Board Operations Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007

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

Staff: John Escobar, Anne Scheer, Jack Kenny, Mimi Waluch, Rita Fesler, Beatriz Soria

Public: Judi Bank, Steve Vitkovits, Diana Vitkovits

1. Review of Golden Gate Live Steamers Lease Addendum

Assistant General Manager of Operations John Escobar reported that in May of 2006 the Board Operations Committee had supported the track expansion in concept and directed staff to negotiate an addendum to the operating agreement that would enable Golden Gate Live Steamers (GGLS) to make the proposed modification. The full Board subsequently adopted a lease addendum which included a 900-foot track expansion on the hillside between the two Tilden train operators. This project was recommended by staff and approved by the Board. GGLS has met all deadlines in the development of plans and specifications for the approved project.

Staff is now recommending that GGLS not be permitted to move forward on the previously approved project. GGLS has graciously agreed to modify their initial proposal, eliminating the planned hillside track alignment, provided that the Park District can approve the modified project in a timely manner. The modified proposal will permit GGLS to modify their track system to connect the two parallel loops with a very minor modification of the GGLS boundary. If ultimately approved by the full Board, this addendum will add three feet to the boundary of the lease area in the vicinity of a planned tunnel on an existing track alignment. GGLS is also required to obtain all necessary building permits prior to construction.

Mr. Steve Vitkovits, GGLS President, thanked staff and the Committee for their support.

After further discussion, the Committee unanimously recommended that this item be brought to the full Board for favorable consideration.

2. Review Renewal of Special Use Agreement with The Astronomy Connection at Del Valle Regional Park

Revenue Analyst Rita Fesler stated that in 1999 The Astronomy Connection (TAC) entered into a one-year agreement on a year-to-year basis in order to conduct astronomical observations. In 2002, the District was approached by another group, Tri-Valley Stargazers (TVS), to use the same location in Del Valle. Still in agreement with TAC, the District sought their approval. TAC offered to manage the TVS agreement under their name. This arrangement has continued to work successfully.

The new agreement would be for a period of five years, commencing April 1, 2007. Licensee shall have the right to renew the initial term for one 5-year period from the date of the initial term by giving the District written notice thereof not less than three months prior to such expiration date, subject to District's sole discretion, based on satisfactory performance by adhering to all terms of the agreement.

After further discussion, the Committee unanimously recommended that this item be brought to the full Board for favorable consideration.

3. Review Renewal of Special Use Agreement with the Model Mariners at Alameda Creek Trails

Revenue Manager Mimi Waluch noted that the Model Mariners (Mariners) have been using Kaiser Pond A in the Alameda Creek Quarries Regional Recreation Area since 1978. District staff meets annually with representatives from the Mariners, Alameda County Flood Control, and Alameda County Water District to discuss methods for improving site conditions as well as alleviating issues relating to noise complaints.

Staff recommends renewing the Agreement with the Mariners for a period of 5 years, commencing April 1, 2007. Licensee shall have the right to renew the initial term for one 5-year period from the date of the initial term by giving District written notice thereof not less than six months prior to such expiration date, subject to District's sole discretion, based on satisfactory performance by adhering to all terms of the Agreement.

After further discussion, the Committee unanimously recommended that this item be brought to the full Board for favorable consideration.

4. 2006 Board Operations Committee Work Plan Summary

AGM Escobar reviewed for the Committee 2006 Work Plan projects that have been completed and projects that will be carried over to the 2007 Work Plan.

5. 2007 Board Operations Committee Draft Work Plan Review

The Proposed 2007 Work Plan was discussed with the Committee. AGM Escobar commented that this is a very ambitious list for 2007.

Director Nancy Skinner suggested adding a Consent Calendar to the Committee meeting agenda for items that do not need major discussion. AGM Escobar suggested that routine agenda items could be handled more efficiently by eliminating the staff presentation and moving directly to Committee Members' questions and public comment. The Chair may want to make a determination for each agenda item at the meeting depending on the interest expressed by the public in attendance. However, appropriate staff will still be present to answer questions.

Suggested items to add to the Work Plan:

• Parking and entry fee analysis
• Recycling and energy update – Item to be brought up at a Board Workshop.
• Grazing update (Resource & Public Safety Divisions)
• Camp Ohlone Usage update
• Freeway Signage update
• Commercial Dog Walker Permit update (Public Safety Division)
• Serpentine Prairie update

Director Nancy Skinner suggested to post Committee minutes on the website and kept current in Board packets.

Staff will provide the Board Operation Committee with an updated 2007 Work Plan at their next regular meeting.

6. Public Comments

Judi Bank commented that the City of Oakland has a temporary concessionaire to run the City Stables for six months. If the program is successful, the City will enter into a contract with the concessionaire. Ms. Bank stated that it is hoped that the stable will be open for horse boarding.

7. Staff Comments 

Rita Fesler noted that Action Vending will be providing healthier food in the District's vending machines for one year. If the healthier snacks work out, then next year, it will go out for a Request for Proposal to find a vendor for Roberts, Temescal, Don Castro, Cull Canyon and Quarry Lakes.

Chief of Park Operations Jack Kenny reported that each Park Operations Department park supervisors have complete their goals and commitments for 2007. Mr. Kenny is inviting the Committee to look at the lists.

Suggested Board Field Trips for 2007: Briones – Pine Tree Trail; Vasco; Mid-Peninsula – May 24; Tehan Falls at Pleasanton Ridge; Ohlone - flower observation; helicopter facility and Environmental Graphics.

There was no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m.

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