MINUTES
REGULAR
MEETING
WEDNESDAY,
APRIL 12, 2006
CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
3575
PACIFIC AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
7:00 P.M.
DIRECTORS PRESENT: David Furst, Steve Goodman, Scott Kamena,
and Dale Turner (4)
DIRECTORS ABSENT: Director Faltings (1)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Barry, Jim Carlson, Patti
Cole, Michael Kyle, Barbara Kraybill, Mike Nicholson, Gretchen Sommers, Brian
Tibbetts
Meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by
Chair Kamena. Roll was taken and all Directors were present except Director
Faltings.
2. SPECIAL PRESENATION
General Manager Barry presented to the Board two
awards recently won by the Robert Livermore Community Center: the Achievement
Award in the category of “Facility Design/Community Centers,” bestowed by the
California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) and the “Award of Excellence for
Outstanding Parks & Recreation Facility,” given by CPRS District III.
3. PUBLIC FORUM
Chair Kamena asked for public comment on any
item not on the agenda.
1) John
Jaureguito, Vice President, Livermore American Little League, spoke about the
league’s difficulties understanding LARPD’s sports field closure policy, as it
applies during wet weather. He stated he feels the damage done by youth
baseball is minimal. He suggested that American Little League be permitted to
take over control of the fields during the baseball season. The league would
cover the costs of any damages, if permitted to do so. In return, the league
would handle closures of the field, etc., during the season.
2) Bob
Baltzer, El Caminito, Livermore, spoke against the sports park proposed by Ponderosa
Homes.
3) Jeff Holler, 1606 Carson Pass Way, representing
Livermore Pony Baseball, spoke of his concerns regarding communicating with
LARPD regarding use of sports fields. He stated he feels the Livermore leagues
may need to play elsewhere if LARPD fields continue to be closed frequently. Mr.
Holler requested that LARPD staff make more effort in communicating about the
field conditions to the user groups. He also requested the LARPD demonstrate
more consistency and leniency in its sports field closure policy.
Chair Kamena asked if LARPD has made a recent
change in field policy. General Manager Barry stated that staff has made an
effort to be more consistent in its communication regarding field closures.
4) Clay
McMeyer, 404 Malibu Ct., Livermore, spoke against the sports park proposed by
Ponderosa Homes.
5) Doug
Mann, South N Street, spoke against the sports park proposed by Ponderosa Homes,
though he applauds LARPD’s efforts to increase sports parks in the community.
6) John
Stein, 1334 Kathy Ct., Livermore, spoke against the sports park proposed by
Ponderosa Homes. Mr. Stein suggested that perhaps a bond measure is the way for
the community to achieve a sports park. He urged the Directors to walk the
proposed site to gauge its suitability for a sports park.
7) Beau
Grant, 493 Martingale Ct., Livermore, owner of Valley Roller Hockey, spoke in
favor of constructing a covered sports facility, and would like to know what
steps he should take to promote this.
Chair Kamena stated that Mr. Grant should
request that this item be placed on the next Sports Park Committee agenda.
8) Michal
Lea, 1219 Regent Place, spoke against the sports park proposed by Ponderosa
Homes. She stated she does feel a sports park would be a great asset to
Livermore, but not by working with a developer.
9)
Valerie Raymond, 2368 Buena Vista, spoke against the sports park
proposed by Ponderosa Homes. She stated that she shares the desire for a sports
park in Livermore.
10) Bob
Weber, 2446 Broadmoor, Livermore, spoke against the sports park proposed by
Ponderosa Homes. Mr. Webber urged the
Board to adopt a philosophy toward developing a sports park that is not tied to
developers and which would not breach the urban growth boundary.
11) Jean
King, 4205 Colgate Way, Livermore, spoke against the sports park proposed by
Ponderosa Homes.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
4.1 BOARD
MINUTES
4.1.1 Meeting of March 29, 2006.
4.2 COMMUNICATIONS
4.2.1 Letter from Ann Willoughby of Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory thanking staff for support of the Tri-Valley
Science & Engineering Fair.
4.2.2 Letter from Friends of the Arroyos urging
the Directors to approve funding for a new Ranger Office/Resource Center.
4.3
General Manager’s Monthly Report (#58/8).
4.4
Payroll and Claims.
On a motion by Director Furst, seconded by Director
Goodman, approved the consent agenda, passing 4-0.
5. CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS
None.
6. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1
REPORT ON STATUS OF
DENTON HOUSE ACQUISITION FOR SYCAMORE GROVE PARK
Chair Kamena explained that the District was
offered the donation of a house by Jacquie Williams Courtright. The house was
built and formerly owned by the Denton brothers, and is referred to here as the
Denton House. Staff would like the District to accept the structure for use as
a Ranger Station and program center in Sycamore Grove Park. The donor has
offered to pay for asbestos abatement and moving the structure to the park.
Renovation and improvements would cost the District approximately half a
million dollars.
General Manager Barry summarized the staff
report, recommending that the Board approve acceptance of the Denton House, as
well as the estimated budget of $575,000 for improvements and renovation. Mr.
Barry distributed to the board a spread sheet of capital projects projected for
Fiscal Year 2006/2007. Mr. Barry introduced Architect David Arkin, LARPD Ranger/Naturalist
Supervisor Mike Nicholson and LARPD Ranger Patti Cole, who have worked on this
project.
Mr. Arkin gave a slide presentation, explaining
the goals and advantages of green building, in which his firm specializes. He
explained some of the logistics of moving the house and bringing it up to code,
and improvements that will need to be made, such as installing additional
restrooms, adding fire access, and improving lighting. He stated that house is
generally well-built. The existing house is 1,260 square feet. The project
proposal and cost estimate include 500 square feet of new construction (mostly restroom),
and 600 square feet of deck. An additional
$30,000 for photovoltaic roof panels is not included in the estimate.
Ranger Cole gave a slide presentation. She
summarized the background of the project: the offer of the donation of the
house, the architect’s research and report, the location and condition of the
current Ranger Station. Ms. Cole explained the disadvantages of the current
Ranger Station, such as: inaccessible to the public; Ranger staff is often unaware
of emergencies that occur in the park because of the Station’s remote location;
and there is only 230 square feet of useable space in the 11 ft x 21 ft. office,
which is often occupied by 8-10 people.
Ms. Cole stated that the current specifications
and findings regarding the Denton House indicate that the structure as it is
now would triple the office space of the Ranger Station. She stated that the
two public restrooms in Sycamore Grove are difficult for staff to clean and difficult
for park users to flush. Ms Cole offered a cost comparison of the Denton House
renovation to various LARPD neighborhood park renovations. Ms. Cole cited
annual Sycamore Grove and Veterans Parks visitor and program attendance statistics,
and noted that there is large number of park visitors who represent various
interests. She stated that, historically, there is a return on investment of green
building, which significantly reduces annual operating costs. She noted that
the estimated minimum savings on energy is 65%. Other advantages to be gained
by renovating the Denton House for use as a Ranger Station include: increased Ranger
administrative efficiency; increased annual parking revenue; increased District
efficiency; enhanced public opinion; improved opportunities for a park volunteer
program; enhanced local image for the District locally, regionally and beyond;
invigorated and expanded environmental, historical and cultural education
efforts; ability to offer rotating displays; promotion and education regarding
green building.
Ms. Cole stated that there exist funding
sources/opportunities particularly focused on green build. She spoke about a
StopWaste.Org, which may be able to give the District up to $75,000 for the
Denton House green build project. Ms. Cole has met with Allison Taguchi, LARPD’s
consultant grant writer, who stated that she is optimistic that the District
can find funding for a significant portion of this project. Ms. Cole expressed
appreciation to Jacquie Williams Courtright, the community, and LARPD Directors
and staff. She asked for Board support on this project.
Director Furst asked for clarification on the
portion of the staff report regarding “Great Dreams,” and whether this section
is included in the project proposal. Ranger Cole clarified that the “Great Dreams”
are not included in what is being proposed tonight. The items being proposed
tonight are considered minimal necessities. Director Furst inquired about the “Significant
Exclusion” mentioned in the staff report. He stated the Directors need to know
what the entire cost will be. Architect David Arkin and General Manager Barry
responded that the 20% estimate for soft costs includes the items listed in the
staff report (permits, network wire connections, etc.), and that the $575,000 total
estimate includes a photovoltaic system and 20% inflation for construction. The
estimate does not include all new furnishings.
Chair Kamena asked for and received
clarification on items on the Fiscal Year Capital Projects list. Chair Kamena
asked for and received clarification on the concept of the Denton house being a
truly green building opportunity.
Director Turner pointed out that the Robertson
Park Equestrian Center ranking changed on the Capital Projects list. General Manager Barry stated that the arena
cover is this year’s project, but that it would be slated for completion in the
next fiscal year. Mr. Barry pointed out
that the list of capital projects is out of balance with revenue by $1,895,313,
and that the list is not a final draft.
Director Turner inquired about grant funding timing and possibilities
and asked if the District could lend money to the project while the project
waits for grant funding. Ranger Cole and Grant Writer Allison Taguchi provided
details and projections about possible grant funding.
Chair Kamena opened
public comment.
1)
Lewis
Reed, Seasonal Park Ranger for LARPD, spoke in favor of accepting the Denton
House donation for use as a Ranger Station in Sycamore Grove Park.
2)
Rick
Madden, Park Ranger LARPD, spoke in favor of accepting the Denton House
donation for use as a Ranger Station in Sycamore Grove Park.
3) Alrie
Middlebrook, Los Gatos, participant in a Livermore community garden project, spoke
in favor of accepting the Denton House donation for use as a Ranger Station in
Sycamore Grove Park.
4) Anne Severs, Bordeaux Place, participant in
a Livermore community garden project, spoke in favor of accepting the Denton
House donation for use as a Ranger Station in Sycamore Grove Park.
Chair Kamena closed public comment.
On a motion by Director Turner, seconded by
Director Goodman, approved the staff recommendation to accept the donation of
the Denton House for conversion to a Ranger Station in Sycamore Grove, with a
projected budget of $575,000, passing 4-0.
Director Turner stated that the most salient
point he feels in this issue is the remote location of the current Ranger
office. He stated he feels the current office is woefully inadequate. Director
Turner said he thinks this is one of the most significant projects that has
come along in many years, and that is something that will benefit the
community. He stated he thinks the LARPD Board has become more capable of
pinning down project costs in the last few years. He stated that the costs of
this project are well-estimated. The
facility will be used widely by the community, and it would provide good public
relations for LARPD. Director Turner stated that he feels the District should
take advantage of this very important opportunity.
Director Furst commended staff on their investment
of time and great effort made in
presenting this project. He stated that he supports this project, is concerned
about the cost. He is concerned that the total cost will be more than the
$575,000 estimated, because that is how projects happen. Director Furst said
that he is also worried about other capital projects being put off.
Director Goodman stated that he understands
Director Furst’s concerns. He stated he feels this is an opportunity the
District would be remiss in not pursuing. He said that grant funding would help
reduce the costs. Director Goodman said
he feels that LARPD having a presence at the entrance to the park is critical,
particularly in the event of an emergency. He also stated that a Ranger station
would help distinguish LARPD from EBRPD facilities. One of our hallmarks is
interpretive study in the park; this project would be good public relations for
us. He noted that, perhaps installation of a Ranger Station would generate more
gifts to the District because of our enhanced presence. The donation of the
Denton House is an opportunity, said Director Goodman. We were unable to plan
for it, unfortunately, but we should not pass up the opportunity it offers.
Chair Kamena stated that his biggest concern is
the amount of money the project represents. He stated that the District must
undertake this project with open eyes, and that we must be mindful that the
costs might increase and that the District might not receive the anticipated
grant funding. We cannot make decisions based on good shots. Director Kamena stated he does not feel this project
is a great example of green building. He said it is good to use capital money
to save operations money. Once the District decides to go forward with a
project, he stated, it must complete it, even if costs increase. He stated that
he hopes staff will take seriously the effort to keep the project within budget.
He stated he hopes to keep within budget and fund at least 20% with grant
funding. He feels the advantages of the project given by staff in its
presentation are benefits to the District. Chair Kamena commended staff on its
hard work.
8. NEW
BUSINESS
8.1 CONTRACT WITH BEALS ALLIANCE
Chair Kamena gave background on the District’s
use of Beals Alliance professional services.
The District wishes to enter into an agreement with Beals Alliance for a
number of projects. General Manager Barry summarized the five components to the
contract: the design and public process for designing a public park at Bothwell
Recreation Center; a soccer complex cost feasibility study for Robertson Park; the
creation of a playground design at Robertson park, which would be constructed
by the Arroyo Crossings developers; a bicycle stunt park at Sunken Gardens Park;
and cost estimating services for various projects in the District Capital
Improvements Projects plan.
General Manager Barry stated that this contract
would create efficiencies because of the capabilities of Beals Alliance and the
District’s need to have several projects worked on at one time. He stated that
Derek McKee of Beals Alliance, is present to answer any questions.
Chair Kamena opened comment. No public comment
was received.
On a motion by Director Furst, seconded by
Director Turner, approved Resolution No. 2006, authorizing a consultant
contract with Beals Alliance for various park design projects by the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Directors, Furst, Goodman, Turner
and Chair Kamena (4)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Director
Faltings (1)
Chair Kamena stated he hopes the District will achieve
efficiencies from this contract. He
asked for and received clarification that the funds for the contract will come
out of the capital projects budget. Chair Kamena asked Mr. McKee if he felt it
was helpful to his firm to work on multiple projects. Mr. McKee stated that, yes,
it is very efficient . General Manager Barry stated that the contract is not to
exceed $210,000.
Director Furst asked District Legal Counsel Michael
Kyle if he saw any problems with the contract. District Counsel Kyle said he
saw no problems. Director Furst asked that Beals Alliance correct the spelling
and the name of the District in several places throughout the contract.
9.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chair Kamena asked for details about the March
23, 2006 Equestrian Committee meeting. Director Turner stated that there were
approximately 80-100 people in attendance, but few spoke. Director Turner
stated he was surprised by the large number of attendees. He stated that the true
level of interest in a covered arena at Robertson Park will be determined when the
District calls for volunteers to help raise the funds needed to complete the
project. Director Goodman commented on the accusatory tone of some of the
attendees who spoke; some attendees questioned staff reports, etc. He noted
that one issue that came up was whether a large arena cover was needed.
Director Goodman stated that those who spoke seemed amenable to keeping costs
down. Direct Goodman said that, until we have next meeting, and see who will
step up, we won’t know how this is going to progress. Director Turner stated that the District will hold another
meeting soon.
The Board received reports on the eight
committee meetings attended since the meeting of March 8, 2006, as follows: Facilities,
Personnel, Intergovernmental, Equestrian, Scottish Games (2), Sports Park,
Livermore Downtown, ESS Parent Advisory Commission and Livermore Cultural Arts
Council.
10. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE DIRECTORS
1)
Director stated that he attended ethics training this month.
2) Director Goodman
commented on the people who attended this evening’s meeting and spoke on LAPRD
sports field conditions. He suggests having a meeting with park staff and some
of the speakers and have them go to the fields to see how District staff assesses
the field conditions and why. He said he feels if staff meets with members of
the community, they’ll have a better appreciation of why staff makes the
decisions it does about closing fields. He thanked staff for doing the job,
which he knows can be difficult.
3) Director Turner
inquired about a phone hotline for the sports fields. General Manger Barry
stated that the District does have such a hotline. He noted that there is some
disagreement on how the District uses it.
4) Director Turner asked
what the process is for bringing things before the public vote, in light of the
Ponderosa Homes sports park issue that was brought before the Board tonight.
5) Chair Kamena stated that
the sports field issue is important. He commended staff for their efforts, and
encouraged them to keep working with these people on it. He stated that
staff knows what it is doing, and that
the Board is there, if needed, for assistance.
6) Chair Kamena requested the room thermostat be
set higher at next Board meting.
7) Director Furst also
suggested that staff continue to work with the sports field user groups. He
stated that perhaps it is worth investigating the prospect of user groups
managing the fields.
8) Director Furst stated
that he would like to ensure that the District Master Plan survey includes
questions about a sports park, with specific questions related to it.
9) Director Goodman
stated that the prospect of a bond issue to fund a sports park is worth
exploring.
None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
APPROVED,
_______________________________
Chair,
Board of Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General Manager and ex-officio
Clerk to the Board of Directors