Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout20060322 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 06-10 I s `'Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 06-10 REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2006 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,California AGENDA* 7:30 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA—J. Cyr ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—J. Cyr *** APPROVAL OF MINUTES—February 8, 2006 *** APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION BOARD BUSINESS 7:40* 1 Adoption of Resolution Appointing Jennifer Thomas as District Peace Officer; Adoption of Resolution Appointing Greg Smutnak as District Peace Officer—J. Maciel 7:45* 2 Adoption of the Action Plan For the Implementation of the District's Basic Policy for Fiscal Year 2006-2007—C. Britton 7:55* 3a Approval of Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Recommendations from the Administration and Budget Committee—Administration and Budget Committee 8:05* 3b Adoption of Resolution Approving the Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007—M. Jesperson 8:15* 4 Authorization to General Manager to Extend Contracts with Design Concepts for Graphic Design Services($53,305), Patsons Press for Printing Services($1.22,090),and Post Haste Direct Mail Services for Mailing Services($46,610)for Fiscal Year 2006-2007—R. Jurgensen 8:20* 5 Authorization for General Manager to Execute Purchase Contract with California State Department of General Services for Five Vehicles at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $150,000—D. Topley *** 6 Approval of Annual Claims List, Including Debt Service Payments for Fiscal Year 2006-2007—M. Foster *** 7 Approval of District General Counsel to Assume Full Time Position and Adjust the Position's Annual Salary to$146,201.12; Adoption of Resolution Amending District General Counsel's Employment Agreement to Reflect Full Time Annual Salary and Corresponding Full Time Benefits —Board Appointee Ad Hoc Committee .Meting 06-10 Page 2 8 Approval to Join in an Amicus Brief in Support of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority in the Matter of Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, Inc. v. Santa Clara County Open Space Authorijy—S. Schectman 9 Cancellation of April 12,2006 Regular Board Meeting—C. Britton REVISED CLAIMS 8:35* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Reports on compensable meetings attended. 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. 8:45* ADJOURNMENT TIMES ARE ESTIMATED AND ITEMS MAY APPEAR EARLIER OR LATER THAN LISTED.AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OF ORDER. TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of 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 may be 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 i MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-43 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 1 i AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Jennifer Thomas and Greg Smutnak as strict Peace Officers GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT S 11x 1. Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board appointing Jennifer Thomas as a peace officer. 2. Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board appointing Greg Smutnak as a peace officer. DISCUSSION At your meeting of January 14, 1976, you decided that District rangers should be appointed peace officers as outlined under Section 830.31(b) of the Penal Code of the State of California (see Report R-76-2). Jennifer Thomas and Greg Smutnak have met the necessary Penal Code requirements to qualify them for appointment. The passage of the attached Resolutions will complete the appointment process. Prepared by: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst Contact person: John A. Maciel RESOLUTION NO. 06- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPOINTING PEACE OFFICER The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby resolve as follows: The following person is hereby designated as a peace officer of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District pursuant to Section 830.31(b)of the Penal Code of the State of California,to enforce the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Land Use Regulations and those state and local regulations related to the protection and safe use of District land, enforcement of which is specifically authorized by the District: Greg Smutnak RESOLUTION NO. 06- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPOINTING PEACE OFFICER The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby resolve as follows: The following person is hereby designated as a peace officer of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District pursuant to Section 830.31(b)of the Penal Code of the State of California,to enforce the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Land Use Regulations and those state and local regulations related to the protection and safe use of District land, enforcement of which is specifically authorized by the District: Jennifer Thomas Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-39 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Adoption of the Action Plan For the Implementation of the Basic Policy for Fiscal Year P P y 2006-2007 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECO MMENDA Adopt the 2006-2007 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the p P Y Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. DISCUSSION You reviewed the proposed Preliminary Action Plan at your February 8, 2006 meeting, and changes were discussed at that time (see Report R-06-24). All of your comments and proposed changes were discussed with the Administration and Budget Committee and incorporated into the attached Action Plan. There are a few minor corrections recommended by Administration and Budget Committee. You will note Board and Committee changes are reflected by underscored and stricken-through text on pages: Planning/I, 2, 3, 6, 7; Operations/I, 2, 5, 7, 8; Public Affairs/2. Throughout the Real Property Department section, the term "acquire" was changed to "purchase." The only change to Administration Department was in Legal Services page Administration/7. Staff will provide a short explanation of the changes at your meeting. Following your approval, the Action Plan will be printed in final form. i Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above i lil ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BASIC POLICY OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE 2006-2007 FISCAL YEAR I. REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT A. Land Purchase, 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 Ill. OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT A. Field Operations B. Resource Management IV. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT A. Public Information and Outreach B. Legislative, Funding and Organizational Relations C. Community Programs V. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT A. Administration B. Human Resources C. Legal Services I REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT Programs A. Land Purchase, Funding, and Negotiation B. Property Management C. Land Protection To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District seeks to purchase, , 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, and city parklands and watershed lands. General Department Emphasis for 2006-2007 The Department's emphasis will be to urchase lands funded under the District's P . . a�sep Authority that are critical to fill-in and complete the open ace greenbelt. Other open Financing u p P p g P g y space land purchases will be pursued through available grant funding, bargain sales, gifts and long-tern options. The District will continue to work diligently with Peninsula Open Space "Trust (POST) to aequir-epurchase land and to further the District's overall open space aequisition land purchase goals. The Property Management Program will focus on maximizing rental income consistent with Open Space Management policies, working with Operations and Planning Departments to implement grazing and agricultural leases, and maintaining and improving District rental structures as needed. The Land Protection Program will focus on conducting comprehensive land aequisitiffln. purchase studies, monitoring land use planning activities where interests in land may be enhanced, and protecting District interests in land by resolving conflicts arising from easement and encroachment issues. The Department will continue to work on improving 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 Real Property Planner Land Protection Specialist Real Property Specialist Administrative Assistant Real Property/page I J 2006-2007 Aeouiskion-Land Purchase Fundiny, and Negotiation Objective To provide for the aequis-.+.-.--.-. purchase 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 to other public lands, protecting the natural habitat and resources, and furthering the completion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the San Francisco Bay Trail. Pursue properties adjacent to Sierra Azul (Completed)Open Space Preserve that provide potential for staging areas and staff facilities. Balance the desirability of potential purchases with the availability of budgeted funds, including, if possible, private financing with favorable terms. 2. Aequisition Land Purchase Grant Projects—To augment aequi-s-.+--n land purchase funds, explore new grant opportunities, focusing on highly competitive aequisitien land purchase projects for specific grant programs. Seek new grant funds through existing grant programs Such as Land and Water Conservation Fund, Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), Coastal Conservancy's regular and San Francisco Bay Area Programs, Recreational Trails Program, Wildlife Conservation Board, and Bay Area Ridge Trail grants. (Completed) Complete the Habitat Conservation Fund grant projects for property additions to Purisima Creek Redwoods and El Corte Madera Open Space Preserves. Pursue grant opportunities with the Santa Clara Valley Water District for property additions to Saratoga Gap and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. 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. Gifts, Bargain Sales, and Joint Aequisitions-Land Purchases Augment anus--.. land purchase funds, explore bargain sales and/or gifts where possible. Complete joint aequisitio land purchase projects with Santa Clara County Parks in Stevens Creek Canyon and the Moody Gulch property as an addition to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Work closely with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to complete purchase aequi&4ion-of the Stevens Creek Canyon property as an addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. Continue to pursue gifts or purchase of delinquent property tax sales 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. Real Property/page 2 F_ 4. Alternative Land Purchase Methods - Obtain Board approval of appropriate options, at market prices or less, to aequir-epqLqJhase 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 fee and casement exchange on lands adjacent to Monte Bello, Rancho San Antonio, Bear Creek Redwoods and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves. Other Projects and Activities I Maintain a multi-year spending plan for open space land purchases acquisition-that optimizes use of cash and borrowed funds to accomplish land purchase -equisn goals within budget constraints. Work closely with Legal Program to draft purchase agreements and related real estate documents to clear and perfect title on District open space lands. a. Assist Planning, Administration and Public Affairs Departments, where appropriate, with policy development review as a result of the approved Coastal Protection Program. 4. Inventory and review Land Conservation Contracts (Williamson Act) on District lands not in agricultural use, and prepare policy suggestions. 5. Explore additional methods to protect open space lands for less than the total cost of fee land purchases aequisritio*-(open space easements, purchase aequisi6owof development rights, development dedication, exchange or sale of development rights, cooperation with private individuals, land trusts, groups, etc.). 6. Encourage other agencies to aequir-epjjrchase 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. 8. Maintain a relocation assistance program utilizing staff and consultants as necessary. 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. Review and organize District funding measure files and complete necessary documentation required for past public refinancings. Real Property/page 3 12. Continue working with Legal Services and the Planning Department to pursue global solutions to streamline the purchjsj�n ,aeqtt�-and planning processes, including: A Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Clara County to identify purchases aequi4tions that are exempt from the requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, and a Memorandum of Agreement with San Mateo County clarifying the consistency of land purchases aequi&ifiens with County planning requirements. 13. Work with Legal Services to oversee the operation and management of the Guadalupe Land Co. in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, and investigate options for dissolving the corporation. 14. Purchase the final two sections of the Bay Trail between Palo Alto Baylands and the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. 15. Work with Public Affairs and other Departments on District mailing list database project. 16. Participate with the District Web Team and post all department-related items to the web site in compliance with the Webmaster protocols. Real Property/page 4 2006-2007 Property Management Program Objective To manage all of the District's revenue-producing activities in such a way as to maximize income frorn property management accounts consistent with open space management policies, 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, maintain and enhance revenue stream through competitive and current rate structure, effective maintenance programs, and communication with tenants. 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. Continue annual inspection of District rental and employee residences in conjunction with Operations Department. Administer long-term and recurring maintenance priorities on rental properties. 3. Historic Leases - Oversee lease compliance and renovation requirements at the historic Picchetti Winery, Thomewood estate, and Fremont Older house. Negotiate lease extension with the lessee or advertise a request for proposals at the historic Picchetti Winery. 4. Grazing and Agricultural Leases —Work with Operations and Planning Departments to monitor Grazing Lease at the POST (Driscoll Ranch) property addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, and implement Grazing Lease at Alpine Road area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve in accordance with the use and management process. Negotiate long- term Agricultural Lease for chestnut orchard at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Other Projects and Activities I 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. Maximize communication lease income at existing PG&E tower at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and at Black Mountain in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. 3 Incorporate the Residential Lease Agreement included as part of the Board approved POST (Driscoll Ranch) purchase into the Property Management rental accounts. Real Property/page 5 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. Work with Administration and Planning Departments to re-roof the District-occupied portion of building. 6. Complete Lease Amendment to the Agricultural Lease for Christmas Tree Farms at Skyline Ridge and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves. 7. Work with Planning and Administration Departments to begin evaluating future staff office- space needs for the tenant-occupied portion of the Distel office building. 8. Work with Operations, Planning and District consultants to evaluate and repair the access roads to the former Quam residence at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and the Saratoga Gap cabins at Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. 9. As part of the Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan process, work with Planning and Operations to evaluate long-term horse stable lease proposal. Real Property/page 6 2006-2007 Land Protection Program Qb ective To preserve and protect District open space lands by conducting land aequisitii purchasing planning activities to identify aeEluis--on Durchasina priorities and, once aequifep1Lr�hased, to further protect these public lands from incompatible and encroaching land use activities. Kev Projects I Land Conservation Planning - Provide comprehensive land conservation planning to guide the land acquisition program, including reviewing and updating acquisition priorities. Conduct subregional planning studies in the areas surrounding Mills Creek, La Honda Creek, Purisima Creek Redwoods, Monte Bello, Teague Hill, and El Corte Madera Open Space Preserves, including portions of the planned Bay Area Ridge Trail and Stevens Creek Trail. 2. Property Rights Protection and Encroachment Resolution - Protect open space lands From encroachments and preserve District real property rights. Resolve encroachment issues through a variety of means, including abatement compliance, obtaining restoration or mitigation of damaged or affected areas, exchanging land or other property interests, and boundary line adjustments in order to maximize open space protection. Negotiate resolution of encroachments at Bear Creek Redwoods, Coal Creek, Monte Bello, Long Ridge, and Sierra AznI Open Space Preserves. Coordinate closely with Operations and Legal Services to defend the District's interests in property rights disputes. Manage and enforce District conservation 7. Conservation Easement Monitoring Program and open space easements.-. Oversee the District's conservation easement monitoring program, and prepare baseline reports for new conservation easements, utilizing volunteers as appropriate. Incorporate any newly purchased aequifed-conservation easements into the monitoring program. Other Projects_and Active I . Update land aequis...— purchase and site dedication information. Implement the Aequisitie Real Property 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. 2. Provide site-planning information to assist in developing terms and conditions for negotiating land -purchases. Prepare Board reports for property purchases, and conduct due diligence investigations as necessary. Collaborate with Planning and Operations Departments to facilitate incorporation of'newly purchased land into the District greenbelt, including resolving property line disputes. 4. Notify County Recorder of District-held open space and conservation easement rights in Real Property/page 7 compliance with Section 27255 of Government Code. 5. Assist the Operations and Planning Departments in preparing "conservation grazing plans" for proposed grazing operations within Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, as well as for any new land purchases aequisitions where grazing is a desirable land management tool 6. Work with Operations Department in negotiating road agreements with adjoining property owners to ensure District's real property rights are protected and to minimize the District's maintenance responsibilities as appropriate. 7. Assist Planning Department in monitoring proposed land development or land use changes that could negatively impact public or private open space lands in and around the District preserves. Participate in the local development review process to encourage dedications, exchanges, or purchases of land or easements for open space purposes where there is a relationship to the District's land protection interests. 8. Develop encroachment procedural guide to assist staff in resolving encroachment issues on District land. 9. Work with Public Affairs Department in revising Good Neighbor Policy to increase public awareness of Land Protection Program, particularly as it pertains to defending District property rights and open space interests. 10. Work with Plannin and Legal Program to update Use and Management Planning Process. 9 Real Property/page 8 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 2006-2007 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 new public access opportunities while preserving and protecting the diversity and integrity of the District's environmental and cultural resources. The work program will focus on completing a number of significant public access improvements including the new trail at Pulgas Ridge, seismic upgrades at the Picchetti Winery, and year three of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program. Key planning efforts will be directed toward establishing a regional trail connection between Palo Alto's Foothill's Park and the District's Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, completing the master plan for Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods, integrating the Driscoll Ranches property into the La Honda Creek master plan, and initiating the Thornewood Open Space Preserve Use and Management planning process. Planning will also focus on the Regional Resource Inventory and the Resource Management Strategic Plan. Staff Resources Planning Manager [temporarily filled by Senior Planner] Senior Planner (1) Open Space Planner 11 (2) Resource Planner (1) Open Space Planner 1 (2) Planning/Page I Planning Technician (2) Administrative Assistant (1) GIS Intern (1/2) 2006-2007 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. Key Projects I. Coastside Protection Program — Work with Board and stakeholders to amend elements of the District's Basic Policies in accordance with the Service Plan conditions of approval. Begin scoping the District-wide Master Plan and Regional Open Space Study update. Work with agricultural community representatives to complete grazing policies. 2, Master Plans — Work with stakeholders, Board and staff to prepare 25-year master plans for the two planning areas. 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. Incorporate Driscoll Ranches into the planning process, complete a comprehensive resource inventory, and identify opportunities and constraints. Complete master plan in fiscal year 2007-2008. • Sierra Azu]/Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves. Work with the Real Property Department to identify properties that provide for potential staging areas and staff facilities. Incorporate annexation of the south area District lands into the planning process. Complete master plan and annexation in fiscal year 2007-2008. Resource Management Strategic Plan — Work with the Operations Department to implement the fourth year of the Plan: 0 Continue preparing or updating ether-resource management policies 0 Complete or update resource maps incorporating data collected with the vegetation study, road and trail assessment, and master plan inventories. Planning/Page 2 • Continue updating geographic information for resource management projects including mapping non-native invasive plant populations, Sudden Oak Death occurrences, and feral pig rooting areas. • 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. 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 road and trail inventory and assessment. Focus work in the San Francisquito Creek Watershed (which includes Teague Hill, Thornewood, Windy Hill, Coal Creek, and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves). • District-wide vegetation classification. Complete the final phase of the project by preparing a detailed vegetation classification of the upper San Francisquito Creek watershed. • Special-status species surveys and habitat management planning. Assess habitat for marbled murrelets; steelhead trout and coho salmon; and listed amphibians and reptiles; and prepare habitat management recommendations. S. Water Quality Monitoring and Fisheries Assessment—Continue water quality monitoring associated with the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program. Pursue grant funding to begin a fisheries assessment of Preserves in the San Gregorio Creek watershed. 6. Thornewood Open Space Preserve Use and Management Planning—Prepare resource assessment to support comprehensive Use and Management planning effort. Key issues include bridge design at Dennis Martin Road, watershed protection, parking options, and Schilling Lake restoration options. Integrate slender false brome eradication efforts into this planning process. 7. Alpine Road Area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Use and Management Use and Management Amendment Plan — Incorporate the results of the grazing study, road and trail assessment and herpetological studies into a grazing-based Resource Management Plan. Coordinate with Real Property, Operations, and representatives from the agricultural community to prepare an RFP and select a grazing tenant. Identify opportunities and constraints for public access. 8. Resource Agency Permit Streamlining—Continue working with appropriate agencies to refine and streamline the environmental review and permitting process for District projects. Begin preparing a Memorandum of Agreement with the California Department of Fish & Game for routine maintenance and drainage facility improvements. 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. Planning/Page 3 9. Road and Trail Design Improvements—Identify partnership opportunities and seek grant funding for implementation of priority road and trail improvements in the Pescadero and San Gregorio Creek Watersheds. Seek grant funding to plan and design repairs along Old Page Mill Road to provide public access between Skyline Ridge and Portola State Park. Other Projects and Activities I. GIS Development—Continue to integrate special-status species locations and other resource information into GIS database. Utilize GIS modeling capabilities to prioritize locations for SOD-resistant tree studies. Utilize Google Earth and ArcScene to increase public understanding of District Preserves and potential property purchases. Prepare GIS mapping standards for use by field staff and consultants. 2. WEP Implementation— Continue efforts to integrate workplace enhancement methods into the daily activities of the Planning Department. Emphasize communication with field staff through Department liaison meetings and increased use of interdepartmental project teams. 3. Land Purchase Support— Provide Planning support on key land purchase projects as requested, including property site assessments, interim use recommendations, and CEQA review. Incorporate land purchases and site dedication information into the District's GIS. 4. Land Protection Support—Provide Planning support to determine remediation and restoration of land and resources damaged through encroachments. 5. Work with the Public Affairs Department to support key events including the Special Parks District Forum in Spring, 2006. Assist in the design of interpretive programs at the Red Barn and Daniels Nature Center/Alpine Pond. Participate in the District Web 'ream and post all department-related items to the web site in compliance with the Webmaster protocols. Participate in the integrated database project, as necessary to complete this District-wide project. 6. Land Purchase and Planning Processes—Continue working with Legal Services and Real Property Department to pursue global solutions to streamline the land purchase and planning processes. Update the Use and Management Planning process, and work with Counties to streamline the land purchase process. 7. Standard Details and Specifications—Work with the Operations Department to complete the second phase of a handbook of technical standards and Best Management Practices (BMPs) 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 in conjunction with Real Property Department. Develop permit conditions to ensure protection, preservation, or Planning/Page 4 restoration of the affected lands. Work with Operations to monitor activities to ensure compliance with conditions. 9. Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Remediation and Restoration— Work with Legal Services 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. Mills Creek / Miramontes Ridge Public Access Plan—Coordinate with Public Affairs and Operations Departments to implement Docent-led access to Miramontes Ridge. Prepare resource inventory of property to support future comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. 11. Regional Trail Connections—Prepare plans for Board review and approval to establish a trail connection between Los Trancos Open Space Preserve and Palo Alto's Foothills Park. Identify a trail connection between St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul. 12. Outside Project Review—Review agendas and minutes of Cities, Counties, Special Districts, and other agencies. Comment on site-specific projects within close proximity to, or that affects District lands. Review other agencies' policies and regional planning efforts, and comment as necessary to ensure regional coordination and implementation of the District's mission. 0 Stanford Trail Plan Implementation * Mid-Coast Local Coastal Program Update 0 San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Activities 0 Peninsula Highway Corridor Study 0 South Bay Salt Pond Restoration(Former Cargill lands) 0 TMDL Process for San Gregorio, Pescadero, Guadalupe and San Francisquito Creek Watersheds 0 San Jose Water Company Timber Harvest Plan 0 Huddart/Wunderlich Master Plan 0 Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail 13. Unanticipated Projects— Provide research and planning for unanticipated projects that may arise due to new land purchases, resource agency actions, regional planning efforts, and other activities. 14. Guadalupe Watershed— Work with Legal Services on the completion of the Guadalupe Watershed NRDA process and establish predator control program at Ravenswood. Continue participating in the TMDL process and seek grant-funding for Hicks Flat mercury remediation. 15. Continue working with the Real Property Department to implement the land purchase database linking the historic and current Assessor's Parcel Numbers in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties with the GIS database. Planning/Page 5 2006-2007 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 1. El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program —Complete planning and design for third-year projects, secure the necessary permits, and initiate construction. Staff anticipates this project will continue through fiscal year 2007- 2008, and possibly beyond, with Board approval. Year-three projects: • Realign Giant Salamander Trai I and construct new bridge crossing • Construct three trail bridges on El Corte de Madera Creek Trail and secure permits to convert trail from road-width to single-track trail width • Involve user groups to realign Leaf Trail and other priority trail segments • Continue water quality monitoring to identify and measure sediment movement through Preserve 1 Pulgas Ridge Staging Area and Trails* —Complete construction of the new -'Dusky-Footed Woodrat Trail" and bridge. Work with Public Affairs to hold a dedication ceremony. 3. Windy Hill Improvements —Complete deck design (Sausal Pond) and submit plans to Town of Portola Valley. 4. Picchetti Ranch Winery Building* —Complete seismic upgrade and access improvements to the winery building. 5. El Corte de Madera Creek Staging Area —Complete Use and Management Amendment planning process and prepare plans and specifications for the staging area and Bay Area Ridge Trail segment. Secure permits and pursue grant funding for construction. E. Pulgas Ridge Soil Investigation—Com fete subsurface investigation of potential p soil/groundwater contamination. Work with San Mateo County Environmental Health Department to prepare and implement a remediation plan. 7. Driscoll Ranch Remediation—Complete site characterization to define more precisely the extent of contamination. Coordinate with resource agencies to determine necessary remediation activities and prepare plan and associated CEQA documentation. Planning/Page 6 8. Fremont Older Staging Area-Work with Real Property to prepare plan for relocation of staging area as part of a land exchange agreement and legal settlement. 9. El Serena Permit Lot—Prepare plan for Board review and approval for a six-car permit staging area at the end of Overlook Road. 10. Miscellaneous Repair, Restoration and Other Projects • Long Ridge Road Repairs-Determine need for vehicle access along School and Ward Roads. Request engineering proposals to begin preparing plans and specifications to replace drainage structures and upgrade road segments along School and Ward Roads. • Fremont Older Road Repairs-Prepare plans, specs, and permit applications for repairs to drainage structure along Regnart Road. • Russian Ridge Road Repairs-Request engineering proposals to begin preparing plans and specifications to replace drainage structures and upgrade Rapley Ranch Road. • Sierra Azul Roadway Repairs- Install guardrails along portions of Loma Prieta Road to prevent off-road vehicle damage. 11. Trailhead Signs - Replace trailhead signs with the new and improved prototype in conjunction with improvement projects at Pulgas Ridge and Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserves. 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. Update displays in the new trailhead signboards with improved graphics. Staff Facilities I. Skyline Field Office- Repair-and reloeate the 14VAG fef the offiee building and- install an eleetrieal baek tip system. upport Operations in preparation of a long- range strategic plan for the field offices to meet staff, equipment, and storage needs. Replace and relocate the Skyline Field Office HVAC system. 2. Admin Office Improvements and Build-out-Retain architect in preparation of a plan for office build-out, improvements, and landscaping; determine feasibility and economic benefit of adding solar panels. Denotes grant funded project Planning/Page 7 2006-2007 Planning Exhibit No. Project Preserve 2005-06 Status 2006-07 Tasks Descrigtion PLANNING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 1 San Mateo County General In Progress. Began development of Continue Development of Board Coastside Protection Good Neighbor Policy. Held four Policies to implement the Coastside Program public meetings to solicit public input. Protection Program including amendments to the Basic Policy. 2 Sierra Azul & Bear Sierra Azul In Progress. Held first public Work with Board, staff and Creek Redwoods & Bear workshop in April and second public stakeholders towards completing Master Plan Creek workshop in November. Led public the master plan; prepare for and Redwoods tours through Bear Creek Redwoods hold Plan Alternatives and Draft and Sierra Azul. Facilitated focus Plan workshops and Plan Adoption group meetings. Organized Hearing. Begin annexation of the informational booth at local farmer's south area into the planning market. process. Seek grant funding. 3 La Honda Creek La Honda In Progress. Completed resource Work with Board, staff and Master Plan Creek inventory and CEQA review for stakeholders to proceed with Driscoll acquisition. Held two public master plan development; prepare workshops and stakeholder for and hold a Challenges and interviews Opportunities and Plan Alternatives Workshop. Seek grant funding. 4 Resource District-wide In Progress. Implemented Year 3 of Implement the fourth year of the Management Strategic the Strategic Plan. Developed water Strategic Plan. Continue resource Plan resources policy, initiated management policy development development of grazing policy, and amendments. mapped District-wide data on vegetation, non-native invasives, SODS, and sensitive habitats. 5 Regional Resource District-wide In Progress. Completed vegetation Complete vegetation classification Inventory classification for Purisima Creek and for Thornewood and Teague Hill Mills Creek OSPs. Completed road OSPs. Complete road &trail and trail inventory in Pescadero inventory in San Francisquito Creek Creek and San Gregorio Creek Watershed. Complete District-wide Watersheds. Completed herpetological and marbled herpetological study for Alpine Road murrelet study. Prepare RFP for Properties (Big Dipper, Silva); steelhead trout and coho salmon entered into contract for District-wide habitat study. Identify interagency herpetological study. Released RFP partnerships. for marbled murrelet study. 6 Water Quality District-wide In Progress. Provided staff training Continue water quality monitoring Monitoring and and conducted water quality at ECdM and La Honda. Pursue Fisheries Assessment monitoring at ECdM and La Honda grant funding to begin fisheries Creek OSPs. assessment in San Gregorio Creek Watershed. 7 Alpine Road Area of Skyline In Progress. Completed rangeland Initiate Use and Management Skyline Ridge Open Ridge assessment, herpetological study, planning process; develop grazing Space Preserve Use and road &trail inventory to guide plan and identify grazing tenant. and Management Plan Use and Management planning Identify grant opportunities. process. 8 National Register La Honda Deferred. Pursue listing Red Barn Defer listing of Red Barn on the Nomination for Red Creek on the National Register of Historic National Register of Historic Places Barn Places. to coincide with implementation of La Honda Creek Master Plan. Pagel 2006-2007 Planning Exhibit No. Project Preserve 2005-06 Status 2006-07 Tasks Description 9 Stevens Creek Stevens In Progress. Continue representing Continue representing the District's Shoreline Nature Creek the District's interest in the US Navy's interest in the US Navy's proposed Study Area Shoreline proposed toxic cleanup of Moffett toxic cleanup of Moffett Airfield Site Remediation and Nature Airfield Site 25 to a standard 25 to a standard permitting Restoration Study area permitting restoration of the District's restoration of the District's property property to tidal wetlands. to tidal wetlands. 10 District Resource District-wide Deferred. Develop a natural Revisit following Board discussions Research Program resources research program that about Resource Management facilitates use of District lands as an Program policies and priorities. I outdoor laboratory. PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS STAGING AREAS 11 Staging area and Pulgas In Progress. Completed Complete construction of Dusky- Trails (Parking Lot, Ridge construction of staging area and Footed Woodrat Trail and Restroom, and Sagebrush Trail. Obtained installation of trail bridges. Demolition of Sewer necessary permits, awarded Plant) construction contract, and began construction for Dusky-Footed Woodrat Trail. Obtained permits for new trail bridges. 12 Staging Area and Bay El Corte de In Progress. Initiated U&M process. Complete U&M process, plans and Area Ridge Trail Madera Prepared preliminary plans and specifications. Secure grant Segment Creek specifications. Pursued grant funding funding and permits for for construction. construction of staging area and new trail. 13 Emergency Helicopter- Purisima In Progress. County permits Landing Site Creek obtained. Working with PG&E to Redwoods underground power lines so that staging area can be used as a helicopter-landing site for public emergency service providers. Expect to be completed by March 2006. 1 TRAILS & ROADS 14 Windy Hill Windy Hill Deferred. Windy Hill projects Initiate Preserve-wide road and trail Improvements deferred pending Preserve-wide road inventory prior to Use and and trail inventory and subsequent Management Planning Process. Use and Management Plan review. 15 El Corte de Madera El Corte de In Progress. Completed Crossover Secure permits for construction of Creek Watershed Madera Trail realignment, upgrades to four trail bridges. Work with Protection Program Creek Gordon Mill and Timberview Trails, Operations to upgrade priority and secondary erosion control work. roads and trails. Complete Giant Prepared construction plans, County Salamander Trail realignment, permit applications for four trail (Work will continue through FY bridges. Researched potential grant 2007-2008.) funding sources. 16 Thornewood Use and Thornewood In Progress. Held Woodside Conduct resource inventory and Management Plan Community Workshop regarding preliminary site planning to address status of Dennis Martin Road. water quality, bridge replacement, and parking options. 17 School Road Repairs Long Ridge Deferred. Prepare plans and Initiate engineering and design to specifications; submit permit prepare permit applications for road applications to replace key drainage and drainage improvements. structures and road segments. Page 2 2006-2007 Planning Exhibit No. Project Preserve 2005-06 Status 2006-07 Tasks Description eqnart Road Repairs Fremont for Progress. Obtained cost estimate Pending further scoping, begin Older r engineered plans &specifications preparing plans&specifications for 7 - - for repairs to drainage structure. repairs to drainage structure. PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS STRUCTURES 19 Picchetti Ranch Picchetti In Progress. Prepared bid package Complete construction of seismic Winery Building Ranch and awarded construction contract. upgrade and access improvements Applied for building permit from Santa to the winery building. Clara County. Expect to begin construction of seismic upgrade and access improvements in April. 20 Demolition and Site Sierra Azul Completed. Demolished structures Restoration on for on the former Benson property. Benson Property 21 La Honda Creek La Honda Deferred. Pending outcome of Initiate project as part of the Master Bridge Creek Master Plan and Board approval, Plan. begin analysis and plans for improvements or replacement of the lower bridge. SIGNS 22 Trailhead Signboards General In Progress. Completed design Replace trailhead signboards in work for trailhead signboard contents. conjunction with improvement Purchased new trailhead signs for projects at Pulgas Ridge and Pulgas Ridge& Picchetti Ranch. Picchetti Ranch. Update displays with improved graphics in new I trailhead signboards. ENVIRONMENTAL 23 Pulgas Ridge Soil Pulgas In Progress. Complete subsurface Work with San Mateo County Investigation Ridge investigation of potential Environmental Health to prepare soil/groundwater contamination and implement a remediation plan. STAFF FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS STRUCTURES 24 La Honda Creek La Honda Deferred. Pending outcome of Defer project until Master Plan is Ranch House Creek Master Plan and Board approval, completed. begin preparing plans and specifications to replace the ranch house, possibly with a sustainable building. 25 Skyline field Office Skyline Deferred. HVAC repairs deferred Initiate District-wide facilities Repairs Ridge based on unanticipated high cost. assessment to identify and prioritize needed improvements. Complete HVAC repairs. 26 Administrative Office Completed. Repaired roof drainage. Retain architect to prepare plan to Roof Repairs expand office into tenant space. Identify feasibility and economic I I benefit of solar power. Page 3 2006-2007 Planning Exhibit No. Project Preserve 2005-06 Status 2006-07 Tasks Description ONGOING PLANNING WORK 1 Outside Project& District-wide Assignments made to appropriate Assignments made to appropriate Policy Review Planning staff. Planning staff. 2 Permits to Enter District-wide Negotiated and prepared conditions Negotiate and prepare conditions of of approval for USDA Wildlife Service approval, and monitor permitted Predator Management and San activities for compliance. Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project at Ravenswood OSP, and monitored Kabcenell Construction at Windy Hill OSP. 3 Geographic District-wide Maintained geographic information Continue development of GIS and Information System databases, produced maps and GPS in support of Real Property, graphics exhibits for Board Operations, Planning and Resource presentations, utilized GIS to prepare Management activities. redistricting maps. Provided GPS training to field staff mapping feral pig rooting areas. 4 Wall Maps District-wide Initiated work on the land holdings Completed. database needed to update wall maps. 5 Patrol Map Books District-wide Received updated road and trail Completed information from field staff 6 Policy Formation District-wide Prepared draft water resources Amend the planning process to policy. emphasize resource planning and management; include policies for review and disposition of structures. 7 Standard Details and District-wide Researched technical standards and Prepare second phase of handbook Specifications best management practices for of technical standards for construction, repair and maintenance construction, repair and of roads, trails and other maintenance of roads, trails and improvements. other improvements. 8 Update Brochure Maps District-wide Worked with Public Affairs Work with Public Affairs Department to prepare updated maps Department to prepare updated for brochures in conjunction with maps for brochures in conjunction trailhead sign replacement program. with trailhead sign replacement program. 9 Preserve Signs District-wide Developed improved graphics layout Provide new signage design as for trailhead signboards. needed. Oversee fabrication of signs District-wide. Install new trailhead signs at Pulgas Ridge and Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserves. Page 4 2006-2007 Planning Exhibit OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Promms A. Field Operations B. 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 2006-2007 Continue to provide responsible stewardship of all District lands by furnishing those public safety, maintenance, construction, and expanded resource management activities necessary to protect and enhance the natural resources and ensure safe and appropriate use of District lands. Implement Board-adopted Resource Management Policies, Trail-Use Policies and Guidelines, and focus on enhancing field staff safety. Staff Resources Operations Manager Area Superintendents (2) Support Services Supervisor Management Analyst Resource Management Specialist Resource Specialist I Supervising Rangers (4) Maintenance/Construction Supervisors (2) Maintenance/Resource Supervisors (2) Administrative Assistant Rangers (17) Equipment Mechanic-Operators (2) Lead Open Space Technicians (4) Open Space Technicians (11) Farm Maintenance Worker 8,500 Seasonal Open Space Technician hours 3,500 Seasonal OST hours for resource management 1,000 hours for Resource Management Intern (400 hrs) New Temporary clerical support for field offices (+ 2,000 hrs) Operations/page I 2006-2007 Field Operations Program Key Projects 1. Implementation of Phase III of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Plan - Assist the Planning Department in implementation of the third phase of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Plan, as approved by the Board. 1 Implement improvements recommended by the radio consultant after evaluation of the current radio system, including needs for coastal area coverage. Review the potential for acquiring new radio frequencies for District use. 3. Ensure field staff assist in implementation of resource management projects as identified in the Resource Management Plan including, but not limited to: slender false brume removal, sudden oak death response, pig fesponsesmonitoring, and invasive plant removal. 4. Complete the outline for the Maintenance Operations Manual and write the Manual. Best manage ment practices will be part of outlining work techniques, including timing o maintenance practices. 5. Work with the consultant to develop the second phase of the land management cost and effectiveness evaluation system, focused on operational issues, which includes elements such as mapping of enforcement contacts and incidents and analysis of effectiveness and workload. Other Proiects and Activities 1. Public Safety Services a. Monitor public use and land use regulation compliance. Assist in the education of the visiting public on proper use of District preserves. b. Enforce District land use regulations by providing active ranger patrol and after-hours call-out response. c. Respond to accidents and other emergencies occurring on District lands. d. Respond to fires on District lands, and adjacent lands when District property is threatened, or where specified by written agreements. e. Identify and mitigate potential hazards on Open Space preserves to enhance public safety. f. Monitor special events, use permits, and resource protection related impacts on District lands. g. Conduct focused ranger patrol to address undesignated trail construction and use at Sierra Azul and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserves. h. Assist the Land Protection Specialist with identification and mitigation of encroachments Operations/page 2 to District preserves. i. Work with Santa Clara County Fire and other fire agencies to host a controlled bum on District lands, as part of the Joint Fire Academy and/or routine fire agency training, to provide training opportunities for District staff and staff from other local fire agencies. j. Implement the second phase of the program which allows patrol staff to carry and utilize emergency medical oxygen by purchasing necessary equipment to complete outfitting all of the District patrol vehicles with oxygen equipment. k. Continue to utilize technology to monitor parking lots and remote sites to detect criminal activity. Assess results and update protocols as necessary. 1. Work with the Legal Department to clarify the issue of the extent of District Peace Officers' jurisdiction. 2. Land and Facilities Management a. Work with the Real Property and Planning Departments to secure newly purchased properties and to incorporate them into the regular patrol and maintenance schedules. b. Maintain lands in an environmentally sensitive manner, utilizing resource management practices. c. Maintain buildings, vehicles, and equipment to maximize utility and longevity. d. Provide supervision and assistance to volunteer projects. e. Assist in the repair and maintenance of structures that are a part of the District employee residency program. f. Participate with the Planning Department in the development of Use and Management Plan recommendations. 3. Management and Administration a. Provide enhanced public safety training for sworn and non-sworn staff to promote staff safety when they encounter illicit activities on District lands. b. Continue the liaison efforts with local police, fire, municipal court, and other public jurisdictions. Continue to work with other agencies to develop Memoranda of Understanding, where appropriate and feasible. c. Work with a database consultant to improve the reporting abilities of the current citations and incidents database to streamline the monthly and yearly reporting systems and to update the current incident report forms to allow completion of the forms on the computer, and lay the foundation for having the information seamlessly integrate into the existing database structure. Operations/page 3 d. Use established purchasing practices to purchase vehicles and equipment for the best price. e. Coordinate occupational health and safety program for field operations. r Coordinate the Operations Department's participation in the planning process to develop the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Master Plans. g. Continue to utilize Influencing Skills and to integrate workplace enhancement methods into the daily activities of the Operations Department. h. Coordinate with Planning Department to provide training for various Operations Department's positions in the use of GIS and/or GPS software and technology to provide better information gathering and presentation skills. i. Provide assistance and support to the Public Affairs Department as a participant in the District's Web Team. Post appropriate department-related materials to the web in compliance with the Webmaster protocols. j. Provide assistance and Support to the Public Affairs Department to complete the integrated database project. L Work with a medical doctor to evaluate District medical protocols and response levels to ensure that District protocols meet the standards for the three counties in which District staff work and that the service provided is appropriate for the public's needs. 4. Miscellaneous a. Support the goals of the Public Affairs Department by providing staff for special events and other projects, as time permits. b. Participate in the development of Trail Use Policies and Guidelines. c. Work with the Planning Department on ajoint committee to develop Maintenance Standard Guidelines. d. Continue to ensure clear and open communications with the Real Property Department through designated staff. e. Work with the Public Affairs Department and East Bay Regional Park District to host the 2006 Special Districts' Forum. f. Develop policies and procedures to allow geo-caching on District lands in a manner which will be environmentally sensitive. Assist the Public Affairs Department in developing a proposal for a Geo-Cache program involving volunteers. Operations/page 4 g. Assist Planning Department regarding planningand nd implementation of the trail connection between Palo Alto Foothills Park and District preserves. � IIII I I I Operations/page 5 2006-2007 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, researchers and specialists in the field to restore or manage the District's natural resources. KeProjects l. Resource Management Strategic Plan— Work with the Planning Department to Implement Fourth Year of the Resource Management Strategic Plan: removal at Mills Creek; and acacia and broom r a. Continue nex t phase of eucalyptus, c , p yp 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. i 7n and begin installation of erosion protection measures in drainages of the b. Des g �, g P Christmas tree farm at Skyline Ridge Preserve that are no longer part of the farm lease area. C. Assist Planning Department with implementation of second phase of pond, amphibian and rare reptile study. d. Identify species on new properties in coordination with Planning Department. 2. Sudden Oak Death In accordance with the Board's direction survey for potentially resistant trees, identify and treat heritage trees with approved fungicide. Work with other agencies and organizations to establish a collaborative fund for Sudden Oak Death research relevant to land management issues. Continue monitoring Sudden Oak Death, map confirmed and suspected locations, implement precautionary actions, and educate District visitors about Sudden Oak Death. Participate in scientific symposiums and research. I Operations/page 6 3. Slender False Brome In accordance with the Board's direction complete the following tasks: a. With the assistance of an integrated pest control consultant, investigate other methods for control; treat brome several times per year, and develop and implement monitoring program. b. Work with the Legal, Public Affairs and Real Property Departments to develop a public outreach campaign, secure rights-of-entry, and treat brome on neighboring properties. c. Pursue grant funding to assist adjacent landowners and agencies in mapping and controlling slender false brome on their lands. d. Pursue reclassification of slender false brome as noxious weed through California Department of and Agriculture. e. Map and remove all resprouts of slender false brome at Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves, 4. Grazing Plan Work with the Planning and Real Property Departments to implement a grazing plan at the Alpine Road area of the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, 5. Research Resource Management Programs Based on Board's direction as the result of the Board's Resource Management Workshops; implement the second phase of research on resource management programs at other land management agencies to determine options for possible changes at District. Other Projects and Activities I. 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. Invasive Plant Tracking and Monitoring System—Work with the Planning Department to continue updating invasive plant information, and utilize this information to prioritize resource management efforts. 3, Grassland Management a. Control resprouts of Harding grass on north end of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. b. Continue different methods of yellow star thistle control and restoration of native grasses in front meadow at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Operations/page 7 c. Assist the Planning Department in the development of grassland management plans as part of the resource management policy review. 4, Wild Pig Population Control Program —Continue trapping program in the South Skyline Area and Foothills area. Coordinate with local agencies as necessary. Determine if trapping program needs revisions. 5. Wildlife Surveys—Conduct annual surveys of bluebird nesting and fall deer herd and share information with regional groups. Track special wildlife sightings, especially mountain lions, and share information with surrounding land agencies. With Planning Department and consultant, implement second phase of marbled murrelet habitat surveys in the Skyline area. 6. Continue to participate in regional resource groups such as the Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council, California Invasive Plant Council, Weed Management Areas in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, California Oak Mortality Task Force, and native plant and wildlife organizations. 7. Work with and encourage local research institutions, such as Stanford, San Francisco State, San Jose State and other universities to conduct scientific studies that would be beneficial to the District. Possible projects are-include studies of turkey behavior, population genetics of slender false brome, and the effectiveness of Sudden Oak Death best management practices. Operations/page 8 I i PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Programs A. 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 2006-2007 Maximize the general public's awareness and understanding of, and involvement with the employinga variet of means and methods to reach District its goa ls, and its activities, y g all communities served and other target audiences. Implement the top priorities of the District's legislative plan and protect the District's 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 to community members and public officials, 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 Affairs Supervisor Public Affairs Specialist Volunteer Programs Coordinator Docent Programs Coordinator Administrative Assistant Community Programs Aide l Public Affairs/page 2005-2006 Public Information and Outreach Objective To generate additional support among opinion leaders, key policymakers, and the general public for District acquisition, preservation, restoration, and interpretive/education projects and programs, 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 l. Outreach to the Coast—Develop new public information materials, and update the Coastside Protection Program section of the web site and the Open Space Views mailing list, as needed. Proactively 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. Organize an event for the public on the coastside. 2. Community Outreach — Plan and implement activities and presentations to increase the District's outreach to and involvement with community groups. Participate in outreach events with emphasis on events held near current master plan project areas; promote awareness of preserves other than Rancho San Antonio. Listen to community concerns and improve constituents' knowledge of the District. Host events and provide activities—such as the Pulgas staging area and trail dedication, and create activities to commemorate the 1906 earthquake. Seek out partnerships, and attend meetings with various groups and organizations, (such as the Bay Area Open Space Council). Work with the Operations department to increase public awareness of the need to eradicate slender false brome from the Woodside area. Outreach opportunities and District presentations at community outreach events could involve managers, Board members, District staff, volunteers and docents. Assist the Planning Department in their master plan outreach efforts (Sierra Azul and La Honda). 3. Media— Enhance the District's reputation as a leader among open space districts locally and statewide. Proactively promote regular media coverage of District activities and accomplishments and quickly respond to media reports and inquiries. Build relationships with reporters, conduct editorial board visits and reporter briefings; place positive feature stories; and work to place editorials, where appropriate, in order to focus attention on positive work the District is conducting, especially in resource management. Design and implement a spokesperson training for District staff and the Board. 4. Good Neighbor Policy—Complete the public input process and development of Good Neighbor policies, and produce a Good Neighbor brochure based upon the Public Affairs/page 2 amended policies. Design and provide public education follow-up activities after the process is complete. Formulate a plan to educate and provide information on the District's Good Neighbor Policy to constituents. 5. Special Park Districts Forum —Complete planning efforts and carry out the 2006 Special Districts Forum in partnership with East Bay Regional Park District and all District departments 6. Web Site Management— Continue to use the District Web site as a two-way communication tool to reach out and communicate with the community and support the administration of the Docent and Volunteer programs. Improve usability of the site to be an effective outreach tool. Continue to work with e-Nature to refine and promote 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. Work with other departments to ensure the Web site maintenance and revisions reflect current District messaging, provide consistency, and maintain functionality and aesthetic integrity. Work with contractor to update and maintain Web site pages. Lead District Web team. Work toward enabling communications with constituents via e-mail. Other Projects and Activities 1. Continue to promote the District's guidebook. Work with publisher to monitor and track sales of the trail guidebook. Evaluate a possible second printing. 2. Continue efforts to integrate the Workplace Enhancement Plan methods into the daily activities of the Public Affairs Department. 3. Continue to support the Planning Department in: 1) raising public awareness of the Watershed Protection Program and the proposed staging area and trail project at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve; 2) Provide media and other support, as needed, to support District efforts to obtain a full clean-up of toxins to tidal restoration standards at the Moffett/NASA property referred to by the Navy as "Site 25;" and 3) Continue to work with Planning staff to provide media and community outreach activities, such as docent-led hikes, resource management projects, and Web site updates. 4. In order to successfully build an image library, the Department must first determine the library's architecture and cost. Evaluate strategies, determine an approach, and consider outside assistance in creating an implementation and maintenance plan. 5. Assist the Planning and Operations Departments in educating the public regarding appropriate preserve and trail use, and interacting with wildlife; modify and update publications to reflect policy or rule changes, as needed, and respond to associated public and media requests for information. Public Affairs/page 3 6. Work with the Planning Department to create new site maps for preserve brochures, and continue updating, producing, and distributing existing site maps, brochures, and other collateral materials. Also work with the Planning Department to determine the feasibility of including GPS coordinates for noteworthy points of interest in the preserve brochures and adopt a phased approach to implementation. 7. Produce the District's quarterly newsletter, Open Space Views and evaluate expanding to six pages. Continue to update the mailing list; continue mailing four issues per year, including annual report, to coastside residents. Publish the District's 2006-2007 Annual Report in the fall. 8. Conduct special events celebrating the completion of the Pulgas Ridge Staging Area, and trail dedication and the celebration of other noteworthy events. 9. Draft a plan for District merchandising and potentially produce and sell District merchandise. 10. Revise the "Escape to Your Open Space" brochure and incorporate the new District boundary. Evaluate need for Equestrian Access Guidelines brochure; brochure could also be included in"Equestrian Packet" similar to the District's dog,bike, and easy access map packets. 11. Continue to provide staff support to District Committees such as the sign committee, policy review committee, and the"Fun"committee. 12. Continue to pursue a plan to estimate the number of visitors to representative District sites. Data will support media outreach and other uses. 13. Continue to work with Administration and other Departments to develop a process to integrate District databases. 14. Demonstrate care for the environment by using recycled materials and soy-based inks in materials distributed by the District whenever possible. 15. Develop a District Style Guide in order to ensure consistent use of the District's visual identity. 16. Research cost of conducting a representative poll of constituents' opinions on a variety of topics (importance of battling invasive weeds; protecting endangered species; providing opportunities to recreate; resource management, etc.). 17. Begin preliminary planning for the District's 35 Ih anniversary. Public Affairs/page 4 2006-2007 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 Projects 1. 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. 2. Classification of slender false brome—Provide support to those who seek to reclassify slender false brome as either a Category A or B weed (from the current Q rating) in order to provide the legal and political tools necessary to control the grass and enlist participation of the San Mateo County Agriculture Commissioner and CDFA. 3. Seek Regional Funding—a. Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council to gain permanent funding for the San Francisco Bay Area Program of the State Coastal Conservancy; Generate new ideas and corresponding legislation and seek passage. 4. Seek Local Funding— Support the Santa Clara County Parks Charter on the June 2006 ballot; b. Support the San Mateo County Parks for the Future initiative to increase the local sales tax by 1/8 Ih cent on a future ballot. 5. Federal Legislation - Work with members of Congress and State and local agency leaders to develop and implement a strategy to carry out the Board-approved legislative program including to seek Federal legislative assistance in securing funding for the cleanup of the former Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhum in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, which is a"Formerly Used Defense Site,"or FUDS. 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. Public Affairs/page 5 I F 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 a"VIP."tour of District preserves for elected officials and representatives, as needed. 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, Funding, 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. 9. Work with the District's legislative delegation and the Sacramento-based lobbyist to maintain and protect the District's current percentage share of the local property tax funding. Public Affairs/page 6 2006-2007 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 I. Expand Community Programs—Take the input gathered from Board members, staff and the community to re-evaluate the Community Programs' needs. Continue to monitor and assess the potential for new or expanded volunteer and docent programs to into and attract new District constituents on the coast. Work with the Operations Department to investigate the possibility of introducing geocaching on District preserves. 2. Docent and Volunteer Training—Implement new and improved Outdoor Activity Docent training model as a pilot project. Additionally, recruit and train new Crew Leaders, Trail Patrol, Outdoor Education Leaders,Nature Center Hosts, Community Outreach Volunteers and Conservation Easement Monitors. Introduce and use the new Volunteer Handbook at these training programs. 3. Encourage participation and increase awareness of Outdoor Activities and other Community Programs —Evaluate publicity and media outreach on Outdoor Activities. Increase District staff s awareness and enthusiasm of Outdoor Activities to encourage their participation as an enrichment opportunity and an opportunity for the public to interact with staff. 4. Partnership and Events—Explore joint project partnership with Bay Area Ridge Trail (National Trail Days) event. Leverage partnership with POST to support the Daniels Nature Center. Participate in 1906 centennial Earthquake activities. 5. Special Public Access— Support public access to grant-funded properties such as Miramontes Ridge, and provide docent-led hikes and volunteer projects to support master-planning efforts. Other Projects and Activities Docent Program 1. Recruit, screen and train Outdoor Education Leaders,Nature Center Hosts and Outdoor Activity Docents. Provide enrichment opportunities for active docents. Public Affairs/page 7 2. Offer a broad range of public interpretive outdoor activities on open space preserves, encouraging docents to conduct new engaging activities at less-utilized preserves. 3. Maintain and operate the David C. Daniels Nature Center with docent involvement. Continue to implement the District's Spaces and Species environmental education program and explore how new constituent groups can gain access to the center. 4. Arrange, publicize, reserve spaces for, and work with field staff to support the Fremont Older House and Garden Tours (Spring 2006), and quarterly Outdoor Activities. 5. Provide for public request activities, including soliciting and scheduling docents and coordinating with the Operations Department, as needed, for permits. Volunteer Program I. Continue to provide volunteer support for resource management projects by working with staff to schedule, conduct, and evaluate a sustainable number of resource management volunteer projects. Identify and recruit individuals and/or groups that can become involved with the District as new Preserve Partner volunteers. 2. Coordinate safe, educational, and productive volunteer service projects-throughout the year at various open space preserves. 3. Recruit, screen, and train new Trail Patrol, Crew Leader, Community Outreach and Special Field Project volunteers to assist staff in maintaining and protecting District preserves. Offer enrichment opportunities for active volunteers. 4. Provide public information about volunteer programs, projects, and accomplishments by producing four issues of Volunteer News. Explore expanding newsletter to combine both the District volunteer and community programs. 5. Conduct individual evaluation hikes and rides for Trail Patrol members. Use pre- evaluation surveys utilizing the District's new online survey system to increase efficiency of the time spent on the evaluation hike or ride. 6. Organize lunchtime enrichment presentations for volunteers during outdoor service projects. Identify appropriate speakers such as Board members, and District docents. Coordinate logistics, and schedule a number of trial presentations. 7. Volunteer Leadership/Management Training for Staff- Conduct formal training sessions for staff on working with volunteers and leading volunteer projects. Also provide general orientation to the different volunteer programs. 8. Trail Patrol Special Assignment—Explore various ways that trail patrol volunteers can assist in monitoring illegal trail use and construction, and implement a system where volunteers and staff work together to form organized group patrols. Public Affairs/page 8 Community Programs Projects and Activities 1. Conduct an annual Volunteer Recognition Event, and assess other recognition activities for docents and volunteers that demonstrate the District's appreciation for the efforts and contribution of volunteers and docents. 2. Sustain effective communication between Community Programs staff, field staff and other departments involved with Community Programs. 3. Conduct"Earth Day" (April 22) and California Trail Day events that provide appropriate ways for the community to be involved in projects or outdoor activities that celebrate the environment and our natural resources during the period of time prior to and shortly after"Earth Day." 4. Evaluate training programs and events by using on-line surveys utilizing the District's new survey account. Develop a self-evaluation instrument for the docent program. 5. Distribute and update the District's Volunteer Handbook as needed. 6. Work with the Operations Department to fill requests for occasional District outreach appearances at local schools by interested District rangers. 7. Plan and begin developing an interpretive project/display for the Red Barn at La Honda Creek Preserve and for a self-guided interpretive"nature discovery"trail around Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Preserve. Public Affairs/page 9 J ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Programs A. Administration B. Human Resources C. Legal Services To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: Efficiently and effectively administer 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 2006-2007 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, and support the Coastal Protection Program implementation. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) General Manager Assistant General Manager General Counsel Controller(25%time) Assistant General Counsel Management Analyst— Human Resources Management Analyst—Administration Senior Administrative Assistant Senior Accounting Specialist Administrative Assistant Receptionist Network Specialist Accounting Clerk Administration/page 1 2006-2007 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 land purchase and management agency. Key Prom cts 1. Coastal Protection Program—Coordinate the efforts of the Board, consultants, and staff to complete the Coastal Protection Program implementation. Support completion of Good Neighbor Policy rewrites. Provide administrative support in reporting land purchases to La Honda Pescadero Unified School District, calculating the service fees due to the School District and San Mateo County Fire and tracking the long term financial impacts of additional land purchases on the coast. 2. District Funding—Continue to provide multi-year information/scenarios on District's long-term finances, including bonded indebtedness and cash flow. Continue to monitor the availability of grant funds for major land purchase and development projects. Continue to pursue alternate sources of additional funding for land purchases throughout the District, including the newly annexed Coastside Protection Area and open space management needs. 3. Co-Hosting of Park District Forum- Provide lead participation in the event, as planned by Public Affairs Department. 4. Risk Management- Complete policy development as recommended by the CAJPIA including Violence in the Workplace Policy, Hazard Communication Policy and ADA Grievance Policy. 5. Resource Management- Continue the management of the project with ESA to analyze the resource management programs review of other land management agencies and use this information to assist the Board and District staff in revising the District's resource management policies. Provide recommendations on organizational structure and staffing for increased resource management efforts. 6. Elections—Work with Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties on the election process for Wards 1, 2, 5 and 6 for November 2006. Administration/page 2 Other Projects and Activities I State Budget- Continue to monitor state budget activities, post Proposition IA. 2. Ombudsperson- Facilitate communication and staff assistance as needed to support the Ombudsperson program and renew the existing contract or recruit for a new Ombudsperson as necessary. 3. District-wide Database Program- Fund and oversee the completion of the integrated database program. 4. Records Management- Research various automated programs, via a consultant, for more efficient records retention, including reduction and search capabilities of hard copy files. 5. Administrative Office Expansion- Work with the Planning Department on office space expansion plans. 6. Web Site- Participate as an active member of the web team and regularly post Board meetings and minutes. 7. Continue to foster a management team approach for overall management of the District's activities. 8. Provide financial management and accounting services, including investment of temporarily idle funds and compliance with new Government Accounting Standards. Assure compliance with Purchasing Policies through review of all purchases and ongoing education of staff. Prepare materials for annual audit. 9. Perform administrative and legal obligations as required by State law. 10. Oversee coordination of equipment/infrastructure needs at the main office. 11. Action Plan development and coordination of the program evaluation process. 12. Prepare, monitor, and revise annual budget, as necessary. Coordinate Administration and Budget Committee meetings. 13. Coordinate preparation and distribution of all materials for the Board's regular and special meetings. 14. Involve Board of Directors in the planning of annual special Board meeting(s) to be held as part of Board's Good Neighbor Policy; including coastal meetings. 15. Provide training and other proactive risk prevention processes in conjunction with the CAJPIA. Administration/page 3 16, 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. 17. Work with other departments to implement and fully utilize database elements that contain information that is shared by multiple departments per consultant recommendations. 18. Maintain Board and staff policy and procedure manuals. 19. Continue to use recycled products, whenever feasible, in accordance with the purchasing policy. 20. Continue uploads of all Administrative Department documents, such as Board Meetings, Agendas, Minutes and Reports to the Web Site. 21. 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. 22. Update the procedure manual for all administrative processes related to the District Clerk responsibilities. 23. Coordinate and perform all activities required for operational and maintenance of the Guadalupe Land Corporation. Administration/page 4 2006-2007 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 1. 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. 2. Performance Standards—Assist all departments with timely and equitable evaluations. Complete meetings with staff and implement new performance evaluation forms, including training of all supervisors. 3. Labor Relations — Implement any new contract provisions. 4. Repetitive Motion Injury Control Program — Per CAJPIA recommendations write and implement this program. 5. Job Analysis — Conduct and add job analysis to all field class specifications in accordance with CAJPIA recommendation. Other Projects and Activities 1. Plan and conduct recruitment processes for all position vacancies in order to fill vacant positions as soon as possible. Ensure consistency in hiring procedures. Provide a comprehensive new employee orientation for all new employees. 2. Administer compensation and benefit programs for all employees. 3. Provide human resources support and employee or labor relations services to all departments. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with represented and non-represented employees. 4. Assess training needs, identify training resources and schedule in-house training programs as needed to develop and improve leadership, management, supervisory, communications skills and risk management skills. Administration/page 5 5. Coordinate, plan, and organize the annual staff recognition event on behalf of the Board. Oversee the staff activities ("Fun") committee. Coordinate and plan other staff events as needed. 6. Promote and oversee the District's safety program including facilitating a Safety Fair. 7. Continue expanded utilization of the new HRIS database system with applicable payroll functions to eliminate duplicate processes. 8. Conduct Meet and Confer(s), as necessary, on Personnel Rules and various Administrative Policies. 9. Write or revise Administrative Policies and Procedures as needed, including employee input as part of the process. 10. Continue to provide leadership in the Toastmaster's employee development program. Administration/page 6 2006-2007 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. Ke_y Projects 1. Real Property—Provide legal advice concerning District real property matters, including real property purchases, disposition, management, title and encroachment issues, easement issues, leases, licenses, and permits to enter District land. Anticipated major projects include: • Litigation —Continue and complete litigation to resolve-Property rights issues at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, Saratoga Country Club v. MROSD; and at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, Fogarty v. MROSD. • Encroachment and Property Rights Claims—Assist Real Property Department at Bear Creek Redwoods Montebello, Lon Rid in resolving encroachments g e g Space Preserves; assist in resolution Azul and Rancho San Antonio Open S Sierra p p of access easement claims at Coal Creek, Bear Creek and Sierra Azul Open Space I Preserves; assist in preparation of new lease or request for proposals for Picchetti Winery. Continue working with the Real Property and Operations Departments identifying and resolving property rights issues on District land. • Land Purchase—Assist Real Property Department in connection with District ongoing operation and management of Guadalupe Land Company property as a corporate asset and investigate options for dissolving the corporation(Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve); assist in transactional documents to accomplish easement exchanges (Monte Bello, Bear Creek, Fremont Older and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserves). • Other Projects— Continue working with Real Property and Planning Departments to pursue global solutions to streamline the acquisition, and planning and Rermittini 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. I i Administration/page 7 i • Work with Real Property to assess legal options for District operations within lands subject to Williamson Act contracts. • Work with Real Property on drafting grazing and agricultural leases (La Honda Creek and Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserves). 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; investigate and maximize insurance coverage for claims filed against the District; obtain appropriate pollution liability insurance coverage for property purchase where applicable. 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; assist in labor negotiations in Fiscal Year 2006-2007 as needed. 4. Coastal Protection Program—Anticipated major projects: Continue to provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to implementing the Coastal Protection Program and LAFCo's Conditions of Approval; draft and review necessary Program documents, including coastal planning policies and Good Neighbor Policy; and assist in litigation challenging LAFCo's approval of the Program, Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. MROSD, in the event of post-trial proceedings. 5. Operations —Continue to assist in the development of Cooperation Agreements for provision of law enforcement and emergency services with sister agencies; work with Operations in resolving jurisdiction issues to assist in developing such agreements. Work with Operations to clarify the issue of peace officer jurisdiction outside of District lands, including seeking an opinion from the Attorney General or via the legislative process, if needed. Provide legal support to Resource Management Program, including obtaining permits to enter adjacent lands to conduct necessary resource management projects. 6. Planning—Advise on the Navy remediation project at Site 25 (Stevens Creek Nature Study Area); provide advice concerning resolution of mercury NRDA, TMDL and remediation issues at the Rancho de Guadalupe property (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve) and implementing a predator control program at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Other Projects and Activities I 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. Administration/page 8 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. Administration/page 9 Regional Open Space i MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-39 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 3a AGENDA ITEM Approval of Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Recommendations ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Approve the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget as presented in Agenda Item 3 (Report R-06-40), and adopt the Administration and Budget Committee recommendations contained in this report. DISCUSSION The charge of the Administration and Budget Committee (the "Committee") is to review the proposed budget to determine whether it reflects a realistic view of projected income with respect to the financial resources needed to carry out the planned work program (Department Action Plans) for the coming fiscal year. The Committee met five times with the General Manager, various department managers and staff. After review of the Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee, the Committee made no recommendations for changes and began review of the proposed budget by departments. The review included consideration of the previous years budgets, expenditures, and projections and the proposed Action Plan for 2006-2007. The Committee reviewed the requested changes to the Action Plan made by the Board and approved those changes. The Committee made a few additional, but minor, changes to Action Plan language that will be noted in strike-out version for the full Board to review before final approval. The Committee also reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan, the Five Year Staff Facilities Project ions, Operation Department's Five Year Equipment Schedule, outline of the Resource Management expenses from the Operations and Planning departments. The Committee reviewed the definition of the Budget Growth Guideline for District Operating Expenses and Capital Improvements and proposes revisions to the Budget Growth Guideline for Operating Expenses to exclude costs associated with land purchase from the Operating Guideline See Exhibit A). The Committee also reviewed the proposed Operating Budget of 10 767 418, a ° -2006 Operating Budget. The Operating Growth Guidelines and 1 rase from.the 2005 14.3 o increase p g g p g Budget are discussed in more detail below. During the course of the Committee's meetings, the General Manager was directed to assist the i in the resource -2007: 1 defining Committee in evaluating the following m fiscal year 2006 ( ) g management program for budgetary purposes; (2) integrating the Coastside Protection Program budget into the Operating Budget while tracking expenses specific to the Coastside; and (3) revising the Operating Growth Guideline in light of significant increase in the number of staff positions, increased investment in resource management, and integration of the Coastside Protection Program into the Operating Budget. The Committee will reconvene in late summer to discuss these issues. I R-06-39 Page 2 Capital Improvement Budge The Committee reviewed and is satisfied with this year's proposed Capital Improvement Program budget, which includes $410,300 for Planning Projects, $958,500 for Public Access Improvements, and $25,000 for Unanticipated Capital Improvements. The Committee also reviewed the Budget Guideline for the Capital Improvement Program and adjusted the guideline to reflect increased expenditures for current and future master planning processes. Specifically, the Committee is recommending changing the guideline for Public Access Improvements from an average of$500,000 over five years to an average of$700,000 over five years (See Exhibit A). Staff Facilities Growth Guideline The Staff Facilities proposed budget is $95,000 and includes funds for the following: (1) repair and relocation of the HVAC at the Skyline Field Office; and (2) architectural services at the District Administrative Office to plan for future use of the tenant space by District staff and evaluate the cost and benefit of installing solar electric panels on the roof. The proposed Staff Facilities budget is well below the Staff Facilities budget guideline. Operating Budget Growth Guidelines The District's operating growth guideline currently provides for an average growth of 7% in operating expenses annually. Operating expenses include salaries and benefits, services and supplies, and fixed assets associated with the administration of the District's five departments. Expenditures for land acquisition, debt service, property management, special projects such as the District book, the Coastside Protection Program, and capital improvements(including Planning Projects) are considered outside the operating expenses definition. District Staff recommend a 14.3% growth in the Operating Budget for fiscal year 2006-2007. As stated above, the proposed Operating Budget excludes costs associated with land purchases such as appraisals, site engineering fees, and title insurance. The Committee recommends your approval of the revised Budget Growth Guidelines to reflect this change in Exhibit A. This Operating Budget reflects significant growth in salaries and benefits for new positions, increased service and supply costs associated with a heightened focus on resource management program activities (specifically slender false brome and Sudden Oak Death Syndrome), and purchases for fixed assets in Operations. Adding positions and purchase of fixed assets were put on hold in prior years due to concerns regarding reductions in tax revenue. In addition, this Operating Budget does not include funding for any salary increases because negotiations with District employees are not complete; therefore, any salary increases will come before the Board at a later date. While the Operating Budget is a significant increase from the Operating Budget in 2005-2006, this Operating Budget falls within the average 7% growth guideline and the Committee believes these expenditures are justified in meeting the planned work activities. Controller's Report Controller Mike Foster met with the Committee and presented a financial review of the following: (1) the fiscal year 2005-2006 projected expenses; (2) the 2004 to 2006 tax revenues; (3)the 2005-2006 tax revenue vs. budget; (4) the 2006-2007 total revenue estimates, as well as all other estimated income; and (5) cash flow projections over the next ten years. The Controller noted that there could be significant present value savings (approximately $1.7 million)realized through refinancing some of the existing notes. The Committee also discussed opportunities to finance additional debt in order R-06-39 Page 3 to fund upcoming land purchases; however, the Committee is not recommending additional debt at this time. Total Budget Highlights The proposed budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 totals $51,330,320 including $10,767,418 for Operating Expenses, $1,488,800 for capital projects, $157,772 for property management, $20,000,000 for new land purchases, $11,250,000 for prior land commitments that are under contract but have not yet closed escrow (POST-Forde and Driscoll Ranch), $7,162,230 for debt service, and $189,300 for the Coastside Protection Program. The budget funds the three new Ranger positions and new Resource Specialist I position for a full year and increases the General Counsel position from 80% to 100% time. State Reduction in District Property Tax Revenues With the passage of Proposition I A by the voters in November 2004,the District received a$3.4 million reduction in property tax revenue as part of the $350 million contribution from California Special Districts. The State took $2.8 million from the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 property tax revenues, and will take the final $580,000 in fiscal year 2006-2007. No additional reduction in next year's property tax revenue is anticipated. RECOMMENDATIONS The Administration and Budget Committee recommends that the Board: 1. Approve the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget. 2. Approve the General Counsel position at full-time. 3. Adopt the proposed revisions to the Growth Guidelines for District Operating Expenses (Exhibit A). 4. Direct this Committee to review the Operating Growth Guideline in advance of the next fiscal year to address: (a) integration of the Coastside Protection Program budget into the Operating Budget while also being able to track Coastside expenses separately from the rest of the District budget, (b) consideration of increasing the resource management budget in light of Board direction; and (c) defining further which costs associated with land purchases fall within or outside the Operating Budget. 5. Direct this Committee to define what constitutes the District's Resource Management Program for budgetary purposes and return to the Board for consideration. 6. Direct this Committee to review the fiscal year 2005-2006 actual versus projected expenditures after completion of the audit. Midway through the fiscal year, review the fiscal year 2006-2007 budget and expenditure status, and meet with the Controller for a review of the District's financial status. Prepared by: Administration and Budget Committee (Directors Nitz, Siemens, and Davey) Michelle Jesperson, Management Analyst Contact person: Ken Nitz, Chair-Administration and Budget Committee Attachments: Exhibit A—Revised Budget Growth Guidelines for District Operating Expenses and Capital Improvements Exhibit A Budget Growth Guidelines for District Operating Expenses and Capital Improvements Adopted 3/24/99 Amended 3/27/02 Amended 3/24/04 Amended 03/22/06 This document defines guidelines for"operating expenses" (routine expenses associated with the day-to-day operation of the District), and "capital improvements" (capital expenses relating to public access facilities, field operation facilities and administrative facilities). BUDGET GROWTH GUIDELINE FOR OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses include salaries and benefits, services and supplies, and fixed assets associated with the administration of the District's five programs. Expenditures for land acquisition including appraisals, title insurance, legal costs, site engineering, and other various land acquisition site expenses, property management, special projects, and capital improvements, including master planning, are considered outside operating expenses. • This guideline is intended to cover regular operating expenses for the District's five major programs and includes periodic operating expenses such as large printing projects, election expenses, minor repairs from natural disasters, normal staff increases, and program and salary reviews. • Operating expenses will be tracked and generally should not exceed seven percent growth from one year to the next provided, however, the Administration and Budget Committee recognizes that, since this is a guideline, overbudgeting and underbudgeting may occur and an effort be made to balance growth from one year to the next. • Operating expenses may on occasion, exceed seven percent in years when tax revenue growth is anticipated to exceed five percent and the ratio between proposed operating budget and projected tax revenues is below fifty percent. • The budget growth guideline can be adjusted when it is significantly impacted by changing conditions, such as a major shift in program goals. Ongoing expenses associated with managing lands within the Coastal Protection Area, would be an example where the baseline could be adjusted. • Certain non-routine large-scale projects that have a cumulative expense of over$50,000 may be excluded from the guideline. These large-scale projects may or may not result in major shifts to programs. Examples include preserve master planning, coastal annexation study and recovery from a major natural disaster. See attached graph, which shows a ten-year scenario based upon this guideline. Exhibit A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS GUIDELINE Capital improvements include field staff and administrative facilities in addition to public access facilities. A five year average should be applied to allow for flattening of substantial fluctuations that ordinarily occur in the program. I) Public access improvements include capital projects that enhance public access to preserves such as roads, toilets,trails, parking, signs and historical preservation. These projects usually include master planning, design and permits for construction of new facilities and major repairs to existing facilities. Demolitions which provide for public use of previously closed areas also fall into this category. Funding is limited to an average of$500,000 $700,000 per year over a five year period. Grant income and donations can be used to offset expenses that exceed the limit. 2) Field staff and administrative facilities improvements include major improvements to field offices, shops and facilities and the District administrative office. The guideline for improvements to staff facilities limits the ten-year average of the staff facilities budget to 3.5%of the District's annual operating budget for that fiscal year. 3) It is the responsibility of the Administration and Budget Committee to review the proposed Capital Improvement Budget and the Planning work program in order to be satisfied that the public access aspects of the guidelines are aggressively pursued by staff. However, it is recognized that fund balances between public and staff capital improvements will vary year to year. R Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-40 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 3b AGENDA ITEM Adoption of Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION J Adopt the attached Resolution approving the budget for fiscal year 2006-2007. DISCUSSION The proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget was presented for initial review at your March 8, 2006 meeting (see Report R-06-34). The budget is presented again for your final consideration and approval (see Exhibit A). The $51,330,320 budget breaks down as follows: Land Purchases $31,564,000 Debt Service $7,162,230 Operating Expenses $10,767,418 Property Management $157,772 Public Access Improvements $1,393,800 Staff Facilities $95,000 Other Special Projects $800 Coastside Protection $189,300 Total $51,330,320 A summary of each Department's budget is included in Exhibit B, Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Summary By Department. As discussed in Report R-06-34, the initial budget did not include any annual salary adjustment for District staff. The final budget presented here also does not contain any annual salary adjustment for District staff or for Board appointed staff because negotiations with the represented employees for a new Memorandum of Agreement are not complete. As such, any proposal for salary adjustments will be brought before the Board at a later date. The final budget does include increasing the General Counsel's position to 100% time, up from 80%time in fiscal year 2005-2006. R-06-40 Page 2 In addition, the final budget contains two changes since the initial budget presentation. First, the Public Affairs budget now includes an additional $50,000 for the District to conduct a public opinion poll on public attitudes towards the District and how the District manages its lands. As a result of this change, the budget for the District's Operating Expenses is $10,767,418, a 14.3 % increase from the 2005-2006 Operating Expenses budget. Second,the budget for Prior Land Commitments increased $9,000,000 in the Real Property department for a total budget of$11,250,000. This change is due to the fact that the purchase of the former Driscoll Ranch property (budgeted for in fiscal year 2005-2006) is under contract but will not close escrow until after March 31, 2006. The Prior Land Commitments account also includes $2,250,000 for the purchase of the former Forde property, currently managed by the District under a lease and purchase agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust. The Administration and Budget Committee ("Committee") held one final meeting on March 14, 2006 to discuss the final proposed budget and the budget growth guidelines. The Committee made no additional changes to the budget; however,the Committee proposed revising the budget growth guideline for Public Access Facilities, changing the five-year average from a maximum of$500,000 to $700,000 and added master planning to the definition of what projects are included in Public Access Facilities. The revised j language can be found in Exhibit A of the Administration and Budget Committee Report R-06-39 for this meeting. ( ) g Prepared by: Michelle Jesperson, Management Analyst Contact person: Sally Thielfoldt, Assistant, General Manager Attachments: Exhibit A—Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Exhibit B—Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Summary By Department I i i �II 1 RESOLUTION NO. 06- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ADOPTING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 i The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: Section One. The budget for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for the fiscal year 2006-2007 is adopted as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. Section Two. Upon approval of the Board of Directors, an adjustment to the New Land Purchases budget category shall be made to reflect any difference between actual revenue and budgeted revenue as appropriate to fund District operations. Section Three. Monies are hereby appropriated in accordance with said budget. I i i i I EXHIBIT A Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Proposed Budget I. Revenues A. Tax Revenues 21,887,000 B. Grant Income 5,392,000 C. Interest Income 1,300,000 D. Property Management-Rental Income 825,000 E. Other Income 200,000 TOTAL REVENUES 29,604,000 Change in Reserves 21,726,320) II. � g III. Expenditures A. Debt Service 1. Interest 3,902,875 2. Principal 3,259,355 Debt Service Subtotal 7,162,230 B. Salaries 1. Board Appointees 321,198 2. Board Appointee Meritorious Awards 0 3. General Manager Appointees 5,503,247 Salaries Subtotal 5,824,445 C. Benefits 2,041,946 D. Director's Fees 25,000 Salaries and Benefits Subtotal 7,891,391 E. Services and Supplies I. Legal Services 124,500 2. Regular Outside Services 152,000 3. Contract Services 1,058,910 4. Election Expense 80,000 5. Library and Subscriptions 11,567 6. Management Agreements 50,000 7. Rents and Leases 123,043 8. Utilities 147,130 9. Postage 61,352 10. Printing and Duplicating 40,050 11. Insurance 99,971 12. Advertising 9,200 13. Maps and Aerials 14,150 14. Private Vehicle 13,800 15. District Vehicle 229,800 16. Business Meeting 14,550 17. Personnel Development 122,635 18, Maintenance/Repair of Equipment 27,000 19. Computer Expenses 65,290 20. Office Supplies/Small Equipment 32,050 21. Field Supplies/Small Equipment 172,700 22. Outside Maintenance Services 429,381 23. Permits, Fee, Property Taxes 16,700 24. Miscellaneous 650 25. Communications - Publications 111,575 26. Communications- Special Projects 15,100 27. Volunteer Program 30,095 Services and Supplies Subtotal 3,253,199 F. Fixed Assets 1. New & Prior Land Purchases 31,250,000 2. Real Property Support Costs- Appraisals, Title, Legal, Engineering 314,000 3. Guadalupe Land Co. 0 4. Structures and Improvements 1,078,500 5. Field/Office Equipment 143,000 6. Vehicles 238,000 Fixed Assets Subtotal 33,023,500 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 51,330,320 i Exhibit B Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Summary By Department 2005-2006 2005-2006 2006-2007 Adopted Budget Projected Expenses Proposed Budget Real Property Salaries and Benefits 502,454 473,050 499,806 Services and Supplies 91,625 j 49,475 j 123,300 Fixed Assets 102,750 269,650 0' Property Management 106,150, 118,557{ 157,772' Land and Debt 26,961,814. 11,211,814 38,726,230 Special Projects 114,625 10,000`__ 0; Total,All Expenses 27,879,418 12,132,546 39,507,108 Administration Salaries and Benefits 1,240,195 1,287,158 1,355,927 Services and Supplies 349,005 356,070 t 467,703 Fixed Assets 0 0 0 i Total,All Expenses 1,589,200 1,643,228 1,823,630! i Operations Salaries and Benefits 4,005,977 4,081,292 4,505,427 Services and Supplies 1,111,422 13139,841 11449,687 Fixed Assets 125,5001 125,000 331,000 Total,All Expenses 5,242,8991 5,346,1331 6,286,114 Planning Salaries and Benefits 896,336 868,652 898,633 Services and Supplies 56,910 48,190, 78,645 Fixed Assets 0 0 0 Coastside Protection 348,000 330,300, 189,300 Planning Projects 479,478 225,300 410,300 Public Facilities/FEMA 1,100,963 672,48W 983,500 Staff Facilities 20,000 0 95,000 Total,All Expenses 2,901,687f 2,144,922 2,655,378 Public Affairs Salaries and Benefits 600,884 580,139: 631,598 Services and Supplies 337,802 311,880 425,692 Fixed Assets 0 0+ 0' Special Projects 6,400 8,900 800 Total,All Expenses 945,086 900,919 1,058,090 I Totals,All Departments 38,558,290 22,167,748 51,330,320 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-35 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Extend Contracts with Design Concepts for Graphic Design Services, Patsons Press for Printing Services,and Post Haste Direct Mail Services'for Mailing Services for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECO NDATIO _-- _. 1. Authorize the General Manager to extend the contract for graphic design services with Design Concepts for an amount not to exceed $53,305; 2. Authorize the General Manager to extend the contract for printing services with Patsons Press for an amount not to exceed $122,090; h contract for mailing services with Post Haste Direct Mail 3. Authorize the General Manager to extend the g g Services for an amount not to exceed $46,410 for fiscal year 2006-2007. DISCUSSION At your March 23, 2005 meeting, you authorized the General Manager to enter into a contract with Design Concepts of Mountain View for an amount not to exceed $42,000(see Report R-05-32),with Patsons Press of Sunnyvale for an amount not to exceed $104,725 (see Report R-05-33), and with Post Haste Direct Mail Services of Palo Alto for an amount not to exceed $35,000(see Report R-05-34) for fiscal year 2005-2006. These initial contracts were approved after a competitive proposal process with the option to extend them to fiscal years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, subject to further Board approval. Staff has worked with these service providers on various projects over the last year, and is completely satisfied with their services and the value provided for the District cost. Each of these companies has delivered a high level of customer service and response to urgent service needs in a timely manner. Given the District's excellent experience with overall high quality and professional services provided by Design Concepts, Patsons Press, and Post Haste Direct Mail Services, staff recommends the District extend the contracts with Design Concepts, Patsons Press, and Post Haste Direct Mail Services for fiscal year 2006- j 2007 for an amount not to exceed $53,305, $122,090, and $46,410, respectively. Prepared by: Kristi Altieri, Public Affairs Specialist Contact person: RudyJur ensen Public Affairs Manager g � g I'I Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-3 7 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Purchase Five Vehicles at a Total Cost Not to $exceed $150,000 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMM'ENDATI@N J t Authorize the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with the State Department � p g p of General Services for five vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $150,000. DISCUSSION The District's proposed five-year capital equipment schedule provides for two replacement and two additional patrol vehicles, plus one new administrative vehicle in fiscal year 2006-2007. Purchase orders for vehicles acquired through the State of California Department of General Services (DGS) must be placed prior to the manufacturer's cut-off dates in spring of 2006. The District's ability to purchase vehicles through DGS provides a significant cost saving and greatly reduces the amount of staff time that would otherwise be required if the District conducted a separate bid process. The two replacement patrol vehicles will be for patrol vehicles that have reached or are approaching the 80,000-mile mark, when District patrol vehicles are ordinarily retired from patrol use. The retired patrol vehicles will be reassigned to maintenance crews. These reassigned patrol vehicles will replace maintenance vehicles with an excess of 100,000 miles, which will be sold at public auction. The two additional patrol vehicles are for ranger positions p P g filled in fiscal year 2005-2006. The additional administrative vehicle will support the growth of Administrative Office staff and their increased interaction with field staff. Authorization to purchase these vehicles is contingent upon your adoption of the 2006-2007 fiscal year budget. The Administration and Budget Committee supports the purchase of five vehicles and was included in the initial presentation of fiscal year 2006-2007 budget at your March 8 meeting. Funding for this expenditure is included in the Operations fixed assets budget category. Prepared by: David Topley, Support Services Supervisor Contact person: Same as above I lRegional Open Space i MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-44 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM ! Annual Claims List for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 i CONTROLLER'S RECOMMENDATION Approve the annual claims list, including debt service payments for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. DISCUSSION In accordance with Section 1.53 of the District's Rules of Procedure, this list of annual claims for the 2006-2007 fiscal year is submitted for Board approval. All items are in accordance with the budget being presented for approval at your March 22 meeting. Staff will submit a revised annual claims list during the 2006-2007 fiscal year to reflect necessary changes, if any. The debt service claims list reflects payments required by current outstanding debt. Attachment A lists the District's current debt service annual claims for 2006-2007, and Attachment B provides a detailed list of debt service obligations. ANNUAL CLAIMS ITEM DESCRIPTION AMOUNT Debt Service $7,162,230 Directors' Fees 25,000 Staff Salaries 5,824,445 Retirement Funds 1,025,984 Group Insurance Premiums 854,742 State-Mandated Insurance 161,220 Monthly Vehicle Expense (General Manager-$445/month) 5,340 Utilities - PG&E 67,100 Public Policy Advocates 13,500 Legislative Consultant ( y ) Dispatch Services (City of Mountain View) 50,000 Deer Hollow Farm Agreement (City of Mountain View) 50,000 Janitorial Services—3 offices 22,600 Landscaping Services (330 Distel Circle) 4,500 Antenna Site Rental - Pinnacle(Repeater Site) 3,700 Fuel - Valley Oil Company 85,000 Slaght Living Trust(Employee housing rental-Sierra Azul) 19,200 i R-06-44 Page 2 ANNUAL CLAIMS (cont'd.) ITEM DESCRIPTION AMOUNT Shell Oil $15,000 ProtectionOne Alarm Service for District Office 1,000 American Tower Corporation(Coyote Peak Repeater) 6,600 Lanier—Copier Leases 21,100 Avaya - Telephone Lease & Maintenance Agreement 4,740 Hasler Postage Machine Lease 2,700 Recording Services 8,200 Windy Hill —Patrol 3,600 Payroll Services (ADP) 19,000 Unemployment Insurance 25,000 Megapath TI and DSL Line 7,350 Skyline County Water District 3,500 Bank Fees 1,500 Total $15,493,85-1 Prepared by: Bunny Congdon, Senior Accounting Specialist Michael L. Foster, Controller Contact person: Michael L. Foster, Controller ATTACHMENT"A" ANNUAL CLAIMS DEBT SERVICE FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 NOTEHOLDER-LAND PRINCIPAL INTEREST Aine 14,798.42 3,326.40 Lazenby 7,320.18 1,398.27 Daloia 12,236.07 12,535.01 Hunt 0.00 82,500.00 McKannay/Seirner 0.00 10,250.00 Subtotal-Notes 34,354.67 110,009.68 BONDS PAYABLE 1996 Note 865,000.00 579,652.50 1996 JPFA Lease 450,000.00 337,782.50 1999 Rev.Bonds 865,000.00 523,968.76 1999 Rev.Bonds-2nd. Issue/Lease 880,000.00 455,868.76 1999 Rev.Bonds-2nd. Issue/Note 0.00 258,562.50 2004 Revenue Bonds 50,000.00 1,428,855.00 2005 Refunding 115,000.00 208,175.00 Subtotal-Notes 3,225,000.00 3,792,865.02 TOTALS--NOTEHOLDERS&BONDS 3,259,354.67 3,902,874.70 TOTAL DEBT 7,162,229.37 ATTACHMENT'B' DEBT SERVICE 06/07 03/31/06 OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Payable to Close of Escrow Original Note Rate% Term Remaining Principal Final Paym.Due Payable 04/05 Principal Interest Foothills nine 01/18/89 192,000.00 7.0 20 years 47,519.74 12/18/08 18,124.82 14,798A2 3,326.40 Sierra AM Daloia 10/11/02 240,000.00 6.25 15 Years 205,089.45 10/10/17 24.771.08 12,236.07 12,535,01 Bear Creek Redwoods aunt 04/2003 1,500,000.00 5.50 10 years 1,500,000.00 04/01/03 82,500.00 0.00 82,500.00 Sierra And Lazenby 08/31/88 100,000.00 6.00 20 years 23,304.53 08/31/08 8,718.45 7,320.18 1,398.27 Sierra And xcxannay 12/14/01 250,000.00 4.10 10 years 250,000.00 01/10/12 10,250.00 0.00 10.250.00 2,090,000,00 1,978,393.98 126,239.53 19,556.25 106,683.28 SUBTOTAL--NOTEHOLDERS 2,282,000.00 2,025,913.72 144 364.35 34 354.67 110,009.68 Various Notes "Includes A=ebons 1996 Note 07/96 18,166,481.00 6.09 20 years 13,691,481.30 09/01/2016 1,444,652.50 865,000.00 579,652,50 1996 sr8n Leas,07/96 11,743,720.00 6,09 30 years 13,692,697.25 09/01/2026 787,782.50 450,000.00 337,782.50 1999 Rev.Eonds 01/27/99 29,663,021.15 5.40 30 years 32,587.571,15 04/01/2031 1,388,968.76 865,000.00 523,968.76 199902 Notes 8/30/1999 7,544,408.80 5.25 20 years 7,544,408.80 04/01/2020 258,562.50 0.00 258,562.50 1999#2 Lease 8/30/1999 20,822,552.25 4.25 30 years 23,356,433.25 04/01/2032 1,335,868.76 880,000.00 455,868.76 2004 Notes 01/30/2004 31,900,009.95 2-5%30 years 32,052,536.95 04/01/2033 1,478,855.00 50,000.00 1,428,855.00 2005 Refunding 07/28/2005 4,630,000.00 4-5% 10 years 4,630,000.00 9/1/2015 323,175.00 115,000.00 208,175.00 SUBTOTAL-NOTES 124,470,193.15 127,555,128.70 7,017,865.02 3,225 000.00 3 792 865.02 TOTALS—NOTEHOLDERS S NOTES 126,752,193.15 129,581,042.42 7,162,229.37 3 259 354.67 3 902 874.70 I Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-45 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Approval of District General Counsel to Assume Full Time Position and Approval of Amendment to District General Counsel's Employment Agreement to Adjust the Position's Current Annual Salary Consistent with Full Time Status AD HOC BOARD APPOINTEE EVALUATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS I The Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee recommends that the position of General Counsel be amended from a 4/5-time position to a full time position and that a corresponding salary and benefit adjustment be made to the General Counsel's current Employment Agreement effective April 1, 2006. 2. Adopt the attached resolution amending the District General Counsel's Employment Agreement to reflect an adjusted full time annual salary of$ 146,201.12 and corresponding full time benefits, contingent upon the prior approval of the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget by the Board of Directors. DISCUSSION The Board conducted its annual evaluation of District General Counsel's performance and compensation for the position at its July 27, 2005 Special meeting and adjusted the General Counsel's compensation at its meeting of August 10, 2005. The District General Counsel's current annual salary is $116, 960.00 based on a 4/5-time position. Based on the assessment of the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee, the Committee has viewed this position as appropriate for full-time status for some time, due to the legal work load of the District and the cost-effectiveness of having in-house counsel. The incumbent General Counsel is now able to assume full-time status and the Committee recommends that this adjustment to the position be made as part of the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget. This matter was also discussed by the Administration and Budget Committee, and the salary adjustment has been included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2006-2007 budget before the Board for approval at tonight's meeting. No salary or benefit increase is included as part of this contract amendment other than an adjustment from pro-rated salary and benefits to full time salary and benefits. Any future salary or benefit increase would occur as a result of the Board's annual Board appointee evaluation process. Submitted by: Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee (Directors Cyr, Siemens and Hanko) Contact person: Director Cyr RESOLUTION NO. 06 - A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE DISTRICT GENERAL COUNSEL'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District entered into a District General Counsel Employment Agreement ("Agreement"), dated August 25, 2004, with Susan M. Schectman, employing her as the District's General Counsel based upon a 4/5-time position and adopted a First Amendment to the Agreement dated August 10, 2005; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to adjust the General Counsel's position to a full time position and to adjust her compensation and benefits accordingly, effective April 1, 2006; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby authorize the President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate officer to execute the attached Second Amendment to the District General Counsel Employment Agreement on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to adjust the General Counsel's salary to $146,201.12 per calendar year based upon a full time position and to adjust benefits accordingly, effective April 1, 2006; SECOND AMENDMENT TO DISTRICT GENERAL COUNSEL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WHEREAS,the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District entered into that certain District General Counsel Employment Agreement("Agreement"), dated August 25, 2004, with Susan M. Schectman,employing her as the District's General Counsel and adopted a First Amendment to the Agreement dated August 10,2005; and WHEREAS,the Board desires to adjust the General Counsel's current position from a 4/5-position to a ftill time position and to adjust her annual compensation and benefits accordingly, adjusting her salary to $146,201.12 per calendar year, effective April 1,2006. NOW, THEREFORE,the parties agree that the Agreement shall hereby be further modified as follows: 1. Section 4.A. is hereby amended to read as follows: A. The Attorney's position shall be full time and her regular work hours shall be generally 40 hours of service per week including attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings. 2. Section 5. A. is hereby amended to read as follows: A. As compensation for services to be performed hereunder,Attorney shall receive an annual salary at the rate of$146, 201.12 per calendar year,effective April 1, 2006, 3. Section 5.C. is hereby amended to read as follows: C. Attorney shall receive the benefits available to regular full time employees of the District including those set out in the District's"Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual"on the same terms available to those employees, except for medical insurance coverage of the health plan selected by Attorney for which District will pay the full family premium. 4. Section 5.G. is hereby amended to read as follows: G. Attorney shall earn leave as set forth in the District's"Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual"and "Administrative Leave Program for Managers." It is further agreed that in all other respects the Agreement is unmodified and shall continue in full force and effect. In witness thereof,the parties have executed the Amendment this 22nd day of March,2006. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Jed Cyr, President Susan M. Schectman Board of Directors District General Counsel Date: Date: ATTEST: Date: Sally Thielfoldt, District Clerk f � Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-42 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 8 AGENDA ITEM Approval to Join in an Amicus Brief in Support of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority in the Matter of Silicon ValleTaxpayers Association Inc. v. Santa Clara County Open Space Authority GENERAL COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION 40 Authorize the District to Join in an Amicus Brief in Support of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority in the Matter of Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, Inc. v. Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. DISCUSSION The District has received a request to join an amicus curiae brief supporting the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority ("Authority") as the defendant in the litigation pending in the California Supreme Court. General Counsel is recommending approval of this request as it is in the best interest of the District's mission, and will be at no cost to the District. The case is entitled Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association Inc. v. Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. The case involves the Authority's establishment of a Landscape and Lighting Act Assessment District ("Assessment") in 2001. The Assessment was established after the passage of Proposition 218, which changed the law pertaining to special assessments. Proposition 218 prohibits assessments for the general benefit of parcels, and requires that assessments may be approved only for special benefits after approval by a majority of the owners of assessed property. In 2001, the Authority determined that it required a new source of revenue to preserve open space in Santa Clara County. After an extensive study and an engineer's report were prepared, the Authority determined that the Assessment would confer a special benefit on the parcels within its jurisdiction. The Authority then conducted a mailed ballot procedure. In December 2001, the Authority determined that a majority of property owners had voted in favor of the Assessment and it was established. The Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and others filed suit challenging the validity of the Assessment and the propriety of the mailed ballot tabulation. The Santa Clara County Superior Court ruled in favor of the Authority and the plaintiffs then filed an appeal. a R-06-42 Page 2 The principal issues raised on appeal were: 1. Is an assessment for the future acquisition and maintenance of unspecified open space land constitutionally permissible under Proposition 218? 2. Does the acquisition and maintenance of open space confer the required special benefit on the assessed parcels? 3. Were the ballots properly tabulated? In 2004, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Authority and held that Proposition 218 does not prohibit an assessment to fund future, unspecified open space acquisitions. Further, the court found that enhanced recreational opportunities and protection of views and resource values are special benefits permitted by Proposition 218. The court rejected the plaintiffs' argument that these benefits are general in nature and accrue to people, not property. The court found that, although the community as a whole would benefit from the acquisition of open space throughout the Authority's jurisdiction, this did not preclude an assessment for the special benefits that would accrue to individual parcels within the Authority. The court also found that the ballots had been properly tabulated. There was a dissenting opinion filed by one judge on the three judge panel. Plaintiffs sought review by the Supreme Court, which granted review in October 2005. The matter is currently being briefed by the parties. Amicus briefs in support of the Authority are being filed by a variety of environmental and governmental agencies. The specific parties joining in each brief have not yet been determined. The District will join in the brief most appropriate to its status as an open space agency. This case is of great importance to all public agencies that face diminishing methods of raising revenue. It is particularly important to park and open space agencies seeking means to preserve natural resources throughout the state that an assessment district—subject to majority approval— remain a viable tool to accomplish this goal. For these reasons, the General Counsel recommends the District join in an amicus brief in support of the Authority in this case. Prepared by: Sue Scheetman, General Counsel Contact Person: Same as above I Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-06-41 Meeting 06-10 March 22, 2006 AGENDA ITEM 9 AGENDA ITEM Cancellation of April 12, 2006 Regular Board Meeting GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Cancel your April 12, 2006 Regular Meeting. DISCUSSION During the week of April 10, 2006 the General Counsel and two Board members will be out of requiring Board ap proval can be prese nted at the second town. An anticipated District projects re pp p Y P P J q g meeting on April 26, 2006 without any adverse effect on District business. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above ill Claims No 06-07 Meeting 06-10 Date 3/22/06 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 4499 $425.00 Acme&Sons Sanitation Deposit-Sink&Restroom Rental For The Special Parks District Forum 4500 $136.00 ADT Security Services Alarm Repair-FFO 4501 $1,604.75 All Premium Promotional Products Volunteer Trail Patrol Supplies 4502 $126.23 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service 4503 $25.00 Asbestest,Inc. Asbestos Testing-Mora Residence 4504 $50.03 AT&T Telephone Service-Long Distance 4505 $57.65 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Cell Phone 4506 $139.95 Bolls,Ken Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4507 $1,700.00 *1 CA Dept.of Fish and Game 2006 Work Permit-ECOM Watershed Protection Program 4508 $225.96 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO 4509 $126.86 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 4510 $1,084.09 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 4511 $2,500.00 County Of Santa Clara Regional GIS Basemap 4512 $698.22 Cresco Equipment Rental Roller Rental-Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4513 $32.86 CSK Auto Vehicle Supplies 4514 $2,258.56 Dawn Reis Ecological Studies Amphibian/Reptile Training 4515 $64.00 Dolan,Brendan Reimbursement-Commercial CDL Application Fee 4516 $158.00 Environmental Career Opportunities Recruitment Advertising-Resource Specialist 4517 $298.75 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations 4518 $64.95 Fitzsimons,Renee Reimbursement-Book For Docent Library 4519 $57.60 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 4520 $171.42 Galls Incorporated First Aid Supplies 4521 $149.71 Goodoo Press,Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards 4522 $898.48 Grainger,Inc. Field Supplies 4523 $187.77 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Garbage Service-SFO 4524 $1,299.88 Home Depot Field Supplies&Equipment 4525 $14,154.61 Jakaby Engineering Design&Engineering Services/Topographic Surveys- Pedestrian Bridges At ECDM 4526 $4.87 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Photo Processing 4527 $344.28 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies 4528 $35.00 *2 LCC Peninsula Division Training-Board Members 4529 $35.00 *3 LCC Peninsula Division Training-Board Members 4530 $4,676.95 LFR Levine Fricke Petroleum Product Release Source Investigation-Pulgas Ridge 4531 $225.39 Life Assist First Aid Supplies 4532 $513.25 Los Altos Garbage Company Recycling Service-FFO 4533 $1,699.08 Los Altos Garbage Company Debris Boxes-Tree Removal At Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4534 $121.00 Manager's Edge Annual Subscription 4535 $471.13 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Supplies 4536 $1,002.76 MegaPath Networks Internet Connection-T1 Line-AO 4537 $229.99 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies 4538 $357.21 Moore Medical Corp. Medical Supplies 4539 $601.47 Northern Energy,Inc. Propane-FFO 4540 $635.42 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies 4541 $1,312.95 Page&Turnbull Construction Drawings&Services-Picchetti Ranch Winery Building Seismic Upgrade 4542 $54.60 Paterson,Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4543 $72.45 Precision Engravers,Inc. Name Tag Engraving 4544 $249.00 Protection One Quarterly Alarm Service-AO 4545 $32.10 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies Page I of 3 Claims No 06-07 Meeting 06-10 Date 3/22/06 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 4546 $44.25 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioning Service 4547 $1,379.40 Richard Seever Pig Control Services 4548 $773.88 Roys Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 4549 $197.08 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Service-FFO 4550 $418.88 Salsbury Industries Mail Chest-FFO 4551 $336.04 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA 4552 $206.00 San Mateo County Environmental Petroleum Release Groundwater Protection Program Health Oversight-Pulgas Ridge 4553 $10.00 San Mateo County Public Health Tick Testing 4554 $1,000.00 Sara Ornelas Wildlife Monitoring-RSA 4555 $1,296.81 SBC Telephone Service-AD&SFO/Fax Service-AD&SFO 4556 $113.09 SBC Internet Service-AD/Alarm Service-FFO 4557 $890.00 Sea Ranch Ltd. Pedestals For Alpine Pond Exhibit Panels 4558 $149.00 Skillpath Seminars Communication Development Conference-G.Ison 4559 $36.46 Sparks-Hart,Carrie Reimbursement-Uniform 4560 $250.00 Sterling Underground Construction Septic System Monitoring-RSA 4561 $456.55 Stevens Creek Quarry,Inc. Base Rock-Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4562 $2,092.06 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 4563 $914.69 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies-RSA&FFO 4564 $120.00 Team Management Briefings Annual Subscription 4565 $1,000.00 The Mountain Terrace Deposit-Luncheon For The Special Parks District Forum 4566 $542.96 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 4567 $5,865.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-ECDM Road Assessment 4568 $760.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Review Storm Damage-Quam&Saratoga Gap 4569 $625.12 Tires on the Go Tires 4570 $214.34 Turf&Industrial Equipment Co. Vehicle Supplies 4571 $13.20 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 4572 $952.68 United Rentals Highway Technologies Barricades-RSA/Trail Signs 4573 $55.00 Valterria,Thomas Reimbursement-EMT Refresher Course 4574 $90.93 West Payment Center CA Court Rules Updates 4575 $102.69 West Payment Center Monthly Legal Subscription 4576 $179.00 Wickham,Elise Reimbursement-Undergrounding Phone Lines At Purisima Residence 4577 $141.96 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Mileage 4578 $100.01 Xpedite Systems,Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services 4579 R $500.84 ADT Security Services Alarm Service&Repair-FFO 4580 R $895.17 All Premium Volunteer Supplies 4581 R $37.00 Allen's Press Clipping Clipping Service 4582 R $48.00 American Red Cross Emergency Response Class 4583 R $1,016.73 Bauer's Limousine Service,Inc. Deposit-Minibus Rental For Special Park District's Forum 4584 R $99.24 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4585 R $138.67 Cabela's Promotions,Inc. Uniform Expense-Rainwear 4586 R $91.63 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO 4587 R $540.00 CARPOSA Annual Renewal Dues&Conference Registration 4588 R $148.35 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repair 4589 R $643.49 Correia,Anthony Reimbursement-California Parks Conference 4590 R $1,357.00 County Of Santa Clara-Department Of Hazardous Material Storage Permit Environmental Health 4591 R $1,450.00 Dahn Design,LLC Interpretive Signs-Alpine Pond 4592 R $4,602.80 Dell Account Server-AD 4593 R $61.33 Federal Express Express Mailing Page 2 of 3 Claims No 06-07 Meeting 06-10 Date 3/22/06 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 4594 R $467.49 Indoff Incorporated Ergonomic Chair 4595 R $1,096.15 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies 4596 R $260.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services-Personnel 4597 R $119.08 Metro Mobile Communications Radio Repair&Maintenance 4598 R $21.60 Parry,Rick Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4599 R $37.83 Reed,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4600 R $3,000.00 Regional Parks Foundation Contribution For Joint Hosting Of The Special Park Districts Forum 4601 R $198.60 Ron Stewart Panelist Reimbursement For The Resource Management Workshop 4602 R $4,978.16 Royal Wholesale Electric Underground Electrical Materials-Purisima Creek 4603 R $104.00 Santa Clara County-Office Of The Fingerprinting Sheriff 4604 R $17.21 SBC Faxiine-FFO 4605 R $6,734.63 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation 4606 R $520.60 Therese Glowacki Panelist Reimbursement For The Resource Management Workshop 4607 R $62.30 Thieffoldt,Sally Reimbursement-Mileage 4608 R $614.74 Thomas,Jennifer Reimbursement-Academy Expenses 4609 R $150.00 Verisign Email Security Service 4610 R $311.80 Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Service 4611 R $1,559.32 Wildfire Fire Equipment Total $94,581.07 .1 Urgent Check Issued 3/15/06 *2 Urgent Check Issued 3/13/06 *3 Urgent Check Issued 3/9/06 Page 3 of 3 Claims No 06-07 Meeting 06-10 Date 3/22106 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 4499 $425.00 Acme&Sons Sanitation Deposit-Sink&Restroom Rental For The Special Parks District Forum 4500 $136.00 ADT Security Services Alarm Repair-FFO 4501 $1,604.75 All Premium Promotional Products Volunteer Trail Patrol Supplies 4502 $126.23 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service 4503 $25.00 Asbestest,Inc. Asbestos Testing-Mora Residence 4504 $%03 AT&T Telephone Service-Long Distance 4505 $57.65 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Cell Phone 4506 $139.95 Bolle,Ken Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4507 $1,700.00 "1 CA Dept.of Fish and Game 2006 Work Permit-ECDM Watershed Protection Program 4508 $225.96 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO 4509 $126.86 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 4510 $1,084.09 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 4511 $2,500.00 County Of Santa Clara Regional GIS Basemap 4512 $698.22 Cresco Equipment Rental Roller Rental-Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4513 $32.86 CSK Auto Vehicle Supplies 4514 $2,258.56 Dawn Reis Ecological Studies Amphibian/Reptile Training 4515 $64.00 Dolan,Brendan Reimbursement-Commercial CDL Application Fee 4516 $158.00 Environmental Career Opportunities Recruitment Advertising-Resource Specialist 4517 $298.75 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations 4518 $64.95 Fitzsimons,Renee Reimbursement-Book For Docent Library 4519 $57.60 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 4520 $171.42 Galls Incorporated First Aid Supplies 4521 $149.71 Goodco Press,Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards 4522 $898A8 Grainger,Inc. Field Supplies 4523 $187.77 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Garbage Service-SFO 4524 $1,299.88 Home Depot Field Supplies&Equipment 4525 $14,154.61 Jakaby Engineering Design&Engineering Services/Topographic Surveys- Pedestrian Bridges At ECDM 4526 $4.87 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Photo Processing 4527 $344.28 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies 4528 $35.00 *2 LCC Peninsula Division Training-Board Members 4529 $35.00 *3 LCC Peninsula Division Training-Board Members 4530 $4,676.95 LFR Levine Fricke Petroleum Product Release Source Investigation-Pulgas Ridge 4531 $225.39 Life Assist First Aid Supplies 4532 $513.25 Los Altos Garbage Company Recycling Service-FFO 4533 $1,699.08 Los Altos Garbage Company Debris Boxes-Tree Removal At Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4534 $121.00 Manager's Edge Annual Subscription 4535 $471.13 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Supplies 4536 $1,002.76 MegaPath Networks Internet Connection-T1 Line-AO 4537 $229.99 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies 4538 $357.21 Moore Medical Corp. Medical Supplies 4539 $601.47 Northern Energy,Inc. Propane-FFO 4540 $635.42 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies 4541 $1,312.95 Page&Tumbull Construction Drawings&Services-Picchetti Ranch Winery Building Seismic Upgrade 4542 $54.60 Paterson,Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 4543 $72.45 Precision Engravers,Inc. Name Tag Engraving 4544 $249.00 Protection One Quarterly Alarm Service-AD 4545 $32.10 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies Page 1 of 2 4 Claims No 06-07 Meeting 06-10 Date 3/22/06 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 4546 $44.25 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioning Service 4547 $1,379.40 Richard Seaver Pig Control Services 4548 $773.88 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 4549 $197.08 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Service-FFO 4550 $418.88 Salsbury Industries Mail Chest-FFO 4551 $336.04 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA 4552 $206.00 San Mateo County Environmental Petroleum Release Groundwater Protection Program Health Oversight-Pulgas Ridge 4553 $10.00 San Mateo County Public Health Tick Testing 4554 $1,000.00 Sara Omelas Wildlife Monitoring-RSA 4555 $1,296.81 SBC Telephone Service-AO&SFO/Fax Service-AD&SFO 4556 $113.09 SBC Internet Service-AO/Alarm Service-FFO 4557 $890.00 Sea Ranch Ltd. Pedestals For Alpine Pond Exhibit Panels 4558 $149.00 Skillpath Seminars Communication Development Conference-G. Ison 4559 $36.46 Sparks-Hart,Carrie Reimbursement-Uniform 4560 $250.00 Sterling Underground Construction Septic System Monitoring-RSA 4561 $456.55 Stevens Creek Quarry,Inc. Base Rock-Rhus Ridge Parking Lot 4562 $2,092.06 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 4563 $914.69 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies-RSA&FFO 4564 $120.00 Team Management Briefings Annual Subscription 4565 $1,000.00 The Mountain Terrace Deposit-Luncheon For The Special Parks District Forum 4566 $542.96 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 4567 $5,865.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-ECDM Road Assessment 4568 $760.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Review Storm Damage-Quarn&Saratoga Gap 4569 $625.12 Tires on the Go Tires 4570 $214.34 Turf&Industrial Equipment Co. Vehicle Supplies 4571 $13.20 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 4572 $952.68 United Rentals Highway Technologies Barricades-RSA/Trail Signs 4573 $55.00 Valterria,Thomas Reimbursement-EMT Refresher Course 4574 $90.93 West Payment Center CA Court Rules Updates 4575 $102.69 West Payment Center Monthly Legal Subscription 4576 $179.00 Wickham,Elise Reimbursement-Undergrounding Phone Lines At Purisima Residence 4577 $141.96 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Mileage 4578 $100.01 Xpedite Systems,Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services Total $62,697.31 *1 Urgent Check Issued 3/15/06 *2 Urgent Check Issued 3/13/06 *3 Urgent Check Issued 3/9/06 Pap 2 of 2 Regional Open S, ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager DATE: March 17, 2006 RE: FYI's g-pr E EE Regional Open S- -ice A March 8, 2006 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Mr. Terry Neudorf, Sr. Environmental Planner Santa Clara Valley Water District 5750 Almaden Expressway San Jose, CA 95 1 1 8-3686 RE: DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE LEXINGTON RAW WATER PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT Dear Mr. Neudorf- On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(District),please accept the following comments regarding the Draft Initial Study(IS)and Mitigated Negative Declaration(MND)for the Lexington Raw Water Pipeline Replacement Project.The District owns and manages approximately 50,060 acres of open space land on the San Francisco Peninsula in a series of 25 preserves stretching from the San Francisco Watershed Lands to south of Los Gatos. Sierra AzuI Open Space Preserve,which is the District's largest with over 17,000 acres, and St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve are both located near the Lexington Reservoir. The District is particularly concerned about any potential impacts that the project may have on the use of Alma Bridge Road and on public recreational uses including access to public trails and vistas from trails that surround Lexington Reservoir. Mitigation Measure VEG 1 -Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Please specify how many replacement trees will be planted and the planting location proposed on San Jose Water Company land adjacent to the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Also,to ensure tree survival,the mitigation measure should provide specific information on the assignment of responsibilities for the planting and monitoring activities, a time-critical planting schedule,measurable criteria to determine the level of successful tree survival, and follow-up activities to replace any dead trees that did not survive the replanting. Moreover,the tree replacement should be coordinated with the Town of Los Gatos given that the planting area is located adjacent to the popular and well-used Los Gatos Creek Trail and within the Town limits. On-site signage explaining the tree replacement activities is also important to keep the public informed of the work. Moreover, since the site is in close proximity to natural wilderness areas, the District stresses the need to ensure that the trees planted are locally native and that both the newly planted area and the denuded area be monitored and kept clear of any invasive and exotic plant species. Section 15. Transportation/Traffic Given the two lane travel on Alma Bridge Road and the high use of the roadway by recreational visitors wishing to access trailheads and boating launch sites, the MND should address the temporary traffic impacts resulting from construction employees and construction equipment to recreational visitors who are driving into and out of the parking areas. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the IS and MND. Please do not hesitate to contact District Planner Ana Ruiz at(650) 691-1200 if you have any questions regarding our comments. Sincer , y L. Craig Britton General Manager cc: MROSD Board of Directors Town of Los Gatos,Attn:Planning 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org Board of Directors: Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz • General Manager:L.Craig Britton MAR 8 2006 1402 Parkinson Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 March 5, 2006 Last night (Saturday, March 4) 1 enjoyed a three hour owling excursion on Monte Bello Ridge with Bob Power's PA adult ed class and two of your docents, Candice and Jack. The enclosed check is a thank you to all of you at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District ....for.those who maintain the trails, keep the TP in stock, etc., and especially the docents who make it possible for us to enjoy the preserve at night. Jack and Candice were excellent They gave us some information and instruction, letting Bob do most of the teaching. One of them led the group, one provided sweep. They walked up and back just enough to make me feel cared for and I knew they were available for questions or concerns.... They made it possible for me to focus on the environment; the beauty of the night, the sounds and smells. I did not have to be concerned about getting lost(either taking the wrong trail or getting left behind!) and I knew that if I slipped orl they would be there to help. Perfect docents in my book! Friday I attended the memorial service for my good friend, Lois Hogle, and I woke u Saturday thankful for all those who worked to preserve places like The Monte Bello Lge. I woke up this morning thankful for people like all of you who continue to tend this land so that we can all enjoy ft. Thank you. �1e"le , Mary Lorey PS. I was disapponted that I heard only one owl, the Northern Pigmy Owl, but I guess I can't hold the docents responsible for that!! Regional Open Sj ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT March 9, 2006 William and Lesley Obermayer 22400 Skyline Blvd., #22 La Honda, CA 94020 Re: Portola Lookout (former Comas property) Dear Mr. and Mrs. Obermayer: Thank you for your letter of February 15, 2006 in which you set forth your understanding of the road maintenance obligations associated with the District's ownership of the former Comas property. This matter was referred back to our staff, who further investigated the District's maintenance obligations. It was determined that we are indeed obligated to maintain the section of Long Ridge Road through the former Comas property for the benefit of residents in both the Diablo and Portola Heights neighborhoods. At the time we purchased this property from Peninsula Open Space Trust, we were mistakenly under the impression that the maintenance obligation extended only to the Diablo residents. On November 16, 2005, the District's Real Property Committee held an on-site neighborhood meeting in an effort to gather information about the former Comas property. At the meeting there was a lengthy discussion about past and present land uses, including the patterns of historical and current road use. The Board Committee members and staff were informed that the majority of neighbors prefer to use Sorich Road to access properties lying to the north and west. The maintenance obligation for Long Ridge Road within the Comas property was also discussed and staff acknowledged that, if acquired, the District would be obligated to continue maintaining the road to a standard equal to that which the previous property owners provided when the easement was granted. In regards to your request to have the District upgrade the section of Long Ridge Road through the former Comas property to a paved standard, it is the Board's position that this level of improvement goes beyond the scope of the maintenance obligation prescribed in the road easement, and is incompatible with the surrounding rural and open space character of the area. As you are aware, staff recently completed maintenance work on Long Ridge Road and will continue to evaluate the condition of the road during the rainy season. Staff's closure of the road in February was to help prevent neighbors from getting their vehicles stranded along the roadway. When road conditions dried out sufficiently, staff completed its road maintenance work. We have asked staff to keep the members of Portola Park Heights Property Owners Association apprised of future road maintenance work on the former Comas property. 33o Distel Circle 650-691-12oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-69i-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Honko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton Mr. &Mrs. Obermayer March 9,2006 Page 2 We hope this letter addresses your concerns. You are encouraged to contact David Sanguinetti, Area Superintendent at the District's Skyline Field Office with any additional road maintenance concerns or Mike Williams, Real Property Manager at the Administrative Office with any questions regarding the road easement through the former Comas property. Sincerely, C Jed ed �� President, Board of Directors cc: MROSD Board of Directors David Sanguinetti, Area Superintendent, Skyline Field Office Mike Williams, Real Property Manager Portola Park Heights Property Owners Association PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! You are invited to join us for a Celebration with Senator Dianne Feinstein honoring the Third Anniversary of the Salt Pond Acquisition and Our Progress To Date. It will be held next Monday March 20, 2005 at 10:15 am at The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center At 1751 Grant Blvd., Alviso Additional details to follow. Regional Open ice ................ March 15, 2006 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Audrey C. Rust, President Peninsula Open Space Trust 3000 Sand Hill Road, 1-155 Menlo Park, CA 94025 Dear Ms. Rust, On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I am writing in support of the Peninsula Open Space Trust's (POST) continued efforts to permanently protect the 4,262-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra property in San Mateo County, California. I strongly encourage the Land and Water Conservation Fund to grant POST the $15 million appropriations request necessary to preserve Rancho Corral de Tierra as part of our National Park System in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area(GGNRA). For more than 30 years, the District has been purchasing lands on the peninsula, and now on the San Mateo Coast with its Coastside Protection Program,with the objective of creating a regional greenbelt and protecting the natural environment. Located on the San Mateo Coast and adjacent to existing GGNRA lands, Rancho Corral de Tierra presents an unparalleled opportunity for parkland expansion and connection of regional trail corridors such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the California Coastal Trail. If the property is successfully funded and purchased by the GGNRA, it would mean approximately 29,700 contiguous acres of open space, or more than 46 square miles would be safeguarded in the highly urbanized region of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. A continuous greenbelt is key to the survival of many species and natural habitats. Rancho Corral de Tierra supports distinctive coastal scrub and chaparral habitat and contains the headwaters for four major watersheds. These precious natural resources provide habitat and a vital source of water for a number of threatened and endangered species, including the peregrine falcon, San Bruno elfin butterfly, San Francisco garter snake, and California red-legged frog. This is a significant and critical land conservation project and a unique opportunity for a dynamic three- way partnership between state agencies, the federal government, and private entities. I urge your favorable consideration of POST's $15 million appropriations request to protect the irreplaceable natural resources and recreational opportunities of Rancho Corral de Tierra. Sincere -7z;" L. Craig Britton General Manager LCB/ka cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org & web site: www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett, Kenneth C.Nitz * General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open �, ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT i TO: Board of Directors FROM: Sally Thielfoldt, Acting General Manager , DATE: March 22, 2006 RE: FYI's 1 I Regional Open F -ice March 17, 2006 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Parks and Recreation Commission San Mateo County Environmental Services Agency County Office Building 455 County Center,0 Floor Redwood City, CA 94063 Subject: Proposed Huddart and Wunderlich Parks Master Plan Dear Honorable Commissioners: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(District),I am writing to express support for the proposed Huddart and Wunderlich Parks Master Plan. These Parks and the District's Open Space Preserves comprise a large majority of the regional greenbelt that provides access to thousands of public recreational users annually. The approval of this Master Plan,including the planning,design and construction of a"Valley to Skyline" trail and parking and staging area south of Kings Mountain Road will further enhance recreational opportunities for the public and make possible other future long-term access opportunities. There is currently a shortage of regional public parking areas along State Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Across the highway from Huddart Park,the District's Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve parking lot only accommodates five vehicles. However,the area of Huddart Park where the Bay Area Ridge Trail and California Riding and Hiking Trail crosses Kings Mountain Road can easily accommodate thirty or more vehicles, and was identified in the original 1982 Huddart Park Master Plan. Unfortunately, limited resources have prevented County Parks from constructing this facility. The County now has an opportunity to work with the District to develop a cooperative agreement that will make this facility a reality. In addition,the development of this parking area and subsequent transfer of land to the District will allow us to begin the master planning process for the 626-acre Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. Once developed,Teague Hill will provide additional public access,including trail connections from Wunderlich Park to Huddart Park as well as other regional trails. Construction of a"Valley to Skyline" trail along Squeeler Gulch may provide a safe and much needed route for mountain bicyclists wishing to reach the ridge from the Town of Woodside. Once on the ridge,these cyclists can access other popular riding destinations, including El Corte de Madera creek and Purisima Creek Open Space Preserves. Although there are concerns regarding the safety of hikers and equestrians along the Bay Area Ridge Trail if bicycles are permitted,the District concurs with County Parks that proper trail design, signage,and educating the public about multi-use etiquette will mitigate these concerns. Your recommendation that the Board of Supervisors approve the Draft Huddart and Wunderlich Parks Master Plan will bring us one step closer to realizing future opportunities for additional public access throughout this regional greenbelt. Thank you for your consideration and please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or comments. Si cerely, L. L Cma ritto Ig Britto General Manager LCB:mdv cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 9 E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors: Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett, Kenneth C.Nitz - General Manager:L.Craig Britton ,NTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM March 15, 2006 TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month February Year 2006 DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS Bicycles Auto burglary 3 Closed area 6 13 False information to Peace Officer I Speed 4 7 Assault I Helmet 6 14 Hit &Run I Night-riding 2 2 Suspended license I Dogs Drug paraphrenalia I Prohibited area 4 7 Marijuana growing site I Off-leash 11 17 Failure to yield I Off-road vehicles I I Closed area 2 4 ACCIDENTSANCIDENTS After hours 7 9 Bicycle accident 0 Fishing 0 0 Equestrian accident 0 Vandalism 0 2 Hiking/running accident 0 Parking 27 30 Other first aid I Parking after hours 13 15 Search&Rescue I Dumping 0 0 Vehicle accident I Camping 0 1 LZ air evacuation 0 Campfires 0 1 Fire I Weapons Actual contact(pelleigun) 0 1 ENFORCEMENT Report only 0 0 Parking citations 40 Vehicle closed area 0 0 Other citations 51 Group w/out permit 0 1 Written warnings 43 Smoking 3 3 Arrests 2 Poss marijuana< I oz 0 1 Police assistance 5 Cattle grazing 0 1 Reckless driving 4 4 MUTUAL AID Climbing tools 0 3 Accident 4 Reckless activity 0 3 Fire (vehicle) 0 Defacement I I Law enforcement 2 Illegal trail contstruction 0 1 Medical aid 0 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE Date I At approximately 12:45 a.m. a car drove off Alpine Road into Skyline Ridge and rolled over about four times, approximately 75 yards down a hill into the preserve. The driver had fallen asleep. She self-extricated without major injuries and called her husband to be picked up. District staff discovered the vehicle the following day and interviewed the driver. CHP responded to the incident. Two rangers on patrol on Mt. Umunhum Road in Sierra Azul observed a car blocking a district gate at Bald Mountain. The vehicle was cited and the rangers searched the area looking for the subjects, because the preserve was closed. A man and girl were found. A precautionary search of the male revealed a pellet handgun,which was secured. The girl repeatedly gave false information and stated she was 17 years old. Dispatch called the girl's mother, who said her daughter was 14 years old and that the mother did not know the man. Due to the length of time it was taking to identify the girl and the circumstances, Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies were called. When they arrived, they arrested both people. The man was arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, with additional charges of"after hours use prohibited"and"firearms in a preserve." The girl was arrested for a probation violation. 4 Drug paraphernalia was discovered at Thornewood. Eight syringes and numerous narcotic (heroin) drug bindles were discovered among dumped household garbage. The syringes (sharps) were taken to Camino Care for safe disposal. 5 A Santa Clara County park ranger notified a District ranger of suspicious ATV tracks leaving Sierra Azul at Hicks and Alamitos roads. The ranger evaluated the tracks and determined they belonged to a mini-excavator type of equipment. Rangers followed the tracks and found a tent. They then left to call Santa Clara County Sheriffs. Rangers went to meet the deputies, while the County Park ranger stayed behind. When everyone returned, the County ranger reported that he had seen a white male hike up the trail. Many deputies arrived and searched the area,but no suspect was found. There was a tarp, some cargo netting, and some mesh at the site. A search of a lower area revealed a five-gallon bucket containing an unknown liquid. A hazardous materials response team removed the bucket. They believe the liquid to be hydraulic fluid. 5 An illegal mountain bike trail was located at El Corte de Madera. The trail originates from private property on Bear Gulch Road and had been previously closed. 6 A full size, newer Pepsi machine was dumped off Mt. Umunhum Road near the Bald Mountain gate. It had no money, but was about V2fall of sodas, water and juice products. A Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputy was requested, since it appeared that the machine was stolen. The deputy took a report and made arrangements for Pepsi Co. to remove the machine. 7 A woman driving a vehicle fled from an earlier accident on the highway. Police pursuit ended with the woman leaving the car in the Ravenswood parking lot and fleeing on foot into the former boat works area, now owned by POST. The vehicle caught fire, police believe from the earlier accident. It was extinguished by Menlo Park Fire. Police checked the former boat works property for the suspect,but were unable to locate her and no canine units were available. CHP towed the vehicle. 7 At Thornewood three people were contacted while installing a rope swing in the Dennis Martin Creek area. The three were issued written warnings and the rope was removed. 7 Two wallets containing cash and credit cards and a pair of binoculars were stolen from an auto at Purisima. 8 Two drivers were cited for reckless driving in Skyline Ridge parking lot. They were speeding and fish tailing in the gravel. One driver had an accident when he drove his car into the parking barricades, making his car inoperable. This driver had no insurance and his license was suspended. CHP responded to the incident. The individuals had been cited at the same location almost exactly a year ago for the same violation. 11 A ranger took a report from a dog owner involved in a physical altercation between visitors at St. Joseph's Hill. The woman stated that she was hiking up the Flume Trail with two off leash dogs. A male and female jogger came down the trail. Her small dog (approximately 8" at the shoulder) ran up to and barked at the male jogger. He told her to leash the dog or he would call the rangers. She swore at him, then tried to leash the dog. The dog ran up to the jogger again. The jogger then kicked the dog, after which, the woman said she hit him with the leashes she had in her hand. The jogger then pushed her off the trail. She climbed back onto the trail and ran after him and hit him again with the leashes. He again pushed her off the trail. She got back up and chased him again. The joggers ran away, and the dog owner gave up chasing them. Los Gatos PD was unable to locate the joggers. 13 A purse containing credit cards was stolen at Windy Hill from a car parked at the roadside parking area on Skyline Blvd. 15 A reckless driving citation was issued to a person spinning donuts on the gravel surface of the equestrian parking lot at Skyline Ridge. 16 A possible marijuana growing area or theft of water was reported for Monte Bello. Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies investigated the possibility of a marijuana growing area. They located the reported spring and pipe in the Adobe Creek drainage and followed it for some distance. Due to time constraints and the difficulty of the terrain they were unable to locate the end point. District staff will be conducting further investigations focusing on water theft. 20 A vehicle accident occurred on Loma Prieta Way,just inside a District gate signed "Authorized and Resident Vehicles Only" and "Area Closed." Three people had gone up to see the snow and hike in the area. As they were leaving, the driver was going too fast for the conditions and lost control. He drove off the roadway and ended up approximately 15 feet below the road. There were no injuries. CHP arrived and checked for alcohol use and released the driver to the ranger who responded. The driver was cited for vehicles prohibited and had to pay a tow truck to recover his vehicle. 20 Two small marijuana-growing sites were located at Teague Hill. Neither was active and &26 both appeared to be several years old. One was near Kings Mountain Road and Skyline Blvd. on the Ridge Trail and the other was near Pinto Lane. San Mateo County sheriff's deputies investigated and secured the area. District rangers then removed a small amount of old cooking pots and wire. February vandalism 13 Gang graffiti was sprayed on a 15 mph road sign in Rancho County Park. The tagging was removed. 22 Graffiti was written with a permanent marker on the wall of the restroom at the lower Windy Hill lot. Ma or,dud Comber cordially invites you to be presentfor the State of the City address Monday, March 27, 2006 City Council Chambers 250 Hamifton avenue 7.00 p.m. Debuting the PAUS27Afl-Star5azz Combo under the direction of Mark Dungan, Gunn*h Sdwof 5eff 1449ner, Pafo afto Mtgh Schoof 7.15 p.m. introduction and State of the City address 7.45 p.m. Reception City Ha fLobby Paring availabfe in City Mall Parks tg Garage i I From: Craig Dremarm [craig@ecoseeds.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:12 AM Subject: Annual Weed Contests within our WMA? Dear All, At yesterday's San Mateo County Weed Management Area (WMA) meeting in Redwood City, we started a discussion on how an annual "Weed Contests" could be set up within our WMA. Our two-year WMA Strategic Plan was provisionally approved yesterday, and we have a long list of weeds of concern in the plan, but no efficient OPEN-SOURCE technologies to efficiently manage a single one of them on any large-scale. I made up a web page at http://www.ecoseeds.com/invent.html outlining different ways that our WMA could get the weed management technologies invented, and the annual "Weed Contest" method looks like the most reasonable to achieve success in the shortest amount of time. For an annual contest, it might be good to start on one easy weed like Yellow Star Thistle (YST) and one unknown weed like the False Brome. As we discussed at the yesterday's meeting, our WMA needs to have weed management technologies invented, that have high quality"Performance Standards"--which means that whatever process you employ, it will manage that weed at least 90-99%within 90 days or less. And ideally, for Federal, State and County public agencies, the weed management process should be NEPA or CEQA-free, meaning that whatever technologies are employed, they are so safe that no environmental document is required. If you've had a chance to read my June 2002 cover ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION magazine article about Mr. Shaw's 74 acres near Santa Cruz,that went from 99% exotic plant cover, back to 85% native cover with over 200 species of local native plants popping out from under the exotics---then you know that it is possible to eventually do that for all the weeds we have to manage within our WMA. The ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION article is a 579K PDF file at http://www.ecoseeds.com/ecol.restorejune02.pdf I personally know that for YST, every single public agency within our WMA, that has any YST on its land, could permanently manage that weed 99%within 90 days or less, without any more mowing, pulling, hoeing, burning, grazing or Transline. How do I know that? Because our firm invented three different LICENSED technologies that could achieve that performance standard for managing YST, 18 years ago. Therefore, regarding YST, perhaps this spring, the inefficient pulling and mowing would stop within our WMA, and instead numerous small-scale test plots set up? Perhaps as a"Contest"--- with the objective to invent the technologies that work as fast or faster that the above-listed "Performance Standard", maybe 99% in 60 days or less? If one company could invent something to take care of YST within 90 days or less, what other inventors are out there who could invent some technologies for our other major WMA weeds? That's why it is so important for our WMA to support in a major way, an annual "Weed Contest" in whatever fashion we can. Sincerely, Craig Dremann (650) 325-7333 N� March 23, 2UO6 Mr. 8tretherSmith 8\3} prcmidioDrive Cupertino, C/\q50|4 Re: Proposed Trail Use Change at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Dear Mr. Smith: Thank you for your February 28, 2006 letter requesting Board consideration to change the use designation ofu segment uf Bay Area Ridge Trail at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve 10 allow bicycle use. The | Board of Directors reviewed your letter last night nt its regular meeting. We appreciate your concerns regarding user safety and the desire for easier mountain bicycling opportunities at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. As the connection between the Skyline Ridge parking lot and Alpine Pond is an important link for bicycles, it is also equally important for hikers. � When the 0.5 mile o*Ann�ntofRLid��T,aU you n:f�rb»vvau�uue�ruc1�d in dzo lg�Om, bvvun o�icth/ � . ~ intended to provide hiking-only000ems from the parking lot to Alpine Pond. Therefore, h was constructed as a uonnvv single-track trail with the upper portion having u tread that is only two to three feet wide. � This trail is popular hiking destination, particularly onweekends. Hikers, including families with � children, often use this route to reach Alpine Pond and the Daniels Nature Center either when the Russian Ridge parking lot is full or if they desire u longer, more scenic hiking experience. Due to its narrow � width,erosive aui| conditions and turni\y use,the trail would require extensive modification to accommodate bicycling use, including installation of numerous drainage structures and rock armor to � reduce erosion potential. Considering the original intent of the trail, maintenance issues,and the fact that alternate nuu\dp|r-usc boi|a are available in the vicinity` we do not feel that the use designation of this segment ofRidge Trail � should bo changed at this time. The District is very concerned about the safety of all preserve visitors and � actively works to reduce incidents possibly resulting in injury. Your concerns regarding the condition of the 8.4-mi|e multi-use trail segment will be reviewed by Skyline Field Office staff tudetermine if any measures are appropriate to innpzmvc the condition of the steeper portion of the trail. In the meantime, we � suggest that you consider alternate locations for docent-led rides for beginning cyclists, such as Russian � Ridge Open Space Preserve. � � We appreciate your time and dedication as a District docent and again,thank you for writing to express your concerns. Sincerely, Jed Cyr, President Board o[Directors ]C:mdv co: MROSD Board WFDirectors RECEIVES.; FEB 2 8 2006 To: MROSD Board of Directors vMPENINSULA REGIONAL OPE, From: Strether Smith,MROSD Docent SPACEMTF}!CT Re: Proposed trail use modification due to safety and health concerns i cc: David Sanguinetti, Skyline Area Superintendent j Matt Freeman, Interim Planning Manager Julie Norton, Community Affairs Supervisor I would like the Board to consider opening d uThe the section of the Ridge Trail in Skyline 0A. Ridge marked in green on the map at right to ••... 01 ;,� os — D.1 mountain biking. 2!00Pbrid os The trail that is presently available for c °'Z 2411 os :• S 0.3 . 0.1 k 11:1 �" �•� mountain biking is marked in red. ' ,13 00: a Cy•i 0.3. �• The connection between the Skyline Ridge y'� ` 00 0.4 1 ;� parking lot and Alpine Pond is a crucial link �; M for biking activities that include the several �Pa�•. _ +� preserves in the area. There are however, several critical problems with the presently available red route: 1. When riding in the westerly direction(up hill)the grade is so steep that only very strong(expert) bikers can ride it. It is so difficult for"normal" riders that I no longer use the route for docent-lead rides. 2. When riding in the easterly direction(down hill), one section of the road is so steep and(often) poorly conditioned that I think that it is dangerous. I only take riders down it that I feel are expert at handling steep, slippery, down-hill routes. The only other alternative is to ride on Skyline Boulevard: an option that I consider to be even more dangerous than the present trail. If the part of the ridge trail shown in green were opened to biking this would solve all of these problems. The trail section is not heavily used by hikers and there should be P negligible impact on their activities. I appreciate your consideration and will be pleased to participate in further discussions. Strether Smith 8131 Presidio Drive Cupertino, CA 95014 Ph: (408) 257-3803 Cell: (408)255-3650 I