Minutes
REGULAR
MEETING
WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 8, 2006
ROBERT
LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER
4444 EAST
AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
7:00 P.M.
CRESTA
BLANCA BALLROOM
DIRECTORS PRESENT: David Furst, Maryalice Faltings, Scott
Kamena, and Dale Turner (4)
DIRECTORS ABSENT: Director Goodman (1)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Barry, Jim
Brandenburg, Michael Kyle, Julie Lange, Gretchen Sommers, Brian Tibbetts.
Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. p.m. by
Chair Kamena. Roll was taken and all Directors were present except Director
Goodman.
2. PUBLIC FORUM
Chair Kamena asked for public comment on any
item not on the agenda.
No public comment.
3. CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 BOARD
MINUTES
3.1.1 Meeting of February 22, 2006.
3.2 COMMUNICATIONS
3.2.1 Letter from Dale Kaye, President/CEO of
Livermore Chamber of Commerce,
commending staff for excellent work on the February 11 Chamber
Installation Gala.
3.3
General Manager’s Monthly Report (#58/8).
3.4
Payroll and Claims.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Furst, approved the Consent Agenda, passing 4-0.
4. CONSENT
AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS:
4.1 Resolution No.1998, a resolution approving
a grant application for $75,000 to the State of California for Proposition 40
Parks and Recreation Bond Act Funding to partially fund the construction of
Trail Segments H-2 and F.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Turner, approved the Consent Agenda Resolutions by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Director Turner, Director Faltings,
Director Furst, and Chair Kamena (4)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Director
Goodman (1)
5. BIDS
AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
6.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
7. NEW
BUSINESS:
7.1 SITE SELECTION FOR PERMANENT RESTROOM IN NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
General Manager Barry summarized the staff report. The District
has budgeted $30,000 in the 2005/2006 fiscal year budget and $200,000 in the
2006/07 fiscal year budget (including a $50,000 contribution from the City of
Livermore in 2006/07) to construct a permanent restroom in a neighborhood park
in response to resident requests over the past several years. Staff has
analyzed all District neighborhood parks in Livermore for the placement of a
restroom building, and recommends either one of two sites: Marlin Pound Park, a
9-acre park located at 2010 Bluebell Drive, or Lester J. Knott Park, a 5.2-acre
park located at 655 North Mines Road. General Manager Barry listed the criteria
staff used in considering all District parks for possible placement of a
restroom building at a neighborhood park. Staff recommends that the Board of
Directors select one of two recommended sites for the construction of a
permanent restroom, either Marlin Pound Park or Lester J. Knott Park.
Chair Kamena opened public comment.
1)
Vito
Cartaglio, 3931 Hillside Avenue, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park,
spoke against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
2)
Jim
Davis, 623 Laurelwood Court, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
3)
Bill
Hayman, 3918 Thornhill Drive, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
4)
Lauri
Falabella, does not live either of the parks. She uses all of Livermore’s
parks. Spoke in favor of restrooms in all Livermore parks. Would prefer to see
restrooms closer to the playground areas.
5)
Jamie
Mendez, 3748 Thornhill Drive, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
6)
Roy
Mar, 3792 Valley View Way, Livermore, spoke against a permanent restroom in
Lester Knott Park.
7)
Teri
Chavez, 673 Laurelwood Ct., Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park. Ms. Chavez brought photos of the park to
share with Directors.
8)
J.
Michael Miller, 635 Laurelwood Ct., Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park,
spoke against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
9)
Peter
Leary, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke against installation of a permanent
restroom in Lester Knott Park.
10)
Robin
Osborne, 723 Newbury Street, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park
11)
Beth
Wilson, 1503 Bluebell Court, Livermore, neighbor of Marlin Pound Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Marlin Pound Park.
12)
Lynn
Freitas, Laurelwood Court, Livermore, neighbor of Lester Knott Park, spoke
against installation of a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park.
Chair Kamena closed
public comment.
Chair Kamena, in response to some of the citizens’ request that the funds budgeted for a permanent restroom be used instead for park landscaping and maintenance, explained that the District has two pots of money, the General Fund and the Capital Fund. Certain expenses may only come out of each of the funds. Legally, landscaping expenses cannot come out of the capital fund, which is the fund which would be used to construct a permanent restroom in a park. He explained the ERAF shift in tax dollars from local areas to the state, which began ten years ago. Half of LARPD’s tax dollars, he explained, were shifted to the State of California, costing the District over $25 million over the last ten years. Two years ago, the State increased the amount it was taking from LARPD, another $600,000. The District was forced to lay off over 10% of its full-time workforce, including park maintenance staff. This has affected our ability to effectively maintain the parks. The ERAF shift of the additional $600,000 will stop being taken from the District this next fiscal year and, when that happens, said Chair Kamena, we do intend to increase the budget for park maintenance.
On a motion by Chair Kamena, seconded by Director Faltings for purposes of discussion, approved the installation of a permanent restroom in Marlin Pound Park.
Chair Kamena noted that we have heard from many
citizens requesting restrooms in Livermore parks. He explained the public
notice process, and that the notices go to the neighbors closest to the park.
Not all of the neighbors hear about it the public meeting. The District
welcomes the public’s input.
Director Faltings stated that she opposes
installing a restroom in Marlin Pound Park. She stated she is opposed to
permanent restrooms in neighborhood parks. She would rather see a permanent
restroom installed in a park with more community usage, such as Bill Payne
Park. It is too expensive an undertaking for a neighborhood park. She does not
want to see a permanent restroom in either Lester Knott or Marlin Pound Park.
Director Turner made two points. First, he feels
LARPD staff should report the issues (vandalism, loitering, etc.) reported
tonight by neighbors of Lester Knott Park to the police. Second, he is
concerned about the vandalism that already occurs in portable restrooms. He
noted that all of the Lester Knott Park neighbors who spoke tonight were
opposed to installation of a permanent restroom there. In response to a citizen
query this evening, he stated that he does not know about whether we have a
legal standing to put a permanent restroom there. Director Turner is opposed to
a permanent restroom at Lester Knott Park. He stated that Marlin Pound is more
conducive to sports activities because the terrain is flat. He feels Marlin Pound Park would be a good
choice. He feels it is important to have restrooms where there is high usage
due to sports activities.
Director Furst stated that the District has
heard from citizens who would like restrooms in neighborhood parks. He noted
that there have been many incidents of vandalism involving restrooms, such as
at the skate park and at Independence Park. He noted that vandalism seems to be
rampant. He stated he cannot speak in favor of having a restroom installed in a
neighborhood park at this time.
Chair Kamena stated he has been the main
proponent on the Board of restrooms in neighborhood parks. He noted that people’s
feelings seem to depend on how close they live to the park. A restroom would
add to the District’s already strained budget. He agrees with the other
Directors that perhaps another park would be a better choice, one with higher
usage and less neighbors, such as Bill Payne Park, where we have also had
people ask for a restroom.
Director Turner stated that he feels Bill Payne
Park would be a good choice because of the sports usage.
A vote was taken on the motion to install a
permanent restroom in Marlin Pound Park. All Directors voted against the
motion, and the motion failed.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by Director
Turner, approved directing staff to investigate the appropriateness of
installation of a permanent restroom in Bill Payne Park, passing 4-0.
Chair Kamena, made a motion, seconded by
Director Furst, to install a permanent restroom in Lester Knott Park. All
Directors voted against the motion, and the motion failed.
7.2 SITE SELECTION FOR NEW BICYCLE STUNT COURSE
Chair Kamena introduced the topic. The skate
park at Sunken Gardens Park has been landscaped. This park has suffered many
problems, including vandalism and use by bicyclists of the park. The skate park
is only intended for skating use. This
has caused problems and occasional injuries.
He said we are here tonight to discuss constructing a bicycle-only park,
adjacent to the skate park at Sunken Gardens Park.
General Manager Barry summarized the staff
report. The District has budgeted $160,000 in fiscal year 2005/2006 to
construct a bicycle stunt course at a District-owned location in Livermore in
response to public input from young people and the Youth Advisory Commission
over the past several years. After surveying all District parks, staff feels
that Sunken Gardens Park is the most appropriate location for such a course.
Skaters and bikers can be compatible, but the District’s insurance Joint Powers
Authority has stated that the two activities taking place together is too
risky. Mr. Barry listed the considerations taken in choosing a location. The
District notified the neighbors surrounding the park about tonight’s meeting.
Staff recommends that the Board of Directors select Sunken Gardens Park as the
site for the new bicycle stunt course project.
Director Furst inquired how far the stunt course
would be from the nearest homes. General Manager Barry stated that the park is
8-1/2 acres, but that he does not know how close the homes are. The bicycle stunt
area and skate park area, combined, would take up roughly 25% of the entire
park. Director Furst asked about maintenance costs. General Manager Barry
responded that we do not know as we have not had this type of park before. There are maintenance requirements of graffiti
removal, litter pick-up, etc. The permanent features of the park are intended
to withstand heavy use. Park Supervisor
Brandenburg stated the stunt course looks like it would be much less
maintenance than the skate park. Graffiti would probably be our biggest
concern. Director Furst asked if there are other parks in the Tri-Valley having
both a skate and bike course in the same park. Recreation Supervisor Lange
stated that she believes that either the city of Dublin or Pleasanton allows
both bikes and skates. Director Furst
expressed concern that the skate park suffers such vandalism that there has
been talk of abandoning that park; he is concerned that our vandalism might
double or triple with increased use due to the bike stunt course. General Manager
Barry stated that he feels vandals are the smaller segment of society, and does
not wish to characterize the park users as the vandals. Perhaps some of the
young users can help with graffiti clean-up; perhaps they can use peer pressure
to keep the park nice, suggested Mr. Barry. There is vandalism in our other
parks as well. The skate park is
probably LARPD’s highest use-per-square-foot park. The neighbors could be
helpful in preventing and reporting vandalism as well.
Director Faltings stated that she believes the
District has a site master plan for Sunken Gardens Park, and she does not
believe a bike stunt course is part of this. This would involve amending the
site master plan. She stated that having a bike park for bikers would help the
District with its liability, since bikers in the skate park are a liability to
the District.
General Manager Barry stated he checked into the
site and that the District does not appear to have adopted a master plan for
the park. Senior Recreation Supervisor Tibbetts stated that the District
adopted a plan for part of the park, but did not create a master plan. Director Faltings stated she is concerned
about such a lot of hardscape in one park. She would like to know why staff
recommends this as a location. General Manager Barry stated there are three
primary reasons: there is off-street
parking; this park location for the stunt course is the furthest away from
residences of any other park; and bicycle stunt activity is compatible with
skateboarding.
Chair Kamena asked if additional maintenance
costs might be offset by less damage to the skate park because of bikers not
damaging the skate park by using it. Park Supervisor Brandenburg feels that this
could, indeed, help prevent deterioration of the skate park.
Chair Kamena opened public comment.
1) Donna Hunt, 1213 Hillcrest Ct. Livermore,
neighbor of Sunken Gardens Park, spoke against installing a bicycle stunt
course at Sunken Gardens Park.
2) Ben Grassio, thanked the Board for
considering doing this. He spoke in favor of installing a stunt course at a
Livermore park, whether it is at Sunken Gardens Park, or at another park
3) Marc Vargas, 6145 St. Andrews Way, spoke in
favor of installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park.
4) Jim Dickie, stated he would like to request
more surveillance and maintenance if a bike stunt course is installed at Sunken
Gardens Park. Also, he asked if the Board might consider putting a bike stunt course
by the BMX park at Bill Payne Park.
5) Ruthann Kirchner, 574 Leone Drive, Livermore
thanked the Board for considering the issue. She spoke in favor of installing a
bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park. Ms. Kirchner recommends having
experienced riders on the committee if the District decides to put the stunt
course there, as these riders have experience and contacts.
6) Lena Lacy, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Livermore,
said she is concerned about the comings and goings of bicyclists to the park,
not necessarily the park itself. She is concerned about the safety and
protection of the seniors living nearby. She asked if the park would be
monitored.
7) Peggy Adams, 1191 Hillcrest Ave., Livermore,
spoke about the necessity of installing speed bumps on Hillcrest next to the
trailhead, as well as installing stop signs, if there will be a bike stunt
course installed at Sunken Gardens Park. She would also like decibel checks for
both organized and unorganized events.
8) Thomas, 1020 Dolores, Livermore, spoke in
favor of installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park.
9) Jack Cunningham, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Arbor
Vista Apartments representative, spoke against
installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park. He is very
concerned about the safety and well-being of the seniors living in this
apartment complex, which is close to Sunken Gardens Park.
10) Sue Ann 18413 Buena Vista Ave., Livermore,
spoke in favor of installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park.
11) Mike, 1020 Dolores, Livermore spoke in favor
of installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park. He does feel more
parking would be needed.
11) Daniel Soto, 613 So. H Street, Livermore,
spoke in favor of installing a bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park.
12) Mike Grearson spoke in favor of installing a
bike stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park.
Chair Kamena closed public comment.
Director Furst made a motion, seconded by
Director Turner, to locate a bicycle stunt course at Sunken Gardens Park. He
complimented Chair Kamena on his efforts to make this happen.
Director Furst stated he is in favor of this,
but does have reservations because of the problems that have come up already.
He is in favor of providing as many recreational opportunities as possible to
youth and adults in Livermore. He is
very much in support of this.
Director Turner agreed with Director Furst.
Director Faltings stated she is in favor of it,
but has concerns about the amount of hardscape in this spot. However, she does
not see where else the District can locate such a stunt course. She is hearing
that the park needs more policing by District staff and by the Livermore
police. She is very happy to hear that
skaters and bikers are not rivals. She
likes the idea of a committee planning the park. Director Faltings feels the District needs an advisory committee
to help plan the park. She is aware that the neighboring seniors have concerns.
Director Faltings is concerned about the noise issues, particularly at night.
She feels it is the best location for such a park, and applauds Chair Kamena
for making this project a priority.
Chair Kamena expressed appreciation to staff for
their efforts and thanks to the parents and young people for coming out to
speak about this tonight. He feels LARPD needs to stay vital by keeping up with
the changing interests of youth today. He stated that locating a bike stunt
course at Sunken Gardens Park would be a compatible use with what is going on
there now. Many of the bikers are already going to the park. Chair Kamena
appreciates all of the constituents’ concerns, also. He hopes parking will not be a problem. His guess is that bikers
tend to ride their bikes to the park rather than drive cars and, if so, this
might cause concerns about insufficient parking to be unrealized. He is
concerned about the noise and the graffiti, but is not sure what the District
can do about it. He does not personally have a problem with graffiti at the
bike park. However, he does not want it to negatively impact the neighbors or
the seniors. Chair Kamena acknowledges that he heard that District Ranger staff
do not love their duty of patrolling the park; the hardest part has been
separating the bikers from the skaters. Chair Kamena stated he is in favor of
this proposal. If the District does decide to do this, we do have a Youth
Advisory Commission whose input he will invite.
Director Furst asked about fencing; what would
the cost be of installing fencing, if we need to do so to protect the facility?
Could staff look into the cost of this?
General Manger Barry stated that staff will research fencing costs. The entire
$160,000 which has been budgeted for the project will be spent on construction
and planning.
Director Faltings noted that there are liability
issues with fencing and without fencing. She would like the Youth Advisory
Commission to establish an ad hoc committee which includes bikers.
Directors voted on the motion to install a
bicycle stunt park in Sunken Gardens Park. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Chair Kamena will refer this project to the
Youth Advisory Commission and to the Facilities Committee. General Manger Barry
invited the youth present to write down their names and contact information if
they would like input into the type of equipment, etc. installed at the bicycle
stunt course.
Meeting recessed from 9:05 p.m. to 9:12 p.m.
7.3 TIME CHANGE FOR SECOND BOARD MEETING OF THE MONTH
Chair Kamena explained the background of LARPD Board meeting times and televising of the two monthly Board meetings.
Chair Kamena opened
public comment. No public comment was received.
Director Faltings made a motion, seconded by
Director Turner, to have both LARPD Regular Board meetings each month begin at 7:00 p.m.
Director Turner mentioned that, if this is
approved, the agenda format for both meetings should be identical.
Director Furst asked for staff opinion. General Manager Barry stated that staff
would probably prefer a start time of 6:00 p.m., but that it is not of
significant bearing. Staff will do what the Board prefers. Chair Furst stated
he prefers a 7:00 p.m. start time, as it gives people time to get home, eat
supper, etc. before attending a meeting.
Director Turner stated he feels the District
should be consistent.
Director Faltings agrees
with Director Turner, that consistency is important.
Chair Kamena stated he would like the start time
to be 6:00 p.m., as it would be easier on staff and families and people who
wish to speak at the meetings. He understands the consistency issue, but feels
that interested people will come to the meeting no matter what the time is. He
has never received complaints about the meetings starting at 5:45 p.m.
The motion to change the start time of the
second LARPD Board meeting of the month to 7:00 p.m. was approved by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Director
Faltings, Director Furst, and Director Turner (3)
NOES: Chair Kamena (1)
ABSENT: Director
Goodman (1)
8. COMMITTEE
REPORTS
The Board received reports on the eight
committee meetings attended since the meeting of February 8, 2006, as follows:
Budget, Facilities (2), Program, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Livermore
Downtown, Scottish Games and Sports Park
9. MATTERS
INITIATED BY THE DIRECTORS
None.
1) General Manger Barry stated that, due to the
LLNL Science Fair at the RLCC the last week of March, the March 29 Board
meeting will be held at City Council
Chambers on Pacific Avenue in Livermore. The meeting will start at 7:00
p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
APPROVED,
_______________________________
Chair, Board of Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General Manager and ex-officio
Clerk to the Board of Directors