HomeMy Public PortalAbout20180509 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
May 9, 2018
Board Meeting 18-17
*Approved by the Board of Directors on May 23, 2018
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Red Morton Community Center
1120 Roosevelt Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94061
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
Vice-President Harris called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete
Siemens
Members Absent: Jed Cyr and Larry Hassett
Staff Present: Acting General Manager Ana Ruiz, Acting General Counsel Hilary
Stevenson, Acting Assistant General Manager Christine Butterfield,
Acting Assistant General Manager Brian Malone, Chief Financial
Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak, Acting Public
Affairs Manager Cydney Bieber
1. Preserve Use Survey Project – Focus Group Update (R-18-44)
Acting General Manager Ana Ruiz discussed the ability of the preserve user survey to help
identify preserve visitors and those communities that are not visiting preserves.
Acting Public Affairs Manager Cydney Bieber outlined the goals of the survey, the methodology
used for recruiting and organizing the focus groups, and timeline during which they were
conducted. Ms. Bieber introduced Patrick Tierney, Ph.D., who facilitated the focus group
discussions.
President Cyr arrived at 6:09 p.m.
Dr. Tierney reviewed the questions asked and results from the seven focus groups, including
themes and recommendations. Every participant in the focus groups were interested in visiting
Midpen preserves in the future, and many showed interest in additional facility and trail
Meeting 18-17 Page 2
developments at preserves. Dr. Tierney outlined various barriers to visiting and concerns
identified by focus group participants, such as lack of information about preserves, lack of
restrooms and transportation to preserves, inadequate parking, unknown trail conditions, etc.
Focus group recommendations include additional outreach to communities through community
groups and in native languages; additional restrooms; creation of a trail rating system expanded
public and private transportation options; more family, kids, and women’s programs; address
personal safety concerns. Dr. Tierney compared the results of the focus groups to the previously
completed intercept surveys completed at District preserves.
Director Riffle suggested additional resources could be used towards decreasing soft barriers,
such as providing education and information, rather than the larger, more expensive barriers,
such as transportation.
Dr. Tierney suggested outreach and providing information to the communities could significantly
increase preserve visitor use.
Public comments opened at 7:00 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 7:00 p.m.
No Board action required.
ADJOURNMENT
President Cyr adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 7:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
President Cyr called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle,
and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: Larry Hassett
Staff Present: Acting General Manager Ana Ruiz, Acting General Counsel Hilary
Stevenson, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, Acting Assistant General Manager Brian Malone, Acting
Assistant General Manager Christine Butterfield, District Clerk/Assistant
to the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Planning Manager Jane
Mark, Planner III Leslie Chan, Natural Resources Manager Kirk
Lenington, Senior Resource Management Specialist Coty Sifuentes-
Meeting 18-17 Page 3
Winter, Engineering and Construction Manager Jay Lin, Visitor Services
Manager Matt Anderson
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No speakers present.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Harris seconded the motion to adopt the
agenda.
VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Hassett absent)
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
• Introduction of staff
o Leigh Ann Gessner, Public Affairs Specialist II
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:08 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comment closed at 7:08 p.m.
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to approve the
Consent Calendar, as amended.
VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Hassett absent)
1. Approve April 25, 2018 Minutes
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported the Board has been provided with amended minutes
based on Directors Siemens’ request to add additional Board comments.
VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Hassett absent)
2. Claims Report
3. Fiscal Year 2017-18 Quarter 3 Budget Amendments (R-18-45)
Acting General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving the proposed
FY2017-18 Quarter 3 Budget amendments and the transfer of General Fund Unassigned Fund
Balance to four Committed and Restricted Reserves as follows: (1) $600,000 to an existing
Committed Reserve for Equipment Replacement; (2) $1,000,000 to a new Committed Reserve
for Capital Maintenance; (3) $300,000 to a new Committed Reserve for the Promissory Note;
and (4) $250,000 to an existing Restricted Reserve to reimburse Measure AA costs of issuance.
Meeting 18-17 Page 4
4. Contract Amendment with Ecological Concerns, Inc., for Invasive Species
Management Work (R-18-48)
Acting General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the Acting General Manager to amend a
contract with Ecological Concerns, Inc., in the amount of $406,741.50, for a total not-to-exceed
contract amount of $980,224.50, to conduct invasive species management work under the
Integrated Pest Management Program at multiple Preserves through the end of Fiscal Year 2018-
19.
Director Riffle inquired regarding grant funding for the contract.
Senior Resource Management Specialist Coty Sifuentes-Winter reported Santa Clara Valley
Water District awarded $200,000 grant funds per year up to $1 million over five years.
5. Roll call vote to authorize the District to enter into a Grant Agreement with the
Santa Clara Valley Water District for the Webb Creek Bridge Replacement (R-18-38)
Acting General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution by roll call vote confirming an
application for the Safe, Clean Water Priority D3 Grant Program, affirming that sufficient funds
are available to complete this work, and authorizing the General Manager to execute the grant
agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to receive $149,500 for replacement of the
Webb Creek Bridge.
ROLL CALL VOTE: VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Hassett absent)
BOARD BUSINESS
6. Informational Presentation on the Red Barn Public Access Site Plan - Conceptual
Design Alternative 3 (R-18-47)
Acting Assistant General Manager Christine Butterfield provided introductory comments and
outlined the project goals, including public access, amenities to facilitate environmental
education, protection of scenic views, and balance of public access and grazing activities.
Planner III Leslie Chan provided a brief history of the Red Barn area, including existing
infrastructure and its role as a local landmark visible from Highway 84. Ms. Chan described the
access constraints for the site and the project timeline. This is a Measure AA-funded project,
which includes $11.7 million to open the upper half of the La Honda Open Space Preserve to
public access, including biking/hiking trails, dog access, staging areas; loop & connector trails;
habitat restoration for rare species; and improved fencing, corrals, and water systems to
reintroduce conservation grazing. The Board approved the La Honda Master Plan in 2012, which
included various priorities, such as use and maintenance of the Red Barn, parking, picnic areas,
potential restoration of the adjacent former pond, etc. Ms. Chan described several site
constraints, such as driveway line of sight, steep topography, protected species habitats, scenic
corridor, etc.
Director Riffle inquired regarding previous traffic studies completed for Highway 84 and how
they compare to the public’s comments on Highway 84 traffic.
Meeting 18-17 Page 5
Ms. Chan reported two traffic studies were previously completed and another is planned;
however, traffic studies cannot always account for various illegal activities and driving along
Highway 84.
Director Siemens inquired if a turning lane is being considered for Highway 84.
Ms. Chan reported that based on current traffic counts and study, the site does not warrant a
turning lane according to Caltrans regulations. Staff will be engaging in further conversations
with Caltrans to discuss a turning lane and other safety enhancement measures, such as flashing
lights.
Ms. Chan described the two design alternatives previously reviewed by the Planning and Natural
Resources Committee (Committee) and La Honda community in May 2017 and summarized the
feedback received from the Committee and members of the public.
Ms. Chan introduced Mark Brandi from Moore, Iacofano, Goltsman, Inc. (MIG), the District’s
consultants on this project. Mr. Brandi described a third design alternative and how it addresses
feedback previously received, such as maintaining scenic views and the rural character of the
site, driveway safety and traffic impacts, and increased parking capacity to reduce the potential
for overflow parking along Highway 84. Mr. Brandi displayed visual interpretations of the
proposed design alternatives and described potential options that may reduce the visual impact of
the improvements, including colored asphalt, vegetative restoration, and traditional fencing to
screen the access road. Mr. Brandi reviewed additional public feedback received and reported the
project team continues to welcome feedback to help the team understand and address the impacts
of the various design alternatives.
Ms. Chan reported the current cost estimate for design alternative 3 is $5 million, which is within
the public access allocation for the Measure AA portfolio for this project.
Director Kishimoto commented on the visual impact of the access road suggesting a narrower
gravel road.
Ms. Chan reported the current design conforms to standard building code, but its width may be
considered as part of further project analysis. Colored asphalt is recommended because cars
driving on a gravel road would have a negative impact on the pallid bats that live in the Red
Barn.
Director Kishimoto requested clarification regarding the buffer around the Red Barn.
Ms. Chan reported the District’s biologist recommends a 50-foot buffer around the Red Barn to
prevent disturbance of the pallid bats.
Director Kishimoto suggested an accessible parking area could be located at the Red Barn site,
and other visitors could access the area from other locations in the preserve, such as from the
Driscoll Event Center.
Director Riffle inquired if agricultural stakeholders have been consulted.
Meeting 18-17 Page 6
Ms. Chan reported staff consulted the District’s rangeland ecologist and current grazing tenant
regarding the various alternatives.
Director Riffle suggested that due to the potential popularity of the site, the District may want to
consider implementation of both phases at the same time.
Director Harris spoke in favor of design alternative 3 and spoke to the likely popularity of the
site. Director Harris inquired regarding San Mateo County permitting requirements for the
driveway.
Ms. Chan reported District staff consulted with San Mateo County planning staff to discuss
preliminary designs, and further consultations will continue after designs are complete.
Public comments opened at 8:13 p.m.
Patty Ma yall resident of Old La Honda Road spoke regarding fatal car accidents on Highway 84
and individuals who illegally race along Highway 84. Ms. Mayhall requested the Board consider
gathering traffic information from the La Honda School District, La Honda Fire Department, and
Skylonda California Highway Patrol station.
Kathleen Moazed spoke in opposition to the project site, and stated parking should be limited to
20 spaces. Also, no parking signs should be installed along Highway 84.
Barbara Hooper spoke in opposition to the project stating it was not in character with the
District’s mission because it would not maintain the rural character of the site and would turn the
area into a tourist site. Ms. Hooper reported on a traffic study she conducted on Highway 84
during an hour on a weekend day.
Bob Dooley, neighbor to the Red Barn site, thanked staff for providing documents related to the
historic nature of the site. Mr. Dooley spoke in favor of restoring a former pond on the site and
its value to the habitat and historic value of the ranch.
Steven Lafon spoke in opposition to the proposed project plan due because it does not take into
account the rural nature of the site and potential traffic increases.
Lynette Vega, resident of La Honda, spoke in opposition to the project plan stating it would
interfere the rural character of the area. Additionally, the driving patterns of the road would
create unsafe conditions, especially on the weekends.
Carol Bridgeman spoke regarding the lack of equestrian parking on the site stating that parking
at Driscoll Ranch is not always possible for equestrian visitors due its distance from the Red
Barn. Ms. Bridgeman suggested the Board reconsider creating equestrian parking at the Sears
Ranch Road parking lot.
Garrett Morris spoke regarding vehicle accidents along Highway 84 and stated the District
should work with local emergency services to address traffic concerns.
Meeting 18-17 Page 7
Ken Nitz inquired whether a parking lot was considered further south. Additionally, Mr. Nitz
suggested the public may want to get closer than 50 feet to Red Barn and recommended
implementation of Phase II immediately to address parking needs.
Lou Bordi spoke regarding the potential parking needs for the Red Barn site. Mr. Bordi spoke
regarding his traffic safety concerns and overflow parking along Highway 84. Mr. Bordi
suggested the parking lot be located at Driscoll Ranch instead.
Public comments closed at 8:34 p.m.
No Board action required.
The Board recessed at 8:35 and reconvened at 8:40 with Directors Cyr, Hanko, Harris, and
Kishimoto present.
7.Acceptance of the Final Report for the Docent & Volunteer Program Structure Study
(R-18-46)
Acting General Manager Ana Ruiz spoke regarding the high value of the District’s volunteers
and docents that make District programs successful. Purposes for studying the volunteer and
docent programs include encouraging new communities to participate in the programs, including
youth and ethnic communities. Ms. Ruiz described follow-up meetings by staff with District
volunteers and docents to receive additional feedback on the study.
Directors Riffle and Siemens returned at 8:42 p.m.
Management Analyst II Gordon Baillie described the projects goals, which include reviewing the
program structures, exploring additional services the programs could provide, studying current
staffing levels, data gathering methods, and evaluating the services currently provided. Mr.
Baillie identified key themes found in the study, such as creation and enhancement of key
messages, methods to monitor program success, and improved communications between the
Visitor Services and Public Affairs departments.
Director Harris inquired regarding the recommendation for an interpretive master plan asking
whether individual preserve master plans are needed.
Rici Peterson of Conservation by Design explained the majority of the work is completed as part
of the master plan, and individual preserve plans are often only a few pages based on specific
regions.
Director Harris commented on the need to define underserved communities because varying
definitions are being used throughout the District.
Ms. Peterson reported that in the Volunteer and Docent study underserved communities refer to
those communities that do not engage with the District or its preserves.
Director Kishimoto commented on future policy decisions the Board may need to consider, such
as the role of District rangers in the volunteer and docent programs.
Meeting 18-17 Page 8
Ms. Ruiz reported staff will be further studying these and other policy implications, which would
be implemented gradually as part of future strategic plan and budget updates.
Director Kishimoto spoke regarding the need for the District and the Board to evaluate policy
decisions, such as diversity in hiring, bilingual outreach materials, interpretive master plans that
incorporate diversity into a conservation message.
Public comments opened at 9:05 p.m.
Mary Bernstein, District docent and volunteer, thanked District staff, Board, and the consultant
for taking docent and volunteer feedback and incorporating it into the study.
Ken Nitz expressed concern regarding creation of interpretive master plan speaking in favor of
continuing creativity for docent activities.
Public comments closed at 9:08 p.m.
President Cyr spoke in favor of augmenting District staff efforts by increasing the number of
District docents and volunteers.
Motion: Director Hanko moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to accept the Final
Report for the Docent and Volunteer Program Structure Study.
VOTE: 6-0-0 (Director Hassett absent)
8. Motion for Reconsideration of the Board of Directors’ April 25, 2018 action
regarding the Project Goals, Project Delivery Process, and Timeline for the Mount
Umunhum Radar Tower Long-Term Repair Project (R-18-49)
President Cyr spoke regarding the motion for reconsideration stating his desire to learn more
about the staff safety procedures.
Director Harris commented on her previous vote regarding the goals, timeline, and costs of the
projects and stated her support for the project goals. Director Harris expressed concerns
regarding the other aspects of the recommendation presented to the Board.
Director Siemens stated his concerns regarding the project stating his support for exterior
remediation but not for interior repairs. Director Siemens suggested the Board might want to
only consider and vote on the project goals.
Director Kishimoto suggested the Board should learn more about mothballing of buildings so it
may better understand the project.
Ms. Ruiz reported the original assessment of the radar tower only examined the need for short-
term repairs. Additional information is needed to determine what long-term repairs are needed to
exclude wildlife, continued deterioration, and whether staff will need to enter the building.
Public comments opened at 9:25 p.m.
Meeting 18-17 Page 9
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 9:25 p.m.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to reconsider the Board
of Directors’ April 25, 2018 vote to take no action regarding the project goals, project delivery
process, and timeline for the Mount Umunhum Radar Tower Long Term Repair Project. If the
Board votes to reconsider the item, it would be placed on an agenda for the June 13, 2018
meeting.
VOTE: 3-3-0 (Directors Harris, Kishimoto, and Siemens dissented; Director Hassett absent)
Motion fails.
Director Kishimoto suggested one option for the radar tower might be to allow water to enter the
building but create a drainage system to allow it to also flow out.
Ms. Ruiz reported a second assessment can examine this option.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Riffle reported the Action Plan and Budget Committee met on May 1, 2018 to review
the proposed FY2018-19 Budget and Capital Improvement and Action Plan.
B. Staff Reports
Ms. Ruiz reported on her recent meeting with Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority General
Manager Andrea Mackenzie to discuss agency priorities and potential coordination projects.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
Director Harris reported she will be attending the Bay Area Open Space Council meeting on
May 10, 2018. Additionally, she commented on the 50th anniversary and grand opening of a new
entrance to Castle Rock State Park on September 29, 2018.
Director Riffle reported he met with the District’s newest Volunteer Trail Patrol class.
President Cyr reported Director Kishimoto will be attending a meeting on May 10, 2018 to
represent the District in selecting a special district representative to serve on the new Santa Clara
County Countywide Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board.
Meeting 18-17 Page 10
ADJOURNMENT
President Cyr adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 9:34 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk