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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19950927 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) d 'Regional )ace � r, ti MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 95-21 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 27, 1995 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Pete Siemens called the meeting to order at 6:39 P.M. Members Present: Pete Siemens, Mary Davey, Teena Henshaw, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder, and Wim de Wit. David Smernoff arrived at 6:41 P.M. Personnel Present: Craig Britton. II. CLOSED SESSION P. Siemens stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing Closed Session Agenda Item la. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:39 P.M. and the Closed Session commenced at 6:39 P.M. The Board adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:37 P.M. and P. Siemens called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:42 P.M. He announced that the Board had been meeting in Closed Session to discuss Closed Session agenda item la to conduct a performance evaluation for the general manager and that no final decisions had been made. Additional Personnel Present: Sue Schectman, John Escobar, Randy Anderson, Malcolm Smith, Mary Gundert, Mike Williams, Deirdre Dolan, Patrick Congdon, Julie McCullough, and Emma Johnson. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS John Carnes, 1755 La Honda Road, #95, Woodside said he was representing the newly-formed user group named P.A.D.S. He said the group is concerned about the Board action on June 28, 1995 and the group,would like the Board to reconsider its action of that date regarding not opening any new trails on Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to dog use contrary to the original recommendations. N. Hanko asked if it would be possible to re-introduce discussion of dog use on Windy Hill trails when plans for each of the preserves are discussed. C. Britton replied that Windy Hill Open Space Preserve will not be one of the specific preserves to be discussed since there were no changes recommended, but if the Board wishes to reconsider it, it could be added to the list to be considered at the October 11 Board meeting. B. Crowder said that, as the Board member representing that area, she did not wish to have it reconsidered at this time. 330 E?isiel Circle - Los Altos, CA 940221404 - Phone: 415-691 1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 . E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com ED Board of Oirectors.Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena i ienshaw, David T.Smernoff,Nanette Hanko, Betsy Crowder,Wim de twit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Meeting 95-21 Page 2 I W. de Wit said that there are trails open to dogs at Windy Hill, and the Board voted not to open any additional trails for their use. P. Siemens asked if the Board wished to have the Use and Management Committee consider the question. N. Hanko said she had questioned whether some areas of the preserve should be considered for off-leash use and that she would like the committee to discuss that issue at the Board level. P. Siemens suggested that the Use and Management Committee add the question of dog access on Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to its next agenda. B. Crowder said that the question should be debated under the first agenda item since it is one of the policy decisions. C. Britton noted that the agenda item refers to opening a part of a preserve or all of a preserve to on-leash use and that N. Hanko is referring to possibility of areas of Windy Hill being open to off-lease use. P. Siemens confirmed that he would like to refer the matters of possibly opening all of Windy Hill to dog use and considering whether there are areas that would be suitable for off-leash use to the committee. He asked that the committee return to the Board with its recommendation. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the agenda. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR B. Crowder requested that the two written communication responses and agenda item 11, Approval of Permit to Enter for Santa Clara County's Roads and Airports Department to Remove and Replace an Existing 30-Inch Culvert and Concrete Headwall Located Along Stevens Canyon Road at the Picchetti Ranch Area of Monte Bello Open Space Preserve be removed from the consent calendar. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the consent calendar as revised including: approving minutes of the June 28, 1995 and August 23, 1995 Board Meetings; agenda item four - Reduction of the Overall Fine for Violating the District's Bicycle Helmet Regulation from $76 to $49; agenda item six - Adoption of Resolution 95-30 Approving the Application to the Habitat Conservation Fund Program for Grant Funds to Acquire 26-Acre Silva Property as Part of Old Page Mill Road Trail Acquisition Project and Finding that Project is Categorically Exempt Under CEQA; agenda item seven - Adopting Resolution 95-31 Approving the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Application for Pulgas Ridge Public Access Improvement Project, and Approving the Negative Declaration for the Project, and Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring Program and Other CEQA findings; agenda item eight - Authorization for General Manager to Execute an Agreement with Tom Hennig Company of Los Altos to Market Four Surplus Diesel Generators and Related Equipment Located at the Former Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhum; agenda item thirteen - Proposed Change to Distribution of Salary Incentive Awards Based on $25,000 Funding Cap; and Revised Claims 95-21. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. I Meeting 95-21 Page 3 I VI. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS B. Crowder suggested that the draft reply to Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highland Circle, Los Altos be amended to say that the access improvements at Windy Hill are expected to be completed "in the fall of 1996." She also suggested that the last sentence of the first paragraph of the draft reply to Jill Newburn, South Skyline Equestrian Association, 12300 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos be changed to: "In this case, we would do our best to accommodate your group as well as fire emergency crews." The Board concurred with her suggested changes. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board approve the amended written communication responses. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Ap-enda Item No. la - Use and Management Committee's Recommendations on Partial Preserve Access, Waste Clean-Up Requirements, Use of Retractable Leashes. and Nuisance 1 n - -117 D R u 9 Does eQ atio s (R 5 1 B. Crowder, chairperson of the Use and Management Committee, acknowledge the large contributions of the Planning Program, Kathleen Hart, Alice Cummings, and Randy Anderson in resolving the question of access to dogs on the preserves. She said since the last Board meeting on the subject the Use and Management Committee held a public meeting to consider general policy for partial or total preserve opening or closing, waste clean-up requirements,uirements retractable leashes and vicious dog regulations. She said the meeting became a workshop with members of the audience contributing suggestions to each topic and that she considers a complete consensus was reached on the four policy issues. On the question of an entire preserve being either open or closed to dogs, rather than partially open, she noted that if there are clear geographic areas or sub-areas or characteristics that clearly segregate trails, partial preserve access for dogs may be manageable. She said the Committee recommends adopting the following policies: • Objective is that an entire preserve be either open or closed to dogs, with possible exceptions which may include, but not limited to 1) clear geographic features that distinguish closed areas from open areas; 2) impact on sensitive wildlife habitat can be avoided; 3) conflict with special use areas can be avoided. • Installation of signs requiring owners to clean up after their dogs in popular use areas and that bags should not be provided. If the problem becomes serious enough that there are significant public complaints, consideration should be given to closing the area to dogs. Include a description of these requirements and issues in a pamphlet or brochure that may be provided by a volunteer dog advocacy group. • No person shall allow or have a dog within a designated area, unless the dog is on a leash not to exceed 6 feet, or on a self-retracting leash with a maximum extended length of 25 feet, and under control at all times. The leash must have the capability of being retracted and locked in a position not to exceed 6 feet. Within a designated area, no person shall have or allow a dog on a lead greater than 6 feet when within 200 feet of any parking area, trailhead, picnic area, campground, horse stable, public roadway, rest room, visitor center, ranger station, other special use area where contact with other visitors or District staff is likely, within 50 feet of any person that is not a member of the group with the dog; or within 50 feet of any reservoir, pond, lake, creek, stream, bay, tidal area or flood control channel. i i Meeting 95-19 Page 4 John Carnes of PADS (Peninsula Access for Dogs) said he has been involved in forming the group which sees its role as being role models for other dog owners and providing peer pressure, carrying extra bags, providing contact with staff when problems arise and helping to mitigate problems, establishing a means of public contact including a mailing address and telephone, producing an educational flyer, and clean-up projects. P. Siemens suggested that the leash requirement language be changed to use the words "District facility such as parking area" so that people do not have to memorize a long list of facilities, and "water way" rather than naming reservoirs, ponds, lakes, etc. J. Escobar responded that if such language were ado adopted, Y"waterwa s" and "facilities" would have to PoP be defined and other regulations have avoided that. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt the policies regarding dog access outlined in the committee's report. D. Smemoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. Agenda Item No. lb - Adoption of Criteria and Procedures as Part of the Open Space Management Policies for Future Use in Evaluating Site for Dog Access (R-95-116) R. Anderson noted that the Board at its June 28, 1995 meeting had directed staff to amend the proposed weights for scoring various areas such as rural residential neighborhoods and habitat sensitivity. He said the new amended draft dog access criteria incorporates the proposed changes including language regarding partial preserve access recommended by the Use and Management Committee, definition of "unsanctioned use" in criterion 1, and clarification of the procedure for use of the criteria. He noted that the criteria will become part of the Use and Management planning policies. Dan Bernstein, of PADS, 3613 McNulty Way, Redwood City praised the process that was used including public outreach, research of other agencies, and site evaluation criteria. He also noted that the total points for Thomewood Open Space Preserve on the Preserve Suitability for Dog Access chart was 34 and the staff report incorrectly referenced Thornewood's total score. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the proposed criteria and procedures as part of the Open Space Management Policies for future use in evaluating sites for dog access. D. Smemoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. C. Britton said staff will review the math on the chart and any change will appear in the minutes of the meeting. (Note: Thornewood has a total of 34 points on the Preserve Suitability for Dog Access chart dated 9/19/95.) R. Anderson added that tentative Use and Management Plan amendments for Fremont Older, Thomewood, Coal Creek, and Long Ridge Open Space Preserve will be considered by the Board on October 11 and Sierra Azul - Limekiln Area and Pulgas Ridge Use and Management Plan amendments will be considered on October 25. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Authorization to Purchase 12.65-Acre Anthony Property Along Loma Prieta Road for $95,000 as an Addition to Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Oven Space Preserve. Tentative Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Property. i Meeting 95-19 Page 5 Including Intention to Withhold Dedication of the Prosy as Public Open Spg. and Determination that Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEOA fR-95- in M. Williams pointed out the location of the 12.65-acre property located along Loma Prieta Road between Mt. Umunhum and Loma Prieta. He said the property is within the Bay Area Ridge Trail corridor and acquisition will help complete the southern portion of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. He noted that the price of the property is $95,000 and was previously priced at $150,000. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-32, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Acceptance of Agreement to Purchase 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 (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Lands of Anthony), tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the report, including naming the property as an addition to the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, indicated its intention to withhold the property from dedication as public open space at this time, and determined that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in the staff report. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Approval of Permit to Enter for Rhone-Poulenc. Inc. and Their Contractor to Construct and Enlarge a Storm Drain Facility at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Approval of Agreement with Rhone-Poulenc Inc. to Exchange Easements Acquire a Public Trail Easement in Exchange for the Storm Drain Easement, Tentative Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt under CEOA (R-95-110) W. de Wit expressed a non-conflict of interest with the project of the agenda item. He said his son, Mark de Wit, is an employee of Geomatrix and is the project manager in the field for this particular project. He said that Geomatrix is a consulting firm that designs and manages the project for Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. and that he has no financial or any other interests in Rhone-Poulenc or Geomatrix. He said District counsel had advised him that there is no conflict for him to discuss or vote on this particular item. M. Williams reported that Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. has requested an easement from the District to construct and enlarge a storm drainage facility next to the District's pedestrian bridge at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. He said they are also negotiating with PG&E to purchase adjoining property that includes the levee adjacent to Palo Alto Baylands and that the District is interested in obtaining a twelve foot wide trail easement on the levee of the PG&E property to facilitate the extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail. He said the District has proposed an exchange of easements contingent upon Rhone-Poulenc's successful acquisition of a portion of the PG&E property, but since Rhone-Poulenc does not currently own the PG&E property, the District will issue a Permit to Enter for the purposes of installing a new storm drainage facility immediately and Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. will deposit $10,000 in an account with the District which will be forfeited if they do not acquire the PG&E property. Meeting 95-19 Page 6 Mark de Wit of Geomatrix said that the PG&E site clean-up has been completed. C. Britton requested a voice vote on the motion since dedicated land can only be relinquished by a yea vote of all seven Board members. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-33, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Approving and Authorizing Acceptance of an Agreement to Exchange Interests in Real Property, Authorizing Officer to Execute a Deed for the Real Property Interest Being Released, Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Easement to District and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Transaction (Ravenswood Open Space Preserve - Land of Rhone-Poulenc, Inc.), tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the report including naming the public trail easement, if acquired, as an addition to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, and determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in the staff report. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following voice vote: Ayes: Pete Siemens, Mary Davey, Teena Henshaw, David Smemoff, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder, and Wim de Wit. D. Agenda Item No. 5 - Authorization for General Manager to Enter into an Agreement with California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to Conduct a Controlled Bum a Russian Ridge Qpen Space Preserve (R-95-1 U4 R. Anderson reported that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) would conduct the proposed bum at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, with District staff helping and supporting. He said the District's resource management policies include restoring fire to a more natural role in preserve ecosystems, maintaining, restoring or stimulating natural ecological processes where feasible, and maintaining the diversity of native plant communities. He added that the northern part of Russian Ridge has been heavily invaded by thistle and coyote brush and that burning would reduce the thistle seed bank as well as reduce the annual grass seed bank. R. Anderson said that neighbors have been notified of the possible bum. J. Escobar reported that he has received comments from Adele Norton who lives north of the ridge area and is concerned about property safety and Raymond Watson, a geologist from San Carlos, who has concerns about fall bums and the possibility of erosion resulting from the denuded land. Nick Moll and Sarah Christian, Star Route 2, Box 408 expressed their concerns about the consequences of conducting the bum, noting that results are not fully understood or predictable, and that none of the ecological objectives is certain to be met. Mr. Moll suggested burning test plots in conjunction with a census of closely matched plots. He said then, if the results are positive, more extensive bums could be considered in future years. He noted that the effect of fire on the ecosystem of 1995 may lead to a long-term and Meeting 95-19 Page 7 complete degradation as the burned-off area is overtaken by star-thistle and that some of the hills could become a geologic hazard in terms of landslide activity. Discussion centered on whether burns would control invasive plant species and how many burns it would take to do so, as well as how much area should be burned. P. Congdon explained that there are light and heavy burns, that controlled burns should be light and so erosion and chemical changes to the soil should be negligible. He noted that, to control star thistle, it would take burns at least two years in a row followed by another burn two or three years later. N. Hanko asked if staff will monitor the site after the burn as to whether thistle has been controlled. R. Anderson said staff will pay attention to the results and work actively to encourage good results including potential overseeding to favor desirable species. B. Crowder asked if all three areas are proposed to be burned. R. Anderson noted that all may be burned but are listed in order of those most likely to be burned. She asked to be notified when the burn is going to occur. C. Britton said that Monte Bello and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves were grazed in the past and that controlled burns are an alternative to grazing. He said this is an opportunity to compare unburned areas to areas that are burned. J. Escobar noted that the District does not have adequate resources to do a burn itself and that this is a good opportunity to work with CDF. D. Smemoff asked if the District could do test plot burns with careful analyses of results and compare test plots with unburned plots in the same areas. He said he is hesitant to agree to a burn of such a large area when results are unknown. M. Davey reported that in the past when she chaired the Hillside Subcommittee studying the Santa Cruz Mountains for Santa Clara County, there were the same concerns but that the committee's research showed that it was beneficial. She said this is an opportunity and that she is sure that CDF will look at results and do the studies and that the District should ask them to participate. Mr. Moll and Ms. Christian stressed that the outcome of thistle control by fire is unknown and studies done years ago will not answer the question since star thistle was not the problem then as it is now. B. Crowder asked if burns are no longer considered a way to eliminate star thistle. J. Escobar responded that research shows that repeated burning has an effect on it if it is done for three to five years. P. Congdon noted that CDF is aware of the public relations potential for this as a beginning of a larger fire protection plan for the entire Skyline area and the value for having a plan that the public supports so he expressed his opinion that they will do whatever is necessary to make this successful. N. Hanko asked about a plant census and test plot type of burn. P. Congdon said the proposed burn will be part of the vegetative management program and that 100 acres is a minimum. He said the total number of acres could be as high as 400 acres and that CDF would evaluate the control lines. He said as far as test plots, the District would have to do the bum on its own, with its accompanying liability and responsibility. I Meeting 95-19 Page 8 P. Siemens asked if CDF is committed to burn for more than one year. P. Congdon said it is his understanding that they will commit to doing more than a one year burn, but did not know whether three or four years was feasible. P. Siemens expressed his understanding that with star thistle, if the correct things are not done, the problem becomes worse and that some commitment is needed to follow a prescription of burning two to three years in a row. B. Crowder asked if it is necessary to burn all three areas for CDF to agree to the burn. P. Congdon replied that if the area is less than 100 acres they would not agree to a burn; if 100 acres or over they might be encouraged to do it. He added that areas two and three have more thistle than area one. D. Smernoff suggested that burning area one or areas one and two and omitting area three would give a census and a control area. He said the commitment should be made to do it properly and study results and that he would be opposed to burning all three areas. He suggested taking a census now and doing small plots to get differences between the areas and follow-up for several years after the burn. P. Siemens expressed his agreement with the suggestion, along with getting a two-year commitment from CDF. C. Britton responded that CDF cannot be expected to give more than a one-year commitment. He said even if they gave a commitment for a second year they may have to back out of it and the District would have to do a second burn. N. Hanko asked what the cost would be for District staff to do a burn versus treating the thistle with chemicals. J. Escobar responded that a contractor would have to be hired because the District does not have adequate equipment to safely conduct a controlled burn. N. Hanko said the District is moving into an area without fully understanding the total impacts. M. Davey said she favored the plan since it is an opportunity to carry out the resource management program for the area. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to conduct a controlled burn at areas one and two of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and that CDF be requested to continue the burn next year. B. Crowder seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Smernoff suggested that the motion be amended to include a follow-up study of the controlled burn with details of the study left to the discretion of staff. The mover and the seconder agreed to the amendment. The motion passed 4 to 3 on the following vote: Ayes: P. Siemens, M. Davey, D. Smernoff, and B. Crowder. Noes: T. Henshaw, N. Hanko, and W. de Wit. 1 Meeting 95-19 Page 9 T. Henshaw said she is not convinced that the burn is something the District should proceed with. N. Hanko said it is necessary to do a study to know what the results will be. W. de Wit said there are too many "ifs, ands, and buts." N. Hanko suggested a workshop on resource management. E. Agenda Item No. 9 - Authorization for the General Manager to Contract with Dennis Kobza and Associates for $11,350 to Provide Architectural Services for Construction of the New Field Office at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (R-95-118) Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to contract with Dennis Kobza and Associates of Mountain View for $11,350 to complete the construction drawings and provide architectural services during construction of the new field office at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. F. Agenda Item No. 10 - Authorization for the General Manager to Enter into Contract with rk in Surfacing. the Lowest Responsible Bidder for Site Work. g. Su ac g. and Utilities for Construction of the New Field Office at Skyline Ridge Qpgn Space Preserve R-9 -119( 5 ) M. Gundert reported that the District received two bids which were nearly double the expected cost. C. suggested Britton su ested that the Board reject the bids and authorize staff to readvertise for bids for a grading and paving contractor and for a building contractor. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board reject all bids and authorize the General Manager to readvertise for bids on the project. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. G. Approval of Permit to Enter for Santa Clara County's Roads and Airports Department to Remove and Replace an Existing 30-Inch Culvert and Concrete Headwall Located Along Stevens Canyon Road at the Picchetti Ranch Area of Monte Bello Oren Space Preserve (R- 95-111) C. Britton said that there is a minor change to the agreement under Section 7.0 (Insurance). He said that since the County is self-insured, they could not name the District as co-insured but could satisfy the condition by providing written documentation to the District that the County's insurance provides the types and amount of liability coverage. He added that the District's legal counsel had drafted the change and it had been approved by the County. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to execute the modified Permit to Enter for the Picchetti Ranch Area of Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and authorize the General Manager to execute any and all other documents necessary or appropriate to the Permit to Enter process and determined that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in the report. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. H. Agenda Item No. 12 - Reorganization of Planning and Acquisition Programs to Create Self-Managed Work Team, Authorization to Reorganize and Fill Designated Planing Meeting 95-19 Page 10 Positions, and Authorization for General Manager to Execute Six-Month Consulting Services Agreement with George Sipel Associates at Rate of$6,000 Wr Month (R-95-120� C. Britton reported that the reorganization is primarily the work of George Sipel who had organized staff in its present system. He said that the concept of self-managed work teams would promote personal responsibility and better use of skills, ideas, and experience. He noted that the acquisition program is being included in the reorganization. He reviewed the terms of the contract with George Sipel who is being proposed to organize the project, and introduced him. G. Sipel said that the plan would promote efficiency, spending money allocated in the budget for projects, and a productive nonstressed staff. He noted that at the end of the six month trial period the team should be functioning well. P. Siemens said he would like the motion to stipulate that the fee for Mr. Sipel is $75 an hour, not to exceed $6,000 per month. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board authorize staff to proceed with the reorganization of the Planning and Acquisition Programs to create a self- managed work team, authorize the General Manager to execute the six-month Consulting Services Agreement with George Sipel Associates to provide organizational management and personnel services at the cost of$75 per hour not to exceed $6,000 per month, approve a second Senior Planner position to be filled internally and hold the Planning Manager position vacant at this time, authorize staff to fill two Open Space Planner I positions as soon as possible by internal promotion of the two incumbent Planning Technicians, and authorize staff to fill one Planning Technician position after S. Cochran's Open Space Planner II position has been vacated. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS C. Britton reported a) that a marijuana plot was discovered on District land while he was on a ride-along with District rangers and that the plot was confiscated by the sheriff's department; b) J. Escobar recently spoke to the Marin Water District and they will be implementing a volunteer program similar to the District's; c) J. Escobar made a presentation to the Monterey County Regional Open Space District on bicycle access; d) he met with the Board of Directors of Peninsula Open Space Trust regarding a major fund-raising effort that POST will be embarking on; e) H. Haeussler made a donation to the District to honor B. Crowder for her work on the Board; f) asked Board members to arrange with S. Dale their attendance at the Not-So-Annual Conference on November 16, 17, and 18; g) he spoke at a fund raising event for the Committee for Green Foothills; h) S. Cochran will be leaving the District and moving to Oregon in mid- October and E. Johnson will also be leaving the area in October; and i) seventeen or eighteen volunteers for the environmental education program at the Daniels Nature Center began training today. B. Crowder reported on an open space map from Jefferson County Open Space District in Colorado and that trails for hikers only are printed in red, and all other trails are multiple use. P. Siemens thanked the Planning staff for their efforts in responding to the EIR on the proposed golf course in Los Gatos. He said he spent the day helping refurbish the Grant House. •Meeting 95-19 Page 11 D. Smernoff reported he represented the District at a bicycle race recently and proposed entering a District team in next year's event. M. Smith reported on a census of preserve users that will be done at each of the entrances to Purisima Creek and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserves on October 11 and 14. J. Escobar reported: a) that the field activity report had been distributed; b) defensive tactics training is in process and is being taught by an ex-FBI trainer who is doing an excellent job and will probably be around for future trainin • and c a mountain lion eating a kill was reported at P Y g g � Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve late this afternoon. He said the preserve would be posted with notices in the morning. S. Schectman reported on recent litigation and court decisions that affect the District or land conservation. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 P.M. Emma Johnson Recording Secretary