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Home My Public Portal About19951220 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) ' Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 95-27 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS December 20, 1995 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Pete Siemens called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. Members Present: Pete Siemens, Mary Davey, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder, and Wim de Wit.. Members Absent: Teena Henshaw and David Smernoff. Personnel Present: Craig Britton, John Escobar, Malcolm Smith, Randy Anderson, Julie McCullough, Brendan Downing, Doug Vu, and Susan Shipley. H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications. Ill. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY A. Douglas Vu, the District's new Planning Technician, was introduced to the Board. I B. Resolution Honoring Linda Liebes on the Occasion of Her Retirement from the Coyote Point Museum Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-45, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Honoring Linda Liebes on the Occasion of Her Retirement from the Coyote Point Museum. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the agenda. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR W. de Wit requested agenda item 5 Proposed Amendment to Long Ridge Preserve Use and Management Plan to Install Memorial Bench and Plaque Commemorating Wallace Stegner at an 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nanette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton 4 Meeting 95-27 Page 2 Estimated Cost of $5,000 be removed from the consent calendar. P. Siemens requested that the response to written communication from Mark Prusinowski be removed from the consent calendar. B. Crowder requested Minutes of November 29, 1995 be removed from the consent calendar. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the revised consent calendar including the Revised Claims 95-21. Wim de Wit seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. VI. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS P. Siemens stated he approved of the reply to Mark Prusinowski, 1108 Kelly Drive, San Jose, and felt very strongly that action needed to be taken concerning the golf ball from the Saratoga Country Club at the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve parking area, and he supported the investigation into the matter by District Legal Counsel. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the written communication response. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 29, 1995 B. Crowder stated that on page seven under Informational Reports her report should be corrected to state that her hiking with Jean Rusmore had been for expansion to and revision of Jean Rusmore's book "Peninsula Trails". Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve the minutes of November 29, 1995, as corrected. W. de Wit seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. IX. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. 1 - Appointment of Ranger Brendan Downing as Peace Officer (Report R-9. 5-144) J. Escobar introduced Brendan Downing, the District's newest ranger who is working out of the Skyline Field office. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-46 appointing Brendan Downing as Peace Officer. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Final Adoption of Use and Management Plan Amendments to Op&n All Trails to Dogs On Leash Except for the Connection to El Sombroso and the Mt. Umunhum Area at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Kennedy Limekiln Area) on January 20, 1996 and to Dogs Off Leash at One Location at Pul ag_ s Ridge Open Space Preserve on March 1, 1996 (Report R-95-146) R. Anderson reviewed the staff report. Meeting 95-27 Page 3 Board discussion focused on fencing costs at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and insuring clear signage and sufficient postings at both locations. Bob Wallace, Saratoga, stated the area proposed for off leash use sounded more like a glorified dog run than a place to go and hike with your dog. Helen LaRash, San Carlos, stated she would like to see more of these off leash areas become available and that the area proposed at Pulgas Ridge Open Space preserve is not a heavily used area. Johann Hansel, Los Gatos, stated he would like to see more areas opened up to dogs. Robin Hoskus with Peninsula Access for Dogs stated she would like to volunteer in any way to see that this off leash area is successful in the hope that other areas would become available in the future. Ms. Hoskus subsequently stated that she would be willing to poll users. N. Hanko suggested the Board receive a report in one year to determine the success of the off leash areas. Johann Hansel requested the Board keep in mind that the study results for this particular area may not be the results experienced in another area. C. Britton clarified that the report produced in a year would not in any way be a scientific study, but more of an informative report. B. Crowder suggested adding an amendment to the recommendation that staff return in December with a status report to re-evaluate these areas. C. Britton suggested January as the date since several other annual reports are also completed in January. The Board agreed by consensus to this amendment to the recommendation. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board; adopt the final Use and Management Plan amendments for dog access at two preserves: 1) Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Kennedy Limekiln Area - opening all trails, except for the connection to El Combroso and the Mt. Umunhum Area, to dogs on leash, and 2) Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve - creating an off-leash dog access area at former site of Hassler Health Home, including limited fencing, as amended. Wim de Wit seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board direct that these access changes formally take effect on January 20, 1996 at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Kennedy Limekiln Area, to allow time for amendment of maps and signs, and on March 1, 1996 at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, to allow time for installation of fencing and amendment of maps and signs. W. de Wit seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. Meeting 95-27 Page 4 C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Annual Report on Dedication Status of District Lands and Proposed Dedication of 3.130.91 Acres of Land as Public Open Space at La Honda Creek. Lone Ridge, Skyline Ridge. El Sereno. and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves (Report R-T5-150) C. Britton reviewed the areas to be dedicated as public open space within La Honda Creek, Long Ridge, Skyline Ridge, El Sereno, and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves bringing the total of dedicated District land to 69%. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-47 a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Dedicating Interests in Certain District Lands for Public Open Space Purposes. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. D. Agenda Item No. 4 - Authorization to Purchase 108.34-Acre Shannon Property for $108.340 as an Addition to Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Tentative Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the Propgrty. Including Intention to Withhold Dedication of the Property as Public Open Space, and Determination that Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt Under CEQA (Report R-95-148) C. Britton reviewed the budget considerations for this $108,340 acquisition. R. Anderson gave a slide presentation depicting the two parcels totalling 108.34. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt resolution R-95-48 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 (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Lands of Shannon). N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. E. Agenda Item No. 5 - Proposed Amendment to Lone Ridge Preserve Use and Managemen Plan to Install Memorial Bench and Plague Commemorating Wallace Stegner at an Estimated Cost of $5.000 (Report R-95-145) C. Britton stated this item was pulled from the consent item since Robert Zatkin, P. O. Box 143, Los Altos, had sent a letter to the Board concerning this item. N. Hanko suggested she work with M. Smith on a response letter, from her, explaining the Board's position regarding this memorial. N. Hanko stated Mary Stegner and family are looking forward to the event on May 19, 1996. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board tentatively adopt the amendment to the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve Use and Management Plan to install a bench and plaque at the proposed site memorializing Wallace Stegner and determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act. B. Crowder seconded the motion the motion passed 5 to 0. Meeting 95-27 Page 5 F. Agenda Item No 6 - Authorization to Accept Settlement Agreement with Rosalie and John Valoff, the Estate of John Joseph Pezzoli and Peninsula Open Space Trust. Approve the Proposal for a Management Agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust. Authorize the General Manager to Sign the Agreement on Behalf of the District, and Determination that Recommended Actions are Cate og rically Exempt Under CEOA (Report R-95-149) S. Schectman described the details of the Settlement Agreement. C. Britton gave a history of "Mountain Man" Pezzoli, his will, and the process to reach the proposed settlement agreement. N. Hanko stated her concerns regarding the possibility of religious meetings and retreats taking place at the Valoff residence. S. Schectman responded these activities would have to conform to zoning codes and the agreement clearly states that only Mr. or Mrs. Valoff can be a permanent resident. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution 95-49 a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open space District Authorizing Acceptance of Settlement Agreement, Authorizing Officer to Execute the Agreement, and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Transaction (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Lands of Estate of Pezzoli); and, determine that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. G. Agenda Item No. 7 - Summary Description of Regional Open Space Plan, Including Scheduling a Special Workshop Meeting for Saturday, January 27, 1996 and Adopting Workshop's Agenda Report R-95-147) Motion: M. Davey moved the Board schedule a Special Meeting for Saturday, January 27, 1996, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the District administrative offices, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, for the purpose of holding a workshop on the proposed Regional Open Space Plan to confirm the planning issues, formulate a draft mission statement, and review the District's Basic Policy and accept the workshop agenda and arrangements. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 0. X. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS C. Britton reported that: 1) the State of the District staff meeting is scheduled for January 19 at 1:00 P.M.; 2) there will be a reception for Linda Liebes on Wednesday, January 10 from 6:00 - 8:00; 3) he met with Gibson Anderson and a property owner in November regarding Sheldon Road in an attempt to settle the current trails use dispute; 4) Ireland matter continued to January 16; 5) light bulbs have been replaced in parking lot; 6) he recorded the Quitclaim Deed from Ken Fisher; 7) he met with Director Henshaw regarding dates to meet with the Portola Park Heights Committee; 8) Santa Clara County Planning Commission turned down the golf course at "Alma College" project 6 to 0; and 9) there was a letter from William Lettis & Associates to J. McCullough noting that after several attempts, they were unable to locate the earthquake fault at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Meeting 95-27 Page 6 M. Davey reported she received a copy of the Bay Area Action proposal for the Board to review. N. Hanko reported she met with the Mayor of Palo Alto and that this proposal was the only one received by the City of Palo Alto. M. Davey reported a celebration will be held at the Peninsula Conservation Center. P. Siemens reported he received a call from Robert Zakin a suggestion modifying the parking sign on Rhus Ridge Road. W. de Wit reported an article on Devil's Canyon was published in a climbing magazine. J. Escobar reported the November Field Activity Summary had been distributed to the Board. M. Smith assured the District will respond to the climbing magazine article and that the Kid's Art event has been postponed until Spring of 1997. S. Schectman reported the California Supreme Court declined to re-hear the Santa Clara County Guardino case. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M. Susan Shipley Recording Secretary