The Board Meeting, which was held on April 3, 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
Ted Radke, Treasurer
Doug Siden, Secretary
Beverly Lane, Director
Carol Severin, Director
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 2:10 p.m. by Board President John Sutter.

Staff Present Included: Pat O'Brien, Ted Radosevich, Dave Collins, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle, John Escobar, Tim Anderson, Mike Anderson, Larry Tong, Diane Althoff, Carol Johnson, Audrey Som, Anne Rockwell, Shelly Lewis, Randy Carlton, Carol Victor, Doug Bell, Linda Chavez, Jack Kenny, Brian Holt.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

• Regarding Item C-1-d, Director Siden had a question.

By motion of Director Lane, seconded by Director Radke, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved.

• C-1-a
  Approval of Check Listing for the Period of March 8, 2007 through March 22, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-4-71 (Attached)
• C-1-b
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of March 20, 2007
• C-1-c
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-4-74 (Attached)
• C-1-d
  Authorization to Receive Funds from Save Mount Diablo, Encumber New and Existing Funds and to Negotiate a Sole-Source Contract with Ecoscan Resource Data for Tracking Prairie Falcons
  Resolution No. 2007-4-75 (Attached)

Director Siden asked about the frequency of the Board receiving reports, and if funds were unlimited for a reasonable period of time, how long do they anticipate the study going on. Wildlife Resource Manager Doug Bell noted they are looking at continuing through this breeding season 2007, and ideally through 2008. Director Siden asked about the frequency of the reports that the District is receiving. Mr. Bell noted that the pilot said about twice a month he will send reports of his locations for the flights that he has done. Director Siden asked preliminary what is being learned. Mr. Bell said they have learned that birds are using a lot of Park District lands as well as other lands in their foraging. That information helps both Save Mt. Diablo and the District for their land acquisition plans. As far as main goals, very good information is being received about where the birds are foraging and what kind of lands they are using, as well as background information on the biology of Prairie Falcons and where they move to, their mortality rate, etc.

Director Lane asked if it is unusual to get funds from Save Mt. Diablo for a project like this. Is this a priority of that organization and is it money that goes through them or is it from members. Mr. Bell does not know if it is unusual or not as he does not have any history with them prior to this project, or if this is the kind of project they support, but he is very pleased. It meshes very nicely with the goals of that organization as well, to preserve as much habitat as possible.

President Sutter noted that this presents a tremendous opportunity for public information; people are really interested in this. Mr. Bell said there was an article in the last RIN and Save Mt. Diablo will be publishing an article on the study in their next newsletter.

2. PLANNING/STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

• C-2-a
  Authorization to Appropriate Funds and Accept Bid for the Trail Repaving and Landscape
  Improvements at Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline
  Moved by Director Skinner, seconded by Director Lane
  Unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-4-76 (Attached)

Design Manager Diane Althoff presented this item citing information from the staff report. She also gave more detail on the project with a PowerPoint presentation showing the six acre park site that will have the trail repaving and landscape improvements. She noted that Pt. Isabel is a popular, high-use park. Ms. Althoff noted that much of Pt. Isabel was once irrigated turf. The irrigation system is now over 30 years old and has been patched together as long as possible, and now needs replacement. The area is also used for windsurfing, but unfortunately caused a lot of damage to the trail. Ms. Althoff noted that 2.8 acres will receive new turf and irrigation, and 1750 linear feet of trail will be repaired. She also presented the various Add Alternates to the base bid.

Director Severin asked if there was any consideration of planting additional trees in the area. Ms. Althoff stated there are no plans at this time.

Director Skinner asked about Add Alternate "A" which is not being recommended, if that is the trail portion that is directly adjacent to the bay. Ms. Althoff noted that Add Alternate "A" was a small piece that would try to shore up the side of the trail.

Director Skinner asked if BCDC considered that small adjacent area as bio-soil, noting that by virtue of the pavement, it is creating a run-off situation directly into the bay. Ms. Althoff noted that she believes BCDC recognizes this as a maintenance project, not as new paving.

President Sutter noted that in the staff report it says it is now possible to realize the dream of former director Jean Siri to make Pt. Isabel one of the best dog parks in the country noting that he thought it already was. He asked about whether there is a test plot to see how the fescue holds up under all the strenuous use it gets out there. GM O'Brien stated it is a hearty mix.

Director Siden asked about why the selection of the particular contractor vs. the others. He noted that it appears that one was more on the basic bid, but was considerably less on the alternate items. Ms. Althoff noted that it is defined in the contract documents what the basis of the awarded bid will be, and the basis for this was the aggregate amount of the bidder's base bid, not including alternates.

Director Siden asked District Counsel Ted Radosevich about how the law is applicable here when the District has to take the lowest bidder, assuming it is acceptable, but when you put on the add-ons, it adds up more. Mr. Radosevich noted that the statute gives the bidding agency the discretion on how it will award the bid. The District can make the determination that it will be done just on the base bid, or the base bid and certain add-ons in a certain order, etc. As long as everyone has the same understanding of how the bid is awarded, and there are different options to choose, then it is appropriate.

Director Lane noted she thinks this will be really popular with many people who come to Pt. Isabel. She asked if there are any other improvement projects, such as the trees, that users might have the opportunity to help support, or what folks might want to see or donate toward. AGM of Planning & Stewardship Mike Anderson noted that what they hope to do with the extension of AA is to look at possibilities of doing that. They hope to have some partnerships with people who are interested in helping out. Right now, however, they do not have that plan. Director Lane noted that with the enthusiastic users symbolized by the success of Mudpuppies that the District ought to seriously think about this.

Director Wieskamp asked about for Add Alternate "A," and what kind of cost is necessary for a solution there. Ms. Althoff noted she did not have those figures available. Director Wieskamp noted that maybe that is something that can be done in AA that would be a long-term help to the park. She also congratulated staff for bringing this project close to being done.

Ms. Althoff acknowledged Design Manager Audrey Som, and the Design team Janette Moon and Bob Ploss for their work.

Director Skinner made the motion to approve, and Director Lane seconded. It was unanimously approved.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

• C-3-a
  Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

General Manager Pat O'Brien reviewed the written material with the Board, stating that he had nothing further to add to this item.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien introduced Interagency Planning Manager Larry Tong. Mr. Tong gave a Powerpoint presentation updating the Board on Interagency Planning Department activities. Mr. Tong also introduced the Senior Planners Linda Chavez and Brian Holt from his department, which is part of the Land Division. Ms. Chavez continued the presentation noting other duties of the department. Mr. Tong also talked about the Concord Naval Weapons Station area and its possible reuse in the future. President Sutter noted that he would like to be sure the Board is kept updated on this area.

Director Severin asked about the number of agencies the department interacts with, in total. Mr. Tong noted that because there are 33 specific cities and two counties, there are well into the hundreds, but that it fluctuates.

Mr. Tong noted they are keeping on top of the Point Molate Casino project, and noted that the other casino project, the Koi Casino next to MLK, has been discontinued. Mr. Tong continued with information about the Eastshore State Park area where they work jointly with the State Parks and the Coastal Conservancy on the Berkeley Meadow, and the Berkeley Brickyard. They have worked with the City of Berkeley, et al, on the Gilman Street Sports Complexes, the City of Albany's Golden Gate Fields area and the Water Transit Authority and the Federal Transit Administration on a future ferry terminal.

Mr. Tong noted some of the many other projects that his department is currently working on.

Director Siden commended this Land Division unit and the work that the three of them do. He noted that in the January meeting minutes of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors' liaison committee, Bruce Kern, Executive Director of EDAB, notes that if the District wants to be involved in the goods movement in the two counties, the District needs to be "at the table now." He would like a subsequent report as to what the District is doing as a follow-up to these suggestions. Mr. Tong stated that they are reviewing that project now.

Director Lane thanked staff for their help on the Faria project. The Planners were very helpful to her in understanding some of the documents.

Director Radke noted he thinks staff has done an excellent job on these projects thru the years. He thinks they must have worked miracles on bringing all the folks together on Eastshore State Park. He asked about the State Park and Recreation Commission having a hearing on the John Marsh home and Cowell Ranch; does the District have comments prepared. Mr. Tong said they are monitoring that project, with Regional Trails taking the lead, but they are coordinating with them.

Director Wieskamp asked if staff is involved with Oak Knoll. Mr. Tong said the department is monitoring the potential of that project, while challenging, and looking at the development proposal. She noted she thinks Mr. Tong has done a great job on Eastshore.

President Sutter asked if they monitor state agencies as well as local agencies, as well as BCDC. Mr. Tong said they do.

GM O'Brien noted the remarkable job that Mr. Tong, his department and the Land Division have done working with the various agencies.

GM O'Brien next introduced Community Relations Manager Carol Johnson. Ms. Johnson gave a presentation on the 2007 Community Relations Plan. This has been reviewed by the Executive Committee and presented to the PAC. She spoke about the 2007 goals that include connecting and communicating with diverse audiences including disabled, seniors, families and disadvantaged communities; they are broadcasting the "Embrace Life" campaign to capture and communicate the updated and consistent brand of East Bay Regional Park District; they will expand the District's presence in East Contra Costa and Alameda counties; they will be raising the District's visibility and financial reward through development of health and wellness partnerships; expanding use of technology in communication; and continuing to promote ongoing visibility opportunities with parkland and trail dedications. They are also developing a multi-lingual public service announcement and media opportunity campaign.

Director Severin recalls when in school receiving a publication called the Weekly Reader. Is there any thought of doing something like that in schools. Ms. Johnson said they have started the process of meeting with the Office of Education in the counties, and then the school districts.

President Sutter feels the event calendar of District-sponsored events is useful, and would be good to have in the RIN and on the website. GM O'Brien noted the new "Attendio" software that is on the District website. This can be put directly on someone's electronic calendar and even directly sign up for activities.

Director Lane noting the somewhat "flashy" publications from Contra Costa Water and East Bay MUD, she suggested maybe the District could do something comparable on an annual report. Ms. Johnson said the e-mail communications to the constituents is a good start, but this could certainly be discussed. Director Skinner asked about the e-mail to constituents, is that a newsletter, and/or has the District considered doing an electronic version of Regional in Nature, etc. Ms. Johnson responded that it is on-line within the scope of the Contra Costa Times and soon the Alameda Newspaper Group website. For the future of the electronic newsletter, it still needs to be worked out, but more information will be brought to the Board. Director Skinner also suggested using electronic means for whatever the District gives out. Ms. Johnson said that is one of the District goals; however some of our population does not have access. Director Skinner suggested that this be done not just exclusively but as well as paper.

President Sutter and the Board noted their congratulations and they are impressed with these goals.

GM O'Brien continued with the GM Comments noting that the fence has been installed around the Merry Go Round at Tilden.

General Manager Pat O'Brien reviewed the written material with the Board, stating that he had nothing further to add to this item.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter advised that there were no announcements from the Closed Session, which was held on April 3, 2007.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Alameda Co./EBRPD Liaison Committee(1/31/07) (Wieskamp)
• b. EBMUD/EBRPD Liaison Committee(2/28/07) (Lane)
• c. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee(3/7/07) (Lane)

Re Item c, President Sutter noted that Pete Alexander spoke at this meeting and was asked about the potential for new fishing areas. Mr. Alexander has some areas in mind and President Sutter thinks that might be something that should be looked at in terms of planning for the Measure AA extension.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Siden noted he attended the Alameda County Special Districts meeting and thanked the Board members for being there; he attended the Fourth Annual Spring Egg Scramble at Crown Beach where their were about 1,000 people; next Saturday the Kiwanis is having the beach cleaning at Crown; he went with Park Supervisor Joan Suzio to the MLK Shoreline Center to see the remodeling and improvements to the acoustics; he will be attending John Waters retirement next Tuesday; then on the 12th the East Bay Economic Development Alliance annual retreat; and the Eden Area League of Women Voters 50th anniversary.

Director Severin attended the Operations Committee meeting, the Board workshop, the Ecology meeting, the Salt Ponds Restoration plan meeting; and the project at Eden Landing may have the trails closed out to the bay during spring or summer. Attended the Executive Committee meeting where work on a new "high-class" publication was presented; enjoyed the Grazer's event; she looked up the new Attendio program on the District website; she appreciates the wonderful wildflower guidebook from Erika Herron.

Director Skinner noted she missed the last Board meeting, but is very pleased that the Gilman Street Sports Complex lease item was approved. She has attended many District meetings and the Board workshop; the Richmond Liaison meeting re Bay Trail and Chevron properties, she attended a meeting with the City of Albany regarding their lands around Eastshore; she met with Lt. Gov. Garamendi regarding state lands providing public benefit to a private entity. She received an e-mail from the public about the lack of diversity of wildflowers at Tilden compared to other parks; Director Skinner noted she would like that to be put on the Natural Resources agenda. She will report the other meetings she attended at the next meeting.

Director Lane noted that she attended the Natural and Cultural Resources meeting and asked speaker Pete Alexander for a smaller version of the nice interpretive panels about regional fishing that are in the parks with fishing lakes. She shared this poster with the Board and suggested they be put in the activity guides. She visited Sycamore Open Space and the Iron Horse Trail. She complimented the article in RIN about Round Valley camp. Director Lane noted she toured with CMPS to look at the Serpentine Prairie; she would like to see that moved to Natural Resources rather than Operations. She enjoyed the Grazing Dinner and seeing the finished potting shed at Camp Arroyo which is very nice; she liked the Trails Challenge brochure; she noted Bay Nature had some very interesting articles; she talked with Peter Oswald about the San Ramon City Center project near the Iron Horse Trail which they are proposing in partnership with the City San Ramon.

Director Wieskamp attended the Operations Committee, the Capital Finance workshop, and the Executive Committee. She enjoyed the Grazer's Dinner; attended the dedication of the Stop Waste.org Green building downtown on Webster Street in Oakland; she thanked Director Siden for the CSDA dinner; she's looking forward to the Wildflower Festival at Sunol next Saturday; regarding the Gilman Street Sports Complex she noted that Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates did a great job of getting his council to support the billboard switch-around so that they can do more at the sports park.

Director Radke attended the Water Forum sponsored by Aqua, East Bay MUD, Contra Costa Water and SFPUD. The key note speaker was Lester Snow, Director of State Dept. of Water Resources, who spoke about how the effects of Global Warming may affect the water needs of California; he shared an article from the Martinez News Gazette about a major beaver dam backing up the creek near downtown Martinez; the Earth Day event is being put together that is being sponsored by Senator Tom Torlakson and a number of volunteers; and he is planning to attend the Mayors Conference in Martinez.

President Sutter noted he attended the Special District's dinner; the Board workshop, the Waterfront Action re 9th Avenue Terminal which is on the Bay Trail; he attended the annual lunch of the Jack London Aquatic Center which has an interesting water sports program for kids; he attended meetings of Friends of Oakland Parks; he had a nice lunch with San Ramon Mayor Wilson regarding the Faria property; he met with people from the Native Plants Society regarding the serpentine prairie and the staff proposal on fencing; and he would like to compliment Public Affairs on the Awards Breakfast.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rich Guarienti, Chair of the PAC, noted that while on a group hike this past weekend, hikers were unaware of the correct behavior when around equestrians and cattle on the trail. He suggests that maybe group hike leaders might inform hikers about it. He invited everyone to come to Sunol for the Wildflower Festival this weekend, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., noting there will be activities for kids etc.

There were no other public comments.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. by President Sutter.

Sharon Marshall, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-4-71 through 2007-4-76
Board Committee Reports

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