HomeMy Public PortalAbout19970528 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) 1 1 J A
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 97-13
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 28, 1997
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
President Mary Davey called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Mary Davey, David Smernoff, Betsy Crowder, Ken Nitz, Jed Cyr, and
Nonette Hanko.
Members Absent: Pete Siemens.
Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, John Escobar, Malcolm Smith, Mary de
Beauvieres, Jodi Isaacs, and Gordon Bailey.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie Roberts, 339 La Cuesta, Portola Valley, legislative advocate for Committee for Green
Foothills, a founder of the District in 1972, and a citizen involved in the effort to annex San
Mateo County into the District, urged the Board to acquire the 284 parcel that is proposed
for development by the Russian Orthodox Church. She stated that the part planned for
development is the heart of the site.
Colleen Doherty, 70 Ellsworth Street, San Francisco, said she represented the Russian
Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir and briefly described the project. She introduced Mother
Isihia of the Convent.
Mother Isihia said she was speaking on behalf of the Mother Superior, and that the plan was
to establish a convent in a monastic setting. She described the tradition and way of life of
the order, and spoke of the history of the order. She noted that over the years they have lost
property in other countries and had found this property after a ten-year search. Mother
Isihia outlined a typical day in the convent. She expressed surprise that there were concerns
about their use of the land and said they plan to preserve most of it and would like to work
with the District. Mother Isihia described the proposed project and said they are trying to
work out what part of the land might be public and what would be restricted for their privacy
and safety. She asked that there be a dialogue.
Colleen Doherty summarized that there will be 10-20 nuns, it is a contemplative order and
not a typical church, and that the project will be clustered so that over 95% will be left as
open space. She said if the monastery failed the property, would never be abandoned.
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MEETING 97-13 Page 2
Lee Pitt, 12520 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, Save Skyline Open Space (SSOS), said he
sympathized with the plight of the nuns having to flee Russia but was there to affirm the
position of the people who live on Skyline. They had submitted a petition and believe the
area should remain open space and be purchased by the District.
Dave Perrone, 316 Ridge Road, Woodside, SSOS, reiterated support for MROSD acquiring
the property and said there are some significant land use issues in regard to the Williamson
Act. He said the group had done lots of research which was available.
Jessica Agramonte, 12150 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, SSOS, said development would occupy
only a small portion of the property, but the plan is to develop all of the most valuable open
space areas. No trespassing signs have been posted which she believed stated the intention to
prevent public use. She said the County cannot require a dedicated trail and there is a
significant wildlife corridor. In addition, the scope of development exceeds any previous
development in the area and especially what is allowed under the Williamson Act and local
coastal plan amendments She urged the District the help the Church find an alternate site.
Al Bell, 12130 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, said he would make a slide presentation at a
subsequent meeting.
Carrie German, 13080 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, said she lived two miles south of the
proposed convent. The nuns are pursuing the dream of every human being to have a piece
of land and build a home that fits their lifestyle. She said she believed that building a
convent on this property is in the spirit of the original gift to the Catholic Church and
questioned the desirability of this land as open space, citing weather and the fact that it had
little historical value.
Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highland Circle, Los Altos, spoke in favor of the convent and said if
the District takes this property they ought to take all of Skyline.
Richard Bourke, P. O. Box 7207, San Jose, agreed with Mr. Haeussler and Ms. German.
He said one of the contractors used by the District as a trail builder was not a licensed
contractor, and that contracts like the one he referred to should be let to local contractors.
He spoke of his concern about perceived internal problems in the District and said he thought
they were anti-environment.
S. Schectman stated that staff will respond to Mr. Bourke.
Rhett Frantz, 12360 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, said he was in favor of preserving open space
and thought the development was beyond residential development. He said he wanted to
preserve what was there and would get more involved in the effort to prevent the project.
Al Bell said there had been a lot written about the project and people needed to visit the site
to appreciate the impact. He said he was against development.
MEETING 97-13 Page 3
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the agenda. D. Smernoff seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
N. Hanko requested that the response to a written communication from Beth and Rich
Thurber be amended to include the words, "In addition," at the beginning of the third
paragraph and that the word "also" be inserted in the last sentence of that paragraph
following the word "process."
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including
minutes of the April 9, 1997 Special and Regular Meeting and the April 23,
1997 Special and Regular Meeting; responses to written communications from
Beth & Rick Thurber (as amended), 205 Upper Terrace, San Francisco; Mr.
and Mrs. Ronald Alepin, 11920 Rhus Ridge Road, Los Altos; Mr. Tom
Wallace, Cisco System, Inc., 101 Cooper Street, Santa Cruz; Mr. Jack
Birkholz, 21381 Milford Drive, Cupertino; Mr. Harry Haeussler, Jr., 1094
Highland Circle, Los Altos; and E-Mail communications from; Mr. John Fond
at <jfonti@cisco.com>; Mr. Greg Hayes at <ghayesQideo.com>; Ms.
Marianne Nielsen at <mnielsen@pacbell.net>; Mr. Charles Versaggi at
<ChazVer(&aol.com>; J. R. Forbes, M. D. at <JRCarmel(&aol.com>; Mr.
Nick Goddard at <ngoddard@comish.com>; Mr. Louis Mendelowitz at
<louism@mailhub.aimnet.com>; Mr. Bill Sylvester at
<bsylvester@pccsite.com>; Mr. Keith loan White at <keith@dakota-
76.Eng.Sun.COM>; Mr. Jim Peacock at <Jim—Peacock@notes.pw.com>;
Mr. Jeff Chen at <Jchen@flextronics.com>; Mr. Peter Donohue at
<PDONOHUF.@raychem.com>; and Mr. Scott Schlachter at
<scott@actel.com>; Agenda Item 6, Approval of MidMninsula Regional
Qpgn Space District's Directors and Officers Insurance Policy with Fireman's
Fund Insurance for Fiscal Year 1997-1998 in an Amount Not to Exceed
$13,603 ; Agenda Item 7, Authorization to Solicit Bids for Purchase o
Tractor (Trail Dozer); Agenda Item 8, Final Adoption of an Amendment to
the Use and Management Plan for Monte Bello QMn- Space Preserve to Allow
Reconstruction of the Old Ranch Trail and to Designate the Trail as a Multi-
Use Trail; Agenda Item 9, Cancellation of June 11 Meeting; and Revised
Claims 97-10. J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
V. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 1 - Tentative Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and
Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Oren Space Preserve to Allow
Realignment and Construction of Two Sections of Trail Identified as Trails B8 and
BIO in the Trail Use Plan for the Preserve and Determination that the Pr=sed
Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Ouali!Y Act
(CEQA)R=rt R-97--90)de Beauvieres presented the staff report, stating that the grant for the project has a
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MEETING 97-13 Page 4
two-year term with no possibility of an extension. Beginning May 20, they can start
accruing expenses to the grant which is for $75,000. She said the subject trails are
being used, but some sections are very steep. She pointed out that the trails will
become popular multi-use trails when parking is developed and need to be realigned
and improved. She described the scope of the work on B-8 and B-10 trails.
1. Escobar said the plan would be to follow the contour.
Todd McGee, ROMP, 1445 Ebener St. #2, Redwood City, said he supported the
i ECDM trails plan and talked about the philosophy of trails and some of the historic
sites that no longer exist because of work on trails.
Louis Mendelowitz, 2153 Oberlin St., Palo Alto, said he was a 56 years old mountain
bicyclist and thought the trails have been trivialized.
Ross Finlayson, Mountain View, said there are a lot of things the District does that
they like but there is a PR problem. He cited excessive bulldozing of trails as a
specific problem and said they would have liked to meet and discuss alternatives
regarding the Donner Pass Trail.
I
Patty Ciesla, Box 3189, Stanford, said she was there to discuss preserving the trails
they already have. She was distressed with the discussion of the single track in
ECDM. She quoted from the Trail Plan regarding technical trails and said they want
to see the plan revisited and amended.
N. Hanko reminded those present that they were not dealing with the entire trail plan
tonight.
Akkana Peck 1994 Newcastle Dr. Los Altos spokeg proposed a against the trail
machine purchase. She showed before and after photographs of Fremont Older and
asked that they consider using volunteer labor as much as possible and not buy the
trail machine.
Rhett Frantz, 12360 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, described his experience as a mountain
bicyclist and closure of trails he had previously enjoyed. He said he had mixed
emotions because closing trails preserves open space and he was in favor of
preserving as much as possible. He asked how many trees would have to be cut
down and said he saw no reason for change.
Bill Davis, 13461 Aurora Dr., #E, San Leandro, said he lives in the East Bay but
ECDM is major factor in why he wants to live here. He said he had never been on
bulldozed trails before and stated the bikers are a large labor resource which the
District could utilize.
David Oare, Belmont, said he was concerned about the trail plan and urged them to
try to use hand labor.
Nathaniel Norling, 13928 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, spoke in support of developing
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MEETING 97-13 Page 5
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B-8 and B-10 because they would make open space more available to more people.
He did not support using machines.
Ernest Breakfield, P. O. Box 390001, Mountain View, said the District has lots of
land to make available to public. People are making an effort to get to what is
already at ECDM and he likes it as it is. He urged them to use the free labor.
Todd McGee summarized Kathleen Meyer's comments for the record. She believed
that mountain biking was a metaphor for life and is a confidence and self esteem
builder. She said she would like there to be more challenging trails for her two
children and herself. Speaking for himself, he said ROMP was encouraged by the
openness the District has shown in allowing volunteers to work with little supervision.
He asked them to continue and perhaps expand the volunteer trail crew leader training
program and asked that volunteers be allowed to work in Area 2.
Harry Haeussler stressed that the District is understaffed with rangers and work force
and urged them to hold meetings and define technical trails.
M. Davey responded that there had been many opportunities for public input and
meeting are taking place now regarding the trail plan.
Mandeep Gill, MS 81 P. O. Box 4349, SLAC, Stanford, said if they have to
sacrifice it would be the trails in the upper part including B-8 and B-10. He said
maybe it was an option to do something by hand and asked if it were inevitable that
this area be sanitized. He said the most dangerous trails are the big roads where they
can go fast. He asked that the District address the mountain biker constituency.
Altos, thanked the District and expressed
Di i vanni 1674 Fallen Leaf lane Los to
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concern about trails being widened because it increases speed of bicycles.
henjoyed the Districts trails and
Sunnyvale, said e
Junes Merrick 1563 BentonSt., yv
asked if the money for the trail machine could be used to instigate more hand labor
instead.
M. Davey said the machine would not just be used in ECDM.
Art Fisher, 575 Rengstorff, said people will go fast if a trail is smooth and there were
better ways to improve trails. He asked them to look at hand labor versus the
machine.
Stephen Wahab, 2035 West Middlefield Road, #5, Mountain View, spoke against
bulldozing and removal of the single track. He said it is a safety issue and there
would be more accidents.
Bob Bell, 1349 Buckthorn Way, San Jose, said he would be happy to see ECDM
remain as is and would like the whole trail plan re-opened. He was against spending
money on the trail machine.
II
MEETING 97-13 Page 6
Clark Bailey, Palo Alto, said the point of having an open space preserve is to have
variety of experiences and a variety of people who use it.
J. Escobar said trails are built to a certain width because the District is following trail
use policies and guidelines. Some ECDM trails probably violate them. He said trails
leading from parking areas are wider and B-8 and B-10 fall into that category. He
said constituents would not be enjoying a 250 mile trail system without the use of the
machine. He told how they had selected the Sweko machine as the one to consider
purchasing.
N. Hanko said she thought this issue needed more time for consideration of issues,
including how the machine will be used, the hand labor aspect, and a definition of
technical trails. She said she was disinclined to vote at this time. She said with
completion of the parking lot more people will be coming to the preserve and it might
benefit bikers to have hiking trails near the perimeter and biking trails farther inside
the preserve.
Todd McGee said they agree that trail machines are the best way to build new trails
but their issue is using it to improve existing trails.
J. Cyr said there are several issues but the staff report is very specific that the
Board's choice at this time is whether to proceed with the improvement of portions of
trails B8 and B10.
D. Smemoff said he thought the strong response was a backlash to the implementation
of the plan so far but the Board has to deal with the specific aspects of what they are
trying to do. He said this was an opportunity to improve how the District and
mountain bikers work together to build new trails and maintain the existing single
track trails. He suggested flagging the trail sections to be realigned and have them
worked on by volunteer labor. That would give them the opportunity to do some other
trails with the machine and leverage the grant to purchase the machine which could be
used District wide. He suggested improving the B-8 and B-10 trails to get mountain
bikers away from the busy portion of the preserve and retain the single track
characteristics in the 70 and 90 series.
M. de Beauvieres said they have a unique opportunity to purchase this machine. She
repeated that there is only a two-year window and strongly advocated that B-8 and B-
10 be multi-use as they will be heavily used by visitors using the proposed parking
area. In regard to the use of volunteers, she said she would rather keep them focused
on completing the Leaf Trail and then move on to other trails. She said there are
many opportunities for volunteer trail building in the preserve.
B. Crowder proposed revisiting the rest of study area 2 with the Use and Management
Committee and said she was in favor of the proposal before the Board.
C. Britton said they would not have brought the trail machine to the Board in this
budget if it were not for the grant. He explained why the two trails had been chosen
as the ones for this project and said staff's recommendation has not changed.
MEETING 97-13 Page 7
i
J. Escobar pointed out that the Leaf Trail work is a priority and they have been
getting a reasonably good volunteer turnout because people like the project. He did
not think there would be that kind of response for B-8 and B-10 and it was not
realistic to think they could complete them in two years.
N. Hanko said she was convinced that study area 2 is going to get a good look by the
committee but would still like to be assured that they are not devising a trail to be
used by bikers in a reckless manner.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board determine that the proposed project
is categorically exempt from the California Environmental quality Act
(CEQA) based on the findings contained in the staff report, and
tentatively adopt an amendment to the Use and Management Plan for El
Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve to allow realignment and
construction of two sections of trail identified as trails B8 and B10 in
the Trail Use Plan for the preserve. J. Cyr seconded the motion.
Motion: D. Smernoff moved that the motion be amended to add language that
the trail be flagged and reviewed by a Use and Management Committee
of Board members and representatives of the mountain biking
community at a noticed meeting to be held prior to June 25 if possible.
There will be a report from the ad hoc committee at the June 25
meeting. B. Crowder and J. Cyr accepted the amendment. N. Hanko
seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. The original motion
as amended passed 6 to 0.
At 10:10 p.m., a recess was called. The meeting was reconvened at 10:20 p.m.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the agenda be moved forward to Item 5. J. Cyr
seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 5 --Authorization for the General Manager to Execute the Permit to
Enter for the Santa Clara County Fire Department to Conduct a Controlled Burn on
the Rancho de Guadalupe Portion of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and
Determination that the Project is Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act CEOA) - (LZeport R-97-83)
J. Escobar presented the staff report and introduced Rich Davies from Silicon Valley
Defense/Space Consortium; and Ben Lopes, Asst. Chief, Santa Clara County Fire
Department.
G. Bailey summarized the conditions that had been placed on the permit to enter.
B. Lopes said the Fire Department had had experience with a controlled burn in
similar terrain as part of their annual training.
J. Isaacs talked about resource management and cited the reasons for the choice of the
site. She summarized the precautions and reviews that had taken place, including a
MEETING 97-13 Page 8
review for historical sites.
B. Lopes explained that the bum will take place on two days in two sessions. The
actual burning time will be less than two hours each day.
R. Davies explained that the Silicon Valley Defense/Space Consortium was primarily
in public advocacy and was representing the City of Sunnyvale for Onizuka Air
Station realignment. They are proposing that the Air Station be used as a federal
disaster center after the Air Force leaves. In order to prove the feasibility of the
federal disaster center, they have developed Project Wildfire which is a demonstration
that will occur on June 4 at Moffett and June 5 at Lexington Reservoir. He described
the data collection systems that will be used including the NASA research aircraft.
He said it will be essentially a communication exercise. He showed satellite images
of the area of the proposed bum which let them know what material is there. He
emphasized that what they are proposing is not the Air Force's plan for the facility.
They plan to sell it.
J. Cyr said this is a unique opportunity to have several government agencies cooperate
for the general public benefit. The protections in the permit seemed very thorough.
Motion: D. Smemoff moved that the Board determine that the recommended
actions are categorically exempt under the California Environmental
Quality Act as set out in the report, and authorize the General Manager
to execute the Permit to Enter, for the purpose of conducting a
controlled bum on a portion of the former Rancho de Guadalupe
property in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. N. Hanko seconded
the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 2 - Authorization to Amend Contract with Callander Associates to
Provide Planning and Enizineeriny- Services for the 50-car Parkini! Area at Windy Hill
QWn Space Preserve in an Amount Not to Exceed $15.947 and Authorization for
Staff to Solicit Bids to Develop the Parking Lot and Other Associated Improvements -
(R=rt R-97-91)
M. de Beauvieres presented the staff report and explained the changes from the
previous plan.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to
execute an amendment to the contract with Callander Associates in an
amount not to exceed $15,947 to provide planning and engineering
services for the 50-car parking area at Windy Hill Open Space
Preserve, and authorize staff to solicit bids to develop the 50-car
parking area and other associated improvements. B. Crowder seconded
the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
D. Agenda Item No. 3 - Authorization to Solicit Bids for the Repair of Landslides at
Skyline Ridge. Purisima Creek Redwoods. Monte Bello. St. Joseph's Hill. and Long
Ridge Qpen Space Preserves - (Report R-97-82l
MEETING 97-13 Page 9
M. de Beauvieres reviewed staff s recommendations.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board authorize staff to solicit bids for the
repair of landslides at Skyline Ridge, Purissima Creek Redwoods,
Monte Bello, St. Joseph's Hill and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves.
J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
E. Agenda Item No. 4 - Adoption of Resolution Approving the Issuance of Credit Cards
to Specified Managers and Supervisors for District Purchasing Activity - (Report R-
97-82)
C. Britton asked if there were any questions regarding the staff report.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 97-22 a
Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District Authorizing the Issuance of District Credit Cards
and Related Borrowing of Funds From Cupertino National Bank and
Trust. J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0.
VI. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
B. Crowder presented signed copies of the third edition of Peninsula Trails to staff for each
of the three offices and said staff had been very helpful.
J. Cyr referred to Agenda Item 6 and asked about the increased insurance premiums. S.
Schectman said it was based on loss history since there had been additional claims and
litigation last year.
J. Cyr asked about claim 2286 to Turner & Mulcare. C. Britton said they are a law firm
advising the District.
N. Hanko said she had seen a report on TV about goats on East Bay Regional Park District
being killed by dogs. Staff will check to see what really happened.
D. Smernoff reported that Bay Area Action was awarded official stewardship of the
Arastradero Preserve. He said he sent a follow up letter to Calpers, regarding the headwaters
issue. He summarized the shareholders meeting he had attended.
M. Smith said he had sent a correction to the Los Altos Town Crier regarding the amount of
money set aside for research for preservation of the San Mateo County coast.
C. Britton reported on the following: 1. Cheers for Volunteers tomorrow. 2. Information
regarding removal of Moody Trail. This may come back to the Board as an agenda item. 3.
Memo regarding J. Isaacs' parents.
VIL At 11:05 p.m., the meeting was adjourned in honor of Wm. C. and Suzanne F. Isaacs.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary