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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20010101 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) (12) Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 10-27 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Friday, October 22, 2010 BOARD WORKSHOP OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT BEGINS AT 1:00 P.M. Shoup Park Garden 1-louse 400 University Ave Los Altos, CA 94022 AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING 1:00* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT— PUBLIC SESSION ROLL CALL I. Board Committee Assignments— L. Hassett 2. Initial Strategic Planning Workshop: Board and Staff Discussion of District Identity, Differentiating Strengths, Strategy Criteria and Related Strategic Planning Issues— S. Sommer 5:15* ADJOURNMENT 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 an-angements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting,will be available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California 94022. CERTIFICATION OF POSTIN(,OF'A(-;END,k 1,Michelle Radcliffe,District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda for the Special Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on October 19,,2010,at the Administrative Offices of MROSD,330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California,94022. The agenda is also available on the District's web site at Signed this 19"'day of October,at Los Altos,California. District Clerk October 19, 2010 Mid peninsula Regional ' Open Space District R-10-120 Meeting 10-27 October 22, 2010 SPECIAL MEETING ITEM I AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committee Members for the Remainder of Calendar Year 2010 PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION Approve the President's recommendations for appointments to the Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committees for the remainder of Calendar Year 2010. SUMMARY Director Larry Hassett was appointed Board President at the October 13, 2010 Board meeting. Because of his appointment and pursuant to the Board's Rules of Procedure and enabling legislation, a Director will need to be assigned to fill the seat of President Hassett on the Use and Management and Real Property Standing Committees as well as the vacant seat on the Board Appointee Evaluation Committee. DISCUSSION At its October 13, 2010 Board meeting, the Board elected Director Larry Hassett as the Board President due to the death of President Mary Davey on October 2, 2010 (See Report R-114). The Board of Director's Rules of Procedure Section 1.80 states that the President of the Board shall not serve on any Standing Committees except as a voting alternate. President Hassett had previously been assigned to the Use and Management and Real Property Standing Committees. There is also a vacant assignment in the Board Appointee Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee as President Dave � Pp Y was a member of the Committee. President Hassett will need to assign members to the following Committees: Use and Management Standing Committee, the Real Property Standing Committee, and the Board Appointee Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no new or incremental fiscal impact associated with this action. Board compensation for committee work is included in the annual budget and remains unchanged for r � g the current fiscal year. i _� R-10-120 Page 2 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice was provided according to the requirements of the Brown Act. No further notice is required. CEQA COMPLIANCE This proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and no environmental review is required. NEXT STEPS Staff will prepare a new roster of Board Committee assignments for posting internally and on the District website. Prepared by: Michelle Radcliffe, District Clerk Contact person: Larry Hassett, Board President 1 i Midpeninsula Regional ' Open Space District � 1 R-10-124 Meeting 10-27 October 22, 2010 SPECIAL MEETING ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Initial Strategic Planning Workshop: Board and Staff Discussion of District Identity, Differentiating Strengths, Strategy Criteria and Related Strategic Planning Issues. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Accept the discussion agenda and supporting information for the Initial Strategic Planning Workshop with District Staff to discuss and define the District Identity, Differentiating Strengths, Strategy Criteria and Related Strategic Planning Issues for use in completion of the District's Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION The Board approved the District's methodology for completion of a Strategic Plan at a Special Meeting held on September 8, 2010 (see Report R-10-98). At the meeting, the Directors received a presentation from staff and the consulting firm of La Piana Consulting that described a"real-time strategic planning method" (see Attachment 1) that engages participants, addresses the biggest questions facing an organization, and creates an atmosphere where ongoing strategic thinking and action can flourish. The Initial Strategic Planning Workshop represents the beginning of the District's strategic planning process. The discussion will focus on the following elements, which are necessary to the development of successful organizational strategies (see Attachment 2): • A Shared Understanding of the Organization's Identity and Business Model: Being clear about who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how we.fanance it; • Internal and External Trend Awareness: Knowing what the trends are, where we are, how we got there, and where we want to go next; • Awareness of Unique Differentiating Strengths: Understanding what are the most successful components of the District's work and our most distinctive strengths. R-10-124 Page 2 Z!, The elements described above form the foundation of the Strategy Screen. The Strategy Screen provides a tool for selecting preferred strategies by determining what matters. This will be the final product completed during the initial strategic planning workshop. A final exercise during the workshop will be to practice using the strategy screen to test potential strategies for a single Big Question. Attachments 3 and 4 further illustrate important concepts contained within the strategic methodology discussed in Attachment 1: first, the ongoing nature of the strategy cycle and how each step builds on the previous one; and second, bridging the gap between the mission and action plan by emphasizing programs. FISCAL IMPACT The Administration Department FY20 10-11 budget includes funds for the completion of this workshop (see Report R-10-9 8). PUBLIC NOTICE Notice was provided pursuant to the Brown Act. No additional notice is required. CEQA COMPLIANCE No compliance is required as the recommended action is not a project under CEQA. NEXT STEPS The concepts developed during this workshop provide the foundation for a subsequent Board- staff workshop where the major strategic questions facing the District will be identified, evaluated and subsequently incorporated into the District's 2011 Strategic Plan. Attachment(s) 1. Discussion Agenda 2. Real Time Strategic Planning 3. Strategy Cycle 4. Strategic Planning Framework Diagram Prepared by: Kirk Lenington, Senior Resource Planner Casey Cleve, GIS Coordinator Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Contact person: Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Graphics prepared by: Casey Cleve, GIS Coordinator Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District STRATEGY SESSION ATTACHMENT 2: DISCUSSION AGENDA October 22, 2010 - 1:00 pm-5:15 pm October 23, 2010—9:00 am— 1:0 pm Mission 0 Acquire and Preserve 0 Protect and Restore 0 Public Enjoyment and Education 0 Maintain Agricultural Land Use 0 Preserve Rural Character Meeting Objectives * Understand the MROSD's identity 0 Identify MROSD's differentiating strengths 0 Create a Strategy Screen to guide ongoing decision-making * Consider use of Strategy Screen in developing strategy that responds to Big Questions Time Topic Handouts&Notes Focus Questions Frame Introductions 15 min Handout: Strategic Planning Framework Agenda review (Chart) Process Review Process Steps: • Develop first pass at Strategy Screen • Seek Staff and Public input into Strategy Screen and key questions • Refine Strategy Roadmap for Board approval Impact 30 min a What do we want to change in the region we serve? Current business model 55 min * Of all the groups we are responsive to,whom should • Geographic area served be first in our minds when we make decisions—whom • Services/programs offered do we primarily serve? • Customers served Break 15 min Topic Time Handouts&Notes Focus Questions Frame Sources of funding 5 min Handout: Funding Sources Public Comment 15 min Market Awareness 35 min Handout: Competitor Analysis * Definition of competitors * Land protection and sustainable use in the Bay Area Differentiating Strengths 55 min • How have we been most successful—and what are our a The importance of knowing our characteristics that led to differentiating strengths success? o What are MROSD's distinctive strengths? Public Comment 15 min Overnight Break Identity Statement 15 min External Trends,Challenges and 15 min • What has changed in the Opportunities world around us and that requires us to change? MROSD*s Strategy Screen 45 min Public Comment 15 min Break 10 min Applying the Strategy Screen 60 min Handout: Applying the Strategy Screen Next Steps 15 min • What information is needed? • What are the Big Questions that need to be addressed in the short term? Public Comment 15 min Close 15 min 10/22/2010 page 1 Strategy is: A coordinated set of actions aimed at creating and sustaining an organization's unique differentiating strengths in carrying out its mission. Strategy is built upon an organization's identity, business model, environmental awareness, and unique differentiating strengths'. A strategy can be enduring, needs to change when it is no longer the best way to advance the mission. Therefore it is important to constantly monitor the environment and the strategy's effectiveness. Traditional strategic planning produces a formal document that endures for a set length of time, usually three years, and covers a set list of areas with specific and often distant goals. A more dynamic approach is needed for organizations to create effective strategy in the rapid-response real world of today. To address this problem, La Piana Consulting conducted a four-year Strategy Formation research project. The result is the Real-Time Strategic Planning method that engages participants, addresses the"Big Questions" facing an organization, and creates an atmosphere where ongoing strategic thinking and action can flourish. Organizations using this dynamic approach report that it is more successful than the traditional approach, which often results in a document that sits on a shelf gathering dust. Using the Real-Time approach, an organization identifies Big Questions, and determines how best to address them in the context of its mission. The steps include: • Strategizing about your organization's enduring values, mission, and vision. Engaging decision makers in a one-day strategy kick-off session to articulate a shared understanding of your organizational identity such as your organization's geographic, programmatic and constituent scope, unique strengths, and environmental trends. • Collaborating to foster an environment in which decisions are made from a strategic perspective. • Identifying and focusing on the top opportunities and challenges facing your organization, its Big Questions, which then can be addressed aggressively. • Developing a Strategy Screen describing what really matters that sets out criteria for strategic decisions before the decision is on the table, thus expediting a strategic response to emerging opportunities and challenges. • Embedding within the organization a methodology for identifying and addressing future Big Questions, opportunities and challenges as they emerge, rather than only once every planning cycle. Some use the term-competitive advantage"instead,to highlight the fact that organizations compete for resources,whether consciously or not. The reality is that resources are scarce,and organizations compete for them. This is not the"cut-throat" competition that often characterizes the business sector. It is competition to advance the organization's mission on behalf of those it serves. We refer to this as"ethical competition"because it's all about advancing the mission. We also note that the reality of competition does not override the need for,and value of,collaboration. Both are important,and often may be used between the same organizations. 10/22/2010 page 2 • Incorporating simple, powerful tools that enhance your organization's ability to prioritize and make choices. • Documenting Your decisions and monitoring and evaluating the Outcomes over time. The Next Step: The Kick-off Session The following elements are explored in an initial strategy kick-off session undertaken as part of the Real-Time Strategic Planning process and are necessary to the development of successful organizational strategies: A Shared Understanding of the Organization's Identity and Business Model Being clear about who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how we,finance it (mission +geographic/programmatic/constituent scope +operational model + financial model) Internal and External Trend Awareness Knowing what the trends are, where we are, how we got there, and where we want to go next Awareness of Unique Differentiating Strengths The ability to produce social value using a unique asset, Outstanding execution, or both. The agenda for the kick-off session will include discussions around: • Mission and vision • Current geographic, programmatic, and constituent scope • Current business model • Market position and competitive landscape • Unique differentiating strengths • Organizational directions for the future STRATEGIC PLANNING CYCLE --------------- Re viewl 4� N DISTRICT IDENTITY STATEMENT /Q what",value Stakeholders ONGOING How we do it How we finance it PLAN MANAGEMENT Context and trends AND EVALUATION Affecting organization Feedback Loop Performance Measurement March ! STRATEGIC DECISION Q IMPLEMENTATION ° CRITERIA Action Plan PLANNING Strategy Screen CYCLE NOvember © PREPARE STRATEGIC PLAN 0 IDENTIFY "BIG QUESTIONS" Opportunities Challenges DEVELOP 8 TEST Strategic Issues POTENTIAL Imperatives for Change ` STRATEGIES Use Decision Criteria Decide what NOT to do a Attachment 3 10/22/2010 3a r STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The strategic planning process , `'' creates a bridge between the c MISSION Mission and Action Plan � Identity X Business Model a� i - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - � ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY f av1 0- 0- 0 1 1 1 w W PROGRAMMATIC STRATEGY 1 �.Q 1 =PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM 1 N�O 1 Community Resource Land Purchase Field Programs Management Operations 1 1 1 w �� -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - .• — �, z c� ' J Q Key Key Key Key Key nKey Project Project Project Project Project 111 Z J on Key Key Key Key Key Key CL � Project Project Project Project Project Project ZO X 2 2 2 2 2 2 H N Q� Key Key Key Key Key Key Project Project Project Project Project Project 3 3 3 3 3 3 Attachment 4 10/22/2010 AAidpeninsula Regional Open Space District P P I To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: October 22, 2010 Re: FYIs Midpeninsula Regional P g i ' I Open Space District For Immediate Release Date: October 20,2010 Contact: Leigh Ann Gessner 650.691.1200 x566 MROSD board seeks applicants Passing of Board President Mary Davey Oct. 2 leaves vacancies Los Altos, California [October 20,20101—The unexpected passing of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Board President Mary Davey on October 2 left a vacancy that the remaining six board members are seeking applicants for, and by law must fill by appointment on November 29,2010. The Open Space District is a public agency, specifically a California Special District,governed by a board of directors representing seven wards who can serve unlimited, four year terms. Davey was director of ward two representing the cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Stanford, Sunnyvale and a small portion of Santa Cruz County. The vacancy to be filled is the remainder of the current term for director of ward two,which ends January 2,2011. Davey's position was unopposed in the upcoming election, meaning that by law she was to be appointed in November to serve the next four year term as director of ward two beginning January 3. The Open Space District's board of directors will decide in January 2011 whether to also appoint a director for the forthcoming term, or to hold a special election. The director who is appointed or elected to the forthcoming term will serve until the next general election in November 2012. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for either or both vacancies, and must be at least 18 years old and a registered voter living within the boundaries of ward two see map). Applications can be obtained online at www.openspace.org, or in person at the Open Space District's administrative office at 330 Distel Circle in Los Altos. The deadline to apply is November 8,2010 at 5:00 p.m. Created by voters in 1972, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected and managed more than 58,000 acres of open space. The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is an independent, non-enterprise, California special district whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.www.openspace.org. GENERAL MANAGER . Stephen EAbhorS Regional 0penSpaee ( Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District ' ROARD OF DIRECTORS Pete Siemens Mary Davey October 21 2010 led Cyr Curt Riffle Nonette Hanko Carlos Martinez tarry Hassett Economic Development& Redevelopment Director cP`iiyHarns 1960 Tate Street East Palo Alto, CA 94303 RE: Coordination of Bay Trail Efforts at Ravenswood Dear Mr. Martinez.: I want to thank you and your staff for engaging the District in an important dialogue regarding our current B Trail. f know, h District has ne negotiated an exchange of efforts to complete a section of the ay ra As you o ,theg g easements with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that creates the basis for g ursuin a trail pursuing easement across San Francisco lands for a future Bay Trail connection between the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and University Avenue. The District Board of Directors approved the exchange on July 14, 2010. I enclose a copy of the staff report for that item. Pages 2 and 3 of the report acknowledges that as part of the Ravenswood/4 Corners Specific Plan process currently underway, the City of East Palo Alto will be evaluating the feasibility a new multi modal roadway,the potential alignment of which overlaps a portion of the same route to be evaluated by the District for the proposed Bay Trail easement. Let me confirm as stated in our staff report that the District's planning process will take this potential new roadway into consideration in evaluating Bay Trail alignment alternatives. ' w mmencin our The District's search for a trail study consultant is currently underway, and e anticipate co g i alignment and conceptual design in earl December. The first phase of evaluation of a suitable Bay Trail a co Y g pY our study will involve our project staff and consultant meeting with agency stakeholders, including East Palo Alto, in order to identify planning considerations and assess opportunities and constraints for the proposed Bay Trail connection. I see in the work scope you provided that describes the Ravenswood/4 Corners Specific Plan process that consultation with the District and other appropriate agencies is incorporated into your planning process in order to help the City assess the feasibility of a new roadway and inform an analysis of potential roadway alignments. Ideally the consultations between the District and the City for both the Bay Trail alignment study and the multi modal road feasibility assessment can be folded together. Please let us know if it will be possible to engage the City's project staff and consultant team in a discussion with the District's project staff and consultant in December when we commence the first phase of our Bay Trail study. The Cooley Landing partnership agreement between the District and the City is serving well to identify our respective roles and responsibilities and to facilitate the planning process. In the same vein, I agree that a MOU between the District and the City would be useful as an informal statement of the parties' intentions to work cooperatively in our mutual effort to complete the Bay Trail. As I see it, any such agreement should include the following acknowledgments: 1. The shared goal of completing the Bay Trail and providing public bayfront access, as affirmed in the City's adopted plans and the District's past and current efforts. 33o Distel Circle Los Altos,CA94022 -65o 691 imo I 65o 69i D435 www openspace org Pugc2 � 2. lhcCkv`x understanding that time is of the essence in the District's efforts to sccurc upub!ic trail � coxcnoun( from Sun Fnanuimuo, and that the District intends toproceed without delay in identifying ' and evaluating trail alignment and conceptual design alternatives. � | ]. Tile District's understanding that, as part of the Ravenswood/4 Corners Specific Plan process now | | underway, tile City will bo evaluating the feasibility o[u new Multi modal roadway connecting � the Ravenswood Industrial Area with University Avenue, and that provision for tile Bay Trail will � bo addressed in this evaluation. � � � � 4. A mutual understanding that each agency will include the other iu its planning process oaukey stakeholder. 1n this regard, District staff will Consult With City staff in Studying and developing � ! recommendations for the alignment and design o[u Bay Trail connection. Similarly, City staff � � Will Consult with District staff in evaluating tile feasibility of a IllLIlti modal roadway. � | 5. A Mutual understanding that, in tile event the District acquires the desired Bay Trail easernent � from San Francisco, and Subsequently tile City moves forward with plans to develop a new � i roadway that could encompass a portion of tile District's Bay Trail easement, both agencies will � cooperate through the City`u planning process in order to ensure that new rnu|ti modal roadway � � will incorporate and complement the Bay Trail and not diminish the utility of the District's trail � � � easement for Bay Trail purposes. Ultimately it falls hoour Board o[Directors to make this i determination oil behalf of the District and the Bay Trail. | � � 6. ThoCi(y`a understanding that the District has oo obligation 0u review and as necessary provide � � comment on any proposed roadway project tocnouvothu1aoyimpocttoDuvcnovvoud0pcnSpacc Preserve and tile Surrounding wetland area are avoided, minimized, or appropriately mitigated. � Before we move forward oil unMOD, and uo previously requested, l p/mu|d like{o provide the District � Board with a broader overview of the Ravenswood/4 Corners Specific Plan process and how this planning � effort fits into context with the Cooley Landing pr jooLihoEuutPa|o&|tmbuy6onL and the Bay Trail. l O n � appreciate youro �rofu informational presentation hoour Board on the Specific Plan and tile three land use alternatives Currently under consideration. |ano certain our Board would appreciate the Opportunity io ! learn more o[the land use Vision taking shape for the Ravenswood area. [vvi|| ask staff to follow LIP With � You to arrange a presentation, and I pledge to get this on our Board's meeting agenda at the earliest � Opportunity. i Sincerely, ' S0cphchB� Abhors � Gonc,o r � SEA/MR | / Eric. � Co: MLGmdmn` East Palo Alto Acting City Manager � BrcntQutbcr, East Palo Alto Planning Manager � District Board o[Directors � � | � � David and Judy Daniels 305 Tioga Court s- Palo Alto, CA 94306 650-494-3727 October 12, 2010 Board of Directors and Steve Abbors, Manager MROSD Administrative Office 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Board and Mr. Abbors, At the Nature Center this past Saturday(October 9) our son David's friends and colleagues along with us held a celebration of David's life 20 years after his passing at the age of 25. This was a remarkable occasion for the more than 60 people attending as it so conveyed to all of us the spirit of love and friendship that goes far beyond any worldly achievement of which he had many in his short life. We are deeply grateful to the District for sponsoring this event and especially to the ranger assigned to the event, Elizabeth Wright. She herself mowed the grass in the area adjacent to the Center, fixed wet area of the trail before we even mentioned it,placed all the signs directing traffic to the parking area, and radiated a kindness and warmth. There couldn't have been a more responsive, caring, and thoughtful ranger. And Dennis Danielson, who supervised the construction of the Nature Center 20 years ago, attended the celebration and expressed kind-hearted thoughts. We were honored by Elizabeth's and his attendance. Lastly we are everlastingly grateful to the District for this lovely Nature Center at the geographic center of the District. With much gratitude, David and Judy Daniels x Midpeninsula Regional Igglig open space District � 1 To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: October 27, 2010 Re: Late FYIs GENERALMANAGER Reg i o n a I Stephen E Abbots OpenSpace Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pete Siemens Mary Davey Jed Cyr Curt Riffle Nonette Hanko Larry Hassett Cecily Harris October 20, 2010 Tom o Vlasic, Deputy Town Planner Town of Portola Valley 765 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 Re: Site Development Permit Request X9H-618 and associated Demolition Permit, Patricia Law's Homestead "Ruins," 5010 Alpine Road, McKinney Dear Mr. Vlasic: On behalf of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District), I would like to submit the following comments regarding the proposed demolition and site development entpermit p at5010 Alpine Road, adjacent to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. This project consists of the demolition of the ruins of the Patricia Law Homestead and approximately 1,270 cubic yards of grading to restore the site to a more natural contour. The District owns and manages approximately 58,000 acres of public open space land on the San Francisco Bay peninsula, including Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, which is approximately 1,300 acres, and which is located immediately adjacent to and surrounding the proposed project site. The District's mission is: To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. As a neighbor of the project site who is concerned about na tural re source impacts of new development, we respectfully request that the Planning Commission consider the following comments during its project e p 1 ct review: Erosion Control Measures This project entails approximately 1,270 cubic yards of grading. Since the project site drains p 1 d ains onto Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, the District is particularly concerned about the of p ential water quality impacts to the Preserve. Therefore, we ask that the To wn ensure that all appropriate erosion control measures are implemented emen p ted duringconstruction on and that no grading take place if total rainfall exceeds 0.5 inches within a 24 hour period. Protection Against Invasive Species To protect against the inadvertent introduction of invasive weeds during the importing and ins tallation of vegetation or erosion control materials, the District requests that the Town require 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022 1 a 650 691.1200 1 r 650.691.048S ( www openspace.org that all straw and mulch used on the site be weed free, and seed mixtures and plants used in re- vegetation be comprised of locally native plant species. We appreciate the opportunity to review the initial proposed design. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the District. Sincerely, Ana Ruiz, AICP Planning Manager Town of Portola Valley cc: Planning Commission, g Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager, MROSD MROSD Board of Directors I i I Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District Memorandum To: MROSD Board of Directors Through: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager From: Kirk Lenington, Senior Resource Planner Meredith Manning, Senior Open Space Planner Gina Coony, Mt. Umunhum Project Manager Date: October 20, 2010 Re: Update on Mt. Umunhum Projects This informational report covers the time period from August 30 through October 20, 2010. Significant progress made on each component of the project is presented below: Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) Final onsite remediation work of the oil containment pond was completed in July 2010. the Army Corps will return in November to do final confirmation soil sampling. Assuming sampling indicates remediation work was completed successfully and upon receipt of final reports, the FUDS remediation project will be 100% complete. Remediation and Restoration On August 30, 2010, the Board adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration. The Notice of Determination was filed on August 31, and the 30-day Notice period has transpired with no additional public or regulatory comment. On September 10, 2010, the Army Corps (Corps) received bids for the Remediatioii work to remove the hazardous materials from the buildings. Two bids were submitted, both considerably under the estimates prepared by both the District and the Corps. The Corps awarded the remediation contract for $1.7 million on September 24, 2010. The District received $1,304,771 of the $3,200,000 federal grant. The grant funds will be utilized to fund a significant portion of the building demolition scope. In addition, the grant will reimburse the District for 75% of the cost of the District remediation project manager, professional fees associated with remediation monitoring, demolition estimating, structural and geotechnical assessment of the radar tower, and the preparation of demolition contract documents. Site Planning Staff spent much of the months of August and September preparing for the first public workshop held on September 30. This workshop served as the District's first opportunity to share information and solicit public input on the restoration and public access to the summit of Mt. Umunhum. Approximately 325-350 members of the public participated in the event held at the United Methodist Church in Los Gatos. Participants were able to provide input on three conceptual themes for potential ways they might enjoy the site. The themes were crafted by staff with guidance from the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee and informed by a series of meetings with 27 separate stakeholder groups held earlier in the summer. Input from the meeting and website is currently being gathered and analyzed to inform the process of developing a preferred project alternative. This alternative will be reviewed by the Committee and presented as a Committee recommendation for tentative approval by the Board of Directors at a second public meeting scheduled for December 9 at the Historic Del Monte Building in Sunnyvale. � Ilk � KA|dpeOiOSU|aR2giOnal� | Open Space District Memorandum DATE: October 27,20|0 MEMO TO: MR(}8D Board ofDirectors � THROUGH: Steve Abhors, General Manager FROM: OoichenLauytsen � SUBJECT: Parking issues along Puriaimu Creek Road � At the June 24, 2009 Board meeting held in Half Moon, members of the public raised a number of questions and concerns regarding the current parking situation onPuhuima Creek Road. This parking im associated with visitation at the District's 9uriuimuCreek Redwoods Open Space Preserve(Preserve), � which offers 24 miles oftrail across approximately ].]60uorco. The lower Preserve truiiheodcurrently � provides approximately seven parking spaces. The |onerkui|hnud is very popular among Couy/yidco and others who wish to cntcrfrom u lower elevation where trail grades are |csa steep. This popularity has � moukrd in roadside parking along the edges ofPudyima Creek Rood, which is a narrow, two-lane, paved public road that is maintained by San Mateo County. � {n October 2009, District staff met onoitcwith San Mateo County planners to discuss current parking conditions and explore the possibility uf expanding parking in the interior o[the Prcoen/c at an existing flat next to the Preserve reytroom. Based un these conversations, County planners raised concerns regarding the feasibility of obtaining permitting clearance from the Coastal Commission given the close proximity to PurisimaC,cek and riparian vegetation. Questions were also raised regarding the feasibility of allowing emergency vehicle clearance and constructing an ingress/egress two-lane driveway. � Based onCnunty feedback, District staff prepared apn|iminury conceptual design p|uu showing possible |uyoo( for additional Preserve parking to facilitate initial discussions with the Coastal Commission on the permitting feasibility of such a proposal given the restrictive site constraints and close � proximity toPuhoimuCreek. The draft conceptual parking lot design plan included parking stalls for up to25 vehicles, revogc(u ion adjacent 0n the existing riparian corridor,and uycdimenVoi| catch basin. � After submitting the conceptual plan ro the Coastal Commission, District staff worked to schedule meeting with Coastal Commission and San Mateo County planning staff. &nonsitc meeting was scheduled, however, due to the unpaid furloughs for state workers, the meeting was canceled and staff has been unable to reschedule due to limited Coastal Commission staff availability and workload. In lieu ofo site meeting, u phone conference with Coastal Commission staff was held on September 17, 2010. After viewing and discussing site photos. the conceptual design for additional parking, and the constrained site conditions with the Coastal Commission over the phone,Coastal Commission staff stressed the need for a riparian Survey to confirm whether or not the potential parking and associated driveway improvements lie outside the Coastal Commission's definition o[urequired 50-foothpacion setback. This information would then confirm the permitting feasibility of an expanded parking area. According to Coastal Commission staff, the precise limits of the riparian corridor of Pudsima Creek must be established in order to determine if the project could be permitted. Moreover, it was made clear that any facility associated with an expanded parking area, including a driveway or turnaround, would need to be outside the riparian setback;the existing patrol road would need to also lie outside this 50-foot setback in order to be able to include it as part of the proposed driveway or as parking stalls for an expanded parking area because such a conversion in use would result in an overall increase in the intensity of use. This restriction may severely limit the area that can be converted to parking, and therefore the number of spaces that can be provided. This restriction may even preclude the ability to improve the driveway to access additional parking spaces. These determinations will be made once the riparian survey is completed. Staff will work with Coastal Commission and San Mateo County staff, and a biological consultant, to obtain a riparian delineation survey for the project area by the end of March. i i I � | [ GENERAL MANAGER � � n"^/ '�/ � (]DeOSD�[e I WUpenixsu|aRegiona| Open 5paceDiunu i BOARD OF DIRECTORS aIcmmm`^ /coc,r � wone,t�i n L�1nv*a-,"e t om/vxaxa � October 27, 2010 NAME � ADDRESS/EMAIL ZIP CODE, STATE � � RE: Potential New Tra |heud for PukzumRidge {)oenSpace Preserve via Los \/�nk` Way � - � Dcur_______� Thank you for Your email dated 2010 addressed to Your interest and � comments regarding potential access to9ulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve via Los Vie/tosWay are greatly � appreciated and wehave noted your support for the potential project. As discussed at the September 28, 2010 Use and Management Committee meeting of the Midpcninmu|u Regional Open Space District(District),the City of Sail Carlos (City) has requested District assistance to create u trail connection hunn Crestview Drive toPu|gpa Ridge Open Space Preserve iu the form ofa northern (rui|hcud entrance at the end of Los VientoxWay. This connection iau top priority in the Ci1y`y Trails Connections Plan, which was approved in 2007. Working in partnership with tile City,the potential project, if approved by the [)iobict`m Board of Directors, would consist of creating u new Preserve tnui|heud m1 the end of Los Vionton Way, � addressing parking,traffic and safety concerns raised by neighbors living off Los Vientos Way, and constructing � a connector trail from tile new Preserve entrance to the existing Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail. After having the opportunity to hear and consider public input,tile District's Use and Management Committee � voted to continue the investigative process. Working together with tile City, staff will contact the 8un Carlos � Fire Department tn discuss the potential project and umy rc|cvun( fire concerns, research home vu|ucy ;or property located near tnai|houdaand protected open sp000, and nz'uon\auithc Sail Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPDC)tu discuss the feasibility o[usiog adjacent 8PPUC lands to establish aconnection � between Crestview Drive and Pu|gus Ridge Open Space Preserve. Tile results ofthese investigations will be presented to dle Use and Management Committee atafuture meeting. As with the 8eptenmbcr28 meeting, all future Committee meetings will be publicly noticed and all interested parties will be notified. You have been � added to the PUlgas Ridge interested parties list and will be notified of this next meeting. Again,thank you for taking tile time to contact the District about potential access to Pu\gua Ridge. We look forward to You, input as we continue to consider this potential project. Sincerely, /\no Ruiz � Planning Manager � cc: Board ofDirectors Stephen 6. &hhom.General Manager � � Hi Curt.. | strongly support the proposal tn open the gate at Los Vientos thus improving neighborhood � access toPulgax Ridge Open Space Trai|s.. � | amna homeowner and seventeen (17)year resident of San Cark/�. I've enjoyed using the Pulgas Ridge trails with my granddaughter and the family dog and look forward to the improved access. Access via Los Vientos will allow us to walk from our home to the trail head without need to1mad' everyone into the car and drive.. � � Regards, Bill Olsen � 89O Crestview Drive � San Carlos[A (550) 537-0657 � � � � � � � � -----Original Message----- From: gregreyj@aol.com [mailto:qregreyj_Qaol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 8:31 AM To: web; Curt Riffle Subject: 09/29/2010 - gregreyj@aol.com - Contact Board First Name: Greg Last Name: Harris Phone Number: 6504837216 Email Address: gregreyj@aol.com Ward , Location: San Carlos Comments: I didn't get a chance to speak last night but I 'm very much in favor of opening up the trail heads in San Carlos. I felt that the neighbors had legitimate concerns but I don't see any reason why those concerns can't be addressed. Regards, Greg From: Jessica Reid <erikandiessica L&me.com> Date: September 28, 2010 10:0 1:10 PM PDT To: "cbolandgcityofsancarlos.org" <cbolandAcityofsancarlos.org>, glaUstenrq openspace.org @)" <glaustenopenspace.org,> Subject: Thank You Thank you to the City of San Carlos and the Regional Open Space office for the public input hearing on the Los Vientos gate access proposal for the Pulgas Ridge trails. The crowd was very disrespectful and tempers were flared by the heat. I am proud of my city and am insulting by the implication that The City of Good Living does not mean trail access. Also, I was insulted by the suggestion that I move to Woodside or Portola Valley to enjoy easily accessible trails. I admire the officials who took the heat, literally and figuratively. The vocal minority was nasty. The majority of people were upset by the tone and chose to remain silent or rambled awkwardly, like me. Please keep me informed of how we can be of service. I didn't get to sign the check-in, because the crowd was too intimidating. I guarantee that if the weather was more agreeable than the crowd would have been more balanced. Again, thanks for your time!!!!!! Jessica Reid 880 Crestview Drive No Child Left Inside From: Jacki Yahn [mailto:jackiyahn@mac.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 11:59 AM To: criffle@openspace.org Subject: Thank you for the wonderful presentation yesterday at Los Vientos! Hi Curt and the Mid-Penninsula Staff, Thank you all so much for your great presentation about the possibility to provide pedestrian access to Pulgas Ridge at Los Vientos. I attended the meeting and remained silent allowing your professional staff to deal with the onslaught of combatants. I find their objections outrageous (hikers and trails are not a safety issue) and in this age of global warming, we need to encourage more foot traffic and less automotive traffic. I appreciate your efforts to find solutions to the issues the neighbors have while also hopefully meeting the greater good for the community at large of providing auxiliary trail access. I love to hike and dream of the possibility of linking all our trails so that a whole day could be filled on a trail without ever getting in a car to get there. I know many San Carlans who were not able to attend yesterday's meeting and wish to have more trail access. Please let me know if you need more names and addresses to support the effort to open the gate. Pulgas Ridge is a fabulous Preserve, I appreciate all you do to keep it accessible for all! Many thanks, Jacki Yahn Jacki Yahn Architect 228 Beverly Drive, San Carlos Tel/fax: (650) 620-9355 mobile: (415) 342-3441 Ismail:jackivalinCci�mac.cam Cecily Harris, Once or twice a week, I walk around the San Carlos hills with an old friend. Sometimes we do the long loop around Club, Crestview, Brittan, and would enjoy a detour out on Pulgas Ridge to enjoy a view of the Bay. I would appreciate walking a network of trails around San Carlos, not just sidewalks, and would like to see the upper gate to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve opened to foot traffic. I recently attended your district's meeting with the neighbors who live near the upper gate at Los Vientos and firmly believe that their fears are unsubstantiated. People who will use the upper trail entrance are their neighbors in San Carlos and Belmont. Rather than posing a greater risk of fire danger and vagrancy, foot traffic in the area will decrease the likelihood of undetected fires as a passing hiker will put out a burning cigarette that could erupt into a blaze and discourage loiterers lurking at the end of a dead-end road. I have been walking in the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve for many years and have yet to see anyone smoking or even behaving in a boisterous manner. Most, if not all, of the trail users at Pulgas Ridge are local, responsible adults from San Carlos and nearby towns such as Redwood City. I believe that increased foot traffic at the upper end of Pulgas Ridge will reduce fire danger as more frequent passersby may spot a smoldering cigarette or a small flame before it gets out of hand. The people that I hike with are more likely to pick up litter on the trail than to drop it. When my son was young, we often went for a short walk in the local parks and open-space preserves after school to let off a little steam. Opening the gate at Los Vientos will provide the children on Crestview and surrounding neighborhoods a chance to get out and go for a decompression walk after school or work without having to make a big production out of getting everyone into the car and buckled LIP for a short drive. Adults, too, can simply walk down the street and into the park. Kaye Bonney Resident at 393 Winding Way, San Carlos From: Rob Steinjann Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 3:41 PM To: info(Ebopenspace.org Subject: Proposed Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve trail We live very close to Los Vientos Way in San Carlos, the proposed terminal point for a new trail. Unfortunately we cannot attend tonight's meeting, but want to express our strong APPROVAL and hope that this trail is built. We are not at all concerned with the minimal increase in traffic or parking, as none of the other trailheads in Belmont or San Carlos are used to such an extent to be an issue. Please put us on any distribution list for updates on this project. Thank you. Rob & Kim Steinjann 783 Crestview Drive San Carlos, CA 94070 I i ,J ;! i tti^ �i 0 xt�`„ (1iII hd,#�. � „E�. Mayor Randy Royce City of San Carlos rroyce@cityofsancarlos.org San Carlos Parks and Recreation Commission via Christine Boland, cboland@cityofsancarlos.org Katherine Tynan San Carlos Trails Committee @Y t nankm ahoo.com Y Re: Support for Trail Access at Los Vientos Way Y Dear Mayor Royce, Mr. Merala and Ms. Tynan, , San Carlos Green supports efforts to enhance our local trail system and expand connectivity between existing trails within our city and with adjacent open space. We have reviewed information about the proposed opening of the trail access gate to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Reserve at the end of Los Vientos Way. While opening a trail access on Crestview through the Water District lands would be preferable, we understand the Water District has refused to open such an access except as part of a master trail planning and building project, which is not expected to be completed for at least several more years. In the mean time, we would like the gate at the end of Los Vientos Way to be opened so that the public can access Pulgas Ridge from that point. The Los Vientos/Pulgas Ridge Gate is the number one item in the First Priority List of Potential San Carlos Trail Connections in the P& R Element of the General Plan. (Table 7-3). This aligns with the Trails Connections Plan approved by the City Council in February of 2007. This alternative access point for San Carlos residents to the Pulgas Ridge Open Space: existing City trails to Pulgas Ride making it more accessible b foot Connects e g y g g g Y and creating longer hiking trail options within our City. • Reduces the need for Crestview and other residents to drive to the lower trailhead or to drive elsewhere for a longer trail experience, reducing traffic and carbon footprint. "The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in San Carlos (56%)." (City of San Carlos Climate Action Plan at v (Oct. 2009)). • Encourages hiking into natural areas for residents (and their dogs), promoting health, a more active lifestyle, and overall well being. "A 2004 study quantifies the benefits of money spent on trail development from a health standpoint. The conclusion is that for every dollar spent on trails nearly three dollars of public health benefits are produced." (Journal: Health Promotion Practice (April 2005)). • Drives the P&R Master Plan and General Plan objectives of providing access to the natural environment to every resident, "promoting community cohesion and pride." (See General Plan Action PR-1.7: "Investigate ... easements to expand trail network, especially in areas adjacent to existing open space."; Policy PR-2.3: "Continue to support implementation of trail connections as identified in the City's Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and other Recreation Facilities.") • Property owners near a park are more likely to experience enhanced property values and improved neighborhood settings. (San Carlos P&R Handbook). Proximity to Greenways can increase property values more than 10%. (Sarah Nicholls, Ph.D., Measuring the impact of parks on property values. new research shows that green spaces increase the value of nearby housing, Parks & Recreation (March 2004)). • Encourages community-building: neighbors meet and greet on the trail. (See American Pathways: Case Studies in Successful Partnering for Trails and Greenways, American Hiking Society and the National Park Service (1997)). • Enhances the City as a whole. The top four suburban communities rated by Sunset in February of 2007 have master plans for significant open space and miles of multi-use trails. We understand residents on Los Vientos Way and Best Court have opposed the project, expressing concerns that parking on their street would increase, foot traffic would increase, and litter and other nuisances may occur. However, our position is that the benefit to the community as a whole outweighs the potential for inconvenience to a few homeowners who live adjacent to the Open Space Preserve. Trailheads exist in several San Carlos neighborhoods, and nuisance concerns have not generally been a problem. Additionally, we also believe the value of these homes may increase, as the opening of the gate and construction of a connector trail would result in their homes having convenient access to the adjacent six miles of natural open space trails. Thank you for your work in support of an enhanced trail system for San Carlos! Sincerely, By: Suzanne Henderson Emerson, San Carlos resident Ann Iverson, San Carlos resident cc: Doug Long, Parks & Recreation Director I All references mentioned in the San Carlos Green letter are available upon your request. To obtain a copy, please submit a request to Deputy District Clerk Anna Duong via email at aduon YCa]openspace.org.