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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19940914 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT I Meeting 94-24 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 14. 1994 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL Vice President Pete Siemens called the Special Meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. i Members Present: Pete Siemens, Teena Henshaw, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder, Robert McKibbin and Wim de Wit. Members Absent: Ginny Babbitt. Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes, Malcolm Smith, and Sue Schectman. II. CLOSED SESSION P. Siemens stated that the Board would be meeting in Closed Session for the purpose of discussing agenda item number one. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:36 P.M. The Board adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:31 P.M. to the conclusion of the Regular Meeting. P. Siemens announced that the Board had been meeting in Closed Session with their real property negotiator to discuss agenda item one, and the Board had instructed their real property negotiator on price and terms for possible purchase of properties. The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:31 P.M. Ginny Babbitt arrived at 7:36 P.M. Additional Personnel Present: Randy Anderson, Annette Coleman, Alice Cummings, Sheryl Cochran, Julie McCullough and Susan Dale. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C. Britton proposed moving agenda item two, Final Adoption of Revised Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Public Use and District Management of St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve and agenda item three, Approval of Modifications to the Prospect Road Maintenance Agreement (Fremont Older Open Space Preserve) and Authorization for General Manager to Amend Fremont Older House Lease Agreement to Make It Consistent with the Road Agreement, to the 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos, C ilifornia 94022-1404 Phone:4li-691-1200 .. FAX: 415-691-04€35-0485. 4� Bo,ird of Oireoors Pete Siemens,Rc ckibbin, Iewna Henshaw,Ginny Bahbitt,Nonette Hank, y Crowder,Wim de Wit i Meeting 94-24 Page 2 consent calendar. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the agenda adding agenda items two and three to the consent calendar as proposed. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. G. Babbitt was not present for the vote. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the consent calendar as revised, including approving the minutes of August 24, 1994; the response to written communications dated August 22 and August 25, 1994 from Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highland Circle, Los Altos; the response to written communication dated August 24, 1994 from Mel Beck, 170 Hillside Avenue, San Rafael; the response to written communication dated August 16, 1994 from Bruce Campbell, 777 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto; agenda item number two, adopting the revised Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve; agenda item number three, authorizing the general manager to execute the road maintenance agreement and authorizing the general manager to amend the Fremont Older House Lease Agreement by a letter of understanding to make the lease consistent with the new road agreement; agenda item number six, scheduling of Special Meeting on Saturday, October I beginning at 8:00 A.M. for the purpose of conducting a tour of District lands for local public officials in San Mateo County; and approving Revised Claims 94-16;. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. G. Babbitt was not present for the vote. VI. BOARD BUSINESS A. Tentative Adoption of Resource Management Policies to Protect or Restore Natural Resources and Historic Buildings and Sites on District Lands MrtlOrt R-94-9 1) R. Anderson explained the proposed resource management policies formalize the steps that the District will take to protect or restore the resources on its lands. These resources include the plants, animals, ground, water, and historic buildings, and sites. He said that adoption of these policies will formalize the District's commitment to careful management and provide clearer guidelines for the field and office staff. R. Anderson explained the history of the development of the Resource Management Policies document. He noted that the Board is being asked to Meeting 94-24 Page 3 adopt the goals and policies included in the report on pages iv - viii. A. Cummings stated the District mission statement calls for protecting and restoring the diversity and integrity of the District's resources for their value to the environment and to people, and will provide for the use of the preserves consistent with resource protection. R. Anderson explained how the Planning and Implementation section is for informed, consistent, and effective resource management. A. Cummings described how the Natural Systems Management is for functioning, self-supporting ecosystems which maintain the natural abundance, diversity, and ecological integrity of plants and animals. She then described the Vegetation Management section which protects viable native plant communities characteristic of the region. She went on to explain how the Wildlife Management section provides a healthy, diverse native wildlife population. A. Cummings then defined how the Non-Native Species Management section controls non-native species which have a substantial impact on preserve resources, whenever control is reasonably possible. P. Siemens suggested moving "whenever control is reasonably possible", stated in the goal, to the end of 6.1 so that the statement reads, "Discourage spread of invasive non-native species, whenever control is reasonably possible". R. Anderson explained how the Water Resources section protects natural water courses, wetlands and hydrologic processes. A. Cummings described how the Geology and Soils section prevents limited soil loss and protects geologic features. It was recommended that the word "limited" in the goal statement be changed to "minimal". R. Anderson described how the Scenic and Aesthetic Resources section maintains lands with natural appearance, diversity, and minimal evidence of human impacts and how the Agricultural Use section allows agricultural uses that do not significantly impact natural resources, but do support heritage or scenic resources. R. McKibbin expressed his concerns with the word "begin" as it relates to District's agricultural use policy. He felt this word misleading to the District's overall mission and suggested better wording might be needed to define our policy. The reintroduction of agricultural uses was discussed, as well as potential income to the District. R. Anderson defined the Heritage Resources section as creates preservation of significant heritage resources for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. Meeting 94-24 Page 4 A. Cummings explained how the Research and Information Collection section allows documented scientific knowledge of preservation resources and resource management techniques as a basis for management decisions. A. Cummings described the Education section's goal, noting this section compliments the entire document. T. Henshaw said she would like to see a strong emphasis placed on education noting that it relates to the overall Resource Management Policies. Discussion centered on strengthening the Education section. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board tentatively adopt the resource management policies presented by staff and as amended during the discussion. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. B. Amendments to the Site Naming and Gift Recognition Policy (Report R-94-89) N. Hanko reported the Board adopted the Site Naming and Gifts Recognition Policy at its meeting of August 25, 1993 and that a number of modifications have been suggested to make the policy more clear and definitive in its intent. N. Hanko further explained new language in section H-B clarifies that locations of additional memorial benches will be part of the District's Use and Management Plan process. New locations may be designated for inclusion in POST's Memorial and Commemorative Sitting Areas Program. N. Hanko continued that on-site plaques will not be considered as part of the gift recognition section. Discussion over the term "may not" in the last sentence of section H-B, resulted in amending the last sentence to read, "Unapproved projects are discouraged and require formal U&M amendment which will not necessarily be recommended by staff or approved by Board." N. Hanko noted new section IV was added clarifying that such monuments would only be considered in relation to a specific existing building or other structure of historic value. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the amendments to the Site Naming and Gift Recognition Policy, including the revision made during the discussion. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0. C. Approval of District's Initial 1995-1996 Legislative Program (Report R-94-88) C. Britton reported the District's proposed legislative program was formulated by staff and reviewed at the July 5 and August 9, 1994 meetings of the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs (LFPA) Committee. The program Meeting 94-24 Page 5 covers the District's proposed legislative activities and priorities for the 1995- 1996 two-year session of the California State Legislature. C. Britton said that Ralph Heim, the District's legislative consultant, will speak at the LFPA Committee meeting of September 15, to discuss the upcoming session of the legislature, any potential legislation of importance to the District, and how the District might proceed with its legislative plan. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt the initial program for the 1995-1996 Legislative Session. R. McKibbin seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-0. T. Henshaw was absent for the vote. VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS G. Babbitt invited candidates for the position of director to introduce themselves. Steve Washwell and Mary Davey, Ward 2 candidates, and Dale Stansbury, a candidate in Ward 1, introduced themselves. C. Britton reported the County of Santa Clara has agreed to lend the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority $300,000 in 1994 and $300,000 in 1995 and Larry Coons will be Acting General Manager on loan from Santa Clara County Parks. S. Schectman reported the Santa Clara Taxpayers Association had filed a lawsuit challenging the formation of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. C. Britton reported that the District's response to minority report to the San Mateo County Alternative Funding Committee report had been distributed to the Board. W. de Wit distributed a copy of "At the Crossroads", the final report of San Mateo County's Alternative Funding Committee for the Parks and Recreation Division. He announced that he and C. Britton attended a reception at Hidden Villa for the new Executive Director, Judith Steiner. C. Britton asked if a Board member would like to accompany M. Smith on Saturday, September 24 at a reception at Presidio where Vice President Al Gore will officially pass the Presidio to the park service. C. Britton distributed Pathways Trail Guide Maps from Los Altos Hills. C. Britton announced that M. Smith, Director Crowder and he gave a presentation to the Town of Woodside's Town Council on September 13. C. Britton reported he met with John Christian, Parks and Recreation Director for Sunnyvale. W. de Wit reported he attended the Palo Alto Centennial event at which Director Meeting 94-24 Page 6 Hanko was one of four honorees present to be recognized. B. Crowder said there would be a tour of Djerassi property and reported that the San Mateo County Trails Committee had recommended to the San mateo, County Park and Recreation Commission that two trail regulations (helmets required and 15 mph speed limit) be adopted to jibe with District regulations. B. Crowder announced a Ridge Trail Tour for Ridge Trail staff members will be conducted to show its location through District preserves, starting at Purisima and going down along Skyline to the South. P. Siemens reported the Los Gatos Creek Trail will open in mid-November and the District will have a display set-up during the one-day celebration. He said there are Santa Clara County Heritage Preservation monies available and suggested a possible restoration or protection project grant for the old flume along Jones Trail. S. Schectman reported on the Marin County bicycle lawsuit and its significance to other agencies. A. Coleman reported on three accidents at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, and Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. VIU. SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION (Continued) G. Babbitt announced the Board would reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session with the Board's real property negotiator to continue discussion of agenda item one. The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:37 P.M. when the Board reconvened the Special Meeting Closed Session. IX. ADJOURNMENT The Special Meeting Closed Session was adjourned at 10:40 P.M. Susan Dale Recording Secretary