HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120125 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
Meeting 12-05
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
January 25,2012
AMENDED MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
President Wassett Riffle called the Special Meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Board of Directors to order at 5:00 p.m.
Members Present: Curt Riffle, Yoriko Kishimoto, Pete Siemens, Cecily Harris,Bette
N*nk-e—, Jed Cyr, and Larry Hassett
Members Absent: Nonette Hanko
Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abhors, General Counsel Sue Schectman,
Administrative Services Manager Kate Drayson, Human Resources
Supervisor Annetta Spiegel, Operations Manager David Sanguinetti,
and Chief Labor Negotiator Deborah Glasser-Kolly
II. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
President Riffle called the Regular Meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Board of Directors to order at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting 12-02 Page 2
Members Present: Curt Riffle, Yoriko Kishimoto, Pete Siemens, Cecily Harris, Jed
Cyr, and Larry Hassett
Members Absent: Nonette Hanko
Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sue Schectman,
Real Property Manager Mike Williams, Operations Manager David
Sanguinetti, Planning Manager Ana Ruiz, Public Affairs Manager
Rudy Jurgensen, Administrative Services Manager Kate Drayson,
Acting Natural Resources Department Manager Kirk Lenington,
and District Clerk Michelle Radcliffe
President Riffle stated there were no reportable actions taken in Closed Session.
11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mike Busheau of Belmont shared his appreciation to the staff who designed and created
White Oak Trail in Monte Bello.
111. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Riffle stated that Agenda Item#7 be moved to be heard after Agenda Item#8.
Motion: Upon motion by Director Kishimoto, seconded by Director Hassett, the Board
adopted the agenda as amended. (Vote: 6-0-0; Absent; Hanko)
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion: Upon motion by Director Kishimoto, seconded by Director Hassett, and
unanimously passed, the Board approved adoption of the Consent Calendar to approve
Revised Claims No. 12-02; and the Minutes of December 13, 2011,and December
14,2011,as amended (Vote: 6-0-0; Absent: Hanko)
V. BOARD BUSINESS
1. Agenda Item#4—Tentative Approval of an Amendment to the Use and
Management Plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and Acceptance of the
Mindego Gateway Project Description for Purposes of Environmental Review
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (R-12-13)
Planner 11 Gina Coony provided an overview of the Mindego Gateway Project and
stated that the proposed project would consist of a commemorative site honoring the
work of former Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST)president Audrey Rust, a new
staging area, trailhead connections and signage, and a new 1.2 mile multi-use trail
from the staging area north to the Ancient Oaks trail, a new hiking and equestrian trail
Meeting 12-02 Page 3
to the summit of Mindego Hill, and closure of a one-way segment of Mindego Ridge
Trail to bicycle use for the protection of San Francisco garter snake. She explained
that elements of the project and recommendations for trail use were approved by the
Use and Management Committee and that an amendment to the Russian Ridge
Comprehensive Use and Management Plan and California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) review is needed prior to Board adoption of the proposed facilities and uses.
Lastly, Ms. Coony explained that the Board will need to tentatively approve the
amendment and accept the project description to begin environmental review and that
after conducting a public hearing on the environmental documents; the Board will
consider final approval of the project.
Planner 11 Lisa Bankosh provided an overview of the proposed trail and explained
that due to San Francisco Garter Snake seen observed in the area, the Mindego Ridge
Trail will only be open to equestrians and hikers. She then provided an overview of
the project schedule, stating that the trail naming and signage will go to the
Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee in February, CEQA consideration
will occur in the Spring, construction to begin this summer, and opening of the
Ancient Oaks Trail in Spring 2013.
Planning Manager Ana Ruiz thanked staff for their work and shared her appreciation
with working with POST. Ms. Ruiz then provided reasons for staff's
recommendations on opening the Mindego Ridge Trail only to equestrians and bikers
and explained that the recommendations were developed with guidance of the
District's consultant biologists and were based on the best facts. Discussion ensued.
Director Hassett questioned whether signage will be posted at the Russian Ridge
parking lot to direct users to the new staging area. Ms. Ruiz stated that staff would
look into placing a sign at the Russian Ridge parking lot and that staff could put more
emphasis to show a new parking area in District brochure maps and on the website.
Director Harris expressed her discomfort in including commitments in purchase
agreements without knowing if there are any biologically sensitive issues associated
with the property. Brief discussion ensued.
Director Kishimoto asked if bike parking will be incorporated into the trail design and
Ms. Bankosh explained that a bike rack accommodating three bikes will be installed
at the staging area and possibly at Gate R03.
Director Cyr questioned staff on the reasons for having paved parking lot at the
staging area and Ms. Coony explained that maintenance on a gravel and baseline rock
parking lot is high and that emergency response vehicles require 95% compact
surface to drive on. She also explained that the Regional Water Board requires a
pervious surface on parking lots. Director Cyr stated that this project is an
opportunity for the District to educate the public on the San Francisco Garter Snake
and suggested that in the future, the District needs to be cautious about promises
made in purchase agreements.
Meeting 12-02 Page 4
Public Comment: Jeff Powers, Conservation Project Manager for POST, stated that
this is a great project for POST and that they are looking forward to working with the
District in future projects.
President Riffle stated that this project is a great way to implement the District'
Strategic Plan in regards to resource management, partnerships, and working with the
public.
Director Harris stated she would like to have the Board or Committee look at
promises when purchases are made.
Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Kishimoto, the
Board tentatively approved an amendment to the Use and Management Plan for
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and accepted the Mindego Gateway project
description. (Vote: 6-0-0; Absent: Hanko)
2. Agenda Item#5-Informational Report on Audio-Based Tours that Showcase the
Integration of Technology and Interpretation (R-12-04)
Docent Program Coordinator Renee Fitzsimons and Website Administrator Vicky
Gou provided an overview of the District interpretive program and gave a
informational presentation on audio-based tours using technology.
No action was taken by the Board.
3. Agenda Item#6-Appointment of Standing and Ad Hoc Board of Director
Committee Members for Calendar Year 2012 (R-12-011)
President Riffle stated that the Committee members for Calendar Year 2012 have
been selected and asked that the Committee's assign a Chair as the first item of
business. 'r-o eommittee's Meet YOU ftSSigfl fl C-Offifflittee Chdif Wi
t item business. He also stated that Committees should adhere to the Tuesday
afternoon schedule and as appropriate, staff should include the Committee's
direction/thoughts in the Board report.
Motion: Upon motion by Director Cyr, seconded by Director Siemens, the Board
approved President Riffle's appointment of Standing and Ad Hoc Committee
members for Calendar Year 2012. (Vote: 6-0-1; Absent: Hanko)
4. Agenda Item#8-Addition of Management Analyst Position to the Administrative
Services Department (R-12-14)
General Manager Steve Abbors explained that the proposed staff addition is to help
the Human Resources (HR) department with its workload capacity. He stated that the
department currently has an HR Technician and HR Supervisor and that the complex
Meeting 12-02 Page 5
tasks of the department require an additional position to ensure that the District's
business is moving forward. He explained that there are currently ten vacancies that
need to be filled and given the current workload, staff can only conduct one
recruitment at a time.
Discussion was held on how HR department's growth and Mr. Abbors stated that the
HR Department will need to expand to accommodate the District's growth. HR
Supervisor Annetta Spiegel further explained that her position has morphed into
dealing with employee grievances, labor negotiations, employee relations, and other
complex issues. She also stated that she is considering retirement in the next year and
hopes the HR Analyst will be part of athe District's succession plan.ning tool. Brief
discussion ensued.
Motion: Upon motion by Director Hassett, seconded by Director Harris, the Board
approved the addition of a Management Analyst position to the Administrative
Services Department. (Vote: 6-0-0; Absent: Hanko)
5. Agenda Item#7—Annual Dedication of Certain District Lands and Dedication
Status Report(R-12-12)
Senior Real Property Planner Sandy Sommer provided a status report of District lands
to be dedicated. Brief discussion ensued.
Motion: Upon motion by Director Siemens, seconded by Director Cyr, the Board
adopted a resolution dedicating interests in certain specified District lands for public
open space purposes. (Vote: 6-0-04-; Absent: Hanko)
VI. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no reports.
STAFF REPORTS
Planning Manager Ana Ruiz reported that San Mateo County Planning Commission
approved the pen-nit for the El Corte de Madera parking lot.
Public Affairs Manager Rudy Jurgensen reported that Media Communications Specialist
Leigh Ann Gessner and Public Affairs Specialist Kristi Britt will be leaving the District
and that a temporary employee, Patricia Parisi, will be assisting the department. He also
reported that the Kings Mountain Newsletter published a District article on Sudden Oak
Death and that the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society has an article in their newsletter
about the District as well.
Meeting 12-02 Page 6
Acting Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington reported that he and Ms. Ruiz
attended a meeting with Sempervirens Vim-regarding the redwood CAPeap and vision
plan.
General Manager Steve Abhors reported that the Bay Area Open Space Council is in the
in process of becoming a non-profit organization. He spoke briefly about the Mount
Umunhum Public Hearing held on January 18'h, reported that he met with Walter Moore
of POST to discuss priorities, and announced that he and Ms. Gessner will be speaking at
the Saratoga Rotary Club. Lastly, he stated that David Sanguinetti will be the Acting
General Manager when he is away on vacation and that the District sold its bonds at the
peak of the market, saving the District $26 million in debt service.
DIRECTOR REPORTS
The Board submitted their compensable farms to the District Clerk.
Director Hassett asked staff about work being done at the gate at Windy Hill Open Space
Preserve.
Director Kishimoto reported that she attended the Bay Trail meeting regarding
Facebook's new headquarters and stated that the nearby cities are appreciative of work
the District is doing to finalize the Bay Trail alignment.
Director Cyr reported that he will be on vacation from March 5t"to March 22 d.
President Riffle thanked the Managers for helping the Board with the General Counsel
recruitment and expressed his appreciation to the Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
and General Counsel Sue Schectman for taking lead ifl the Fftf-Uitffieflt her leadership in
the recruitment process.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 9:17 p.m.
Michelle Radcliffe, CMC
District Clerk