The Board Meeting, which was held on February 5, 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

Directors Absent:
Carol Severin

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 2:05 p.m. by Board President Ayn Wieskamp.

Staff Present Included:
Pat O'Brien, Tim Anderson, Shelly Lewis, Ted Radosevich, Rosemary Cameron, Bob Doyle, Mike Anderson, Isa Polte-Jones, Sharon Corkin, John Escobar, Brian Wiese, Anne Rockwell, Diane Althoff, Louie Gross, Nancy Wenninger, Lena SooHoo Chu, Everett James, Carol Victor, Renee Patterson, Carol Johnson, Erich Pfuehler, Dave Collins, Anne Scheer, Bob Doyle.

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. SPECIAL PRESENTATION

District employee Joven Magpoc was recognized for his successful completion of the four-year Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program. Mr. Victor Aguirre, State of California Apprenticeship Consultant, presented the Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship to Mr. Magpoc.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

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

• D-1-a.
  Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of December 22, 2007 through January 18, 2008
  Resolution No. 2008-2-013
• D-1-b.
  Acceptance of Bid for Installation of the Deer Park Restroom: Ardenwood Historic Farm
  Resolution No. 2008-2-014
• D-1-c.
  Approval to Designate a Name for the Sports Facility Being Constructed at Gilman Street in Berkeley
  Resolution No. 2008-2-015

Chief of Planning/Stewardship Brian Wiese gave a brief background on the proposed action, pointing out that this action is a recommendation brought to the District by the Joint Powers Authority and is consistent with the District's Naming Policy, and approved by the Board Executive and Park Advisory Committees.

Doug Fielding, Association of Sports Field Users, addressed the Board in support of this item.

Board members were unanimous in their support of naming the sports facility after Tom Bates.

• D-1-d.
  Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners
  Resolution No. 2008-2-016
• D-1-e.
  Authorization to Transfer Funds to Increase Condemnation Deposit and to Fund Continuing Legal Fees Associated with an Eminent Domain Action at Breuner Marsh: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
  Resolution No. 2008-2-017
• D-1-f.
  Authorization to Amend the 2008 Budget and Appropriate Funds for Commemorative Benches
  Resolution No. 2008-2-018
• D-1-g.
  Authorization to Enter Into a Contract with Yes-I Consult! to Provide the 2008 District-wide Computer Applications Training Program
  Resolution No. 2008-2-019
• D-1-h.
  Authorization to Enter into an Annual Service Agreement with Sungard Bi-Tech to Provide Off-Site Computer Hosting Services
  Resolution No. 2008-2-020
• D-1-i.
  Authorization to Purchase Replacement Computers
  Resolution No. 2008-2-021
• D-1-j.
  Authorization to Initiate Bond Refunding Process and Appoint Bond Financing Team for 2008 Measure AA Refunding Bonds
  Resolution No. 2008-2-022
• D-1-k.
  Authorization to Accept Funds from the Regional Parks Foundation and Appropriate Funding to District Project Budgets
  Resolution No. 2008-2-023

The Board expressed their gratitude and recognition of the Foundation's contributions to District over the years, and the work that their volunteers have done to raise funds.

In response to a Board members' question on the process by which projects submitted to the Foundation for funding are determined, General Manager Pat O'Brien stated that the list is based on recommendations from the Operations and Planning/Stewardship divisions, and depends on which projects are actually ready for implementation.

Director Lane asked staff to communicate to the Foundation Board the District's purpose and goals for the mobile visitor center in light of their interest in the project and funding opportunities that may be available.

2. LAND DIVISION

• D-2-a.
  Authorization to Accept a Grant Deed for 60+ Acres of Real Property, an Access Easement to Said Real Property, and an Endowment from Albert D. Seeno Construction Co.: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
  Resolution No. 2008-2-024
  By motion of Director Radke, seconded by Director Siden, item D-2-a was unanimously approved.

Land Acquisition Manager Nancy Wenninger gave a presentation, stating that this item was part of the settlement reached from the case brought about when, in October 2005, staff from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Department of Fish and Game were inspecting a residential development in Antioch and discovered that three seasonal creeks and four ponds were filled by the Seeno Construction Co. without permits.

In response to various Board member queries, staff stated that:

• they will work with the City of Antioch regarding the possibility of putting signage on Donlon Blvd;
• constructing a staging area for public access will not be possible since Mr. Seeno still owns the common area, although public parking is allowed along the street;
• the property was chosen in consultation with the District Attorney; consideration was also given to its proximity to the area where the violation occurred.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. 2008 Regional Parks Bond Extension

Asst. General Manager of Management Services Dave Collins presented an updated draft of the proposed project list incorporating changes requested by Board members and several members of the public from the January 23, 2008 Workshop:

• Adjustments in allocations proposed for Tilden Park and Pt. Pinole Shoreline;
• Inclusion of a general designation of where in Alameda or Contra Costa County each project is located;
• Provision for a 10% reserve for unanticipated future opportunities.

AGM Collins also stated that no action is needed by staff at this time, and that work will continue on the list based on comments received at this and future meetings.

Board members were in agreement that having an undesignated reserve fund will give the District some flexibility in addressing future opportunities not evident at this time, especially given the 20 – 30 year expenditure period of the measure. They also asked that polling be conducted to test both 5% and 10% reserve numbers.
Director Lane added that ideally, she would like to see funding for the Concord Naval Weapons Station not be subject to the reserve fund reduction, given the current uncertainty of its funding needs.

Director Skinner asked that staff be clear in communicating to the public that the amounts reflected on the list does not necessarily reflect either what the District may end up having to spend on the projects or the actual fulfillment of its ambitions; the numbers represent what the District could actually get from the bond measure towards those projects. She added that she may be more comfortable with using a 5% reserve versus 10% as it is more reasonable to explain as a set-aside for inflation and other factors not anticipated at this time.

Mr. Ed Bennett thanked the Board for considering his suggestion to set aside a reserve fund, and commented that he was impressed with the project list and personally supports the extension. In response to his questions, GM O'Brien and AGM Collins clarified that the total amount of bonds to be issued is limited and will not exceed $500 million, and that bonds will only be sold as the District can keep the tax rate below the current number.

AGM Collins also clarified that the main intent of the polling to be conducted will be to test the concept of having a reserve fund.

Ms. Nancy Van Huffel, representing the Chabot Park Highlands Association and a coalition of homeowners associations in the area, addressed the Board to ask that the 55 acre property around Dunsmuir be added to the "wish-list" relative to the proposed project list. She stated that this was also communicated by Ms. Fran David in an earlier email to the Board. She also stated her support for a 10% Reserve Fund.

Mr. Norman La Force (representing himself and not the Sierra Club) addressed the Board, stating that he believes the amount allocated to Eastshore and the Richmond Shoreline should be more than what is currently set aside in the draft project list. He questioned the amounts set aside for Gateway and Oakland/MLKing, Jr. Shoreline. While he agrees with having a reserve fund, he cautioned against making exceptions to reducing allocations to certain areas to make up that fund. Mr. LaForce also mentioned that the Sierra Club had expressed interest in addressing the issue of resource enhancement and protection, and that funding for this should be taken from the development budget. He added that the development budget should not just be for brick and mortar projects but also deal with habitat issues.

President Weiskamp added the list is far from the total list of projects that the Board would like to see accomplished, that there are numerous projects the District will fund via other means. The amounts specified in the draft project list will probably be insufficient to complete each project but is a way to spread out the measure proceeds throughout the District service area in a fair and effective manner.

Director Sutter commented that project list item 27 refers to Dunsmuir Heights Trail partly addresses Ms. Van Huffel and other residents' concerns regarding the area around Dunsmuir. In response to Mr. La Force's comments regarding Eastshore funding, Director Sutter stated that the proposed allocation of $27 million in the current schedule is more than any other project in the entire District, and is twice as much as the figure for Concord Naval Weapons Station. He added that while he appreciates everyone's desire to have more funding in their particular area, there is only a limited amount of funds to be distributed.

Director Skinner stated that focusing on identifying areas where opportunities for open space preservation and valuable habitat protection are located will also assist in the continuing discussion of the proposed project list.

b. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

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

4. GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

GM O'Brien introduced new District staff: Volunteer Coordinator Steve Albanico and Legislative Administrative Manager Erich Pfuehler, and continued with a presentation of his 2007 Annual Report.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CLOSED SESSION

President Wieskamp stated that there are no announcements from the Closed Session.

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee (Lane)

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Skinner reported on meetings attended. Director Skinner

• Attended the PAC meeting on January 28;
• Will be speaking before the Berkeley Rotary Club on February 6 at Berkeley waterfront;
• Has started her efforts to speak before different community groups regarding the proposed AA extension.

Director Siden reported on the following meetings attended:

• Alameda County Mayors Conference in Fremont on January 9;
• East Bay EDA Annual Legislative Reception on January 10;
• PCL Environmental Symposium in Sacramento on January 12;
• Alameda County CSDA meeting on January 16;
• Alameda Journal Community Advisory Group meeting;
• Leadership classes for the Oakland and San Leandro Chambers of Commerce;
• Martin Luther King, Jr. rally on January 21;
• Congresswoman Barbara Lee at former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris' office re MLK Freedom Ctr
• Coliseum Area Committee
• Summer job information presentation in San Lorenzo Youth Cooperative;
• Attended the YMCA dinner event on January 24;
• Finance Committee meeting on January 30;
• Margaret Kelley Retirement reception;
• Oakland Councilman Larry Reid meeting on February 2 at golf course on Doolittle Drive.

Director Siden mentioned that the District calendars have been very well received, and also shared newspaper articles on Crown Beach Supervisor Anne Rockwell and District Public Safety Officer Al Anaya.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane

• Met with her appointees to the PAC
• Gave a report on the proposed AA extension to the Pleasant Hill City Council at the request of their mayor;
• Will also speak to the Pleasant Hill Regional Park District Board and the Danville City Council
• Attended the retirement events for Dave Yoas and Margaret Kelley;
• Attended the CAC-CNWS meeting;
• Attended the retirement event for Lydia Du Borg;
• Attended the Workshop at Garms;
• Stated that she was pleased with the Chronicle article on Briones;
• Stated that the articles that she and Public Information Supervisor Shelly Lewis have been working on regarding the history of Contra Costa parks have been very well received.

Director Sutter reported on meetings attended. Director Sutter

• Asked that staff determine during the NRPA Legislative Forum if opportunities for the District exist in the government's economic stimulus package;
• Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference;
• Attended the East Bay EDA Legislative reception;
• Attended the Leadership conference with the Port of Oakland
• With GM O'Brien, attended a CSSC meeting with Dick Spees, where they indicated their interest in developing some form of residential facility next to the center funded by the AA Extension;
• Attended the Waterfront Action meeting where there was a presentation by an Alameda Point developer;
• Attended the MLKing, Jr. rally where Director Siden was recognized with an award;
• Attended a meeting of the Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation;
• Attended the YMCA dinner event on January 24;
• Attended Margaret Kelley's retirement reception;
• Expressed his appreciation to District staff Hillary Van Austen for work in putting together the recognition awards.

Director Radke reported on meetings attended. Director Radke

• Attended the Contra Costa CSDA meeting; the District was also invited to participate in an open house with Mt. View Sanitary District on May 17. He was invited by the CCCSDA to give a presentation on the proposed AA extension at their April 17 meeting;
• Attended the Delta Science Center meeting, who is sponsoring two boat trips for children.

President Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. President Wieskamp

• Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference on January 9, and will be making a presentation on the AA extension at the next on in Union City;
• Attended the East Bay EDA Reception;
• Attended the workshop at Garms;
• Attended the Finance Committee meeting;
• Attended the reception for Margaret Kelley;
• Announce the endorsement of Bob Coomber to the PAC by Supervisor Haggerty;
• Will attend the 100 Club meeting tonight;
• Will visit Coyote Hills at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow;
• Visited Garin, the Meyers Residence, Stonebrae, MLKing, Tidewater, Oyster Bay, the Oakland Art Overlook, Eastshore State Park, Pt. Isabel, and Miller Knox;
• Reported on an issue brought up by Park Supervisor Joan Suzio regarding a small area next to MLKing, Jr. owned by the Port of Oakland but used by the City to store old stages. President Wieskamp suggested contacting the agency responsible for this and discuss the possibility of using it as a parking area.

E. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments at this time.

F. ADJOURNMENT

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. by President Wieskamp.

Allen Pulido, Clerk of the Board

Attachments:
Visitors Log
Resolution Nos. 2008-2-013 through 2008-2-024
Board Committee Report

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