MINUTES
REGULAR
MEETING
WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY 10, 2007
ROBERT
LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER
4444 EAST
AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
7:00 P.M.
CRESTA
BLANCA BALLROOM
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Director
Furst, Director Goodman, Director Kamena and President Turner (4)
DIRECTORS
ABSENT: Maryalice
Faltings (1)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Barry, Jim
Brandenburg, Jim Carlson, Lora Cohen, Michael Kyle, Gretchen Sommers, Maureen
Gandara Swinbank
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
President Turner. Roll was taken and all Directors were present except Director
Faltings and Director Kamena.
2. PUBLIC FORUM
An invitation will be given at this time to
address the Board on any item not on the agenda. No public comment was
received.
3. CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 BOARD MINUTES
3.1.1 Meeting of December 13,
2006.
3.2 COMMUNICATIONS: None.
3.3 General Manager’s Monthly Report (#60/6).
3.4 Payroll and Claims.
On a motion by Director Goodman, seconded by
Director Furst, approved the Consent Agenda, passing 3-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS:
4.1 Resolution No.____, a resolution approving the
lease amendment with LVJUSD and Livermore Charter Learning Corporation for the
continued operation of the Friendship Center at Sonoma School.
After discussion of this subject (see Agenda
Item 6.1), President Turner recommended that the Board decide whether to
approve the lease amendment at the next Board meeting, when staff is able to present
the final, amended document. Directors Goodman and Kamena and staff agreed.
5. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
6. OLD BUSINESS:
6.1 FRIENDSHIP
CENTER RELOCATION STATUS
President Turner explained that The Board will
receive a status report on the search for a new location for the Friendship
Center. General Manager Barry stated that the Board approved LARPD entering
into a lease extension for the Friendship Center at the Charter School. Mr.
Barry said that this agreement provides LARPD with an additional year, with a one-year
extension built into the agreement. Mr. Barry stated that he attended the LVJUSD
board meeting last night, and the agreement was approved. He said that his understanding
that the Charter School approved the agreement as well.
District Legal Counsel Michael Kyle stated that he
sees this document more as a financial agreement than a lease. He stated that
he would like to see a hold harmless indemnification included in this lease, as
is generally required by CAPRI, the District’s risk management company. If this
is a financial agreement, rather than a lease, said Mr. Kyle, then it is
probably okay without the hold harmless indemnification. President Turner asked
if Mr. Kyle recommends Board approval of this agreement. Mr. Kyle responded
that yes, he recommends Board approval, but that this issue needs to be
addressed in an addendum, or added to the body of the agreement.
Director Furst asked if the changes in the
amended lease draft, which Directors were presented with this evening had been
approved by the School District. Mr. Barry responded that the amended agreement
is what the School District passed last night. Mr. Barry said that he spoke to
Mr. Goldstein, Executive Director of the Charter School, as well and Mr.
Goldstein said he was agreeable to the amendments, that it was intended that
they be incorporated in the agreement in the first place.
President Turner asked if the Board could approve
this lease at the next Board meeting, by which time the final, amended document
can be presented.
President Turner opened for public comment. No
public comment was received.
General Manager Barry stated that, in LARPD’s
efforts to find a new location for the Friendship Center, staff contracted with
the firm ATI to prepare feasibility studies evaluating 1) renovation of the R.E.
Merritt Building; 2) building a new structure on City-owned property on Pacific
Avenue; and 3) purchasing and renovating a former private School site. Staff
also investigated leasing commercial space in Livermore. Mr. Barry said that
staff is of the opinion that the private school site and the leasing of
commercial space are not viable options for the program. Mr. Barry said that
City of Livermore staff is facilitating LARPD’s relocation efforts, under its
planning contract with LARPD. City staff Jean Prasher is coordinating the
relocation efforts and is working with the Tri-Valley Community Fund, which may
develop a capital campaign for the project, as well as an endowment. Staff is
awaiting a cost estimate for the Tri-Valley Community Fund to determine whether
a fundraising campaign would be successful for the relocation project. City
staff Lourdes Barrozo is studying the city property to develop a feasibility
report and cost estimate. Mr. Barry reported that staff will bring the more
information to the Board as it becomes available.
Mr. Barry discussed the development of a business
plan for the relocation of the Friendship Center, as well as financing of the
project. Mr. Barry said that staff will
come back to the board when it has more definite ideas about how financing of
the project might be achieved.
President Turner opened
public comment. No public comment was received.
6.2
ROBERTSON PARK SOCCER FIELD STUDY
President Turner stated that the Board will
receive a presentation on a consultant’s study of proposed renovations to
Robertson Park for soccer use.
Sherri Tafel of Beals Alliance, with whom LARPD
contracted to prepare a study, gave a slide presentation on the possible
renovation and conversion of the Robertson Park soccer fields. The Livermore Youth
Soccer League (LYSL) is hoping to that the soccer complex will be renovated. Ms.
Tafel listed the various changes that LYSL would like to see, including:
convert two sand-based fields to synthetic turf; install lights; have a paved
parking lot; construct a synthetic field and an adjacent synthetic goalkeeper
training area; construct a permanent snack shack.
Ms. Tafel spoke about the reasons LYSL is hoping
to see these changes at Robertson Park. She presented a list of costs for LYSL’s
full plan vision, which totaled $5,157,021.96. Ms. Tafel stated that if one
item only is built, the price of that one item would be higher than if the full
plan was implemented. She said that LYSL will provide some funding, as well as
seek private funding from the community and, hopefully, funding from LARPD as
well. Ms. Tafel listed the benefits of such a project, in LYSL’s view.
The Board discussed and asked for clarification
on the following items: whether the health department had been consulted
regarding the snack shack; what the approval process for installation of
lighting required; community and public meetings that would be held to gather
public input; keeping some of the natural turf for practice and the associated
costs; concern about a statement in Beals Alliance report regarding compromised
turf which may lead to injuries; about irrigation for synthetic fields; cost of
synthetic fields and replacement costs; what effect turf changes might have on
the Scottish Games event and the future tot lot; possibility of flooding and
how this would affect the Department of Fish & Game.
Director Kamena said it would be helpful to have
a cost analysis on this, which included information on present value, current
savings, etc. General Manager Barry said that this can be done, that he can
meet with LYSL and the LARPD maintenance staff to develop a cost analysis and report
back to the Board.
Director Furst asked if the tot lot and soccer
complex could be included in the designs, as Beals Alliance is working on both
projects. Mr. Barry responded this can be done, as well as adding in the new
trail and respite area.
President Turner opened
public comment.
1) Brent Cook, 780 Mayview Way, Livermore, President
of LYSL, thanked the Board and LARPD for their response to LYSL’s vision
through the commission of this study. He
thanked Beals Alliance as well. He said that LYSL is pleased that this step has
been taken, and hopes the recommendations of the report are ultimately
realized. President Turner said that no action will be taken tonight, that
staff has been given direction. General Manager Barry said that he would like
to set a time frame for putting the funding together for this project.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
7.1 RESOLUTION NO.
2042, A RESOLUTION OF APPRECATION FOR SCOTT KAMENA, OUTGOING 2006 BOARD
PRESIDENT (Resolution)
President Turner presented and read a resolution
of appreciation to outgoing Board President Scott Kamena.
On a motion by President Turner, seconded by Director
Goodman, approved a Resolution No. 2042, resolution of appreciation for Scott
Kamena, by the following roll call vote
AYES: Director
Furst, Director Goodman, and President Turner (3)
NOES: None
(0)
ABSTENTIONS: Director
Kamena (1)
ABSENT: Director Faltings (1)
Director Kamena thanked the Board and staff for
this honor.
7.2 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR
2007
President Turner stated that the Board
committee appointments for 2007 were included in the Directors’ Board meeting
packets.
7.3 AB1234 ETHICS TRAINING
REQUIREMENT
Administrative Assistant Gretchen Sommers
reported that the District has complied with the AB1234 Ethics training
requirement. All Directors, General Manager Barry and Legal Counsel Michael
Kyle completed training in 2006.
8.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Director Furst summarized the agenda items from
the January 8, 2007 Facilities Committee meeting. President Turner said that he
has been on the Facilities Committee with Director Furst for the past year and
that Director Furst has done much to promote trails in Livermore, which
President Turner appreciates. President Turner reported on the Livermore
Cultural Arts Council meeting. He stated that Barbara Bunshah, who was heavily
involved in the Livermore Heritage Guild, and a reference librarian before that,
recently passed away. Mr. Turner expressed his condolences.
9. MATTERS INITIATED/ANNOUNCEMENTS BY
THE DIRECTORS
1) Director Goodman asked about the progress of the Robertson
Park equestrian show arena cover. Mr. Barry said that the materials have been
ordered and that the plans are still being reviewed by the City of Livermore. He
said that when the steel arrives, construction will begin and that, so far, the
District is on schedule. President Turner asked staff to call the City for an
update.
1) General Manager Barry announced that LARPD is holding a showcase event on Saturday, January 27 at the Robert Livermore Community Center, and that the public is invited.
2) Mr. Barry announced that there will be a Superbowl Party at the community center. Proceeds will benefit the local youth football league.
3) Mr. Barry presented Director Kamena with a certificate of appreciation from the Livermore Youth Soccer League. Director Kamena thanked the soccer league, and said it meant a lot to him.
Meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:03 p.m.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
11.1 REAL ESTATE
NEGOTIATIONS
Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the Government Code
Property: Sycamore Grove Park, 1051 Wetmore Road, Livermore, CA
Agency Negotiator: District Staff and/or Legal Counsel
Negotiating Parties: Chevron Pipe Line Company
Under Negotiation: Easement agreement
11.2 REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS
Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the Government Code
Property: Sunrise Rock Gym, 2455 Railroad Ave., Livermore, CA
Agency Negotiator: District Staff and/or Legal Counsel
Negotiating Parties: Grandfield Family Partnership
Under Negotiation: Lease Agreement
12. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to Open Session at 8:55 p.m.
13. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION
No action to report.
14. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVED,
_______________________________
Dale
Turner
President,
Board of Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General Manager and ex-officio
Clerk to the Board of Director