The Board Meeting, which was held on August 5, 2008 at the Administrative 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
Beverly Lane
Nancy Skinner
Carol Severin
John Sutter

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 2:25 p.m. by Board President Ayn Wieskamp.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O’Brien, Ted Radosevich, Dave Collins, Bob Doyle, Mike Anderson, John Escobar, Carol Victor, Shelly Lewis, Anne Scheer, Ken Blonski, Suzanne Lusk, Nancy Wenninger, Brad Olson, Carol Johnson, Paul Miller.

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

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

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

C-1-a.              Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of July 5, 2008 to July 25, 2008
Resolution No. 2008-8-188                           (attached)

C-1-b.              Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Directors Beverly Lane, Carol Severin, Doug Siden,
John Sutter, Ted Radke, Ayn Wieskamp and General Manager Pat O’Brien to Attend the 2008                           Special Park Districts Forum, September 8 - 10, 2008, in Portland, Oregon           
Resolution No. 2008-8-189                           (attached)       

C-1-c.              Authorization to Negotiate With Various Property Owners
Resolution No. 2008-8-190                           (attached)

C-1-d.              Authorization to File an Application for Grant Funds under the Habitat Conservation Fund                                 Program, California Wildlife Protection Act, 1990: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
Resolution No. 2008-8-191                           (attached)

C-1-e.              Authorization to Quitclaim to Lake Tahoe Land Company, LLC, All Right, Title and Interest, if any,                         to an Undeveloped Trail Easement: Las Trampas to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail/Green Valley                                Regional Trail
Resolution No. 2008-8-192                           (attached)

C-1-f.               Authorization to Enter into a Special Use Agreement with the YMCA of the East Bay:
Roberts Regional Recreation Area
Resolution No. 2008-8-193                           (attached)                   

Allison Richardson, on behalf of the YMCA of the East Bay, thanked the District for its support of the First WAVE program and gave a brief presentation about it.  She stated that 337 3rd graders from nine schools participated this year, and they expect 15 schools will participate next year.  

C-1-g.              Authorization to Amend the 2008 Budget and Accept Bid for Asphalt Paving and Improvements:                         Wildcat Canyon Alvarado Regional Park                             
Resolution No. 2008-8-194                           (attached)

C-1-h.              Authorization to Amend the 2008 Budget and Accept Bid for Parking Lot Paving Rehabilitation:                         Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Resolution No. 2008-8-195                           (attached)

C-1-i.               Authorization to Amend the 2008 Budget and Accept Bid for Repair of a Failing Wall at Hazel-                          Atlas Portal Parking Area: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-196                           (attached)

C-1-j.               Authorization to Amend the 2008 Capital Budget and Accept Bid for Landslide Repairs at West                         Ridge Trail Near Wilton Drive: Redwood    Regional Park
Resolution No. 2008-8-197                           (attached)

C-1-k.              Authorization to Set the 2008/2009 Tax Rate for the Payment of East Bay Regional Park                                      District General Obligation Measure AA Bonds
Resolution No. 2008-8-198                           (attached)

C-1-l.               Acceptance of Actuarial Valuation Analysis and Update on the District’s Pension Plans
Resolution No. 2008-8-199                           (attached)

            2.         GENERAL MANAGER

C-2-a.              PUBLIC HEARING

                        i)  Ordering the Submission of a Proposition of Incurring Bonded Debt for the                                                      Purpose of the Acquisition and Development of Regional Park, Recreation and Open                                          Space Facilities and Acquisition and Development of Local Park, Recreation and                                                  Open Space Facilities to the Qualified Voters of the East Bay Regional Park District                                             at the District Election on November 4, 2008 (Adopted Pursuant to Public                                                            Resources Code Section 5547)

Ordinance No. 2008-8-200                            (attached)

By motion of Director Radke , seconded by Director Sutter, item C-2-a (i) was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

GM O’Brien gave a presentation on this item, stating that although the Board had already conducted the first and second readings of the ordinance at previous meetings, this item is being brought forward to revise the title and ballot question of the proposed ballot measure to comply with the requirements by the Contra Costa County Elections office that includes the title in the 75 word count of the ballot question.  This was contrary to Alameda County’s interpretation that the title is not part of the 75 word count, which the District followed initially since the ballot measure was to be submitted to Alameda County, being the county with the larger population.

                        ii)  An Ordinance of the East Bay Regional Park District Repealing Ordinance No. 2008-7-184                            Adopted on July 15, 2008 (Adopted Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5547)

Ordinance No. 2008-8-201                            (attached)                                           

By motion of Director Sutter, seconded by Director Siden, item C-2-a (ii) was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

2:40 p.m.                         

            3.         LAND DIVISION

C-3-a.              Authorization to Quitclaim to the Contra Costa Water District Certain Abutter’s                                                Rights to Vasco Road:  Vasco Caves Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-202                           (attached)

By motion of Director Radke , seconded by Director Severin, item C-3-a was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.
Asst. General Manager for Land Acquisition Bob Doyle gave a brief presentation on this item, stating that it is being brought forward at the request of both Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Water District, and relates to the development of the “new” Vasco Road. He added that the Contra Costa Water District built this road as part of the original Los Vaqueros project and has been negotiating with the county to take over its maintenance. Vasco Road has on-going traffic safety issues; this item is the District’s agreement to not provide additional access points from the road to the property, but preserves existing access points.

C-3-b.              Authorization to Enter into Agreement for Option, Purchase and Sale and to Transfer Funds for                         Option Payment and Acquisition Costs for the 153± Acre Schwartz Property: Morgan Territory                         Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-203                           (attached)                                           

By motion of Director Radke , seconded by Director Lane, item C-3-b was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

AGM Doyle gave a brief presentation of the property, stating that the District is a signatory on the implementation of the Contra Costa Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).  He stated that the primary purpose of the partnership with HCP is to preserve and to protect specific endangered species, and to move forward the economic plans of both the county and the cities of East Contra Costa County.  An updated appraisal will be performed by staff, although staff believes the value of the property is about $800,000, of which $675,000 will be funded by the Contra Costa Habitat Conservancy; the District will have the rights for recreational use.

C-3-c.              Authorization to Enter into an Agreement to Allow the East Contra Costa County Habitat                                 Conservancy to Construct the “Vasco Caves, Souza I HCP Pond” Project, and to Accept and                              Appropriate Funds:  Vasco Caves Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-204                           (attached)                               

By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Sutter, item C-3-c was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

Environmental Review Manager Brad Olson gave a presentation on item C-3-c, and stated that that the District is partnering with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy on both of these restoration projects. He reminded the Board that the District has already performed a restoration enhancement project (REP) in this property which consisted of conservation easement over about half of the property and the rehabilitation of the two ponds. The project currently proposed is to construct the pond/seasonal wetland and would be planted wetland vegetation. The area would not be fenced due to grazing, with the cost of the project estimated at $250,000; the Conservancy will fund $5,000 for construction management, $25,000 for cost of maintenance - $5,000/year for 5 years. Before the five year term is up, a new agreement will be signed for Habitat Conservancy to pay for long term maintenance cost.

C-3-d.              Authorization to Enter into an Agreement with the East Contra Costa County Habitat                                         Conservancy to Construct and Maintain the “Lentzner Springs Wetland Restoration Project” and                         to Accept and Appropriate Funds:  Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-205                           (attached)       

By motion of Director Sutter , seconded by Director (can’t tell)     , item C-3-d was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

Mr. Olson explained that the development of this project will be performed by the District. He explained that this project will be the “template” for future projects and will provide public access.  Ten public bids were received for the project, with the lowest bid at $75,000; the terms of this project will be the same as the Souza 1 project - 20% for overhead, $5,000 for construction and $25,000 for 5 years of maintenance cost.  The end of the 5 years, District will have a new agreement with the Conservancy to provide the long term maintenance cost of the property.

            4.         PLANNING/STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT

C-4-a.              Authorization to Transfer Funds and Acceptance of Bid for Construction of Lentzner Springs                              Wetland Restoration: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Resolution No. 2008-8-206                           (attached)

By motion of Director 1:13:46 can’t tell        , seconded by Director, item C-4-a was unanimously approved.

Directors present:      Beverly Lane, Ted Radke, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, Nancy Skinner, John Sutter,
Ayn Wieskamp
Directors absent:        None.

Mike Anderson, Asst. General Manager for Planning/Stewardship and Development, advised the Board that as per Mr. Olson’s previous presentation, he supports the acceptance of the bid as presented to the Board.

            5.         BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

                        a.         2008 Regional Parks Bond Extension
Public Input Process: Summary of Comments Received                

Asst. General Manager of Finance and Management Services Dave Collins spoke briefly about the correspondence received regarding the proposed bond measure.

Director Siden added that he just received an endorsement of the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area.

b.         Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

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

            6.         GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Recreation Areas Unit Manager Paul Miller gave a PowerPoint presentation on the various projects and issues that the various parks/staff under the unit are currently involved with.

            7.         ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Wieskamp announced that the Board voted unanimously to appoint Cindy Rubaloff as Chief Finance Officer.

            8.         BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.         Alameda County Special Districts Association          (5-07-2008)                 (Siden)
b.         Alameda County/EBRPD Liaison Committee            (6-06-2008)                 (Siden)
c.         Contra Costa County/EBRPD Liaison Committee    (5-12-2008)                 (Radke)
d.         Executive Committee                                                 (6-24-2008)                 (Wieskamp)
e.         Finance Committee                                                    (6-25-2008)                 (Siden)
f.          Pinole/Hercules/EBRPD and No. CCCty JPA            (5-22-2008)                 (Radke)
g.         Regional Parks Foundation                                         (5-16-2008)                 (Wieskamp)   

            9.         BOARD COMMENTS

Director Severin reported on meetings attended.  Director Severin

1. Attended the Operations Committee meeting on July 31 where there was a lively discussion of the Brushy Peak trail and Redwood Park tree project;
2. CARPD State Board meeting and stated that their conference will be held in May 2009;
3. Attended the Board field trip to Ardenwood and Tilden parks
4. Visited the East Ridge trail at Redwood Park;

Director Siden reported on meetings attended.  Director Siden

1. Attended the Legislative staff picnic at Crown Beach;
2. Met with AFSCME Local 2428 President Dave Kalahele;
3. Reported that the Martin Luther King Freedom Center’ has a new Board member;
4. Reported that County Supervisor Steele has been advocating for the creation of an “Agricultural museum” at Ardenwood;
5. Participated in the interview panel for the District’s CFO;
6. Attended the recent Board field trip;
7. Attended the PAC meeting at Garin;
8. Announced the 10th season of Concert at Cove will be ending on Friday;
9. Will be attending the Muir Heritage Land Trust and Day in the Park events.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended.  Director Lane

1. Gave an update on the CAC meetings regarding CNWS that she had attended, and stated that a workshop came up with an almost unanimous priority of land stewardship/open space. She also stated that the US Navy would like to see the process move faster.
2. Visited the Iron Horse Trail and Las Trampas;
3. Attended the PAC meeting at Garin,
4. Attended the Operations Committee meeting; she visited Redwood Park before attending;
5. Attended the Castle Rock Chamber event;
6. Asked that a status report on the group camp and the design of the water trail landing at Pt. Pinole be given at the next Operations Committee meeting.

Director Sutter reported on meetings attended.  Director Sutter

1. Thanked the Operations Committee for adding the discussion of the Redwood trail issue at the Operations Committee meeting and stated that he still has been receiving a lot of phone calls regarding the East Ridge tree project.  Director Sutter spoke about lessons learned – same issue will arise in other parts of the hills – and the District’s need to focus on public relations and outreach.  He asked about the District plans for re-vegetation;
2. Spoke to a group sponsored by Orinda Library regarding the Measure AA extension;
3. Attended the Finance committee meetings of Chabot Space and Science Center;
4. Attended Oakland’s Measure DD Advisory committee meeting;
5. Attended the Greenbelt Alliance event in Brentwood/Frog Hollow Farm;
6. Attended Board Field Trip;
7. Regarding CNWS, suggested following up with Marstel-Day for next steps.

Director Radke reported on meetings attended.  Director Radke

1. Attended Legislative staff lunch at Crown Beach;
2. Did not attend the field trip due to his meeting with the Contra Costa County Clerk re bond extension;
3. Will attend the Muir Heritage Land Trust/Fresh Aire Affaire;
4. Will meet with tax payer association president.

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended.  Director Skinner

1. Attended a meeting with the El Sobrante R-9 Citizens Group, Supervisor Goia and park staff regarding how unincorporated areas will access funds from the District’s bond measure. She reported that the supervisor will have a resolution to support the bond measure at the next County Supervisors’ meeting;
2. Was unable to join the field trip as she was with the Public Affairs staff at the East Bay Public Affairs Group event at Lake Temescal;
3. Attended the retirement party for Sue Ferrera;
4. Met with the President of Cal State East Bay.  Director Skinner reported that their long-range plan includes expanding capacity for student on-campus housing from 1,200 to 5,000, and that this plan may affect usage of Garin park.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended.  Director Wieskamp

1. Conducted a tour of Roberts Park;
2. Met with Bart President Gail Murray on various ways of collaborating with the District;
3. Judged at the recent Niles Dog show, where the District was one of the sponsors;
4. Attended the Executive and Operations Committee meetings,
5. Attended the Board field trip;
6. With District staff, met with County Supervisor Scott Haggerty; he gave support for Alamo Canal undercrossing and suggested that the District ask for $1.8 million from ACTIA;
7. Attended various receptions for AA extension;
8. Attended the PAC meeting at Garin;
9. Will be attending 100 Club (for widows/widowers/children of police/fire personnel)

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dan Levy of the Bicycle Trails Coalition addressed the Board and stated how his family has been a long-time user of the District parks and how mountain biking is one of the ways working people use the trails.

E. ADJOURNMENT

5:18 p.m.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2008-8-188 to 2008-8-206
Board Committee Report

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