The Board Meeting, which was held on October 16, 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
Nancy Skinner, Director
Beverly Lane, Director
Doug Siden, Secretary
Ted Radke, Treasurer
Carol Severin, 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.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O'Brien, Dave Collins, Tim Anderson, Carol Victor, Anne Rockwell, Stephen Gehrett, Dave Drueckhammer, Shelly Lewis, Susan Gonzales, Dave Sumner, Anne Kassebaum, Nancy Brownfield, Brad Gallup, Beth Stone, Chris Barton, Jack Kenny, Ted Radosevich, Paul Miller, Megan Jones, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

Consent Calendar Item C-1-h was pulled Director Lane for separate consideration.

By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Lane, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved, with the exception of item C-1-h.

• C-1-a.
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of September 22, 2007 through October 3, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-10-254 (Attached)
• C-1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of September 18, 2007
  Director Skinner submitted a revision of her comments regarding the District's Integrated Pest Management Policy.
• C-1-c.
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-10-255 (Attached)
• C-1-d.
  Authorization to Grant an Easement to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for a Subsurface Power Line: Linear Park at Coyote Hills Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-10-256 (Attached)
• C-1-e.
  Authorization to Enter into an Agreement to Exchange Certain Access and Utility Easements with the
  City of Martinez: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-10-257 (Attached)
• C-1-f.
  Acceptance of Bid for Lake Chabot Road Tree Removal Project
  Resolution No. 2007-10-258 (Attached)

In a response to Director Sutter's question, Maintenance and Skilled Trades Chief Anne Scheer stated there are no plans to replace the trees marked for removal; there are native trees such as Bay and Oak, and the area in question is on a steep slope on the uphill side adjacent to the road. District Counsel Ted Radosevich added that some vehicles have been damaged by trees falling from this area in the last 10 years.

Director Skinner commented that she noticed the difference in bids received and that the contractor chosen was located farthest from the District and she hoped that the District is not awarding the contract to low-wage payers. Counsel Radosevich stated that he understands that the firm chosen has plenty of equipment and resources available, and keeping these resources occupied was a priority to the contractor. Maintenance Chief Scheer added that contractors are required to bid based on prevailing Bay-area wages and are required to submit certified wage reports.

• C-1-g.
  Acceptance of Bid for Asphalt Pavement Repairs: Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-10-259 (Attached)
• C-1-i.
  Authorization to Purchase One Delivery Truck
  Resolution No. 2007-10-260 (Attached)

The following action took place regarding item C-1-h:

• C-1-h.
  Authorization to Adopt Names for Trails, Meadow and Staging Area: Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Point Isabel Regional Shoreline and Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-10-261 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Weiskamp , seconded by Director Radke, item C-1-h was unanimously approved

Director Lane stated that she was specifically concerned with the naming proposal for Pt. Isabel, and felt that a more significant area is appropriate for naming after the late Director Siri.

Chief of Planning and Stewardship Brian Wiese explained that Bruener Marsh was initially suggested, but was not considered since the District has not secured title to the property.

Director Wieskamp added that Director Siri knew plenty of people who enjoyed Pt. Isabel with their dogs, and believed she would have agreed to the staff recommendation.

The following action took place regarding item C-2-a:

• C-2-a
  Authorization to Enter Into a Telecommunications License Agreement for Existing Facilities:
  Briones Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-10-262 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Siden, item C-2-a was unanimously approved.

Revenue Manager Mimi Waluch gave a presentation on this item and explained that this proposed action will have Clear Channel Communications as the master leaseholder, replacing Comcast Communications who vacated the site on July 2007. She stated that Clear Channel has indicated a strong interest in improving the appearance of the site by removing obsolete antennas and abandoned structures.

Director Lane explained her opposition to this proposal during the Operations Committee discussion of this item, stating that anytime there is a transition of this type within the District, she would like to ensure that there is a substantial improvement over what was in place previously; ideally, she would rather do without these in the parks. In responding to Director Sutter's question, Asst. District Counsel Carol Victor stated that there is currently no Public Safety use for this tower, although there is discussion of a regional communications system in the future. Ms. Victor also stated that this proposed action is consistent with the District's policy as it relates to this particular park.

Director Wieskamp asked that staff report back to the Board after improvements are made by Clear Channel.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORT

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

General Manager Pat O'Brien reported that staff is working with the Oakland Museum in hosting Christopher Beavers' book signing featuring Bob Walkers photographs of the East Bay. GM O'Brien also reported that the City of Albany approved the burrowing owl habitat recommendation on Eastshore State Park, with the District in-charge of project implementation.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Gary Righettini, Mine Manager at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, gave a slide presentation on the various activities and projects at the mines during the past year, including a preview of future plans.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter announced that the Board voted unanimously to deny the claim of Rudy Rodriguez, Sr. and Teresa Diaz.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. County Special Districts Association (7/11/07) (Siden)
Director Siden called attention to the report made by BCDC Executive Director Will Travis on Global Warming on the Bay that San Francisco Bay water levels have risen about seven inches since the 1950's.
b. Finance Committee (8/29/07) (Radke)
c. Operations Committee (9/20/07) (Wieskamp)

Director Lane commented that she believes that motorized vehicles should not be allowed on trails, including electric bicycles and Segways.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended. Director Skinner

• attended the SF Bay Institute event, where Lt. Gov. Garamendi spoke on global warming;
• commented that during her one-on-one meeting with GM O'Brien, she spoke about various approaches that the District may take to have a greater presence on the issue of Global Warming, including conducting an emissions inventory, measuring the carbon footprint or carbon sequestration impacts of District land purchases/preservation. She intends to submit material relevant to these topics, including a write-up pertaining to the Tyler Ranch/Pleasanton Ridge acquisition, and how it represents carbon preservation;
• commented that she initiated the "Cities for Climate Protection" in Berkeley, where participation has grown from 4 cities in 2004 to numerous cities within Alameda and Contra Costa counties today;
• spoke about the movement to reduce the use of bottled water and her participation in a press conference highlighting this campaign;
• attended the Board field trip;
• went to the Cal football game as part of the District's participation in Fire Prevention Week;
• conducted a walk-through of the Sports Field project with Doug Fielding. She brought up the question of whether the District was planning to install picnic tables or benches in the area of the Bay Trail extension.
• commented on her vote to oppose the resolution opposing AB124 during the September 18 meeting. She noted that the District's registration opposing the bill and its letter to the Governor requesting his opposition to the proposed the legislation were both dated prior to the Board's action. She asked that there be more clarification as to whether actions that communicate a District position actually need Board action.

Director Severin reported on meetings. Director Severin

• attended the Signature event at Camp Arroyo, the EBMUD Liaison Committee, Fremont Liaison and Alameda County Liaison meetings;
• attended the Board Field trip;
• attended the retirement event for Clerk of the Board Sharon Marshall;
• attended events and conferences conducted by the NRPA in Indianapolis and CSDA in Monterey. She also reported on educational classes she attended during the conference, and stated that common to both of these events are topics relating to retirees and the differences between generations;
• will be attending the CARPD meeting in Sacramento and the Bob Walker book signing event in Oakland.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended. Director Siden

• attended the NRPA Conference in Indianapolis;
• attended the CSDA Conference in Monterey, where Legislative Asst. Ro Aguilar won the "Most Effective Advocate for Special Districts" award after being nominated by the Alameda County Special Districts Association;
• commended Public Affairs staff for the successful Foundation event that he attended;
• attended the recent Board field trip;
• attended the retirement event for Clerk of the Board Sharon Marshall;
• MLK Freedom Center Board meeting;
• Announced that he will be attending the Workforce Diversity meeting, the YMCA-East Bay annual dinner, East Bay Economic Development Alliance quarterly meeting and the District's Service Awards event;
• mentioned that he has not received the RIN insert for the Alameda Times and Oakland Tribune newspapers;
• commented positively on the new trail at Alameda Point;
• asked for a staff response regarding the lawsuit filed by the Golden Gate Audubon against a truck center to to protect the MLK wetland; District Counsel Radosevich stated that staff has done an analysis and will provide an update to the Board in a future meeting.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• attended the Board field trip and the Camp Arroyo Signature event;
• attended the event for retiring Clerk of the Board Sharon Marshall;
• hiked the Ring Tailed Cat trail at Las Trampas;
• have been enjoying reading District oral histories and emphasized its importance;
• commented that the most recent issue of Bay Nature featured some of Bob Walker's photos;
• asked staff to verify the status of the Treat Avenue-over-Iron Horse trail bridge;
• asked that staff start focusing on the construction of the Atlas Bridge into Pt. Pinole, especially since funds have been received from the City of Richmond for this project;
• attended the Concord City Council meeting last week where it was decided that all seven alternatives to CNWS will be heard;
• will be attending the meeting of the CNWS Citizens Advisory Committee to hear various presentations, including one from the District, on public conveyance alternatives; she suggested that the District be more assertive in its plans for the area during this presentation.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp

• attended the Camp Arroyo Signature event;
• attended the retirement event for Sharon Marshall;
• attended the Board field trip;
• enjoyed the Gathering of Ohlones event;
• commented that she found the photography for the most recent edition of Regional In Nature excellent;
• announced that she will be on vacation.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• attended the CSDA conference in Monterey, and spoke about the speech by Sen. Jackie Speier;
• attended the Board field trip;
• attended the Bay Trail Board of Directors meeting
• spoke about a property adjacent to Lone Tree and the possibility that the District acquire it as a staging area. Director Radke suggested that staff examine the possibility of approaching Congressman Miller for funding sources that may be used to clean the site up.
• attended a meeting of the ABAG/Bay Trail Board in Port Costa, where one of the main topics of discussion was the Carquinez – Scenic Drive/Bay Trail and the District's plan to fix the slide and provide a safer access for the public;
• announced that the City of Martinez finally received funding to remove the dilapidated pier at the shoreline;
• commended Asst. District Counsel Carol Victor for the memo she prepared on the railroad agreement;
• handed out an invitation to the Board for an all-day tour of Los Vaqueros;
• announced that he will be on vacation.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• attended the Bay Institute event in San Francisco;
• attended the Board field trip;
• attended the retirement events for Clerk of the Board Sharon Marshall and Mike Daly of the Sierra Club;
• attended the Alameda County Mayors conference in Berkeley;
• conducted park tours of Crown Beach and MLK;
• spoke with San Leandro City Manager John Geramanis regarding the construction of the bridge for the Bay Trail linking Oakland and San Leandro, and was advised that funds are lacking;
• attended the Chabot Space and Science fundraising dinner;
• attended the Port of Oakland and City Council Liaison Committee meeting wherein the topic of discussion was access to the Bay. Director Sutter spoke to the group about links on the Bay Trail that need attention;
• attended the very moving Children's Memorial event at Fairmont Ridge;
• stated that suggestions on the use of Measure AA extension funds are being received from various parties,a and suggested that definite timelines are set for public hearings;
• relayed that there is a concern by bicycle groups to have a bike lane as part of the Caldecott Tunnel's proposed fourth bore, and asked staff to look into it and determine whether the District should take a position.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm. by President Sutter.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-10-254 through 2007-10-263
Board Committee Reports

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