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Board Meeting Packet Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD of DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Board Meeting Packet Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD of DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

February 16, 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Meeting Packet Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

DEE ROSARIO The Regular Session of the TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 President - Ward 2 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 1:00 p.m. COLIN COFFEY Vice President - Ward 7 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE https://youtu.be/3YXnwHix-aQ Treasurer - Ward 6 DENNIS WAESPI Secretary - Ward 3 ELIZABETH ECHOLS Ward 1 Respectfully submitted, ELLEN CORBETT Ward 4 AYN WIESKAMP CAROL R. VICTOR Ward 5 Interim General Manager CAROL VICTOR Interim General Manager

2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 (888) 327-2757 MAIN (510) 633-0460 TDD (510) 635-5502 FAX ebparks.org

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

11:00 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park PUBLIC COMMENTS District will hold a regular meeting virtually, commencing CLOSED SESSION at 11:00 a.m. for Closed Session and 1:00 pm for Open Session A. Public Employee Appointment: Government Code Section 54957 on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Title: General Manager Video Stream at: https://youtu.be/3YXnwHix-aQ B. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Agenda for the meeting is 1. Agency Negotiators: Carol R. Victor, Ana M. Alvarez, listed adjacent. Times for agenda Allison Picard, Eddie Kriesberg items are approximate only and Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish to speak on Police Association matters not on the agenda, you Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals may do so under Public Comments at the beginning of 2. Agency Negotiators: Carol R. Victor, Jason the agenda. If you wish to Rosenberg, Allison Picard comment on an item on the agenda, please send an email to Unrepresented Employee: General Manager [email protected] before 3:00 pm, Monday, February 15, 2021. C. Conference with Legal Counsel: A copy of the background 1. Anticipated Litigation (pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9: materials concerning these agenda items, including any a) Initiation of litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(4):1 material that may have been submitted less than 72 hours case before the meeting, is available for inspection on the District’s D. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or website (www.ebparks.org). Terms of Payment: Government Code Section 54956.8 Agendas for Board Committee Meetings are available to the 1. Agency Negotiators: Kristina Kelchner, Michael Reeves public upon request. If you wish to be placed on the mailing list PROPERTY OWNER/ to receive future agendas for a APN/ADDRESS NEGOTIATING PARTIES PARK/TRAIL specific Board Committee, please call the Clerk of the Contra Costa County Board’s Office at (510) 544- 365-140-009-9, 2020. Alhambra Creek Ranch, Briones Regional Park 2647 Reliez Valley Road, LLC District facilities and meetings Martinez comply with the Americans with 271-110-002-0, McCosker Equipment Robert Sibley Volcanic Disabilities Act. If special Pinehurst Road, Canyon Corporation Regional Preserve accommodations are needed for you to participate, please contact the Clerk of the Board 257-120-005-0, Alfred & Aileen McCosker, Robert Sibley Volcanic as soon as possible, but Pinehurst Road, Canyon Trustees Regional Preserve preferably at least three working days prior to the meeting. 3

1:30 p.m. OPEN SESSION (Virtual)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways:

1. Via email to Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected]. Email must contain in the subject line public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item #. It is preferred that these written comments be submitted by Monday, February 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm. 2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Monday, February 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm. 3. Live via zoom. If you would like to make a live public comment during the meeting this option is available through the virtual meeting platform: https://zoom.us/j/91519094674 *Note that this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the virtual meeting for the purpose of providing a public comment. If you do not intend to make a public comment please use the YouTube link at: https://youtu.be/3YXnwHix-aQ to observe the meeting. It is preferred that those requesting to speak during the meeting contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] by 3:00 pm on Monday, February 15, 2021 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2020 to provide name and the subject of the public comment or item to be addressed.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

1. Interim General Manager’s Update on the Status of the East Bay Regional Park District Emergency During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2:00 p.m. D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of January 4, 2021 Through January 17, 2021 (Auker/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 (Barial Knight) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Authorization to Appoint Ms. Allyson Cook as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Step E of the Management Pay Range MG07 in the Executive and Legislative Division, Human Resources Department (Picard/Alvarez) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) d. Resolution of the East Bay Regional Park District Recognizing February 2021 as Black History Month (Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost)

4 e. Approval of Reappointments and Appointments to the Park Advisory Committee (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) f. Resolution to Support AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) g. Resolution to Support AB 50 (Boerner Horvath D-Encinitas) – Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) h. Resolution to Support AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) i. Resolution to Support AB 52 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) –Account for Wildfire Emissions in Greenhouse Gas Fund Allocations (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) j. Resolution to Support AB 67 (Petrie-Norris D-Laguna Beach) – Sea Level Rise Adaptation Economic Analysis (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) k. Resolution to Support H.R. 159 (Sires D-NJ) – Investments in Parks (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) L. Resolution to Support SB 1 (Atkins D- San Diego) – Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Planning (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) m. Resolution to Support SB 27 (Skinner D-Berkeley) – California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) n. Resolution to Support SB 45 (Portantino D-La Canada Flintridge) – Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) o. Resolution to support SB 63 (Stern D-Los Angeles) – Defensible Space Standards (Pfuehler/Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) p. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Restoration Design Group for Consulting Services for the Remove Crossing at Brook Road Project: Tilden Regional Park (Goorjian/Kelchner) (Resolution) ( Budgeted Funds) q. Authorization to Award Contract to Consolidated Engineering Inc. for Bay Water Trail Access Improvements: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Rasmussen/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) r. Authorization to Purchase Cisco Phones from AMS.Net for District-wide Information Technology Infrastructure Replacements (Tallerico/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) s. Authorization to Purchase Replacement Computers from Dell Computer Corporation (Tallerico/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) t. Authorization to Purchase One Brush Bandit Chipper from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

5 u. Authorization to Purchase One Compact Track Loader from Peterson CAT as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) v. Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access: Coyote Hills Regional Park (Hornbeck/Barton/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) w. Authorization to Apply to the California Office of Emergency Services for Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Hazardous Fuels Management in Tilden and Claremont Canyon Regional Parks (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization)

2:30 p.m. 2. EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

a. Amendment to the East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule to Address the Findings and Implement Staff Recommendations as a Result of the Classification and Compensation Studies for Unrepresented Management Classifications and Classifications with a Confidential Designation, Including Eliminating the Top Merit Step (Picard/Alvarez) (Resolution) (No Cost)

2:45 p.m. 3. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION

a. Authorization of a Grant Application for the Federal BUILD Grant: District- wide Regional Trails (Hornbeck/Kelchner/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization)

3:00 p.m. 4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Victor)

3:15 p.m. 5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. STAFF PRESENTATION Ecological Services Manager Becky Tuden will provide a presentation on the harmful algal blooms and remediation efforts at Lake Anza and Lake Temescal.

3:30 p.m. 6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee (12/9/2020) (Kelchner/Coffey) b. Legislative Committee (1/15/2021) (Wieskamp)

3:45 p.m. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

3:50 p.m. 8. BOARD COMMENTS

4:30 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT

6 CONSENT CALENDAR

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of January 4, 2021 Through January 17, 2021 (Auker/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of January 4, 2021 through January 17, 2021.

Per Resolution No. 1992-1-40, adopted by the Board on January 21, 1992, a copy of the Check Listing has been provided to the Board Treasurer for review. A copy of the Check Listing has also been provided to the Clerk of the Board and will become a part of the Official District Records.

7 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 4, 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2021

WHEREAS, District Resolution No. 1992 - 1 - 40, adopted by the Board of Directors on January 21, 1992, requires that a listing of District checks be provided to the Board Treasurer for review;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the check listing for the period of January 4, 2021 through January 17, 2021;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

8 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 (Barial Knight)

9 Page Left Blank Intentionally

10 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021

The Board Meeting, which was held February 2, 2021 at East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 called its Closed Session to order at 1:00 pm by Board Dee Rosario.

ROLL CALL

Directors Present: Dee Rosario, President Colin Coffey, Vice President Dennis Waespi, Secretary Beverly Lane, Treasurer Ayn Wieskamp Elizabeth Echols Ellen Corbett Directors Absent: None.

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:33 p.m. by President Rosario.

Staff Present: Carol Victor, Ana Alvarez, Debra Auker, Anthony Ciaburro, Jim O’Connor, Carol Johnson, Kristina Kelchner, Lisa Goorjian, Steve Castile, Ren Bates, Lance Brede, Erich Pfuehler, Aileen Thiele, Brian Holt, Alan Love, Allison Picard, Matthew Graul, Katy Hornbeck, Mike Mathieson, Mary Mattingly, Jim Tallerico, Matthew James Guests: None.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Director Lane lead the pledge and presented a brief tribute to the Bay Miwok Volvon People.

Director Lane explained that Mount Diablo was in the Volvon Bay Miwok territory. There were six Bay Miwok tribes in Central and East Contra Costa County and they each had a name for the mountain. The Costanoans Ohlone name was Tuyshtak, but it is not known what the Bay Miwok name is. The Spanish named the mountain "Cerro Alto de los Bolbone” the High Point of the Volvon Indians. It wasn't until the gold rush that the mountain name was changed to Mount Diablo and before that time it was named for the local Indians. Director Lane stated she was glad to give a tribute to the Volvons.

President Rosario opened the meeting and stated that consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20 issued on March 12, 2020 in response to the threat of COVID-19 and the Alameda County Health Department’s Order dated March 16, 2020, the Board of Directors may utilize teleconferencing to remotely participate in meetings. Clerk of the Board announced the three ways in which the public could participate in the meeting. President Rosario asked if the Board members had any questions about the meeting process. There were none.

A. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda. Roll Call Vote unanimous.

Directors Remote: Ellen Corbett, Colin Coffey, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.

11 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Trevor Pathak sent an email thanking Fire Chief Theile and Director Echols for discussing the rationale behind the recent park closures and being receptive to his input that the parks had been closed too often in the past year. Pathak appreciated that they took the time to engage with their constituents.

Nan White sent an email expressing how she enjoys birdwatching and visiting MLK Jr. Shoreline Park which is a jewel in the park system in need of a polish. She commented on the amount of detritus along the trail at Arrowhead Marsh and asked if this was due to the tides or the public.

IGM Victor commented that the storm drain system drains into that Marsh area and a lot of trash comes through the storm drain system. IGM Victor suggested Ms. White’s e-mail should be directed to AGM O'Connor for response.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

1. Interim General Manager’s Update on the Status of the East Bay Regional Park District Emergency During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Interim General Manager Carol Victor stated the Board reaffirmed that the Park District continues to be in a state of emergency. There has been a shelter in place order for eleven months. The District’s goal is to support our communities by providing access to parks and open space for citizen’s physical wellbeing and mental health. Everything is being done to keep our workforce safe. Governor Newsome recently lifted the statewide stay at home order that the District is following. The state's blueprint for a safer economy establishes tiers based on test positivity rates and adjusted case rates. Both counties are in the purple tier and the District follows the most restrictive County.

The state vaccination plan has prioritized all those over 65. The Park District has been advocating to get park staff and our essential workers vaccinated as soon as possible, but it depends on supply chains and the priorities set by the public health officers and the Governor. AGM O'Connor led an effort to identify all staff in the Park District who volunteered their interest in getting a vaccine and have organized their contact information. Should a vaccine become available, the District can quickly get staff in line to get vaccinated. Director Waespi said that at the last COVID task force meeting the AFSMCE 2428 Business Agent was in attendance and shared consternation on the inability to move up the line and the Park District’s essential workers vaccinated. IGM Victor said that Allison Picard or Ali Adams agreed with the labor union and the Park District in terms that a vaccine for our essential workforce would be welcomed. Waespi added that he hoped the District could pursue this.

AGM O'Connor updated the Board on next steps for opening facilities since the stay at home order was lifted on January 25th. O’Connor’s presentation gave an update on facilities, campgrounds and trails now open and the restrictions. He also covered the expected re-opening dates for facilities still closed. Staff will be installing 12 new bottle fillers, reinstating fee collections and allowing the use of picnic sites. Director Lane asked for clarification on who can use the picnic tables. O’Connor replied non-reservable family picnic sites which are all open on a first come first serve basis. Director Corbett stated she appreciates O’Connor’s perseverance with all the Public Health shifting orders. She also appreciated that the bottle fillers are getting activated. Corbett asked if they have received any feedback about the reimplementation of fees? O’Connor said that he had not, but will check with his staff.

AGM O’Connor was appreciative of the comments. He stated he has a great staff and they have been patient and diligent throughout this process. President Rosario asked AGM O’Connor to relay to his staff that they have done a great job. IGM Victor added that staff are closely watching the science on the Covid variants and are focusing on the fact that when people are indoor12s, they should wear a higher quality mask or double Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 mask and intend to send some communications to the workforce. Rosario asked if the Park District still has a good supply of masks for staff. IGM Victor replied the District is well positioned with supplies right now.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

By motion of Director Lane, and seconded by Director Corbett, the consent calendar was unanimously approved.

Directors For: Ellen Corbett, Colin Coffey, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Recuse: Elizabeth Echols. Directors Absent: None.

e. Approval of Renewal of the Lease Agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company in Clayton Ranch: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 006 (attached)

h. Authorization to Accept and Appropriate PG&E Grant Funds from the Regional Parks Foundation for Fuels Management Projects: District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 007 (attached)

Director Echols recused herself from both items because she wanted to avoid any appearance of a conflict as she is the Director of the California Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Ratepayer Advocates, a regulated entity. President Rosario announced that these two resolutions will be voted on separately.

By motion of Director Lane, and seconded by Director Wieskamp, the consent calendar was unanimously approved.

Directors For: Ellen Corbett, Colin Coffey, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Abstain: None. Directors Absent: None.

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of December 14, 2020 Through January 3, 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 008 (attached)

b. Resolution to Condemn the January 6, 2021 Insurrection and Violence at the United States Capitol Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 009 (attached)

President Rosario commented that District’s Washington, DC advocate Peter Umhofer, said agencies are being asked to step up and voice their concerns over this attempted coup. The resolution was placed on screen and there was a discussion about amendments. IGM Victor said that the board materials are the General Manager’s letter to the Board of Directors. Director Corbett had suggestions to the resolution. Director Corbett felt it relevant for the Board to be involved because it was an attack on our institution and our democracy. Director Wieskamp said it was good and positive. Rosario asked each board member to read a section of the resolution into the record. IGM Victor stated that this resolution was different than the one that was in the packet. Clerk Knight asked for the other document to be put on the screen. IGM Victor 13 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 made the changes and the Board read the correct version of this resolution. All edits were discussed and incorporated into the resolution.

c. Resolution Reaffirming the Existence of a Local East Bay Regional Park District Emergency Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 010 (attached)

d. Resolution Recognizing the Work and Dedication of East Bay Regional Park District’s Frontline Essential Workers and First Responders During the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency and an Unprecedented 2020 Wildfire Season Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 011 (attached)

Director Waespi stated that the District is no longer using the term Aquatic staff but instead Lifeguard services. IGM Victor made the edit. Director Corbett appreciated the item being pulled from the consent calendar, because the District should call attention to and celebrate the frontline essential workers. The resolution should state the District’s essential workers have kept District parks open since the pandemic began and have made sure that the public has a place to go for respite, for physical activity and mental health.

Each of the Board members read a section of the resolution into the record. IGM Victor expressed her appreciation on behalf of the staff for reading this resolution and stated the necessary corrections will be added to the resolution and it will be adopted with the edits.

f. Approval of Third Amendment for Renewal of Special Use Agreement with Society for the Preservation of the Carter Railroad Resources, Inc.: Ardenwood Historic Farm Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 012 (attached)

g. Authorization to Award a Contract to ArborWorks, Inc. to Remove Trees in the Wildland Urban Interface near Skyline Boulevard Parking Area: Huckleberry Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 013 (attached)

i. Authorization to Apply for Federal Grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Replacement of Restroom and Appropriation of Funds: Del Valle Regional Park Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 014 (attached)

j. Authorization to Renew a Contract with Rural Pig Management Incorporated: District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 015 (attached)

Director Lane said that the neighbors next to Bishop Ranch Regional Park appreciate this contract because the pigs have been coming out of our park and rooting up their yards. Director Waespi supports the rural pig management and asked if the District receives data on where they find the pigs? Matthew Graul, Chief of Stewardship replied staff receive total numbers, but with this new contract staff will get more specific locations.

k. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Macks Craic Incorporated, dba Mack5 for Construction Management Services for the Dumbarton Quarry Service Yard Project: Coyote Hills Regional Park Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 016 (attached)

Director Wieskamp said the staff at Coyote Hills are thrilled at having a new service yard. Wieskamp was impressed money was spent to develop a prototype which will save money in the long run. She commented that this will be the first of several service yards and Lisa14 Goorjian and her staff have done a great job. Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021

L. Authorization to Execute a Contract for Job Order Contracting (JOC) Program Management Services with The Gordian Group, Incorporated (dba The Mellon Group): District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 017 (attached)

m. Authorization to Increase the Construction Contract Contingency with GradeTech, Inc. and Amend a Contract with Adrienne Wong Associates for the Develop Brickyard Cove Project: McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 018 (attached)

n. Ratification of General Manager’s Approval of an Emergency Contract with Lind Marine, Inc. for Removal and Disposal of a Detached and Floating Section of Ferry Point Pier and Appropriation of Funds: Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 019 (attached)

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DESIGN DIVISION

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Echols, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2a.

Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.

a. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Tetra Tech BAS for Consulting Services and to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for the North Point Isabel Restore and Stabilize Area Project: McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 020 (attached)

Ren Bates, Capital Programs Manager oriented the Board to the location of the parcel and the project site on the map of McLaughlin. Bates gave background on this project which is a former remediated industrial site. The industrial site was closed by the Regional Water Board and it's under Water Board order that it is subject to a remediation and risk management plan. This Board action will authorize a consultant to provide design and engineering services for improvements to stabilize the existing cap based upon the 2019 report and manage stormwater into SF Bay. An RFP for consultant services was advertised on August 18, 2020 and seven proposals were received. Tetra Tech BAS was selected based on their understanding of the scope of work, their proposed methodology to deliver the project, qualification of their project team, and the firm’s experience working on similar projects. Bates discussed the two phases for 2021 and 2022 and the scope includes service through Phase I construction. Funding for the construction has not been secured yet and staff will return to the Board. Bates stated staff would like to move forward with a cohesive design for the cap and landscape improvements.

Director Wieskamp asked when the capping was done and if the state of the art of capping has changed since it occurred. AGM Kelchner replied the capping was done in the late eighties, early nineties. The Regional Water Board did inspect and give regulatory closure for the cap at that time. Kelchner didn’t know if the fundamentals of capping had changed, but bringing in clean fill, clean soil, adding a liner had undoubtedly been improvements. Research showed that the issue was that the cap was not constructed in accordance with the plans. Wieskamp asked who did the capping. Kelchner replied the former landowner under direction of the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control and 15 they accepted that the closure of the site had been Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 remediated adequately and quickly and did a regulatory closure. Director Waespi asked if there was an estimate on the cost to do some work out there. Bates answered the full extent of what needs to be done is unknown and hiring the design consultant is a big fee, but staff will get that number. This contract will get the consultant locked in for design and all the way through construction. They will also help with permitting. AGM Kelchner said the cost range may be between $2 to $10 million.

Bates explained staff have done an extensive investigation of the site and all areas with potential lead exposure have been fenced off and closed off from the public. President Rosario asked if this would include raising the trail on the perimeter? Bates replied it is unsure at this point. Staff anticipate a plan that would be higher on that field, so that if the existing trail ever succumbed to sea level rise, there will be an alternative option. Director Echols said that she supports the work, appreciates the briefing that she was given, and the team's analysis.

By motion of Director Rosario, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2b.

Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.

b. Authorization to Amend Contracts with Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc, Anchor CM, Environmental Science Associates, Inc., and Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc., and Transfer and Appropriate Funds to Restore McCosker Creek Project: Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 02 - 021 (attached)

Lisa Goorjian, Chief of Design and Construction introduced Ren Bates, Capital Program Manager. Bates went over the contracts that required amendments. He discussed the funds, described the four projects and what funding would be applied to each of these contracts. • Environmental Science Associates (ESA) for $332,857 for construction administration including geotechnical and engineering oversight • Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. (KH) for $37,878 for continued design and engineering support for water system and irrigation • Anchor CM for $443,988 for additional construction management services Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. for $115,752 for additional biological monitoring services • Authorize transfer and appropriation of funds as follows to the Restore McCosker Creek Project (No.150800).

Bates discussed the McCosker Creek Project and explained in detail the site locations, site hazards due to failing culverts, including photos and description detailing the creek restoration. Bates explained that rebuilding a creek channel is very detailed and the District had shortened construction window based on regulatory permits. Getting this work built this year was problematic due to fire danger and Covid constraints. Additionally, staff were constrained for on the window of construction by October 31st, because of concerns for wildlife and habitat. Because of those delays, overtime was needed to make up time lost on the schedule. Director Lane stated that this is an enormous and exciting project.

Bates reported the design engineer team was out there last week, construction is going well and staff look forward to completing the project. Bates acknowledged Carmen Erasmus and staff involved in the project for their work. Kelchner said that she will arrange for the Board to see this site. Kelchner stated this is a very large restoration project which is unprecedented for the District.

16 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 Director Coffey understood it is a large project and unique in terms of new construction; nevertheless, a million dollars over budget is a lot of money. He questioned how much of this new money is attributable to past work that's already taken place and been beyond budget, as opposed to how much of this is anticipating additional work. Bates replied that based on the fact this is a two-year construction contract and because of the delays, some of the cost have been eaten into for the next year. Basically, the work is paid for, but staff have moved some of the fee that was slated for next construction season into this season. Learning from this construction season and understanding there is a chance for more fire and other unforeseen things that can occur, the consultants have taken this into consideration and provide staff with a conservative estimate based on what work done last year and understanding the construction season will be longer. Staff hope to get through the next season with enough contingency and accommodate anything that may happen. Chief Goorjian said the delays due to red flag days and to Covid were extensive and since we didn't have anything in our general conditions, we are updating now. There was also a tremendous amount of overtime.

Director Corbett highlighted the impact of this project and the significance of our partners who helped to fund it. The environmental quality will impact for generations. President Rosario thanked Ren Bates and Lisa Goorjian for this thorough presentation. Corbett expressed interest in seeing the construction site.

President Rosario called for a 12-minute break.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

Interim General Manager Carol Victor discussed items in this report.

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. STAFF PRESENTATION Chief of Park Operations Steve Castile will provide a presentation outlining numerous park projects that were accomplished in 2020 throughout the COVID 19 pandemic.

AGM Jim O’Connor pointed out that it was a challenging year and there was 30% more visitation in the parks. O’Connor introduced Steve Castile, Chief of Park Operations who gave the presentation. Castile outlined the numerous projects Operations staff were able to enhance and complete in 2020, despite the COVID-19 threat. Castille gave an overview and description of the following projects. • Tilden Indian Camp Playground Repair Kit, • Wildcat Canyon and Lake Temescal Playground Renovation, • Don Castro Earth Team Volunteers. • Quarry Lakes Pergola Project • Anthony Chabot Campground Renovations • Annual Fuel Abatement – Brushy Peak • Kennedy Grove Nectar Garden • Shadow Cliffs Turf Renovation • Botanic Garden – Crevice Garden • Hazardous Tree – Storm Cleanup • Dumbarton Quarry Campground Project

Director Wieskamp expressed how impressed she was with Dumbarton Quarry project and the tractor. Castile expressed the gratitude of staff for Board support.

Director Corbett thanked Castile for the background strategic thinking that goes into managing this important role at the Park District to lessen the impact17 on workers, allow them to be more efficient. She Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 thanked Castile for his help to transition away from the toxic chemicals and the new equipment that will allow staff to continue to maintain our parks in a less toxic way. Director Lane thanked staff and commented on the great improvements. Lane was thankful for the Alvarado Park Playground and gave some history on the controversy of playgrounds in District parks as many people did not think playgrounds were appropriate for regional parks. Lane acknowledged the leadership of former general manager Pat O’Brien. Director Echols thanked Castile for the work done and mentioned the fence around the playground by Indian camp which prevents children from walking outside the gate and into the street. Directly Coffey thanked O’Connor for opening the picnic areas. Coffey thought that the website should include updates about the picnic areas being open and the new rules on limited groups. Directors Waespi and Rosario thanked Castile for allowing park staff to be creative and complete projects.

DGM Dr. Alvarez thanked both Steve Castille and Jim O’Connor for their leadership and vision.

5. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Finance Committee (08/05/2020) (Coffey) b. Finance Committee (10/28/2020) (Coffey) c. Executive Committee (11/05/2020) (Corbett) d. Operations Committee (12/17/2020) (Rosario)

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

IGM Carol Victor stated were no announcements from closed session.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Corbett reported on meetings attended. Director Corbett • Attended EOC meetings 1/14, 1/21 and 1/27; • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the MLK, Jr. Rally recording session 1/15; • Attended the MLK, Jr. Rally board meeting 1/16; • Attended the MLK Jr. Rally virtual event 1/18; • Attended the Board Operations Committee meeting 1/21; • Attended a Legislative meeting with Senator Wieckowski on 1/25; • Attended a Legislative meeting with Assembly member Bonta on 1/20. Corbett thanked AGM Johnson and her staff for putting together the virtual MLK Jr. Rally. Corbett thanked Public Affairs for the red Trails Challenge bandanas and Chief Thiele for reaching out to one of her constituents.

Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the Alameda County Special Districts meeting; • Attended the Alameda County Mayors meeting; • Attended Covid task force meetings 1/10, 1/15; • Attended the MLK Jr. Event recording 1/16; • Attended the MLK Jr. Virtual Rally 1/18; • Attended a meeting with AGM Kelchner and Chief of Stewardship; • Attended Legislative meetings on 1/25, 1/27; • Attended the PAC meeting 1/25; • Attended a meeting with Chief Lisa Goorjian and18 staff 1/29. Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 Rosario congratulated Erich Pfuehler, Lisa Baldinger and Yulie Padmore for a great job coordinating the legislative meetings with local legislators.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meeting (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the legislative meetings with Assembly member Grayson; • Attended the meeting with Contra Costa transportation Authority. Lane expressed appreciation to Erich Pfuehler, Lisa Baldinger, Yulie Padmore and Fallon Stucki on coordinating the legislative meetings with local legislators. Lane hiked the Marsh Creek Trail, Iron Horse Trail, Sycamore Valley Open Space and Briones. Lane talked about the fire at a fire at Round Valley and Morgan Territory.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors 1/19; • Attended the Legislative meetings with Senator Dodd and Grayson 1/25; • Attended the Legislative meetings with Senator Glazier 1/26; • Attended the Save Mount Diablo state of the mountain event1/28; • Attended a meeting with ASD Kelchner and Chief of Stewardship to discuss the Natural and Cultural Resources Committee meetings, Coffey listened in on the Legislative Committee meeting. Visited Pt Pinole, Black Diamond and observed construction of the Bay Trail.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the Alameda County Special District Association meeting 1/13; • Attended the HASPA Shoreline Planning Agency meeting 1/15; • Attended the Legislative committee meeting; • Attended the Covid Task Force meeting; • Attended the Legislative meetings with Wieckowski; Waespi congratulated Government Affairs on their great work coordinating the legislative meetings. Waespi hiked up the Vargas plateau, visited his parks and had the opportunity to go up Morrison Canyon road.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the Alameda County Special Districts Association; • Attended the LAFCO meeting on 1/14; • Attended the Legislative Committee meeting 1/15; • Attended the Operations Committee meeting 1/21. Director Wieskamp met Gordon Wiley at Mission Peak. Wieskamp met with Nancy Rodriguez and Celeste Garamandi to discuss Tesla. Coyote Hills had up to 90,000 visitors in January. Wieskamp thought it might be good to suggest to the public that they visit the parks during the week and not the weekend.

Director Echols reported on meetings attended. Director Echols • Attended all five of the GM recruitment meetings (1/14, 1/22, 1/26, 1/28, 1/29); • Attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual event 1/18, • Attended the MLK Breakfast in Berkeley; • Attended the Contra Costa County Supervisors; • Attended the Operations Committee meeting 191/21; Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of February 2, 2021 • Attended the legislative meetings with Senator Dodd 1/25; • Attended the celebration of life for Tom Guarino; • Met with PIDO and All Dog on 1/31. Echols thanked Chief Theile for reaching out to a constituent and thanked Chief Ciaburro and AGM O’Connor for their service.

D. ADJOURNMENT

President Rosario adjourned the meeting in memory of the 400,000 plus people that have passed away from Covid and the former employee who died in the 1960s, and in honor of Black History Month.

20 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Authorization to Appoint Ms. Allyson Cook as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Step E of the Management Pay Range MG07 in the Executive and Legislative Division, Human Resources Department (Picard/Alvarez)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors appoint Ms. Allyson Cook as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Step E of the Management Pay Range MG07 in the Executive and Legislative Division, Human Resources Department.

REVENUE/COST

The cost associated with this action is within the adopted 2021 Budget.

BACKGROUND

The Chief Human Resources Officer became vacant with the retirement of Ms. Kip Walsh in October 2020. This is a key leadership position in the Human Resources Department providing oversight to employer-employee relations, recruitment and classification, benefits administration, and training programs. An outside recruiting firm was retained to perform a search for this critical position, and several rounds of screening and technical panel interviews were conducted as well as final interviews were held with Park District executive staff, which culminated with the selection of Ms. Allyson Cook.

The recommended candidate, Ms. Allyson Cook, meets the crucial knowledge and skillset criteria for the position. Ms. Cook has a law degree and over seventeen years of labor law experience. She was a partner with Burnham Brown for 10 years providing services to public agencies and was brought into the City of Oakland’s City Attorney’s Office in 2014, and later transitioned to Oakland’s Human Resources Department where she is currently serving as the Assistant Director. Her breath of experience will indeed be an asset to the Park District.

Ms. Cook currently earns an annual compensation higher than the salary and benefits of the Park District’s Step E of the MG07 salary range, and will also have to begin participating in social

21 security which is an additional cost to the employee; as such, staff recommends this advanced step appointment, which if approved, Ms. Cook has agreed to accept. This action is above the General Manager’s authority, as a starting salary step in accordance with the Personnel Administrative Manual 6.01 (B), appointment beyond Step C must be authorized by the Board of Directors. Ms. Cook’s tentative start date with the Park District will be March 8, 2020.

ALTERNATIVES

There are no alternatives recommended.

22 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 -

February 16, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO APPOINT ALLYSON COOK AS THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER AT STEP E OF THE MANAGEMENT PAY RANGE MG07 IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District must recruit and retain a well-qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of the community served; and

WHEREAS, the Park District conducted an external process and determined that Allyson Cook is highly qualified for the position of Chief Human Resources Officer; and

WHEREAS, the General Manager recommends the Board of Directors authorize the District to appoint Ms. Cook at Step E of the management salary range MG07; and

WHEREAS, the General Manager is authorized to appoint managers up to Step C and compensation beyond Step C requires Board authorization;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorize appointing Allyson Cook to the position of Chief Human Resources Officer at Step E of the Management Salary Range MG07; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

23

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24 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Resolution of the East Bay Regional Park District Recognizing February 2021 as Black History Month (Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt a Resolution Recognizing February 2021 as Black History Month for the East Bay Regional Park District.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

February is National Black American History Month which celebrates and highlights the contributions made to our nation by African Americans. This Resolution recognizes February as Black History Month for the East Bay Regional Park District and as a time to honor and reflect upon the achievements of African Americans in the economic, spiritual, cultural and political life of this country, the East Bay community, and our park system. This Resolution also reaffirms the commitment made by the Board of Directors in Resolution No. 2020-6-132 to fight racial injustice and to promote racial equity within the Park District and within the workplace.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

25

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION OF THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2021 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of formerly enslaved parents, became an African American historian, author and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Woodson started Negro History Week in February 1926 which consisted of activities and commemorations focusing on Black History for one week which included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and

WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford encouraged Americans to observe Black History Month. In subsequent years, Presidents Carter and Reagan continued to issue Presidential Messages honoring Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, since 1996, U.S. Presidents have issued annual proclamations for Black History Month on the many accomplishments of Black people that were neglected and omitted from American History; and

WHEREAS, Black people’s narratives are integrated into the fabric of the United States and throughout the nation; and the contributions of Black American citizens, inventors, scientists, artists, athletes, inventors, educators, attorneys, military and doctors has been recognized annually during the month of February; and

WHEREAS, Black History is American History; and

WHEREAS, on June 16, 2020, by Resolution 2020-6-132, the Board of Directors denounced racism and pledged solidarity with Black People and all People of Color; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors again reaffirm the East Bay Regional Park District’s commitment to promoting racial equity and removing barriers to access in our parks and programs and in our workplace; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District celebrates together with our community and colleagues in honoring the contributions of Black People to our country, our East Bay community and park district.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District recognizes February 2021 as Black History Month.

26

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

27

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28 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Approval of Reappointments and Appointment to the Park Advisory Committee (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends the Board of Directors approve the following reappointments to the Park Advisory Committee: Roland Williams, an appointee of the Alameda County Special District Association; Rochelle Nason, an appointee of Alameda County Mayors Conference; Carlyn Obringer, an appointee of Contra Costa County Mayors Conference; Irene Dieter, an appointee of Director Ellen Corbett; Michelle Lacy, an appointee of Director Beverly Lane; Neil Tsutsui, an appointee of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors; Igor Skaredoff, an appointee of the Contra Costa Special District Association; Lynda Deschambault and Rick Rickard appointees of Director Dee Rosario; and the appointments of James Chang, an appointee of Director Elizabeth Echols; Kathleen ‘Susie’ Claxton and Dev Mahadevan appointees of Director Dennis Waespi for terms commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2022.

REVENUE/COST

There is no cost associated with this action.

BACKGROUND

Per the Park District Board Operating Guidelines, Appendix C, the twenty-one-member Park Advisory Committee (PAC) is established by and for the Board of Directors to provide citizen input into policy matters of the District. PAC members typically serve a two-year term ending December 31. Board approval would authorize the following to serve on the Park Advisory Committee for a two-year term from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022:

Roland Williams, Rochelle Nason, Carlyn Obringer, Irene Dieter, Michelle Lacy and Lynda Deschambault to serve their second two-year terms.

Neil Tsutsui and Igor Skaredoff to serve their third two-year terms.

Rick Rickard to serve his fourth two-year term.

29 James Chang is a Commissioner on the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, where he currently serves on the Budget & Personnel and the Outreach Committee. Mr. Chang has been nominated by Director Elizabeth Echols to serve his first two-year term on the Park Advisory Committee.

Kathleen ‘Susie’ Claxton is a retired Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance Manager at Stanford University. Ms. Claxton has been nominated by Director Dennis Waespi to serve her first two-year term on the Park Advisory Committee.

Dev Mahadevan is the retired Chief Executive Officer at Eden Township Healthcare District. Mr. Mahadevan has been nominated by Director Dennis Waespi to serve his first two-year term on the Park Advisory Committee.

ALTERNATIVE

No alternatives are recommended.

30 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

APPROVAL OF REAPPOINTMENTS AND APPOINTMENT TO THE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, Roland Williams, an appointee of Alameda County Special Districts Association has been nominated to serve his second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Rochelle Nason, an appointee of Alameda County Mayors Conference has been nominated to serve her second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Carlyn Obringer, an appointee of Contra Costa County Mayors Conference has been nominated to serve her second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Irene Dieter, an appointee of Director Ellen Corbett has been nominated to serve her second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Michelle Lacy, an appointee of Director Beverly Lane has been nominated to serve her second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Lynda Deschambault, an appointee of Director Dee Rosario has been nominated to serve her second two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Neil Tsutsui, an appointee of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors has been nominated to serve his second third two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Igor Skaredoff, an appointee of the Contra Costa Special District Association has been nominated to serve his third two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Rick Rickard, an appointee of Director Dee Rosario has been nominated to serve his fourth two-year term; and

WHEREAS, James Chang, an appointee of Director Elizabeth Echols has been nominated to serve his first two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Kathleen ‘Susie’ Claxton, an appointee of Director Dennis Waespi has been nominated to serve her first two-year term; and

WHEREAS, Dev Mahadevan, an appointee of Director Dennis Waespi has been nominated to serve his first two-year term; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby reappoint Roland Williams, Rochelle Nason, Carlyn Obringer, Irene Dieter, Michelle Lacy, Lynda Deschambault, Igor Skaredoff, Neil Tsutsui, Rick Ricard, James Chang, Kathleen

31 ‘Susie’ Claxton and Dev Mahadevan for terms which will begin on January 1, 2020 and expire on December 31, 2021; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

32 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Resolution to Support AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manger and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill is a partner to AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans. AB 11 requires California’s Strategic Growth Council to establish up to twelve regional climate change coordinating groups aimed at developing and working on climate adaptation for their communities by January 2023. If enacted, the District could apply to become a participant in one of the twelve regional climate adaptation planning groups.

The bill suggests regional climate change coordinating groups can engage in activities to address climate change which include, but are not limited to, any of the following: • Planning to address sea level rise and its effect on local infrastructure. • Reducing energy consumption. • Coordinating and implementing energy efficiency projects. • Increasing efficiency of water use. • Utilizing carbon sequestration opportunities. • Administering grants to local entities. • Measuring and quantifying ongoing greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

At this time, the District is participating in many of these activities through initiatives such as the San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP) which is reviewing sea level rise effects on infrastructure. The Shadow Cliff’s solar project increases use

33 by the District of clean, renewable energy. Continued acquisition and permanent protection of new District lands preserve not only habitat, but also offer carbon sequestration opportunities.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

34 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 11 (WARD D-SAN DIEGO) – REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE COORDINATING GROUPS

WHEREAS, this legislation seeks to implement Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups to develop plans for climate adaptation within communities; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District works daily to improve the region’s adaptation to climate change through projects, programs and education; and

WHERAS, the Park District would have the opportunity to participate in a Regional Climate Change Coordinating Group established by this legislation; and

WHEREAS, the Park District would benefit from expanding regional discussions around sea level rise, energy use reduction, water use efficiency, carbon sequestration and measuring and quantifying ongoing greenhouse gas reduction efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is currently participating in many of these activities through initiatives such as the San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP) which is reviewing sea level rise effects on infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, a 2016 study estimates the Park District’s forests, grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands managed by the Park District store nearly 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby supports AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Interim General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16thd day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

35

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36 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Resolution to Support AB 50 (Boerner Horvath D-Encinitas) – Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 50 (Boerner Horvath D-Encinitas) – Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would establish the Climate Adaptation Center and Regional Support Network within the Ocean Protection Council (OPC). The OPC was created pursuant to the California Ocean Protection Act (COPA), which was signed into law in 2004 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The OPC includes the Secretary of Natural Resources, State Controller, Secretary for Environmental Protection, a Member of the State Senate, a Member of the Assembly and two public members. The OPC, among other things, awards grants for projects which ensure California maintains healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coastal ecosystems – including the San Francisco Bay.

The Climate Adaptation Center would provide local governments, like the District, with the information and scientific expertise necessary to proceed with sea level rise mitigation. The services provided would include the following: • Provide technical support and information to local governments about adapting to climate change impacts, including sea level rise. • Connect practitioners undertaking adaptation work with state policy and guidance, useable scientific information and technical assistance which is accessible and applicable.

37 • Address local governments’ frequently expressed need for a point person to answer questions and provide real-world advice, guidance, expertise and examples about how to proceed with adaptation work. • Establish formal partnerships with universities in the state to provide local governments with the latest scientific information regarding impacts of climate change.

As an agency with 55 miles of protected Bay-Delta shoreline, this legislation would further support the District’s implementation of projects with the best available science.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

38

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 50 (BOERNER HORVATH D-ENCINITAS) – REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND SEA LEVEL RISE

WHEREAS, this legislation would establish the Climate Adaptation Center and Regional Support Network within the Ocean Protection Council; and

WHEREAS, this bill seeks to establish formal partnerships for local governments to address sea level rise and support projects through the best available science; and

WHEREAS, the District operates and manages 55 miles of Bay-Delta shoreline susceptible to sea level rise impacts; and

WEHREAS, this shoreline serves as the first line of defense against sea level rise to the East Bay’s inland communities, infrastructure and businesses; and

WHEREAS, a regional support network could assist in implementing the findings of the District’s San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP) which when complete will identify and rank projects to safeguard the Bay Trail, Bay restoration and protection of Bay side infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the partnerships and scientific advancements through this network would assist in the District’s implementation of additional green infrastructure shoreline projects.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 50 (Boerner Horvath D-Encinitas) – Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

39

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40 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

h. Resolution to Support AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill is a partner to AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups. AB 51 directs the Strategic Growth Council to develop criteria for the development of regional climate adaptation plans. A regional climate adaptation plan shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following: • Key regional priorities for the full range of vulnerabilities to climate change. • Regional vulnerability assessment. • Development of adaptation strategies. • Meaningful public participation and involvement in the development of the plan.

In alignment with the District’s continued climate work, key focus areas of the regional climate adaptation plans will include wildfire protection, invasive pest management, human health and impacts of sea level rise.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

41

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 51 (QUIRK D-HAYWARD) – ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL ADAPTATION PLANS

WHEREAS, this bill directs the Strategic Growth Council to develop criteria for the creation of regional climate adaptation plans; and

WHEREAS, in recent years the District has severely experienced impacts of a changing climate on its lands including drought, flooding, wildfire, sea level rise and high use during a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the District understands the need for a collaborative approach when adapting to climate change; and

WHEREAS, as a two-county agency, serving 33 cities and additional unincorporated areas, the District would benefit from coordinated planning to climate adaptation; and

WHEREAS, a regional climate adaptation plan shall include, but not be limited to, key regional priorities for the full range of vulnerabilities to climate change.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

42 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

i. Resolution to Support AB 52 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) –Account for Wildfire Emissions in Greenhouse Gas Fund Allocations (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manger and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 52 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Account for Wildfire Emissions in Greenhouse Gas Fund Allocations.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) established the state’s cap-and-trade market for greenhouse gas emissions. Revenue raised by the sale of credits is placed in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and allocated annually by formula. The formula continuously appropriates 35% of the annual proceeds of the fund for transit, affordable housing and sustainable communities programs. Another 25% of the annual proceeds are allocated to high-speed rail. The remaining formula is determined by the legislature. The 2006 legislation requires a re- examination of 40% of the formula every five years through a cross-departmental scoping plan process. This bill would ensure the emissions of greenhouse gases and black carbon from wildfires are accounted for in the scoping plan. It would also express the intent of the Legislature to appropriate an amount from the GGRF for wildfire mitigation and prevention.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

43

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 52 (FRAZIER D-DISCOVERY BAY) – ACCOUNT FOR WILDFIRE EMISSIONS IN GREENHOUSE GAS FUND ALLOCATIONS

WHEREAS, this bill would ensure the emissions of greenhouse gases and black carbon from wildfires are accounted for in the scoping plan of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF); and

WHEREAS, this bill would establish funding from the GGRF program be invested in wildfire mitigation and protection; and

WHEREAS, the Park District invests nearly $3 million annually to implement its Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan to proactively mitigate against wildfires; and

WHEREAS, the Park District provides for wildland fire protection in the East Bay and the greater State of California; and

WHEREAS, funding established through this legislation would benefit the Park District through investment in vegetation management and increased statewide efforts to protect against wildfire.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 52 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Account for Wildfire Emissions in Greenhouse Gas Fund Allocations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

44 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

j. Resolution to Support AB 67 (Petrie-Norris D-Laguna Beach) – Sea Level Rise Adaptation Economic Analysis (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 67 (Petrie-Norris D-Laguna Beach) – Sea Level Rise Adaptation Economic Analysis.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would require state agencies to take into account the current and future impacts of sea level rise when planning, designing, building, operating, maintaining and investing in infrastructure located in the coastal zone or otherwise vulnerable to flooding from sea level rise or storm surges. Examples would include airports, rail lines, streets and highways, pipelines, wastewater treatment plants, schools, hospitals and other facilities.

The bill establishes a multiagency working group to recommend policies, resolutions, projects and other actions to address sea level rise. The working group would consist of the following: The Executive Director of the Ocean Protection Council, who would serve as the chair. • One or more representatives from the Office of Planning and Research. • One or more representatives from the Strategic Growth Council. • One or more representatives from the California Coastal Commission. • One or more representatives from the State Coastal Conservancy. • One or more representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board. • One person, appointed by the Governor, from an academic institution who has expertise in climate change projections and impacts across California.

The working group would establish a standardized methodology and template for economic analysis of projects in areas of risk. They would develop a site-specific resilience plan and identify

45 actions to project infrastructure. These plans would be included in the Strategic Growth Council’s review of infrastructure every five years.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

46

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 67 (PETRIE-NORRIS D-LAGUNA BEACH) – SEA LEVEL RISE ADAPTATION ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

WHEREAS, this legislation would establish a multiagency working group to address the current and future impacts of sea level rise on inland infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District owns and operates 55 miles of Bay-Delta shoreline; and

WHEREAS, these shoreline parks consist of 11,715.46 acres of protected green infrastructure serving as the first line of defense for inland communities; and

WHEREAS, science has established significant sea level rise over the next 50 years in the ; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is undergoing an assessment to understand where vulnerabilities along the East Bay shoreline exist and what nature-based adaptation is necessary; and

WHEREAS, the analysis of economic impacts across the state from sea level rise would benefit this work.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 67 (Petrie-Norris D-Laguna Beach) – Sea Level Rise Adaptation Economic Analysis; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

47

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48 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

k. Resolution to Support H.R. 159 (Sires D-NJ) – Investments in Parks (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 159 (Sires D-NJ) – Investments in Parks.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ) is introducing legislation directing the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support communities investing in parks. The program would enable communities to better leverage resources to address health, economic development and conservation concerns. It would specifically target investing in parks, recreational areas, facilities and programs.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

49

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 -

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 159 (SIRES D-NJ) – INVESTMENTS IN PARKS

WHEREAS, this legislation would direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support communities investing in parks; and

WHEREAS, this program would encourage equity and opportunity by connecting investments in parks with healthful economic development; and

WHEREAS, this legislation acknowledges the connection between access to parks and human health; and

WHEREAS, this bill would specifically target investments in parks, recreation areas, community facilities and programs; and

WHEREAS, the District could qualify for grants through this program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 159 (Sires D-NJ) – Investments in Parks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

50 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

L. Resolution to Support SB 1 (Atkins D- San Diego) – California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Planning (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB I (Atkins D-San Diego) – California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Planning.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would enact a comprehensive sea level rise program in state government. It directs the California Coastal Commission to take into account sea level rise in its planning, policies and activities. It establishes a new California Sea Level Rise State and Regional Support Collaborative, similar to AB 50, overseen by the Secretaries of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection agencies. It also establishes funding for local governments and communities to plan for and mitigate sea level rise. The funding would be no more than $100 million annually to update local and regional land use plans to account for sea level rise. Funds can be used for investments directly related to implementing local and regional plans.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

51

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 1 (ATKINS D- SAN DIEGO) – CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION SEA LEVEL RISE PLANNING

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District manages 55 miles of Bay-Delta shoreline; and

WHEREAS, accounting for sea-level rise allows a project to be planned and designed for better adaptation; and

WHEREAS, this legislation establishes funding for local and regional land use plans to be updated with sea level rise taken into account; and

WHEREAS, the Park District would have opportunities to take part in and benefit from the updated plans.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 1 (Atkins D- San Diego) – California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Planning; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

52 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

m. Resolution to Support SB 27 (Skinner D-Berkeley) – California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB 27 (Skinner D-Berkeley) – California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would require the Natural Resources Agency, in coordination with the California Environmental Protection Agency, to establish carbon sequestration goals for natural and working lands. This bill would require the office maintain a registry called the California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry. The Registry is for projects seeking funding from state agencies or private entities. The bill would require a process for listing projects on the registry. The bill would also require the office to establish a mechanism for removing projects from the registry once funded and for tracking the outcomes of those projects. Projects will be aligned with the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The District could choose to apply to have future projects listed on the registry.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

53

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 27 (SKINNER D-BERKELEY) – CALIFORNIA CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY PROJECT REGISTRY

WHEREAS, the California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry seeks to establish carbon sequestration goals for natural and working lands across the state; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District plays a vital role in this effort – a 2016 study estimates the forests, grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands managed by the Park District store nearly 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to taking 60,000 vehicles off the roads each year; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District’s 2013 Master Plan states the District will monitor the effects of climate change on its resources and utilize adaptive management techniques to adjust and prioritize stewardship methods to preserve natural, cultural and scenic values of parks and trails; and

WHEREAS, the District’s natural lands sequester carbon, and future adaptive projects similar to the Bay Point Wetlands and Albany Beach restoration projects could be eligible for state and private funding; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would establish a registry for projects seeking funding from state agencies or private entities that increase carbon sequestration; and

WHEREAS, District projects can take part in this effort for funding and tracking of greenhouse gas emission reduction goal productivity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 27 (Skinner D-Berkeley) – California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 54 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

n. Resolution to Support SB 45 (Portantino D-La Canada Flintridge) – Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB 45 (Portantino D-La Canada Flintridge) – Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

The District supported SB 45, the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2020 last session. The 2022 Bond Act is $5.51 billion with the following allocations: Chapter 2 – $2.2 billion for wildfire, drought or other natural disaster prevention a in light of climate change impacts. Chapter 3 – $1.47 billion for providing safe drinking water, protecting water supply and water quality. Chapter 4 – $620 million for protecting fish and wildlife. Chapter 5 – $190 million for protecting agricultural land. Chapter 6 – $970 million for protecting coastal lands, oceans, bays, waters, natural resources and wildlife. Chapter 7 – $60 million for climate resilience, workforce development and education.

The District has identified a number of subcategories within the proposed bond which would be beneficial. Including: Chapter 2: • $175 million to the Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, for a pre-hazard mitigation grant program. • $280 million to the Natural Resources Agency aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire spreading into populated areas from wildlands, and to improve forest health and fire resiliency.

55 • $300 million to the Natural Resources Agency for the implementation of the Regional Fire and Forest Capacity Program to fund coordinated and integrated regional approaches to the restoration of watersheds, reduction in the conditions which lead to catastrophic wildfire and the protection of natural resources throughout California. • $50 million for State Parks to reduce the risks of flooding and sea level rise. Chapter 3: • $250 million to the Natural Resources Agency for the protection and restoration of rivers, lakes and streams to improve climate resilience, water supplies, water quality and other benefits. • $240 million to the Natural Resources Agency for the protection and restoration of urban streams and river parkways to improve climate resilience, water supplies, water quality and other benefits. • $50 million for multi-benefit flood management projects in urban coastal watersheds. Chapter 4: • $600 million to the Wildlife Conservation Board for the protection of California’s fish and wildlife resources, as well as for restoration and stewardship projects. Chapter 6: • $100 million to the State Coastal Conservancy for projects consistent with the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority Act. • $700 million for projects identified by the State Coastal Conservancy. Chapter 7: • $30 million for the California Conservation Corps. • $5 million to California Community Colleges for wildfire management training.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

56

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 45 (PORTANTINO D-LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE) – WILDFIRE PREVENTION, SAFE DRINKING WATER, DROUGHT PREPARATION AND FLOOD PROTECTION BOND

WHEREAS, the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022 takes a fairly comprehensive look at the inter-relation between jobs, public health, climate change, reducing wildfire risk and mitigating climate impacts on urban areas; and

WHEREAS, climate change and dramatic weather conditions will continue to grow; and

WHEREAS, CAL FIRE reports the recent years of wildfire have been the deadliest and most destructive in California history; and

WHEREAS, the Park District’s Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (WHRRMP) has enabled the Park District to significantly reduce hazardous wildland vegetation and the potential for a catastrophic fire event; and

WHEREAS, the District has also developed innovative, adaptive restoration strategies – such as the Dotson Family Marsh project in Richmond which employed 431 construction workers and consultants, and the Bay Point restoration project near Pittsburg which employed nearly 200 contract workers; and

WHEREAS, fire protection and adaptation strategies are increasingly costly, and they benefit communities and infrastructure far beyond the District’s property; and

WHEREAS, the District and State could benefit by a statewide bond measure addressing the role of natural resources in creating jobs while adapting and mitigating to a changing climate.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 45 (Portantino D-La Canada Flintridge) – Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 57

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58 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D.. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

o. Resolution to Support SB 63 (Stern D-Los Angeles) – Defensible Space Standards (Pfuehler/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB 63 (Stern D-Los Angeles) – Defensible Space Standards.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would strengthen California’s defensible space laws which currently require a person who owns, leases, controls, operates or maintains an occupied dwelling or structure in a very high fire hazard severity zone to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet. Senator Stern’s bill would require a person described above to use more intense fuel reductions between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and to create a five-foot “ember-resistant zone” around homes in high fire risk areas. During wildfires, most homes are destroyed by embers which can travel miles ahead of the flames and ignite flammable objects on or near a home. The bill directs the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Director of Housing and Community Development, to update building standards aimed at reducing fire risk. The bill establishes a local assistance grant program for fire prevention and home hardening education. Grants can also be used for vegetation management along roadways and emergency equipment. The District would be eligible to apply for these grants.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

59

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 63 (STERN D-LOS ANGELES) – DEFENSIBLE SPACE STANDARDS

WHEREAS, this bill would strengthen California’s defensible space laws and establish assistance for home hardening and vegetation management; and

WHEREAS, the year-round fire season is now the “new normal” in California, and the Park District must work with East Bay Area residents to protect against potential wildfire; and

WHEREAS, during wildfires, most homes are destroyed by embers which can travel miles ahead of the flames and ignite flammable objects on or near a home; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Hills have a long history of devastating wildfires, most occurring in the dry autumn months; and

WHEREAS, examples of such fires include a wildfire in September, 1923 in Berkeley destroyed 640 homes and other structures, and in October, 1991 a fast-moving wildfire killed 25 people, injured 150, and damaged more than 3,000 homes in Oakland and Berkeley; and

WHEREAS, the Park District and its communities must prepare for and mitigate against potential high risk wildfires through facility hardening and vegetation management; and

WHEREAS, the Park District could be eligible for the established grant program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 63 (Stern D-Los Angeles) – Defensible Space Standards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

60 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

p. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Restoration Design Group for Consulting Services for the Remove Crossing at Brook Road Project: Tilden Regional Park (Goorjian/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize executing a contract with Restoration Design Group of Berkeley, California for design services for improving Wildcat Creek habitat and public access at Brook Road in Tilden Regional Park in the amount of $250,000.

REVENUE/COST

This action will execute a professional services contract with Restoration Design Group for $250,000 for design services. The total cost to permit and construct this project is to be determined and will require additional funding. Funds for this action are currently available in the Remove Crossing at Brook Road (No. 158400).

SOURCE OF FUNDS Remove Crossing at Brook Road Project (No. 158400) $ 275,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (324) AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 274,676

USE OF FUNDS Contract with Restoration Design Group for Consulting Services $ 250,000 Other Project Costs (professional services and administration) 24,676 REMAINING BALANCE $ 0

BACKGROUND

Once constructed, this project will restore a portion of Wildcat Creek and provide public access improvements at the Brook Road Staging Area in Tilden Regional Park.

61 The site is located at the terminus of Brook Road in Tilden Regional Park, south of the Merry Go Round. Visitors must currently travel across an at-grade concrete ford across Wildcat Creek to access Wildcat Gorge and Curran Trails. The concrete ford is a barrier to migration for resident Rainbow Trout, and floods seasonally limiting trail use. This project will provide design and engineering services to replace the concrete ford with a free span bridge that will not restrict the creek flow or fish passage, restore a portion of the creek corridor and provide a year-round trail creek crossing that is not subject to seasonal flooding. This project will also make modifications to the parking lot for accessible parking stalls and storm water treatment. Finally, this project is identified in the 2021 District Project and Program Budget.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services was developed and advertised on November 20, 2020. Staff received six proposals from the following firms: Balance Hydrologics, Cal Engineering and Geology Inc., CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc., Questa Engineering Corporation, Restoration Design Group, and Siegfried. Restoration Design Group of Berkeley, California was selected based on their understanding of the scope of work, their proposed methodology to deliver the project, the qualifications of their project team, and the firm’s experience working on similar projects.

The consultant’s base scope of services includes preliminary investigations, design development including a design basis memorandum and subsequent construction document packages, environmental permitting assistance, and construction bid support.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

62 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH RESTORATION DESIGN GROUP FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE REMOVE CROSSING AT BROOK ROAD PROJECT: TILDEN REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has identified this project in the 2021 Project and Program Budget to improve public access and to make resource protection improvements; and

WHEREAS, the site is located at the terminus of Brook Road in Tilden Regional Park, and visitors must currently travel across an at-grade concrete ford across Wildcat Creek to access Wildcat Gorge and Curran Trails; and

WHEREAS, the concrete ford is a barrier to migration for resident Rainbow Trout, and floods seasonally limiting trail use; and

WHEREAS, this project will provide design and engineering services to replace the concrete ford with a free span bridge that will not restrict the creek flow or fish passage, restore a portion of the creek corridor and provide a year-round trail creek crossing that is not subject to seasonal flooding; and

WHEREAS, this project will also make modifications to the parking lot for accessible parking stalls and storm water treatment; and

WHEREAS, the Park District advertised a Request for Proposals for professional design and engineering services for preliminary investigations, design development including a design basis memorandum and subsequent construction document packages, environmental permitting assistance, and construction bid support; and

WHEREAS, the Park District received proposals from six firms; and

WHEREAS, after evaluating the firms, the Park District determined Restoration Design Group to be the highest ranked firm, and has successfully negotiated contract terms and conditions including a fee not to exceed $250,000; and

WHEREAS, there are funds currently available in the Remove Crossing at Brook Road Project (No. 158400);

63 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes executing a contract for consulting services Restoration Design Group of Berkeley, California in the amount of $250,000 for professional design and engineering services for the Remove Crossing at Brook Road Project (No. 158400); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director and approved the 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

64 Tilden Regional Park

Replace Crossing at Brook Road & Restore Wildcat Creek Feet [ 0 100 200

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66

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

q. Authorization to Award Contract to Consolidated Engineering Inc. for Bay Water Trail Access Improvements: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Rasmussen/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors award a construction contract to Consolidated Engineering, Inc., Valley Springs, CA to construct the Bay Water Trail Access Improvements at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in the amount of $369,750.00.

REVENUE/COST

This action will award a construction contract in the amount of $369,750.00 from the following project budget.

SOURCE OF FUNDS Improve Water Trail Access (#527500) $500,000 San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Program Grant 120,000 Expenditures and Encumbrances to Date (142,449) AVAILABLE $477,551

USE OF FUNDS Award to Consolidated Engineering, Inc. $369,750 REMAINING (contingency, construction management, etc.) $107,801

The scope of the project is to improve access to San Francisco Bay by constructing an ADA accessible path for launching non-motorized watercraft near the Point Pinole Pier and existing overnight group camp.

BACKGROUND

Development of the San Francisco Bay Trail is a key initiative for the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District). In January 2016, the Board directed staff to complete an assessment of

67

the Park District’s Bay Water Trail sites. In October 2016, the report was complete. The report evaluated 24 potential sites and recommended 20 Bay Water Trail sites throughout the Park District for development. On February 1, 2018, staff presented an update to the Board Executive Committee. At the meeting committee members expressed interest in developing the Bay Water Trail site at Point Pinole and making it more accessible to the public.

The Board of Directors awarded a contract on September 4, 2018 to CLE/Foth Engineering Inc. for $142,000 to permit and prepare 100% design documents.

The Notice to Bidders was published on October 1, 2020 to the Park District’s online plan room and posted to the Dodge Data Construction Plan Room. Eighteen firms purchased Bid Documents and eleven firms submitted bids on November 5, 2020 as follows:

Plan Holder Base Bid Consolidated Engineering, Inc. $369,750.00 NBC Construction & Engineering, Inc. $387,788.00 Silao General Engineering, Inc. $394,000.00 F. Loduca Co. $420,205.00 W. R. Forde Associates, Inc. $427,000.00 Bay Construction Co. $444,000.00 EE Gilbert Construction $450,706.00 Kerex Engineering Inc. $460,000.00 Era Construction Inc. $494,000.00 Beliveau Engineering Contractors, Inc. $507,800.00 Maloney Construction, Inc. $515,101.00

The bid submitted by Consolidated Engineering, Inc. of Valley Springs, CA met the specifications and conditions for the project; therefore, Consolidated Engineering, Inc. of Valley Springs, CA is the lowest responsible bidder.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

68

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 –

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT TO CONSOLIDATED ENGINEERING INC. FOR BAY WATER TRAIL ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS: POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE

WHEREAS, development of the San Francisco Bay Trail is a key initiative for the East Bay Regional Park District and on February 1, 2018, the Board Executive Committee expressed interest in developing the Bay Water Trail site at Point Pinole and making it more accessible to the public; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors awarded a contract on September 4, 2018 to CLE/Foth Engineering Inc. to permit and prepare 100% design documents for an ADA accessible ramp to the Bay shore; and

WHEREAS, the Notice to Bidders was published on October 1, 2020 to the Park District’s online plan room and posted to the Dodge Data Construction Plan Room. Eighteen firms purchased Bid Documents and eleven firms submitted bids on November 5, 2020 as follows:

Plan Holder Base Bid Consolidated Engineering, Inc. $369,750.00 NBC Construction & Engineering, Inc. $387,788.00 Silao General Engineering, Inc. $394,000.00 F. Loduca Co. $420,205.00 W. R. Forde Associates, Inc. $427,000.00 Bay Construction Co. $444,000.00 EE Gilbert Construction $450,706.00 Kerex Engineering Inc. $460,000.00 Era Construction Inc. $494,000.00 Beliveau Engineering Contractors, Inc. $507,800.00 Maloney Construction, Inc. $515,101.00

WHEREAS, the bid submitted by Consolidated Engineering, Inc. of Valley Springs, CA met the specifications and conditions for the project; therefore, Consolidated Engineering, Inc. of Valley Springs, CA is the lowest responsible bidder;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorizes awarding a $369,750.00 construction contract to Consolidated Engineering, Inc., Valley Springs, CA for the Bay Water Trail Access Improvements project at Point Pinole.

69

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

70 Point Pinole, Bay Water Trail Access

Printed: January 25, 2021 1:18,056

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East Bay Regional P ark District. Site managed by GIS Services. [ 71

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72 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

r. Authorization to Purchase Cisco Phones from AMS.Net for District-wide Information Technology Infrastructure Replacements (Tallerico/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the purchase of Cisco phones from AMS.Net for replacement and authorize the expenditure of up to $56,252 for the purchase of 254 Cisco telephones.

REVENUE/COST

The purchase cost is $56,252 for the equipment. Budgeted funds are available in Project Account # 336-4150-000-7549/550200-009 in the amount of $56,252 for this purpose.

BACKGROUND

The Park District replaced 50% of the existing phone handsets that were deemed end of life in 2020. This purchase will replace the remaining 254 phone handsets that were slated for end of life in 2020. The life expectancy of the new phone handsets is estimated to be 8 to 10 years.

These purchases are made under the Merced County Focus Contract, Contract No. 2015109; this eliminates the State law requirement to bid for equipment purchases. Although bidding is not required, Board authorization is necessary since the purchase amount exceeds $50,000.

ALTERNATIVES:

The Board could choose not to proceed with the purchase, but this is not recommended due to the age of the current equipment.

73 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021-02-

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE CISCO PHONES FROM AMS.NET FOR DISTRICT-WIDE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENTS

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is a public agency operating in the State of California, and thereby bears the responsibility to conduct Park District business professionally and efficiently; and

WHEREAS, newer technology and the age of equipment make necessary the replacement of the Park District’s Cisco 7940 phones; and

WHEREAS, Cisco phones are available from AMS.Net which provides this equipment under the Merced County Focus Contract, Contract No. 2015109; thereby eliminating the need and expense of bidding for this equipment purchase,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorize the purchase of Cisco phones from AMS.Net for a total cost not to exceed $56,252 from Project Account # 336-4150-000-7549/550200-009; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

74 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

s. Authorization to Purchase Replacement Computers from Dell Computer Corporation (Tallerico/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the annual purchase of replacement desktop and laptop computers from Dell Computer Corporation (Dell) not to exceed the available budget in the Information Systems Department for this purpose.

REVENUE/COST

These funds are budgeted and available in the 2021 Information Services Equipment Account No. 101-4150-000-5372. This action would authorize an encumbrance of these funds not to exceed the remaining Information Systems budget amount of $190,230.

During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a greater need for additional computer equipment, especially laptops with cameras and microphones that can easily be moved from one location to another. Therefore, this action authorizes the encumbrance to be increased beyond the baseline amount in the Information Services budget, as long as a budget transfers for required equipment is provided from the requesting departments, for this purpose.

BACKGROUND

Each year, approximately 200 of the Park District computer fleet is replaced as the warranties expire and the equipment becomes obsolete. Staff plans to replace approximately 200 desktop and laptop computers in the District. The replacement allows the District to stagger the delivery of equipment, take advantage of extended warranty periods, and reduce the warehousing of equipment.

The Park District uses Dell computers as the standard for desktop and laptop use. These purchases are made under the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) Contract No. B27160 pricing; this complies with the State law requirement to bid for equipment purchases. Although bidding is not required, Board authorization is necessary since the total purchase amount exceeds $50,000.

75 ALTERNATIVES

Should the Board not approve this purchase, the older computers in the District’s inventory would not be replaced in 2021. This action is not recommended.

76 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 002 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT COMPUTERS FROM DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District utilizes desktop and laptop computers to support Park District business and activities; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has standardized purchases equipment from one vendor, Dell Computer Corporation (Dell), to minimize equipment, training and service conflicts; and

WHEREAS, purchases from Dell qualify for Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) pricing which satisfies State law requiring bidding for equipment purchases; and

WHEREAS, staff plans to purchase desktop and laptop computers at the cost not to exceed the current 2020 budget balance of $190,230 as part of its annual desktop replacement program; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a greater need for additional computer equipment, especially laptops-equipment with cameras and microphones that can easily be moved from one location to another; therefore, this action also authorizes additional encumbrances for requests and budget transfers for required equipment from other departments, for this purpose.

WHEREAS, all purchases in excess of $50,000 require approval by the Board of Directors;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the purchase of desktop and laptop computers from Dell Computer Corporation not to exceed the current budget amount of $190,230 plus budget transfers from other departments, to be funded from the Information Services Equipment Account No.101-4150-000-5372; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

77

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78 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

t. Authorization to Purchase One Brush Bandit Chipper from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the purchase of one Brush Bandit chipper from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. of Livermore, California at a total cost of $53,746 as an addition to the fleet.

REVENUE/COST

For the purpose of purchasing additional fleet equipment, funds have been allocated in the Park District’s 2021 Budget: Contra Costa Trails Account 101-5171-651-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000).

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE: Base Price $ 49,650 Sales Tax 4,096 Proposed Encumbrance $ 53,746

BACKGROUND

This new diesel powered 12” capacity Brush Bandit chipper will replace a gasoline powered 9” capacity chipper assigned to Contra Costa Trails. It will be used to maintain park areas as a result of the Park District’s adopted policy to phase-out the use of glyphosate. The larger capacity chipper will allow staff to process trees more efficiently along the 84 miles of managed trail system. In the short term, it will result in greater efficiency due to the increased size and horsepower. The long-term results will be a larger quantity of vegetation that will be pruned and processed on an annual basis to create safer sightlines and improved edge buffers on trails. The chipper’s winch will also allow staff to handle the materials more efficiently by assisting in the feeding of the material and therefore reducing the risk of injury.

79 This new Brush Bandit chipper is diesel powered and will be refueled using non-petroleum based Renewable Diesel (RD-99).

This Brush Bandit chipper is available for purchase directly from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. of Livermore, California, by means of Sourcewell Contract # 062117-BAN. The contract pricing is the result of a competitive bid process and open to all federal, state and local governmental entities. Public agencies electing to use this method of equipment acquisition avoid the administrative costs of seeking formal bids.

ALTERNATIVES

For this purchase, staff has determined that there is no significant advantage in formally seeking other bids; therefore, none are recommended.

80

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE BRUSH BANDIT CHIPPER FROM CAL-LINE EQUIPMENT INC. AS AN ADDITION TO THE FLEET

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has included funding in its proposed 2021 Budget for the purchase of new equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has adopted a policy to Phase-Out Glyphosate Use for the Maintenance of Developed Park Areas; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to purchase one Brush Bandit chipper as an addition to the fleet assigned to Contra Costa Trails; and

WHEREAS, Cal-Line Equipment Inc. of Livermore, California is a recognized vendor offering suitable equipment based on the results of competitively bid pricing through Sourcewell Contract # 062117-BAN.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the purchase of one Brush Bandit chipper from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. of Livermore, California for a total cost of $53,746, with said sum to be encumbered from the 2021 Budget, Contra Costa Trails Account 101-5171-651-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

81

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82 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

u. Authorization to Purchase One Compact Track Loader from Peterson CAT as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the purchase of one Compact Track Loader from Peterson CAT of Pasadena, California at a total cost of $98,098 as an addition to the fleet.

REVENUE/COST

For the purpose of purchasing additional fleet equipment, funds have been allocated in the Park District’s 2021 Budget, Concord Hills Account 101-5171-103-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000).

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE: Base Price $ 90,621.00 Sales Tax 7,477.00 Proposed Encumbrance $ 98,098.00

BACKGROUND

This new Compact Track Loader will be an addition to the fleet assigned to Concord Hills Regional Park. It is being purchased as a result of the Park District’s adopted policy to phase-out the use of glyphosate and will be used to maintain the land banked property for fuels reduction and potential fire hazards on steep grade areas throughout the park.

This new Compact Track Loader is available for purchase directly from Peterson CAT by means of Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Contract #032119-DAC. The contract pricing is the result of a competitive bid process and open to all federal, state and local governmental entities. Public agencies electing to use this method of equipment acquisition avoid the administrative costs of seeking formal bids.

83

ALTERNATIVES

For this purchase, staff has determined that there is no significant advantage in formally seeking other bids; therefore, none are recommended.

84

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE COMPACT TRACK LOADER FROM PETERSON CAT AS AN ADDITION TO THE FLEET

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has included funding in its proposed 2021 Budget for the purchase of new equipment; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to purchase one compact track loader as an addition to the fleet assigned to Concord Hills Regional Park; and

WHEREAS, Peterson CAT of Pasadena, California is a recognized vendor offering suitable equipment based on the results of competitively bid pricing through Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Contract #032119-DAC;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the purchase of one compact track loader from Peterson CAT of Pasadena, California for a total cost of $98,098, with said sum to be encumbered from the 2021 Budget, Concord Hills Account 101-5171-103-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

85

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86 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

v. Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access: Coyote Hills Regional Park (Hornbeck/Barton/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize a grant application to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for grant funds under Proposition 1 for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access at Coyote Hills Regional Park.

REVENUE/COST

This action proposes submission of a grant application of approximately $1,000,000. Once completed, this project will increase the ongoing operational cost of the Park District. Grant funds would be budgeted in existing Project No. 154800 (Improve Access and Habitat).

BACKGROUND

CDFW has announced funding opportunities for multi-benefit ecosystem restoration and protection projects under Proposition 1 - Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014.

The Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project will improve 306 acres between the existing eastern park boundary and Paseo Padre Parkway for habitat restoration, public access and urban agriculture. The restoration includes oak savanna and grassland, riparian forest and seasonal wetlands. Actions include wetland, riparian canopy, and wet meadow expansion and enhancement, vegetation management to reduce invasive species, planting of native grasses and forbs, and mowing to increase foraging habitat.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

87

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE FOR THE COYOTE HILLS RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECT: COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is seeking funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Proposition 1; and

WHEREAS, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been delegated the responsibility of project administration; and

WHEREAS, Park District procedures require Board Approval for all grant applications; and

WHEREAS, said application contains assurances and certifications that the applicant must comply with in order to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby:

1. Approves the filing of an application with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife up to the maximum amount allowed under the program; and

2. Certifies that Grantee understands the assurances and certification in the application form; and

3. Certifies that Grantee has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project; and

4. Authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO, on behalf of the District and in its name, to accept grant funds and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO or Budget Manager is hereby authorized to amend the current year’s budget, without further Board action, upon receipt of the executed contract from the Grants Manager. The budget amendment will include an increase in budgeted revenue and a corresponding increase in appropriation for the amount stipulated in the contract.

88

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

89

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90 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

w. Authorization to Apply to the California Office of Emergency Services for Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Hazardous Fuels Management: Tilden and Claremont Canyon Regional Parks (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an application to the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the East Bay Regional Park District’s (Park District) hazardous fuels removal projects in Tilden Regional Park and Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve.

REVENUE/COST

This action would authorize a grant application for approximately $3,200,000 for hazardous fuels management in the East Bay Hills.

A 25% match is required for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Staff will return to the Board for appropriation of matching funds from Measure FF designated for these purposes and other Park District funds. These hazardous fuels management projects would increase future operational costs of the Park District related to annual maintenance.

BACKGROUND

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was authorized by §203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act (Stafford Act), 42 USC. Funding for the program is provided to assist States and local governments in implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive mitigation program. The overall mission is to protect lives and prevent the loss of property from natural hazards.

In August 2020, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) announced a new funding opportunity available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) as a

91 result of a declared disaster for the August-September California Wildfires (DR-4558 and DR- 4569). The Park District submitted a Notice of Interest (NOI) for each declared disaster by the November 20, 2020 and December 30, 2020 respective deadlines. Cal OES has notified the Park District the project is eligible and the Park District has been invited to submit complete applications by early March and early May.

Grant funds would be used to complete additional work in Tilden Regional Park and Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve in accordance with the Park District’s Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

92 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 02-

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY TO THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR FUNDS FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING AND HAZARDOUS FUELS MANAGEMENT: TILDEN AND CLAREMONT CANYON REGIONAL PARKS

WHEREAS, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was authorized by §203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act (Stafford Act), 42 USC; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delegated responsibility for administration and setting up necessary procedures to the California Office of Emergency Services (OES); and

WHEREAS, the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan is a guiding tool for which fuels management approaches should be used throughout the east bay parks; and

WHEREAS, the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan describes fuels management projects to be completed in Tilden Regional Park and Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is seeking funding to complete fuels management projects; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby:

1. Authorizes an application seeking grant funds for the Park District’s hazardous fuels management projects in the East Bay Hills; and

2. If awarded an HMGP grant, staff will return to the Board of Directors to seek appropriation of funds from Measure FF designated for these purposes and other Park District funds for the required 25% match; and

3. Appoints the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO as the authorized agent of the East Bay Regional Park District; and

4. Authorizes the General Manager or the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, as the agent, to execute for and on behalf of the East Bay Regional Park District, a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, this application and to file it in the Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of obtaining certain federal financial assistance under P.L. 93-288 as amended by the Robert

93 T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988, and/or state financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act; and

5. East Bay Regional Park District a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, hereby authorizes its agent to provide to the State Office of Emergency Services for all matters pertaining to such state disaster assistance the assurances and agreements required; and

6. Authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to accept grant funds and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO or Budget Manager is hereby authorized to amend the current year’s budget, without further Board action, upon receipt of the executed contract from the Grants Manager. The budget amendment will include an increase in budgeted revenue and a corresponding increase in appropriation for the amount stipulated in the contract.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

94 EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

a. Amendment to the East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule to Address the Findings and Implement Staff Recommendations as a Result of the Classification and Compensation Studies for Unrepresented Management Classifications and Classifications with a Confidential Designation, Including Eliminating the Top Merit Step (Auker/Alvarez/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt a resolution amending the Park District’s Salary Schedule that designates job classifications and the compensation structure for employment at the East Bay Regional Park District, including implementing title changes to job classifications and restructuring of its compensation structure, effective February 27, 2021, as noted below (Attachment I and II):

1. Job classification title changes as recommended by the Classification and Compensation Studies completed by Ralph Anderson and Associates for unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups (Attachment III).

2. Restructuring the MG00 range, currently assigned to the Human Resources Analyst, from 2.5% to 5% variance between steps to be consistent with the salary range structure for the unrepresented Management Employee Group.

3. Elimination of the top merit step, “I” Step from the salary range structure for unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups and direct the General Manager to review the merit compensation policy for unrepresented employees.

REVENUE/COST

The elimination of the top merit step from the salary range for unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups will result in eventual cost avoidance to the General Fund;

95 however, it is difficult to estimate as this is discretionary based on meritorious performance and meeting years of service criteria, per Human Resources Merit Step Policy.

There is an annual cost of approximately $17,000 related to an adjustment to the MG00 salary range to be consistent with all other management classifications. The cost of this change can be absorbed within the Adopted 2021 Budget. There is no new cost associated with renaming of job classifications.

BACKGROUND

On October 3, 2017 the Board of Directors authorized a contract with Ralph Andersen & Associates (Consultant), a human resources consulting firm, to embark on a classification and compensation study (Study) to review and update all Park District job classification specifications and evaluate internal compensation relationships within divisions, across the agency and between represented employee groups and unrepresented employee groups. The Study included a compensation survey of sixteen comparable public sector agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area. The agencies surveyed included two park districts, seven counties, six cities, and one enterprise district. These agencies were developed in consultation with Park District stakeholders, including the Board of Directors.

Based on the identified needs of the Park District, the Study was designed to achieve the following objectives: • Update the Park District’s classification plan based on current employee job duties. • Select comparable employers to facilitate a custom market survey. • Collect and analyze salary and benefit data to understand market compensation trends. • Analyze the market data and document comparisons with the Park District’s compensation plan. • Conduct an analysis of internal salary relationships including vertical (compaction) and horizontal pay relationships among similar job classifications. • Develop compensation recommendations based on the survey results and internal analysis.

On December 1, 2020 the Board of Directors received and accepted the final Classification and Compensation Study Reports for all Park District Employee Groups.

Study Findings The Consultant conducted an assessment of job classifications for unrepresented management employees (Management) and employees with a confidential designation (Confidentials). The assessment process was implemented in the same manner as with all other employee groups; it included job analysis questionnaires and interviews with employees and their respective supervisors and managers. Based on feedback from employees and managers, the proposed classification plan introduces four (4) new job classifications and incorporates fifteen (15) classification title changes for the Unrepresented Management Employee Group; and incorporates two (2) classification title changes for the Unrepresented Employees with a Confidential designation.

96 Also, based upon the review of job classifications, market data and internal alignment, the Consultant provided findings and recommendations for each employee group. The Study findings show the Management group job classifications were on average 4.9% below market median and the Confidentials group job classifications were on average 9.3% above market median.

The Park District’s Management and Confidentials job classifications are currently assigned to one of nine steps, Steps A through I as shown below in Figure 1. For purposes of comparing the salary ranges for the Unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups to the labor market agencies, Step F was used as the point of comparison as this represents the maximum value of the job classification excluding merit or performance-based pay. The use of this step is consistent with the survey methodology used for all other Park District employee groups.

Figure 1 Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E Step F Step G Step H Step I Start 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years Merit Merit Merit

For Managers, the range structure provides five annual 5% step increases over five years with three additional merit steps that are available based on further time and performance in the position. Only 18% of current management employees are compensated at these merit step levels with no employees at Step I. The Study findings concluded that most of the market survey agencies use a pay structure with fewer than nine steps (or an open pay range with no steps). None of the sixteen (16) agencies surveyed have merit steps structured like the Park District salary range.

For Confidentials, the range structure provides five annual 2.5% step increases over five years to Step F. As with Managers, three additional 5% merit steps are available in the Confidentials’ compensation structure based on further time and performance in the position; however, none of the Confidentials are currently compensated at these merit step levels. The Study findings concluded that the use of merit steps for confidential job classifications is unusual. Such steps are not commonly found in other public agencies; none of the sixteen (16) agencies used in the compensation survey have merit or similar steps in their confidential range structures.

The Study’s market median findings described above do not include these additional three (3) merit steps. Considering this potential additional compensation skews both employee groups significantly above the market median and outside the Park District’s compensation market target of +/- 5% of median. Based on the Study’s review of the Park District’s compensation range structures for Unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups and those used in competing survey agencies, a restructuring of its corresponding salary ranges is needed to better align with the public sector market.

The Interim General Manager recommends adopting the job classification recommended changes by the Study; restructuring of the MG00 range from 2.5% to 5% variance between steps to be consistent with the salary range structure for the unrepresented Management Employee Group; and eliminating the top merit step, “I” Step, from the salary range structure for unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups since there are currently no employees

97 compensated at this level. The Park District will be reviewing additional actions that can be taken to further address the Park District’s compensation structures for these two employee groups.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

ATTACHMENT I. East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule for Management classifications effective February 27, 2021 II. East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule for Confidential classifications effective February 27, 2021 III. Recommended Classification Title Changes per the Classification and Compensation Reports for Management and Confidential Classifications

98 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

AMENDMENT TO THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT SALARY SCHEDULE TO IMPLEMENT THE FINDINGS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AS A RESULT OF THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY FOR UNREPRESENTED MANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS WITH A CONFIDENTIAL DESIGNATION, INCLUDING ELIMINATING THE TOP MERIT STEP

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors establishes wages and benefits for employees of the Park District; and

WHEREAS, a review of the East Bay Regional Park District’s classification and compensation (Study) was conducted by Ralph Anderson & Associates and accepted by the Board of Directors on December 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Study recommended new or revised job classification titles and an adjustment to the salary range structure for the MG00 range; and

WHEREAS, the Interim General Manager recommends, based on Study findings, realignment of compensation structure with the public sector market by eliminating the top merit step, Step “I”, for both Unrepresented Management and Confidential Employee Groups; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the adoption of the attached salary schedules for Management and Confidential classifications, which includes revised job classification titles, restructuring the MG01 pay range, eliminating the top merit step (Step I) effective February 27, 2021; and directs to the General Manager to review the merit step policy for unrepresented groups; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Interim General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director and approved this 16th day of February 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

99

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100 East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule - Confidential

Annual Cost of Living Adjustment: Effective the pay period that includes April 1, 2017, a general increase of 4.3% is authorized. Effective the pay period that includes April 1, 2018, a general increase of 3.0% is authorized. Effective the pay period that includes April 1, 2019, a general increase of 3.0% is authorized. Effective the pay period that includes April 1, 2020, a general increase of 2.5% is authorized.

Classification: ASCK ASSISTANT CLERK OF THE BOARD Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 01/01/2020 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,007.00 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,174.37 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,358.00 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $7,544.87 E 3 YEARS $47.58 $7,731.75 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $7,926.75 G MERIT $51.21 $8,321.62 H MERIT $53.77 $8,737.62 I MERIT $53.46 $8,687.25 Classification: CSEC CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 03/28/2020 Range: CON1 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $37.38 $6,074.25 B 6 MONTH $38.23 $6,212.37 C 1 YEAR $39.08 $6,350.50 D 2 YEARS $39.92 $6,487.00 E 3 YEARS $40.79 $6,628.37 F 4 YEARS $41.67 $6,771.37 G MERIT $43.76 $7,111.00 H MERIT $45.95 $7,466.87 I MERIT $48.25 $7,840.62 Classification: EXAS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 02/27/2021 Range: CON1 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $37.38 $6,074.25 B 6 MONTH $38.23 $6,212.37 C 1 YEAR $39.08 $6,350.50 D 2 YEARS $39.92 $6,487.00 E 3 YEARS $40.79 $6,628.37 F 4 YEARS $41.67 $6,771.37 G MERIT $43.76 $7,111.00 H MERIT $45.95 $7,466.87 I MERIT $48.25 $7,840.62 Classification: ESEC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 03/28/2020 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,007.00 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,174.37 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,358.00 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $7,544.87

Report ID: Salary Schedule Report - Confidential Page: 1 101 East Bay Regional Park District Salary Schedule - Confidential

E 3 YEARS $47.58 $7,731.75 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $7,926.75 G MERIT $51.21 $8,321.62 H MERIT $53.77 $8,737.62 I MERIT $56.46 $9,174.75 Classification: HRTC HUMAN RESOURCES TECHNICIAN Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 03/28/2020 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,007.00 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,174.37 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,358.00 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $7,544.87 E 3 YEARS $47.58 $7,731.75 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $7,926.75 G MERIT $51.21 $8,321.62 H MERIT $53.77 $8,737.62 I MERIT $56.46 $9,174.75 Classification: LEGA LEGAL ASSISTANT Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 03/28/2020 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,007.00 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,174.37 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,358.00 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $7,544.87 E 3 YEARS $47.58 $7,731.75 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $7,926.75 G MERIT $51.21 $8,321.62 H MERIT $53.77 $8,737.62 I MERIT $56.46 $9,174.75 Classification: LEAS LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT Daily Hours: 8 Effective: 03/28/2020 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,474.13 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,652.66 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,848.53 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $8,047.86 E 3 YEARS $47.58 $8,247.20 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $8,455.20 G MERIT $51.21 $8,876.40 H MERIT $53.77 $9,320.13 I MERIT $56.46 $9,786.40 Classification: SREX SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Daily Hours: 7.5 Effective: 02/27/2021 Range: CON2 Note: Step Hourly Monthly A START $43.12 $7,007.00 B 6 MONTH $44.15 $7,174.37 C 1 YEAR $45.28 $7,358.00 D 2 YEARS $46.43 $7,544.87

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E 3 YEARS $47.58 $7,731.75 F 4 YEARS $48.78 $7,926.75 G MERIT $51.21 $8,321.62 H MERIT $53.77 $8,737.62 I MERIT $56.46 $9,174.75

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104 LIST OF JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT Current Class Title Recommended Class Title Executive & Legislative New Class Chief of Government & Legislative Affairs Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager Inactivate New Class Legislative Policy Management Analyst New Class Learning and Development Manager Human Resources Analyst, Senior Senior Human Resource Analyst Human Resources Analyst II Human Resources Analyst I Human Resource Analyst Acquisition, Stewardship & Development Chief, Planning & GIS Chief of Planning, Trails and GIS Construction Manager Survey & Construction Inspection Manager Environmental Services Manager Ecological Services Manager Environmental Program Manager Restoration Projects Manager Trails Development Program Manager Trails Program Manager Finance & Management Services Information Services Network Manager Information Services Systems Manager Public Affairs AGM - Public Affairs/Executive Dir of the Regional AGM - Public Affairs Parks Foundation Legal & Risk AGM - District Counsel AGM – Legal and Risk/District Counsel Risk Manager Risk and Safety Manager Public Safety AGM - Public Safety AGM - Public Safety/Chief of Police Communications and Records Manager Communications, Records and Property Manager Regional Parks Foundation New Class Regional Parks Foundation Chief Administrative Officer Foundation Program Manager Inactivate Management Analyst Foundation Finance Manager

LIST OF JOB CLASSIFICATION TITLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONFIDENTIAL Current Class Title Recommended Class Title Organization-Wide Classes Executive Secretary Senior Executive Assistant Confidential Secretary Executive Assistant

105 FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION

a. Authorization of a Grant Application for the Federal BUILD Grant: District-wide Regional Trails (Hornbeck/Kelchner/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize a grant application to the US Department of Transportation, Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program for the preliminary engineering or construction of regional trails District- wide.

REVENUE/COST

This action will authorize a grant application up to approximately $110 million for preliminary engineering or construction of regional trail projects District-wide. Projects under consideration are outlined below. The final project list will be established upon review and consideration of the 2021 BUILD Grant Criteria and project analysis, project readiness, and match funds available:

Estimated Total Projects Under Consideration Project Cost 1. Crow Canyon Road Overcrossing** $15,000,000 2. Iron Horse Trail to Benicia Bridge Connection** $3,000,000 3. Tassajara Creek Trail Safety Improvements $2,500,000 4. Richmond Parkway to Wildcat Creek Trail Connection** $2,000,000 5. Carquinez Scenic Drive to George Miller Trail $3,500,000 6. Oakland SF Bay Trail Connection** $2,000,000 7. Marsh Creek Trail Extension $5,000,000 8. Point Pinole to Wilson Point Trail Connection $7,500,000 9. Point Molate Bay Trail Connection $8,871,750

106 Estimated Total Projects Under Consideration (continued) Project Cost 10. Niles Canyon Railway Crossing Safety Improvements $1,200,000 11. Niles Canyon Trail (Old Canyon Rd to Palomares Rd.)** $8,000,000 12. Niles Canyon Trail (Palomares Rd to Sunol.)** $4,000,000 13. East Bay Greenway Trail (Seminary to 69th) $4,000,000 14. SF Bay Trail at Alameda Point** $2,000,000 15. Iron Horse Trail - Livermore** $2,000,000 16. Contra Costa Canal to Delta de Anza Trail** $3,500,000 17. SF Bay Trail - Crowley Property $1,200,000 18. Oakland to Alameda Connection** $5,000,000 19. Sycamore Valley Road Overcrossing $15,000,000 20. Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing** $14,000,000 ** Preliminary Engineering project only TOTAL $109,271,750

These projects will increase the long-term operational cost of the District.

BACKGROUND

Previously known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grant (TIGER), the BUILD Grant program is the result of ten-round dedication by Congress of nearly $7.1 billion National Infrastructure Investment projects with significant local and regional impact. The programs priorities are projects with beneficial long-term outcomes, job creation, economic stimulus, innovation and partnership. Competitive projects must reduce potential serious injuries/fatalities, elevate commute time for drivers, connect people to jobs, services, and education, and have regional connectivity. The Park District’s projects represent high priority projects in the Regional Trails network that close gaps and connect with transportation hubs, jobs and housing centers.

The District is working with outside firms to assist in grant writing and gathering the data necessary for this significant application process, including Beacon Economics and Alta Planning + Design, Inc.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternative is recommended.

107 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 02 -

February 16, 2021

AUTHORIZATION OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL BUILD GRANT: DISTRICT-WIDE REGIONAL TRAILS

WHEREAS, the US Department of Transportation is accepting grant applications to the BUILD Discretionary Grants for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure for regional trail projects with a significant impact on a region; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District will submit a grant application for up to $110 million for high priority projects in the Regional Trails network that close gaps and connect with transportation hubs, jobs and housing centers; and

WHEREAS, the Park District was successful in securing significant funds from the prior transportation grant program from the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2010 (TIGER II); and

WHEREAS, the Park District has identified over 20 potential projects that will meet the grant program priorities, including projects with beneficial long-term outcomes, job creation, economic stimulus, innovation and partnership; and

WHEREAS, the regional trail projects identified for grant funding represent high priority projects in the Regional Trails network that close gaps and connect with transportation hubs, jobs and housing centers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors hereby approves submission of a grant application to the US Department of Transportation BUILD Discretionary Grant Program for District-wide regional trails projects; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to accept grant funds and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO as agent of the applicant to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit all documents and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

108

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO or Budget Manager is hereby authorized to amend the current year’s budget, without further Board action, upon receipt of the executed grant contract from the Grants Manager. The budget amendment will include an increase in budgeted revenue and a corresponding increase in appropriation for the amount stipulated in the grant contract.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 16th day of February, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

109 2021 BUILD Grants - Potential Regional Trail Projects Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Transportation Discretionary Grant Program Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California

San Pablo Bay Crockett Waterbird Shoreline 80 HillsCarquinez Bay Point Bay Point §¨¦ !(5 Shoreline Browns Strait !(2 }4 Point Pinole Radke/Martinez · Island Antioch-Oakley Big Break Shoreline !(8 Shoreline !(16 Shoreline Shoreline Rancho ·}4 }242 Pittsburg WARD 1 Sobrante Pinole · Concord Ridge Hills Contra Oakley Elizabeth Echols Black Loma !(4 Wildcat Diamond WARD 7 !(9 Canyon Concord Antioch Delta Kennedy Briones Mines Collin Coffey Richmond 680 Access Miller/Knox Grove §¨¦ Shoreline 580 Clayton §¨¦ Deer Brentwood Point Isabel Tilden Ranch Brooks Walnut Valley Island Castle 24 Creek !(7 Berkeley ·} Rock Claremont Sibley WARD 2 McLaughlin Canyon Diablo WARD 6 Morgan Eastshore Dee Rosario Foothills Beverly Lane Territory Temescal Huckleberry Round Vasco Byron ·}13 Las Valley Hills Vernal Judge John Sutter Trampas Pools Shoreline Reinhardt Oakland Redwood !(19 20 Sycamore 14 !(17 ! Vasco !( Valley Caves Alameda nty !(18 San Ramon Cou San Crown Leona osta !(6 !(13 Canyon !(1 C y Beach Anthony ntra unt Francisco Co a Co Martin Luther Chabot Bishop ed Brushy WARD 4 Cull Alam King Jr Canyon Ranch !(3 Peak Shoreline Ellen Corbett Dublin Doolan Lake Hills Canyon Oyster Dublin Chabot 580 Bay Five §¨¦ !(15 Canyons 680 Don §¨¦ Pleasanton Livermore San Francisco Castro Pleasanton B a y Ridge Shadow WARD 5 Hayward 880 Cliffs Shoreline §¨¦ Garin Ayn Wieskamp 84 Hayward Dry Creek ·} WARD 3 Pioneer Vargas Dennis Waespi !(12 10 Plateau !( Del !(11 !(# BUILD Project Quarry Valle Lakes EBRPD Ward Coyote Hills Ardenwood EBRPD Land Ohlone Fremont Mission Sunol Peak Misc. Open Space

County Boundary Miles [ 0 5 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2021\ASD\TrailsDev\BUILD_2021\BUILD_2021_ward.mxd 2/8/2021 Date: Crow Canyon Overcrossing (!1 (!11 Niles Canyon Trail (!2 Iron Horse Trail to Benicia Bridge Connection 12(! Niles Canyon Trail Tassajara Creek Trail Safety Improvements (!3 13(! Seminary to Coliseum 4 Richmond Parkway to Wildcat Creek Trail Connection (! 14(! SF Bay Trail at Alameda Point (!5 Carquinez Scenic Drive to George Miller Trail 15(! Iron Horse Trail in Livermore (!6 Oakland SF Bay Trail Connection 16(! Contra Costa Canal Trail to Delta de Anza Trail

(!7 Marsh Creek Trail Extension 17(! SF Bay Trail at the Crowley Property

(!8 Point Pinole to Wilson Point Trail Connection (!18 Oakland to Alameda Connection

(!9 Point Molate SF Bay Trail Connection 1(!19 Sycamore Valley Road Overcrossing !20 10(! Niles Canyon Railway Crossing and Safety Improvements 110 Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing 9 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Victor)

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors – Iron Horse Trail Crossing Enhancements Project

On February 2, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved the Iron Horse Trail Crossing Enhancements project in Alamo. The project will improve the safety of trail users at street crossings on the Iron Horse Regional Trail in Alamo. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) with passive detection will be installed at Hillgrade Avenue and Las Trampas Road to replace the existing in-ground flashers, which are not highly visible. The crossings at Stone Valley Road West and Hemme Avenue will have existing actuators enhanced with the addition of passive detection systems to activate the flasher systems already installed at these crossings. Yield lines will be painted on the pavement to indicate where vehicles are to stop to yield to trail users crossing the road. These measures will improve the safety of trail users by increasing their visibility to vehicles and bicyclists on these roads. The Park District’s Ringtail Cat Staging Area is located at the end of Hemme Ave, which provides access to the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.

111 GM COMMENTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION Ecological Services Manager Becky Tuden will provide a presentation on the harmful algal blooms and remediation efforts at Lake Anza and Lake Temescal.

GM COMMENTS Interpretive and Recreation Services Department Community Outreach On December 16, staff launched a program series in partnership with Lighthouse for the Blind, providing adaptive programming for the visually impaired; the first session hosted 10 participants.

North/West Region Coyote Hills: On December 15, staff conducted a Facebook Live program entitled Reptile Rendezvous for 728 attendees.

Crab Cove: Staff produced and posted four online videos and hosted a Shorebird Extravaganza program for docents.

Mobile Education: On December 17, staff presented a virtual watershed program to five 5th grade classes at Lincoln Elementary, and participated virtually in a year-end celebration with thirty-five families from the YES Nature to Neighborhoods program.

Outdoor Recreation: On December 17, staff participated in a virtual United Way Bay Area career workshop for 22 Union City students focused on recreation jobs. On December 19, Outdoor Recreation and Mobile Education staff hosted a virtual Intro to Fishing program for 16 families from Brothers on the Rise.

Tilden Nature Area: Staff posted the final Creature Feature video of 2020, provided five virtual school programs, and hosted a digital equipment training for department staff.

South/East Region Ardenwood Historic Farm: Staff added interpretive posts to Facebook, receiving 7,216 views and 1,100 engagements.

112 Big Break Visitor Center: On January 5, staff attended the inaugural Delta National Heritage Association Advisory Committee meeting. On January 11 and 12, staff re-introduced the Big Break Littles program in virtual format attended by 55 participants.

Black Diamond: On January 9, Naturalist staff hosted a virtual Mushroom Exploration and Dissection for 31 people on Facebook Live.

Community Services & Volunteers: Staff prepared content, recorded a safety video, and updated the volunteer website and registration pages for the 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event; a month-long event encouraging participants to serve the community by cleaning up their own neighborhoods.

Del Valle Visitor Center: On January 4, in collaboration with the District Fisheries Department and the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, staff released a pre-recorded video on steelhead trout and other fish of the East Bay.

Sunol: Staff began a new virtual program called Coffee with a Naturalist, providing facilitated dialogue and a virtual visitor center visit. Additionally, staff completed the final review of the newest virtual reality experience from the top of Mission Peak; virtual visitors can travel in time to find out how the Bay Area has changed and what the Park District is doing to prepare for sea-level rise.

Park Operations Department Delta Unit East Contra Costa Trails-Bay Point Shoreline: In December, staff continued work on Bay Point Shoreline Park; additional signage was added to protect the interior resource protection area.

Interpretive Parklands Unit Las Trampas: On December 24, staff accepted the delivery of 200 tons of gravel to the Borel Walnut Orchard property in Danville. Staff used the new John Deere tractor to move vehicles, remove brush, and level the gravel in the encompassing areas; providing better site access for continued cleanup during the winter months.

Parkland Unit Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve: On December 15, the park, along with the fisheries program, was awarded a grant from the Regional Parks Foundation for a park trail enhancement project. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve: In mid-December, staff installed a two-part dust collection filtration system in the maintenance woodshop area to enhance the air quality for staff who perform essential indoor tasks. Shoreline Unit Hayward Shoreline: In the month of December, staff worked closely with Design and Construction and Stewardship staff to complete the Hayward Marsh levee repair project. Lakes Unit Quarry Lakes: On January 7, staff used the Green Climber remote slope mower to mow the weeds and reduce the fuel load around the oak tree grove and other wildland areas.

113 Recreation Areas

Maintenance and Skilled Trades Department (MAST) Public Works #1 North County Trades Unit The Tilden Merry-Go-Round was renovated; Point Isabel restrooms were remodeled to provide ADA restrooms in conjunction with the ADA site work completed by South County Trades and the Roads and Trails Crew; new signage was painted at Leona Canyon Staging Area; and the railing on the observation deck at the Judge John Sutter Shoreline Bridge Yard Building was cleaned and repainted.

South County Trades Unit The heater was repaired at the Round Valley residence, and underground conduit was installed to provide electrical for new communication towers at three locations within Del Valle Park.

Carpenters remodeled the South County Copy Room and created a new Zoom Room for conferencing. As preventative maintenance, roofs were covered in preparation for inclement weather at the Alameda County Trails Park Shop and at the McCosker residence.

Plumbers installed a mini-split HVAC system at the Cull Canyon park office. A broken sewer line was repaired outside the Del Valle park office and the main sewer line was cleared at the Cull Canyon residence.

Water Utilities Staff installed water tank controls at Camp Arroyo to operate pumping equipment during off- peak hours for energy efficiency and cost savings; this included a new time clock and cellular controller to remotely monitor tank levels. The amphitheater lighting was replaced, and power poles for communication/network system at Del Valle were installed.

Public Works #2 Roads and Trails The crew assisted with winter-proofing a landslide in Kennedy Grove Park, and is assisting Trades staff to complete a communication project at Del Valle.

Sanitation Staff is preparing to install two CXT restrooms at Black Diamond Mines by obtaining permits and reviewing construction documents.

Pavement Maintenance Preservation Program The staff project coordinator is working on a Request for Proposal to update the District’s Pavement Condition Index, as well as contract documents for 2021 paving; staff has met with the Contra Costa County Transit Authority to communicate District projects for next year and to close out 2020 Measure J paving.

114 Small Trails The crew has been working on tread work and fixing erosion problems on hiking trails at Black Diamond Mines and Las Trampas and assisting with the landslide winterization at Kennedy Grove.

115 BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee (12/9/20) (Kelchner/Coffey)

Committee Members: Beverly Lane, Colin Coffey, Elizabeth Echols

EBRPD Staff: Kristina Kelchner, Matt Graul, Dina Robertson, Tammy Lim, Becky Tuden, Hal MacLean, Ed Culver, Brenda Montano, Dave Mason, Steve Castile, Brian Holt, Gisselle Hernandez, Koka Yamamoto

A meeting of the Board Natural and Cultural Resources Committee was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 over Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/96152362341) and YouTube (https://youtu.be/tyHQlEERuQo). Director Beverly Lane called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m. PST. The following is a summary of the items discussed:

1. Stewardship Post Fire Response to the 2020 Deer and SCU Lightning Complex Fires (Robertson/Lim)

Wildland Vegetation Program Manager Dina Robertson, Wildland Vegetation Program Manager Doug Bell, and Wildlife Biologist Tammy Lim, presented on the Stewardship teams’ response to the wildfires that impacted District lands in 2020. The presentation included a discussion on post- fire assessment findings, post fire remediation in cooperation with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), interdepartmental coordination efforts, cross-boundary coordination with adjoining landowners, and future needs for proactively managing the District lands for future wildfires.

CZU Lightning Complex Fires impacted District lands at Ohlone, Mission Peak, Round Valley, and Morgan Territory. The largest acreage impacted: Ohlone approximately 4,500 acres.

Post-fire Activities included coordination meetings (Stewardship focused group, interdepartmental meetings, and East Bay Stewardship Network partner meetings); CalFire partnership for fire suppression repair; and site visits to assess infrastructure, identify resources at risk, and monitor natural resources.

116 Fire severity was primarily low-to-moderate, though there were a few high-severity areas in Ohlone and Morgan Territory. Ohlone fire was primarily ground fire that burned finer fuels and shrubbery, but did not significantly burn old growth trees in most areas. In Morgan Territory, the plant community that was burned was “fire adapted.” Plants are already resprouting. Many of the plants in the community rely on fire to regenerate. Fires occurred in areas that are actively grazed. Severity was limited as a result.

Fire suppression repair aims to address impacts to the landscape that resulted from CalFire suppression efforts. Examples include: repairing dozer lines, repairing archaeological sites, clearing vegetation, and repairing gate/fence lines that were cut/removed for CalFire access. Suppression repair is a joint effort between CalFire and the Park District. Stewardship acts as a liaison between the many teams from CalFire and the District involved in the effort. District operated under the emergency operation permits of CalFire, allowing District teams to respond without delay.

Post-fire Assessment: Livestock operations. Six grazing tenants were impacted at six parks. No cattle were present in several parks, due to parks being seasonally grazed. Livestock mortality was low. Several tenants evacuated livestock before fire crews arrived.

Post-fire Assessment: Infrastructure. Damage was observed to some perimeter and interior fencing, with repair estimates up to $900,000. Water infrastructure in the fire zone was mostly spared.

Post-fire Assessment: Vegetation. Consultant, Nomad Ecology, developed a monitoring protocol for post-fire monitoring. Worked in collaboration with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff to come up with protocol that could be implemented by both in order to increase size and usefulness of data set. Partnered with Contra Costa Water District to pick up additional data plots. Sampled various vegetation types, including fire- dependent communities, and will be looking into special-status (rare) plants in the spring of 2021. Assessment will include a review of non-native invasive plants.

Post-fire Assessment: Wildlife. Half of the ponds in the Sunol/Ohlone area (80 ponds total) were within burn perimeter. Six (6) ponds will be followed for the next year. Past research has shown excessive sedimentation and increases in nitrates and phosphorous (due to fire retardants) can occur in ponds in burn areas. Surveys will be conducted in 2021 on California red-legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, and Western pond turtles. The frog and salamander are listed under the federal endangered species act, the turtle is a California state species of special concern. Alameda whipsnake conservation property in Sunol burned almost entirely. This provides a unique opportunity to track whipsnakes pre- and post- fire. Site will be reassessed in the spring to determine if whipsnakes are still present on landscape. Whipsnakes evolved with fire for millions of years, so we are optimistic that many snakes survived the fires and will return to the burn area as scrub recovers. Cameras are being set up at Round Valley, Morgan Territory, and in the Los Vaqueros Watershed to capture mammal activity. 40 cameras have been set up to date (20 in burn areas, and 20 in non-impacted areas). Audio will be implemented

117 to detect birdcalls and other sounds, and Bat Detectors will be implemented to monitor bat sounds.

Challenges to Natural Resource Management. Changing climate has led to increased drought, shorter rain events, more intense rain events, and more frequent/intense fire events. Very complicated regulatory environment for lands. Addition of new lands adds regulatory complexity. District lands and surrounding lands are highly managed and covered by a relatively small staff.

Natural Resource Management Solutions. Groundwork included: develop geospatial vegetation map, wildlife risk model, ecological health assessment, long-term monitoring, and identify of funding/staffing needs. Longer term: Come up with a District/Regional fuels and vegetation management plan to encompass the District/region and clarify resource management goals.

Director Beverly Lane: Some large Manzanita trees burned in the Morgan Territory. Do you have additional information there? Plots that were put out there will help us understand what the community’s response to the fire will be. We are already encouraged by what we are seeing there. In many cases, they may look dead, but are not actually dead.

Director Beverly Lane: Are ponds that you are addressing – are they all drainage ponds (i.e. not getting water from pipes)? The livestock ponds are primarily fed by stream and seeps.

Director Beverly Lane: In the area that you are studying wildlife (bats and others), do you have baseline data, or will your studies give initial information? We do have some baseline data, though decades old in some areas such as Round Valley. We are looking forward to having a revised data set in those areas.

AGM Kristina Kelchner: Data gathering is important to future funding opportunities. FEMA and other organizations tend to think in terms of structures lost when thinking about fire recovery – it is important to present data to them on other factors – grazing infrastructure, wildlife impacted, etc. Prescribed burns are a tool we will be hearing more about as a tool that we need to be looking at to manage landscapes. Data will also help support these efforts.

2. Harmful Algal Bloom Remediation and Management (Tuden/MacLean/Culver)

Ecological Services Manager Becky Tuden presented a brief overview of the incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Park District and the factors that influence blooms. Water Management Supervisor Hal MacLean discussed observations from the recent nanobubbler pilot at Lake Temescal and Fisheries Biologist Ed Culver discussed the oxygenation system installed at Lake Anza. The discussion for Lake Anza and Temescal highlighted the monitoring results of the different approaches to reduce HABs in the lakes.

118 There are different types of algae, not all pose health risks. The District is monitoring and managing water quality to reduce cyanobacteria, which poses extra risks to dogs.

Cyanobacteria thrive in areas with low oxygen, high nutrients, and warmer/slower moving water (which many of our swimming areas have, due to being in reservoirs). Remediation strategy focuses on reducing nutrients, largely by increasing oxygen levels so nutrients are less available to cyanobacteria.

There are no state/federal regulations on amounts of toxins that are allowed. Instead, the District follows guidelines from experts.

District has focused on signage, education, and communication, as well as increased proactive monitoring/lab testing (both of toxins and of nutrients).

Since 2014, Temescal and Anza have both seen more than 100 closures in single years, though the largest number of closures has been at Quarry Lakes.

Temescal has a high buildup of sediment, contributing to nutrients available for blooms Old reservoirs like Temescal can experience “Internal Loading” – low oxygen at the sediment layer. Problematic reactions readily occur, releasing nutrients such as phosphorus for cyanobacterial to utilize. Temescal also has significant “external loading” – accumulation of nutrients via surface runoff and groundwater.

Temescal Remediation activities. Recommended remediation tool of dredging was considered too expensive for an immediate solution. Instead, reservoir was treated with phosphorus binding agents periodically. Beach maintenance and spot treatments have also been done to help prolong the benefit of treatments. Treatments and maintenance initially worked well for the first 2 years, but phosphorous level spike was observed in spring 2019. Nanobubbler oxygenation tool was piloted and installed in August 2020. The units are undersized for the reservoir due to space limitations. Real-time monitoring has shown that the reservoir has maintained oxygenation during the pilot, though small blooms have been observed.

Next steps include: Continue nanobubble pilot and continue monitoring. Initiate design for sediment basin expansion. Explore funding for other long-term remedial actions (dredging).

Lake Anza is small, but deep, with especially high phosphorus levels. Internal loading is driven by a strong thermocline that develops in the summer (surface warms while water at the bottom of the lake remains cold). Large spikes in phosphorus are observed each summer with the development of the thermocline.

A hypolimnetic oxygen system (HOS) was determined as a preferential remediation tool for Lake Anza. Pumps liquid oxygen into the bottom of the lake. Maintains summer stratification, important to the rainbow trout that live in the lake. System was installed in July 2020 – event occurred leading to destratification of the lake early (August rather than

119 November). Pulse of nutrients occurred, leading to a cyanobacteria bloom that is still present today. Cold temperatures and shorter days naturally lead to the end of the algae bloom – with Anza currently closed for swimming, it may make the most sense to just play the waiting game with the current bloom. With the system in place, we were able to steadily increase the oxygenation o the lake. There is now enough dissolved oxygen throughout the water column to support the rainbow trout. The deepest parts of the lake previously did not have enough oxygen for trout.

Director Elizabeth Echols: If Anza does not return to its stratification, do you have ideas in mind in terms of what you might try there? Based on historical trends, its highly likely that the lake will restratify naturally, and we remain hopeful that the system will work. One option is to turn the system down further than it is.

Director Colin Coffey: Are we now assuming that the expensive dredging is the eventual solution, and other options are just temporary? We are focusing on the interim measures as interim steps, while we work through the funding for dredging. If nothing else, the interim measures can provide lessons for other sites.

Director Beverly Lane: What would redesign of the sediment basin look like? Would you widen creeks that bring water in and what is the possibility of actually doing that? We looked at how much sediment was moving through watershed and coming into the lake during the dredging study. There are existing sediment basins that are dredged annually. Increasing the size would allow more sediment to drop out and prevent as much sediment from reaching the lake.

3. EBRPD’s Oral History Program Updates (Montano)

This year, the District’s Oral History Program’s oversight was transferred from Operation’s Interpretive and Recreation Services to Public Affairs, including all contracts and budgeting. Archives Program Supervisor Brenda Montano now helps manage the program. Brenda will provide an overview of the processes and procedures that are in the works for the future of the Program, as well as review the Oral Histories conducted and completed in 2020. Brenda also proposed some names for 2021 and requested input from the Natural and Cultural Resources Committee for additional name suggestions for Oral Histories.

The District has a number of histories that are part of the history of the region – it is important to collect and steward these histories. Archives of Oral histories helps to build the legacy of the District and provides content for exhibits and programming at the parks.

The District has more than 400 completed oral histories, along with 80-100 incomplete transcripts. A number of oral histories are concentrated in certain places (Black Diamond Mines and Ardenwood, specifically), but limited in others (the shorelines and the Delta, specifically).

The District does not have a professional oral historian on staff and instead tends to partner with contractors. Oral History Center (OHC) at UC Berkeley: OHC has a

120 simpler format, allowing for a greater number of histories to be created in a short time. In 2020, interviews have been conducted by Zoom, further increasing the outreach.

A large number of oral histories were released (made publicly available in 2020).

New initiatives for 2021 include: Archive volunteers’ content review; Online and other access to Oral Histories; including a searchable master list, and a searchable electronic database; Archival quality digitization of all existing AV tapes (600 AV tapes in multiple formats from Trudeau and Black Diamond Mines archives); Formalize an Archives and Cultural History “Advisory Group”, with representation from a variety of District departments.

4. Open Forum for Public Comment (Dir. Lane)

No email, voicemail, or Zoom comments from the public for items on the agenda.

Emails were submitted to [email protected]. Emails sent in by 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 were read by Kristina Kelchner. 23 comments were sent via email, voicemail or presented live during the Zoom meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 2:36 p.m. PST.

Meeting Minutes taken by: Koka Yamamoto

121 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

February 16, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

b. Board Legislative Committee (1.15.2021) (Wieskamp)

Present

Attendees (Via Video Conference):

Board: Chair Ayn Wieskamp, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, alt. Elizabeth Echols

Staff: Carol R. Victor, Erich Pfuehler, Lisa Baldinger, Yulie Padmore, Debra Fuller, Fallon Stucki, Jeff Rasmussen, Kristina Kelchner, Katy Hornbeck

Consultants: Doug Houston, Peter Umhofer

Public: Members of the public were able to access the meeting via live video stream.

The January 15, 2021 Board Legislative Committee meeting was held via video conference pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order No. N-29-20.

This meeting was called to order at 12:31 PM.

Acting Legislative Assistant Yulie Padmore conducted a roll call of Board Legislative Committee members and staff.

Items discussed:

I. STATE LEGISLATION / OTHER MATTERS A. NEW LEGISLATION RECOMMENDED BILLS FOR SUPPORT 1. AB 11 (Ward D-San Diego) – Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups State Advocate Doug Houston provided AB 11 was introduced by new Assembly Member Christopher Ward. This legislation would require the California Strategic Growth Council to establish 12 Regional Climate Change Coordinating Groups. The Coordinating Groups would be directed to regionalize actions and practices aimed at addressing climate change adaptation for communities. The proposed activities addressed in the bill include planning for sea of level rise effecting local infrastructure, efficient use of energy and water, and locating carbon sequestration opportunities. Such efforts are of great interest to the District as often land is strategically acquired and utilized for sequestration. Director Dee Rosario asked if the regionalized groups would be organized by Joint Power Agreements (JPAs) between

122 counties or agencies. Chief of Government and Legislative Affairs Erich Pfuehler responded staff will look into it.

2. AB 50 (Boerner Horvath D-Encinitas) – Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise Houston explained AB 50 seeks to establish within the Ocean Protection Council the Regional Support Network for Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise. The Network would provide aid to local governments while deploying actions to address sea level rise. Director Ayn Wieskamp asked to be provided a further definition of the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and their responsibilities. Director Rosario asked if the District has approached the OPC in the past for funding on shoreline projects. Pfuehler responded staff will gather information about the OPC and look to see if the District has applied for funding.

3. AB 51 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Establishment of Regional Adaptation Plans Houston informed AB 51 is considered a companion bill to AB 11. The bill directs the Strategic Growth Council to provide criteria for the development of regional climate adaptation plans. Members will work in conjunction with one another on these complementary pieces of legislation. It is likely they will all move forward in one comprehensive package. Pfuehler added the District Planning Department received a grant from Caltrans to conduct a vulnerability assessment for the Bay Trail. At the most recent Board meeting, Director Ellen Corbett mentioned the need for additional adaptation resources. Staff will identify vulnerabilities, speak with communities protected by the plan and determine cost of adapting. Director Rosario asked would these plans be organized similar to Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency (HASPA). Director Dennis Waespi responded HASPA is comprised of landowners around the Hayward shoreline who came together to protect and restore the shore. Houston said at this time there is a focus on planning for adaptation. He did not know how local groups would be formally organized.

4. AB 52 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Account for Wildfire Emissions in Greenhouse Gas Fund Allocations Houston explained AB 52 is meant to account for black carbon from wildfires in the scoping plan of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Pfuehler added Assembly Member Frazier’s intent with AB 52 is to direct GGRF funds toward wildfire prevention to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. This bill may support the District’s vegetation management efforts.

5. AB 67 (Petrie-Norris D-Laguna Beach) – Sea Level Rise Adaptation Economic Analysis Houston provided AB 67 asks state agencies to consider the potential impacts of sea level rise including flooding, storm surges and unpredictable title action on infrastructure. The bill directs the agencies to consider these challenges when planning for infrastructure development within the coastal zone. The bill further calls for the creation of a multi-agency working group to provide strategies and actions the state should take with respect to sea level rise.

6. SB 1 (Atkins D- San Diego) – California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Planning Houston informed SB 1 parallels AB 50 which seeks to create a new entity, the California Commission Sea Level Rise State and Regional Support Collaborative, overseen by the Secretaries of the Natural Resources Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A significant difference between the two bills is SB 1 contains an annual appropriation of $100 million to allocate, address and plan for sea level rise.

123 7. SB 27 (Skinner D-Berkeley) – California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry Houston stated SB 27 would require the Natural Resources Agency to work with California EPA to identify and promote sequestration goals as they relate to natural and working lands. The bill goes further to create the California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry providing an opening for the District to have future projects listed.

8. SB 45 (Portantino D-La Canada Flintridge) – Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation and Flood Protection Bond Houston stated SB 45 is the reintroduction of a bond from last year with considerable money for wildfire and forest health, safe drinking water, fish and wildlife protection, and for state conservancies. There could be $100 million available to the State Coastal Conservancy with awards for projects within the Bay Area. Pfuehler included money is earmarked for the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority projects which are administered by the State Coastal Conservancy, additionally, there is money for the Coastal Conservancy overall.

9. SB 63 (Stern D-Los Angeles) – Defensible Space Standards Houston explained SB 63 requires the State Fire Marshal to create high and very high fire hazard severity zone mapping throughout California. The mapping would create an improved understanding of forest health, fuel load and vegetation management. SB 63 expands the definition and practice of defensible space around structures to 100 feet. It is important property owners understand the standards, particularly those adjacent to District lands. Included, would be the establishment of a grant program with funds available for fire education and prevention activities. Director Rosario asked if this would apply to vegetation along roadways and fuel breaks where the District utilizes funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants. He wondered if the District would have to rewrite its prescriptions or learn if the FEMA funding is endangered. Is there a conflict. Interim General Manager and District Counsel Carol R. Victor advised the District’s design is an adaptive management plan. It has latitude within the Recommended Treatment Areas (RTAs) to adjust to changing conditions. Director Rosario expressed concern about the pathogen attacking eucalyptus and acacias. Victor stated the District is setting up an interdivisional team to look at the amount of dead and dying trees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is involved in determining the source of the pathogen and how to best manage it. Director Wieskamp asked about rules for disposal of effected trees. Victor added the USDA and staff are working to develop a best management practice plan.

A motion to support AB 11, AB 50, AB 51, AB 52, AB 67, SB 1, SB 27, SB 45, SB 63 passed unanimously.

B. OTHER STATE MATTERS 1. State Budget Houston informed the 2021-2022 State Budget addresses COVID-19 funding. It identifies a $15 billion budget surplus largely due to capital gains. While there is considerable money for this year, structural deficits are projected for the next two budget cycles. This budget is cognizant of spending projected to outpace revenues in the next few budget years, therefore, a rainy-day fund is being created. A $15 billion surplus is substantial. Legislators want to effect outcomes and direct funding for one-time purposes.

2. Governor’s Task Force to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Improve Health of Forests and Wildlands Houston said on January 8, 2021, the Governor’s Task Force to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Improve Health of Forests and Wildlands provided a plan to reduce wildfire risk for vulnerable communities, improve the

124 health of forests and wildlands, and accelerate action to address climate change. The intent is to accelerate the pace and scale of wildfire risk reduction by treating upwards of 500,000 acres annually to mitigate fire risk. Pfuehler explained staff included this matter to show the state budget reflects the billion-dollar price tag recommended by the task force. Staff noted the acreage of wildfires burned last year was greater than 2017 and 2018 combined. The investment in forest health, mitigation and vegetation management shows an understanding of the challenge. Legislative and Policy Management Analyst Lisa Baldinger spoke to the 2017 and 2018 acreage burned. Some of the acreage burned again in 2020. Staff indicated awareness about fires returning to recently burned areas. Fortunately, they haven’t returned to the East Bay Hills – a further testament to the District’s vegetation management work. The District has seen success with a science-based plan. Director Dennis Waespi conveyed the Governor suggests prescribed burns of 500,000 acres, yet the District is under the purview of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) with stringent air quality rules. The District may need to talk with the BAAQMD and suggest, for overall air quality, it would be better to burn a couple hundred acres in March than millions in October. Assistant General Manager Kristina Kelchner noted Director Waespi is exactly right about the air quality issues. An even bigger issue is permitting which protects wildlife. The District has windows for prescribed burns based on nesting seasons and BAAQMD red flag fire days. Stewardship staff has determined only a couple weeks a year are available for prescribed burns. Working with the BAAQMD, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and resource agencies will be important to determine prescribed burning. There is a need for bringing back prescribed fire as a tool. As to Director Wieskamp and Pfuehler’s good comment about the placement of housing near parkland as a local land use issue, the state is limited in how much they can mandate. There were, however, updates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines two years ago. Through the CEQA guidelines, and with greater science and mapping, developers now need to look at wildfire risks and whether proposed developments will exacerbate those risks.

3. State Legislative and Government Affairs Priorities – Sacramento Meetings Pfuehler along with Baldinger provided an overview and itinerary of the January 25 and 27 Sacramento Zoom meetings with Legislators. The District has five key topics to discuss, wildfire prevention, COVID funding/response, support for East Bay Conservation Corp, Climate Bond – SB 45 and Cutting the Green Tape Initiative.

4. Nuisance Abatement Legislation Update Pfuehler provided staff is working on legislation aimed at enabling the District to both abate encroachments and require reimbursement for having removed them from District property under Public Resources Code 5500. Currently, the District can only cite individuals, but does not have the legal authority to remove and recover costs as cities and counties have. The District is working with other independent districts in the area (Mid-Peninsula Open Space District, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and Napa County Open Space and Regional Park District) to achieve this cost saving goal. Assistant District Counsel Jason Rosenberg brought to staffs’ attention the significant cost to the District of the current process. Victor expanded addressing encroachments within the District has been an enormous challenge. These administrative remedies have been available to cities and counties for decades. The District would use them carefully while following its Good Neighborhood Policy. Staff works to achieve voluntary compliance before resorting to these measures. Rosenberg helped craft the legislative language the District is bringing forward to legislators.

1. Other Matters None

II. FEDERAL LEGISLATION / OTHER MATTERS

125 A. NEW LEGISLATION RECOMMENDED BILLS FOR SUPPORT 1. H.R. 159 (Sires D-NJ) – Investments in Parks Pfuehler explained H.R. 159 is a reintroduction of a bill the District supported last Congress. It makes the connection between investing in parks and economic development in urban areas. It is a means of infusing additional resources into urban areas for park development and may benefit some District parks including Point Pinole. Last year, Federal Legislative Advocate Peter Umhofer was able to secure specific language in the legislation stating special park districts would be eligible for the grants. Staff will work to include the same language this year. Umhofer added Representative Sires from New Jersey has had a similar bill for about three Congresses. This language could be included, along with support for a Civilian Conservation Corps, as part of a larger package of bills.

The motion to support passed unanimously.

Umhofer mentioned the Senate Outdoor Restoration Force Act, a late December bill, is an effort to cover $60 billion in restoration funds for which special districts were included. This bill tracks very closely with the Civilian Conservation Corps legislation as a means to get people back to work and to improve local, state parks and federal lands. The District lent support to the effort. Umhofer believes it will continue to gain traction. The bill was introduced at the end of the year. It will soon be reintroduced. Staff had previous conversations about how to build upon the success from last year’s Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Great American Outdoors Act. The next big piece of legislation with momentum is the Civilian Conservation Corps Act.

B. OTHER FEDERAL MATTERS 1. FY 2021 Federal Funding Agreement and Covid-19 Relief Funding Umhofer discussed President-elect Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief package, including $350 billion for state and local aid. Ongoing conversations are occurring to make sure special districts are eligible for the aid. More special districts from around the country need to weigh in and be heard. Ohio, Illinois and Texas are states with many special districts and they need to engage. In conversations at very high levels. it has resonated that parks have been a savior for people and their mental health. The District’s public opinion surveys have been helpful. There was a bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Bill in December with a five percent set aside for special districts in the state and local funding section, but it did not pass. Special districts received some visibility and traction. This was an opportunity to educate members.

2. Additional Biden Administration Appointments Umhofer reviewed current Biden-Harris Administration Appointments.

3. Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Federal Transportation Grant Update Umhofer explained in the past the Federal BUILD Grant program has been funded around $1 billion dollars annually with 50% to rural projects, and 50% to urban and suburban projects. Pfuehler and Baldinger have been doing great work to get closer to a BUILD application. Baldinger provided thanks to Grants Manager Katie Hornbeck and Trails Program Manager Sean Dougan who have put together a list of 18 projects. As discussed with the Board, staff is moving forward with a two-phase approach. Phase one is reviewing a list of all potential active transportation projects across the District. The entire District is considered urban by the criteria of the BUILD application. Staff will be analyzing all potential projects with Alta Consulting, completing around February/March. By then staff should have the newly posted BUILD Grant criteria to put together the most competitive package. Thank you to each District Board Member for meeting with Pfuehler and Baldinger to review the list in detail and discuss priorities. In terms of next steps, staff will share the projects with cities able to partner with the District and begin

126 communications across the region. Pfuehler added the data gathered will be helpful to the District this year and, frankly, next year with grants at the state and regional level.

4. Land and Water Conservation Fund / Great America Outdoors Act Umhofer informed the Land Water Conservation Fund Act was barely advanced by the current Administration. They did not provide project details requested by Congress. When the new Administration takes over, they will have to make some revisions and provide information to Congress for the release of funds. Director Rosario assumed the current funds allocated for 2020 were not spent and the money would get rolled over in 2021. Umhofer affirmed Congress has an idea of projects and how to spend the money, but more detail or another set of projects is needed. It could be a combination of some old and some new projects.

5. Other Matters Umhofer encouraged the District, in light of what happened on January 6th with the U.S. Capitol insurrection, to issue a statement condemning the attacks, as many organizations across the nation are doing. Victor added considering this serious moment and recognizing the oath of office taken by Board Members so close to the events of January 6th, staff will bring forward a statement for the Board's consideration.

III. ARTICLES

IV. OPEN FORUM PUBLIC COMMENT Dr. Jerry Jerome Robinson asked about access to drinking water at Point Pinole. Director Wieskamp questioned the possibility of adding a water filling station. Kelchner added the District’s head of Operations has now been notified and staff will be following up with Dr. Robinson.

Members of the public had an opportunity to submit public comments via e-mail and voicemail. No public comments were received on items listed on the agenda.

V. BOARD COMMENTS Director Rosario commented in today’s meeting there are bills which will benefit the District and California. He looks forward to working as a member of the Committee. Director Waespi asked if there is a way to communicate with our legislators so they remember District staff are essential servants providing a central service when asking for relief money. The District has a group of employees who are frontline workers in need of vaccinations. Director Wieskamp requested talking points for the virtual Sacrament meetings. She was impressed with the Conservation Corps discussion. Victor included news around COVID continues to be sobering. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said by March they are expecting another surge of a highly contagious variant.

This meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Debra Fuller Confidential Secretary

127 NEWSCLIPS

Park It: Check out East Bay district’s newsletter for activity ideas ‘Regional in Nature’ filled with bimonthly suggestions, tips; and get workout on Old Moraga Ranch Trail By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: February 7, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: February 7, 2021 at 7:11 a.m.

Visitors and their dogs socialize previously at Moraga’s Rancho Laguna Park, the easiest place to start a regional park hike on the Old Moraga Ranch Trail that offers a real workout. The trail is steep up and down, with the high point 1,194 feet up, at St. Mary’s Peak. A publication with lots of good information about things to see and do in the East Bay Regional Park District is “Regional in Nature,” the park district’s bimonthly newsletter. “Regional in Nature” shows up as an insert in newspapers throughout the East Bay, generally about a week before the end of the month. The March-April RIN edition should appear soon, but if you miss RIN in your paper, you can still access it by visiting the park district’s RIN webpage at ebparks.org/activities/rin. Unfortunately, the park district’s usual schedule of nature education programs and special events is on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, RIN still offers lots of suggestions for activities and explorations that your whole family will enjoy. For instance, while the thought of candy cap mushroom ice cream may never have crossed your mind, the January-February RIN edition tells you how to make it at home and enjoy its sweet maple flavor. Or you can check out “Preparedness 101,” your guide to outdoor winter activities. It’s a list of tips on how to stay warm, dry and safe during winter hikes. A top tip: bring a thermos with a hot beverage to enjoy during rest stops along the way.

There are natural history articles about kestrels, turtles, ducks, mountain lions and harbor seals. The kids may enjoy crafting a harbor seal doll out of an old sock and some accessories. The publication also has results of a 2020 community survey, which found that 96% of respondents believed the accessibility of parks and trails is important to maintaining the mental health of our community. Of those surveyed, 96% also agreed that parks and trails should remain open and accessible to help people get physical exercise in a “safe, socially distant manner.”

Previous editions of RIN are also available at the park district’s website. All are full of ideas for ways to appreciate and enjoy the regional parks and other public open spaces with your family at a time when district-organized activities are suspended.

128 Moraga: If you’re looking for a regional park hike that offers a real workout, I recommend the Old Moraga Ranch Trail. The trail is steep up and down, with the high point 1,194 feet up, at St. Mary’s Peak. The hike is kind of like a rollercoaster ride but without the carts, speed and the mechanical assistance when going up. It’s strenuous, but the reward is unsurpassed views of Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda) and the St. Mary’s College campus. The trail’s not open to bicycles, at least according to the map legend. Old Moraga Ranch Trail is included in the map of Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail that’s available on the park district website at ebparks.org/parks/maps.

Generally the trail is well marked. The easiest way to start is to park at Rancho Laguna Park on Camino Pablo in Moraga. From there, walk back up Camino Pablo a short distance to the Sanders Ranch residential subdivision. Walk into the subdivision on the left side of its entrance road. In about a quarter-mile, look for a trail marker on the left. The trail leads down into a creek bed, crosses several wooden bridges, then climbs out of the creek bed and up a steep hill. You’re on your way.

Another option is to start at a trailhead across Camino Pablo from Rancho Laguna Park and walk west up a sometimes-steep route to the junction with the Rocky Ridge Trail on East Bay Municipal Utility District land. The north end of Old Moraga Ranch Trail is at Bollinger Canyon Road. Bollinger Canyon Road is a private road at that point, though, and there isn’t any trailhead parking. In any case, I think all but the most dedicated hikers will find that the climb from Camino Pablo to St. Mary’s Peak and back is more than adequate exercise.

129

Contra Costa supervisors honor retired parks GM Doyle Led East Bay Regional Park District for 10 years by Sam Richards / BCN Foundation Uploaded: Sun, Feb 7, 2021, 10:53 am

In honoring Robert Doyle upon his retirement as the East Bay Regional Park District's general manager, Contra Costa County supervisors praised him for his work to help not only save park land, but to make that land as accessible to as many people as possible.

"You are the entity who would come in and say 'I can make this (land) accessible,' make sure the whole community can have access to this," Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville said during the Jan. 19 meeting. She cited Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve in the hills west of Danville as a prime example of the open spaces preserved for public use.

The park district, comprising nearly 125,000 acres in 73 parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and more than 1,250 miles of trails, more than doubled in acreage during Doyle's 47 years with the district -- the last 10 of those years as its general manager.

Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood said Doyle was, since his teen years, an activist for preserving land, and later evolved into a statesman in helping negotiate for land acquisition.

Those lands aren't all in the more spacious agricultural lands of East and Central Contra Costa County.

"You have done so much to make the parks accessible to people in urban areas like West Contra Costa and Richmond," Supervisor John Gioia said at Tuesday's regular Board of Supervisors meeting. Gioia held up a photo of what he said is his favorite EBRPD park land, Nicholl Knob near the Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline in West Contra Costa.

Doyle, a Walnut Creek resident who retired at the end of December, said those park lands in Contra Costa and Alameda counties are especially important now, with the COVID-19 pandemic closing down so many venues for recreation and entertainment. He said he hopes a Peace Conference Center can one day soon be built as part of the redevelopment of the Concord Naval Weapons Station land, in conjunction with the National Park Service.

130

Environmental groups declare victory in East Bay off- road vehicle park battle Judge sides with Alameda County in Carnegie park lawsuit By ANGELA RUGGIERO | PUBLISHED: February 6, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. | UPDATED: February 6, 2021 at 7:34 a.m. A motorcyclist rides on a trail at the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area located between Livermore and Tracy, Calif., on Friday, July 31, 2020. The state park recreation area has more than 1,300 acres of off- road riding area with varied terrain for all skill levels. It is one of nine state vehicular recreation areas operated by California State Parks. A judge has rejected a state’s environmental report in the fight over the expansion of an off- road vehicle park east of Livermore, and environmentalists are declaring a victory.

Alameda County and other environmental groups filed a lawsuit in 2016 to stop the expansion of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation area, which could combine the current 1,551 acres with an additional 3,100 acres of land the state bought in 1998.

In October 2016, the state’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Park Commission agreed to the expansion, capping a dispute growing for more than a decade. But the decision angered environmental groups such as Friends of Tesla Park, Save Mount Diablo, the Center for Biological Diversity and Alameda Creek Alliance. Some of those groups and Alameda County sued the state.

In a January ruling, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne W.L. Chang found the state park’s environmental impact report and the general plan for Carnegie park were legally invalid. This means the state will have to start over on its environmental report.

The western land that the state wants to add to the off-road area has been dubbed “Tesla Park” by environmentalists who would rather see it turned into a nature preserve. Celeste Garamendi, of the Friends of Tesla Park, said in an interview that the ruling was a great victory and demonstrates that the plan to expand the off-road park was “ill-conceived” from the start.

“This ruling should be the nail in the coffin, because it’s so clear state parks failed in every measure to meet requirements of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and follow the law,” Garamendi said. “If they were to properly complete an EIR and general plan, there’s no doubt in my mind that Tesla Park would have to be conserved and provided more mitigation.”

131 She said the state parks have been “pretending” that they do not need to mitigate for their damaging impacts of having off-road tracks on the land. But the judge’s ruling “shot that down” and made clear it’s “an absolute falsehood,” Garamendi said.

However, avid off-road recreation enthusiasts argue the ruling is more of a bump in the road and a new environmental report can be prepared.

“It’s a red herring, because the state has the capacity of doing a new EIR,” said Amy Granat, managing director of California Off-Road Vehicle Association.

She was unhappy that environmental groups and Alameda County would “stoop to being complicit in a tactic that takes away a state park from citizens of California that paid for it.”

“It amazes me that a county, let alone private groups, want to steal a state park from the citizens of California,” she said.

If the state does redo its environmental report, it would be the state park’s fourth attempt at an environmental review since it purchased the land in 1998 for $7.4 million from the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have allowed the land to be sold to a local agency for conservation. Newsom said it should remain a state park.

Environmentalists say it’s wrong to build trails for motorized vehicles into an area that has habitat for rare species, including the California red-legged frog and San Joaquin kit foxes, plus sacred cultural sites for Native Americans, scenic hillsides and remnants of the coal mining town of Tesla.

Juan Pablo Galvan, of the advocacy group Save Mount Diablo, said in an interview the state used money from the use fees at the current off-road vehicle park to purchase the land for an extension, and therefore the parks department thought it was prohibited from considering anything but off- road use. But the judge found this wasn’t true, Galvan said.

Both Galvan and Seth Adam, the land conservation director for Save Mount Diablo, noted in an interview that off-road vehicle use has been declining for the past 15 years, according to the state park’s own data.

“No one is clamoring to get in on this hobby,” Galvan said. But what there is interest in is hiking, camping and picnicking, he said. “This is the perfect place to serve the Livermore Valley and Central Valley.”

The county’s lawsuit focused on the inadequacies of the environmental impact documents, and that the report did not consider an adequate range of alternatives. The Friends of Tesla Park, which filed a similar lawsuit at the time, argued that environmental documents did not properly disclose and analyze negative environmental impacts, including harm to wildlife, hillside erosion and damage to cultural resources. That lawsuit is still pending, but the organization expects a similar outcome to the county’s lawsuit.

Gus “Butch” Meyner, an avid dirt-biker from San Jose, said in an email that off-road areas like Carnegie “reduce the strain of the population on the environment by managing it intelligently.

132 Rather, they eliminate it, and create an environment where nature and OHV (off-highway vehicles) can co-exist.”

He echoed Garant’s sentiment that Save Tesla Park wants to “take a state park away from the state, and the public.”

The state park department said in a statement that it cannot comment “on the court ruling in the county of Alameda related to the Tesla expansion area at Carnegie SVRA. The department is studying the judge’s opinion.”

The Tesla Park area has been a part of the East Bay Regional Park’s master plan since 2013, as a parks area. The parks district supported the county’s decision to sue the state in 2016.

Ayn Wieskamp, an East Bay Regional Parks board member who represents the Livermore area, said in an interview that there has been plenty of support to keep the land as a parks preserve. “Enough people and agencies thought it was so special it should not have that kind of use for it,” she said, referring to the off-roading.

She’s toured the land and learned about the plant and animal species there and the Native American sites. The area serves as a wildlife corridor, connecting certain animal species from the Central Valley to the Livermore Valley. “You can’t plan the future if you don’t save it now,” she said.

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Celebrating women through books By Bonnie Fend Published February 3rd, 2021 The American Association of University Women Orinda-Moraga- Lafayette (AAUW-OML) Branch will hold a book fair through Feb. 28 with Orinda Books, featuring a collection of 21 titles of all genres celebrating women. The book fair will raise money for the $2,000 scholarships OML awards each year to graduating senior women from each of our local high schools. In addition, two students from Saint Mary's College will each be awarded $1,000 scholarships. The scholarship fund receives 20% of the sales of these books.

As part of this, the AAUW-OML Branch will host a program at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 16 which features Beverly Lane speaking on "Women Suffrage Warriors," the story of women winning the vote in California and the country. Her presentation will provide a brief history of the U.S. women's civil rights and suffrage movements.

Lane is a Danville resident and has been active in local organizations and government for decades. She is a past Danville town council member and mayor and is currently a director on the East Bay Regional Park District board of directors. A Zoom link to the free program can be obtained at the AAUW-OML website, oml-ca.aauw.net.

At the bookstore, look for the AAUW-OML table. If you are unable to visit the store, a list of the featured titles along with a synopsis of each, is available on the AAUW-OML website: www.oml- ca.aauw.net. You can purchase the featured books at the store, online at www.orindabooks.com, or by phone at (925) 254-7606 and use the store's curbside pickup.

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Park It: Castle Rock near Walnut Creek closed for falcon nesting season Not disturbing peregrines from February through July vital for their survival By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: January 31, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: February 1, 2021 at 5:32 a.m.

A peregrine falcon flies over sandstone rocks at the foot of Mount Diablo State park near Walnut Creek. The Castle Rock formation overlooking Diablo Foothills Regional Park near Walnut Creek is closed to public access from Feb. 1 through July 31 to allow peregrine falcons to nest in peace. It’s time once again for the annual reminder that the Castle Rock formation overlooking Diablo Foothills Regional Park near Walnut Creek is closed to public access from Feb. 1 through July 31 to allow peregrine falcons to nest in peace. The rocks are located in Mount Diablo State Park, but visitors usually access them from the Stage Road Trail in Diablo Foothills park. Signs are posted at several access points advising of the closure. In general, the boundary line is Pine Creek. Peregrine falcons are remarkable birds. About the size of crows, they prey mostly on smaller birds but also on mammals including rodents and bats. They are capable of diving at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour, which makes them the world’s fastest animal. Peregrines are no longer on the federal endangered species list, but in California they’re still fully protected under the state’s Fish & Game Code. It’s vital to leave them alone during the nesting season, which runs from February through July. If disturbed, they can fail to mate or abandon their nests.

An all-volunteer natural history education team keeps watch on the peregrines at Castle Rock during the mating season. In 2020, two pairs of nesting peregrines were seen in the rocks. However, neither pair ever settled into incubation, so no chicks hatched. Usually there’s just one nesting pair up in the rocks; the presence of two may have been distracting. Peregrines are very territorial. So please don’t venture up into the rocks during the peregrines’ mating season. Everyone’s cooperation is appreciated. Trespassers can be cited, and the fine is expensive.

Park closures: Since we’re on the subject of closures, remember that a few regional parks and facilities remain closed due to restrictions related to COVID-19. The main closures include all visitor centers, Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont and the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in

137 Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Other parklands can be closed due to adverse weather conditions such as high winds.

To check on a park’s status before heading out, go to the park district webpage at ebparks.org/news/covid_19_park_and_trail_updates.htm. Farther down the page, you can put the cursor on “Parks & Trails,” then click on “Park & Trail Closures.” Also on the “Parks & Trails” menu is a “Report Incident” option, where you can report nonemergency situations, hazardous trail conditions, etc. For emergencies or park rule violations, call the park district public safety department dispatchers at 510-881-1121.

Alameda: The park district is in the process of planning public access for 3.89 acres of new parkland at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, next to Crab Cove Visitor Center. The “McKay Master Plan” also includes street improvements along McKay Avenue for better traffic circulation and proposed new recreational facilities. You can find out more about the project and take an online survey to offer your input on the plan. To do so, visit ebparks.org/McKayMasterPlan.

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Popular San Francisco Bay visitor center expanding East Bay Regional Park District wants to hear from people on plans for Crab Cove By PETER HEGARTY | PUBLISHED: January 27, 2021 at 6:03 a.m. | UPDATED: January 28, 2021 at 3:13 p.m.

The Crab Cove Visitors Center is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Alameda, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021.The East Bay Regional Park District is seeking public input for a planned expansion of 3.89 acres of land inside the Crab Cove Marine Conservation Area, across McKay Avenue from the visitors center. ALAMEDA — The park district is looking at expanding Crab Cove Visitor Center — a place for biking and hiking, family picnics and where kids can marvel at an 800-gallon aquarium as they learn about the wonders of San Francisco Bay.

The East Bay Regional Park District, which runs the center, wants people to weigh in on how the additional land for the expansion should be used, as well as possible changes along the shoreline to adapt to climate change and anticipated sea-level rise.

The district acquired the 3.89 acres behind the visitor center at 1252 McKay Ave. in 2015 from the U.S. General Services Administration.

The parcel is mostly paved and currently fenced off. Previously, it was used for vehicle parking by workers in nearby federal offices that are now permanently closed.

“It’s actually pretty cool to think that people may actually get some more open space, especially along the bay. It’s prime real estate,” said Lorraine Lambe, 23, of Oakland, as she walked near the Crab Cove center, which is currently closed because of the pandemic, on a recent afternoon. “It’s good news, and I think we can all use some of that nowadays.”

Developing a master plan for the expansion, which will include landscaping and design suggestions, will take about a year, park district officials say. So far, no money has been allocated for the expansion.

“The park district is excited about expanding public access and improving amenities near Crab Cove at Crown Beach,” Ellen Corbett, who represents Alameda on the East Bay park district board, said in a statement. “I encourage Alameda residents to get involved in the planning process and share their input. We want to hear from you about what your priorities are for the project.”

139 The acres behind the building were the ground-zero of a ballot measure in April 2019, when Alameda voters were asked whether they supported rezoning a bordering federal building complex made up of offices just across the street from the visitor’s center, as open space.

Supporters of the measure said it would clear the way to expand Crab Cove and nearby Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach even more.

Voters rejected the idea.

The East Bay park district was not interested in acquiring the offices, it said, and city of Alameda representatives said at the time that no money was available to tear down the 11 buildings at the complex across the street from Crab Cove and create a new public park.

The projected cost for that option was then $11.7 million.

The rezoning effort followed the federal government in September 2018 selecting the Alameda Point Collaborative, a nonprofit group that provides services to people who were once homeless, to take over the former federal offices and turn them into a wellness center.

The ongoing plans include creating a place where people who have been discharged from a hospital with lingering medical issues can convalesce and recover.

The approximately 90-office complex was originally part of a 100-acre facility developed in 1942 as a U.S. Maritime Officer Training School — and which the land for the current Crab Cove expansion was also part of.

Along with the future wellness center, the neighborhood near Alameda’s Webster Street business district includes buildings with condominiums and apartments on the west and north side of the center. San Francisco Bay borders the southern part of Crab Cove.

City Councilman Tony Daysog, who grew up in the neighborhood, welcomed the news that Crab Cove was getting a bigger footprint. The center officially opened on July 4, 1980.

“Wow, if the (park district) can include at the site programs and facilities that complement if not expand on the Crab Cove center already there, this will be a great attraction for Alameda’s west end, which could benefit nearby Webster Street businesses as well,” Daysog said via an email.

The master plan, which people can comment on, will be used as a guide to raise money for construction and how various options might cost, plus to develop a schedule for when the work will be carried out, according to park district officials.

The district purchased the spot behind Crab Cove for $2,182,500, according to Dave Mason, a district spokesman. Funds were available through Measure WW.

Voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties approved Measure WW in November 2008. It provides $500 million in bonds to expand regional parks, as well as to preserve and protect open space.

140 The park district operates Crab Cove via agreements with California State Parks and the city of Alameda, and the size of Crab Cove, before the acquisition, was about 388 acres, Mason said. The East Bay district considers Crab Cove part of the overall Crown Beach parcel.

More information can be found at www.ebparks.org/McKayMasterPlan. People also can call 1- 888-327-2757.

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East Bay parks to reopen after high winds force temporary closure East Bay Regional Park District said safety motivated closures By JOSEPH GEHA | PUBLISHED: January 27, 2021 at 12:52 p.m. | UPDATED: January 28, 2021 at 6:35 a.m.

The East Bay Regional Park District said 11 of its parks will reopen Thursday after a mid-week closure due to the “extreme weather” the Bay Area is experiencing this week. The facilities, which are categorized as “ridgeline parks,” were initially closed Wednesday at 8 a.m. through Friday, Jan. 29, at 8 a.m. “due to “safety concerns and cleanup needs” caused by storms crossing over the Bay Area, the district said in a statement Tuesday night. “High winds can cause falling trees and branches, which can cause injury and create safety hazards,” the statement said.

But changing conditions and forecasts meant officials decided to reopen those parks at 8 a.m. Thursday.

A list of the temporarily closed parks is below:

• Anthony Chabot (Redwood Canyon Golf Course may remain open) • Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve • Huckleberry Regional Preserve • Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area • Lake Chabot Regional park • Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve • Reinhart Redwood Regional Park • Roberts Recreation Area • Sibley Regional Preserve • Tilden Regional Park (including Tilden Golf course) • Wildcat Canyon Regional Park / Alvarado Park Those still looking to get outdoors at other sites can visit www.ebparks.org/parks for information on open parks and open spaces.

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Park It: Beware of poison mushrooms in East Bay’s open spaces Also, parks agency reminds visitors to abide by pandemic protocols to end crisis sooner than later By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: January 24, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: January 25, 2021 at 5:54 a.m.

East Bay Regional Park District visitors should know about poisonous mushrooms they and their dogs may encounter during the winter. Among those mushrooms are the death cap (Amanita phalloides), above, and Western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata), two of the world’s most toxic varieties. If the recent attendance at regional parks is any indication, parks and open space are as vital to physical and emotional well-being during the pandemic as health departments have said. Alameda and Contra Costa County health authorities have affirmed that spending time in parks is beneficial for health, disease prevention, and mental stress relief. So current state and local “shelter-in-place” orders allow for outdoor recreation activities as an essential activity as long as park visitors wear face masks and maintain the 6-foot social distance requirement. This is especially true on weekends, when parks including Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, Tilden near Berkeley and Coyote Hills in Fremont tend to be very crowded. Hence the district is asking everyone to cooperate with the COVID-19-related protocols so we can all get through this pandemic as soon as possible.

Fatal fungi: While we’re in the regional parks, this is as good a time as any for the annual warning about wild mushrooms. If and when enough substantial winter rains arrive, they’ll stimulate the growth of several mushroom varieties.

Please remember that collecting mushrooms or any other plants and animals is against the rules in the regional parks, which are essentially wildlife preserves where we are supposed to “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” With that said, visitors should be knowledgeable about the mushrooms that can be found in the parks. Among them are the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and Western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata), two of the world’s most toxic varieties.

Both contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately. Park district naturalist Trent Pearce says the death cap and destroying angel can be fatal to people and pets if consumed. They mainly grow under oak trees or anywhere that oak roots are present.

145 The death cap is medium to large with a greenish-gray cap, white gills and a white ring around the stem with a white sac at its base. Although it’s mainly associated with oak trees, it’s been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly spreading on the West Coast. The Western destroying angel is native to California, medium to large, usually with a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around its stem that can disappear with age and a thin white sac at its base.

As both varieties are dangerous to pets, dog owners should keep a close watch on canines walking with them during winter months. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you believe your dog may have eaten a poisonous mushroom. Other mushrooms in this area that contain deadly toxins include Galerina and Lepiota species.

In sum, if you collect mushrooms in areas where it is permitted, expertise is a must. For most of us, the best place for mushroom gathering is the local supermarket. If you’re interested in delving further into mushrooms, visit mssf.org, the Mycological Society of San Francisco’s website. Black Diamond Mines naturalist Virginia Delgado Martinez also has a “Mushroom Exploration & Dissection” video on Facebook.

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