Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout19730523 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Me_ -.ing 73-11 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Board of Directors May 23, 1973 Mountain View City Hall I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL President Wendin called the meeting to order at 7 :40 p.m. Members present: Daniel Condron, Katherine Duffy, William Peters, Daniel Wendin, Nonette Hanko (arrived at 7: 55 p.m. ) Personnel present: Herbert Grench, Stanley Norton Audience of about 35 persons. II. MINUTES OF MAY 9, 1973 Motion: D. Wendin moved the acceptance of the minutes of May 9. Second by W. Peters. Passed unanimously. III. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY A. San Jose Water Works Property H. Grench reviewed his written report, noting that he had met with Norman Andrews, SJWW representative, and Robert Amyx, Director of Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Depart- ment. He felt that more time and discussion is required to gather all the information needed by the Directors before making a commitment. Some areas yet to be covered are: 1) Determining exactly which properties are being offered for sale (conflicting information has been obtained to date) . 2) Further discussions are required with Mr. Amyx to explore all of the possibilities. 3) All Directors have not been able to tour the property. 4) Meeting with residents of the area to discuss alternative means of acquisition which they are pursuing. D. Wendin asked H. Grench to also discuss the possibility of a joint purchase arrangement. Mr. Leon Milburn, representative from the Lexington Hills Association, stated that the San Jose Water Works property was still scheduled for the agenda of June 6 of the County Parks and Recreation Commission. He reported that Mr. Rizzo, Commission chairman, did not feel that he could assure no action would be taken at that time. Mr. Milburn asked that MRPD ask the Commission to wait until the Directors could meet next time. He also asked what new there was to be con- sidered. H. Grench said that he felt that Mr. Amyx is still open to suggestion and that the County' s plans are not completely finalized. Mr. Milburn stated that it was Lexington Hills Association' s conviction that MRPD is a better custodian of the land, be cause parks and recreation development is the goal of the County Department. II. Minutes of May 23, 1973 Motion: N. Hanko moved the acceptance of the minutes of May 23 . Second by D. Condron. Passed unanimously. Meet- 4 73-11 . . . page 2 Mr. Chuck Van Dam, a resident of the area near the property, stated that he has reservations about County custodianship of the land since they were committed to serve residents. He felt that the County could perhaps better use the money to improve lands already owened - for example, Lexington Reser- voir and Calero areas. D. Wendin stated that he would like to be in a position to take action in three weeks. D. Condron hoped that a plan of action could be evolved by that time rather than a definite decision reached. W. Peters asked what payment plan or schedule might be arran- ged with the Water Works Company and if a leaseback arrange- ment were possible. H. Grench said that since no offer has been made to the District, it has been difficult to discuss such details. However, the Company has indicated that it would not require a large cash outlay at the time of sale. Since the land is being sold because the Water Company can acquire water more cheaply by purchase than by continuing to to own the land, it would be doubtful that a leaseback arrange- ment would be attractive to them. D. Wendin stated that since the asking price is very high com- pared to the MRPD annual budget, he would like consideration in three weeks of whether the MRPD could consider purchase alone or jointly and what the District's goals would be in a joint ownership. N. Hanko said that while she may have indicated previously a desire to take action at this meeting, since touring the pro- perty she realized that there is much to be considered and felt a need for extra time. D. Wendin asked if it was feasible for the Directors to be on a course of action by the next meeting. H. Grench replied that while the District can be on a course of action by that time, considering the competing forces and number of parties involved, MRPD might not be at the decision-making point. W. Peters stated that any joint-venture with the County would seem feasible only if the land were divided. B. Baylands Reports a. Policy Plan for the Baylands (Planning Policy Committee) W. Peters introduced Eleanor Young of the Santa Clara County Planning Department, who presented slides illustra- ting the study and plan for the Baylands. The background papers of the study took about six months to prepare and the entire study took eighteen months. The papers of the study covered the areas of Residential Lands, Industry, Transportation, Dredging, Water Quality & Circulation, Flood Control, Geology & Planning, Air Quality, Estuarine Ecology, Solid Waste, Baylands Recreation. Meetii..;, 73-11 . . . page 3 W. Peters asked if the plan has been adopted as policy by the County. E. Young said yes . W. Peters asked about the status of salt ponds 1 and 2 - are they essential to the maintenance of salt production? E. Young stated that the acquisition of salt pond 1 is in the 10-year plan of the County, and that apparently Leslie expects to continue salt production in salt pond 2 . W. Peters asked if the inboard dikes invisioned in the Flood Control study would be adequate if the outboard dikes were abandoned. E. Young said that the study has made no recommendation concerning inboard vs. outboard dikes; how- ever, the costs shown in the study assured construction of dikes which would be safe. K. Duffy asked what ways of achieving public access to the the Bay exist. E. Young described the Williamson Act agree- ment between Leslie Salt Company and the City of Fremont which provides for public access to the levees . She said that boating access to the Bay would be a perpetual prob- lem because of the required dredging. b. South San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge W. Peters introduced Mr. Walter Stieglitz , Manager of the Refuge. Mr. Stieglitz stated that the Bureau of Sport Fishery and Wildlife has two interest in the Bay: 1) the National Wildlife Refuge program 2) the association with projects which require dredging and fill permits from the Army Corps of Engineers. At present there are two refuges in San Francisco Bay - the San Pablo Refuge and the South San Francisco Bay Refuge. Highlights of the Act establishing the Refuge in 1972 are: 1) the refuge is not to exceed 23,000 acres 2) general objectives are to protect open space values, to enhance wildlife and fish habitats and to provide oppor- tunity for improved access by the public with educational interpretive programs . Currently, studies are being made to determine what the final 23, 000 acre boundaries should be and what the exist- ing resources of the area are. Also the beginning acqui- sition projects such as title search and land appraisals are getting underway. Mr. Stieglitz expressed strong desire to coordinate efforts with,.other, agencies, such as MRPD. W. Peters asked if Refuge ownership would allow continued salt pond use. Mr. Stieglitz said yes under a leaseback program. K. Duffy asked what public access would be provided and if hunting would be permitted. Mr. Stieglitz said that a real Meeti,.I, 73-11 . . . page 4 need for access exists and that so long as it is compat- ible with the other basis for the refuge it would be con- sidered. Hiking trails are a possibility. He stated that the decision is still open as to possible hunting areas. The meeting was recessed from 9 :15 to 9 :30 p.m. C. Save Our Sloughs Committee W. Peters introduced Mrs. Nancy Holmes of the Save Our Sloughs Committee. Mrs. Holmes presented slides showing the slough areas of concern to her group. Various types of uses by the wildlife of the area was shown and the need for "buffer zones" was described. She stated that the prime concern was what life is in the area of the slough now, and would not be there when Mountain View's Shoreline Park is developed. N. Hanko asked what Mrs. Holmes' preference would be for : inboard vs. outboard dikes. Mrs. Holmes stated that she felt the inboard would be preferable since the outboard dikes would encourage filling of the area. W. Peters asked what would happen to the salt pond areas if the outboard (-dikes were removed. Mrs. Holmes replied that it probably would not be a problem since it would mean returning the ponds to their natural marsh state. Mrs. Holmes cited the high use of the interpretive facili- ties of the Palo Alto Baylands which may be threatening the marsh. W. Peters asked what exactly the group would like to see. Mrs. Holmes said that they would like salt pond 1 -and Charleston Slough left as is. D. Wendin asked what the impact on Charleston Slough would be from Mountain View' s Shoreline Park - exclusive of salt pond 1. Mrs. Holmes felt that the Park development would harm the wildlife values of the Slough because of the prox- imity of large numbers of people. d. Mountain View Shoreline Park W. Peters introduced John O'Halloran, Mountain View City Manager. Mr. O'Halloran described the Mountain View plan by use of maps and drawings. The Park will include a spe- cial uses area, a sports area, an equestrian area, a meadow area, and a golf course. He said that the original plan had been modified by excluding a proposed marina due to costs involved and now the plan for a motel development is being reconsidered. He said the plan had received public hearing over the years of development. Mr. O'Halloran stated that there are two reasons for the sanitary landfill being used for the Park development: 1) land is lower where the park is proposed and prevention of flooding is necessary Meet- -4 73-11 . . . page 5 2) the City of San Francisco pays Mountain View $2 per ton with about 2000 tons per day coming to the Park land. Mr. O'Halloran said that the MRPD might wish to consider certain areas of the Baylands for possible purchase: 1) an area of about 400 acres adjoining the proposed park which is currently zoned open space 2) a Stevens Creek parcel which would tie-in with Stevens Creek Chain and the possible interpretive center. 3) a 53 acre parcel owned by Leslie Salt 4) farm land in the Mountain View area N. Hanko asked how far up he would see the Stevens Creek Park Chain extending. Mr. O'Halloran said they would like to see it from the Baylands to Vasona Park, however, the chain is broken-up and the City is probably not able to purchase more land. N. Hanko asked if the Shoreline Park Plan could allow buffers. Mr. O'Halloran pointed out that the plan is somewhat flexible, especially in the area nearest Charles- ton Slough and near the Palo Alto lands. However, even under the current plan he doesn't foresee much use near the Slough. N. Hanko asked if it is the case that the proposed park is planned for a regional facility with intensive use. Mr. O'Halloran pointed out that not all of the park is planned for intensive use and that since the City did receive fed- eral funds it must be open as a regional facility. W. Peters asked if the marsh area next to Stevens Creek could be closed to public during the period of migration. Mr. O'Halloran said that the City would follow the sugges- tion of State Fish and Game if an interpretive center were developed. N. Hanko asked what zoning the City of Mountain View has on salt ponds 1 and 2. Mr. O'Halloran replied that it is zoned "flood plain" and that the City could probably stop develop- ment on it. President Wendin invited the audience to ask questions or make comments. Mr. Gerald Grow (23491 Corte Via, Los Altos) stated that he felt the speakers had omitted some useful information. He has personally observed the area extending from the end of Terminal Road for a period of years. He feels that the area is still a viable marsh. Marshes are irreplaceable for nes- ting and protection of wildlife and nearly 80% of the ori- ginal marsh area of the Bay has been destroyed. He would like to see the natural area preserved and less intense use made of the remaining land. Ruth Troetschler (184 Lockhart, Los Altos) , a biologist, ex- Meeting , -11 . . . page 6 plained that she has conducted a census of wildlife in the marsh area of the proposed Shoreline Park and in the Faber Tract in Palo Alto. She described the marsh as a saline marsh because of the high salt content of the land. The Faber Tract has been opened to tidal action and is now grow- ing pickleweed. She asked if the City has considered putting the lake on the opposite side of the Park and if the water for the lake was to come from Charleston Slough. Mr. O'Hal- loran stated that the work on the project is about half way along and that a gravity plow pipe from Charleston Slough will supply the lake; no pumping will be used. Barbara Wilson, a resident of Stanford, expressed concern that the City of Mountain View would have control over salt pond 1. She felt that the over-use of the Palo Alto Baylands and a 1960 report of the California State Department of Parks and Recreation illustrate the need for less intensive recreational and interpretive use. Matthew Allen (325 Chatham Way, Mountain View) stated a pre- ference to the Shoreline Park plan to the "plastic world of Fess Parker" . He would like to see action from the Board in support of a positive resolution which would help Mountain View achieve federal funding for the remainder of the project. President Wendin announced a recess. The meeting was recessed from 11: 10 - 11:17 p.m. IV. REPORTS A. President Wendin said that an urgent item not listed on the agenda could be placed there by vote of the Directors. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the item known as "Services Which Might be Obtained from Santa Clara County -- Employee Benefits, Equipment and Supplies" be placed on the agenda. Second by D. Condron. Passed unanimously. H. Grench reported that he and S. Norton have discussed with County officials the possible services which the County might provide the District. He called the Directors' attention to copies of a letter to Ralph Mehrkens, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, describing the possibilities and asking for an expression of willingness on the part of the County to provide employee benefits and acquisition of equipment and supplies. The other items in the letter would be considered in the future. Motion: K. Duffy moved the acceptance of the benefit memo, subject to a review in six months with a resolution presented at the next meeting and that H. Grench pro- ceed with working out details with the County. Second by N. Hanko. D. Condron recommended that the District pay a percen- tage of the dependents' coverage for staff other than the General Manager. H. Grench stated that this may not be possible under the County's accounting system, but that he would check. Meet-.,g 73-11 . . . page 7 Motion passed unanimously. Motion: D. Wendin moved that H. Grench take the necessary steps to arrange purchase of equipment and supplies from the County. Second by D. Condron. Passed unani- mously. B. Open Space Planningiz Zoning in California N. Hanko said that it appeared that the conference may not be as informative as she had hoped and therefore she was with- drawing consideration of sending a member to it. C. Establishment of Position of Administrative Secretary Motion: D. Condron moved approval of the salary range of $8892 to $11282 per year for the position of Admini- strative Secretary and authorize the General Manager to recruit the person to fill the position. Second by N. Hanko. W. Peters stated that he opposes the motion because he didn' t feel that from a systems approach he wanted the position filled until adequate office space is available. Motion passed with four ayes and one abstention. N. Hanko asked if secretarial help would be available to the Board of Directors. H. Grench replied that the person outlined in this description should be capable of establishing priorities for these duties and that he would be aware of this need. D. Establishment of Petty Cash Fund Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board of Directors approve the issuance of a check in the amount of $50. 00 for the establishment of a petty cash fund. Second by D. Condron. Passed unanimously. E. Binding of the District by the General Manager Motion: D. Wendin moved that the General Manager may bind the District, without advertising and without written con- tract, for the payment of supplies, labor, or other valuable consieration furnished to the District, in amounts not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000) . Second by N. Hanko. Passed unanimously. F. Signatories for District Checking Account S. Norton described the ambiguities in the law concerning the secretaries described and the issuance of warrants. He described the system used by the East Bay Regional Park District and stated that they would like the code changed and updated. He recommended that a checking-banking approach be used, that the President and full-time secretary signatures be authorized and that the alternative of the General Manager and full-time secretary signatures be authorized. President Wendin asked that General Manager to prepare a Meeting T3-11 . . . page 8 resolution for the next meeting and that S. Norton prepare necessary changes in the Rules of Procedure. It was agreed to continue Items 8 and 9 of the agenda to the meeting of June 13. V. CLAIMS Motion: D. Wendin moved that the following claims be accepted: Congdon & Crome Supplies $40. 17 City of Saratoga Copying 53. 25 Katherine Duffy Telephone, postage 16. 10 Norma Grench Postage, supplies & copying 26. 55 State of California Handbook 3.75 Lawrence A. Klein Legal Services 180.40 Second by D. Condron. Passed unanimously. The meeting was recessed to executive session for the discussion of legal matters. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12 :45 a.m. Norma Grench Secretary