MINUTES
REGULAR
MEETING
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 11, 2006
ROBERT
LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER
4444 EAST
AVENUE, LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA
7:00 P.M.
CRESTA
BLANCA BALLROOM
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Director
Faltings, Director Furst, Director Goodman, Director Turner and President
Kamena (5)
DIRECTORS
ABSENT: None (0)
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Chiye Azuma, Tim
Barry, Jim Brandenburg, Jim Carlson, Lora Cohen, Barbara Kraybill, Michael
Kyle, Gretchen Sommers, Brian Tibbetts,
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Vice
President Turner. Roll was taken and all Directors were present except
President Kamena
2. PUBLIC FORUM
Vice President Turner asked for public comment on any item not on the agenda. No public comment was received.
President Kamena arrived at 7:03 p.m.
3. CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 BOARD
MINUTES
3.1.1 Meeting of September 27,
2006.
3.2 COMMUNICATIONS: None.
3.3 General Manager’s Monthly Report (#60/3).
3.4 Payroll
and Claims.
On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by
Director Furst , approved the consent agenda, passing 5-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS: None.
5. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
6. OLD BUSINESS: None.
6.1 FRIENDSHIP CENTER RELOCATION STATUS
General Manager Barry summarized the staff report.
He reviewed the four options remaining for staff to investigate as possible
relocation sites for the Friendship Center: R.E. Merritt Building on Trevarno
Road, City-owned Pacific Avenue property, leasing of a commercial site, and
former private school site on Vasco Road near Tesla.
Director Furst asked if the private school site
has a ball field on it now. General Manager Barry answered that it does not. He
stated that there used to be a BMX track and there is a leach field now. There
is, however, room for a ball field.
Director Turner asked if staff wishes to
eliminate any of the four options at this point. General Manager Barry
responded that staff does not. Director Turner asked if the school site is on
the market at this time. Mr. Barry responded that no, the District is being
offered the site at this time. Mr. Turner expressed concern about a deal going
through in the meantime. Mr. Barry stated that Mr. Deiss of ATI will complete his
report on this site in the next couple of weeks.
President Kamena asked how seriously staff is
pursuing the private school site. Mr. Barry said he would have to speak to the
seller about an asking price, and he would have to discuss financing possibilities
with the Board. President Kamena said that the General Manager could talk to
the seller without Board approval. Mr. Barry said he would need approval if the
District must go into debt to purchase the facility.
Director Goodman suggested that staff tell the
seller that LARPD is, indeed, serious and would like to ask for a gentlemen’s
agreement, or first right of refusal, in order to hold the property until the
District can make a decision.
Director Faltings suggested we investigate a COP
in order to assure the sellers that we are serious.
Director Furst asked if staff is still on the
60-day timeline requested by the Board. Mr. Barry responded that, yes, staff is
staying on the timeline.
President Kamena reopened public forum in order
to allow a member of the public to speak, as that person was mistakenly led to
believe that the item she wished to discuss would be on the agenda this
evening.
1) Suzie
Gazzuolo, Livermore, is a senior at Livermore High School. She stated that Livermore
High School and Granada High School are holding a community event to support
the Friendship Center Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. The event will feature activities
put on for the seniors by the high school students and there will be a black
and white ball the following evening. The students wish to raise funds for the
seniors, and to unite the city more, bringing positive feedback to the
community. Ms. Gazzuolo is asking LAPD to donate the Cresta Blanca ballroom for
an evening. Both schools and school superintendent are aware of this event.
President Kamena stated that the letter she sent
to the Board will be on the agenda of the next Board meeting.
7. NEW
BUSINESS:
7.1 RECLASSIFICATION OF AN EMPLOYEE
President Kamena stated that the Board will
consider the General Manager’s recommendation to reclassify Park Supervisor James
Brandenburg to the position of Senior Park Supervisor. General Manager Barry presented his staff
report recommending Mr. Brandenburg for the position. His report listed
numerous reasons for reclassifying Mr. Brandenburg.
Director Faltings stated that the Personnel
Committee reviewed this issue and is recommending the reclassification to the
Board as a whole.
Mr. Turner asked about the salary considerations,
if there would be an increase. He stated that it is clear to him that Mr.
Brandenburg is perfect for the position and this is a good move for the
District.
Director Goodman stated that he supports the
reclassification of Mr. Brandenburg, also. He noted that Mr. Brandenburg has
had to bear the brunt of the difficulties caused by budget shortfalls.
Director Faltings stated that she knows that Mr.
Brandenburg is an irrigation expert. She asked when the raise in salary would
go into effect. Mr. Barry stated that the position would start at the beginning
of the next pay period, October 16, 2006. Mr. Brandenburg will start the duties
of the Senior Park Supervisor and continue to perform the Park Supervisor
duties as well, until a new Park Supervisor is hired. Director Faltings stated
she is pleased to see that the park irrigation budget got more funding at the last meeting. She said that she
thinks Mr. Brandenburg is the perfect person to fill this position.
On a motion by Director Turner, seconded by
Director Faltings, recommended the reclassification of Mr. Brandenburg from the
position of Park Supervisor to Senior Park Supervisor, passing 5-0.
7.2 QUARTERLY CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS REPORT
President Kamena stated that the Board will
review the Quarterly Capital Projects Status Report and Budget, and provide comment
and direction to staff. He stated that, as a result of less home construction
occurring in Livermore, the District will receive less AB1600, or park in lieu,
fees than expected. Therefore, the District will have to make adjustments in
its capital project planning.
Mr. Barry reviewed the staff report which
included seven measures that staff is recommending
as possibilities for compensating for the lack of AB1600 funding. The
recommendations included: 1) delay recovering administrative costs for the
Community Center; 2) do not transfer 2005/2006 “force labor’ from the Capital
Fund to Operations; 3) review transfer of 2006/2007 “force labor” from the
Capital Fund to Operation; 4) Friendship Center relocation may be delayed; 5)
delay moving Denton House to Sycamore Grove until spring 2007; 6) reduced cost
of Master Plan; and 7) use part of the temporary advance of funds from County
to assist capital cash flow. Mr. Barry noted that this report is slightly
different than that reviewed by the Budget Committee earlier in the week.
Director Furst asked about the Denton House and about
the donor, Ms. Williams-Courtright, being contacted about a possible delay in
moving the structure to Sycamore Grove Park. Director Turner asked why we need
to delay it when the donor is paying for moving the house. Mr. Barry responded
that once the house is placed in a public park, it is more open to vandalism.
Mr. Turner asked about how we can delay the move of the Friendship Center, as
time is of the essence. He asked if we had received any word from the Charter
School on whether or not the program can stay longer at the school site.
President Kamena stated that we do have some indication, though not yet in
writing, that the Friendship Center move can be delayed.
President Kamena stated he would feel
embarrassed to ask Ms. Williams-Courtright to delay her project because of our
cash flow issues. He said he feels we
should accept the house when Ms. Williams-Courtright is prepared to give it to
us. He commended the General Manager for having a Plan B, but feels confident
our projects will not get done before the District has no money. Mr. Barry
stated he’d like to clarify that we would want to wait on the renovation and
remodeling of the Denton house, not so much the move. President Kamena directed the General Manager to do what he feels
it is best to do.
Director Goodman said he appreciates the General
Manager giving the Board the information on the capital project funding
situation, even though the Board’s approval is not necessary to act on the
staff recommendations. He asked that the General Manager keep the Board
apprised. Mr. Barry said that staff will take another look at this issue at the
mid-year budget review. Mr. Barry
presented a Capital Projects sheet to the Board. He said that staff is prepared
to review the report, and to respond to any questions the Board may have.
Director Goodman asked about the Robertson Park
Equestrian Arena cover and the contract period. Mr. Barry responded that the
contract has been signed and that the project is expected to be completed in
February 2007.
8. ORAL
REPORTS:
8.1 Director Faltings reported on her attendance at the September
California Special Districts Association Conference, and the sessions in which
she participated. She distributed a summation to the other Directors.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Director Faltings
reported that she and Director Furst, who make up the Personnel Committee, attended
a Personnel Commission meeting recently at which the Committee members and
Commissioners discussed the Personnel Commissions role. Ms. Faltings noted that
the Commissioners are all human resources experts who donate their time. She
stated that the District appreciates their participation.
Director Furst asked about the EBRPD/LARPD
Liaison meeting that occurred in September and asked if there is more information
on the Brushy Peak Trail. General Manager Barry responded that EBRPD is
pursuing the environmental clearance on the land in order to put in a trail.
This project would involve a trail on LARPD’s section as well, and Mr. Barry
said that he told EBRPD that LARPD would be happy to participate in this.
President Kamena stated that he would like
clarification on the feral cat issue that was discussed at the October 2
Facilities Committee meeting. He said that the meeting minutes seemed to indicate
inconsistencies, with LARPD not wanting to eradicate the cats, yet not wishing
to permit feeding of them. Director
Furst responded that the revised policy is a work in progress that the General
Manager is still reviewing. He noted that there will be discussion about not
feeding any animals, not just feral
cats. Director Furst added that the Facilities Committee did discuss trapping of
the animals but no final recommendation is being made yet. General Manager
Barry said the staff intent is to have the public enjoy its parks, and putting
the rules and regulations together is part of the attempt to address that. Mr.
Kamena stated that feral animals are a risk to humans and to other animals. He
would like to see some discretion in the policy that would allow for efforts to
rescue animals. He stated he feels we can have prohibitions but still give well
meaning people the opportunity to proceed with their cause of rescuing the
animals.
Director Faltings stated she is aware of animal
organizations in Livermore, such as Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, that attempt to
rescue the animals and find homes for them. She stated that she shares Mr.
Kamena’s concern that we have some flexibility in dealing with this issue. She
said she looks forward to seeing the draft rules and regulations. She asked if
there had been public complaints about feral cats. Mr. Kamena responded that
yes, there have been complaints.
Director Goodman asked
that we take care that the animals be brought to organizations that do not
euthanize the animals.
President Kamena spoke
about the EBRPD/LARPD Liaison meeting at which staff spoke about our agreement
with EBRPD, whereby about 1/3 of LARPD tax revenue is shifted to EBRPD. Mr.
Kamena stated he was disappointed in the letter we got from EBRPD in response
to our formal request to change the agreement. He asked staff to research the
assertions made in EBRPD’s letter to verify their accuracy. President Kamena
said he wished to publicly ask Ayn Wieskamp,
an EBRPD Director, and former LARPD Director, to take a stand and
support LARPD. Director Furst reiterated Mr. Kamena’s request of Ayn Weiskamp
to support LARPD in its request to EBRPD.
10. MATTERS INITIATED/ANNOUNCEMENTS BY
THE DIRECTORS
1) Director Goodman said that he would like to
have a Board retreat, open to the public, at which Directors can discuss issues
in more detail, which they are unable to do in the Board meeting format.
2)
Director
Goodman referred to an item contained in a committee report regarding citizen
Carol Fiore’s request for accessible playgrounds in Livermore. Mr. Goodman said
he would like to strongly encourage the District to move forward with this. Mr.
Kamena said he has asked staff to identify a park that might be considered as
an accessible playground.
3)
Director
Goodman asked about a report on the Sycamore trees at Sycamore Grove. General Manager
Barry stated that staff is awaiting a report from the consultants working on
the project now.
4)
Director
Goodman said he would like to acknowledge that the Board has received a number
of letters from the public requesting more softball fields, especially as
relates to the Bothwell Park project. He stated he would like the District to
discuss the possibility of a bond issue for a sports park, as this is an issue
that is not going to go away. He would like this to be seriously considered.
5)
Director
Faltings spoke about an organization called Shane’s Inspiration that funded
designs to build playgrounds that are accessible to all children, able-bodied,
disabled, etc. She recommended that staff contact this group for ideas. She
would like to see LARPD have accessible playgrounds.
6)
Director
Furst inquired if a Scottish Games report will be on the October 25 Board
agenda. He also asked for a Camp Shelly report, on costs, etc.
7)
President
Kamena stated that Carol Fiore brought the issue of accessible playgrounds to
the District as she is in the process of applying for a grant for an accessible
park. Mr. Kamena stated that Vista Meadows is an accessible park that the
District recently installed. He took his 22-month old daughter there and she
loves the park. He was very pleased that able-bodied children love the park,
too.
8)
President
Kamena announced that the Halloween Downtown Trick or Treat event will be held on
October 26 at 5:00 in downtown Livermore. He said that it is a great event and
he encourages people to attend.
9)
President
Kamena announced that the first meeting of the recently formed Ad Hoc College
Tours Committee will be October 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Robert Livermore
Community Center. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
1) General Manger Barry announced that LARPD has a Halloween event at the Barn this year.
2) General Manager Barry announced that he will be at a training conference on special district finance the next two days.
Meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m.
Meeting convened to Executive Session at 8:16 p.m.
12. EXECUTIVE
SESSION
12.1 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY
NEGOTIATIORS
Pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the Government Code
Property: Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue,
Livermore, CA 94550
Agency Negotiator: District Staff and/or Legal Counsel
Negotiating Parties: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Under Negotiation: License agreement for use of rooms
13. RECONVENE
TO OPEN SESSION
Meeting reconvened to Regular Session at 8:29 p.m.
14. REPORT
ON ACTION TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
No action to report.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
APPROVED,
_______________________________
President,
Board of Directors
ATTEST:
__________________________
General Manager and ex-officio
Clerk to the Board of Director