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Regional Open S ce
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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 97-03
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 12. 1997
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
Vice President Betsy Crowder called the Special Meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Members Present: Mary Davey, David Smernoff, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder, Ken
Nitz, and Jed Cyr. Pete Siemens arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, John Escobar, Deirdre Dolan, and Jean
Fiddes.
II. CLOSED SESSION
B. Crowder stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of
discussing Closed Session Item 1.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 7:04 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at
7:06 p.m. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:30 p.m. and B. Crowder called the
Regular Meeting to Order at 7:35 p.m. President M. Davey stated she had requested that
Vice President B. Crowder chair the meeting.
Additional Personnel Present: Mary de Beauvieres, Randy Anderson, Del Woods, Mike
Williams, and Malcolm Smith.
111. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Richard Bourke, P. O. Box 7207, San Jose, said he had asked at the last meeting about the
District's compliance with the trails master plan adopted by the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors. He said he had put his concern in writing and requested a written reply; he
presented his letter to the District Clerk.
Al Bell, 12130 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, member of Save Skyline Open Space
Committee, talked about the February 4 meeting held at the King's Mountain Fire House on
the proposed Russian Orthodox Church development. He said approximately 75 people
attended, including representatives from the Church. He said members of his committee will
be at the February 26 Board of Supervisors hearing, adding he did not think any of the
residents had changed their minds about the project, and approximately 150 people have
signed a petition. He gave staff a copy of an article from the San Mateo Times about the
project.
330 Distel Circle 0 Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 e Phone:415-691-1200
FAX:415-691-0485 0 E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz* General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Meeting 97-03 Page 2
IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF DAY
J. Escobar introduced Gordon Baillie, who was recently hired as Operations Analyst in the
Operations Program. Mr. Baillie said he was happy to be a member of the District staff.
M. Smith told the Board the Resolution of Appreciation was in recognition of the unsolicited
$700 donation from the Sierra Singles.
Motion: P. Siemens moved to approve Resolution 97-04, a Resolution of Appreciation
of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Honoring the Sierra Singles - Loma Prieta Chapter. N. Hanko, seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: N. Hanko, moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. ADOPTION OF ON CALENDAR
J. Cyr asked that the date in the staff report for Agenda Item 6 in paragraph 2 under
Discussion be changed from February 15, 1996 to February 15, 1997. C. Britton requested
that Agenda Item 3,-Authorization of Real PrQpgM Acquisition Agreement and Permit To
Enter with Town of Portola Valley for SIgM Repairs to Alpine Road and Authorization to
Execute the Easement for Installation of S19= Improvements Adjacent to Alpine Road and
Determination that Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA, be
removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar including
approval of the minutes of the January 22, 1997 Special and Regular Meeting;
response to Written Communication from Mr. Bob Kain, President,
Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP),
Bkainginterlink.mdyn.com; Agenda Item 2, Annual Informational Field
Activities Report; Agenda Item 4, Adoption of the Notice of Completion of
Contract for the Week's Road JR-Wair Project at La Honda Creek Open Space
-Pr-qwrve- Agenda Item 6, Authorization to Purchase Two Patrol Vehicles at a
Cost of$41.500 Through S= of California's Department of General
Services, including adoption of Resolution No. 97-05. a Resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Midpgninsula Regional Qpen Space District
Authorizing theDepartment of General Services of the State of California to
Purchase Certain Items for the Midr&ninsula Regional QMn Space District,
and Revised Claims 97-03. J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 7
to 0.
VIL BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. I - Authorization to Increase Contract with TAG Group
Corporation by $42,285 to Install Drainage Improvements and Reconstruct the
Driveway at the Skyline Field Office at Skyline Ridge QWn Space Preserve - (RgWrt
R-97-18),
Meeting97-03 Page age 4
C. Britton said some Board members toured the property and he can arrange for
others to do so.
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N. Hanko said she would vote against the proposal, noting that when the District
acquired the property she felt the entire property should remain in open space. She
said she understands the Board's position and hoped they would respect hers.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to
increase the contract for civil engineering services with Brian, Kangas,
Foulk Engineers from $40,000 to $60,000. D. Smernoff seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6 to 1, with N. Hanko voting against the
motion.
D. Agenda Item No. 7 - Tentative Adoption of 1997-1998 Draft Planning Work
Program for District Preserves and Facilities - (RLport R-97-21).
D. Woods pointed out changes in the Planning Team's approach in developing the
plan from last year. He said significant time had been spent on improving the process
of trying to integrate the planning with the field staff planning so implementation of
projects would flow more smoothly in the future. He said Chart A includes both
major and minor projects as requested by the Board, and projects are prioritized A
and B. He pointed out major projects in Chart A and briefly described them. He
said Chart B is a look at long range planning and general tasks.
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D. Woods explained that the completion of the Districts Regional Open Space Plan is
a highpriority. In addition review of trail policies could be as big a project as the
g � Po g P l
Regional Open Space Plan. The Resource Specialist will be developing a herbicide
plan for the District, and there will probably be one or two major acquisitions.
He said Chart C was submitted to show what happened to projects on the five year
plan so that the Board could see what has been done during year on projects that were
slated to occur this year. He emphasized staff is asking for tentative approval of the
1997-1998 projects contained in Chart A.
D. Woods said Board's comments will be incorporated into the final plan and it will
come back for final adoption with the budget. The plan's scope may change when the
Administration and Budget Committee reviews it.
N. Hanko said she thought it would be helpful if information on which Board
committees would be involved could be added to the chart. She said this is an
excellent working document. She said she would like to participate in putting
together the management agreement with the City of Palo Alto before it goes to the
Board for approval. C. Britton said he would provide a copy for her.
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N. Hanko said the plan showed a number of demolitions planned and Chart B showed
that there needed to be work with committees. D. Woods said staff members will
Meeting 97-03 Page 3 4
M. de Beauvieres resented r the staff report. The increase includes $9,029 for
drainage work and $33,256 for reconstruction of the driveway. She said that even
with the two change orders the project will still be under the budgeted amount.
Regarding the life expectancy of the road, J. Escobar said with proper maintenance it
would be 20 years or more. He said the road lacks a solid base so a treatment
surface would break down quickly, adding the proposed alternative seems to be the
best one.
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P. Siemens urged that the asphalt be sealed properly.
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Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize staff to issue a Change Order
to TAG Group Corporation for $42,285 to install drainage
improvements and reconstruct the driveway to the Skyline Area field
office at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. P. Siemens seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 3 - Authorization of Real Property Acquisition Agreement and
Permit To Enter with Town of Portola Valley for Slope Repairs to Alpine Road and
Authorization to Execute the Easement for Installation of Slope Improvements
Adjacent to Alpine Road and Determination that Recommended Actions are
Cast gorically Exempt from CEQA -Report R-97-17)
C. Britton said there were two changes to the Resolution: Section Two, change
. authorizes the General Manager . . ." to " . . . authorizes the President or
appropriate officers. . ." and Section Six, change code section to 5540.5.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board determine that the recommended
actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as
set out in the report, and adopt Resolution No. 97-06, a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Approving and Authorizing Acceptance of a Real Property
Acquisition Agreement, Issuance of a Permit to Enter, Authorizing the
President of the Board or Other Appropriate Officer to Execute an
Easement Deed to Town of Portola Valley and Authorizing General
Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or
Appropriate to Closing the Transaction (Windy Hill Open Space
Preserve - Town of Portola Valley). P. Siemens seconded the motion.
The motion passed 7 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 5 --Authorization to Increase the Contract for Civil Engineering
Services With Brian Kangas, Foulk for Lot Line Adjustment for Surplus PropgM at
Teague Hill Open Space Preserve from $40.000 to $60,000 - ffl=9 R-97-19).
R. Anderson provided background regarding the District's acquisition of property
and its attempts to sell the surplus property.
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Meeting 97-03 Page 5
research the question of which committees will be reviewing the policies addressing
disposition of structures and the notification policy regarding disposition of structures.
Board members and staff reviewed the charts and discussed the following items:
Chart A:
• Electrical service to gate at Long Ridge Preserve.
• Keeping the ad hoc committee charged with monitoring the Picchetti lease with
the Stortzes informed of what is occurring
• Landre House disposition - there are other structures staff will be looking at
that are in poor shape or inaccessible. Staff described the process that will be
used. D. Smernoff said it would be helpful if a tour in advance could be
arranged as part of the disposition process
• Addition of reference showing which Board committee would be involved in
each item
• Edmonds Road parking lot and sewage plant demolition (Pulgas Ridge
Preserve)
• Rhus Ridge parking (Rancho San Antonio Preserve) - working on funding
alternates, numbers will be included by budget time
• Restroom upgrade (Rancho San Antonio Preserve)
• Resurface parking lot (Russian Ridge Preserve) - word "install" should be
removed
• Kennedy Road parking (Kennedy-Limekiln Area - Sierra Azul Preserve) - if
the project is insurmountable, it will be dropped. Staff did go through design
process and met with neighbors and the town.
• Big Dipper land use plan (Skyline Ridge Preserve)
• Landscape new office area (Skyline Field Office) - use of native plants
• Office and shed demolition (Skyline Field Office)
• Historic residence lease (Thornewood)
Chart B:
• Open Space Use and Management Planning Process Policy Review (Policy and
Program Development)
• Survey projects for Resource Management (Regional Planning Studies and
Tools) - following up on history of sites and buildings. Staff is organizing
filing system and information that will be put in a data base. Use of
volunteers was discussed.
Chart C:
• Restore "Chute Trail" and Motorcycle Trail (Coal Creek Preserve) - use
different word than restore,
• Ridge Trail to La Honda (El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve) - add words,
"Creek Open Space Preserve"
• Foothills Park Trail (Foothills Preserve)
• Seven Springs Trail (Fremont Older Preserve) - concern regarding trail
widening and removal of switchback
• Bald Knob Trail (Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve) - for emergency patrol
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Meeting 97-03 Page 6
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• Black Mountain Trail (Rancho San Antonio Preserve)
• Soda Springs Parking (Cathedral Oaks Area - Sierra Azul Preserve)
• Willowbrook Bridge (Windy Hill Preserve) - came out of meetings with field
staff, would be wooden footbridge
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board tentatively adopt Fiscal Year 1997-
1998 Planning Work Program for Preserves and Facilities as amended
during the meeting. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed
7to0.
E. Agenda Item No. 8 - Tentative Adoption of Preliminary 1997-1998 Action Plan for
Implementation of District's Basic Policy - (Report R-97-20).
C. Britton said that the Action Plan included the revised Basic Policy objectives
wording agreed upon by the Board. In addition, two new subprograms have been
added - the Resource and Management Subprogram in the Planning Program and the
Legal Services Subprogram in the Administration Program.
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Open Space Acquisition Program
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Negotiations and Special Projects Subprogram
M. Williams outlined Key Projects and highlighted Items 8 and 9 under Other
Projects and Activities.
Enterprise Subprogmm
M. Williams emphasized Key Project 2, Sell Term Ownerships, and said they would
be looking at selling term ownerships and marketing properties that might work for
longer term ownership. Regarding Key Project 4, Administer Historic Leases, he
said they are looking to go forward with an RFP for the Thornewood property for a
long-term lease interest.
N. Hanko suggested that a reference be included to look for opportunities to complete
the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Bay Trail systems, perhaps under New Land
Commitments.
D. Smernoff commented on the general program emphasis, noting that he was not
sure it was always the District goal to maximize rental income as there might be other
issues where the income is not the most important thing. Staff will add the phrase,
"consistent with open space management policies."
M. Williams answered questions regarding Key Project 4 under the Enterprise
Subprogram. N. Hanko stressed she thought specific mention should be made of
agricultural and grazing leases so it is clear what is involved.
Meeting 97-03 Page 7
Regarding historic leases, D. Smernoff said he was considering bringing ideas
forward to the Acquisition and Enterprise Committee.
Open Space Planning Program
Regional and Long-Term Planning Subprogram
Site Planning and Implementation Subprogram
Resource Management Subprogram (shared with Operations Program)
R. Anderson referred to Key Project 1. C. Britton commented that the Planning
Team has decided to fill the vacant Planner I position with a Planning Technician.
R. Anderson said all the key projects are supposed to be done this year. C. Britton
referred to the memo from R. Anderson outlining a schedule for workshops for
Regional Open Space Plan contained in the packet. Discussion followed regarding
Board members sitting in on staff meetings pertaining to Key Project 2.
R. Anderson said the Purisima Creek Trail Element, a key project last year, was not
on this year's schedule due to reduction of staff and the need to review the whole
issue of trail use policies.
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In regard to when traill guidelines will be reviewed at the committee level, D. Woods
said the Use and Management Committee will first be considering rock climbing
issues in the near future.
Operations Program
J. Escobar noted changes in program emphasis in that there are now no
subprograms. He pointed out changes in staff resources and said that G. Baillie will
be making headway in Key Projects 3 and 4, Operations Manual Update and Special
Use Policies. He observed that there are two new key projects, Operations Program
Audit and Interpersonal Communication Skills Development.
C. Britton suggested changing the wording of the last sentence of Key Project 1 to the
following: "Assist the General Manager in making recommendation to the Board fo-r
the selection of a qualified consultant . . .
J. Escobar said that Key Project 2 is part of a District-wide effort to improve
communication and team building.
J. Escobar stated that a majority of resources in the Program goes to Other Projects
and Activities.
Public Affairs Program
Visitor Services
Meeting 97-03 Page 8
M. Smith said the Visitor Services Subprogram is part of the reorganization. Under
General Program Emphasis, he emphasized the second sentence, "Fully integrate the
Visitor Services Subprogram into the Public Affairs Program."
General Public Information and Outreach Su -rogram
M. Smith highlighted Key Projects I and 4, 25th Anniversary and Public Opinion
Pon.
L&gislative. Eu-nding. and Organization Relations
M. Smith said he expected this to be an active year in legislation.
Visitors Services Subprogram
In regard to Key Project 2, Daniels Nature Center, he said the hiring of an
interpretive aide on a seasonal basis will be considered during budget proceedings.
He stressed that the object of Key Project 3, Crew Leader Training, is to reduce staff
required to supervise volunteer crews. In response to a question from N. Hanko, he
said he did not think it necessary to put back reference to the District's image
contained in last year's plan, since this is incorporated in every aspect of the
program.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of presentations to high school and
college classes regarding volunteer opportunities.
In response to a question from B. Crowder, M. Smith said the Fremont Older and
Thornewood tours are a regular activity and therefore not specifically included in the
Action Plan.
In regard to Other Projects and Activities 3, N. Hanko suggested including,
"Develop docent led history and nature program at Picchetti Ranch" which was in last
year's report. C. Britton said they have had extensive talks with the tenants, and staff
will need to determine if these activities will occur in 1997-1998.
dministrative Proeram
J. Fiddes said the program is different because there are now two subprograms. She
outlined the Administration/Human Services Subprogram and said they are looking at
a potential reorganization and staffing change because of the upcoming vacancy.
Staff clarified scheduling of meetings in regard to Key Project 3. N. Hanko
suggested adding the Open Space Authority staff.
P. Siemens suggested splitting Item 4 under Other Projects and Activities into two
items.
Meeting 97-03 Page 9
S. Schectman said this is the first year for the Legal Services Subprogram and
outlined the plan.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary Action Plan as
modified; and charge the 1997 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. J. Cyr seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
D. Smernoff reported as follows: 1. He attended a habitat restoration workshop held in San
Francisco. 2. He voiced disappointment regarding the El Corte de Madera incident but said
he expects cooperation with ROMP to continue. 3. He passed out information on work days
for the Arastradero project.
J. Cyr thanked staff for a full day of orientation and a visit to District lands.
K. Nitz described his observations regarding dogs on February 2 at Windy Hill Open Space
Preserve.
B. Crowder reported as follows: 1. She attended a meeting at Hidden Villa with C. Britton
and D. Woods about the trails connections question between Los Altos Hills and Rancho San
Antonio. 2. She went to the grand opening of Assemblyman Lempert's Palo Alto office. 3.
She referred to a letter in the packet from a resident on Skyline near Kings Mountain who is
in favor of the Russian Orthodox Church being built. C. Britton said the appraisal for the
property may be completed within the next week.
C. Britton reported on the following: 1. Organization chart and new roster. 2. The
newspaper clipping from Mr. Bell. 3. Three upcoming meetings: (a) First meeting of
Administration and Budget Committee tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. (b) Special Meeting Closed
Session tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. on labor negotiations. (c) Legislative, Finance, and Public
Affairs Committee meeting February 19 at 2:30 p.m. 4. Staff is continuing to meet with
Sheldon Road neighbors and trail users regarding settlement of the public trails easement. 5.
M. Smith and he attended a meeting of the Open Space Council at Senator B. Sher's office.
Senator Sher has agreed to author legislation to expand or define a Bay Area program for tha,
Coastal Conservancy. In addition, Ted Lempert will try to sponsor legislation between the
District and San Mateo County regarding the California Riding and Hiking Trail. 6. He and,
M. Smith met with Pat Sanchez to discuss the Riding and Hiking Trails in San Mateo
County. 7. B. Crowder presented the Board's perspective at the Friday, January 31 State of
District message. Board Members will receive a summary. 8. Program managers gave J.
Cyr and K. Nitz an orientation on District activities. 9. S. Schectman has completed the
Portola Park Heights Road gate agreement; he said the trail is basically in, but not open.
M. Smith said that the Visitors Services staff has proposed May 29 as the date for the
volunteer recognition event. He provided an update on the trail census in relation to leash
dog access to Hamm's Gulch that Paul McKowan put together for Windy Hill Open Space
Preserve. He had received 40 responses from volunteers who want to participate.
Meeting 97-03 Page 10
R. Anderson showed the new wall map which was made by Ken Sipel. He referred to a
memo following up on the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve off leash area. He said the
experimental phase of the off leash area is completed, but staff will continue to monitor it .
He introduced John Carnes, from PADS, who congratulated the Board on the Pulgas Ridge
access and urged the Board to consider opening additional trails to dogs off leash..
R. Anderson referred to a letter signed by B. Crowder to the Santa Clara County Planning
Commission about the West Valley Hillside Rezoning which is a process to strengthen the
design review process.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary