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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 Meeting 88-17
(415)949-5500
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JULY 27 ,__1_9_88
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
Vice-President Gerry Andeen called the meeting to order at 7 : 32 P.M.
Members Present: Richard Bishop, Robert McKibbin, Edward Shelley, and
Gerry Andeen. Katherine Duffy arrived at 8 : 15 P.M.
Members Absent: Nonette Hanko and Teena Henshaw.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Jean
Fiddes, Mary Hale, Walter Goggin, Del Woods , James Boland, Mary
Gundert, and Emma Johnson.
II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The approval of the minutes of July 13 , 1988 was deferred until the
arrival of K. Duffy.
III. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
E. Johnson stated that the Board had received the following written
communication:
1 . A letter, dated July 11 , 1988 , from Elly Hess, 2411 Graceland
Avenue, San Carlos urging the District to establish a bicycle
policy. She also sent the bicycle regulations from Mount
Tamalpias Watershed. E. Johnson noted that a draft rely to Ms .
Hess was attached to her letter.
G. Andeen, with the Board' s concurrence, directed that the draft reply
be sent to Ms . Hess.
R. Bishop asked that D. Hansen give an informational report to the
Board at its August 24 meeting regarding the present District bicycle
policies and the status of formulating any new policies .
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Deberah Bringelson from Senator Rebecca Morgan' s office said that
Senator Morgan will be available to accept the photograph from the
District after the close of the Legislature. H. Grench welcomed Ms.
Bringelson and said that Senator Morgan, as a sponsor of the legisla-
tion for a State budget allocation for the whole access tunnel , was
very helpful and that the District appreciated her assistance . He
said that the District will make personal presentations to the various
legislators who helped the District secure the budget allocation.
Meeting 88-17 Page two
V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
G. Andeen stated that the agenda was adopted by Board consensus.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Appreciation of Legislative Support for Whole Access Underpass to
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-88-84 of July 18,
1988)
H. Grench reported that the governor had signed the budget bill
allocating money for the whole access tunnel and that the project
had had much support, including the sponsorship of the allocation
by Senator Rebecca Morgan and Assembly Member William Duplissea.
He said that letters and plaques would also be presented to
Assembly Members Sher, Quackenbush, and Vasconcellos and Senator
Alquist for their invaluable help in the endeavor.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-28,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District in Appreciation to
Senator Rebecca Morgan for Her Sponsorship of a State
Budget Allocation to Construct Whole Access Tunnel for
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. R. Bishop seconded
the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-29,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District in Appreciation to
Assembly Member William Duplissea for His Sponsorship
of a State Budget Allocation to Construct Whole Access
Tunnel for Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. R.
Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board authorize the President
to sign letters of appreciation to legislators Morgan,
Duplissea, Sher, Quackenbush, Vasconcellos and Alquist.
R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to
0.
B. Final Adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the
Harris Property Addition to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
(Report R-88-85 of July 18, 1988)
D. Hansen reported that the Preliminary Use and Management Plan
tentatively adopted by the Board on May 25, 1988 should be
amended to include construction of a fuel break, seeding of
graded areas, and installation of District fencing along the new
property line of the Preserve.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt the revised
Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Harris
property addition to the Fremont Older Open Space
Preserve. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion
passed 4 to 0.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board name the property as an
addition to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, and
indicate its intention to dedicate the property as
public open space. R. McKibbin seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4 to 0.
Meeting 88-17 Page three
C. Proposed Stanford Property Addition to the Russian Ridge qp!�n
Space Preserve and Final Adoption of the PreliminAKy_gse and
Management Plan (Report R-88-86 of_ July _19,_ 1988).
C. Britton noted that the Board had previously adopted a Resolu-
tion of Public Necessity to acquire the 145-acre property. He
said that through continued negotiations with the owners, a
settlement had been reached and that the purchase price of
$815,000 may qualify for Proposition 70 funding.
D. Hansen said that staff had evaluated the condition of the
house and was now recommending demolition because of its poor
condition. D. Woods showed slides of the deterioration of the
house and the abandoned vehicles in the surrounding area.
D. Hansen said that staff recommended that the Preliminary Use
and Management Plan be amended to include the removal of the
abandoned vehicles and residence on the property and the stabili-
zing of the road leading to the house area.
E. Shelley proposed that the final adoption of the Preliminary
Use and Management Plan be delayed until the next Board meeting
to give the public an opportunity to respond to the change in the
proposed Preliminary Use and Management Plan relating to the
demolition of the house.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-30,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Accep-
tance of Purchase Agreement, 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
(Lands of Stanford et al. ) E. Shelley seconded the
motion. The motion passed 4 to 0.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board tentatively adopt the
amended Preliminary Use and Management Plan, including
naming the property as an addition to Russian Ridge
Open Space Preserve, and indicate its intention to
dedicate the property as public open space. E.
Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0.
Since only four Board members were present at this point in the
meeting, C. Britton requested the Board defer consideration of
the proposed Block Bros. addition to Teague Hill Open Space
Preserve until Director Duffy was present.
D. Exchange of Portion of Former Bullis Property for Lands of Bach
Addition to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve and Final_Adoption of
Preliminary Use and Management Plan (Report R-88-88 of July 18,
19"1
C. Britton reported that the Board had previously approved the
exchange of a long term interest in the 12 acre developed portion
of the former Bullis property for the 100 acre Bach property. He
said that since staff was unable to close escrow on the exchange
Meeting 88-17 Page four
transaction as written, negotiations with Mr. Bach had to be
reopened, and that an amended agreement has been reached.
He outlined the changes in the amended exchange agreement,
including: extension of the term to 55 years minimum and 80 years
maximum; Mr. Bach to take title to the property subject to the
existing $600,000 note, secured by a deed of trust on the entire
property; the land area is more accurately defined by reference
to a survey map; Mr. Bach accepts the property in "as is"
condition and confirms his date of possession as May 14, 1988;
Mr. Bach waives all rights to future payment by District for
defects; District will pay an additional $45,000 to cover repair
costs, the costs of obtaining a partial reconveyance from the
former owner, less rent due the District; transaction closing
date is extended to August 12, 1988; and cost of title and escrow
will be split three ways.
D. Hansen noted that the Board had previously tentatively adopted
the Preliminary Use and Management Plan, including naming the
property as an addition to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, and
indicated its intention to dedicate the property. He said that
no public comment had been received since February 24, 1988 when
the Board tentatively adopted the plan.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-31 ,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Accep-
tance of Amendment to Agreement to Exchange Interests
in the Real Property, Authorizing Officer to Execute
Certificate of Acceptance of Grant to District, and
Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All
Other Documents Mecessary or Appropriate to Closing of
the Transaction (Coal Creek Open Space Preserve - Lands
of Bach) . R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion
passed 4 to 0.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary
Use and Management Plan, including naming the site as
an addition to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, and
indicate its intention to dedicate the property as
public open space. R. McKibbin seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4 to 0.
E. Proposed Paulin et al. Property Addition to La Honda Creek Open
Space Preserve (Report R-88-89 of July 21, 1988)
Katherine Duffy arrived at 8 :15 P.M.
C. Britton showed the location of the proposed acquisition on the
wall map, noting the areas of the two proposed in-holdings,
roads, and easements. He said that the entire property is
approximately 160 acres but that the sellers intend to retain two
areas of the property totalling 21.4 acres for which the District
would have_the right of first refusal. He added that the Keller
interest would be acquired for $405, 000 and the Paulin interest
for $171, 101.
D. Woods showed slides of the property, noting the dense forest.
He said that potential trails will have to be carefully
Meeting 88-17 Page five
engineered in the steep canyons and noted that there is no good
vehicle access to the property at this time.
D. Hansen reported that the property is situated between La Honda
Creek Open Space Preserve and Skyline Boulevard and offers a
variety of attractive trail experiences and vistas not currently
available. He said it will provide potential for future connec-
tions to Wunderlich County Park and would enhance District patrol
of the area. He said that staff recommends installation of
private property signs and boundary plaques, installation of a
gate on Allen Road at the driveway to the homesite on Parcel III,
clean-up of the site, a road agreement with the sellers, and the
inclusion of the new roads into the current maintenance plan for
roads on La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.
Kathy Kennedy-Miller, 16222 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, asked
how hikers would gain access to the former Dyer property and why
the District is willing to give up a road easement on the
boundary. C. Britton responded that the easement deadends at the
property boundary and is no practical use to the District. Trail
use would originate on the former Dyer property. D. Woods added
that hikers could also enter from Skyline Boulevard at the
northwest corner of the property. K. Kennedy-Miller asked about
the location of the east to west trail and where it meets Allen
Road. D. Woods responded that this trail connects the east and
west canyon over the middle ridge and to Allen Road near the
southeast boundary of the property.
K. Duffy added that any trail projects have to be discussed and
considered with the use and management of the entire preserve and
that she estimates trail construction on the property would be
far into the future. D. Woods added that there would be public
workshops before any trail alignments would be adopted.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-32,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Accep-
tance of Purchase Agreement, Authorizing Officer to
Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Grant to District,
and Authorizing the General Manager to Execute Any and
All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to Closing
of the Transaction (La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
- Lands of Paulin et al. - Keller Interest) . E.
Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-33,
a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpenin-
sula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Accep-
tance of Purchase Agrement, 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 (La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve -
Lands of Paul et al. - Paulin Interest) . E. Shelley
seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Meeting 88-17 Page six
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board tentatively adopt the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations,
tentatively name the property as an addition to the La
Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, and indicate its
intention to dedicate the property as public open
space. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5 to 0.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Deferred from earlier in the meeting)
quly 13, 1988
Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board approve the minutes of
July 13, 1988 . R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The
motion passed 5 to 0.
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS (Continued)
F. Proposed Block Bros. Industries Addition to Teague Hill Open
Space Preserve and Final Adoption of the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan (Report R-88-87 of July 18 , 1988)
C. Britton reported that through continued negotiations with
Block Bros. Industries the District could acquire the remaining
36. 842% interest in the 624 acre property. He said that the
Willen Corporation was willing to return funds back into escrow
so that the District would only have to provide $230, 263 in cash
to close the transaction for the total purchase price of -
$2,763, 150 for the Block Bros. interest.
D. Hansen noted that the Board had tentatively adopted the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan when the Willen Corporation's
63.158% interest was acquired and that the recommendations remain
the same. R. Bishop asked that staff present an informational
report to the Board when escrow closes.
H. Grench said that staff has been considering the parking lot at
,,��Wunderlich County Park as a potential parking area for this area
and has talked with San Mateo County Parks and Recreation staff
about it. He said that a county parking lot in this area is in
their master plan, but not in their 5-year capital improvement
plan. He suggested that a joint grant application for the
parking area may be possible using Proposition 70 funding.
Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-34 , a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Mid-
peninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing
Acceptance of Real Property Purchase Agreement,
Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Accep-
tance of Grant to District, and Authorizing General
Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Neces-
sary or Appropriate to Closing of the Transaction
(Teague Hill Open Space Preserve - Lands of Block Bros.
Industries (U.S.A. ) , Inc. ) R. McKibbin seconded the
motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary Use
and Management Plan for the property, name the property
Teague Hill Open Space Preserve, and withhold the
property from dedication as public open space at this
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OWN
SZEWAMMI
Meeting 88-17 Page eight
completed, and once approved by the Board, must be submitted to
the California Department of Parks and Recreation for approval
and to San Mateo County for a development permit.
D. Woods outlined in detail the twelve individual projects in the
first phase of the Master Plan, their potential impacts, and the
proposed mitigation of each. He noted that the Board approved a
Negative Declaration for the Skyline Ridge Master Plan in March,
1985 that was conceptual in nature since no plans were then
available. He added that a second Negative Declaration had been
prepared for the plans and specifications for the first phase
implementation of the Master Plan and that it has been sent to
the appropriate agencies and posted on-site for thirty days. He
said that no public comment has been received to date. He added
that any significant change in the project will require the draft
Negative Declaration to be rewritten and resubmitted to the State
Clearinghouse for an additional 30-day review period prior to the
Board taking any action.
G. Andeen invited public comment on the plans and specifications.
Kathy Kennedy-Miller requested an explanation of a negative
declaration and environmental impact report and asked what would
happen if San Mateo County disagreed with the negative declara-
tion. D. Hansen stated that the District as the lead agency is
obligated to consult with other responsible agencies and that
staff has consulted with County staff for two years on this
project and that County staff indicated a negative declaration
was appropriate.
Beez Jones, 16891 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino asked about the
status of the Christmas Tree Farm. H. Grench replied that the
farm area is leased from the District and a that a buy out is
permitted under the initial agreement. B. Jones asked about the
trail surface for the whole access trail. D. Woods explained
that the trail will be constructed of finely crushed gravel with
a bonding agent that results in a concrete-like but pervious
surface. He added that staff has conducted a lengthy test on the
material and it has been very successful.
Kathy Kennedy-Miller expressed concern regarding the priority of
funding the whole access tunnel rather than the equestrian
parking lot. H. Grench explained that the tunnel was not being
constructed at the cost of the parking lot since the funds for
the tunnel were appropriated by a State grant specifically for
that project.
R. McKibbin proposed that all invasive eucalyptus trees be
removed rather than a portion around the proposed Russian Ridge
parking lot. E. Shelley suggested that staff be asked to
investigate removing all the eucalyptus, and R. McKibbin agreed
with the suggestion.
R. McKibbin expressed concern about the security of the nature
study center. He said that the area is notorious for nighttime
activity. He also cautioned against too much screening of the
parking lots so as not to lower security. D. Woods noted that
the Skyline Ranger office is in close proximity to the area
Meeting 88-17 Page nine
mentioned by R. McKibbin and will allow for more frequent patrol .
He added that the building has been designed to lessen the
possibility of vandalism.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board adopt the Negative
Declaration for the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
Development Project. R. McKibbin seconded the motion.
The motion passed 5 to 0.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board approve the plans and
specifications for the Skyline Ridge Open Space
Preserve Development Project. R. McKibbin seconded the
motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board authorize staff to
proceed with the project including solicitation of
bids. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5 to 0.
I. Coordinated Design Program (Report R-88-91 of July 15, 1988)
M. Hale reported that the proposed design program had been
reviewed with Directors Bishop and Shelley. H. Grench said that
staff would like to proceed with Phase II that called for further
development work to prepare additional samples in the proposed
design. He noted that cost for completion of Phase II is
expected to be $6, 000 and noted that funds had been budgeted.
R. Bishop and E. Shelley expressed their support to proceed with
the new design program, and R. McKibbin said the new design
expresses more clearly what the District is. He added that T.
Henshaw had expressed her support of the program to him. K.
Duffy said she supports the new design that expresses the open
space image.
Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board approve Phase I of the
proposed coordinated design concept for the District 's
printed and visual materials and authorize staff to
continue with Phase II of the project. R. McKibbin
seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
J. Amendment to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve Use and Manage-
ment Plan for Removal of Structure (Report R-88-92 of July 21,
1988)
Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board amend the Preliminary Use
and Management Plan for the Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve, Mt. Umunhum Area, authorizing staff to remove
the former Perretta house. R. McKibbin seconded the
motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
K. Action Plan Proaram Evaluation for 1987-1988 Fiscal Year (Report
R-88-77 of July 15, 1988)
Due to the lateness of the hour, the Board agreed to continue
this agenda item to its next regular meeting.
Meeting 88-17
Page ten
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board continue the agenda
item to its next regular meeting. K. Duffy seconded
the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
L. Approval of Consulting Services Agreement With Foss and Asso-
ciates (Report R-88-81 of July 8, 1988)
H. Grench noted that G. Foss has served as the District' s
Personnel Consultant since 1979 and that the proposed new
contract with Foss and Associates would conclude on June 30,
1988. He said that the fees of $575 for an average of ten hours
of service per month and $55 per hour for special projects are
nominal compared with other consultants. E. Shelley requested
that future reports document fees charged by other personnel
consultants. H. Grench noted that the District has paid $75 to
$100 per hour for a personnel study done by another consultant.
R. Bishop noted that he has been satisfied with the services of
the consultant and added that he has consulted with various
professionals who charge $100 to $300 per hour.
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board approve the Personnel
Consulting Services Agreement with Foss and Associates
and authorize the President to execute the document.
R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 5
to 0.
M. Request for Authorization to Solicit Truck Bids (Report R-88-82
of July 19, 1988)
J. Boland reported that a savings had been realized by purchasing
the light-utility truck in the fall of 1987. He said that staff
had evaluated local and State bid purchase alternatives and
recommends the local bid process to avoid the time delay asso-
ciated with the State bid process .
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board authorize staff to
solicit competitive bids for three four-wheel drive
light utility trucks and direct staff to return to the
Board for authorization to award the purchase contract.
R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 5
to 0.
N. Potential Acceleration of Trail Construction Schedule �Report R-
i-8-93 of July 12, 1988)
D. Woods reported on the trail projects that were completed
during the past six months, noting these have been accomplished
through various resources including ranger staff, consultants,
contractors, and volunteers. He said that increased staffing and
in-house equipment operators will expedite trail building in the
future.
IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
H. Grench reported on the recent event held by People for Open Space
Greenbelt Congress at the Picchetti Ranch Area. He said that atten-
dance was good and that the event was considered a success .
,Meeting 88-17 Dage eleven
H. Grench noted that plans are being made for the staff and docent
recognition event. The Board concurred to try to schedule the event
for Wednesday, OctoI-,er 19 .
J. Boland reported on a small onc�-half acre fire at Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve which was believed to have starLed from an old camp-
fire. He said that the California Department of Forestry extinguished
the blaze.
D. Woods reported on the on-going negotiations with Santa Clara County
staff regarding the deterioration of Montebello Road and the use of
the picchetti Ranch Area for a bypass road. He said that the road is
in an active slide area and an engineering study forecasts that the
road will suffer major damage in less than 10 years if corrective
measures are not taken. He said that County staff has proposed a
variety of options, including building another bypass road through the
Preserve very near the winery buildings.
Kathy Kennedy-Miller requested a copy of the list referred to in S.
Norton's memo of July 11, 1988 as well as information as to when it
was last updated.
X. CLAIMS
Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board approve Revised Claims 88-14.
R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0.
XI. CLOSED SESSION
H. Grench stated that it was not necessary for the Board to hold a
Closed Session.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 P.M.
Emma Johnson
Secretary
V , st 0
CORRECTION TO THE MINUTES OF JULY 27 , 1988
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 27 , 1988
E. Shelley stated that the first sentence in the third paragraph of
item F on page six should read " . . . the parking lot at Huddart
Park— , " rather than referring to Wunderlich County Park.
Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board approve the minutes of the
meeting of July 27 , 1988 as corrected. G. Andeen seconded
the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0.