HomeMy Public PortalAbout19861112 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 86-27
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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