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Home My Public Portal About20090624 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 09-20 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 09-20 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,June 24, 2009 Community United Methodist Church Community Building 770 Miramontes Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING 6:30* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA 6:40* CONSENT CALENDAR I Approve Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of May 27, 2009 2 Approve Revised Claims Report 3 Approve Written Communications—None 6:50* BOARD BUSINESS 4 Approval of the proposed purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust(Bluebrush Canyon) Property located at 2310 Purisirna Creek Road in unincorporated San Mateo County(San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 066-230-060)as an Addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan; and approval of a Categorical Exemption in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act—M. Williams 5 Approval of the proposed purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust(Roberts) property as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve, located at the end of Miramontes Street in unincorporated San Mateo County(Assessor's Parcel Number 064-390-020); adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan; and approval of a Categorical Exemption in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act—M. Williams INFORMATIONAL REPORTS— Written or oral reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief reports or Meeting 09-20 Page 2 announcements concerning 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 matter at a future meeting; or direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. A. Committee Reports B. Staff Reports C. Director Reports ADJOURNMENT Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed.Agenda is subject to change of order. TOADDRESS 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. Consent Calendar: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. Public records provided to a majority of the District's Board of Directors relating to an Agenda Item on the open session of a regular Board meeting will be made available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distcl Circle, Los Altos,California 94022 during normal business hours. CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA 1,Anna Jatczak, Interim District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda for the June 24,2009 Regular Meeting of the MROSD Board ol'Directors was posted and available for review on June 19,2009 at the Administrative Offices of MROSD,330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California,94022. 'The agenda is also available on the District's web site at httr)://www.o Signed this 19th day ot'June 2009,at Los Altos,California. Interim District Clerk Date: 06/19/09 Claims No. 09-11 Meeting 09-20 Date 6/24/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10575 $423,251.00 California JPIA 2009-2010 General Liability&Workers'Compensation Primary Deposits And Rolling Retro Deposits 10576 $9,407.55 Sage Associates Grazing Consulting Services 10577 $9,090.00 Macro Corporation Black Mountain Microwave Study For Districts New Radio System 10578 $8,150.00 Tickler&Thomas Consulting Services To Prepare Staff Retention Survey Report 10579 $5,478.62 Hertz Equipment Rental Excavator To Remove Coyote Brush,Cat-Tails&Creosote 10580 $5,312.28 EQ Wine Covers Company Balance-Carport For FFO 10581 $5,002.75 Tannerhecht Architecture Architecture Services For The AO Remodel Project-Construction &Bidding Documents 10582 $3,901.39 Condor Country Consulting Herpetological Surveys Of Mindego Hill Ranch 10583 $3,612.50 Mayne Tree Expert Company Spraying Trees With Agri-Fos At RSA&ECDM 10584 $3,513.99 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 10585 $2,950.01 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 10586 $2,850.00 Fraser&Associates Review&Analyze Fiscal Analysis Prepared By East Palo Alto Area Redevelopment Agency 10587 $2,799.42 *1 First National Bank Conferences&Training Expenses-Water Treatment Training! City Attorney Conference/Land Conservation Seminar/Public Information Officer Course/Continuing Education&Training For Qualified Applicator License 10588 $2,603.65 Geocon Consultants Environmental&Geotechnical Consulting Services For Mindego Ranch Landfill 10589 $2,161,38 Tires On The Go Tires 10590 $2,090.00 Peckham&McKenney Recruitment-Administration Manager/Clerk Of The Board 10591 $1,698.55 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 10592 $1,616.36 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies,Chain Saw&Brushcutter Supplies 10593 $1,472.00 Alliant Insurance Services Crime Insurance Premium 10594 $1,282.91 *1 First National Bank Business Related Meals/Board Meetings&Special Meetings/ Staff Workshop/Interview Panel/Administration Assistants Luncheon 10595 $1,261.47 *1 First National Bank Field Supplies/GPS Unit/Sign Expenses/Mower Parts/ Herbicide Applicators I 10596 $1,245.07 Stetson Engineers Watermaster Services For San Gregorio Watershed 10597 $1,171.96 *1 First National Bank Office Supplies/Phones For AO/Fan For Electrical Room/ Microphone Supplies For Portable System!Name Plates 10598 $1,014.25 Firestone Complete Auto Care Tires 10599 $966.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Janitorial Supplies&Window Cleaning-AO 10600 $878.87 G.P.Sports Add Kick Start To Two Patrol Motorcycles 10601 $860.89 *1 First National Bank Patrol Bike&Rack For SFO 10602 $854.99 *1 First National Bank Uniform Expenses 10603 $848.48 Metro Mobile Communications Radio Repairs&Supplies 10604 $775.23 *1 First National Bank Ginzton Event Expenses 10605 $773.34 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Company Lock&Key Replacement-AO 10606 $700.30 Downey Brand Attorneys Legal Services-Land Acquisition 10607 $658.26 *1 First National Bank Computer Expenses/Backup Battery/Wireless Access Expenses For Annex/Web Hosting For Site Development& Testing/Domain Name Registration For District Foundation 10608 $638.25 Shulman, Rogers,Gandal,Pordy& Legal Services-Telecommunications Advice For District Radio Ecker Frequency 10609 $566.36 Los Altos Garbage Company Recycle Service-FFO 10610 $487.50 Rachel Demitrios Revisions To Electronic Incident Report Form&Citation Database 10611 $477.45 CMK Automotive Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 10612 $475.30 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-FFO&SFO 10613 $470.94 R. E. Borrmann's Steel Company Rebar For Trail Work At Fremont Older 10614 $425.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Windy Hill Page 1 of 3 i • Claims No. 09-11 i Meeting 09-20 Date 6/24/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10615 $420.79 *1 First National Bank Books/Recruitment Ad For Ranger/Survey Monkey Monthly Subscription/Ad For La Honda Master Plan Meeting 10616 $412.77 Mallory Company Hazard Flagging Tape 10617 $410.65 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA County Park 10618 $404.93 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Maintenance Pumper Parts&Field Supplies 10619 $340.00 County Of San Mateo Human Supervisor Training Resources Department 10620 $327.36 West Payment Center Legal Research&Books 10621 $317,75 Northern Energy Propane-FFO 10622 $275.00 CalPERS Educational Forum Conference Registration 10623 $267.86 Cupertino Bike Shop Patrol Bike Repairs 10624 $249.52 Staples Office Supplies 10625 $246.48 John Shelton Culverts For Trail Improvement At Fremont Older 10626 $223.08 Accountemps Accounting Temp 10627 $217.60 Gempler's Uniform Expenses&Field Supplies 10628 $213.68 Stiles Truck Body&Equipment Repair Door On Patrol Truck 10629 $165.00 Lund, Pearson,McLaughlin Fire Sprinkler System Quarterly Inspection Protection System 10630 $160.00 State Of California-OES Hazardous Material Training 10631 $155.54 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Cell Phone&Field Supplies 10632 $142.95 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO 10633 $140.00 Regional Water Quality Control Board Water Quality Certification Fee For Culvert Replacement At Picchetti Ranch 10634 $126.93 Forestry Suppliers Fire Weather Kit 10635 $124.70 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 10636 $78.00 Pacific Telemanagement Services Pay Phone-Black Mountain 10637 $60.91 Ben Meadows Company Fire Bag 10638 $60.00 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Cell Phone 10639 $48.98 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services 10640 $43.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 10641 $37.30 *1 First National Bank Nature Center Supplies 10642 $33.50 Hoge, Fenton,Jones&Appel Legal Services-Chiocchi Litigation 10643 $28.50 ID Plus Name Tags 10644 $27.00 Rancho Cobbler&Cleaners Uniform Alteration 10645 $25.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service 10646 $22.58 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill 10647 $20.00 City Of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fees-Black Mountain 10648 $16.55 Barron Park Supply Plumbing Supplies 10649 $9.50 Peninsula Digital Imaging Printing Services-Copy Of ECDM Retaining Wall Drawings 10650 R $10,037.50 Philip Williams&Associates Dambreak Analysis-RSA 10651 R $7,062.81 Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office Patrol Services 10652 R $5,671.34 State Water Resources Control Board Oversight Costs For Driscoll Remediation 10653 R $1,421.00 Regional Water Quality Control Board 2009 Fees For Culvert Replacement Work At Skyline Preserves 10654 R $712.50 Del Woods Consulting Services-Land Purchase Projects 10655 R $611.86 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO&FFO 10656 R $367.95 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 10657 R $295.72 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-FFO 10658 R $265.98 Farm Plan Tractor Parts For Mower 10659 R $218.31 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock For Trail Work At Fremont Older 10660 R $208.00 San Mateo County Public Health Tick Testing&Coliform Testing 10661 R $206.14 San Jose Water Company Water Service-Rental Residence Page 2 of 3 f Claims No. 09-11 Meeting 09-20 Date 6/24/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10662 R $172.60 Cartridge World Printer Cartridge 10663 R $143.00 County Of Santa Clara-Office Of The Fingerprinting Services Sheriff 10664 R $117.15 Sommer,Sandy Reimbursement-Mileage 10665 R $64.15 Target Specialty Products Landscaping Supplies 10666 R $23.54 Sunnyvale Ford Vehicle Supplies Total $547,247.48 *1 Urgent Check Issued 6/5/09 The total amount for First National Bank is$10,123.22 I i I Page 3 of 3 I Claims No. 09-11 Meeting 09-20 Date 6/24/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10575 $423,251.00 California JPIA 2009-2010 General Liability&Workers'Compensation Primary Deposits And Rolling Retro Deposits 10576 $9,407.55 Sage Associates Grazing Consulting Services 10577 $9,090.00 Macro Corporation Black Mountain Microwave Study For Districts New Radio System 10578 $8,150.00 Tickler&Thomas Consulting Services To Prepare Staff Retention Survey Report 10579 $5,478.62 Hertz Equipment Rental Excavator To Remove Coyote Brush,Cat-Tails&Creosote 10580 $5,312.28 EQ Wine Covers Company Balance-Carport For FFO 10581 $5,002.75 Tannerhecht Architecture Architecture Services For The AO Remodel Project-Construction &Bidding Documents 10582 $3,901.39 Condor Country Consulting Herpetological Surveys Of Mindego Hill Ranch 10583 $3,612.50 Mayne Tree Expert Company Spraying Trees With Agri-Fos At RSA&ECDM 10584 $3,513.99 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 10585 $2,950.01 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 10586 $2,850.00 Fraser&Associates Review&Analyze Fiscal Analysis Prepared By East Palo Alto Area Redevelopment Agency 10587 $2,799A2 First National Bank Conferences&Training Expenses-Water Treatment Training/ City Attorney Conference/Land Conservation Seminar/Public Information Officer Course/Continuing Education&Training For Qualified Applicator License 10588 $2,603.65 Geocon Consultants Environmental&Geotechnical Consulting Services For Mindego Ranch Landfill 10589 $2,161.38 Tires On The Go Tires 10590 $2,090,00 Peckham&McKenney Recruitment-Administration Manager i Clerk Of The Board 10591 $1,698.55 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 10592 $1,616.36 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies,Chain Saw&Brushcutter Supplies 10593 $1,472.00 Alliant Insurance Services Crime Insurance Premium 10594 $1,282.91 * First National Bank Business Related Meals/Board Meetings&Special Meetings/ Staff Workshop/Interview Panel/Administration Assistants Luncheon 10595 $1,261.47 * First National Bank Field Supplies/GPS Unit/Sign Expenses/Mower Parts/ Herbicide Applicators 10596 $1,245.07 Stetson Engineers Watermaster Services For San Gregorio Watershed 10597 $1,171.96 First National Bank Office Supplies/Phones For AO/Fan For Electrical Room/ Microphone Supplies For Portable System/Name Plates 10598 $1,014.25 Firestone Complete Auto Care Tires 10599 $966.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Janitorial Supplies&Window Cleaning-AO 10600 $878.87 G.P.Sports Add Kick Start To Two Patrol Motorcycles 10601 $860.89 * First National Bank Patrol Bike&Rack For SFO 10602 $854.99 First National Bank Uniform Expenses 10603 $848.48 Metro Mobile Communications Radio Repairs&Supplies 10604 $775.23 * First National Bank Ginzton Event Expenses 10605 $773.34 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Company Lock&Key Replacement-AO 10606 $700.30 Downey Brand Attorneys Legal Services-Land Acquisition 10607 $658.26 First National Bank Computer Expenses/Backup Battery/Wireless Access Expenses For Annex/Web Hosting For Site Development& Testing/Domain Name Registration For District Foundation 10608 $638.25 Shulman,Rogers,Gandal,Pordy& Legal Services-Telecommunications Advice For District Radio Ecker Frequency 10609 $566.36 Los Altos Garbage Company Recycle Service-FFO 10610 $487.50 Rachel Demitrios Revisions To Electronic Incident Report Form&Citation Database 10611 $477.45 CMK Automotive Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 10612 $475.30 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-FFO&SFO 10613 $470.94 R. E. Borrmann's Steel Company Rebar For Trail Work At Fremont Older 10614 $425.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Windy Hill Page t of 2 I ti Claims No. 09-11 Meeting 09-20 Date 6/24/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10615 $420.79 First National Bank Books/Recruitment Ad For Ranger/Survey Monkey Monthly Subscription/Ad For La Honda Master Plan Meeting 10616 $412,77 Mallory Company Hazard Flagging Tape 10617 $410.65 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA County Park 10618 $404,93 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Maintenance Pumper Parts&Field Supplies 10619 $340.00 County Of San Mateo Human Supervisor Training Resources Department 10620 $327.36 West Payment Center Legal Research&Books 10621 $317.75 Northern Energy Propane-FFO 10622 $275.00 CaIPERS Educational Forum Conference Registration f 10623 $267.86 Cupertino Bike Shop Patrol Bike Repairs 10624 $249.52 Staples Office Supplies 10625 $246.48 John Shelton Culverts For Trail Improvement At Fremont Older 10626 $223.08 Accountemps Accounting Temp 10627 $217.60 Gempler's Uniform Expenses&Field Supplies 10628 $213.68 Stiles Truck Body&Equipment Repair Door On Patrol Truck 10629 $165.00 Lund, Pearson, McLaughlin Fire Sprinkler System Quarterly Inspection Protection System 10630 $160.00 State Of California-OES Hazardous Material Training 10631 $155.54 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Cell Phone&Field Supplies 10632 $142.95 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO 10633 $140.00 Regional Water Quality Control Board Water Quality Certification Fee For Culvert Replacement At Picchetti Ranch 10634 $126.93 Forestry Suppliers Fire Weather Kit 10635 $124.70 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 10636 $78.00 Pacific Telemanagement Services Pay Phone-Black Mountain 10637 $60.91 Ben Meadows Company Fire Bag 10638 $60.00 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Cell Phone 10639 $48.98 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services 10640 $43.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 10641 $37.30 First National Bank Nature Center Supplies 10642 $33.50 Hoge, Fenton,Jones&Appel Legal Services-Chiocchi Litigation 10643 $28.50 ID Plus Name Tags 10644 $27.00 Rancho Cobbler&Cleaners Uniform Alteration 10645 $25.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service 10646 $22.58 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill 10647 $20.00 City Of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fees-Black Mountain 10648 $16.55 Barron Park Supply Plumbing Supplies 10649 $9.50 Peninsula Digital Imaging Printing Services-Copy Of ECDM Retaining Wall Drawings Total $519,647.93 * Urgent Check Issued 6/5/09 The total amount for First National Bank is$10,123.22 Page 2 of 2 I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District R-09-78 Meeting 09-20 June 24, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Approval of the proposed purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust(Bluebrush Canyon) Property located at 2310 Purisima Creek Road in unincorporated San Mateo County (San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 066-230-060) as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan; and approval of a Categorical Exemption in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS Ar I Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report. 2. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust property and approving the related Assignment of Lease, 3. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan contained in this report. 4. Designate the property as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. 5. Withhold dedication of the property as public open space at this time. DISCUSSION The approximately 259.92-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)(Bluebrush Canyon) property being considered for purchase by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) is located immediately northwest of the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve off Purisima Creek Road, approximately 7 miles southeast by road of the unincorporated city of Half Moon Bay. POST purchased the property from the Decesare family in 2006. The property is within the Coastside Protection Area, an area that was annexed into the District boundaries in 2004. The following report presents a description of the POST (Bluebrush R-09-78 Page 2 Canyon) property, the Coastside Protection Plan process, a Preliminary Use and Management Plan, environmental review, the purchase terms and conditions, and financial considerations. Property Description (see attached map) The POST (Bluebrush Canyon) property provides a natural extension of the open space preserve system since it is located immediately across Lobitos Creek from the former POST (Forde) property, part of the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (the Preserve). Starting at the western margin of the redwood/fir forest, the coastal landscape of the POST (Bluebrush Canyon)property dramatically changes from forest to grazed rolling grasslands, steep brushy canyons, fallowed crop land, and lush creek corridors that represent the great diversity of the coastal San Mateo County. The La Honda Fault bisects the property in a north/south direction, in the approximate vicinity of the prominent rocky scarp visible from a distance. Rising to a height of almost 1,200 feet, the property possesses unparalleled views of the coastline and the western Santa Cruz Mountains. It includes part of Lobitos Ridge, a prominent and imposing ridgeline extending from the Preserve west to the coastal lowlands, separating the watersheds of Purisima Creek to the north and Lobitos Creek to the south. This ridgeline is central to the open, rural landscape of the region, whether seen from the Preserve or Highway I and the coastal lowlands below. Likewise, views of the ocean and lowland from the ridge are spectacular. Resource inventories performed by POST, consultants and District staff have revealed a wide variety of plant and animal habitats. The property is dominated by open grasslands with scattered native perennial grasses and coastal scrub, with riparian woodlands shading the creeks. The property has moderate populations of invasive thistles and velvet grass, both undesirable weeds. The property provides a rich resource for many wild animals, including mammals such as mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats and dusky-footed woodrats. Predatory birds including red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks and loggerhead shrikes frequent this landscape. In addition, a wide variety of songbirds are found on the property. The seasonal ponds provide potential breeding habitat for the rare and threatened California red-legged frog. With approximately 1/4mile of perennial stream frontage, two seasonal ponds, and several springs, the property possesses significant watershed and riparian values. The middle waters of Purisima and Lobitos Creeks originate on this property. Forming the approximate southern property line, Lobitos Creek is a free-flowing stream known to host steelhead trout despite the presence of two known fish passage barriers at Verde Road and Highway 1. Pockets of spawning gravels and young-of-the-year steelhead or resident rainbow trout were observed in a recent California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) stream survey. According to CDFG staff, due to the undisturbed watershed, if fish passage barriers were ever removed Lobitos Creek has excellent restoration potential for the benefit of steelhead trout. Large resident rainbow trout have also been documented in Purisima Creek, which crosses the property near its northern boundary. However, Purisima Creek is blocked at its mouth by a bedrock waterfall and therefore does not support fish that migrate between fresh and salt water such as steelhead trout. Current Use and Development Prior to POST's 2006 purchase, the ranch was owned by the Decesare family, who had occupied the property for over 50 years. Mr. Tom Pacheco, a descendant, currently leases the property back from POST, continuing seasonal grazing, keeping horses, and maintaining the property's R-09-78 Page 3 roads and water infrastructure. Mr. Pacheco runs a seasonal cow/calf operation during the spring and summer months, rotating his 60 to 70 head on the 99 acres of grasslands. Fencing is present along the property perimeter and in several additional areas to separate the property into four pastures. Cattle are moved in and out by fording Purisima Creek. Primary vehicular access to the property is directly from Purisima Creek Road. The main road that accesses the upper portions of the property utilizes a railcar bridge crossing Purisima Creek, leading to the unpaved access easement on the adjacent property. The property is also accessible from the POST(Lobitos Ridge) property along the western ridgeline. In general, the existing seasonal ranch roads on and accessing the property are in good condition and do not show signs of substantial soil erosion. Under the terms of the existing lease, which will be assigned to the District as part of the property purchase, the grazing tenant is obligated to repair and maintain all roads used for the grazing operation and to prevent and control erosion resulting from their use. On or before the expiration of the existing grazing lease, the grazing tenant will enter into a District grazing lease. A number of existing structures and improvements are found on the northern side of the property, with no improvements on the southern side. These include a leased two bedroom 900- square-foot residence, sheds in the horse paddock area, and spring-fed water system improvements made up of a spring box, piping, above-ground water storage tank and two stock watering troughs. rOST s current residential lease will be terminated close of escrow, and p , the District will enter into a District month-to-month lease with the current tenants. The property has electric service and a septic tank and leach field provide sewage treatment for the residence. r um stations and wells are located in sheds along Purisima A number of small domestic Ovate pump g Creek, located within a separate private parcel not being purchased by the District. POST commissioned a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment prior to purchase and District staff has conducted due diligence investigations and inspections of the property, including a review of San Mateo County's property records and files. Based upon this review, staff is satisfied that no underground storage tanks or other hazardous material conditions exist. I Two neighbors currently have permission to use the POST (Bluebrush Canyon) property. The Square Peg Foundation, a community education non-profit corporation based on a nearby Purisima canyon ranch, had a license from POST to conduct instructor-led horseback riding I outings on the property. This license was terminated in April 2009 due to difficulty in meeting POST's insurance requirements. Staff has confirmed their interest in resuming use of the property for their horsemanship program. In addition, an adjacent neighbor rides his horse on the property without formal authorization from POST. After purchasing the property, staff anticipates working with both of these equestrian users to obtain required District permits with terms meeting the District's typical public use requirements. Potential Future Use and Development Although not proposed for consideration at this time,the property could potentially be open for low-intensity recreational use and integrated into the overall District trail system in the future R-09-78 Page 4 after the long-term planning process is completed, unless precluded by environmental, agricultural or other constraints identified during this process. The District's 1998 Regional Open Space Study shows a potential regional trail connection in the vicinity of the property that may someday provide a link between the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Preserve and the California Coastal Trail currently under construction along the coastal bluff tops to the west. Coastside Protection Program Process As part of the annexation process, the Service Plan and subsequent conditions approved by LAFCo established a number of policies and procedures for conducting the Coastside Protection Program. The Program now guides the District's purchase, use and management of open space land within the Coastside Protection Area. The proposed purchase of the POST (Bluebrush Canyon) property described in this Report and the accompanying Preliminary Use and Management Plan is consistent with the policies and procedures contained in the Program. The Coastside Protection Program requires consultation with interested public agencies, officials and interested organizations to solicit input into the planning process prior to the Board's consideration of purchasing the property. On January 19, 2009, District staff met and consulted with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, who generally supported the project and provided information about past agricultural use of the property. On December 15, 2008, the project was presented to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee where it was generally supported. District Staff assured both the Farm Bureau and the Agricultural Advisory Committee that agricultural concerns would be carefully considered in future planning for the property, and that the decision making process would include numerous opportunities for their participation and input. i District's Real Property Committee a standing committee of the Board of Direc tors, held a The Distr , P Y g meeting near the property (within the Coastside Protection Area) with neighbors and interested members of the public in order to familiarize them with the property and to receive public input on the proposed purchase of the property. This meeting was held on January 22, 2009 after notice was widely distributed to property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the property, Coastside public officials, community-interest groups, non-profit land trusts, conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies and government- sponsored public ide Protection Area. Over 20 members of e sponsored organizations within the Coasts p attended the meeting. At the meeting, staff described the property and how it would be managed as a natural extension of the adjacent Preserve,the proposed preliminary use and management plan for the property, and the terms of the proposed purchase. I R-09-78 Page 5 USE AND MANAGEMENT Planning Considerations i The property is comprised of one legal parcel and has a potential density of three residential sites. Development of the property for residential purposes would be feasible, as much of the property is accessible and there are many relatively level building sites along or near ridgetops. Within close proximity are numerous homes visible from, and close by, Purisima Creek Road on one to twenty acres of land. The property's upper ridgelines are visible from the Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1), a state-designated Scenic Highway. According to the California Department of Conservation's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) 2008 update, the property is does not contain Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance. Approximately 199 acres are shown in the FMMP as suitable for grazing, with the balance shown as "other lands" comprised of steep scrublands. San Mateo County soils maps show that about 11 acres along Purisima Creek meet the Local Coastal Plan/ Service Plan definition of"Prime Agriculture" well suited to the cultivation of irrigated agricultural crops. Although they may have been farmed historically, these lands are currently fallowed with no obvious irrigation infrastructure present. District staff has begun working with the District's agricultural management consultant to prepare a Rangeland Management Plan and Agricultural Production Plan for the property for future Board review and consideration, after soliciting public input. The low-lying ground near Purisima Creek is potentially subject to seasonal flooding and is within a FEMA-designated 100-year flood zone. Although the current tenants do not recall the residence being threatened by flooding, the residence appears to fail within this zone. Staff is researching the costs and benefits of flood insurance for this residence. Such insurance may be available through the federal flood insurance program. i POST commissioned a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the property in December 2005. Staff also reviewed records on file with the San Mateo County Planning, Building and Environmental Health Departments and with the County Tax Assessor. No information of concern was noted in reviewing this information. The current San Mateo County General Plan designation for the property is Agriculture, and the zoning is Planned Agricultural District/Coastal Development (PAD/CD). Adjacent private st southwest and south are also zoned PAD/CD. District staff requested to the northeast, q properties that San Mateo County review the conformity of the District's proposed property purchase with the County General Plan. Because the General Plan land use designation is Agriculture, the conformity review was referred to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee. On December 16, 2008, District staff made a presentation about the property purchase to this Committee. On January 28, 2009 the San Mateo County g Plannin Commission conducted its conformity review and found the purchase in conformance with the General Plan. The 1985 Purisima Creek Adjudication Decree No. 278007 and subsequent modifications(the Decree) authorizes the owners of the POST (Bluebrush Canyon) property to use the waters of Purisima Creek and its tributaries, though the water must be used in accordance with the i R-09-78 Page 6 restrictions in the Decree. For POST (Bluebrush Canyon) property, the Decree authorizes first priority rights to 333 1/3 gallons per day for domestic use. When the flow of Purisima Creek at the Purisima Creek Road upper bridge exceeds 0.750 cubic feet per second, second priority users may take water. The Decree authorizes second priority rights to 333 1/3 gallons per day for domestic use, and to 20,350 gallons per day to be used for irrigation on 25 acres. The property has 3 diversion points indicated on the Decree's map. The property's water systems currently collect water from springs on the upper property and store it on-site in tanks for further use for domestic and stock watering purposes. A well located between the house and creek is not in use. Preliminary Use and Management Plan (Next Steps) The principal purpose of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan is to establish a status quo land management approach to be effective in the interim between the purchase and the completion of a subsequent long-term plan. This plan outlines the uses that can occur on this property in the near term and the management methods for ensuring the compatibility of the uses with each other and with neighboring properties. It also outlines actions to protect and balance the agricultural and natural resource potential and initiate activities needed to inform long-term planning and management. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan below will take effect upon the close of escrow and will remain effective until a long-term plan is developed for the property. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan includes continuation of grazing under the provisions of a grazing lease, resource management, continuation of residential use under a new District residential lease, resource management, posting signs and securing the site, as described more fully below. All mitigation measures contained in the Coastside EIR are incorporated into this Preliminary Use and Management Plan. Name: Designate the property as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Per the Purchase Agreement, for a limited period, allow POST to name one specific location, land formation, trail, natural and physical feature, staging area or other areas of significance within the property, consistent with the District's "Policy for Site Naming and Gift Recognition". Public Access: Designate the property as closed to the public. Issue neighbor permits on a case-by-case basis allowing hiking and equestrian use consistent with historical use patterns. Allow Docent-led hikes, after evaluating the compatibility of limited public access in light of existing on-site factors including agriculture, natural resources, neighbor concerns, temporary parking/staging needs, and road and trail conditions. Signs and Site Install private property, closed area and preserve boundary signs where Security: appropriate. Structures and Lease the residential structure under a District residential rental agreement Improvements: under the General Manager's authority to approve month-to-month leases. Maintain the existing water system providing domestic, irrigation, and stock water in serviceable condition. Comply with any applicable requirements of R-09-78 Page 7 the Purisima Creek Stream Adjudication and other applicable regulations. Resource Conduct a detailed resource assessment of the property, covering such topics Management: as vegetation management and special status plants and animals. Use conservation grazing, consistent with the Rangeland Management Plan, as a vegetation management tool to reduce invasive weeds and encourage native grasses within the property's grasslands. Conduct other interim invasive plant and animal management activities consistent with the District's policies and practices. Rangeland Continue seasonal grazing under the existing grazing lease and under a Management: subsequent District grazing lease after the existing lease terminates. Prepare a rangeland management plan and enter into an annual renewable grazing lease in accordance with the District's Coastside Service Plan and the District's Grazing Management Policy. Present for the Board's future review and consideration. Prime Prepare an agricultural production plan for the prime agricultural land in Agricultural accordance with the District's Coastside Service Plan. Present for the Land: Board's future review and consideration. Patrol: Regularly patrol the property utilizing existing ranch roads and patrol easements or licenses. Wildfire Fuel Conduct conservation grazing, as noted above, as well as other minor Management: District-wide fuel management practices. Further assess vegetative communities on the property to determine wildfire management needs and consult with San Mateo County and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in developing site-specific fuel modification and management program as part of the subsequent planning process. Roads and Keep existing primary roads for seasonal use in coordination with the Trails: grazing tenant. Implement maintenance and minor erosion and sediment control measures for access roads in accordance with District and Service Plan standards. Prepare a more detailed road and trail assessment of the entire property as part of the subsequent planning process. Fences and Install, maintain, and repair existing gates and fences specified in the grazing Gates: management plan as necessary to prevent unwanted livestock movement onto adjacent private property and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Working with the tenant, fence sensitive riparian corridors to minimize the impacts of cattle and horse access to the stream corridor, but not eliminate watering. Install new fences and gates as necessary to prevent unauthorized vehicular entry at the property boundaries. Coastside Operate and manage the property in conformity with the provisions of the Service Plan: Service Plan for the Coastside Protection Program. R-09-78 Page 8 Dedication: Withhold dedication the property as public open space at this time. Study timing of dedication and potential disposition of prime agricultural lands to promote continuance of agricultural use as part of subsequent planning process. Subsequent Develop a long-term plan for the property and any additions to Purisima Planning: Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, including more detailed plans for grazing, resource management, public access, road and trail management, agricultural production, and wildland fuel and fire management. Since the property is within the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Service Plan, the process for developing a long-term plan involves conducting more detailed resource assessments to inform resource management, range management, public access plans; further consultation with interested government officials, agencies and organizations; and an extensive public input process. The long-term plan will be subject to further environmental assessment under CEQA. CEQA A COMPLIANCE Project Description The project consists of the acquisition of a 259.92-acre property as an addition to the District's open space preserve system and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the property. The land will be permanently preserved as open space and maintained in a natural condition. The majority of the property will be leased for cattle grazing. Existing ranch roads will be maintained according to District standards. No decisions are being made now about future changes to use, management or improvements proposed for the property. Ultimately, the property will be included in a future long-term plan for the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which would be subject to further public input and subsequent environmental review. The outcome of this future decision making process is speculative at this time. In accordance with the Coastal Service Plan, the project incorporates all of the Coastside EIR mitigation measures that apply to land purchases within the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Coastal EIR mitigation monitoring program. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) under Article 19, Sections 15301, 15316, 15317, 15325, and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines as follows: Section 15301 exempts operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan specifies the property will be operated and maintained in a natural i i R-09-78 Page 9 condition and there will be no expansion of use. The property will be closed to the public; cattle grazing on the majority of the property will continue under the current grazing lease; minor resource and wildfire fuel management activities will occur; existing I ranch roads will be maintained according to District standards and the residence will be maintained in a habitable condition. Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan specifies that the land will not be developed and will remain in a natural condition. Section 1531 7 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open space character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project. Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. This acquisition will transfer fee ownership of the property to the District and ensure that it will be preserved as public open space by incorporating it into the District's open space preserve system. This proposed purchase qualifies under these four sections. The project is also exempt under section 15061(b)(3), as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The purchase price for the 259.92-acre POST property is $3,225,000.00, or $12,408 per acre. The purchase price is equal to the price POST paid for the property in February 2006 and is supported by a more recent independent appraisal commissioned by the District in November 2008. The property is being purchased on an"as-is" basis. As discussed earlier in this report, there are two active leases on the property. As part of this transaction, POST's agricultural lease with Tom Pacheco will be assigned to the District. Staff is preparing a District agricultural lease that will replace the existing lease as soon as practicable, or no later than March 9, 2010 when the existing lease term expires. The existing month-to-month residential rental agreement between POST and the residential tenants will terminate at close of escrow, and will be replaced with the District's standard monthly residential agreement under substantially the same terms. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, POST will grant a license allowing the District access across POST's adjoining property, known as the Lobitos Ridge property, to serve as a means of secondary access to the Bluebrush Canyon property for patrol, resource management, maintenance, and emergency response purposes. The purchase agreement also includes a covenant that provides POST a period of five years to recognize significant donors through the naming of a specific location, land formation, trail, or R-09-78 Page 10 other natural feature on the property, in accordance with the District's "Policies for Site Naming and Gift Recognition". BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS Fiscal year 2009-2010 budget for new land purchases: New Land Budget $20,000,000 Less: Land purchase commitments this fiscal year ( $260,000 POST (Bluebrush Canyon)property purchase ($3,225,000 POST (Roberts) property purchase $400,000 New Land Purchase Budget Remaining $16,115,000 i Controller M. Foster was consulted on this proposed purchase and has indicated that, considering cash flow and account balances, funds are available for this property purchase. Grants District staff applied for purchase funding assistance from two state grant programs. In fall 2008, the District applied for a grant of$500,000 from the Anadromous Salmonids/Trout Habitat category of the Habitat Conservation Fund to assist with the purchase of either the POST(Bluebrush Canyon) or an adjacent POST owned property. In early May 2009, District staff took California State Parks grant staff on a property tour. Due to the current state budget crisis,we expect that announcements regarding the success of the application will be delayed until late summer, after the POST(Bluebrush Canyon)purchase has been completed. In 2007, District staff requested a Proposition 84 grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy to purchase the POST(Bluebrush Canyon)property and other nearby properties related to the regional trail connection discussed above under Potential Future Use and Development. The Coastal Conservancy is unable to award grant funds at this time due to the state bond freeze. For these reasons,the POST(Bluebrush Canyon)property is being purchased solely with District funds. Current Coastside Protection Area Fiscal Considerations The 259.92-acre property is located in the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Agreement between San Mateo County and the District regarding fire services. The property is not located in the La Honda-Pescadero School District; therefore, no fees will be payable under the Agreement between the District and School District. As part of the County Fire Agreement, the District will pay to San Mateo County Fire Department annual fees for fire services that are not currently provided within the State Responsibility Area of CalFire. The fire services fee in the first year will be $1,181.61 based upon the pro rata share of the assessed value for this portion of the subject property and will increase 2% annually. The Coastside Protection Program included a Fiscal Analysis conducted by Economics Research Associates confirming the feasibility of implementing that Program. To ascertain whether the conclusions made in the Fiscal Analysis are valid for this particular project, Staff has researched R-09-78 Page 11 the specific site conditions and expected costs associated with the proposed purchase and subsequent management of the property. This site assessment indicated that acquisition and management costs for the POST (Bluebrush Canyon)property are expected to be consistent with the Fiscal Analysis projections. Furthermore, staff assessed the costs associated with this project and compared them to the Controller's most recent 15- ear projections of cash flow, property tax revenue and operating Y p J � p p Y p g expenses. Staff therefore concludes that purchasing and managing this property will not result P p g g g P p I in any significant impact to the District's existing services, and that the District has the resources to sustain this project. PUBLIC NOTICE An advance letter announcing the meeting date and the agenda for this public meeting, where the Board of Directors will consider purchasing this property, have been sent to property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property, individuals requesting notification about this specific property, agenda subscribers, individuals requesting notification of proposed Coastside and Preserve projects, and Coastside public officials, community-interest groups, non- profit land trusts, conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area, as well as attendees of the January 22, 2009 Board Real Property Committee Meeting. The agenda and this report have been made available on the District's website. Accordingly, all notice required by the Brown Act and the Coastal Protection Program has been provided. NEXT STEPS Upon approval by the Board of Directors, staff will proceed with close of escrow for the in the Preliminary Use and f he property, and will undertake the next steps identified purchase o f p p y, pY Management Plan contained in this report. A replacement agricultural lease, agricultural production plan, and rangeland management plan will be brought to the Board for review and consideration at a later date. Attachments: Resolution Exhibit A - Property Map Prepared by: Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Michael Reeves, Real Property Specialist Contact person: Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Graphics prepared by: Galli Basson, Planning Technician I RESOLUTION 09- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER OR OTHER OFFICER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT TO DISTRICT,AND AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO CLOSING OF THE TRANSACTION(PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - LANDS OF PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST) The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: Section One. The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby accept the offer contained in that certain Purchase Agreement between the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a copy of which purchase agreement is attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof, and authorizes the President or other appropriate officer to execute the Agreement on behalf of the District to acquire the real property described therein ("the POST Property"). Section Two. The General Manager, President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate officer is authorized to execute Certificate of Acceptance for the Grant Deed on behalf of the District. Section Three. The General Manager or the General Manager's designee shall cause to be given appropriate notice of acceptance to the seller and to extend escrow if necessary. Section Four. The General Manager is authorized to expend up to$10,000.00 to cover the cost of title insurance, escrow fees, and other miscellaneous costs related to this transaction. Section Five. The General Manager and General Counsel are further authorized to approve any technical revisions to the attached Agreement and documents which do not involve any material change to any term of the Agreement or documents, which are necessary or appropriate to the closing or implementation of this transaction. Section Six. The purpose of this Section is to enable the District to reimburse its general fund for the cost of certain land acquisitions. The District wishes to finance certain of these real property acquisitions and expects to use tax-exempt debt, such as bonds, but a tax-exempt financing is not cost justified for the District unless the principal amount of the financing is large enough to justify the related financing costs. Consequently, it is the District's practice to buy property with its general funds and, when a tax-exempt financing is cost justified based on the aggregate value of acquisitions, to issue tax-exempt obligations to reimburse itself for previous expenditures of general funds. These general funds are needed for operating j and other working capital needs of the District and are not intended to be used to finance property acquisitions on a long-term basis. U.S. Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2 requires an issuer of tax-exempt debt to declare its intent to use a portion of tax-exempt debt proceeds for reimbursement of expenditures prior to the payment of the expenditures. Accordingly,the Board of Directors hereby declares its intent to issue tax-exempt I obligations in the maximum principal amount of$3,225,000.00 and to use a portion of the proceeds of the obligations for reimbursement of District expenditures for acquisition of the POST Property that are paid before the date of issuance of the obligation. Proposed PC T ( Bluebrush Can ) i) Purchase l POST (Madrirrt r dill � ' ( _ ` v Mob1r �' Creek r Clp�, Sp re rue + Bay Rart h) kt iya � `* dfa4 , r` \ '•`.. I SFPUC .. POST ch) Burteigh Murray i �� Golden Gate ` Wavecrest `' a"5'tate Park i. ' I ` < '� Nah6nal Recreation " (P n �> " �'" a �" Area \ / i Purist a Crepe„ Red o ds� +� °e 1 „ COpe'n Sp�;nPr ry u , Huddart ' POST (Bluebrush Cdnyoni u C Countv N 260 Acres Park APN 066-2 30-060 J J R d ¢ri Y � POS Cowell Ranch (L<�bitc�w State Beach ��`} 1 `'v Ridge) v �,�,; rz p i 4 ( . 4'uJtiiiJ*t" � — UCEIkUs Rand-I �m t, mo Y d d \ l 4 v �� C iita A L-------------- 'A , \ r 66 ,� Proposed Addition POST easement Private e a 02; n; r ? District Preserves Non MROSD — — - MROSD Coastal easement over Protection Area Other Open Space water district Boundary Produced by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,May 2009 l Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District R-09-76 Meeting 09-20 June 24, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM Approval of the proposed purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (Roberts) prop,erty as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve, located at the end of Miramontes Street in unincorporated San Mateo County (Assessor's Parcel Number 064-390-020); adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan; and approval of a Categorical Exemption in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS ,�� 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report. 2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (Roberts) property. 3. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan contained in this report, and name the purchased property as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. 4. Indicate the intention to dedicate the property as public open space. DISCUSSION The 31.9-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) (Roberts) property being considered for purchase by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) is located immediately south of the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve (Preserve) at the end of Miramontes Street, in unincorporated San Mateo County approximately 1.5 miles east of the City of Half Moon Bay. The property is within the Coastside Protection Area, an area that was annexed into the District boundaries in 2004. The following report presents a description of the POST (Roberts) property, the Coastside Protection Plan process, a Preliminary Use and Management Plan, environmental review, the purchase terms and conditions, and financial considerations. i R-09-76 Page 2 Property Description see attached ma ) The coastal landscape of the POST (Roberts) consists of steep canyons and scenic ridgetops. Rising to a height of approximately 800 feet, the property possesses excellent views of Half Moon Bay, the San Mateo County coast and the western Santa Cruz Mountains. The property is bordered by Burleigh Murray State Park to the south and east, the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve to the north and a private property to the west. The strategically located property closes a gap in protected public lands, providing varied habitat for wild animals to roam includingmammals such as coyotes, bobcats and dusky-footed woodrats. Waters on the Y � Y property drain to Leon Creek, a tributary to Arroyo Leon. Arroyo Leon's lower reaches are known to support steelhead trout and California red-legged frogs. Twinberry, coyote brush and other coastal scrub plants grow profusely on the property's steep slopes, and dense coastal scrub, small meadows and Douglas fir top its ridges. A dense eucalyptus grove is found on the northern quarter of the property. The property is located at the eastern end of Miramontes Street which, after leaving the Half Moon Bay city limits, becomes a private, unpaved rural road providing access to a few residences and vacant properties. The POST (Roberts)property includes an appurtenant access easement over Miramontes Street which provides the District access for patrol, employee, or docent use but not general public use. This easement would, among other things, improve patrol routes at Mills Creek Open Space Preserve by creating a more efficient loop opportunity. The only improvements found on the property consist of a small storage shed, well and water pipeline. The well is located in a level area near the top of the property and the pipeline is providing service to the former property owner's adjacent parcel. underneath the access road, p g p p y � The storage shed and premises, approximately `/2 acres in size, are currently leased to the former property owner who will remove the storage shed prior to lease termination. The well and further unde r Terms and Conditions below. 1 provisions are discussed i pipeline easement and ease PP p Staff has reviewed San Mateo County's property records and files and is satisfied that no underground storage tanks or hazardous conditions exist on the property. Coastside Protection Program Process As part of the annexation process, the Service Plan and subsequent conditions approved by LAFCo established a number of policies and procedures for conducting the Coastside Protection Program. The Program now guides the District's purchase, use and management of open space land within the Coastside Protection Area. The proposed purchase of the POST(Roberts) property, described in this report and the accompanying Preliminary Use and Management Plan, is consistent with the policies and procedures contained in the Program. The Coastside Protection Program requires consultation with interested public agencies, officials and interested organizations to solicit input into the planning process prior to the Board's consideration of purchasing the property. District staff consulted with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau staff, the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner and the chair of the County's Agricultural Advisory Committee who generally supported the project. R-09-76 Page 3 The District's Real Property Committee, a standing committee of the Board of Directors, held a meeting on the property (within the Coastside Protection Area) with neighbors and interested parties in order to familiarize them with the property and to receive public input on the proposed purchase of the property. This meeting was held on May 7, 2009 after notice was distributed to property owners and residents of land located along Miramontes Street, individuals previously expressing interest in Mills Creek Open Space Preserve, Coastside public officials, community- interest groups, media, conservation-oriented organizations, government agencies and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area. Four members of the public attended the meeting. At the meeting, staff described the property and how it would be managed as a natural extension of the adjacent Preserve, the proposed preliminary use and management plan for the property, and the terms of the proposed purchase. USE AND MANAGEMENT Planning Considerations The property is comprised of one legal parcel and has a potential density of one residential site. Development of the property for residential purposes would be feasible, since the level ridgetop building site is accessible by dirt road. The property is surrounded on three sides by public recreational land, namely the District's 960-acre Mills Creek Open Space Preserve and the 1,325-acre Burleigh Murray State Park. The property's San Mateo County General Plan designation is Agriculture, and it is located within the Coastal Zone. The zoning designation is Planned Agricultural District—Coastal l Development (PAD-CZ). According to the California Department of Conser vation's Farmand Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), the property is not well suited to the cultivation of agricultural crops, and does not contain Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance. On April 15, 2009, District staff sent a letter requesting that San Mateo County review the conformity of the District's proposed property purchase with the County General Plan. General Plan conformity reviews that involve agriculturally-designated properties are usually presented to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) for review. However, no meetings of the AAC occurred within the statutorily required County review period. Information on the proposed purchase was provided by District staff to the AAC chair, the County Agricultural Commissioner and the Farm Bureau Executive Administrator. No concerns regarding the acquisition's conformity with the County General Plan were identified in these discussions. On May 27, 2009, the San Mateo County Planning Commission conducted its conformity review and found the purchase in conformance with the General Plan. Potential Future Use and Development Although not proposed for consideration at this time, the property could potentially be open for low-intensity recreational use in the future, making a north-south trail connection between the Burleigh Murray State Park and Mills Creek Open Space Preserve trail systems, unless precluded by environmental considerations. This decision would most likely occur as part of a future comprehensive planning process for the Preserve. R-09-76 Page 4 Preliminary Use and Management Plan (Next Steps) The Preliminary Use and Management Plan will take effect at the close of escrow and remain effective until the Plan is amended or a Comprehensive Use and Management Plan or Master Plan is approved for Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan represents a status quo approach to management and includes posting signs, maintaining the existing roads and improvements, and leasing an existing storage shed. The property will be maintained in its current condition, with no changes anticipated. All mitigation measures contained in the Coastside EIR are incorporated into this Preliminary Use and Management Plan. Public Access: Closed to public use. i Signs and Site Install private property and preserve boundary signs where the property is Security: readily accessible from adjacent private property. Maintain the gate on Miramontes Street to prevent unauthorized trespass. Structures and Continue leasing the storage shed and premises until the existing lease Improvements: terminates in December 2010, or as extended by lessee's option for an additional two years. Monitor the storage shed removal by the tenant upon lease termination. Monitor status of well and pipeline improvements within neighboring property owner's easement. Resource Implement minor erosion control measures along steep sections of the road. Management: Conduct a detailed resource assessment. Monitor spread of eucalyptus seedlings. Conduct interim invasive plant and animal management activities consistent with the District's accepted policies and practices. Patrol: Routinely patrol the property. Wildfire Fuel Further assess vegetative communities on the property to determine wildfire Management: management needs. Roads: Maintain the access road in good condition and repair for year-round use. Coastside Operate and manage the property in conformity with the provisions of the Service Plan: Service Plan for the Coastside Protection Program. Site Safety There are no known safety hazards on the site. Inspection: Name the property as an addition to Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. Per Name: the Purchase Agreement, for a limited period, allow POST to name one specific location, land formation, trail, natural or physical feature, staging area or other area of significance within the property, consistent with the District's "Policy for Site Naming and Gift Recognition". Dedication: Indicate the intention to dedicate the property as public open space. R-09-76 Page 5 i CEQA COMPLIANCE Project Description The project consists of the acquisition of a 31.9-acre property as an addition to the District's open space preserve system and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the property. The land will be permanently preserved as open space and maintained in a natural condition. An existing storage shed and small portion of the property will be leased with the storage shed slated for removal at the end of the lease term. The existing road will be maintained and minor resource management activity will occur according to District standards. The existing well and waterline will continue to operate in accordance with a well easement serving the adjoining private property to the west. No decisions are being made now about future changes to use, management or improvements proposed for the property. Ultimately, the property will be included in a future Comprehensive Use and Management Plan or Master Plan for the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve which would be subject to further public input and subsequent environmental review. The outcome of this future decision making process is speculative at this time. In accordance with the Coastal Service Plan, the project incorporates all of the Coastside EIR mitigation measures that apply to land purchases within the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Coastal EIR mitigation monitoring program. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Article 19, Sections 15301, 15316, 15317, 15325, and 15061 of the CEQA Guidelines as follows: Section 15301 exempts operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The Preliminary Use and Management Plan specifies the property will be operated and maintained in its current natural condition and there will be no expansion of use. The property will be closed to the public, the existing well and waterline will continue to operate, the existing shed will be leased, minor resource management activity will occur, and the existing road will be maintained according to District standards. Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. The use and management plan specifies that the land will not be developed and will remain in a natural condition. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open space character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project. i R-09-76 Page 6 Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. This acquisition will transfer fee ownership of the property to the District and ensure it will be preserved as public open space by incorporating it into the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. This purchase qualifies under all four CEQA sections. The actions proposed in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan are also exempt under Section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. TERMS & CONDITIONS The 31.9 acre POST (Roberts) property is being purchased for$400,000 or approximately $12,539 per acre. POST paid $650,000 for the property in 2008. As part of this transaction, the former owner, Roberts, has reserved an easement to use and maintain, at their cost, the existing well, underground pipelines and access road as the domestic water source for their private residential property to the west. In addition, a lease with the Roberts for the existing storage shed is being assigned to the District with a two year lease term expiring in December 2010, with options to extend the lease for two additional one year terms or no later than December 2012. At the end of the lease term, the Roberts are responsible for removing the shed and belongings. The Purchase Agreement includes a covenant that provides POST a period of five years to recognize significant donors for one specific area, trail, or land formation on the property in accordance with the District's "Policies for Site Naming and Gift Recognition". The property is being purchased on an "as-is"basis, and staff has conducted due diligence investigations and inspections of the property. The District will assume the responsibility for removal of a small bulldozer at an estimated cost of$5,000: this expense will be drawn from the Land Expenditures—Demolition budget category as a cost associated with the purchase of the property. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS Fiscal Year 2009-20 10 Budget for Land Expenditures—New Land Purchases: New Land Budget $20,000,000 Less: Land purchase commitments this fiscal year ( $260,000 ) POST (Blue Brush Canyon)property purchase $3,225,000 POST (Roberts) property purchase ( 400,000 ) New Land Purchase Budget Remaining $16,115,000 Controller M. Foster was consulted on this proposed purchase and has indicated that, considering cash flow and account balances, funds are available for this property purchase. R-09-76 Page 7 Current Coastside Protection Area Fiscal Considerations The 31.9-acre POST (Roberts) property is located in the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Agreement between San Mateo County and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Regarding Fire Services). The property is not located in the La Honda-Pescadero School District; therefore, no fees will be payable under the Agreement between the District and School District. As part of the County Fire Agreement, the District will pay to San Mateo County Fire Department annual fees for fire services that are not currently provided with the State Responsibility Area of CalFire. The Fire Services Fee will be $405.91 based upon the pro rata share of the assessed value for this portion of the subject property and will increase 2%annually. The Coastside Protection Program included a Fiscal Analysis conducted by Economics Research Associates confirming the feasibility of implementing that Program. To ascertain whether the conclusions made in the Fiscal Analysis are valid for this particular project, staff has researched the specific site conditions and expected costs associated with the proposed purchase and subsequent management of the property. This site assessment indicated that acquisition and management costs for the POST (Roberts) property are expected to be consistent with the Fiscal Analysis projections. Furthermore, staff assessed the costs associated with this project and compared them to the Controller's most recent 15-year projections of cash flow, property tax revenue, and operating expenses. Staff therefore concludes that purchasing and managing this property will not result in any significant impact to the District's existing services, and that the District has the resources to sustain this project. PUBLIC NOTICE Property owners and residents of land located adjacent to or on the same street as the subject property and attendees at the May 7, 2009 Real Property Committee meeting have been mailed an advance letter announcing the meeting date and a copy of the agenda for this public meeting at which the Board of Directors will consider this purchase. Agenda subscribers, individuals previously expressing interest in Mills Creek Open Space Preserve, Coastside public officials, community-interest groups, media, conservation-oriented organizations, government agencies and government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area have also been mailed a copy of the advance letter and agenda. The agenda and this report have been made available on the District's website. Accordingly, all notice required by the Brown Act and the Coastal Protection Program has been provided. NEXT STEPS Upon approval by the Board of Directors, staff will proceed with close of escrow for the purchase of the property. The District's Skyline Field Office will manage the property as an addition to the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve in accordance with the adopted Preliminary Use and Management Plan. R-09-76 Page 8 Attachments: Resolution Exhibit A - Location Map Prepared by: Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner Mike Williams, Real Property Manager Contact person: Mike Williams, Real Property Manager Graphics prepared by: Galli Basson, Planning Technician I i RESOLUTION 09- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER OR OTHER OFFICER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT TO DISTRICT,AND AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO CLOSING OF THE TRANSACTION(MILLS CREEK OPEN SPACE PRESERVE-LANDS OF PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST) The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: Section One. The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby accept the offer contained in that certain Purchase Agreement between the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a copy of which purchase agreement is attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof,and authorizes the President or other appropriate officer to execute the Agreement on behalf of the District to acquire the real property described therein ("the POST Property"). Section Two. The General Manager, President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate officer is authorized to execute Certificate of Acceptance for the Grant Deed on behalf of the District. Section Three. The General Manager or the General Manager's designee shall cause to be given appropriate notice of acceptance to the seller and to extend escrow if necessary. Section Four. The General Manager is authorized to expend up to$10,000 to cover the cost of title insurance, escrow fees, site clean up and other miscellaneous costs related to this transaction. Section Five. The General Manager and General Counsel are further authorized to approve any technical revisions to the attached Agreement and documents which do not involve any material change to any term of the Agreement or documents, which are necessary or appropriate to the closing or implementation of this transaction. Section Six. The purpose of this Section is to enable the District to reimburse its general fund for the cost of certain land acquisitions. The District wishes to finance certain of these real property acquisitions and expects to use tax-exempt debt, such as bonds, but a tax-exempt financing is not cost justified for the District unless the principal amount of the financing is large enough to justify the related financing costs. Consequently, it is the District's practice to buy property with its general funds and, when a tax-exempt financing is cost justified based on the aggregate value of acquisitions,to issue tax-exempt obligations to reimburse itself for previous expenditures of general funds. These general funds are needed for operating and other working capital needs of the District and are not intended to be used to finance property acquisitions on a long-term basis. U.S. Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2 requires an issuer of tax-exempt debt to declare its intent to use a portion of tax-exempt debt proceeds for reimbursement of expenditures prior to the payment of the expenditures. Accordingly,the Board of Directors hereby declares its intent to issue tax-exempt obligations in the maximum principal amount of$400,000 and to use a portion of the proceeds of the obligations for reimbursement of District expenditures for acquisition of the POST Property that are paid before the date of issuance of the obligation. I F � San"Francisco Watershed '''Lands POST (Roberts) .4 Property ; 32 Acres r APN 064-390-020 � MadonnaCreek t O Sill ce�Prk ry \ Ranch (POST r NCO,' taseC11e1t? Half ' Moon Ba.y F, BurleiJgh \,lurrav Ranch - State Park Johnston Ranch E (POST) � , f Wavecresf � ; k d (POST) a o o f U' H Purisima •r k Redw s g �� Open pace Preserve Proposed purchase: POST (Roberts) property e „ 02 Produced by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, May 2009 i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District I To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: June 19, 2009 Re: FYI's i GENERAL MANAGER Stephen E Abbors Regional OpenSpace I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pete Siemens Mary Davey June 8, 2009 Jed Cyr Curt Riffle The Honorable Charles Calderon Nanette Larry Hdssettsett Chair, Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Cecily Harris 1020 N Street, Room 162 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: ACA 9 (Huffman)—SUPPORT Fax: 916.319.2198 Dear Assembly Member Calderon: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I am writing to support Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Jared Huffman. To give you some background on the District, it was formed by a voter-approved measure in 1972 and has been purchasing and protecting property to form a regional greenbelt since that time. The District currently owns and manages over 57,000 acres of land in 26 separate open space preserves. These lands are open for free to the public for low-intensity recreational uses year-round. As you know, under current law it takes the approval of 2/3 of the voters before cities, counties, and special districts can raise special taxes and issue general obligation bonds. ACA 9 would change the 2/3 vote requirement to a 55 percent voter threshold to pass local special taxes and general obligation bonds because the 2/3 requirement has stymied efforts to maintain and improve local services and projects that are supported by sizeable majorities of voters. As a result of the 2/3 hurdle, close to 200 local sales tax, parcel tax and bond measures proposed in California have been defeated since 2002, despite receiving support from more than 55 percent of the local voters. The current recession is straining the finances of special districts of all sizes, yet they are still expected to provide much-needed services and make infrastructure improvements. A 55 percent threshold would strike the right balance,requiring support that exceeds a majority of voters, while empowering them to approve measures that protect and enhance local services and infrastructure. For these reasons, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District supports ACA 9 and respectfully asks the committee to support the bill. Sincerely, Cr Stephen E. Abbors General Manager CC: Office of Assembly Member Jared Huffman California Special Districts Association Ralph Heim, Public Policy Advocates 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022 =6So 6911200 65o.691.048S www.openspace.org t gyp' Midpeninsula Regional For Immediate Release ! ' Open Space District Date: June 9,2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze,650.691.1200 Notice of public hearing La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve master plan Los Altos,California 1June 9,20091—The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is holding a public hearing on the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve at which the board of directors will receive public comment on the preserve's master plan. Please help the District inform your audience about the public hearing to be held: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 6:30 p.m.— 9:30 p.m. Hiller Aviation Museum 601 Skyway Road San Carlos, CA. 95070 ,� ,� The 5,759 acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve consists of working ranch land,grasslands and forests near the town of La Honda. The District,a public agency,is creating a 30-year use and management master plan for this preserve.The plan aims to balance the preservation of viable grazing, cultural history and the natural environment with public education and low-intensity recreation. The master planning process began with extensive data collected on the plants,animals,water sources, ranch infrastructure,trails,roads and other features of the preserve. Community input was gathered through public meetings, land tours, interviews and focus groups.The upcoming hearing is an opportunity for the public to stay involved and continue giving input through the planning process. A draft of the master plan is currently available for public review. Another public meeting at which the District's board will vote to tentatively approve the plan will be held in July. Final adoption of the plan will occur at a public meeting later this summer. To read the plan or for more information, please visit www.openspace.ors,or call (650)691-1200. Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected more than 57,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year.The District is a public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Vi 1%%i.Upens pace.o ra i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District For Immediate Release r � Date: June 10,2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze 650.691.1200 Connect with nature on MROSD open space preserves for National Get Outdoors Day June 13 i Los Altos, California (June 10, 20091—This Saturday, June 13 marks the second annual National Get Outdoors Day, inspiring people of all ages to participate in healthy, outdoor activities. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District provides many opportunities for Bay Area residents to connect with nature in their own backyards with over 220 miles of trail on 26 open space preserves from Los Gatos to Half Moon Bay. The preserves are free and open to the public everyday, from dawn until dusk. Volunteer docents provide year-round guided activides on District preserves. Docents provide a richer experience by interpreting the natural landscape and educating the public on a wide variety of topics including Ohlone Indians, wildflowers, animal tracks, spiders, stargazing and more. Volunteers also staff the District's David C. Daniels Nature Center on the edge of Alpine Pond, where children and their friends and families can explore interpretive displays about the natural environment. The nature center is free and open to the public on weekends from noon to 5 p.m. through the summer. Get Outdoors Day was created by the Get Outdoors USA! campaign, encouraging healthy, active outdoor activities in public parks, forests, refuges, lands and waters. The USDA Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition led a nationwide effort focusing on a single day to inspire and motivate people to get outdoors. w�ww n ti��na!«etc�utcic>�rsday.or r. To learn more about National Get Outdoors Day, visit a For more information on District open space preserves and trails visit 4ww.c�penspa�c.c�rg. Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected more than 57,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year.The District is a public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. www.o�acus na ce.n r`t� I OL Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District For Immediate Release ' Contact: Lei Date: June 11,2009 h Ann Maze g 650.691.1200 Bay s regional ional trails hit milestones MROSD recognizes Bay Area Ridge Trail and Bay Trail projects Los Altos, California [June 11, 20091 — The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has honored important milestones reached by two major trail projects by adopting resolutions in support of their efforts. The San Francisco Bay Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail,both ambitious regional trail projects, are celebrating anniversaries this year. I'he San Francisco Bav `T niil Proiect is celebrating its 20'h anniversary, and the completion of over half of the trail. When complete, the Bay Trail will encircle the shorelines of the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with a continuous 500-mile network of bicycling and hiking trails. It will connect all nine Bay Area counties and 47 cities. To date, approximately 290 miles of the trail are complete. A new segment of the trail was recently made possible when the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District acquired an easement on land adjacent to its Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Part of the trail also runs through the j District's Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area. The Bav Area Riche 1'rail Council is also celebrating a 20'h anniversary this year,commemorating its first trail dedication. When complete,a 550-mile trail open to outdoor enthusiasts of all types will encircle the ridgetops of the San Francisco Bay Area.To date,over 315 miles of trail have been dedicated for use by Bay Area residents. Parts of the trail run through the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Purisima Creek Redwoods, Saratoga Gap,Long Ridge, Skyline Ridge, Russian Ridge, Windy Hill and Sierra Azul S Open ace Preserves.The District also co-hosts the Council's Annual Ridge Trail Cruz P P event through the Santa Cruz Mountains, scheduled for September 12 this year. invaluable ou tdoor recreation providing Both trail projects are implemented by non-profit organizations, 0 ortunities and adding to the quality of life for San Francisco Bay Area residents. The Midpeninsula PP g Q Y Regional Open Space District supports their efforts which closely align n with its own mission;to acquire uire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Created by voters more than 35 years ago,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected and managed more than 57,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is an independent,non-enterprise,California special district whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. i%�b w.opCnsyare.ora Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Far Immediate Release Date: June 15,2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze,(650)691-1200 x566 MROSD to consider two Coastside purchases at June 24 meeting in Half Moon Bay Los Altos,California (June 15,20091—The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is holding a regularly scheduled board meeting in Half Moon Bay on June 24 to consider the purchase of two properties on the San Mateo County Coastside. Please help the District inform your readers about this public meeting to be held: Wednesday,June 24,2009 6:30 p.m. Community United Methodist Church 770 Miramontes Street Half Moon Bay, CA. (Map) Bluebmsh Canyon property.(0 Robert Bueltemen 2006,photo courtesy POST, The properties under consideration are: 'i The 32-acre Roberts property, owned by the Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST), located at the end of Miramontes Street, 1.5 miles east of Half Moon Bay in unincorporated San Mateo County. The property is adjacent to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Mills Creek Open Space Preserve. • The 260-acre Bluebrush Canyon property,also owned by POST, located on Purisima Creek Road,seven miles southeast of Half Moon Bay by road in unincorporated San Mateo County. The property is adjacent to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. F'OST is a private, non-profit land trust that protects local land in order to preserve it as parks and open space. When POST acquires a piece of land, the organization's goal is to transfer it to an entity who can manage it in perpetuity, often to public agencies like the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Prior to the meeting, additional information and the agenda will be posted to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Web site at www;trl �tcc.<,�r� . Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected more than 57,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year.The District is public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.www.ortensvace.orQ J I I x� la Regional Open Space District Memorandum J . . To: MROSD Board of Directors From: Tina Hugg Copy: Date: June 24, 2009 Re: Update on the Skyline Field Office Remodel Project This update is being provided to the Board regarding the current status of the Skyline Field Office remodel project as of June 18, 2009. • A Staff Facilities Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled for July 22"d, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Tannerhecht will give a presentation on the firm's experience,capabilities, and innovative approaches in green design and construction. • presentation from Director Cy r who attended the 2009 Special Park Staff received a Power point Districts Forum held June 9` to June 121h in Illinois. The topic of the presentation is the New Operations & Public Safety Facility for a public agency, Lake County Forest Preserves, located in Illinois. Issues encountered by this agency are similar to those facing the District for its upcoming staff facility projects. Staff will review the presentation and distill pertinent information and"lessons learned"to present to the Staff Facility Ad Hoc Committee. Next Steps: • Continue to compile and gather additional information on green construction costs, projected facility expansion, staff growth, priorities, and timelines in preparation for the next Ad Hoc Committee meeting, to be scheduled in July. An update will be provided through an informational memorandum to the Board at the next meeting. &af: Midpeninsula Regional Memorandum • ' Open Space District TO: MROSD Board of Directors From: Tina Hugg Copy: _ Date: June 24, 2009 Re: Update on the Administrative Office Remodel Project This update is being provided to the Board regarding the current status of the Administrative Office remodel project as of June 18, 2009. • The contract has been signed and related documentation received from B BROS Construction. • The building permit has been picked up. Permit submittals for the fire suppression system and plumbing are being prepared by B BROS Construction. • The Notice to Proceed will be issued on June 22°d. • The contractor plans to begin demolition of the cabinetry inside the kitchens on June 22°d. Next Steps: Staff will continue to work on: • Coordinating the construction process. • Determining costs for further mid-to long-term HVAC improvements for the entire AO building. An update will be provided through an informational memorandum to the Board at the next meeting. i I Midpeninsula Regional • ' Open Space District To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors I Date: June 24, 2009 Re: Late FYI's i I 11r r. Midpeninsula Regional ' Open Space District For Immediate Release Date: June 22, 2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze, 650.691.1200 MROSD to install plaque commemorating victims of 1953 plane crash Los Altos,California [June 22,20091 —The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is installing a plaque in the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve near La Honda, commemorating victims of the 1953 crash of an Australian airplane named the Resolution. An event to unveil the new plaque will be held: Date: Saturday,June 27,2009 Time: Noon—1:30 p.m. Location: Fir Trail and Vista Point Trail junction El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Parking. Caltrans Skeggs Point parking area (parking is limited) Several speeches will be followed by a ribbon-cutting and light refreshments. Attendees may hike one mile to the event site, or request a shuttle. Please contact Leigh Ann Maze by Thursday,June 25 if you are a media representative interested in attending, and indicate whether you prefer to hike or be shuttled to the event site. The Resolution was flying from Australia to San Francisco when it crashed into Corte de Madera Canyon on October 29, 1953. All 19 people aboard were killed, making it the deadliest plane crash in San Mateo County's history. The crash site is now part of MROSD's El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve where the District is working to restore the environment, repairing damage and erosion caused by previous activities on the land such as logging. In 1997, MROSD responded to public interest by dedicating a new trail near the crash site as, "The Resolution Trail," commemorating the historic event while protecting the surrounding sensitive environment and the sanctity of the crash site. Interest in further memorializing the victims continued, and MROSD has agreed to install a plaque created by members of the public overlooking the crash site area, providing a proper remembrance for those who died. Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected more than 57,000 acres of open space. The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is a public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. www.opensnace.ore. Interoffice Memorandum June 22, 2009 To: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager From: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst—Operat Subject: Monthly Field.Activity Summary—May, 2009 DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES CITES TOTALS Bicycles Auto burglaries 1 Closed Area 5 11 False information Speed 4 12 Resisting peace officer 1 Helmet 6 14 Possess/Cultivation marijuana 1 Night Riding 2 2 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS Dogs Bicycle accident ��/� 6 Prohibited area 5 11 Equestrian accident Z 0 Off-leash 12 26 Hiking/Running accident 2 Vehicles prohibited 0 2 Other first aid 3 Closed area 3 4 Search & Rescue 1_ After hours 8 11 Vehicle accident 1 Fishing 0 1 LZ air evacuation 1 Vandalism 0 4 Fire 0 Parking 10 18 ENFORCEMENT Parking after hours 8 10 "Subject" citations 46 Disabled parking 2 3 Parking citations 20 Dumping/Litter 0 2 Written warnings 68 Campfires 0 1 Arrests 0 Weapons Police assistance 1 Actual contact 0 1 Evidence of 0 0 MUTUAL AID Other: Accident '////j� 5 Smoking 1 5 Law Enforcement ; 1 Woodcutting/poss. of tools 0 1 Fire (Acres) 0 More than 3 dogs 0 1 Fire (Vehicle) 0 LZ's for offsite / 0 Occurrences of Special Interest Date: 13 At Fremont Older OSP a bicyclist collided with a horse and rider. They both fell to the ground. The bicyclist immediately jumped up and left the accident scene without asking or checking to see if the horse and rider had been injured. The horseback rider walked her horse back to the stables and sought medical attention for a knee injury. 14 At Pulgas Ridge OSP an individual was reported to be begging for money along the trail coming from the parking lot. Rangers responded and determined the person was on leave from the adjacent mental hospital. Hospital staff was contacted and the subject returned to the hospital. O:\Enforcement Activity Reports\2009 Monthly Summaries\May 2009-Monthly Enforcement Summary.doc 16 An individual was ot,.,orved walking along Hwy. 35 (Skyline Loulevard) with a machete hanging from his waist. He was last seen entering El Corte de Madera OSP from the roadway. Further investigation of the area turned up a homemade cart, several totes, tarps, tools, rope. It was also discovered that a dirt area had been leveled with a camouflaged net covering the pad. The totes were found to contain clothing and tools. No food, cooking supplies, or sleeping gear were found. 18 A driver crashed on the private property section of Mt. Umunhum Road, at Sierra Azul OSP just above gate SA-08. The suspect was transported to the hospital where he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The suspect stated that he had found the gate open and drove up to see the block building. The District's Santa Clara County Contract Deputy stated the gate was secure when he checked it 45 minutes prior to the accident. 19 The District Maintenance Crew discovered evidence of a campfire in El Corte de Madera OSP,just off of the El Corte de Madera Creek Trail, before the first new bridge. District Rangers were requested for an investigation and report. It was noted that the campfire remains were located in the same location where illegal campfires have been discovered in the past. 21 At Ravenswood OSP, evidence of an extinguished small vegetation fire measuring approximately 10' x 1.0' were discovered adjacent to the parking area. 21 Four individuals who had been smoking marijuana in Monte Bello OSP were contacted in the Los Trancos OSP parking lot. All four subjects were issued written warnings and released. Their contraband of 1.6 grams of marijuana and a pipe was confiscated and entered as evidence. 24 District Rangers received a call from Mountain View Dispatch regarding a missing bicyclist who did not return from a ride at St. Joseph's Hill OSP. A hasty search was conducted, and the injured cyclist was located. The cyclist stated he had an accident and that he was concerned he had a concussion, because of the way he was feeling. The fire department was requested and the victim was transported by ground ambulance to the hospital. 28 A visitor called to report suspicious activity in Long Ridge OSP at the bottom of the Peter's Creek waterfall. The reporting party said he found a black plastic pipe upstream from the falls, and a Coleman brand tent label. He said that he did not see any marijuana plants or pots but believes that there may be a camp nearby. 31 On the Spring Ridge Trail in Wind Hill OSP a do was reported to be in distress. P g g Y � g p District Rangers responded and located the dog and owner midway up the trail. The dog could not walk or stand and was showing signs of heat distress. After the dog was given water, it was transported to the Portola Road parking lot. i May Vandalism 1 At El Corte de Madera OSP, the signs at CM08 were bent. 2 At Bear Creek Redwoods OSP, the fence boards at 2 locations of Alma College were removed. WEnforcement Activity Reports\2009 Monthly Summaries\May 2009-Monthly Enforcement Smnmary,doc 6 At Sierra Azul OSP, the split rail fence was damaged in two locations of the Jacques Ridge parking lot and a stile block was missing. 9 At St. Joseph's Hill OSP, tagging was discovered on the Regulations Sign on the Santa Clara County Parks side of the boundary. 24 At Bear Creek Redwoods OSP,there were three break-ins and one cut fence at the Alma College buildings. 30 At Sierra Azul OSP, the Regulations Sign at SA-07 had been tagged with graffiti. WEnforcement Activity Reports\2009 Monthly SummariesWay 2009-Monthly Enforcement Sunimary.doc GENERAL MANAGER Stephen E Abbors I Regional OpenSpace I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District I BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pete Siemens Mary Davey Jed Cyr Curt Riffle Nonette Hanko Larry Hassett Cecily Harris June 24, 2009 The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor of California State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: State Parks Access Pass -- SUPPORT Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I am writing to express our strong support for removing State Parks from the General Fund through the implementation of the rh innovative . noinnovative State Parks Access Pass adopted by the Joint Conference Committee on June 15 The Pass will provide a dedicated, stable funding source to support the necessary maintenance and operations activities to keep our state parks maintained and available to the public. r vide educatio nal and recreational opportunities, reserve important exist to o , Our state parks p pP P p cultural and historic resources, and aid the state in protecting key natural resources. They also serve a critical function in providing respite for the state's residents especially in times like these —when economic circumstances keep Californians closer to home, looking for low-cost ways to vacation and spend time with family. Under the State Parks Access Pass Californians will pay a $15 surcharge on their annual license fees,which will raise approximately$363 million annually. However, the State Parks Access Pass gives everyone paying the fee free day-use access to all 279 California state parks providing a significant benefit to Californians in exchange for their annual support. The state park system is an investment that you and the Legislature have been entrusted with safeguarding. We are all, today,beneficiaries of the work of leaders, activists, and park supporters who had the vision—decades before us—to identify and preserve places that are part of the park system's legacy. That legacy is one that has been protected by volunteers, philanthropists, park visitors, voters, and all Californians who support their parks. It is not a legacy that you should undo; it is one that you must protect. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022 6SO 691 1200 1 650 691 0485 www openspace org On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, we urge you to support the State Parks Access Pass and keep our state parks open and accessible to all Californians. Sincerely, II Stephen E. Abbors General Manager CC: Senate Pro Tern Steinberg Assembly Speaker Bass Senator Simitian Senator Yee Assemblymember Fong Assemblymember Hill Assemblymember Ruskin Ralph Heim,Public Policy Associates