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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19880727 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) -A- OOF 0 am 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 -4' �vjjar� ',n,_�4 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.