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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19760609 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) aeting 76-17 AIM i MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Regular Meeting Board of Directors M I N U T E S June 9 , 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 and Stanley Norton. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 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, 1976 by approved as amended. Meeting 76-17 Page two III. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Crosley referred the Board to two written communications : a letter dated May 20, 1976 from Pamela King and Robert C. Jones stating that they had recently completed a map of exist- ing and proposed trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains for the Sempervirens Fund; and a letter dated May 28 , 1976 from Michael Dennis of the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service enclosing a soils report on the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA N. Hanko said she would like to add an announcement of annexation under Special orders of the Day. N. Hanko stated the consensus that the agenda be adopted with the above addition. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Ed Schell , P.O. Box 1345, Los Gatos , advised the Board that the San Jose Amateur Astronomers had held a very successful "star party" on Black Mountain on June 5. He extended his congratulations to the Board and staff for the annexation of south San Mateo County. VI . SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY A. Annexation of South San Mateo County to the Midpeninsula Regional Park District N. Hanko extended the appreciation and congratulations of the Board of Directors to the Citizens Committee for Annexation on the successful annexation of south San Mateo County to the Dis- trict on Tuesday, June 8 , 1976 . She said the citizens had worked very hard, and she looked forward to working with them as much as acquiring some beautiful land in the annexation area. She asked staff to prepare a resolution of congratulations to the Citizens Committee for consideration at the next Board meeting. The Board concurred. V. OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED A. Report on Annexation S. Norton advised that it was his opinion the Board must take steps to create two new wards in south San Mateo County, and this process could be done from now until August. Notice of the November, 1976 election of two new Directors would have to be published sometime during August, he estimated. He said the Board could, at its discretion, appoint two people to fill the new Director vacancies anytime between the crea- tion of the wards and November, or decline to appoint anyone and simply wait until the election. ii Meeting 76-17 Page three N. Hanko said she felt, it was importwii to begin the process of establishing wards in the new portion of the District. She suggested the Board appoint a subcommittee of two Directors who would work with two members of the Citizens Committee for Annexa- tion in dividing the annexed territory into wards. The Sub- committee would return with its recommendation no later than August 11. She asked for a consensus from the Board that such wards run from the Bay to the skyline. She noted that the San Mateo County Registrar of Voters and Planning Department were willing to help the Subcommittee determine population and define appropriate boundaries. She said she would like to serve on the Subcommittee since she had had some experience in this regard when the boundaries of the original District were being formulated. She said Director D. Wendin indicated he was also willing to serve on the Subcommittee. Motion: N. Hanko moved that a Subcommittee be formed consisting of Directors D. Wendin and N. Hanko and two members of the Citizens Committee for Annexation for the purpose of dividing the territory annexed to the District on June 8 , 1976 into two wards of equal population. The boundary between the wards would generally run from the skyline to the Bay. The Subcommittee would return to the Board with a recommendation no later than August 11, 1976. B. Green second e4 the motion. Discussion: D. Wendin said felt the work of the Sub- committee should be completed as quickly as possible, and he requested that the August 11 date be stricken from the motion. Amendment to Motion: N. Hanko amended her motion to exclude the words "no later than August 11, 1976 . " B. Green agreed to the amendment. The motion passed unan- imously. E. Shelley said his philosophical preference was to wait for the election in November ; however, there has been concern expressed that south San Mateo County be adequately represented on the Board as soon as possible. He therefore suggested the Board take steps to appoint two interim Directors at the earliest date. B. Green agreed. N. Hanko said the Board could decide on a procedure at the next Board meeting. B. Purchase of Previously Determined 5 .6 Acre Addition to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (Merkelo Property) H. Grench introduced his report (R-76-16) dated June 4 , 1976 , regarding the proposed Purchase of Previously Determined 5 .6 Acre Meeting 76-17 Page four Addition to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (Merkelo Property) . He stated that the Board of Directors had passed a resolution on October 8 , 1975 determining that a total of 68 acres would be added to the existing 266 acre Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. Since that time, 42 acres of the land have been acquired through negotiation, leaving a total of 26 acres in three ownerships. The District is now being offered the 5. 6 acre Merkelo property for $53,500. He recommended that the Board approve the resolu- tion attached to his report. Motion: K. Duffy moved adoption of Resolution No. 76-12 , a Reso- lution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Conveyance to District, and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to Closing of the Transaction (Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Addi- tion - Merkelo) . E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. A. Report on Annexation (continued) Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board reconsider the action taken on agenda item No. 1 regarding appointment of a Subcommittee to determine annexation ward boundaries to include an assignment to the Subcommittee to prepare a proposed procedure for appointing Directors for the new wards in the event the Board chooses to appoint interim Directors . N. Hanko seconded the motion. ' The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gordon Jennings, 441 East Meadow, Palo Alto, said he questioned the inclusion of two members of the Citizens Committee on Annexa- tion in the Board' s Subcommittee. He wondered if representatives from that group would provide a broad enough base in the annexed area. N. Hanko responded that the citizen members would be included in an advisory capacity only, and that the Subcommittee 's recommen- dation would, in any event, still be subject to public review when the item was placed on a Board meeting agenda. B. Green added that members of the press will be sent the Subcommittee 's report. E. Shelley said he felt it was appropriate to include citizen participation in determining ward boundaries , however, he was concerned that it was not appropriate for establishing procedures for appointing interim Directors. He suggested two Subcommittees be formed, one for each purpose. Meeting 76-17 Page five D. Wendin withdrew his previous motion. Motion: D. Wendin moved that Directors N. Hanko and D. Wendin return to the next Board meeting with a proposed pro- cedure and schedule to be considered in the event the Board decides to appoint interim Directors in the annexed area. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VI. NEW BUSINESS WITH NO ACTION REQUESTED A. Presentation by Black Mountain Resource Conservation District H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-76-88) dated June 4 , 1976 , regarding a Presentation by Black Mountain Resource Conservation District to acquaint the Board with the purposes of this special district. Mr. Lorin Trubschenek, Director, Black Mountain Resource Conserva- tion District, said his District was established under Division 9 of the Public Resources Code to provide soil conservation data to landowners and other interested parties . Although the agency' s emphasis has been traditionally on soil conservation, the scope of activities has gradually expanded to include other environ- mental factors including recreation and wildlife development. He advised that the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission was considering the possible consolidation of the three resource conservation districts in Santa Clara County to provide more effective staff resources and coordination of effort. He said he felt his District could provide technical assistance to the MRPD with respect to agricultural and recreational planning on individual sites . He suggested a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies could initiate this process. Mr. Michael Dennis , Soil Conservationist with the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service, said most of his work is with individual farm and ranch owners regarding the best use of their soils. The process of implementing soil conservation plans can take several years depending on economic factors. He emphasized that the direction of soil conservation people was changing toward resource conservation which includes many environmental consider- ations. He said he felt the MRPD could benefit by working with soil conservation district staff members in site planning. J. Olson commented that the MRPD had contacted the Soil Conser- vation Service regarding the Fremont older trail alignment and the hayfields. He said he hoped the Service would work with the MRPD on grazing capabilities and trail possibilities for the Black Mountain Open Space Preserve during the planning process for that site. In response to a question from N. Hanko, Mr. Trubschenek said his District was in the process of working with Stanford in planning for its lands . Meeting 76-17 Page six Mr. Dennis explained that the data enclosed with his letter to the Board of May 28 , 1976 recommended against cultivating the apricot orchards on Fremont Older Open Space Preserve or other similar activity which might leave the soil bare . Planting grasses to enhance the wildlife habitat of the Preserve would be a more appropriate use , he felt. He added that the Soil Conservation Service was currently working with other public agencies on land use planning, and they hoped to do more of this . N. Hanko said the Board would expect staff to return As necessary with any appropriate recommendations for a memorandum of under- standing or other activity with soil conservation people. B. Report of Trails Task Force Subcommittee on Bicycle Routes Ms. Artemas Ginzton, Bicycle Route Coordinator for the Trails Task Force, introduced her memorandum (M-76-87) dated May 30 , 1976 regarding Bicycle Route Designation Workshops Report and Recommendations. She explained that two full day workshops had been held in recent months with representatives from bicycle clubs throughout the District to establish proposed bicycle routes of regional significance which relate to existing Dis- trict preserves and other public lands . She said the best and most feasible bicycle routes recommended by the group as having highest priority were as follows : (1) a route along Alpine Road to Upper Page Mill Road and Skyline; (2) an improved route from Saratoga to Skyline, with attention to the entrance to Sanborn Park; (3) a scenic access route along the foothills passing by Permanente Creek Park; and (4) providing an alternate route to Highway 17 in the Lexington Dam and Los Gatos area. She said other routes and improvements considered to be most immediately useful to bicylists included the following: (1) access to the foothills for all District residents , with special consideration to reaching Permanente Creek Park and St. Josephs Path from the vicinity of Highway 280 and the Foothill Expressway; (2) closing upper Alpine Road to traffic and paving it for bicycle use; (4) paving Monte Bello route; (5) bypassing Highway 17 in the Lexington Reservoir area; and (6) preparation and distribution of District bicycle route maps , as well as main- tenance of map plans . She said it was the hope of the bicyclists that the District would use the information provided in the report to guide development and management policies of the Dis- trict. If the routes set forth in the report were implemented, they would provide the most viable means of enjoying the open spaces of the District. Mr. E. David Uggla, 1820 West Bayshore No. 19, Palo Alto, said he was a member of the bicycle group, representing the California Association of Bicycling organizations and the Santa Clara Valley Bicycle Association. He emphasized the need for the support and cooperation of public agencies in establishing safe bicycle routes. Meeting 76-17 Page seven Mr. Dean Prescott, 4033 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, said he was a member of the Santa Clara Valley Bicycle Assocation. He agreed with the need for public agency support and added that bicyclists also had preferences on such items as bicycle racks. N. Hanko suggested the Board accept the report presented by A. Ginzton, and she asked the bicycle group members to keep the Board informed on how the District can encourage and work with other agencies. She said thank you letters should be sent to participants in the bicycle workshops. She commented that the work done by the bicyclists would be very helpful to both Board and staff in the site planning process , and she hoped the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve brochure would include directions for bicyclists. A. Ginzton encouraged the Board to include detailed directions to District sites for bicyclists. D. Wendin said he felt the brochure details should be taken care of by staff. J. Olson said staff would coordinate with local cities and would most likely show established bicycle routes by which residents can reach District preserves. E. Shelley added that it would seem appropriate to encourage cities to provide bicycle access to District preserve when they can. Motion: B. Green moved that the Board of Directors accept the report and recommendations of the Bicycle Route Desig- nation Workshop participants contained in memorandum M-76-87, to be used as a resource for staff in guiding the development and management plans of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: G. Jennings pointed out that both Alpine Road and Montebello Ridge are used by equestrians , and paving of these routes , as well as any baylands route, should take into consideration equestrian traffic, since paving is hard on horses. N. Hanko responded that staff would be sensitive to this. H. Grench said his interpretation of the acceptance of the bicycle report would be that it be used as a staff resource document only, while the draft Trails Task Force reg- ional trails plan is intended to be adopted as Board policy. The motion passed unanimously. Motion: K. Duffy moved that the bicycle route report be sent with a covering letter to cities within the District. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: Mrs . Dorothy Jennings , 441 East Meadow, Palo Alto, cautioned that other jurisdictions might consider such an action to be an endorsement of the bicycle route proposals. D. Wendin questioned the appropriateness of such an action, inasmuch as he did not want the District involved in constructing bicycle routes. E. Shelley said he felt the document should be Meeting 76-17 Page eight given more careful review if it is to be sent to other jurisdictions. K. Duffy withdrew her motion. N. Hanko withdrew her second. N. Hanko said she felt the sense of the Board to be that copies of the report would be available upon request. It was agreed that copies could be presented to the Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee' s Subcommittee on Trails. G. Jennings said he felt the bicycle group did a fine job, especially in designating specific routes rather than general ones. The Board recessed at 9 : 30 P.M. and reconvened at 9 :44 P.M. VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS A. Mountain View Summer Camp Proposal for Permanente Creek Park J. Olson advised that he was currently expecting to receive a proposal from Mountain View to sponsor a summer camp from about July 6 through July 27 for about 25 children per week. He said the Anderson house would probably be used as a center for activ- ities. B. City of Cupertino Hillside General PAW H. Grench reported that a statement regarding acquisition of open space land within and outside Urban Service Area bound- aries of Cupertino had been adopted which very closely reflected the recommendation of the District set forth in his May 28, 1976 letter to the City Council. According to the statement, open space acquisition outside the Urban Service Area is com- patible with Cupertino' s General Plan; open space acquisition within the Urban Service Area should be reviewed on a project- by-project basis. C. Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve Addition: Discussions With County of Santa Clara N. Hanko said she placed this item on as an Informational Report so that she could learn what staff was doing toward working with the County on joint acquisition of the 355 acre Gunetti property on which the District has acquired an option. H. Grench advised that the County Parks and Recreation Department appears to be somewhat interested in a portion of the Gunetti property; however, there may be no money in their current budget for acquisition of this particular acreage. Staff is in contact with the County on this matter. N. Hanko said she felt the County Board of Supervisors should know of the District' s interest in cooperative efforts with them. After discussion, H. Grench said he would contact Mr. Amyx to get his latest thinking on the matter. I Meeting 76-17 Page nine D. Open Space Conference Slide Presentation B. Green said she had seen the slide presentation prepared by Don Weden for the proposed Open Space Conference. She said the presentation was excellent, and she urged Board and staff members to see it if they can. N. Hanko suggested that staff schedule the presentation for a future Board meeting when the agenda is light. E. City of Saratoga Bond Measures "J" and "K" K. Duffy advised that the two bond measures supported by the City of Saratoga, "J" and "K" , were defeated in the June 8 election. VIII. CLAIMS Motion: D. Wendin moved acceptance of the revised claims (C-76-10) dated June 9, 1976. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board recessed to Executive Session at 9: 55 P.M. to discuss land negotiations and personnel matters. X. ADJOURNMENT The Board reconvened to adjourn at 11: 00 P.M. Anne Cathcart Crosley District Clerk B. Minutes of June 9 , 1976 N. Hanko asked that the tape recording of the meeting of June 9 , 1976 be checked to determine if the motion in paragraph three on page four of the minutes is accurate. Mrs. Dorothy Jennings, 441 East Meadow, Palo Alto, asked that the information on the names of the present members of the Board of Directors of the Black Mountain Resource Conservation District be included in the minutes of June 9. N. Hanko stated the consensus that this information would be included in the minutes of June 9. Mrs. Jennings also asked that the comments attributed to Gordon Jennings in the fifth paragraph on page seven of the June 9 minutes be attributed to her instead. N. Hanko stated the consensus that the minutes be checked to determine the accuracy of this statemeht.