The Board Meeting, which was held on February 20, 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, Nancy Wenninger, John Escobar, Tim Anderson, Mike Anderson, Nancy Baglietto, Diane Althoff, Brian Wiese, Ilana Peterson, Anne Scheer, Dave Sumner, Larry Tong, Jeff Rasmussen, Ken Blonski, Anne Rockwell.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Director Siden asked that items C-1-c and C-1-l be withdrawn from the agenda.

President Sutter announced that item C-1-m should state "Authorization to Accept a Grant 'of '..." instead of 'for'.

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rich Guarienti, Park Advisory Committee Chair, addressed the Board. He stated that he was honored to have been nominated by Community Relations Manager Carol Johnson to the California Senior Leaders Program. This is a program sponsored by UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and the California Wellness Foundation to honor the contributions of older adults to community building and healthy aging.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

• Regarding Item C-1-j, Directors Severin and Wieskamp had questions.
• Regarding Item C-1-f and C-1-o, Director Lane had a comment.
• Regarding Item C-1-h and C-1-i, President Sutter had questions.

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

• C-1-a.
  Approval of Check Listing for the Period of January 20 through February 6, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-2-36 (Attached)
• C-1-b.
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meeting of January 9, 2007
• C-1-d.
  Authorization to Purchase One Type-3 Fire Apparatus
  Resolution No. 2007-2-38 (Attached)
• C-1-e.
  Authorization to Remove Fixed Asset Equipment from District Financial Records
  Resolution No. 2007-2-39 (Attached)
• C-1-f.
  Authorization to Accept Grant Funds from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Appropriate Measure CC Funds for Hazardous Fuels Management
  Resolution No. 2007-2-40 (Attached)

Director Lane asked staff to send a letter conveying the Board's appreciation for the funds received.

• C-1-g.
  Authorization to Purchase Replacement Computers
  Resolution No. 2007-2-41 (Attached)
• C-1-h.
  Acceptance of Proposal from Questa Engineering Corporation for Design Engineering and Environmental Services for the Wildcat Creek to San Pablo Creek Segment of the Bay Trail Washington, D.C.
  Resolution No. 2007-2-42 (Attached)

Director Sutter asked if there were any grant applications for capital funds, while Director Skinner asked if there are additional grants in the pipeline. Grants Manager Jeff Rasmussen answered that one grant for $150,000 has been awarded to the District and that there are no grants pending for this project at this time, although Measure J may be a possible source of grant funding in the future.

• C-1-i.
  Acceptance of Bid for the Supply and Installation of Manufactured Vault Toilet Buildings: Sunol Regional Wilderness
  Resolution No. 2007-2-43 (Attached)

Director Sutter expressed his interest regarding the appearance of the manufactured toilets and asked if there were other design and color choices. He also asked about the type of vault toilets installed at Inspiration Point. Asst. General Manager Mike Anderson stated that staff reviewed all available design and color options and made their recommendation based on the simplest, most straightforward and economical design. He explained that this vault toilet is of the CXT type that, while giving a rustic look, is actually made of cast concrete and is very durable. Maintenance Chief Anne Scheer added that the vault toilets at Inspiration Point were of the pre-manufactured Romtec type, which park staff enhanced with the addition of stonework to complement the existing design around the area.

Directors Wieskamp and Lane expressed their satisfaction with the design chosen.

• C-1-j.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds and Enter into a Contract with Aliquot Associates, Inc. for a Vargas Plateau Access Road Safety Feasibility Study
  Resolution No. 2007-2-44 (Attached)

Director Wieskamp stated that she was pleased to see District moving forward with this item, especially since one of her concerns was making the road safer. AGM Mike Anderson affirmed that goal, adding that staff is also looking at the most economical way of achieving it.

In answer to Director Severin's concern regarding timelines, Planning and Stewardship Chief Brian Wiese stated that the project's scheduled completion of 2.5 months is specified in the contract.

• C-1-k.
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2007-2-45 (Attached)
• C-1-m.
  Authorization to Accept a Grant of Recreational Trail Easement from City of Oakley: Big Break Regional Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-2-46 (Attached)
• C-1-n.
  Authorization to Hire Carol Victor as Assistant District Counsel at Step F of Management Pay Range MG-06
  Resolution No. 2007-2-47 (Attached)
• C-1-o.
  Authorization to Enter into an Agreement with the East Bay Zoological Society to Disburse Measure CC Funds for the Oakland Zoo
  Resolution No. 2007-2-37 (Attached)

President Sutter asked if signage installation was the only requirement asked from the Oakland Zoo. He also suggested that the District have a discussion with Oakland Zoo staff to discuss the Zoo's possible role in assisting in the District's proposed Measure AA Extension. Asst. General Manager Dave Collins answered that the signage requirement is only one of others specified in the grant provisions, such as submission of an annual report detailing how funds have been spent.

In answer to a question by Director Lane, AGM Collins stated that there is a monitoring process and the District requires the Zoo to send a yearly request for funds.

By motion of Director Siden, seconded by Director Severin, the Consent Calendar, with the exception of items C-1-c and C-1-l, was unanimously approved.

2. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

General Manager Pat O'Brien discussed the temporary closure of the Tilden Merry-Go-Round. He stated that after a recent inspection of the facility, OSHA had required either a barrier or extra staff be in place to keep the general public at a safe distance while the merry-go-round was in motion. He explained that the concessionaire has refused to add staff; District staff, after contacting OSHA, has agreed to set-up a temporary 42-inch high vertical rail fence. AGM of Operations John Escobar assured the Board that the fence will not affect the historical integrity of the facility, and added that it was only on January 31, 2007 that the concessionaire notified the District of the OSHA requirement and the February 2 deadline to comply. Staff has asked OSHA to keep the District informed of all developments pertaining to this issue. AGM Escobar stated that the cost will be borne by the District, although there is a possibility that it may be charged to the concessionaire's maintenance fund account.

GM O'Brien, in reference to the Alameda County Board of Zoning Adjustment's decision to approve the Richland Towers broadcast facility use permit, stated that the District has filed an appeal of the decision with the Planning Commission and is working to incorporate the District's desire to allow for the consolidation of broadcast facilities and accessories at the site.

GM O'Brien also reported that the Concord City Council, as the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) Local Reuse Authority, voted 3-2 to oppose any further extensions of the Department of Navy's Notice of Surplus. Director Lane stated that she was at the meeting when the request for extension was presented, and added she will be attending the CNWS Citizens Advisory Committee meeting later in the day.

3. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien introduced Development Officer Nancy Baglietto, who made a presentation highlighting the Regional Parks Foundation's 2006 accomplishments and 2007 goals. Some of the report highlights included:

• Raising a total of $1.6 million in 2006, with an investment income of $297,000
• Receiving approximately $13 million over the past 13 years, with $9.5 million going to the District
• Increasing membership to 9,000 members
• Plans to establish an endowment fund and an on-line membership sign-up and renewal capability

GM O'Brien also stated that at the suggestion of Director Skinner at the February 6, 2007 Board meeting, he has given direction to staff involved in Board Standing Committees to include the actual vote and related Board member comments on consent items when it is submitted to the full Board for recommendation. GM O'Brien stated that this Board Committee vote will be included in the "Recommendation" portion, with the specifics included in the "Background" portion of the staff report.

GM O'Brien announced the election of Dennis Waespi as President of the Board of Directors of the Castro Valley Sanitary District.

Director Beverly Lane asked that she be provided with the text of District signs as they are prepared for installation at various locations. President Sutter asked that this be routinely provided to the entire Board.

Director Siden asked about the status of the proposed radio tower at Hayward Shoreline; Inter-Agency Planning Manager Larry Tong responded that the City of Hayward has withheld this item from inclusion into their Council meetings indefinitely and has not indicated their future course of action at this time. Mr. Tong added that the proposed Calpine facility is being relocated to a different site away from District property, away from Hayward Shoreline.

Director Wieskamp congratulated staff involved in the recycling committee for their work.

Director Siden asked about the study of parking fee machines at District parks. AGM Escobar stated that this will be part of the 2007 Board Operations Committee agenda, and will include a discussion of various options such as the use of credit cards and other payment options.

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter advised that there were no announcements from the Closed Session, which was held on February 20, 2007.

5. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Ecology Committee(12/13/06)(Sutter)

President Sutter stated there was an interesting discussion on yellow star thistle and the efforts to control its spread.

6. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Doug Siden spoke about his attendance to the recent NRPA Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C. and the various issues discussed with the District's Legislative representatives, and expressed his appreciation to staff involved. He also reported on his meeting with Beverly Johnson, the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Some of Director Siden's future activities include attending an orientation for the City of San Leandro's new Council members, a working luncheon with San Leandro's Mayor and City Manager, and the March 1, 2007 Board workshop. He announced that he will be unable to attend the first Board workshop on February 22.

Director Nancy Skinner stated that although she was in Washington D.C. during the time of the NRPA Legislative Forum, she was unable to attend District-sponsored meetings due to professional obligations as it relates to her employment with an environmental organization. Director Skinner also discussed the report by the International Panel on Climate Change on the seriousness of global warming, and spoke about how the District, as an agency, can help contribute to the prevention of its effects. She stated her desire to incorporate global warming into the Board Workshop discussions, and the concept of "Carbon Trading and Offsetting" into the District's future plans. Director Skinner also announced an invitation extended by Don Spight to a boat tour of Red Rock Island.

Director Severin spoke about meetings she will be attending the next two weeks: Operations Committee on February 21, Board Workshops on February 22 and March 1, Finance Committee on February 28, and the EBMUD Liaison also on February 28. She also spoke about the announced need for a District representative for the Chabot Space and Science Center. Director Severin stated that the Taylor Family Foundation's announcement for the "Day in the Park" event still has mentioned the District as the owner of Camp Arroyo, and asked staff to remind the Taylor Family Foundation that this is required of them per their agreement with the District. She also asked AGM Escobar that an update on Shadow Cliffs be added to the 2007 Operations Committee agenda.

In response to a clarification asked by President Sutter on the need for Board members to specifically state all meetings attended, District Counsel Ted Radosevich noted that it is indeed a statutory requirement mandated by the State Legislature.

Director Beverly Lane expressed her approval of the inclusion of the Speaker Lectures series in the most recent issue of Regional in Nature (RIN). She also spoke about her attendance at the NRPA Legislative Forum and the associated informational meetings and a talk by Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors President Mary Peipho on the County's plans for 2007. Director Lane stated that she attended a reception for Congressman McNerney on February 10, and is scheduled to meet with him, together with GM O'Brien, on February 21.

Director Wieskamp asked staff to report on the success of a program at Black Diamond Mines called "The Case of the Edible Lawn Mower." She also asked staff to let her know if the District can offer more programs catering to participants aged 55+ that offered bus rides, such as the program at Black Diamond Mines. She also suggested that staff partner with local Park and Recreation departments to determine interest and possibly expand this type of program. Director Wieskamp mentioned that a group from Livermore brought to her attention their concerns regarding the alkali sink and the endangered species that rely on it. Director Wieskamp stated that a limited development plan by the City of Livermore includes adding agriculture in North Livermore that, because of its use of water, increases the possibility of damaging the alkali sink. She asked if the District would consider adding the area of the alkali sink on the District's Master Plan. Since Livermore owns part of this land, Director Wieskamp suggested the possibility of going into a joint venture with the City. As a follow-up to an Alameda County Liaison Committee meeting, Director Wieskamp stated there was a concern regarding railroad traffic expansion. She emphasized the need for the District to be in early communication with the various agencies involved so that concerns associated with this type of expansion are addressed. GM O'Brien stated he has a meeting scheduled with County Executives regarding this matter. Director Wieskamp announced that she will be attending a meeting with representatives of the Patterson Ranch project, and also stated her desire to visit the Environmental Graphics Studio during a future Board field trip.

Director Ted Radke agreed with Director Skinners' comments on global warming, and suggested that a discussion on levee construction be added. He also mentioned his attendance of the Contra Costa Council event with Board President Mary Piepho as speaker. Director Radke stated that he received a call from Erin Gable from Senator Torlakson's office to discuss the possibility of setting up a public education mechanism to promote Senator Torlakson's legislation establishing a larger California Delta Trail. He suggested that she speak to AGM of Public Affairs Rosemary Cameron. He also asked about a date for the temporary opening of Big Break. Director Radke spoke about the increasing hazard posed by rail takers, and passed on an article about this to the Clerk of the Board. He also announced that he will be unable to attend the Board Workshop on March 1.

President John Sutter spoke about a news article included in the Board packet discussing the Stream Management Master Plan of Zone 7, and asked if there were any connections with the District's Master Plan. He suggested adding this to a future Board field trip if there was indeed a connection. He asked staff to update the Board on this subject. President Sutter stated that he attended a meeting of the Friends of Oakland Parks related to the extension of Measure AA, and reported that there is plenty of interest on this planned measure, and in sports fields. He also spoke about his attendance at the NRPA Legislative Forum. President Sutter announced that he will be unable to attend the April Board Workshop.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

E. ADJOURNMENT

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

Allen Pulido, for Sharon Marshall, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-2-36 through 2007-2-47
Board Committee Reports

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