HomeMy Public PortalAbout20221109 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
November 09, 2022
Board Meeting 22-26
*Approved by the Board of Directors on January 11, 2023
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, November 09, 2022
The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with California Government Code
section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33.
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
President Kersteen-Tucker called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Curt Riffle and Pete Siemens, Zoe
Kersteen-Tucker
Members Absent: Yoriko Kishimoto
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian Malone,
Acting District Clerk Maria Soria, Acting Deputy District Clerk Irma Mora
Senior Planner Tina Hugg, and Planner II Tyler Smith, Senior Planner
Gretchen Laustsen, and Planning Manager Jane Mark
President Kersteen-Tucker announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government
Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33,
allowing Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a
meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The
public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to this meeting
through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting agenda, which
was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District website. President
Kersteen-Tucker described the process and protocols for the meeting.
1. Affirmation of the Findings and Recommendations of the Purisima Multimodal
Access and Transportation Demand Management Study Report (R-22-123)
Meeting 22-26 Page 2
Senior Planner Tina Hugg provided the staff presentation describing the findings and
recommendations of the Purisima Multimodal Access and Transportation Demand Management
Study Report. The presentation included information on the project background, Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) strategies, data collection, engagement processes, TDM scoring,
prioritization and recommendation process, and the framework for high priority TDM strategies
to address parking and traffic issues and better manage visitation at a preserve wide level. The
four study areas include the North Ridge parking lot on Highway 35, the Redwood Trailhead on
Highway 35, Grabtown Gulch on Tunitas Creek Road, and the Higgins Canyon Road parking lot
at the west side of Purisima Creek Preserve.
Senior Engineer Joakim Osthus from Mead & Hunt continued the presentation and explained the
survey results for numerous strategies, including parking capacity enhancements, parking
management, visitor demand management, and education and outreach. Mr. Osthus summarized
the key takeaways of public input, including the desire for better access at the Purisima Creek
Road preserve entrance, concerns for parking and traffic impacts due to overflowing parking,
and interest in bike/pedestrian enhancements. Mr. Osthus stated there was general support for a
shuttle service, additional parking in conjunction with new multimodal elements, real-time
parking availability information, and increased wayfinding available in both English and
Spanish. Mixed support was received for the use of carpool lots/paid parking through a
reservation system with some concerns raised regarding equity and enforcement.
President Kersteen-Tucker inquired if there were any lessons learned from prior unsuccessful
coastal shuttle services.
Mr. Osthus replied that the District conducted very extensive outreach, consulting with other
agencies who have implemented shuttle services or other TDMs to gain insights on what they
have learned. Mr. Osthus explained that later in the presentation he would discuss ways that the
shuttle could be successful.
Director Holman inquired if the District posted the high peak use times for visitation at the
preserves, noting this would help the public determine what time to visit a preserve.
Ms. Hugg responded that most people use Google search for real time data to see the lower and
higher peak times of use. Ms. Hugg stated the District does not provide real time data on the
website but will add the high peak visitation use times, where available.
Director Holman inquired whether the shuttle service would be free, or fee based.
Mr. Osthus stated the decision would be up to the District, and that currently, the thought would
be to have the shuttle system be free. In the public outreach conducted, there was support in
paying a nominal fee for parking and reservations.
President Kersteen-Tucker commented she is not in favor of charging a fee. If the District is
looking to address equity issues, it is important to keep the shuttle service free to ensure good
transit connections.
Mr. Osthus provided the report data for Traffic Demand Management as it applies to the scoring
process, prioritization, and recommendations. The categories evaluated included peak hour
parking demand reduction, promotion of modal shift, traffic safety impacts, visitor access
Meeting 22-26 Page 3
reliability, implementation timeframe, the level of difficulty for strategy approval, the capital
cost of implementation, maintenance costs, protection of environmental qualities, public access,
and stakeholder and community outreach.
Director Holman inquired about the thought process behind an additional parking facility and if
the North Ridge area would encroach into an area that is currently undisturbed.
Planning Manager Jane Mark stated the area that is being considered is already a disturbed site, it
is currently used as an emergency landing zone and also serves as over-flow parking for large
events. Ms. Mark commented the Board will be receiving more information on this site as part
of future presentations on the Highway 35 Multi-Use Trail and the North Ridge Parking Study.
President Kersteen-Tucker inquired about the enhanced bike facilities and if additional bike
lockers or locations will be added for the public to safely lock their bikes.
Ms. Hugg commented there are two types of bicycle facilities, there are the facilities that bring
people to and from the preserve itself that are located along the road and the other are the bicycle
parking facilities, including bike racks and lockers, that are being contemplated as part of the
high priority TDM strategy list.
Director Holman commented on her concerns for negative impacts of tour buses in nature preserve
areas and expressed opposition for the idea of allowing tour buses.
Ms. Hugg stated the term tour bus may not be the proper terminology since it could include a
school bus or a hotel shuttle bus that would drop off visitors and then park and wait for the
passengers. The specifics have not yet been identified. There could be the consideration that
visitors are dropped off and then the bus returns to the site for pickup at a specific time.
Director Holman commented school buses are acceptable but firmly opposed tour buses. Director
Holman suggested setting a list of criteria for what types of tour buses would be allowed, such as
weight limit, limiting the number of axels, and other conditions.
Director Riffle confirmed his recollection that the Purisima Creek parking lot would remain open
for ADA access.
Director Riffle suggested the potential need to factor in overnight/multiple day parking as multi-
use trails evolve and inquired how this would be accommodated.
Mr. Osthus stated that the study did not take this into consideration, but if a parking reservation
system were created, there could be an option to reserve parking for one or multiple days.
Director Riffle commented he did not need a solution at the meeting but requested to note this
consideration for future discussions.
President Kersteen-Tucker mentioned if a parking reservation system is to be created, it would be
beneficial to have access to the reservation system available through the library for those who may
not have internet access.
Meeting 22-26 Page 4
Mr. Osthus stated other agencies have also implemented reservation pass programs where people
can check out parking passes through their library.
Public comment opened at 6:32 p.m.
Craig Gleason commented about how the shuttle service rotation cycle should be thought
through in a thorough way with considerations given to the length of time for the shuttle ride as
related to the time waiting for the ride and a complete behavior analysis should be completed to
ensure success of the shuttle service. Starting small is a good way to start, allowing room to
grow. Mr. Gleason stated there is a challenge and an opportunity with providing a shuttle
service, the challenge is to avoid potentially degrading the preserve experience and causing a
reduced public opinion on the value of open space or the stewardship capabilities of the District;
the opportunity lies in enhancing the District’s public communication and education about the
preserve and open space.
Public comment closed at 6:35 p.m.
Director Riffle commented that the Planning and Natural Resource Committee (PNR) held
discussions regarding this topic on March 15, 2022, and August 2, 2022, and felt staff and the
consultants had done an excellent job with the information gathered and their efforts of outreach
and community involvement. The Committee unanimously agreed they could move directly to
bringing the information to the full Board without returning to PNR for suggested modifications.
Director Riffle stated he is pleased with the more systematic thinking of the District’s public
access challenges and the expansion of partner and public engagement throughout the process,
and supportive of the benchmarking process.
Director Holman requested clarification on the staff resource requirements for online parking
reservations per year and suggested modifying the language for better clarity.
President Kersteen-Tucker commented she is excited about the breadth of strategies being
considered to include all members of the public and is very much in support of the General
Manager’s recommendations. She noticed a segment in the report about carrying capacity - as
the District improves accessibility to the preserves, consideration need to be given to what the
long-term carrying capacity might be for various preserves. President Kersteen-Tucker would
like to include in the report that there is a commitment to study carrying capacity going forward.
General Manager Ana Ruiz responded that it would require a heavy lift in resources, she will talk
to staff to see if it could be included in the 3-Year CIAP Plan.
Director Siemens agreed that a study for carrying capacity with a permit system needs to be a
focus.
Director Holman inquired if her two items she had requested would be incorporated into the motion
or if staff would notate the additions, which are adding the high peak use times for visitation at the
preserves on the website and the second to eliminate parking for tour buses at the preserves.
Ms. Hugg stated she would incorporate adding the peak use times for visitation to the website since
it is not related to the report.
Meeting 22-26 Page 5
General Manager Ruiz commented tour bus parking is specific to a location and parking design
and would be presented to the Board at a future date for review and approval. Ms. Ruiz
suggested this would be the best place for discussion regarding tour bus parking at Purisima
Creek Preserve as there may be circumstances the Board may want to consider that are site
specific.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to move the General
Manager’s recommendations for modifications of the Purisima Multimodal Access and
Transportation Demand Management Study report with authorization to begin implementing the
high priority strategies and recommendations.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
ADJOURNMENT
President Kersteen-Tucker adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 6:58 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
President Kersteen-Tucker called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 7:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Curt Riffle, Pete Siemens, and Zoe
Kersteen-Tucker
Members Absent: Yoriko Kishimoto
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Acting District Clerk Maria Soria, Acting Deputy District Clerk
Irma Mora, Real Property Manager Mike Williams, Planning Manager
Jane Mark, Senior Planner Jared Hart, Planner II Melissa Borgesi, and
Kori Skinner
President Kersteen-Tucker announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government
Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33,
allowing Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a
meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The
public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to this meeting
through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting agenda, which
was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District website. Vice-
President Kishimoto described the process and protocols for the meeting.
Meeting 22-26 Page 6
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public comment opened at 7:10 p.m.
Alexander Hapke, President of the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association,
commented on the daylight-savings time change being disruptive to the rangers as they switch
back and forth between early and late shifts with different starting times. The impact on rangers
sleep schedules is a concern and stated the rangers are the only job classification with this type of
shift change. It is because of difference like these the rangers are seeking for public safety
benefits as first responders.
Sophia Wick questioned why the District hid how they evaluated and awarded the concession
contract for Bear Creek Stables from the public and commented on the challenges of receiving
information from a public request she submitted.
Madi Abreams and Riley Schenone expressed concerns of the RFP process being properly
followed for the Bear Creek Stables as Chaparral’s initial response to the RFP stated they would
build new structures and does not follow the permitting restrictions of adding new structures.
Skyler provided comments opposing the change in operations at Bear Creek Stables to a larger
corporation and believes Chaparral should not be allowed to overthrow small business.
Shaelynn commented he is home schooled, and Bear Creek Stables is a great place for a field trip.
He is able to ride, brush and feed the horses and is looking forward to being able to lease a horse
through the co-op horse program. He opposes any changes to the stables.
Marta Wick commented about Chaparral not following the RFP guideline of continuing to provide
the same level of training services as previously provided. Ms. Wick stated the Board should
reconsider giving the lease to Chaparral.
Lisa Feller commented on how District staff mishandled the selection process by including labor
cost information in their presentation to the Board that was not included in Chaparral’s response
and visited Folger’s Stables in Woodside as an example of a Chaparral facility, when it is not
currently maintained by Chaparral; and asked the Board to consider the passion of the local
community who uses the Bear Creek stables and acknowledge the discrepancies.
Vilmos Palko commented on how Chaparral will negatively affect seniors, retirees, and young
parents by taking away the affordability to pay for boarding at Bear Creek Stables.
Maaike Schenone commented that Chaparral has acquired a second location in Marina City and
disagreed with the cost estimates for the upkeep of one horse. Ms. Schenone stated concerns with
the stable housing size, decrease of the exercising areas, and the adequacy of the financial plans.
Katja Wick provided comments opposing the matrix and scores used in the selection process
used for awarding Chaparral to run the Bear Creek Stables.
Meeting 22-26 Page 7
Pamela Warren commented on the lack of time provided for public speakers regarding the Bear
Creek Stables boarding concessionaire considering the amount of time everyone took to research
their information. Ms. Warren requested to work together to keep current programs intact along
with the boarding concessions.
Caitlin Morais commented in regard to the District not fairly and equitably evaluating Chaparral’s
proposal in compliance with California State law.
Brooke Gaeta commented regarding the inadequacy of the proposal documents and the lack of
ethics of the due process at Bear Creek Stables.
Shelly Cannon commented about the inconsistencies of the information brought to the Board by
staff in regard to Chaparral and hopes that the next meeting agenda will include a motion to
reconsider the item.
General Manager Ana Ruiz responded there are copies of frequently asked questions available that
have been prepared by staff that includes a great sum of information regarding the process and
answers to questions previously asked through oral communications and written correspondence.
In addition, the District has received a great number of Public Records Act and staff have been
very transparent in providing the requested information to everyone who has reached out to the
District.
Public comment closed at 7:30 p.m.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Holman seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:31 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 7:31 p.m.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to approve the Consent
Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
1. Approve the October 26, 2022 Board meeting minutes
2. Teleconferenced Board Meetings Pursuant to the Brown Act and Assembly Bill 361
(R-22-124)
Meeting 22-26 Page 8
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution affirming findings to continue remote
teleconferenced public meetings, including as part of hybrid (remote/in-person) meetings, pursuant
to AB 361.
3. Amendments to the Conflict-of-Interest Code (R-22-125)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution amending the Conflict-of-Interest Code
to make minor updates to the list of positions required to file Form 700 (Statement of Economic
Interests).
4. Approval of Changes to Board Policy 2.02 - Board Appointee Performance
Evaluation Process (R-22-126)
Board Appointee Evaluation Committee’s Recommendation: Approve the proposed changes to
Board Policy 2.02, Board Appointee Performance Evaluation Process, the clarify the timing for
reviewing and editing classification specifications and job descriptions for Board Appointees.
5. Proposed Parking Area Names (R-22-127)
General Manager’s Recommendation: As recommended by the Legislative, Funding, and Public
Affairs Committee, approve the proposed parking area names and direct the General Manager to
install parking area address signs at the entrance of each parking area.
6. Proposed Purchase of a 102.3-acre San Jose Water Company Property, located in
unincorporated Santa Clara County (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 562-08-001 and 562-04-
011), as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (R-22-128)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as set out in the staff report.
2. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the purchase of the San Jose Water Company Property for
$720,000 with a corresponding authorization for a Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget adjustment of
the same amount.
3. Adopt a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Property, as set out in the staff report.
4. Withhold dedication of the San Jose Water Company Property as public open space at this
time.
7. Award of Contract to Ecast Engineering Inc., to install, and connect a well pump,
storage tank, and waterline from a well site to the residence at Toto Ranch Property in
Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (R-22-129)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Ecast Engineering Inc., to
complete water infrastructure work for a base contract amount of $94,743.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $9,474 to be reserved for unanticipated issues, bringing the
total not-to-exceed contract amount to $104,217.
Meeting 22-26 Page 9
BOARD BUSINESS
8. Public Hearing: Certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report for the
Redwood Cabin Removal Project and Approval of the Redwood Cabin Removal Project. (R-
22-130)
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan provided opening remarks about the presentation of
the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Redwood Cabin Removal Project. Ms. Chan
commented that in 2019, the board was provided with a list of structures on District lands that
included the Redwood Cabin as they considered options for long-term management. The
property is located approximately one-quarter mile from Skyline Boulevard, in a remote area that
is distant to a patrol route, away from hiking trails, and poses a significant public safety concern
with ongoing maintenance challenges. In April 2020, the Board directed the General Manager to
evaluate the environmental effects of removing the Redwood Cabin and restoring the natural
resource values of the former building footprint. Ms. Chan stated this was an extensive process
with multiple opportunities for public input and now reaching the final step of the process to
provide details of the findings.
Senior Planner Jared Hart introduced Planner II Melissa Borgesi and Alta Cunningham with
Accent Environmental Consultants, who gave the presentation on the Redwood Cabin Removal
Project, the Environment Impact Report (EIR) findings and General Manager recommendations.
Planner II Melissa Borgesi provided a background of the project, including location, access
information, cabin history, and project objectives.
Project Manager Alta Cunningham with Accent Environmental Consultants presented information
on the requirements of CEQA and environmental impact reports (EIRs), the environmental and
public review process, the EIR findings, and project alternatives.
Senior Planner Jared Hart covered the next steps pending Board certification of the final EIR.
Director Hassett inquired how many comments were received on the DEIR and if any were from
other agencies.
Mr. Hart stated five comments were received from individuals, none from other agencies.
President Kersteen-Tucker opened the Public Hearing.
Public comment opened at 7:49 p.m.
Laura Jones commented about her appreciation for detailed response to her comment letter and
provided examples of how those responses were unsubstantiated and included questionable claims.
Ms. Jones stated the District is on the wrong track and encouraged the Board to get more thorough
analysis prior to making a decision.
Public comment closed at 7:51 p.m.
President Kersteen-Tucker closed the Public Hearing for Board deliberation and comments.
Meeting 22-26 Page 10
Director Holman expressed displeasure with the handling of the Redwood Cabin project and
more specifically the DEIR. Director Holman stated she reviewed the La Honda Master Plan
that was adopted by the Board in 2012 and mentioned that the master plan includes language
such as “La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is rich with unique ecological, historical, and
cultural resources. Focus will be placed on protecting and enhancing the preserve’s diverse plant,
wildlife and native habitats, protecting and interpreting the historical and cultural features that
are reminiscent of past uses. The preserve’s unique, natural, and cultural resources provide
ample material to support interpretation and outdoor education. The preserve is planned to
include approximately twenty-six miles of roads and trails.” In addition, the plan speaks in
multiple places of the importance and intention to protect significant historical and
archaeological resources within the preserve. The Vision Plan also speaks of educating the public
about and interpreting the diverse plant, wildlife and native habitats, and of expanding
educational opportunities. Director Holman explained she was unable to find previous efforts in
identifying a partnership to preserve the Redwood Cabin despite the District’s policy to do so.
Director Holman stated she is not able to support the project for a number of reasons, which
include inadequate responses to the DEIR particularly to her comments and Laura Jones,
conflicting scenic vista goals, the landfill methane proximity was not analyzed, the lack of
archeologist analysis findings, and conflicts of removing a fire hazard falling under social and
recreational benefits when preserving the cabin would provide social, recreational, and
educational benefits. Director Holman stated she cannot make the findings and cannot support
the statement of overriding considerations.
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to adopt a resolution
of the Board of Directors of District certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report for the
Redwood Cabin Removal Project; and adopt the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding
Considerations; and approve a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, all in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, as amended; and approve the Redwood Cabin
Removal Project.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-1-0 (Director Holman Opposed, Director Kishimoto absent)
9. Approval of a Pay Range Adjustment for the Seasonal Open Space Technician and
Seasonal Ranger Aide Classifications (R-22-131)
General Manager Ruiz presented the information for the Board to consider pay range
adjustments for the Seasonal Open Space Technician and Seasonal Ranger Aide positions and
provided the challenges of filling the positions and the value of seeing those positions filled.
Director Cyr provided comments on how he understands the urgency of filling these positions as
quickly as possible.
Public comment opened at 8:00 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:00 p.m.
Meeting 22-26 Page 11
Director Riffle commented he is in support of this and thanked the General Manager and staff for
bringing this matter to the Board’s attention. This is very consistent with the Board’s discussions
in the past about the classification and compensation plan regarding when the Board should
consider taking action when a certain job is no longer competitive in the labor market, and this a
great example of that.
President Kersteen-Tucker concurred with Director Riffle’s comments and believes it is
important to stay as competitive as possible.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion for approval of a Pay
Range Adjustment for the Seasonal Open Space Technician and Seasonal Ranger Aide
Classifications.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
10. Approval of a Base Wage Adjustment for Employees Represented by the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field Employees Association, for Employees
Represented by the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers Association, and for the
Unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management Employees (R-22-132)
General Manager Ana Ruiz provided information regarding implementing a base wage
adjustment for employees represented by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field
Employees Association, for employees represented by the Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officers
Association, and for the unrepresented office, supervisory, and management employees. Ms.
Ruiz confirmed that this base wage adjustment would not apply to the Board appointee positions
of General Manager, General Counsel and Controller. The consideration comes from the high
inflation rates experienced across the nation and here in the Bay Area where cost of living
continues to be quite high. Ms. Ruiz commented on the struggles in retaining and recruiting
talented staff to help further the mission of the organization and ensure that the District continues
to provide exceptional public service.
Public comment opened at 8:05 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:05 p.m.
Director Cyr commented on how incredible staff is and how attracting and retaining staff of high
caliber is important.
Director Riffle thanked the General Manager and her team for coming up with this approach and
that being responsive to this need is important.
President Kersteen-Tucker commented that recruitment is important, however taking care of
current staff is equally important and believes this is both appropriate and well deserved.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to approve a Base
Wage Adjustment for Employees Represented by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
Meeting 22-26 Page 12
District Field Employees Association, for Employees Represented by the Midpeninsula Rangers
Peace Officers Association, and for the Unrepresented Office, Supervisory, and Management
Employees.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
11. Approval of Salary Adjustments and Amended Classification and Compensation
Plan for Board Appointee Controller (R-22-133)
Human Resources Manager Candice Basnight provided information on the salary adjustments
for Board appointees and explained the Board Appointee Evaluation (BAE) process with
supporting resolutions to amend the classification and compensation for Board appointees.
Director Riffle thanked Ms. Basnight and Human Resources Supervisor Rebecca Wolfe for their
assistance to the BAE Committee and commented on the results of each of the appointees and
how they all achieved and exceeded the Board’s expectations in their responsibilities,
accomplishments, and communication efforts with the Board.
President Kersteen-Tucker commented on the thoroughness of the BAE’s process and how their
responsibilities are taken seriously and is in support of all three items.
Director Siemens commented on how impressed he has been with the responsiveness of the
appointees and staff to the Board and their requests.
Public comment opened at 8:16 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:16 p.m.
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Kersteen-Tucker seconded the motion for approval
of Salary Adjustments and Amended Classification and Compensation Plan for Board Appointee
Controller
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
12. Approval of Salary Adjustments and Classification and Compensation Plan for
Board Appointee General Counsel (R-22-134)
Public comment opened at 8:16 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:16 p.m.
Meeting 22-26 Page 13
Motion: Director Kersteen-Tucker moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion for approval
of Salary Adjustments and Classification and Compensation Plan for Board Appointee General
Counsel.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
13. Approval of Salary Adjustments and Amended Classification and Compensation
Plan for Board Appointee General Manager (R-22-135)
Public comment opened at 8:17 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:17 p.m.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Kersteen-Tucker seconded the motion for
approval of Salary Adjustments and Amended Classification and Compensation Plan for Board
Appointee General Manager.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Kishimoto absent)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Cyr reported the Real Property Committee met on November 8, 2022 at Mr. Eberhard’s
property to discuss the proposed purchase of said property. It was a productive meeting in the
rain and requested Real Property Manager Mike Williams to provide more information about the
property.
Real Property Manager Mike Williams gave a brief history of the property and discussed the
changes in zoning and uses by Mr. Eberhard in order to preserve the site, along with restoration
efforts.
Director Hassett commented on how beautiful the property is and what an amazing job Mr.
Eberhard has done with the restoration work.
Director Holman commented on what a privilege it was to visit the Eberhard property and that
the property contains an albino/ghost redwood, which was photographed for the Committee, and
how phenomenal Mr. Williams is at foraging relationships.
Director Riffle inquired if Mr. Eberhard could be invited to the January meeting since he had done
some incredible work on the property.
Mr. Williams stated he would invite Mr. Eberhard to the meeting.
President Kersteen-Tucker suggested a tour be scheduled for the Board so see the property.
Mr. Williams stated that a tour will be arranged.
Meeting 22-26 Page 14
B. Staff Reports
Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner provided an update on the Partner Event scheduled for
December 1, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and requested the Board to forward the invite to
partners to remind them of the event. She also stated that the District documentary will be aired
on December 24th and 25th.
President Kersteen-Tucker requested the invitations be resent to the Board members for
forwarding.
C. Director Reports
Director Cyr commented he saw field staff using the new equipment purchased over the last year
at the Canyon Trail area along the road. He was proud to see staff out there using the equipment
and staff mentioned they could get a lot more accomplished using the right tools.
President Kersteen-Tucker reported she had an excellent tour of the Bay City Nursery property in
Half Moon Bay, and it is a property with a tremendous amount of old greenhouse structures and
is being considered as a potential location for affordable housing and as a workforce training site
associated with Rancho San Benito. It also has some possibility of providing an opportunity for a
coastal field office for the District. In addition, President Kersteen-Tucker met with Sarah
Newkirk who is the Executive Director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to discuss
mutual interests with that land trust and is looking forward to building that relationship. She
spoke about her ride-along with Ranger Ken Miller and that she had met with Ranger Alex
Hapke.
Director Riffle reported he attended the Together Bay Area webinar on November 1, which
discussed the 30x30 Policy and Initiative. Director Riffle commented since this is the only
meeting in November, he thanked staff and volunteers and fellow Board Directors for all their
work and efforts, for the passion and effectiveness that everyone brings to protecting and
restoring and connecting all of the preserves, which turn provide our communities with clean air
and clean water, and locally grown food as well as safe habitat for wildlife, and opportunities for
wellness and community togetherness.
ADJOURNMENT
President Zoe Kersteen-Tucker adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District into a special Closed Session at 8:35 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Curt Riffle,
and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: Yoriko Kishimoto
Meeting 22-26 Page 15
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Real Property Manager Mike Williams,
Senior Real Property Agent Allen Ishibashi
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54956.8)
Property: Santa Clara County APN(s): 562-08-001 and 562-04-001
Agency Negotiator: Allen Ishibashi, Senior Real Property Agent
Negotiating Party: Scott Hoffman, SJWC
Under Negotiation: Purchase Terms
Public comment opened at 8:35 p.m.
No public comments were submitted.
Public comment closed at 8:35 p.m.
The Board convened into closed session at 8:35 p.m.
________________________________
Maria Soria, Acting District Clerk