for their ability to pull the funds together to buy this property, noting it is a very significant piece of property. President Sutter thanked Ms. Wenninger for the very nice presentation. Mr. Radosevich noted that some proposed additional language about the Williamson Act and Government Code Section 51292 has been provided, so a couple of new "Whereas" clauses would be entered into the Resolution. Ms. Wenninger read this new language and the Board has a copy of the resolution as amended.

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

General Manager Pat O'Brien introduced AGM of Public Affairs Rosemary Cameron who presented the Board with a preview of the re-designed District website. Ms. Cameron introduced Emma Ng, the District's new website designer. She loves the outdoors and has worked on outdoor projects, some with "Doc Quack" prior to her employment with the District. Thanks go to the District's Publication Coordinator Lane Powell's amazing dedication to maintain the website until now. However, there is the need for a dedicated website designer. Ms. Cameron noted that they had hired a consultant ("MIG") to help bring the District's website into the 21st century, with the central focus being on ADA accessibility. She noted that the District's website has so much information, and Ms. Ng has been working hard on getting the website almost ready for "re-launching." Ms. Cameron presented the new website on the PowerPoint, noting the easy accessibility and organization of all park information, events, and that any changes or additions can be completed by Ms. Ng on a more frequent basis. Director Lane asked about the posting of minutes and the ability to "Google search" the website. Ms. Cameron noted that the minutes will be accessible the same as they are now, and that the "Google search" will most likely work well searching for certain subjects such as biking.

Director Skinner asked if doing a press webcast has been considered to orient people to the site. Ms. Cameron noted that she is hoping to first do a "quiet re-launch," to give it a couple of testing weeks. Director Siden asked if the committee agendas could be included in the future. Ms. Cameron said that it could.

President Sutter asked what the capacity for expansion is. Ms. Cameron said it is pretty much unlimited, keeping funds in mind. President Sutter asked about a calendar so folks can see what is being done at certain parks on a certain day. Ms. Cameron said that the class registration system is by current date, and that a calendar of events has been added to the website noting that these items are organized by date; you can see what is happening on a certain date. Director Severin congratulated Ms. Cameron and Ms. Ng and staff, commenting on the website's great appearance and usefulness. President Sutter noted that it should be very popular. GM O'Brien noted the importance of the website and all the work being done, noting there have been many inquiries about improving the website.

GM O'Brien addressed the Board noting the low water level at Del Valle. The District has been advised by the Department of Water Resources that this year they will be able to fill the lake up to an appropriate level. He also noted the problems with the water treatment plant at Del Valle and the work being done to resolve these problems.

Director Siden complimented the Maintenance and Skilled Trades Department about the nice improvements at the MLK Shoreline Center. He also complimented South County Trades for the nice field trip to Camp Arroyo where they saw the improvements that have been made.

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 May 15, 2007.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Operations Committee (3/19/07) (Wieskamp)
• Legislative Committee (4/13/07) (Siden)

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke noted that Saturday is the "preview" temporary opening of Big Break. He noted being called by Congressman Miller's office for a meeting tomorrow about the Carquinez Preservation Trust. Director Radke noted he will be attending this meeting, as well as Congressman Miller's annual fund-raiser birthday party where Nancy Pelosi will be special guest. He noted the wonderful John Waters article in the Times, as well as the special kids fishing derby. He noted the enjoyable website video he received and shared about the beavers at Alhambra Creek. He also noted the whales off Martinez Regional Shoreline, and the Martinez News Gazette article about the Mountain View Sanitary District doing an article about Waterbird as an important wetlands and bird habitat.

Director Wieskamp noted the wonderful field trip, and seeing the trails come together, as well as seeing the Camp Arroyo potting shed. She noted the Elected Women's Organization is planning a visit and tour. She attended the wildflower show at the Oakland Museum which she said was terrific; she is looking forward to the Volunteer Barbeque event next week; she asked about Fresh Tracks and how that is working. Ms. Cameron noted that one hike is selling out. She noted her community breakfast this morning was very successful and thanked staff for their help. She looks forward to others in Fremont, but realizes it is a lot of work for staff.

Director Siden noted that he and Director Severin attended the CARPDA Conference in Tahoe. He attended the Ron Dellums' Economic Summit, where1400 people were in attendance; a very worthwhile event. He had his community leader's breakfast at MLK Shoreline, noting it was a very good event with 38 people in attendance. He met with Congressman Barbara Lee about the MLK Freedom Center, and wants to discuss this with GM O'Brien about the interest in moving the neighborhood kind of board of directors to more of a regional board for the Freedom Center. Director Siden noted his appreciation for the field trip; last night and today he will be at the CSDA legislative conference in Sacramento. He noted that President Sutter has invited him to his community leader's breakfast tomorrow. He and President Sutter have been asked to meet with the Oakland Zoo's Foundation pertaining to the future campaign. He will be attending the Capital Trails workshop this week, the Economic Development Alliance membership meeting, the Volunteer Recognition barbeque, and he has been invited to serve on the Advisory Group for the East Bay Business Times. He will be attending Fire Chief Dennis Rein's retirement, and the inauguration for the new president of CalState. He will attend the Round Valley Camp Opening and the Special Park Districts forum.

Director Lane noted that she has been gone for a couple of weeks. She attended the Regional Parks Association annual meeting and heard a speaker on grazing and the changing grasslands. She offered to bring a Park District Measure AA presentation next year for their annual meeting. She attended and enjoyed the Horace Carpentier dinner which was very interesting. She held a community leader's breakfast and thanked staff for their help; she noted the Power Point went very smoothly. She went into Castle Rock to see what is going on there and noted the changes as the District moves to have this be a recreation area. She talked with Sharon Saffas and feels that this will be a wonderful opportunity for people in Central Costa County. She noted she enjoyed the field trip. She complimented Black Diamond's Supervising Nationalist II, Tracy Parent, for what she is managing to do at the visitor center and many other projects with historical societies and museums. She will be attending the Concord Naval Weapons Station Community Advisory Committee tonight.

Director Severin attended the CSDA county meeting where they have a nice native garden at the County Water District building. She noted she enjoyed the field trip, and feels the cooperation between the City of Livermore and Zone 7 is impressive. She attended the CARPDA Conference at Tahoe at which she attended a couple of interesting programs. She also attended hosted the GeoCashing session with Recreation Area Unit Manager Dave Yoas and Reservations Supervisor Tiffany Margolici speaking about the study they've been doing about the "pros and cons" of GeoCashing. It was a very successful session, and Steve Wood, an REI representative who specializes in GeoCashing, was also there and contributed to the session with a very nice film presentation. Director Severin also attended a session about park development and state bonds, where a fellow from the State Resources Dept. gave an excellent presentation about Prop 12 and Prop 40. She attended the CARPD meeting at Tahoe; noting that they may change the location next year. She noted the Rowell Ranch
Parade at Castro Valley was a fun event; she was in the car with Carol Johnson and Brenda Montano who was dressed as a squirrel. It was a great response, but she feels they do need to identify that it is a squirrel.

Director Skinner noted that she will be leaving her current job and take a break. She noted that she joined Public Information Supervisor Shelly Lewis and did some great PSA shots for Comcast at Tilden. She attended the Mother's Day walk on the Quarry Trail and Seaview Trail; she will attend the Operations Committee meeting. She noted that regarding the Round Up issue at Pt. Isabel, she has received quite a few calls.

President Sutter spoke about the importance of Thursday's Capital Trails workshop, especially the last item about the AA extension. With all the information that is presented, he suggests that the Board needs to keep other comments to a minimum and focus on the AA extension and what that money should be used for.

Director Wieskamp noted that with all the important items on there, she wonders if another workshop should be scheduled. GM O'Brien agreed, if all this information could not be covered. Director Radke suggested staff be given what items are of higher priority.

President Sutter noted that he attended the Park District Foundation Board meeting, noting their good fund raising.
He attended the annual Founder's Tea by the Save the Bay Association; and they awarded him the annual award as a founder of Save the Bay many years ago. He really thinks it was an award for the Park District because comments were made about the continuing efforts to save the bay and the work the District is doing. He attended the Horace Carpentier dinner and thought it was interesting; he attended the field trip and joins the comments others have made; he had the first of the Leadership Breakfasts in Lafayette last week with four members of the Recreation Commission of Lafayette, and a Lafayette City Councilmember in attendance, along with the Park Director from Moraga; he noted good ideas came from it and felt the discussion was useful. He will be attending the Community Leadership breakfast tomorrow in Oakland tomorrow.
He noted that he attended the Alameda County Mayors' Conference in Albany; the Public Lands Committee of the Sierra Club who are working on the Measure AA extension and gathering up comments for it. He noted that the Berkeley/Albany group wants $60 million for expansion of Eastshore State Park, which won't leave much for others in the West Metro.

8. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. by President Sutter

Sharon Marshall, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-5-97 through 2007-5-117
Board Committee Reports

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