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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19770330 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) %L Meeting 77-9 "el 30==0 tow MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Special Meeting Board of Directors M, I N U T E S Music Room, 3192 Woodside Rd. March 30 , 1977 Woodside Elementary School Woodside, California I. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by President Wendin at 7: 35 P.M. Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Barbara Green, Nonette Hanko, Edward Shelley, Harry Turner and Daniel Wendin Member Absent: George Seager Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Edward Jaynes, Jon Olson, Anne Crosley, Carroll Harrington, Del Woods, Phyllis Lee and Stanley Norton SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY A. Recognition of Service by George Seager to the MRPD, Community and Associates H. Turner stated that George F. Seager, who represented Ward 7 on the Board of Directors since July, 1976 , died at his home on March 23. He said George had spent much of his retired life as a public servant. He was a volunteer teacher and a Director of the Peninsula Association for Retarded Children and Adults. He served as a San Carlos City Councilmember for sixteen years and as Mayor. H. Turner said George Seager worked hard for his community and liked people. He proposed that the Board adopt a resolution expressing its tribute to George F. Seager for his outstanding public service, and send a signed copy to Mrs . Seager. Motion: H. Turner moved adoption of Resolution No. 77-13, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District Expressing Tribute to George F. Seager for Outstanding Public Service. D. Wendin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of March 9 , 1977 A. Minutes of March 30, 1977 D. Wendin asked that the second sentence on page eleven of the minutes of March 30, 1977 read as follows: "He said the total cost for the trip would exceed $800. " B. Green suggested that the word "retired" be deleted from line three of the paragraph under Special Orders of the Day on page one of the minutes. D. Wendin stated the consensus that the minutes of March 30 , 1977 be approved with the above changes. Meeting 77-9 Page two D. Wendin stated the consensus that the minutes of March 9 , 1977 be approved as presented. B. Minutes of February 23, 1977. E. Shelley asked that the minutes of February 23, 1977 be cor- rected on the first page to reflect that he was present at that meeting. IV. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Crosley referred the Board to a letter dated March 9 , 1977 from the Los Altos-Mountain View Branch of the American Associa- tion of University Women in support of a change in the Dis- trict's name and urging the District to continue its strong public education program. She also referred to letters from Jane Kristiansen, 136 Rogers Avenue, San Carlos and from Connie Maltin, 3141 La Mesa Drive, San Carlos, both asking that the District act to preserve the Hassler property. D. Wendin referred to a memorandum (M-77-35) dated March 22, 1977 from G. Seager regarding a San Carlos/MRPD Committee for the Hassler Property which he said would be considered later in the meeting. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA D. Wendin stated the consensus that the agenda be adopted as presented. VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS H. Turner introduced Joan Stiff, a Councilmember from the Town of Woodside. Ms. Stiff welcomed the Board of Directors to the Town of Woodside, and expressed regret for the recent death of Director George Seager. II. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (continued) B. Schedule for Appointment of Director H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-77-43) dated March 29 , 1977, regarding a proposed schedule for appointing a Director to fill the vacancy created by G. Seager' s death. He said newspaper ads announcing the vacancy would begin on April 1, and the proposed deadline for submitting applications would be April 11. The Board could begin interviews at its April 13 meeting and possibly appoint someone at that time, or, hold additional interviews or appoint someone at a Special Board Meeting on April 20 . He pointed out that the deadline for appointment was April 22. Meeting 77-9 Page three D. Wendin said he would like to leave as much flexibility as possible in the schedule. N. Hanko agreed and suggested the Appointment of Director item be placed on the April 13 agenda in the event the Board wishes to appoint someone at that time. C. Election of Board Member Secretary H. Grench referred to his memorandum (M-77-41) dated March 24, 1977, regarding the Election of a Board Member Secretary. D. Wendin stated that G. Seager had been the Board Secretary, and it would be necessary to elect someone in his place to sign resolutions and other appropriate documents. Following election by secret ballot, B. Green was elected the new Board Secretary. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Presentation of Draft Master Plan and Summary of Purpose and Progress of District H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-77-37) dated March 23, 1977, regarding a Presentation of the Draft Master Plan of the District. He pointed out that the District' s present interim Master Plan consists of the original printed draft Master Plan encompassing the Santa Clara County portion of the District and the Open Space Element of the San Mateo County General Plan. He introduced Larz Anderson of William Spangle and Associates, Inc. , who had been primarily responsible for the completion of the project. He noted that this is the first public presentation of the new draft Master Plan, and that it will also be presented to public agencies within San Mateo County as had been done for the Santa Clara County portion of the draft Master Plan. Comments of public agencies would be reviewed by the Board and one or more public hearings would be held on the matter. He said the draft Master Plan could then be adopted as it is or as modified by the Board. H. Grench presented slides explaining the process by which the draft Master Plan was prepared. He emphasized that the composite map in the draft Master Plan was only one of the factors involved in land acquisition decisions of the District. D. Wendin opened the Public Hearing at 7 : 55 P.M. Geri Albers, 925 Arbor Road, Menlo Park, asked what resources were used in determining the scoring of land units. L. Anderson replied that existing land information was generally used, as Meeting 77-9 Page four well as personal knowledge. Factors such as accessibility and visibility were included. He suggested that people who were interested in the process could refer to the Technical Appendices available at the District office. L. Anderson advised that when the data from both counties was merged in the computer, approximately ten to twelve land units in the Santa Clara County portion of the draft Master Plan were shifted slightly. Robert Fisse, 3035 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, asked what the District' s policy was in pursuing the parcels scoring highest on the draft Master Plan composite map. H. Grench replied that most opportunities for acquisition of land come to the District's attention, rather than the District actively pursuing particular parcels. Exceptions to this are when additions to an existing District site are necessary to preserve its value as open space, or if a site rates high on the Master Plan and is threatened by development. H. Grench stated that the District is reluctant to use its power of eminent domain, since that procedure is costly, time-consuming and unpopular with the public. He added that the District has not yet acquired any trail rights-of-way, but does have on-site trails. D. Wendin closed the Public Hearing at 8 :21 P.M. B. Proposed Change of Name of District H. Grench stated that this was the second Public Hearing on the proposed change of name of the District from Midpeninsula Regional Park District to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. He said that at the time the District was formed, the only name allowed under State legislation was "regional park district. " Proponents of the District emphasized to the voters that the MRPD would be an open space agency rather than a traditional parks and recreation agency. Since it has remained a hope of many that the District might at some point consider a name change, the MRPD last year sponsored legisla- tion which allows regional park districts to call themselves regional park, regional open space, or regional park and open space districts. He said the impetus for actually implementing a change came from Santa Clara County LAFCO, which suggested the District' s name be changed to reflect its purposes and activities. LAFCO members felt that much confusion regarding the District was evident during the recent hearings on de- tachment. H. Grench said the most appropriate name choice appeared to be Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The costs of implementing the change would not be substantial, and it was Meeting 77-9 Page five his recommendation that the Board adopt a resolution adopting the name change. D. Wendin opened the Public Hearing at 8 :41 P.M. Matthew Allen, 325 Chatham Way, Mountain View, said he felt changing the name of the District was an overreaction to the misconceptions that people have had about its purpose. He said the word "park" includes many concepts, and perhaps if voters had been asked to approve an open space district, the measure might not have succeeded. Al Schmidt, 720 Hayne Road, Hillsborough, said he represented the Park and Open Space Committee of the Sierra Club Peninsula Regional Group. He expressed his concern that the term "open space" would be interpreted by people as being land or water in an unimproved state, not open for recreational use. He added that East Bay Regional Park District has an excellent reputation in the regional park business, and he felt the more appropriate action would be education of the public about regional parks. Robert Mark, 725 Cowper, Palo Alto, said his only concern was that the public would think "open space" meant the lands were closed. Artemis Ginzton, 28014 Natoma Road, Los Altos, said she pre- ferred the District's present name. Arthur Ogilvie, 948 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, said from a planning standpoint, he felt the word "park" was better. D. Wendin noted that the District had received a letter from the Los Altos-Mountain View Branch of the American Association of University Women in support of a name change. D. Wendin closed the Public Hearing at 8:57 P.M. D. Wendin said many people who had been associated with the MRPD have wanted to change its name for some time, and that the letter from LAFCO was just a catalyst. He said there is another "open space" district, the Marin County Open Space District, which was voted for by its residents. He pointed out that the word "regional" is not being deleted from the name, and that both "park" and "open space" have a variety of meanings. He felt the District had a responsibility to clarify the meaning of open space and to educate the public about it. Meeting 77-9 Page five his recommendation that the Board adopt a resolution adopting the name change. D. Wendin opened the Public Hearing at 8 :41 P.M. Matthew Allen, 325 Chatham Way, Mountain View, said he felt changing the name of the District was an overreaction to the misconceptions that people have had about its purpose. He said the word "park" includes many concepts, and perhaps if voters had been asked to approve an open space district, the measure might not have succeeded. Al Schmidt, 720 Hayne Road, Hillsborough, said he represented the Park and Open Space Committee of the Sierra Club Peninsula Regional Group. He expressed his concern that the term "open space" would be interpreted by people as being land or water in an unimproved state, not open for recreational use. He added that East Bay Regional Park District has an excellent reputation in the regional park business, and he felt the more appropriate action would be education of the public about regional parks. Robert Mark, 725 Cowper, Palo Alto, said his only concern was that the public would think "open space" meant the lands were closed. Artemis Ginzton, 28014 Natoma Road, Los Altos, said she pre- ferred the District's present name. Arthur Ogilvie, 948 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, said from a planning standpoint, he felt the word "park" was better. D. Wendin noted that the District had received a letter from the Los Altos-Mountain View Branch of the American Association of University Women in support of a name change. D. Wendin closed the Public Hearing at 8:57 P.M. D. Wendin said many people who had been associated with the MRPD have wanted to change its name for some time, and that the letter from LAFCO was just a catalyst. He said there is another "open space" district, the Marin County Open Space District, which was voted for by its residents. He pointed out that the word "regional" is not being deleted from the name, and that both "park" and "open space" have a variety of meanings. He felt the District had a responsibility to clarify the meaning of open space and to educate the public about it. Meeting 77-9 Page six E. Shelley added that he had encountered confusion regarding the Mountain View Shoreline Regional Park. K. Duffy said that during the campaign to form the District, she spent a great deal of time explaining the purpose of the MRPD as compared with County regional parks. She observed that the kinds of acquisitions the District makes are different. B. Green said that the idea of "open space" is a concept which people are just beginning to learn and appreciate. Motion: D. Wendin moved adoption of Resolution No. 77-14, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District Changing Name of Agency from Midpeninsula Regional Park District to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. B. Green seconded the motion. Discussion: H. Turner observed that it had been a handicap in the annexation campaign to have the word "park" in the District' s name, because people were very wary of agency duplication. He said that in the past, zoning powers have not always worked very well, and acquisition is an alternative. He pointed out that open space acquisition can keep community costs down and can help prevent urban sprawl. N. Hanko noted that passage of this resolution required a 4/5 vote. She said the District's proponents envisioned the establishment of an expansive greenbelt in the foothills , which is a much larger concept than scattered regional parks. If the District could have been named an open space district in the beginning, she would have preferred that designation. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. OLD BUSINESS WITH NO ACTION REQUESTED A. Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (a) Slide Presentation of History Donna Harris, 22802 Prospect Road, Cupertino, presented slides of the Fremont Older ranchhouse, adobe, pool and gardens as they appeared during the late 1950 ' s and early 19601s. (b) Implementation of Use and Management Plan J. Olson referred to the General Manager' s report (R-77-17) dated March 24, 1977, regarding the Implementation of the Use and Management Plan for the Fremont older Open Space Preserve. He reviewed the recommendations in the Plan, which called for restoration of the adobe, cleaning of the garden area, and Meeting 77-9 Page seven removal of the ranchhouse. He said staff had contacted the State Historical Resources Commission and had received mater- ials from them regarding the National Register. The Commis- sion had also called the District to advise that it had received inquiries from some individuals who were concerned that the ranchhouse might be demolished. J. Olson stated that the District would have to install fencing at a total cost for materials and labor of $2500 if the ranch- house is not removed, plus an additional $500 to board it up. The ranchhouse in its present condition exposes the District to substantial liability and is a fire hazard. In staff's opinion, the adobe house is of sufficient historical signi- ficance and visitor interest to justify a reasonable expendi- ture to restore it, but the Fremont older ranchhouse does not have the historical or architectural significance to warrant its repair and restoration. To date, he added, no historical group has presented a viable plan for use, management and financing of such a restoration. Earl Harris , 22802 Prospect Road, Cupertino, said the ranchhouse was a severe fire hazard, and it is almost impossible to keep people out of it. A. Ginzton said Mr. Turner felt it was important to take photo- graphs and have drawings made of the ranchhouse. She said Mr. Thompsen can recommend a photographer to record the architectural qualities of the ranchhouse. She added that Mr. Northway of the Stromquist architectural firm is interested in examining the structure. A. Ogilvie said he wished the District would consider approval of a photographer, and he said that in two weeks he could bring proof of the architect of the building and a report on alternatives. Gordon Jennings, 3611 Woodside Road, Woodside, said he had served on the citizens advisory group that worked with staff on the Use and Management Plan for the site. He said he felt a practical compromise had been reached on what could be done with the buildings on the site. He recommended the District accept staff's proposal to remove the ranchhouse, since in his opinion the house had been vandalized beyond recognition, and was infested with insects. He said any attempt to repair and restore the ranchhouse would be an inefficient use of District funds. A. Ginzton said she had some California Conservation Corps program forms if the District could use them for a restora- tion project. Meeting 77-9 Page eight R. Mark urged the Board to adopt staff's recommendations. B. Green said it didn't appear that one architect could be associated with the ranchhouse, since ideas were borrowed from many sources. She said the house simply had too many problems , but she did hope a photo essay could be made. She suggested that some items could be salvaged from the demolition. J. Olson cautioned that there may be complications with people wanting to salvage materials during the demolition, such as insurance and bonding. He said he would see what could be worked out. A. Ginzton said she was interested in preserving the romance of the garden area. J. Olson responded that staff would try to retain some artifacts, such as the benches. Motion: D. Wendin moved that staff continue with the Use and Management Plan for Fremont Older as adopted, after completion of a photo essay of a type which they decide, and after making arrangements as staff decides for the preservation of appropriate artifacts and structural items. E. Shelley seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Wendin said he intended in making the motion that staff proceed as instructed forthwith and without further delay. N. Hanko said the Dis- trict was not formed by the voters for historical preservation, even though it has on occasion expended reasonable funds to assist in this area when appro- priate. The motion passed unanimously. Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board authorize up to $8,000 for demolition of the Fremont Older ranchhouse based on bids received, and up to $15,000 for restoration of the adobe house based on bids received. H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. D. Wendin said he would like to postpone the Review of Planning Process agenda item to the next meeting. B. Green said she would like to have a Board/staff luncheon meeting to discuss that item. D. Wendin said that was a good idea and would be considered during agenda planning meetings. IX. NEW BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED A. Urban Open Space and Recreation Program Grant for a Proposed Permanente Creek Park Addition Acquisition H. Grench introduced his report (R-77-18) dated March 23, 1977, regarding the Urban Open Space and Recreation Program Grant for a Proposed Permanente Creek Park Addition Acquisition. He said that under the provisions of Senate Bill 174, $75 million will be provided over three years to local and regional California agencies for the acquisition and development of recreational Meeting 77-9 Page nine facilities. He said the block grant allocation to the MRPD this year is $137, 820. He described the proposed project, which would involve the acquisition of about 125 acres of hillside land near the District's Permanente Creek Park. The property would provide a link between the District's land and the proposed Santa Clara County park. The acquisition would be part of the intergovern- mental park project among the District, the County and the City of Sunnyvale designed to provide open space and recreational areas appropriate to each jurisdiction. He pointed out that the District could withdraw the application and submit another in its place if it chose not to proceed with the acquisition. He said the District would be expected to provide matching funds in the amount of $62,180 under this project. He recommended the Board adopt a resolution approving the application for grant funds. Motion: B. Green moved adoption of Resolution No. 77-15, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Park District Approving the Application for Grant Funds Under the Roberti-Z 'Berg Urban Open Space and Recreation Program. H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Proposition 2 Fund Allocation in San Mateo County D. Wendin referred the Board to a letter dated March 16 , 1977, from John M. Ward, Chairman of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, requesting that a person from the District be appointed to represent the MRPD at a lunch meeting on Tuesday, April 19, to discuss the allocation of Proposition 2 funds authorized by passage of the State Urban and Coast Park Bond Act in November, 1976. D. Wendin stated that H. Turner would be the District' s representative at that meeting. C. Authorization of CETA Positions J. Olson introduced his memorandum (M-77-39) dated March 22, 1977, regarding the proposed Authorization of CETA Positions. He explained that funding for public service projects had been made available under Title VI of the Comprehensive Employment Training Act. The intent of Title VI is that unemployed, low income people be hired and trained on the job to better enable them to find jobs in the private sector. He said it appeared that the District could benefit by applying for funds for Park Construction Aide personnel to assist staff and contractors in short-term projects designed to prepare District lands for public use. Such projects would include removal of trash, old fencing, safety hazards and hazardous structures; and con- struction of trails, parking area and a water delivery system. He anticipated that these projects would be performed on the District's Monte Bello Open Space Preserve from about June, 1977 to about May, 1978. As part of the funding formula, Title VI will also provide an amount equivalent to 8. 1% of the money Meeting 77-9 Page ten allocated to the position salaries and benefits toward mater- ials and supervision. He added that the projects would imple- ment existing use and management plans, and that the District is not obligated to hire the people and may withdraw from the program at any time. Motion: D. Wendin moved approval of the application of the District for funding of two Park Construction Aide positions under Title VI of the Comprehensive Employ- ment Training Act and also approve submittal of a similar application for San Mateo County positions. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed un- animously. D. Directors ' Expense Reimbursement Policies. Motion: N. Hanko moved the continuation of report R-77-15, dated March 14, 1977 , regarding Reimbursement of Directors ' Expenses, for approximately thirty days, and that memorandum M-77-31, dated March 15, 1977, regarding Recommendations for Reimbursement of Board Attendnace for Joint Regional Park District Confer- ence be considered at this meeting. B. Green seconded the motion. Discussion: B. Green said she felt the first part of the report needed clarification. K. Duffy called the question. The motion passed on the following vote: AYES - K. Duffy, B. Green, H. Turner, N. Hanko, and E. Shelley; NOES - D. Wendin. D. Wendin said he was appointing himself as the third member of the Subcommittee. N. Hanko introduced the Subcommittee' s memorandum (M-77-31) dated March 15, 1977, regarding Recommendations for Reimburse- ment of Board Attendance for Joint Regional Park District Conference. The Subcommittee felt that all Board members should be encouraged to attend, and that reimbursable expenses should include the following: (1) lodging, not to exceed two nights; (2) meals, not to exceed two dinners, two breakfasts and one lunch; and (3) mileage, round trip from home. N. Hanko said she felt this was an important conference, and the Board had not ever attended an out-of-town conference before. She added that spouses would attend at Directors ' personal expense. Motion: N. Hanko moved adoption of the recommendations of the Subcommittee as set forth in M-77-31, dated March 15, 1977, for reimbursement of Board attendance at the forthcoming Joint Regional Park District Conference. B. Green seconded the motion. Discussion: H. Grench advised that the budget for this type of expenditure had only about $400 left in Meeting 77-9 Page eleven it. D. Wendin said he did not feel it was necessary for Directors to stay overnight. He said the cost for mileage alone would exceed $800 . N. Hanko said it was customary for private companies to reimburse for either the night before or after a conference. H. Turner said he felt one dinner, one breakfast and one lunch would be sufficient. E. Shelley said he felt the Board should not be concerning itself with minor expenditures, and that he felt there were several good reasons for arriving the night before an all-day con- ference. R. Mark suggested that financial need could be a factor, and perhaps all the Directors could attend the conference by car-pool. He added that anything the Directors could do to save money for land acquisi- tion would be appreciated. Motion to Amend: H. Turner moved to amend the motion to state that the District would reimburse Board members for expenses not to exceed one night' s lodging, one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The amendment failed on the following vote: AYES - K. Duffy, H. Turner and D. Wendin; NOES - B. Green, N. Hanko and E. Shelley. The motion passed on the following vote: AYES - K. Duffy, B. Green, H. Turner, N. Hanko and E. Shelley; NOES - D. Wendin. X. NEW BUSINESS WITH NO ACTION REQUESTED A. Status of Intergovernmental Parks Project H. Grench advised that Directors Green and Wendin and himself met with Supervisor Steinberg recently, and the District was asked to commit itself, through a signed agreement, to spend an amount of money on the proposed County park equivalent to the amount the County pays for Sunnyvale Mountain Park. He said a County appraisal of the property shows it to be worth about $366 ,000; however, he said one of the expectations for completing the intergovernmental parks project was that Sunny- vale would make the land available to the County at an attrac- tive price. Also, the appraisal did not appear to take into account the fact that the land is public park land and not so readily developed as private land. B. Green said the Sunnyvale appraisal has been placed in abey- ance, and a meeting to discuss the matter had been set for tomorrow morning. D. Wendin said he felt it was important that the District show its good faith. D. Wendin stated the consensus of the Board to call a Special Meeting for 12:00 Noon on Friday, April 1, 1977 to discuss the proposed agreement. Meeting 77-9 Page twelve B. City of San Carlos-MRPD Committee for Hassler Property D. Wendin introduced a memorandum (M-77-35) dated March 22, 1977 from G. Seager regarding a proposed City of San Carlos- MRPD Committee for the Hassler Property. The memorandum suggested that two Directors be appointed as District repre- sentatives to meet with San Carlos City Councilmembers DeRosa and Steele, the City Administrator and the District' s General Manager regarding the proposed joint Hassler property project. D. Wendin said he would intend to appoint himself, H. Turner, S. Norton and H. Grench as representatives in this matter. XI. CLAIMS Motion: B. Green moved approval of the revised claims (C-77-7) dated March 30, 1977 , as presented. N. Hanko said she would abstain from voting on check No. 2866 . E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed un- animously. XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board recessed to Executive Session at 10 :50 P.M. to dis- cuss land negotiations and personnel matters. XIII. ADJOURNMENT The Board reconvened to adjourn at 12 :00 midnight. Anne Cathcart Crosley District Clerk