The Board Meeting, which was held on December 4, 2007 at the Peralta Oaks Headquarters Building, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Board President John Sutter.

ROLL CALL

Directors Present:
John Sutter, President
Ayn Wieskamp, Vice-President
Doug Siden, Secretary
Carol Severin, Director
Beverly Lane, Director
Nancy Skinner, Director

Directors Absent:
Ted Radke, Treasurer

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;

Staff Present Included:
Pat O'Brien, Dave Collins, Tim Anderson, Shelly Lewis, Pam Burnor, Ted Radosevich, Rosemary Cameron, John Escobar, Diane Althoff, Dave Drueckhammer, Bill Probets, Diane Althoff, Jeff Rasmussen, Nancy Wenninger, Carol Victor, Susan Gonzales, Jack Kenny, Nancy Baglietto, Isa Polte-Jones, Dave Sumner, Anne Rockwell.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

By motion of Director Lane, seconded by Director Wieskamp, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved, except the November 6, 2007 meeting minutes (C-1-b).

• C-1-a.
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of November 10, 2007 through November 23, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-12-297 (Attached)
• C-1-c.
  Approval of Appointment of John Mercurio to the Park Advisory Committee
  Resolution No. 2007-12-298 (Attached)
• C-1-d.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds from Salary Savings to Services and Supplies Accounts in Public Affairs Division Budget
  Resolution No. 2007-12-299 (Attached)
• C-1-e.
  Acceptance of Bid for Printing Individual Park Brochures for the Years 2008-2009
  Resolution No. 2007-12-300 (Attached)
• C-1-f.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds and Sole Source Purchase of ArcGIS Software
  Resolution No. 2007-12-301 (Attached)
• C-1-g.
  Approval of Sole Source Purchase of an Enhanced Air Particle Separator System for the Eagle 6 Helicopter
  Resolution No. 2007-12-302 (Attached)
• C-1-h.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds and Accept the Bid for Installation of B South Ground Control Systems and Marshalling Area Timbering in the Hazel-Atlas Mine: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
  Resolution No. 2007-12-303 (Attached)
• C-1-i.
  Approval of Sole Source Purchase of a Radio Transceiver System for the Eagle 6 Helicopter
  Resolution No. 2007-12-304 (Attached)
• C-1-j.
  Authorization to Amend the 2007 Budget and Transfer Operational Funds to a New Capital Project Account for Sunol Water Well
  Resolution No. 2007-12-305 (Attached)
• C-1-k.
  Approval of 2008 Appropriations Limit
  Resolution No. 2007-12-306 (Attached)

The following action was taken regarding item C-1-b

• C-1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meetings of October 16 and November 6, 2007
  Separate vote: Approve October 16, Defer November 6 to a later meeting,

By motion of Director Severin, seconded by Director Wieskamp, item C-1-b, with the exception of the minutes for November 6, 2007, was unanimously approved.

The November 6, 2007 minutes were deferred to a future meeting. Director Skinner will provide details regarding the map update issue for those minutes.

2. PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• C-2-a.
  Approval of Park Advisory Committee Goals for 2008
  Resolution No. 2007-12-307 (Attached)

By motion of Director Siden, seconded by Director Wieskamp, item C-2-a was unanimously approved.

Legislative Assistant Ro Aguilar presented this item, and PAC Chair Rich Guarienti spoke on behalf of the PAC.
There was discussion on the procedures for putting a topic on the agenda. Director Skinner asked how the goals are chosen. She suggested that a review of the 20-year old policy regarding the PAC goals being set and discussion of Board concerns be looked at again. General Counsel Ted Radosevich commented that the Board does not have any Brown Act issues when asking staff to look at something; the Board does not take action during Board comments.

3. GENERAL MANAGER

• a. FIRST PUBLIC HEARING
  Proposed 2008 Budget

GM O'Brien presented the highlights of the proposed Budget, noting that it has gone before the Board Finance Committee and the PAC. He noted that it is a balanced budget and thanked staff for all their work.

Board President John Sutter left the meeting at 2:33 p.m. for the purpose of making a presentation on behalf of the District at a board meeting of the Board of Port Commissioners of the Port of Oakland regarding an issue related to the District's planned Gateway Park.

AGM of Management Services Dave Collins continued with a detailed presentation on the budget. He noted that this is the first public hearing on this item and that staff will review several highlights of the budget and answer any questions that arise. The Budget will be brought back to the December 18th Board meeting for the final public hearing and adoption. He then reviewed each section of the budget. He specifically addressed the 12.5% increase in Property Taxes, explaining that this was on a budget to budget basis, and noting that the actual growth estimate between the 2007 actual tax revenue and the 2008 budgeted revenue is about 3.5%.

Director Skinner asked about referring to revenues as "resources." After discussion, Budget Manager Pam Burnor agreed to check on industry standards and report to the Board at the December 18th meeting.

Director Lane commented about the need to focus on cultural and historical resources, and stated that she would like to see additional staff for this in the 2009 Budget process. Director Weiskamp asked that an addition to Departmental Summaries be added to point out that a contractor is currently being employed to perform cultural resource work, and that it may turn into a full-time staff position in the future.

Mr. Collins completed the staff presentation of the proposed 2008 Budget.

The Public Hearing was then opened for Questions and Comments:

Director Siden commended the Finance Committee and the Finance staff for their fine work on this proposed budget.

Director Severin asked for clarification of the term "Total Uses" on page 34, asking if that is the standard for the word "expenditures." After some discussion, Ms. Burnor noted that she will provide clarification.

Director Lane, asked about the Parks Express and transportation item on page 35: what is the procedure; could more money be put in to expand the program. AGM of Operations John Escobar noted that there is a $25,000 increase proposed for 2008; however, while staff could handle more capacity, it is limited because administrative services to support this program would not be able to handle the revenue and expenditures. Director Lane asked to address how increases can be made each year.

Director Lane asked what money was available for the CNWS. Ms. Burnor noted that a budget request for $50,000 was received from the Land Division, of which $35,000 was approved for the 2008 budget and split into legal and professional services.

Director Lane noted that pages 44-45 on Sample Taxes were helpful to her and she appreciates having it included.

Rich Guarienti addressed the Board noting that the PAC has reviewed the proposed budget and complimented staff for improving the format for the lay person to understand. He noted that it is important, especially for the Measure AA extension, that figures are simple and easily understood.

Director Siden requested clarification on page 125 regarding the Crown Beach project number 124900. Chief of Design and Construction Diane Althoff clarified that the funds are there, but that they do not know exactly what the project looks like yet, so an expenditure budget has not yet been developed.

Director Lane asked if the Pt. Pinole Atlas Bridge allocation on page 204 funds have come to the District. Mr. Collins said that they have, but GM O'Brien noted that the actual cost will be more expensive than the funds received, noting that it would be a very good grant project. Ms. Althoff noted that the engineering plans have been worked on by the City of Richmond; however they have not yet been completed. When the plans are received, the District will then need to hire a consultant to work on these plans while staff is looking for additional funds.

Director Wieskamp and GM O'Brien will request an update from AGM of Planning Stewardship & Design Mike Anderson regarding the status of this project.

Director Severin asked about some of the terminology used in the budget and whether some terms could also be put in layman's terms in parentheses. Director Weiskamp and Mr. Collins noted that this will be considered by staff at future Finance Committee meetings.

Motion by Director Siden, seconded by Director Skinner the Public Hearing was closed.

4. LAND DIVISION

• C-4-a.
  Approval of Dedication of Regional Parkland and Trails Pursuant to the Recommendations of the Park Advisory Committee, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-12-308 (Attached)

By motion of Director Skinner, seconded by Director Siden, item C-4-a was unanimously approved.

Chief of Land Acquisition Nancy Wenninger presented this item citing information from the staff report. Director Lane asked if the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline property shown on the map is leased or owned by the District. Mr. Radosevich noted that the wetlands restoration area was acquired as part of mitigation.

Director Severin re Hayward Shoreline map, asked if the final boundaries have been set, and asked about the Interpretive Center and would that be included in the final boundary. Ms. Wenninger clarified that the particular parcel that is being dedicated is the final boundary and that they do not anticipate exchanging any of the land area within that parcel. Director Severin suggested a change in terminology to make it clear.

Director Weiskamp – would like to know the total acres held in perpetuity, Ms. Wenninger to research.

5. PUBLIC SAFETY

• C-5-a.
  Approval to Modify the Distribution of Budgeted Funds Previously Approved for Helicopter Replacement
  Resolution No. 2007-12-309 (Attached)

By motion of Director Severin, seconded by Director Siden, item C-5-a was unanimously approved.

AGM of Public Safety/Police Chief Tim Anderson gave a brief presentation on this item.

Director Lane asked about the night vision equipment that is being acquired, and if it means that there will be flights during the evening. Helicopter Pilot Bill Probets answered that they are not usually in the air at night mainly because Eagle 5 was not equipped for night flight. Eagle 6 will be equipped for night missions; however, these missions are only done if absolutely necessary.

Director Siden asked if the District is still flying for the Alameda County Sheriff's Department. Chief Anderson and Mr. Probets stated that the contract was discontinued about four years ago at the Sheriff's Department's request.

6. BOARD AND STAFF REPORT

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

GM O'Brien announced that Edward James who was previously the City Manager of the City of Concord is now the Interim City Manager for the City of Concord following the resignation of the current City Manager. Mr. James will serve as interim City Manager for a period of six months during the recruitment process to select a permanent City Manager. Director Lane noted that Mr. James is one of the people appointed to work on the CNWS Community Advisory Committee.

7. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Development Officer Nancy Baglietto gave the Board an update on the Regional Parks Foundation's new website.

Director Lane – regarding creation of new brochures, asked that Board members be shown these as soon as they are printed. Re panel construction – Director Lane asked that Board members be given 8½ x 11' copies or electronic copies before they are made. Director Severin – asked about the connection between Environmental Graphics and the Exhibit Lab. GM O'Brien noted that while they are in separate locations they do work together on certain projects.

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

Vice President Wieskamp announced that the lawsuit by John Borrelli against the Park District was dismissed by the Alameda County Superior Court. The Court also found that the lawsuit was not brought in good faith against the Park District and ordered Mr. Borrelli to pay the Park District $135,000 in legal fees and costs.

9. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Legislative Committee (10/25/07) (Siden)

Director Siden encouraged people to read the minutes as there is a distinction between the two likely propositions on the ballot.

10. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended.  Director Skinner:

• Attended the Natural & Cultural Resources meeting; interesting presentation on study of amphibians within the District.
• Attended the PAC holiday dinner and enjoyed it;
• For Rosemary Cameron: regarding the arrangement with the S.F. Chronicle and several other papers to have the District's Regional In Nature news (RIN) distributed in the local newspaper, it has not been received in her S.F. Chronicle;
• Attended meeting with mayors of Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, and Richmond, re launching a "green tech corridor," an effort to utilize the research resources of LB&L, CAL, to concentrate development of green technological and clean energy and other types of environmental development in the East Bay;
• Has been interacting with staff and elected officials from agencies like the District, whose shorelines are affected by the oil spill.  At the District's last board meeting, a resolution was adopted asking staff to initiate an interagency Task Force to look into this and there has been a widespread positive response to that.  Mr. Escobar  noted that District membership on this task force includes Neal Fujita and himself, along with others from neighboring agencies. 

Director Severin reported on meetings attended.  Director Severin:

• Attended the LARPD Liaison Committee, PAC dinner, retirement of Eric Willyerd from HARD, and the special meeting of Row Chabot;
• Plans to attend future meetings; Alameda County Mayors Conference, HASPA meeting, and a Salt Ponds Restoration Committee meeting
• Finance, Executive and Operations committee attendance.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended.  Director Siden:

• Chaired a Row Chabot meeting with Vince Horpel and clarified the direction of the project.
• Attended the Finance Committee meeting;
• Attended the Coliseum Area Committee and received a "presentation on the Ohlone Greenway," Urban Ecology study and hopes that there is AA extension funding for this;
• Attended San Francisco Business Times presentation on development in Oakland, Mayor Dellums speech.
• Suggested having a Port Commission liaison committee with the Port of Oakland to GM O'Brien;
• Rode on the Redwood Valley Railroad in Tilden with family members.  Noted that there were signs stating that a Christmas event was near the merry-go-round, but it was closed.  He noted that there was a line of 30 cars waiting for it to open, but it never did.
• Attended the PAC holiday dinner;
• Plans to attend the following:  Waterfront Action meeting, Oakland Zoo meeting with Director Sutter, Barbara Lee leadership breakfast, Developmental Review, Alameda County Mayors Conference, appreciation parties for park staff.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended.  Director Lane:

• Attended Natural Cultural resources meeting, and spoke about the amphibian study;
• Attended a Board Finance meeting;
• Noted that the Vargas Plateau LUP discussion previously scheduled to be held during a Board meeting was postponed;
• Noted that the December Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will not be held;
• Announced the appointment of John Mercurio to the PAC;
• Reminded staff on the upcoming Contra Costa County Mayors Conference presentation by the District on Measure AA extension.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended.  Director Wieskamp:

• Noted that while visiting New Zealand, they have walkways with an overlay to give grip for walkers/shoes due to wet weather;
• Noted that New Zealand has a biodegradable sandwich container ; she will be working in 2008 to push this with concessionaires;
• Attended the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, LARPD, Operations Committee;  
• Attended Christmas at Ardenwood;
• Attended PAC holiday dinner;
• Spoke to an individual who was asking the Park District to participate in the Alameda County Fair;
• Asked for director input re committee assignments;
• Asked for sketch/map/plans for Meyers Estate for her to bring during presentations in Fremont.
• Requested the status of the slide project at Shadow Cliffs; GM O'Brien is looking into it.
• Expressed her appreciation for the support received related to her election to LAFCO.

Adjourned, 4:40 PM.

Sharon Marshall, acting for Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-12-297 through 2007-12-309
Board Committee Reports

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