HomeMy Public PortalAbout19850313 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 85-05
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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415)965-4717
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 13, 1985
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
President Harry Turner called the meeting to order at 7 : 35 P.M.
Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Daniel Wendin, Teena Henshaw, Edward
Shelley, Nonette Hanko and Harry Turner. Richard Bishop arrived at 7:40 P.M.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Jean
Fiddes, Stanley Norton, Charlotte MacDonald, William Tannenbaum, James
Boland, Del Woods and Emma Johnson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 23 , 1985
Motion: E. Shelley moved the approval of the minutes of January 23
1985. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed
5 5 to 0 with N. Hanko abstaining because she was Absent from
the meeting.
B. February 13 , 1985
Motion; E. Shelley moved the approval of the minutes of February 13,
1985. T. Henshaw seconded the motion.
Discussion: Tom Kavanaugh, 1726 Spring Street, Mountain
View noted that the minutes did not reflect under what rules
and regulations the Board went into Closed Session and what
the litigation matters were.
H. Grench responded that the Code Section under which the
litigation can be discussed has to be noted before Closed
Session and that had been announced as the Hassler litiga-
tion. He added that it may be appropriate to add the infor-
mation to all minutes. E. Shelley and H. Turner agreed
that the procedure would have merit. H. Turner stated the
Board' s consensus that the minutes were amended to include
the following information: The Board went into Closed Session
to discuss the Hassler litigation.
The amended minutes of February 13 were approved by a vote
of 5 to 0, with D. Wendin abstaining because he was absent
from the meeting.
C. February 20, 1985
Motion: E. Shelley moved the approval of the minutes of February 20,
1985. T. Henshaw seconded the motion.
Discussion: H. Turner noted that the minutes would require
the same addition as did the minutes of February 13 , and
stated the Board' s consensus that the minutes were amended
to include the sentence, "The Board went into Closed Session
to discuss the Hassler litigation. " . The minutes were
approved as amended by a vote of 6 to 0.
Herbert A.Grench,General Manager Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy,Nonette G.Hanko,Teena Henshaw,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin
Meeting 85-05 Page two
D. February 27 , 1985
N. Hanko asked that the minutes be amended to change the words "could
not" to "would not" (grant Mr. Boyden ' s request) in the last line of
Paragraph 6 on Page 4. H. Turner confirmed that the change was appro-
priate.
Motion: E. Shelley moved the approval of the minutes of February 27 ,
1985. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed
7 to 0.
II. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
E. Johnson stated the Board had received the following communications:
a) a letter dated March 5 from George Norton, Attorney in Palo Alto,
urging the District to withdraw the list of landowners that accompanies
the master plan map overaly and to publish only names of property
owners with whom the District intends to or has started to negotiate.
He stated he would be happy to have his name on the list since nego-
tiations had begun and that the Peters property should be on the list.
He suggested that the District write to each person on the present
list explaining that the District has no present intention to condemn
any occupied home;
b) a letter dated March 11 from Richard Bullis of La Honda, endorsing
Mr. Norton ' s letter, including leaving the Norton and Peters/Bullis
properties on the list since negotiations have been on-going. He
expressed confusion about the District ' s choice for the route of the
Skyline Trail; and
c) a letter dated March 5 from Carlo Fowler of the law firm of Orrick,
Herrington & Sutcliffe issuing a final opinion on the District' s
issuance of Promissory Notes.
H. Turner stated that response to the first two letters would be held in
abeyance until the agenda item was discussed.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
H. Turner stated that the agenda was adopted as presented by Board con-
sensus
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
James Warren, 345 Swett Road, Woodside, argued against eminent domain
proceedings and urged a joint committee of directors and citizens to draft
a policy concerning condemnation.
Artemis Ginzton, 28014 Natoma Road, Los Altos Hills, urged the Board to
buy land only from willing sellers.
Cren 1.5
June La Honda Road, told the Board that the use of eminent domain
proceedings does not show concern and that the property owners feel
uncertain about "what' s going to happen" to them.
Leonard Korinec of Portola Park Heights; Sandra Touchatt, 3600 Longridge
Road, La Honda; James Warren; William Obermeyer, Portola Heights; David
Leason, Sunnyvale; and Carol Doose, 22400 Skyline Boulevard, La Honda
each spoke to the Board about their concerns regarding the preserve users
trespassing onto private property and using their access roads. Mrs.
Touchatt stated her concern for hikers ' safety, dnd, ,requested that the
topic be on a future agenda so the problem could be addressed. H. Turner
stated he would like to see the conflict resolved and referred the matter
to staff.
Richard Bullis, Quinta Ranch, Star Route 2 , La Honda stated he had been
unsuccessful in getting APN numbers and full names of the owners of the
Meeting 85-05 Page three
parcels on the Master Plan Map Overlay from District staff. District
Counsel stated that the information is available from the County Assessors '
offices and that he had been researching the question of whether the Dis-
trict equipment must be made available to the public . He said he didn' t
understand why Mr. Bullis couldn't use the assessors ' public facilities.
T. Kavanaugh told the Board that he wants to be notified if his property
is discussed in Closed Session, and he asked that his name be removed
from "the list" .
Bill Sorich who lives near Devils Canyon said District ownership of Devils
Canyon would be a liability to the District.
VI. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
1. Award of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Development Grant
(Memorandum M-85-44 of March 6, 1985)
H. Grench announced that the State Department of Parks and Recreation
had recommended to the Legislature that the District be awarded a
$150, 000 grant for the development of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open
Space Preserve. The project will provide two parking areas, improved
trails, trails for the physically limited, and signing. H. Turner
added that the project will be a cooperative effort with POST and
San Mateo County.
VII . OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
1. Election of New Board President and Possibly Other officers (Memorandum
M-85-36 of March 6, 1985)
H. Turner stated his previously announced resignation as Board Presi-
dent would be effective at the present meeting. He noted that
balloting would be by secret ballot. J. Fiddes counted the ballots
for president that each Director submitted and announced that T. Ren-
shaw had received 6 votes, and E. Shelley had received 1 vote.
H. Turner said that the commitments that precluded him from carrying
out the duties of president would not interfere with the duties of
being vice president if he were elected to that office. After the
Board voted for vice president, J. Fiddes announced that H. Turner
had received 5 votes, R. Bishop had received 1 vote, and one member
of the Board had abstained from voting.
2. Scheduling and Process for Future Discussion of Procedures Pursuant
to SB 2216 and Policies Regarding Use of Eminent Domain (Memorandum
M-85-47 of March 7, 1985)
T. Henshaw noted that the Board was responding to public interest in ,
the District' s procedures pursuant to SB 2216 and in policies regarding
use of eminent domain.
Discussion centered on whether staff or the Board should establish
the agenda for a future meeting to discuss the issues. N. Hanko
stated that the Board should establish an agenda that clearly outlines
the issues that should be discussed.
R. Bishop said he felt the consensus of the Board was that it should
try to formulate a set of policies to adopt for when power of eminent
domain would be used and when it would not be used. He suggested
a Board committee to propose a set of policies to be discussed at the
meeting.
D. Wendin suggested staff could gather materials for discussion so
that it is a basis for a beginning.
Meeting ;85-05 page four
Motion: D. Wendin moved that staff prepare an agenda for discussion
and that Board members be encouraged to provide input to
staff within seven days.
Discussion: N. Hanko stated her support of the motion if it
included the question of annexations and use'�of lands outside
District boundaries. D. Wendin concurred with N. Hanko' s
suggestion. at-t CAha- 4-0 1 S .
Robert Fisse, Star Route 2, La Honda, suggested a workshop
to allow for public participation. C. Touchatt, Jim Warren,
and Janet Schwind supported the suggestion. E. Shelley and
R. Bishop stated their agreement, and R. Bishop added that
it should take place prior to a formal meeting where policies
would be adopted.
The Board concurred that March 30 would be the best date for
a workshop. After discussing meeting in the Skyline area,
the Board and public agreed that a meeting place in Portola
Valley or Woodside would best serve all concerned.
Motion: D. Wendin withdrew his previous motion and moved that the
Board schedule a workshop on March 30 in Portola Valley or
central Woodside with an agenda prepared by staff to discuss
eminent domain, Brown Act procedures, annexation, and acqui-
sition of land outside District boundaries, with public
input invited. H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0 .
3. Determination of Public Necessity for Proposed Dooley Property Addition
to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve (Report R-85-22 of March 8 , 1985)
D. Hansen noted that the Board had tabled a motion at its February 27
meeting to adopt a resolution of public necessity for acquiring the
Dooley property until after staff had prepared more detailed maps
and a more specific case for why the District should acquire the
property. He defined on a large wall map the present and potential
trail routes and the location of the property in relation to District
lands . He noted that if a major trail corridor is not provided
through the site, trail users would be required to follow the narrow,
winding Page Mill Road in the area or take longer alternatives.
Rosemary Dooley, 290 Leland Avenue, Palo Alto expressed her opinion
that bicyclists would not have a better trail if it went through her
property. Tom Dott, Page Mill Road agreed that bicyclists do not need
a special trail through the property. Other members of the public
echoed the same negative response to use of eminent domain to acquire
the property.
D. Wendin asked if any member of the public in attendance were in
favor of the determination of public necessity. No one spoke in
favor of the condemnation. He added that he did not favor this partic-
ular eminent domain proceeding and stated his belief that an alternate
way can be found to accommodate the public need without taking the
property.
Several Board members asked Ms. Dooley if some agreement could be
reached to have an easement or a compromise on the trail route.
Her response was negative.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board vote on the motion on the
floor. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed
6 to 1 .
Meeting 85-05 Page five
Discussion: Ms. Dooley asked if the Board could vote for
condemnation in the future if it now voted not to condemn.
S. Norton stated that the present Board could act for itself,
but not for future Boards.
J. Fiddes read the motion on the floor, a motion that the
Board adopt Resolution 85-20, a Resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Finding and Determining That the Public Interest and Necessity
Require the Acquisition of Certain Properties for Public
Use, to Wit, for Public Park, Recreation and Open Space Pur-
poses Describing the Properties Necessary Therefore and
Authorizing and Directing its Retained Legal Counsel to do
Everything Necessary to Acquire All Interest Therein (Coal
Creek Open Space Preserve - Dooley Property) .
President Henshaw called for a roll call vote. The motion to
adopt Resolution 85-20 failed on the following vote:
AYES: E. Shelley and R. Bishop.
NOES: K. Duffy, H. Turner, T. Henshaw, D. Wendin and N. Hanko.
T. Henshaw called a recess at 10: 35 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at
10: 50 P.M.
4. Final Adoption of the Use and Management Plan for the Peninsula Open
Space Trust, Lohr, Jenkins, and Guenther Property Additions to Skyline
Ridge Open Space Preserve (Memorandum M-85-45 of March 6 , 1985)
D. Hansen noted that the Board had delayed its final adoption of the
Interim Use and Management Plan because of the length of time since
the presentation of the original Interim Use and Management Plan. He
stated there had been no additional public comments.
Charles Touchatt and Carol Doose expressed concern about the road
becoming a public trail. C. Britton stated that the road would
be used for patrol and maintenance only, that it was not intended as
a public trail.
K. Duffy and E. Shelley assured the concerned homeowners of the
area that the recommended Interim Use and Mangement Plan would
merely maintain the status quo, that if there were any changes to
the Use and Managemetn Plans, two public hearings would be required.
E. Shelley noted there are no proposed trails or development for the
property nor any intention to invite the public on the road.
Sandra Touchatt stated that the public is given maps of the Preserve
that shows an access through private property and asked what can
be done to keep the public from trespassing on her property .
K. Duffy stated that the District does install boundary signs .
N• Hanko suggested delaying final approval until Board members
had a chance to visit the property to see what the situation is and
whether signs are properly placed.
D. Wendin noted the property is part of the Skyline Ridge Open Space
Preserve, not Long Ridge, and public access will be a question dis-
cussed at the Skyline Ridge Master Plan hearing in two weeks. He
suggested the issues be addressed as part of the Skyline Ridge Plan
even though they are technically not part of the study area.
R. Bishop suggested citizens concerned with signing and private
property attend the Master Plan hearing and speak at that time.
Meeting 85-05 Page six
D. Hansen noted the three items on the Use and Management Plan:
1) place boundary signs to identify the property; 2) allow public
access by either obtaining adjacent property owners ' permission or
through current District property; and 3) become a part of the road
agreement, contributing to the annual maintenance of the road.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt the Interim Use and
Management Plan for the Peninsula Open Space Trust, Lahr,
Jenkins, and Guenther property additions to Skyline Ridge
Open Space Preserve as contained in report R-84-24 and
M-85-32 and to dedicate the District ' s interests in the
property as public open space. E. Shelley seconded the motion.
Discussion: C. Doose asked if the property now includes
hiking and equestrian trails in the Use and Management Plan.
D. Wendin clarified that for new acquisitions an interim use
and management plan is established that maintains the status
quo, except for safety issues. He continued that every
property has trails -- informal deer trails, footpaths ,
logging roads, etc. and that an indication of trails does
not mean the District will build or maintain them as hiking
trails. D. Wendin suggested that road use and how notice
is given to keep people off the road are issues that need
to be addressed at a later date.
Motion: D. Wendin moved to continue the motion on the floor so
that it can be considered as part of the Skyline Ridge
Master Plan process. H. Turner seconded the motion.
Discussion: D. Wendin confirmed that while the public
access question would be considered at the same time as the
2M Associates ' plan, it would not be considered by the
consultants and that staff will have to address the issue
of the linkage and, if possible, recommend what should be
done.
The motion to continue failed by a vote of 4 to 3 .
Discussion: C. Doose asked for the meaning of dedication,
asking whether it meant the District is unable to sell , trade
or do something else with the property. D. Wendin confirmed
her understanding with the exception that the District can
trade up to 10 acres of dedicated land per year for other land.
The motion on the floor passed by a vote of 5 to 2 .
5. Experimental Dog Program - Second Reading (Memorandum M-85-48 of
March 7, 1985
D. Hansen noted that the Board had approved allowing additional dog
tracking events at Fremont Older and Russian Ridge Open Space Pre-
serves and had agreed to continue the experiment on three sites
for one more year, with the program at Fremont Older contingent upon
there being a decline in off-leash problems. He added that the Board
had approved opening a portion of Long Ridge for one year and that
staff will meet with the neighbors to discuss cooperation in the pro-
gram. He anticipated the program at Long Ridge would begin in
approximately two months.
Motion: H. Turner moved to continue the dog experiment on three
current sites and the one additional site for one year,
directing staff to start the Long Ridge program only after
adequate signing, noticing and preparation of the baseline
Meeting 85-05 Page seven
data is accomplished, and to allow dog tracking activities
continued at Fremont Older and Russian Ridge Open Space
Preserves as outlined in the motion of February 17 .
R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
6. District Lease of Portion of San Mateo County Baylands Reserve from
State Lands Commission (Memorandum M-85-46 of March 7 , 1985)
C. Britton explained that the District can lease at no cost for 49
years approximately 99 acres south of Dumbarton Bridge. He reviewed
the Interim Use and Management Plan for the site and added that the
area would be named an. addition to the San Mateo County Baylands
Reserve.
Motion: H. Turner moved to adopt Resolution 85-21, a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Authorizing Acceptance of Lease, Authorizing
Officer to Execute Lease on Behalf of District, and Authorizing
General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents
Necessary to Closing of the Transaction (San Mateo County
Baylands Reserve - Lands of the State of California, State
Lands Commission) . He continued his motion for tentative
adoption of the Use and Management Plan recommendations
contained in the staff report, including naming the property
an addition to the San Mateo County Baylands Reserve, and
stating the Board ' s intention to dedicate the leasehold
interest in the property as public open space. D. Wendin
seconded the motion.
Discussion: T. Kavanaugh stated his understanding that
the parcel is in Menlo Park, not in San Mateo County. He
also asked if Leslie Salt had done the work on the levee.
C. Britton stated that CalTrans had done the work. To Mr.
Kavanaugh' s question regarding whether District would allow
fishing from the levee, H. Grench said staff will look
into it as part of the regular Use and Management Plan.
The motion passed 7 to 0.
President T. Henshaw stated the Board ' s concurrence to continue agenda
items 8 through 11 (Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation of the
Basic Policy for Fiscal Year 1985-1986; Interim Report on Search for
Permanent Office Headquarters; Use and Management Plan Review for Windy
Hill Open Space Preserve; Los Trancos Use and Management Plan Review; and
Special District Management Institute Report) .
VIII . NEW BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
1. Proposed Nolte Property Addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
(Report R-85-20 of March 5 , 1985)
C. Britton stated the District had been offered the 160 acre parcel
adjacent to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. He said access is
along a private road off Alpine Road. He stated the purchase price
will be $450, 000 and would be the first purchase made from the pro-
ceeds of the District' s 1985 note issue.
D. Hansen reviewed the use and management recommendations which
included continuing the grazing lease, opening the site to hikers
and equestrains, installing preserve boundary signs, discing and
seeding, removing hazardous remnants of an old barn, and restoring
the site to a natural area.
R. Bullis asked if the road would become a trial . C. Britton responded
that the District' s rights on the road are not known at this time and
the question would have to be researched to determine if the Distrit
has rights for a trail on the road.
Meeting 85-05 Page eight
R. Bullis stated he had a letter to the District dated March 3 ,
acquainting the Board with the fact of an unrecorded easement. He
asked that C. Britton meet with his engineer to resolve the issue.
C. Britton noted that when the property purchase was being negotiated,
he had talked with Mr. Nolte about the verbal agreement that had been
made and stated that it would be in the District ' s best interest to
have a road that would be minimally disturbing to the landscape, but
an agreeable alignment might not be the ideal alignment from the
owners point of view.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-22 , 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 to Closing of the Transaction
(Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve - Nolte Property) .
N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board tentatively adopt the interim
use and management plan recommendations contained in report
R-85-20, name the property as an addition to the Russian
Ridge Open Space Preserve and indicate its intention to
dedicate the property as public open space. N. Hanko seconded
the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
2. Proposed Annexation of Nolte Property Addition to Russian Ridge Open
Space Preserve (Memorandum M-85-37 dated March 4 , 19T-5)
H. Grench noted the property is within the District' s Sphere of
Influence and contiguous to, but just outside, the District' s boundary.
He said annexation to the District would obviate potential challenge
to the enforceability of District ordinances and would place District-
owned land within District boundaries. He added that the annexation
would be with the consent of the Noltes, and that, if LAFCO approves
the annexation, the matter will be before the Board for a hearing
and a final decision.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-23 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Requesting Initiation of Annexa-
tion Procedures by the Santa Clara County Local Agency
Formation Commission (Russian Ridge Addition - 1985) .
H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
3. Revision of Authorized Signatories for District Accounts and Safe
Deposit Boxes (Memorandum M-85-31 dated March 4 , 1985
J. Fiddes explained that it is necessary to revise the signatories
on District accounts following the election of new Board officers.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-24, a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Establishing Financial Instru-
ment Signatories of the District for Santa Clara County
Accounts. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0 .
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-25 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Approving Certificate of
Authority of officers (First Interstate Bank of California) .
Meeting 85-05 Page nine
T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-26, a Reso-
lution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District Authorizing Signing and Endorsing Checks
and Other Instruments for Savings Account (First Interstate
Bank of California - Los Altos) . T. Henshaw seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-27 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Authorizing Signing and Endorsing
Checks and other Instruments for Checking Account (First
Interstate Bank of California - Los Altos) . T. Henshaw
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 .
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 85-28 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Establishing Signatories for
Entering Safe Deposit Boxes (First Interstate Bank of Cali-
fornia - Los Altos) . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The
motion passed 7 to 0.
4. Location of March 27 Regular Meeting (Memorandum M-85-41 of March 4 ,
1984)
H. Grench recommended that the March 27 Board Meeting be limited to
presentation of the Skyline Ridge Master Plan as prepared by 2M Asso-
ciates. He said that a large public attendance is anticipated.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board cancel its Regular Meeting of
March 27 , 1985 and schedule a Special Meeting at 7 :30 P.M.
at the Mountain View Adobe Building at 157 Moffett Boulevard
for the purpose of reviewing the draft Master Plan for the
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and consideration of the
claims list. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
5. Scheduling of Special Meeting (Memorandum M-85-40 of March 4 , 1985)
H. Grench explained the present meeting could be finished in one of
several ways : it could be continued to another date, a special meeting
could be scheduled, or the agenda items could be put-off until April 10.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board continue meeting 85-05 to
7 : 30 P.M. March 20 to consider agenda items 8 , 9, 10, and
11 along with Oral Communications and any other agenda items
that may be added. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
D. Hansen reported the demolition at the former Bachtold property had
been completed, a contract had been signed to remove material from Coal
Creek Open Space Preserve in April, and the Los Altos Fire Department
would conduct a practice burn using the small structure at Rancho San
Antonio Open Space Preserve.
X. CLAIMS
D. Wendin asked for an explanation on Claims No. 8098 . C. Britton
responded that Legal Counsel had stated that, since the amount was a
contractual obligation, payment only required Board approval of the claim.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the approval of revised claims 85-05. T. Henshaw
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
Meeting 85-05 Page ten
XI . CLOSED SESSION
S. Norton announced that the discussion in closed session would be on
the Hassler law suit and one or two items covered under Government Code
Section 54956. 9, subdivision b-1 . The Board convened to Closed Session
at 12 : 01 P.M.
XII . ADJOURNMENT
The Board reconvened to Public Session to announce that the Closed
Session would be continued to Wednesday, March 20, 1985. The Board
adjourned at 1: 15 A.M. Thursday, March 14, 1985.
Emma Johnson
Secretary
CORK IONS TO THE MINUTES OF M*H 13 , 1985
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 13 , 1985
T. Henshaw stated the motion to approve the minutes of March 13
had been tabled to allow members of the public to submit written
statements to the Board for review and consideration. She said
statements were to be submitted if members of the public felt
their statements made at the March 13 meeting had been
inaccurately reflected in the minutes. No written statements were
submitted for the Board' s review and consideration.
Motion : E. Shelley moved the Board consider the approval of the
March 13 minutes. K. Duffy seconded the motion.
Discussion: N. Hanko noted she had requested at the
previous meeting that the word "use" be changed to
"acquisition" on page 4 , paragraph 2.
The motion to approve the minutes passed 6 to 0.
Meeting 85-05
Continued)
Arm
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415)965-4717
CONTINUED REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 13 , 1985
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 20 , 1985
MINUTES
I . ROLL CALL
President Teena Henshaw called the Continued Regular Meeting of March 13 ,
1985 to order at 7 : 38 P.M. on Wednesday, March 20 , 1985 at the District
office, 375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1 , Los Altos , California,
Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Daniel Wendin, Teena Henshaw, Harry
Turner, and Richard Bishop.
Members Absent: Edward Shelley and Nonette Hanko.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Charlotte
MacDonald, Jean Fiddes , Del Woods, and Stanley Norton.
II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications.
III . OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A. Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy
for Fiscal Year 1985-1986 (Memorandum M-85-43 of March 1 , 1985 and
Report R-85-16 of February 16 , 1985)
H. Grench introduced the staff report, and C. Britton, D. Hansen,
and C. MacDonald provided a brief overview of their respective pro-
grams . D. Hansen referred the Board to the new 1985-1986 Key Project
and Activity in the Operations, Maintenance and Volunteer Subprogram
concerning the experimental dog program.
H. Grench reviewed the material for the General Management and
Program Support Section. The Board concurred on the following
changes in the proposed Action Plan during the discussion: 1) Nego-
tiations Subprogram - Fourth Other Typical Projects and Activity -
include the words "in accordance with Board policy" at the end of
the sentence concerning eminent domain proceedings; and 2) Public
Participation and Education Subprogram - Fifth Key Project and
Activity - change the word "try" to "initiate" . Discussion points
during the review of the preliminary Action Plan included the revision
of the District's Master Plan, a request from K. Duffy for periodic
reports on the activities of the Trail Information and Volunteer
Center, and the scope of the "handout stations" pilot program in the
Public Communications Program.
Motion: H. Turner moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary Action
Plan for the 1985-1986 fiscal year as contained in the staff
reports and modified during the meeting. R. Bishop seconded
the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 .
Herbert A.Grench,General Manager Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy,Nonette G.Hanko,Teena Henshaw,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin
Meeting 85-05 (Continu , Page 2
B. Interim Report on Search for Permanent District Office Space
Headquarters (Report R-85-21 of March 8 , 1985)
C. Britton reviewed the previous action taken by the Board relative
to the question of purchasing rather than leasing a permanent Dis-
trict office site. He noted that he had attached the minutes from
the April 11 , 1984 Board meeting and added that staff was proposing
a modification in the recommendations that had been presented to
the Board at the February 8 Board meeting. He stated that, on a
first priority basis , staff was recommending that they pursue the
purchase of the City of Mountain View site, noting staff would re-
turn to the Board with progress reports and necessary hiring of con-
sultants if any contract were to exceed $10 ,000 . He said that staff
was also proposing to negotiate a lease with option to purchase for
the Imperial Savings location which staff was hoping to secure as an
interim office location.
R. Bishop stated that the Board had not yet made a decision on whether
the District should continue to rent or buy a piece of land and con-
struct a building. He stated this was an important policy decision
for the Board to make because of the costs involved, both in terms
of dollars and staff time. Discussion focused on the Board' s prior
action regarding the question of buying versus leasing, and there was
Board consensus that no decision to buy land and build an office
facility had been made.
D. Wendin stated that he felt staff should proceed with having an
appraisal done for the Mountain View site and with the hiring of a
consultant to prepare a plan and estimate costs for constructing a
building on the site, noting that, with this information, the Board
would have some concrete cost information with which to address the
question of buying versus leasing. In response to a question from
H. Grench, the Board indicated that cost estimates could be provided
by experts in the field as opposed to having detailed studies and
appraisals done.
Motion: D. Wendin moved that the Board continue items one, two, and
four in report R-85-21 and ask staff to return at an early
date with a financial analysis of construction of facility
on the Mountain View site, including financing alternatives.
R. Bishop seconded the motion.
Discussion: H. Turner requested that staff also address
the question of staff time involved and how this use of staff
time would impact the District' s programs. R. Bishop noted
cost estimates should include the costs of a staff person
who would be responsible for inspection during the con-
struction of a building. In response to a question from
C. Britton, D. Wendin stated that he was expecting staff
to return with an updated version of the alternatives con-
tained in the April 5 , 1984 report, specific to the Mountain
View site and including the alternative of leasing. The
motion passed 5 to 0 .
Motion: D. Wendin moved approval of item three of the staff report
concerning the Imperial Savings site as a rental with an
attempt to obtain an option to purchase. H. Turner seconded
the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 .
Meeting 85-05 (Continued) Page 3
C. Use and Management Plan for Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Report
R-85-19 of March 5 , 1985)
D. Hansen introduced the staff report and noted that the acquisition
date for the former Martin property should be changed to December 28 ,
1984 . D. Woods showed a series of slides to illustrate the report' s
major points. He noted that because of the popularity of the Preserve,
there is an increasing traffic problem associated with the spread-out
parking patterns along Skyline Boulevard. Discussion centered on
the trail that was to utilize the former Bachtold property, soaring
activities on the Preserve, and the limited amount of parking currently
available on Alpine Road.
Motion: H. Turner moved that the Board tentatively adopt the revised
Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the
staff report for the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.
R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 .
D. Los Trancos Open Space Preserve Use and Management Plan (Report R-85-18
of March 7 , 1985)
D. Woods showed slides to illustrate various points made in the staff
report. He noted that an existing Use and Management recommendation
concerning the Preserve ' s brochure should be included on Page Three
of the report, adding that the recommendation stated that the site
brochure should be updated to reflect the connecting trails when they
are complete.
K. Duffy stated that the trail leading from the parking area to
Station One was rough and meandering and questioned whether staff
had any plans to improve it and/or better define it with logs.
D. Woods stated he would review this portion of the trail . He also
stated that staff planned to define better the portion of the trail
near the knoll that had been reseeded.
Motion: H. Turner moved that the Board tentatively adopt the revised
Use and Management Plan for the Los Trancos Open Space Pre-
serve as contained in the staff report. R. Bishop seconded
the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 .
IV. OLD BUSINESS WITH NO ACTION REQUESTED
A. Special District Management Institute Report
T. Henshaw reported on the Special District Management Institute
she had recently attended and urged other Board members to attend
future institutes. She stated that the three directors from the
East Bay Regional Park District had extended an invitation for a
social get-together in the future.
D. Wendin requested that staff look into the telephone cable on the
ground on the former Stallings property.
S. Norton stated that the litigation matters to be discussed during
Closed Session were Hassler and some items covered under Government
Code Section 54956 . 9 , Subdivision b-1 .
V. CLOSED SESSION
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 9 : 05 P.M.
VI . ADJOURNMENT
The Board reconvened to public session at 10 : 43 P.M. to announce that a
Closed Session for the purpose of discussing litigation matters would be
held at the conclusion of the March 27 Special Meeting. The Board then
adjourned the Continued Regular Meeting of March 13 , 1985 .
Jean H. Fiddes
District Clerk