The Board Meeting, which was held on November 6, 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
Doug Siden, Secretary
Ted Radke, Treasurer
Carol Severin, Director
Beverly Lane, Director

Directors Absent:
Ayn Wieskamp, Vice-President
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 2:05 p.m. by Board President John Sutter;

Director Skinner joined the meeting at this time.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O'Brien, Dave Collins, Tim Anderson, Carol Victor, Dave Drueckhammer, Shelly Lewis, Susan Gonzales, Dave Sumner, Brad Gallup, Ted Radosevich, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle, Mike Anderson, Ken Blonski, John Swanson, Isa Polte-Jones, Anne Scheer, Sharon Corkin, John Escobar, Brian Wiese, Kara Haas, Susan Canale, Jim Townsend.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

Director Siden asked that item C-1-b be pulled for separate discussion.
Director Lane asked that items C-1-k and C-1-m be pulled for separate discussion.

By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Lane, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved, with the exception of items C-1-b, C-1-k and C-1-m.

• C-1-a.
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of October 4, 2007 through October 26, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-11-255 (Attached)
• C-1-c.
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-11-256 (Attached)
• C-1-d.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds for Land Acquisition Department Projects
  Resolution No. 2007-11-257 (Attached)
• C-1-e.
  Authorization to Enter into License Agreements with East Bay Municipal Utility District and the
  City of San Ramon: Sycamore Valley Open Space
  Resolution No. 2007-11-258/259 (Attached)
• C-1-f.
  Authorization to Award a Contract to T.Y. Lin International for the Final Plans, Specifications and Estimates for the Alamo Canal Trail Under Crossing at Interstate 580: Shadow Cliffs to Iron Horse Regional Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-11-260 (Attached)
• C-1-g.
  Authorization to Amend Five Sections of the Personnel Administrative Manual
  Resolution No. 2007-11-261 (Attached)
• C-1-h.
  Acceptance of Bid for Asphalt Pavement Repairs: Lake Chabot Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-11-262 (Attached)
• C-1-i.
  Authorization to Accept Funds from the Regional Parks Foundation and Approval of Sole Source Agreement with Sierra Woods, Incorporated to Fabricate a Door and Window System for the Merry-Go-Round in Tilden Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-11-263 (Attached)
• C-1-j.
  Authorization to Enter into a Three-Year Extension Agreement with Sunrise Mountaineering to Operate a Kayak Concession: Del Valle Regional Park
  Resolution No. 2007-11-264 (Attached)
• C-1-l.
  Authorization to Hire John R. Swanson as Assistant Fire Chief at Step E of Management Pay Range MG-03
  Resolution No. 2007-11-266 (Attached)
• C-1-n.
  Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program Under Section 164.56 of the Streets and Highways Code: Big Break Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-11-268 (Attached)

The following discussion took place regarding item C-1-b:

• C-1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of September 18, 2007
  By motion of Director Skinner and seconded by Director Lane, item C-1-b was approved.
  For: Directors Lane, Skinner, and Sutter;
  Abstain: Directors Severin, Siden and Radke.

Director Siden asked that this item be pulled from Consent Calendar to allow Directors who were absent from this meeting to vote separately.

The following discussion took place regarding item C-1-k:

• C-1-k:
  Approval of Letter of Intent to Join the East Bay Regional Communications System
  Resolution No. 2007-11-265 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Radke and seconded by Director Lane, item C-1-k was unanimously approved.

Director Lane asked about the District's involvement in this program; AGM of Public Safety Chief Tim Anderson stated that one member of the 23-member JPA Board will represent Special Districts, and that approval of this action will make the District eligible for membership on this JPA Board.

Director Sutter expressed his concern that the program will eventually be too cost-prohibitive, having heard presentations where it had been mentioned that the entire project will cost about $60 million. According to Chief Anderson, it is staff's intention to limit the District's exposure by enrolling only 20 of the over 950 radios in its inventory. The District currently has a communications system in place that serves its needs well, and submitting a Letter of Intent will at least allow the District to become a program participant and will facilitate inter-agency communications in times of an emergency. Chief Anderson added that these 20 radios will be deployed in police and fire command vehicles and helicopters in an emergency and will complement the District's own communications system. In a response to a question by Director Sutter, Chief Anderson stated that BART did not join as this system is not programmed to work underground nor outside Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and the City of Oakland chose not to participate due to the costs involved. He added that this system does not perform consistently in the parkland environment; performance will be determined during actual use. Director Sutter asked about future costs; Chief Anderson stated that the monthly "subscription fee" has not been determined and the District has the option of pulling out if the rates, once set, are not agreeable.

The following discussion took place regarding item C-1-m:

• C-1-m.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds for Public Safety Equipment Purchases
  Resolution No. 2007-11-267 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Lane and seconded by Director Radke, item C-1-m was unanimously approved.

In a response to a question by Director Lane, AGM of Public Safety Chief Anderson stated that the District's Search and Rescue contingent of the Trail Safety Patrol are equipped with radios.

• C-2-a.
  PLANNING/STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
  PUBLIC HEARING
  Amendment of the 1997 Master Plan Map of Existing and Potential Parklands and Trails
  Resolution No. 2007-11-269 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Radke and seconded by Director Severin, item C-2-a was unanimously approved.
  The Board also directed staff to study issues raised by Board members and the public, specifically the De Anza Trail, Water Trail, Altamont Pass Area, Bethany Reservoir to Santa Clara County Trail, Chain of Lakes, Alvarado Wetlands, Bay Trail extension, Springtown and plant diversity hotspots identified by California Native Plant Society.

Asst. General Manager of Planning/Stewardship and Construction Mike Anderson gave a presentation on this item, stating that the District Master Plan is updated approximately every 10 years; this proposal to update the Master Plan map is the first step in this process and identifies new areas for potential parklands and trails and provides the public an indication of the areas likely to be considered for the development of new District facilities. He explained that the proposed seven (7) new potential parkland sites and fifteen (15) new trail alignments were suggested by staff using data from changes in the development patterns within the two counties covered by the District. He clarified that areas highlighted on the proposed map are areas of interest where the District does not have park facilities and are not meant to show specific plans for development.

Trails Development Program Manager Jim Townsend continued with a discussion of the new trails proposed in the amendment.

Director Lane suggested that trails be given names that the public is more familiar with, such as Chain of Lakes Trail versus using Shadow Cliffs to Del Valle Trail as an example. Mr. Townsend also briefly described the District's definition of regional trails in terms of purpose, dimensions, and characteristics.

Director Radke asked Mr. Townsend to consider extending the Delta Trail eastward from Big Break.

Director Siden asked District staff to meet with staff from State Parks to ensure that both agencies are "on the same page" with respect to this matter.

Director Skinner stated that a number of non-District operated trails are shown on the proposed map to highlight actual connections to District trails; she asked that the connection between the existing portion of the Ohlone Greenway and the East Bay Greenway trail, currently not highlighted on the map, be shown. Mr. Townsend added that typically, only trail spine alignments of major regional trails are shown on Master Plan maps.

Public Comments:
Individuals and agency/organization representatives addressed the Board:

• Rick LeFlore/CA State Parks - stated that he did not have an official recommendation regarding the proposed Master Plan map amendment, adding that his agency purchased and acquired the Tesla property in 1998 and has no plans to either sell or turn over its operation to another jurisdiction;
• Suzanne Jones/Muir Heritage Land Trust – supported the map update, particularly the inclusion of Rancho Pinole Park;
• Laura Baker for Dr. Robert Stebbins – asked that Tesla property not be removed from the proposal;
• Bern Smith/Bay Area Ridge Trail – supported the map update, asked that the development of the balance of the Ridge Trail be added;
• Seth Adams/Save Mount Diablo – supported the map update, proposed the creation of an Altamont Pass Regional Preserve, asked that the Bethany Reservoir to Santa Clara County trail (Juan Bautista De Anza Nat'l Historic Trail) be included;
• David Pickett/American Motorcyclist Association – asked that Tesla property be removed from the proposed update;
• Celeste Garamendi – Tracy resident, in support of the map update and the inclusion of the Tesla property;
• Lech Naumovich/CA Native Plant Society (CNPS) – expressed support of the map update and pointed out plant diversity hotspots, his group's areas of interest, on the draft map;
• Sue Rosenthal – in support of the map update and urged the inclusion of the Tesla property;
• Mil Karsten – asked if and when Doolan residents will be consulted by District staff relative to the map update.

Staff responded to various questions during Public Comment as follows:

AGM of Interagency Planning and Land Acquisition Bob Doyle stated that the Tesla property was included in the proposed map update only to show the District's interest in a significant historic site in Alameda County and does not in anyway mean that the District will be buying land from the State; the District may consider a partnership, ranging from interpretation to some form of management or possibly jointly acquiring lands to create larger areas of buffer or habitat.

In reference to Doolan Canyon resident concerns, AGM Doyle clarified that it is the District's practice to notify the public before properties are opened, not when they are bought. Pertaining to the Altamont area, while it is considered an important wildlife corridor, staff could not define a specific site to designate with a "dot" (due to the extent of the development of the wind-turbine area), although there may be other opportunities in the future. AGM Doyle cautioned that the District is also very conscious of the operating costs involved in land acquisition. AGM Mike Anderson added that there are sites already identified by staff in support of the CNPS suggestions.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORT

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

General Manager Pat O'Brien reported that on October 9, 2007, the Concord City Council, voted to send seven proposed alternative concepts for the Concord Naval Weapons Station Reuse Plan for inclusion in a programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This EIR is scheduled to be completed by early spring of 2008.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien called on Fire Chief Ken Blonski to introduce newly hired Asst. Fire Chief John Swanson.

Fire Captain Brad Gallup gave a presentation to update the Board on the Fire Departments' eucalyptus removal contract in the East Bay Hills.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

Denial of Claim of Gabe Delfre
Resolution No. 2007-11-254 (Attached)

President Sutter announced that the Board, in Closed Session, voted unanimously to deny the claim of Mr. Delfre.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Contra Costa County Special Districts Association (7/16/07) (Radke)
2. Contra Costa County/EBRPD Liaison Committee (8/29/07) (Radke)

Director Siden asked if Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia has reversed his comments that he will oppose the District's proposed Measure AA extension unless visitor centers at West Contra Costa County are included in the Measure's project list. Director Radke reported that the Supervisor has not changed his position, and also raised the issue of who will have control over the Per-Capita Funding for unincorporated areas.

Director Lane expressed appreciation for the way the Liaison meeting minutes were prepared, given the number of issues covered during the meeting.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke reported on meetings attended. Director Radke

• Attended the EBMUD trail dedication, which will ultimately connect to Fernandez Ranch, Kennedy Grove, El Sobrante Ridge and Crocket Hills;
• Attended the groundbreaking for the new Garaventa Recycling Center in Pittsburg;
• Reported reading an article stating that Caltrans has received a bid for renovating the old Benicia Bridge; he asked staff to review the plans to see how pedestrians will access the bridge from proposed District shoreline trails near the area;
• Attended a meeting of the Delta Science Center, which included the unveiling of the interpretive panels along the Marsh Creek Watershed, designed and installed by District staff. He also gave copies of the new Delta Science Center brochure;
• Reported on newspaper articles on the proposed Measure AA extension;
• Distributed a brochure for the historic Martinez home tour, for which he wrote an article regarding District parks surrounding Martinez.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• Attended the Pinole Valley/EBMUD trail dedication with Director Radke, and believed that work by the EBMUD/EBRPD Liaison Committee contributed to the opening of this trail;
• Attended the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association Annual meeting in Mitchell Canyon;
• Attended the District's Service Awards event;
• Attended the Bob Walker event, where she spoke to Seth Adams about sharing the film, commissioned by Save Mount Diablo, shown at this event with the District;
• Attended the Workforce Diversity meeting, wherein committee members asked that staff include statistics in the Diversity report currently being prepared;
• Thanked staff for working on the Concord Naval Weapons Station letter;
• Asked staff to give her an update on the fire repair work at MLK.

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended. Director Skinner

• Attended the community meeting with El Sobrante Hillside Neighbors regarding EBMUD's Dam Retrofit project adjacent to Kennedy Grove, and expressed appreciation to staff for hosting the meeting;
• Attended the Stewardship Department's seminar at the Trudeau Center;
• Attended the Operations Committee meeting;
• Attended the Bob Walker book signing event at the Oakland Coliseum;
• Attended the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Berkeley Farmers Market. She learned that all parks in Italy grow produce and have interpretive programs to highlight these, and spoke about possibly extending this type of educational program to some of our parks;
• Attended the North Richmond Shoreline festival;
• Attended a CESP reception in Pt. Richmond geared towards highlighting opportunities along the North Richmond shoreline.

Director Severin reported on meetings attended. Director Severin

• Attended the Bob Walker book signing event;
• Attended the District's Service Awards event;
• Attended the CARPD State Board meeting in Sacramento;
• Attended the Halloween event at the District's administrative office;
• Gave a presentation at the HARD Citizens Advisory Committee meeting where she spoke about the District's proposed Measure AA extension. She stated that she was misquoted by the local paper, where she was incorrectly reported as stating that the measure will make $500 million available for local communities;
• Attended the PAC meeting;
• Attended the Finance Committee meeting in place of Director Wieskamp;
• Will be attending the Alameda County Special Districts meeting, where she will be submitting a nomination for Director Wieskamp to be the alternate seat for LAFCO;
• Will attend the Vargas Plateau Land Use Plan hearing in Fremont;
• Asked staff to send a congratulatory letter, on behalf of the Board, to Rita Shue, the new general manager for HARD; she is also their first female GM.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended. Director Siden

• Attended the Airport Area Business meeting, where he spoke to San Leandro City Manager John Germanis about possibly address the Alameda County City Managers group regarding the District's proposed AA Renewal Bond Measure at a future meeting;
• Attended the Workforce Diversity Committee meeting;
• Attended the Oakland YMCA annual dinner meeting with AGM John Escobar;
• Attended the East Bay Economic Development Alliance's quarterly meeting;
• Attended the Waterfront Action Board meeting, where efforts are underway to map existing and proposed trails within the Alameda/Oakland Estuary;
• Attended the MLK Rally Committee;
• Attended a meeting sponsored by SunCal pertaining to the Alameda Point Planning process; this is part of a series of monthly preliminary meetings;
• Attended the Legislative Committee meeting;
• Spoke about Supervisor Nate Miley's request to meet with him and Director Sutter regarding Row Chabot;
• Attended the ABAG joint meeting with the MTC, where there was a discussion of issues the Bay Area may face in the year 2035
• Attended the District's Service Awards event;
• Attended the Finance Committee meeting;
• Attended the District's Halloween event at Peralta Oaks;
• Had a teleconference with Crystal Graf on the LAFCO election with Legislative Asst. Ro Aguilar;
• Met with Interagency Planning Manager Larry Tong to discuss Oakland's plan to do a Specific Plan as an amendment to their General Plan as it pertains to the shoreline area;
• Announced that he was asked to serve as President of the MLK Freedom Center's Board of Directors. He also met with Dr. Clay Carson, Director of MLK, Jr. Paper project at Stanford;
• Attended a meeting with Joanna Lennon and EBCC;
• Attended a meeting with Community Relations Manager Carol Johnson to prepare for presentations he will be doing in the coming weeks;
• Will be attending the Alameda County Special Districts Association meeting with Director Severin. He added that the election for the Alternate Seat for LAFCO will be held after this meeting.
• Will be attending the November 13 Alameda Rotary Club meeting, where he has made arrangements to also celebrate the District's 73rd anniversary;
• Will be attending the San Leandro Breakfast Club meeting on November 14, where he will also celebrate the 73rd District anniversary;
• Mentioned that he had been invited to participate in a community advisory group that the new editor of the Alameda Journal, a City of Alameda publication, is putting together.

Director Sutter made an announcement and reported on meetings attended. Director Sutter

• Appointed Directors Lane and Severin to join him as members of the Nominating Committee, with Director Severin as Chair, to determine the Board Officers for 2008, by the next Board meeting;
• Toured Del Valle, Pleasanton Ridge, East Contra Costa Trails, Contra Costa Trails, Castle Rock, Coyote Hills, Alameda County Trails, Shadow Cliffs and Lake Chabot;
• Went to MLK with a hiking group and observed the need for a better canoe launching area;
• Attended the Bob Walker book signing event;
• Attended a meeting organized by Trails Development Program Manager Jim Townsend regarding the Bay Trail in the City of Oakland; although City has $53 million for improvements on the Oakland Estuary provided by Measure DD, another $53 million is needed and the City hopes to secure some assistance from the District;
• Attended various meetings of the Chabot Space and Science Center, including their gala dinner. He added that the CSSC is in a better financial condition compared to last year;
• Attended part of the District's Stewardship Department seminar;
• Attended the Contra Costa County Mayors Conference held in Orinda, and suggested that the staff look at how compatible the conservation areas currently being set aside by various cities are compatible with District efforts;
• Remarked that press reports make the Kibel report sound more negative than it really is, and commented that published comments by GM O'Brien and Director Radke were very appropriate. Director Sutter mentioned that there are some issues that should always be considered, such as minority/low income access to parks.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 5:12 by President Sutter.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-11-254 through 2007-11-269
Board Committee Reports

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