Board Meeting Minutes

LIVERMORE AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
71 TREVARNO ROAD
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA 94551-4931

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, December 8, 2004
7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
3575 Pacific Avenue
Livermore, California

MINUTES

LARPD BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Goodman, David Furst, Scott Kamena, Dale Turner and Chair Maryalice Summers Faltings (5)

LARPD BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None (0)

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Tim Barry, Michael Kyle, and Pat Kasberg

CITY CONTRACT STAFF PRESENT: Cheri Sheets and Eric Brown

1. CALL TO ORDER—ROLL CALL—PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chair Faltings, who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Faltings welcomed newly elected Director Steve Goodman to the Board and congratulated Director Dale Turner on his re-election to the Board for a second term.

2. PUBLIC FORUM: Public comment was received from:

a. Keith Rothernberg, 23Diamond Drive, Livermore. Mr. Rothernberg is a member of the Friends of Sycamore Grove Park and stated that the group is concerned about the delay in the report by Sycamore Associates on the Sycamore Grove Recovery Program.

Mr. Rothernberg urged the Board to agendize this item at the January Board meeting and to make the report available to the public so that the important issues can be addressed. The Friends of Sycamore Grove Park would like to work together with all the agencies involved to protect the sycamore trees, an important regional resource, which is the 3rd largest grove in the State.

b. Janice Turner, 749 Hazel Street, Livermore. Ms. Turner is a member of the Friends of Sycamore Grove Park and the Tri-Valley Sierra Club. Ms. Turner stated that Zone 7 and LARPD need to reach an agreement on the Phase I Preliminary Findings Report, prepared by Sycamore Associates, and allow a finalized report to occur. Ms. Turner feels that Zone 7 is holding up the process and urged the Board as stewards of the trees and the park to please take the initiative to get the report finalized and present it to the public so that something can be done for the trees.

c. Donna Cabanne addressed the Board as a 24-year resident of Livermore and Chair of the Tri Valley Sierra Club. Ms. Cubane urged the Board, for the health of the sycamore trees in Sycamore Grove Park, to ensure that the consultant’s report is finished and presented to the public as soon as possible before the damage to the trees is beyond repair.

Chair Faltings closed public comment.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:

3.1 Board Minutes

3.1.1 Regular meeting of November 10, 2004.

3.2 Claim Again the District

General Manager Barry informed the Board that a claim had been filed against the District on behalf of Christina Arrambide. General Manager Barry recommended denial of the claim.

3.3 Communications: None

3.4 General Manager’s Monthly report (#57/5).

3.5 Payroll and Claims.

Directors Kamena and Turner requested removal from the Consent Agenda Item 3.2, claim against the District.

On a motion by Director Kamena, seconded by Director Furst, approved the remaining Consent Agenda items, passing 5-0.

Regarding Item 3.2, Director Kamena questioned why the letter was not attached. General Manager Barry stated that typically the staff provides the Board with the claim form and not the attachments that are sent in by the claimant. Director Kamena questioned if it is inappropriate for the Board to see the letter. General Manager Barry stated for reasons regarding litigation the Board is not provided with attachments at this time.

On a motion by Director Kamena, seconded by Director Turner, denied the claim against the District by Christina Arrambide, passing 5-0.

4. CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS

On a motion by Director Turner, seconded by Chair Faltings, adopted and approved Consent Agenda Resolutions by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Directors Kamena, Turner, Goodman, Furst, and Chair Faltings (5)

NOES: None (0)

ABSENT: None (0)

Resolutions adopted:

4.1 Resolution No. 1936, a resolution awarding bid for a chipper.

4.2 Resolution No. 1937, a resolution commending Jim Butler for his years of service to the District.

5. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS:

6. OLD BUSINESS: None

7. NEW BUSINESS:

7.1 MAYFIELD DEVELOPERS TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

General Manager Barry introduced Cheri Sheets, City Engineer. Ms. Sheets stated that staff recommends the Board approve an improvement agreement with Mayfield Developers and two trail easement agreements with Robert and Mary Minaker and Norman and Judith Reid for the construction, maintenance and use of Trail Segment A-4 for public recreational trail purposes. Ms. Sheets reported that Mayfield Developers is constructing Tract 7167, a residential subdivision with 20 lots, located on the east side of Vasco Road approximately 1000 feet north of Tesla Road. In accordance with the requirements of the South Livermore Valley Specific Plan, the Pre-Annexation Agreement between the City of Livermore and the developer, as a condition precedent to the acceptance and approval of the Tract 7167, the developer is required to dedicate public land and construct public trails.

Ms. Sheets introduced Kevin Duffus, the project engineer, who described in detail the project using overhead projections. Mr. Duffus stated that Trail Segment A-4 is approximately 1350 feet long and will be a multi-use trail with both a paved bike/pedestrian portion and an equestrian portion. The trail will tie into an existing trail section that was constructed as part of a previous residential subdivision and will run along the east side of Vasco Road and end at Tesla Road. The proposed trail meets all applicable LARPD standards and design specifications and is consistent and compatible with the existing adjacent trail segment.

Director Furst indicated that while running in that area he noticed on the east side of the trail near the far side of the equestrian portion by a fence there is a fairly steep drainage ditch and inquired how drainage will be dealt with in that area. Mr. Duffus stated that the drainage ditch will be modified but remain in that location and drain downhill to a catch basin located on Rutherford Drive. There will be a 2-rail fence between the drainage ditch and the trail.

On a motion by Director Furst, seconded by Director Turner, adopted and approved Resolutions 1938, 1939, and 1940 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Directors Turner, Goodman, Furst, Kamena, and Chair Faltings (5)

NOES: None (0)

ABSENT: None (0)

Resolutions adopted:

a. Resolution No. 1938, a resolution approving an agreement with Mayfield Developers for design and improvements for Trail Segment A-4 located on the east side of Vasco Road between Rutherford Lane (planned) and Tesla Road.

b. Resolution No. 1939, a resolution approving a trail easement agreement with Robert and Mary Minaker for Trail Segment A-4 located on the east side of Vasco Road between Rutherford Lane (planned) and Tesla Road.

c. Resolution No. 1940, a resolution approving a trail easement agreement with Norman and Judith Reid for Trail Segment A-4 located on the east side of Vasco Road between Rutherford Lane (planned) and Tesla Road.

No public comment was received.

7.2 REVIEW HIP APPLICATIONS FOR PARK DEVELOPMENT (Discussion)

General Manager Barry introduced Eric Brown, City Planning Manager. Mr. Brown stated that every three years the City adopts a new Housing Implementation Program(HIP) to establish the growth rate, targeted categories, and program regulations. The 2005 HIP competition includes the following two applications:

1. Centex Homes “Seven Vines”

Centex Homes proposes to develop 147 single-family and two-family homes on 67 acres in North Livermore east of Laughlin Road, north of Altamont Creek, and south of Frick Lake. The “Seven Vines” project includes 24 duplex units affordable to low-income households. The project is designed with a 2.5-acre landscaped linear parkway; landscape corridors; 3.2 acres of natural open space areas for preservation of an existing wetland at the southeast corner of the site; and a 15-acre open space area for habitat and slope protection at the base of the Altamont Hills in the eastern portion of the site. As proposed, EBRPD would accept dedication of the 15-acre open space parcel, including a 0.6-acre staging area site for purposes of subsequent development of a trail connection to the regional Brushy Creek Trail. EPRPD would like a trail easement along the north side of the property connecting to Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. LARPD staff indicates the on-site park and wetland areas lack sufficient area and connectivity for LARPD to consider accepting these facilities. LARPD staff supports the dedication of the open space on the east side of the property to the EBRPD for inclusion into the Brushy Peak Regional Preserve.

2. Shea Homes “Montage”

Shea Homes proposes 567 single-family units on a 33.8-acre site. The undeveloped project site is bounded by Las Positas Community College to the north, Collier Canyon Road to the west, future extension of Portola Avenue to the south, and the proposed alignment of Isabel Avenue extension to the east. The development proposal includes small internal parks, open space amenities, a linear open space corridor with trail improvements, and a tot lot. Off-site improvements include the dedication of a 9.8-acre park site, of which six acres is proposed for improvement, and trail improvements for the extension of the LARPD regional trail system. Dedication requirements are being met through a combination of on and off-site park improvements. Shea Homes will dedicate 9.8 acres of parkland east of the development and improve six acres with the Montage development, leaving the remainder of the site to be improved when future residential development is approved. The approved Development Agreement requires the dedication and improvement of a six-acre park in a location mutually acceptable to Shea, LARPD and the City. The project includes the construction of a 20-foot pedestrian/equestrian mixed-use trail, an extension of the LARPD regional trail system.

8. RESOLUTIONS: None

9. ORAL REPORTS

a. General Manager Barry reported that the Robert Livermore Community Center construction continues moving toward completion, and is now in the punch list phase which takes about a month to complete, then the moving in process can begin.

b. General Manager Barry reported that certified election results have been received from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters Office. Officially elected were Steve Goodman and Dale Turner. Detailed precinct breakdowns of results were also available.

10. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Board received reports on the eight committee meetings attended since the Regular Board meeting of November 10, 2004, as follows: Sports Park, Downtown, Inc., ESS PAC, Facilities Committee, Scottish Games, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Program Committee, and Livermore Youth Commission.

11. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS FOR 2005

Chair Faltings opened nominations for the position of Chair of the Board for 2005. Director Turner nominated Director Kamena and Chair Faltings nominated Director Furst. No further nominations were received. Chair Faltings closed nominations. Director Furst was elected Chair by a 5-0 vote.

Chair Faltings opened nominations for the position of Vice Chair of the Board for 2005. Director Kamena nominated Director Turner. No further nominations were received. Chair Faltings closed nominations. Director Turner was elected Vice Chair by a 5-0 vote.

12. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE DIRECTORS

a. Director Turner would like the report from Sycamore Associates presented at the Board meeting in January. Director Tuner recommended that a portion of a trail be named after Alice Quinn’s daughter, in honor of Alice’s 12 years on the Board.

b. Director Goodman feels it is important to communicate to the public on the status of the construction at the Robert Livermore Community Center and suggested that staff or a Board Member appear on the community program channel.

c. Director Furst would like the staff to prepare a report for the Facilities Committee regarding feasibility of providing a BMX street facility.

d. Chair Faltings congratulated Director Kamena on becoming a father. Chair Faltings would like staff to continue working on providing recreational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

13. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER

a. General Manager Barry thanked Chair Faltings for hosting the Personnel Commission/LARPD Foundation holiday get together.

b. Staff will provide the Directors with a form so that Director Furst can make committee appointments for 2005.

c. The 2005 California Park and Recreation Society Conference is scheduled for March 10-12 in Sacramento. Early registration dates have been received. If Directors are interested in attending please let staff know so that the District can receive the discount on the early bird rates.

d. The Board schedule of meetings lists an Intergovernmental Committee meeting on December 29th as tentative. General Manager Barry will check with the other agencies and let the Directors know if there will be a meeting.

e. A Special Board meeting is scheduled for December 29th but General Manager Barry does not anticipate any business items for that meeting. Chair Faltings suggested waiting closer to the date to decide if it is necessary.

f. General Manager Barry informed the Board that at the January Board meeting the Board will be asked to provide changes or additions to the Board Policy Manual.

14. PUBLIC FORUM

No public comment was received.

15. EXECUTIVE SESSION

The regular meeting adjourned at 8:03 to Executive Session.

16. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION

Chair Faltings announced that no action was taken in the Executive Session.

17. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

APPROVED:

_____________________________________

Chair, Board of Directors

ATTEST:

______________________________________

General Manager and ex-officio

Clerk to the Board of Directors

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
71 Trevarno Road
Livermore, California 94551-4931
(925) 373-5700
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
E-mail: info@larpd.dst.ca.us
© 2001