HomeMy Public PortalAbout19771122 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) AW
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Regular Meeting
Board of Directors
M I N U T E S
November 22 , 1977 375 Distel Circle, D-1
Los Altos, CA
I. ROLL CALL
President Wendin called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 P.M.
Members Present: Daniel Wendin, Barbara Green, Harry Turner,
Nonette Hanko, Richard Bishop and Katherine Duffy.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Jon Olson, Carroll Harrington,
Stanley Norton, Craig Britton, Pat Starrett, Del Woods, Jennie
George and Phyllis Lee.
► IY`. EXECUTIVE SESSION
i
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 7 : 35 P.M. and recon-
vened at 8 :15 P.M.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of October 26, 1977
D. Wendin referred to page two, final paragraph where the volun-
teer efforts of Tim Hall in building the earthquake trail at Los
Trancos Open Space Preserve are mentioned. He said that the min-
utes should reflect that Tim directed the development of the
trail with the aid of students in the Geology Department of
Foothill College, which department he heads.
E. Shelley pointed out an ommission on page four where the
motion appears, line seven. He said the tally of votes should
include E. Shelley voting aye.
D. Wendin stated the consensus of the Board that the minutes of
October 26, 1977 be approved with the above changes.
B. Minutes of November 2, 1977
K. Duffy advised D. Wendin that since she had only received
the minutes of the three meetings to be considered the preced-
ing evening, she had not been able to read them and suggested
approval of the minutes be postponed until the next regularly
scheduled Board meeting.
Meeting 77-29 Page two
D. Wendin stated the consensus of the Board that these minutes
be considered at the next regular Board meeting.
C. Minutes of November 9, 1977
It was the consensus of the Board that these minutes be con-
sidered at the next regular Board meeting.
IV. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
D. Wendin referred to a letter from Geri Albers dated November
22, 1977, commending the District on recent acquisitions and
the brochures made available during the last year. D. Wendin
expressed the gratitude of the Board and staff for her letter
of support.
V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
It was the consensus of the Board that the agenda be adopted
as presented.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications at this time.
VII. OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
Monte! Bello Open Space Preserve Addition (Burns Property)
H. Grench introduced his memorandum (M-77-202) dated November
22, 1977, regarding the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Addi-
tion (Burns property) . He said that on April 13, 1977 the
Board approved an agreement with Mrs. Burns to purchase a
610 acre portion of land as an addition to the Monte Bello
Open Space Preserve. He said that the purchase price agreed
upon for this property was $3,500 per acre. He added that
241 acres of the 610 acres is currently clouded by a title
dispute with Mr. Eldridge, and since the question of title
has not been resolved, it was necessary to negotiate with
Mr. Eldridge to purchase any portion of the 241 acres for
the price of $3 , 500 if title returns to him. He advised the
Board that staff had reached an agreement with Mr. Eldridge
to purchase any portion of the 241 acres he might get back
for the purchase price of $3,500 per acre, This agreement
was approved by the Board on October 12, 1977 . He further
said that an additional 150 acres owned by Mr. Eldridge was
included in another agreement approved by the Board on Octo-
ber 12.
He said that the proposed revised agreement with Mrs. Burns
is now ready for Board consideration, which allows a withol-
ding of funds sufficient to acquire the 241 acres from whoever
should own it when the litigation is resolved. He added that
Meeting 77-29 Page three
the major change in the agreement was an addition to allow
the payment schedule to reflect that only two payments would
be made to Mrs. Burns until the litigation was resolved on
the portion involved in the title dispute.
H. Grench recommended that the Board approve the following:
1. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of
Revised Agreement to Purchase Real Property, Authori-
zing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of
Grant to District, and Authorizing General Manager to
Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appro-
priate to Closing of the Transaction (Monte Bello Open
Space Preserve Addition - Burns Property)
2. Adopt a motion that a portion of the proceeds of the Series
A note sale will be used in the acquisition of the Burns and
Eldridge properties.
3. Adopt the land use and management recommendations included
in the Land Managers report attached.
4. Authorization of expenditure of up to $55, 000 for the
purpose of removal of the structures.
5. Confirm that from the time of close of escrow until
the designated buildings are removed, the specified
portion of the 610 acres west of Monte Bello Ridge should
remain closed except by permit and that staff shall take
appropriate steps to protect the property from entry by
unauthorized individuals.
J. Olson referred the Board to his report (R-77-50) to the
General Manager, dated November 21, 1977 , regarding Status
of Implementation of Interim Use and Management Recommenda-
tions for Monte Bello 0-,'en Space Preserve. He said that on
April 13 , 1977 , the Board adopted Interim Use and Management
recommendations for the Monte Bello open Space Preserve Addi-
tion (Eldridge/Burns Property) , which are summarized as follows :
a) The Monte Bello Ridge portion of the site should re-
main open to hikers and equestrians who can gain ac-
cess from Los Trancos Open Space Preserve or adjacent
properties. Permits should be issued to equestrians
who wish to use a perimeter route to reach the ridge
portion of the site.
b) The portion of the site containing safety hazards
should be closed until the hazards are removed.
c) A trail to the Black Mountain Area should be
temporarily designated until a trail system can be
designed.
d) All safety hazards should be removed.
e) The range should be studied for development of
a grazing plan.
f) If necessary, arrangements should be made for a
caretaker to live on the site, possibly in a mobile
housing.
Meeting 77-29 Page four
g) A use and management plan should be given high
priority and developed within the next year.
h) Perimeter fencing should be installed along Skyline
Boulevard and Page Mill Road.
He said that at the time these recommendations were made,
staff had not had an opportunity to properly inspect the pro-
perty. He stated that since that time staff has inspected and
inventoried all physical development on the property and has
been able to identify potential uses and specifically define
safety hazards. He added that there were no substantive chang-
es in the interim use and management recommendations.
He advised the Board that the safety hazards outlined in this
report are in two categories; 1) Farm and Agricultural
Buildings Located Adjacent to Page Mill Road and 2) Sub-
standard Structures Constructed Since 1970 (approximately 24
buildings) . He said that the buildings in both these categor-
ies had been studied to determine which are feasible for poten-
tial District use. He said that all of the buildings are lo-
cated in an area of extreme geologic hazard and are identified
in maps prepared by the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones
Act of 1972 . He said that inclusion on the special studies
maps indicates that this area is potentially an extremely
hazardous area along a known active fault. He added that
this study was made to provide for public safety.
He stated that in the farm and agricultural buildings category,
the following recommendations are made for specific structures:
A. Main Ranchhouse - due to the poor physical condition of
this structure as described in a letter from the City of
Palo Alto attached to the report, it is recommended that
this building be removed. Factors considered in making
this recommendation were the high cost for renovation
and the proximity to the San Andreas Fault.
B. Pavilion - This building had been suggested for use as
a youth hostel. However, it is recommended that this
building be removed due to the City of Palo Alto staff
opinion (letter attached to report) , the structural integ-
rity of the building and the relationship to the San Andreas
Fault.
C. Garage - The fair condition of this building would make it
possible to use it for storage of materials or utility.
During the cleanup of the site and development process
equipment could be stored in this building. It is recom-
mended that this building be retained for the short term,
and the final disposition be addressed in the long range
use and management plan developed for the site.
Meeting 77-29 Page five
D. Two Guest Cottages - These buildings are in the best con-
dition of any structures on the site. They would lend them-
selves to use by a caretaker and as a construction field
office. They would require some improvement in order to
be used for these purposes. It was recommended that these
buildings be retained during the cleanup and development
period, and that final disposition be addressed in the
long range use and management plan developed for the site.
E. Woodshed - This building is in poor condition and does
not lend itself to any potential District use. It is rec-
ommended that this building be removed.
F. Large Metal Barn - Since the San Andreas Fault runs under
this building, it would only be suitable for agricultural
use. However use of the area would likely be limited to
grazing and therefore retaining this building for agricul
tural purposes would not be necessary. Also, this building,
due to its proximity to the roadside, is an attractive nui-
sance and a significant liability to the District. There-
fore, it is recommended that this building be removed.
J. Olson gave a slide presentation of the structures.
B. Green asked how the main ranchhouse building built before the
turn of the century withstood the earthquake of 1906.
J. Olson said that this building and others in the bay area with-
stood the quake due to single story wood frame construction. He
added that this type of building is probably the best construc-
tion to withstand earthquakes, and this particular building
was newer and free of termites, which probably attributed to its
survival.
J. Olson stated that there were two errors in the report; 1)
on page three B. , third sentence the word "two" should be
changed to "one" and 2) on page three E. , the second sen-
tence and the portion of the third sentence up to and including
B) should be removed.
J. Olson advised the Board that in the letters from the City of
Palo Alto regarding violation of building codes, there is no one
sepcific building code but several levels of standards, i.e.
public assembly , residential agricultural; and currently these
structures are in the least restrictive building code standard
category of agricultural-related buildings. He said the excep-
tions from the agricultural category would be the main ranch-
house and the two guest cottages. He added that the main ranch-
house building could possibly be rehabilatated and used as a
residence but none of the other buildings could until they were
brought up to residential building code standards. He said that
Meeting 77-29 Page six
the public assembly building code was the most restrictive,
and due to the proximity to the Fault zone and the various
safety improvements that would have to be made, most of these
buildings would practically have to be rebuilt at an extremely
high cost if they were to be used for public assembly.
J. Olson advised the Board that in the past few months the
District has received referrals on property subdivision ap-
plications in the area of Stevens Creek Canyon, and in re-
sponding to these referrals the District has admonished
other planning bodies with regard to building in the San An-
dreas Rift Zone Area.
N. Hanko asked if of all the major structures the main house
would be staff' s choice for renovation, if any were to be done.
J. Olson replied that although this building is more stable
than most of the other structures on the property, the City
of Palo Alto findings indicate that this building is hazardous
and a time limit of 90 days for repair or demolition as reques-
ted in the City' s letter of November 16 to Mrs. Burns would
still apply.
B. Green asked whether there had been any communication be-
tween District staff and the Youth Hostel Association
regarding their possible interest in the rehabilitation of
the pavilion as a youth hostel.
J. Olson responded that although there had been no discussion
with the Youth Hostel Association regarding this specific buil-
ding, within the last year the District has been in contact
with the Association with regard to five other buildings. He
said that the budget of this group did not permit for any expen-
diture of this magnitude.
J. Olson commented that the general location of this site
would be ideal for a youth hostel, however because of the
buildings location near Page Mill Road, this site is much
less suitable for that kind of use.
N. Hanko expressed concern that the Board was being asked by
staff to respond to requests to demolish structures without
having a plan for the entire site.
E. Shelley said that the Board was being asked to consider
the hazards on the site and some urgency in making these deci-
sions was necessary due to time constraints imposed by title
transfer and the City of Palo Alto staff recommendations.
R. Mark, 720 Cowper Avenue, Palo Alto, stated that in Calif-
ornia there have been some tragedies associated with develop-
ment in fault zone areas. He said the felt the District had
Meeting 77-29 Page seven
an obligation as a public agency to demonstrate proper land
use.
A. Ginzton, 28014 Nahoma Road, Los Altos Hills, remarked that
she had looked at the buildings on the site from the viewpoint
of establishment of a youth hostel. She said that she would
concur with J. Olson that the building suggested for a youth
hostel would not be suitable; however, at some point a hostel
could be established somewhere else on the site. Also, she
said that with regard to the PPC Trails plan, the Board could
consider the use of some of the buildings for storage of
hay and feed for horses. She suggested that the Board con-
sider these points when making a decision on the buildings:
1) the need for protected assembly 2) the buildings have
no value for a hostel 3) the barn could be saved for hay
storage and materials salvaged 4) the cottages could be
used by a caretaker or for some form of private enterprise.
G. Jennings, 3611 Woodside Road, Woodside, commented that in
regard to the youth hostel development, the recent youth hos-
tel in Sam McDonald Park, provided by the Sierra Club had been
sited a great distance from the road and it is generally agreed
that most vandalism occurs within approximately 500 yards from
a roadway. He added that he was in agreement with J. Olson
that at some point a hostel or similar structure to be used by
hikers will be necessary for the area. He further stated that
he was delighted that some facility for storage of hay for
horses had been suggested. He said that possibly a portable
stall could be placed on the site for a minimal cost.
R. Mark, requested that when dismanteling the metal barn,
care is taken not to disturb the sag pond directly below, which
is the result of the earthquake activity in the area.
D. Wendin commented that this property and the area occupied
by the buildings was the most strategic trailhead that the
District has acquired. He said it is near the intersection
of Skyline and Page Mill, can provide access to Foothill Park
by non-residents if the issue of use is resolved, gives access
to the beginning of Los Trancos Creek and is the end of Stevens
Creek Canyon. He said that it was his opinion that the build-
ings recommended for removal by staff were not necessary for
public access to the above points. He said that to establish
a public assembly area in a building in the fault zone would
be totally improper.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board accept the staff rec-
ommendation for the removal of the buildings, exclud-
ing the two cottages and garage. H. Turner seconded
the motion
Meeting 77-29 Page eight
Discussion: J. Olson asked that the Board delay
voting on this portion of staff recommendation until
the second category of substandard structures had
been discussed. M. Schneider, 1759 Woodside Road,
Redwood City, stated that the building known as the
long house had been used for approximately 80 years
by a long history of colorful characters, and local
politicians and a one-time governor of California
had visited there. He expressed concern that District
staff had not fully investigated the structure' s his-
tory. He added that this building is situated so
that it is the natural place for public assembly. N.
Hanko stated that the Board had not had enough time
to get public input on the proposed demolition of
structures. She asked H. Grench to clarify that at
the time the Board adopted the interim use and manage-
ment plan that "the removal of hazards" referred
to the substandard structures, not the buildings in
the area of the main ranchhouse. H. Grench replied
that the substandard structures were specifically
identified at the meeting as hazards, and the status
of the older buildings was to be determined. N. Hanko
said that she had anticipated that the Structures Com-
mittee report would be available when these decisions
would have to be made, and that she would like to have
time to discuss alternatives with other public agencies
and the City of Palo Alto. B. Green asked whether the
fireplace materials in the pavilion would be retained.
J. Olson responded that they could possibly be re-
tained, but that it would not be feasible to expend
the money necessary to salvage them. At the time of
demolition, however, some of the hardware and other
materials might be saved if deemed practicable at
that time. E. Shelley reminded the Board of the year-
long complications related to studying the Fremont Older
house and alternatives for its use. He said that he
would not like to see a repeat of the same kind of
delay and expense involved with the buildings on this
site. K. Duffy said that because the buildings were
near the fault zone, it would be a poor precendent
for the District to consider them for public assembly.
She commended staff for taking the time to visit the
site many times with Board members and for the prep-
aration of this report.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the prior motion to accept staff' s
recommendation for removal of the buildings in the ag-
ricultural area, excluding the two cottages and garage
be tabled until later in the meeting. N. Hanko secon-
ded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting 77-29 Page nine
J. Olson said that the second category of structures on the
site consisted of about 24 buildings. He referred the Board
to a letter from the City of Palo Alto which stated that the
buildings are in violation of Palo Alto building, fire, and
health codes. He said that it is recommended that all of
these buildings be removed.
He said that the Interim Use and Management recommendations
provided that the Monte Bello Ridge portion of the property
be open, but that the remainder of the property be closed
until safety hazards are removed. He added that the dividing
line between the closed and open portion of the site shall
be 600 feet to the west of the Monte Bello Ridge line. He
said the remainder of the site shall be closed until all
safety hazards are removed.
He advised the Board that equestrian use of this area would be
by permit only from the adjacent stables to the Monte Bello
Ridge portion of the property, once the safety hazards had
been removed.
K. Duffy asked whether equestrians had used this site for
riding in the past without restriction.
J. Olson said that the main trails used by equestrians were
parallel to Page Mill Road and Monte Bello Ridge. Equestrians
would still be able to reach the ridge and continue to Black
Mountain. He explained that most of the equestrians entered
the property from Lori Stables, who would be contacted regard-
ing the permit system.
N. Hanko asked whether the letter from the City of Palo Alto
regarding structure violations specifically addressed the
structures as dwellings.
J. Olson answered that the letter applied to the structures
generally as fire hazards, etc.
N. Hanko stated that perhaps two of the structures could be
retained as examples of the spirt of the land in recent his-
tory. She added that although the staff report did not ad-
dress this, it was her intent to enter a motion to that
effect.
D. Jennings, 3611 Woodside Road, Woodside, expressed annoyance
with the permit system for equestrians and not other users of
the site. She said that she felt it was discrimination against
a certain group and that the time period that these permits
would be required would be too long. She suggested staff
think about alternatives to using permits for equestrian use.
K. Duffy asked how long it would take before trail work is
completed so that the site could be opened without the permit
condition.
Meeting 77-29 Page ten
J. Olson said that with the addition of two San Mateo County
CETA field personnel, who would work exclusively on this site,
the work could be done within a year. He added that the number
of people using the site until trail work is done would be limi-
ted. He said the liability to the District from people using
those trails outweighs the short term inconvenience.
R. Mark, expressed concern that the completion of the trail
work would take a year. He asked if the work on the trail
which continues to Stevens Canyon from the site would also
take that length of time before it could be used by hikers,
and suggested that this trail be cleared first.
J. Olson replied that the maximum amount of time it could take
to remove the hazards and open this trail would be approximately
six months.
B. Green asked how staff intended to close the portion of
the site where hazards exist.
J. Olson said that Page Mill Road and the ridge top would be
signed.
D. Wendin remarked that having a stable located adjacent to the
property would give the District an opportunity to educate
the general public (rather than equestrians only) in the proper
use of trails.
G. Jennings expressed opposition to the permit system, but said
he concurred with staff ' s recommendation to keep the area with
hazards closed until these had been mitigated.
R. Bishop stated that although he is generally opposed to the
permit system, in this particular instance it is helpful in
educating the novice equestrian. He suggested that the eques-
trians in the area who are regular riders be given a long term
permit.
D. Jennings suggested that an informational bulletin might
also be a solution to the problem of equestrian permits.
J. Olson said it is the intent of staff to issue long term
permits for the adjacent stables and neighbors. He added that
staff had been in touch with the stable owner about trails on
the Los Trancos site and the owner was willing to work out an
agreement so her patrons could use the site. He said that the
permit requirement in this case was a compromise so that some
use of the trails could continue, while the hazards still exist
in the area.
D. Jennings recommended to the Board that a time limit be imposed
of approximately 6 months, at which time the permit system should
be reviewed.
Meeting 77-29 Page eleven
Brett Turner, 32100 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, expressed
displeasure with the District' s action regarding the struc-
tures being painted with numbers and the phone in the "long
hall" being disconnected. He compared the District' s actions
with regard to the "land" as similar to the energy which was
present in the Watergate conspiracy and the war in Vietnam.
He said that he would remain on the property until an appellate
court decision had been reached.
M. Schneider pointed out that the District did not yet hold
title to the land, and he felt this act of painting the build-
ings represented vandalism. He said it was his opinion that
house number 24 was not located where shown on the mapsprepared
by the District, and the boundary line as shown between the
Eldridge and Burns properties was not clear. He said that the
"land" community symbolized a change in American youth during
Vietnam and that some effort should be made to preserve some
of this recent history. He also suggested that the Board
could apply for a variance from the City of Palo Alto.
B. Turner extended an invitation to Board and staff for
Thanksgiving dinner at the "land" .
D. Wendin stated that it was his feeling that the acquisition
of this property as open space for use by the public is
the most significant acquisition that the District could
make. He added that the District and the "land" community
shared common interests in opposing developers and special
interest groups.
J. Olson said that the final staff recommendation for Board
approval was authorization to expend up to $55, 000 for remov-
al of hazards on the site. He explained that in addition to
structure removal, some old wells would also have to be removed.
M. Schneider pointed out that if the road from the property
to Stevens Canyon is closed it will be the first such time
since 1968 . He added that right-of-way along that road
and water rights have created problems for past owners of
the property.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board Adopt the Resolution
(R-77-42) Authorizing Acceptance of Revised Agreement
to Purchase Real Property, Authorizing officer to
Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Grant to District,
and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All
Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to Closing
of the Transaction (Monte Bello open Space Preserve
Addition - Burns Property) . R. Bishop seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting 77-29 Page twelve
Motion: D. Wendin moved that a portion of the proceeds of the
Series A note sale will be used in the acquisition of
the Burns and Eldridge properties. H. Turner seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the previous motion regarding
disposition of the agricultural buildings be removed
from the table. R. Bishop seconded the motion to
remove this item from the table. The motion passed
unanimously.
A. Ginzton asked whether it was possible to consider the long
house separately from the other agricultural buildings so
that studies could be made to determine whether it could be
made structurally sound.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the long house be considered
separately from the other agricultural buildings
so that studies could be made to determine whether
it could be made structurally sound. B. Green secon-
ded the motion.
Discussion: B. Green asked whether the letter from
the City of Palo Alto applied to the pavilion (long
house) . J. Olson said that the letter did not apply
to the pavilion as far as the time frame for repair
or removal was concerned. However, he said that
the time period would probably be shorter, since this
building was in a category other than residential.
The motion failed on the following vote: AYES : N. Hanko
NOES: D. Wendin, B. Green, H. Turner, R. Bishop,
E. Shelley, K. Duffy
D. Wendin stated that the Board would now vote on the original
motion to accept staff' s recommendation to remove all the build-
ings excluding the two cottages and the garage. The motion
passed on the following vote: AYES: D. Wendin, D. Bishop,
K. Duffy, B. Green, E. Shelley, B. Green. Noes: N. Hanko
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board authorize staff to
remove the 24 buildings in the substandard buildings
category built after 1970. E. Shelley seconded the
motion.
Motion to Amend: N. Hanko moved that staff be directed to
study the costs and feasibility of retaining
two of the substandard structures as archi-
tectural examples of interest to the public
to be patrolled and closed off to habitation.
R. Bishop seconded the motion.
Discussion: J. Olson said that in conversation with
the City of Palo Alto building department the question
of retaining any of the structrures had been discussed.
He said that in order to retain any of the buildings
a foundation would have to be built, possibly a cen-
Meeting 77-29 Page thirteen
tral location on the site for patrol purposes would
have to be found and the building moved to that loca-
tion; ,the building would have to be brought up to
building code standards and made structurally sound.
He suggested that a set of drawings og structures on
the site or a photo essay such as the one done by
Carolyn Caddes and the Historic American Buildings
Survey Team for the Fremont Older House might be a
more appropriate means of retaining the character of
the site. N. Hanko said that in anticipation of
the City requirements and their related costs, she
had talked with a Palo Alto City Councilwoman who
had expressed a willingness to lobby for an ordinance
that would allow the requirements to be met at a min-
imum cost. G. Albers, 925 Arbor Road, Menlo Park
asked whether there would be any problems with
protecting the structures if they were retained. N.
Hanko said that the long range plan for the site would
probably include a caretaker, and the buildings' loca-
tion would be easily accessible for District patrol.
D. Wendin asked N. Hanko if she would specify the two
buildings she was interested in retaining. N. Hanko
said that she could identify the buildings as one
having a silo or tower-like construction, and the
other with a sunken kitchen and leaded glass windows.
D. Wendin stated that he would be reluctant to sup-
port the motion to retain the two structures unless
some representation could be made that they would
not be reoccupied by former members of the community,
in light of a court order prohibiting such habitation
on the property. M. Schnieder, stated that some of
the individuals of the former community had made
commitments to other living situations and would not
therefore be in a position to reinhabit the property.
He added that he was not able to speak for all the
former residents. G. Jennings expressed displeasure
with comments from Board members regarding obtaining
variances and ordinances that seemed to imply that
public bodies could easily obtain such variances for
substandard dwellings, when an individual could not.
D. Wendin responded that the District would abide
by the City building codes if any of the buildings
were retained. He said that the buildings might
not be used for residential purposes, and therefore
the codes would not be as restrictive. He said that
he would support the motion to retain two specific
structures so that a more definitive cost analysis
could be done on possible retention of the structures
for non-residential use. He asked when staff would
be able to do such a cost study and return to the
Board. J. Olson replied that staff could return with
results of a feasibility study at the next regular
Board meeting. In response to a question from J. Olson
Meeting 77-29 Page fourteen
regarding reoccupation of the property by the "land"
community, M. Schneider said that if the court were
to decide in favor of Mr. Eldridge, probably some
former members of the community would return to
the property. Brett Turner advised the Board
that he will continue to live on the property until
the appellate court decision is made. Alan Bowers,
32100 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto said he believed
God created the earth and did not sell it to anyone and
the idea of selling property to people was man' s. He
felt there was a greater force in the universe than
the District or the City of Palo Alto. D. Wendin
said that supporting the retention of the two struc-
tures so that a feasibility study could be done was
an act of the District' s good faith. D. Wendin re-
quested that the motion refer to the two structures
specifically as Nos. 7 and 15. It was the consensus
of the Board that the motion apply to structures
No. 7 and No. 15. E. Shelley suggested that a 'dead-
line be set for consideration of staff ' s feasibility
study. He added that at the end of the study period,
the two buildings to be retained be included in the
recommendation for removal of all the structures.
N. Hanko said that she would favor waiting until
the next Board meeting, when staff returns with
results of the study, before making any further
decision regarding the two structures. D. Wendin
stated that he did not agree that putting a time
factor in the motion was a good idea.
Motion to Amend the Amendment:
E. Shelley moved that the study period be limited
to a six week period and if it is not found to be
feasible, to demolish and remove these two struc-
tures at the end of that period. D. Wendin secon-
ded the motion.
Discussion: R. Bishop suggested that N. Hanko include
in the original motion regarding the feasibility study
that the Board would make a decision on the disposition
of the two structures to be studied at the next Board
meeting. N. Hanko said that she did not feel comfor-
table with that because she felt the Board would
know more after the study had been made. Patsy Gus-
tafson, 11 Big Tree Way, Woodside, said that in re-
gard to reoccupation of the "land" , she was certain
that the former residents would not want to return
without the entire community. The motion failed on
the following vote: AYES: E. Shelley , H. Turner
NOES: K. Duffy, B. Green, N. Hanko, D. Wendin, R.
Bishop.
Meeting 77-29 Page fifteen
Motion to Amend the Amendment:
N. Hanko moved that the motion to amend the staff
recommendation be amended to say that staff be di-
rected to study the feasibility and costs of retain-
ing two substandard structures, No. 7 and No. 15, as
architectural examples of interest to the public to
be patrolled and closed off to habitation, and further,
that staff would report the results of such study to
the Board at the December 14 meeting. D. Wendin se-
conded the motion. The motion passed on the following
vote: AYES: D. Wendin, N. Hanko, B. Green, K. Duffy,
H. Turner, R. Bishop NOES: E. Shelley
Rio Burns, 11 Big Tree, Woodside, thanked N. Hanko for her ef-
forts to preserve the two buildings which would be symbolic of
the living experiment tried there.
D. Wendin stated that the Board would again vote on the original
motion to accept staff ' s recommendation to remove the remaining
buildings in the substandard structures categaory. The motion
passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that staff be authorized to expend up
to $55, 000 for the removal of the structures on the
site and other hazards. B. Green seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board confirm that until
the close of escrow when the designated buildings
are removed, the specified portion of the 610 acres
westerly of 114onte Bello Ridge should be closed (except
by permit) pursuant to Regulations for Use of Midpen-
insula Regional Open Space District Land and that staff
shall take appropriate steps to protect the property from
entry by unauthorized individuals. R. Bishop seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
VIII. CLAIMS
Motion: N. Hanko moved approval of the revised claims (C-77-24)
dated November 22, 1977. R. Bishop seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
IX. D. Wendin called the Board' s attention to a suggested motion
regarding the permit system on the Burns property that had
been neglected.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the use recommendations contained
in the report (R-77-50) regarding the Monte Bello Ridge
portion of the site be adopted but that staff report to
the Board by July 1978 as to the effectiveness of the
permit system. B. Green seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
Meeting 77-29 Page sixteen
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 11: 01 P.M.
XI* ADJOURNMENT
The Board reconvened to adjourn at 11: 30 P.M.
Phyllis Lee
Recording Secretary
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A. Minutes of November 22, 1977
D. 1AIlend.in pointed out that the minutes should reflect that E.
Shelley was present at the meeting. He stated the consensus
that the minutes of November 22 , 1977 be approved as amended.
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.eeting No. 77-29
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Special Meeting
Board of Directors
December 3, 1977 State College Site
Edgewood Road
Redwood City, CA
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Harry
Turner at 9 :20 A.M.
Members Present: Richard Bishop, Katherine Duffy, Barbara
Green, Nonette Hanko, Edward Shelley, and Harry Turner.
Daniel Wendin arrived at 9 : 30 A.M.
Personnel Present: Jon Olson and Carroll Harrington.
San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commissioners Present:
Sylvia Leutz , Mrs. Joel Schreck, Robert Whitmore, Henry Yee
and Joseph Higgins.
San Mateo County Personnel Present: Duane 'Doc' Mattison,
Director, San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department.
II. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
There was general discussion about potential for joint
acquisition of this site by the District and San Mateo
County. Other topics discussed included possible uses
of the site, e.g. , golf course, botanical value, hiking
and equestrian trails. There was consensus that a future
meeting would be planned to discuss joint ventures between
the District and San Mateo County.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The Board and Commission members toured the site. The
meeting was adjourned at 12: 00 noon.
Carroll Harrington
Public Communications
Coordinator
B. Minutes of December 3 , 1977
D. Wendin stated the consensus that the minutes of December 3,
1977 be approved as presented.