HomeMy Public PortalAbout20060125 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 06-03
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 25, 2006
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING ,
I. ROLL CALL
President Jed Cyr called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
Jed C Mar Dave Nonette Hanko Larry Hassett,
Members Present: ,
Cyr, Y Y� Y
Deane Little, Ken Nitz, Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, Sally Thielfoldt, John
Maciel, Mike Williams
IL CLOSED SESSION
J. Cyr stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Closed
Session Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:07 p.m. and the Closed Session
commenced at 6:07 p.m. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
III. J. Cyr called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. He announced that the
Board had discussed Closed Session Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3 in Closed Session
and that no reportable actions had taken place.
Additional Staff Present: Matthew Freeman, Michelle Jesperson, Rudy
Jurgensen, Kirk Lenington, Cindy Roessler
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IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—There were none.
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V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens
seconded and the motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff answered questions regarding claims as follows: #4164, LFR Levine Fricke
second round of site investigation and removal of contamination; #4172, Moore
lacofano Goltsman, Inc. — facilitation of meetings last year; #4204R, Bay Area
Backflow, Inc. — testing and replacement of valves; 4214R, Goride Bicycles —
purchase of two more bicycles. K. Nitz said he was glad they had purchased
more bikes.
N. Hanko removed the minutes of the December 20, 2005, Special Meeting. She
commented that they were very well done.
D. Little removed the minutes of the December 14, 2005 Regular and Special
Meetings. He asked that his comments under discussion on page 5 be changed to
read, "D. Little believes that human activity does not contribute significantly to
the spreading of Sudden Oak Death within District boundaries."
N. Hanko removed the draft response to a letter from William and Lesley
Obermayer, La Honda, California. She asked why the incident was not reported
in staff s report. She was informed that staff could find no record of a fire truck
or ambulance being in danger. L. Hassett told the Board what he knew about the
incident, as it happened not too far from his home.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar,
including minutes of the December 14, 2005 Regular and Special
Meetings, as amended, and the December 20, 2005, Special
Meeting; draft response to a letter from William and Lesley
Obermayer, La Honda; Agenda Item 7, Adoption of the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations for the
O'Hair and Grinsfelder Properties as Additions to Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve (San Mateo County Assessor's
Parcel Numbers 067-152-060, 067-118-050, 067-118-060 and 067-
118-070); Determination That Recommended Actions are
Cate Tor ically Exempt from CEQA•, Indication of Intention to
Dedicate the Property as Public Open Space; Agenda Item 8,
Adoption of Resolution 06-05 to Increase the Credit Limit for the
Public Affairs Manager to $5,000; Rescind Resolution No. 05-31;
Agenda Item 9, Approval of Appointment of Director Cyr as
District's Representative to the California Joint Powers Insurance
Authority Board of Directors and Appointment of Two Alternates:
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General Manager, Craig Britton and Assistant General Manager,
Sally Thielfoldt; and Revised Claims 06-03. K. Nitz seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. N. Hanko abstained on Claim
#4227R.
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 1 — Approve Proposed Agenda, Date and Selected
Agencies for Resource Management Workshop as Presented by
Environmental Science Associates—(Report R-06-1 0).
M. Jesperson introduced Darcy Rosenblatt, Program Manager, and Tom
Roberts, Principal, of Environmental Science Associates.
Ms. Rosenblatt explained that the presentation and discussion would be in
three parts: Draft agenda (discussion and Board input), agencies
recommended as panelists; and proposed dates.
Ms. Rosenblatt said the goal of the workshop would be to bring to the
Board information from other land steward groups who are facing similar
issues and have had successes from which District can learn. They are
looking for elements that make up the archetypical land management
agencies. C. Britton added that he hoped that the Board could ask
questions so that they have those answers to consider at the second
workshop. N. Hanko said she hoped the Board and District could
encourage related agencies to be educated at the same time the District is
and to feel some responsibility for assisting the District. She saw that as a
secondary goal. C. Britton said the main goal is for Board to have
questions answered. If that is successful, they hope to present a repeat for
Bay Area Open Space. Ms. Rosenblatt agreed that it would make it more
attractive for other agencies to participate if the workshop is billed and
planned as a two-way information exchange.
Ms. Rosenblatt talked about the groundwork that would be done prior to
the workshop, including sending of a questionnaire and interviewing of
potential panelists.
Board Members discussed their preferences for the three items to be
discussed under Agenda Item 3, Panel Discussion on Natural Resources
Programs; Trends and Commonalities. N. Hanko said she would like to
hear case stories about agencies having taken the initiative to attempt to
solve their own problems. P. Siemens suggested a modification to bullet
5, to ask how would they prioritize, i.e. balancing allocation of money
among resource protection, land purchase, and public access. D. Little
suggested adding discussion of whether the agency has a plan to sustain
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and enhance natural biodiversity and suppress unnatural biodiversity,
including a description of the key elements of the plan.
Discussion followed regarding the District's definition of natural resource
management and the District's mission statement regarding the resource
management plan. C. Britton suggested giving the other agencies the
District's definition and then listening to them.
Ms. Rosenblatt talked about how they selected the five agencies they
recommended as panelists from a list of over 20 agencies. Board
Members suggested other agencies they thought should be invited to
participate, including San Mateo and Sonoma Counties, POST, and the
Jasper Ridge group.
Ms. Rosenblatt said that all agencies would be invited, but they believed
that the panel should consist of no more than five in order to be
manageable. C. Roessler described how the list had been cut back.
Following discussion of the proposed dates, it was decided that both
Friday dates, March 3 and March 10, would be offered to the panelists.
By consensus, the Board agreed that the second workshop would be the
day after the panel discussion.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve the proposed
agenda, date, and selected agencies for Resource
Management Workshop as presented by Environmental
Science Associates, as discussed. K. Nitz seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Appointment of 2005 Board Committees Members;
Approve Recommendations and Appointments of Standing, Ad Hoc and
Outside Committees, Including the Determination of Compensation Status
for Attendance at Board Committee Meetings—(Report R-06-1 1).
J. Cyr noted some modifications to his proposed list of appointments.
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board approve the President's
modified recommendations and appointments regarding
Standing, Ad Hoc and Outside Committees as contained in
the report, including the determination of compensation
status for attendance at Board Committee meetings. M.
Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Approval of Appointments of Board President as
Chairperson of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing
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Authority and Directors Davey, Nitz and Little as District Representatives
to the Governing Board—(Report R-06-12).
J. Cyr presented his proposed appointments to the Financing Authority
Board.
Motion: K. Nitz,moved that the Board approve J. Cyr as chairperson
and M. Davey, K. Nitz, and D. Little to serve on the
Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Financing Authority. M. Davey seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
D. Agenda Item No. 4 - Authorization for General Manager to Enter into a
Professional Services Agreement with Richard Seymour and Associates in
the Amount of$28,200 Plus a Contingency of$2,800 for a Total Contract
Amount Not to Exceed $3 1,000 to Assess the Presence of Sensitive
Aquatic Amphibians and Reptiles on District Lands-, Determination That
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA — (Report
R-04-04).
K. Lenington presented the staff report.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board authorize the General
Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement
with Richard Seymour and Associate in the amount of
$28,200 plus a contingency of $2,800 for a total contract
amount not to exceed $31,000 to survey and assess the
aquatic amphibians and reptiles on District lands; and
determine that the recommended actions are categorically
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) as set out in the staff report. P. Siemens seconded
the motion.
Discussion: K. Lenington talked about endangered species, including
the red legged frog, and how important they are. He said
they are concerned about pesticides, as they do suppress the
fertility of frogs. He said a toxicology breakdown of
pesticides is available. The proposed survey would include
finding out if frogs are breeding. The survey would look at
everything, not just the red legged frog, pond turtle, and
San Francisco garter snake. In addition, they would
monitor bullfrogs and predatory fish. C. Britton asked if
they would eventually look for homed lizards. K.
Lenington said they are a species of special concern. J. Cyr
said it seemed that they needed a regular pattern for these
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studies. K. Lenington said they have asked the consultant
for monitoring protocols.
Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0.
E. Agenda Item No. 5 - Adoption of Resolution Dedicating; Interests in
Certain District Lands for Public Open Space Purposes — (Report R-06-
14)
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 06-
04, Resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Dedicating
Interests in Certain District Lands for Public Open Space
Purposes. K. Nitz seconded the motion.
Discussion: C. Britton answered questions about Briggs Creek,
Edgewood Park, Felton Station and GGNRA.
Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0.
F. Agenda Item No. 6 - Recommendation to Refer Installation of a
Memorial Bench for Lois Hogle to Legislative, Funding and Public
Affairs Committee—(Report R-06-16).
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board refer the bench site
selection to the Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs
Committee for the installation of a memorial bench for Lois
Hogle. M. Davey seconded the motion.
Discussion: M. Davey said she is confident the committee and the
family will make the right decision. She added that the
Committee for Green Foothills would like to participate.
Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0.
VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
S. Schectman informed the Board that a new ethics law for local agencies became
effective on January 1. It requires that under informational reports, Board
Members must report on meetings of compensable committees they have
attended.
N. Hanko attended a meeting of the Real Property Committee on January 24, and
a LFPAC meeting on January 10. She said the Real Property Committee will
bring recommendations to the Board in March.
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06-03 g
R. Jurgensen talked about the decision to carry on the ad hoc Good Neighbor
Committee.
K. Nitz: 1. He attended the LFPAC meeting on January 10. 2. He reported that
he had been monitoring the landslide at Thornewood and it had not moved. 3. He
attended a staff meeting with the Bear Creek Stables people. He thought staff
should look into some of the issues that were brought up at that meeting.
M. Davey said she attended the Real Property Committee meeting on January 24
at which they discussed two recommendations that will be coming to the Board in
the near future.
D. Little: 1. He attended the Real Property Committee meeting on January 24. 2.
He said he had been enjoying District preserves and recommended that people
visit the Skyline area when a storm is breaking. 3. He had seen a coyote with a
broken leg a couple of times.
L. Hassett said the Jasper Ridge Coordinating Council would meet for the second
time. He read the charge of the committee and the names of some members.
J. Cyr: 1. He attended the LFPAC meeting of January 10. 2. He hiked Almaden
Quicksilver Park. 3. While hiking Los Trancos and Montebello, he was able to
hear a docent leading the earthquake hike. He said the brushes to clean shoes
when leaving the preserves were being used.
C. Britton: 1. Santa Clara County has agreed to provide $550,000 for the
purchase of the Hall Property. 2. The District will be receiving a $500,000 grant
from the Coastal Conservancy for purchase of Stevens Canyon Ranch. 3. He
attended a meeting on the Ridge Trail for the east side of Skyline.
Representatives from GGNRA, County Parks, and POST were there as well. He
is putting together a comprehensive memo to the Board regarding this project as
they had requested. 4. Bay Area Open Space Council had a breakout session by
county at their last meeting to look at what should be the focus. 5. The Peace
Officers Association wanted to make a presentation to the Board regarding ranger
safety. 6. The State of the District event will be held at Presentation Center on
February 15. Staff will break out into groups to discuss Sierra Azul and Bear
Creek Redwoods Master Plan.
S. Schectman talked about the requirements of the new ethics law which includes
a requirement for a written policy regarding reimbursement of expenses. Staff
will draft a policy which will be sent to LFPAC. The law also requires ethics
training.
S. Thielfoldt: 1. She said one of the required ethics training sessions will be held
March 16 at the Santa Clara Valley Water District facility. 2. She noted that the
Board Members chairs had recently been fitted with new pneumatic devices. 3.
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San Mateo County Grand Jury members visited the District office as part of their
assessment of government agencies' disaster preparedness plans. 4. She
announced the following dates for Administration and Budget meetings:
February 13, 16, 21 and 23, and February 28, all starting at 4:30 p.m. March 14 is
scheduled as a backup if needed.
R. Jurgensen passed out copies of an article talking about poaching which
included reference to the Board meeting in La Honda on the Driscoll property
purchase.
S. Thielfoldt read the clarification provided by K. Lenington which stated that tree
frogs are a different group from true frogs, so California Red Legged Frogs are
the only native frogs in the Western United States.
M. Freeman said staff would like to meet with the Sierra AzuI ad hoc committee.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:27 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary
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