MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2006
ROBERT LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER
4444 EAST AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
6:00 P.M.
CRESTA BLANCA BALLROOM
DIRECTORS PRESENT: David Furst, Maryalice
Faltings, Steve Goodman, Scott Kamena, and Dale Turner, (5)
DIRECTORS ABSENT: None (0)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Barry, Michael Kyle, Jim
Brandenburg, Jim Carlson, Mike Nicholson, Brian Tibbetts, and Gretchen Sommers.
CITY CONTRACT STAFF PRESENT: Cheri Sheets and Paul Spence.
Meeting
was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Chair Kamena, who led the group in the
Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was taken and all Directors were present except for
Director Faltings.
2. PUBLIC
FORUM
Chair Kamena asked for public comment on any item
not on the agenda. No public comment received. Chair Kamena closed public
comment.
Chair Kamena presented to Director Furst the gavel
and sounding block he used during his tenure as 2005 Chair of the Board of
Directors. Chair Kamena thanked Director Furst for the fine job he did as
Chair.
3. PRESENTATIONS:
General
Manager Barry provided background information on a proposed Chevron pipe line
through Sycamore Grove Park. Chevron currently has a licensing agreement with
the City and County of San Francisco for a pipe line that runs through a
watershed owned by San Francisco. The licensing agreement expires soon and San
Francisco has elected not to renew it. Chevron is re-route its pipe line by the
end of 2007 and would like to have part of the pipe line traverse Sycamore
Grove Park. LARPD currently has an easement for a Chevron pipe line thorough
the park. Chevron’s proposal is to abandon that pipe line and create a new one
where the Tri-Valley Conservancy has a conservation easement through the park. The
Tri-Valley Conservancy’s mission statement does not permit it to approve such a
pipe line. The Conservancy’s only choice is whether or not to fight a
condemnation, should that be declared. Chevron’s plan for the new pipe line is
for a less invasive trenching and installation method and involves a deep bore
(100’ +/-) with double-walled alternate material. Staff recommends working with
Chevron to identify potential mechanisms for addressing several concerns we
have.
Several
representatives from the Chevron Pipe Line Company were in attendance and
presented information about the project to the Directors. They were: Carl Haywood,
Lands/ROW Contractor for Coates Field Service (assigned to Chevron Pipe Line Co.);
Larry Whitehead, Land Specialist for Chevron Corp; Rand Reynolds, Lands
Specialist for Chevron Corp; Aleaxandra Fraser, Environmental/Permitting
Contractor for URS Corp; and Bob Cook, Engineering/Construction Contractor for
Wilbanks Resources. The Chevron representatives provided a visual display and
several handouts to accompany their informational presentation, which explained
the historical and technical aspects of the proposed new pipe line.
The
Chevron representatives responded to questions from Directors and staff during
and after their presentation, and provided clarification on the following items:
shallow vs. deep drilling; experience of company performing the work; potential
problems during drilling; affect of the project on park users; ongoing
maintenance; absence of supply valves in the park; lack of problems with
existing pipe line; leak detection and response measures; pipe corrosion
prevention measures, etc.
Director
Faltings arrived at 6:32 p.m.
Chair
Kamena opened public comment.
1) Beth Wilson, 1503 Bluebell Ct., Livermore, inquired if
the 100’ x 300’drilling pad for the pipe line was permanent or temporary
Mr.
Cook responded that the pad is temporary.
Director Kamena closed public comment.
Director
Kamena inquired if LARPD has the ability to grant an easement, based on our
relationship with the Tri-Valley Conservancy.
District
Counsel Kyle responded that we must review the original pipe line but that, as
the land owner, LARPD does have a right to take a position on the request for
an easement. There are many issues involved with both a condemnation and
friendly condemnation approach.
On a
motion by Director Furst, seconded by Director Turner, approved the staff
recommendation to work with Chevron to identify potential mechanisms for
addressing several concerns we have, passing 5-0.
Director
Furst noted that it is to LARPD’s advantage to work with Chevron on this
project; if the pipe line is in the park, LARPD has some control over the
matter. Whereas, if the pipe line is installed just outside the park
boundaries, LARPD has no say.
Director
Turner inquired an agreement with Chevron would address the current pipe line.
General Manager Barry responded that the intent is to abandon the current pipe
line.
Director
Faltings agreed with the opinion expressed in General Manager Barry’s staff
report, that our cooperation will encourage good will on the part of
Chevron. Director Faltings asked if
there have been mitigation discussions with Chevron. General Manager Barry
responded that such discussion had not yet taken place, as this issue had not
yet come before the full Board. He added that such discussions will now begin
in earnest, since the Board has directed staff to work with Chevron.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
4.1 BOARD MINUTES
4.1.1 Meeting of December 14,
2005.
4.2 COMMUNICATIONS
4.2.1
Letter from Joan Dickinson commending Senior Services staff and trip.
4.3 General
Manager’s Monthly Report (#58/6).
4.4 Payroll
and Claims.
4.5 PERSONNEL
4.5.1 Hiring a relative
of a full-time LARPD employee as Office Specialist.
4.5.2 Temporary assignment of a Senior Recreation
Supervisor to the higher duties of Parks Project Coordinator.
4.5.3 Staff discounts for
District programs and facilities.
4.6 CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT
The Board-approved settlement of the claim on behalf
of Maria Walker has been unsuccessful and District Counsel recommends rejection
of the claim.
On a motion by Director Turner,
seconded by Director Faltings, approved the Consent
Agenda 5-0.
5. CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTIONS:
5.1 Resolution No.1989, a resolution accepting
construction improvements by HRB Construction, Inc. at Sunken Gardens Park.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by Director
Turner, approved the Consent Agenda Resolution by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Director Goodman, Director Turner, Director Faltings,
Director Furst and Chair Kamena
NOES: None
(0)
ABSENT: None
(0)
6. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
7.1 BOARD
POLICY MANUAL CHANGES
The Board reviewed suggested changes to the Board
Policy Manual. The Directors approved changes and additions suggested in order
to comply with AB 1234. District Counsel Kyle clarified the meaning of Policy
No. 5050, Review of Administrative
Decisions. The Directors approved rewording Policy No. 5060.430 to read, “A
record of correspondence addressed to the Board of Directors.” The Directors
approved making staff-recommended changes to Appendix A: Compensation Guidelines for the Board of Directors of the
Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, with the provision that Item 3
under the section, “Qualifies” be changed to read, “Attendance at additional
meetings and events at which the Directors are officially representing LARPD.”
The Directors approved adding the following sentence to Item C.4.a in Appendix B: District Personnel Rules and
Regulations Section: Conferences, Conventions and Professional Society Meetings:
“Mileage to be reimbursed at the current federal rate.”
On a motion by Chair Kamena, seconded by Director
Furst, approved staff-recommended changes to the Board Policy Manual, as noted
above, passing 5-0.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
8.1 RECLASSIFICATION
OF AN EMPLOYEE
General Manager Barry summarized the staff report
regarding the recommendation to reclassify LARPD employee Scott Hill from Park
Maintenance I to Park Maintenance II. Mr. Hill has been performing the duties
of main lawn mower operator and mower maintenance mechanic since the retirement
a year ago of Jim Butler, who formerly performed those duties. Reassignment of
those duties was intended to be spread out among several staff, but proved
unfeasible. As a result of Mr. Hill performing these duties full-time, it is
recognized that he is working outside of his classification. Park Supervisor
Brandenburg provided photos to the Directors, which demonstrated the fine work
Mr. Hill performs, and explained how his efforts save the District time and
resources.
On a motion by Director Turner, seconded by Director
Faltings, approved the staff recommendation to reclassify Scott Hill from Park
Maintenance I to Park Maintenance II, passing 5-0.
8.2 FEASIBILITY
AND COST STUDY ON ROBERTSON PARK SOCCER FIELDS
The Board will consider hiring a consultant to
prepare a feasibility and cost study on upgrading the soccer fields at
Robertson Park (Motion).
General Manager Barry summarized the staff report.
At the November 9, 2005 Board meeting, the Livermore Youth Soccer League (LYSL)
made a presentation to the Board proposing the installation of artificial turf
soccer fields to replace the two sand-based soccer fields at Robertson Park, in
addition to other changes in the park to promote soccer training. LYSL’s
representative, Troy Dayak, met with staff before and after that Boar meeting
and discussed the fact that the league has $300,000 it could contribute to this
project, and that the league has contacts from outside sources to make
additional contributions toward the initial estimate of $1.5 million for the
artificial turf conversion of the two fields. The District has also been
approached by another potential donor who might contribute approximately
$500,000 toward artificial turf or a field at Robertson Park in exchange for naming
the field after a family member who was instrumental in the local soccer arena.
The rest of the funds may have to come from outside donors and/or District
resources.
To move this concept forward, the league and staff
agree that a design, feasibility and cost study must be done. The District’s
Sports Park Committee reviewed this concept at its December 12, 2005 meeting
and agreed. Staff has contacted Beals Alliance, a landscape architecture firm
which has extensive experience with sports parks and park design and designed
and coordinated the artificial turf field replacements at Livermore and Granada
high schools this past year. The cost of such a study is estimated to be $5,000
and will come out of the Unit 7 professional services budgeted for miscellaneous
projects.
Staff recommends that the Board approve the
expenditure of $5,000 for a consultant study on the design, feasibility, and
cost of Robertson Park Soccer Field changes.
Director Turner asked what the time frame for this
project is. General Manager Barry responded that staff has not yet met with
Beals Alliance, as they are awaiting direction from the Board. He estimates the
study process will take four to six weeks.
Director Goodman inquired if the study would take
into consideration some of the City’s requirements, pertaining to fish &
game, etc., or is that outside the scope of what Beals Alliance does. General
Manager Barry responded that the initial scope of the study is pertaining to
the 2 sand-based soccer fields, which are not within the arroyo area.. The
scope of the larger project would include the arroyo. Director Goodman asked if
the District might not contract for a study for the entire proposed Robertson
Park renovation project, (estimated by the Sports Committee to cost approximately
$15,000, rather than just studying the cost and feasibility of converting the
two sand-based soccer fields ($5,000 estimated cost); this seems to be a more
efficient approach. Perhaps the Board could authorize an expense range for a
study.
Director Faltings noted that the five enhancements
to Robertson Park recommended by LYSL in its 11/9/05 report, “Vision for
Robertson Park Soccer Complex” might affect the Robertson Park Specific Plan.
These enhancements are: replace natural grass with all-weather surface on
existing fields; install fixtures on existing infrastructure to light turf
area; construct paved parking lot; construct all-weather field and adjacent
all-weather goalkeeper training area; and construct permanent snack shack.
Director Faltings inquired if the LYSL vision would be an appropriate use for
Robertson Park.
General Manager Barry noted that such a project
would, indeed, affect the master plan for Robertson Park.
Director Goodman clarified that the Sports Park
Committee is recommending that the Board approve the study. Depending on the
results of the study, the Sports Committee would then recommend a plan to the
Board for approval.
Chair Kamena opened public comment.
1)
Steven
Delledera, 1560 San Remo Court, Livermore, thanked the Directors for
entertaining LYSL’s proposal, and said it is a wonderful first step. He
recommended approving $15,000 for a feasibility study, saying that the more
information that is available to the Directors, the better they are able to
make a decision. He stated he felt it was a small amount of money for this
major step. His opinion was that LARPD could purchase approximately 30 hours of
consulting time for $15,000.
2)
Beth
Wilson, 1503 Bluebell Court, Livermore, stated that she agrees with Mr.
Delledera’s opinions. She stated that she is excited about the prospect of
renovating the soccer fields and that it is much-needed.
Chair Kamena closed public comment.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Furst, approved the staff recommendation to enter into an agreement
with Beals Alliance, at a cost not to exceed $15,000, to study renovation of
the sand-based soccer fields at Robertson Park and to conduct a feasibility
study regarding a soccer complex proposed by LYSL at Robertson Park, passing
5-0.
Director Faltings thanked the soccer community for
their efforts and offer of a donation, stating that she feels it is a great
partnership. She complimented staff on its choice of Beals Alliance to conduct
the study.
Director Turner stated that if we can accomplish
renovation of the fields, we will be able to accommodate year round soccer and,
hence, attract state-level championships. This would enhance the name of the
City of Livermore as well as enhance soccer in Livermore. Director Turner is
excited, and feels it is a great step forward. He is glad that Troy Dayak is
involved.
Chair Kamena stated that he, too, is very excited,
as he has always had an interest in increasing athletic facilities for youth
and adults in Livermore.
8.3 OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT
ROBERTSON PARK DURING THE SCOTTISH GAMES
Chair Kamena presented background information as
follows: In 2004, to accommodate participants in the first annual Livermore
Scottish Games event, Directors granted an exception to the LARPD policy of “no
overnight camping at Robertson Park. An exception was granted for participants
in the 2005 Scottish Games as well. Chair Kamena stated that he wished to
clarify whether this exception was a one-time exception for each occurrence of
the event, or shall the exception carry forward with the event. Director
Faltings added that the organizers of this event feel that permission to select
participants will enhance the number of participant groups who will come to the
event. General Manager Barry stated that he assumed the intent was for the
exception to go with the Scottish Games event; camping for certain participants
is integral to the culture of the event. Chair Kamena inquired if there had
been any complaints about the camping that occurred during the 2004 and 2005 Scottish
Games. General Manager Barry responded that there had been no such complaints.
Director Furst noted that in the LARPD Robertson
Park Arenas and Stadium Use Policy, under the section entitled, Parking, Rule # 3 states: “There is no
overnight camping at Robertson Park unless previously approved by the General
Manager, or the LARPD supervisory staff.” This wording allows the General
Manager and staff to make exceptions without Board approval. General Manager
Barry asked if the organizers of the Scottish Games were requesting rewording
of this rule. Chair Kamena responded that they had not.
Chair Kamena opened public comment.
Dorothy Chappell, 2375 Chateau Way, Livermore,
stated that the park rules indicate no overnight camping in Robertson Park. She
inquired why a change is being requested again. Ms. Chappell also asked if the
overnight parking would occur in a particular area of the park, or throughout
the park. Chair Kamena responded that this issue was brought before the Board
in order to clarify whether the exception to the rule was still valid. Ms.
Chappell stated that she is objects to overnight camping. Director Faltings
clarified that camping has occurred at the event the last two years, and
inquired if Ms. Chappell had been bothered or inconvenienced by it. Ms.
Chappell asked where the campers would be set up. Director Faltings responded
that it would be near the campers’ belongings, in order to ensure their
security. Ms. Chappell reiterated that she is against overnight camping.
Chair Kamena closed public comment.
Chair Kamena asked where, specifically, the
participants wish to camp. Senior Recreation Supervisor Carlson responded that
campers would be situated in RV’s near
the pole barn, and that a representative from each group of re-enactors would
stay near their belongings on the grass area. Chair Kamena asked the Directors
whether the District should continue to permit the practice of overnight
camping at the Scottish Games, in the area described by Senior Recreation
Supervisor Carlson.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Turner, approved allowing overnight camping at Robertson Park by
participants in the Scottish Games event,
passing 5-0.
Director Goodman stated that staff should continue
to monitor this practice and that we will notify the Police Department when the
camping will occur.
8.4 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
FOR 2006
Chair Kamena stated that he basically left the Board
Committees intact for calendar year 2006, as he was satisfied with the 2005
committee assignments made by Director Furst. He stated that he is willing to
switch assignments if requested by the Directors. Chair Kamena dissolved the Ad
Hoc Equestrian and Community Center Committees, as their purposes had been
fulfilled.
Director Furst inquired about the jurisdiction and scope of
work of the Ad Hoc Sports Park Committee and the Facilities Committee,
requesting clarification. Chair Kamena responded that he feels that the two
committees could successfully overlap. The Sports Park Committee is charged with
investigating the potential for sports parks involving a multi-field arrangement,
where more than one sport can be going on at one time. Director Furst stated
that that was not his understanding, that he thought the original charge of the
Sports Park Committee was to find a site for a large, 75- to 120-acre sports park. He stated that it seems the Sports Park
Committee is taking on some of the charges of the Facilities Committee, such as
Cayetano Park and the Robertson Park Soccer Complex, which does not meet the
original charge of the Sports Park Committee. Director Furst stated his concern
that having committees with overlapping jurisdictions could result in items
having to go through both committees. He is also concerned that the Facilities
Committee might be left out of the decision-making process.
Chair Kamena noted that these were good
observations, but that he felt the only problem with having more than one
committee consider items would be possible inefficiency. He stated that the
Sports Park Committee has members from all of the youth and adults sports
leagues in Livermore and that he feels it is important that the District
receive public input. The evening meeting time of the Sports Park Committee
better accommodates public attendance than does the meeting time of the
Facilities Committee. Chair Kamena defined the scope of the Sports Park
Committee as dealing with multi-field sports facilities. He stated that he
anticipates that this committee will probably deal primarily with two issues in
the next year: the proposed Robertson Park Soccer Complex and a sports park
east of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Sports Park Committee,
which meets irregularly, will not review the decisions of the Facilities
Committee, which meets monthly. Also, the Chair does not wish to limit staff.
General Manager Barry recommended holding joint meetings of the two committees,
when appropriate.
Director Faltings noted that, at the bottom of the 2006 Committee Assignments list, the
Program Committee was mistakenly not listed as one of her assignments. Director
Faltings stated that she would like the California Association of Recreation
and Park Districts (CARPD) to be listed under the Community Outreach Liaison committees. Chair Kamena appointed
Director Faltings as the LARPD representative to CARPD.
9. ORAL REPORTS: Removed from agenda by Chair Kamena.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Board received reports on the 6 committee
meetings attended since the Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2005, as follows:
Facilities (2), Program, Personnel, Alameda County Special Districts
Association ACSDA) and California Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD).
11. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE DIRECTORS
1) Director
Goodman stated that he attended the LARPD Showcase event on January 7 at the
Robert Livermore Community Center. He felt it was a very well-organized event,
that the attendees enjoyed it. Director Goodman commended staff for the fine
job they did.
2) Director
Furst stated that he, too, felt the staff did a great job and that he
appreciated the volunteers as well.
3) Chair
Kamena agreed with the complimentary assessment of the event and compliments to
the staff. It was a nice event for the public and many of our contract
instructors were here as well. Chair Kamena would like to explore the
possibility of a District-wide volunteer appreciation event.
4) Director
Faltings commended Volunteer Coordinator, Joey Benjamin, for the great job he
did recruiting volunteers, old and young.
5) Chair
Kamena would like the Directors to discuss the prospect of televising the
second Board meetings of the month at the January 25, 2006 Board meeting.
1) General Manager Barry extended his thanks and compliments to the staff for the Showcase event, which went very well. Getting people here is our goal, and finding more ways to do so is our intent. Mr. Barry expresses his appreciation for Recreation Supervisor Moe Kline for her efforts putting together the event, and for being the contact for LARPD supervisors.
13. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
APPROVED,
_______________________________
Chair,
Board of Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General
Manager and ex-officio
Clerk
to the Board of Directors