Board of Directors

April 7, 2008
7:00 pm

MINUTES

1.  6:00 p.m. Closed Session  (Part or all of a meeting may be closed to the public under special conditions.  The Board may only consider matters covered in the agenda descriptions.)

A.     Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) – Conference with Legal Counsel;

1.  MPRPD and Friends of the Carmel River Trail vs. Carmel River Stables, LLC

     Case No. M88551;

2. Gerard Ste. Marie vs. Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space

    District, Case No. S159319.

B.     Conference with Legal Counsel – anticipated litigation (two matters) pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.5(c).  Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9

C.     Real Property negotiations pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:  A.P.N.416-511-002 (negotiators J. Donofrio/T. Jensen and Big Sur Land Trust)

2.  Report on Return From Closed Session – Board President Dainton reported that no formal action was taken

3.  7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting/Roll Call – President Dainton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT:  Director M. Adamson; Director B. Post and President M. Dainton

ABSENT:  Director J. Fellguth and Director J. Dalessio

4.  Approval of Agenda – Unanimously approved

5. Public Comments – Mr. Norm Channell, a resident who lives near the Mill Creek Redwood Preserve praised the staff and expressed his gratitude for their service, in particular Joseph Donofrio, Tim Jensen, Robert Chapin and Larry Born.  He expressed particular concern for fire danger in Mill Creek and is grateful for the Park District’s ongoing efforts in addressing park fire safety issues.

6.  Presentations

1.     Finance & Administrative Services Manager Joe Splane introduced Administrative Services Coordinator Shuran Britton to the Board.  Ms. Britton will begin her employment with the District on April 14, 2008.

2.     Programs & Planning Manager Tim Jensen and Ranger Robert Chapin were recognized for their dedicated service to the District and presented with Twenty Year Service Award plaques by President Dainton.

3.     Environmental Education Supervisor Jackie Nelson reported that the “Let’s Go Outdoors” program was recently published and distributed throughout the District by direct mail. Program registration began April 7, community response is already starting to occur. Ms. Nelson also announced that the District will have Earth Day/Trails Day celebrations on April 12th and April 19th.

President Dainton commented that she has received positive community feedback regarding the “Let’s Go Outdoors!” program guide, is looking forward to being an activity/event facilitator and encouraged other Board members to also participate as facilitators or attendees.

Director Adamson also noted that he thought the guide was excellent and hoped to see more events for older adults in future programs.

7.  Consent Items – Unanimously approved

A.     March 3, 2008 Minutes

B.     Summary of Payments

C.    Written Communications

D.    Proposal for Preparation of Engineers Report for the Parks, Open Space & Coastal Preservation Assessment District

E.    Resolution #2008-02 Directing Preparation of the Engineer’s Report for the Parks, Open Space and Coastal Preservation District

F.    Resolution #2008-03 Authorizing an Amendment to the Budget for Acquisition for Sherar Property

G.    MPRPD Assessment District Citizens Oversight Committee Annual Report

H.     MPRPD Investment Policy

I.       Earth Day Fence and Irrigation Contract for Locke-Paddon Park

J.      Potential Relocation of Black Legless Lizards to Marina Dunes Preserve

8. Public Hearing – No public comments.  Board unanimously approved Negative Declaration for Palo Corona Regional Park Trail Improvements.

9.  Director Reports  - Director Adamson reported that he visited the Frog Pond and participated in a photo opportunity hike at Point Lobos. 

President Dainton reported that she was a facilitator for the David Gubernick photo hike at Point Lobos, which was co-sponsored by the District and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History .  Members of the Museum have expressed their pleasure at the partnership between the two organizations.  President Dainton also reported on her hikes at Mill Creek and Garland Ranch, an upcoming hike with the Sierra Club and noted that she will be attending Good Old Days.

10. Manager Reports

• General Manager Joseph Donofrio presented the Board with a proposed job description that will be used for hiring a contract Environmental Education Specialist position.  It was decided that the 3-part public speaking video series would be viewed starting at the Board meetings in August.  In addition, GM Donofrio announced that he and other staff members attended several meetings, including one with the Gerrin family who lives near Palo Corona Regional Park; Pacific Grove Museum meetings and one at CSUMB.  The staff has been working on division budget drafts for the upcoming fiscal year.  He also commended Jackie Nelson and Joseph Narvaez for all their work on the “Let’s Go Outdoors” program and also thanked Joe Splane, Kelly McCullough and Cheresh Pruett for their support.
• Operations Manager Alan Miyamoto reported that he had a meeting with Mid Coast Fire District staff regarding their letter requesting permission to cut trees on the Barnett Segal property and clearing the road for fire access.  He is also working with Carmel Valley Fire to obtain pagers and handheld radios for the rangers.  He announced that Sean Chavers has been hired as the contract Park Maintenance Technician and Jeff Niewenhuis has been hired as a temporary Park Maintenance Aide.  Additionally, he announced that the bridges are in at Redwood Canyon.
• Environmental Education Supervisor Jackie Nelson announced that the District will have a booth at the Good Old Days celebration in Pacific Grove on April 12 & 13 and encouraged all to attend, along with the Earth/Trail Day celebrations.  She also thanked Joseph Narvaez, along with Debbie Wyatt and Lewis Leader for their help on the new outdoor education program.

11.  Legal Counsel Report – No report.

12.  Adjournment – The Open Session ended at 8:15 p.m.

                                                                                ________________________________

                                                                                    Shuran Britton, Recording Secretary