HomeMy Public PortalAbout20230524 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
May 24, 2023
Board Meeting 23-14
* Approved by the Board of Directors on Ju ly 26, 2023
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with
California Government Code section 54953.
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
President Kishimoto called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Craig Gleason, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Margaret MacNiven, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Maria
Soria, Senior Planner Gretchen Laustsen, Capital Projects Field Manager
Bryan Apple, and Wildlife Program Lead Julie Anderson
President Kishimoto announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government Code
section 54953. 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.
1. PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA TRAIL AND PARKING AREA FEASIBILITY
STUDY, PREFERRED TRAIL ALIGNMENT AND PARKING AREA
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN (R-23-52)
Senior Planner Gretchen Laustsen provided the presentation of the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and
Parking Area Feasibility Study findings and recommendations. Ms. Laustsen provided a general
project overview and a project vicinity and regional trail connections map that showed the
Meeting 23-14 Page 2
existing and planned regional trails in the area. The project is significant for its nexus to many
regional trails, including as a key segment of the Bay to Sea trail and as a new coastal trailhead
and parking area to District coastal lands. Specifically, the Purisima-to-the-Sea trail is envisioned
to be a roughly 15-mile regional trail connecting the Purisima preserve to the San Mateo County
coast. The trail will create a critical east-west link in the regional trail network from the Bay
Area Ridge trail to the California Coastal trail. Ms. Laustsen stated that the purpose of the
feasibility study is to evaluate the potential for a new trail connecting the existing preserve trail
network to the coastal trail and a new parking area with a trailhead. The project also analyzes
opportunities for connector trails and crossings that will be necessary to connect to the Cowell-
Purisima parking area along the coast. Ms. Laustsen highlighted the feasibility study process, the
project vision and goals, public engagement activities, and reviewed the key and recurring
feedback heard throughout the engagement process.
Capital Projects Field Manager Bryan Apple continued the presentation and reviewed the trail
process for evaluating trail alignments alternatives and stated that the District trail crews began
field scouting efforts in late 2020 to evaluate potential trail connections from the existing Irish
Ridge Trail to the proposed parking area on Verde Road. Staff also worked with the biological
consultant SWCA to do reconnaissance level evaluations of natural resources along the
alignment alternatives and engaged with grazing tenants to understand the considerations for a
trail alignment in an actively grazed area. The findings of these surveys have informed the
proposed trail alignments and identified alignment number one as the preferred alignment. Mr.
Apple commented that three primary trail alignment alternatives were identified, along with two
connector trail options. He provided an overview of each trail alignment alternative and stated
that all alignments have components of new trail construction and utilize some existing routes.
Mr. Apple then provided an overview of the trail grade for all three proposed trail alignments
and stated that the typical grade target for new trail construction is 8% to 10% but, may
occasionally exceed those thresholds when necessary to accommodate a natural resource concern
or geological consideration. Mr. Apple pointed out that most of the new trail alignment for
alternative number one is less than 10% in grade. Mr. Apple continued to review the trail
alignment considerations for the three alternatives and for the connectors using the classifications
of strong, moderate, and weak alignment. Lastly, Mr. Apple reviewed the cost estimates for the
proposed trail alternatives, including the connectors.
Director Riffle inquired if there was any flexibility in softening the grade for connector A to
make it a more moderate trail for new users or families.
Mr. Apple explained that there is potential, and it could be evaluated, but one of the challenges is
that this area is largely within active pastureland, making it difficult to pull the grade out without
expanding the footprint and adding switchbacks. Another constraint is that on the western side
of the property, there are existing erosion gullies located right above the coastal terrace.
Director Gleason inquired and received information on what sections are shared with working
ranch roads for connectors A and B and alignment one.
Director Cyr inquired on the location for a helicopter landing zone in the event of emergencies.
Mr. Apple replied that a site would be identified as part of the trail planning efforts.
Meeting 23-14 Page 3
Director Kishimoto commented that she had previously asked if it would be feasible to use
alignments one and three as a loop trail and inquired if the response she received was correct,
that it could not be done because there is a limit on the mileage length of the trails.
Mr. Apple confirmed the information was correct, there is an existing conservation easement on
the South Cowell property, which is fairly restrictive and limits the length of the trail.
Public comment opened at 6:01 p.m.
Public Access Program Manager Rachel Faye from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)
expressed support for the trail recommendations and offered to partner on future phases of this
project. Ms. Faye emphasized that this project is part of the larger Bay-to-the-Sea Trail that is
envisioned to extend from the San Francisco Bay through Redwood City, East Palo Alto, and
eventually to the coast near Half Moon Bay. The Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail is a significant
contributing segment, and POST is very appreciative of all the investments in its planning and
future construction. Ms. Faye stated she looks forward to being a partner in the future phases of
implementation of the connector trail D, which runs along the POST trail easement and other
implementation efforts as appropriate.
Dave Evans thanked Bryan Apple and the District for the hard work and stated that the prospect
of having a continuous trail from Skyline to the sea is exciting. Mr. Evans suggested reaffirming
the commitment to multi-use access for the entire length of the corridor, and he acknowledged
that this would require redesignation and potentially realignment of the Irish Ridge and Bald
Knob trails within the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve since these trails are currently for
hikers only. In addition, he inquired if there is a tradeoff between accepting alignment 3 versus
perhaps some of the smaller loop connectors.
John Boothroyd commented that in the effort to increase the amount of loop trails, he suggested
that a bit of the existing road that goes between alignment two and alignment one would be a
great way to add a loop. The loop would create two route choices for hikers.
Jim Sullivan thanked Mr. Apple for the presentation and the Board for their constructive
comments. Mr. Sullivan encouraged staff to expand their outreach and noted many of the
neighbors are not internet savvy, specifically the residents at 1151 and 1212 Verde Road. The
resident at 1212 asked Mr. Sullivan to state his concern that he does not want to see any parking
on Verde Road. Mr. Sullivan also commented that during an outreach meeting there was support
for preserving the old remnants of an oil rig located across from the POST trail easement and
inquired if there was going to be any discussion on the topic. In addition, he inquired if the trail
was going to run parallel to Verde Road and if so, has staff had any conversations with the
resident at 1000 Verde Road. Lastly, he inquired if there was going to be any discussion whether
there would be a dedicated area for dogs and suggested using the flat area off the parking lot.
Public comment closed at 6:12 p.m.
Mr. Apple commented that the residence at 1000 Verde Road was recently acquired by the
District and staff will engage with the tenant to help them understand the alignment proposal,
and work to manage the privacy of that resident.
Meeting 23-14 Page 4
Ms. Laustsen stated that on the South Cowell parcel, there is a limitation on the overall length of
trail. Staff will need to evaluate further whether or not different options can fit within the
constraints of the trail easement allowance. In addition, neither the Cowell-Purisima trail nor the
Purisima preserve allow access to dogs.
Mr. Apple commented on Mr. Evan’s suggestion of an additional looping opportunity and stated
that it would overlap with the South Cowell parcel, which has trail length constraints, and would
extend into an active grazing site.
Ms. Laustsen mentioned that postcard notices were sent to all of the neighbors along Purisima
Road and Verde Road.
Director Holman inquired if staff could elaborate on the commenters remarks about retaining a
remnant oil rig.
Ms. Laustsen stated that on the Purisima Uplands property, there is a remnant oil facility that the
District is preparing to remediate. Some of the equipment will be retained and fenced. She
stated that there may be some minimal piping on the South Cowell property that would be
removed, and that the commenter may be referring to the Purisima Uplands property.
Director Holman suggested if staff could follow up on the matter.
Wildlife Program Lead Julie Anderson commented that there was a question about tradeoffs
between alternative one and three, and speaking from a wildlife perspective, there are badgers
throughout this area, and they move primarily north to south. Maintaining good connectivity
between existing ponds on the property is important for the local wildlife. Alternative one versus
three helps to maintain the connectivity for wildlife and provides a much larger public use buffer
for the adjacent riparian area.
Project Manager Mark Brandi with SWCA Environmental Consultants reviewed the parking area
planning and site analysis process, which included a biological resources assessment, riparian
setback analysis, cultural resource survey, culvert drainage study, topographic survey, traffic
study, geotechnical investigations, and multimodal access study. An opportunities and
constraints analysis was completed for the project to better understand key considerations for the
site, such as protection of scenic resources along the Highway 1 corridor, minimizing impacts to
the adjacent farmland and grazing operations, the protection of sensitive habitats and need for
riparian setbacks, and public safety. Mr. Brandi commented that the potential parking areas
located on either side of Verde Road are not located on prime agricultural lands, unique
farmlands or farmlands of statewide importance. Mr. Brandi displayed the three design
alternatives for the parking and trailhead areas and summarized the key similarities and
differences between each. Mr. Brandi also reviewed the three pedestrian crossings and the
proposed design elements. One of the crossings is located on Highway 1 to connect visitors to
the Cowell-Purisima lot, and two crossings are located at Verde Road.
Ms. Laustsen continued to summarize all of the key considerations for the parking area and the
probable estimated costs. She also summarized the trail connectors and crossings and provided
the next steps and project timeline.
Meeting 23-14 Page 5
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired how the District minimizes the parking impact on locals and
noted the likelihood of escalating parking needs for the area over time and the effects of more
vehicles on regional, low-capacity roads.
Ms. Laustsen stated that the traffic study did identify that parking area C and the traffic volumes
associated with the original build-out would not exceed the roadway capacity.
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired and received information whether any analysis has been done
to consider under-crossings for wildlife.
Public comment opened at 6:47 p.m.
District Clerk Maria Soria stated that there are no additional oral comments, but the Board did
recently receive written comments, and these will be emailed to the Board for their review.
Public comments closed at 6:47 p.m.
Director Kersteen-Tucker commented that she appreciates all of the outreach, and the detailed
planning that has gone into the project and believes the project will accommodate the regional
needs nicely.
Director Riffle commented that he supports alternative one but does not like alternative three,
and although a loop trail is desired in this area, Ms. Anderson’s remarks regarding alternative
three and its potential impacts on wildlife made him rethink his original position. Director Riffle
also agrees with the concept of multi-use trails, and he would like to see dog access too but,
understands there is no dog access in the preserve. He suggested the Board can revisit dog
access in the future, and he is happy to hear from Ms. Faye with POST about the regional
importance of this project. Lastly, he stated that he supports parking alternative C.
Director Gleason commented that he also likes the recommended proposals and will support
them, and supports the multi-use of hiking, biking and equestrian use for the whole alignment,
including the change of use on the existing trails to Irish Ridge, and parking option C. In
addition, he commented that 90% of hikers indicate a preference for loop trails and agrees with
Director Riffle that option 3 is not one that should be pursued but, inquired if there is an
opportunity on the north side for other creative options with smaller segments that might provide
some loop trails. Lastly, he suggested identifying a unique point of interest on the regional trail
to make the journey especially meaningful rather than simply going to an arbitrary point and
turning around.
Director Holman commented that she agrees with Director Gleason’s input and requested not to
use urban parking lot stripping in the parking area.
Director MacNiven suggested that the District should focus on the “preserve and protect” aspect
of the mission when developing this beautiful, magnificent, world-class landscape for public use.
Motion: Director Kersteen-Tucker moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to affirm,
with any final modifications as directed by the Board of Directors, the findings and
recommendations of the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study, accept the
recommended Trail Alignment 1, Connectors Trails A, B, C and D, Trail Crossings 1, 2 and 3
Meeting 23-14 Page 6
and the Conceptual Parking Area Design Alterative C as the project scope and description to
initiate environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, and direct staff to
collaborate with partners in identifying the lead agency for the implementation of Connector
Trail D and Trail Crossing 1.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
Director Riffle requested moving the project in phases so that a portion of it could open sooner
than 2029.
ADJOURNMENT
President Kishimoto 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 Kishimoto called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 7:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Craig Gleason, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Margaret McNiven, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Maria
Soria, Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner, Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Gross
President Kishimoto announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government Code
section 54953. 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.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Matthew Czaikoski thanked the District for keeping Bear Creek Stables open during the
transition time and spoke in support of the Friends of Bear Creek Stables and the important work
they do helping children connect with animals in nature.
Jane Krejci shared a personal story on how the exploration and respect and care for the earth was
deeply instilled in her and suggested that it is important for children to have the same experience
Meeting 23-14 Page 7
in nature, to respect, love, and care for the outdoors and for animals, and urged the Board to find
a way to make these spaces and animals available to the community.
Public commenter commented that he would like for his daughter to have an opportunity to be
close to nature, animals, meet people, and make friends.
Annie River spoke in support of Friends of Bear Creek Stables and hopes that the District can
work with the new management and the Friends to continue providing community events. Ms.
River also expressed her gratitude for former board member Pete Siemens for everything he did
for open space, the Bear Creek preserve and the stables, and for also fighting to keep St Joseph's
Hill protected and preserved.
William Stout spoke about the importance of kids having access to nature, and in particular,
access to horses. Mr. Stout shared an article that he submitted to the Mountain News Network,
which described why he is so passionate and personally invested in nature.
Melissa Sheridan shared her children’s experiences at Bear Creek Stables and hopes that the
Board considers saving Bear Creek Stables.
Nancy Cole, President of the Friends of Bear Creek stables informed the District that they will
welcome and cooperate fully with Chaparral. She offered to host a welcome party at the stables
in the hopes of developing a positive relationship with Chaparral. In addition, they would like to
collaborate with Chaparral on their public outreach programs, as well as reintroduce the
programs that were in place prior to the new operator. The Friends of Bear Creek Stables want to
make it clear that Chaparral will be welcomed.
Zoya Girshfeld boarder at Bear Creek Stables commented that she has created a native plant
garden at the stables and believes nature has a lot to offer to people and children.
Jim Zhang spoke on his observations of his kids growing up with the stables and how they
learned to approach and develop a relationship with the animals and supports the Bear Creek
Stables.
Ruth Gantly spoke on how having an outdoor space for kids is important and especially to the
kids who are suffering from anxiety and depression, and how important it is to get them out into
open space and connect with the horses. Ms. Gantly shared an article she wrote about how her
daughter has developed a deep connection with a horse and how this connection has renewed her
strength and interest in life.
Aria McLeod commented she lives in San Jose but loves horses and that Bear Creek Stables
allows her to be close to her dream of owning one of her own. She commented that she never
had many friends, but at the stables, she has been able to work with horses and this has helped
her grow as a person, make new friends, and learn how to navigate new environments.
Lisa McLeod spoke in support of the Friends of Bear Creek Stables, and how much it has meant
for both of her kids. She could not be more grateful for the opportunity to have her kids have
that chance to learn and grow and be outdoors and connect with nature.
Meeting 23-14 Page 8
Rhoda Fry expressed her concerns about the ridgeline abutting Lehigh Quarry and that she
appreciates the District having shared oversight of the ridgeline easement and supports
Supervisor Simitian’s “Don't Chop the Top” initiative. She requested that the District encourage
the County to enforce the approved 2012 Reclamation Plan to reclaim and stabilize the site in
order to preserve and protect the ridgeline.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Introduction of Staff
• Stephanie Gross, Administrative Assistant
Proclamation
• In recognition of Finance Manager Andrew Taylor
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:41 p.m.
District Clerk Maria Soria reported there were no public speakers for this item.
Public comment closed at 7:41 p.m.
Director Gleason commented on agenda item numbers 4 and 6 and stated that these two projects
are excellent examples of how the District partners with other agencies because these two tasks
would not be able to be accomplished by one agency alone. He also believes that these initiatives
would not be completed without strong leadership from the District and thanked the Board and
staff for taking on these two projects.
President Kishimoto read the proclamation for agenda item 8 - Annual Display of the Pride
Progress Flag in June.
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Kersteen-Tucker seconded the motion to approve
the Consent Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Approve the Mach 8, 2023 Board meeting minutes
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Award of Contract to Bay Area Tree Specialists for Wildland Fire Fuel Treatments
and Tree Maintenance Services (R-23-53)
Meeting 23-14 Page 9
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to execute an initial one-year term contract (Year 1) with Bay
Area Tree Specialists of San Jose, California in the amount of $351,400 for District-wide
wildland fire fuel treatments and tree maintenance services.
2. Authorize the General Manager to extend the contract with Bay Area Tree Specialists for up
to four additional one-year terms, each at a $500,000 annual cost, based on contractor
performance, for a not-to-exceed base contract amount of $2,351,400 over the five-year term.
3. Authorize a 15% contingency in the amount of $352,710 over the five-year term to address
unforeseen issues, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $2,704,110 over the five-year
term.
4. Alma Bridge Road Newt Passage Feasibility Analysis, Project Goals, and Grant
Application with the Wildlife Conservation Board (R-23-54)
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Receive and accept the Alma Bridge Road Newt Passage Feasibility Analysis.
2. Adopt the Project Goals, as reviewed and confirmed by the Project Stakeholders.
5. Contract Amendment for the La Honda Creek Parking and Trailhead Access
Feasibility Study at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (R-23-55)
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Authorize the General Manager to amend a contract with RHAA Landscape Architects of
Mill Valley, California in the amount of $37,470 to conduct additional technical studies
and support additional public engagement.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $19,700 to cover unforeseen tasks for a
total not-to-exceed contract amount of $431,884.
6. Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings Cooperative Agreement with the Santa
Clara Valley Transportation Authority (R-23-56)
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Santa
Clara Valley Transportation Authority for the Plans, Specifications and Estimates phase
of the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings project.
2. Authorize the General Manager to amend the Cooperative Agreement in the future to
specifically allow: (i) the disbursement of future grant funds to cover project costs, if
obtained after the execution of the original agreement, and (ii) a six-month extension of
the agreement term, if necessary.
7. Amendment to Board Policy 5.01 – Site Naming, Gift, and Special Recognition –
related to Monetary Gift Acknowledgements (R-23-57)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Approve amendments to Board Policy 5.01 – Site
Naming, Gift, and Special Recognition – to acknowledge all gifts annually in a standard
publication regardless of and without specifying the gift amount, as reviewed and supported by
the Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs Committee.
Meeting 23-14 Page 10
8. Annual Display of the Pride Progress Flag in June (R-23-58)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Approve the annual display of the Pride Progress
flag on flag poles at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District facilities during the month
of June, including the attached Proclamation.
BOARD BUSINESS
9. Public Hearing on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget and Three-Year
Capital Improvement and Action Plan (CIAP) (R-23-59)
Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak provided an
overview of the budget planning process and highlighted the budget development cycle. Mr.
Jaskulak stated that at the March 2023 Board retreat, there were 101 CIAP projects and 17
supporting projects. With the recent adjustments to the workplan, there are now 109 CIAP
projects and 15 supporting projects identified, with 11 newly added storm damage repair
projects. He continued to review the storm damage CIAP reprioritization criteria and highlighted
the repair projects added, the timeline extensions, scope reductions, and deferrals. Mr. Jaskulak
also reviewed the proposed FY24 budget, the changes from the year prior, and stated the overall
budget is 1% less than the FY23 adopted budget. He continued to review the District budget
summary, and the proposed expenses by fund, and the six-year general fund revenue trend from
FY19 to FY24. In addition, he reviewed the grant funding, the proposed FY24 expenditures by
fund, the annual Measure AA expenditures by a five-year trend, the debt service, Measure AA
debt service, reviewed the long-range financial plan and the change in general fund balance, the
proposed personnel budget and the three proposed new full-time equivalent positions for FY24.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone reviewed areas of interest for the CIAP, including
projects supporting agriculture, diversity and inclusion and wildland fire resiliency.
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan and Mr. Malone presented on the District’s four
program areas: Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, Natural Resource Protection and
Restoration Program, Public Access, Education, and Outreach program, and Assets and
Organizational Support Program. They highlighted key projects within each program.
The Board members requested and received additional information regarding various proposed
projects.
President Kishimoto and Director MacNiven thanked the Action Plan and Budget Committee
(APBC) for their work.
Director Riffle commented that the members of the ABC include Directors Holman and Gleason,
with himself serving as committee chair. The ABC held two meetings, which totaled about six
hours during which they reviewed the budget and other matters. Director Riffle expressed his
appreciation for staff’s organization, great overview, and level of details. He was particularly
pleased with how quick staff was able to incorporate the storm damage projects and defer other
projects seamlessly into the CIAP and that unanimously the ABC recommends that the full
Board approve the General Manager's recommendation of the proposed budget. Furthermore, he
mentioned that the District Controller was unable to attend tonight’s meeting but, he did attend
the committee meetings and voiced his support for the budget. In addition, the ABC requested
Meeting 23-14 Page 11
that staff consider a way to see how much is being spent and budgeted by preserve for the
development of next year’s budget process. Lastly, Director Riffle thanked Budget & Finance
Manager Rafaela Oceguera and her team, and the managers for their hard work.
Director Holman commented she had suggested at the ABC that it may be beneficial to have the
project numbers relate to the preserve for the next year’s budget review.
Director Gleason commented that organizing the presentation by preserve was very helpful
during the ABC meeting and requested having an index that shows all the projects by preserve
for tracking ongoing work for the next year’s budget. In addition, he commented that staff was
very fast to integrate the storm repair projects into the CIAP and that the field staff quickly
responded with the cleaned up and were able reopen preserves.
General Manager Ana Ruiz clarified that she asked the ABC if they would grant staff the ability
to come back to the Board in December with a proposal for how to provide the desired by-
preserve information to better understand what projects are occurring at each preserve. It may
not be necessarily a numbering system, but staff will discuss the best way to provide the
information.
Director Cyr reflected on the early years and how the budget was quite different and opaque, and
how it has improved with each passing year.
Public hearing opened at 9:17 p.m.
District Clerk Maria Soria reported there were no public speakers for this item.
Public hearing closed at 9:17 p.m.
Motion: Director MacNiven moved, and Director Gleason seconded the motion to bring the
proposed FY24 Budget and Action Plan back for adoption at the June 14, 2023 regular meeting
of the Board of Directors.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Kersteen-Tucker reported that the Agricultural Policy Ad Hoc Committee met and
heard a presentation on the public and stakeholder outreach and input received so far and
reported that the draft Agriculture Policy should be ready for Board review this summer.
B. Staff Reports
General Manager Ana Ruiz reported she along with Director Gleason and Government Affairs
Specialist Joshua Hugg met with Cupertino City Manager Pamela Wu and Mayor Wei to
introduce them to the District and discuss projects of interest. Additionally, she noted that she
and Mr. Malone met with Rhoda Fry and a number of citizens to discuss Lehigh and how staff is
monitoring quarry activities. She also highlighted that this month is Mental Health Awareness
Meeting 23-14 Page 12
Month and complimented staff for the number of events, resources and the series of trainings for
staff. Finally, she mentioned that staff is drafting a letter to LAFCO regarding their draft County
Wide Fire Service Review recommendations.
C. Director Reports
Director Cyr requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of former board member Pete Siemens
and reported that he hiked Russian Ridge and saw at east fifty different varieties of wildflowers.
Director Gleason reflected on Pete Siemens’ services and commented it was a nice remembrance
and a very welcoming environment and it was great to Directors, staff, and his family and
friends. He also mentioned the meet and greet with the City of Cupertino and felt everyone was
interested in the update.
President Kishimoto reported that she is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the
Fire Services Study for LAFCO and attended the May 15 meeting and is also glad to hear the
District will be presenting a letter, and she attended the BCDC meeting on May 18.
ADJOURNMENT
President Kishimoto adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 9:24 p.m. in honor of former Board Member Pete
Siemens.
Maria Soria, MMC
District Clerk