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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19741113 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Mo.-.sing 74-23 %L lvloe A"0 amm MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Regular Meeting Board of Directors M I N U T E S November 13, 1974 745 Distel Drive Los Altos, CA I . ROLL CALL President Peters called the meeting to order at 7 : 40 P.M. Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Barbara Green, Nonette Hanko, William Peters and Daniel Wendin. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Edward Jaynes, Jon Olson, Stanley Norton, Anne Crosley, John Melton and Carroll Har- rington. Audience of thirty-one persons. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: N. Hanko moved adoption of the minutes of October 9, 1974 as presented. D. Wendin seconded the motion. Amendment: N. Hanko moved to amend the motion to include the memorandum (M-74-160) dated October 29, 1974, prepared by the Administrative Secretary, with a typographical error on the fourth line of paragraph 2 changed from "Jefferlin" to "Hefferlin" . K. Duffy seconded the motion. Discussion: W. Peters said it appeared the memo- randum made clear Mr. Hefferlin' s response to his questions. The amendment to the motion passed un- animously. The motion passed unanimously. Motion: D. Wendin moved adoption of the minutes of October 23, 1974 as presented. B. Green seconded the motion. Amendment: D. Wendin moved to amend the motion to reflect his request to L. Anderson that the Master Plan draft include definitions on air quality, fire risk, and historical and archeological resources (page five, under Discussion) . N. Hanko seconded the motion to amend. The amendment to the motion passed unanimously. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: D. Wendin moved adoption of the minutes of November 13, 1974 as presented. B. Green seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Wendin suggested that the minutes be-amended on page two, paragraph two under New Business Requiring Action, to include Santa Cruz County in the sentence " . . .and which would also connect with trails in SanMateo County and Santa Clara County. . . " W. Peters stated the consensus that this change was acceptable to the Board. The motion, as amended, passed unanimously. Meeting 74-23 Page two III. N. Hanko asked that San Francisquito Creek be considered under New Business Requiring Action. H. Grench asked that Office Space Requirements be considered under Old Business Requiring Action. W. Peters stated the consensus that the agenda changes were agreeable to the Board. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS No one wished to speak at this time. V. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY H. Grench introduced Jon Olson as the new Land Manager for the Midpeninsula Regional Park District. W. Peters introduced Edward Shelley as the new Director-elect from Ward 4. VI. NEW BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION A. Stevens Creek Trail Coordination, Stevens Creek Trail Coordinator At the suggestion of D. Wendin, the Board agreed it would be appropriate to consider both agenda items relating to Stevens Creek at the same time. N. Hanko introduced her memorandum dated November 6, 1974 , to which several communications were attached to provide back- ground information on the Trails Task Force' s deliberations regarding a proposed Stevens Creek trail system. She explained that the Task Force was a volunteer citizens group appointed by the Board of Directors last spring to develop plans for regionally significant trails that would connect the foothills and bay lands to urban areas within the District, and which would also connect with trails in San Mateo County and Santa Clara County which are not within the District' s boundaries. Thus far the Task Force has determined that there are about three trails of regional significance which should be considered by the Board of Directors, and Stevens Creek is the location of the first proposed trail system. She added that the Trails Task Force is composed of thirteen members, five of whom repre- sent the geographical subareas of the District, and eight of whom are technical advisors. She explained that she was the liaison between the Board of Directors and the Task Force, and was responsible for coordination between them. She then in- troduced Mr. Tony Look, a members of the Trails Task Force, and asked him to give some background information on the work of the Task Force. Meeting 74-23 Page three Mr. Look said that many citizens in the District have been interested in developing walking trails within urban areas to provide the pleasures of open spaces for its residents. Presently the Task Force is concerned with connecting the baylands with Stevens Creek Park to provide access to these areas, as well as an enjoyable trail, to people within the urban sector. For nearly fourteen years, he said, people have been interested in exploring trails possibilities along Stevens Creek. Much of the creekside property is owned by the City of Mountain View, the City of Los Altos and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and several rights of way are owned by PG&E. He noted that the Stevens Creek area is currently being used by children and adults and has been for some time, and that it represents a rare opportunity for enjoyment of the wilderness experience in an urban setting. He listed three goals which, in his opinion, should be sought in a study of a possible Stevens Creek trail: (1) the comple- tion of a walking trail from Baylands Regional Park to Stevens Creek Park and Dam, constructed with the cooperation of other agencies whose jurisdictions cover the area; (2) the negotia- tion for easements for the trail; and (3) keeping the private property owners along Stevens Creek informed of plans and invite their participation in the planning process. He emphasized that this would be a long-term project which would need to solve a number of problems in order to be properly implemented. H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-74-164) dated November 7, 1974 which discusses the background of the proposed Stevens Creek Trail System Coordination and related questions. He advised that he had been in close contact with Mr. Look, the Trails Task Force and N. Hanko regarding this proposal . He said it was his understanding that the Board of Directors did not want the staff to expend a great portion of its time on trails at this point; however, the Land Manager Jon Olson would be attending Trails Task Force meetings and working with Mr. Look on this project. Until the Board of Directors should direct otherwise, he said, staff involvement will be kept to a minimum. In the event negotiations for easements become necessary, staff should handle this aspect of the trails pro- gram, he said. He suggested it was important that trail de- sign include provisions to bar vehicular traffic and to pro- vide safety for trail users. The most important aspect to be considered was that adequate patrol and maintenance be pro- vided for. He added that the question of funding was still unresolved, and, at this point, no agency including the Dis- trict has made any commitment to provide funding for such a trail. He recommended that the Board of Directors direct the Trails Task Force to proceed with its study regarding a pro- posed Stevens Creek Trail System, and that Tony Look be ap- pointed its coordinator. Meeting 74-23 Page four Mr. Don La Pierre, 1487 Barton Drive, Sunnyvale, read a letter from Peter and Lois Daley of 1573 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, which said the concept of a public trail along Stevens Creek was contrary to the basic policy of the District. The letter maintained that such a trail would endanger plant and animal life, increase litter, noise, erosion and trespassing, and would be impossible to be properly patrolled. Mr. and Mrs. Daley further stated that most of the remaining land along the Creek is not subject to further development and should therefore be left in its natural state. Mr. Douglas McArthur, 1166 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, said he was opposed to the proposed Stevens Creek trail. He advised the Board that the Creek was part of a master flood control system and served as an outlet for sewage in emergencies. He added that this emergency system had been used about six- teen months ago. Mr. R. W. Didriksen, 1561 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, said he was opposed to the proposed trail because of the ecological damage he thought it would cause. With the construction of a parkway, he said, motorscooters and hikers would destroy the vegetation and embankments which protect the natural quality of the Creek, and the overflow of sewage during an emergency discharge would be undesirable. Mr. Fred Sturner, 1529 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, suggested the Trails Task Force look into studies that have been made by other agencies over the past fourteen years to find some of the answers to the many problems that have been raised. Mr. Peter L. Borden, 1567 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, said he was opposed to the establishment of a Stevens Creek trails system because the Creek embankments are extremely erodable and there is danger from emergency sewage discharges. Mr. William H. Reed, 1515 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale, said he was very much in favor of parks and recreation areas, provided they were properly maintained and had adequate parking. How- ever, he said, a park-trail along Stevens Creek would be im- practical and would destroy natural wildlife. It would cost a tremendous amount of money to develop and maintain, and would always be a nuisance to homeowners. He said he was vigorously opposed to the trail proposal. Mrs. Betty La Pierre, 1487 Barton Drive, Sunnyvale, noted that the District defined open space as "room to breathe" . She reminded them that this concept is the reason people living along Stevens Creek bought their homes there - so they could have room to breathe. She gave a set of pictures to the Board for their consideration which showed the wildlife that can Meeting 74-23 Page five be found in her backyard. She said there were over two dozen species of birds, raccoons and opossums along the Creek which would disappear if a trail were to be developed. She cited many incidents of robbery and drug usage which homeowners have already had to contend with and which would probably increase if more people were granted access to Stevens Creek. She added that there were cliffs up to 20 feet high along the Creek which were very dangerous, and concluded by stating her opposition to a Stevens Creek trail. Ms. Charlotte Daniels, 1983 Fallen Leaf Lane, Los Altos, ex- pressed her opposition to a trail along Stevens Creek. She said children hiking along the trail have already given home- owners a great deal of trouble, and the Creek area itself was dangerous and might cause a number of injuries . Mr. L. T. Zilisch, 22300 Penny Way, Los Altos, advised the Board that he had to put up a six-foot cyclone fence in order to keep trespassers out of his backyard. People have dumped litter on his property, cut his fence, and caused fires in the area, he said. There have been incidents of middle of the night parties and destruction of plant life along the Creek, and, with the advent of more people hiking there, the deer and other wildlife that now exist will be driven from the area, he said. Therefore, he added, he was opposed to a trail along Stevens Creek. Mrs. Eunice Anne Zilisch, 22300 Penny Way, Los Altos , said she agreed with her husband' s statements. Mr. Mike Paul, 22301 Penny Way, Los Altos, asked what the official function of the Trails Task Force was and if any of its members lived near Stevens Creek. Mr. W. Peters advised that the Task Force was appointed by the Board, held regular public meetings and acted in an advisory capacity to the Board. He added that Mrs. Green and one of the Trails Task Force members did live near the Creek. Mr. Robert Mark, 725 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, said he would like to speak in favor of the development of a trail along Stevens Creek. He said he had moved to this area from Los Angeles, where attempts are being made to open up creek areas to the public, although unfortunately many creeks have been surrounded by cement. It has been shown that, in some areas , people have helped patrolling rather than hindered it. He urged the Board to take advantage of the opportunity to open up a beautiful area to the public. Mr. Robert P. Keller, 1401 Bedford Avenue, Sunnyvale, told of a saying in the construction business which goes "We don't do things here like they do in L.A. " . He said a trail along Stevens Creek would destroy wildlife and would increase the incidence of fires and burglaries. Meeting 74-23 Page six Mr. Jim Weissenborn, 1951 Fallen Leaf Lane, Los Altos, noted that many of the homeowners along Stevens Creek have already put up fences and acquired dogs to protect themselves . Mr. Bill Lavelle, 2065 Cynthia Way, Los Altos, said he hoped the Board would not fall into the trap of starting a study and then continuing it just because it has been started. He added that such a trail could not be properly maintained in his opinion because Stevens Creek was too long and narrow. Mr. Roland Vieira, 1939 Fallen Leaf Lane, Los Altos, said he had been a police officer in Los Altos for six years and could verify the points made by homeowners at this meeting regarding vandalism and jurisdictional problems. Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District authorize its Trails Task Force to establish a Stevens Creek Trail System Committee to prepare a specific proposal for a route for a trail from San Francisco Bay to the Stevens Creek Reservoir. This proposal shall give specific attention to (1) the impact on and pro- tection of the adjacent landowners , both in abso- lute terms and relative to current usage; (2) impact of proposed use on the land, the flora and fauna, both in absolute terms and relative to current usage; (3) protection of users of the proposed system from natural and human dangers; (4) the prevention of use by motor vehicles; (5) parking and (6) maintenance requirements for the trail and Creek sides. The Com- mittee shall invite participation by owners of pro- perty adjacent to the Creek. B. Green seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Wendin said he supported the concept of a committee, but he emphasized he would not sup- port implementation of a trails plan that did not adequately protect the landowners. He said he rec- ognized that the landowners present had raised valid objections to the establishment of a trail along Stevens Creek, and if solutions cannot be found, it was unlikely the Board would approve such a trail. He added that there remained many sections of the Creek that were appropriate for park and trail de- velopment, even if some sections might not be. W. Peters agreed there were many possibilities for smaller trails and, in fact, some of the policing problems that now exist might be lessened if there were more people along the Creek. He said the question is whether this is possible. The Water District already has some proposals which the Park Meeting 74-23 Page seven District has asked to be kept informed about. He noted that both districts must have public sessions before they can act on plans that might affect proper- ty owners along the Creek. He emphasized that no financial or other commitment had been made by the Park District regarding a Stevens Creek trail, and that all the questions raised would be examined very carefully. There is poor protection afforded home- owners now, he noted, and perhaps one of the results of a study would be to encourage other agencies and cities to provide better services. He said it was unlikely that the Park District would approve any proposal that was not reasonable. N. Hanko said she hoped T. Look would include special work on impacts and protection, and asked if he had such information at his disposal . Mr. Look replied that there were people at San Jose State who were willing to do some of that work. He added that if it were necessary to expend money for those services, the Task Force would return to the Board for author- ization. Action: The motion passed unanimously. Motion: D. Wendin moved that Tony Look be appointed Stevens Creek Trail Coordinator. N. Hanko seconded the mo- tion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Appointment to Subcommittee on Annexation N. Hanko introduced her letter of November 7 , 1974 , in which she urged the appointment of Barbara Green to as Dan Condron's replacement on the Subcommittee on Annexations, so that the work begun by the Subcommittee early in the year could be con- tinued. She said B. Green had expressed a desire to serve on that Subcommittee. She added that the subject matter of the Subcommittee needs narrowing, and it would be helpful to have S . Norton' s advice regarding legal requirements . D. Wendin said he recalled the original charge of the Sub- committee was to investigate annexation of the South County area, and to use S. Norton' s time to answer questions regard- ing wards and terms. W. Peters said the Subcommittee had been formed as the result of questions raised by a group of citizens from that area. D. Wendin suggested the charge of the Subcommittee be reviewed and placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Action: W. Peters stated the consensus that a review of the charge of the Subcommittee on Annexations be made and placed on the next meeting' s agenda. He then appointed Barbara Green as a member of the Subcommit- tee. Meeting 74-23 Page eight C. Scheduling of Second Board Meeting in November Following discussion, W. Peters stated the consensus of the Board that the second meeting in November would be held at the regularly scheduled time (Wednesday, November 27) . It was also agreed that W. Peters would return to the Board with a recommendation for the second meeting in December, and if one were held it would not be on the regular day (December 25) . I D. San Francisquito Creek N. Hanko introduced her letter dated November 11, 1974 , de- scribing a recent action by the Palo Alto City Countil to proceed with plans to extend Willow Road between Arboretum Drive and El Camino Real. She said the proposed road might have an important impact on San Francisc"Tuito Creek and a possible trails system along the Creek. She urged the Dis- trict to send a letter to the City Council requesting that the District be included in any planning processes regarding a road along San Francisquito Creek. She also noted that the Trails Task Force is considering the possibility of a regional trail along the Creek, and that plans for such a trail have been discussed by other governmental bodies in the past. Only the Midpeninsula Regional Park District has the regional com- mitment to coordinate the implementation of a trails system along the Creek, she said. H. wench advised that he had discussed this matter with Mr. George Sipel, Palo Alto City Manager, and was informed that there were alternative locations for the extension of Willow Road, and the planning staff was considering the Creek environ- ment very carefully. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the District make its concerns known to the Palo Alto City Council and staff as expressed in her letter of November 11, 1974, and ask that the District be made part of the planning process. There was no second to the motion. Discussion: W. Peters suggested the letter state that the District's purpose is to advise Palo Alto of a possible trail in the Creek area of a regional nature. Motion: W. Peters moved that the General Manager of the Dis- trict be directed to communicate the ideas expressed in N. Hanko' s letter of November 11, 1974 , and those ideas contained in her motion, to the Palo Alto City Council and staff. D. Wendin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting 74-23 Page nine VII . OLD BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION A. Proposed Changes in Regional Park District Enabling Legis- lation S . Norton introduced his memorandum (M-74-165) dated November 8 , 1974, containing proposed changes formulated as the result of conferences among S. Norton, D. Wendin and H. Grench. He noted two corrections in the memorandum: (1) on page nine, second sentence, the word "determined" should read "determine" , and (2) on page three, third paragraph, third sentence, the words "regional park" should be stricken. D. Wendin proposed that the District send the suggested changes to the other regional park districts and ask for their com- ments, but that the Board not wait too long before sending them to Sacramento for appropriate legislative action. Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Midpeninsula Regional Park District request that one or more assembly members or state senators introduce legislation on its behalf to accomplish the proposed changes, and that other regional park districts be informed and asked for their comments and support. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: In response to a question from D. Wendin, S. Norton advised that a request has been made of State Senator Nejedly to introduce legislation under the Public Resources Code that would raise the per- missible interest rate which would be paid by regional park districts to 7% . He also agreed to look into a question raised regarding whether or not regional park districts must include entire cities in their initial boundaries. The motion passed unanimously. B. Office Space Requirements H. Grench advised the Board that because of the hiring of the Land Manager and the present shortage of space in the District office, it has become necessary to negotiate for additional office space. The additional cost will be about the $145 per month which has been budgeted. He emphasized that he was bringing this to the Board' s attention because of the implied commitment beyond the current fiscal year. Furniture expendi- ture for the space might exceed budgeted costs somewhat, he added, due to the need for a drafting table and an additional desk. VIII . NEW BUSINESS NOT REQUIRING ACTION A. 1974 Congress for Recreation and Parks, and Boulder Green- belt Program Meeting 74-23 Page ten H. Grench reported on the conference sponsored by the National Parks and Recreation Association which he had recently attended in Denver, Colorado. He said the conference was composed of a number of educational sessions, on-site institute programs , mini-conferences and other meetings and special events, in- cluding a bus tour of the Boulder Greenbelt system. Ms . Gloria Steinem, gave the introductory address at the general session, emphasizing the need for a revolution in humanism to eliminate racial and sex discrimination, both nationally and on a global scale. Mr. Fred Anderson, of the Colorado State Senate, spoke on environmental and policial backlash. H. Grench noted that at one of the mini-conferences entited Future Perspectives, the subject of a Gray-Greben paper, there was concern for the quality of life and educational activities for agencies rather than the traditional park activity approach. Parks and recrea- tion agencies were urged to take the initiative in zoning mat- ters, land use, etc. , and to encourage interpretive programs. There were also speakers who informed conference participants of pending legislation in the parks and recreation area, in- cluding the drive to get more money for Land and Water Conser- vation Funds. H. Grench said the conference ended on a rather gloomy note for him because of a session he had attended on population, resources and the environment. It emphasized the number of problems the world has and the lack of solutions to those problems, in part due to the inertia inherent in the system. There were predictions that the world is headed for a crisis in the availability of food, resources , and energy, and he added that the spectre of hungry children makes swing sets and slides seem rather superfluous. H. Grench said he took some time to inspect the Boulder Green- belt program, which was one of the first major local open space activities in the United States, and he showed slides of lands owned by the agency. They have about 7,000 acres total, 5, 000 of which is located in the mountains, and have used their powers of condemnation on occasion. They have purchased development rights in some cases for about 50% of the land value. There have been conflicts between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Boulder Greenbelt program regarding maintenance of land. H. Grench said he received the impression that the Boulder Greenbelt program was fairly well established now, and mentioned that they were trying to work on an innovative open space program with developers. VII . OLD BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION (continued) S. Norton reported that he had studied the regional park dis- trict enabling legislation and found that it did require a minimum of three cities to be involved in the creation of a regional park district, but it was not clear if a city could be divided. Meeting 74-23 Page eleven Mr. Robert Mark, 725 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, suggested that the Board request clarification in the enabling legislation. Action: W. Peters stated the consensus that the Board would ask its legal counsel, S. Norton, to investigate the matter a little further and, if necessary, the Board could submit it to legislators at a later date. He also stated Board agreement that the Subcommittee on Annexations should review the matter. IX. CLAIMS Motion: W. Peters moved to adopt the revised claims (C-74-21) dated November 13, 1974 as presented. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Wendin advised the Board that he would vote against the motion because of claim No. 760, and B. Green said she would abstain because of claim No. 760. The motion passed on the following vote: AYES W. Peters, K. Duffy, N. Hanko; NOES - D. Wendin; ABSTAIN - B. Green. X. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS There were no written communcations. XI . EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board recessed to Executive Session at 11 : 01 P.M. XII. ADJOURNMENT The Board reconvened to adjourn at 12: 07 P.M. Anne Cathcart Crosley Administrative Secretary