HomeMy Public PortalAbout19800514 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 80- 9
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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Regular Meeting
Board of Directors
M I N U T E S
May 14, 1980 375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1
Los Altos, California
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by President Barbara Green at
7:35 P .M.
Members Present: Daniel Wendin, Barbara Green, Richard Bishop,
Nonette Hanko, Harry Turner, and Katherine Duffy.
Member Absent: Edward Shelley
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, Steve Sessions,
Charlotte MacDonald, Pat Starrett, Nancy Leis, Stanley Norton, and
Joan Combs.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 9, 1980
C. Britton noted that Item 908 on the Revised Claims should read
Valley Title Company instead of Western Title Insurance Company.
He further noted that Item 910 should read $128, 368 .26 instead of
$238, 000. 00, as a $98, 000 dead of trust at 5% had been negotiated.
The minutes of April 9, 1980 were approved by consensus as amended.
III. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A letter was received from John Olmsted ., 31570 Page Mill Road,
Palo Alto, expressing opposition to the proposed parking lot
location on Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.
N. Hanko noted that since Mr. Olmstead had read his letter to
the Board at the time the Board took the action it did, no
further answer would be expected.
IV, ADOPTION OF AGENDA
B. Green noted that Item 2 , Use and Management Plan Follow-Up
for Williams Property Acquisition, would be moved to the end
of the agenda.
C. Britton requested the addition of Special Orders of the Day.
The Board adopted the amended agenda by consensus.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Bob Mark, 725 Cowper, Palo Alto, asked about the progress in
the removal of No Parking signs along Skyline Boulevard.
Meeting 80 9 Page Two
S. Sessions replied that the administrative paperwork required
to have the signs removed had been basically cleared, the proper
authorities had been notified of the District ' s intent, and the
signs to be removed had been identified.
VI. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
C. Britton introduced Nancy Leis , the new Secretary for Land
Acquisition and Public Communications.
VII. OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A. Endorsement of the Parklands and Renewable Resources
Investment Program (Proposition 1)
C. Britton reported that approval of Proposition I by California
voters would allow the issuance and sale of $495,000,000 in
state bonds for parklands and renewable resources purposes .
Of this amount, $338,000, 000 would be available for parks and
recreation, and $95,000, 000 would be available for local agencies.
He added that based on the percentage of services, the District
should receive approximately $1, 000, 000 from Santa Clara and
San Mateo Counties combined.
B. Mark presented slides of the proposed addition to Henry
Coe State Park, which the State Parks Commission had voted to
include in the bond act. This proposed addition of 48,000
acres has been offered to the State at a cost of $13,000,000.
Motion: B. Green moved the adoption of Resolution 80-23,
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Endorsing the Parklands
and Renewable Resources Investment Program (Proposition 1) .
R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A. Proposed Addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve,
Ticchetti Ranch Area (Consigny Property)
C. Britton introduced report R-80-23, dated May 8, 1980, regarding
the proposed acquisition of 97 acres of a 147 acre parcel of the
Consigny property. He noted that the total purchase price of
the parcel was $250, 000, and the terms of the agreement required
a $50, 000 advance payment on June 14, 1980, with the balance
due at close of escrow, some time before November 1, 1980. He
added that a survey would be necessary to define the boundaries
accurately. The cost of the survey would be between $10,000
and $20,000. Trail routes do not exist, although trail easements
are included in the acquisition.
B. Green asked if the District has access rights for patrol
purposes.
C. Britton replied that the District has a right over existing
roads for patrol and maintenance.
Meeting 80-9 Page Three
N. Hanko asked if the trails that connect with Stevens Creek
Park -were open to the public.
C. Britton responded that they were open to hikers, but not to
equestrians.
N. Hanko stated that the District might look into working with
the County to provide equestrian trails.
S. Sessions presented slides of the proposed addition.
Motion: R. Bishop moved the adoption of Resolution 80-24, a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Authorizing Acceptance of
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,
Picchetti Ranch Area - Consigny Property) . B. Green
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board authorize the expenditure
of up to $10, 000 to cover survey costs. D. Wendin
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: H. Turner moved that the Board adopt the use and manage-
ment recommendations, dedicate the site as open space,
and adopt Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Picchetti
Ranch Area, as the official name of the site. D. Wendin
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Review of Use and Management of Planning Area IV (Rancho
San Antonio and Foothills Open Space Preserves)
S. Sessions introduced report R-80-22 , dated May 6, 1980, which
reviewed the use and management of Planning Area IV. He recapped
what had occurred during the past year and what the District is
proposing for the forthcoming year. He noted that Rancho San
Antonio Open Space Preserve experiences exceptionally heavy
use by Environmental Volunteers and other environmental groups,
hikers, joggers, and equestrians, and added that because of
this increased use, a second loop trail is proposed. Wildcat
Canyon Trail, which is utilized as an interpretive trail by
environmental groups, has been closed to equestrians.
Janet Kingsley, 779 Mora Drive, Los Altos, responded to a letter
she had received from S. Sessions which explained the closure
of the quarter mile section of Wildcat Canyon loop trail and
the equestrian restrictions on St. Joseph and Mora Drive entrances.
She suggested a gate at each end of the trail which could be
closed to equestrians during the rainy season to prevent trail
surface damage or when large numbers of people were using the
trail.
Required Staff Resources
%4
3,91 0 of time (-6- hours per week) of Public Communications Coordinator
(part-time)
5% of time of Secretary-Land Acquisition and Public Communications
Staff and Board as available for speaking engagements,
Meeting 80-9 Page Four
Christine Cole, 23219 Ravensbury Avenue, Los Altos Hills, said
she used the trails frequently as an equestrian, and offered
her services for an annual upkeep of the trails.
Beverly Fike, High Meadow Stables, 23170 Ravensbury Avenue,
Los Altos Hills, stated that the loop trail ties in nicely
with High Meadow Stables property. She noted that many people
who use Rancho San Antonio Preserve use and enjoy High Meadow
Stables trails.
K. Duffy asked if the proposed alternate loop trail would be
an acceptable substitute for equestrians.
Larry Faber, 3127 David Avenue, Palo Alto, asked the reasoning
behind the closing of Wildcat Canyon Trail to equestrians.
S. Sessions replied that the trail is heavily used as an inter-
pretive trail, as well as by joggers and hikers. In addition,
he noted, the trail has several blind corners, creating a
potentially hazardous situation.
B. Mark stated that as a hiker, he viewed the problem from
another perspective. He noted that a number of commercial
stables are neighbors of the Open Space District and use
District lands. He said that heavy horse use makes the trail
very unpleasant for hikers and felt the District was justified
in closing Wildcat Canyon Trail to equestrian use.
Doni Hubbard, 25228, La Loma Drive, Los Altos Hills, said she
understood and appreciated the District's effort to offer
alternatives, but felt that the closure of Wildcat Canyon Trail
represented the loss to equestrians of a unique area. She added
that she had measured the width of the trail, starting with
the parking area, and found that the width varied considerably.
She noted that one area of the trail was unsafe, and that was
the part of the trail to which equestrians will now have access.
She said that a value judgment had been made on what is safe
and unsafe, and that riders were not consulted. She suggested
that in the future, all trail users, including hikers and eques-
trians, should have input and recommended that a trail council
be established.
N. Hanko asked if trails groups were consulted last year when
the action plan was reviewed.
S. Sessions replied that trails organizations have been contacted,
and that this particular trail pattern was not on an identified
trail plan. He said that it was recommended last year that the
trail be closed because of safety problems, and added that the
District will be working with trails groups in both counties
in the coming year.
N. Hanko noted that at one time the District had a Trails Task
Force which was consulted from time to time.
Meeting 80-9 Page Five
Bob Stutz, 25130 Elena Road, Los Altos Hills, stated that the
District was setting a precedent, by closing long-used trails
without providing parallel routes, and added that many people
who could have given input were not consulted.
D. Wendin stated that there was an existing trail at Wildcat
Canyon when the District acquired the property. He said this
trail was improved and, for several years, was posted as closed
to equestrians. The trail was opened two years ago to equestrians
on a trial basis and has now been closed. He said he was not
ready to support re-opening of Wildcat Canyon Trail, as the
trail is very dangerous in spots. He added that he would like
to see a group formed that represented the District, hikers,
joggers, equestrians, and those who use the trail as an edu-
cational facility.
L. Faber said that he had never heard of an accident on Wildcat
Canyon Trail, and felt that horses and hikers were compatible.
B. Green said that a potentially dangerous situation could occur
when hiking with children on a trail used by equestrians.
Christie Fike, 23170 Ravensbury Avenue, Los Altos Hills, asked
about the feasibility of widening the creek trail.
K. Duffy stated that she felt the trail was already too wide and
crosses the creek too many times, damaging the delicate environment.
She added that the District might consider closing the trail
completely so that the natural environment could rejuvenate itself.
Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highland Circle, Los Altos, said that
handicapped children would be endangered on a trail used by
equestrians, and recommended that another trail be made around
it for equestrians.
Nancy Stewart, 14400 Liddicoat Circle, Los Altos Hills, said
that the trail should be closed when in use by the physically
limited and open the rest of the time.
N. Hanko asked if D. Wendin would be willing to put together a
proposal on trail use for the Board to consider.
D. Wendin replied that he would be willing, and suggested a
preliminary meeting of interested persons present after the
Board had completed its discussion of the Use and Management
Plan.
S. Sessions noted that one of the recommendations in the use and
management plan is that a trail route study be conducted at
Rancho San Antonio Preserve.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt the use and manage-
ment recommendations contained in the report. D. Wendin
seconded the motion. The motion Passed unanimously.
Meeting 80- 9 Page Six
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board concur with the new schedule
for 1980 use and management plan review. D. Wendin
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
D. Hubbard asked if Wildcat Canyon Trail would be evaluated at a
future time even though the report had been accepted by the Board.
D. Wendin said that a meeting of trail users would be scheduled
within the next two weeks.
The meeting recessed at 9 :40 P.M. to enable interested persons
to discuss the formation of a trails committee.
The meeting reconvened at 9:50 P.M.
D. Wendin reported that a tentative organizational meeting of
representatives of trail users had been scheduled for June 4,
1980, at 8 P.M. at Eastbrook School in Los Altos to address the
trails planning process.
IX. OLD BUSINESS WITH NO ACTION REQUESTED
A. Proposals for Uses of Hassler Health Home Buildings
S. Sessions reported on the results of the solicitations for
proposals for possible recreational uses for the Hassler Health
Home buildings. He said that news releases and requests for
proposals were sent to public agencies, the Hassler Assessment
District, and the homeowner's association of adjacent residents.
As of the May 2, 1980 deadline, one proposal had been received
by the District. He noted that at the May 28, 1980 Public Hearing,
the District would receive input on both sides of the question for
retention or use of the buildings. American Youth Hostel would
identify the extent of their proposal at that time. If this
proposal should prove acceptable, staff would analyze possible
impacts and costs. He added that policy questions would need to
be identified before the May 28 Public Hearing.
N. Hanko asked if there would be any value in holding the Public
Hearing nearer the Hassler Health Home site.
R. Bishop noted that the District might wish to do so at a later
time when more concrete proposals had been received.
B. Green asked what action would be requested at the Public Hearing.
S. Sessions said that, depending upon AYH's proposal, there would
be a recommendation to enter into a staff evaluation phase. He
added that if American Youth Hostel withdraws its proposal and
the District receives no others, the buildings will probably be
demolished.
H. Grench noted that the District must know AYH's proposal in
detail so that the impact of a youth hostel can be evaluated.
Meeting 80-9 Page Seven
D. Wendin stated that the Board could not accept a proposal at
the May 28 Public Hearing, and that any proposal would have to
be reviewed by staff.
H. Grench noted that a preliminary analysis at staff level would
be necessary after the proposal was received.
D. Wendin said that publicity should make clear that the purpose
of the Public Hearing is to hear a proposal, and it is important
to have the public in on the planning process.
B. Follow-Up on Patrol of Windy Hill
S. Sessions reported that two questions arose in reviewing the
District's agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust to patrol
Windy Hill - public access and the extent of ordinances and
liability. He noted that P.O.S.T. would like to discourage public
use of the area south of Hamm' s Gulch.
N. Hanko asked how the property would be patrolled.
S. Sessions said that the area being patrolled was visible from
Skyline, so the District will not have to go in with vehicles.
K. Duffy asked if the Board should discuss allowing hang gliders
on the site.
S. Sessions replied that it would be difficult to enforce a hang
glider ordinance.
H. Grench said that liability problems could be substantial if
hang gliding were allowed on the site.
B. Green said the Board will wait for staff's informational
report on Windy Hill addressing questions raised by the Board.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that Item 2 , Use and Management Plan
Follow-up for Williams Property Acquisition, be con-
tinued to the meeting of May 28, 1980. D. Bishop
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
X. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
B. Green reported on the South Skyline Association meeting, which
was attended by S. Sessions, H. Grench, and B. Green. H. Grench
noted that Eric Mart has been assigned liaison with that group.
B. Green reported that the docents will have their graduation
celebration on June 21, 1980, and that it would be a good oppor-
tunity for the Board to host their annual celebration of the
docents on that date.
B. Green said that the Fremont older home will be open to the
public on June 1 from 1: 00 to 4:00 P.M.
B. Green asked if the Board wished to put taking a position on
Proposition 9 on the next agenda.
M6etinq 80-9 Page Eight
R. Bishop said he felt there was no point in officially taking a
position. The tone of the Board' s public education program was
that Proposition 9 would be harmful to the District's programs
if it passed and he felt this was sufficient.
H. Grench reviewed the progress and status of several Senate and
Assembly bills. He noted that SB 1550, concerning the Edgewood
State college site, has been signed, and AB 3299, the District' s
own sponsored bill about its enabling legislation, is out of the
Assembly and is to be heard June 10 , 1980, in the Senate Natural
Resources and Wildlife Committee.
S. Sessions reported that the District has been selected for
cost-sharing assistance on an urban forestry proposal by the
Department of Forestry. After preparation of a work program,
staff will return to the Board with a complete outline of the
program and how it will be implemented.
XI. CLAIMS
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the revised claims list of May 14,
1980, be accepted. H. Turner seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board recessed to Executive Session at 10 :30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board reconvened to adjourn at 12 :30 A.M.
Joan Combs
Secretary
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3) To ev luate th p sal, he ' str' t also needs a
comm' tm YH for rtic' a on in the engineering
v and eni onmental"`,asses ent s ies .
Becaus of t e"t4ming of is pr ct, the Bo d of irectors
has re chedu ed ahr Cher meeting fo Wednesda , July , 1980,
at 7 : 3 P.M. , to firize bui in disposit ' n. If YH is
desiro s of Froceedingwith hos 1 propo 1, then he above
I
reques ed information sh8u be f rwarded o my off a as
soon as possible, but not er t an July 2, 1980. dditionally,
the ho eowne s residing djac t o the assler sit have
reques ed in rmation out any opose building use, so
they y co nt abo a projec t ur oard. That homeowners '
associ tion ets J e 26, 1980, n would be bereficial,
if AYH decide to p oceed with a ropo 1, to contactthe home-
owners' assoc ' atio pri to thei mee i to allow hat group
to fami iariz th el s with an pr osa
If you ha e que i n regarding t is ubject, lease contact
me at 965717.
incerely,
Steven D. Sessions
Land Manager
SDS:jc
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CORRECTIONS TO MINUTES OF
B. _ y 14, 1980 j
U. Wendin noted that he did not move and second the motion on 1!
Page Three authorizing the expenditure of up to $10,000 to cover
survey costs.
The Board confirmed that the motion had been properly moved
and seconded.
J. Fiddes noted the comments on the minutes of April 9, 1980
should be corrected to read "deed of trust" .
The revised minutes were adopted by consensus.
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