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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19881026 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 88-23 . � AA. 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 OCTOBER 26 ,1988 MINUTES I . ROLL CALL President Katherine Duffy called the meeting to order at 7 : 35 P .M. Members Present: Richard Bishop, Katherine Duffy, Robert McKibbin, Teena Henshaw, Edward Shelley, Nonette Hanko, and Gerry Andeen. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, Mary Hale , Jean Fiddes , Del Woods , James Boland, Lauren McGuire , and Joan Combs . II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 12, 1988 Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board approve the minutes of October 12 , 1988 . E . Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed to 7 to U . III . WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS J. Combs stated that the Board had received the following written communications : 1) a letter, dated October 12 , 1988 , from Robert S . Ratner, 318 Costello Drive , Los Altos , requesting that the Board maintain access for all pedestrian traffic on the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve trails ; 2) a letter , dated October 12 , 1988 , from. Janet Schwind, 11325 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos , congratulating the Board and staff on the publication of the Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures brochure and the accompanying letters to property owners . K. Duffy stated that the draft response to Mr. Ratner ' s letter was approved by Board consensus and that no response was necessary for Mrs . Schwind ' s letter . Herbert Grench,General Manager;Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Edward Shelley,Nonette Hanko,Gerry Andean,Richard Bishop Meeting 88-23 0 0 Page two IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Celia Hartnett, 3443 Brittan Avenue , San Carlos, reported on the proposed development of the lands of Benedetti adjacent to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and the grading that had been done on the property. She asked the Board to review the draft Environmental Impact Report on the project and to help in any way possible to prevent the development of the property. R. Bishop said that the District should assess possible impacts and ask the City for safeguards for the preserve. He requested a copy of staff ' s response to the draft EIR and also asked that a copy be sent to Ms . Hartnett. Walter Reynolds , 360 Swett Road, Woodside, introduced himself as a new District neighbor, noting he planned to occupy the property adjacent to El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve that had previously been offered for sale to the District. He complimented staff member W. Goggin on the negotiations they had had and mentioned several items of interest to him as a neighboring property owner. He added in a written note to the minute taker that he was considering Mr. Goggin' s suggestion of giving the District the right of first refusal for future acquisition of the property. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA R. Duffy stated that the agenda was adopted by Board consensus . VI . BOARD BUSINESS A. Proposed Temporary or Seasonal Closure of Certain District Trails to Bicycle and Equestrian Use (Re Dort R-88-123 dated October 19, 1988_} D. Woods noted that the consideration of this item had been postponed at the October 12 meeting in order to allow review by the West Bay Trails Council . He noted that the Open Space Management staff recommendations had been revised somewhat since the previous meeting. He reviewed closure actions previously taken by the Board and outlined staff ' s current proposals for trail closures for the next six months. J. Boland said that the West Bay Trails Council had requested to be informed of seasonal closures if time permitted and noted that a barricade and signing system would be used for closed trails . He stated that it was staff ' s opinion that the Soda Gulch and Black Mountain Trails were unsuitable for multiple use , and that closure was recommended until a trail use policy was adopted. He reported that Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP) members would assist staff in identifying potentially soggy areas on trails so that Meeting 88-23 0 0 Page three these areas could be filled in before winter rains in order to avoid possible seasonal closures . He showed slides of the trails proposed for closure. D. Woods stated that the District had hired a consultant to develop trail policies and guidelines , and said that the information gathered will be submitted to a review committee comprised of various user groups . He said that completion of the draft document is anticipated early next year, and after a series of public meetings, the document would be presented to the Board in April 1989 . ] John Mackay, 205 Cervantes Road, Portola Valley, said that the Black Mountain Trail was an important equestrian access route to other open space land. He asked that consideration be given to access before temporary closure of the trail , and suggested that an alternate route be devised if work is being done on the trail . D. Woods said that the Black Mountain Trail was recommended for seasonal closure only. R. Bishop said that he wished the Board to have some involvement in the preparation of the document. He said that he would like to be notified of review committee meetings , and E. Shelley stated that a workshop in which the Board participated would be useful. N. Hanko thanked the staff for the informative presentation, and said that the public and Board should be well informed of trail closures. R. Bishop said that the revised recommendations were more liberal than the original report, and that he preferred the recommendations in the previous report. He said he thought that trails should be closed on a temporary rather than seasonal basis if a safety question existed. He said that he would like to see the District adopt San Mateo County' s policy for the seasonal closure of trails and that he favored closing the Whittemore Gulch, Rhus Ridge, and Seven Springs Loop Trails on a temporary rather than seasonal basis . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the staff recommendations be revised by placing Rhus Ridge Trail, Seven Springs Loop Trail , and Whittemore Gulch Trail in the temporary closure category until the trail use policies and guidelines were presented to the Board. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Woods said that because those Meeting 88-23 Page four three trails had good line of sight, staff had proposed moving them from the temporary category to the seasonal category until a trails policy is adopted. E. Shelley said that he would not support the motion because he felt that temporary closure was acceptable only when a trail had never been opened to bicycle and equestrian use, noting that Whittemore Gulch Trail did not meet that criterion. Upon question, H. Grench said that he was intending to approve the revised recommendations, unless the Board decided otherwise. K. Duffy said that she favored supporting the revised staff report as written until public workshops were held. The motion failed to pass on the following vote: Ayes : R. Bishop and N. Hanko. Noes : E. Shelley, T. Henshaw, R. McKibbin, K. Duffy, and G. Andeen. K. Duffy stated that since there was no Board action to the contrary, the General Manager ' s report was accepted as given. B. Proposed Schwabacher and Rosenberg Property Addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve by Exchange of Land (Reports R-88-111 dated Sg�pjember 14 , 1988 and R-88-125 dated October 19 ,1988) C. Britton noted that this item had been postponed from an earlier meeting in order to complete discussions with the title company and legal counsel . He said that the District would trade the former Melton and Collins properties, totalling 23 . 9 acres , for a 0-acre privately owned parcel . He said that the District would retain a 50-foot wide strip of land along the eastern boundary of the former Melton property for potential public trail use. He said that the District will retain an easement limiting use of the 23 . 9 parcel to agricultural uses , and that he and legal counsel agreed that the District would retain the same control against further development on the Melton property. D. Woods showed slides of the properties involved in the exchange. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-48 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula ------------ I Meeting 88-23 Page five Regional Open Space District Authorizing Acceptance of Agreement to Exchange Interests in Real Property, 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 (Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Lands of Schwabacher and Rosenberg) . R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the staff report. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to C . Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board tentatively name the property as an addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve . R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion 7 to 0. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board indicate its intention to dedicate the property as open space. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . C. Good Neighbor Policy (Report R-88-120 dated September 28 ,._ 1988) N. Hanko said that the report recommended further enhancement of the District ' s Good Neighbor Policy by holding regular meetings with neighborhood groups . She said that she felt it was important that District rangers be included in these meetings , as they are an important liaison with neighbors . She said that the report also recommended sending a quarterly informational letter from the Board to neighborhood newspapers for publication. E. Shelley said that he preferred that the Board hold workshops in a neighborhood setting, and retain the policy of decision making at the Board' s regular meetings held at the regular meeting place . He said that the entire board would have to concur with the content of a quarterly newsletter. Discussion centered on the feasibility of sending a newsletter to neighborhood publications and the Meeting 88-23 Page six possible impact on District staff time. G. Andeen said that he felt the Director representing a particular area should communicate with the neighborhood' s publication regarding items of particular interest. Linda Fischman, 148 La Honda Road, Woodside, said that she supported open communication with neighborhood groups and urged that the Board publish workshop dates at least two months in advance . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt the proposed Good Neighbor Policy, but delete the words "Board meetings or" in the first paragraph. N. Hanko seconded the motion. Discussion: Discussion centered on the format and possible agenda of the suggested meetings or workshops. R. McKibbin requested that the wording in the fourth sentence be changed to include participation by staff members, including rangers, docents, and volunteers . R. Bishop said that he was willing to accept that language in the motion. N. Hanko concurred in the addition. The motion passed 7 to 0 . H. Grench suggested the Board workshops be referred to as Board workshop special meetings , and the Board concurred with the wording change. Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board request staff to report on how neighborhood newsletter contacts should be handled. G. Andeen seconded the motion. Discussion: R. Bishop said that he thought that contact with neighborhood groups should be left to the individual Directors . E. Shelley suggested asking staff to assess the impact of sending a quarterly news item to neighborhood newsletters . K. Duffy agreed to E. Shelley' s addition to the motion. T. Henshaw said that she would oppose the motion because the District-wide open Space newsletter accomplished the same purpose. The motion failed to pass on the following vote: Ayes: K. Duffy, N. Hanko, and E. Shelley. Noes : T. Henshaw, R. McKibbin, R. Bishop, and G. Andeen. Meeting 88-23 Page seven D. San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail Designations (Report R-88-122 dated October _201988) D. Woods said that trails on Windy Hill , Long Ridge, and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserves were proposed for designation as portions of the Bay Area Ridge Trail . He said that the Ridge Trail logo will be used on signs for these sections of trail , but that the trail sections would remain under the District ' s jurisdiction and control . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 88-49, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Designating Trails of Three Open Space Preserves as Portions of the San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . E. Approval of Senior Ranger Job Classification, Job Specification, Salary Range, and Filling of Three Positions (Report R-88-121 dated October 20 , 1988) H. Grench introduced the report, stating that this step would bring the District up to date in conformance with the Open Space Management staffing plan. J. Boland reviewed the benefits to field operations of creating three Senior Ranger positions . H. Grench noted a correction to the staff report that three Ranger positions, rather than two, should be deleted at the present time. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve the creation of a Senior Ranger job classification, approve the job specification for Senior Ranger and assign it a salary range of Step Number 201. 5 to 231 . 5 with a corresponding monthly salary of $2096 to $2824 , authorize staff to fill three Senior Ranger positions , and delete three Ranger positions at the present time. R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . F. Substitution of Security for District Debt on the Former Bullis Property, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-88-124 dated October 19, 198-8) C . Britton said that Mr. Bullis has agreed to reconvey the deed of trust over his former property securing his loan in exchange for a first deed of trust over the former lower Peters property. Since the property is Meeting 88-23 Page eight undedicated, the District will be able to pledge it as loan security. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board approve substituting the former lower Peters property at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve as security for the outstanding debt on the former Bullis property and authorize the President to execute a new deed of trust over the former lower Peters property in favor of Mr. Bullis. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . VII . INFORMATIONAL REPORTS H. Grench reported that he had attended the National Recreation and Park Association' s annual meeting and reported on the workshops that he had attended. H. Grench said that he and Mary Hale represented the District at the Greenbelt Alliance ' s 30th Anniversary celebration at Tilden Park on October 23 . H. Grench distributed information from East Bay Regional Park District concerning their bond measure on the November 8 ballot. H. Grench suggested rescheduling the November 23 regular meeting to Tuesday, November 22 because of the Thanksgiving holiday and said it would be necessary to schedule an extra meeting in November. He proposed November 30 as the date for the extra meeting. There was no objection to these dates from any Director. C. Britton reported that the Moody Gulch Project agreement will be formulated soon. M. Hale thanked the Board for the October 19 recognition dinner they gave for docents and staff . H. Grench said a field trip was scheduled on October 27 to look at the results of the timber harvest at El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. J. Boland reported that there had been a small fire of suspicious origin at El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve on the previous weekend. D. Woods reported that about 35 people had attended the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve use and management plan workshop held Saturday, October 22 . Meeting 88-23 Page nine VIII .CLAIMS Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board approve Revised Claims 88-20 of October 26 . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. IX. CLOSED SESSION The Board recessed to closed session on land acquisition matters at 10 : 38 P .M. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11 :07 P.M. Joan Combs Secretary The minutes of the ` Z,6- Poo meeting were approved as presented. I