HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200708 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
July 8, 2020
Board Meeting 20-14
*Approved by the Board of Directors on July 22, 2020
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with California Governor
Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20. All Board members and staff participated via
teleconference.
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING
President Holman called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: Pete Siemens
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Chief Financial Officer/Director of
Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the
General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Resources Management Specialist
II Matt Sharp Chaney
President Holman announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Governor Newsom’s
Executive Order allowing Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best
to conduct a meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide
comment. The public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to
listen to this meeting through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the
meeting agenda, which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the
District website. President Holman described the process and protocols for the meeting.
1. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Mountain Lion Conservation Efforts
(R-20-71)
General Manager Ana Ruiz commented on the importance of District preservation of the natural
resources and native habitats, including mountain lion populations. One project aimed at
protecting mountain lions is the proposed Highway 17 wildlife corridor being led by the District.
Meeting 20-14 Page 2
Resource Management Specialist II Matt Sharp Chaney provided the staff presentation
describing the life cycle of mountain lions, preferred habitat, diet, and the ecological roles of
mountain lions. Mr. Sharp Chaney provided an overview of the District’s mission statements,
policies, and procedures aimed at protecting mountain lions and their habitats. Various impacts
and factors influence mountain lion population size, including depredation and poaching,
roadkill, disease, genetic isolation, rodenticide, and availability of prey. The legal status of
mountain lions in California has changed over the years from being a bounty predator to a
current listing as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act. The District’s
Highway 17 wildlife corridor project seeks to reduce deaths in an area identified to have frequent
mountain lion crossings and attempted crossings. Additionally, the District has taken other
numerous steps to protect mountain lions, including supporting legislation that provides
protections for mountain lions, evaluating non-lethal tools to reduce conflicts between mountain
lions and livestock, providing education and outreach to preserve visitors, and posting
information at District preserves and on the District’s webpage about mountain lions. Using an
adaptive management strategy for public safety, the District manages its response to mountain
lion sightings and encounters. Mr. Sharp Chaney described the District’s partnership with the
San Francisco Puma Project over the last ten years and important findings resulting from the
Puma Project’s research. Finally, Mr. Sharp Chaney described future opportunities the District
may have to study mountain lions.
Director Siemens joined the meeting at 5:36 p.m.
Director Hassett inquired regarding potential additional protections resulting from listing
mountain lions on the California Endangered Species Act, such as depredation permits.
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated that additional protections have not yet been determined, but some
potential regulations may relate to the California Environmental Quality Act analysis or affect
depredation permit issuance.
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding the impact of drought and wildfire on mountain lions and
whether the proposed studies will examine these impacts.
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated drought and wildfire can have a profound impact on mountain lions and
other wildlife, including lack of prey and water, movement of mountain lions to more urban
areas, and a further decrease in genetic diversity. The current proposed studies are not planned to
study the impact of drought and wildfire, however, in the event these occur, the studies will
provide data related to the impact on populations from these conditions.
Director Riffle inquired how we can learn if a healthy mountain lion population exists.
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated a genetic metric is needed, and connectivity of adjoining populations is
key to increasing genetic diversity.
Director Riffle inquired regarding comments he has received regarding a population explosion of
mountain lions in the San Mateo Coast region and whether the District has data that supports
those statements.
Meeting 20-14 Page 3
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated that the population may seem to be growing based on an increase in
mountain lion sightings; however, the District does not currently have data regarding a growing
population but hopes future research will provide answers. Additional sightings may be due to
additional reports given the increased use of wildlife cameras, prevalence of cell phone use, and
a growing human population in the wildland-urban interface area.
Director Riffle inquired regarding regional coordination and cooperation related to mountain
lions.
Mr. Sharp Chaney reported the Peninsula Open Space Trust, Santa Cruz Mountain Stewardship
Network, and other agencies are working to increase wildlife connectivity and corridors to
increase permeability for mountain lions to cross freeway corridors. Also, regional partners may
be able to gather additional data to learn more about the mountain lion population.
Director Kishimoto left the meeting at 6:28 p.m.
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired regarding District policies and the role these play regarding
other partners and agencies.
Mr. Sharp Chaney reported the District shares its policies and procedures, which are often
incorporated into other organization’s policies.
Director Siemens commented on the importance of the Highway 17 crossing for the future of the
species.
President Holman inquired if there are potential legislative changes related to the application of
rodenticides.
Government Affairs Specialist Joshua Hugg reported legislation is being discussed at the state
level but is unlikely to pass this year. The District is in discussions to have the bill move forward
in the next legislative session.
President Holman inquired regarding the impact of roadways on the mountain lion population.
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated roadways have a significant impact due to roadkill and lack of wildlife
connectivity and efforts are needed to provide as much permeable access as possible.
President Holman inquired regarding deer population in the state and how that may impact
mountain lion population.
Mr. Sharp Chaney reported no definitive data exists regarding deer population, but current data
suggests the deer population is decreasing.
Public comments opened at 6:44 p.m.
Patrick Noon reported that he has video of a mountain lion sighting that he would like to submit
to the District.
Meeting 20-14 Page 4
Sharon Negri suggested that in response to mountain lion habituation the District may consider
decommissioning a trail.
Public hearing closed at 6:46 p.m.
Mr. Sharp Chaney stated that the District would research various options for responding to
mountain lion habituation based on Board direction.
Directors Riffle and Kersteen-Tucker suggested sharing the meeting presentation and additional
information with the public and members of the media previously interested in mountain lions.
Director Hassett commented on the District’s conservation grazing program and compensation
provided to grazing tenants in response to predation by mountain lions.
Mr. Sharp Chaney reported that success in the conservation grazing program and associated
predation compensation may help similar programs be formed elsewhere and help the public and
tenants increase awareness of the mountain lion’s ecological role in a wildlife habitat.
President Holman suggested the District may want to lead a social media or public relations
campaign with similar agencies regarding the impact of rodenticides on wildlife.
No Board action required.
President Holman adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 7:01 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
President Holman called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 7:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, and Curt
Riffle
Members Absent: Yoriko Kishimoto and Pete Siemens
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Chief
Financial Officer Stefan Jaskulak, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan, Controller Mike
Foster, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Finance Manager Andrew Taylor, Natural Resources
Manager Kirk Lenington, Visitor Services Manager Matt Anderson,
Planning Manager Jane Mark, Land & Facilities Manager Michael Jurich,
Engineering & Construction Manager Jay Lin, Information Systems &
Technology Manager Casey Hiatt, Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner,
Real Property Manager Mike Williams, Governmental Affairs Specialist
Josh Hugg
Meeting 20-14 Page 5
President Holman announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Governor Newsom’s
Executive Order allowing Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best
to conduct a meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide
comment. The public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to
listen to this meeting through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the
meeting agenda, which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the
District website. President Holman described the process and protocols for the meeting.
Director Siemens arrived at 7:09 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no written comments were submitted for this item.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:11 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted for the Consent
Calendar.
Public comment closed at 7:11 p.m.
Motion: Director Kersteen-Tucker moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to approve
the Consent Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
1. Approve June 24, 2020 Minutes
2. Claims Report
3. Award of Contract for Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting at Eight Mitigation
Sites for Five Years (2020-2024) (R-20-74)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into contract with Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting
for the base contract price of $81,292 to monitor eight mitigation sites for five years.
2. Authorize an allowance of $20,000 to be expended only if additional mitigation sites require
monitoring and reporting over the next five years.
3. Authorize a 10% contingency of $8,130 to be expended only if the eight mitigation sites do
not meet permit success criteria, additional years of monitoring are required, and/or
Meeting 20-14 Page 6
additional coordination with the permitting agencies is necessary, for a not-to-exceed total
contract of $109,422.
4. Award of Contract to Andreini Brothers for the ADA Barrier Removal Project at
Russian Ridge, Monte Bello, and Windy Hill Open Space Preserves (R-20-66)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manger to enter into a contract with Andreini Brothers of Half Moon
Bay, CA, for the base amount of $429,504.
2. Authorize a 13% contingency of $55,836 to be reserved for unanticipated issues, bringing the
total contract to a not-to-exceed amount of $485,340.
5. Establish the Fiscal Year 2021 Tax Levy for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District’s General Obligation Bonds - Series 2015A, Series 2015B, and Series 2018 (R-20-
72)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for each of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz
Counties to establish an ad valorem property tax levy of $1.50 per $100,000 (or $0.0015 per
$100) in assessed value for the General Obligation Bonds – Series 2015A, Series 2015B, and
Series 2018 (Measure AA).
BOARD BUSINESS
6. Review of 2020 State of California Legislative Session – Board of Directors Briefing
on Matters of Interest to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (R-20-73)
Governmental Affairs Specialist Joshua Hugg provided the staff presentation and introduced the
District’s lobbying representatives: Russ Noack, Julee Malinowski-Ball, and Reed Addis.
Russ Noack with Public Policy Associates reported on the state of the 2020 Legislative Session,
and on various legislative matters of interest to the District, including the workers’ compensation
in response to COVID-19, special district challenges related to the availability of COVID-19
federal funding, and state funding and tax measures, such as the potential Proposition 13 split
roll taxation (Proposition 15) and property tax transfer (Proposition 19).
Julee Malinowski-Ball with Public Policy Associates provided an update regarding the 2020-
2021 California state budget, including impacts on local government, funds for wildfire
prevention, preparedness, and forest health, and public safety power shutoff response, mitigation,
and funding.
Reed Addis with Environmental and Energy Consulting provided updates regarding Proposition
68 conservation funding, cap and trade/greenhouse gas reduction funds, wildlife corridors,
various water and conservation bills, and potential funding measures.
The Board requested and received clarification regarding current state and federal legislation
items.
Meeting 20-14 Page 7
Director Kersteen-Tucker expressed concern regarding how to pursue legislative items in future
years as the legislative delegation changes and how to prioritize the various legislative pursuits.
Director Riffle inquired regarding outreach and engagement of potential candidates.
Mr. Hugg commented on outreach options, such as land tours, ward representative contacting the
candidates representing their ward, etc.
Public comments opened at 8:30 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comments closed at 8:30 p.m.
No Board action required.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
• Alma Bridge Road Newt Mortality Update
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Kersteen-Tucker reported the Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs committee met
on July 7, 2020 to receive an update on the Youth Outreach Program.
B. Staff Reports
Ms. Ruiz reported that a wellness survey was issued to staff to better understand their current
struggles in order to develop strategies to assist employees during these difficult times.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone provided an update regarding the proposed repainting
of the La Honda Red Barn and samples that can be viewed by Board members.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
Director Hassett provided comments on the recent purchases related to COVID -19 precautions
and an award of contract for the ADA barrier removal project, which will promote the District’s
climate action plan by selecting a company with minimal commutes required.
ADJOURNMENT
President adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District into closed session at 8:58 p.m.
Meeting 20-14 Page 8
SPECIAL MEETING – CLOSED SESSION
President Holman called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 8:59 p.m.
Director Riffle recused himself from participating in this potential transaction between POST
and the District due to his employment with POST, which is categorized as a remote interest
under California Government Code section 1091.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, and Pete
Siemens
Members Absent: Curt Riffle and Yoriko Kishimoto
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Chief Financial Officer/Director of
Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak, Real Property Manager Mike
Williams, Planner III Elish Ryan
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54956.8)
Property: Portion of San Mateo County APN: 066-280-050
Agency Negotiator: Michael Williams, Real Property Manager
Negotiating Party: Ben Wright, Peninsula Open Space Trust
Under Negotiation: Terms and Conditions
ADJOURNMENT
President adjourned the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District at 10:01 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk