HomeMy Public PortalAbout20210310 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
March 10, 2021
Board Meeting 21-09
*Approved by the Board of Directors on March 24, 2021
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, March 10, 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, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Financial Officer Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to
the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Public Affairs Manager Kori
Skinner, Public Affairs Specialist II Leigh Ann Gessner, Senior Capital
Project Manager Tanisha Werner
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. Draft Design Schemes for the Administrative Office Interpretive Elements Project
(R-21-37)
Meeting 21-09 Page 2
Public Affairs Specialist II Leigh Ann Gessner provided the staff report describing Board actions
to date for the project and introduced the District’s project consultants with EDX Exhibits,
Sherry Smith, Julie Sayigh, and Charles Davis.
Sherry Smith reviewed the Board-approved interpretive themes and project goals.
Ms. Smith, Julie Sayigh, and Charles Davis described and displayed representative examples for
the draft design schemes, including proposed interior and exterior elements.
Board members requested and received clarification regarding the proposed design schemes and
suggested materials for use in the designs.
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding potential signage for building tenants.
Senior Capital Project Manager Tanisha Werner reported there is no exterior signage planned for
building tenants.
Director Hassett spoke in support of including exterior signage for the building tenants, such as
near the District’s exterior signage.
Director Siemens stated the sign near the sidewalk should be double-sided, so pedestrians
walking in both directions on the sidewalk will see the information.
President Riffle commented tenant signage is not necessary for the exterior of the building, and
signage can be included inside the building. President Riffle inquired regarding the lifetime of
the design elements.
Ms. Smith stated their exhibits typically last 15-20 years, and some exhibits could be more
changeable, such as the interior niche exhibits.
Director Hassett suggested using the large monitor in the lobby to display wildlife videos from
the District’s wildlife cameras.
Director Siemens agreed with Director Hassett’s comments regarding showing videos on the
large lobby monitor and suggested the display could be interactive for visitors to select various
videos to watch.
Ms. Smith displayed options for the large exterior banners, including possible designs and
materials, and summarized the overall design schemes.
Public comment opened at 6:36 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Ken Nitz provided comments and suggestions regarding the draft design schemes.
Public comment closed at 6:38 p.m.
Meeting 21-09 Page 3
Director Kishimoto spoke in favor of the metal cutout designs for the exterior banners. Director
Kishimoto expressed support for the backlit photos included in scheme 2 but not the colors
displayed. Additionally, Director Kishimoto spoke in support of raising the walkway for
pedestrians through the parking lot.
Director Siemens spoke in support of a larger monitor in the lobby area and the metal cutout
designs. Director Siemens prefers design scheme 2, which would be more changeable as needed
for updates. Additionally, Director Siemens spoke in favor of exterior panel design 2C to display
various elements of the District (ocean, forest, grassland, and bayland).
Director Holman spoke in favor of exterior banner option 2A because they play off of the
District’s logo. Director Holman spoke in favor of using natural materials. Director Holman
expressed concern regarding the permeability of the parking lot materials and regarding possible
safety issues related to overgrown foliage near the outdoor seating areas. Finally, Director
Holman suggested using the long interior wall as a museum display area instead of as a video
wall.
Director Kersteen-Tucker spoke in favor of design scheme 1 because it gives the feeling of the
District’s preserves and in favor of displaying wildlife camera footage on the large lobby
monitor. Director Kersteen-Tucker spoke in favor of using the retaining wall as a location for
changing art, such as by local artists. Finally, Director Kersteen-Tucker spoke in favor of
incorporating the District’s agricultural lands in the exterior banners.
Director Hassett spoke in favor of design scheme 1 and offered suggestions for videos on the
lobby monitor, including wildlife camera footage, messages from the general manager, wildlife
programs, streambed camera, and trail mapping videos.
Director Cyr spoke in favor of the metal cutout exterior panels and design scheme 1. Director
Cyr also spoke in support of a continual loop of videos or photos on the lobby monitor.
President Riffle spoke in support of design scheme 1 because it better meets the project design
goals and interpretive themes and in support of the metal cutouts exterior panels. President Riffle
spoke in support of including agricultural as a fourth theme instead of the ocean. Finally,
President Riffle spoke in support of focusing more of the budget on the interior elements of the
design because there is not much exterior pedestrian traffic.
Directors Holman and Siemens commented that the Board may not be able to select a defined
design scheme.
General Manager Ana Ruiz suggested the Board may want to vote separately on the preferred
interior and exterior design scheme.
The Board members each stated their preference for the exterior and interior design schemes.
Exterior:
Scheme 1 Scheme 2
Hassett Cyr
Holman Siemens
Meeting 21-09 Page 4
Kersteen-Tucker
Kishimoto
Riffle
Interior:
Scheme 1 Scheme 2
Cyr Holman
Hassett Kishimoto
Kersteen-Tucker
Siemens
Riffle
Director Holman requested a sample of the ApplePly be provided to the Board, so they may view
a physical sample.
Director Kersteen-Tucker requested staff return with additional information regarding use of the
retaining wall.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 7:08 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 7:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Financial Officer Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to
the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Planning Manager Jane Mark,
Planner I Melissa Borgesi, Senior Planner Tina Hugg, Natural Resources
Manager Kirk Lenington, Management Analyst I Sophie Christel,
Engineering and Construction Manager Jay Lin, Senior Capital Project
Manager Tanisha Werner
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
Meeting 21-09 Page 5
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.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
General Counsel Hilary Stevenson reported on February 24 in closed session, the Board of
Directors voted 7-0 to file an amicus brief in support of East Bay Regional Park District. The
case in the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, is Save Lafayette Trees v. East
Bay Regional Park District, case number A156150. At issue in the litigation is the authority
conferred by state law to park and open space districts to make resource management decisions
without pre-emption by local ordinances.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth announced no comments were submitted.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
• Proclamations Recognizing Efforts of the La Honda Public Access Working Group
Members
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:37 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no comments were submitted for the consent
calendar.
Public comment closed at 7:37 p.m.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to approve the Consent
Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Approve the February 24, 2021 and February 25, 2021 Board meeting minutes
2. Claims Report
BOARD BUSINESS
Meeting 21-09 Page 6
3. Best Practices from the La Honda Public Access Working Group Pilot (R-21-36)
Senior Planner Tina Hugg described the La Honda Public Access Working Group (PAWG)
formation and recruitment process and reviewed various lessons learned from the process,
including cultivating public participation, balancing perspectives, utilizing an external facilitator,
defining PAWG goals and ground rules, setting expectations for workload and time
commitments, and incorporating Board participation.
Planner I Melissa Borgesi outlined four key takeaways from management of the PAWG,
including more time to get to know each other, suggestions regarding group leadership roles,
establishing a baseline background, and a facilitator to help manage difficult conversations. Ms.
Borgesi described practices critical to managing the PAWG process, such as required meetings,
project documentation, defined meeting schedule, properly allocating staff resources, and
actively notifying and engaging the public.
Members of the Board thanked the PAWG members, District staff, and Board members for their
work on the PAWG and project.
Director Kersteen-Tucker inquired regarding the balance of representation of varying
perspectives on the PAWG.
Ms. Hugg stated some on the PAWG felt there was not enough local representation and others
felt more regional representation was needed. This may have demonstrated the representation
was fairly balanced.
Public comment opened at 8:08 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Liz Westbrook with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council thanked the PAWG members and District
staff for their work on the PAWG and supported public access and a trailhead to provide Ridge
Trail connections in the area studied.
Public comment closed at 8:09 p.m.
No Board action required.
Director Holman suggested incorporating the PAWG voting process in future working groups.
4. Selection of an Additional Topic for the Science Advisory Panel (R-21-38)
Management Analyst I Sophie Christel provided the staff presentation describing the timeline for
the research previously completed and planned for the Science Advisory Panel (SAP). Ms.
Christel reported staff recommends the SAP study a topic related to the benefits and impacts of
class-1 electric bikes on multi-use recreational trails in natural areas. Ms. Christel described the
potential value to the District for the topic and proposed approach to the topic.
President Riffle suggested including reference to specific potential impacts, namely the impact
on natural resources, impact on trails, impact on other users, and impact on staff in the research
Meeting 21-09 Page 7
question. President Riffle also suggested including research regarding potential future impacts of
e-bikes based on potential future technology improvements. Finally, President Riffle asked that
the SAP provide additional areas of future research, where applicable.
Ms. Christel stated that staff discussed including potential impacts to staff but excluded it
because it was unlikely to be answered in the scientific literature and many be better determined
by the District’s own research. The suggested research question was left open-ended to help
account for some of the various topics suggested and others that may not yet be identified.
Director Holman suggested the research question may be too narrow and could be broadened
beyond multi-use recreational trails to the impact on other users, their safety, wildlife, etc.
Director Kersteen-Tucker commented on the potential impact on staff and visitors if e-bikes are
not allowed because they will continue to be at District preserves, so this topic should be
addressed soon to inform a future management action or policy.
Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington stated additional studies related to mountain bikes
and impacts on natural resources exists and may be used to infer and inform the District on the
potential impacts of e-bikes.
Public comment opened at 8:35 p.m.
Patrick Noo supported allowing e-bikes on District trails to promote access to more distant areas
of District preserves, not just areas that are often overcrowded.
Manish Bhaskar spoke in support of allowing e-bikes allow those who are physically unable to
use standard mountain bikes and enjoy exercise and the preserves. Also, e-bike technology is
leading to lighter e-bikes with less assist for riders.
Allan Petersdorf supported allowing e-bikes on District trails because it allows older riders to
continue to enjoy the trails.
Ray Anton commented that e-bikes should not be banned before the study is completed.
Andrew Fitzgerald supported allowing e-bikes on District trails to support cycling by all visitors
of all fitness levels.
James Field supported allowing e-bikes on District trails to allow older adults to continue to
access nature.
Anne Ferguson supported research to study whether cyclists should be limited to wider trails to
promote safety of hikers along narrow multi-use trails.
Randall Vail stated his support for allowing e-bikes on District trails because it increases access
for visitors who may not be able to physically ride as far on a standard mountain bike. Mr. Vail
spoke in support of trails dedicated to cyclists.
Meeting 21-09 Page 8
Maziar Bozorginia stated the District should also consider the regulations regarding e-bikes
enacted by surrounding jurisdictions, which have routes connecting to District trails. Allowing e-
bikes on District trails will allow for additional regional trail connections.
Alan Muschott expressed support for allowing e-bikes on District trails in order to allow older
riders to continue to exercise and enjoy the trails.
Lloyd Davies expressed support for allowing e-bikes on District trails where mountain bikes are
allowed.
Sean McKenna inquired if the Board has considered the health benefits of allowing e-bikes in
District preserves.
Mariah Smith opposed allowing e-bikes on District preserves.
Public comment closed at 8:52 p.m.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Kersteen-Tucker seconded the motion to
authorize the General Manager to direct the Science Advisory Panel to prepare a literature
review on the topic of electric bicycles, and more specifically to address the following question:
• What do the scientific literature and practitioner studies suggest about the benefits and
impacts of class 1 electric bike access on multi-use recreational trails in natural areas?
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
5. Consideration of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Alternatives for the Administrative Office Project (R-21-39)
Senior Capital Project Manager Tanisha Werner provided the staff presentation describing four
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) alternatives the Board may consider
and costs associated with the alternatives. Ms. Werner reviewed Bid Alternate 2 included in the
construction contract.
Project manager Eric Skiba with Noll & Tam architects described the LEED credits estimated for
the administrative office project and the term LEED-equivalent. Mr. Skiba further described four
alternatives the Board may consider for levels of LEED certification or LEED-equivalent
designs.
Director Siemens inquired regarding the materials to be used by the contractor.
Ms. Werner stated the contractor may use LEED-equivalent materials, but material substitutions
must be approved by the District, which would prevent any non-LEED compliant materials.
Public comment opened at 9:26 p.m.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 9:26 p.m.
Meeting 21-09 Page 9
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Hassett seconded the motion to pursue a
LEED Gold Level equivalent design for the administrative office project.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Holman absent)
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA
• Hawthorns Area Public Access Project - Planning Process Update
Director Hassett requested additional information regarding conversations with Town of Portola
Valley staff regarding reuse of the Hawthorns mansion.
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan provided additional information regarding this project
and stated work on reuse of the Hawthorns mansion is currently delayed and consultation with
Portola Valley currently relates to public access to the area.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Cyr reported the Legislative, Funding and Public Affairs Committee met on March 9,
2021 to discuss various legislative bills staff recommends supporting, watching, etc.
Director Kishimoto reported the Lehigh Quarry ad hoc committee met on February 25, 2021.
B. Staff Reports
No staff reports.
C. Director Reports
Director Siemens reported he attended the Santa Clara County Special District’s Association
meeting on March 1, 2021.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 9:44 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk