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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100714 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 10-17 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT JULV 14,2010 AMENDED MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING I. ROLL CALL President Mary Davey called the Special Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members Present: Jed Cyr,Nonette Hanko,Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Pete Siemens, and Mary Davey Members Absent: Curt Riffle(recused) Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sue Schectman, Assistant General Counsel Duncan Simmons,Open Space Planner 11 Tina Hugg, and Senior Real Property Planner Sandy Sommer. 11 BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item I —Presentation and Discussion of a Vision Plan Prepared by the City o East Palo Alto for the Cooley Landing Peninsula at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve (Report R-10-8 5) Open Space Planner 11 Tina Hugg introduced team members of the Cooley Landing Peninsula project including Project Manager Lily Lee from the City of East Palo Alto and Brian Fletcher and Theresa Zaro from Callander Associates, who are the City of East Palo's landscape architect consultants. Ms. Hugg and Ms. Lee provided an overview of the Cooley Landing Peninsula project and provided historical background of the area. Ms. Lee explained that the proposed Vision Plan will be heard by the District and the City of East of Palo Council for approval. She further noted that the Cooley Landing project will be the City of East Palo's first direct access to the San Francisco Bay Trail and will provide its residents a first hand experience of wildlife and would become a natural treasure of the city. Meeting 10-17 Page 2 Landscape Architect Consultant Brian Fletcher provided a detailed overview of the site plan and described the work that will be done including clean up of existing rubble and creation of a picnic and barbeque area at the desire of East Palo Alto residents. Mr. Fletcher explained that cleaning up the existing debris would remove predators that prey on wildlife that are native to the area. Mr. Fletcher provided a conceptual design of the building that currently exists on Cooley Landing and stated that they are looking at the potential of solar panels and wind energy and stated there are opportunities for cost recovery, for example permitted activities(facility rental, picnics). Mr. Fletcher also delivered a brief overview of two conceptual designs of the project that displayed two options for the number of parking stalls. Director Siemens asked if the City of East Palo would repair Bay Road that currently goes to the Cooley Landing area and Ms. Lee stated that the City is looking at upgrading the road and has$10 million in federal funding to re-develop the road from University Avenue to Bay Road. Director Siemens stated he would like more interpretive activities where kids have a"hands on"experience. Discussion was held on the number of parking stalls at the location and Ms. Lee stated that the City of East Palo Alto Planning Commission had voted to approve a plan with fewer parking stalls. President Davey stated that the Board would like to have parking stalls installed in phases,but would defer to what the East Palo Alto City Council decided. Further discussion ensued on trail access for users who utilize wheelchairs,walkers and/or canes. Public Comment: Charles Touchatt, industrial property owner, asked if there would be security onsite for when the park is closed and stated that he envisioned having a caretaker living on the property. Ms. Lee responded that the gates will be moved to the current District gate location for easy accessibility for the East Palo Alto Police Department and that East Palo Alto Police will patrol the area more frequently. She also noted that quotes have been requested from security companies who offer cameras and lights that will not be triggered by wildlife. Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed,the Board accepted the Cooley Landing Vision Plan with the Board recommending that parking for buses be held offsite, that the alternate conceptual plan with fewer parking stalls and the option to build more parking in future phases if demand warrants it, be considered, and that the Board will defer to the decision of the East Palo Alto City Council. (Vote: 6-0-0. Absen Recused: Riffle) III ADJOURNMENT The Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula adjourned to Regular Session at 7:02 p.m. Meeting 10-17 Page 3 REGULAR MEETING I. ROLL CALL President Mary Davey called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Jed Cyr,Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Curt Riffle, Pete Siemens, and Mary Davey Members Absent: None Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sue Schectman, Real Property Manager Mike Williams, Open Space Planner Lisa Ban-,kosh, Planning Technician Galli Basson, Skyline Area Superintendent Brian Malone, Open Space Planner 11 Tina Hugg, and District Clerk Michelle Radcliffe, Michael Reeves,Ana Ruiz, Sandy Sommer, and Duncan Simmons, Kirk Lenington 11. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance was led by Girl Scout Troop No. 60755. 111. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chris Golde spoke regarding the trees at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and requested that the trees not be removed until the issue regarding shade at the preserve has been resolved. General Manager Steve Abbors clarified that there are no current plans to remove any trees at the preserve. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed, the Board approved adoption of the agenda. (Vote 7-0-0) V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed, the Board approved adoption of the Consent Calendar to approve the Board Minutes dated May 26,2010; Approval of FY 2010-11 Annual Claims List; and Revised Claims 10-14. (Vote: 7-0-0) A brief discussion was held regarding the format of the Minutes and Director Hanko asked that the Board discuss the Rules of Procedure in a future meeting. f � Meeting 10-17 Page 4 VI. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item 4—Informational Presentation on Wildlife Corridor Research(Report R-10-68) Planning Technician Gaili Basson introduced the Wildlife Corridor Stewardship Research Team from the Environmental Services Department of De Anza College.- The Reseafeli Team is headed by Ryan Phillips and David Tharpe. ;md Ms. Basson stated that the team is investigating wildlife movement through the District and surrounding lands, focusing on the Highway 17 corridor between the Town of Los Gatos and Summit Road. Ms. Basson stated that because the District is in collaboration with this project because of District land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and that the District is supporting this research project through the Resource Management Grant Program. Wildlife Corridor Stewardship Research Team Lead Ryan Phillips expressed his appreciation to the Board for allowing his team to present and partner with the District. Mr. Phillips presented data that was found in the team's research which included the different types of animals that exist in the Highway 17 corridor. Mr. Phillips stated that there is a great need in creating a land bridge across Highway 17 to allow wildlife to move through the Santa Cruz Mountains because there is no safe way for them to do so. He stated that there are culverts that run across the highway but they are used for drainage and constantly have water. The culverts are not big and are currently used by raccoons and rats. Mr. Phillips stated that land bridges exist in Canada and a few states in the United States and that a land bridge across Highway 17 would be the first in California. Discussion was held on partnering with other agencies,particularly CalTrans. Director Hassett asked if CalTrans is monitoring dead animals that currently exist on Highway 17 and asked if it is being identified or photographed for research. Mr. Phillips responded that they are not being photographed and Director Hassett suggested that we ask CalTrans to photograph the animals so a record can be kept for research purposes. Director Riffle suggested that the Research Team work with the biologist from CalTrans in order for the two organizations to share data and work collaboratively for a land bridge. Further discussion ensued. No action was taken by the Board. B. Agenda Item 5—Consideration of Salary Aduusmments and Amendments to Board Appointees' Employment Agreements for the District's General Manager,General Counsel, and Controller(Report R-10-82) Director Riffle provided a brief summary of Committee work done since January and stated that they asked staff to provide data from other agencies so a comparison can be made. Based on the information received, the Board Appointee Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee recommends compensation adjustments for its Board Appointees for FY2010-11 a 2.5 percent cost-of-living salary adjustment, a 5 percent meritorious pay award, and a 4.5 percent parity salary adjustment for the General Manager and a 2.5 percent cost-of-living salary adjustment and a 5 percent meritorious pay award for the General Counsel and District Controller. Meeting 10-17 Page 5 Motion: Upon motion by Director Hassett, seconded by Director Hanko, and unanimously passed,the Board approved salary adjustments and amendments to Board Appointees' Employment Agreements for the District's General Manager, General Counsel, and Controller. (Vote: 7-0-0) C. Agenda Item 6—Exchange of Easements with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission(SFPUC) at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve-, Consideration of Use and Management Plan Adoption and Plan Amendment for the Preserve; As a Responsible Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), independently consider the Environmental Impact Report(EIR)certified by the SFPUC; adopt applicable portions of the Mitigation Monitoring and Rgpg!1jRg Program of the Final EIR; Adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations as to one potential environmental impact; and, as Lead Agency under CEQA, determine that the acceptance of the Open Space Easement is categorically exempt from CEQA Report R-10-65) Real Property Specialist Michael Reeves provided an overview of the exchange easements with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission(SFPUC) at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Discussion was held on the type of fencing SFPUC will install and Director Harris stated that a split rail fence would be preferred over a barbwire fence that SFPUC requires to be installed on their property. Mr. Reeves explained that Ravenswood Open Space District is adjacent to SFPUC property and that the District will work with them on their security concerns. Brief discussion ensued. Director Harris stated that she is in support of the exchange but does not support having high fences installed along the trail. Discussion ensued. Motion: Upon by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Riffle, and unanimously passed, the Board approved the agreement to exchange easements with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission(SFPUC)at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve; adopted the Environmental Impact Report certified by the SFPUC; and adopted the Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Open Space Easement being acquired and amended the existing Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. (Vote: 7-0-0) D. Agenda Item 7—Award of Contract to Ascent Environmental for Phase 11 CEOA/NEPA Environmental Document Preparation for the Mount Umunhum Site Planning Proi ect(Report R-10-74) Senior Resource Planner Kirk Lenington provided an overview of the Mt Urminhurn project and stated that the District needed to hire a consultant to prepare the phase 11 CEQA/NEPA Environmental documents in order to adhered to the District's compressed schedule. Mr. Lenington explained that the ability to meet the District's timelines were an important criterion in choosing a consultant and that Ascent Environmental was chosen because they were familiar with the project, would give a significant amount of hours on the project, and had the most NEPA/CEQA experience. Brief discussion ensued, Meeting 10-17 Page 6 Motion: Upon motion by Director Riffle, seconded by Director Siemens, and unanimously passed,the Board approved to award the contract to Ascent Environmental for Phase 11 CEQQ/NEPA Environmental Document Preparation for the Mount Umunhum Site Planning Project. (Vote: 7-0-0) E. Agenda Item 8—Renaming of Mills Creek Open Space Preserve(Report R-10-81) Public Affairs Manager Rudy Jurgensen provided a brief history of the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve and stated that the Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee briefly discussed a name change of the area a few years ago,but did not approve any action to do so at that time because of the preserves size. He noted that the preserve has since grown and it is located eastward from the edge of Half Moon Bay to Skyline Boulevard in an area locally known as Miramontes Ridge. Renaming Mills Creek Open Space Preserve to Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve would better acknowledge the land's historic heritage. Mr. Jurgensen further noted that Mill Creek was named after a rancher who owned the land and that the name did not align with the District's mission. Director Hanko stated that the preserve should have a Native American name instead of a Mexican name and stated that she met with two Native American women at the Mount Umunhum media event who would be a good source for Native American names. Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Riffle, and unanimously passed, the Board approved the renaming of Mills Creek Open Space Preserve to Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve. (Vote: 7-0-0) F. Agenda Item 9—Establishment of an Endowment Fund for Memorial Benches (Report— 10-80) Public Affairs Manager Rudy Jurgensen provided an overview of the Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee's(LFPAC) recommendation to amend the Site Naming, Gift and Special Recognition Policy to include the establishment of a memorial bench fund for the maintenance of memorial benches. The amendment would stated that a qualified memorial bench would need pay$5,000 as endowment for the installation and lifetime maintenance of the bench. Discussion ensued. Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Riffle, and unanimously passed, the Board referred this item to the LFPAC for further discussion. (Vote: 7-0-0) Meeting 10-17 Page 7 VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Harris reported that the Cooley Landing Ad Hoc Committee meeting met prior to the Board meeting. Director Hassett reported that the Use and Management Committee met to discuss Mindego Hill. He stated that staff did a thorough job of showing the different trail alternatives for access to the top of the hill. Director Siemens reported that the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss"bookends"regarding access Mount Umunhum. STAFF REPORTS Real Property Manager Mike Williams reported that he and Resource Specialist I Clayton Koopman attended an Agriculture Advisory meeting where Mr. Koopman presented the grazing plan at Elkus and Lobitos. Planning Manager Ana Ruiz reported that she will be conducting stakeholder meetings regarding Mount Umunhum and that over 20 meetings will be conducted. Public Affairs Manager Rudy Jurgensen stated that the KTVU news report of the Mount Umunhum ceremonial"kick-off"event was excellent and that the Public Affairs Department is trying to obtain a copy of the news footage to put on the District website. General Counsel Sue Schectman announced that the Foothill Area Superintendent Michael Newburn and Support Services Supervisor David Topley received notice that the Federal Communications Commission approved the second radio frequency for the District. District Clerk Michelle Radcliffe announced that the nomination period for the November 2, 2010 Election opened on July 12'h and that the nomination period will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday,August 61h General Manager Steve Abhors announced that the District's Budget Forecast for FY 2011-12 will be presented to the Administration and Budget Committee next week. He also reported that the Acting Administrative Services Manager Annetta Spiegel is currently working on the District's Classification and Compensation Study and that Senior Accounting Specialist Bunny Congdon, Senior Management Analyst Lynn Tottori and Deputy District Clerk Anna Duong isare working on the Request for Proposals for the Integrated Accounting Software system. Mr. Abhors also thanked the staff and the Directors for their participation in the Mount Umunhum event. Meeting 10-17 Page 8 DIRECTOR REPORTS The Directors submitted their compensable meeting forms to the District Clerk. Director Riffle announced that the spoke at the District's Docent graduation at Picchetti Ranch. He also noted that he attended the mandatory ethics training on June 30'(AB1234) and that he has been certified to be an equestrian patrol person. Director Harris announced that she attended the Mount Umunhum event and that she will be going on the Sierra Azul tour on Friday,July 16'h. Director Hanko announced that she attended the mandatory ethics training(AB 1234), and that 4-p--attended the Sierra Azul tour on June 30'h. She noted that she met two Native American women at the Mount Umunhurn event and feels they would be a good source to go to when the District is looking at naming trails. Director Cyr announced that he attended the Special Parks District Forum in South Carolina and shared his experience with the Board. V111. ADJOURNMENT President Davey adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 10:29 p.m. Michelle Radcliffe,CMC District Clerk