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Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 05-27
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
December 14, 2005
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
i
President Larry Hassett called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Mary Davey, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Deane Little,
Ken Nitz and Pete Siemens.
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, Duncan Simmons and Ana Ruiz.
II. CLOSED SESSION
L. Hassett stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Closed
Session Agenda Items 1 and 2.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at
6:30 p.m. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:05 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
IIh L. Hassett called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. He announced that the Board
had discussed Closed Session Agenda Items 1 and 2 and that no reportable actions had
taken place.
llie Mike Foster Stan Hooper, Michelle
Gordon
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Additional Staff Present: � p
erson Rudy Jur ensen Kirk Lenin ton John Maciel, Rick Parry, Michael Reeves,
Jes ,
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Margaret Reimche, Cindy Roessler, Sally Thielfoldt, Mike Williams, Cathy Woodbury
and Del Woods.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—There were none at this time.
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Meeting 05-27 Page 2
V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
L. Hassett stated that several Board Members have requested that the meeting be as brief
as possible. He recommended that the Agenda be amended to recognize Mike Foster and
move Agenda Item 4 to Agenda Item 2.
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board adopt the agenda as amended. M. Davey
seconded and the motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
K. Nitz questioned Agenda Item 5 and the exact revision to the resolution. D. Woods
explained that the amendment to the Resolution was located in the last "Whereas"
paragraph, specifically: "WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the
State of California for acquisition of the project." S. Schectman stated that historically
the District submits their own language and presently, the State of California Department
of Parks and Recreation asked that the District keep this paragraph in the Resolution.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including
Agenda Item 5: Adoption of Revised Resolution No. 05-33 Approving
Application to Habitat Conservation Fund Program for Funding
Assistance with the Addition of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (Lobitos
Creek/Irish Ridge) Property to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space
Preserve (San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 066-240-020);
Agenda Item 6: Acceptance of Annual Report to Shareholders of the
Guadalupe Land Co.; Renewal of License and Management Agreement
between Guadalupe Land Co. and MROSD for the Guadalupe Land Co.
Property Adjacent to the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve (Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Numbers 575-11-004,
575-12-001 and 575-12-013); Determine that the Recommended Actions
are Categorically Exempt from CEQA; Agenda Item 7: Authorize
Additional Legal Fees in the Matter of Citizens for Responsible Open
Space v. LAFCQ, et al., for the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly & Weinbe
in Amount Not to Exceed $50,000; Authorize Additional Legal Fees in the
Matters of Fogarty v. MROSD and MROSD v. Fogarty for the Law Firm
of Miller, Starr & Regalia in an Amount Not to Exceed $35,000
Contingent Upon Approv I of the Mid-Year Amendments; and Revised
Claims 05-22. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to
0. N. Hanko abstained on Revised Claim No. 3961.
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. I — Adoption of Resolution Approving the Purchase of the Hall
Property as an Addition to Monte Bello and Saratoga Ggp Open Space Preserves
(Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Number 351-16-014) and Amend the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Former Thompson Property
Naming a Portion of the Property as an Addition to Monte Bello Open Space
Preserve (Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Number 351-16-023); Determine
Meeting 05-27 Page 3
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA; Dedicate Property
as Public Open Space (Report R-05-128).
D. Woods presented the staff report with a slide slow depicting the Hall property.
M. Williams presented the terms and conditions of the proposed purchase and
answered questions from the Board.
M. Williams acknowledged the neighbors of the Hall property present at the
meeting.
Motion: D. Little moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 05-34, of the
Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Approving the Purchase of the Hall Property as an
Addition to Monte Bello and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserves
(Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Number 351-16-014);
Amend the Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Former
Thompson Property Naming a Portion of the Property as an
Addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Santa Clara
County Assessor's Parcel Number 351-16-023); Determine
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA; and
Dedicate Property as Public Open Space. N. Hanko seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 4 - Adoption of Resolution Approving the Mid-Year
Amendments to 2005-2006 Fiscal Year Budget in Accordance with
Administration and Budget Committee Recommendation; Accept District
Controller's Mid-Year Financial Report; Approve New Ranger Position, New
Resource Management Coordinator Position; GIS Intern and Increasing
Accounting Clerk Position's to Full Time (Report R-05-124).
M. Foster presented the Controller's mid-year financial report and mentioned that
all of the land purchases for the first half of the year have been covered by grants
and gifts.
S. Thielfoldt explained the process that the Administration and Budget Committee
followed. She highlighted the positional changes and explained the budget
category adjustments.
K. Nitz commended staff on the adjustments for this year. He was very pleased
with the hard work. He stated that the new Resource Management Coordinator is
not intended to be an"administrative" position, but more of a hands-on person.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 05-32
Approving the Mid-Year Amendments to 2005-2006 Fiscal Year
Budget in Accordance with Administration and Budget Committee
Recommendation; Accept District Controller's Mid-Year Financial
Report; Approve New Ranger Position, New Resource
Management Coordinator Position; GIS Intern and Increase
Meeting 05-27 Page 4
Accounting Clerk Position to Full Time. K. Nitz seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 2 - Authorization for General Manager to Enter into a
Professional Services Agreement Not to Exceed $21,675 with Environmental
Science Associates to Conduct a Phase I Comparative Analysis of Other Land
Management Agencies' Management Programs and Evaluate District's Resource
Management Program (Report R-05-123).
M. Jesperson presented the staff report and answered questions from the Board. J.
Cyr questioned the omission of the cost breakdown of each proposal received. S.
Schectman explained that the low bid laws and low bid statutes do not apply to
consultants but they do apply to public work contracting. S. Thielfoldt noted that
Environmental Science Associates ("ESA") was somewhere in the middle of the
cost structure. Their bid was neither the lowest nor the highest.
Discussion followed regarding best practices, panel discussions and Board
workshops. M. Jesperson explained that the workshop would be public. C.
Britton stated the costs of Phase I do not include travel costs incurred to bring
other agency representatives to the District.
Ron Sturgeon, San Gregorio, California, stated that he had experience with
Environmental Science Associates when they conducted the watershed
assessment in Pescadero. They are very good at what they do and ESA is a fine
organization.
M. Jesperson stated that the workshop agenda would be brought before the Board
at the second meeting in January 2006.
Motion: D. Little moved that the Board Authorize General Manager to
Enter into a Professional Services Agreement, not to exceed
$21,675 with Environmental Science Associates to Conduct a
Phase I Comparative Analysis of Other Land Management
Agencies' Programs and Evaluate District's Resource Management
Program. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to
0.
D. Agenda Item No. 3 - Progress Report and Further Recommendations Regarding
Management of Sudden Oak Death and Slender False Brome on and Near District
Preserves; Direct General Manager to Implement Work Plan•, Determine that
Recommended Action is Categorically Exempt from CEQA (Report R-05-122).
C. Roessler presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation on the
proposed ten-year work plan on Sudden Oak Death.
In regards to collaborative funding, K. Nitz, questioned if the District is
participating in the research priorities and funding, or is that the work of the
proposed Conservation Committee. C. Roessler advised that it be run through the
Meeting 05-27 Page 5
Conservation Committee and that the District serve on the Committee, along with
other land management agencies.
C. Roessler explained that in this report, the heritage trees recommended for
survey and treatment are primarily tanoak, coast live oak, canyon oak and Shreve
oak. There may be observations that could adjust this recommendation.
D. Little suggested adding local residents to the list of individuals who could
provide observations of oak trees. He appreciated staff taking the time to come
up with a collaborative plan with the Oak Task Force.
C. Roessler introduced her interns: Eliah Gilfenbaum, Research Intern; Noelle
Antolin, Natural Resources Intern and Michelle Guzdek (not present), an
advanced GIS student at West Valley College.
K. Nitz questioned recommending trail closure to certain areas with affected trees.
L. Hassett recommended that K. Nitz might want to add trail closure to the
motion.
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board Amend the General Manager's
Recommendations by adding Recommendation Number 4: "On a
lower priority basis, research the impact of trail closure to certain
areas." J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 1.
Dir. Davey voted no.
Discussion: D. Little believes that humans do not contribute significantly to the
spreading of Sudden Oak Death, within District boundaries.
Motion to Reconsider: J. Cyr moved that the Board reconsider the prior motion. N.
Hanko seconded the motion. The motion for reconsideration
passed 5 to 2. Dirs. Hassett and Nitz voted no.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board implement the
Recommendations I through 3 and Recommendation 8 as stated in
the Board Report No. 05-27. M. Davey seconded the motion. The
motion passed 7 to 0.
C. Roessler presented the staff report and a PowerPoint presentation on the
proposed ten-year work plan on Slender False Brome.
N. Hanko questioned if private land owners are aware that this weed could exist
on their properties. She had talked with Thornewood neighbors at the Good
Neighbor Policy meeting. C. Roessler expressed concern with the interest of the
private land owners. The District has offered to identify and map Slender False
Brome to anyone who is interested. Staff has gone to Woodside neighborhood
meetings, the South Skyline Association picnic, and the Old La Honda
Association picnic. They have also advertised in the associations' newsletters and
have posted flyers at the local market.
Meeting 05-27 Page 6
D. Little suggested getting our legislators to look into getting brome reclassified
as a noxious weed.
K. Nitz questioned closing trails in heavily affected areas. C. Britton stated that
he had suggested to the Use and Management Committee the closure of
Thornewood Open Space Preserve. C. Roessler advised that if the District stays
on top of this weed, keep it sprayed and don't let anymore seeds form out there in
our preserves, then there is no reason to close the trails.
K. Nitz recommends Use and Management Committee meet out at Thornewood
in the fall and review the affected areas.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board implement the Recommendations
4 through 7 and Recommendation 8 as stated in the Board Report
No. 05-27. D. Little seconded the motion.
Discussion: L. Hassett added that the Old La Honda Road residents are very
receptive to assisting in the removal of slender false brome. The
District should be talking with the Town of Woodside and
CalTrans. C. Roessler stated that CalTrans has been out to the area
on a frequent basis and the Town of Woodside has not.
Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0.
P. Siemens and D. Little departed at 9:55 p.m.
VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N. Hanko: 1. She confirmed that the December 20th Special Meeting would be held at the
Skyline Field Office. 2. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a trail
that will cross Stanford lands near Page Mill Road. The trail will begin at the southeast side of
Page Mill Road at Foothill Expressway, straight up to Deer Creek Road, where it will crest over
a ridge and wind down to where Arastradero Road. The trail will split at Deer Creek Road,
where bicyclists can join the Adobe Creek Trail. The trail is now only 1/3 in Santa Clara County
and the other 2/3 will be in San Mateo County. Stanford will keep its financial offers ($11.2
million) to San Mateo County and Portola Valley open for five years, with one two-year
extension. If no trail is built within that time, Stanford will give the money to Santa Clara
County. 3. She attended the Good Neighbor Policy Meeting in Los Gatos. There were several
people there who had opportunities to express their concerns. Representatives from the
Presentation Center attended and commented on their good relationship with the District.
K. Nitz mentioned R. Zatkin's letter and the status of the report from Balance Hydrologics. S.
Schectman explained that as soon as the District receives it from Balance Hydrologics they'
would forward a copy to Mr. Zatkin.
M. Davey: 1. She expressed her surprise that C. Woodbury is leaving the District. She
appreciated all the work Cathy has accomplished with the Coastal Annexation. 2. She would
like the District to support the Open Space Initiative for Santa Clara County. It will be on the
ballot for November, 2006. She will also be looking for individual support.
Meeting 05-27 Page 7
L. Hassett: 1. This being his second to last board meeting: he appreciated staff s reports
tonight; he heard positive comments from the public; and he saw exciting progress on resource
management issues. 2. He thanked C. Woodbury for her efforts and guidance on the coast
annexation process. 3. He hosted a South Skyline Association holiday party.
J. Cyr: 1. On December 3 he attended the opening celebration for Santa Clara County Open
Space Authority's Rancho Canada del Oro. They had designed and built four miles of trail that
connects to old ranch roads—it was absolutely stunning. 2. He attended the South Skyline
Association holiday party. 3. He echoed Larry's comments on C. Woodbury's efforts with the
Coastal Annexation. He wished her the best on her new position.
C. Britton: 1. He passed out the new magnetic badges for all Board members. 2. He received
an invitation to the Santa Clara Valley Water District celebrating 75 Years of Service on
December 20th. 3. He received a notice of the State of the Valley Conference (Silicon Valley's
Town Meeting) scheduled for January 20, 2006. 4. He and Pete Siemens went to the Santa
Clara County Special Districts Association. M. Foster had put in his proposal to sit on the
Citizen Advisory Committee to advise Santa Clara County Treasurer on investments which was
approved. 5. He attended the NRPA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. 6. On November 3
there will be another Special Parks Districts Forum planning meeting in the East Bay. J. Cyr is
the Board representative and he will be attending. 7. He met with Judith Steiner, Interim
Director of the Committee for Green Foothills, to discuss future projects. She is also on the
Sempervirens Fund Board of Directors. 8. He emphasized that the El Corte de Madera tours
were offered to no more than three Board members at a time.
C. Woodbury: She expressed her pleasure in working with the District for the past five years.
The coastal annexation was the most exciting project she has worked on in her whole career.
She feels the District is being left in very capable hands with an excellent planning department.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:23 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
Margaret Reimche
Recording Secretary
t
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 05-28
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
21150 Skyline Boulevard
La Honda, California
December 20, 2005
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
President Larry Hassett called the Special Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Mar Dave Nonette Hanko Deane Little Pete Siemens
Jed Cyr, ,
r Present: ,Members Y � Y Y�
and Larry Hassett.
Members Absent: Ken Nitz
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Rudy Jurgensen, David Sanguinetti, Sue Schectman,
Sally Thielfoldt, Mike Williams and Del Woods.
H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—There were none.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded and
the motion passed 6 to 0.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board include Agenda Item 3 on the Consent
Calendar. N. Hanko seconded and the motion passed 6 to 0.
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including
Agenda Item 3: Adopt the Attached Resolution Accepting the Gift of the
Salzberg,Property as an Addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
(San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 072-334-020); Determine
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA; Adopt the
Preliminary Use and Management -Plan Recommendations,• Name the
Property as an Addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, Indicate
Intention to Dedicate Property as Public Open Space and Revised Claims
05-23. M. Davey seconded and the motion passed 6 to 0.
V. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. I — Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Purchase of POST
(Rapley Ranch) property as an Addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
(Santa Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Numbers 078-210-370 and 080-320-170);
Determine Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA, Adopt
the Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations,Name the Property
as an Addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve; Indicate Intention to
Dedicate Property as Public Open Space—(Report R-05-130).
D. Woods presented the staff report and answered questions from the Board. M.
Williams discussed terms and conditions.
L. Hassett asked for elaboration of fuel management on the property. Staff
explained that there is a two-part process. Upon acquisition, the District follows
current fuel management practices. Then, for the final fuel management plan,
site-specific consultation is done with California Department of Forestry as called
for in the Service Plan. D. Sanguinetti added that District staff will clear brush
100 feet around the barn, unless required to do more. District maps are provided
to CDF stations and updated.
Mary Bordi, La Honda, California received the initial notice of meeting, but did
not receive the notice that tonight's meeting was rescheduled. She received the
information from the District's web site.
At the request of C. Britton, M. Williams described the mailing notification
process and the advertisements placed for this meeting.
Kerry Carlson, Morgan Hill, California, described his family history in relation to
the Rapley Ranch property. His family was hopeful that the ranch would remain
a working ranch. He also stated that the barn is in pretty good shape and needs
just a few minor repairs. He requested that a trail be named after Jimmy Rapley,
the long-time owner and resident.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 05-35
Authorizing Purchase of POST (Rapley Ranch) Property as an
Addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Santa Mateo
County Assessor's Parcel Numbers 078-210-370 and 080-320-
170); Determine Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt
from CEQA; Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan
Recommendations; Name the Property as an Addition to Russian
Meeting 05-28 Page 2
Ridge Open Space Preserve; Indicate Intention to Dedicate
Property as Public Open Space. D. Little seconded the motion.
The motion passed 6 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 2 — Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Purchase of POST
(Portola Lookout) Property as an Addition to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
(Santa Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 085-130-050), Determine
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA,-Adopt the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations• Name the Property as
an Addition to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, Indicate Intention to Dedicate
Property as Public Open Space—(Report R-05-13 1).
D. Woods presented the staff report. M. Williams discussed terms and conditions.
N. Hanko questioned the process of naming the property. C. Britton stated there
are times when naming the property becomes part of the actual negotiation, for
example, Bear Creek Redwoods and Miramontes. N. Hanko was concerned that
the committee designed to protect the District from naming preserves after
ineligible persons is being circumvented. She stated she was disappointed that
staff did not bring this to the Board. C. Britton explained that this was a condition
of the bargain sale. D. Little said it was similar to an easement.
L. Hassett questioned how the District works with CDF regarding fuel
management. D. Sanguinetti explained that CDF requires that all brush be
cleaned from structures and roads. The District maintains good relations with
CDF and provides ride-a-longs when requested. CDF is always noticed of any
map change from the District.
P. Siemens asked whether CDF comes to look at the property. D. Sanguinetti
stated that the Fire Marshall comes onto the property to assure there are adequate
clearances around the structures.
N. Hanko recognized D. Woods and M. Williams for their excellent reports. J.
Cyr requested that naming requirements be brought to the Board's attention when
initially presented to the Board. L. Hassett suggested talking with POST
regarding the Board's sensitivity to naming protocols. S. Schectman stated that
the site-naming covenant language is very flexible.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 05-36
Authorizing Purchase of POST (Portola Lookout) Property as an
Addition to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Santa Mateo
County Assessor's Parcel Number 085-130-050); Determine
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA;
Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan
Recommendations; Name the Property as an Addition to Long
Ridge Open Space Preserve; Indicate Intention to Dedicate
Meeting 05-28 Page 3
Property as Public Open Space. P. Siemens seconded the motion.
The motion passed 6 to 0.
VI. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
L. Hassett called for a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District on January 12, 2006 for the purpose of considering the
purchase of the POST (Driscoll Ranch) property. The meeting will take place at La
Honda Elementary School, La Honda, California, at.7:00 p.m.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:00 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
Meeting 05-28 Page 4