Chamber - BOR Meeting, June 30, 2008

Bureau of Reclamation: Mike Finnegan - Area Manager, Central California Area Office, Janet Rogers - Lake Berryessa Park Manager, Karen Wagner - Interdisciplinary Program Manager, Dan Kolda - Concessions Manager

Lake Berryessa Chamber of Commerce: Brenda Brown, Cassandra Chase, Susan Heyden, Gary Howes, Gil Pridmore, Evan Kilkus, Peter Kilkus, Amber Payne, CeCe Short, Sharyn Simmons, Linda Tschida, Paul White

Napa County: Joanne Melgar, assistant to Supervisor Diane Dillon

Mike Finnegan gave a summary of the history of the Lake Berryessa proposal process which may have been the most complex in the history of the Department of the Interior. Reclamation’s goal is to develop a “good, robust” communication process with local stakeholders.

He characterized the present negotiation process with the Pensus Group as having developed “good commitments all around so far”. Reclamation does not expect the Pensus Group to back out of the contract.

Although there are many details left, Reclamation has a target date of August 1, 2008 for contract signing with the Pensus Group for the four west side resorts. Due to the complications involving Steele Park Resort and the water and sewer assessment district issues with the Berryessa Highlands, that contract may take longer.

Reclamation did not expect Pensus to be able to become operational before the end of the present contracts. Therefore, Rancho Monticello, Spanish Flat, Berryessa Marina, and Putah Creek resorts will cease operations on their contract end dates.

Reclamation continues to look for opportunities to provide amenities for the public at other locations. Pleasure Cove is expanding camping, RV sites and boat slips, Markley Cove is attempting to provide additional boat slips and Reclamation is looking forward to working with the Chamber for additional events around the lake. Reclamation looked into expanding short-term services, such as camping, at their other locations (Oak Shores, Capell Cove launch ramp, Camp Berryessa) but said it was not practical for this summer.

Reclamation strongly said they wanted to help promote events at the lake and would accept any suggestions the Chamber members may have. They agreed to add a link to the Chamber web site on their web site. The possibility of short-term signage was brought up without any conclusion being reached. The Chamber and Reclamation agreed to set up a small working group to continue to develop short-and long- term plans to minimize the severe disruption of the present transition.

Reclamation sent the Chamber a calendar of upcoming events that they knew of and a list of services available at the west side resort for the 4^th of July weekend.

Chamber Vice-President Susan Heyden then began the discussion of Chamber members’ concerns, especially the severe, real economic affects of the closure of the resorts.

Mr. Finnegan stated that their legal counsel said that Reclamation has no legal ability to extend the present contracts although their own policy LND 04-01 seems to specifically gives them the right to do so. Reclamation is checking with the solicitor to clarify. Reclamation stressed that an interim contract is NOT an extension, it is a new contract that has provisions in line with contemporary requirements and not a continuation of the old contract. In addition, Reclamation has traditionally awarded interim contracts through the competitive process. An existing operator could be awarded the interim contract provided they agreed to the terms of a new contract.

(2) Interim Operator. Reclamation may select an interim operator if a contract is not in place at the time the existing contract expires or is terminated. Interim contracts will generally follow the existing contract provisions; however, contract terms and conditions must be modified to reflect current policies and directives and standards. Reclamation may select the existing concessionaire as the interim operator if the existing concessionaire is performing in a satisfactory manner. The interim operation will not exceed 2 years. A new contract must be awarded as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. Finnegan said he would again check with their legal people and get back to the Chamber.

Chamber members asked several times about Reclamation opening only launch ramps at the present resorts to allow day users to launch for the remainder of the summer. The present situation is such that there will soon be no launching facilities at all on the west side of the lake along Knoxville Road. Reclamation responded that they must respect the rights of the present resort owners with regard to their property and it would be difficult to work out extensions or third party contracts with the present contractors to provide that service. Rancho Monticello representatives said they would be interested in possibly providing launch facilities under a 3^rd party contract with Reclamation, so there may be some possibility of some launch services remaining on the west side.

The group discussed the future survival of local businesses. Many negative rumors are making the rounds, including one that the lake is being drained! We need some way to get the positive word out about the lake. The discussion included Bureau of Reclamation actions with local media. Mr. Finnegan said that the best way for Reclamation to impact the media is through working with the editorial boards of local newspapers. This is also true for the Chamber. The Chamber will produce another press release and make personal contact with the local media to try to drum up some support for news stories and features about the lake. The Chamber can also write opinion pieces that local newspapers will hopefully publish.

The group discussed future publicity opportunities working with the Pensus Group once the contract is signed. The contract will be a public document and include the list of future facilities that will be built.

Reclamation believes that all resorts, with the possible exception of Steele Park due to the water/sewer issue, will be open for operation by the beginning of the next recreational season in 2009. The full build out of new facilities (hotels, motels, boat hotels, restaurants…) will take several years. Reclamation is putting out a contract bid for a video documentary for the production of a “five year video that will chronicle the planning process for removal and rebuilding of public use facilities such as roads, launch ramps, marinas, stores, restaurants, hotels, lodges, cabins, RV sites, camping sites, and other recreational opportunities”.

Security at the closed resorts were a major concern to Chamber members. There have been two mobile home fires in the last few months. The one at Berryessa Marina is suspected of being arson. The present contractors are responsible to provide security for their own property. Reclamation has limitations on what it can do, but is working with the present resort owners. The trailers are a different situation since they are the private property of their owners and not the responsibility of the resorts.

Mr. Finnegan said that Reclamation will not tolerate any criminal activity and is working with the Napa County Sheriff to investigate the arson case. Reclamation will strongly pursue prosecution of perpetrators. Reclamation has hired Black Talon Security to patrol the resorts in general, especially during night hours. The Park Rangers are also on patrol. Rancho Monticello has installed security cameras. The Rancho Monticello representatives expressed satisfaction with the special security provisions instituted by Reclamation.

Summary Action List:

· Establish a small working group with Chamber members and Reclamation. (Chamber)

· Provide a list of upcoming special use permits and events. (Reclamation)

· Notify the Chamber of upcoming events as permits are issued.(Reclamation)

· Consider possible participation with Chamber (possibly a booth) at upcoming boat shows. (Chamber and Reclamation)

· Contact Reclamation Public Affairs about press releases and providing truthful and positive information to the public. (Reclamation)

· Chamber will issue press releases or editorials. (Chamber)

· Provide a list of amenities available for the 4th of July weekend at remaining resorts. (Reclamation)

· Consider the possibility of a 3rd party operating boat launches at closed resorts. (Rancho Monticello will provide proposal.) (Reclamation)

· Post a link to the Chamber website on the Reclamation website. (Reclamation)

· Reclamation will look into how much information can be released on new development plans for the resorts prior to contract completion so the Chamber can begin planning its advertising programs. (Reclamation)

· Consider informative brochure for distribution to the public discussing new development. (Reclamation and Chamber)

· Contact Solicitor in reference to extension of contracts. (Reclamation)