1 00:00:03,960 --> 00:00:03,960 If this will pick up the sound. Oh. 2 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:32,360 okay, we are ready to come back. It is now 14:00. And so I call this meeting back to order. And it is an interesting day because as you Notice, 3 00:00:38,080 --> 00:00:38,080 if you look on our agenda, when we get to action item 4, We will be talking about an adoption of policy regarding interruptions of 4 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:44,000 telecommunications during public meetings. So I look forward to that agenda item. 5 00:00:48,480 --> 00:00:48,480 but we are now back. We were in the middle of public comment, So I'll go ahead and finish out this agenda item d. 6 00:00:54,400 --> 00:00:54,400 public comment on items not on the agenda. Marilyn [inaudible]. 7 00:01:05,050 --> 00:01:05,050 to speak in that direction. Thank you, staff, For getting the thing working again. 8 00:01:11,370 --> 00:01:14,450 appreciate all of your efforts. Good afternoon. I'm marilyn langlois, a frequent user of our parks, A founding member of the richmond bicycle pedestrian advisory committee, 9 00:01:23,290 --> 00:01:23,290 former chair of the richmond planning commission, And a member of friends of wildcat canyon park. 10 00:01:29,570 --> 00:01:29,570 since I last spoke to you in may. Two things have happened to reinforce my view that Wildcat canyon regional park is an utterly 11 00:01:38,770 --> 00:01:38,770 inappropriate location for the intensively engineered special feature downhill flow trail That is being proposed. 12 00:01:48,210 --> 00:01:48,210 last month, I attended a wedding in a mountain town that is home to a big ski resort. 13 00:01:54,130 --> 00:01:54,130 in the summer it is crisscrossed with these types of trails and I saw them being enjoyed By lots of young mountain bikers. 14 00:02:01,820 --> 00:02:01,820 the area is already well developed for active recreation with ample infrastructure Including restrooms, 15 00:02:08,540 --> 00:02:08,540 support services and easy emergency vehicle access for the inevitable crashes and Injuries. 16 00:02:15,740 --> 00:02:15,740 it is not a protected nature preserve. That is the type of setting where such trails Belong, 17 00:02:22,940 --> 00:02:22,940 not in a park that is designated as a protected natural area in the park district's own Land use plan. 18 00:02:31,300 --> 00:02:31,300 on sunday, I attended the east richmond heights arts and music festival and spoke with Dozens of passers by at the friends of wildcat canyon 19 00:02:41,020 --> 00:02:41,020 park booths 20 00:02:48,820 --> 00:02:48,820 including some who currently ride their bikes on existing park trails, Told me this was not a good location for such a trail. 21 00:02:58,110 --> 00:02:58,110 they were all furthermore disturbed to learn that one wealthy couple offered $1 million to Pay for this trail if it is located in 22 00:03:07,870 --> 00:03:07,870 their preferred site in wildcat canyon. If you insist on pushing this ill-advised project Through at this site, 23 00:03:16,070 --> 00:03:16,070 you will lose a lot of credibility and trust from your constituents. 24 00:03:20,910 --> 00:03:20,910 you may say, oh, but many young bikers really want it. 25 00:03:25,550 --> 00:03:25,550 well, suppose there was a group of youth with tickets to attend a student performance at The san francisco opera house and one of the chaperons, 26 00:03:35,870 --> 00:03:35,870 an ice cream addict, offered to give each child a big chocolate ice cream cone on the way Into their seats to enjoy during the opera. 27 00:03:45,870 --> 00:03:45,870 of course, the kids will want to have the ice cream, But responsible adults will explain they'll have to eat it outside the theater before or 28 00:03:54,710 --> 00:03:54,710 after the show. Please be responsible. 29 00:04:04,830 --> 00:04:04,830 michael ray wisely. My name is michael ray wisely. 30 00:04:15,390 --> 00:04:15,390 I live on the edge of wildcat canyon in an area known as east richmond heights. 31 00:04:20,790 --> 00:04:20,790 I've been there for 26 years, and I'm very familiar with the canyon 32 00:04:29,950 --> 00:04:33,710 change. I think the number one job should be fire mitigation. But I walked down the trails near my house and there is nothing but dead oak trees and Firewood that is going to 33 00:04:43,710 --> 00:04:43,710 race up the canyon and not only kill animals in the park, But kill people and burn them out of their homes. 34 00:04:51,350 --> 00:04:51,350 and yet east bay regional park has spent 300,000 plus for an eir for a mountain bike Trail. 35 00:04:58,720 --> 00:04:58,720 first of all, I'm going to say some things that are controversial, But they're not controversial because they are actually demographics. Mountain bikers are 36 00:05:05,720 --> 00:05:05,720 not a marginalized minority group. The demographics on mountain bikers are as follows. 37 00:05:14,600 --> 00:05:14,600 92% white. 75% male. 25% female. Average 38 00:05:24,520 --> 00:05:24,520 income. Middle to upper income. Average age. White men in their 40s. 39 00:05:33,320 --> 00:05:33,320 that's who we're talking about here. And they like to go downhill fast. 40 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:38,160 whenever you hear that this is a flow trail, You gotta understand all you have to do is watch a video of mountain bikers. 41 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:45,600 and the entire point is to go downhill fast. That's it. 42 00:05:49,840 --> 00:05:49,840 so here's what we're talking. One side of this argument wants to protect and restore a Natural area and keep it wild. 43 00:05:58,450 --> 00:05:58,450 the other side wants to go downhill fast. One side wants to model conservation of public Lands for the next generation. 44 00:06:07,570 --> 00:06:07,570 the other side wants to teach children how to go downhill fast. 45 00:06:12,010 --> 00:06:12,010 one side wants east bay regional park district do everything they can for fire mitigation, 46 00:06:18,530 --> 00:06:18,530 for animals to keep them and people from dying or getting burned out of their homes. 47 00:06:23,690 --> 00:06:23,690 the other side wants to spend resources on building a 1.4 mile track and a fence that Blocks it off, 48 00:06:32,010 --> 00:06:32,010 so they can go downhill fast. That's the that's the entire equation. 49 00:06:38,170 --> 00:06:38,170 I know it's controversial. I know that people like to have the recreation. 50 00:06:43,050 --> 00:06:43,050 this is not a recreation place. This is a place to keep a natural area close to our Cities. 51 00:06:51,060 --> 00:06:54,740 so what's really for the kids? Whatever they bike. Lobby says it's for the kids. What's really for the kids is protecting this land for their Kids and their kids and their kids. 52 00:07:03,100 --> 00:07:03,100 stop this waste of money and go back to what you should be doing, Which is maintenance and fire mitigation. 53 00:07:10,060 --> 00:07:10,060 I really appreciate all you do. 54 00:07:21,420 --> 00:07:21,420 so we're going to begin to go to the zoom room and ask people to speak who have their Hands raised. 55 00:07:33,300 --> 00:07:33,300 joel shrock. Hello? Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. 56 00:07:39,420 --> 00:07:43,100 you have three minutes. Thanks so much. Hello, Ladies and gentlemen of the board. I'm joel shrock from the facility for bambi. Our group of [inaudible] mountain bikers has 16,000 members, 57 00:07:48,750 --> 00:07:48,750 and over 5 in 1 seat belt in profit. I'm here to request your continued support for the Wildcat flow trail. 58 00:07:54,670 --> 00:07:57,470 understand the environmental impact reviews and process. That's really the next step. But I'm chiming in here to continue to advocate for the trail And how it will benefit our community, 59 00:08:03,670 --> 00:08:03,670 especially the local kids. Mountain bike teams that originally championed the project by Circulating their petition. 60 00:08:09,790 --> 00:08:09,790 the wildcat flow trail would be so great for our kids in the greater berkeley area. Our Son is 11 and just now of age so that he can join the wildcat team. 61 00:08:17,630 --> 00:08:17,630 he and I typically ride and volunteer, at briones 62 00:08:24,670 --> 00:08:28,030 the trip to briones it takes an hour to get there from berkeley. So we're looking at 50 miles round trip and An hour and a half of driving just to ride our bikes on a bike trail. 63 00:08:36,270 --> 00:08:36,270 and as you're likely aware, the trails at briones 64 00:08:43,910 --> 00:08:43,910 the flow trail with beginner friendly design and local proximity will be a boon for the Kids in our community, 65 00:08:49,400 --> 00:08:49,400 with many of them being able to ride to the trail themselves before the parents are able To get home and drive them to a suitable trail. 66 00:08:55,760 --> 00:08:55,760 as you're aware, families are busy and adding additional hour and a half for driving and 50 miles round trip isn't ideal. 67 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:03,400 having a trail like this locally will really help get our kids out into nature, Being physically active and on a more consistent basis, 68 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:13,560 which is so important for their physical and mental health. The park district team has done a great. Park district trail team has done a great job Selecting low impact site for the trail that's away from wetlands, 69 00:09:21,360 --> 00:09:21,360 native plants, sensitive species, and also away from park entrances as to avoid congestion At any one particular entrance. 70 00:09:28,240 --> 00:09:28,240 the placement is also central to the park, where the lowest amount of foot traffic is Likely to travel. 71 00:09:33,600 --> 00:09:33,600 the trail proposal is well thought out, well placed and would be such a tremendous asset For our community. 72 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:42,840 I'm asking, would you please give your full support for this important project. Thank you. 73 00:09:57,520 --> 00:09:57,520 emmy, you have three minutes. Emmy. Okay 74 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:05,240 good afternoon. My name is emmy. I'm ten years old and I live in east richmond heights. 75 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:13,320 I love riding mountain bikes and just any bikes in general. I love biking because nature is so beautiful and it's just really fun. 76 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:20,560 but I have to drive very far to ride on fun and nice trails. That's why I think the wildcat flow trail should happen, Because driving far is hard because my parents work. 77 00:10:26,320 --> 00:10:26,320 so having a nice trail in practically my backyard, I think it would be great. 78 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:34,560 the trails that we do ride are fire roads and they're pretty boring for a biker. I love riding trails because they are fun, and just having one right there five minutes Away would mean I could practice my skills and just have fun without having to drive far. 79 00:10:43,890 --> 00:10:43,890 thank you for listening and thank you for providing us with the other great trails. Thank You, 80 00:10:49,170 --> 00:10:49,170 emmy. Jane kelly. You have three minutes. 81 00:11:04,250 --> 00:11:04,250 jane kelly. Can you hear me? 82 00:11:10,050 --> 00:11:10,050 there's a lot of 83 00:11:15,650 --> 00:11:18,650 I live in berkeley, and I'm a long term volunteer for the district. I'm a member of a coalition opposing the wildcat bike trail project is currently planned In wildcat canyon park. 84 00:11:25,170 --> 00:11:25,170 I want to be clear about who I am, because I don't think this project should be framed as Bikers versus everyone else. 85 00:11:31,490 --> 00:11:31,490 I'm a former cyclist who has regularly ridden trails throughout the entire bay area. 86 00:11:36,010 --> 00:11:36,010 do I support biking? Yes I do. Most enthusiastically. 87 00:11:40,050 --> 00:11:42,740 this is not a statement against mountain biking. It's about where this specific 1.4 mile engineered flow trail with jumps, Rollers and berms is to be sited. 88 00:11:50,180 --> 00:11:50,180 wildcat canyon has been treated by this district as a natural area since 1985, Meant to preserve its natural features for wildlife habitat and scenic value. 89 00:11:59,860 --> 00:11:59,860 I understand the district's position that bicycling is a permitted use under that Designation, 90 00:12:05,700 --> 00:12:05,700 but permitted is not the same as appropriate at this scale and in this location. 91 00:12:11,220 --> 00:12:11,220 the park district's own biological assessment identifies potential impacts to bumblebees California red legged frog, 92 00:12:18,740 --> 00:12:18,740 alameda whipsnake and nesting birds within the project footprint. 93 00:12:23,020 --> 00:12:23,020 our nation's parks and open spaces are already suffering from serious erosion of the very Thing that makes them irreplaceable, 94 00:12:30,340 --> 00:12:30,340 their natural majesty. I don't believe the impact to this canyon's plants and animals that Call the canyon home have been given the weight they deserve in this process. 95 00:12:40,790 --> 00:12:40,790 I'd like you to consider what is happening to public lands across this country every day. 96 00:12:46,230 --> 00:12:46,230 environmental protections are being systematically stripped in the name of access. 97 00:12:51,790 --> 00:12:51,790 landscapes that have lived undisturbed for centuries are being carved up for the sake of a Better user experience. 98 00:13:00,630 --> 00:13:00,630 our wild lands have been leased, habitats erased, And one eir study at a time. 99 00:13:06,470 --> 00:13:09,870 public lands are losing the ecosystem that makes them special. And just like your assessments for the flow trail. 100 00:13:12,630 --> 00:13:12,630 every single one of those decisions was defended as reasonable and modest. 101 00:13:17,470 --> 00:13:17,470 the pattern of undermining our public lands does not begin with a bulldozer. 102 00:13:21,670 --> 00:13:21,670 it begins with a plan document, a study, and a room full of people like this one insisting This plan will be okay. 103 00:13:29,630 --> 00:13:33,590 well, I'm here to say that your plan is not okay. I'm also troubled by this project's funding. A private donor offered a seven figure pledge Tied to this specific project as early as 2021. 104 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:43,600 you claim that the large donation did not drive site selection, But the appearance problem remains, 105 00:13:50,400 --> 00:13:50,400 and it matters. This park belongs to the people of the east bay as a whole, Not to any single donor and not to one set of 106 00:14:00,160 --> 00:14:00,160 users among many. However well organized or well funded, I will close with this. 107 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:07,120 this flow trail needs to be in a more appropriate location, One that is well suited to exactly this kind of amusement style 108 00:14:16,480 --> 00:14:16,480 course. A location where this flow trail will do the least harm and the most good for all Humans, 109 00:14:23,840 --> 00:14:23,840 plants and wildlife. Thank you. Thank you. Leslie goldstein, You 110 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:33,760 have three minutes. Good afternoon. My name is leslie goldstein, And I have two separate comments regarding the wildcat canyon bike facility proposal. 111 00:14:43,530 --> 00:14:43,530 because it was echoing 112 00:14:48,850 --> 00:14:48,850 and I am keeping tallies on one recent two-hour window on the wildcat creek trail. 113 00:14:55,090 --> 00:14:55,090 we spoke with 52 people, hikers, joggers and families in the park on a normal day. 114 00:15:01,930 --> 00:15:01,930 48 of those 52 had never heard of this project. 115 00:15:06,250 --> 00:15:06,250 90% of the people we spoke with, once they learned what is proposed told us they were Against it. 116 00:15:13,330 --> 00:15:13,330 they said they value this park as it is. I want to tell you what that looked like because A number doesn't carry it. 117 00:15:21,450 --> 00:15:21,450 some people were stricken. I could see it in their faces and in how they stood. 118 00:15:27,370 --> 00:15:27,370 the same thing I felt when I first learned about this project. 119 00:15:31,890 --> 00:15:31,890 one woman got very quiet. Then she managed one sentence, She said. 120 00:15:39,460 --> 00:15:39,460 that just makes me so sad. And she was clearly upset. 121 00:15:45,780 --> 00:15:49,660 there are. The people this. These are the people this park belongs to. They are in it. They use it every week and they are learning about a 1.4 mile mountain Bike facility in their canyon from a stranger on a trail. 122 00:15:59,620 --> 00:15:59,620 four years into a process, months before a decision, We will be back in the park and knocking on doors each week, 123 00:16:08,260 --> 00:16:08,260 continuing to inform the neighbors who live beside this canyon and use it regularly. 124 00:16:15,180 --> 00:16:15,180 second and separately, a point about the environmental checklist. 125 00:16:20,060 --> 00:16:20,060 section 3.11 is the land use and planning analysis section of the environmental checklist. 126 00:16:27,940 --> 00:16:27,940 it concludes the project's land use impact is, Quote, less than significant, unquote. 127 00:16:34,700 --> 00:16:34,700 it reaches that conclusion by analyzing the city of richmond general plan and the city of Richmond zoning designation. 128 00:16:43,140 --> 00:16:43,140 it never cites the 1985 wildcat canyon regional park land use plan. 129 00:16:48,260 --> 00:16:48,260 not once. The district's own governing plan for this specific park does not appear in the District's own land use 130 00:16:57,620 --> 00:16:57,620 analysis of this specific project. That plan says this area will be free from intensive Recreation activities 131 00:17:07,700 --> 00:17:07,700 and devoid of any development except trails for hiking, Equestrian and service use. 132 00:17:15,220 --> 00:17:15,220 a reviewer reading section 3.11 would not know that document exists. 133 00:17:20,940 --> 00:17:20,940 I asked that the eir's land use analysis cite the plan that actually governs this park and Analyze the conflict. 134 00:17:29,940 --> 00:17:32,950 thank you very much for your time and your service. It's very much appreciated. 135 00:17:43,990 --> 00:17:43,990 liz chang, you have three minutes. Hello? Can you hear me? 136 00:17:48,110 --> 00:17:48,110 yes we can. Hi. My name is liz chang. I'm not white, Not a man. 137 00:17:52,464 --> 00:17:52,464 [laughter] I believe that that actually the demographic of mountain baker is changing. 138 00:17:57,790 --> 00:18:01,270 I live in east richmond heights for the past 12 years with my husband. We raised our three kids, 7, 9 and 13 here. Two girls, By the way. 139 00:18:05,990 --> 00:18:09,590 we all mountain bike. I believe it is one of the greatest sports. It challenge ourselves physically and mentally. 140 00:18:12,630 --> 00:18:12,630 I strongly support building the trail. Well, As a parent, I couldn't be happier to see my kids ride directly from our house to wildcat 141 00:18:20,230 --> 00:18:20,230 canyon for a quick, challenging, and fun ride every day. 142 00:18:24,390 --> 00:18:24,390 we ride in wildcat canyon often, but sharing the trails with hikers is not ideal for Obvious safety reasons. 143 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:32,640 I want everyone to be able to ride, hike and enjoy the park safely. 144 00:18:37,680 --> 00:18:37,680 living here, I do deeply care and appreciate the surrounding nature. 145 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:42,080 I would not support this project if I know it would cause serious harm to wildlife. 146 00:18:47,120 --> 00:18:47,120 I trust that east bay regional park district have completed a detailed biological Assignment, 147 00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:52,880 and it showed that the impact on wildlife would be less than significant. 148 00:18:58,520 --> 00:18:58,520 we're really talking about a single 1.4 mile flow trail in a 2007 acres of land. 149 00:19:06,440 --> 00:19:06,440 I imagine if this is going to relocate in a different area, The resident there would argue the same thing. 150 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:13,160 it's just not the right location. Let's be reasonable and allow differences and allow Everyone to have fun and enjoy the park together in different ways. 151 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:22,840 thank you so much for your time. Thank you. 152 00:19:37,090 --> 00:19:37,090 noah dowdell. Can you hear me? I can hear you. 153 00:19:43,930 --> 00:19:43,930 hi. Three minutes 154 00:19:50,730 --> 00:19:50,730 I live in east richmond heights, and I think the wildcat flow trail should be built. 155 00:19:57,330 --> 00:19:57,330 I split my time between my dad's house here and my mom's house in san luis obispo, Where I ride with the san luis obispo composite nagdca team. 156 00:20:07,850 --> 00:20:07,850 when I'm in slo, it's easy to practice and keep up with my team, But here we have to drive very far to find fun trails that are 157 00:20:17,690 --> 00:20:17,690 good for learning skills, and having a flow trail would be great because flow trails are Not hard or fast, 158 00:20:26,290 --> 00:20:26,290 but help with skills like turns and balance that is hard to work on a fire road with Hikers. 159 00:20:33,620 --> 00:20:33,620 I think this trail would be great for mountain bikers and it would not make the place Worse for others. 160 00:20:41,700 --> 00:20:41,700 thank you to the board for keeping wildcat safe and enjoyable for everyone. 161 00:20:47,980 --> 00:20:47,980 thank you. Thomas kelly. Thank you. 162 00:20:58,260 --> 00:21:01,060 good afternoon, board members. My name is tom kelly. I'm a resident of berkeley. I wish to express my concern about the proposed flow trail That is being considered for wildcat canyon park. 163 00:21:11,020 --> 00:21:11,020 I oppose it for a variety of reasons. However, Today I would like to address just one. 164 00:21:17,820 --> 00:21:17,820 the district's liability for any injuries or deaths that may occur to flow trail Participants or other park users. 165 00:21:27,150 --> 00:21:27,150 my wife, jane and I have been district volunteers for almost 25 years. 166 00:21:33,030 --> 00:21:33,030 when we began improving the habitat at point isabel in hoffman march. 167 00:21:38,550 --> 00:21:38,550 hoffman marsh. Park supervisor kevin takei explained that we and all volunteers had to Sign a waiver of liability for 168 00:21:48,350 --> 00:21:48,350 working on district lands. And we did so not just for ourselves, But we made sure that every volunteer, 169 00:21:55,950 --> 00:21:55,950 including the parents of children under 18, also did so. 170 00:22:01,350 --> 00:22:01,350 our revegetation project was pretty benign. We removed weeds and planted natives. 171 00:22:09,950 --> 00:22:09,950 in all those years, we never experienced anything more than a few strained muscles. 172 00:22:15,430 --> 00:22:15,430 that result is very unlikely to be the outcome of the proposed flow trail. 173 00:22:20,630 --> 00:22:20,630 bikes moving at very high speeds. Users with varying skills. 174 00:22:26,070 --> 00:22:26,070 the need for the district and not the users, Nor their organizations to maintain the safety of the trail on a regular basis. 175 00:22:35,830 --> 00:22:35,830 a wildcat canyon flow trail opens up the district to significant liability. 176 00:22:42,430 --> 00:22:42,430 you can look to the mount hood skibowl trail closure and lawsuit to see that simply Signing a liability release form does not protect the 177 00:22:52,310 --> 00:22:52,310 property owner from legal responsibility for injuries, And liability waivers for children are even more closely considered by the courts 178 00:23:02,230 --> 00:23:02,230 in lawsuits. Liability waivers are often found to be unenforceable, And the insurance costs for such risky activities 179 00:23:12,110 --> 00:23:12,110 are increasing significantly. The point is that the district will expose itself to Liability issues if it builds the wildcat canyon 180 00:23:21,990 --> 00:23:21,990 flow trail and someone is injured, a cost that would affect all park users, Not just a few hundred cyclists and their supporters. 181 00:23:31,680 --> 00:23:31,680 the flow trail supporters will not pay the liability awards. 182 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:36,320 all park users will. For this reason, and for all the other credible reasons that have Been described by others for not building a flow trail in 183 00:23:46,040 --> 00:23:46,040 wildcat canyon. I ask that you not approve this proposal. 184 00:23:51,480 --> 00:23:51,480 let's keep wildcat canyon wild. Thank you. Thank you. 185 00:24:00,880 --> 00:24:00,880 owen fowler, you have three minutes. Owen. Hello. 186 00:24:09,360 --> 00:24:12,600 all right I'm 16 years old. I go to el cerrito high school and ride for the el cerrito high school Mountain bike team. 187 00:24:18,240 --> 00:24:18,240 we practice in wildcat and tilden roughly 2 to 3 times a week during the season where we Bike up from el cerrito directly to the trails. 188 00:24:25,730 --> 00:24:25,730 here I want to talk about the factuality of a lecture about the proposed flow trail that Was given at a california native plant society meeting I went to. 189 00:24:32,890 --> 00:24:32,890 that was given by john taylor, a professor at cal and a major advocate against the flow Trail. 190 00:24:39,170 --> 00:24:39,170 for one, he said that havey canyon would be negatively impacted by the flow trail because Riders would go up the havey canyon trail to repeat laps of the flow trail, 191 00:24:48,570 --> 00:24:48,570 but that is very unlikely, since going up, havey requires going over twice as far and Includes a lot more climbing. 192 00:24:56,050 --> 00:24:56,050 also, havey canyon is very rocky, which makes for difficult climbing that isn't appealing To mountain bikers trying to go back to the top of the trail. 193 00:25:03,970 --> 00:25:03,970 to listen to the rest of it 194 00:25:09,970 --> 00:25:09,970 but that isn't true because there is a bathroom just two miles away in alvarado park, Which would take most riders less than 15 minutes to get to. 195 00:25:18,290 --> 00:25:18,290 furthermore, he said that people would hold bike races there, Even though the park district said that there wouldn't be any races there, 196 00:25:24,060 --> 00:25:24,060 and there isn't nearly enough space for a race venue there anyway. Before I finish, I want to clarify that the flow trail is not a bike park. 197 00:25:31,540 --> 00:25:31,540 it is meant to teach balance and bike controlling skills, Not jumping and going as fast as you can. 198 00:25:37,660 --> 00:25:37,660 thank you for your time and thank you for helping make the parks great for everyone. Thank You. 199 00:25:47,540 --> 00:25:47,540 emma young 200 00:25:53,420 --> 00:25:56,940 you have three minutes. Good afternoon. I'm emily young. I'm 12 years old, and I'm going into seventh grade at korematsu in el cerrito. 201 00:26:03,540 --> 00:26:03,540 and I am part of the wildcat composite mountain biking team. 202 00:26:08,980 --> 00:26:08,980 I really enjoy mountain biking to get a chance to make new friends, Exercise, and be in nature all at once without being on screens. 203 00:26:18,100 --> 00:26:18,100 being with the wildcats has been a really positive addition to my life. 204 00:26:22,350 --> 00:26:22,350 I ride with the wildcats at least two days a week, Wednesday and sunday, every wednesday and thursday. 205 00:26:28,190 --> 00:26:28,190 the team rides in tilden the same few trails or so of single track. 206 00:26:33,350 --> 00:26:33,350 they take a short time to ride and they also become boring after riding them over and Over. 207 00:26:39,870 --> 00:26:39,870 building the wildcat flow trail would be great for more options to ride on a daily basis, And would be funnier and safer than sharing a trail with other hikers. 208 00:26:48,830 --> 00:26:48,830 thank you for listening and thank you for all the time you take making our park such great Places to ride. 209 00:26:56,670 --> 00:26:56,670 thank you. Taylor mollen 210 00:27:06,870 --> 00:27:09,430 and I'm an incoming freshman at berkeley high school. Also a girl. For the past four years, I've been a member of the wildcat composite mountain Bike team, 211 00:27:14,990 --> 00:27:14,990 and I plan to continue riding on the berkeley high mountain bike team throughout high School. 212 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:19,680 to me, mountain biking is much more than going as fast as I can down a hill. 213 00:27:24,520 --> 00:27:24,520 it is a way to connect with nature, stay active, Challenge myself, and build lasting friendships with other riders. 214 00:27:31,560 --> 00:27:31,560 when I look back on the past four years, some of my favorite memories have been on my bike From long climbs up colin to riding down south park singletrack with my teammates. 215 00:27:41,600 --> 00:27:41,600 as someone who rides nearly every day, I know firsthand that the current single track Options in tilden regional park are very limited. 216 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:49,200 there are only about two miles of single track, And those trails are often too muddy to ride, 217 00:27:54,440 --> 00:27:54,440 even when conditions are good. They only take a few minutes to complete, And after doing them a million times, 218 00:28:00,280 --> 00:28:00,280 they get quite boring. The wildcat flow trail would give riders of all ages and skill Levels a fun place to ride without having to drive long distances to 219 00:28:10,160 --> 00:28:10,160 places like santa cruz. It would provide local youth cycling teams, Families, and recreational riders with a trail they can enjoy close to home and get a full 220 00:28:19,850 --> 00:28:19,850 use of tilden park. I hope you will support the wildcat flow trail project. 221 00:28:24,130 --> 00:28:24,130 it would create more opportunities for young riders like me to stay active, Spend time outdoors and continue building a strong mountain biking community here in the 222 00:28:33,050 --> 00:28:33,050 east bay. Thank you for listening, for making the park such a wonderful place to ride. 223 00:28:37,770 --> 00:28:37,770 thank you. Thank you taylor 224 00:28:44,650 --> 00:28:47,010 all right. Thank you, everyone for providing. Who provided public comment. We are now going to move on to agenda item e our general Manager's comments. 225 00:28:54,650 --> 00:28:58,610 yeah. So the slide show is part of this so. Here we go. So 226 00:29:08,370 --> 00:29:08,370 starting out I just wanted to welcome we have two new assistant general managers here Today. 227 00:29:14,890 --> 00:29:14,890 jonah nicholas spector and chris wycoff. 228 00:29:34,210 --> 00:29:34,210 jonah is our new cfo coming in right as we're developing our budget to bring to your Board. 229 00:29:39,810 --> 00:29:43,810 and he's jumped right in and he's doing a great job. And then chris wycoff leading our facilities infrastructure team came from being our Division lead for mast. 230 00:29:51,730 --> 00:29:51,730 and right also right into sort of the work around developing our capital prioritization. 231 00:29:57,770 --> 00:29:57,770 and so I'm just really excited. I really appreciate both. 232 00:30:03,610 --> 00:30:03,610 next slide. I just wanted to remember and honor jerry kent who passed away recently. 233 00:30:09,730 --> 00:30:09,730 will be working with your board and his family to consider ways to honor. 234 00:30:19,340 --> 00:30:19,340 the 4th of july is one of the busiest days in our parks, And I just want to appreciate our whole team. 235 00:30:26,420 --> 00:30:26,420 director sanwong joined myself, chief [inaudible] and agm goorjian to go out and visit Some of our parks. 236 00:30:35,620 --> 00:30:35,620 one team that I really want to call out is our sewer maintenance team, Our sanitation team. 237 00:30:43,740 --> 00:30:43,740 the that day was really busy and both at shadow cliffs and del valle. 238 00:30:48,540 --> 00:30:48,540 our system reached their capacity. Our team came out on, Got called from their family fun times, 239 00:30:56,900 --> 00:30:56,900 and came to the park and were able to fix everything so that we didn't have. 240 00:31:03,340 --> 00:31:06,460 and what would be a really bad overflow of our system. So appreciation to that team. So we are 241 00:31:16,230 --> 00:31:16,230 celebrated for [laughter] appreciation to director españa who joined our team in the Parade. 242 00:31:23,310 --> 00:31:26,710 the parade in the world or something in alameda. Yes. Yeah. We were pollinators. That was the theme this year. 243 00:31:30,310 --> 00:31:30,310 so yeah, thank you. So awesome. And also celebrated with the bean bag toss and burlap sack Race at ardenwood. 244 00:31:37,310 --> 00:31:37,310 I think director waespi was there. So appreciate you for supporting. 245 00:31:44,910 --> 00:31:44,910 I just wanted to give a shout out to jose gonzalez and the office of equity. 246 00:31:49,470 --> 00:31:49,470 jose does a lot of work internal facing with the district, But he's also really connected with the state and the region and the country as a leader 247 00:31:57,430 --> 00:31:57,430 in this area. And so this was just work he's doing in connection with scripps institution Of oceanography with graduate students and just being a champion for 248 00:32:07,350 --> 00:32:07,350 inclusive conservation. This is at crown beach. 249 00:32:13,960 --> 00:32:13,960 so one thing that we get every single year is vessels that wash up on our shoreline. 250 00:32:19,840 --> 00:32:19,840 and unfortunately, there's no one else there to fix it for us. 251 00:32:24,680 --> 00:32:24,680 so that's something that our team jumps into action to help dispose of those vessels Safely. 252 00:32:32,960 --> 00:32:32,960 so thank you to our operations team, public safety, Risk management helps work on that. 253 00:32:38,840 --> 00:32:38,840 we also have busy day at 254 00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:47,320 also just want to mention at port chicago there's a commemoration on the 18th and two of Our team members were honored. 255 00:32:55,120 --> 00:32:55,120 kevin damstra who's one of our managers and our interpretation recreation unit, Who's been a champion for this work for many, 256 00:33:04,280 --> 00:33:04,280 many years. And then of course, yulie have more on the next slide here. 257 00:33:13,530 --> 00:33:13,530 it's also been honored through her work with the nonprofit there. 258 00:33:18,930 --> 00:33:18,930 and really appreciate yulie for her championing of this work as well. 259 00:33:24,450 --> 00:33:24,450 and directors coffey and mercurio and also echols I think were all there. 260 00:33:31,570 --> 00:33:31,570 so thank you for supporting that. We also had some really cool interpretive events. 261 00:33:38,130 --> 00:33:38,130 this was with a uc berkeley professor on creating music with the sounds of nature with Students. 262 00:33:48,250 --> 00:33:48,250 I, I just wanted to highlight this. Our we've been working with as sort of a new strategic Planning effort on communications overall. 263 00:33:57,450 --> 00:33:57,450 but even before finishing that, our team is really engaged more around social media. 264 00:34:02,890 --> 00:34:02,890 I don't know if maybe you're seeing it, but we're looking at the metrics with our social Media and our engagement has increased 128% 265 00:34:12,500 --> 00:34:12,500 on instagram because of some of that work. And you can see our followers have increased as Well and just want to highlight, 266 00:34:21,140 --> 00:34:21,140 of course, stories about wildlife are one of the top areas of engagement. 267 00:34:26,420 --> 00:34:26,420 this was a story about some killdeer that nested in the swimming area at cull canyon and Caused us to have to 268 00:34:37,860 --> 00:34:37,860 start opening the, the swimming area later. There's some new signage at tidewater about Our project there. 269 00:34:46,780 --> 00:34:50,100 we've been having community resource fairs. This is just a picture of one. Thank you to director mercurio. Is that one. Director españa. 270 00:34:54,740 --> 00:34:58,300 and I think director waespi as well. We're at one last weekend. Thank you very much for that. Those have been really cool events with other community Organizations. 271 00:35:03,620 --> 00:35:03,620 we've had a couple really great site visits with civicorp and some of our legislative Local legislators. 272 00:35:13,340 --> 00:35:13,340 this, this one, I think director waespi and director sanwong joined us a really great Opportunity to highlight this partnership. 273 00:35:23,540 --> 00:35:27,340 and then lastly, I just wanted to appreciate our public safety team. This was the little fire that was next to shadow cliffs. 274 00:35:31,860 --> 00:35:31,860 fortunately, it did not impact the park, but our helicopter did over 100 water drops on This fire. 275 00:35:39,220 --> 00:35:39,220 and thankfully it was contained before it impacted the park or the rest of the community. 276 00:35:46,420 --> 00:35:46,420 and that's all I have. Yeah. And I just want to thank you so much. 277 00:35:50,860 --> 00:35:50,860 I want to echo a appreciation for our public safety teams at the little fire specifically, 278 00:35:57,140 --> 00:35:57,140 I live one evacuation zone away from where this fire spread. 279 00:36:03,070 --> 00:36:03,070 and if that next evacuation zone area had been called, That's very densely populated area as well as a downtown district. 280 00:36:11,550 --> 00:36:11,550 and I didn't imagine that I would be one evacuation zone away. 281 00:36:15,870 --> 00:36:15,870 and, you know, if we had had more wind or if there'd been more fires in the area and not As much mutual aid, 282 00:36:21,550 --> 00:36:21,550 it could have been a different story, but it wasn't. So really, Thank you. Over a thousand acres, I believe, is attributed to the little fire. And so just 283 00:36:28,510 --> 00:36:28,510 really thank you to our public safety for providing mutual aid and, And being there and also to staff for seeing that we need to close shadow cliffs so that 284 00:36:37,910 --> 00:36:37,910 everyone could be in a safe place during the fire. 285 00:36:42,350 --> 00:36:45,150 so real quick. Sure. I just want to also say thank you because I understand we were also involved at the Fire that started at walking miller 286 00:36:52,070 --> 00:36:52,070 and that's so close. It was eucalyptus trees and so close to our fabulous redwood and all Our favorite parks on the ridgeline. 287 00:36:58,990 --> 00:37:02,760 and my understanding is we were involved in that as well. Yeah. And I there's been actually, I think, more than a dozen fires in our, In the district over the last month or so. 288 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:09,560 thankfully, our team has been and with all of our mutual aid partners has responded very Quickly. 289 00:37:15,840 --> 00:37:15,840 I know there's been fires, martinez, vargas, 290 00:37:23,240 --> 00:37:23,240 and we're very thankful to the public safety team, Our operations team, and of course, our partners, 291 00:37:37,720 --> 00:37:37,720 announcements. And I do have one announcement to make. Our next board meeting will be at a Different location. 292 00:37:42,720 --> 00:37:42,720 it will be at camp arroyo near livermore, near the lake del valle dam. 293 00:37:47,440 --> 00:37:51,400 and I believe that that agenda will be posted at the end of this week. And I look forward to having our next board meeting in a different location. 294 00:37:55,600 --> 00:37:55,600 I know back in june, we were at big break, and one of our goals for this year, 2026, was to try to have a board meeting at another location. 295 00:38:02,130 --> 00:38:05,930 so this will be our experiment with this option. Okay. So now we'll move on to the consent calendar item g. 296 00:38:10,370 --> 00:38:10,370 and I know we have a couple of things here on the consent calendar. So the first one I Want to mention is that consent calendar item g.13 is going to be completely 297 00:38:20,050 --> 00:38:20,050 full. We will not be reviewing consent calendar item g.13. 298 00:38:25,250 --> 00:38:28,330 the authorization to enter into a contract with l3harris. So that will be removed completely from the consent calendar. 299 00:38:32,650 --> 00:38:32,650 for consent calendar item g.7. I will be recusing myself, So we will have that pulled from the consent calendar vote, 300 00:38:40,570 --> 00:38:42,690 and that will be reviewed as a separate vote. And vice president coffey will lead that agenda item g.7. 301 00:38:49,650 --> 00:38:49,650 that's all that I have. Do any other board members have any items that you wish to pull From the consent calendar? 302 00:38:55,890 --> 00:38:55,890 certainly, we can still ask questions and provide comments on any of the items that will Be included in the consent calendar, but if there aren't any items to be pulled, 303 00:39:05,260 --> 00:39:05,260 we'll then move on with questions and comments and public comments on the consent. 304 00:39:12,420 --> 00:39:12,420 okay, that sounds about right. Okay, so now we'll move on to. 305 00:39:17,020 --> 00:39:17,020 so this is going to be consent calendar items g 1 through 6, 8 through 12 and 14 through 20. 306 00:39:24,380 --> 00:39:27,540 we are now looking for questions and comments from the board. Then we will have public comment from the public and come back to the board 307 00:39:33,380 --> 00:39:33,380 we. Do any board members have any questions to ask on any of the consent calendar items That I just made? 308 00:39:44,100 --> 00:39:44,100 all right. I will ask one question. So for item 14, The ventek item for 309 00:39:54,060 --> 00:39:57,630 the automated machines at del valle. My question, Which I know the answer to. But this is a good time to ask. The question is about presenting this item and having it Something that we can be informed on. 310 00:40:07,670 --> 00:40:10,030 my question is, when will we see that presentation? And I know the answer, but this is a good time to answer that question. 311 00:40:13,510 --> 00:40:13,510 yeah. So we're planning on presenting on it at the next meeting. 312 00:40:19,510 --> 00:40:19,510 so on the 18th and it will be part of the general manager's comments because we're already Too late in the game to add another board letter, 313 00:40:26,750 --> 00:40:30,750 but lisa goorjian will be available to present. And then I think a number of our operations staff will be there as well. 314 00:40:35,390 --> 00:40:35,390 what's great about that is camp arroyo is located on the del valle 315 00:40:42,030 --> 00:40:42,030 and so I think this is an appropriate venue for us to have the presentation and to see What's going to happen. 316 00:40:47,310 --> 00:40:47,310 so thank you. Yes 317 00:40:58,030 --> 00:40:58,030 the question is I don't know, mike. Maybe. Chris, But two. 318 00:41:04,990 --> 00:41:04,990 and by the way, this is a real advancement. I've been advocating for improvements in Getting rid of the the chemical pollutants out there. 319 00:41:14,910 --> 00:41:14,910 and we still need to address bear creek staging area camp toilets. 320 00:41:18,950 --> 00:41:18,950 that's been on the list for years, but in this regard is for two vault. 321 00:41:23,670 --> 00:41:23,670 I understand their kits. They're not pre-assembled that $238,000. 322 00:41:29,670 --> 00:41:29,670 I just that that struck me as a lot of money to vault toilets. 323 00:41:37,310 --> 00:41:37,310 yes. I'd be happy to answer the question. My name is 324 00:41:46,870 --> 00:41:46,870 so in terms of the vault restrooms, it's actually going to be five water closets total for The vault restrooms. 325 00:41:54,320 --> 00:41:54,320 so it's essentially a 1 to 1 swap for the existing chemical toilets. 326 00:41:58,880 --> 00:41:58,880 five chemical toilets out there right now. So we just went 1 to 1 in terms of the total 327 00:42:05,720 --> 00:42:05,720 so it's not just two units? That is correct. There's one, Two, three. 328 00:42:10,840 --> 00:42:10,840 there's going to be five individual vaults under restrooms. 329 00:42:15,680 --> 00:42:15,680 say two restrooms because it's going to be one unit, Another 330 00:42:23,600 --> 00:42:23,600 that feels better. Okay. Any other questions? 331 00:42:30,280 --> 00:42:30,280 thank you. Thank you. Any other questions from the board on the consent calendar? 332 00:42:35,960 --> 00:42:35,960 all right. Before I move into public comment, We did receive public comment prior to the board meeting within the deadline from 333 00:42:42,600 --> 00:42:42,600 yesterday that I do want to mention. We received three comments in regards to the agenda Item g.14 about the ventek at del 334 00:42:52,480 --> 00:42:52,480 valle. And I want to just share real quick. We did receive a public comment on behalf of Bike east bay and the advocacy director, 335 00:42:59,170 --> 00:42:59,170 robert prince, who supports this item, and that this is really important to enable safe Bike access to del valle park. 336 00:43:07,010 --> 00:43:07,010 we also received another comment from steven dunbar who did provide comment in his Personal capacity. 337 00:43:13,170 --> 00:43:13,170 however, yes, he is a member of the livermore city council and he also supports the Electronic kiosk. 338 00:43:19,050 --> 00:43:19,050 that's better for bicyclists who do like to ride in and out of del valle park. 339 00:43:23,690 --> 00:43:23,690 and then the final comment is from todd nelson, Who echoed a similar message about how the electronic kiosks are a good solution for those 340 00:43:32,490 --> 00:43:35,450 who like to ride their bicycles in and out of del valle park. So with that, I'd like to open up public comment and see if we have any other members of The public who wish to provide public comment on these consent calendar agenda items. 341 00:43:43,970 --> 00:43:43,970 again, it's 1 through 6, [laughter] 8 through 12 and 15 through 20. 342 00:43:49,530 --> 00:43:49,530 bruce baird, item g.3. Members of 343 00:43:59,500 --> 00:43:59,500 the board. 344 00:44:09,620 --> 00:44:09,620 to complete funding for the plant 345 00:44:38,220 --> 00:44:38,220 district staff hustling to facilitate 346 00:44:48,620 --> 00:44:48,620 around. To the harbor. Another key element for extending the bay trail. 347 00:44:55,950 --> 00:44:55,950 shoreline park also has a property covered by this agreement. 348 00:45:04,470 --> 00:45:04,470 that is, partial parcels of land between 349 00:45:09,910 --> 00:45:09,910 so I hope that the district staff engaging the chairman and also get their agreement Access that additional land 350 00:45:19,550 --> 00:45:19,550 harbor and of course, the city of richmond, 351 00:45:29,990 --> 00:45:29,990 through there. So that's another negotiation for district staff to complete the 2021 352 00:45:38,950 --> 00:45:38,950 the last three and a half year extension. Is prepared to support the district staff and Anybody to be helpful to access to 353 00:45:48,840 --> 00:45:48,840 land. Extending the trail 354 00:45:55,960 --> 00:45:55,960 thank you 355 00:46:00,880 --> 00:46:04,880 okay, so then we'll bring it back to the board for comments. I'll start because I know this is such an important day. 356 00:46:09,040 --> 00:46:12,800 you know, for, for the members of our community who live in eastern alameda county. I know that the, that problem solving and trying to come up with a solution for the del Valle kiosk has been a top priority for those who live in the eastern alameda county 357 00:46:22,680 --> 00:46:22,680 portion of our park district. And I'm really thrilled to see that we are, You know, moving forward with some planning to address the situation. 358 00:46:31,040 --> 00:46:31,040 and I really appreciate our general manager max korten, As well as our agm lisa goorjian, 359 00:46:38,960 --> 00:46:38,960 as well as our police chief filice, for helping to also coordinate our july 4th ride along To del valle, 360 00:46:45,200 --> 00:46:45,200 as well as shadow cliffs to see that volume of activity, And we know what we're really planning for are on those peak days where we do have 361 00:46:52,810 --> 00:46:52,810 situations where I guess we reach capacity of our, You know, sewer systems [laughter] because it is in such demand to spend a day like the 362 00:47:01,880 --> 00:47:01,880 4th of july holiday, you know, in the water or near the water and at lake del valle Specifically, 363 00:47:09,850 --> 00:47:09,850 I think it did. You know, we had to cut off access at one point because there was, We had reached capacity in terms of park users. 364 00:47:19,730 --> 00:47:19,730 I know that I had requested, just for the record, On september 16th, 2025, for us to add the del valle kiosk to a future agenda item. 365 00:47:27,970 --> 00:47:27,970 and when that didn't happen, we weren't really able to address the situation for the 2026 Summer season. 366 00:47:33,050 --> 00:47:33,050 I'm really hopeful that our action today will put us on track for memorial day 2027. 367 00:47:38,690 --> 00:47:38,690 I know that's an ambitious goal and there's no promise in that goal, But I think looking at this today in august might help give us a chance to reach that 368 00:47:47,370 --> 00:47:47,370 goal, and certainly we will make sure to communicate as we work towards that goal. 369 00:47:54,130 --> 00:47:54,130 that's my comment on the consent calendar. I think director coffey you had some comments? 370 00:48:09,410 --> 00:48:09,410 enormous amount of material and background in history on the san pablo peninsula. 371 00:48:16,050 --> 00:48:16,050 and I would echo bruce's hope that staff is exploring the rest of the peninsula, Both in terms of bay trail and 372 00:48:25,850 --> 00:48:25,850 in terms of eventually a thousand acre regional park out there. 373 00:48:31,090 --> 00:48:31,090 and I know we're all stretched and we're just getting through with the point of melody Segment 374 00:48:39,090 --> 00:48:39,090 but I think it's important for our vision to keep in mind that there are these other Players the railroad, 375 00:48:46,220 --> 00:48:46,220 the city and chevron that we can engage. Thank you, Bruce. 376 00:48:55,620 --> 00:48:55,620 yes, I can echo that too. On the item three, Having gone out there and having seen the opportunity to expand and take back such an 377 00:49:05,580 --> 00:49:05,580 industrial area. We were talking about how we can really start planning for the future. 378 00:49:11,220 --> 00:49:11,220 quite frankly, I think that's an area where there's a lot of industry and eucalyptus Trees. 379 00:49:17,300 --> 00:49:20,020 I think that would be a great place for a flow trail. By the way my other comment [laughter] is I do think that I want to say, Just say thank you for item 16. 380 00:49:28,980 --> 00:49:28,980 sometimes those things go in consent. I pull them before, But we're applying for grants again. 381 00:49:34,300 --> 00:49:37,500 I think our staff does such a great job of doing that. Asking for another million. It's a small jump towards, I think, $20 million. 382 00:49:41,500 --> 00:49:45,310 I was trying to find it in my notes is the ultimate goal out there. But having just done and maybe I'll mention it under my report out I just went through the [inaudible] training out there and opportunity to see how critical that 383 00:49:55,310 --> 00:49:59,030 is for that endangered species. And I just want to say thank you. We throw them on consent, but I know staff gets enough kudos. 384 00:50:02,830 --> 00:50:05,030 we just do such a great job at raising money. So thank you. Okay. If there aren't any other comments, I'll be looking for a motion to approve the consent 385 00:50:14,550 --> 00:50:14,550 calendar. So moved. Okay. Director mercurio's made a motion. 386 00:50:18,790 --> 00:50:18,790 a second? Second. Okay. All in favor, please say aye. 387 00:50:22,870 --> 00:50:22,870 aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? It's unanimous. 388 00:50:27,110 --> 00:50:27,110 6-0. And so then I am now recusing myself. And we now have agenda item g.11. 389 00:50:34,670 --> 00:50:34,670 and I will pass 390 00:50:43,000 --> 00:50:43,000 director sanwong, can you just for the record, Explain why you're recusing yourself? 391 00:50:49,600 --> 00:50:49,600 conflict of interest. Yeah. For what in particular? 392 00:50:54,040 --> 00:50:54,040 yeah. The mention of some of the vendors on agenda item g.7, Specifically microsoft. 393 00:50:59,480 --> 00:50:59,480 thank you. On 394 00:51:09,400 --> 00:51:09,400 item 7. Authorization to amend the contract with shi inc by $475,000. 395 00:51:18,240 --> 00:51:18,240 is there any questions or comments? I'll make a comment. 396 00:51:24,080 --> 00:51:24,080 I mean, I, I was confused by some of these, but I think jonah staff did a great job of Explaining to me what all of these were more about building capacity to allow us to do 397 00:51:33,680 --> 00:51:33,680 more. And I already approved, we just approved the other ones. 398 00:51:38,850 --> 00:51:38,850 was it 8, 9, 10, 11? So I just think staff's done a good job of trying to help understand How we can do a better job and increase our ability to 399 00:51:49,330 --> 00:51:49,330 get purchases, share purchases. So I just want to thank jonah specifically for helping me Out explaining this offline before the meeting. 400 00:51:58,410 --> 00:51:58,410 no other questions. Any public comment on item 7? 401 00:52:08,010 --> 00:52:08,010 no public comment. Okay. There's no public comment or other questions or comments by the Board. 402 00:52:15,370 --> 00:52:15,370 we need a motion to approve the resolution as presented on page 41 of our packet. 403 00:52:27,650 --> 00:52:30,210 so move it's been seconded. All those in favor say aye. 404 00:52:33,490 --> 00:52:33,490 aye. Any opposed? Abstentions. Do we need to do a roll call vote for this? 405 00:52:39,140 --> 00:52:39,140 no, there's no one on the line. Okay. Right. Someone asked olivia back. 406 00:52:53,100 --> 00:52:53,100 then we'll be moving to item I action items. So we are on action items. 407 00:53:01,820 --> 00:53:01,820 okay, wonderful. Thank you. Alright, so now we will have for this action item for 408 00:53:12,340 --> 00:53:12,340 thank you. Good afternoon, 409 00:53:17,100 --> 00:53:17,100 and I could not be more excited to be here today to present this item, The appointment of our next general manager and the approval of this contract. 410 00:53:27,180 --> 00:53:31,180 if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them at this time. Okay, so now is the time for questions and clarifications from members of the board. Do You have any questions or clarifications on this agenda item? 411 00:53:39,900 --> 00:53:39,900 members of the board. Seeing. Yes. I just want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of Work 412 00:53:46,980 --> 00:53:46,980 by jessica and the legal. Okay, so now we will then open up public comment. 413 00:53:52,460 --> 00:53:52,460 do we have any members of the public who wish to make comment on this item? Scott 414 00:54:12,020 --> 00:54:12,020 sanwong. Directors. Soon to be general manager korten. 415 00:54:22,100 --> 00:54:22,100 we are excited, supportive and thankful to see the appointment of max korten as general Manager of the east bay regional park district on today's agenda. 416 00:54:31,020 --> 00:54:31,020 we appreciate the search process the board and district undertook and fully support the Selection of max korten as a general manager since joining the district, 417 00:54:40,510 --> 00:54:40,510 his performance, demeanor and ability to bring staff, Directors and stakeholders together and work through issues has been impressive. 418 00:54:49,510 --> 00:54:49,510 his past experiences and progression from trail crews up through general manager 419 00:54:57,590 --> 00:54:57,590 he understands parts and has shown that he can do well with and for the district. 420 00:55:03,350 --> 00:55:03,350 he understands how to manage the dual mandate of recreation and conservation. 421 00:55:07,590 --> 00:55:07,590 we look forward to a district led into the next 100 years with soon to be general manager Max 422 00:55:13,590 --> 00:55:13,590 korten. Thank you. 423 00:55:25,270 --> 00:55:25,270 do you have any other public comment? No other public comment. Okay, So going back to the board and before we bring it back to the board today, we are asked to 424 00:55:31,510 --> 00:55:31,510 take final action on the appointment of max korten as general manager of east bay regional Park district. 425 00:55:36,480 --> 00:55:39,720 in compliance with the brown act, we are providing this oral report. Mr. Korten base salary will be $388,731.24 per year. 426 00:55:45,520 --> 00:55:45,520 additionally, he will receive a transportation allowance of $4,200 per year, Or $161.50 per pay period, 427 00:55:53,520 --> 00:55:56,320 in lieu of being provided a district vehicle. Mr. Korten will be covered by the district's calpers plan as a new member under pepra, And he will remain eligible for the miscellaneous 2.0% at 428 00:56:05,840 --> 00:56:05,840 62 retirement formula. He'll make the same employee retirement contributions required of Other new members. 429 00:56:12,920 --> 00:56:12,920 new member pardon me. Of other new member management employees and will receive the same Medical, 430 00:56:18,400 --> 00:56:18,400 dental, basic life insurance, accidental death and disability insurance, And long-term disability insurance benefits provided to all management and confidential 431 00:56:26,280 --> 00:56:26,280 employees of the district. So now we have the opportunity, If any board members would like to make comments. 432 00:56:33,330 --> 00:56:36,410 and then also we are going to be looking for a motion of approval. Yes. Go ahead. Director 433 00:56:43,890 --> 00:56:43,890 and frankly scott had an excellent summary of all the great things we have to 434 00:56:53,570 --> 00:56:53,570 appreciate about max and to look forward to. Max is a very positive individual his forward Thinking 435 00:57:03,730 --> 00:57:03,730 he's interested in moving the district forward and into more success. 436 00:57:08,850 --> 00:57:08,850 he has a proven record in the, in the area of parks and open space and trails. 437 00:57:15,810 --> 00:57:15,810 and I just want to in summary, sort of say this seems to me to be a very natural Progression. 438 00:57:22,850 --> 00:57:22,850 I mean, this is you know, it's just kind of like you've been leading toward this job, I think. 439 00:57:28,610 --> 00:57:28,610 and, you know, you had a chance to you, we had a chance to get to know you for over a year Before this and to 440 00:57:38,540 --> 00:57:38,540 make us comfortable in turning the responsibility of an awesome job. 441 00:57:44,820 --> 00:57:48,380 and I don't mean that awesome in terms of like, Really great, I mean, awesome. And like, it's how do you do it. You know, it's, It's an incredible responsibility, but I'm completely confident that we're going to see a 442 00:57:57,820 --> 00:57:57,820 lot of success here because of the work and the leadership that you will, You will be implementing here. 443 00:58:08,940 --> 00:58:08,940 let's say congratulations, max. I think this is a great honor for you, A great honor for the district. I think it's a perfect match. It's been about five years, 444 00:58:16,820 --> 00:58:19,260 and I look forward to great things in the park district. So congratulations. I'd just like to say congratulations. 445 00:58:25,940 --> 00:58:25,940 so great that your family could be here today to celebrate this moment. 446 00:58:30,910 --> 00:58:30,910 and what I as far as really look forward is to, Is your ability to build relationships internally within 447 00:58:40,830 --> 00:58:40,830 the park and then externally definitely have enjoyed how you've taken the ability at our Different 448 00:58:49,910 --> 00:58:49,910 conferences to really sit down and meet people, Listen to the issues and really start to work 449 00:58:59,710 --> 00:58:59,710 on how can we move forward. We might not always agree or have the same perspective of what A park should be, 450 00:59:09,630 --> 00:59:09,630 but if we can continue to bring people forward we can come up with something that's good. 451 00:59:18,030 --> 00:59:18,030 so look forward just as far as to seeing the successful in this position and then also 452 00:59:28,600 --> 00:59:32,120 just as far as with the new team that's being built. And I look forward to all of your success too. 453 00:59:37,280 --> 00:59:37,280 because we know that good things will continue to come. 454 00:59:43,840 --> 00:59:43,840 so. I don't know why you want a job with seven bosses and 455 00:59:53,520 --> 00:59:53,520 01,100 employees, but thank god you do. [laughter]. 456 00:59:58,120 --> 00:59:58,120 we love this part. And we're so lucky to have you and that team that you're building. 457 01:00:03,880 --> 01:00:03,880 and I think above, even with all that, the energy and your optimism and your willingness To listen and deal with all of us, 458 01:00:12,360 --> 01:00:12,360 I've seen changes in a short period of time. Little things that are to me very big things Like bringing the word environment back into all of our staff reports, 459 01:00:21,400 --> 01:00:21,400 our policy decision, really being a voice for nature, And I know how touched you are to the environment and that you bring that to us. 460 01:00:29,640 --> 01:00:32,480 and I'm looking forward to moving ahead with you. Congratulations. I'm just going to add to the list. 461 01:00:41,760 --> 01:00:41,760 [laughter] the thing that I really, really appreciated during your tenure has been your Approach to working 462 01:00:51,640 --> 01:00:51,640 with labor. We have seen in a matter of actually it was a matter of weeks vast improvement In our relationship 463 01:01:01,240 --> 01:01:01,240 with our labor union. And it's continued. There's always going to be conflict, But your approach of being progressive and open 464 01:01:11,640 --> 01:01:11,640 on labor issues is very well and has led to great improvement. 465 01:01:20,200 --> 01:01:20,200 thank you. Yes. Well, then I'll just thank you. 466 01:01:25,130 --> 01:01:25,130 I really appreciate how you stepped up as our acting general manager. 467 01:01:29,530 --> 01:01:29,530 really helped resolve some of the conflicts. You know, Today we just approved the purchase of ten ventek machines for del valle to help address 468 01:01:37,690 --> 01:01:37,690 the del valle kiosk issue, which is something that I brought up my first year here on the Board back in 2023. 469 01:01:43,250 --> 01:01:43,250 and it took until this year, 2026 for us to even, You know, make a decision in regards to it. 470 01:01:49,530 --> 01:01:49,530 so I think that that's incredible. You know, I also know that last fall, as we were looking at the 2026 budget, 471 01:01:56,570 --> 01:01:56,570 you know, another big issue two years in a row, Staging was removed from our capital projects list, 472 01:02:02,570 --> 01:02:02,570 the staging area, pleasanton ridge. And you really helped step in and make sure that that Wasn't removed a second year in a row from the budget. 473 01:02:10,370 --> 01:02:10,370 and I really appreciate how you've been able to step in and resolve some of these issues. 474 01:02:14,930 --> 01:02:14,930 and we still have a lot of work to do. I know we're going to be anticipating the 2027 Budget, 475 01:02:19,050 --> 01:02:19,050 and I look forward to that. And with that, I'll make the motion to approve this contract [laughter]. 476 01:02:25,955 --> 01:02:25,955 so we can move forward. And I also share before I look for a second that we will take a Break after this vote. 477 01:02:31,460 --> 01:02:34,980 and we do have some treats to celebrate. So I made the motion. Do we have a second? Second. I think I'm going to offer this to you as a vice president. 478 01:02:48,100 --> 01:02:51,980 our vice president coffey seconded. All in favor, Please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? That's unanimous. 479 01:02:56,660 --> 01:02:56,660 thank you everyone. Congratulations. [applause]. 480 01:03:06,380 --> 01:03:06,380 until 15:15. We get some pictures, so we make sure that max and his family gets a picture Together. 481 01:03:14,900 --> 01:03:17,700 and then with the board. And then can we get a picture. Ready? Can you see that? Yeah, it wasn't quite 482 01:03:22,750 --> 01:03:22,750 I call us back to order now 15:17. And what I'd like to do before we move on to the next Item is if max has a few words, 483 01:03:30,310 --> 01:03:30,310 if you'd like to share. Oh, gosh. I'd just say thank you. 484 01:03:35,830 --> 01:03:35,830 this is a real dream job, and I appreciate your trust and advice and guidance. 485 01:03:43,430 --> 01:03:43,430 and I just appreciate this team. It's I couldn't imagine a more supportive, Friendly, welcoming, 486 01:03:52,830 --> 01:03:52,830 fun, creative, talented group of people and just makes work every day joyful. 487 01:03:58,910 --> 01:03:58,910 and yeah, appreciation to the folks who came before us at the district who you know, Developed this amazing 488 01:04:07,870 --> 01:04:07,870 organization and so appreciative of that and to the community that we serve. 489 01:04:12,830 --> 01:04:12,830 so thank you. All right. 490 01:04:17,030 --> 01:04:20,840 thank you. Okay. So we are now, after all the festivities. Moving on to action item I.2. Our authorization to award and execute a construction Contract in the amount of $1,418,000 491 01:04:30,720 --> 01:04:30,720 with westrock engineering. Good afternoon, 492 01:04:40,360 --> 01:04:44,040 members of the board. President sanwong. My name is clay simmons. I'm the design unit manager, and I'm here today to introduce shun yu, Who has been a civil engineer with the district for close to 15 493 01:04:53,600 --> 01:04:53,600 years and a registered professional engineer for over 20. 494 01:04:58,320 --> 01:04:58,320 she'll be discussing a requested board action pertaining to the mckay avenue utilities Project at crown beach in alameda, 495 01:05:05,520 --> 01:05:05,520 which, as you may know, is the most attended park in the district. 496 01:05:10,920 --> 01:05:10,920 not only is shun acting as the project manager for this project, She also is acting as the engineer of record, 497 01:05:19,530 --> 01:05:19,530 meaning the design work for this project was done in-house. 498 01:05:23,810 --> 01:05:23,810 so we're very proud of the work that shun has done, And I'll now turn the time over to her. 499 01:05:53,210 --> 01:05:53,210 I'm here to present on the runaway mckay avenue project. 500 01:05:58,130 --> 01:05:58,130 I have been working on this project since 2019, So I'm thrilled to be presenting to you today the action to award a construction contract. 501 01:06:14,570 --> 01:06:14,570 we recommended to award and execute a construction contract in the amount of $1,418,000 With westrock 502 01:06:24,410 --> 01:06:24,410 engineering and authorize a construction contingency in the amount of $212,700 for Renovate mckay 503 01:06:34,290 --> 01:06:34,290 avenue. 504 01:06:43,610 --> 01:06:43,610 the project site is in crab crove at crown beach in alameda. 505 01:06:49,050 --> 01:06:49,050 protocol 506 01:06:54,610 --> 01:06:54,610 park residence. Glory of the seas building. Public restrooms. 507 01:06:59,850 --> 01:06:59,850 undeveloped park expansion area. Neighbors on mckay avenue include the following. 508 01:07:07,330 --> 01:07:07,330 apartment building. Shopping center. Alameda point collaborative developments. 509 01:07:17,340 --> 01:07:20,660 I would like to make a small correction to this. Is that a few years ago it should be about a decade ago. 510 01:07:34,420 --> 01:07:34,420 parcels along mckay avenue from the federal government. 511 01:07:38,780 --> 01:07:38,780 the utility of this parcels 512 01:07:48,700 --> 01:07:48,700 federal government campus. The sanitary sewer system 513 01:07:58,420 --> 01:07:58,420 consists largely of brick manholes and clay pipe. 514 01:08:02,620 --> 01:08:02,620 pipes clog frequency, and the system has a large amount of stormwater infiltration. 515 01:08:10,820 --> 01:08:10,820 sewers from apc and properties drains to a lift station at the east end of mckay avenue. 516 01:08:19,310 --> 01:08:19,310 from where to pump it into municipal sanitary sewer system. 517 01:08:26,950 --> 01:08:26,950 the station is owned and operated by apc. Domestic 518 01:08:36,870 --> 01:08:36,870 water system of apc and 519 01:08:41,230 --> 01:08:41,230 east bay regional park district properties are served by a single water service, Fire hydrant on mckay avenue and a fire 520 01:08:50,990 --> 01:08:50,990 hydrant with the east bay regional park district and apc parcels and the fire service to The apc building are all connected to a 521 01:09:00,830 --> 01:09:00,830 single fire service. District and apc were working together with the east bay east 522 01:09:14,920 --> 01:09:14,920 the water main has been extended to mckay avenue, And we are currently awaiting the installation of a new of the new water meters. 523 01:09:26,040 --> 01:09:26,040 the right hand side of the slide illustrates the water main extension planned along with The current 524 01:09:42,400 --> 01:09:42,400 on this slide you can see the schematic diagram of the project. 525 01:09:46,960 --> 01:09:46,960 the project scope includes the following. Remove and abandon existing sewer manholes and Piping. 526 01:09:56,480 --> 01:09:56,480 and install new sewer manholes and piping. Installing new sewer station and force main and Connect to the city of 527 01:10:06,360 --> 01:10:06,360 alameda sewer system on central avenue. Renovate visitor center crawl space sewerage Piping and connected to 528 01:10:16,330 --> 01:10:16,330 the new lift station. Coordinate installation of 529 01:10:25,570 --> 01:10:25,570 this new facility will support the park expansion area and planned development. 530 01:10:37,730 --> 01:10:37,730 this also includes 531 01:10:46,690 --> 01:10:46,690 have the same total of four water closets. I want to make a note that this project does Not include 532 01:10:56,730 --> 01:10:56,730 street repair other than patching utility trenches. 533 01:11:01,370 --> 01:11:01,370 future project is needed to repair and improve mckay avenue. 534 01:11:09,500 --> 01:11:09,500 the project was advertised for it on may 2nd 21st of this year. 535 01:11:16,940 --> 01:11:16,940 bids were openned on june 25th. We received this seven responsive bids, Ranging from $1.4 million 536 01:11:26,260 --> 01:11:26,260 to $2.5 million. The lowest bid was submitted by westrock in the amount of 537 01:11:34,460 --> 01:11:34,460 $1,418,000. The engineer's estimate is [inaudible] roughly in the middle of the 538 01:11:44,420 --> 01:11:44,420 seven three. Profit was approximately 30% below the engineer's estimate. 539 01:11:55,340 --> 01:11:55,340 the project budget is included in your packet and is also shown here on this slide. 540 01:12:01,900 --> 01:12:01,900 this is the project account has sufficient funds to cover the construction contract. 541 01:12:11,070 --> 01:12:11,070 following the action today. The district expects to execute the construction contract with Westrock engineering later this month. 542 01:12:20,590 --> 01:12:20,590 we anticipate beginning construction in september, With the project expected to be completed in spring 543 01:12:30,510 --> 01:12:30,510 2027. In fact, here is our recommendation. Authorization to award and execute a 544 01:12:40,310 --> 01:12:40,310 construction contract in the amount of $1,418,000 with westrock engineering and authorize Construction 545 01:12:49,950 --> 01:12:49,950 contingency in the amount of $212,700 for renovate mckay avenue at robert 546 01:12:59,590 --> 01:12:59,590 w crown memorial state beach. Concludes my presentation. 547 01:13:11,870 --> 01:13:11,870 thank you. Okay. So now give your questions and then we'll do public comment. 548 01:13:29,390 --> 01:13:29,390 systems. Will. When we kind of build out our separate system, Is apc going to be building out 549 01:13:39,470 --> 01:13:39,470 a separate system or are they going to continue to use like older existing facilities? 550 01:13:47,430 --> 01:13:47,430 for the water, they will have a new water system, But I'm not sure about whether they will continue to use their existing 551 01:13:58,190 --> 01:13:58,190 pump station or whatnot. So see, haven't received any notification that they are going to Renovate their pump station at this 552 01:14:08,160 --> 01:14:08,160 point 553 01:14:15,240 --> 01:14:15,240 two separate lift systems? Correct. One is us and one is for apc and currently the system And 554 01:14:25,080 --> 01:14:25,080 all the all our sewerage ways. Will go to their pump station first. 555 01:14:34,560 --> 01:14:34,560 okay. And then our pump. Pump station will help us to from our ways 556 01:14:44,960 --> 01:14:44,960 to city of alameda sewer system. After this project, We will have our own pump station. 557 01:14:56,080 --> 01:14:56,080 so with the separation of those two systems, Will there still be the be potential, like for sewage to kind of overflow or come out 558 01:15:05,730 --> 01:15:05,730 through apc's system or will kind of that sewage issue be like fixed in general? 559 01:15:12,490 --> 01:15:16,330 it should be fixed. And then like the street. So who owns the actual street? Because that street like is like in so the mckay avenue is A 560 01:15:26,130 --> 01:15:26,130 state land. State land? So basically we have contract with state land. 561 01:15:30,530 --> 01:15:30,530 we are 562 01:15:41,530 --> 01:15:41,530 and so when that patching is done, once you replace the system, I mean we've all seen some of the patching downtown [laughter] 563 01:15:51,650 --> 01:15:51,650 in oakland as it's been. What type of patching will actually kind of take place. 564 01:16:00,140 --> 01:16:00,140 and even though we're not kind of there will still need to be repairs to the street in the Future. 565 01:16:07,340 --> 01:16:07,340 will it be an improvement to. 566 01:16:15,820 --> 01:16:15,820 yeah, there's a few reasons for that. And one of the reasons is to prevent scope creep. 567 01:16:23,220 --> 01:16:23,220 yeah. And this is not just like a simple pavement project or pavement overlay project. 568 01:16:31,420 --> 01:16:31,420 actually, in order to fix all the problem of the existing street and here there's a need To reconfiguration of the 569 01:16:41,300 --> 01:16:41,300 street. A couple of problems. One is that the semicircle planter obstruct 570 01:16:50,700 --> 01:16:50,700 proper water drainage. Okay. And then another one is that the, The sidewalk condition. 571 01:16:59,470 --> 01:16:59,470 near the apc pump stations is in a very poor condition. 572 01:17:06,070 --> 01:17:06,070 and another reason is that when you compare our new master plan with the current Configuration of mckay 573 01:17:15,910 --> 01:17:15,910 island, there's a significant difference. Okay, So I believe we should have time to sit down and, 574 01:17:25,870 --> 01:17:25,870 you know, to see what we want to do with this, Whether we want to rip it all out and doing what we show on the master plan or whatnot. 575 01:17:35,430 --> 01:17:35,430 so I think we need more time in order to not delay this project. 576 01:17:40,870 --> 01:17:43,950 we decided to just patch it at this time. Okay. Thank you for explaining because you had the on one of your slides, You mentioned that. 577 01:17:48,150 --> 01:17:48,150 and thank you 578 01:17:53,910 --> 01:17:53,910 information. Hey, 579 01:17:59,280 --> 01:17:59,280 that's. Yeah. And then I just want to say, yeah, It's great to see the new bathrooms. 580 01:18:03,920 --> 01:18:03,920 I know that's something that is there's been a lot of kind of vandalism and stuff to work 581 01:18:11,000 --> 01:18:11,000 so excited to see the new bathroom. So thank you for thank you for answering the different Questions and providing more context. 582 01:18:23,480 --> 01:18:26,720 any other board member questions before we go to public comment? Go ahead. Yeah. So in your the water system plan you had mentioned. 583 01:18:32,960 --> 01:18:36,280 well, this is for fire hydrants and domestic water. Is there any provision for and I think director deschambault brought up on our site visit Any 584 01:18:44,200 --> 01:18:44,200 things like that? Not at this point. Okay. Thank you. 585 01:18:51,080 --> 01:18:51,080 and then can you can you tell me what's an engineer's estimate? 586 01:18:55,360 --> 01:18:55,360 because, boy, that's wild. [laughter] an estimate? 587 01:18:59,480 --> 01:18:59,480 or throwing a dart? And I don't mean that critically. 588 01:19:03,840 --> 01:19:03,840 it's so wildly divergent or variance from what we're doing. 589 01:19:08,560 --> 01:19:08,560 and so who's the engineer? Is it our engineers or are we hire engineer? 590 01:19:18,200 --> 01:19:18,200 I believe my estimate is accurate because it's right in between. 591 01:19:23,080 --> 01:19:23,080 after seven weeks we received it. The data that we use and 592 01:19:33,920 --> 01:19:33,920 like last year's data and, and the data from our consultants and as a reference and also Like the 593 01:19:44,320 --> 01:19:44,320 those value mean books, that kind of thing that will help us to come up with estimates. 594 01:19:52,680 --> 01:19:52,680 so basically I would consider pretty accurate because it's right in the middle between $1.4 million to 595 01:20:02,400 --> 01:20:02,400 $2.5 million and some. Some firm may be desperate to get a job. 596 01:20:17,450 --> 01:20:17,450 thank you very much. I'm glad to see we do it in house. 597 01:20:21,690 --> 01:20:21,690 go ahead. I want to build on that because you knew I was probably going to ask that Question because I asked on the site tour. 598 01:20:29,530 --> 01:20:29,530 but can you build on that a little bit more? I think that the map you have, It looks like it's about a 300 foot distance. 599 01:20:38,130 --> 01:20:38,130 so I don't think it's a matter of going with purple pipe if it's only over a few hundred Feet. 600 01:20:43,970 --> 01:20:47,810 but is it still a problem that we can't get a connector? Like why can't we get the recycled gray water, I think at the site tour, someone was going to look into that, 601 01:20:55,660 --> 01:20:58,860 that maybe there's just no source. Is that why we can't do it? Correct. 602 01:21:03,860 --> 01:21:03,860 the reason that we're not pursuing purple pipe is because there is not a distribution System there. 603 01:21:08,460 --> 01:21:08,460 any statement is not going to take it all the way down to mckay for quite some time. 604 01:21:12,860 --> 01:21:12,860 and so we're facing the choice of installing purple pipe that would sit there and not be Used for quite some time, 605 01:21:19,980 --> 01:21:19,980 and not knowing necessarily what those needs would be when the distribution line comes to That site. 606 01:21:24,700 --> 01:21:24,700 so in that regard, we haven't we've pursued that based on the inquiry that we've had at This at the site tour and the distribution from east bay mud and the 607 01:21:34,340 --> 01:21:37,260 availability of the water to fill those pipes is not there. So we're not pursuing. And it wouldn't make sense to, You know, put pipe that's empty if we don't even know it. 608 01:21:45,260 --> 01:21:49,020 right. Not only if it's not there, but there's no promise that it'll ever be there. Correct. Yeah. Okay. I can say from my own personal experience as a landscape architect, I've had projects that installed purple pipe in 15 years ago, 609 01:21:56,310 --> 01:21:58,590 and they're still no. I guess it's been 20 years. I've been here for 20 years, but [laughter] we have not. 610 01:22:01,550 --> 01:22:01,550 it still hasn't been utilized so. I appreciate you raising it and looking. 611 01:22:05,910 --> 01:22:05,910 I think the more we ask for that, it's just such a shame to treat water to drinking water Standards and then flush these new toilets and irrigate the land with. 612 01:22:15,870 --> 01:22:15,870 anyway, 613 01:22:20,750 --> 01:22:20,750 I do have a question. Is there any energy savings with this new system? 614 01:22:24,910 --> 01:22:28,190 because it looks like I was reading it's gravity fed. Are we actually going to save some money out there? 615 01:22:31,070 --> 01:22:31,070 and also thank you for the bathrooms because I know some of my ada disabled constituents Have complained about the bathrooms out 616 01:22:41,030 --> 01:22:43,670 there with latches, latches. So thank you for that. And anything on energy savings? This project has nothing to do with electricity and. 617 01:22:51,800 --> 01:22:51,800 and there's no energy saving. Okay. Yeah. I wasn't sure. 618 01:22:56,520 --> 01:22:56,520 thank you for your work on this. Great. Any other questions from members of the board? 619 01:23:05,360 --> 01:23:05,360 we will come back to board comments. If you have any additional questions, That's fine in a moment. But let's go ahead and open up for public comments. If we have 620 01:23:11,640 --> 01:23:11,640 any members of the public who wish to make public comment, It looks like we don't open and close public comment. 621 01:23:17,280 --> 01:23:17,280 bring it back to the board for any final comments or questions that might have just popped Up. 622 01:23:22,080 --> 01:23:22,080 otherwise, I am looking for a motion of approval and the page number for that motion is 120 in our packets. 623 01:23:31,400 --> 01:23:31,400 yes. Motion for approval. All right. Director españa has made the motion for approval. Do We have a second? 624 01:23:36,040 --> 01:23:39,280 second. Second by director waespi. All in favor, Please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? It's unanimous. 625 01:23:43,080 --> 01:23:43,080 6-0. Thank you everyone. Okay, so we'll now move on to our next agenda item. 626 01:23:49,570 --> 01:23:49,570 the measure ww that's what agenda item I.3 our measure ww project report 2008 to 2025 627 01:23:59,497 --> 01:23:59,497 mic]. Good afternoon. My name is katy hornbeck, Grants manager in the 628 01:24:09,210 --> 01:24:09,210 finance and management services division within the capital finance unit. 629 01:24:14,450 --> 01:24:14,450 so today I'll be presenting on the measure ww progress report 2008-2025. 630 01:24:22,130 --> 01:24:22,130 so here's a quick timeline of how we've come to this point. 631 01:24:26,450 --> 01:24:26,450 so last fall, feedback was received from the board, From board of directors and the park advisory committee. 632 01:24:32,690 --> 01:24:32,690 there was a need for a more user friendly report on measure ww progress. 633 01:24:37,530 --> 01:24:37,530 so between then and the spring, the capital finance unit worked with 634 01:24:43,010 --> 01:24:43,010 land acquisition, stewardship of government affairs to draft this report. 635 01:24:49,340 --> 01:24:49,340 a draft was presented to the finance committee for feedback in may. 636 01:24:54,020 --> 01:24:54,020 and then this. There were some updates, and then a report went to the finance committee in June. 637 01:25:01,580 --> 01:25:01,580 later that same month, a report was updated to the full pack. 638 01:25:06,180 --> 01:25:06,180 and here we are today, presenting to the board of directors for this to be accepted, In part to be compliant with senate bill 165, 639 01:25:15,100 --> 01:25:15,100 special tax bond and accountability act, which basically is saying that the cfo will Present a board or, 640 01:25:20,780 --> 01:25:20,780 excuse me, will present an annual report on how the money funding was allocated and spent. 641 01:25:28,460 --> 01:25:28,460 brief background on the measure ww. As you know, 72% of the voters in alameda and contra costa county approved this in november of 2008. 642 01:25:37,860 --> 01:25:37,860 it was for $500 million. This got divvied out 25% to the local grant program, And then 75% for district capital projects. 643 01:25:45,900 --> 01:25:45,900 that 75% then was further divided to specifically acquisition and development. 644 01:25:51,620 --> 01:25:51,620 and this was based on population in the west, South and diablo metropolitan planning areas. 645 01:25:59,740 --> 01:25:59,740 this is a summary as of the beginning of january. 646 01:26:03,820 --> 01:26:03,820 so for appropriated that means what has actually been put into a project budget allocated Is just what has been set 647 01:26:13,700 --> 01:26:13,700 aside for that investment area, but maybe has not been appropriated for an acquisition or For a development project yet. 648 01:26:23,700 --> 01:26:23,700 these pie charts indicate the breakout across the metro areas. 649 01:26:30,420 --> 01:26:33,860 and this is all in the report as well, which I believe everyone got a hard copy of. And it's also available on park district website. 650 01:26:37,700 --> 01:26:37,700 this is funding by ward. The, there are a few projects or investment areas that cover Multiple wards, 651 01:26:44,750 --> 01:26:44,750 which is why we have those last two bars there on the table to show that. 652 01:26:51,870 --> 01:26:51,870 and then for the local ww grant program, this is administered through my department, The grants department of the 125 that was available, 653 01:27:01,270 --> 01:27:01,270 this was allocated out to 46 agencies. There were 240 approved projects. 654 01:27:06,710 --> 01:27:06,710 and as of july or excuse me, june 1st, 230 had been completed. 655 01:27:11,230 --> 01:27:11,230 so we're very, very close to having spent and completed all the projects within the local Ww. 656 01:27:20,350 --> 01:27:20,350 these next couple of slides are just listing out all of the agencies the number of Approved projects, 657 01:27:25,830 --> 01:27:29,270 how many have been completed, approved funding and disbursed. The purple highlighted ones are the agencies that have either still have a few projects to Complete. 658 01:27:36,310 --> 01:27:36,310 or maybe they've been completed, but we're still not working through the close out to Issue them their final reimbursement and get them off book so. 659 01:27:47,160 --> 01:27:47,160 a few highlights here. So in addition to the $214 million that's been appropriated, An additional $348.6 million has been leveraged through grants and 660 01:27:57,120 --> 01:27:57,120 other funding sources. Commitments have been completed in four of the 67 investment areas. 661 01:28:03,120 --> 01:28:03,120 over 230 projects have been completed. Work in remaining areas is ongoing and dependent on Future land acquisition opportunities, 662 01:28:10,280 --> 01:28:10,280 and new projects will be added to the future report as they come online, And staff continues to review transfers between the investment areas or from acquisition 663 01:28:19,760 --> 01:28:19,760 to development, and those come to the board and will be incorporated into the report as it Gets updated. 664 01:28:25,040 --> 01:28:25,040 and as I mentioned earlier, this will be updated annually and posted on the district's Website. 665 01:28:29,280 --> 01:28:29,280 this is the link here that the public can go to. 666 01:28:36,240 --> 01:28:39,320 this is a screenshot from that, from that website. Okay. So the staff recommend that the board of directors accept the measure ww project Report covering 2008 to 2025. 667 01:28:48,810 --> 01:28:48,810 yes. Great. So now we bring it to the board for questions and then we'll have public Comment after. 668 01:28:57,370 --> 01:29:01,370 so do any board members have any questions on this agenda item? The measure ww progress report. 669 01:29:04,930 --> 01:29:04,930 I don't see any questions. So what we'll do is we'll open up public comment and see if we Have members of the public who wish to make public comment. Amelia marshall. 670 01:29:20,490 --> 01:29:20,490 good afternoon. My name is amelia marshall representing the regional parks association. 671 01:29:26,930 --> 01:29:26,930 let me take this opportunity to thank the district and max for all that's being done to Honor the legacy of our beloved rpa president, 672 01:29:36,810 --> 01:29:36,810 jerry kent. And let me remind everyone that jerry was a strong believer in the wisdom of Adhering to the master plan of 673 01:29:45,860 --> 01:29:45,860 2013, and in using measure ww money for the purposes the voters intended. 674 01:29:54,340 --> 01:29:54,340 we congratulate max on our wonderful new general manager on being selected, And we're glad the board took our advice and 675 01:30:04,140 --> 01:30:04,140 hired him. He takes the reins at a time of heightened fiscal awareness in the aftermath of The spending practices of his 676 01:30:13,620 --> 01:30:13,620 predecessor. We welcome today's report on the progress of many goals that have been Achieved with measure ww funds. 677 01:30:22,700 --> 01:30:22,700 however, the public also deserves to know what voter approved funds were spent for Unintended purposes. 678 01:30:30,620 --> 01:30:30,620 considering recent history, we call for a forensic audit of spending that was authorized By the former general manager, 679 01:30:40,310 --> 01:30:40,310 sometimes without the board being made aware of where the money was coming from and where It was going. 680 01:30:46,630 --> 01:30:46,630 for example, we have the sibley, huckleberry line item under a microscope. 681 01:30:52,670 --> 01:30:52,670 there were $2 million of measure ww money that was specifically intended for the purchase Of open space adjacent to 682 01:31:02,670 --> 01:31:02,670 sibley. That money appears to have been paid to consultants who designed an elaborate plan To rebuild the tilden eec a plan too 683 01:31:12,350 --> 01:31:12,350 expensive to come to fruition and for the foreseeable future. 684 01:31:16,830 --> 01:31:16,830 the district has the know how to reexamine where ww money went. 685 01:31:22,230 --> 01:31:22,230 it was. Wasn't diverted for purposes other than what the voters intended. 686 01:31:27,310 --> 01:31:30,550 is there a plan to pay it back? How and when? Thank you. Okay, so we'll bring it back to the board for any other comments. 687 01:31:40,550 --> 01:31:40,550 otherwise we'll be looking for a motion to approve the resolution that you'll find on page 138. 688 01:31:47,790 --> 01:31:50,390 I just want to say it was a very thorough report. It was easy to read. And I, I like this as far as how some of the charts charts were very Simple. 689 01:32:00,510 --> 01:32:00,510 so you could easily kind of look at all of the different locations and see, You know, how all of the funds 690 01:32:10,710 --> 01:32:10,710 used, how much was still left. So it kind of, You know, really let me go through easily and then see like, 691 01:32:17,390 --> 01:32:17,390 oh, I want to see that here. And then I can go see, I found it a lot more intuitive. 692 01:32:25,950 --> 01:32:25,950 and there was like the data part, also that visual part depending how you look at Information. 693 01:32:34,600 --> 01:32:34,600 so I think that visual part helped me hone in on where I wanted to be 694 01:32:41,120 --> 01:32:41,120 thank you. And I think we saw a lot of this in the budget process last 695 01:32:51,000 --> 01:32:51,000 year. And so I'm really glad to start the conversation and have it now separated out. 696 01:32:56,280 --> 01:32:56,280 but I do also feel the public comments that there may be some forensic accounting between Now, 697 01:33:02,960 --> 01:33:02,960 it's already august and the budget so that we aren't making I don't think it's necessarily A question or comment, 698 01:33:10,440 --> 01:33:10,440 but that we aren't making policy decisions and moving but money at the time we were trying To get a budget approved. 699 01:33:17,600 --> 01:33:17,600 ideally, all seven of us would agree to it. So I think on slide 11, There is a mention that at some point there'd be a discussion about the 700 01:33:27,360 --> 01:33:27,360 moving of money. And I think in the past we called it table f, Which showed all the dates where money had moved and the quantity and things. 701 01:33:35,050 --> 01:33:35,050 and I would still like to see that maybe this is something for a future agenda item, Maybe not for you. 702 01:33:40,610 --> 01:33:40,610 I'm looking to max, but I love this report. It's very clear and it has been all along the Whole idea of this going and all those 200 and something 703 01:33:50,450 --> 01:33:53,490 projects done and going to local governments was brilliant. If that was jerry kent and others to design that memo to work that way and got it passed, So what? 704 01:34:00,290 --> 01:34:00,290 72%. But then now the struggle we have, I think we do have the authority to move money Around. 705 01:34:06,210 --> 01:34:06,210 I don't think that's been disputed. I know the rpa or simply might be like, Well, we didn't like where you moved it, 706 01:34:12,730 --> 01:34:16,170 but I still don't have a good understanding of where we moved it. Even if we have that authority, even if we've clarified that our oversight committee is The pac, 707 01:34:21,610 --> 01:34:21,610 some type of accounting between now and the budget time period to take this wonderful Report, 708 01:34:28,930 --> 01:34:28,930 which stands alone and I don't have. I can approve it, I can accept it, but I'm just kind of thinking out of the box and forward. 709 01:34:35,260 --> 01:34:35,260 how does that then go into our budget process and not show up in the budget in october or November, 710 01:34:41,780 --> 01:34:41,780 when I have all the same. Same questions that are we going to move money? 711 01:34:45,860 --> 01:34:45,860 are we going to? Anyway, I think an update of that table f would help with the forensic Accounting and help us before we dive into the budget. 712 01:34:56,020 --> 01:34:56,020 yeah. Thank you. I can share this. You know, This report was read. 713 01:35:00,300 --> 01:35:00,300 was meant to respond to a request we heard from your board when we were talking about 714 01:35:07,220 --> 01:35:07,220 which was, how can we look back at all of the promises or the ideas that were put out 715 01:35:17,180 --> 01:35:17,180 there with the original measure and, and look at how we've delivered on those those ideas That are different areas of 716 01:35:26,500 --> 01:35:26,500 focus and. And so thank you to your board our huge lift from staff of researching and Looking at all those 717 01:35:36,150 --> 01:35:36,150 projects and describing what's been accomplished. 718 01:35:41,310 --> 01:35:41,310 and all of the, the transfers or the allocation of measure ww dollars have been approved By 719 01:35:51,230 --> 01:35:51,230 your board in open session. And I think we've documented them in the past and we can bring That again, 720 01:35:58,350 --> 01:35:58,350 we're not proposing any reallocation of measure ww in our budget. 721 01:36:03,750 --> 01:36:03,750 that was, I think, clear from our conversations in our study sessions that like, You know, 722 01:36:13,470 --> 01:36:13,470 there a, this budget, we're not looking at one time reallocations and we're going to look At our take this year to work on the capital 723 01:36:23,190 --> 01:36:23,190 program overall. And we're going to bring a presentation to your board. 724 01:36:28,720 --> 01:36:28,720 john and I have 725 01:36:34,360 --> 01:36:36,240 and that would give you the first look at it. But it's pretty simple budget. And there's nothing there's nothing too crazy about it. 726 01:36:42,560 --> 01:36:42,560 so we're happy to like talk through additional information that's needed, But there's, we're not proposing any kind of reallocation. 727 01:36:53,400 --> 01:36:53,400 that's good to hear. I don't want to slow us down like last year. 728 01:37:00,320 --> 01:37:00,320 but I do think that if we I mean, if we need to do that, We need to do that. 729 01:37:04,920 --> 01:37:04,920 I mean, there were some cases where we, we did it was appropriate to spend those monies. 730 01:37:09,840 --> 01:37:09,840 so keep us apprized. And it again, doesn't reflect on this, But I would like to see sort of that back history, 731 01:37:16,320 --> 01:37:16,320 that attachment f so we can answer questions. 732 01:37:20,520 --> 01:37:23,640 rpa is not the only one who's asked me where did that money go? And I know that answer is in that chart, or if that chart is more detailed and we can kind Of put that to rest. 733 01:37:29,840 --> 01:37:29,840 and sometimes we may need to approve money for if we got the land for free and acquisition To open it. 734 01:37:36,200 --> 01:37:36,200 that all made sense to me. Anyway, thank you for the I'm digressing. 735 01:37:40,240 --> 01:37:42,680 sorry. Your report's great. Everything's good. Summary. Very detailed. And thank you. I just want to build upon that. 736 01:37:47,080 --> 01:37:47,080 I know that we had a pretty chaotic budget process for the 2026 budget last year in 2025. 737 01:37:53,040 --> 01:37:53,040 and I know I personally worked really hard on our workshop series to really try to connect That to our planning for the 2027 budget. 738 01:38:00,880 --> 01:38:00,880 and I believe that those efforts of that workshop series is what brings us here today. 739 01:38:04,920 --> 01:38:04,920 and also in anticipation of our board meeting in two weeks, August 18th, seeing the budget early for 2027. 740 01:38:11,680 --> 01:38:11,680 these are all efforts to really try to build a an entire year building up to the budget. 741 01:38:18,280 --> 01:38:18,280 I like to use the term scaffolding, really trying to scaffold all the work we do in that Workshop series and have that built towards the budget and also bring the budget forward 742 01:38:26,930 --> 01:38:26,930 earlier. And you know, we're trying something different this year and I hope it works, But I think we might feel that it's a little bit more transparent and 743 01:38:36,210 --> 01:38:36,210 straightforward than the process we experienced last year for this year's budget. 744 01:38:42,930 --> 01:38:42,930 director mercurio. 745 01:38:50,610 --> 01:38:53,690 but I'm taking this on vacation with me when I leave tomorrow. Thank you. Dive into it a little bit more on a flight to the east coast. 746 01:38:57,250 --> 01:38:57,250 but one of the things that, that I think needs to be kind of reiterated it's in the text Here and this 747 01:39:07,010 --> 01:39:07,010 is, this is in your shop. That an additional $348 million of 748 01:39:16,930 --> 01:39:16,930 these funds has been leveraged through grants and other funding sources. 749 01:39:21,210 --> 01:39:21,210 and so the object here of this program is to get funding for acquisition and projects. 750 01:39:31,300 --> 01:39:31,300 and we've done that. And we haven't, I mean, That that money would have all been gone by now if we hadn't done that. 751 01:39:38,900 --> 01:39:38,900 so let's keep it all in perspective that we're using these funds and they have tremendous Multiplying power. 752 01:39:47,380 --> 01:39:47,380 when you folks are able to develop those relationships and get others to give us funding It enables us to 753 01:39:57,500 --> 01:39:57,500 implement a lot more projects and 754 01:40:04,860 --> 01:40:04,860 happy reading. Yeah. Any other comments? We are looking for a motion for the resolution on Page 138 to approve this report. 755 01:40:22,790 --> 01:40:22,790 a second? Second 756 01:40:26,870 --> 01:40:30,430 all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? It's unanimous. 6-0. Thank you. 757 01:40:33,550 --> 01:40:36,190 thank you. All right. We are moving right along. And, you know, I alluded to this one earlier action item I.4. 758 01:40:40,070 --> 01:40:40,070 our adoption of a policy regarding interruptions in telecommunications during public Meeting. 759 01:40:44,950 --> 01:40:44,950 action item. 760 01:40:52,510 --> 01:40:55,990 she's there. Yes here. Hi. Good afternoon president sanwong and directors. 761 01:40:59,870 --> 01:40:59,870 the item before you this afternoon is adoption of the policy regarding interruptions and Telecommunications during public meetings. 762 01:41:06,550 --> 01:41:06,550 this policy is required under senate bill 707, Which amended the brown act government code, 763 01:41:11,990 --> 01:41:11,990 section 54953.4. That section requires the district as an eligible legislative body to Provide remote public access to meetings and 764 01:41:21,960 --> 01:41:21,960 to adopt a public. To adopt a policy establishing procedures for responding to Interruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent the public from attending, 765 01:41:31,560 --> 01:41:31,560 observing or participating remotely. The proposed policy establishes a clear process. 766 01:41:37,320 --> 01:41:37,320 if service. If a service interruption is identified, The presiding officer will recess the meeting for up to one hour while staff make good 767 01:41:45,120 --> 01:41:45,120 faith efforts to restore service. If service is restored, The meeting reconvenes with at least five minutes giving for the public to reconnect if 768 01:41:52,640 --> 01:41:52,640 the interruption exceeded two minutes. If service cannot be restored after good faith Efforts, 769 01:41:58,800 --> 01:41:58,800 the board may extend the recess, adjourn the meeting or adopt a specific finding by roll Call vote to continue the meeting. 770 01:42:06,480 --> 01:42:06,480 the policy also assigns clear responsibilities to the presiding officer, The clerk of the board and the is staff, 771 01:42:12,840 --> 01:42:12,840 and requires documentation of any interruption in the official minutes. 772 01:42:17,160 --> 01:42:20,650 this item is presented as an action item, not on consent. Given its significance due to the district's brown act compliance obligations. 773 01:42:24,490 --> 01:42:24,490 it's before you today because the sb 707 requirement to have this policy in place took Effect july 1st. 774 01:42:31,850 --> 01:42:31,850 staff recommends the board adopt the resolution approving the east bay regional park District policy regarding interruptions of telecommunication services during public 775 01:42:41,690 --> 01:42:41,690 meetings, effective august 4th, 2026. Thank you. 776 01:42:48,730 --> 01:42:48,730 okay, so we now have an opportunity to ask questions on this item, And then we'll open up for public comment. 777 01:42:54,530 --> 01:42:57,970 are there any questions? Go ahead. I have a question of staff. Would this have solved or would this have been appropriate for today? 778 01:43:02,050 --> 01:43:02,050 did we learn anything today that we need to add here or is this look good? 779 01:43:06,450 --> 01:43:10,210 I think we followed. [laughter]. Thank you. Yes. No further questions. It worked. And it worked. 780 01:43:19,660 --> 01:43:23,380 we all stayed calm and thank you. You're welcome. [laughter] if I may add, it took a group. And I appreciate all the support from everyone. 781 01:43:29,620 --> 01:43:33,220 thank you. [laughter]. Any other questions from board members? We will open up for public comment. Let's go ahead and open up for public comment. 782 01:43:37,900 --> 01:43:37,900 no public comment. So we will close public comment. Bring it back to the board for any Final comments. 783 01:43:42,500 --> 01:43:42,500 and also we're looking for a motion to approve the resolution on page 202 in our packet. 784 01:44:01,980 --> 01:44:01,980 any abstentions? That passes 6-0. So we are now on to presentations. 785 01:44:07,220 --> 01:44:10,900 and as we're getting prepared for our presentation from the grants department. Real quick, we do have an agenda item later on agenda item m board meetings or board Reports on meetings attended. 786 01:44:17,540 --> 01:44:17,540 and for board members, you're welcome to table that report to our next board meeting. 787 01:44:22,220 --> 01:44:22,220 I know some of us are trying to get to national night out this evening, So I'll leave it up to each individual board member to decide on that item. 788 01:44:28,740 --> 01:44:28,740 okay, great. Thank you. Go ahead. Great. Katy hornbeck, Grants manager in finance management services within the finance 789 01:44:37,060 --> 01:44:37,060 unit. I will keep this snappy. This is a mid-year grants update. 790 01:44:42,500 --> 01:44:42,500 so typically I come at the beginning of the year and I provide a year-end review as well As requesting your approval of the current grant 791 01:44:52,300 --> 01:44:52,300 schedule. It was recommended when I did that in january was recommended coming back in the Middle of the year to do a quick update on how we've been doing so far. 792 01:45:01,660 --> 01:45:01,660 so this won't be the full you know, song and dance that you normally see. 793 01:45:06,580 --> 01:45:06,580 but we'll cover some key highlights from the year. So I'll provide an overview and Highlights a check in on our fema. 794 01:45:13,910 --> 01:45:13,910 fema disaster response funding priorities, and then department focus for the back half of The year. 795 01:45:20,350 --> 01:45:20,350 so as a reminder, the park district, we receive a mix of funding, Whether that's federal, 796 01:45:24,830 --> 01:45:24,830 state, local, private most of what we receive are local or state funding, Probably like 70% to 80% depending on the year. 797 01:45:33,630 --> 01:45:33,630 comes from a variety of sources. And we get grant funding for pretty much anything. 798 01:45:39,630 --> 01:45:39,630 capital improvement projects is what typically receives the most grant funding, But it can be something as small as a $5,000 stewardship study, 799 01:45:48,750 --> 01:45:48,750 up to a $175 million acquisition that we can get grant funding for. 800 01:45:55,470 --> 01:45:55,470 any time I talk about grants, I try to work in the reminders. 801 01:46:00,950 --> 01:46:00,950 these are just good things to, to have in our that we keep in the back of our mind as We're talking about grants. 802 01:46:07,470 --> 01:46:10,110 so I'm often asked, how do we get these grants? How do we have such a successful grant program? 803 01:46:12,400 --> 01:46:12,400 and it's always rooted in our relationships. And that's both, You know, at my level with my counterparts at different agencies. 804 01:46:18,120 --> 01:46:18,120 but it's also the work that you're doing that our general manager's office is doing Government legislative affairs, and we're building a reputation that we have the capacity 805 01:46:26,240 --> 01:46:30,160 and the capability to complete our projects and to spend the money. And it's just as risky for us to get a grant. 806 01:46:33,400 --> 01:46:33,400 it's risky for these agencies to award them. They want the money to be spent, And they want to give it to an agency that can complete the project. 807 01:46:41,000 --> 01:46:44,080 and we do that by spending the money in completing our projects. And we also demonstrate strong relationships by putting in our own funding. 808 01:46:48,480 --> 01:46:48,480 and a lot of times ww tends to be that seed money that's covering initial planning and Design and will come in at the end to backfill some funding gaps or to be the match that 809 01:46:57,720 --> 01:46:57,720 might be required for a grant. Other things to consider for a successful grant program is The readiness of our projects. 810 01:47:06,240 --> 01:47:09,720 grants don't drive project priorities. It's the other way around. The board is setting our cip plan. What what are the projects that we want to accomplish In the next 3 to 5 years? 811 01:47:15,450 --> 01:47:15,450 and then I go find the grants to, to complete those projects. 812 01:47:19,570 --> 01:47:22,330 I don't want to get a grant for a project that's nobody's priority. And then it derails everyone's work plan. We also want to be putting forward competitive Projects. 813 01:47:28,450 --> 01:47:28,450 so grant opportunities, they'll have their own set of criteria. 814 01:47:33,210 --> 01:47:33,210 but along with that, we internally need to think, Okay, what, what is on the cip plan? 815 01:47:37,770 --> 01:47:37,770 what is ready to be done in the next 2 to 3 years, Because most grants need to be spent in that amount of time. 816 01:47:44,570 --> 01:47:46,970 how far along are we in design and permitting? What level of engagement have we had with the community? Do we have land tenure? 817 01:47:50,330 --> 01:47:50,330 all of those questions are part of the conversation when I'm considering what's on our List. 818 01:47:55,130 --> 01:47:57,570 what is competitive? Do we really want to put it forward? Even though it's a great project, but maybe it's not quite there yet. 819 01:48:01,210 --> 01:48:03,610 and then finally, a reminder that grants are risky. We get paid for the projects we complete, not the ones we're awarded. 820 01:48:07,090 --> 01:48:07,090 it's super fun to send an email that we got, You know, $5 million grant for such and such project. 821 01:48:11,860 --> 01:48:15,460 but until we actually do the project, it doesn't really matter. So we get paid for these are mostly reimbursement based, So we really have to get the, get the project moving to get that funding. 822 01:48:22,940 --> 01:48:22,940 and then grants aren't always available to cover the full cost of projects. 823 01:48:27,300 --> 01:48:27,300 it's a hodgepodge of sources. And to rely just on grants to fully cover project is not Usually realistic. 824 01:48:34,300 --> 01:48:34,300 and then finally, everybody needs money. Grant programs are just becoming increasingly Competitive and oversubscribed. 825 01:48:41,260 --> 01:48:45,100 the one these are just a few recent examples that we've applied to. This last one, the lw. Land and water conservation fund. 826 01:48:48,900 --> 01:48:51,860 last year we applied, we put two applications in. One for the restoration and public access project out at deer valley. 827 01:48:55,540 --> 01:48:55,540 and then the public access project at south of bailey at thurgood marshall. 828 01:49:00,580 --> 01:49:00,580 they received almost 130 applications. They awarded 18 projects. 829 01:49:05,140 --> 01:49:09,030 one of ours luckily was selected. We requested $6 million. They gave us one. So it's just incredibly competitive. 830 01:49:13,430 --> 01:49:13,430 so when we're thinking about ready projects, What's furthest along, what's going to get the most number of points. 831 01:49:19,750 --> 01:49:19,750 that's, this is all part of the equation. So currently this is probably a little bit Different now because it changes on a week to week basis. 832 01:49:28,270 --> 01:49:28,270 but generally we're managing the grants department between 100 and 110 grants averaging Between $150 and $168 million. 833 01:49:38,550 --> 01:49:38,550 on top of that, we have 48 public assistance grants that are through the caloes/fema Program, 834 01:49:46,030 --> 01:49:46,030 and those are for permanent repair projects that happened that were caused by the storms In 2017 and 2023. 835 01:49:54,590 --> 01:49:54,590 and we are anticipating receiving approximately $22 million from fema, Caloes once all of those, 836 01:50:00,179 --> 01:50:00,179 you know, work would get done. To date, we have submitted 25 applications. 837 01:50:05,750 --> 01:50:05,750 we received nine grant awards and received 35 payments. 838 01:50:10,430 --> 01:50:10,430 so as I mentioned before, these are all reimbursement based. So we have one account tech Who does all of our invoicing and works really hard to make sure that we're invoicing on a 839 01:50:19,630 --> 01:50:19,630 consistent basis so we can recoup the funding that we spent. 840 01:50:25,270 --> 01:50:25,270 an update on fema storm damage. So we have ten projects left to complete under 2017. 841 01:50:32,110 --> 01:50:32,110 deco and mast have been working really hard to get as many of these done as possible. 842 01:50:38,310 --> 01:50:42,270 several of them are slated to get done under tcp this year. And we are, we're really just, we're hustling to get these done because we have a huge List under 2023. 843 01:50:48,070 --> 01:50:48,070 and we want to be chipping away at that because we're not certain that fema will continue Giving us time extensions, 844 01:50:54,310 --> 01:50:54,310 at least under 2017. So we're trying to make a significant a push there. 845 01:50:59,430 --> 01:51:02,870 under 2023. Only two projects have been obligated. That means that they have approved the scope of work and have issued a dollar amount Associated with that. 846 01:51:08,080 --> 01:51:12,080 one of them are the docks at lake chabot and then the del valle marina. The rest of the projects are still under review. It says 13. 847 01:51:14,920 --> 01:51:14,920 it's a little deceiving because the way fema works is they consolidate all the sites under A project worksheet or a project. 848 01:51:22,720 --> 01:51:22,720 so there are actually about 100 sites that need a permanent repair, Some minor, some large scale, 849 01:51:29,280 --> 01:51:29,280 but they all, you know, roll up under these 13 pws. 850 01:51:33,480 --> 01:51:33,480 and then finally, future response prep. So I've been working with deco and mast and park Operations and stewardship to start mapping out what is the process 851 01:51:43,480 --> 01:51:43,480 for when a disaster is declared, who does what, When, what documentation do we need? 852 01:51:49,240 --> 01:51:49,240 we really want to be more diligent and proactive about collecting what is required by Fema. 853 01:51:55,520 --> 01:51:55,520 so we have fewer issues and delays later. And we don't really have anything formal. 854 01:52:01,200 --> 01:52:03,850 it's just sort of all, you know, historical knowledge. And we're trying to get that documented right now. 855 01:52:09,010 --> 01:52:09,010 funding priorities. So this is. This is for prop 4, But also really anything that is announced. 856 01:52:15,050 --> 01:52:17,090 this is not a comprehensive list by any means. It's not ordered in any priority. This list is capturing the projects, One that are on the cip plan that have a funding need, 857 01:52:25,730 --> 01:52:25,730 but are also the, the furthest along in terms of ready for construction. 858 01:52:30,010 --> 01:52:30,010 so these will likely go to bid go out for construction probably next year, If not in 2028. 859 01:52:36,130 --> 01:52:36,130 and that's a really great window of time. In terms of me looking for grant opportunities And then in my red box here, 860 01:52:45,170 --> 01:52:45,170 so we're, we're actively looking to replace reallocations of ww acquisition funds. 861 01:52:50,450 --> 01:52:50,450 so just because a project might be fully funded, Because there was that ww acquisition or excuse me, 862 01:52:55,810 --> 01:52:55,810 the ww appropriation or even general fund or any of the other measures. 863 01:53:01,420 --> 01:53:01,420 all continue to go look for grants until the project is like breaking ground. 864 01:53:06,140 --> 01:53:06,140 so. And then any money that. If we happen to have a, You know, an overflow of funds, those will all get returned back to their original pots. 865 01:53:16,140 --> 01:53:16,140 continued department focus in 2026. So I work with staff across the district on the cip List and making sure that I'm aware of 866 01:53:26,020 --> 01:53:26,020 project timing, what the funding priorities are, Any funding gaps as they get updated cost estimates or scope changes at all with the 867 01:53:32,860 --> 01:53:35,900 projects, and then submit grant applications. In collaboration with project managers. As you're aware, There's the new erp system that we're transitioning to, 868 01:53:44,140 --> 01:53:44,140 to workday, which has overtaken hr and ms. And we spent a lot of time trying to get that Ready to go for 2027. 869 01:53:51,580 --> 01:53:51,580 and then as I mentioned before, fema storm damage doing the work to get those projects Completed or getting prepped. 870 01:53:59,470 --> 01:54:02,150 and then finally regional parks foundation coordination. So up until this year, the grants department didn't really. 871 01:54:04,870 --> 01:54:04,870 we would we would be in conversation with regional parks foundation, But weren't really tracking or managing any of the funding that was flowing from them to 872 01:54:13,830 --> 01:54:13,830 us. We really want to see them as an external funding partner. 873 01:54:18,030 --> 01:54:18,030 and that means that when they are donating money or passing through money, The grants department is going to make sure that it's going to where it needs to go and is 874 01:54:25,110 --> 01:54:25,110 getting spent in the way it's supposed to be spent. And that's all I have. 875 01:54:29,710 --> 01:54:29,710 happy to answer any questions. All right. Do we have any questions from members of the Board on this item? 876 01:54:39,030 --> 01:54:42,830 thank you for that really thorough and summarized overview. This is really helpful to have a mid-year update just to be thinking about our grants. 877 01:54:47,070 --> 01:54:50,790 other questions. Go ahead. Director waespi. Thanks, Katy. Great report. I was wondering you mentioned that the fema projects and the [inaudible] Which I got excited I 878 01:55:00,680 --> 01:55:04,120 forgot all about but [laughter]. Anybody know the status of that? Because I have lots of constituents. Yeah, I believe it's still in like preliminary early Design and permitting. 879 01:55:10,600 --> 01:55:10,600 so because it's docks in the water, I think it triggers a lot of additional permitting. 880 01:55:15,600 --> 01:55:18,600 but I can check in with deco. On where exactly. I know they've been assigned to project manager so 881 01:55:22,640 --> 01:55:22,640 thank you very much. Yeah, I think I was just going to mention chris, That. 882 01:55:29,400 --> 01:55:29,400 there's one thing that we're planning to do is for his team scoring updates about projects To the executive committee and that way, 883 01:55:38,280 --> 01:55:38,280 like some of these projects that aren't like our, You know, our real big projects are coming to your board in different committees because 884 01:55:48,000 --> 01:55:51,360 they need a recommendation, but sometimes they're already approved. And it's like, I think you might be interested in hearing some of these updates. 885 01:55:57,450 --> 01:55:57,450 and so we've been trying to look for venues to provide that information and transparency. 886 01:56:04,330 --> 01:56:04,330 excellent. Thank you. Yes 887 01:56:15,130 --> 01:56:15,130 for the 13 kind of. Kind of group application projects that are still out there, Kind of what's 888 01:56:24,850 --> 01:56:24,850 led to like on their side to being slow or delays. 889 01:56:48,050 --> 01:56:48,050 and they typically get held up with their environmental review. 890 01:56:53,730 --> 01:56:53,730 I think it's environmental and historic preservation office, Ehp. 891 01:56:58,690 --> 01:56:58,690 typically, it's like 9 to 18 months where it might sit there and there's once it goes There, 892 01:57:05,130 --> 01:57:05,130 there's not a whole lot we can do so, or there's not much that's sitting on us. 893 01:57:09,610 --> 01:57:09,610 so once we've done the site visit, we've handed them, We've approved scope, we've, you know, 894 01:57:13,810 --> 01:57:13,810 we've gone over cost estimate, all of those things. 895 01:57:17,970 --> 01:57:17,970 it moves pretty quickly until it hits ehp and then it sits for quite a long time. 896 01:57:22,370 --> 01:57:26,330 once they, once ehp approves it, it's pretty, It actually moves pretty quickly after that. So I think the lake chabot and del valle marina those got approved when I was out on Leave, 897 01:57:31,850 --> 01:57:31,850 but I think we had put a lot of pressure on caloes and fema to get those obligated as Quickly as possible because of the scale of the project. 898 01:57:40,210 --> 01:57:40,210 and we didn't want that. Because once they do get approved, We technically have 18 months to get it done. 899 01:57:46,250 --> 01:57:46,250 we, it's not always the case. We always ask for time extensions, But with something of that size, we wanted to get that moving. 900 01:57:53,140 --> 01:57:53,140 thank you. Other. We're. We're constantly dealing with fema delays. 901 01:58:03,660 --> 01:58:06,980 have we been awarded any other federal funds? Federal grants that have been awarded but the federal government is simply not allocating It or sending it to us? 902 01:58:15,820 --> 01:58:19,540 there are a lot of agencies where that's what happen. No, we well, we've received three fema grants at the beginning of last year through their Pre-disaster mitigation program. 903 01:58:28,980 --> 01:58:28,980 and then through their hazard mitigation grant program. So it's for fuels work. 904 01:58:33,860 --> 01:58:33,860 but yeah, those were obligated at the beginning of last year and we are getting Reimbursed. 905 01:58:39,020 --> 01:58:39,020 one of them, it's almost completely done. And then we received bpa grants over the last Couple of years that have been reimbursed as well. 906 01:58:46,500 --> 01:58:46,500 I think the slowdown has been specific to public assistance projects or like declared Disaster response work. 907 01:58:55,870 --> 01:58:55,870 is sort of my understanding other programs. There hasn't been quite the holdup. 908 01:59:02,390 --> 01:59:02,390 lisa on our part. 909 01:59:09,150 --> 01:59:09,150 if there aren't, what we'll do is we'll open up public comment. So if we have any members Of the public. No public comment. Okay. So we'll close public comment. Bring it back to 910 01:59:15,510 --> 01:59:15,510 the board for any final comments. This is not an action item. So we're not looking for a Motion. So once we get through the comments the agenda item will be completed. 911 01:59:25,790 --> 01:59:25,790 go ahead 912 01:59:31,390 --> 01:59:34,430 you know, the red box there that you pointed to. You know, I was looking for that and I forgot that it was in this presentation, Not the prior one, 913 01:59:38,830 --> 01:59:38,830 but it's related. And I'll say it again, staff have been actively working to replace Reallocations of ww acquisition funds with grant sources. 914 01:59:48,150 --> 01:59:48,150 and I never heard that description quite as detailed as you just gave it. 915 01:59:53,760 --> 01:59:56,960 so that's very, that's seems like the right thing to do. And we, I think we all appreciate that. Thank you. 916 02:00:02,520 --> 02:00:02,520 any other comments? Okay. What's the largest grant history of the district? 917 02:00:10,280 --> 02:00:10,280 the largest grant. Well, at least in the 5 or 6 years I've been here, It's been the $36,000,000 for point molate 918 02:00:16,880 --> 02:00:16,880 I would say. That was just b. That's true. So but I'll just go back six years. 919 02:00:25,200 --> 02:00:25,200 that's all. That's great. What was the smallest? Oh, Like probably $2,000 or something. 920 02:00:30,280 --> 02:00:34,000 okay. Yeah. I was going to say because I, I got a $10,000 grant when I worked here. I thought it was like I won the lottery. [laughter]. You're making so much money. 921 02:00:37,440 --> 02:00:37,440 I didn't know if you could apply for. Yeah. 922 02:00:44,320 --> 02:00:47,560 what's the what? The oddest. Where'd you oh, gosh. I don't know. Some of this, the stewardship ones are, They're not odd. 923 02:00:54,370 --> 02:00:54,370 they're just, they're just so different. It's like, You know, $10,000 for the pig management plan. It's like, I never thought I'd get money 924 02:00:59,450 --> 02:00:59,450 for that. [laughter]. Yeah. Thank you. So if there are any other comments? 925 02:01:07,570 --> 02:01:10,690 go ahead and do this agenda item complete. Thanks so much for the update. Thank you. So we will now move on to any announcements. 926 02:01:15,330 --> 02:01:18,650 agenda item k any announcements from closed session. No. No announcements. Okay. Now we move on to item l proposed future agenda item. 927 02:01:27,930 --> 02:01:27,930 none. Okay. Item m this is the one that's optional for today. 928 02:01:32,770 --> 02:01:35,690 you're welcome to also take the list for the next board meeting. But board reports on meetings attended. Is there anyone that would like to do this today? 929 02:01:42,330 --> 02:01:42,330 speak up now. Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm going to dare. 930 02:01:46,370 --> 02:01:50,100 go ahead. Because. All right I just want to make sure that a full disclosure. 931 02:01:52,340 --> 02:01:52,340 so in addition to taking advantage of our july recess, Going to an island to scuba dive. 932 02:01:57,340 --> 02:01:57,340 I went straight there down to baja mexico, to the city of ensenada, Who was celebrating an annual lease turn day, 933 02:02:04,180 --> 02:02:04,180 and the federal government was there. The u.s. Fish and wildlife. The state was there a Number of nonprofits. 934 02:02:09,300 --> 02:02:12,700 they're equivalent to our golden gate alliance, San diego alliance. And why would I do that? Well, some of you may not know, But for disclosure, I've been volunteering down there for eight years. 935 02:02:18,580 --> 02:02:21,980 I do language immersion, and the work I do down there is in spanish. So I do speak spanish. And despite the federal government cutting the endangered species Act, 936 02:02:28,500 --> 02:02:28,500 mexico is a very active and at the table. And our san diego partners and everybody are Down there. 937 02:02:33,740 --> 02:02:33,740 they're forming a steering committee specifically to honor the endangered least tern and Other shorebirds. 938 02:02:39,420 --> 02:02:39,420 it's been a passion of mine. I've held those little furry babies in my hand and tagged Them with bands, 939 02:02:44,900 --> 02:02:44,900 and I speak with children in spanish and with snowy plovers ridgeway. 940 02:02:50,940 --> 02:02:50,940 I just wanted to disclose that. And I want to let you know that I was not representing the Board in any way, 941 02:02:55,660 --> 02:02:55,660 but I do get a lot of information that collides with our work, And they're particularly interested down there. 942 02:03:01,420 --> 02:03:01,420 they only have 3 to 33 terns remaining. Dennis and I went out to hayward and we saw over 300 of the 33 they have 943 02:03:10,900 --> 02:03:13,780 remaining, 12 they believe are dead. They're trying. So there's a great opportunity or our interest could collide. 944 02:03:17,020 --> 02:03:20,860 they've asked me and I'll pass it on to max or whoever. When that steering committee information happens about sharing best interests between the Two countries. 945 02:03:27,180 --> 02:03:27,180 and there's this very formal, almost emergency steering committee being held since we're So successful both at hayward and in alameda, 946 02:03:34,460 --> 02:03:34,460 and neither of them are my board. I wanted to make sure that luana and dennis weren't Thinking I was treading on your area, 947 02:03:43,660 --> 02:03:43,660 so I just want to let you know that's what they did. There's some information on your desk And maybe we can. 948 02:03:48,150 --> 02:03:48,150 maybe we can help them or not us personally. But I'll just want to let you know that. 949 02:03:53,750 --> 02:03:57,190 so sorry if I slowed us down. I also want to get to national night out. So no further reports. On a nice day 950 02:04:03,630 --> 02:04:03,630 yeah. Oh. To mexico? Yeah. To find the 12 missing or make sure they all get together and Form some more. 951 02:04:10,430 --> 02:04:10,430 yeah. Thanks. Dock clark is on it. Thank you. 952 02:04:22,990 --> 02:04:22,990 7/4 the alameda 4th of july parade. 7/27 monthly, One on one meeting with max. 953 02:04:31,670 --> 02:04:31,670 7/25 7/29 resource fair prep with jessica. And august 1st, 954 02:04:41,630 --> 02:04:41,630 the resource fair in san lorenzo. And then also there is a resource fair coming up this Weekend where 955 02:04:51,560 --> 02:04:51,560 east bay regional park will have two tables. So definitely if you're within the east Oakland region, 956 02:05:01,480 --> 02:05:01,480 you just want to come and meet us. Please come up to allen temple and there will be over 80 organizations there, 957 02:05:09,400 --> 02:05:09,400 but I'll also be there in person if you have questions about board for the park in General. 958 02:05:18,840 --> 02:05:22,720 well thank you. I don't see any other board comments. So then we'll move on to public comments for those who have not had an opportunity to Speak previously. 959 02:05:28,000 --> 02:05:30,080 no public comments. So we are now adjourned at 16:19. Everyone two weeks.