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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19900314 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) *% Meeting 90-06 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Regular Meeting Board of Directors March 14 , —"9 -9 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7 : 33 p.m. Members Present: Richard Bishop, Betsy Crowder, Katherine Duffy, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, Robert McKibbin, and Edward Shelley. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Mary Hale, Jean Fiddes , John Escobar , Michael Foster, Stanley Norton, Kerry Carlson, Annette Coleman, Patrick Congdon, Alice Cummings , Mary Gundert , Thomas Karnofel , John Kowaleski , Michael Jurich, Thomas Lausten, Priscilla Meyers , Frank Olson, Loro Paterson, and Warren Phillips . APPROVAL OF MINUTES N. Hanko noted that the minutes did not have page numbers . February 14 , 1990 Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board approve the minutes of the February 14 , 1990 Board meeting. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS P . Meyers stated that the Board received the following written communications : 1 . a letter from Pamela Shaffer Douglas , 1950 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside , dated February 22 , 1990 , regarding property for sale in the northeast corner of Kings Mountain Road and Skyline Boulevard; 2 . a letter from Jobst Brandt , 351 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, dated February 22 , 1990, regarding fines for accessing preserves after dusk and requesting that preserves be open to the public after dark; and i Meeting 90-06 Page two 3 . a letter from Heidi Kromat , 240 Old Ranch Road, Woodside , dated February 21 , 1990 , regarding mountain bicycle users on preserves . P. Meyers stated that draft responses prepared by staff for Board consideration were attached to the three written communications . Harry Haeussler , 1094 Highlands Circle, Los Altos , noted that the word "are" in the first sentence of the third paragraph of the response letter to Mr. Brandt should be deleted. N. Hanko stated the draft responses to the letters were approved by Board consensus . IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications . V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA N. Hanko stated that the agenda was adopted by Board consensus . VI . BOARD BUSINESS A. Appointment of_. Peace Officer- (Report R-90-229-dated February 28 , _1990}_ _ J. Escobar introduced Annette Coleman, the District ' s new supervising ranger. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-10 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Appointing Peace Officer - Annette Coleman. R . McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . B . Tentative Adoption of Action Plan for the IMp ementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open SDaee District for the_1990-19.91 Fiscal Year (Report R-90-31 dated March 14 , 1990) R. Bishop said that he hoped public access improvements for Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve would be considered a priority in the 1991-1992 budget. D. Hansen noted that the required staff resources in the Operations , Maintenance , and Volunteer Subprogram should show only one Assistant Open Space Planner and one of the lines stating "100% of time of Senior Patrol Rangers (2) " should be deleted. I I _ Meeting 90-06 Page three N. Hanko expressed her disappointment that cattle grazing on the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve had been eliminated. C . Britton explained that it was removed from the budget for the fiscal year 1990-1991 because the expense for required grazing improvements never could be recovered by payments from a tenant based on the number of cattle allotted for the area. He noted that the proposed addition of the McDonald et al . property to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve may be a better location for cattle grazing. H. Haeussler of Los Altos stated that the District should put more money into development to make the lands usable by the public . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board tentatively adopt the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for the 1990-1991 Fiscal Year. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . C. Presentation of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 1990-1991 _(RtRqKt R-90-32 dated March E� _1--J990) H. Grench introduced the budget report and explained funding sources and expenditure allocations for the proposed budget. C . Britton, M. Hale, and J. Fiddes reviewed the portions of the budget report relating to the Open Space Acquisition and Communications Programs and General Management and Program Support. D. Hansen reported that several major 1989-1990 budgeted improvement projects were completed on Skyline, Russian Ridge , Thornewood, Pulgas Ridge , Long Ridge, Los Trancos , and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves . He pointed out that personnel was the largest expense in the proposed 1990-1991 Open Space Management budget and that projected staffing and capital improvements had closely adhered to the Board ' s budget guidelines for his programs . He noted that the total budget for all categories in the 1990-1991 Open Space Management budget should be $4 , 530 , 030 , rather than the $2 , 582 , 115 shown in the table on page five. D. Hansen reviewed the proposed Open Space Management budget with respect to the eight budget guidelines , noting the overall net increase in the budget was 7 . 8%. Several members of the audience voiced their preference for increasing the Open Space Management Program' s budget and adding more ranger positions to the staff . Some field staff members in the audience also expressed their wishes for an increase in ranger staffing and expressed the need for additional equipment. Meeting 90-06 Page four M. Foster reviewed his controller ' s report , noting that 1990-1991 will be an excellent grant and tax revenue year . He also noted it will be the District ' s biggest note issuance year, adding that the budget assumes the issuance of $25 million of twenty year notes , $13 . 5 million to pre- pay or defease existing notes and $11 . 5 million of new money. R. McKibbin reviewed the Budget Committee report and discussed some of the details of the A, B,C Project/Equipment List developed by staff . He said that the committee recommended that staff be asked to return to the Board once actual insurance figures were known to determine if there was funding available for one or more projects from the A,B,C Project/Equipment List . He also pointed out that the committee recommends that the Board review the Open Space Management Budget Policies before the 1991-1992 budget process in terms of possible simplification and/or modification. E. Shelley requested that the Board seriously consider adding another ranger position to the budget , noting he wanted to go on record as supporting the addition of another ranger position since he would not be at the March 28 meeting. Discussion focused on additional funding for a second ranger position, review of the Open Space Management wish list items , and adjustment of the Open Space Management budget guidelines . Motion: R. Bishop moved that staff be requested to review the budget from the point of view of attempting to fit an additional ranger position within the budget guidelines or make recommendations as to how to adjust the budget guidelines to add a ranger position and to report back to the Board at its next meeting. E. Shelley seconded the motion. R. McKibbin requested that the motion be amended to consider all of the A, B,C Project/Equipment Priority List items instead of just the addition of a ranger position. R. Bishop and E. Shelley agreed to amend the motion to include R. McKibbin' s statement. The motion passed 7 to 0 . The Board recessed for a break at 9 : 40 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 9 : 50 p.m. r Meeting 90-06 Page five D. Proposed Addition of Young et al . Pro perty�erty to k9n_q Ri_qge Open mace Preserve (Resort R-90-3"6_dated- March..--51,----19-90)- C . Britton reported that the full purchase price for the property is $600 , 000 payable in cash at the close of escrow. He noted that the property would be an integral part of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve . He added that the 34-acre parcel has an excellent well and is developed with a small house , a barn, and other outbuildings . M. Gundert gave a slide presentation of the property, pointing out the existing trails that will need to be expanded and improved for preserve users . D. Hansen noted that the United States Geological Survey is using the property ' s well as a monitoring station for the area. Motion: B . Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-11 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Acceptance 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 or Appropriate to Closing of the Transaction (Long Ridge Open Space Preserve Lands of Young et al . ) R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . Motion. B. Crowder moved that the Board tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Young et al . property addition to the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve , including the naming, as contained in the staff report and indicate its intention to dedicate the property as public open space . R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . E. Proposed_Addition of McDonald et al . Property to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Report R-90-37 dated March 7 , 1990) C. Britton reviewed the terms of the purchase agreement for this 1 , 100 acre ranch in San Mateo County situated between La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and La Honda Road. He said that the full purchase price for the property is $4 , 200 , 000 with $1 , 800 , 000 to be paid in cash at the close of escrow and the balance of $2 , 400 , 000 to be financed by the owners at 5% interest for one year . He reported that the agreement contains several specially tailored conditions relative to purchase of the buildings and fixtures on the property and required the cessation of redwood timber harvest on the property. He said that the District is to lease the entire ranch back to Mr. William McDonald, a seller , for a period of five years from close of escrow, reviewed the lease terms outlined in the staff Meeting 90-06 Page six report , and noted that the Board was being requested to authorize the General Manager to approve and execute the final lease agreement. C. Britton noted that Mr. McDonald will be entitled to graze up to 100 head of cattle on the property for the next five years . A. Cummings showed slides of the property, and D. Hansen reviewed the proposed preliminary use and management recommendations , noting that staff was recommending that the entire site not be opened for public use until after the Board considered the Interim Use and Management Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve in 1991 . He stated that the plan will include a determination of what portions of the site will be opened to the public and when this will occur . He said that a number of site improvements or needs , including signing, hazard mitigation, and additional patrol , may be required before the site is opened. K. Duffy noted that this acquisition would add to the list of preserves and acquisitions in the northern portion of the District requiring staff and planning time and urged that projects in the southern part of the District, such as Mt . Umunhum, not be overlooked. Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-12 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Acceptance 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 or Appropriate to Closing of the Transaction (La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve , Lands of William D. McDonald et al . ) R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the staff report , including naming the property as an addition to the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve , indicate its intention to withhold the property from dedication as public open space at this time , and authorize the general manager to approve and execute the formal lease agreement for Mr. McDonald' s lease-back of the entire property for a period of five years from close of escrow. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . Meeting 90-06 Page seven F. Changes in Rules of Procedure - Compensation of Directors (Revort R,-90-28 dated February 26 , 1990) B. Crowder stated that she was opposed to the increase and that she intended to return the additional $200 , if there were five meetings in a month, to the District for additional open space management funding. Motion: R. Bishop moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-13 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Amending Rules of Procedure . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes : T. Henshaw, E. Shelley, R. McKibbin, N. Hanko, and R. Bishop Noes : B . Crowder and K. Duffy G. Proposed Annexation of Smith Property Addition to Russian Ridge ripen Space Preserve (Report R-90-30 dated February 27, 1990) H. Grench reviewed the annexation procedure for the former Smith property, noting that 40. 5 acres of the 46 . 3 acre property are contiguous to, but just outside, the District ' s boundary. No member of the public commented on the proposed annexation. Motion: R. McKibbin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-14 , a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Requesting Initiation of Annexation Procedures by the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission (Midpeninsula Preserves 1990 - Russian Ridge) . T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . H. Supprr�t__for Alcohol Tax Initiative—(Report R-90-34 dated March 5, 1990) Motion: R. McKibbin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 90-15, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Supporting the 1990 Alcohol Tax Initiative . R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . Meeting 90-06 Page eight VII . INFORMATIONAL REPORTS D. Hansen reported that he had sent a letter to the Sheldon Road neighbors regarding a proposed alignment for an alternate trail that would cross two private properties . He said that he was still waiting to hear from the two property owners involved. H. Grench stated that the District ' s density credit bill (AB 2301) had passed out of the Senate Local Government Committee and would be going to the Senate floor for consideration. He said that he had made a presentation about the District ' s activities to the Board of Directors of Peninsula Open Space Trust. D. Hansen reported that the Ravenswood project would soon be completed and that final inspections would be done on March 21 . He briefed the Board on the geology information concerning the Smith acquisition that had been questioned at a previous meeting. VIII . CLAIMS Motion: R. Bishop moved that the revised claims 90-05 dated March 14 , 1990 be accepted as presented. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . IX. CLOSED SESSION H. Grench stated that there were no litigation nor land negotiation matters to discuss in closed session. The Board recessed to Closed Session to discuss labor negotiation and personnel matters at 10 : 45 P.M. The Board reconvened to adjourn at 11 : 45 P.M. Priscilla Meyers Recording Secretary Jean Fiddes District Clerk CORRECTION TO MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 1990 II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 14, 1990 J. Fiddes stated that the third sentence in the second paragraph of Section C regarding the proposed budget on page three should be corrected to read "He noted that the fixed a -assets total in the 1990 1991 Open Space Management budget should be $634 , 200 , " rather than the $2, 582, 115 shown in the table on page five. Motion: E. Shelley moved that the Board approve the minutes of the March 14 , 1990 regular meeting as corrected. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 0. t