HomeMy Public PortalAbout20060208 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 06-04
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 8, 2006
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
President Jed Cyr called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Members Present: Mary Davey, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Deane Little (arrived
at 6:15 p.m.), Ken Nitz, Pete Siemens and Jed Cyr.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, John Maciel, Michael Reeves, Sally
Thielfoldt, Mike Williams
11. CLOSED SESSION
J. Cyr stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Closed Session
Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:04 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at
6:04 p.m. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:25 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
111. 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, 3, and 4 in Closed Session and that no
reportable actions had taken place.
Additional Staff Present: Matthew Freeman, Rudy Jurgensen, Julie Norton, Rick
Parry, Cindy Roessler
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
D. Little introduced Cameron Colzon from H2MO, a company who performs hydro
mechanical obliteration. D. Little said he thought the District should look into a non-
toxic method for obliterating weeds. Mr. Colzon talked about the process used by his
company.
V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the agenda. K. Nitz seconded and
the motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
K. Nitz removed Agenda Item 6, Approval of a New Job Classification and Salary
Range for Resource Specialist — I / Resource Planner — 1; Amendment to the District's
Position Classification and Compensation Plan.
Staff answered questions regarding claims as follows: #4245, Concern — Employee
Assistance Program; #4264, Mike Tobar Excavation — debris, construction material,
septic tank removal; #4275, Rice Trucking, and# 4271, West Coast Aggregates, Inc. —K.
Nitz said he thought this was a great idea for Thornewood; #4284, Tadco Supply—should
have been starred as it dealt with one of the agenda items of this meeting.
Motion: L. Hassett moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including
minutes of the January 11, 2006 Special and Regular Meetings; Agenda
Item 5, Authorization for Board President to Execute General and Special
Release and Settlement Agreement in the Matter of Zembsch v. MROSD
Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 1-05-CV-048582: Pulgas
Ridge Open Space Preserve; Agenda Item 7, Authorization to Pay
Additional Legal Fees to the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger in
the Matter of Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. LAFCo, et al in an
Amount Not to Exceed $50,000, Agenda Item 8, Authorization of the
General Manager to Execute the Office Building Lease Amendment with
Kaidara, Inc., for the Office Space at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,
California; Agenda Item 9, Authorization to Amend Contract by $15,000
with LFR Levine, Fricke Inc. to Provide Environmental Services for an
Overall Amount Not to Exceed $44,475 for Petroleum Product Release
Source Investigations at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve; Determine
that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA;
and Revised Claims 06-04. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0. N. Hanko abstained on Claims 4290 and 4320R.
VII. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY—RESOLUTION FOR CARLO FOWLER
N. Hanko commented that Mr. Fowler had been with the District since the beginning.
Meeting 06-04 Page 2
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 06-06, Resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Honoring Carlo S. Fowler, Esq. on the Occasion of His
Retirement. P. Siemens seconded the motion.
Discussion: P. Siemens asked about the pro bono work mentioned in the resolution.
Staff said that was an error and would be removed.
Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0.
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. I — Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Execution of Santa
Clara County Funding Agreement to Support District's Purchase of Former Hall
Property as an Addition to Monte Bello and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserves
(Santa Clara County APN 351-16-014). Including Conveyance of an Open Space
Easement Over the Property to the County-, Determination that Recommended
Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA—R-06-17).
M. Williams presented the staff report. C. Britton explained why the County is
participating in the purchase of the property.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board determine that the recommended
actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in the staff report;
and adopt Resolution No. 06-07, Resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Authorizing Execution of the Funding Agreement With the County
of Santa Clara and Execution of an Open Space Easement, and
Authorizing the General Manager to Execute Any and All Other
Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Closing of the
Transaction (Monte Bello and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserves
- Former Lands of Hall). K. Nitz seconded the motion.
Discussion: M. Williams said that this purchase is something they have been
talking about with the County for some time.
Vote- The motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Review of Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation
of the District's Basic Policy for Fiscal Year 2006-2007—(Report R-06-24).
C. Britton introduced the item and talked about the staff s process of preparation.
I. Real Property Department
Meeting 06-04 Page 3
A. Acquisition, Funding and Negotiation
B. Property Management
C. Land Protection
General Department Emphasis — M. Williams pointed out the addition of
"working with Operations and Planning Departments to implement grazing and
agricultural leases." Under Acquisition, Funding and Negotiation, he highlighted
Key Project 2, Land Purchase Grant Projects, specifically the addition of pursuing
grant opportunities with the Santa Clara Valley Water District for property
additions to Saratoga Gap and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. Under Property
Management, he spoke of the new emphasis of Key Project 4 that dealt with
Grazing and Agricultural Leases. He noted that Key Project 4, Property Rights
Protection, under Land Protection Program, had been moved to Key Project 3,
Conservation Easement Monitoring Program.
J. Cyr commented that he was glad to see Other Projects and Activities Nos. 8 and
9 (relocation assistance program and compilation of real estate market activity)
included under Acquisition, Funding and Negotiation.
11. Open Space Planning Department
A. Planning and Geographic Information
B. Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities
M. Freeman described highlights of the plan and answered questions from Board
Members.
L. Hassett said he thought the District had a contract with a grazing consultant.
M. Freeman informed him that it was part of the Coastside Protection Program.
One element of that program was completion of a grazing policy. The draft
policy is nearly complete and needs to go to representatives of the agricultural
community on the coast. He said they need the consultant to look at the policy
before it goes public. C. Britton commented that they want the consultant to train
District staff on how to deal with grazing on day-to-day basis. M. Freeman added
that the grazing plan should be finished this year. It will address general
agriculture as well.
N. Hanko stressed that it was important that if something was dropped from a
program that it could disappear completely. She said she would like additional
wording under general department emphasis regarding establishing a regional trail
connection between Palo Alto's Foothills Park and Los Trancos Open Space
Preserve. She added that the I 001h anniversary celebration of the 1906 earthquake
Meeting 06-04 Page 4
would take place this year at Los Trancos. The earthquake fault is located in that
preserve.
K. Nitz suggested putting back in the last part under general department emphasis.
Page 4, #6—Thornewood Open Space Preserve Use and Management Planning—
M. Freeman talked about how Schilling Lake is filling. K. Nitz said they should
look at other ponds as well.
Page 7, old #3 — Windy Hill Improvements—K. Nitz asked about the construction
of the observation deck. M. Freeman said they wanted the road and trail
assessment to be comprehensive. It will gather information about Windy Hill. K.
Nitz said he would like construction of the deck added. M. Freeman said staff
would like to evaluate the impact on the budget. P. Siemens agreed that it should
be included and said he would like to see it finished. C. Britton said staff will
note it and get back to the Board if there are other ramifications.
Page 4, #6—Thornewood Open Space Preserve Use and Management Planning—
D. Little said the plan should include information on Slender False Brome. He
suggested that they replant the Douglas Irises. He noted that the Betsy Crowder
Trail is slick after rain and suggested that perhaps applying surface material
would help.
L. Hassett commented that he was glad to see staff looking at solar panels for the
administration building. He said that Brian Sullivan, the owner of his former
business, would be a good resource and he does pro bono work.
111. Operations Department
A. Field Operations—J. Maciel
B. Resource Management—C. Roessler
J. Maciel talked about new projects included in the Field Operations Program.
Page 2, #3, Key Projects—K. Nitz said he thought the words"pig responses"
should be changed.
Page 3,j, carrying of emergency medical oxygen by field staff—J. Maciel
reported that the oxygen equipment had not been used.
N. Hanko said that she would like a new Key Project added that Operations would
assist the Planning Department in the construction of a Board approved trail
connecting Palo Alto's Foothills Park and Los Trancos. She said it was important
that this be done as soon as possible. She thought they could get volunteers to
help build the trail. J. Maciel said staff would have to evaluate that proposal. C.
Britton said he did not think that Palo Alto could bow out without returning$2
Meeting 06-04 Page 5
million to county. He reminded the Board that about half of the planning projects
come in after the action plan is approved. He said they intended to plan the trail
this year and build it next year. P. Siemens said he did not think there was a
chance it could be designed and built this year. D. Little agreed with N. Hanko
that moving this forward was important. J. Cyr said there was an opportunity now
for success if they move forward at this time.
D. Little said disking could have positive effects on thistles depending on the time
of year it is done. J. Maciel said staff does take those things into consideration.
He talked about the problems they face and added that they are mandated by the
Fire Marshall to do disk lines.
He talked about the issue of timing of discing. C. Britton said there might be
some protocols that they could look at.
K. Nitz said he was happy to see geocaching included in the plan. He noted that
Lois Hogle's bench was not in the plan.
C. Roessler presented the Resource Management portion of the report. She talked
about the shifting between key projects and other projects. She highlighted key
projects, including Project Id, Identify species on new properties in coordination
with Planning Department; #2, Sudden Oak Death; #3a, Slender False Brome,
methods of control; and 4, Grazing Plan. She also talked about Other Projects,
Invasive Plant Tracking and Monitoring System(Page 8, #2) (moved from Key
Projects).
L. Hassett commented that he hoped their goal was that they could take a fresh
new look at resource management. He expressed frustration as to the timing of
the resource management workshop. C. Britton said the Board could do whatever
they want, including changing the action plan and asking for additional staffing.
Discussion followed regarding the date for the upcoming resource management
workshop.
C. Roessler stated that staff did not make any assumptions about what could come
out of the workshop. P. Siemens suggested looking at an enhanced Resource
Management plan during budget committee discussions.
K. Nitz expressed concern regarding some of the items removed from the work
plan. Regarding Key Project 3d, C. Roessler said they would concentrate on rare
species but will identify all others.
Page 7, #3b, outreach campaign. —K. Nitz said Public Affairs should be
included.
Page 8, #3b—yellow star thistle—C. Roessler said native grasses are coming up.
Meeting 06-04 Page 6
Page 9, #5 —C. Roessler talked about the wildlife surveys.
Page 9, #7—local institutions—K. Nitz said this seemed vague. C. Roessler said
several interns are working on studies and she is recruiting. She said she had
talked to people from Jasper Ridge about having some of their research projects
take place on District land. L. Hassett talked about the discussion that had taken
place at the last Jasper Ridge meeting.
C. Roessler said staff would double check on the status of the star thistle on Bear
Creek Redwoods Preserve that N. Hanko had reported earlier.
D. Little said he thought the frustration the Board felt was that they have given
staff the green light to grow the Resource Management program. He did not think
they had done as good a job of maintaining natural biodiversity as they had done
on acquiring land. Regarding SODS, he talked about developing a feel for what it
looks like. C. Roessler talked about sampling. She said there were good
diagnostic tools. D. Little said he thought staff should be doing a survey to
ascertain that SODS is killing tan oaks. C. Roessler talked about what field staff
was doing at this time.
C. Britton commented that they spend more time on the action plan for Resource
Management than all the others. He thanked C. Roessler for being able to answer
questions and putting together a program.
IV. Public Affairs Department
A. General Public Information and Outreach
B. Legislative, Funding and Organizational Relations
C. Community Programs
R. Jurgensen said staff will continue to implement the changes they made to the
program last year. He highlighted Key Projects.
S. Schectman stated that the project concerning peace officer jurisdiction is part
of the legal program.
N. Hanko said she would like to be able to invite others from out of state to the
Special Districts Forum. M. Davey agreed, saying that she thought the Santa
Clara County Open Space initiative should be added. C. Britton said staff would
note those requests.
P. Siemens asked if a Key Project in the public outreach program should be to
meet neighbors regarding slender false brome.
Meeting 06-04 Page 7
L. Hassett referred to an East Bay Regional program called "trail challenges"that
i
encouraged people to get out to different preserves.
J. Cyr commented that inclusion of an equestrian packet was a good idea(page 4,
# 12).
Discussion followed regarding expanding the newsletter. K. Nitz suggested
I�
looking into list servers.
Page S, #14—K. Nitz said he would like to see the data. R. Jurgensen said they
do not yet have a plan.
V. Administration Department
A. Administration S.
Thielfoldt
B. Human Resources— S. Thielfoldt
C. Legal Services—S. Schectman
S. Thielfoldt talked about the focus of the department, including the election,the
Special Parks District Forum, coastal program, and fiscal tracking. She explained
what they were doing regarding records management(page 3, #4), and use of
recycled products (page 3, #4).
S. Schectman noted that the plan proposed increasing the General Counsel
position to full time.
C. Britton summarized and said they will bring the proposed changes to the budget
committee.
C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Update on the District Web Site—(Report R-06-21).
J. Norton presented the report, including outlining the purpose of the site,
presenting the response to the redesign, and demonstrating some of the changes.
She said they recorded 30,000 visitors a month. She talked about the awards
received by the site and said they should be proud. She noted that they had made
200-300 changes in the last year.
Maintaining the site takes a major investment of time. She recognized other staff
members who keep the site up to date.
D. Little suggested a real time web cam at Skyline to check weather conditions.
C. Britton added that J. Norton's excitement and enthusiasm about the web site
and the fact that the Board was willing to budget money were the main factors in
its success. He said it is the District's main public communication tool. P.
Meeting 06-04 Page 8
Siemens said he was excited about the site and was sure it would be a time saver.
J. Cyr said he thought it would provide more product for the time invested. He
said they would continue reviewing the site for outdated content. He commented
that #5, Page 3 (keeping site content current by having activities automatically
expire) was very intelligent.
D. Agenda Item No. 4 - Appointment of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. as the
District's Auditors for Fiscal Year 2005-2006, Authorize General Manager r to
Execute Engagement Letter in the Amount of$20,000 —(Report R-06-15).
Motion: D. Little moved that the Board appoint Vavrinek, Trine, Day &
Co. as the District's auditors for fiscal year 2005-2006 and
authorize the General Manager to execute the engagement letter
agreement in the amount of $20,000. L. Hassett seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
E. Agenda Item No. 6 - Approval of a New Job Classification and Sal Range for
g pp �' g—
Resource Specialist — I / Resource Planner — 1, Amendment to the District's
Position Classification and Compensation Plan—(Report R-06-21).
K. Nitz said he had pulled the item to make sure the Board looked at it. He said
he was delighted to see that it was exactly what he and the Board wanted.
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board approve the new classification
specification and commensurate salary range for the position of
Resource Specialist — I/Resource Planner — I and amend the
District's Position Classification Plan and Compensation Plan. P.
Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
L. Hassett presented a Jasper Ridge Committee meeting update, stating that the meeting j
was very informative. They talked about how other agencies' resource management
programs might impact Jasper Ridge.
K. Nitz: 1. The ABC committee will meet on February 13 and 16. 2. He hiked Pulgas,
and noted that there were only two empty spaces in the new parking lot. 3. He had sent
an email regarding global warming and oaks not surviving. 4. He said Contra Costa was
laying out pipes to keep red legged frogs from dying in the heat.
N Hanko: 1. She said they needed to reschedule the Good Neighbor Policy Ad Hoc
Committee meeting and schedule a LFPAC meeting. 2. She said the Canopy
organization would be doing a fundraising dinner for East Palo Alto. The speaker will be
Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Meeting 06-04 Page 9
II
D. Little had a call from coastside residents who gave him names of people who are
poaching. He said he would talk to staff about that.
K. Nitz reported that the Walton foundation who gave the District $5,000 when he was
Board president had sent another$5,000.
J. Cyr: 1. He had hiked one of the East Bay Parks trails. It was very wet, and the trails
were very tricky. He said the compatibility with hiking and cows was not a problem. 2.
He was going to East Bay Parks to solidify plans for the upcoming conference.
C. Britton: 1. Regarding the Resource Management workshop, he was getting positive
responses from the five agencies they had chosen. He said staff was inviting two people
from each agency. 2. He had a letter from Ken Fisher regarding the March 11 1h event. 3.
He had a notice of the Pilarcitos Creek Advisory Committee meeting.
S. Schectman reported that the District was successful on appeal in the Russell easement
case.
S. Thielfoldt: 1. She reported on the scheduled ethics training. 2. She provided an
update on job sharing, stating that it is working out for both parties. 3. She gave an
update on the Toastmaster group. She said there were 10-12 participants each time,
including docents. 4. She thanked the Recording Secretary for her service to the District.
M. Freeman will be submitting a grant proposal to State Water Board for $500,000 for
fisheries restoration and erosion control in the San Gregorio watershed.
R. Jorgensen passed out a copy of an article that appeared in the Almanac today.
X. ADJOURNMENT
At 11:13 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary
Meeting 06-04 Page 10
The Pilarcitos Creek Advisory Committee presents
RESTORINGP I LAP,,-C ITO S
OURWATERSHED
Emerging from a
canyon and the
mountain range
overlooking
Half Moon Bay, � -
Pilarcitos Creek
Watershed is a - _
source of our water
supply, essential to
our local economy,
and central to the
health of our
coastal ecosystem.
r""--r,0-51-1xa i 1�xxtrn
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Join us for Field Tours of Ted Adcock Community Center • 535 Kelly Ave • Half Moon Bay
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FEATURING:
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Space is limited. • Opportunities for residents and community members to
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Produced in partnership with San Mateo County Resource Conservation District,City of Half Moon Bay,Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside,
Coastside County Water District,San Francisco Public Utilities Commission,California State Parks,San Mateo County Farm Bureau,
Half Moon Bay Fishermen's Association,Committee for Green Foothills and Surfrider Foundation San Mateo County
Made possible by the San Francisco Foundation&the Peninsula Community Foundation through grants awarded to the Committee for Green Foothills.
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