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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100414 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) (2) Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 10-11 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APRIL 14,2010 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING I. ROLL CALL President Davey called the Special Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members Present: Pete Siemens, Jed Cyr, Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Nonette Hanko, Curt Riffle, and Mary Davey. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Closed Session Agenda Item No. 1: No staff present. Closed Session Agenda Item No. 2: General Manager Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sue Schectman, Assistant General Counsel Duncan Simmons, Operations Manager David Sanguinetti, and Management Analyst Gordon Baillie. 11. CLOSED SESSION The Board convened in Closed Session at 5:30. The Closed Session concluded at 7:00 p.m. REGULAR MEETING 111. ROLL CALL President Davey called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The District Clerk called the Roll. President Davey stated that there were no reportable items from the Closed Session Agenda Items Numbers I and 2. Members Present: Pete Siemens, Cecily Harris, Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Curt Riffle, and Mary Davey. Members Absent: None Meeting 10-11 Page 2 tA Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sue Schectman, Senior Resource Management Specialist Cindy Roessler, Assistant General Counsel Duncan Simmons, District Clerk Michelle Radcliffe, Support Services Supervisor David Topley, Management Analyst Gordon Baillie, Resource Planner I Julie Andersen, Operations Manager David Sanguinetti, Website Content Coordinator Vicky Gou, Interim Human Resources and Administration Manager Annetta Spiegel, Senior Resource Planner, Kirk Lenington, and Skyline Field Office Area Superintendent Brian Malone IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Dave Whittum of Sunnyvale thanked the Board and staff for their efforts in preserving open space and spoke in support of keeping Deer Hollow Farm open. Mr. Whittum asked if the District had plans for open space located in Sunnyvale, if the District's budget was available on its website, and questioned if this was a good time to purchase land. President Davey thanked Mr. Whittum for his comments and suggested he speak with the Sunnyvale City Council regarding the open space located in Sunnyvale. Deborah Marks of Sunnyvale expressed concerns about the proposed closure of Deer Hollow Farm. President Davey stated that discussions are currently underway. General Manager Steve Abbors provided information about financial support for the farm and stated that the District is working with surrounding cities to obtain additional support. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA General Manager Steve Abbors asked that Board Business Item 8 be moved ahead of Item 6. Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed, the Board adopted the Agenda, including moving Item 8 to be presented prior to Item 6. (Vote: 7-0-0) VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Hassett, and unanimously passed, the Board approved adoption of the Consent Calendar to approve the Board Minutes dated March 17,2010, the Written Communication letter Robert Zatkin; and Revised Claims 10-08. (Vote: 7-0-0) VII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item 4—Appointment of District Clerk—(Report R-10-69) General Manager Steve Abbors introduced Michelle Radcliffe as the District's first District Clerk. Motion: Upon motion by Director Hanko, seconded by Director Riffle, and unanimously passed, the Board approved appointment of Michelle Radcliffe as District Clerk. (Vote 7-0-0) Meeting 10-11 Page 3 B. Agenda Item 5—Authorization to Purchase Four(4) Vehicles at a Total Cost Not to Exceed $2 10,000—(Report R-10-45) Support Services Supervisor David Topley presented the staff report and provided a brief summary of the vehicles being purchased. Board discussion ensued. Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Riffle, and unanimously passed, the Board authorized the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with the State of California Department of General Services and contract dealership for four(4) vehicles at a total cost not to exceed $2 10,000. (Vote 7-0-0) C. Agenda Item 8—Authorization to Conduct a Vegetation Management Prescribed Bum at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in 2010 and Determination that the Project is Consistent with the Environmental Impact Report and Related Mitigatio Measures Prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection— (Report—R-10-37) Senior Resource Management Specialist Cindy Roessler introduced Angela Bernheisel, Vegetation Management Program Coordinator from CalFire, and introduced Deputy Chief Ken Kehmna, Battalion Chief Rich Salazar, Captain Matt Brown, and Captain Dennis Lollie from the County of Santa Clara Fire Department. Ms. Roessler introduced the report and provided a summary of the prescribed bum at Russian Ridge stating that approximately 121 acres on the northern area of the preserve would be burned. She provided an overview of the various methods staff utilizes to manage vegetation, the monitoring programs used, and the reasons for conducting the bums which included removing thatch(dead grass) and provide staff training for wildland fires under live fire conditions. Ms. Roessler noted that the District has had four bums in the past ten years and that the northern area of the preserve was last burned in 2007. Director Hassett asked the reasons why the District has not burned the area near the Aitkin driveway noting that the area is becoming a Harding grass area. Ms. Roessler said that the original boundary was set to logistically control the bum,that the area is very steep, and that the District wanted to find the most effective way to control the Harding grass before burning this area. Director Riffle asked how much information from each bum is documented for use by the District and other agencies. Ms. Roessler stated that the 2001 study is fairly well cited throughout the State of California and explained how the District is trying to replicate the study recommendations. She further stated that staff is working with the Central Coast Rangeland group to create monitoring standards. Director Cyr commented that public awareness of the District bums is very important suggested that staff invite members of the public to attend the bum. Public Comment: Paula Crow of La Honda asked if the prescribed bums will be an ongoing project. Ms. Roessler responded that there can be gaps between bums and that it could take up to 10 years to reach the District's ecological goals. She noted that R Meeting 10-11 Page 4 after that time the frequency of the burns may drop off, but would continue indefinitely. Motion: Upon motion by Director Harris, seconded by Director Hassett, and unanimously passed, the Board determined that the recommended action is consistent with the Environmental Impact Report and Related Mitigation Measures Prepared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CAL FIRE) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in the report; Authorized District staff to work with CAL FIRE and other fire agencies to conduct a prescribed burn at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in 2010 for habitat enhancement purposes; and Authorized District staff to extend an agreement with CAL FIRE to conduct prescribed burns at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for two additional years. (Vote 7-0-0) D. Agenda Item 6—Authorization to Conduct a Training Burn at the Rancho de Guadalupe Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve in Conformance with the Agreement with Santa Clara County Fire Department—(Report—R-10-38) Management Analyst Gordon Baillie introduced staff from the County of Santa Clara Fire Department and provided an overview of the report. Mr. Baillie reported that the training burn is tentatively scheduled for June 17`h and will burn approximately nine acres. County of Santa Clara Fire Department Battalion Chief Rich Salazar stated that he has been participating in burns since 1990 and that he appreciated the cooperation between agencies provided by these training burn events. Chief Salazar announced he will be retiring next year and noted that Captain Matt Brown and Captain Dennis Lollie will be trained to run the event and will work directly with District staff. Director Cyr said he attended the training burn last year and he was very impressed by the cooperation between agencies. Mr. Baillie said that any of the Board members are invited to this year's burn. Discussion was held on the difference between an ecological burn and a training burn. Director Hassett suggested that reports on recurring burns be placed on the Consent Calendar to help reduce staff time. Discussion ensued. By mutual consensus, the Board agreed that burn reports should be placed on future agendas as a discussion item because of their importance to the public. Motion: Upon motion by Director Hanko, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed, the Board determined that the recommended actions as set out in the report are categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and Authorized the General Manager to work with Santa Clara County Fire Department and other fire agencies to conduct a prescribed burn for training purposes at the Rancho de Guadalupe area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, as specified in the existing Permit to Enter, and to allow for additional training not involving live fire, from the date of execution through December 31, 2010. (Vote 7-0-0) f I Meeting 10-11 Page 5 E. a Agenda Item 7—Authorization for Staff to Conduct a Prescribed Training Burn t g g. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve—(Report—R-10-39) Management Analyst Gordon Baillie presented a brief overview of the prescribed burn and stated that the burn would be larger than the prescribed burn at Rancho de Guadalupe Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Mr. Baillie informed the Board that the City of Palo Alto Fire Department will not sponsor or organize the burn this year due to budget reductions, but City staff will still participate. He noted that approximately 500 neighbors and stakeholders were notified of the training burn. Director Siemens asked if the District did pile burning at Monte Bello. Skyline Area Superintendent Brian Malone responded that staff will prepare the area and that grassland is preferred for training. He noted that piles burns are done to prepare an area for a prescribed burn. Director Hassett asked if diskingalong property lines could be avoided. Operations gp p Y � Manager David Sanguinetti responded that disking has been pared back over the years, however, those living in residences and other public agencies still prefer disk lines. Motion: Upon motion by Director Riffle, seconded by Director Cyr, and unanimously passed, the Board authorized the General Manager to execute a"Permit to Enter"with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CAL FIRE) to jointly conduct a prescribed burn with the District, for training purposes and vegetation management, at the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve in 2010. (Vote 7-0-0) F. Agenda Item 9—One-Year Update on the District's Defensible Space (Fire Clearance) Program—(Report R-10-48) Resource Planner I Julie Andersen provided an update on the District's Defensible Space Program. She reviewed the goals of the program, the phases of the program, and presented a map showing the proximity of private properties near District preserves, specifically the area around Rancho San Antonio. She noted that neighbors who have structures within 100 feet of District land received a letter from the General Manager giving information on how to obtain a permit and that only one landowner participated in the program. Ms. Andersen provided an overview of the updates and revisions made to the guidelines (see Attachment I. Proposed Revisions to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Defensible Space Permit System Program Administrative Guidelines) and stated that staff has defined the types of structures that qualify under this program. i Discussion ensued on the reasons why only one person applied for the permit. Mr. Sanguinetti stated that the Skyline area community worked with CAL FIRE to reduce fuel and those residents in that area had different types of concerns. Director Siemens stated the guidelines were too long and suggested separating the guidelines into two sections identifying things a resident must do and recommendations. Ms. Andersen clarified that the District has a brochure that simplifies the guidelines of the program. Director Siemens expressedrequiring concerns about re uirin both the homeowner and the ti Meeting 10-11 Page 6 contractor carry insurance for the work and stated that the contractor should already carry insurance. General Counsel Sue Schectman stated that there are occasions where the homeowner does the work without a contractor and will need to have insurance. She said stated that the District will clarify the language to include that whoever is doing the work will need to carry insurance. General Manager Steve Abhors said that staff will send the brochure to the Board and a link to the District's website regarding the program will be sent as well. Mr. Abhors suggested amending General Manager's Recommendation Number 2 to state, "Approve revisions to the Defensible Space Permit System Administrative Guidelines to allow neighboring property owners, their contractors, and/or tenants to perform fire clearance work on District land along property boundaries as set forth in this report." Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Cyr, and unanimously passed, the Board determined that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report; and, as amended, approved revisions to the Defensible Space Permit System Administrative Guidelines to allow neighboring property owners, their contractors, and/or tenants to perform fire clearance work on District land along property boundaries as set forth in this report. (Vote 7-0-0) VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS COMMITTEE REPORTS—There were none. % STAFF REPORTS Support Services Supervisor David Topley delivered a radio system update and said that the District cthad received Federal Comm unications Commission license approval. i Senior Resource Planner Kirk Lenm on announced that Geographic Information Systems I t� Y Coordinator Casey Cleve worked on the new wall maps in the Board Room and for each of the Field Offices. He said the maps were very artistic and the details are very clear. District Clerk Michelle Radcliffe gave an update on the November 2, 2010 elections and informed the Board that the call for election would be on May 26, 2010 Board meeting. General Manager Steve Abbors asked the Board to check the FYIs as they contained information on current projects. He reported that staff is looking at Proposition 84 funding for Mount Umunhum and that the deadline to apply for funding is July 1, 2010. He added that Representatives Honda, Lofgren, and Senator Boxer had requested $4.28M appropriations for Mount Umunhum for the next budget year. Mr. Abbors stated that the Senior Management Analyst had been hired and would start on May 3, 2010. He also reported that he met with the City Manager of the City of East Palo Alto to discuss the bay trail. Mr. Abbors noted that the City is developing plans for the greater �' a Ravenswood Area's and had agreed to make presentation to the Board within six months. Meeting 10-11 Page 7 Mr. Abbors gave a brief update on Deer Hollow Farm and mentioned that he and President Davey will attend the Los Altos Hills City Council meeting on April 15, 2010 to hear discussions about the Hidden Villa annexation proposal. Mr. Abbors reported that he attended the Farm Bureau meeting with Director Hassett and Resource Specialist I Clayton Koopman and spoke about the Lobitos project. Mr. Abbors provide the Board with dates of the Special District Forum, Bay Area Open Space Council meeting(May 20th); and that the East Bay Regional Park District75th Anniversary Celebration (May 22 nd). Mr. Abbors also announced that Planning Manager Ana Ruiz and Real Property Manager Mike Williams are attending the Santa Clara County Leadership Academy. DIRECTOR REPORTS The Board members submitted their compensable meeting reports to the Clerk. Director Riffle stated that he joined a docent led horse ride and saw lots of wildflowers. He announced he will be going to Washington, D.C. and has scheduled lunch with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. He also stated he was supportive of the Bay Area linkage program. Director Harris stated she would attend the Democratic State Forum on April 17th and that she is attending the trail conference in Cambria. Director Hanko informed the Board about a photographic guide on the wildflowers produced by the East Bay Regional Park District(EBRPD) and stated she would like to see something similar done at the District. Director Cyr stated he was excited to download the EBRPD's wildflower guide and noted that the flower color was very good and that the guide was a very useful tool. Director Cyr also stated he would attend the wildflower hike on April 14 th to look at the flowers on District preserves. Director Hassett stated he attended the Farm Bureau meeting and that Mr. Abbors did a great job answering questions from the group. President Davey and stated she attended the Cooley Landing Community Meeting. She said there were 100 people in attendance and that the facilitator did a good job and was a good listener. IX. ADJOURNMENT President Davey adjourned the Regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 9:30 p.m., and announced that the Board would reconvene to the Special Meeting Closed Session to continue discussing Item 2. The Special Meeting reconvened at 9:35 p.m. and adjourned at 10:10 p.m. No reportable actions were taken. Lisa Zadek, Recording Secretary