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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19870422 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 87-08 A, qnr 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 APRIL 22, 1987 MINUTES I . ROLL CALL President Richard Bishop called the meeting to order at 7 : 35 P .M. Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Richard Bishop, Gerry Andeen, and Nonette Hanko. Teena Henshaw arrived at 8 : 25 P.M. Members Absent: Edward Shelley and Daniel Wendin. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Mary Hale, Jean Fiddes, James Boland, Alice Cummings, Del Woods , Stanley Norton, and Joan Combs . II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 8, 1987 Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board approve the minutes of April 8 , 1987 . G. Andeen seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0 . III . WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS J. Combs stated that the Board had received the following written communications : 1) a letter, dated April 10 , 1987, from Steve Geraghty, 340 Village Lane, Los Gatos, requesting that the Jones Trail be open to runners; 2) a letter, dated April 14 , 1987, from R.O.M.P . (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers) Cycling Club, 4839 Pinemont Drive, Campbell, containing the Club's proposal for future use of Jones Trail and proposing regulations they would like to see adopted as criteria for controlling usage of the trail; 3) a letter, dated April 10 , 1987 , from Marc H . Greenberg, 294 Page Street, San Francisco, an attorney representing property owners on Allen Road, requesting a moratorium on any proposed public access use of Allen Road. J. Combs stated that a draft reply to Mr. Greenberg was attached for Board consideration. After discussion, R. Bishop said that the letters concerning Jones Trail would be referred to staff and that the response to Mr . Green- berg was approved subject to its being reviewed by District Legal Counsel . IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Bob Fisse, Rt. 2, Box 402, La Honda, representing the South Skyline Association, suggested that the District consider smaller, less obvious signs for Los Trancos and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves 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 87-08 Page two since the location of the Preserves was now well known. He also suggested that the District consider shuttle bus service for the Skyline Boulevard area. R. Bishop stated that he would ask the Transportation Committee to consider the latter suggestion. Kathy Kennedy-Miller, 16222 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, said that Patricia Scarlett had asked her to relay her opinion that the case information concerning Allen Road access was quite clear. K. Kennedy- Miller questioned why a letter she had delivered to the District office on April 21 had not been included in the new material distributed at the meeting. R. Bishop said that the letter had been delivered too late for distribution and would be distributed for the next Board meeting. Eric Thompson, Star Route 2 , Box 415 , La Honda, noted his agenda had arrived on time, questioned why Legal Counsel did not attend the first part of Board meetings , and asked why the trail from Alpine Road to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve had been closed to equestrians . R. Bishop stated that the Board had determined when they wished Legal Counsel to be present at Board meetings and in the interests of economy decided that he normally should arrive somewhat into the meetings . D. Hansen responded that there was no intention to restrict horses from the trail, and that the situation would be rectified . K. Kennedy-Miller complimented the District Rangers ' responsiveness in removing a District sign that had been inadvertently placed on private property. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA R. Bishop stated that the agenda was adopted by Board consensus . VI . BOARD BUSINESS A. Estimated Grazing Costs for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-87-65 of April 16 , 1987) D. Hansen said the total cost for reintroducing grazing to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve would be $22, 689 over a five year period. Discussion centered on the problem of thistle control for the Preserve, including a possible trial use of a systemic herbicide which would be overseen by Dr. Samuel McGinnis , a wildlife biologist. D. Hansen said that the estimated cost for this test program would be $1600 . H. Grench said that he wanted to consult with Dr. Ruth Troeschler concerning systemic herbicides and that the District should approach the use of herbicides cautiously . R. Bishop asked H. Grench to present an informational report to the Board after receiving Dr. Troeschler ' s report. E. Thompson distributed copies of the Bureau of Land Management' s charges per animal unit month, stated that the estimated cost of grazing Unit 5, which includes fencing along Skyline Boulevard, should be partially mitigated by regular fencing costs, and asked which spring would be developed to provide water to the pond. D. Hansen responded that the spring box below the corral would be used . R. Bishop stated that since the Report was an informational item, no action by the Board was required. Meeting 87-08 Page three B. Proposed Cooperative Project With the County of Santa Clara For Purchase of Land Adjacent to Stevens Creek Park and Picchetti Ranch Area (Report R-87-66 of April 14 , 1987) C. Britton reviewed the staff report, noting that the general concept for the proposed project had been approved at the January 28 , 1987 Board meeting. He said that, since that time, intensive field investigations had been conducted by District and County planning staff to determine potential trail alignment and Ranger vehicle access to the area. He said that after the field investigations , a revised proposal for the project had been submitted by the County Parks Director to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He stated that, in light of the revised proposal, staff was concerned about underlying policies related to this particular cooperative project. Referring to the wall map, C. Britton reviewed the history of the project area and relevant acquisitions in the area. He said although the original plan had specified a 1400 foot elevation for the trail, further field investigation had determined that a 1900 foot elevation would provide the best trail alignment. C. Britton said that the revised proposal recommends that the County be responsible for the acquisition of the 160 acre Schwabacher property and that the District deed a 97 acre portion of the former Consigny property to the County for development of a patrol access route and to provide a public staging area for the trail head. He noted that the previous proposal had included a general concept of an equitable sharing of responsibility between the two agencies with respect to the Schwabacher property. He stated that the District is also interested in equestrian access from the Picchetti Ranch Area to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, but a satisfactory agreement with the County has not yet been reached. R. Bishop said he assumed that a condition of any transfer of land to the County would be done with the understanding that the land would remain open space and that the trails would be developed for public use . N. Hanko stated that she had served on the committee that had developed the County Trails Plan and said that the County had endorsed the 1400 foot level for the trail and had understood that the County would be responsible for the trail. She said that if the level is moved to 1900 foot, she felt that the same standards should still apply. She said the District was now being asked to share the responsibility with the County and that there may be some value to meeting with the County to determine the County' s expectations concerning responsibility . She said that she would not like to see the Schwabacher proposal fall through, even though responsibilities have not yet been determined. C. Britton said that he understood that the County was proceeding with an appraisal of the property . J Meeting 87-08 Page four R. Bishop stated that he would favor the project, with the proviso that the County complete the trail, acquire land and easements , and take patrol responsibilities when the property is acquired. N. Hanko said she would favor going ahead with the Schwabacher acquisition, while attempting to resolve other issues by joint discussion between the County Supervisors and the District's Board of Directors . H. Grench said that while the County is in the process of appraising the Schwabacher property, there is an opportunity for Board members to meet with the County . Beez Jones, 16891 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino, said she felt the Board should meet with the County's Park Commission rather than the Board of Supervisors . Ralph Brown, 541 Bryson Avenue, Palo Alto, agent for the Schwabachers , said that he hoped discussion of other issues would not delay acquisition of the property. Alfonso Tatano, P .O. Box 865 , Cupertino, spoke in favor of the acquisition for open space or park use. K. Duffy said that the County should be urged to go ahead with the proposed purchase and land swap and that discussion should con- tinue on possible cooperation on the rest of the system, its management, and larger issues . Motion: R. Bishop moved that discussions with the County continue at staff, both Board, and Commission level to arrive at an agreement on the joint project, but with the District stating that it was not willing to assume sole responsi- bility for completing and managing the trail . N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: R. Bishop said he would be willing to follow staff ' s recommendation concerning disposition of the Consigny property . The motion passed 5 to 0 . R. Bishop appointed K. Duffy and N . Hanko to participate in the discussions with the County. T. Henshaw was appointed as an alternate on the Committee. C. Consideration of Sponsoring Urgency Legislation Relating to Possible ward 2 Vacancy (Report R-87-67 of April 16 , 1987) R. Bishop reviewed his report, noting that possible problems that could arise by operating as a six-member Board included lack of a quorum for meetings, tie votes, and lack of Committee personnel . He stated that he had discussed this agenda item with D. Wendin who had said that if the legislation could be passed, he would be willing to accept the appointment and serve. N. Hanko stated that she liked R. Bishop' s proposal. T. Henshaw stated that she opposed the proposed urgency legislation, noting that she saw no problem with the appointment of an interim director to complete D. Wendin' s term. Meeting 87-08 Page five E. Thompson stated that he agreed with T. Henshaw. Alfonso Tatano, P .O. Box 865, Cupertino, K. Kennedy-Miller, and Beez Jones spoke against the emergency legislation. Mark Winitz, 1638 Corte Via, Los Altos , said that D. Wendin had been opposed by two other candidates in the November election, and suggested that the Board appoint one of those candidates rather than having an election next November to fill the position. Bob Fisse stated that there are other qualified people who could be appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board consider seeking urgency legislation that would permit a director of an open space or regional park district who has resigned as director of his/her ward to be appointed by the board of directors to serve as an interim director for the time period between the resignation and the newly-elected director taking office and that this legislation not be tied in to the District's legislation extending the time of repayment of District debt. N . Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: H . Grench discussed legislative options and explained the procedure required for urgency legislation. He said that a District-sponsored bill regarding publi- cation of the annual audit could be changed for the present purpose. There were no objections expressed to this . R. Bishop called for a roll call vote and the motion passed 4 to 1 on the following vote: Yes : K. Duffy, R. Bishop, G. Andeen, and N. Hanko. No: T. Henshaw. S . Norton stated that he had reviewed the draft response to Marc Greenberg and said that it was satisfactory . D. Revision of Land Purchase Promissory Note (Edward and Leo Zabel Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve (Report R-87-64 of April 15 , 1987) C. Britton stated that two modifications to the originally proposed prepayment of the Zabel Promissory note were being recommended for approval: 1) a reduction in the interest rate from 8% to 7%; and 2) subordination of the note to the District' s 1987 Promissory Note Issue and any subsequent District issues . Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board approve staff ' s recommendation to approve and execute the replacement Zabel Promissory Note at a reduced interest rate and subordinated to the District' s 1987 Promissory Note Issue and any subsequent District issues . N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 . E. Authorization to Purchase Two Restrooms for Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Report R-87-64 of April 16 , 1987) D. Hansen said that staff was recommending the purchase of two restrooms for the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Skyline Boulevard parking areas . He noted that the particular patented unit required was available only from one vendor, Restroom Facilities , and staff had not sought competitive bid information. Meeting 87-08 Page six Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board authorize staff to purchase two restrooms from Restroom Facilities for a price not to exceed $17 , 867 .93 . N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: In response to questions from members of the audience, D. Hansen stated that the restrooms were designed to be vandalproof and that they had been approved by the San Mateo County Health Department. The motion passed 5 to 0 . F. Request for Authorization to Purchase Dump Truck (Report R-87-62 of April 14 , 1987) D. Hansen said that three bids had been received and that staff had determined Towne Ford of Redwood City to be the lowest responsible bidder. Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to award a purchase contract to Towne Ford of Redwood City for a dump truck at a total cost of $22 , 300 . 34 . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 . VII . INFORMATIONAL REPORTS H. Grench said that the Board might wish to authorize expenditures for a Board member to attend the CPRS Annual Legislative Conference to be held on May 6 in Sacramento. Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board authorize a Board member ' s attendance at the conference. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 . H . Grench said that G. Andeen had indicated an interest in attending the Special Park Districts Forum to be held- in Minneapolis in May. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that expenses be authorized for G. Andeen to attend the Forum. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 . M. Hale reported on the upcoming April 24 San Mateo County tour. D. Hansen said that San Mateo and Santa Clara County Health Departments had been contacted concerning Lyme ' s Disease, and said that only three cases had been reported since 1983 . Consequently, Land Management would keep tabs on the situation but not do special notice in brochures at present. N. Hanko said that the buttercups were blooming at the proposed Alpine Reservoir parking site for the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. She stated that the 2020 Task Force had sent its report to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and that it would be circulated among various jurisdictions for review and comment. R. Bishop said that there was going to be a People for Open Space sponsored meeting to discuss the issue of trail connections in San Francisco watershed property. VIII . CLAIMS Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve the Revised Claims 87-08 . K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0 . Meeting 87-08 Page seven IX. CLOSED SESSION S . Norton announced that litigation matters relating to the Hosking property and Big Creek Lumber to be discussed in Closed session fell under Subdivision (a) of Government Code Section 54956 . 9 . The Board recessed to Closed Session at 10 : 10 P .M. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11: 33 P.M. Jo Combs Secretary