Board Operations Committee Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2007

Directors: Directors Ayn Wieskamp (Chair), Carol Severin, Nancy Skinner

Staff: John Escobar, Jack Kenny, Jon King, Margaret Kelley, Mimi Waluch, Steve Crudo, Renee Patterson, Kelly Barrington, Beatriz Soria

Public: Judi Bank

1. Proposed East Bay Regional Communications System (Interoperability)

Communication Manager Steve Crudo and Public Safety Lt. Jon King provided a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed two county-wide East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS) and updated the Committee on the planned improvements to the Park District's two-way radio system District.

Public Safety officials representing law enforcement and fire / rescue agencies in Alameda County and Contra Costa County have been working cooperatively over the past three years to develop a plan for a regional communications system. The primary goal of this plan is to provide a common radio infrastructure where all public safety radio system users in both counties can operate on a common frequency band using a common protocol. Staff supports the concept of a two county-wide system. However, there is some question about whether the proposed system would serve the Park District's communications unique needs. In addition, the estimated District cost to be part of the two-county system is approximately $3.3 to $4.5 million. A monthly estimated monthly subscriber costs of $45 to $100 per radio would also be charged to the District.

Director Ayn Wieskamp stated that everyone is interested in homeland security, but also expects that one should be fiscally responsible and not just the Park District should be concerned about the cost.

The Committee thanked Mr. Crudo and Lt. King for the presentation.

2. Review Special Use Agreement with Bay Area Radio Control Society at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline

Revenue Manager Mimi Waluch noted that this pre-existing special use is being placed under a short-term Special Use Agreement until the acquisition of the underlying property is complete. The Bay Area Radio Control Society (BARCS) have been tenants on a segment of Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, known as the Bruener Property, since 1981. BARCS uses the site for radio controlled model aviation activities. The Agreement will be for one year, with two 6-month option periods, commencing, May 16, 2007.

Following discussion, it was moved, seconded and carried that this item be brought to the full Board for favorable consideration.

3. Renewal of Special Use Agreement with Mount Diablo Astronomical Society Agreement at Bear Creek Staging Area in Briones Regional Park

Ms. Waluch reported that there will be no action on this item because Mount Diablo Astronomical Society just recently notified the Park District because of the low frequency of use by its members; they had decided not to renew the agreement.

4. Introduction

Assistant General Manager John Escobar introduced Renee Patterson who has accepted an acting position in the Operations Division as the Administration Analyst ll.

5. Docent Program Update

Interpretive Services Manager Margaret Kelley provided a PowerPoint presentation recapping the second year of the Park District's expanded Docent Program, focusing on the accomplishments in 2006, progress to date in 2007, and future development plans. Ms. Kelley noted that Docents are highly trained volunteers that work with Naturalists and are teachers of natural, cultural, and historic resources of the park. They help to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the plants, wildlife, history, culture and ecology, along with promoting the mission of the Park District. Currently, there are 234 docents participating in the program at the Park District's six visitor centers.

Director Carol Severin suggested that Ms. Kelley submit an article on the District's Docent Program to the National Parks magazine.

The Committee thanked Ms. Kelley and staff for their work in making this program a success.

6. Public Comments

7. Staff Comments 

AGM Escobar noted that possible agenda items for the May 16 meeting to include the Camp Arroyo Master Plan, Redwood Bowman Special Use Agreement, and Castle Rock Arabians Special Use Agreement. Staff will also be making the final selection of a short-term caretaker for Big Break.

An update on the Oral History program will be presented at the Board Operations Committee's June meeting.

The food service concessionaire at Contra Loma Regional Park has elected to give up their concessionaire contract. Staff is looking for a new concessionaire for the summer on a short term basis. A full RFP process will be conducted prior to the 2008 season.

Chief of Park Operations Jack Kenny reported that staff is getting ready for the summer season with mowing and trail work. Swim season began on April 8. Because of the low water level at Del Valle Regional Park, the west beach will remain closed. The water level continues to rise. Staff anticipates having both beaches open by Memorial Day.

In order to upgrade the chlorination systems at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area and Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, Cull Canyon is currently closed and it is anticipated to open on July 4. Don Castro swim lagoon will close after July 4 for extension renovation of the lagoon and chlorination system.

The next Board Operations Committee meeting is scheduled for May 16, 2007, at 4 p.m., in the Board Conference Room.

There was no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.

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