HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210512 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
May 12, 2021
Board Meeting 21-14
*Approved by the Board of Directors on May 26, 2021
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with California Governor
Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20. All Board members and staff participated via
teleconference.
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING
President Riffle 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, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt
Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: Karen Holman
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Executive Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan
Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington, Senior Resource
Management Specialist Coty Sifuentes-Winter
President Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Governor Newsom’s
Executive Order 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 Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
1. Public Hearing: Certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report; Adoption of
the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, and Approval of Associated Policies (R-21-
58)
Meeting 21-14 Page 2
General Manager Ana Ruiz provided a high-level overview of the proposed Wildland Fire
Resiliency Program describing its two main goals to enhance ecosystem resiliency and increase
wildland fire management. The Wildland Fire Resiliency Program will make it possible to
drastically increase the District’s ability to manage its lands to protect against wildland fire.
Senior Resource Management Specialist Coty Sifuentes-Winter provided the staff report
describing the need for ecologically sensitive vegetation management and program objectives.
Mr. Sifuentes-Winter outlined the development of the proposed Wildland Fire Resiliency
Program, including public meetings, public and agency feedback, consultant research, etc. Mr.
Sifuentes-Winter summarized the vegetation management plan, prescribed fire plan, monitoring
plan, and pre-fire and advisor maps for planning, which are all included in the proposed
Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.
Director Holman joined the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
Tania Treis with Panorama Environmental provided an overview of the CEQA process to date
and described the purposed of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Ms. Treis summarized
the comments received as part of the EIR process, comments responses, and changes made to the
EIR in response to comments received. Ms. Treis reviewed the potentially significant and
unavoidable impacts associated with the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, including impacts to
aesthetics, greenhouse gas emissions, and air quality impacts, which are typical of this type of
program or project. Finally, Ms. Treis explained the alternatives evaluated in the EIR and the
statement of overriding considerations.
Mr. Sifuentes-Winter described the next steps for the program including updating District
resource management policies, proposed budget, and potential grant opportunities.
President Riffle requested additional information regarding the use of prescribed burns and if
inability to use prescribed burns would affect the effectiveness of the program.
Mr. Sifuentes-Winter described the process for prescribed burns and the options for use of
prescribed burns in various areas which increases the ability to use this tool.
President Riffle opened the public hearing to receive public comment on the Wildland Fire
Resiliency Program Draft Program Environmental Impact Report at 5:37 p.m.
Jeremy Dennis, Town of Portola Valley Town Manager, thanked the District and its staff for the
work on the wildland fire resiliency program.
Jeff Aalfs, Portola Valley Town Councilmember, thanked the District and its staff for the work
on the wildland fire resiliency program.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Sidney Liebes, resident of the Sequoias Portola Valley retirement community expressed support
for additional fuel break work in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve near the Sequoias
community to help protect the residents there.
Meeting 21-14 Page 3
Alan Watkins requested additional information regarding the annual acreage limits on vegetation
management stating the District should provide information regarding how the limits were
determined and any tradeoffs made to weigh current risks, priorities, and ability to implement
treatments.
Karen Allanson inquired regarding management of the Rancho Corral de Tierra land.
Madeline Miraglia, neighbor to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, thanked the District for
their wildland resiliency program.
Mr. Sifuentes-Winter provided additional information in response to public comments received.
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired regarding how the District would respond to wildland fires on
lands near District preserve.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone reported the District is not a fire agency so does not
automatically respond to nearby fires. The District would first address any threats on its own
lands and would then offer assistance to neighboring agencies, where possible.
Director Kishimoto inquired if expansion of the program beyond the acreage analyzed in the
current EIR would require additional analysis.
Ms. Treis stated additional environmental analysis would be required and the type of analysis
would depend on the potential impact.
President Riffle closed the public hearing closed at 5:59 p.m.
The members of the Board commended District staff for their work on the wildland resiliency
program and commented on the importance of this program to address wildfire risk resulting
from climate change. Additionally, President Riffle commented on the importance of working
closely with District partners to support and implement the wildland fire resiliency program.
Motion: Director Kersteen-Tucker moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to:
1. Adopt a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District certifying the Final Program Environmental Impact Report, adopting Findings of
Fact, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program, and adopting the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.
2. Approve the associated Resource Management Policy updates.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 6:12 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION
Meeting 21-14 Page 4
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code
Section 54956.8)
Property: San Mateo County APN(s): 066-300-010 & -020
Agency Negotiator: Allen Ishibashi, Senior Real Property Agent
Negotiating Party: Mateo and Alessandra Tabachnik
Under Negotiation: Purchase Terms
Public comment opened at 6:13 p.m.
Ms. Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 6:13 p.m.
The Board convened into closed session at 6:13 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 6:48 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
President Riffle called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko Kishimoto,
Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: Jed Cyr
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Executive Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan
Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner, Public Affairs
Specialist II Cydney Bieber, Human Resources Manager Candice
Basnight, Senior Planner Tina Hugg
President Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Governor Newsom’s
Executive Order 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 Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
Meeting 21-14 Page 5
Director Cyr joined the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Dorit Perry provided comments regarding trail safety on single-track trails in Rancho San
Antonio Open Space Preserve and expressed concern regarding the interactions between
equestrians and hikers stating hikers can be injured by the horses or by being forced off the trail.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
• Introduction of Staff
o Ann Marie Hoyt, Risk Management Analyst
o Lisa Caracciolo, Public Affairs Specialist II
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:09 p.m.
Ms. Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Jerry Wittenauer provided comments in support of agenda item 4 stating it can provide an
opportunity for the District to provide troughs for equestrians to use when enjoying the trail.
Teresa Baker provided comments in support of agenda item 4 and requested access to a water
trough for equestrians using the trail.
Public comment closed at 7:11 p.m.
Mr. Malone reported staff spoke to the tenant and thinks the request for access to a trough for
equestrians can be accommodated.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Hassett seconded the motion to approve the Consent
Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Approve the April 28, 2021 Board meeting minutes
2. Claims Report
Meeting 21-14 Page 6
3. Quarter 3 Proposed Budget Amendments to the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2021
(R-21-59)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the proposed Quarter 3
budget amendments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
4. Award of Contract to Ronald Seever for Construction of Conservation Grazing
Infrastructure Improvements in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve on the Mindego
Ranch South Pasture Expansion Area (R-21-62)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to execute a $30,000 contract with Ronald (Ronnie) Seever
to fund a water system improvement project partially funded by the Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS).
2. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Ronnie Seever to construct
perimeter fencing for a base amount of $76,800 and authorize a 10% contingency of $7,680
for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $84,480.
5. Approval of a New Field Resource Specialist Position to Implement the Wildland
Fire Resiliency Program (R-21-60)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Approve a new Field Resource Specialist position,
contingent on Board of Directors approval of the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.
6. Award of Contract with Matter Unlimited to develop a Comprehensive Plan for the
Year-Long Public Events and Activities to Celebrate the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District’s 50th Anniversary (R-21-61)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract
with Matter Unlimited to provide consulting services for the 50th Anniversary Celebration Plan
for a total contract amount not to exceed $75,031.
BOARD BUSINESS
7. Informational Presentation from California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (R-
21-64)
Tim Karcz, representative of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, provided a
presentation describing the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and its role as the
District’s public entity risk pool. Mr. Karcz outlined CalJPIA’s coverage programs and risk
management approach. Mr. Karcz highlighted the District’s risk management activities,
including training, use of an employment practices hotline, policy development and analysis, and
risk management evaluations. Finally, Mr. Karcz summarized recent trends and emerging risks
that may affect the District.
Director Hassett requested additional information regarding the insurance pooling structure.
Mr. Karcz provided additional information regarding municipalities with police departments
included in a separate public safety insurance pool.
Meeting 21-14 Page 7
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding the impact of climate change and wildfire risk on
insurance.
Mr. Karcz reported wildfire risk is growing exponentially and CalJPIA is working to secure
coverage for its membership and identify and formulate a risk management program for its
members related to wildfires.
Public comment opened at 7:47 p.m.
No public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 7:47 p.m.
No Board action required.
8. Oregon State University Phytophthora Research: Assessment of Phytophthora
Soilborne Pathogens at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Restoration Sites (R-
21-63)
Natural Resources Specialist II Amanda Mills provided the staff presentation defining
phytopthora and the District’s response to Sudden Oak Death and other phytopthoras. Ms. Mills
introduced Dr. Ebba Peterson and Dr. Jennifer Parke with Oregon State University to present
their research on the assessment of Phytophthora Soilborne Pathogens at Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District Restoration Sites.
Dr. Peterson described the impacts of phytopthoras on various plants and research objectives to
survey for phytopthora diversity across District lands; identify sites as high or low risk for
phytopthora establishment; and develop recommendations for management. Dr. Peterson
outlined the methods used for their research and research results. The research showed that some
vegetation types had more infestation than others. Dr. Peterson summarized key takeaways for
District land management and various management practices to minimize the risk of
phytopthoras.
Ms. Mills described the proposed next steps on the project in response to the phytopthora
research, including developing more robust best management practices to minimize the potential
for introducing or moving phytopthoras throughout District preserves, staff training and
outreach, planning and implementation of prevention techniques, etc.
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired if additional properties can be evaluated to better understand
areas of the District which may be at risk as public access is introduced.
Dr. Peterson reported the data showed no single disturbance was determined to create a higher
risk, but all disturbances increase the risk for phytopthora.
Dr. Parke recommended testing any area being considered for public access in order to
understand if there is an increase of phytopthoras following introduction of public access.
Public comment opened at 8:20 p.m.
Meeting 21-14 Page 8
Ms. Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 8:20 p.m.
No Board action required.
9. Oral Update on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District COVID-19 Response
Ms. Ruiz reported the District is now issuing permits again for hiking groups and provided
information regarding District office capacity and proposed dates for all staff members returning
to in-person work.
Ms. Woodworth provided information regarding technological options for the District’s virtual
public meetings stating the Board of Directors and staff will be utilizing the video function on
Zoom in the coming months.
Public comment opened at 8:33 p.m.
Ms. Woodworth reported no public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 8:33 p.m.
No Board action required.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA
• Update on the Electric Bicycle Study
• Redwood Cabin Removal Project -- Status and Upcoming CEQA Process
Ms. Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
James Hartigan provided comments that Class 1 e-bikes are similar to traditional bikes and
provide older riders an opportunity to enjoy the District’s preserves.
Ron Stein thanked the District for its e-bike intercepts surveys and for studying the topic.
Lloyd Davies requested the Board of Directors allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on District
preserves where traditional mountain bikes are allowed. E-bikes allow for more visitors to enjoy
the open space preserves.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Cyr reported the Action Plan and Budget Committee met on April 29, 2021 and May 4,
2021 to discuss the FY2021-22 draft Budget and Action Plan.
Director Kishimoto reported the Lehigh Quarry ad hoc committee met on May 11, 2021.
Meeting 21-14 Page 9
B. Staff Reports
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan announced the District the Award of Excellence for
Public Outreach by the Northern Section of the California Chapter of the American Planning
Association. Staff is will submit the project for consideration for an award at the state level.
C. Director Reports
Directors Kersteen-Tucker, Kishimoto, and Riffle reported their attendance at the Together Bay
Area Spring Summit virtual event.
Director Kersteen-Tucker reported she will be presenting to the Half Moon Bay American
Association of University Women next week.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 8:41 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk