Board Meeting Minutes

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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 7:00 p.m. by Chair Furst, who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. SPECIAL ITEM:

Chair Furst administered the Oath of Office to two new Livermore Youth Advisory Youth Commission Members, Bobby Ochoa and Jacqueline Garrett.

3. PUBLIC FORUM

a. Marilyn Carter, President of the Ravenswood Progress League. Ms. Carter expressed concern about the delay in replanting of the Ravenswood vineyards.

Legal Counsel Kyle responded all efforts are being made to finalize the contract agreement and he expects that to happen in the near future.

Chair Furst closed public comment.

4. CONSENT AGENDA:

4.1 Board Minutes

4.1.1 Regular meeting of December 8, 2004.

4.1.2 Special meeting of December 29, 2004.

4.2 Claims Again the District

4.2.1 Review a claim against the District (with additional attachments) that was filed on behalf of Christina Arrambide. The claim was denied by the Board at the meeting on December 8, 2004. Staff recommends rejection.

4.2.2 A claim against the District has been filed on behalf of the Valley Oaks Homeowner’s Association. Staff recommends rejection.

4.3 Communications: None

4.4 General Manager’s Monthly report (#57/6).

4.5 Payroll and Claims.

5. CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS

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

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

NOES: None (0)

ABSENT: None (0)

Resolutions adopted:

5.1 Resolution No. 1941, a resolution amending item 4 of Resolution No. 1739, regarding the Per Capita Grant Program Under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000, as follows: Appoints the General Manager Timothy J. Barry or his designee as agent to conduct all negotiations agreements, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the Project.”

5.2 Resolution No. 1942, a resolution amending item 4 of Resolution No. 1738, regarding the Roberti-Z’Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Grant Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000, as follows: Appoints the General Manager Timothy J. Barry or his designee as agent to conduct all negotiations agreements, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the Project.”

5.3 Resolution No. 1943, a resolution accepting the Concannon trail extension, located along the east side of Concannon Boulevard from Wente Street to South Livermore Avenue, then along the south side of South Livermore Avenue to the end of the Bezis property.

5.4 Resolution No. 1944, a resolution approving an agreement with Bruce Jett and Associates for construction administration services for five park improvement projects.

5.5 Resolution No. 1945, a resolution approving an agreement with Harris and Associates for construction inspection services for five park improvement projects.

6. BIDS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS:

7. OLD BUSINESS: None

8. NEW BUSINESS:

8.1 REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY MANUAL

General Manager Barry explained that the purpose of this item is for the Board to review the Board Policy Manual and discuss if it needs any updates or changes. General Manager Barry would like the Board to consider the following staff recommendations of changes to the policy:

Policy Number 2000 Personnel: Remove the title of Assistant General Manager since this position has not been filled in over ten years.

Policy Number 2000.51: “Performance reviews for employees of the Board of Directors shall be conducted on an annual basis and in the month of February except as specified in an Agreement of Employment, which shall prevail if there is a difference between the two dates.”

Chair Furst solicited further input from Directors as to any proposed changes to the Board Policy Manual.

Director Faltings proposed the following changes:

Policy Numbers 5010.42 & 5010.421: Change the adoption of the meeting calendar for the upcoming year from the December Board meeting to the January Board meeting.

Policy Number 5010.43: Change the review of the Board Policy Manual from the December Board meeting to the January Board meeting.

Consecutively number the pages of the entire document.

Chair Furst proposed the following changes:

Policy Numbers 4060.73 & 4060.74: Have either the Facilities Committee or the Program Committee, but not both committees, review and recommend fee schedules and charges.

Staff will prepare the Board’s recommendation for changes to the Board Policy Manual for the Regular Board meeting on February 9, 2005.

8.2 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR FOR 2005

The Board considered adoption of the Board meeting calendar for 2005. Director Kamena recommended deleting the Special meeting on December 28 stating that typically there are no special meetings held in November and December, however the November special meeting date falls after Thanksgiving so there is no conflict with that date.

On a motion by Director Kamena, seconded by Director Turner, adopted the Board meeting calendar for 2005, as revised, passing 5-0.

8.3 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2005

Chair Furst made Board Committee assignments for 2005, as follows:

Standing Committees:	Chair	Member	Alternate
Facilities	Turner	Furst	Goodman
Program	Kamena	Goodman	Turner
Budget	Faltings	Furst	Kamena
Personnel	Kamena	Faltings	Goodman
Intergovernmental	Furst	Turner	Faltings
Ad Hoc Committees:
Community Center	Faltings	Goodman	Turner
Equestrian	Turner	Furst	Faltings
Sports Park	Kamena	Goodman	Furst
Scottish Games	Faltings	Kamena	Goodman
Community Outreach Liaison:
Alameda County Special Districts Association	Faltings		Furst
Community Gardens	Goodman		Furst
Downtown, Inc.	Kamena		Furst
ESS Parent Advisory	Turner		Faltings
LCAC	Turner		Goodman
RPL	Furst		Goodman

8.4 PERSONNEL COMMISSION APPOINTMENT

General Manager Barry reported that the term of Personnel Commissioner Heidi Kaseff expires in January. Advertisements had been placed announcing the vacancy on the Commission. No response has been received to the District’s solicitation. General Manager Barry informed the Board that since Ms. Kaseff has expressed interest in serving another term, and since she did an excellent job for the District in the position, staff recommends her re-appointment.

On a motion by Director Turner, seconded by Director Faltings, re-appointed Heidi Kaseff to the Personnel Commission for a four year term, passing 5-0.

8.5 QUARTERLY CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS REPORT

General Manager Barry presented the quarterly status report for capital projects. Director Faltings requested that the Board should have the opportunity to review the re-design of the Ravenswood parking lot. Chair Furst inquired if the parking lot would impact the vineyard. General Manager Barry stated that these two projects have been coordinated and there will be no impact to the vineyards.

Chair Furst inquired about the status of the Coastal Conservancy Park Grant for Sycamore Grove Park and was informed by General Manager Barry that to date the District has not heard back regarding award of the grant. There is money set aside in the budget to match the grant. If the District does not get the grant, that money will go back into the capital projects budget for re-distribution.

Director Faltings inquired about the renovation of the shade structure at Almond Park and whether the District is going to be utilizing recycled materials. General Manager Barry responded that the District is looking into using recycled materials because it is an affordable option and they last longer.

Director Turner inquired about the status of the skateboard park and was informed by General Manager Barry that the second phase is complete and the skate park has been in operation for a few weeks. Director Kamena inquired if there will be a dedication ceremony. General Manager Barry stated that money for park dedication ceremonies will be reviewed during the mid-year budget review.

Director Kamena inquired about park restrooms and General Manager Barry stated that site selection will be determined by public process and that park restrooms will be on the February 7th Facilities Committee meeting agenda and from there it will go to the Board for a public hearing.

Chair Furst stated that the District Master Plan does not include restrooms on neighborhood parks and will need to be updated. General Manager Barry stated that Master Plan revision will be on the February 7th Facilities Committee meeting agenda.

8.6 INCREASE THE DAILY PARKING FEE IN REGIONAL PARK FACILITIES

General Manager Barry reported on the staff and Facilities Committee recommendation to increase the daily parking fee in District regional park facilities from $2.00 to $3.00. General Manager Barry stated that increasing the fee would generate more revenue for the District, increase the regional park budget by a few thousand dollars, and encourage park users to purchase annual passes for $36.00 which is less labor intensive for staff.

On a motion by Director Faltings, seconded by Director Kamena approved increasing the daily parking fees at regional park facilities from $2.00 to $3.00, passing 5-0.

8.7 CURRENT STATUS OF FIRST QUARTER PLANNING PROJECTS

General Manager Barry reported that the progress made in developing administrative, policy, and processing protocols to implement the contract for planning and engineering services to LARPD, and developing an effective working relationship between LARPD and the contracted City staff, has resulted in a significant amount of projects moving towards construction or completion in an expeditious manner. The Board Members expressed their pleasure with the working relationship that has developed between the City Engineering staff and LARPD.

General Manager Barry presented an overview of the current status of the first quarter planning projects with the City engineering staff as follows:

Trail easements approved by the Board included:

* Segment A-1 & A-4 (Subarea 1), contiguous multi-use and equestrian trail on South Vasco Road (Pacific Union Homes and Meritage Homes)

* Segment L (Subarea 6), continuous multi-use and equestrian trail from Olivina Gate to Sycamore Grove Park (Signature Properties)

* Segment E-1 (Concannon Trail)

Trail easements built and accepted:

* Segment C (Subarea 2), multi-use and equestrian trail at entry from Vasco Road

Board Acceptance of Improvements:

* Bruno Canziani Park (Subarea 2), 16 acre linear park (Signature Properties)

Park Facilities Fee. Approved by the Board and adopted by the City Council in October, 2004.

Completed Comment Letters responding to other agency EIR’s:

* Altamont Pipeline FEIR

* South Bay Aqueduct EIR

* Del Valle Plant FEIR

Ravenswood Vineyard Lease Agreement:

* Approved by the Board and City Council; in final negotiations with lessee.

HIP Review:

LARPD comment letters prepared for Centex and Shea HIP applications

Barn ADA Retrofit: Significant progress made in clarifying and programming work by phases for ADA retrofit and other interior improvements.

Model Airplane Agreements (Flying Electrons)

* A lease and aviation agreements approved the Board. (City Council review/approval in February 2005).

Director Faltings inquired about the status of her request regarding the Olivina Gate. Eric Brown, City Planning Manager, stated there is an easement in draft stage for the gate and wing walls and Wente has approved the concept.

Chair Furst inquired about the status of Trail Segment L and was informed by Cheri Sheets, City Engineer, that this trail will be completed in March.

9. RESOLUTIONS: None

10. ORAL REPORTS

a. The Board received the monthly report from the consultants on the status of the Robert Livermore Community Center construction and budget. General Manager Barry reported that the construction is now in the punch list phase which will take about a month to complete but should not delay staff from moving in. A press conference was held on January 4th to kick off the fundraising campaign and announce March 26 as the Grand Opening. Staff will be moving in late February and the first rental is scheduled for March 5th. There will also be an informal preview on March 3rd.

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Board received reports on the four committee meetings attended since the Regular Board meeting of December 8, 2004, as follows: Facilities, Community Center, Alameda County Special Districts’ Association and LCAC.

Director Kamena stated that Director Faltings attended the last Facilities Committee meeting as the alternate for Chair Furst where an issue was discussed with Director Turner. Director Kamena inquired if the same issue is discussed at the next Facilities Committee meeting between Chair Furst and Director Turner does this constitute a serial meeting and violate the Brown Act, since you now have three directors discussing the same issue.

Legal Counsel Kyle responded that the intent of the Brown Act is to give the public an opportunity to participate in the decision making process. The Facilities Committee meeting agendas are published in advance so that the public has advance notice that the meetings are being held. Therefore, Legal Counsel Kyle does not feel that this constitutes a serial meeting and is not a breach of the Brown Act.

Director Turner inquired if all the people who have donated park benches will have a plaque in the District Office lobby commemorating their donation. General Manager Barry indicated he will look into how the people who donated park benches in the past have been acknowledged.

12. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE DIRECTORS

a. Director Goodman stated he has been contacted by a Scout Master who has several Eagle Scouts who would like to become involved in a project. Director Goodman inquired if the District has a list of projects he could give to the Scout Master.

13. MATTERS INITIATED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER

a. The California Park and Recreation Society Conference is scheduled for March 10-12 in Sacramento. Directors Goodman and Faltings, along with General Manager Barry plan to attend.

b. The District has received an invitation to the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on Saturday, February 5th. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to General Manager Barry so that reservations can be made before January 25th. Directors Faltings and Goodman, along with General Manager Barry plan to attend.

c. A mid-year budget review meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on February 9th, prior to the regular Board meeting.

14. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 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
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