HomeMy Public PortalAbout19940126 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) I
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Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 94-03
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 26, 1994
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
President Ginny Babbitt called the meeting to order at 7:33 P.M.
Members Present: Betsy Crowder, Wim de Wit, Ginny Babbitt, Teena Henshaw, Robert
McKibbin, and Pete Siemens.
Member Absent: Nonette Hanko.
Personnel, Present: Craig Britton, Je Fiddes, Randy Anderson, John Escobar,
Smith,
Stanley Norton, Tiffany Mazzone, and Emma Johnson.
II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications.
III. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Resolution Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Walter Girdlestone
G. Babbitt read the resolution honoring g and thanking Mr. and Mrs. Girdlestone for their financial
and moral support and commitment to open space.
Motion: R. McKibbin moved that the Board adopt Resolution 94-05 Honoring Mr. and Mrs.
Girdlestone. B. Crowder -seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
Resolution Honoring Stanley R. Norton
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt Resolution 94-06 Honoring Stanley R.
Norton. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
President Babbitt expressed the Board's great appreciation to Mr. Norton for his on-going
contributions to the District during his twenty years as legal counsel. She presented the
resolution and a photograph to him. S. Norton announced his intention to retire as the District's
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Meeting 94-03 Page 2
legal counsel at the end of March, adding that he would remain a short time after that date if the
Board requires his assistance.
Introduction of New Staff Member
h District's new receptionist, Tiffany Mazzone to the Board.
J. Fiddes introduced the st s J p Y ,
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
E. Johnson reported that the Board had received a written communication on January 21, 1994
from North Coast County Water District related to the agenda item on special district
representation on the Local Agency Formation Commission. G. Babbitt said that the letter would
be considered during the agenda item on this matter.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the agenda. R. McKibbin seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the consent calendar, including the written
communication response to the California Native Plant Society; Notice of Completion
of Contract and Acceptance of Work for the replacement water system at Skyline
Ridge Open Space Preserve; Resolution 94-07 Establishing Signatories for Entering
Safe Deposit Boxes (First Interstate Bank of California - Los Altos); and Revised
Claims 94-02. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Adoption of Relative Site Emphasis Plan and Schedule for Use and Management Plan
Reviews (R-94-12)
C. Britton reported that planning for a connecting trail from Ravenswood Open Space
Preserve to University Avenue has been added to the list of capital improvement projects
for the preserve. B. Crowder suggested that trail names at Monte Bello Open Space
Preserve be reviewed to avoid confusion.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the Relative Site Emphasis Plan and
Schedule for Use and Management Plan Reviews as contained in report R-94-
08 and amended in report R-94-12. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The
motion passed 6 to 0.
B. Representation of Independent Special Districts on Local Agency Formation Commission
(Report R-94-13)
C. Britton noted that a new law (AB 1335),provides a process for representation of special
districts on the Local Agency Formation Commission and that a majority of independent
special districts within a county must pass and forward a resolution requesting
representation to set the process in motion. He clarified that the District's "home" county
for purposes of representation is Santa Clara County. He said the District has received
numerous requests by other districts to pass a resolution to get the process underway, but
has also received the written communication from the North Coast County Water District
stating its concerns regarding surrendering latent powers and requesting that the District not
rush to adopt the resolution.
j
Meeting 94-03 Page 3
C. Britton stated that this District does not have latent powers. S. Norton added that, while
the District has no latent powers, he is unsure about the benefits of representation on
LAFCO and there may be details that the District is not fully aware of at this time. After
discussion of potential benefits and problems, G. Babbitt stated the Board's consensus to
continue the agenda item to the Board's meeting of February 9. R. McKibbin proposed
that C. Britton S. Norton and G. Babbitt look at the impacts of representation on the
P
Commission.
II
C. Exchange of Land to Effect Lot Line Adjustment to Kennedy Road Entrance to Sierra. Azul
O_t en Space Preserve and Accommodate Neighboring, Property Owner R-94-11)
C. Britton said the neighboring property is located adjacent to and immediately easterly of
the Kennedy Road entrance to the Preserve and that the exchange of land would include
approximately 0.5 acres for 0.25 acres of District land. He said the District would also
receive: a conservation easement covering all of the Ireland land westerly of his driveway,
restricting its use to private recreation; design review for any and all improvements made
by Mr. Ireland on the conservation land; a lot line adjustment clearing District title to a
portion of Mr. Ireland's land near or under the fence around the District's visitor parking
area; Mr. Ireland's agreement not to protest if or when the District elects to construct the
visitor parking area; and no out-of-pocket cost to District other than staff time.
C. Britton continued that, since the land to be exchanged has been dedicated as public open
space, passage of the resolution requires seven affirmative votes. The Board agreed to
postpone the agenda item to its meeting of February 9 when all Board members are
expected to be in attendance.
D. Revision to Rules of Procedure Regarding Board Committees and Appointment of 1994
Board Committees (R-94-14)
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution 94-08 amending the
District's Rules of Procedure regarding committees of the Board. P. Siemens
seconded the motion. The i n motion passed 6 to 0.
G. Babbitt made the following appointments to the new standing committees: R. McKibbin,
T. Henshaw, and P. Siemens to the Administration and Budget Committee; W. de Wit, T.
Henshaw and N. Hanko to the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee; W. de
Wit, B. Crowder, and N. Hanko to the Use and Management Committee; and P. Siemens,
R. McKibbin, and B. Crowder to the Acquisition and Enterprise Committee.
G. Babbitt proposed 1) disbanding the General Manager Search Committee and assigning
the task of recruiting a legal counsel to the Administration and Budget Committee; 2)
continue the present Dog Committee (G. Babbitt, B. Crowder, and W. de Wit) in order to
complete its charge; and 3) assigning the staff recognition event to the Legislative, Finance,
and Public Affairs Committee. She said the docent and volunteer recognition events would
be organized by staff, with assistance from individual Board members.
T. Henshaw asked for and received confirmation that each committee should elect a chair at
its first meeting and that the chair would report to the Board. G. Babbitt confirmed that the
Nature Center is included in the Use and Management Committee. T. Henshaw said she
has been working on the Nature Center and would volunteer to continue as an alternate as it
pertains to environmental education.
I Meeting 94-03 Page 4
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the appointments to the committees.
B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board disband all other committees. P. Siemens
seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
C. Britton asked for volunteers to assist with the recognition event for docents and
volunteers. B. Crowder and W. de Wit said they would help. G. Babbitt said N. Hanko
would probably be interested in helping as well. C. Britton said the event is planned for
May 22, 1994.
E. Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the
MidWninsula Regional Open Space District for Fiscal Year 1994-1995 (R-94-10)
C. Britton said the purpose of the Action Plan is to guide the District's activities during the
fiscal year. He said the final Action Plan is adopted in conjunction with the budget, and
that the Administration and Budget Committee would be reviewing the Preliminary Action
Plan in the Board's behalf during the budget formulation process.
He noted that several additional staff positions are being proposed for discussion during
budget review: full time real property representative which was put on hold during the
budget crisis and filled by a part-time contractor at this time; a second full-time planning
technician position (filled now on a temporary basis); a full-time secretary for the planning
program (filled half-time now on a temporary basis); a second equipment mechanic-
operator; and another ranger.
C. Britton high-lighted the key projects of the Acquisition Program. R. McKibbin
suggested that the Board re-examine the policy for the communication leases since they are
income generating. The Board agreed to combine number 7 of Other Projects and
Activities in the Negotiations and Special Projects Subprogram's with the subprogram's
second key project regarding acquiring options.
R. Anderson reviewed the Planning-Program, noting that the program had been split into
the Advance Planning Subprogram and Site Planning and Implementation Subprogram. He
said emphasis will shift from capital improvements to overall policy, regional, and site
planning to address long-standing use issues and access opportunities. He noted that staff is
hoping to initiate a process to define cultural resources interpretation to provide better
identification and information for cultural resources on District preserves.
R. McKibbin said the Administration and Budget Committee would need to review the
second regular planning technician position and make its recommendation to the Board. C.
Britton noted that all proposed staffing changes needed to be reviewed by the
Administration and Budget Committee that would make a recommendation to the full
Board.
R. McKibbin recommended adding the phrase, "...from a planning standpoint" to the Key
Project number 1, Regional Acquisition Studies; adding a fourth Key Project in Site
Planning to add Mt. Umunhum military buildings analysis. R. McKibbin also
recommended adding "...with grant and tenant funds" to number 5 of Other Projects and
Activities under the Si
te Planning and Implementation Subprogram. B. Crowder suggested
adding to number one of Other Projects and Activities under Advance Planning Subprogram
is
Meeting 94-03 Page 5
the work on the San Mateo County alternative funding committee. The second other
project and activity in the Advance Planning Subprogram should refer to historical and
cultural resources G. Babbitt suggested that the Planning and Operations Preliminary
Action Plans include the impact on the programs if CALPAW is approved.
J. Escobar said the Operations Program is moving toward education and volunteer
participation and that the program had been divided into the Field Operations Subprogram
and the Volunteer and Docent Subprogram. He said that the fourth key project in the Field
Operations Subprogram concerned Deer Hollow Farm and funding for that program has not
been guaranteed by the City of Mountain View. R. McKibbin proposed that the Key
Project and Activity relating to Deer Hollow Farm include the reference to other agencies
as well as the City of Mountain View. J. Escobar said the Volunteer and Docent
Subprogram will explore the expansion of environmental education and plan to use the
Daniels Nature Center more.
M. Smith reported that the Public Affair Program will focus on expansion into much wider
geographic areas and differentiation of the District from other entities.
B. Crowder suggested that another name be used rather than Town Hall for the
informational meetings to be held. P. Siemens suggested that a mailing be made either by
the District or Peninsula Open Space Trust to inform voters about CALPAW's benefits. C.
Britton said that the Greenbelt Open Space Council is developing a map of local projects
that will beet from C P g benefit fr ALPAW and hopes that that will be something that can be mailed
out. G. Babbitt suggested the Legislative, Finance and Public Affairs Committee be
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involved in this project.
J. Fiddes noted that the emphasis statement for the Administration Program needs revision
regarding the Strategic Plan based on the Goals and Objectives Workshop. She said that
the staff will work with the Administration and Budget Committee on the staffing
reorganization plan if funding is available before presenting it to the Board.
Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary Action Plan for the
1994-1995 fiscal year as amended. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The
motion passed 6 to 0.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board charge the 1994 Administration and Budget
Committee with conducting a review of the Preliminary Action Plan on the
Board's behalf as part of the budget review process. R. McKibbin seconded
the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
G. Babbitt said that, due to the resignation of the Districts's legal counsel, the Administration and
Budget Committee should be charged with researching a replacement for the legal counsel. The
Board supported the charge.
T. Henshaw reported on the activities related to the search for a new general manager, noting the
Board will interview the six final candidates on February 5. T. Henshaw continued that the
Administration and Budget Committee will be prepared to make a report at the next Board
meeting on the proposed process for replacing S. Norton. P. Siemens said the committee wants
to develop a list of requirements and characteristics for the Board's consideration at its next
Meeting 94-03 Page 6
meeting.
B. Crowder reported she had attended a Harvard Club dinner at which Byron Sher gave a speech.
She said he has been very supportive of the District.
C. Britton reported that San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
i Ridge n Preserve annexation and that he
voted unanimously to approve the Russian edge Open Space e t
matter will now go back to Santa Clara County LAFCO which will meet on February 9 before it
comes back to the Board for final approval. He reported on a meeting with San Mateo County's
Park and Recreation Director, Patrick Sanchez, Sierra Club and Ridge Trail representatives,
Audrey Rust, and Herb Grench. He noted that the Hosking agreement will need some non-
substantive modifications, and said that the District's legal counsel had found that, since the
changes are non-substantive, the acting general manager may complete the transaction without
further Board approval. The Board did not object to the acting general manager making these
non-substantive modifications.
R. Anderson said the Dog Citizen Task Force is tentatively scheduled to meet on February 3 and
I said drawings of proposed office signs were available for the Board to review. He added that the
El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve study session on resource protection, trail guidelines,
and use and management recommendations is scheduled for February 26 at 10 A.M.. R.
Anderson reviewed the project costs for the Rancho San Antonio field office, noting that the total
projected cost is $349,744 which is about 12% over the original budget. He said this figure did
not include architectural costs, which he would report to the Board at the next meeting.
J. Escobar reported on two bicycle accidents on District preserves. He said that the pigs at
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve have not been caught even though traps have been set
each night. He said staff will be mailing notices regarding the use of radar on District preserves
agenda item to be presented at the next Board meeting. He added that East Bay Regional Park
District now requires mountain bikers to have bells on their bicycles to alert others to their
presence and will be doing more trailhead signing and building of stiles in an attempt to keep
bicycles off prohibited trails. He continued that he had made a presentation at the recent Risk
Management School of the National Park and Recreation Society during the past week.
M. Smith called attention to the Newsweek article on pigs at Rancho San Antonio Open Space
Preserve and said the media seems to be reluctant to mention the District's entire name.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION
C. Britton announced that negotiation matters to be discussed in closed session were Santa Clara
County assessor's parcel no. 351-12-049 and San Mateo County assessor's parcel number 080-
410-015, owner/negotiator Mr. and Mrs. William Fowkes; and San Mateo County Assessors
parcel no. 078-130-140, owner/negotiator; Steven Pankowski. The Board recessed to Closed
Session at 9:55 P.M.
I
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 P.M.
Emma Johnson
Recording Secretary