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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19920408 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) r Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS April 8 , 1992 MINUTES I . ROLL CALL President Robert McKibbin called the meeting to order at 7 : 35 P.M. Members Present: Ginny Babbitt , Richard Bishop, Betsy Crowder, Kay Duffy, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, and Robert McKibbin. Personnel Present : Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes , Mary Hale, John Escobar, Del Woods , Mary Gundert and Deborah Morvay- Zucker. II . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS H. Grench announced that a new agenda format was being used for the meeting and that according to the agenda format oral communications was the public ' s opportunity to request that the Board remove an item from the consent calendar. There were no oral communications . III . ADOPTION OF AGENDA H. Grench requested that a special order of the day be added to the agenda . H. Grench requested that the Board remove the minutes of March 24 , 1992 from the consent calendar. N. Hanko requested that the Board remove the minutes of March 25, 1992 from the consent calendar. R. McKibbin stated that the agenda was adopted by consensus with the addition of the special order of the day and the removal of minutes of March 24 and March 25 from the consent calendar. IV. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY H. Grench stated that the Special Order of the Day was to celebrate the District ' s becoming California ' s first tri-county regional open space district . R. McKibbin recognized the District ' s twentieth year and the occasion of the District ' s becoming the first tri- county regional open space district in California by its annexation of lands in Santa Cruz County. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the items on the consent calendar as amended. R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . 201 San Antonio Circle,Suite C-135 . Mountain View,California 94040 - Phone:(415)949-5500 . FAX:(415)949-5679 General Manager:Herbert Grench Board oI Directors:Katherine Duffy,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Richard Bishop _l Meeting 92-9 Page 2 The Board made various recommendations for the appearance of consent items on the distributed agenda for the benefit of the public. R . McKibbin stated that the Board would first try the new agenda format . Recommendations were also made concerning the standardized postcard response to written communications, including having a statement that the Board reviewed the written communication, adding a brief handwritten response, and having the president 's signature on the printed cards . R. McKibbin stated that he would work with staff on changes as needed. VT. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 23, 1992 H. Grench stated that minutes dated March 24 , 1992 were incorrectly dated and should be dated March 23 , 1992 . Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board approve the minutes of March 23, 1992 as corrected. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 . March 25, 1992 N. Hanko stated that in the discussion of streamlining District procedures the Board did not agree to discontinue serving cookies at Board meetings since T. Henshaw had agreed to provide cookies . She stated that page 5, item C . 3 . showed consensus for items (E) through (J) , and that the minutes should be corrected to state for item (G) that "the Board agreed that serving cookies at Board meetings should not be eliminated and T. Henshaw stated that she would provide cookies . " Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board approve the minutes of March 25, 1992 as corrected. G. Babbitt seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VTT . BOARD BUSINESS A. Review of Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (Report R-92-47) D. Woods stated that the format of the report was streamlined for ease of reference showing all of the recommendations at the beginning of the report . He stated that the report also showed the resources in staff time and money necessary to implement the recommendations . M. Gundert showed slides exhibiting projects on Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. She stated that the development project totalled about $1 million dollars and that $820 , 000 of the project costs were funded by grant and donations . She stated that the improvements made in the project included a left-turn lane on Skyline Boulevard, a tunnel under Alpine Road, whole access parking and equestrian parking, trail development including a whole access trail at Alpine Pond, and restrooms . She explained that a problem with the parking lot surfacing material that caused the lots to become very slippery after rain was probably due to a vein of the quarried material used that decomposed in such a way to cause the slippery condition. She ----------- Meeting 92-9 Page 3 added that new gravel material spread over one of the lots seemed to correct the problem and that new material would also be spread over the other lot . M. Gundert highlighted features of a $28 , 380 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant project including completion of a spur trail at Horseshoe Lake built by District staff , a consultant, and volunteers from The Trail Center . She stated that there would be grading and drainage improvements to the road crossing Horseshoe dam to the southeast border of the preserve and an additional 3/4 mile section of trail . She indicated other proposed sections of trail to be completed , including a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail . In a review of completed projects , M. Gundert showed slides of corporation yard improvements including installation of an underground gasoline tank and a hazardous materials storage shed. She indicated that the construction and dedication of the David C . Daniels Nature Center building was complete and that a focus committee of five members representing Peninsula Open Space Trust, the District ' s Board of Directors , field staff , planning staff , and docents , would work with a consultant to design the interior of the building. M. Gundert explained that the cost of modifications to existing structures at the building compound of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve for Skyline field office space expansion would likely exceed construction costs for a new building that would include additional office space, adequate employee restrooms, and meeting space. She stated that the new building would not be visible from Skyline Boulevard and would include a public contact area . M. Gundert noted that water well storage tank improvements were necessary. She added that the A-frame house located near the field office would be converted from an enterprise rental to a ranger residence in order to increase surveillance to the corporation yard and nature center. She stated that occupancy by a ranger would also decrease the amount of traffic through the corporation yard. Reviewing restoration projects M. Gundert showed slides of volunteers planting native shrubs and native oaks . She indicated that the maintenance of the plantings was being done by the volunteers and that records of the project were also being maintained and would be useful for future projects. M. Gundert stated that the California State Division of the Safety of Dams had determined that the Alpine Pond dam was within its jurisdiction. She said that in order to comply with state standards all vegetation may have to be removed from the face of the dam and that the spillway may have to be enlarged. She stated that a study of the various options to alter the dam or meet state standards would be prepared by a consultant and 1 presented to the Board. M. Gundert stated that because of siltation and erosion due to cultivation of Christmas trees on Skyline Ridge Open Space Meeting 92-9 Page 4 Preserve near Horseshoe Lake, staff recommended that there be no extension of the existing 100-acre agricultural lease that would terminate in 1999 . She added that a biological study of the impact of fishing at Alpine Pond had been done by Dr. Sam McGinnis . She said he concluded that in general fishing was not compatible with the emphasis on the environmental education program. She stated that Dr. McGinnis discouraged bank fishing because the shores of the pond would be trampled and that there would be litter from cans and paper debris as well as discarded fishing line. M. Gundert noted that a proposal from Richard Tzmi-rian, Federation of Fly Fishers was contained in a letter to the Board dated April 7 , 1992 , recommending a "catch and release" fishing program utilizing float tubes . She stated that although Dr. McGinnis ' study concluded that the fish population would benefit from a population reduction due to fishing, staff would not propose such a program because of the impact on staff and the use conflicts that would arise. D. Woods exhibited the new Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve trailhead sign and map produced utilizing computer-based mapping. He distributed the new carry-along fact sheet and map to the Board. He explained that the fact sheet map was identical to the trailhead sign map and that permitted trail uses and contours were more clearly marked on the maps . He pointed out that regulations were placed prominently on the trailhead sign and that an area wide map of the District , key features of the various preserves , and District general information was also provided on the sign. He stated that a sign for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve would be completed in two weeks and that the next signs to be prepared utilizing computer-based mapping would be for Fremont Older and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves . He stated that sign development for a single sign includes about 40 hours of field staff time, including input , measurements , sign installation, and revisions. He stated that the process involves about 120 hours of planning staff time for mapping, consultant direction, revisions, and production time including contracting with the sign company. D. Woods noted that computer time cost was about $1 , 000 and materials cost was about $3 , 000 for each sign. B. Crowder suggested that a date appear on the map. N. Hanko suggested that "Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District" be prominently displayed on the trailhead sign. D. Woods pointed out that the main preserve signs emphasized the District ' s name. Staff responded to questions and received comments from the Board concerning the entire use and management plan. N. Hanko asked about plans for installation of pay telephones at Skyline Ridge. M. Gundert responded that telephones previously installed at Los Trancos Open Space Preserve were vandalized but that the District would install one if CaITrans did not install one. K. Duffy commented on the need for hiker symbols where hiking trails crossed horse trails and also stated that she received a complaint that there was not enough room to turn horse vans around in the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. M. Gundert stated that removal of some of the log barriers was planned. Meeting 92-9 Page 5 ti R. McKibbin suggested that the first paragraph of section 4 . 0 of the Use and Management Plan be revised to state " . . staff may have to remove the platforms on a temporary or permanent basis" in order to give staff the option of permanent removal of the platforms if necessary. R . McKibbin stated his objection to the killing of anything, including fish, on the District ' s preserves and commented on the potential -degradation of Alpine Pond if a fishing program was instituted. He cited as an example the litter and degradation to the banks of Stevens Creek Reservoir that was observable in just three weeks of recent use since the resumption of fishing activity. Board discussion followed concerning fishing at Alpine Pond. R. McKibbin asked for public comment on the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and drop any further study of it . There was no public comment . Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board tentatively adopt the revised Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and express its intention to dedicate the 54-acre former Bullis property as public open space. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. Motion R. McKibbin moved that the Board amend the motion to to prohibit fishing on Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Amend: R. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion to amend passed 7 to 0 . Motion N. Hanko moved that the Board amend the motion to to allow staff to remove the floating platforms on Amend Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond on a temporary or permanent basis if necessary. G. Babbitt seconded the motion. The motion to amend passed 7 to 0 . Motion K. Duffy moved that the Board amend the motion to add to Section 1 . 8 - The possibility of a trail on the old Amend roadbed from the bend in the road near the ranger yard returning to the Horseshoe parking lot will be evaluated. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion to amend passed 7 to 0. tiThe original motion as amended passed 7 to 0 . B. Adoption of Revised Interim Guidelines to Distribute Brochures from Other Organizations on the District ' s Preserves (Report R- 92--46) C. Britton stated that the recommendation to reinstate interim guidelines for distribution of brochures by other organizations was made because Peninsula Open Space Trust requested a one-year trial period extension for distribution of its brochures . He stated that at each site designated the brochures would be in a distribution box with a sign apart from the main District sign. He stated that three potential sites for distribution were Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, the David C . Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, and the Redwood Trail at Meeting 92-9 Page 6 Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Board members discussed the possibility of other organizations requesting on- site distribution and emphasized their desire that staff return to the Board for reconsideration of the guidelines and the program at the end of the one-year trial period. Motion: K. Duffy moved that the Board approve the revised interim guidelines for distribution of brochures from other organizations on the District ' s preserves on a one-year trial basis, and direct staff to return to the Board with an evaluation of the guidelines at the end of the trial period. G. Babbitt seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. C . Scheduling of Special Meeting for Performance Evaluation of Controller and Legal Counsel (Report R-92-48) By consensus the Board scheduled a Special Meeting for the purpose of conducting performance evaluations of controller and legal counsel in closed session on Thursday, April 23 , 1992 beginning at 7 : 30 P.M. at the District office. VITT . INFORMATIONAL REPORTS H. Grench stated that Senator Mello' s Senate Bill 2027 passed in the Senate Local Government Committee. Concerning the formation of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, he stated that the Board' s Legislative Committee recommendation was to exclude all lands within the District ' s sphere of influence from being within the boundaries of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. N. Hanko stated that the rationale for the Legislative Committee ' s recommendation was to have jurisdiction over the territory within the District ' s sphere of influence and that the boundaries of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and District boundaries should not overlap. The Board concurred with the recommendation. C . Britton reported that the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve annexation final filing was made in Santa Clara County on March 25, 1992 and in Santa Cruz County on March 28 , 1992 . He said Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission was scheduled to consider the annexation of lands in San Mateo County on April 8 , 1992 . He stated that the District arrived at a settlement with Alan Hosking that included Mr. Hosking' s payment of $4 , 500 per month for four months tenancy and $6 , 000 for legal fees . He stated that the amount of the settlement will be deducted from money owed to Mr. Hosking by the District . M. Hale reported that $1 , 115 in donations and many compliments had been received by the District since the last issues of Walks and Hikes and the District newsletter were distributed. N. Hanko reported on the 20th Anniversary Committee ' s progress . She stated that Peninsula Times Tribune had chosen the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District as the recipient for its subscription promotion. The promotion offer would be a 13 week subscription to the Peninsula Times Tribune for $20 . 35, of which $7 . 35 would be donated to the District . The offer was being made by the newspaper tl Meeting 92-9 Page 7 to urge support for the District ' s 20th anniversary. R. McKibbin stated that be made a presentation and conducted a brief hike at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve for the Los Altos League of Women Voters. C. Britton reported that he and D. Woods made a presentation to the Santa Clara County Parks Commission on the proposed joint project acquisition of Jacques Ridge. D. Woods showed the slide presentation to the Board. TX. CLOSED SESSION S . Norton announced that existing litigation, MROSD vs. Los Gatos , and potential litigati.on to be discussed in closed session fell under Government Code Section 54956 . 9 (a) and (b) . C. Britton announced that the acquisition matter to be discussed was being negotiated with Ryland Kelly, owner, San Mateo County .assessor' s parcel numbers 076-350; -150; and -240. The Board recessed to Closed Session on litigation and acquisition matters at 10: 10 P.M. X. ADJOURNMENT The Board reconvened to adjourn the meeting at 11 : 15 P.M. Deborah Morvay-Zucker Recording Secretary CORRECTIONS TO MINUTES OF APRIL 8, 1992 V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 8 , 1992 K. Duffy stated that the second to the last sentence in the last paragraph of page 4 should be corrected to state "K. Duffy commented on the need for hiker symbols where hiking trails crossed the highway . Motion : R. Bishop moved that the Board approve the minutes of Al:)HI 8 , 1992 as corrected . B. Crowder seconded the motion . The motion passed 7 to 0 .