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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19861112 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 86-27 oe n� 0 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT OLD MILL OFFICE CENTER,BUILDING C,SUITE 135 201 SAN ANTONIO CIRCLE,MOUNTAIN VIEW,CALIFORNIA 94040 (415)949-5500 REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOVEMBER 12 , 1986 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Edward Shelley called the meeting to order at 7 :34 P .M. Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Daniel Wendin, Teena Henshaw, Edward Shelley, Nonette Hanko, and Richard Bishop. Member Absent: Harry Turner. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Mary Hale , Del Woods , James Boland, Mary Gundert, Stanley Norton , and Doris Smith. II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 18 , 1986 Motion : D. Wendin moved the approval of the recording of events at the dedication of the Los Gatos Creek Park. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . B. October 22, 1986 Motion: N. Hanko moved the adoption of the minutes of October 22 , 1986 . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 with E. Shelley abstaining because he was absent from the meeting. III . WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS D. Smith stated the Board had received the following written communi- cations : 1) an agenda notice of the November 6 , 1986 meeting of the South Bay Ground Water Contamination Task Force; 2) a letter from Douglas J. Gaynor, Director of Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, dated October 17 , 1986 expressing appreciation for the Board 's support of Santa Clara County's Measure "A" on the November ballot. E. Shelley stated the Board 's consensus approving staff 's recommen- dation that neither written communication required further response. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications . Herbert A.Grench,General Manager Board o1 Directors:Katherine Duffy,Nonette G.Hanko,Teena Henshaw,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin Meeting 86-27 Page Two V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA E. Shelley stated that the agenda was adopted by Board consensus. VI . BOARD BUSINESS A. Showing of "Treasures of the Greenbelt" (Report R-86-101 of November 3 , 1986) H. Grench introduced Jay Powell who is the Field Organizer of People for Open Space for San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties . Mr. Powell showed the film, "Treasures of the Greenbelt" and des- cribed the work that People for Open Space and the Greenbelt Con- gress are doing. B. Access Facilities for Alpine Pond Area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-86-108 of November 6 , 1986) D. Hansen stated that staff had met recently with representatives from CalTrans , the California State Department of Parks and Recreation grants program, the San Mateo County Planning and Public Works Department, and a range management consultant to obtain answers to questions that had been raised at the October 22 meeting relating to access facilities to the Alpine Pond area. D. Woods discussed the three topics presented in the staff report pertaining to the State grant project, restricted whole access parking, and the parking area at Russian Ridge. Discussion centered on the implications that the various proposed access changes may have on the existing and proposed State grant projects . D. Woods noted that the project manager from the State had reviewed the District 's progress thus far and was satisfied that staff is adequately exploring alternatives to providing access to the Alpine Pond area. D. Woods also noted that the project man- ager had identified three other potential alternative State funding possibilities for a potential underpass which include the funds from off-shore drilling, funds left over from the first round of Proposition 18 Grant funds allocations , and the environmental li- cense plate fund. T. Henshaw, referring to staff 's discussion with the State grants project manager, asked if the District would be required to pay back grant funds if the District was unsuccessful in providing a whole access trail to Alpine Pond. D. Woods responded that the State would be satisfied if the District made every attempt to try to implement plans as presented in the grant proposal, and, therefore, the District would not lose any of the grant monies. He further stated that if funds were left over from the Stage One projects , they could be applied to the second stage expenditures so long as the money was used on the Skyline Ridge Preserve. In response to R. Bishop 's question, D. Hansen stated that staff was recommending that further study and work be discontinued on the entrance to the ranch area of the Preserve from Skyline Boule- vard due to the difficulties encountered in trying to implement a safe entrance. Phyllis Cangemi , 517 Lincoln Avenue , Redwood City, representing Whole Access , said she doesn 't recommend spending any money for development projects at Alpine Lake if whole access to the area Meeting 86-27 Page Three is unsuccessful and that the main issue is environmental feasi- bility. R. Bishop stated that he supported staff ' s recommendation to work toward the goal of whole access to Alpine Lake, investigating all alternatives to come up with the best solution. Motion: R. Bishop moved that staff be directed to return in spring 1987 with a more detailed plan for parking on Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve next to Alpine Road that addresses access , drainage, vegetation, and a poten- tial underpass route to the pond. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. Discussion : Christy Holloway, of Peninsula Open Space Trust, commended staff 's approach to difficult problems that could not be foreseen during earlier studies. The motion passed 6 to 0 . K. Duffy suggested that the District consider publicizing what whole access possibilities exist on District preserves , the percen- tage of grade of trails that could be used for whole access , and what trails could be accessible for wheelchairs. E. Shelley sug- gested this item be placed by K. Duffy on a future agenda. C. Final Adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the Dyer Property Addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Report R-86-106 of November 5, 1986) D. Hansen reviewed the staff report and advised that an informal meeting had been held with neighbors of La Honda Preserve and the Dyer property addition to discuss future use of the Dyer Ranch by the District. He said a public meeting has been tentatively sched- uled for February 18 , 1987 when potential access , parking, tres- pass concerns , and other pertinent items will be discussed. Discussion centered on the recommended number of vehicle permits which the District would issue for the site during the initial planning stages when the site could be accessed by vehicle only by permit from the District office. C. Britton stated that due to the narrow conditions on Bear Gulch Road and the fact that Allen Road is a private road, it is incumbent upon the District to con- trol access to the site until access problems can be worked out. N. Hanko said she supported the recommendations from staff. She noted that attempts have been made from the beginning to meet with the neighbors to ascertain what their concerns are. She said that the permit system will permit the District to respond in a good faith gesture to their concerns until it is known better what the situation is in the area. Kathy Kennedy-Miller, 16222 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside , said she would speak against the staff recommendations due to the existing conditions on Bear Gulch Road which made the issuance of even one permit for a car on that road excessive. She questioned where public parking would take place, and D. Hansen stated that parking is intended to be accommodated at the junction inside the property before the caretaker 's cottage. In response to her other ques- tions , E. Shelley noted that no restrictions would be in effect which would limit access only to weekday or weekend use , and he also noted that the subject of signing was addressed in the Interim Meeting 86-27 Page Four Use and Management recommendations . Following further discussion on limiting vehicle permits , D. Hansen noted that at a meeting of neighbors of the site there was no disagreement with using a limit of 20 permits per day. D. Wendin said he would support placing that kind of limit, as it is simply a cap to govern during the first year of planning. Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of the recommendation in the staff report and that item E-3 be changed to state : " . . .the site will be open to individuals and organized groups who may obtain a vehicle permit and site map from the District office. Such permits on any one day are limited to 20 . " T. Henshaw seconded the motion. Motion to Amend: N. Hanko moved that the motion be amended to change 20 vehicles to 10. The motion died for lack of a second. The original motion passed 6 to 0 . D. Final Adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the Peters Property Addition to the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-86-104 of November 4 , 1986) D. Hansen pointed out in the staff report that staff was recommen- ding the addition of Item 3 to the Interim Use and Management Plan for the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve which would address tres- passing concerns mentioned by a neighbor. Motion : N. Hanko moved the final adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the Peters property addition to the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve as contained in Report R-86-76 and amended to include Item 3 in Report R-86-104 , and that the Board indicate its intention to dedicate the property as public open space. R. Bishop seconded the motion. Discussion: Maureen Mehtala, 20200 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, asked that the District install "No Preserve Access" signs at Skyline Boulevard to prevent trespass on her property. She said that no easement rights had been granted on her property. H. Grench advised that such signing was tricky and could actually encourage trespass , but that the Land Management staff would work with her to attempt to resolve any prob- lems that might exist. T. Henshaw stated that the subject of signage on Skyline Boulevard needs to be addressed as an agenda item so the Board can study the problems that pertain to that area. The motion passed 6 to 0 . E. Final Adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the San Jose Water Company Property Addition to Los Gatos Creek Park (Report R-86-99 of October 22 , 1986) D. Hansen reported that the major issue to surface at Los Gatos Creek Park has been reaction to the closure of the new Jones Road trail to use by bicyclists . He said the problem will be presented to the Midpeninsula Trails Council in December and at a public Meeting 86-27 Page Five workshop in January before staff formulates any further policies for trail use on the site. Discussion centered on the vandalism that is currently occurring on the site and the possible solutions to the problem. Motion: R. Bishop moved the final adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the San Jose Water Company property addition to Los Gatos Creek Park as presented in the staff report. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . F. Final Adoption of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the Cali- fornia Province of the Society of Jesus Property Addition to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Kennedy Road Area (Report R-86-98 of October 22 , 1986) D. Hansen reviewed the staff report. Motion: N. Hanko moved the adoption of the Interim Use and Manage- ment Plan for the California Province of the Society of Jesus property addition to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Kennedy Road Area. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . G. Proposed Kidwell Property Addition to the Sierra Azul Open Space "Preserve - mt. Umunhum Area (Report R-86-107 of November 6 , 1986) C. Britton briefed the Board on the terms of the agreement for pur- chase of the Kidwell property which consists of two parcels , par- cel one of 358 acres and parcel two of 78 acres , for a total pur- chase price of $350 ,000. He stated that although title to the 78 acres, in particular, is somewhat clouded, it was staff 's intention that the District occupy and use both parcels. The Interim Use and Management recommendations were outlined by D. Hansen following a slide presentation by M. Gundert. The representatives of Harvey and Ruth Lawrence, contiguous owners near Wrights Station Road, raised questions about access and ease- ment rights on adjoining properties and asked if their property could be landlocked by this District purchase of property. D. Wendin responded that easement rights in existence before purchase of the property would not be affected by this acquisition; what- ever rights existed prior to sale of the property would be the same after the sale. C. Britton stated that staff would work with neighbors to try to resolve any access problems that may exist. Motion: K. Duffy moved the adoption of Resolution 86-64 , a Resolu- tion 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 Author- izing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Docu- ments Necessary or Appropriate to Closing of the Trans- action (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Land of Kidwell) . N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . Motion: K. Duffy moved the adoption of the Interim Use and Manage- ment Plan recommendations contained in the staff report including naming the property as an addition to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Mt. Umunhum. Area and Meeting 86-27 Page Six indicate its intention to withhold the property from dedication at this time. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . H. Naming of Ravenswood Preserve (Report R-86-102 of October 31, 1986) D. Hansen reported that letters were sent to the Cities of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park regarding the proposal to change the name of the District ' s San Mateo County Baylands Reserve to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. He said that only one letter had been received in reponse to the suggested name change in which a member of the Menlo Park City Council thought the word "Reserve" should be kept in the title. Motion : D. Wendin moved approval of changing the name of the Dis- trict 's San Mateo County Baylands Reserve to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. I . California Community Parklands Act of 1986 Grant Application (Re- port R-86-105 of November 5 , 1986) C. Britton reviewed the staff report and noted that the potential projects are quite inclusive at this time, which allows consider- able flexibility. Motion: N. Hanko moved the adoption of Resolution 86-65 , a Resolu- tion of the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Approving the Application for Grant Funds Under the Community Parklands Act of 1986 for the Following Projects : La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Additions , Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Additions , Coal Creek Open Space Preserve Additions , Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Additions , Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Additions , Long Ridge Open Space Preserve Addi- tions , and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve Addi- tions . K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . J. Rescheduling of November 26 Regular Meeting to November 24 (Report R-86-100 of October 23 , 1986) Motion: E. Shelley moved to reschedule the November 26 meeting to Monday, November 24 at 7 :30 P.M. at the District office. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . VII . INFORMATIONAL REPORTS H. Grench reported that he sent letters congratulating successful local candidates following the recent November elections . He said a copy of the new All-Site Brochure was enclosed with each letter. He said staff would be happy to work with any Board member wanting to send their own letters to newly elected officials . H. Grench suggested that the second Regular Meeting for December be held on Monday, December 22 since the normal meeting date would fall on Christmas Eve. Since no Board member indicated this date would pose a conflict, he said this would be formally recommended on the agenda of December 10 . Meeting 86-27 Page Seven VIII . CLAIMS Motion: R. Bishop moved approval of Revised Claims 86-21. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0 . IX. CLOSED SESSION The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 10 :26 P.M. S. Norton stated that no litigation matters would be discussed during the Closed Session. X. ADJOURNMENT The Board reconvened to adjourn at 11:12 P.M. Doris Smith Secretary