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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20050601 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 05-12 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 05-12 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2005 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California AGENDA* Please Note: 6:30 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting Start Time 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time 6:30 ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT—CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion ofthe Closed Session, the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting, and, at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. I. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation, California Government Code § 54956.9(a) Name of Case: Fogarty v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, San Mateo County Superior Court Case No. CIV441934 2. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation, California Government Code § 54956.9(a) Name of Case: Saratoga Country Club v. MidpeninSLIla Regional Open Space District, Santa Clara Superior Court Case No. 1-04-CV-026822 3. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation; Initiation of Litigation under California Government Code § 54956.9(c): one case 7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS— Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA— L. I-lassett ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—L. Hassett APPROVAL OF MINUTES—March 9, 2005 and March 23, 2005 APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION BOARD BUSINESS 7:40* 1 Presentation from Bay Area Ridge Trail Council 8:10* 2 Authorize the General Manager to Execute the License and Managcnient Agreement with---Peninsula Open Sp ice Trust for the Rapley Ranch Property Adjacent to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Sari Mateo County APNs: 078-210-370 and 080-320-170); Determine Recommended Actions are Categoricall Plan —M. Williams Meeting 05-12 Page 2 8:20* 3 Authorize General Manager to Contract with Erler& Kalinowski, Inc. to Conduct a Soil Invest4-,ation at POST Driscoll Ranch Property in the Amount Not to Exceed '67 OOOPlus a Contingency of$6,700 for a Total Contract Amount Not to Exceed $73,700; Determine Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA; Appropriate and Authorize Transfer of$73,000 from New Lands Purchases Account to Resource Environmental Studies Account Within Real Property Department Budget—K. Lenington 8:30* 4 Adopt Resolution to Support Santa Clara County Vector Control District's Measure for an Increased Special Benefit Assessment on Real Property; Direct General Manager to Return Mailed Ballots with an Affirmative Vote—C. Britton 8:40* 5 Program Evaluation for the 2004-2005 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District—C. Britton 9:00* 6 Authorization to Contract for Vegetation Mapping Services at Mills Creek and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves and SUrrQUIldins-, Areas with Aerial Information Systems in an Amount Not to Exceed $32,718; Determine Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA—M. Freeman 9:10* 7 Authorize Payment of$226,466 to California JPIA for General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance for Policy Year 2005-2006 and $24,056 for the Pollution Liability Insurance Program for the Policy Years 2005-2008; Appropriate and Authorize General Mana�,rer to Use $66,5 12 from the New Land Purchases Account for Payment of Insurance Amounts in Excess of the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Approved Budget—S. Thielfoldt 8 Authorization to Solicit Bids for Construction of Ridgetop Trail that Includes Installation of Two Pedestrian Footbridiyes at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve—D. Vu 9 Adopt Resolution to Show the Correct Total Dollar Amount of$38,000 for Authorized Credit Cards for Designated District Staff Members—S. Thielfoldt 10 Authorize General Manager to Enter into a Retainer Agreement With the Law Firm of Miller, Starr & Regalia in an Amount Not to Exceed $30,000 for Representation in Saratoga County Club v. MROSD, Fogarty v. MROSD and Potential Litigation Due to an Encroachment and Conservation Easement Violation at Sierra AZLII Open Space Preserve—S. Scliectman I I Call "Two Special Board Meetings for June 15, 2005 and June 29, 2005 —C. Britton REVISED CLAIMS 8:30* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS— Brief reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of District Directors and Staff; opportunity to refer public or Board questions to Staff for factual information; request Staff to report back to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or direct Staff to place a matter on a future agenda. CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(IF NECESSARY) 8:45* ADJOURNMENT TIMES ARE ESTIMATED AND ITEMS MAY APPEAR EARLIER OR LATER THAN LISTED. AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OF ORDER. Meeting 05-12 Page 3 TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board oj'Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. All items on the consent calendar maybe approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT THE DISTRICT CLERK AT(650)691-1200. NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE DISTRICT TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING. Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 2, 2005 Betsy Carpenter 501 Portola Road, Box 8065 Portola Valley, CA 94028 Re: Trails at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Dear Ms. Carpenter, Thank you for your interest in the trails at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. The District's Board of Directors considered your letter dated May 14, 2005 at their regular meeting last night. In your letter, you inquire specifically about an area where people have veered off the Spring Ridge Trail just below the intersection with the Betsy Crowder Trail to connect to the Meadow Trail. This area has received a fair amount of use in the past, evidenced by the trampled vegetation and compacted ground surface, which explains why our District Rangers recently posted signs indicating that the area is closed for resource protection. Our most recent trail projects at Windy Hill include the completion of the Meadow Trail, which I am happy to know you enjoy, and the completion of draft design plans for an observation deck at Sausal Pond. The remainder of our effort at Windy Hill this year is being directed to submitting final deck plans and permits to the Town of Portola Valley. There is no additional trail planning scheduled in the near term, however, we will certainly make a note of your interest in establishing a connector trail at lower Windy Hill and will consider your request during future planning efforts on new trail projects at this Preserve. Sincerely, DRAFT RESPONSE Larry Hassett, President PREPARED BY STAFF Board of Directors FOR BOARD GONSIDERATION cc: MROSD Board of Directors LH:ar 33o Distel Circle 650-6gi-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,led Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton 501 Portola Rd. Box 8065 Portola Valley, CA 940 28 May 14, 2005 MidPeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve 330 Distel Cir Los Altos, Ca 94022-1404 Dear MROSJO: Let me tell you about a lot of Little Old Ladies (and some Little Old Men) who go out f The Sequoias oias and hike in the Wind Hill Open Space Preserve: doors o p their back Y p q he Preserve. Thank you for keeping it so spectacular. They love t y p g p They can't all take long hikes, so they like some variety in their shorter hikes. Betsy Crowder is wonderful, but only so many days a week. Many of us found a delightful short hike from the "crossroads" where the Sequoias Trail joins the trail coming from the main Windy Hill parking lot and the Spring Ridge Trail. The sign there tells us that it is 0.4 mi to Alpine Road, 0.2 miles to Hamm's Gulch, 0.2 miles to Betsy Crowder and 2.3 miles to Windy Hill summit. We would go up the Spring Ridge Trail for a distance of 296 feet, then turn left onto a side trail that, in 149 feet, took us to join the newer Meadow Trail. From there we would go uphill to the junction of the Spring Ridge Trail, turn right and return back to the crossroads. Imagine our dismay when we found that little bit of trail closed! Please, it is just a short segment, and "Resource Protection" doesn't seem hugely important for those 149 feet of barely sloping trail, please, won't you reopen it for us? Sincerely yours, Betsy Carpenter Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-60 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM I AGENDA ITEM Presentation by Bay Area Ridge Trail Council GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION No formal action is necessary. DISCUSSION Holly Van Houten, Executive Director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, will make a presentation and discuss the Council's vision of a 500-mile ridgeline trail connection of the Bay Area's greenbelt of parks and open space. She will also focus on the dedication status and alignment of the Ridge Trail within the District's boundaries. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above Regional Open Space r _ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-56 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Proposed License and Management Agreement with Peninsula Space Trust for the Rapley Ranch Property Adjacent to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (S to Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Numbers 078-210-370 and 080-320-170) GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) as set out in this Report. 2. Authorize the General Manager to sign the attached License and Management Agreement(the "License") with Peninsula Open Space Trust. i 3. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan contained in this Report. i The 151-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) Rapley Ranch property, located adjacent to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, is the first property to be considered for a License and Management Agreement within the Coastside Protection Area, an area that was annexed into the District boundaries in 2004. As part of the annexation process,the District prepared a Service Plan for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area and a Final Environmental Impact Report that was approved by the Board of Directors Oil June 6, 2003. An annexation application was then submitted to the San Mateo Local Agency Formation Commission(LAFCO)and approved on April 7, 2004. The Coastside Protection Area,as the annexation area is referred to, includes lands in the western portion of San Mateo County lying from south of the City of Pacifica—generally between Skyline Boulevard and the Pacific Ocean—to the Santa Cruz County line. As part of the annexation process,the Service Plan and subsequent conditions approved by LAFCO established a number of policies and procedures for conducting a Coastside Protection Program. Although the District would be authorized to enter into a License for the POST Rapley Ranch property even if the Coastside Protection Program had not been approved,that program now guides the District's licensing, use, and management of open space land within the Coastside Protection Area. The proposed License for the POST property described in this Report and the accompanying Preliminary Use and Management Plan are consistent with the policies and procedures contained in the Coastside Protection Program. The following Report presents a description of the POST property, future planning considerations, a Preliminary Use and Management Plan, and environmental review of the project. j Public participation is an important element of the Coastside Protection Program throughout the process, from licensing or purchasing open space land to developing a Final Use and Management Plan. Since this is the first proposed License in the Coastside Protection Area following adoption of the Coastside Protection Program, the District's Real Property Committee, a standing committee of the Board of I R-05-56 Page 2 Directors,held a meeting on the property in order to acquaint the three-member Board Committee, neighbors,and interested parties with the property, and to receive public input into the proposed License. This meeting was held on May 17, 2005 after notice was distributed to property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property,coastside public officials,community-interest groups, non-profit land trusts, conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies,and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area. At the Real Property Committee meeting, staff described the property, explained how the property would be a natural extension of the adjacent Preserve,and covered the terms of the proposed License for the property. One neighbor attended the meeting and shared information about the property,the former landowners, and past land uses. The neighbor expressed an interest in continuing pedestrian and equestrian access to the property and the adjoining Preserve. Staff responded that until the property was opened to the general public,neighbor access could be addressed through a permit issued by the District on a case-by-case basis with individual neighbors. The neighbor expressed her pleasure and strong support of the proposed License. Although the project described in this Report includes a proposed License and does not include purchasing the property at this time, District staff considers the property an important candidate for future purchase. On September 22, 2004,the Board of Directors adopted a Resolution approving an application for grant funds from the Habitat Conservation Fund Program to assist in purchasing the property. If awarded,the grant funds could become available upon approval of the State's fiscal year 2005-2006 budget. Assuming the availability of funds,and after further evaluation of the suitability of the purchase and any further required environmental review,staff anticipates presenting this matter to the District's Board of Directors in the near future for a decision about whether to purchase the property. DESCRIPTION(see attached map) The 151-acre POST Rapley Ranch property sits high on the west-facing slopes of Russian Ridge and overlooks scenic coastal hills and valleys, including the extinct volcanoes of Mindego Hill and Langley Hill. Situated adjacent to the western boundary of the 1,822-acre Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, the property includes diverse terrain and plant communities; there are oak woodlands and open grasslands on the gently rolling ridge tops, and mixed evergreen forest and riparian woodland on the steep slopes above Mindego Creek and its tributaries. The ranch includes a densely forested canyon that makes up part of the headwaters of Mindego Creek. This stream is important as a spawning and nursery area for the federally threatened steelhead trout and is potential habitat for the endangered coho salmon,which historically were present downstream in San Gregorio Creek. Mountain lion are present,and deer forage and use resting sites on the property. Ranch roads on the property provide excellent opportunities for a loop trail from the Bay Area Ridge Trail alignment across adjacent Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The variety of rich habitats and trails makes it desirable for the District to manage the property under the terms of a License as an addition to the Preserve. The property is approximately one mile south of Skyline Boulevard on Rapley Ranch Road. It adjoins the western boundary of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Private property that is largely undeveloped lies to the west and south of the property. The property to the south is part of a large cattle ranch. Langley Hill Quarry is a short distance to the west. A 14-acre,undeveloped private parcel, located near the entrance to the Rapley Ranch property, is partially surrounded by the ranch and adjacent District land. Access to the private parcel and Rapley Ranch is from an unsurfaced road that originates on Rapley Ranch Road,approximately one mile south of Skyline Boulevard. There is a large parking pullout on Rapley Ranch Road next to the gated entrance to the property. The entrance road leads to the former ranch complex where a picturesque barn and several outbuildings remain. Old ranch roads branch through the property and provide trail access to Mindego Creek and the adjacent Preserve. I i R-05-56 Page 3 The property lies between Mindego and Langley Hills,two peaks that stand high on the landscape because of their volcanic origin. Rapley Ranch's terrain is marked by gently rounded hilltops along a north-south ridge that drop off into steeply sloped, v-shaped stream valleys. Elevations range from 2,045 feet atop a prominent knob, to 1,120 feet where Mindego Creek exits the southwest corner of the property. Mindego Creek lies on the property's southern boundary and is a perennial creek fed both by upstream springs on Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and by springs originating on the property. The western boundary is Rapley Creek, a tributary of Mindego Creek. There are two other unnamed tributaries of Mindego Creek on the property that lie to the east of Rapley Creek. The north-facing slopes above the entrance road drain into Woodruff Creek,which is also part of the San Gregorio Creek watershed. Rapley Ranch's complex terrain results in diverse plant communities from streambed to ridgetop. Riparian woodland vegetation lines the streams, and mixed evergreen forest is found on the steep slopes above. Oak woodland and open grassland cover the gently rolling ridge tops. Steep hillsides support mixed evergreen forest,with stands of coast live oak, canyon live oak,Douglas fir(including many tall old-growth specimens),Pacific madrone,tan oak, and California bay laurel. The canyon bottoms are commonly choked with dense riparian vegetation. California bay is probably the most common tree next to the creek on the project site. Other trees include red alder,big leaf maple, arroyo willow,coast live oak, tan oak, Douglas fir,coast redwood, creek dogwood and canyon live oak. Extensive edges between forest and grassland and numerous sp rings s make Rapley Ranch especially y attractive to wildlife. Heavily used game trails lace its grassy ridges,oak woodlands and densely forested i canyons. Numerous badger diggings in the upper part of the property Y have been found as well as a badger er skeleton on the high grassy ridge above the barn. The large stick nests of the dusky footed wood rat are common. Mountain lion tracks and deer kill are apparent throughout the Mindego Creek watershed. The seeps and springs in the former homestead area provide suitable habitat for two special status species: the California red-legged frog(federally threatened)and the San Francisco garter snake(federally endangered). Both species have been found in the barn area and in the Mindego Creek riparian corridor. Beginning in the 1870s,the land was owned and ranched by the Rapley family. Jim Rapley, known as h land from his parents in the 1930s and raised beef and one f the original Sk line cowboys,bought the an 0 0 Y Y � g P dairy cattle for 55 years. He lived on the property with his wife until their 125-year old,two-bedroom cabin burned down after a lightning strike during a heavy storm in 2000. The Rapleys picked a secluded spot for their homestead. Nestled in a south-facing bowl with springs at its head,the buildings catch the sun and are well sheltered from wind. The barn and several small outbuildings remain. USE AND MANAGEMENT Planning Considerations The property is located within the unincorporated area of San Mateo County and outside the Coastal Zone. It is zoned RM(Resource Management). The property is comprised of one legal parcel and has a potential density of eight residential sites. Development of the property for residential purposes would be feasible, as the property is accessible from Rapley Ranch Road and there are many relatively level building sites along the upper central portion of the property and along the eastern ridgetop. The District's 1998 Regional Open Space Study shows potential regional trail connections in the vicinity of the property that would connect Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve to Pescadero Creek County Park and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Roads and trails on the property connect easily to the Bay Area Ridge Trail located within one-quarter mile to the north. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan is described below and will remain in effect during the term of the License. Staff anticipates that the District may potentially purchase this property during the term of the License. If so, sometime after the purchase,the District would begin the process for developing a Final Use and Management Plan that would involve,among other things,conducting detailed resource R-05-56 Page 4 inventories to be used in formulating resource management and public access plans. This process will include consultation with interested government officials, agencies, and organizations, as well as an extensive public-input process. The Coastside Protection Program requires that when land purchased by the District includes an existing agricultural use, has prime agricultural soil, or is adjacent to lands in agricultural production, an agricultural production plan will be developed as part of the Final Use and Management Plan. According to the GIS database for San Mateo County(updated in 2000)and the California Department of Conservation's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), the property is not well-suited to the cultivation of Pe crops.agricultural The property g q is not classified as Prime Agricultural Land, Unique P Importance as shown on the FMMP. However, as the property was Farmland or Farmlands of Statewide y P p P once used for cattle grazing, re-establishing this land use will be investigated as part of the development of the Final Use and Management Plan. In addition, since the property lies adjacent to property where cattle are currently grazed, the Final Use and Management Plan will include an agricultural production element that will ensure compatibility of resource management and public access plans with the adjacent cattle-grazing operation. Very limited public use in the form of permits for neighbors and docent-led hikes is being recommended during the term of the License. This would not result in any expansion of the level of current use by the neighbors or POST. If the property is purchased, low-intensity recreational trail use will be considered as the Final Use and Management Plan is being developed. As part of the Final Plan,trailhead parking would not be available on this property, as the only vehicular access would be along a private road. It is also likely that as part of the Final Plan,the existing public trails on the adjacent Preserve would be extended to include trails on the Rapley Ranch property. PRELIMINARY USE AND MANAGEMENT PLAN This Preliminary Use and Management Plan will take effect upon approval of the License, and will remain effective during the term of the License. Tile Preliminary Use and Management Plan represents a status-quo approach to management and includes securing, posting, patrolling, and cleaning up the property; limited continuation of current use in the form of permits for neighbors and docent-led hikes will be allowed. If the property is purchased at a later date, a Final Use and Management Plan will be developed, including detailed plans for resource management and public access. The Final Plan will be subject to public input and further environmental assessment in accordance with the Coastside Protection Program and to ensure that land use decisions are consistent with ecological values. As part of the Final Plan,the property would be maintained in a natural condition and is expected to be eventually open for low intensity recreational use. Public Access: Closed to public recreational access. A limited use-permit system will be developed for neighbors and docent-led hikes to allow very limited access during the term of the License; natural resources, roads, and trails will be further inventoried in anticipation of the property later being considered for purchase. Signs: Install "Closed Area" signs and boundary plaques where appropriate. Roads and Trails: Maintain existing roads and trails in accordance with the road and trail maintenance practices set out in the Service Plan and in keeping with District-wide practices. A further detailed road and trail assessment will be conducted as part of the process of developing a Final Use and Management Plan. Fences: Repair fences as necessary to prevent trespass. Patrol: Regularly patrol the property utilizing existing roads. R-05-56 Page 5 Resource Management: Conduct a detailed resource inventory as part of the process of developing a Final Use and Management Plan. Structures: Secure and maintain the barn; as part of developing a Final Use and Management Plan, determine the final disposition of the barn. Cleanup: Remove small animal sheds and storage sheds, as these outbuildings are in a state of disrepair and not able to be restored or stabilized and do not have cultural or historic value. Fuel Management: Conduct current District-wide fuel management practices; consult with San Mateo County and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CDF)in developing a site-specific f the process of developing a Final Use and fuel modification and management program as part o p p g Management Plan. the property as an addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Name: Name e o � r Y t r � Service Plan: Maintain the property in conformity with the provisions of the Service Plan for the Coastside Protection Program. Site Safety Inspection: An initial investigation was completed that identified minor amounts of solid waste in the form of animal and storage sheds that will be removed. The property is not listed on any local, state, or federal list as a hazardous materials site. CEQA COMPLIANCE I Project Description t— ion The project consists of a License and Man agement ement Agreement reement for the 15 1-acre Peninsula Open Space ace Trust Rapley Ranch property as an addition to the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the addition. During the term of the License,the property will be closed to public recreational access. Continuation of some very limited use by neighbors and by docent-led hikes will be permitted. The land will be preserved as open space and maintained in a natural condition. If purchased by the District at a later date,the property would be included in the Final Use and Management Plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preser ve. If purchased,the property yu ultimately is expected to be open to low intensity recreational use, assuming that the planning process does not reveal significant impediments to such use. If purchased,the property would be permanently preserved as open space,maintained in a natural condition,and open to general public recreational use. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA(California Environmental Quality Act)under Article 19, Sections 15301, 15316, 15317, 15325, and 15061 of the CEQA Guidelines as follows: Section 15301 exempts operation,repair, maintenance,permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities,mechanical equipment,or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan specifies the property will be operated and maintained in a natural condition and there will be no expansion of use;the property will be closed to the public. Only continuation of very limited use will occur. Section 15316 exempts the acquisition or other transfer of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the Management Plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. Ultimately, the District may acquire the property from Peninsula Open Space Trust. The Preliminary Use and R-05-56 Page 6 Management Plan specifies that the land will not be developed and will remain in a natural condition and, if purchased, the applicable Final Management Plan will keep the area in a natural condition. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of easement or fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. Ultimately,the District may acquire fee interest in the property and, if so,will maintain the open space character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project. Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. Ultimately,the District may acquire the property, which will transfer fee ownership of the property to the District and ensure it will be preserved as public open space by incorporating it into Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The current Preliminary Use and Management Plan specified that the property will be preserved in its natural condition. This project qualifies under all four sections. The actions proposed in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan are also exempt under section 15061,as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The subject property is located in the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Memorandum of County Farm Bureau and the Mid peninsula Regional Open Space Understanding Between the San Mateo Cou y p g p p District. As part of this Agreement, District staff has met and consulted with the Farm Bureau on the proposed License for the 151-acre Rapley Ranch property. The property has not been in an agricultural use for the past twenty-five ears. Since 1977 and until POST purchased the roe in June of 2004, p Y Y � P property rtY the property was owned by a private party and held for its future-development potential. License and Management Agreement The License allows the District to patrol, manage,and secure the property; conduct site cleanup of miscellaneous debris; and to plan for future use of the 151-acre Rapley Ranch property as part of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The License also enables the District to enforce its rules and regulations to preserve the site. During the two-year term of the License, the District will continue to pursue grant funds to assist in a possible purchase of the property from POST in the future. Staff has conducted due diligence investigations and inspections of the property. Staff has also reviewed all of San Mateo County's property records and files,and is satisfied that no underground storage tanks, contamination,or hazardous conditions exist on the property. Coastside Protection Area Fiscal Considerations If the District purchases this property in the future,the property will be subject to the Agreement between San Mateo County and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(Regarding Fire Services)and the Agreement between the La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. As part of the County Fire Agreement,the District will pay to San Mateo County Fire Department an annual fee for fire services that are not currently provided with the State Responsibility Area of CDF. As part of the School Agreement,the District will pay to La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District a Tax Compensatory Fee annually to offset any potential tax reduction in property-tax revenue for land purchased in the Coastside Protection Area. The District will not be responsible for paying the fees under the License. In order to ascertain whether the District has sufficient resources to sustain the project,staff has analyzed the conditions of the site, and financial considerations associated with the proposed management of the property. The Coastside Protection Program includes a Fiscal Analysis conducted by Economics Research Associates(ERA)confirming the feasibility of implementing that Program. The proposed License,Preliminary Use and Management Plan, and expected management strategy are consistent with R-05-56 Page 7 the Coastside Protection Program. The site assessment indicates that management costs associated with the proposed Agreement are expected to be consistent with those projected in the Fiscal Analysis and Basic Service Plan. Staff has reviewed the revenue and other cost projections in the Fiscal Analysis and has concluded that there have been no changes since the analysis was prepared that would affect its conclusions. Staff has further reviewed the expected management costs in light of the District's operating expenses and the Controller's estimated tax revenue and cash flow projections for the current fiscal year and for the next ten years. Based on this analysis, staff concludes that managing this property will not result in any significant impact to the District's existing services. Furthermore, staff has assessed the costs associated with this project and compared them to the Controller's ten-year projections of cash flow,property tax revenue,and operating expenses. Using the assumptions established in the Basic Service Plan and Fiscal Analysis for staffing needs and land management expenses, staff has determined that the District has the resources to sustain this project over the project term. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION 1 Written notices of the proposal for the District to enter into this License and this Board meeting have been mailed to property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property,and coastside public officials, community-interest groups,non-profit land trusts, conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area as well as attendees of the May 17,2005 on-site public workshop. Prepared by: Del Woods, Senior Real Property Planner Michael C. Williams, Real Property Manager Maps prepared by: David Gagner, Planning Technician Contact person: Michael C. Williams,Real Property Manager I POST - Rapley Ranch Property u on y z oa) Cre �0 en O pace,Prese L gle I ILI Qua y r , er II t _- 51 Acres See " RuSsll Clt end ace Preserve end . III o 1143f t eSk t,ne Ri dge pen Space Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve N Miles Produced by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 0 1/8 1/4 1/2 May 27th, 2005 Regional Open Space xs_ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-62 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Contract with Erler& Kalinowski, Inc. to onduct a Soil Investigation at the POST Driscoll Ranch Property GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS ' 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) as submitted in this report; 2. Authorize the General Manager to contract with Erler & Kalinowski, Inc. (EKI) in the amount of$67,000.00 plus a contingency of$6,700.00 for a total contract amount not to exceed $73,700.00 to conduct a soil investigation at the POST Driscoll Ranch Property; 3. Appropriate and authorize the transfer of$73,700.00 from new lands purchases (8102) account to resource environmental studies (8110) account within the Real Property Department budget. DISCUSSION Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) purchased the approximately 3,600-acre Driscoll Ranch property located near La Honda in San Mateo County in 2001. As part of the purchase process for the property, POST contracted with EKI to provide a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in August 2001 ("Phase I ESA"). The Phase I ESA identified several areas of potential environmental concern on the property, the primary site being the reported former oil drilling activity on the property, including former capped well sites and aboveground storage tanks. The purpose of this contract is to collect and analyze soil samples to better understand the nature and extent of potential contamination on the property, if any, and to aid in estimating potential clean-up costs should the District purchase the property. To accomplish this task, EKI proposes to collect soil samples from the site at both the soil surface and from varying depths below ground surface with the aid of a truck mounted drilling unit. Collected samples will then be transported to an environmental laboratory for analysis. Results from the soil investigation will provide information necessary to determine the extent of potential contamination at the selected sites, if any. Information at this level of detail will also assist the District in analyzing the environmental impacts of the proposed purchase of the property pursuant to CEQA. Additionally, the results of the soil investigation will affect decisions regarding the remediation options for addressing potential contamination at the property, if such action is necessary. R05-62 Page 2 As previously mentioned, EKI conducted the Phase I ESA for the Driscoll Ranch under contract to POST, providing EKI with a unique understanding and familiarity with the property. EKI's unique prior knowledge of the site enables them to complete the soil investigations outlined in this contract in a cost-effective manner. Therefore, additional proposals from other firms were not requested. Furthermore, the District has contracted with other environmental consulting firms specializing in contaminated site assessment and remediation on other properties. A comparison of billing rates from these other firms and EKI indicates that EKI has competitive rates that are well within the range of rates for the industry. Because the use of a drilling unit for soil sampling requires a permit from San Mateo County, the District has initiated a limited contract with EKI in the amount of$11,500.00 to perform the background tasks necessary to submit a permit application. Delay in submitting the permit application to the County could result in an increased delay in completing the soil investigation, as the permitting process often adds unanticipated delay. This could potentially jeopardize the District's goal of completing the environmental review in time for a late summer or early fall purchase. This limited work was previously authorized by the General Manager and has already begun. FUNDING Funding to cover the costs of this contract was not specifically budgeted for Fiscal Year 2005- 2006. However, funds are available within the new lands purchases section of the Real Property Department budget. It is recommended that $73,700.00 be appropriated and transferred from new lands purchases (8102) account to resource environmental studies (8110) account within the Real Property Department budget. CEQA COMPLIANCE This project is a soil screening-level investigation conducted to complete the environmental review of potential acquisition of the POST Driscoll Ranch property. The District concludes that the soil investigation authorized under this contract will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under sections 15306 and 15330 of the CEQA Guidelines as follows: Section 15306 exempts basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities that do not result in major disturbances to an environmental resource. Section 15330 exempts minor actions to prevent, minimize, stabilize, mitigate, or eliminate the release or threat or release of hazardous waste or substances. Prepared by: Kirk Lenington, Resource Planner Contact Person: Same as above Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-63 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Adoption of the Resolution to Support the Santa Clara County V ctor Control District's Measure for an Increased Special Benefit Assessment on District Rea rope with an Affirmative Vote on the Mailed Ballots GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIQN Adopt the attached Resolution supporting the Santa Clara County Vector Control District's Benefit Measure for an Increased Special Benefit Assessment on District Real Property and direct that the General Manager return the mailed ballots with an affirmative vote. DISCUSSION The Santa Clara County Vector Control District("SCCVCD") proposes a mailed ballot measure to increase funding for its mosquito, vector, and disease control services. If approved,this measure would assure year-round control of mosquitoes and allow for enhanced disease prevention services including testing for and responding to diseases carried by mosquitoes, rodents, and other insects and improved testing and public education to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus. The SCCVCD has provided mosquito and vector control services and public health protection services in Santa Clara County for 17 years. In addition to its regular mosquito and vector abatement, disease testing and control services, last year SCCVCD responded to over 6,000 requests for services by property owners. Services are funded by a special benefit assessment that has not increased since 1996. According to SCCVCD, inflation, and additional costs because of the emergence of West Nile Virus have depleted their reserve funds. In fiscal year 2005-2006, the SCCVCD will be forced to reduce its level of service without additional funding. Staff consulted with SCCVCD who expressed that they are willing to work with the District provide benefits specific to the public open space lands. Should the ballot measure be approved, the District will formalize that these services be provided by SCCVCD in a letter agreement. Similar to the arrangement that the District has with the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District, SCCVCD would provide the following services on District property: • Mosquito control • Surveillance for vector-borne diseases • Timely response to service requests • Control of and training on removal of ground-nesting yellow jackets • Identification of ticks and insects � � R'05-63 Page w Prior to application or,e|euac of any vector control measure, 8CCVCD would uoomuh with the District and if necessary, obtain a permit to ensure protection of any specials status species. Proposition 2|8 requires that public agencies are assessed on parcels that receive benefit, ua follows: Parcels within u district that are owned or used 6v any agency, the State nf Californiaor the United States shall no/0eoxeoytftomuxxoxsmon/xn/eyxV)eo/excyouodemooxnn/o by clear and convincing evidence that those publicly ownedparcels infact receive no � special benefit. Assessments are calculated based upon the type n[property, the number oy dwelling units and the property size. Most District parcels are assessed at the institutional rate of| Benefit Unit(Single Family Equivalent o,SFB) per parcel. The proposed SFE rate for this umacmynuent is $0.36 per year. This rate increase is permanent but cannot increase without another balloting of the � property owners within the County. Tile measure does include an annual CPI adjustment not to esoccd 3%. If the bu||oi nocuaurc is approved, SCCVCD estimates the total amount raised by the � proposed aaycaanmeutx for fiscal year 2005'2006to be approximately $4,056,000. � � The proposed assessment would include 267 District parcels, ofwhich approximately \ | \ parcels � � would be uyaoaaed. Extremely mmuu|| parcels would bc^,con'bincd"with other small parcels to refine the assessment. If approved, the proposed assessment on District properties within Santa � Clara County would he $V27.96in fiscal year 2005'2OO6. � The District's General Manager currently holds the mailed ballots for the proposed assessment. � The ballots are due bv June 2}` 2O85. � Staff recommuends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution to support the proposed � � assessment and direct the mail ballots to be returned with a"`yea" vote. The Current District � budget does not include funding for this amount. |f tile measure passes, tile assessment will � � become effective for the 2005/2006 tax year, with payments due and payable on or before � December 10, 2005, and staff would recommend a mid-year budget adjustment to pay for this � � unforeseen expense. � � � Prepared by: � � Michelle|umpermoo, Management Analyst � Contact person: � L Craig Britton, General Manager � � � � � � � � � � RESOLUTION No. 05- RESOLUTION OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED SANTA CLARA COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BALLOT MEASURE AND DIRECTING THE RETURN OF THE MAIL BALLOTS WITH A "YES" VOTE WHEREAS, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District currently protects the public health and welfare by controlling mosquitoes and other disease carrying insects and rodents, and regularly testing for and responding to diseases carried by insects and rodents such as Encephalitis, Hantavirus, Dog Heartworm, West Nile Virus, Plague and Lyme disease; and WHEREAS, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District currently will not have enough revenue to continue to provide its mosquito and disease control services in Santa Clara County in fiscal year 2005-2006; and WHEREAS, the Santa Clara County Vector Control is proposing to increase its assessment amounts for mosquito and disease control services; and WHEREAS, as codified in the health and Safety Code Section 2001 et seq.: (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) California's climate and topography support a wide diversity of biological organisms. (2) Most of these organisms are beneficial, but some are vectors of human disease pathogens or directly cause other human diseases such as hypersensitivity, envenomization, and secondary infections. (3) Some of these diseases, such as mosquitoborne viral encephalitis, can be fatal, especially in children and older individuals. (4) California's connections to the wider national and international economies increase the transport of vectors and pathogens. (5) Invasions of the United States by vectors such as the Asian tiger mosquito and by pathogens such as the West Nile virus underscore the vulnerability of humans to uncontrolled vectors and pathogens. (b) The Legislature further finds and declares: (1) Individual protection against the vectorborne diseases is only partially effective. (2) Adequate protection of human health against vectorborne diseases is best achieved by organized public programs. (3) The protection of Californians and their communities against the discomforts and economic effects of vectorborne diseases is an essential public service that is vital to public health, safety, and welfare. (4) Since 1915, mosquito abatement and vector control districts have protected Californians and their communities against the threats of vectorborne diseases. (c) In enacting this chapter, it is the intent of the Legislature to create and continue a broad statutory authority for a class of special districts with the power to conduct effective programs for the surveillance, prevention, abatement, and control of mosquitoes and other vectors. (d) It is also the intent of the Legislature that mosquito abatement and vector control districts cooperate with other public agencies to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Further, the Legislature encourages local communities and local officials to adapt the powers and procedures provided by this chapter to meet the diversity of their own local circumstances and responsibilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District that the Board supports the increased property tax assessment amounts for Santa Clara County Vector Control District, and that the Board hereby directs the General Manager the return of the Santa Clara County Vector Control District mailed ballots with a"Yes" vote. Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-61 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM Program Evaluation for the 2004-2005 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Comment on and accept staff s program evaluation mz ort. ' DISCUSSION The attached program evaluation material covers the 2004-2005 fiscal year from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. Staff will brief you at your June 1, 2005 Special Meeting on the status of key projects, plus additional projects and activities not specifically included in the Action Plan that required significant staff effort. You adopted the new Action Plan for the 2005-2006 fiscal year at your March 23, 2005 meeting (see Report R-05-38). Copies of both Action Plans are available at the District office for public inspection. Prepared by: M. Williams, Real Property Manager C. Woodbury, Planning Manager J. Maciel, Operations Manager R. Jurgensen, Public Affairs Manager C. Britton, General Manager S. Thielfoldt, Assistant General Manager S. Schectman, General Counsel Contact person: C. Britton, General Manager ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BASIC POLICY OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE 2004-2005 FISCAL YEAR I. REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT A. Acquisition, Funding, and Negotiation B. Property Management C. Land Protection 11. OPEN SPACE PLANNING DEPARTMENT A. Planning and Geographic Information B. Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities 111. OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT A. Field Operations B. Resource Management IV. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT A. General Public Information and Outreach B. Legislative, Funding, and Organizational Relations C. Community Programs V. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT A. Administration B. Human Resources C. Legal Services Page I REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT Programs A. Acquisition, Funding, and Negotiation B. Property Management C. Land Protection To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District seeks to purchase or otherwise acquire interest in the maximum feasible area of strategic open space land within the District planning areas, including bay lands and foothills. The District seeks to link its open space lands with federal, state, county, city parklands, and watershed lands. General Department Emphasis for 2004-2005 The department's emphasis will be to acquire lands funded under the District's Financing Authority which are critical to fill in and complete the open space greenbelt. Other open space land purchases will be pursued through long-term options, available grant funding, bargain sales, and gifts. The District will continue to work diligently with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to acquire land and to further the District's overall open space acquisition goals. The Property Management Program will focus on maximizing rental income consistent with Open Space Management policies, upgrading communication leases and on maintaining and improving District rental structures, as needed. The Land Protection Program will focus on conducting comprehensive land acquisition studies, monitoring land use planning activities where interests in land may be enhanced, and protect District interests in land by resolving conflicts arising from easement and encroachment issues. Continue to improve communications with other Departments to enhance the District's work environment. As a result of the approval of the Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2002 (Proposition 40), the District will continue to apply for per-capita and competitive grants to maximize available grant funding. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated) Real Property Manager Senior Acquisition Planner Land Protection Specialist Real Property Specialist Administrative Assistant Page 2 2004-2005 Acquisition Funding and Negotiation Obiective To provide for the acquisition of all real property rights necessary to secure an open space greenbelt in the foothills and bay lands, including rounding out and improving public access to existing preserves and connecting District preserves with other public lands. Key Projects I. New Land Commitments - Convert the budgeted funds in the New Land Commitments budget category into open space lands, at desirable prices, focusing on properties which are critical to protecting the greenbelt, including rounding out and improving public access to existing preserves, connecting to other preserves and other public lands, protecting the natural habitat and resources, and furthering the completion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and San Francisco Bay Trail. Balance the desirability of potential acquisitions with the availability of budgeted funds, including, if possible, private financing with favorable terms. Progress: • Purchased or entered into Management Agreements for approximately 1,053.81 acres of open space land, which included a 95% interest in the 154.9-acre Costich property, the 24.2-acre Neville property, the 160-acre Curto property, the 286.61-acre POST (Guadalupe Land Co.) property, and the 62.74-acre Davidson property as additions to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; the 100-acre Keyani property and the remaining 6.25% interest in the former 43.84-acre Maridon property as additions to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve; the 1.52-acre Hayes property as an addition to El Sereno Open Space Preserve; the 9.17-acre Ball property and 5.19-acre POST (Rose-Basich) Conservation Easement as additions to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve; and the License and Management Agreement for the 238.15-acre POST(Stevens Canyon Ranch) property as an addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve; • Purchased the 24.2-acre Neville property as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, which completed an 1 1-mile section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail connecting Lexington Reservoir and Almaden Quicksilver County Park; • Facilitated a conveyance of a section of the Bay Trail easement to the City of Palo Alto providing for a future connection between Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. 2. Acquisition Grant Projects -To augment acquisition funds, explore new grant opportunities focusing on highly competitive acquisition projects for specific grant Page 3 programs. Seek new grant funds through existing grant programs such as Land and Water Conservation Fund, Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), Coastal Conservancy's Coastal and San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Programs, Recreational Trails Program, Wildlife Conservation Board, and Bay Area Ridge Trail grants. Resubmit an application to the Bay Area Conservancy Program for the acquisition of the POST/Guadalupe Land Company property in Sierra Azul. Implement Proposition 40 Bond Act Per Capita and Roberti-Z'Berg Grant projects and apply for related block grants and competitive grants as they become available. Progress: • Received a grant in the amount of $1,686,480 from the California Coastal Conservancy-San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program for the purchase of the 197.95-acre Presentation Center addition to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which was purchased in August 2003; • Received a $35,000 grant from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council with funding through the California Coastal Conservancy for the 24.2-acre Neville property addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; • Submitted grant applications to the Habitat Conservation Fund for potential additions to Russian Ridge and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves; • Approved a grant agreement with California Coastal Conservancy for assistance with potential addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. 3. Gifts, Bargain Sales, and Joint Acquisitions - To augment acquisition funds, explore bargain sales, and/or gifts where possible. Complete joint acquisition projects with Santa Clara County Parks for the former Lobner property in Stevens Creek Canyon, Moody Gulch property near Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Work closely with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to complete acquisition of the Guadalupe Land Company property as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Pursue gifts of the "paper subdivision" lots in the Redwood Park subdivision to round out the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and lots in the Hacienda Park subdivision to round out Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Progress: • Jointly purchased the 100-acre Keyani property with Santa Clara County as an addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. The County contributed $275,000, or 50%, of the total purchase price of $550,000; • Assisted POST in the purchase of the 238.15-acre Stevens Canyon Ranch property, and entered into a License and Management Agreement to manage property as an addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve; Page 4 • Received gifts of 7 parcels from POST and the McKay Trust within the Redwood Park "paper" subdivision, totaling 1.15 acres as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; • Received a gift of a .12-acre parcel and a trail permit from the City and County of San Francisco as an addition to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. This conveyance enabled the District to proceed with the construction of the Preserve's 20-acre parking and staging area. The trail permit provides for a trail connecting the staging area to the Cordilleras Trail; • Received a gift of a Hacienda Park "paper" subdivision parcel as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 4. Alternative Acquisition Methods - Obtain Board approval of appropriate options, at market prices or less, to acquire desirable properties that might be affordable through grant applications in future years. Explore various alternative terms of purchase (installment purchases, defeasable fee, exchange of agricultural easements to preserve open space lands, etc.) to offer advantages and incentives to landowners, as well as cost savings to the District. Complete easement exchange on lands adjacent to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. To resolve encroachments on District lands, complete possible fee and easement exchange of lands adjacent to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and adjacent to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, as approved by the Board. Progress District purchased 100% of the Guadalupe Land Co. stock shares from POST as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The sole asset of the Guadalupe Land Co. is a 286.61-acre property that is under a License and Management Agreement. The District received 8 parcels in exchange for 1 parcel within the Redwood Park "paper" subdivision for a net gain of approximately 0.53 acres as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Other Projects and Activities 1. Maintain a multi-year spending plan for open space acquisition which optimizes use of cash and borrowed funds to accomplish acquisition goals within budget constraints. 2. Work closely with Legal Program to draft purchase agreements and related real estate � documents, to clear and perfect title on District open space lands including obtaining quitclaims and initiating quiet title action on Dennis Martin Road at Thornewood Open Space Preserve. 3. Assist the Planning Department, when appropriate, with the Coastal Protection Program and LAFCo review process in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Page 5 4. Initiate an acquisition database linking the historic and current Assessor's Parcel Numbers in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties with the Planning Department's GIS database. 5. Explore additional methods to protect open space lands for less than the total cost of fee acquisition (open space easements, acquisition of development rights, development dedication, exchange or sale of development rights, cooperation with private individuals, land trusts, groups, etc.). 6. g Encourage other agencies to acquire through various means, including grants, park and open space lands that are consistent with their goals and which compliment the District's greenbelt program. 7. Initiate and maintain contacts with landowners, real estate appraisers and brokers, developers, architects, engineers, zoning and planning officials, and financial institutions. ane program utilizing staff and consultants as .necessar $. Maintain a relocation assistance g p g y 9. Compile current information on real estate market activity, including ordering preliminary title reports on a timely basis for research into potentially available properties. 10. Catalog information of special interest, such as deed restrictions, encumbrances, financing and tax considerations. This activity includes the establishment and continuation of a working relationship with title companies and other information sources. 11. Work with the Planning Department to complete the acquisition of the City and County of San Francisco's surplus parcel which is needed to construct the staging area at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. 12. Continue working with Legal Services and the Planning Department to pursue global solutions to streamline the acquisition and planning processes, including: A Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Clara County to identify acquisitions that are exempt from the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, and Memorandum of Agreement with San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties clarifying the consistency of acquisitions with County planning requirements. Page 6 I i 200 4-2005 Property Management Program Obiective To Y manage all of the District's revenue-producingactivities in such a way as to maximize income from management accounts consistent with Open Space Management policies, property P p incorporating compatible new programs when possible. Key Projects 1. Property Management Accounts - Administer rental accounts, communication and agricultural leases, consistent with open space management policies, to maintain and enhance revenue stream through competitive and current rate structure, effective maintenance programs and communication with tenants. Progress: All property management accounts remain fully occupied with rental accounts current and in good standing. 2. Rental Structures - Carry out maintenance and improvements to rental houses to keep buildings and grounds in a safe, sanitary, and attractive condition, and to increase net rental income. Work with Operations Department to implement annual inspection program of District rental and employee residence. Administer long term and recurring maintenance priorities on rental properties. Progress: • Implemented annual inspection of District rental and employee residences with Operations staff to identify maintenance priorities and insure compliance with District rules & regulations; j • Commenced restoration of the water tank at the former Dyer property at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to provide an adequate water supply to the rental residence. Coordinated efforts with Operations to add fire hydrant to the 25,000 gallon tank to improve fire and emergency response capabilities; • Worked with Operations to repair dry rot and structural repairs to the Monte Bello cabin employee residence; • Worked with Operations to re-roof and improve the La Honda Creek employee trailer residence. 3. Historic Leases - Oversee lease compliance and renovation requirements at the historic Picchetti Winery, Thornewood estate, and Fremont Older house. Negotiate lease extension with the lessee at the historic Picchetti Winery. Progress: • Commenced preliminary negotiations for a new lease at the Picchetti Winery effective December 1, 2007; • Commenced renovation of the tower at the former Thornewood estate and Completed restoration of the dormers. Thornewood Page 7 II '! I tenant installed fence and gate, which has minimized conflicts with life estate neighbor. 4. Communication Rental Income—Maximize lease income at existing PG&E tower at p Pul as Ridge Open Space Preserve. Complete lease extension with Federal Aviation g g p Administration(FAA) at Black Mountain. Progress: Negotiated new lease with Metro PCS which added $17,000 per annum to the Communications Income Stream--negotiated effective June 1, 2004; • Negotiated a lease extension with the Federal Aviation Administration which increased rent to $2,632 per month from $2,015 per month effective October 1, 2004; • Worked with Operations to find tenant for the chestnut orchard at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve in order to resolve management and safety concerns during Fall harvest season; Other Projects and Activities 1. Prepare annual rental surveys on District rental houses and Ranger residences. Work with Operations and Planning Departments to maintain and improve employee residence structures. 2. Pursue a long-term lease or fee determinable estate arrangement with tenants at the former Smith residence at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. 3. Assess the economic viability of long-term leasehold arrangements, or, if appropriate, the disposition of structures in accordance with Board policies. 4. Investigate new property management proposals as initiated by other groups or individuals that would be compatible with District goals and objectives. 5. Administer lease of additional office space at 330 Distel Circle. 6. Pursue lease amendment for Agricultural lease for Christmas tree farms at Skyline Ridge and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves. 7. Look into the possibility of finding a seasonal chestnut orchard tenant at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Work with Operations to resolve congestion problems along Skyline Boulevard associated with public harvesting of chestnuts at this site. Page 8 2004-2005 'Land Protection Program Objective To preserve and protect District open space lands by conducting land acquisition planning activities to identify acquisition priorities and, once acquired, to further protect these public lands from incompatible and encroaching land use activities. Key Projects 1. Land Acquisition Planning - Provide comprehensive land acquisition studies to guide the acquisition program, including reviewing and updating acquisition priorities. Conduct subregional planning studies in the areas surrounding Bear Creek Redwoods, Rancho San Antonio, Sierra Azul, and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves, including the Stevens Creek Trail. Progress: • Performed field studies to assist the land purchase program in the areas of El Sereno, Monte Bello and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves and the Mt. Umunhum area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; • Conducted field studies in the vicinity of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve to consolidate District holdings within Redwood Park; • Performed field studies to assist the acquisition of easements between St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves; • Participated in periodic meetings with field staff facilitating collaboration of land acquisitions; • Negotiated resolution of tenancy at Big Dipper Ranch area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve; • Acquired new conservation easements in the area of Windy Hill and Coal Creek Open Space Preserves; • Secured remaining license agreements for rights to access El Sereno Open Space Preserve. Page 9 2. Encroachment Reduction - Protect open space lands from encroachments and preserve District real property rights. Use a variety of techniques to resolve encroachment issues including restoration, mitigation and boundary line adjustments to maximize open space protection. Negotiate resolution of encroachments at Rancho San Antonio and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. Assist the Legal Program, in coordination with the Operations and Public Affairs Departments, in completing a permit fee schedule and a procedural manual for handling encroachments, identifying and resolving property rights issues on District land. Progress: • Negotiated resolution of a boundary dispute with adjacent neighbor to El Sereno Open Space Preserve resulting in eliminating potential grading on Preserve; • Reached a Settlement Agreement for reimbursement of restoration expenses related to a grading encroachment in Aldercroft Creek at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; • Negotiated license agreement with adjoining neighbor to resolve access issues at Teague Hill Open Space Preserve; • Made significant progress, working in cooperation with the District's Legal Program, resolving an encroachment at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve; • Resolved potential encroachment near La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve; • Made significant progress-, working in cooperation with the District's Legal Program, protecting District property rights related to road use at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve; • Worked with Operations and landowner in implementing fencing improvements specified in settlement agreement for encroachment near Summit Road at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. 3. Conservation Easement Monitoring Program —Protect District-owned conservation and open space easements where located on private and public lands. Oversee the conservation easement-monitoring program, and prepare baseline reports for new easements utilizing volunteers as appropriate. Progress: • Prepared and performed baseline easement documents for conservation easements at Windy Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. • Resolved potential conservation easement violation at St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve. Other Projects and Activities I Review and update land acquisition and site dedication information. With assistance from a volunteer, create a property index based on assessor's parcel numbers of all property interests held by the District. Page 10 2. Provide site-planning information for land negotiators to assist in developing terms and conditions for acquisition projects. 3. Prepare acquisition reports and conduct due diligence investigations when necessary; following an acquisition, collaborate with Planning and Operations Departments to faci litate incorporation of newly acquired land into the District greenbelt, including resolving property line disputes. 4. Incorporate into the conservation easement monitoring program new easement agreements, including those at Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserves. 5. Notify County recorder offices of District-held open space and conservation easement rights in compliance with Assembly Bill 1011. 6. Assist the Operations and Planning Departments in preparing a resource management plan for the Big Dipper Ranch and Silva property areas of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, and incorporate the findings into a long-term resource management/grazing lease. 7. In coordination with the Legal Program, obtain final resolution of the Sheldon Road License Agreement. 8. Work actively and regularly with District legal program to protect District property rights where title to existing District land is threatened by claims of adverse rights, liens, or other interference with District's real property rights. 9. Work with Operations Department in negotiating road agreements with adjoining property owners to ensure District's real property rights are protected and minimize the District's maintenance responsibilities where appropriate. 10. Protect public and private open space lands from negative impacts associated with adjacent land development where there is a relationship to the District's land interests. Complete acquisition of trail and open space easement at St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve, fee ownership exchange at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, and fee ownership exchange at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. With advice from Planning and Operations, monitor activity on active developments adjacent to Ravenswood and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves for compliance with code requirements. 11. Initiate and maintain contacts with landowners, county code enforcement officers, zoning and planning officials, surveyors, and various regulatory agencies. 12. Explore the feasibility of the District becoming a joint holder of the Town of Los Altos Hills' open space easements. 13. Negotiate an underground utility license within the former CHY Co. property in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Page 11 I OPEN SPACE PLANNING DEPARTMENT Programs A. Planning and Geographic Information B. Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVES: The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, provide public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological values and public safety. The District works with, and encourages, public and private agencies to preserve, maintain, and enhance open space. The District protects and restores the natural diversity and integrity of its resources for their value to the environment and the public, and provides for the use of the preserves consistent with resource protection. General Department Emphasis for 2004-2005 The Open Space Planning Department will take a broad-based approach to planning and project implementation that emphasizes resource management. Planning efforts will focus on providing public access while preserving and protecting the diversity and integrity of the District's environmental and cultural resources. All projects and activities will include early analysis to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The work program will focus on completing new public access improvements designed in the previous year and implementation of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program. Key planning efforts will be directed toward completion of the approval process for the San Mateo County Coastside Protection Program, and proceeding with master plans for Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves. Planning work will emphasize projects outlined in the second year of the Resource Management Strategic Plan. Staff Resources Planning Manager Senior Planner(1) Open Space Planner II (2) Open Space Planner I (2) Planning Technician (2) Administrative Assistant (1) GIS Intern (1/2) Resource Planner(1) Page 12 2004-2005 Planning and Geographic Information Objective To formulate plans, policies and procedures for the management and development of open space preserves. Facilitate resource inventories and other scientific study of the District's lands. In conjunction with the Resource Management Specialist, prepare environmental restoration, habitat enhancement and resource management plans. Develop and maintain Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets necessary to support projects throughout the District. Kev Proiects I. Coastside Protection Program—Complete the LAFCo process. Work with the Public Affairs Department to prepare updated information for the District's website and implement a public relations and media campaign in support of the program. Continue to work with the coastal community and actively participate in agricultural issues in San Mateo County. Progress: *Certificate of Completion of Annexation was recorded by LAFCo September 7, 2004 extending the District's boundary to the Pacific Ocean from the City of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. *Coastside Protection Program page was added to the District's web site. •Initiated implementation of the Coastside Protection Program: o Public Affairs Dept started work on good Neighbor Policy amendments o Real Property Dept began land purchase process o Open Space Planning Dept incorporated the Coastside Protection Area into the District-wide resource inventory •Conducted informal meetings with representatives from the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, the Resource Conservation District and the National Resource Conservation Service. 2. Master Plans— Work with stakeholders, Board and staff to develop a shared vision for the two master plan areas. Develop implementation plans. Complete data mapping and project orientation. Seek grant funding for the planning effort. Work with the Public Affairs Department on community outreach and media relations. Address management and operational issues with the Operations Department. • La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve* - Staff anticipates that this project will be completed in fiscal year 2005-2006. Progress: Completed stakeholder interviews. Conducted two visioning workshops and one public field trip. Completed Existing Conditions Report and posted on District web site. • Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves— Staff anticipates that this project will be completed in fiscal year 2005-2006. Progress: Completed stakeholder interviews. Conducted first public workshop. Began collecting and mapping resource and land use data. Page 13 —Work with the Operations Department to implement 3. Resource Management Strategic Plan Wo p p p the second year of the Strategic Plan: • Prioritize resource management planning activities on District lands. Progress: Conducted Board workshop to prioritize development of resource policies to guide resource planning and management activities. • Prepare a grassland management policy for Board approval. Progress: Initiated research for development of grassland management policy. • Prepare grazing policies with development of the La Honda Creek Master Plan. Progress: Initiated research for development of grazing policy. • Begin District-wide road and trail inventory and assessment. Progress: Started road and trail inventory Phase I Pescadero and San Gregorio Creek Watersheds. • Prepare fisheries and water quality monitoring guidelines. Progress: Drafted guidelines. • Update geographic information for resource management projects including mapping non-native invasive plant populations, Sudden Oak Death occurrences, and feral pig rooting areas. Progress: GIS updated for resource management projects. • Work with consultants and the Resource Management Specialist on a recurring basis to identify emerging resource problems and prioritize opportunities to resolve resource issues District-wide. Progress: Worked with consultants and staff to resolve resource issues. 4. Regional Resource Inventory—Continue on-going studies and data collection to complete a District-wide resource inventory that supports Resource Management and Planning activities. Staff anticipates that this project will continue annually. • District-wide Vegetation Classification. Using the methodology developed for Sierra Azul and the La Honda regions, complete a detailed vegetation classification of Purisima Creek, Mills Creek, Thornewood, and Teague Hill Open Space Preserves. Progress: Deferred vegetation classification until FY 2005-2006. Page 14 Other Projects and Activities I WEP Implementation—Continue efforts to integrate workplace enhancement methods into the daily activities of the Planning Department. 2. Land Acquisition Support— Provide Planning support on acquisition projects as requested, including pre-acquisition field studies and interim use recommendations. Incorporate updated land acquisition and site dedication information into the District's GIS. 3. Land Protection Support—Provide Planning support to determine remediation and restoration of land and resources damaged through encroachments. 4. Grazing Plan— Work with the Operations and Real Property Departments to develop a grazing plan for the Alpine Road area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. 5. Acquisition and Planning Processes—Continue working with the Legal Services Program and Real Property Department to pursue global solutions to streamline the acquisition and planning processes, including: a Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Clara County to identify acquisitions that are exempt from the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, and a Memorandum of Agreement with San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties clarifying the consistency of acquisitions with County planning requirements. 6. Environmental Review and Permitting Processes—Continue working with appropriate agencies to refine and streamline the environmental review and permitting process for District projects. Cross-train representatives from the Operations Department in preparing and obtaining permits for maintenance projects and small improvements that are not part of the Capital Improvement Program. 7. Standard Details and Specifications— Work with the Operations Department to complete the second phase of a handbook of technical standards for construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, trails, and other improvements. 8. Permits to Enter—Review alterations to District land or installation of facilities proposed by other agencies or private parties. Develop permit conditions to ensure protection, preservation, or restoration of the affected lands. Work with Operations to monitor activities to ensure compliance with conditions. Continue work on development of a permit fee policy to recoup costs for issuance of permits to enter or use District land and for other District services. 9. Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Remediation and Restoration—Continue working with the Legal Services Program to represent the District's interest in the U.S. Navy's proposed toxic cleanup of Moffett Air Field Site 25 to a standard permitting restoration of the District's property to tidal wetlands. 10. Outside Project Review—Review agendas and minutes of Cities, Counties and Open Space/Parks agencies. Comment on site-specific projects within close proximity to, or that affect District lands. Review other agencies' policies and regional planning efforts, and Page 15 comment as necessary to ensure regional coordination and implementation of the District's mission. • Stanford Plan Implementation • Mid-Coast Local Coastal Program Update • San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Activities • Peninsula Corridor Study • South Bay Salt Pond Restoration (Cargill lands) • PG&E's Jefferson-Martin 230KV Transmission Line 11. Unanticipated Projects— Provide research and planning for unanticipated projects that may arise due to new acquisitions, resource agency actions, regional planning efforts, and other activities. 12. Guadalupe Watershed— Continue working with the Legal Services Program on the completion of the Guadalupe Watershed NRDA process and to participate in the TMDL process. Develop plans and specifications for mercury remediation on District lands within the watershed. 13. Work with the Real Property Department on an acquisition database linking the historic and current Assessor's Parcel Numbers in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties with the GIS database. 14. Compile and synthesize all known Rare/Threatened/Endangered species and habitat locations into GIS. *Includes grant funding. Refer to the attached Planning Department Work Program FY 2004-2005. Page 16 200.1-2005 Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities Objectives To emphasize preservation and enhancement of resources in Use and Management Plans and in the design of public access improvements. To give the highest priority to resource protection projects and construct projects funded by grants. Public Access Improvements Key Proiects 1. El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program — Implement the first phase projects, securing the necessary permits, pursuing grant funding, and constructing the bridge replacement at Virginia Mill. Staff anticipates this project will continue through fiscal year 2007-2008, and possibly beyond, with Board approval. Progress: Completed 80% of first phase projects. Initiated water quality monitoring. Completed Virginia Mill bridge replacement. 2. Grabtown Gulch Bridge and Trail (Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve)— Complete construction of bridge and trail realignment and restore abandoned trail segment. Progress: Completed. 3. Pulgas Ridge Staging Area and Trails* - Demolish sewage treatment plant, construct staging area and trails. Work with the Real Property Department to complete the acquisition of the City and County of San Francisco's surplus parcel which is needed to construct the staging area at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. Progress: Worked with Real Property Dept to complete acquisition of San Francisco parcel. Demolished sewage treatment plant. Began construction of staging area (completion anticipated in June 2005). 4. Windy Hill Improvements* —Construct trail realignments. Complete observation deck with interpretive signage at Sausal Pond and install fencing around pond. Complete feasibility and engineering studies for Bay Area Ridge Trail segment, pending approval of an amendment to the Use and Management Plan. Progress: Deferred Spring Ridge Trail realignments per Board direction to redesign at a future date. Deferred construction of observation deck at Sausal Pond. Completed engineering studies for Bay Area Ridge Trail segment and determined project infeasible. S. Piechetti Ranch Winery Building* —Complete seismic upgrade and access improvements to the winery building. Progress: Completed plans and specifications. Obtained approval from State Office of Historic Preservation to proceed. Page 17 i 6. Trailhead Signs - Year 3 of a 5-year program. Replace approximately 10 trailhead signs per year with the new and improved prototype. Work with the Public Affairs Department to incorporate GIS data in the District maps and brochures, including spot elevations at key locations, in conjunction with the new trailhead signs. Progress: Completed design work for trailhead signboard contents. b P g g Purchased new trailhead signs for Pulgas Ridge and Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserves. Staff Facilities Key Projects: Foothills Field Office Shop Building—Complete construction of the shop building. Pro ress: Completed. La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Ranch House— Prepare plans and specifications to replace the ranch house with a possible"sustainable" building to serve as a ranger residence. Research grant opportunities. Progress: Deferred pending outcome of final Master Plan. *Denotes grant funded project. Refer to the attached Planning Department Work Program FY2004-2005. Page 18 i i PLANNING DEPAWMENT WORK PROGRAWY 2004-2005 Project Project Description Preserve 2004-05 Year-end Status Number GEOGRAPHICPLANNING AND _ • 1 San Mateo County Coastal Protection Program General Completed the annexation. 2 Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan Sierra Azul&Bear In Progress.Stakeholder interviews and data Creek Redwoods mapping under way.Completed project orientation. First public workshop in March.Seeking grant funding.Project includes annexation of south area and location of satellite field office.(Work will be completed in FY 2005-2006.) 3 La Honda Creek Master Plan La Honda Creek In Progress.Data collection to be completed late March.Conducted 2 Visioning workshops&1 field trip.$50,000 Grant awarded by BARTC.Working with POST to include Driscoll Ranch in planning effort.(Work will be completed in FY 2005-2006.) 4 Resource Management Strategic Plan General Completed second year of the Strategic Plan: Conducted Board workshop to prioritize development of resource policies to guide resource planning and management activities,started research to develop grassland and grazing policy(with La Honda Creek Master Plan),drafted fisheries/water quality monitoring guidelines,started District-wide road and trail inventory/assessment,and updated GIS for resource management projects(SODS,feral pigs, invasive plants). 5 Regional Resource Inventory General Deferred vegetation classification for Purisima Creek,Mills Creek,Thornewood,and Teague Hill Open Space Preserves. 6 Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Stevens Creek In Progress.Represented the District's interest in Remediation and Restoration Shoreline Nature the US Navy's proposed toxic cleanup of Moffett Study Area Airfield Site 25 and restoration of the District's property to tidal wetlands. IMPROVEMENTSPUBLIC ACCESS PARKING AREAS 7 Staging Area and Trails(Parking Lot,Restroom, Pulgas Ridge Completed acquisition of adjoining parcel and and Demolition of Sewer Plant), demolition of sewage treatment plant.Staging area 90%complete. ROADSTRAILS& 8 Windy Hill Improvements Windy Hill Deferred.Board directed redesign of Spring Ridge trail realignments at a future date.Deferred construction of observation deck at Sausal Pond, and fencing around pond.Completed engineering studies for Bay Area Ridge Trail segment and determined project infeasible. 9 Grabtown Gulch Bridge and Trail Purisima Creek Completed construction of bridge and trail Redwoods realignment.Restored abandoned trail segment. 10 Virginia Mill Trail&Creek Crossing El Corte de Completed construction of bridge and trail Madera Creek realignment and restore abandoned trail in conjunction with the ECDM Watershed Protection Program. 11 El Corte de Madera Creek Erosion Control& El Corte de Completed 80%of first phase projects.Initiated Sedimentation Reduction Plan Madera Creek water quality monitoring.(work will continue through FY 2007-2008). Revised 5/25/2005 PLANNING DEPAWMENT WORK PROGRA&Y 2004-2005 Project Project Description Preserve 2004-05 Year-end Status Number 12 Picchetti Ranch Winery Building Picchetti Ranch Completed plans and specifications for sesimic upgrade and access improvements to the winery building.Completed bidding in May.Construction to begin end of May. 13 7MapBoard&Trailhead Signs and Updates General Completed design work for trailhead signboard contents.Purchased new trailhead signs for Pulgas Ridge&Picchetti Ranch. 14 Preserve Signs General Ongoing.Replaced miscellaneous wood signs with new metal signs. 15 Miscellaneous Mercury Remediation in Sierra Azul Deferred preparation of plans and specifications for Guadalupe Watershed mercury remediation in Hicks Flat and China Flat until TMDL process is completed. STAFF FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS STRUCTURES 16 Foothills Operations Shop Building Rancho San Completed construction of the shop building. Antonio 17 La Honda Creek Ranch House La Honda Creek Deferred pending completion and outcome of Master Plan. Revised 5/25/2005 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Programs Field Operations Resource Management To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, that provide public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological values and public safety. General Department Emphasis for 2004-2005 Continue to provide responsible stewardship of all District lands by furnishing those public safety, maintenance, construction, and resource management activities necessary to protect and enhance the natural resources and ensure safe and appropriate use of District lands. Implementation of Board- adopted Resource Management Policies, Trail-Use Policies and Guidelines, and completion of the Field Operations Manual will continue to be the primary focus of the Operations Department. Staff Resources Operations Manager Area Superintendents (2) Support Services Supervisor Management Analyst Resource Management Specialist Supervising Rangers (4) Maintenance/Construction Supervisors (2) Maintenance/Resource Supervisors (2)* Administrative Assistant Rangers (14) Equipment Mechanic-Operators (2) Lead Open Space Technicians (4) Open Space Technicians (10) Farm Maintenance Worker 7,500 Seasonal Open Space Technician hours 2,500 Seasonal OST hours for resource management 700 hours for Resource Management Intern Two new positions Page 21 2004-2005 Field Operations Program I Publication and Implementation of Ranger Operations Manual— Publish and distribute the completed Ranger Operations Manual. Provide orientation and training to staff on the use of the Manual and process for updating the Manual. Begin use of the Manual as a tool for routine operational activities. Progress: 146 Sections of the Manual have been completed, and have progressed through a series of reviews, including legal and risk management. The Manual is currently in the final stages of review with the Field Association, and a new numbering system is being created. 2. Implementation of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Plan- Assist the Planning Department in implementation of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Plan, as approved by the Board. Progress: The first phase (Phase I of III) has been completed and Operations staff is working cooperatively with Planning staff to implement the second phase of the project. 3. Implementation of the Mutual-Aid and Service Agreements - Implement the completed Letter of Understanding between the District and Santa Clara County Parks. Negotiate similar letters of Understanding between the District, and other adjacent agencies as necessary. Progress: This project has been deferred until changes can be made in the District's Enabling legislation. 4. New Trail Construction and CIP Projects/Construction. —Assist the Planning Department in the construction or relocation of trails at Pulgas and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserves. Progress: The Cross-Over Trail at El Corte de Madera has been completed. Phase II trails, such as the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail and the Giant Salamander Trail are being started. 5. Hiring and Integration of New Maintenance/ Resource Supervisors—Hire and integrate two new Maintenance/Resource Supervisors. Realign existing supervisory functional responsibilities. Integrate positions with existing resource management functions and responsibilities. Progress: Completed. Two staff members were promoted, and the team of Maintenance Supervisors is working well together in dividing tasks and responsibilities to make best use of available resources and expertise. The promotions have created opportunities for a recruitment to fill the two Lead Open Space Technician positions. Page 22 f PROGRESS ON OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES: • The District hired Telecommunications g En ineerin Associates to Engineering investigate and prepare a report on interference on District's primary radio frequency. As a result of the study the District requested EBRPD to reprogram their mobile extender radios. This has greatly reduced the amount of interference on the District' two-way radio system. • In accordance with the District's purchasing procedures, the District solicited Requests for Proposals for maintenance and repair of the District's fleet of 50 vehicles. Three vendors will be awarded a contract for fleet services for FY 05/06. • Research and development of specifications for the District's water truck were completed. The water truck, which will provide for wildland fire protection and used on maintenance projects, will be purchased in FY 05/06. • Significant upgrades were made to the District's Law Enforcement and Incidents database, making the information more available to the patrol staff and improving staffs ability to analyze and report on incidents and violations. • Operations staff provided input and feedback on the District's website update, including reviewing all pages which had a natural resource or emergency response component. • Conducted an 8-acre training and resource management burn at Rancho de Guadalupe in cooperation with Santa Clara County Fire and CDF. This provided excellent live fire training to District and fire department staff. • Completed a major revision to District Ordinances, including updates to deal with new equipment being used by visitors, and to meet current legal standards. • Updated the District's Bail Schedule and implemented the new schedule in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties Courts. Working in conjunction with staff from the Administrative and Public Affairs departments, completed the first phase of the database Improvement Project by implementing the training database to track and report on training provided by, and attended by, District staff. • Negotiated an Operating Plan between San Mateo County Fire/CDF and the District to complete requirements specified in the Coastal Protection Program. • Operations staff assisted with public meetings regarding the Coastal Protection Plan and also served as elections monitors during the ballot verification process. Page 23 Other Projects and Activities Patrol Services 1. Monitor public use and land use regulation compliance. Assist in the education of the visiting public on proper use of District preserves. 2. Enforce District land use regulations by providing active ranger patrol and after-hours call- out response. 3. Respond to accidents and other emergencies occurring on District lands. 4. Identify and mitigate potential hazards on Open Space reserves to enhance public safety. i 5. Monitor special events, use permits, and resource protection related impacts on District lands. 6. Conduct focused ranger patrol to address undesignated trail construction and use at Sierra Azul, and El Corte de Madera Creek Preserves. 7. Assist the Land Protection Specialist with identification and mitigation of encroachments to District preserves. i i III i Page 24 i Maintenance and Construction 1. Participate in the development of Use and Management Plan recommendations. 2. Maintain lands in an environmentally sensitive manner, utilizing resource management practices. 3. Maintain buildings, vehicles, and equipment to maximize utility and longevity. 4. Provide supervision and assistance to volunteer projects. ro'ects. 5. Assist in the repair and maintenance of structures that are a part of the District employee residency program. Management and Administration 1. Continue the liaison efforts with local police, fire, municipal court, and other public jurisdictions. 2. Use established purchasing practices to purchase vehicles and equipment for the best price. 3. Coordinate occupational health and safety program for tiled operations. 4. Expand the communications between the field offices and administrative office, through better use email capabilities and enhanced data management systems. 5. Hire a radio consultant to evaluate the current radio system, and to provide recommendations for future improvements. Review the potential for acquiring new radio frequencies for District use. 6. Develop a land Management Cost Evaluation System. 7. Coordinate the Operations Department's participation in the planning process to develop the Bear Creek/Sierra Azul Preserve and La Honda Master Plans. 8. Complete and Implement a training manual for new rangers. 9. Update the District Ordinances and submit for Board review. 10. Update the District's Bail Schedule and submit for judicial review and approval. 11. WEP Implementation—Continue efforts to integrate workplace enhancement methods into the daily activities of the Operations Department. 13. Research and develop a plan, as part of the master planning process, to establish an additional field office in the south Foothills area. Page 25 Miscellaneous I 1. Support the goals of the Public Affairs Department by providing staff for special events and other projects, as time permits. 2. Assist in the implementation of resource management plans and projects. 3. Participate in the development of Trail Use Policies and Guidelines. 4. Work with the Planning Department on a joint committee to develop Maintenance Standard Guidelines. 5. Work with the Real Property Department to resolve congestion problems along Skyline Boulevard associated with public harvesting of chestnuts at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Page 26 2004-2005 Resource Management Program Objective Inventory and analyze the state of District natural resources, including the natural resources of specific preserves to identify needs and priorities. Address immediate and critical resource management issues utilizing District staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants to maximize the District's responsiveness. Develop procedures and implement the Resource Management Strategic Plan to address the resource management needs of District land. Maintain regular contact and work with other agencies, local authorities, and specialists in the field to restore or manage the District's natural resources. Key Proiects 1. Resource Management Strategic Plan— Work with the Planning Department to implement Second Year of the Resource Management Strategic Plan: a. Update list of current restoration areas; protect rare plants affected by trail maintenance and use. b. Continue next phase of eucalyptus, acacia and broom removal at Mills Creek; and continue implementation of the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Habitat Restoration Plan by removing additional area of eucalyptus, and controlling broom and other invasive plants. Notify interested parties and the Board before any large eucalyptus trees are removed at Pulgas Ridge. c. Utilizing updated information on location and control methods of invasive plants, implement integrated pest management methods for the District. d. Restore an additional portion of the Christmas tree farm at Skyline Ridge Preserve that is no longer part of the farm lease area. e. Determine status of, and potential for, yellow starthistle biocontrol agents on District preserves. f. Develop and implement feasible practices for disking fuel breaks that do not adversely affect natural resources. g. Develop a process, and specifications for, restoration planting, and for culvert removal and replacement for routine maintenance. Progress: • Continued control of broom, pine, eucalyptus, and acacia at Pulgas Ridge. Broom and acacia control was also continued at Mills Creek. All trees removed at Pulgas Ridge were less than 12" in diameter. Invasive plant control was also undertaken at 23 other preserves consisting of approximately 8,171 hours of staff and volunteer time. An herbicide contractor treated invasive plants on 60 acres at Thornewood, Los Trancos, Big Dipper area of Skyline Ridge and Page 27 Russian Ridge. The California Conservation Corps worked 2,666 hours on additional resource management projects. o New rare plant locations (smooth lessingia, Mount Hamilton thistle and Lorna Prieta hoita) were discovered in Sierra Azul and St. Joseph's Hill with the assistance of the California Native Plant Society, added to the District's GIS system and reported to the state's rare species database. Coordinated research on rare plant leatherwood with Stanford visiting professor. • Additional acorns were planted at sites in the 4-acre area of the former Christmas tree farm that have undergone the first phase of restoration at Skyline Ridge. • Established photomonitoring programs for restoration of the former Williams property in Sierra Azul, Skyline Ridge tree farm restoration and Mills Creek acacia removal. • Released 400 hairy weevils at Monte Bello and Russian Ridge to assist in the control of yellow starthistle. Staff surveyed yellow starthistle populations and discovered existing populations of biocontrol insects at 6 locations. In conjunction with the San Mateo County Agricultural Department, staff proposed release of a rust to control yellow starthistle at Skyline Ridge; however, this release was put on hold while the Agriculture Department further investigates the potential effects on agriculture crops. • Removed a culvert and restored 50 feet of creek bank along Guadalupe Creek in Sierra Azul (former Hegerton Parcel). The design of this project will serve as a model for future culvert removal/ creekbank restoration projects. It also served as training for Operations staff in obtaining permits and working in potential red-legged frog habitat. • Completed deer surveys in the fall with no noticeable changes in deer populations. Resource management policies -Planning and Operations staff worked with the Board to prioritize the resource management policies that should be reviewed in the next fiscal year. 2. Provide an Invasive Plant Tracking and Monitoring System —Work with the Planning Department to incorporate recent consultant surveys of invasive plants into GIS-based inventories and maps, continue updating invasive plant information, and utilize this information to prioritize resource management effort. Purchase equipment and seek Page 28 consultant advice to develop a system for accurately tracking new sightings of invasive plants and for monitoring and control techniques. Progress: A Trimble GeoXT GPS unit was purchased and a system is currently under testing for entering new invasive plant sightings into the District's GIS system. Field is beginning training on this technology. Older surveys of invasive plants are being reformatted to be readable under our existing ArcGIS program. A regular method of reporting new, and crosschecking repeat sightings of invasive plants needs to be developed with the field office. 3. Wild Pig Population Control Program—Continue trapping program in the South Skyline Area during the most active months and coordinate with local agencies. Evaluate program for population changes to ensure the population remains at or below the current level. Progress: A contract for trapping wild pigs was awarded after a competitive selection process. Trapping has been expanded from the South Skyline area to also include Bear Creek Redwoods and the Rancho de Guadalupe area of Sierra Azul after negotiating a revised Memorandum of Understanding with the California Department of Fish and Game. Staff is sending samples to a University of California-Davis researcher to assess the genetic relationships between wild pig populations. 4. Grassland Management a. Control resprouts of Harding grass on north end of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Conduct a prescribed buns in an area adjacent to that burned in 2002 to assist in restoring native grassland. b. Continue different methods of yellow star thistle control and planting of native grasses in front meadow at Rancho San Antonio. c. Review maintenance practices to discourage the establishment of invasive plants. Progress • Sprayed Harding grass resprouts and thistles at Russian Ridge; however, the prescribed burn was delayed and then cancelled by the California Department of Forestry (CDF) due to their internal reviews and emergency response levels in other parts of the state. The burn permit has now expired. • Conducted a training burn at the Rancho de Guadalupe area of Sierra Azul area, along with follow-up spraying, resulting in a decrease of Harding grass cover and an increase in native grass cover. • Reduced the size of yellow starthistle to less than 100 square feet in the front meadow at Rancho San Antonio by carefully timed mowing along with follow-up hand removal and spot spraying. A greater amount of native grasses with seedheads was observed in summer 2004 in the front meadow. Page 29 • Conducted experimental control of yellow starthistle with Transline herbicide at a section of Los Trancos that has high native grass diversity. This project was funded by a $900 grant from San Mateo County Weed Management Area. • Implemented control of purple starthistle with brush cuttings and Transline herbicide at the Big Dipper Ranch area of Skyline Ridge. • Worked with Planning and Real Property staff and hired consultant to provide grazing recommendations on the Big Dipper area. 5. Control of False Slender Brome - Control of False Slender Brome— Remove 99% of existing plants of an invasive grass, false slender brorne, at Thornewood Open Space Preserve and coordinate with adjacent land owners. This project will require follow-up in future years. This is a new project, and is not intended to divert allocated resources from other projects. Progress: • Herbicide spraying of 30 acres killed one year's crop of slender false brome in Thornewood and Caltrans right of way. Several neighbors cooperated in removing it from some of the adjacent roads and parcels. A small number of plants were also removed by hand from along trailsides, and debris piles were encased in plastic sheets onsite. A new crop of slender false brome has germinated, as expected, and will be re-sprayed this summer. • Over the past 15 months since this problem was discovered, staff has: posted notices, written newspaper and newsletter articles, attended community meetings, held a public meeting in Woodside, mailed notices to 400 neighbors, met with neighbors on their property when requested, created and updated GIS maps, coordinated with the San Mateo County Weed Management Area, provided information to the California Invasive Plant Council and Oregon researchers, contacted Caltrans, County Parks and the Town of Woodside, and applied for a $25,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support the local community in controlling this invasive grass. Page 30 PROGRESS ON OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES: • Prepared field procedures for limiting the spread of Sudden Oak Death, (SOD): attended the second SOD science symposium, assisted Sonoma State University on an SOD early detection study, and field staff made SOD presentation at the California Park Rangers Association conference. The rate of spread of SOD statewide has slowed down in the past 2 years, possibly due to relatively dry years, however, new evidence suggests a stronger connection between recreational activities and the spread of SOD; • Increased effort to document mountain lion sightings and shared information with other agencies and law enforcement, posted advisory signs at locations which had multiple, recent and reliable sightings; consulted with regional experts; provided staff training; conducted a Wildlife Interaction Workshop for neighbors of Rancho San Antonio in October; and created a Mountain Lion Fact Sheet with Public Affairs; • Staff attended a Goat Summit meeting which focused on fuel reduction methods; • C. Roessler was a featured speaker at an Integrated Pest Management workshop in December, 2004; • Staff participated with the Center for Natural Lands Management in conducting a survey of long term management costs of preserves; • K. Lenington and C. Roessler made a presentation to California Native Plant Society, September 2004; • C. Roessler served on the board of the International Society for Ecological Restoration and attended the organization's international conference. Other Projects and Activities 1. Resource inventory— Inventory and record observed flora, fauna, natural and geologic features, and biotic communities, and contribute information to the natural diversity database. Coordinate mapping and GIS database development with Planning Department staff. 2. Seed increase program— Collect local native seed for use on District projects and for seed increase through seed contractors. Establish collection sites, schedule staff training, and ensure proper storage, labeling, and documentation of collected seed. Work with the Volunteer Programs Coordinator to organize seed collection workdays. 3. Wildlife surveys— Conduct annual surveys of bluebird nesting and fall deer herd and share information with regional groups. Collect and track information on special wildlife sightings such as mountain lions. Identify marbled murrelet habitat in the Skyline area. Conduct third year of bat surveys associated with La Honda Red Barn restoration roofing. Award student grant for up to $3,000 for research of wildlife management issues on District preserves. Page 31 4. Assist in the inventory of erosion conditions and assessment of grazing options at Big Dipper. 5. Provide support to the Planning Department during the development of the La Honda, Bear Creek Redwoods and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves master plans. Work with Planning Department on the natural resource elements of the plans, including mapping the vegetation and defining the resource management objectives within each preserve. Work with Planning to develop a Site Assessment Checklist and Standard Details and Specifications Handbook. 6. Continue monitoring Sudden Oak Death, map confirmed and suspected locations, develop and implement precautionary actions. Participate in regional trainings to stay abreast of recent developments in control and management of Sudden Oak Death. 7. Continue to participate in regional resource groups like Bio-Regional Council, Weed Management Councils in both San Mateo and Santa Clara, Sudden Oak Death Program and other Native Plant Organizations. Page 32 PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Programs A. General Public Information and Outreach B. Legislative, Funding, and Organizational Relations C. Community Programs To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District educates and makes clearly visible to the public the purposes and actions of the District, and actively encourages public input and involvement in the District's decision-making process and other activities. General Department Emphasis for 2004-2005 Maximize the general public's awareness and understanding of, and involvement with the District, its goals, and its activities, employing a variety of means and methods to reach all communities served and other target audiences. Implement the top priorities of the District's legislative plan and protect the District's current funding structure. Continue to offer a variety of community programs which enhance visitors' experiences, provide opportunities to educate, and involve people in the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of open space. Provide District materials and information regarding the proposed Coastside Protection Program to community members and public officials, both within the San Mateo County coastside communities, and the existing District, to ensure full knowledge and understanding of the District, its programs and activities. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated) Public Affairs Manager Community Programs Supervisor Public Affairs Specialist Volunteer Programs Coordinator Docent Programs Coordinator Administrative Assistant Interpretive Aide (2/3-time) Public Affairs Interns (1,400 total hours) Page 22 2004-2005 General Public Information and Outreach Obiective To generate additional support among opinion leaders, key policyrnakers, and the general public for District acquisition, preservation, restoration, and interpretive education projects, including coastal protection, by increasing the positive perception and awareness of the District's mission, objectives, accomplishments, programs, and effective management of public lands and financial resources. Key Projects 1. Coastside Protection Program — Implement comprehensive outreach plan to support the completion of LAFCo processes. Schedule briefings and presentations to local, elected officials; schedule and present at editorial board visits; seek and obtain key endorsements; assist with public hearings as needed. Develop new public information materials, and update Coastside Protection Program section of the web site as needed. Distribute District materials and information to the San Mateo County coastside and current constituent communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of the District, its programs, and activities. Progress: • Prepared for several court and LAFCo hearings; drafted District presentations; wrote letters to supporters and drafted sample letters for supporters to use, motivated allies to remain engaged in the issue. • Significantly increased the District's media activities overall: we drafted and distributed 32 press releases; which led to over 150 articles. Positive articles were placed in a variety of papers from the Chronicle, and the San Jose Mercury News to the Half Moon Bay Review. • Added Coastside Protection Program page to the District's web site. • Continuously drafted supporting materials: backgrounders, letters, presentations, press releases, advisories and features. • Initiated the implementation of the Coastside Protection Program: • Started work on Good Neighbor Policy amendments • Organized meetings with coastside constituency groups: PMAC, South Skyline Association, King's Mountain, Midcoast Community Council. • Provided support for public meetings to redraw District Ward boundaries • Provided support to publicize Ombudsperson properly Page 23 • Certificate of Completion of Annexation was recorded by LAFCo September 7, 2004 extending the District's boundary to the Pacific Ocean from the City of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. 2. Web Site Enhancements and Long Term Maintenance—Continue to use the Internet to reach out and communicate with the community. Develop and implement features such as, reservations for scheduled Outdoor Activity programs, the ability to electronically provide an address to receive District publications, and designed pages for the Coastside Protection Program. Enhance the educational ability of the Website by implementing the "e-nature" wildlife guides (customizable to District preserves), thus providing a way for the public to research information on flora and fauna within District Preserves. Develop enhanced maintenance plan and posting protocol. Progress: Worked with Administration Department to complete and launch the new District web site including the District's first online system for public use to access information and reservations for scheduled Outdoor Activity programs. 3. Master Planning Public Support— Work with planning staff to provide media and community outreach activities, such as docent led hikes, resource management projects, and Web site sections in support of the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek preserve master planning projects. Progress: * Kept the public updated on District activities through the quarterly Newsletter. • Supported Planning with staffing and media support in holding the first community planning workshop on sierra. Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve on April 4, 2005. • Supported Planning in holding La Honda workshop (November, 2004) 4. Brochure for Adjoining Owners—Develop and produce a District brochure for distribution to property owners with land adjoining District preserves that shows District emergency contact information, boundaries, etc. Work with the Legislative, Finance and Public Affairs Committee on the concept of a brochure and a collaborative effort involving District stakeholders that would inform current and future District neighbors about District policies relating to adjoining owners, and the benefits of being a neighbor of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Progress: A decision was made to produce a Good Neighbor brochure after amended Good Neighbor Policies have been developed by the Board through a public participation process. Page 24 PROGRESS ON OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES: • Completed writing and published the Peninsula Tales & Trails book on P g December 2, 2004. • Sold nearly all of District's inventory (beginning inventory was 625, we have 50 left), and 70 percent of the publisher's inventory (beginning inventory was 5,800), within five months of publication. • Organized and completed author book tour (appearances at Kepler's, Books Inc. Costco Redwood City, m the Waring Hut, San Francisco). • Media notification system was updated to run on a parallel e-mail and Expedite fax track. Records have continuously been updated. • Planned and conducted several volunteer projects in support of the project; provided updates in the District's newsletter; and provided media support on erosion control contract award • Created the District's first ever online Visitor Satisfaction Survey. • Printed 90,000 trail maps. • Evaluated past outreach events and created a new strategic outreach plan for public events/festivals. • Produced 4 issues of Open Space Views, including the Annual Report. • Conducted successful Achistaca Trail and Foothills events. Other Projects and Activities 1. Complete District's Trail Guidebook"Peninsula Tales and Trails"production and promote the District's trail guidebook. Provide media, graphics, and event planning support to distributor to implement promotional plan for the trail guidebook. Work with publisher to monitor and track sales of the trail guidebook. 2. Continue efforts to integrate the Workplace Enhancement Plan methods into the daily activities of the Public Affairs Department. 3. Evaluate, research, and identify best delivery systems to ensure effective media and organizational outreach/communications. Update all records in media, organizations, and government databases. 4. Utilize community programs to raise public awareness, and gather public use data as needed in support of the El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve Trail Plan changes. 5. Create a graphics/image library, and work with a corps of photo volunteers to obtain digital images of District lands and activities. Develop a plan, for obtaining priority images and for maintaining these archives for optimal staff access and use. b. Working with the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee, develop and conduct a Visitors' Satisfaction survey. Page 25 7. Provide ongoing media and public communications training for all staff and Board members as needed. S. Provide media and other support, as needed, to support District efforts to obtain a full clean- up of toxins and a tidal restoration at the Moffett/NASA property referred to by the Navy as "Site 25." 9. Assist the Planning and Operations Departments in educating the public regarding appropriate preserve and trail use, modifying and updating publications to reflect policy or rule changes, as needed, and responding to associated public and media requests for information. 1.0. Proactively promote regular media coverage of District activities and accomplishments and quickly respond to media reports and inquiries. Conduct editorial board visits and reporter briefings; place proactive, positive feature stories, and work to place editorials, where appropriate. 11. Work with the Planning Department to create new site maps and pictures for preserve brochures, and continue updating, producing, and distributing existing site maps, brochures, and other collateral materials. 12. Assess the usefulness of and attendance at community outreach events such as Art & Wine Festivals, and organization health fairs. Schedule District attendance and presentations at community outreach events involving managers, Board, and appropriate District staff. 13. Produce the District's quarterly newsletter, Open Space Views, and continue to update its mailing list; continue mailing four issues per year, including annual report, to coastside residents. Publish the District's 2004-2005 Annual Report in the fall. 14. Continue to improve the contents for the new District exhibit for display at coastside protection meetings and other recurring District events. 15. Conduct District dedications and special ceremonies such as the Achistaca Trail Dedication and Foothills Shop Open House. 16. Evaluate creating and distributing merchandise, such as, caps, T-Shirts, hiking sticks, note cards, natural resource trading cards, for resale and as prizes at various District events. 17. Promote community goodwill by distributing the Holiday Cards to District constituents for an additional year. y g recycled -based inks in the environment b using led materials and so 1$. Demonstrate care for c y soy -based distributed by the District whenever possible. Page 26 2004-2005 Legislative, Funding, and Organizational Relations Objective To carry out the high priority elements of the District's legislative plan and to inform other public agencies and private organizations about the District's activities and goals. Key Proiects 1. Property Tax Funding— Work with the District's legislative delegation and Sacramento-based lobbyist to maintain and protect the District's current percentage share of property tax from a detrimental reallocation. Work closely with other governmental agencies to immediately address funding reduction proposals. Progress: District's Board of Directors unanimously adopted a Resolution supporting Proposition IA, which prevents the state from taking and diverting tax funds originally committed to local government to pay for state purposes, and help to reduce future state budget deficits. The District also worked with the media to obtain coverage of the Board's decision. Proposition 1A won 84% at the November 2, 2004 general election. 2. State Legislation —Work with the District's legislative advocate and with legislators and their staff to sponsor and support the Board-approved Legislative Program. Seek coordination and support from other special districts. Progress: Review State legislation and support, oppose, or seek amendments to those bills that impact the District (i.e. ERAF, LAFCo, Subdivision Map Act, etc.) Assembly Bill 1195 (Eminent Domain), authored for the District by Assemblymember Cohn, was "gutted" and amended to be used to prohibit the District from exercising eminent domain in the Coastside Protection Program area as provided in the agreement with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau. This legislation was key to IAFCo's approval of the annexation project. Seek Regional Funding— Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council and others to develop and/or support potential regional, state, or other alternative funding mechanisms, such as legislation creating a new transportation fund for clean water. Progress: The District supported the reintroduction of AB 104 as AB 204 for the new session, authored by Assemblymember Joe Nation and sponsored by the Bay Area Open Space Council. The District sent letters of support to Assemblymember Nation and the appropriate committees hearing the bill. The bill originally went through the Assembly and through the Senate Natural Resources Page 27 Committee and then died in the Senate Transportation Committee in July 2004. 4. Clean-up of Mt. Umunhum - Work with members of Congress and State and local agency leaders to develop and implement a strategy to encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to begin the clean up of the former Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhum in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve which was named by Congress as a "Formerly Used Defense Site." Progress: Funds budgeted for a Washington, D.C. lobbyist to develop and implement a strategy to encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to begin the clean up of Mt. Umunhum were removed from the District's budget when the State of California threatened to severely cut the special districts' property tax revenue. Other Projects and Activities 1. Continually review and, working with legal counsel, analyze legislation, determine recommended District positions on bills, and take appropriate action, if any, on bills. 2. Work with legislators, legislative committees, state and federal administrators, other agencies, private organizations, and interested citizens to provide information and to lobby regarding state legislation and specific local issues. 3. Support federal, state, or local legislation that will benefit the District. 4. Provide support and services for specific District projects requiring legislative support, such as grant applications and regional and state awards. Obtain letters of support for grant applications, such as Habitat Conservation Fund and Wildlife Conservation Board grants. 5. Plan and conduct V.I.P. tours of District preserves, featuring coastside planning presentations, and invite elected officials and representatives of sister agencies. 6. Maintain contact, and exchange information with other organizations and agencies. Cooperate on special projects with organizations such as the regional Bay Area Open Space Council, and participate in special events, such as conferences and seminars, to keep District staff and the Board informed of current issues. 7. Continue to provide staff support to the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee, and work as needed to develop District positions on and involvement in statewide open space issues. 8. Provide a District presence in key legislative activities, meetings, and conferences in Sacramento, directly and/or with the District's legislative advocate. Page 28 2004-2005 Community Programs Objective To engage and involve a diverse range of community members and District staff in meeting the community needs of enjoying and understanding open space, and supporting District staff in achieving the District's objectives by providing high quality, ecologically sensitive public programs that involve community members as volunteers, inspire stewardship of open space, and support the acquisition, preservation, and restoration objectives of the District. Key Projects 1. Community Programs Vision —Complete an internal 5-year Community Programs Plan, which will direct current and future community programs in support of the overall objectives of the District. With input from staff, Board, volunteers/docents, and community members, the plan will build upon the established vision and goals, with the development of key objectives, strategies, standards, and action steps that appropriately support, and strengthen Community Programs in achieving the District's Mission. Progress: The recent hire of the Community Affairs Supervisor, following a nearly one-year vacancy in the position, will allow the Department to align functional responsibilities and reevaluate the formal Community Programs Vision format to possibly integrate it with a broader District outreach plan. 2. Docent/Volunteer Program Development—Recruit and train new Trail Patrol, Outdoor Education Leaders, Nature Center Hosts, and Outdoor Activity Docents, maintaining the quality interpretive, resource management, and community outreach efforts of Community Programs. Continue enrichment opportunities that expand the depth and breadth of interpretive knowledge of docents, allowing for higher quality visitor experiences, and a richer more rewarding docent program. Progress: • Completed largest number of Outdoor Service Projects in District history. • Completed a total of 60 Resource Management, Trail Restoration and Fence Construction projects for a total of approximately 3,500 hours. • The docents led 215 activities with an average of 15 participants, reaching 3,000 District constituents. • Held a Volunteer Recognition Event (largest attendance ever--170 people). • In 2004-2005, Department staff recruited and trained 11 new Outdoor Activity Docents, 12 Trail Patrol Volunteers, 4 Community Outreach, 5 Nature Center Hosts and 2 Outdoor Education Leaders for a total of 35 new District volunteers. Page 29 3. Volunteer Involvement Program Guide—Complete the writing and printing of the Volunteer Handbook. Refine the volunteer involvement administrative system, distribute the new handbook, and coordinate the implementation of the administrative system with the distribution of the handbook. Progress: Because both the Community Programs Supervisor and the Interpretive Aide positions were not filled during most of the fiscal year, no progress was made on this item. 4. Interpretive Program Development—Develop written resources for self guided interpretation of District preserves that enhance understanding of the District, engages visitors to become stewards of the environment and open space, and provides ecologically sensitive education about the local natural communities. Progress: Completed a seasonal display at the Daniels Nature Center and selected and worked with a designer to create two interpretive signs for the Nature Center. PROGRESS ON OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES: • Volunteer Coordinator gave a presentation at the 2004 California Parks and Recreation Conference on the District's use of 'High Tech' in managing the Volunteer Program. The presentation focused on the use of online Reporting Forms, the Website, e-mail, etc. Over 75 representatives from California agencies attended the session. • Designed and distributed T-shirt at California Trail Day and Earth Day events. • Significantly improved the online forms -- making it easier for current volunteers and docents to give the District up-to-date information and submit trail logs, hike and ride information, and other valuable patrol and outreach information. • Broadened the circle of schools involved in the Spaces & Species program. One new school, Kings Mountain is participating in the program and Seacrest school, Half Moon Bay and Oceanview, Pacifica are participating in District activities. Other Protects and Activities I Revise the "Become Involved in Your Open Space" volunteer brochure. 2. Provide volunteer support for resource management projects by working with staff to schedule, conduct, and evaluate a sustainable number of resource management projects. Identify and recruit individuals and/or groups that can become involved with the District as new Preserve Partners volunteers. 3. Research additional resources and opportunities for developing Outdoor Education Leaders for the Spaces and Species program. Page 30 4. Recruit and train docents and volunteers, and provide public information about volunteer programs, projects, and events through regular newsletters. 5. Conduct the annual Volunteer Recognition Event, and other recognition activities for docents and volunteers that demonstrate the District's appreciation for the efforts of its volunteers. 6. Coordinate monthly volunteer service projects and special group volunteer projects. Conduct "Earth Day" and California Trail Day events that provide appropriate ways for the community to be involved in preserve projects or outdoor activities that celebrate the environment and our natural resources during the period of time prior to and shortly after "Earth Day." 7. Conduct a broad range of public interpretive outdoor activities on open space preserves, encouraging docents to conduct programs at less-utilized preserves. 8. Continue the established evaluation process for Outdoor Activity Docents and Trail Patrol volunteers. Evaluation provides opportunities to raise quality of visitor experiences, identifies needed areas of additional training or enrichment, ensures compliance with all policies, procedures, regulations, and laws, and allows for more effective management and development of the docent and volunteer programs. 9. Coordinate volunteer(s) to maintain the artifacts and furnishings in the historic Grant Cabin. 10. Maintain and operate the David C. Daniels Nature Center and continue to implement the District's Spaces and Species program. 11. Provide effective communication between Community Programs staff and field staff involved with Community Programs. 12. Arrange, publicize, reserve spaces for, and work with field staff to support the Fremont Older House and Garden Tours (Spring 2004), Outdoor Activities, and Family Outdoor Discovery (Year Round) programs. 13. Conduct the Annual "Community Open Space Celebration" incorporating some of the Spaces and Species objectives, engaging participants with fun and educational activities (i.e., scavenger hunt), and reaching to a broad based public audience. 14. Research and collaborate with operations to assess the feasibility of providing outreach and interpretation by interested District Rangers. Page 31 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Programs A. Administration B. Human Resources C. Legal Services To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: Administers the affairs of the District on behalf of the public so as to maximize accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the District within existing financial, legal and other constraints. General Program Emphasis for 2004-2005 Continue to support the District-wide efforts for improving supervisory, leadership, and communication skills among all staff, including opportunities for employee input, in order to enhance employee morale and the District's work environment. Foster staff participation in carrying out the District's short and long-term goals and objectives. Maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency. Work toward potential expansion of the District's boundaries to include coastal lands in San Mateo County. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) General Manager Assistant General Manager General Counsel (80% time) Controller (25% time) Administration/Human Resources Manager(vacant) Attorney Management Analyst—Human Resources Management Analyst—Administration Senior Administrative Assistant Senior Accounting Specialist Administrative Assistant Receptionist Network Specialist (70%time) Accounting Clerk (80% time) Page 32 2004-2005 Administration Program Objective To provide overall coordination, direction, and administrative foundation for all District activities so as to maximize the accomplishment of the Board's policies and directives, to implement the Action Plan, and to maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency. Key Projects 1. Coastal Protection Program —Coordinate the efforts of the Board, consultants, and staff to work toward completion of the program of protecting the coastal lands in San Mateo County. Work with all departments to examine the timing of the coastal annexation, and assess the related impacts on staffing and resources. Progress: Annexation Completed September, 2004 2. State Budget Process — Closely monitor the State budget process for any impact on the District and work with other appropriate agencies and our legislative advocate to minimize, to the extent possible, the budget impact. Make recommendations to the Board in response to any anticipated revenue impacts as a result of the state budget deficit, including possible District budget reductions. Progress: Made a proposal to the Board, which was adopted, to amend the 2004/2005 Budget in anticipation of a reduction in District revenues by the State of California. The total budget reduction approved by the Board was $978,228. 3. District Funding—Continue to provide multi-year information/scenarios on District's long- term finances, including bonded indebtedness and cash flow, and to address the need to rely on the availability of grant funds for major development projects. Pursue alternate sources of secure additional funding to meet acquisition and open space management needs. Progress: Based upon the Cash Flow Analysis provided by M. Foster, District Controller, as a part of the budget process, no additional borrowing is anticipated. However, it appears prudent to refinance a portion of the District's 2005 notes because of a drop in interest rates. 4. Elections — Work with Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties on the election process for Wards 3, 4, and 7 for November 2004. Progress: Processed three incumbent candidate's papers; no election necessary, as incumbents ran unopposed. 5. New Accounting Software—Complete implementation of the new accounting software program, including training of Department Managers and analysts for use of new system. Progress: Implemented new accounting software. Page 33 6. Risk Management—Complete pro-active risk reduction steps in conformance with the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CAJPIA) best practices recommendations. Work with the CAJPIA on claims processing and monitoring and analyzing losses. Progress: Completed 95% of the recommendations including the new Vehicle Use Policy, reformatted the Safety Manual and Injury Illness Protection Plan, enrolled in the Special Events Coverage Program, and completed an update of the Contracts Policy and Procedures, assuring all required insurance coverage is in place for contractors used by the District. PROGRESS ON OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES: • Prepared for 18 regular meetings and 9 special meetings of the Board of Directors. • Solicited, interviewed and hired a consultant to conduct a Good Neighbor Policy public input process, including interviews with the Board of Directors and various District stakeholders. • With the help of a new consultant, implemented data base elements so Operations staff was able to gain better understanding and utilization skills on the training database, which will allow other departments to go forward with the balance of the data base project. • Completed the process for redesign of the District's web site. The new web site was launched November 22, 2004. Also wrote a web maintenance plan and transitioned the web duties to the new Community Affairs Supervisor. Other Proiects and Activities 1. Continue to foster a management team approach for overall management of the District's activities. 2. Provide financial management and accounting services, including investment of temporarily idle funds, compliance with new Government Accounting Standards. Assure compliance with Purchasing Policies through review of all purchases and ongoing education of staff. 3. Perform administrative and legal obligations as required by State law. 4. Oversee coordination of equipment/infrastructure needs at the main office. 5. Update Action Plan; coordinate program evaluations for Action Plan progress. 6. Prepare, monitor, and revise annual budget, as necessary. Coordinate Administration and Budget Committee meetings. Page 34 7. Coordinate preparation and distribution of all materials for the Board's regular and special meetings. 8. Involve the Board of Directors in the planning of annual special Board meeting(s) to be held as part of Board's Good Neighbor Policy. 9. Administer and update various risk management components, including training and other proactive processes in conjunction with the CAJPIA. 10. Continue upgrades of the District's network computer system as needed to increase efficiency and reliability; provide day-to-day technical support to both field offices; and continue to assess system, develop resources, and manage technological change and improvements. Provide ongoing computer training to staff at all three offices. 11. Work with other departments to implement and fully utilize database elements that contain information that is shared by multiple departments per consultant recommendations. 12. Maintain Board and staff policy and procedure manuals. 13. Continue to use recycled products, whenever feasible, in accordance with the purchasing policy. 14. Provide for ongoing web support. 15. Continue records management activities (permanent storage, record retention and/or destruction) as required by law and designated by the District's Record's Management Plan. Maintain the records management database. Page 35 i 2004-2005 Human Resources Program Objective To provide coordination and direction for human resources activities so as to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the District's work environment for all employees of the District. Key Projects l. Workplace Enhancement Plan—Continue to coordinate, monitor, and support the Workplace Enhancement Plan activities. The Plan consists of methods for improving communication among all employees and management staff; increasing employee input; enhancing management, supervisory, leadership, and communication skills; and establishing a greater emphasis on people management versus task management. Progress: Continued to promote and facilitate ongoing supervisory training for new and experienced supervisors. Enrolled one manager and the newest Area Superintendent for Leadership Training. Researched and provided training materials regarding meeting management to all Managers and Area Superintendents. Provided performance evaluation training for all newly promoted supervisors in Planning and Operations. 2. Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual—Complete the re-write of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual for Board approval, including hiring procedures and exempt status policies. Continue facilitation of an employee input process with employees from each department. Write or revise Administrative Policies and Procedures as needed, including employee input as part of the process. Progress: Did not complete the Manual; however, did complete the draft Job Share Policy, and rewrote the Membership/Dues Policy and the Travel/Meals Reimbursement Policies. 3. Performance Standards—Review and assess the newly implemented supervisory and performance standards. Assist all departments with timely and equitable evaluations. Progress: Continued to review and give feedback to all Supervisors to assure equity, professionalism and consistency in performance evaluations. 4. Labor Negotiations —Prepare for and negotiate a new contract with SEIU Local 715. Progress: In lieu of renewal of the SEIU contract, the represented employees decertified from SEIU and formed new representation under the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field Page 35 i Employees Association. As a result of this change, negotiations will not begin until the next fiscal year. 5. Health Insurance Analysis - Select, hire and work with consultant on analysis of health insurance and retiree medical costs and benefit comparisons. Conduct employee information meetings and surveys for staff regarding the report from the consultants. Progress: Hired consultant, ordered and received actuarial assessment of costs including GASB requirements, completed benefit survey, and conducted two meetings with entire District staff. Page 36 2004-2005 Legal Services Program Objective To provide timely legal services to the Board and to all District Departments; to advise and assist the Board and staff in developing and implementing District policies, regulations, and ordinances, and in accomplishing District projects in accordance with law. Key Projects 1. Real Property - Provide legal advice concerning District real property matters, including acquisition, disposition, management, title and encroachment issues, easement issues, leases, licenses, and permits to enter District land. Anticipated major projects include: • Litigation - Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation v. MROSD (challenge to adequacy of EIR for Coastal Protection Program); file quiet title action to obtain title to Dennis Martin Road to address use and management issues (Thornewood Open Space Preserve). Progress: Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation litigation dismissed after court ruled in District's favor and denied plaintiff's request to enjoin the Coastside Protection Program; current litigation seeking to void LAFCo's approval of the Coastside Protection Program is pending in San Mateo County Superior Court. A quiet title action was filed to obtain title to Dennis Martin Road. The case, entitled MROSD v. Portola Investment Company, was successfully concluded in a default hearing and the District is currently awaiting the court's issuance of the judgment in its favor. • Encroachment and Property Rights Claims - Assist Real Property Department in resolving encroachments at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Montebello Open Space Preserve, and at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve; assist in resolution of access easement claims at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, Bear Creek Open Space Preserve and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; assist in preparation of new lease for Picchetti Winery. Continue working with the Real Property and Operations Departments on a procedural manual for handling encroachments, and identifying and resolving property rights issues on District land. Progress: The encroachment at Bear Creek Redwoods was successfully resolved after litigation was filed (MROSD v. Landil; the encroachment at Pulgas Ridge was resolved by negotiating a new communications site lease, relocation of the encroaching equipment, and receipt of a damages payment from Cingular Wireless; work on resolving an encroachment at Rancho San Antonio involving Hanson Quarry is continuing. Page 37 The access easement claim at Coal Creek resulted in litigation (Fogarty v. MROSDI which is scheduled for mediation in May; work continues on resolving various encroachment and access issues at Bear Creek and Sierra Azul. • Acquisition—Assist Real Property Department in connection with potential District acquisition of Guadalupe Land Company property as a corporate asset (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve); assist in transactional documents to accomplish easement exchanges (Montebello Open Space Preserve and Windy Hill Open Space Preserve); assist in preparation of an additional communications lease at an existing site (Pulgas Open Space Preserve). Progress: Guadalupe Land Co. and its real property was purchased by the District; work continues on administering the corporation and determining how best to manage the operation and potential dissolution of the corporation in the future. The easement exchange at Windy Hill was successfully completed by the approval of an exchange with Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services; the easement exchange at Montebello with Ridge Vineyards is in the environmental evaluation stage; pro bono assistance for that potential transaction has been obtained from Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati; new communications site leases were prepared with Cingular Wireless and Metro PCS at Pulgas Ridge. • Other Projects - Continue working with Real Property and Planning Departments to pursue global solutions to streamline the acquisition and planning processes, including a Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Clara Count to identify acquisitions that are g Y Y q exempt from the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, and Memorandum of Agreement with San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties clarifying the consistency of acquisitions with County planning requirements. Progress: Real Property and Legal are continuing to explore these ideas with both Counties; staff anticipates these discussions will continue in 2005 and prospects for reaching an effective agreement with Santa Clara County seem positive. San Mateo County is undergoing an internal review to streamline its permitting process and the District is actively participating. 1develop • Permits - Continue worknnl, with Real Property and Planning Departments to a permit fee schedule to recoup costs for issuance of permits to enter or use District land and for other District services and staff time. Progress: Workload demands of other Action Plan projects didn't permit Legal, Real Property and Planning to complete this task; it is anticipated it will be completed this fiscal year. Page 38 2. Risk Management—Provide advice and monitor current claims and litigation against the District; represent the District's interests in insurance and CJPIA coverage matters; provide oversight of matters handled by outside counsel. Progress: Successfully obtained CJPIA and title insurance company coverage in various matters, including pending litigation; oversight and co-counsel work with outside counsel is quite active on all pending litigation. 3. Human Resources - Assist in carrying out labor relations functions; provide legal advice on personnel matters. Anticipated major projects: Continue to advise on update of District's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual; continue to assist in implementing the legal aspects of the Workplace Enhancement Plan. Progress: This is a continuing function. 4. Coastal Protection Program - Anticipated major projects: Continue to provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to the Coastal Protection Program, primarily in the LAFCo process; draft and review related project documents; preparation of documents for administrative proceedings; drafting of documents such as cooperative agreements with public agencies, and assistance in litigation. Progress: This task was successfully completed and was the major task completed by the Legal Subprogram in 2004-2005. The task included: drafting documents for the LAFCo administrative process; preparing for public hearings, including the LAFCo reconsideration hearing of its April, 2004 approval, and the protest hearing and protest process; assisting staff in a wide variety of tasks in every department relating to the Coastside Protection Program; assisting in obtaining the Certificate of Completion in September 2004; and, actively participating in all phases of the litigation challenging approval of the LAFCo application and in the conduct of the LAFCo approval process and the associated protest process. 5. Operations - Advise on the update of the Field Operations Manual; continue to assist in the development of Cooperation Agreements for provision of law enforcement and emergency services with sister agencies. Progress: Assisted in development of Mutual Aid Agreement between the District's Operations Department and San Mateo County Fire Department; advised on update of Field Operations Manual; final revisions are pending. 6. Planning - Advise on the Navy remediation project at Site 25 (Ravenswood Open Space Preserve); provide advice concerning resolution of sedimentation issues at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; provide advice concerning resolution of mercury remediation issues at the Rancho de Guadalupe property (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve). Page 39 Progress: Work on Site 25 at the Stevens Creek Nature Study Area continued throughout the public process managed by the Navy in 2004-2005; sedimentation issues at El Corte de Madera were resolved to the satisfaction of the regulatory agencies; the District's participation in resolving mercury remediation issues at the Rancho de Guadalupe property was successfully completed by the District Board's approval of a Consent Decree; the federal regulatory agencies are now anticipating finalizing that agreement by obtaining the consent of all other public and private parties affected by the NRDA process. The TMDL process will continue as a multi-year effort. Other Projects and Activities 1. Provide legal research concerning historic parcels and chains of title to assist in resolving real property issues and in support of Planning and Real Property projects. 2. Provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to the District such as the Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, election law, and the California Environmental Quality Act. 3. Assist Departments in bidding processes and contract administration for public works and professional services contracts. 4. Prepare and review District legal documents such as contracts, easements, leases, permits, regulations, and ordinances. 5. Represent the District's legal interests in matters involving other government agencies. 6. Advise the District on court rulings and legislation affecting the District and assist in drafting and pursuing legislation proposed by the District. I Page 40 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-59 Meeting 05-12 Jun e 1 2005 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Contract for Vegetation Mapping Services at Mills eek and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves and Surrounding Areas GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt rom the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) based on the findings contained in this report; and 2. Authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with Aerial Information Systems in an amount not to exceed $32,718 to provide detailed vegetation mapping services at Mills Creek and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves and surrounding areas. DISCUSSION As part of the District's effort to build a comprehensive inventory of natural and cultural resources on public open space lands, the District has systematically been completing detailed vegetation mapping projects. Mapping has largely been completed from El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve south to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The proposed 32,800 acre study area for this mapping project includes the entire Purisima Creek, Tunitas Creek and Lobitos Creek watersheds, as well as portions of the Pilarcitos Creek and San Gregorio Creek watersheds (see Exhibit A). This area encompasses Mills Creek and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves and surrounding private and public lands. This vegetation mapping contract is a key component of a District-wide vegetation layer in the District's Geographic Information System (GIS). Development of a detailed vegetation map in this area is very valuable relative to the District's efforts to assess natural resources, to prioritize potential land purchases, and in general to enhance staff's understanding of lands within the recently-annexed District territory. As with similar projects in Sierra Azul and Skyline Ridge areas, a vegetation map encompassing central coast watersheds can also be utilized to enhance the ability to identify potential habitat for special status plant and animal species; to identify large stands of non-native weeds or areas prone to Sudden Oak Death Syndrome; to enhance the property purchase process, and to develop resource management plans. Staff requested proposals from five (5) firms that have the capability to produce maps of this detail. Aerial Information Systems (AIS) provided the only proposal that met all of the project-mapping criteria. AIS produced a highly accurate vegetation map for the Sierra Azul Resource Inventory, and for the La Honda Creek and the South Skyline areas. The GIS data was of exceptional quality and proved to be an extremely helpful reference layer in support of property purchase, master planning, and resource management projects. R-05-09 Page 2 AIS develops very detailed maps that organize separate vegetation types into an ecological classification developed by the California Native Plant Society. Their methodology includes interpretation of recent digital and stereoscopic aerial imagery; field work to correlate the imagery with the actual vegetation types; and on-going coordination with District staff to refine the maps based on field verification results. Once the initial field work and aerial photo interpretation is complete, the vegetation data is transferred into GIS format and draft maps are produced. These maps are field checked to verify accuracy and then final maps are produced. The GIS-based vegetation data can be easily updated as new information is collected in the field and, more importantly, it can be combined with other GIS data layers, such as slope or soils information, to facilitate resource management planning projects. Since the Sierra Azul Resource Inventory was initiated, other Bay Area park and open space agencies have adopted the same vegetation mapping standards as conceived by the District and utilized by AIS. Locally, both Santa Clara County Parks and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area(National Park Service) are mapping vegetation according to the California Native Plant Society standard adopted by the District. Because these mapping projects utilize the same standards and the data is stored in GIS format, vegetation and habitat information can easily be shared among agencies. As these projects are completed, planners will have an increasingly comprehensive and accurate understanding of the Peninsula's vegetation. By hiring AIS to map the vegetation in the Central Coast watershed areas, the District will be helping to complete this regional vegetation picture and will be making an important and lasting scientific information contribution. The cost of the AIS contract for this project is $32,718, which includes a five percent contingency for unanticipated costs and/or for production of extra copies of the final map. In the FY 2005-2006 budget, $40,000 is available for this project. In addition to the AIS contract, this amount includes funds to purchase the necessary aerial imagery, and to hire a local botanist to coordinate with staff and AIS to ground truth the draft maps and provide quality control. CEQA COMPLIANCE Project Description This project consists of detailed vegetation mapping within the area defined by our maps as the Central Coast Watersheds area. The vegetation data will provide very useful baseline information and can be used to facilitate future resource inventory projects. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15306 of the CEQA Guidelines. Section 15306 exempts actions associated with information collection and resource evaluation activities. This project qualifies under Section 15306 as it will result only in the collection of regional vegetation data. Prepared by: Matthew Sagues, Open Space Planner I Contract Person: Matt Freeman, Senior Open Space Planner Central Coast Wd rsheds Vegetation -issification Area i •. Half Moon Bay Purisima '` \ Creek Open Space , Preserve I Ar > Ix E EXHIBIT ° 0.5 , z Classification Area Miles Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-52 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Payment of the General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance Amounts to California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) for the 2005-2006 Policy Year and Payment of the Pollution Liability Insurance Program for the Policy Years 2005 —2'008,,, GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS I Authorize payment in the amount of$226,466 for General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance for the policy year 2005-2006 and $24,056 for the Pollution Liability Insurance Program for the policy years 2005-2008 to the California JPIA. 2. Authorize the General Manager to use $66,512 from the New Land Purchases account for payment of the insurance amounts in excess of the FY 05-06 approved budget for the General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Pollution Liability Programs. DISCUSSION General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance Programs In March 2002, the Board of Directors approved the District's participation in the California JPIA for General Liability Insurance, a self-funded self-insurance, risk pooling, and commercial insurance program (R-02-52). In May of 2002, the Board of Directors approved participation in the California JPIA Workers Compensation Program (R-02-78). Each year, the JPIA reviews the incurred losses of the collective pool of participating agencies and calculates a retrospective deposit computation to determine the annual payment amount for each agency. Appropriate annual adjustments are then made to each member's annual payment based on the retrospective deposit amount. The District incurred higher than normal losses during the 2003-2004 policy year for General Liability and during the 2002-2003 policy year for Workers Compensation that exceeded our primary deposit payment amounts for both programs. As a result, the District has a retrospective deposit payment in addition to our annual premium payment that exceeds the budgeted amount for these programs in FY 2005-2006. The retrospective deposit will be spread over a period of four years. Page 2 R-05-52 The District payments for the 2005-2006 General Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation (Comp) programs break down as follows: Program Retrospective D Total Paymei FY 05-06 Bud Budget v Due Jul 15f Pa men General Liability $20,470 $92,470 $75,000 ($17,47 Workers Comp $41,596 $133,996 $102,010 ($31,98 TOTAL $62,066 $226,466 $177,010 $49,45 As noted in the table above, the current 2005-2006 JPIA payment is $49,456 above what we have budgeted for this fiscal year. As such, we request your approval to use funds from the New Land Purchases account to cover the excess amount needed for payment. At mid-year, staff will recommend a budget adjustment to formally transfer the funds. Pollution Liability Insurance Program In August 2002, the District elected to participate in the JPIA Pollution Liability Insurance Program. This program provides coverage for third party claims alleging bodily injury and property damage, including cleanup, arising out of pollution conditions at or migrating from operations, Coverage also includes from District District-owned and leased locations or arisingp g on-site cleanup of pollutants that are discovered at District locations and from underground or above ground storage tanks. The annual cost for participation in the current program is approximately $7,000. On July 1, 2005, the JPIA will change its Pollution Program commercial carrier since the current carrier has withdrawn from the environmental insurance business. The District has elected to participate in this program under the new carrier. While the program coverage is primarily the same, the policy term and premium payment are different. The new policy term lasts three years instead of one and will cost a total of$24,056 for the three years. The JPIA prefers that the payment be made in one lump sum, not spread across three years. In fact, members will be charged an interest fee if payment is not received in full. The District's 2005-2006 budget only provides $7,000 for the Pollution Liability Insurance Program, based on the current carrier and one year premium. Therefore, staff requests your approval to use funds from the New Land Purchases account to cover the excess $17,056 needed for this coverage payment as noted above. During the next two fiscal years however, no monies will need to be budgeted for this program. As with the budget for the General Liability and Workers Compensation programs, staff will recommend a budget adjustment to formally transfer the necessary funds at mid-year. Prepared by: Michelle Jesperson, Management Analyst Contact Person: Sally Thielfoldt, Assistant General Manager Regional Open Space � w|DPEN|mSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT � R-O5-57 � Meeting05-|2 � June L2O05 � �K�K��0�� �1����� y� � AGENDA ITEM AGENDAITEM Authorization to Solicit Bids for Construction of Ridgetop Trail at PUlgas Ridge Open Space Pocucrvc GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION � Authorize staff to solicit bids for construction nf|liduetop Trail that includes the installation of two pedestrian footbridges � uiPu|gaa Ridge Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION At Your August 13, 2003 meeting,you adopted the Standing Committee's recommendation to amend the Use and Management Plan fbrPu|gaa Ridge Open Space Preserve for demolition of the fhoncr Hassler Health Horne waste � treatment facility, development ofa parking and staging area, and construction of three new traits. The three trails include � the 0.7-mile South Canyon Trail, the 04-mi|e Cordilleras Connector Trail and the 2.4-mile Ridgetop 1[xai| (see Exhibit &). � Tile District received a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in the amount of$157,777 to complete this project by June 2005. Since permitting difficulties with Sun Mateo County resulted in delays,the District requested and � received a one-year grant extension froin the California Department of Parks and Recreation(DPR)to complete this � project. Although the new project dcud|ine established hyDPIlim June 2O00, San Mateo County and Department ofFish and Garne regulations prohibit grading activities between October 15 and April 15. Therefore,the District must complete the construction of all three trails hyOctober |5of this year iu order tomeet its grant deadline. Foothills field crew is currently constructing South Canyon Trail and will begin construction of Cordilleras Connector Trail this June. Since crew will be busy with the construction of those two trails in addition to regular maintenance � responsibilities,they will not be able to construct Ridgetop Trail this year. Therefore, staff is asking for authorization to � solicit bids 0mmn qualified pvo[cssinou| contractors tobuild the RidgehnpTrail and inm4u|| two(2)pre-fabricated Oherg|oau footbridges. FUNDING &t Your March 23, 2005 meeting, you adopted the Fiscal Yeur2O0j'2O06 Budget which included $304,903 to complete the Pu!gaa Ridge Public Access Improvement Project. Staff estimates that the allocated budget will he sufficient to fund the construction ofALidgctopTrail including two footbridges, and connp|ehonof the parking and staging area. CEQA COMPLIANCE � At the /1uQua1 13, 2003 meeting, the Board approved the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program for the Pu{gum Ridge Trail Construction Project. Prepared by: � Douglas Vu, /\SL/\, Open Space Planner || � Contact Person: Same amabove PULGAS RAGE OPEN SPACWRESERVE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT � N , r. 800 o �� .�, ff • o FOOT is •06 BRIDGE •4 ♦0 • j RIDGETOP • Jv� t TRAIL � FOOT BRIDGE � 0 •. �., � •Polly Geraci Trail �• �� •• . .......M PROt) it �(D NINE M i^Vj. Hassler Trail•• • ate,Tank '.ipaoz +► •��.� Hassler Loop Trail CORDILLERAS I • : .... •......... CONNECTOR •OO' �� SOUTH CANYON Off-Leash Dug Area TRAIL „ TRAIL �•����� © ��•. �����• •© boo ~•���♦�� •••• #lue ..+•• f �• Trail Red.( d .. Cenler y' • 280 `�-- PARKING/STAGING Cordillera, !� AREA Center 0 O tuo EDGEWOOD COUNTY PARK (San Mateo County) 0.0 .1 .2 .s .a .s .G .7 .8 .9 1.0 EXHIBIT A: Project Elements Map One Mile Open Regional 0 Space 9 p p MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-58 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 9 AGENDA ITEM Adopt Resolution to Show the Correct Total Dollar Amount of Authorized Credit Cards for Designated District Staff Members GENERAL MANAGER RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution to show the correct dollar amount of$38,0 r authorized credit cards for designated District staff members. DISCUSSION At your April 27, 2005 Board meeting you approved the issuance of two additional credit cards at each of the two field offices (for a total of four new credit cards) to improve efficiency at the field offices. This was approved in the form of Resolution No. 05-12 (see Report R-05-48). The issuing credit card company, First National Bank of Omaha, requires a copy of the resolution before issuance of the new credit cards. In processing our request, the credit card company noted an error in the total dollar amount contained in the resolution. The correct amount to cover all of currently filled positions, including the four Maintenance & Resource Supervisor positions is $38,000, but was shown on the resolution as $32,000. This amendment to the resolution will correct that amount so that the credit cards can be issued. The amended resolution will supersede Resolution 05-12. Prepared by: Sally Thielfoldt, Assistant General Manager Contact Person: Same as above I RESOLUTION NO. 05- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF DISTRICT CREDIT CARDS AND RELATED BORROWING OF FUNDS FROM FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA WHEREAS, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of California, with its principal office at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California 94022-1404, and is duly authorized to transact business in the State of California; and WHEREAS, the District currently holds several accounts and maintains in good standing a business relationship with the Mid-Peninsula Bank, whose affiliate is First National Bank of Omaha("Lender"); and WHEREAS, the Lender has agreed to issue the District credit cards for use by authorized managers or supervisors in the employment of the District, at no cost; and WHEREAS, the District has authorized the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Operations Manager, Planning Manager, Public Affairs Manager, Administration/Human Resources Manager, Skyline Area Superintendent, Foothills Area Superintendent, Real Property Manager, Support Services Supervisor, General Counsel and Maintenance & Resource Supervisors to be issued District credit cards; and WHEREAS, the issuance of these credit cards will enable the District to borrow from time to time from the Lender on such terms as may be agreed upon between the District and the Lender, such sum or sums of money as in their judgment should be borrowed; however, not exceeding at represents liars 38 000.00 which e thousand do $ f thirty-eight t p any one time the principal amount o ( ) two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per authorized position other than the General Manager, and twelve thousand dollars ($12,000.00) for the General Manager, in addition to such sum or sums of money as may be currently borrowed by the District from the Lender on terms where funds are borrowed without use of credit cards. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District authorizes and agrees to the terms of the issuance by the Lender of credit cards to specified District employees, and hereby rescinds Resolution No. 05-12. i i Regional Open Space r_ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-64 Meeting 05-12 .tune 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 10 AGENDA ITEM I� Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Retainer Agreement With the Law Firm of Miller, Starr& Regalia in an Amount Not to Exceed $30,000 GENERAL COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION Sq4 Oy Authorize the General Manager to enter into a retainer agreement with the law firm of Miller, Starr& Regalia in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for representation in the following matters: 1. Saratoga County Club v. MROSD, not to exceed $10,000; 2. Fogarty v. MROSD, not to exceed $10,000; and 3. Potential litigation due to an encroachment and conservation easement violation at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, not to exceed $10,000. DISCUSSION The District is currently involved in litigation and legal matters that require the out side legal al services of a firm specializing in real estate litigation. The General Counsel has evaluated the qualifications and fees of several firms and recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager to retain the law firm of Miller, Starr & Regalia to best represent the District in these matters. It is always staff's and the Board's desire to avoid litigation and resolve matters by mutual agreement and staff will actively pursue settlement options inHowever these matters. , litigation representation is needed to defend the District's and the public's rights in these matters. Miller, Starr& Regalia("Miller Starr") is one of the most qualified real property litigation firms in the Bay Area. Miller Starr has previously represented the District in litigation and complex transactions and is familiar with the District and issues related to these legal matters. The following matters require these legal services: Saratoga County Club v MROSD Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 104CV026822: In March 2005, the District was sued by Saratoga County Club, a corporation operating a private golf course in the City of Saratoga. The suit alleges that the District's adjacent Prospect Road staging area, which provides parking for the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, is a nuisance to the public in that it is allegedly operated improperly. The District, of course, disputes these allegations and is concerned about golf balls hit into the staging area by patrons of the golf course. I R-05-64 Page 2 The District required an immediate defense and tendered the matter to the District's insurer, CJPIA. CJPIA agreed to accept defense on a cost-share basis with the District. Under the General Manager's contractual authority, Miller Starr was retained to defend the District. Although the District has not yet been billed for these services, the litigation has been active and costs are anticipated shortly. Therefore, it is an appropriate time to request Board approval of these services in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Funds for these services were budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Budget under Operations Department Category 60-4901 (Special Legal Fees). The District has been actively engaged in settlement discussions with the Saratoga County Club and will continue to work toward a mutually acceptable resolution of this matter. Fogarty v. MROSD, San Mateo County Superior Court No. CIV 4419345: In September 2004, the District was sued by Thomas Fogarty and Angela Macfarlane, residents of property adjacent to the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. The matter concerns two issues: First, the plaintiffs' claim to a deeded easement over Preserve lands that would permit development of an improved road, and, second, the parties' disagreement about the uses allowed under a conservation easement the District holds over a portion of the plaintiffs' property. The District tendered defense of this matter to its title insurer, First American Title Company. The title company agreed to provide the defense. However, the title company does not have an obligation to protect the public's rights under the provisions of the conservation easement. As a result, under the General Manager's contractual authority, Miller Starr was also retained to file a cross-complaint in the lawsuit seeking to prevent a violation of the conservation easement. The title company will pay the costs of defense of the lawsuit. The District will pay the costs of prosecuting the cross-complaint. The title company selected Michael Hassen at Miller Starr to represent the District. It was cost-effective and prudent to retain the same firm to pursue the cross-complaint. Mr. Hassen has recently joined the firm of Jeffers, Mangels, Butler and Marmaro and will continue to defend the District as provided in the District's policy of title insurance. Staff recommends Miller Starr continue to prosecute the cross-complaint. Both firms have stated they will closely cooperate in these matters. This litigation has also been active. The first mediation was held on May 26, 2005 and will continue in July. Discovery is ongoing. Therefore, it is an appropriate time to request Board approval of these services in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Funds for these services were budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Budget under Real Property Department Category 8105- 25 (Legal Fees). No invoice for services has yet been received but is expected shortly. Potential Encroachment and Conservation Easement Matter— Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve: District field staff recently discovered a fence and culvert built on Kennedy Trail by an adjacent neighbor, Mrs. Richardson. The District's Land Protection Specialist and Assistant General Counsel met with Mrs. Richardson and her attorney in an effort to resolve this matter but have been unsuccessful thus far. Encroachment problems continued with grading of an apparently R-05-64 Page 3 unstable slope which sloughed onto the Trail. Problems continued when Mrs. Richardson's contractors graded a road through a conservation easement on a portion of her property jointly held by the Town of Los Gatos and the District. District staff has continued to be in contact with Mrs. Richardson's counsel and the Town in an effort to resolve these matters, prevent further activity of this nature, and obtain remediation of the grading on the conservation easement. However, in view of the deteriorating situation and lack of success in resolving the matter thus far, it is likely the District will need to initiate a lawsuit to prevent this activity from continuing and to protect the public's rights under the conservation easement and the ability to use, patrol and maintain Kennedy Trail. The General Counsel recommends that the Board authorize Miller Starr to represent the District's interests in this matter in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Funds for these services were budgeted in the 2005-2006 Fiscal Year Budget under Real Property Department Category 5219-25 (Legal Services). The costs approved tonight would include any costs incurred to date under the General Manager's contractual authority. Depending on further steps necessary to defend and prosecute these matters, and whether the District can successfully resolve these matters by settlement, staff may return to the Board for additional authorization in the future. Prepared by: Susan Schectman, General Counsel Contact Person: Same as above Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-01-11 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 11 AGENDA ITEM Call Two Special Board Meetings for june !--';July 6, 2005 and June 29, 2005 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS I Schedule a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for Wednesday, june 15july 6 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to consider performance evaluation of the Board appointees (General Manager, General Counsel and Controller); 2. Schedule a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for Wednesday, June 29, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the proposed purchase of the POST (Miramontes) property as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION It is recommended that a Special Board Meeting be scheduled for Wednesday, june 1 5july 6, 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to conduct performance evaluations of the Board appointees: General Manager, General Counsel and Controller for the previous year. Pursuant to California Government Code § 54957 (b) this meeting shall be held as a closed session. It is also recommended that a Special Board Meeting be scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, 2005 for the purpose of considering the proposed purchase of the POST (Miramontes) property, San Mateo County APNs: 067-310-140, 056-440-010, 060, 070 & 056-450-020, within the Coastside Protection Area. This meeting is proposed to take place at the Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District Board Room, 1191 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-05-55 Meeting 05-12 June 1, 2005 AGENDA ITEM 11 AGENDA ITEM Call Two Special Board Meetings for June 15, 2005 and June 2005 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Schedule a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for Wednesday, June 15, 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to consider performance evaluation of the Board appointees (General Manager, General Counsel and Controller); 2. Schedule a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for Wednesday, June 29, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the proposed purchase of the POST (Miramontes) property as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION It is recommended that a Special Board Meeting be scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to conduct performance evaluations of the Board appointees: General Manager, General Counsel and Controller for the previous year. Pursuant to California Government Code § 54957 (b) this meeting shall be held as a closed session. It is also recommended that a Special Board Meeting be scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, 2005 for the purpose of considering the proposed purchase of the POST (Miramontes) property, San Mateo County APNs: 067-310-140, 056-440-010, 060, 070 & 056-450-020, within the Coastside Protection Area. This meeting is proposed to take place at the Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District Board Room, 1191 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above Regional Open S. ce R ^1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager ,0 DATE: May 27, 2005 RE: FYI's I, i FPEE Cathy Woodbu From: General Information Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:12 PM To: Craig Britton; John Maciel; Cathy Woodbury; Matt Freeman; David Sanguinetti Subject: Fw: great work ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Cochrane" <trailtraveller@webtv.net> To: <info@openspace.org> Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 1:21 PM Subject: great work > Please forward this message to the Crews, Planners, ect. who are > responsible for all the erosion control work at El corte de madera osp. > I was there hiking this last weekend, on many of the trails, and saw how > great the water runoffs, gray rock, native grass seeding were working. I > saw this on many of the main trails/roads. This was even despite the > very wet season. > Also, please copy the district board members. They should know too. > Thank you, Tom Cochrane Craig Britton From: Matt Freeman Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 12:17 PM To: Managers Subject: Patty Ciesla FYI . . . >For Immediate Release >May 11, 2005 >Contact: Shaun Reid >trailrider@mindspring.com >510.748. 9046 >The Northern California Mountain Biking Association (NorCAMBA) is pleased >to announce it has hired Patty Ciesla as its Executive Director, making >the Bay-area club one of only a handful of regional mountain bike advocacy >groups around the world with professional leadership. >Ciesla comes to NorCAMBA with a passion for trails and the environment. >She is a former Santa Clara County Parks Commissioner, and is a >Mid-Peninsula Open Space District Docent who leads nature study outings by >bicycle. She has been active in Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers > (ROMP) , the mountain bike club in Silicon Valley, and helped found the >non-profit Stewards of Soquel Forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A >graduate-level Epidemiology student at Stanford University, Ciesla&E:ls >thesis on the health benefits of trails will be published this year. > >&CoeNorthern California is renowned for its wonderful parks and open space. >My vision is to encourage land management agencies with restrictive >policies catering mainly to the hiking constituency, to open their minds >to a greater diversity of outdoor recreation, including bicycling on >trails. Bicycling is a low-impact activity that can help people maintain a >healthy lifestyle,&C ! Ciesla explains. >ACoeEnvironmentalism is languishing, in part because many young people >donaC�t experience its relevance to their lives. I believe we desperately >need to get more people out into parks to develop a love of nature and an >interest in protecting it. Mountain bikes are literally a vehicle to >entering the environmental movement,!C, said Ciesla. > >Her initial focus will be on building the identity of the organization >through several initiatives, including program development and >fundraising. She will also help focus NorCAMBA&C's advocacy >efforts. Northern California faces many access challenges, ranging from >overburdened and under-funded park districts, to lawsuits against >mountain-bike friendly park managers. NorCAMBA plans to tackle both >regional issues, like Wilderness, and local issues, such as the notorious >lack of singletrack open to bicycles in the Bay Area. >aCoe-We could not be more pleased that Patty has chosen to take on this >challenging position. With her expertise, guidance and dedication, >NorCAMBA can focus on projects that will translate into increased trail >access for our members, !C' said Shaun Reid, NorCAMBAaC' s president and >founder. >About NorCAMBA >NorCAMBA was founded NorCAMBA as a way to combine the resources of local >organizations so that they can become more effective at opening trails, as >well as play a part in protecting riding areas outside their immediate >locales. Since its inception, NorCAMBA has grown to include eleven >affiliated mountain bike clu,- in Northern California and now —s enough >combined resources to support a paid professional advocate. >NorCAMBA is dedicated to increasing trail access and support for mountain >biking in Northern California through the power of a large affiliated >community by unifying, growing and leveraging the resources of local >grassroots organizations. It supports a united and admirable community of >mountain bikers that work together to advocate for access, develop >socially and environmentally sustainable trails, foster land stewardship, >and develop a vibrant, diverse and healthy culture of participation. >Riders can help support NorCAMBA by joining their local affiliated >mountain bike club. For more information and to join, please visit >http: //www.norcamba.org. >Shaun Reid >President >Northern California Mountain Biking Association >www.norcamba.org >San Francisco Bay Area Rep >IMBA >www.imba.com 2 Craig Britton From: Doug Vu Sent: Tuesday,May 17,2005 10:19 AM To: 'hetrick@smccd.nef Cc: Craig Britton Subject: Pulgas Ridge Dear Jane, Thank for your e-mail regarding the District's access Improvements at Pulgas Ridge. As you may know,we recently completed construction of a new parking and staging area for 23 vehicles at the Blue Oaks trailhead off Edmonds Road. It will be open to the public in about three weeks once the gate is installed.As for trail construction,our crew is currently building the new 0.7-mile South Canyon Trail which is scheduled for completion by the end of this summer. As for the 2.4-mile Ridgetop Trail,we will be hiring a contractor later this spring to construct this trail that also includes the installation of two footbridges. This trail is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2005. Thank you for your input and I will pass along your words of support and encouragement to our Board of Directors. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, -Doug Vu M. Douglas Vu,ASLA Open Space Planner II Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 650,691.1200 VOICE 650.691-0485 FAX www.openspace.org -----Original Message----- From: Hetrick,Jane[mailto:hetrick@smccd.net] Sent: Monday,May 09,2005 9:40 AM To:Craig Britton Subject: Pulgas Ridge Dear Mr. Britton, Just a quick email in strong support of the expansion of the Pulgas Ridge trail slated for Spring 2006. 1 couldn't attend the planning meeting on 4.27.05 becau se work.I spoke to Kerry Carlson,one of the rangers on duty at Pulgas Ridge,on Saturday,and he filled me in on recent developments. I like the fact MROSP is ver,the 3.5 expansion on the ridge is still going forward,right?I love expanding one of the trails off the service road. Howe p 9 Pulgas Ridge,and I probably hike there 2-3x per week,every week,rain or shine. I would like that expansion to occur because more trails are needed on PR;it is a beautiful site.I like the recent addition of the parking lot and handicapped bathroom,both are badly needed. Please feel free to use my email for support of this expansion of Pulgas Ridge. I live on the open space and want to know if that expansion is on time and will be completed.Please let me know,Craig. Thank you, Jane Hetrick Jane Hetrick,DSKL Professor Canada College 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard Redwood City,CA 94061 (650)306-3490 FAX(650)306-3185 hetrick@smccd.net i Mike Williams From: Kristen Smith Beffcairn@mac.com] Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 6:39 PM To: Mike Williams Subject: notice about Rapley meetings Hi Mike - Would you please add two names to the list of people to notify about the meeting regarding Rapley Ranch? They are: Bill Wyman Route 2 Box 438 La Honda, CA 94020 Dick and Ami Jaqua Route 2 Box 434 La Honda CA 94020 It was nice to meet you all last week on the property. I appreciate what you are doing in creating a balance between protecting the land, providing recreational access, and working with neighbors. Not an easy task! Thanks, Kris Smith Route 2 Box 431 La Honda, CA 94020 1 II a Regional Open Sp+ e 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT May 25, 2005 Planning Commission City of Curpertino 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014-3202 SUBJECT: Gate of Heaven Cemetery—Use Permit Application Honorable Commissionaires, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the permit application submitted by Gate of Heaven Cemetery to the City of Cupertino. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District manages the 165-acre Rancho San Antonio County Park, which borders the cemetery, as well as the 3,800-acre Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, adjacent to the cemetery. This is the most heavily used Preserve out of the total of 26 managed by the District in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. This area also serves as an open space outlet to residents of the adjacent and surrounding urbanized areas. i Currently all gravestones are inset in the ground and cannot be seen from adjacent open space and park lands. The proposal would allow installation of upright gravestones as well as a large crucifix as part of the proposed bishop's plaza. Both of these elements could be seen from nearby open space and park lands. Permit application materials given to District staff by Gate of Heaven include a perspective photo taken on open space lands in the direction of Gate of Heaven cemetery. From that vantage point on Coyote Trail, both the proposed crucifix and upright gravestones would be visible. The District believes elements of Gate of Heaven's plan will have an adverse impact on the public's open space experience in both of these preserves. The District opposes the use of upright gravestones and some elements of the proposed bishop's plaza. The cemetery and other proposed work plan items are visible from trail perspectives not included in the permit application materials. These include Mora Trail by the water tower, Hill Trail, and the main entrance road. Furthermore,preserve visitors are not restricted to using developed trails on District lands. They can traverse the entire open space area on foot and as a result upright gravestones and the crucifix would be visible from any number of locations on Rancho San Antonio Park and Preserve. The District believes the impact of the crucifix on the open space experience could be minimized with pertain measures. The plans currently call for a height of 32' feet which seems quite large relative to the size of other installations on the cemetery grounds. A reduction in the height of the crucifix to 24' feet would lessen the visual impact while still providing the effect sought by Gate of Heaven. The District also recommends that 33o Distel Circle 650-691-1200 info@openspace.org BOAR DOF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton i f Cupertino Planning Con. ision May 24, 2005 Page 2 Gate of Heaven plant large box trees to obscure the view of the crucifix from adjacent District land as shown in their plan. The current permit proposal shows only anticipated development for the next 10 years. Less than half of the 58 acres is currently in use,but over time the long-range goal would be to develop the entire property. Some of the undeveloped land directly borders public land and is clearly visible when entering and exiting the preserve. We would not like a precedent set that paves the way for the installation of upright gravestones in the undeveloped areas of the cemetery not covered in the current plan. The initial permit for the Cemetery was granted by the County of Santa Clara before the annexation of this area into the City of Cupertino. The County must have recognized that the Cemetery is located on the urban fringe adjacent to extensive natural areas. We applaud the County's resulting requirement in the Use Permit for flush gravestones to reduce the visual impacts of this use. The mere annexation of this territory into the City has not changed the adjacency of the Cemetery to extensive natural areas, and the reasons for inset gravestones are just as valid now as they were then. Finally, the District believes any changes to the Gate of Heaven use permit should include provisions to screen the cemetery's corporation yard from surrounding open space. The corporation yard is clearly visible from District trails as shown in pictures (5) and(6) of the permit application. The yard contains heavy equipment, caskets, and other construction material that take away from the open space viewshed. When the original county use permit was granted, much of the area surrounding the cemetery was open space. The permit must have taken into account the existing viewshed and its preservation. Any new use permit should as well. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the plans. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact planning manager Cathy Woodbury at(650) 691-1200. Sincer y, L. Craig Britton, r Cc: MOSRD Board of Directors Robert Lindberg, Gate of Heaven Thomas P. O'Donnell, Esq. i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space All Staff Training G Workshop Name: Dealing Successfully with Constituents Workshop Learn how personal values and attitudes influence Description: contact with both customers (taxpayers) and colleagues. This highly interactive workshop will provide staff with techniques to effectively work with members of the public and. remain courteous under pressure. Session I: June 1, 2005 8 :00 AM - 12:00 PM or Session II: June 1, 2005 1 :00 PM - 5:00 PM Location: City of Mountain View Police Department Police/Fire Auditorium 1000 Villa Street Mountain View CA 94041 PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MANAGER TO SIGN UP FOR SESSION I OR H. All employees are required to attend. I f Claims No 05-10 Meeting 05-12 Date 6/1/05 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 2750 $1,680.00 Accountemps Accounting Temp 2751 $743.30 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 2752 $327.90 ADT Security Services Burglar Alarm Service 2753 $1,064.94 All Chemical Disposal,Inc. Waste Disposal 2754 $280.26 '1 All Laser Service Toner Cartridge 2755 $35.00 Alien's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 2756 $1,463.47 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Service and Repair 2757 $121.78 Anderson Engraving Name Badge Engraving 2758 $4,026.90 Appleone Employment Services HR Temp Service 2759 $79.90 AT&T Telephone Service 2760 $60.75 Bankosh,Michael Reimbursement-Parking&Mileage 2761 $415.00 CA Park&Recreation Society Membership Fees 2762 $141.19 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill&A.O. 2763 $204.73 '2 California Water Service Company Water Service-Foothills Field Office 2764 $121.24 Carlson,Richard Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 2765 $215.87 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 2766 $18.09 City of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fee-Montebello Road 2767 $280.64 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies 2768 $464.11 CMK Automotive Inc. Brake Inspection&Service 2769 $2,104.34 Cresco Equipment Rentals Cat Excavator For South Canyon Trail 2770 $250.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Touch Up Paint-Cubicles 2771 $9,432.33 Dell Corporation 2 Laptops,3 Flat Panels&4 Precision Workstations 2772 $6,780.00 Department of Water Resources Ricky Dam Permit 2773 $25.17 Downing,Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform 2774 $11,562.56 EDAW,Inc. Master Plan Contract Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwood OSP 2775 $4,261.83 EKI Consulting Services-Woods Portola Valley Property 2776 $5,028.20 ESRI Maintenance Software For Planning&Operations 2777 $167.38 Fed Ex Shipping Charges 2778 $10,767.35 First Bankcard Field Supplies-435.19,Vehicle Accessories&Repairs- 687.19,Computer Expenses-109.94,Local Business Meetings-1007.94, Fremont Older Tour-948.08,Office Supplies-798.46,Safety Supplies-219.56,Conference& Training-6560.99 2779 $407.10 Forestry Supplies,Inc. Field Supplies 2780 $292.11 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services 2781 $54.65 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 2782 $16.76 Galls Incorporated First Aid Supplies 2783 $67.44 Goodco Press,Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards 2784 $184.89 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Garbage Services 2785 $337.90 Hanko,Nonette Reimbursement-Not So Annual Conference 2786 $89.58 HBC Power Supply For Phone System 2787 $3,994.42 '3 Hewlett-Packard Company Color Printer,Cable&Paper 2788 $1,800.00 International Training Resources Defensive Tactics Training 2789 $278.00 Jed Cyr Reimbursement-Not So Annual Conference 2790 $118.91 Jones,Kathleen Mileage Reimbursement 2791 $72.90 Jurgensen,Rudy Reimbursement-Mileage 2792 $2110 Kinko's Printing Services 2793 $106.34 '4 Langley Hill Quarry Drain Rock 2794 $385.28 LFR Levine Fricke Design And Engineering Services 2795 $60.00 Macke Water Systems,Inc. Kitchen Supplies Page 1 of 3 � Claims No 05' O Meeting 05-12 Date 6/105 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District � # Amount Name Description � 2790 $154.00 Mountain View Optometry Safety Glasses � 2797 $40.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal 2798 $1.5e6.22 Office Depot Office Supplies 2799 $328.10 ^o Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Guppnnn 2800 $7.238.00 Pacific Watershed Associates,Inc. Trail&Road Assessment'Skyline Ridge&Long Ridge oaP 2801 $250o0 ^a Petty Cash Replenish Petty Cash uVVu $4.593.03 ~7 post Haste Direct Mail Services Newsletter Mailing Postage � 2803 *20.59 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 2804 $39.02 `O Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioner Service 2805 $1.800.00 Rick Smoma'Licensed Land Surveyor Survey[n Crazy pete'o Road u Fogarty Property Boundary 2006 $6.59 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies 2807 $100.00 Ruddanbuny.Jonao Reimbursemant-G|STraininoCnurse 2808 $306.88 numic Environmental Technologies Hazardous Waste Removal Service Corp. � uVuo $1.e63.19 eov's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 2810 $34.92 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription 2811 $17.64 noo Fax Line 2812 *1.280J0 `9 GBC Telephone Service 2813 $670.00 Sheldon Road Improvement Fund Repairs Tn Sheldon Road � 2814 $869.7D ^10 SxeuCredit Card Cenm, Fuel � � 2015 $5.772.00 Shelton Roofing Co..Inc. Ranger Residence Roof Replacement 2810 *150.00 Smith,Jeff Reimbursement'EMT Recertification 2817 $100.00 Spectrum Resources Radio License Renewal 2818 $593.21 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 2819 $2.47a00 System for Public Safety Recruitment'Background Research 2820 $1.794.e4 `11 The Sign Shop Signs � 2821 $255.81 `12 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms � 2822 *330.44 Thomson West Logo|onnxoxaupplemoma 2823 $860.74 ~13 Tires on the Gu Tires � 2824 $78.02 Too|emd.|nu. Field Supplies ums $184*00 Tmn.minh Reimbursement'Computer Supplies 2826 *16.32 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping | 2827 $774.66 United Rentals Highway Tech. 30-u-ChannelStakes 2828 $170.00 verioiqn Email Security Service 2829 $77.16 veriovn Pager Service � 2830 $407.12 vehzon Cellular Phone Service � 2831 $318.57 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Fuel,Mileage&Moo\ 2832R $528.00 Peninsula Tours Mini Bus Rental For 50.VOO Acre Event | 3833R $451.99 Petty Cash Conference&Training Expense,Office&Field Supplies, | Mileage Reimbursement&Local Business Meeting Expense unu*R $498.34 Serendipity Land Yachts,LTD Bus Rental For 5o.oVV Acre Event Page 2mo Claims No 05-10 Meeting 05-12 Date 6/1/05 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description Total $107,354.75 *1 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *2 Urgent Check Issued 5118/05 *3 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *4 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *5 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *6 Urgent Check Issued 5/26/05 *7 Urgent Check Issued 5/23/05 *8 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *9 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *10 Urgent Check Issued 5/20/05 *11 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *12 Urgent Check Issued 5/16/05 *13 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 Page 3 of 3 Claims No 05-10 Meeting 06-01 Date 6/01/2005 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Flame Description 2750 $1,680.00 Accountemps Accounting Temp 2751 $743.30 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 2752 $327.90 ADT Security Services Burglar Alarm Service 2753 $1,064.94 All Chemical Disposal,Inc. Waste Disposal 2754 $280.26 *1 All Laser Service Toner Cartridge 2755 $35.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 2756 $1,463.47 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Service and Repair 2757 $121.78 Anderson Engraving Name Badge Engraving 2758 $4,026.90 Appleone Employment Services HR Temp Service 2759 $79.90 AT&T Telephone Service 2760 $60.75 Bankosh,Michael Reimbursement-Parking&Mileage 2761 $415.00 CA Park&Recreation Society Membership Fees 2762 $141.19 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill&A.O. 2763 $204.73 *2 California Water Service Company Water Service-Foothills Field Office 2764 $121.24 Carlson,Richard Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 2765 $215.87 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 2766 $18.09 City of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fee-Montebello Road 2767 $280.64 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies 2768 $464.11 CMK Automotive Inc. Brake Inspection&Service 2769 $2,104.34 Cresco Equipment Rentals Cat Excavator For South Canyon Trail 2770 $250.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Touch Up Paint-Cubicles 2771 $9,432.33 Dell Corporation 2 Laptops,3 Flat Panels&4 Precision Workstations 2772 $6,780.00 Department of Water Resources Ricky Dam Permit 2773 $25.17 Downing,Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform 2774 $11,562.56 EDAW, Inc. Master Plan Contract Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwood OSP 2775 $4,261.83 EKI Consulting Services-Woods Portola Valley Property 2776 $5,028.20 ESRI Maintenance Software For Planning&Operations 2777 $167.38 Fed Ex Shipping Charges 2778 $10,767.35 First Bankcard Field Supplies-435.19,Vehicle Accessories&Repairs- 687.19,Computer Expenses-109.94,Local Business Meetings-1007.94, Fremont Older Tour-948.08,Office Supplies-798.46,Safety Supplies-219.56,Conference& Training-6560.99 2779 $407.10 Forestry Supplies,Inc. Field Supplies 2780 $292.11 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services 2781 $54.65 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 2782 $16.76 Galls Incorporated First Aid Supplies 2783 $67.44 Goodco Press,Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards 2784 $184.89 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Garbage Services 2785 $337.90 Hanko,Nonette Reimbursement-Not So Annual Conference 2786 $89.58 HBC Power Supply For Phone System 2787 $3,994.42 *3 Hewlett-Packard Company Color Printer,Cable&Paper 2788 $1,800.00 International Training Resources Defensive Tactics Training 2789 $278.00 Jed Cyr Reimbursement-Not So Annual Conference 2790 $118.91 Jones,Kathleen Mileage Reimbursement 2791 $72.90 Jurgensen,Rudy Reimbursement-Mileage 2792 $21.20 Kinko's Printing Services 2793 $106.34 4 Langley Hill Quarry Drain Rock 2794 $385.28 LFR Levine Fricke Design And Engineering Services 2795 $60.00 Macke Water Systems,Inc. Kitchen Supplies Page 1 of 3 Claims No 05-10 Meeting 06-01 Date 6/01/2005 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 2796 $154.00 Mountain View Optometry Safety Glasses 2797 $40.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal 2798 $1,596.22 Office Depot Office Supplies 2799 $328.10 *5 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies 2800 $7,238.00 Pacific Watershed Associates,Inc. Trail&Road Assessment-Skyline Ridge&Long Ridge OSP 2801 $250.00 *6 Petty Cash Replenish Petty Cash 2802 $4,593.03 *7 Post Haste Direct Mail Services Newsletter Mailing Postage 2803 $20.59 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 2804 $39.02 *8 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioner Service 2805 $1,800.00 Rick Skierka-Licensed Land Surveyor Survey Of Crazy Pete's Road&Fogarty Property Boundary 2806 $6.59 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies 2807 $100.00 Roddenberry,Jonas Reimbursement-GIS Training Course 2808 $306.88 Romic Environmental Technologies Hazardous Waste Removal Service Corp. 2809 $1,963.19 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 2810 $34.92 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription 2811 $17.64 SBC Fax Line 2812 $1,280.76 *9 SBC Telephone Service 2813 $670.00 Sheldon Road Improvement Fund Repairs To Sheldon Road 2814 $669.78 *10 Shell Credit Card Center Fuel 2815 $5,772.00 Shelton Roofing Co.,Inc. Ranger Residence Roof Replacement 2816 $150.00 Smith,Jeff Reimbursement-EMT Recertification 2817 $100.00 Spectrum Resources Radio License Renewal 2818 $593.21 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 2819 $2,475.00 System for Public Safety Recruitment-Background Research 2820 $1,794.94 *11 The Sign Shop Signs 2821 $255.81 *12 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms 2822 $330.44 Thomson West Legal Books/Supplements 2823 $860.74 *13 Tires on the Go Tires 2824 $76.02 Tooland,Inc. Field Supplies 2825 $184.00 Tran,Minh Reimbursement-Computer Supplies 2826 $16.32 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 2827 $774.66 United Rentals Highway Tech. 30-U-Channel Stakes 2828 $170.00 Verisign Email Security Service 2829 $77.16 Verizon Pager Service 2830 $407.12 Verizon Cellular Phone Service 2831 $318.57 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Fuel,Mileage&Meal Page 2 of 3 Claims No 05-10 Meeting 06-01 Date 6/01/2005 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description Total $105,876.42 *1 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *2 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *3 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *4 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *5 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *6 Urgent Check Issued 5/26/05 *7 Urgent Check Issued 5/23/05 *8 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *9 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *10 Urgent Check Issued 5/20105 *11 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 *12 Urgent Check Issued 5/16/05 *13 Urgent Check Issued 5/18/05 I Page 3 of 3 Regional Open Space 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: L. CraigBritton General Manager g DATE: June 1, 2005 RE: FYI's OFOREST EE Survey Summary Pagel DO OPrivacy G Co tact it SurveyM� onkey.com % , lxetause knowled efs eyerythln Wednesday,)une 01,2005 Results Summary Show All Pages and Questions Filter Results Share Results To analyze a subset of your data, Your results can be shared with others, you can create one or more filters. without giving access to your account. Total: 23 Status: Enabled Visible:23 Reports: Summary and Detail 1. Survey 1. How many Not-so-Annual Conferences have you attended? Response Response Percent Total This was my first 52.2% 12 This was my second '' `7 'i'""1 21.7% 5 Three to Five 17.4% 4 Six to Ten 8.7% 2 Total Respondents 23 (skipped this question) 0 2. The 2005 Not-so-Annual Conference was a good use of my time. Response Response Percent Total Strongly agree 69.6% 16 Agree a a 26.1% 6 Neutral 4.3°! 1 Disagree 0% 0 Strongly disagree 0% 0 Total Respondents 23 (skipped this question) 0 3. The conference was useful for ideas and information exchange, networking and socializing. Response Response Percent Total Strongly agree 73.9% 17 Agree 21.7% 5 Neutral 4.3% 1 6/l/2005 Survey Summary Page 2 of 3 Disagree 0% 0 Strongly disagree 0% 0 Total Respondents 23 (skipped this question) 0 4. Please rate the following... Excellent Good Average Fair Poor Response Total Conference sessions 61%(14) 30%(7) 9%(2) 0%(0) 0%(0) 23 Personal enjoyment 57%(13) 30%(7) 13%(3) 0%(0) 0%(0) 23 Monterey location 74°10(17) 22%(5) 4%(1) 0%(0) 0%(0) 23 Hotel facilities 57%(13) 26%(6) 17%(4) 0%(0) 0%(0) 23 Food 41%(9) 41%(9) 18%(4) 0%(0) 0%(0) 22 Land tour 25%(5) 50%(10) 25%(5) 0%(0) 0%(0) 20 Guest speakers 60%(12) 30%(6) 10%(2) 0%(0) 0%(0) 20 Offsite conference activities(Wed reception and/or Friday Aquarium.) 59%(10) 35%(6) 6%(1) 0%(0) 0%(0) 17 Overall experience 59%(13) 36%(8) 5%(1) 0%(0) 0%(0) 22 Total Respondents 23 (skipped this question) 0 5. Please list specific ways in which this conference was useful. aVlirivl Total Respondents 19 (skipped this question) 4 6. Do you anticipate that you will attend again in the future? Response Response Percent Total Yes 87% 20 No 0% 0 Uncertain MOM 13% 3 Total Respondents 23 (skipped this question) 0 7. How would you rate the following? I would recommend this conference to others in the future. Response Response Percent Total Strongly agree 72.7% 16 Agree IJIWY8aIkfiOa; 22.7% 5 Neutral 4.5% 1 Disagree 0% 0 6/1/2005 Survey Summary Page 3 of 3 Strongly disagree 0% 0 Total Respondents 22 (skipped this question) 1 8. What topics would you like covered in future Not-so-Annual gatherings? V1cvr; Total Respondents 16 (skipped this question) 7 9. Should we consider expanding the invitation list? Response Response Percent Total Yes 35.3% 6 No 35.3% 6 Comment 52.9% 9 Total Respondents 17 (skipped this question) 6 10. Additional comments or suggestions? Total Respondents is (skipped this question) a SurveyMonkev is Hiring!( Privacy Statement(Contact Us Logout Copyright G1999-2004 SurveyMonkey.com, All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site may be copied without the express written consent of SurveyMonkey.com. 6/1/2005