The Board Meeting, which was held on April 15, 2008 at the Peralta Oaks Headquarters Building, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, was called to order at 12:45 p.m. by Board President Ayn Wieskamp.

ROLL CALL

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

Directors Absent:
None.

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 Ayn Wieskamp;

Director Siden joined the meeting at this time.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O’Brien, Ted Radosevich, Rosemary Cameron, Dave Collins, Andy White, John Swanson, Jeff Rasmussen, Mike Anderson, Tim Anderson, Raphael Breines, Brian Wiese, Carol Johnson, Carol Victor, Rosemary Cameron, Jack Kenny, Larry Moss, Erich Pfuehler, Joe Didonato, Steve Bobzien, Rick Parmer.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no Public Comments at this time.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. PUBLIC HEARING

C-1-a. Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Union City Bay Trail, Phase 1 Project

Resolution No. 2008-4-088 (attached)

Moved by Director Severin, seconded by Director Siden, item C-1-a was unanimously approved.

Raphael Breines, Project Manager, gave a presentation to explain the project and staff recommendations on this item, which is Phase 1 (a 3 mile trail segment) of the Union City Bay Trail.

In answer to Director Lane’s question, Mr. Breines stated that the District does not own any segment of Phase 1 and has taken over construction and management of the project because of its support of the Bay Trail and Union City’s inability to move forward with this project, and that third party funding may not be available to the District.

2. CONSENT CALENDAR

Moved by Director Lane, seconded by Director Radke, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved.

C-2-a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 23, 2008 through April 4, 2008

Resolution No. 2008-4-089 (attached)

C-2-b. Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of March 4, 2008

Director Skinner asked that a correction be made to her remark on the bond extension, replacing "West Metro" with "West Contra Costa County".

C-2-c. Authorization to Adopt a Resolution Supporting Earth Day and California Trail Days, 2008

Resolution No. 2008-4-090 (attached)

C-2-d Authorization to Enter into a Contract for Services with Hangar One Avionics to Install Equipment on the Replacement Helicopter (Eagle 7)

Resolution No. 2008-4-091 (attached)

C-2-e. Approval of Appointment of Dan Walters to the Park Advisory Committee

Resolution No. 2008-4-092 (attached)

C-2-f. Authorization to Transfer Funds and Accept the Bid for Replacement of Water Storage Tank

No. 2: Del Valle Regional Park

Resolution No. 2008-4-093 (attached)

C-2-g Authorization to Amend the Budget and Accept the Bid for Arrowhead Marsh Observation Platform Fire Damage Repair: Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline

Resolution No. 2008-4-094 (attached)

C-2-h. Approval of Nomination of Director Carol Severin for California Association of Recreation and Park Districts Board Member

Resolution No. 2008-4-095 (attached)

C-2-i. Authorization to Adjust the Salary Range for the Classification of Assistant General Manager, Finance and Management Services

Resolution No. 2008-4-096 (attached)

C-2-j. Authorization to Approve an Application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

Resolution No. 2008-4-097 (attached)

C-2-k. Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of

Boating and Waterways for the Purchase of Police Boat Equipment

Resolution No. 2008-4-098 (attached)

C-2-l. Resolution to Support Alameda County Mosquito and Disease Control Assessment

Resolution No. 2008-4-099 (attached)

C-2-m. Resolution to Support Pending State Legislation SCR 76 Proclaiming the Month of May, 2008 as California Fitness Month

Resolution No. 2008-4-100 (attached)

3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

C-3-a. Adoption of Position on the Proposed Aerial Spraying for the Light Brown Apple Moth

Resolution No. 2008-4-101 (attached)

Moved by Director Skinner, seconded by Director Radke, item C-3-a was approved 6-0, with Director Severin abstaining.

Mike Anderson, Asst. General Manager of Planning/Stewardship and Construction, presented the background information on this item, stating that this item is being discussed at this time per the instructions of the Board at an earlier Board meeting. Mr. Anderson stated that a large portion of the District is being proposed for spraying and includes 19 parks – MLK, Crown Beach, Alameda Point, Middle Harbor, Eastshore, Pt. Isabel, Miller-Knox, Pt. Pinole, Wildcat Canyon, Tilden, Claremont Canyon, Temescal, Sibley, Huckleberry, Roberts, Redwood, Leona Open Space, Anthony Chabot and Lake Chabot.

In response to Director Sutter’s questions regarding staff’s position and the possible negative effects of both spraying and not spraying, AGM Anderson stated that staff’s position is neutral, and added that this is a difficult issue since there is plenty of information available from seemingly reliable sources favoring both options.

Director Skinner explained how this item came before the Board, stating that it was presented and discussed as an informational item at a previous Ecology Committee meeting at the request of AFSCME Local 2428. After Director Skinner reported this topic to the Board, Director Radke had requested it be presented at a future Board meeting for action.

Director Sutter concurred with Director Skinner’s comments and report regarding an EBMUD meeting on the Light Brown Apple Moth. Director Radke added that the District has been a leader in the pest management field, and supported Director Skinner and the Union’s involvement on this issue. Director Severin expressed her concern due to the lack of a definitive answer as to the expected results of spraying and added that she is personally concerned about the possible effects on the redwoods and native plants.

Several members of the public addressed the Board and expressed their unanimous opposition to any spraying. They asked that the Board adopt a resolution to oppose the proposed spraying of the Light Brown Apple Moth.

Director Skinner presented and read a resolution for Board consideration and action.

Director Siden commented that the various articles he had read on this issue raised too many questions and uncertainty, and expressed his opposition to the proposed spraying. Director Lane also mentioned that there are too many unknowns at this time, and supported erring on the side of people’s safety as well as protecting the environment long-term. Director Sutter expressed his support for the proposed resolution, stating that the burden has to be on the sprayers to show that the program is actually safe.

4. GENERAL MANAGER

C-4-a. Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of 2008 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the District , and Approving Related Documents and Actions With Respect Thereto

Resolution No. 2008-4-102 (attached)

Moved by Director Radke, seconded by Director Skinner, item C-4-a was unanimously approved.

AGM of Finance and Management Services Dave Collins gave a presentation on this item.

5. LAND DIVISION

C-5-a. Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale and to Transfer Funds for Purchase, Appraisal, Staff, Escrow, and Litigation Costs for the 80-acre Newbury Property: Del Valle Regional Park

Resolution No. 2008-4-103 (attached)

Moved by Director Wieskamp, seconded by Director Lane , item C-5-a was unanimously approved.

Land Acquisition Manager Nancy Wenninger gave a PowerPoint presentation on this item.

6. OPERATIONS DIVISION

C-6-a. Authorization to Approve Special Event Permit: Seventh Wave Productions/Red Tail Adventure Race at Del Valle Regional Park

Resolution No. 2008-4-104 (attached)

Moved by Director Siden, seconded by Director Severin, this item - with a vote of 5 Yes and 2 No (Lane and Skinner) - was approved and that the one way use of the Heron Bay and Swallow Bay Trails for the bike portion of the event will be allowed provided that event monitors will be stationed along these trails to ensure trail use compliance and safety.

Reservations Supervisor Tiffany Margulici gave a presentation on this item, explaining that Board approval is necessary whenever a special event is conducted by a "For-Profit" group and the expected revenue is over $10,000. She explained that this six hour adventure race is a multi-sport race composed of kayak, bike and run segments designed for serious competitors. Ms. Margulici mentioned that this was previously approved by the Board Operations Committee by a 2 – 1 vote, and stated that there were concerns expressed at this meeting regarding the safety aspects of the bike portion of the event since it will be conducted on trails that are open to other users, bikers included. From the alternatives available, she stated that the least desirable would be to close these trails to other users while the event is going on.

Director Lane commented that she opposes having both Heron Bay and Swallow Bay trails included in the event. She stated it would not be a good idea to have people going in both directions on these trails, especially in a race-type setting. She also asked that this event be monitored so that it may be evaluated by the Board Operations Committee at a future meeting.

Director Siden expressed his concern regarding the lack of sight-view on a portion of the Heron Bay trail wherein it has a sharp drop. He suggested having monitors stationed. Director Skinner asked if the option of a one-way travel direction been considered on the Heron Bay trail.

Todd Jackson, owner of Seventh Wave Productions, explained that he is open to adopting a one-way bike route and is also willing to deploy trail monitors to ensure rules compliance and safety.

In response to Director Sutter’s comments, Mr. Jackson stated that he is willing to place staff at each end of the trail to ensure compliance with one-way use of the trail.

Mr. Jackson also assured the Board that participants will be scattered along the event route and will not be found at a given part of the course, including the trails, at the same time.

Two individuals from the public expressed concerns regarding the effect on parking, given the number of expected participants at this event, and the congestion that the bikers will cause on the trails. Asst. General Manager for Operations John Escobar responded that the event is scheduled on a non-holiday weekend; he also does not expect to have a sell-out day at the park since it is still very early in the swim season.

Director Lane made a motion, seconded by Director Skinner, to authorize the resolution with the condition that both Heron Bay and Swallow Bay trails are excluded from the bike portion of the event.

Director Siden made an amendment to allow the one way use of both of these trails, at the same time closing it to the public for the duration of the event. While this amendment was not accepted by Director Lane, it was seconded by Director Severin.

Todd Jackson again offered to facilitate the one-way use of Heron Bay and Swallow Bay trails, at the same time keeping it open to the public while the event is in progress, by stationing his staff along the trails in question to monitor use compliance and safety.

7. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. 2008 Regional Parks Bond Extension

Public Input Process: Summary of Comments Received

General Manager Pat O’Brien reported that the public meetings are on-going; input from the public are being received and summarized as part of the development of the proposed bond measure. Board members complimented AGM of Public Affairs Rosemary Cameron for the informational brochure produced by her group.

b. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

GM O’Brien discussed the items listed on the staff report.

8. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Director Skinner left the meeting at this time.

Planning/Stewardship Manager Joe Didonato and Biologist Steve Bobzien provided a presentation on the District’s Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Program.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

There were no announcements from the Closed Session.

10. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Legislative Committee (3/7/2008) (Radke)

Director Siden requested that a report on information available on "earmarks" as released by Congressional staff be prepared for next the Legislative Committee meeting.

b. Operations Committee (1/24/2008) (Wieskamp)

c. Regional Parks Foundation (1/25/2008) (Wieskamp)

11. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Severin reported on meetings attended. Director Severin

· Attended the ABAG meeting;

· Will be attending the Operations Committee and CARPD conference;

· Mentioned that the District’s Regional In Nature publication is now included in the Daily Review.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended. Director Siden

· Attended the Alameda County Special Districts Association meeting;

· Attended the Legislative Staff Appreciation Luncheon in Sacramento;

· Attended the Board workshop and Joan Suzio’s retirement celebration;

· Attended the East Bay Economic Development Alliance meeting;

· Met with Councilmember Nate Miley as a follow-up to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors meeting relative to the proposed bond measure;

· Attended the various public meetings for the bond measure;

· Attended a breakfast meeting with Steve Grossman, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland;

· Met with Mike Bishop of Hansen Aggregates, located along Tidewater near High Street, for a discussion of the construction of the Bay Trail in the area;

· Mentioned that the Martin Luther King Freedom Center is searching for an individual to help with Board development.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

· Attended the Capital Finance Workshop;

· Will not attend the next Operations Committee meeting;

· Conducted park visits at Round Valley and Morgan Territory and hikes at Sycamore Valley and the Iron Horse trail;

· Attended the April 3 preview of the Black Diamond re- opening event;

· Attended the April 12 Sunol Wildflower event with Director Wieskamp;

· Has been in discussion with Supervising Naturalist Traci Parent about the possibility of forming a "sister site" relationship with an international heritage site in Wales;

· Attended a field trip to the proposed multi-use narrow trail (Panorama Trail) at Mission Peak.

Director Sutter reported on meetings attended. Director Sutter

· Attended the Oakland League of Women’s Luncheon;

· Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference and a meeting of the Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation;

· Attended the Joan Suzio retirement celebration;

· Mentioned that there was a discussion of the Quagga Mussel problem at the EBMUD Liaison Committee meeting;

· Suggested that the Doolittle Study be discussed further at an upcoming Board workshop.

Director Radke reported on meetings attended. Director Radke

· Attended the Legislative Luncheon in Sacramento;

· Attended the public meeting for the AA extension measure in Richmond, and will also attend the public meetings coming up in Concord and Oakley;

· Attended the April 3 preview of the Black Diamond Mines re-opening event;

· Will be making a presentation to the Contra Costa Special Districts Association on April 21;

· Will be having a meeting with Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier on April 17;

· Attended a field trip with District and Contra Costa Flood Control staff and viewed the entire length of the Iron Horse Trail extension from Highway 4 to the waterfront, and reported on the problem with the project.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp

· Attended a meeting with the Friends of Coyote Hills regarding Patterson Ranch;

· Attended the Alameda County CSDA dinner/meeting;

· Attended the opening of LARPD’s 55 acre Holdener Park;

· Attended the field trip to Mission Peak to view the Panorama Trail;

· Attended the Mayors Conference in Livermore, where she received good feedback on the AA extension;

· Attended the Capital Finance Workshop and Joan Suzio’s Retirement celebration;

· Attended the Sunol Wildflower event;

· Conducted a tour of Morgan Territory and Round Valley;

· Reported that Interagency Planning Manager Larry Tong will be representing the District at today’s Niles Canyon celebration for being designated a "Scenic Route";

· Announced that she will be unable to attend the CARPD conference, but will attend the Newark State of the City meeting and the Ardenwood Tank House Dedication.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

E. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned in honor of longtime District employee, Communications Manager Steve Crudo, who passed away on April 10 after a courageous battle with cancer. District Police Chief Tim Anderson also spoke about Steve Crudo and his work for the District.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments: Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2008-4-088 through 2008-4-104
Board Committee Reports

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