LIVERMORE
AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
MINUTES
REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 13, 2008
ROBERT
LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER
4444 EAST
AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
6:00 P.M.
LARKSPUR
SOUTH ROOM
7:00
P.M.
CRESTA
BLANCA BALLROOM
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Director Faltings, Director Furst, Director Kamena, Director
Wilson and President Goodman
DIRECTORS ABSENT: None.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Chiye
Azuma, Tim Barry, Jim Brandenburg, Nidia Iversen, Mike
Kyle, John Lawrence, Mike Nicholson, Gretchen Sommers, Brian Tibbetts
1. CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL – PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
Meeting was called to order by President Goodman
at 6:10 p.m. All Directors were present except Director Kamena.
2. WORKSHOP
ON ROBERTSON PARK MASTER PLAN
General Manager Barry stated that this workshop
is a continuation of the Robertson Park Master Plan process. He noted that the
District has held three public meetings, with the purpose of gathering
community input. Mr. Barry introduced Chiye Azuma, LARPD Landscape Architect/Project
Manager, who is managing this project and consultant Reed Dillingham.
2.1
Overview
Mr. Dillingham reported that there was a public
meeting last week to review and accept comments on the preliminary Master Plan for
Robertson Park. He talked about the history of the park, noting that it is more
of an urban park now than primarily the setting for the Livermore Rodeo, as it
once was. He said that one of the goals of updating the Master Plan is to make
the park better for current and future users. Mr. Dillingham said that in the
past Robertson Park accommodated equestrians, soccer players, trail users and
softball field users. He said he thinks that, in the future, the park will see
more diverse recreation uses.
Mr. Dillingham said that three important
considerations for the Robertson Park Master Plan are: 1) habitat preservation;
2) re-vegetation of the riparian habitat and; 3) a third pedestrian bridge
Mr. Dillingham referred the Board to materials
provided at the workshop this evening: an illustrative plan and a matrix
containing proposed uses of the park, which was categorized as follows: 1)
western part of park; 2) riparian zone; 3) parking; 4) Robertson Park Road; 5)
stadium arena grounds; 6) other equestrian areas; 7) general recreation; 8) north
field and 9) soccer complex. He said he hopes to have a draft prepared in the
next month.
2.2
Review
of Master Plan Proposals and Public Comments at Feb. 6 Meeting
2.3 Other
Issues
There was discussion regarding temporary and
permanent horse stalls. Currently, LARPD permits overnight parking and camping
at Robertson Park with the General Manager’s consent. Assistant General Manager
John Lawrence reported that staff has made inquiries to the City of Livermore about
regulations and permits concerning this issue. LARPD Facility Coordinator Nidia
Iversen reported on information she had received from the City of Ione, which
has horse boarding stalls.
General Manager Barry said he will ask staff to
research the cost of temporary stalls. He said he feels that permanent stalls are
not feasible, as they cost too much and LARPD has neither the resources nor the
desire to manage such an operation.
President Goodman said he thinks that Board and
staff need more information before this issue is discussed further. He added
that LARPD also needs input from all sides, including residents who live near
Robertson Park and equestrians.
General Manager Barry referred the Directors to
letters received from citizens about Robertson Park that had been placed before
them this evening.
Directors discussed the following items: pedestrian
bridge and its cost; cost of 2” water meter connection fee; restroom for
equestrians; location and paving of parking area; Zone 7 reconfiguration of
flood plain; boardwalk placement; Robertson Park Road; and a Soroptomist
monument in the park.
One citizen expressed her opinion regarding
horse stalls and equestrian use of the park.
Director Kamena arrived at 7:00p.m.
Workshop adjourned to regular meeting at 7:01
p.m.
Meeting was called to order by President Goodman
at 7:12 p.m. All Directors were present.
3. PUBLIC FORUM
President Goodman opened public comment. No
public comment received. President Goodman closed public comment.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
4.1 BOARD
MINUTES
4.1.1 Meeting of January 30, 2008
4.2 COMMUNICATIONS:
4.2.1 General Manager’s Monthly Report (#61/7)
President Goodman asked if Directors wished to
remove anything from the Consent Agenda. No items removed. On a motion by
Director Faltings, seconded by Director Furst, approved the Consent Agenda,
passing 5-0.
5. CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS: None.
6. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
7.1 RANGER STATION CONCEPTURAL DESIGN AND
BUDGET
President Goodman stated that the Board will
consider approving the revised concept design and budget for the Ranger Station
in Sycamore Grove Park.
General Manager Barry stated that staff was asked
to obtain more information from the architects, particularly regarding the
costs.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Brian Tibbetts
stated that David Arkin and Dan Johnson of Arkin Tilt Architects are present
this evening and have answers to the questions the Directors had asked. He said
that the Facilities Committee discussed the project at its February 7, 2008
meeting. Mr. Tibbetts deferred to Directors Faltings and Kamena, who serve on
the Facilities Committee. Director Kamena asked the architects to present their
report.
David Arkin summarized the report, and spoke
about the following items: the fact that the design remains basic; plumbing; cost
benefit analysis; initial cost and payback periods for different elements of
the project; division of elements into two blocks: more economical features that
the architects recommend be kept in the project, and items having a much longer
payback period, which could be add alternates; lifetime cost comparison; energy
efficiency features; and the current conceptual cost estimate.
President Goodman invited Director questions. Directors
asked for clarification, and discussed, the following items: water meter cost
and possible utilization of existing trunk line; compliments to the architects for
doing a beautiful job and having done all they were asked to do; concern that
the cost for engineering and design is excessive; satisfaction that the green
costs are reasonable and the utility cost savings are great; inquiry about what
permits are missing and so unable to allow complete cost projections; and the life
of photovoltaic panels and whether they are worth it, given the payback period.
President Goodman opened public comment. No
public comment received. President Goodman closed public comment.
President Goodman asked for a motion. Director
Faltings made a motion, seconded by Director Wilson, that the Board approve the
revised concept design and budget, as presented tonight, for the Ranger Station
in Sycamore Grove Park
President Goodman invited Director discussion.
Directors commented on the following items: the importance of providing a Ranger
Station; importance of the Rangers being accessible to the park users; need for
decent restrooms in the park; the fact that the project was first presented as
a green project in April 2006; appreciation expressed to the architects for
reworking the concept design and for their excellent work; reminder to the Board
that it promised a Ranger Station to park users in 2006; desire to see the
second block of less economical features as bid alternates; appreciation for
the generous donation of the Denton house from Jacquie Williams-Courtright;
feeling that the green aspect of the project was more than the Board had agreed
to in the beginning; difficulty rationalizing the high cost; frustration at
budget overruns; concern about additional cost if Zone 7 does not permit the District
to tap into its water line; concern about what happens if the price keeps
rising; what the process is and whether the Board has the ability not to
approve the project if it appears that it will go over budget; the difficulty
of stopping a project once public expectations are up; and statements of
support for the project only if it is within budget.
President Goodman called the motion. The motion
to approve the revised concept design and budget, as presented tonight, for the
Ranger Station in Sycamore Grove Park passed
4-1.
Director Kamena dissented.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
8.1 CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENT
President Goodman stated that the
Board will consider a recommendation by staff to amend the 2007/2008 Capital
Improvement Budget in order to accommodate a request from American Little
League to replace the snack shack at Robert Livermore Park.
General Manager Barry provided background information on this topic. He reported that the District had received $75,000 from developer Livermore Grove LP in 2004. The District had previously planned to use the funds to construct a restroom/storage/snack bar building at Bill Payne Park. That project, however, would require several hundred thousand dollars to complete. Livermore American Little League has requested that the funding be used to replace the aging snack shack at Robert Livermore Park. Mr. Barry said that the League has offered to pay any amount in excess of the $75,000 that the District would fund. Mr. Barry said staff proposes creating a capital project for a snack shack at Robert Livermore Park and re-allocating the $75,000 for this project.
President Goodman invited Director questions.
Directors inquired about the following: size of similar project at Bill Payne Park;
and possible future fees to the District which would come from the future Brisa
development near Bill Payne Park.
President Goodman opened public comment.
1) Susan Houghton, representing American Little
League, said the League is very interested in doing this project. She added
that the League has over 600 players, and she believes a new snack shack will
help all of the users of Robert Livermore Park; she said that the soccer
leagues may be able to use the snack shack as well. Ms. Houghton said that LARPD
staff has been very helpful.
President Goodman asked for a motion. Director
Kamena made a motion, seconded by Director Faltings, to amend the 2007/2008
Capital Improvement Budget in order to accommodate a request from American
Little League to replace the snack shack at Robert Livermore Park.
President Goodman invited Director discussion.
Directors commented on the following: this would be a wonderful use of the
funds, being an investment that will lead to more money for all concerned;
clarified that the League will cover any amount over $75,000; and the fact that
this project was approved by the Facilities and Budget Committees.
President Goodman asked for a vote on the
motion. Resolution No. 2101, a resolution approving an amendment to the
2007/2008 District Capital Improvement Budget in order to accommodate a request
from American Little League to replace the snack shack at Robert Livermore
Park, passed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Director Wilson,
Director Kamena, Director Faltings, Director Furst and President Goodman (5)
NOES: None
(0)
ABSTENTIONS: None
(0)
ABSENT: None (0)
8.2 CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF RECREATION & PARK DISTRICTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION
President Goodman stated
that the Board will consider nominating a candidate for the California
Recreation & Park Districts (CARPD) Board of Directors.
Director Faltings stated
that she is finishing up her term as Past President of CARPD. Her three-year
commitment is coming to an end and she would like to fill the position of Director
at Large.
On a motion by Director
Kamena, seconded by Director Goodman, the Board nominated Director Faltings as
a candidate for the CARPD Board of Directors, in the position of Director at
Large.
President Goodman
invited Director discussion. No discussion. President Goodman called the
motion. The motion to nominate Director Faltings as a candidate for the CARPD
Board of Directors, in the position of Director at Large, passed 5-0.
8.3 PARK AND FACILITIES NAMING POLICY
President Goodman stated that the Board will consider
approving a joint policy with the City of Livermore for Naming Parks and
Facilities.
General Manager Barry referred to the staff report and
supplemental report. He reported that the Livermore City Council met Monday
night and approved naming Trail Segment J for Annie Quinn, deceased daughter of
former LARPD Director Alice Quinn. The Council also voted to name Trail Section
L after Mark Weinberger, who was instrumental in developing the South Livermore
Valley Specific Plan. Mr. Barry said that, after a draft of the policy came out,
the LARPD Facilities Committee met to discuss it. The Committee had some
additional thoughts on improving the policy; one of the three suggestions made
to the City were approved by the City Council. General Manager Barry said he
recommends approval of the document.
There was brief discussion about some of the
details of the policy.
Director Faltings made a motion, seconded by
Director Furst, to approve Resolution No. 2102, a resolution approving a joint
policy with the City of Livermore for naming parks and facilities. The motion
passed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Director Faltings,
Director Furst, Director Wilson, Director Kamena and President Goodman (5)
NOES: None
(0)
ABSTENTIONS: None
(0)
ABSENT: None (0)
8.4 DEDICATION OF
TRAIL SEGMENT IN MEMORY OF ANNIE QUINN
President Goodman stated that the Board will consider
approving a request to the City of Livermore to dedicate a trail segment in
memory of Annie Quinn.
General Manager Barry said that this item is in part a
duplication. He said that the last direction given by the Board was to request
the naming of two trail segments for Annie Quinn. This is a corrective action
to name one segment, which is a moot point since the City Council voted to
approve it, as reported above.
Director Goodman invited discussion. No
discussion.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Furst, approved making a request to the City of Livermore to dedicate
a trail segment in memory of Annie Quinn, passing 5-0.
8.5 NAMING OF PARK
ADJACENT TO BOTHWELL RECREATION CENTER
President Goodman stated that the Board will consider
approving a name for the park adjacent to the Bothwell Recreation Center.
General Manager Barry stated that the District began the process
of selecting a name for this park in 2006. At the time, he explained, the
Facilities Committee did not feel that enough names were submitted by staff
from which to choose. He said that staff were again solicited for name ideas,
and waited for the park renovation project to get further along. A number of
suggestions were brought to the Facilities Committee at its meeting on February
7, 2008. Mr. Barry said that the Facilities Committee recommends “Bothwell Park”
as the preferred name.
Director Goodman invited questions and
discussion. No questions or discussion. On a motion by Director Faltings,
seconded by Director Wilson, Resolution No. 2103, selecting “Bothwell Park” as
the name for the park adjacent to the Bothwell Recreation Center, was approved
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Director Kamena,
Director Faltings, Director Furst, Director Wilson and President Goodman (5)
NOES: None
(0)
ABSTENTIONS: None
(0)
ABSENT: None (0)
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Director Wilson reported on her participation in the February
4, 2008 Ethics Subcommittee Meeting. She also reported on her attendance at a Ravenswood
Progress League meeting last night.
10. MATTERS INITIATED/ANNOUNCEMENTS BY
THE DIRECTORS
1) Director Goodman said that he visited the Trevarno
Road ESS office yesterday. He commended Brian Tibbetts and staff on preparing
the office for re-occupation. He said it looks great.
2) Director Wilson said she would like to know
how the District is doing on the tot lot at Karl Wente Park.
1) General Manager Barry reminded the Board
about the volunteer appreciation event on February 20.
2) General Manager Barry reminded the Board about
the special meeting/budget workshop on February 21.
3) General Manager Barry reported that he will
attend the CPRS conference with several staff and two Board members the last
week of February. He said that Community Center Director Rich Lange will substitute
for him at the February 27, 2008 Board meeting.
4) Mr. Barry said that he is serving on the
CARPD Legislative Committee, and that there is talk of the state shifting more
of the District’s tax dollars via ERAF. He said that the Committee is watching
closely for any developments on this issue.
Director Faltings commended Mr. Barry’s
willingness to serve on this committee. She said that LARPD is one of the
largest park and recreation districts in the state.
Meeting
adjourned to executive session at 8:14 p.m.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
12.1 CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to
section 54954.5 of the Government Code
Name of case: Star Construction, Inc. vs. J.W.
Riley & Son Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company, Livermore Area
Recreation and Park District, et al
Case Number: Alameda County Superior Court No.
VG 06257265
13. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to Open Session
at 8:42 p.m.
14. REPORT ON ACTION TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION
No action to report.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
APPROVED,
_______________________________
Steve P. Goodman
President, Board of
Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General
Manager and ex-officio
Clerk
to the Board of Directors