HomeMy Public PortalAbout19760526 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 76-15
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Regular Meeting
Board of Directors
M I N U T E S
May 26 , 1976 745 Distel Drive
Los Altos, CA
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by President Hanko at 7 : 31 P.M.
Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Barbara Green, Nonette Hanko,
Edward Shelley and Daniel Wendin.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Edward Jaynes, Jon Olson,
Anne Crosley, Carroll Harrington, Bradley Clifford, Robert
Garcia, Phyllis Lee and Stanley Norton.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of May 12 , 1976
N. Hanko stated the consensus that the minutes of May 12 , 1976
be approved as presented.
III. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A. Crosley referred the Board to a letter dated May 24 , 1976
from Richard and Jim Wanderman asking the District to consider
alternative means of preserving the Fremont Older ranchhouse.
H. Grench referred the Board to a letter dated May 13, 1976
from the City of Saratoga expressing the City Council 's appre-
ciation for the District's Resolution No. 76-10 in support of
Saratoga ballot measures "J" and "K. "
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
N. Hanko said B. Green wished to consider the report of the
San Mateo County Grand Jury on the proposed annexation under
New Business With Action Requested.
N. Hanko said B. Green would have an Informational Report on
the activities of the Planning Policy Committee Trails Sub-
committee.
Meeti)g 76-15 Page two
N. Hanko stated the consensus that the agenda be adopted with
the above additions.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Ed Schell, Box 1345, Los Gatos, advised the Board that the
San Jose Amateur Astronomers would be meeting at dark on June 5
on El Sereno Open Space Preserve, and on June 3 near Saratoga
Gap. He invited interested people to attend.
VI . NEW BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A. Proposed Addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
H. Grench introduced his report (R-76-14) dated May 14 , 1976 ,
regarding a Proposed Addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve.
He said the staff had acquired an option from the owners of a
355 acre parcel located north of the Saratoga Gap Open Space
Preserve. If the Board decides to buy the option for $10 ,000 ,
it will have six months in which to exercise the option. At
that time, an additional $19,850 would be paid as part of the
down payment. The remaining $268,650 balance would be payable
in five annual installments plus 5.9% interest.
J. Olson said the proposed additional 355 acres would join the
southern end of the County' s Stevens Creek Park with the
northern end of the Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. Wallace
Creek crosses the property, and there are two ridgetops on
the site which follow the Creek. Elevations range from 2600
feet to 1600 feet. Vegetation on the property includes hard-
woods , chaparral, oak and madrone. There is evidence of deer,
and it can be expected that up to 48 species of birds and 45
species of mammals , amphibians and reptiles can be found on
the property. Most of the site is undeveloped except for three
houses on the northernmost quarter along Charcoal Ridge Road.
There are also two barns in this area. J. Olson advised that
the proposed acquisition was within the unincorporated area of
Santa Clara County and in conformity with the County's General
Plan. It is also within the Sphere of Influence of the City of
Cupertino and is compatible with Cupertino' s General Plan.
Access to the property would most likely be via Charcoal Ridge
Road. There are a number of possibilities for trails on the
site, which could connect the existing Preserve with the County
park. The District and the County would be coordinating plans
for recreational use and wildlife protection in the area, and
for the possibile acquisition by the County of the portion of
the site with the structures. The interim use and management
plan would include coordination with the County; leaving the
remainder of the parcel undeveloped for a wildlife habitat;
investigating a trail link between Stevens Canyon Road and the
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve; and allowing access to the
site without permit.
Meeting 76-15 Page three
H. Grench said he felt the proposed 355 acre addition was a
very significant parcel that would help form a scenic recrea-
tion belt from the foothills above Palo Alto to the southern
end of the District. The site also scores very high in the
District's composite interim Master Plan map. He recommended
that the Board of Directors adopt a motion authorizing the
President of the District to acknowledge receipt of the option
to purchase real property dated May 6 , 1976 wherein Harry C.
Gunetti and Louis C. Larrus grant to the District an option to
purchase approximately 355 acres of land, and authorizing the
General Manager to pay the option price provided therein of
110,000 to the grantors ,
Mr. Ed Schell said he strongly supported the proposed acquisi-
tion.
Motion: B. Green moved that the President of the Midpeninsula
Regional Park District be authorized to acknowledge
receipt of the option to purchase real property dated
May 6 , 1976 wherein Harry C. Gunetti and Louis C. Larrus
grant to the District an option to purchase approximately
355 acres of land, and authorizing the General Manager
to pay the option price provided therein of $10 ,000 to
the grantors. D. Wendin seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
N. Hanko stated the sense of the Board that the interim use and
management recommendations for the 355-acre property be accepted.
B. Acceptance of Gift of Land as Addition to Saratoga Gap Open
Space Preserve
H. Grench introduced his report (R-76-15) dated May 14 , 1976 ,
regarding the proposed Acceptance of Gift of Land as Addition
to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. He advised that Boy Scout
Troop 446 of San Jose had offered a 1. 04 acre parcel of land
located northeast of the existing Saratoga Gap Open Space Pre-
serve on the South side of Wallace Creek. It is about 1/8 mile
downstream on Wallace Creek from the proposed 355-acre addition
to the Preserve.
J. Olson said the 1.04 acre site was generally level, and was
within the rift zone of the San Andreas Fault. The vegetation
and animals on the site can be expected to be similar to those
found on the existing Preserve. There are no structures located
on the site, and access to the site is from Charcoal Ridge Road,
which appears to touch the northeast corner of the parcel. The
proposed addition scores very high on the District 's interim
Master Plan composite map. It is located within the unincor-
porated area of Santa Clara County and is in conformity with
Meeting 76-15 Page four
the County's General Plan. The site is also within the Sphere
of Influence of the City of Cupertino and is compatible with
Cupertino's General Plan and with the proposed Hillside Plan.
It is anticipated that the District would work with the County
in planning for use of the property as a possible trail link
between Upper and Lower Stevens Creek County Parks. No specific
use and management recommendations are being made, and it is
suggested that no permit be required for access to the site.
H. Grench advised that there would be about $250 in administra-
tive costs to be paid by the District, and there was a possi-
bility that up to $900 in property taxes would have to be paid.
He recommended that the Board accept the gift and adopt the
interim use and management recommendations contained in the
report.
Motion: N. Hanko moved adoption of Resolution No. 76-11 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Park District Accepting Gift of Real Property
and Authorizing President to Execute Certificate of
Acceptance with Respect Thereto, and that the Board
adopt the interim use and management recommendations
contained in report No. R-76-13. E. Shelley seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
C . Acceptance of Gift of Land as Addition to Fremont Older Open
Space Preserve, Unit No. 2
H. Grench introduced his report (R-76-13) dated May 14 , 1976 ,
regarding the proposed Acceptance of Gift of Land as Addition to
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve , Unit No. 2 . He advised the
Board that the District had been offered a 2 .5 acre gift of land
located west of the existing Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
and adjacent to the proposed Unit. No. 2 option area. The donor
is Claitor, Inc.
J. Olson said the 2 .5 acre site was located on the east side of
a north-south trending ridge which is parallel to a tributary of
Stevens Creek. The site ranks very high in open space value on
the District 's interim Master Plan composite map. The property
is within the unincorporated area of Santa Clara County and in
conformity with the County 's General Plan. He pointed out that
the vegetation and wildlife on the site were in general similar
to species found on the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve and
the proposed Unit No. 2 addition. The site is undeveloped due
to its steep slope, and there is no developed access. Hikers
and equestrians occasionally traverse the property. The
interim use and management recommendation for the site would be
to maintain the area as an ecological and visual enhancement
of Unit No. 2 of the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve.
_J
Meeting 76-15 Page five
H I Grench advised the Board that the Cupertino Planning Commis-
sion had not make a decision regarding whether or not the
2 .5 acre site was compatible with Cupertino's General Plan and
had referred the matter to the City Council. The City Council
is currently considering adoption of a new hillside element
to their general plan. The Commission has asked the District to
delay acceptance of the gift of land until the hillside element
is adopted or they have some policies regarding the acquisi-
tion of open space within the Urban Service Area. H. Grench
said it was his recommendation that the Board continue this
agenda item to give Cupertino an opportunity to consider their
hillside plans.
N. Hanko said she felt the District should keep in mind the
wishes of the donor, since there might be tax considerations.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the matter of the Acceptance of
Gift of Land as Addition to Fremont Older Open Space
Preserve , Unit No. 2 , be continued to a time to be
determined by staff. K. Duffy seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
K. Duffy requested that staff consider including additional
identifying information to agenda items ; for example, giving
the acreage of proposed acquistions.
Mr. Gordon Jennings , 441 East Meadow, Palo Alto, said he hoped
the Board was taking the right action by postponing consideration
of the gift. He was concerned that the City of Cupertino would
take too long and the donor would withdraw the offer.
D. Use and Management Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve -
H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-76-84) dated May 20 , 1976 ,
recommending that the Board adopt the proposed Use and Management
Plan for the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve as set forth in
the Land Manager's report. He further recommended that the Board
adopt the name Fremont Older Open Space Preserve officially, and
that the Negative Declaration for the plan be approved.
J. Olson introduced his report (R-76-12) dated May 18 , 1976 ,
which recommended a Use and Management Plan for the Fremont Older
Open Space Preserve. He said the recommendations are intended
to reflect adopted Board policies and other policies which are
currently being discussed regarding land use. They are also
intended to provide a balance among the potential uses of the
site, rather than to have any one use to the exclusion of others .
He noted that the draft use and management plan had been pre-
sented to a citizens advisory group composed of representative
neighbor and user groups , then it was presented to the general
community after review and comment by the citizens advisory group.
The final version being presented was prepared after considering
suggestions and comments made at the community presentation.
Meeting 76-15 Page six
J. Olson said the use and management recommendations were being
made for the 317 currently owned by the District and for the
additional authorized acquisitions totalling 35 acres. The
report noted that another 75 potential acres near the existing
Preserve may be acquired as Unit No. 2.
Based upon the resources of the site and the basic policies
and budgetary capability of the District, J. Olson made the
following recommendations in order to maximize public use of
the site consistent with protecting the natural resources ,
maintaining the agricultural viability, preserving certain
elements of the cultural history, and minimizing the impact on
adjacent residents :
1. Maintain Prospect Avenue as the only vehicular
access point to the Preserve. Regnart Road is
not suitable for this purpose. The only author-
ized parking area should be at the end of
Prospect Avenue immediately within the Preserve.
It should be expanded to accommodate about 20
cars with a telephone pole border, possibly with
a gravel surface during winter months. A bicycle
rack will be incorporated into the parking area.
If necessary, the District should participate in
funding the placement of "No Parking" signs in
appropriate areas .
2. Hiking and equestrian trails should be allowed
from the end of Prospect Avenue, the existing
entrance from Regnart Road, and the end of Reg-
nart Road via the parcels currently being acquired.
A trail from the Preserve is planned to lead to
the Garrod Stables. Staff will work with the Cas-
tle Rock Horsemen's Association to develop a
volunteer patrol program for the trails.
3. Individuals should not be required to obtain
permits to use the site, but permits should be
required for groups of 15 or more. At this time,
no fees for use are recommended.
4. The trails system set forth in the report should
be implemented as soon as possible, hopefully
within three months , to serve as the main circu-
lation system. The hayfield should remain closed.
5. Areas designated in the report as "Natural Areas"
should be maintained as wildlife habitats , and
activity in those areas should be discouraged.
6. No cultivation of the apricot orchards is being
recommended. The hayfield should be continued
Meeting 76-15 Page seven
with a possible reduction in acreage. The walnut
orchards in Seven Springs Canyon should be con-
tinued, and staff will attempt to find a 4-H group
or other interested party to cultivate them.
7. Staff should issue permits for, and encourage , the
kinds of environmental education projects which
have been suggested by various organizations and
city departments. In particular, the City of
Cupertino is exploring the possibility of sponsor-
ing a day camp and/or overnight camp on the Pre-
serve.
8. The staff will further investigate the cost of
repairing the grey house on the Preserve, and
return to the Board with a recommendation on
whether to repair or remove this structure.
9 . The District should attempt to restore the adobe
pool house, up to the amount of $15 ,000 , with
the assistance of local historical groups. The
staff should work with the Santa Clara County
Rose Society to determine if a terraced or sunken
garden could be cultivated in the filled-in pool,
or if the pool should be used as an amphitheatre.
10. The staff should recontact historical groups to
determine if there is a potential for restoration
of the Fremont Older house. If no viable scheme
for restoration and use is found, then the staff
will return to the Board with a further recommenda-
tion.
11. The apricot shed area should be developed as a day
camp site, possibly operated by the Cupertino
Park and Recreation Department or other group.
This would include removal of the water tank base
and scraping of deteriorated asphalt pavement.
Operation of such a camp would be a pilot project
and the effect of such use on the natural resources
of the Preserve would be monitored.
12. If the Santa Clara County Rose Society is interested
in rehabilitating the Fremont Older gardens , The
District should provide limited water to the gardens .
13. The District should continue participation with
users of Water System No. 1, at a cost not to
exceed $200 annually. A sign should be placed to
indicate that the water is not potable.
Meeting 76-15 Page eight
14 . The flow of water from Water System No. 2 should
be returned to the adjacent creek, to include a
horse-watering trough. A sign should be placed
to indicate the water is not potable.
15. No recommendation is being made regarding the
PG&E tower on the property, since they have
rights for such a line and tower.
16 . The concrete reservoir should be demolished or
filled at a cost from $200 to $800 .
17. The District should share maintenance costs for
using the extention of Prospect Avenue, not to
exceed $250 a year. The cost of developing a
parking area will be from $500 to $2 ,000 .
18. The T.V. tower on the site should remain until
expiration of the lease. At that time, consider-
ation should be given to redesigning the tower
or eliminating it.
19. The staff will work with volunteers at an esti-
mated cost of $1 ,000 to construct the trails
system for the site as shown on the "Proposed
Trails System" map in the report. An alternative
trail alignment from Prospect Road to the Older
house should be investigated to minimize conflict
between trail users and traffic. The District
should coordinate with the County on trail links
within the Regnart Canyon area.
20 . An identifying sign should be placed at the
Prospect Avenue parking area. Trail direction
signs and notice of adjacent private property
should be placed wherever appropriate. A sign
should be placed at the end of the parking area
to indicate that only authorized vehicles are
allowed beyond that point. Other signing may be
done if appropriate and consistent with District
policies .
21. Remnants of existing fencing should remain if
they do not interfere with the trail system.
The chain link fence on the northwest corner of
the hayfield should be removed when all author-
ized parcels have been acquired by the District.
The chain link fence on the east side of the
hayfield should have the barbed wire removed.
Adjacent residents should be allowed to install
a gate leading to the Preserve at their expense.
Meeting 76-15 Page nine
22. A wood rail fence should be placed around Hunters
Point to protect it from vehicles and equestrian
traffic at an estimated cost of $1500.
23. A gate may be installed at the parking area if
a sign does not keep vehicles out of the Preserve.
The existing gate at the intersection of Regnart
Road and the T.V. tower access road should be
relocated. Hiking and equestrian access should
be provided at this point.
24. Three areas of debris should be removed fromthe
site at a cost of about $1,000.
25. Areas needing revegetation on the site should be
graded and planted with grasses . Native vege-
tation screens to protect the privacy of adjacent
property owners should be permitted.
26 . Investigation into discing plans should be made
with respect to planting of the hay crop or trail
use.
27. A volunteer should be assigned to develop a compre-
hensive history of the area.
28. A volunteer should be encouraged to develop back-
ground material regarding the natural resources
of the Preserve. An interpretive nature trail
should be developed on the Preserve.
29 . A resident caretaker should live in the adobe,
generally representing the District and monitoring
use.
30. District rangers will patrol and monitor site use.
31. The name Fremont Older Open Space Preserve should
be official, since it appears to be an appropriate
name of historical significance
32. A site brochure will be developed to explain the
Preserve 's resources and trail system.
J. Olson further suggested that staff would give first priority
to implementing the parking area, the trail system, and placing
signs in appropriate areas. He recommended that the Board
approve the Negative Declaration attached to the use and manage-
ment plan. He advised that the plan would be reviewed in a
year' s time. He acknowledged the volunteer efforts of Dr.
Judith Unsicker and Mr. Steve MacKerrow in providing background
materials on the natural resources of the site. He expressed
Meeting 71-15 Page ten
appreciation to the members of the citizens advisory group
for their contributions to the final report.
K. Duffy said she felt there should be a sign at the fork
in Prospect Road to indicate which direction people should
take to get to the Preserve.
D. Wendin said he felt that would not be in accordance with
the District's adopted signing policy, and suggested a sign
indicating "Private Drive" or something similar could be
installed if necessary to project residents along the other
fork.
E. Shelley and B. Green said they agreed with D. Wendin. B.
Green suggested the District monitor the traffic along the
road and if there is a need to take some action, return to
the Board if there is a conflict with the Board' s policy.
N. Hanko asked if anyone wished to make a motion regarding the
sign K. Duffy referred to. There was no response.
N'. Hanko advised*the Board that the Harris family has offered
to show slides illustrating the history of Fremont Older and
asked that this be placed on the agenda in the next three or
four months.
In response to a question from the Board, J. Olson advised
that Mr. Steve MacKerrow and the District 's Ranger, R. Garcia,
had determined that the use recommended in the proposed plan
would not have an adverse impact on birds or other wildlife
on the site, in all probability.
B. Green gave a brief history of Fremont older's career as the
editor of the Bulletin. She noted that he had spent ten years
uncovering the misdeeds of Mayor Schmidt of San Francisco and
his associates and then, when one of the associates was sent
to jail, older spent several years more trying to get him released.
In response to a question from the audience, J. Olson advised
that the staff had considered the possibility of providing
for an extension of the neighboring course onto the site. it
was not being recommended, however.
Motion: B. Green moved adoption of the recommendations contained
in the Use and Management Plan for Fremont Older Open
Space Preserve (R-76-12) dated May 18 , 1976. K. Duffy
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: N. Hanko moved adoption of the name Fremont Older Open
Space Preserve as the official name for that site. B.
Green seconded the motion. The motion passed unani-
mously.
Mr. Gordon Jennings , a member of the citizens advisory group,
said he felt the report was a success because the planning
Meeting 76-15 Page eleven
process was a good one and because Board and staff members had
worked with the District' s constituents . He said he hoped the
involvement with citizens would continue.
N. Hanko said the Board was grateful for the work of the citizens
advisory group, and she presented a certificate of appreciation
to Mr. Jennings as one of its members. Other participants would
be sent certificates by mail.
Motion: B. Green moved that the Board approve the Negative
Declaration attached to the Use and Management Plan
for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve . E. Shelley
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
E. Policies Regarding Annexation
N. Hanko introduced her memorandum (M-76-82) dated May 17 , 1976 ,
suggesting Policies Regarding Annexation to be considered by
the Board. She felt there might be some confusion on the part
of south San Mateo County residents as to the acquisition
intentions of the Board of Directors if annexation is successful.
She pointed out that revenue from the annexation area would not
be received by the District until December, 1977. However, she
proposed that the Board adopt a policy wherein negotiations
for the acquisition of key parcels would begin at the time
annexation is successful and new Directors from the annexed area
can participate in such decisions.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt as policy the fol-
lowing statement: "In the event southern San Mateo
County annexation is successful, it will be the Board' s
policy that the entire District will be considered as
a unit and that priorities for acquisitions will apply
equally to the newly annexed area. Planning for acqui-
sitions within the annexed area, and associated nego-
tiation, will commence after the seating of Directors
representing the new area. " D. Wendin seconded the
motion.
Discussion: N. Hanko advised that the Citizens Committee
for Annexation was supportive of this policy. The motion
passed unanimously.
F. Recommendation of San Mateo County Grand Jury
B. Green referred Board members to a press release from the
San Mateo County Grand Jury stating that the passage of Proposi-
tion D (annexation of south San Mateo County to the District)
is not in the best interests of San Mateo County. She expressed
unhappiness with misstatements about the District in the release ,
and asked if Board members felt it would be appropriate to reply.
Meeting 76-15 Page twelve
N. Hanko said she, too, was concerned with the errors of fact
in the Grand Jury press release.
D. Wendin said he was concerned that the members of the Grand
Jury would produce this type of document without contacting
the Board or staff of the District. He questioned whether
the Grand Jury's action was an appropriate function for them.
However, he felt it was the responsibility of the Citizens
Committee for Annexation to reply to the statements , rather
than the Board. He added that he assumed staff members would
give correct information to anyone contacting the District
office about the statements. Any action by the Board should
be taken after the election, he said.
E. Shelley said he agreed with D. Wendin, and he expressed
surprise at the Grand Jury's action.
C. Harrington advised that the Citizens Committee for Annexa-
tion was preparing a response to the Grand Jury' s statements.
N. Hanko stated the consensus that the staff would respond
to questions regarding such changes but would not initiate
response.
VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N. Hanko said she had been acting as the District ' s represen-
tative to the Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee 's
Subcommittee on Trails , and B. Green was the alternate repre-
sentative. B. Green has been attending a number of meetings
regarding a possible baylands trail system, and is prepared
to give a brief status report to the Board.
B. Green said the Planning Policy Committee was investigating
a possible trail that would connect San Mateo County baylands
from Brisbane to Santa Clara County baylands with connecting
trails from the urban area. A -key link in establishing the
trail is the Crittenden Marsh levee. She said there had been
meetings with officials at Moffett and with the Mayors of
Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Mountain View regarding the trail
system. The County would have primary responsibility for
maintaining the trail.
N. Hanko noted that there was equestrian representation on the
Trails Subcommittee, and there would be shared trails by' bikers ,
hikers and equestrians .
Mr. Gordon Jennings pointed out that bikes on dirt were safer
than bikes on sandy pavement.
VIII. CLAIMS
Motion: N. Hanko moved acceptance of the revised claims (C-76-9)
dated May 26 , 1976 . B. Green seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Meeting 76-15 Page thirteen
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 10 :18 P.M. to dis-
cuss land negotiations and personnel matters.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The Board reconvened to adjourn at 12 :05 A.M.
Anne Cathcart Crosley
District Clerk
A. Minutes of May 26, 1976
B. Green referred to page six of the minutes and suggested that
the word "acres" be inserted after the number 317 on line two of
the first paragraph. She suggested the word "golf" be placed
after the word "neighboring" on line three of the ninth paragraph
on page ten of the minutes. She also suggested the sixth para-
graph on page twelve of the minutes be clarified to read as
follows :
"B. Green said the Planning policy committee was
investigating a possible trail that would connect
San Mateo County's planned baylands trail from
Brisbane to Palo Alto through Santa Clara County
baylands with connecting trails from the urban
area. . .She said there had been meetings with offi-
cials at Moffett and with the Mayors of Cupertino,
Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Mountain View regarding
the trail system. . . "
N. Hanko said she did not recall making the statement in para-
graph two on page five of the minutes , but would agree to let
the statement stand if no one else took credit for it. No
one took credit.
N. Hanko stated the consensus that the minutes of May 26, 1376
by approved as amended.
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