The Board Meeting, which was held on September 18, 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.

CLOSED SESSION

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Amelia Wilson, representing Save Open Space – Gateway Valley, Sierra Club Bay Chapter, Golden Gate Audubon Society and the Regional Parks Association, addressed the Board regarding item 3 of the Closed Session Agenda: Wilder Property.

The Board of Directors adjourned to CLOSED SESSION to discuss items listed on the Closed Session Agenda.

OPEN SESSION

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, Tim Anderson, Mike Anderson, Bob Doyle, Everett James, Carol Victor, Pam Burnor, Anne Rockwell, Carol Johnson, Shelly Lewis, Anne Scheer, Nancy Wenninger, Diane Althoff, Jeff Rasmussen, Jessica Sheppard, Doug Bell, Sharon Corkin, Mimi Waluch, Brian Wiese, Liz Musbach, Ro Aguilar, Lynette Journeay

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. Director Siden introduced Ms. Karen Bohlke of the MLK, Jr. Freedom Center and the Institute for Community Leadership. She addressed the Board, expressing her appreciation for the District's support of youth nonviolence programming, and introduced two youth participants who spoke about how they benefited from the program.

C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

Consent Calendar Items C-1-f and C-1-m were pulled from the Consent Calendar by Directors Lane and Skinner, respectively, for separate consideration.

By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Wieskamp, the Consent Calendar was unanimously approved, with the exception of items C-1-f and C-1-m.

• C-1-a
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of August 25, 2007 through September 7, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-9-224 (Attached)
• C-1-b
  Approval of Minutes of the Board Meetings of July 3, 2007
• C-1-c
  Acceptance of 2nd Quarter Report of Investment Activity for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period Ending June 30, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-9-225 (Attached)
• C-1-d
  Acceptance of the Quarterly Unaudited Financial Statements for the East Bay Regional Park District for the Period Ending June 30, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-9-226 (Attached)

Director Lane expressed her appreciation for the appropriation of funds to hire an intern to assist Supervising Naturalist Traci Parent with her projects at Black Diamond Mines.

• C-1-e
  Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Board Members Carol Severin and Doug Siden to Attend the 2007 National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 25 – 29, 2007
  Resolution No. 2007-9-227 (Attached)
• C-1-g
  Acceptance of Bid to Construct Staging Area Improvements: Bay Point Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-9-229 (Attached)

Director Siden asked if any protests were received from the participating bidders; Asst. District Counsel Carol Victor stated that none were received as of the start of this meeting.

Director Radke added that during the Coastal Clean-up at Bay Point, Sen. Torlakson and the Ambrose Park and Recreation District spokesman both expressed their approval and appreciation of this action.

• C-1-h
  Authorization to Augment the Construction Contingency for Trail Repaving and Landscape Improvements: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-9-230 (Attached)
• C-1-i
  Acceptance of Bid for Asphalt Pavement Repairs: Miller Knox Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-9-231 (Attached)
• C-1-j
  Approval of Appointments of Jan Southworth and Maureen Hart to the Park Advisory Committee
  Resolution No. 2007-9-232 (Attached)
• C-1-k
  Authorization to Enter into a Sole Source Agreement with Oratech Controls, Inc. to Purchase Automated Waste Water System Controllers for District Wastewater Pumping Stations
  Resolution No. 2007-9-233 Attached)
• C-1-l
  Resolution to Support Pending State and Federal Legislation: AB 828 (Ruskin) and HR 3036 (Sarbanes)
  Resolution No. 2007-9-234 Attached)
• C-1-n
  Authorization to Purchase Fee Interest in Real Property and Accept a Trail Easement from New Hope International Church: Delta De Anza Regional Trail
  Resolution No. 2007-9-236 (Attached)
• C-1-o
  Approval of the Installation of the Damon Marsh Art Overlook Project: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-9-237 (Attached)
• C-1-p
  Authorization to Enter into a Maintenance and Operations Agreement with the City of Oakland for the Damon Marsh Art Overlook: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2007-9-238 (Attached)

The following action was taken regarding Consent Calendar Item C-1-f:

• C-1- f
  Approval of 2007 Budget Adjustments to Finance Land Acquisition, Infrastructure Improvement Projects and Priority Initiatives
  Resolution No. 2007-9-228 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Lane, seconded by Director Severin, item C-1-f was unanimously approved.

Director Lane, in reference to item 11 (Mobile fish exhibit consulting and construction), asked if the Board had previously given its approval for staff to proceed with the project; GM O'Brien and other board members confirmed that it had been brought forward as a Consent Item and had been approved. There was also discussion of several budget proposals contained in this action.

The following action was taken regarding Consent Calendar Item C-1-m:

Director Skinner asked that the original resolution be restated to allow the Board to vote on the two pending State Legislations separately.

• C-1-m (a)
  Resolution to Oppose Pending State Legislation - AB 124 (Price)
  Resolution No. 2007-9-235 (Attached)
  By motion of Director Siden, seconded by Director Radke, the resolution to oppose pending State Legislation - AB124 was approved with a vote of 6 – 1 (Skinner – Oppose)
• C-1-m (b)
  Resolution to Oppose Pending State Legislation - SB 619 (Migden)
  Resolution No. 2007-9-240 (Attached) By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Skinner, the resolution to oppose pending State Legislation - SB 619 was unanimously approved

2. LAND DIVISION

• C-2-a
  Authorization to Purchase Fee Interest in 320 Acres of Real Property from Cynthia B. Roberts and Nancy T. King (Phase I), Appropriate and Transfer Funds Therefor, and Approve a Separate Agreement with the Priem Family Foundation for the Future Purchase of the Remainder of the Tyler Ranch Property (Phase II): Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
  By motion of Director Wieskamp, seconded by Director Severin, item C-2-a was unanimously approved.
  Resolution No. 2007-9-239 (Attached)

Asst. General Manager of Inter-Agency Planning and Land Acquisition Bob Doyle and Land Acquisition Manager Nancy Wenninger gave a presentation on this item. They explained that the total area of Tyler Ranch is 1,476 +/- acres; the District will purchase fee interest in 320 acres, while the Priem Family Foundation will purchase the remaining 1,156 +/- acres and will sell it to the District at a reduced price within three years

Mr. Curtis Priem of the Priem Family Foundation addressed the Board, stating that they are very excited to partner with the District, especially with the Foundation's focus on education and land conservation. He stated that they are still looking to acquire potentially about 7,000 acres and looks forward to working with the District in the future.

The Board unanimously expressed their appreciation to Mr. Priem and the Priem Family Foundation for their generous contribution, and also thanked District staff for their work to secure this property.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

General Manager Pat O'Brien reported that on September 4, the Concord City Council appointed Guy S. Bjerke to fill the vacancy left on the City Council.

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

GM O'Brien introduced AGM of Public Safety Chief Tim Anderson, who spoke about the production of a new video that they will be using to support and promote Public Safety's recruitment efforts. He also introduced the Public Safety interns responsible for the production of the video, Jonathan Wolf and Toby Rowe. Chief Anderson showed the video to the Board, stating that it highlighted the breadth of law enforcement coverage within Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the various resources at its disposal, and the benefits of working at the District.

Board members commented positively on the video, but added that it would be improved by use of a professional video narrator. Director Skinner suggested sending copies of the video to local high schools.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Sutter advised that there were no announcements from the Closed Session held on September 18, 2007.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Legislative Committee (8/24/07) (Siden)

There were no additional comments presented regarding the Board Committee reports submitted.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Radke reported on meetings attended and gave the following comments. Director Radke

• asked if the District has prepared a letter of support for SB669 as requested by Sen. Tom Torlakson;
• attended the Coastal Clean-up events at Bay Point, attended by about 40 people including Sen. Torlakson, and at Martinez Shoreline, where they ran out of garbage bags due to the record turnout of about 450 people;
• attended a workshop on the Delta with Director Siden and AGM Bob Doyle, where Sunne McPeak was one of the panelists;
• attended the Richmond Liaison meeting with Director Skinner;
• reported that the Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) received an award.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended and gave the following remarks; Director Wieskamp

• read the oral histories recently completed by the District and suggested others read it as well;
• will be attending the Tri-Valley Mayors Summit with Director Lane;
• will be attending the Alameda County Liaison meeting on September 20, where they will have a "right-of-way" rail ride along Niles Canyon railroad;
• reminded everyone that the Cajun Zydeco will be on September 22;
• will be attending the Diamond in the Rough event in Livermore;
• will be attending the EBRPD – City of Fremont Liaison meeting on September 19;
• attended the retirement event for LARPD Director Dale Turner, where she presented a proclamation on behalf of the District;
• attended the Farm Bureau event;
• attended the CALAFCO conference in Sacramento;
• attended the Legislative luncheon at Quarry Lakes.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended and gave the following comments. Director Lane

• visited Waterbird park and also went on the Iron Horse Trail;
• attended the Concord City Council meeting on September 11 wherein all 5 council members spoke about their expectations regarding the Concord Naval Weapons Station issue;
• went to Southern California for a high school reunion, where she saw Director Siden, and also visited Irvine Regional Park;
• attended the Contra Costa County Mayors Conference, where she spoke to Don Blubaugh about scheduling a Measure AA extension presentation to this group, possibly in January 2008.
• attended the farewell party for Randy Carlton;
• attended the EBMUD Liaison meeting;
• will be attending the Tilden Nature Area/Little Farm event;
• will be attending the CNWS meeting tonight;
• was pleased to see the front page of the San Ramon Valley Times featuring the Tyler Ranch acquisition.

Director Siden reported on meetings attended and gave the following comments. Director Siden

• attended a high school reunion in Southern California as mentioned by Director Lane;
• attended the Legislative luncheon at Quarry Lakes;
• attended the East Bay EDA Executive Committee meeting with GM O'Brien, where they conducted a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed Measure AA extension, which was very positively received;
• attended a Coastal Clean-up event;
• attended the Jam Festival on Webster Street in Alameda on September 16, where the Crab Cove Visitor Center staff participated;
• will attend the September 19 forum on the Health of the Bay sponsored by Assemblywoman Loni Hancock;
• will be attending the Alameda County Liaison meeting with Director Wieskamp;
• will be attending the NRPA Conference in Indianapolis with Director Severin;
• will be attending the CSDA Conference in Monterey, and will be unable to attend the October 2 Board meeting. He also announced that Legislative Assistant Ro Aguilar will be presented the award for Legislative Advocate of the Year at this event.

Director Severin reported on meetings attended and gave the following comments. Director Severin

• attended the Ecology Committee meeting on behalf of Director Sutter and stated that a group protesting the District's use of Round-up attended meeting and turned in about 400 signatures opposing this practice. She also spoke about the issue of allowing contractors specify the method of weed treatment in lieu of using District-specified chemicals.
• attended the Regional Parks Foundation meeting on behalf of Director Sutter
• attended the Legislative luncheon at Quarry Lakes.
• attended the retirement party for Randy Carlton.
• will attend the Diamond in the Rough event at Camp Arroyo, the Health and Safety Fair and the Cajun Zydeco event at Ardenwood;
• announced that Eric Willyerd, the General Manager of Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, is retiring at the end of 2007.

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended and gave the following comments. Director Skinner

• attended the Ecology Committee meeting. In response to Boardmember Severin's comments, Director Skinner clarified that her remarks at the Ecology Committee were intended to highlight the fact that the District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy includes language that the District would "use chemicals as a last resort" and indicates under treatment strategies that “chemical control (is) the least desirable technique." Given these two components of the IPM policy, she felt the District should not prepare bid specs that require District contractors to use a chemical as was the case, for example, in the Point Isabel turf installation where Round-up use was specified. Thus contractors that may have a method to control weeds other than Round-up were excluded from the bid process. Director Skinner expressed that the District's bid specifications should allow contractors to suggest alternative pest control methods as well as chemical use rather than excluding contractors who might have viable, non-chemical methods;
• attended the Richmond Liaison meeting with Director Radke, and stated that the City of Richmond was pleased about the District's plans to spend for CalTrans signage;
• participated in Coastal Clean-up events in Richmond, Berkeley Brickyard and Albany Bulb. She asked if the District may consider putting up signage and plastic bags in the District-owned access close to the “Bulb” to combat the proliferation of dog feces in the area;
• attended a Golden Audubon field trip to Tilden Park;
• intends to go to Assembly member Loni Hancocks' forum on the Health of the Bay and the Little Farm dedication.

Director Sutter reported on meetings attended and gave the following announcements. Director Sutter

• designated Director Severin to vote on behalf of the District at the November 7 LAFCO representative nominations;
• attended the Legislative lunch at Quarry Lakes;
• hiked along Huckleberry and Sibley Regional Preserves and observed some of the areas discussed in this meeting's Closed Session, including the Labyrinth;
• together with Directors Siden and Skinner, met with Sierra Club leaders to discuss their concerns regarding various issues such as the Measure AA extension and the State Parks' work with the District as it pertains to Eastshore State Park;
• attended the Solano Stroll, wherein the District staffed a booth;
• will be attending the Waterfront Action meeting.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

E. ADJOURNMENT

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

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2007-9- 224 through 2007-9-240
Board Committee Reports

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