HomeMy Public PortalAbout19961113 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open S ce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 96-23
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
November 13, 1996
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present: David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Peter Siemens, Nonette
Hanko, Wim de Wit, and Teena Henshaw.
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes, Sue Schectman, Michael Williams, Mary de
Beauvieres, John Escobar, Malcolm Smith, Julie McCullough, and Del Woods.
H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Jobst Brandt, 351 Middlefield, Palo Alto, spoke regarding the gate on Portola Heights Road,
noting he did not think that taxpayers or the District should pay for an electric gate.
C. Britton explained why it serves the District to have the electric gate, said the cap on the
District's involvement is $10,000, and briefly outlined the on-going discussions regarding the
gate.
Dave Perrone, 316 Ridge Road, Woodside, said he and members of the Save Skyline Open
Space Committee will be attending Board meetings, noting they want to work with and
support the District.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: D. Smemoff moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
B. Crowder removed the October 23 minutes, N. Hanko removed agenda item 5, Approve 1
to App1v for$500,000 Grant from the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program
for the 481-Acre Lobitos Creek Headwaters Acquisition Project, and Harry Haeussler, 1094
Highlands Circle, Los Altos, removed agenda item 9, Rye nest for Authorization to File
Amicus Brief in Action by Driscoll Ranches, LLC, to Quiet Title to Sears Ranch Road and
Other Public Roads Near La Honda Creek Oren Space Preserve (San Mateo Court Case No
405D.
Motion: W. de Wit moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including
responses to written communications from Ms. Jean A. Rhea, 600 Rainbow
Drive #152, Mountain View; Mr. Harry Haeussler, Jr., 1094 Highland Circle,
Los Altos; and Mr. Bob Kain, President, Responsible Organized Mountain
Pedalers, P. O. Box 1723, Campbell; agenda item 4, Seasonal Trail Closures,
agenda item 7, Denial of Claim Against the District Filed by Lawrence
Anthony Wargo: agendaltem 8, Cancellation of November 27 Regular
_. _ .. M e i and S .h riming ofpa...W rinecday.,. November 20 Special Meeti-ng- and....
330 Distel Circle a Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 - Phone:41 5-691-1200 - FAX:415-691-0485 < E-mail: mrosdanetcom.com
Board of Oirectors:Pete Siemens,Mary t .Davey, l eena I len,haw,David 1.Smornoff, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit
l;ener,d Nlatuger.1.Craig Britton
Meeting 96-23 Page 2
Revised Claims 96-19. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed
7 to 0.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 23. 1996
B. Crowder requested that the last sentence of the first paragraph of Informational Reports
on page 8 of the minutes be amended to state that she, C. Britton, and M. de Beauvieres had
met with members of the Portola Valley Council, Planning Commission, and staff regarding
the Windy Hill parking lot.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board approve the October 23 minutes as
amended. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. I - ELQjmsed -Acquisition of 80-Acre Young EEQpffjy for $200,000
as an Addition to Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Sp,-jq& Preserve, Tentative
Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations for the
RLQI&M. Including Withholding the Figpg -M from Dedication as Public Oren Space,
and Determination that Recommended Actions Categorically Exempt from CEOA -
(R=rt R-96-119)
J. McCullough showed the location of the property on a map and C. Britton presented
the staff report.
Jobst Brandt said the ridge is one of the most scenic spots in the Bay Area. He
described the view and said he used to ride in the area but the County has allowed
those who live there to usurp control. He said he looks forward to when he can again
travel the trail safely and hoped the District does something about the situation.
N. Hanko told Board members to call staff if they wish to tour the area.
Motion: D. Smernoff moved that the Board determine that the recommended
actions are categorically exempt from the Califoria Environmental
Quality Act as set out in this report; adopt Resolution 96-39, 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 Young);
tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan
recommendations contained in the staff report, including naming the
property as an addition to the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve; and indicate their intention to withhold the property
from dedication as public open space at this time. P. Siemens seconded
the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Proposed Gift of 0.32-Acre QMn- Space Easement Over the
Weil/Zuanich PLQpgM as an Addition to the Kennedy-Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul
Meeting 96-23 Page 3
Qpg,-n Space Preserve: Tentative Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan
Recommendations for the Easement. Including Withholding the Easement from
Dedication as Public QW,_n Space. and Determinationthat Recommended Actions
Categorically Exempt from CEQA - (R=rt R-96-121).
M. Williams presented the staff report and showed the location of the property on a
map. The easement is visible from Limekiln Trail and will prohibit development of
the property and protect its natural condition. He said there are six more of these
small parcels in the area.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board determine that the recommended
actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act as set out in the staff report; adopt Resolution 96-40, a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula, Regional
Open Space District Accepting Gift of an Open Space Easement,
Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Gift to
District, and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All
Other Documents Necessary to Closing of the Transaction (Sierra Azul
Open Space Preserve - Weil/Zuanich Property); tentatively adopt the
Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in
the staff report, including naming the easement as an addition to the
Kennedy-Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; and
indicate their intention to withhold the easement from dedication as
public open space at this time. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The
motion passed 7 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Informational Slide Presentation on Phase I Trail Impn&&ment
at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve - (Report R-96-120)
M. de Beauvieres showed overheads and slides of the trail construction projects
completed or underway on the Preserve. She said volunteer groups, including
Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), had participated in several work
days and another volunteer event is scheduled for November 16 on the Leaf Trail
extension. Staff and volunteers will be honored at an opening celebration scheduled
for 3:00 p.m. on that day. M. de Beauvieres described winterization of the crossing
of El Corte de Madera Creek which will take place before winter rains begin. She
also showed trail closures and where map boards have been posted at three key
trailheads: Skeggs Point, Methuselah, and Gordon Mill.
C. Britton said staff did a marvelous job of threading their way through the different
uses and making sure the trails meet the needs of all affected groups.
B. Crowder noted that ROMP put forth enormous effort on the project.
D. Smemoff said staff has done a great job in the way they have worked with
volunteers.
Meeting 96-23 Page 4
J. Escobar said the volunteer groups now have a greater appreciation of what the
District is trying to do and of the extent of maintenance required. He said they have
added four volunteer projects and talked about supervising them.
D. Agenda Item No. 5 - 'Approval to Apply for $500.000 Grant from the Environmental
Enhancement and Mitigation Program for the 481-Acre Lobitos Creek Headwaters
Acquisition Project - fflgpgq R-96-116
C. Britton stated that staff had drafted a letter to Representative Tom Campbell
clarifying issues he had raised in regard to the grant. He also answered Mr.
Haeussler§ questions about the grant, stating that the District will follow the criteria
in the grant program.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 96-41, a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula. Regional
Open Space District Approving The Application for Environmental
Enhancement and Mitigation Program Funds Under Section 164.56 of
the Streets and Highways Code for the Lobitos Creek Headwaters
Acquisition Project. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
E. Agenda Item No. 6 - Mid-Year Program Evaluation for 1996-1997 Action Plan for
the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpgninsula Regional QMn S_
District - (Report R-96-115)
C. Britton asked each manager to highlight their portion of the report which covered
the first six months of the fiscal year. He called attention to the addendum which was
a summary of projects and activities described in the Action Plan and Relative Site
Emphasis that are in-progress or have been completed this fiscal year.
Opta Spice Acquisitio
M. Williams highlighted progress in this program including the Negotiations and
Special Projects and Enterprise Subprograms. He said the District acquired 224 acres
of open space lands since April 1, 1996. The DistrictA residential properties are
fully occupied. He described the work, including clearing brush, being done by the
tenant in the Thornewood residence. He said there are parties who may be interested
in a longer term lease for that property.
C. Britton said the ad hoc Thornewood Committee was originally established to
monitor the long-term tenant at Thornewood. He recommended turning this
assignment over to the Acquisition and Enterprise Committee.
In regard to Teague Hill, C. Britton said there are difficult problems having to do
with water supply and winterization of the road, as well as obstacles from the local
jurisdiction. Staff will report back to the Board as the project proceeds.
Meeting 96-23 Page 5
Open Spce Planning Program
D. Woods reported on progress in the Regional and Long-Term Planning
Subprogram, including filling the resource management specialist position, revision of
the Use and Management Plan, and team performance evaluation procedures.
In regard to the Site Planning and Implementation Subprogram, M. de Beauvieres
reported that a visitor survey regarding Purisima Creek Redwoods Trail got a large
response. She informed the Board that staff hopes to have the notice of completion
for Skyline field office construction at the December 11 meeting.
M. de Beauvieres said an overall study regarding parking is underway at Fremont
Older Open Space Preserve, but construction of the lot has been postponed until
spring. Issues with the neighbors have been worked out.
M. de Beauvieres said that the plan is to demolish the old sewage treatment plant at
Pulgas Ridge and develop the parking next summer.
C. Britton said the Board should be aware that a lot of time on the planning staff has
been spent in becoming a self managed work team. He thought they had done an
excellent job in dealing with unanticipated tasks, as well as making progress on those
in the plan.
Operations Program
J. Escobar said there have been a lot of staff vacancies, including some seasonal
employees. He highlighted the volunteer program and outlined progress on the update
of the Operations Manual.
Public Affairs Program
M. Smith gave a brief overview of plans for the District§ 25th anniversary
celebration which will include sale of promotional items and a banquet in November.
There might be a full-scale mailing regarding the event; the mailing list is currently
14,500.
In regard to transfer of personnel into his department, M. Smith said they are
working together to make the transition.
Administration Program
J. Fiddes highlighted approval of the Financing Authority which she characterized as
the largest, most creative, and most beneficial piece of financing the District has ever
done. She also said that hiring activities have been greater than anticipated at the
start of the year.
S. Schectman briefed the Board on the legal section's activities during the first six
III
Meeting 96-23 Page 6
months of the year. The Board agreed that it would be beneficial to add a legal
support/research section to the Action Plan.
Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board accept the 1996-1997 mid-year
program evaluation as contained in the staff report and discussed at this
meeting. P. Siemen seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
F. Agenda Item No. 9 - west for Authorization to File Amicus Brief in Action by
Driscoll Ranches, LLC to Quiet Title to Sears Ranch Road and Other Public Roads
Near La Honda Creek Oren Spaace Preserve (San Mateo Court Case No. 394055)-
(E=rt R-96-122)
S. Schectman reviewed staff§ recommendations and showed a map of the area.
In regard to questions about the Districts involvement, C. Britton said it is to the
Districts benefit for the roads to remain public.
Motion: D. Smernoff moved to accept legal counsels recommendation to submit
Amicus brief in action by Driscoll Ranches, LLC, to quiet title to Sears
Ranch Road and other public roads near La Honda Creek Open Space
Preserve. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
B. Crowder said she had attended two dedications of the Ridge Trail, one at Sweeney Ranch
and the other in Sonoma County.
M. Davey reported that she had attended the dedication of 3-1/2 miles of trail in Jack
London State Park (part of the Ridge Trail). Don Murphy was there and said he felt there
would be a state bond issue for parks and open space in the next election. She thanked J.
Escobar and Dennis Danielson who took her for a ride on Skyline to see the gaps in the
Ridge Trail.
D. Smernoff said he toured the Sierra Azul area with Ranger Phil Hearin. He also reported
that Dr. Freund had received the letter regarding the eclipse activity and was pleased with
the District's response. He said the City of Palo Also voted to approve the management plan
for the Arastradero Preserve.
C. Britton reported on the following:
1) the mid-year financial report from Controller M. Foster was contained in the Board§
packet; 2) the invitation to a reception for outgoing members of the Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors. He said he will be asking Diane McKenna to come to the meeting
where the Board will pass a resolution of appreciation for her support; 3) Judy Law is
leaving the District staff after 5-1/2 years; 4) Ralph Heim will be at the December 11
meeting; 5) as the result of no park bond act being passed, there will be a strategy meeting
on November 22 with the Planning and Conservation League; 6) a delegation set up by the
Open Space Council met with Sen. Thompson who indicated he is committed to a park bond
issue in 1998. They will focus on working with the Coastal Conservancy and designing
Meeting 96-23 Page 7
legislation.
J. Escobar said he had represented the District at the National Recreation and Park
Association Conference in Kansas City. The highlight was being present when Tony Look
received an award for over 30 years of volunteerism. He said Paul Romero nominated him
and is planning a reception to honor Mr. Look.
Regarding a suggestion that Paul Romero be invited to a Board meeting, C. Britton said the
District will probably have a joint meeting with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Commission and review the Regional Open Space Plan. He acknowledged the presence of
Mr. Kenneth Nitz, newly elected Board member for Ward 7, at the meeting.
VIH. ADJQU—RNhff,--Nl
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary