HomeMy Public PortalAbout19980527 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open Space
6,11
46111
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
i
Meeting 98-12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 27, 1998
MINUTES
i
I. ROLL CALL
i
President Betsy Crowder called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
i
Members Presen
i
: Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, Mary Davey, David Smernoff, Pete
Siemens, Jed Cyr, and Ken Nitz
i
Personnel Presen: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, Deirdre Dolan, and Mike Williams
H. CLOSED SESSION
B. Crowder stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of
discussing Closed Session Agenda Items 1 and 2.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 P.M. and the Closed Session commenced at 5:33
P.M. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:20 P.M. and B. Crowder call the Regular
Meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. She noted that no reportable actions had taken place in Closed
Session.
Additional Personnel Present: Malcolm Smith, John Escobar, Mary de Beauvieres, and Susan
Dale
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications.
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the agenda. D. Smernoff seconded the
motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org '.
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,led Cyr,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
:I - - I • • � • n - I .. - : IIr •I • 1 : uI • I1 - r I I -
• 11 • 1 I 1• U • 1 • • " 11 " 1 ' • !I no 797 1 M10:81 •/r, 1 •. r - •- 0 r r • rt -
1 • • i ' i • ' ' 1 : 1 • ! III 11 " it • C• I :: f 1 • 1 IN
1 • P ` •II i • fwr*ToM I • i - : • r • tromlOwMirs GiTs II 1 " t •1 1 • 1 11 ' I
►r • • • i Age :• : •. t . ttr • t I rr • •
I . , tlt • • r
• �t Ir ' t � • I1 : r • t r : 11 - It ll ' 1 ,t 1 '
I 11 ' 1 I • 1 Y• i : I:.' 11 I :.` 4. -- I u t r: 1 i ; " • • 1
•/r: i r. r •• i t ! ' r • 1 I t • I r t
! • i ' i " II ' • • •,t • : rr t rt . I . 1 • cr.-TIRMORIM, ,:• 1
r I, li " I I t : i • • . I I • J ' :yr. • i� • ` I • rail '
11 ' 1 • II - ! � I � - 1 : • t I • 1 • 1 : II ' I • N - 1 • 1 .
1 • lr ! • ' iI1 ' I • u • I :,' • •/•.' 1 r. `� .' r r " •ii 1 I1
Is • 1 ' : U • 1 1 :.• u.• ii r
I • • • i • • : • • t : • I i t 1 . i i . r 11 • •
I • • �� N - ( • : • • I • r I ! : 11 1 • II 1 ! 1 - 111 r - I - I
•/1: i 1. ' � • i `. • ! i : • r ! : ii 1 �1 II " i t 1 ' 's,.
i • C• I • r •11 i . I • ! ! • 1 ' : r • i ! • of I
. t i :I • I t t r. :r t i
: t • - :• a - r r i •1 t r • r • •
- I • 1•• t r r :I
• • I :• 1 • I t :• I • rI 1 iI t
: t t - • :I • t t
1/ • III t :1 : t. 1 Ir • I tr t1 :•
• • I • I • • • • t . :r I 1
Meeting 98-12 page 3
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 2 - Comment on and Accenta_n_ce of Staffs Program Evaluation for
the 1997-1998 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the
Mi =insula Regional_Chen apace District
C. Britton stated that due to an airline reservation, he would need to leave the meeting
at 9:00 at which time J. Escobar would take over as Assistant General Manager and
that he had scheduled agenda items so that he would be resent for those items
which
� P
would most involve his comments and response.
C. Britton reported this agenda item was a summary of staffs efforts relative to the
action plan for the last fiscal year and that each program manager was to give a
summary of project status within their groups.
M. Williams reported the highlights within the Acquisition and Enterprise programs
which included acquisition of 1300 acres of open space. N. Hanko asked what the total
acreage of District open space was to date. C. Britton responded 42,300 acres. M.
Williams reported on the new communication lease at Pulgas Ridge Open Space
Preserve and the transaction completion of the former Bach/Bullis property to the
Guenther's.
R. Anderson reported on the highlights within the Planning Program, which included
staffing changes and modifications to the planning team structure and Planning projects
such as the Regional Open Space Study, El Corte de Madera Trail Use Plan, Fremont
Older parking studies, and FEMA landslide repairs.
B. Crowder asked what the status was on the rock climbing project. M. de Beauvieres
responded that it was the next project scheduled after the El Corte de Madera Trail Use
Plan was finalized.
J. Escobar reported on the highlights within the Operations Program. He reminded the
Board that the Resource Management Program is now a sub-program of the Operations
Program, that good progress has been made on all key projects, and that field staff has
embraced the Resource Management program, which will be a benefit to the program's
success. He reported on the Rancho de Guadalupe burn; the extensive repairs being
made by field staff to trails and bridges caused by the long and trying winter rains; the
excellent progress on the Operations Program Review and continued progress on the
Influencing Skills Training and the development of District-wide Team Agreements.
He noted that the Operations Manual project will become a high priority when the
Operations Program Review is completed.
N. Hanko commented on the vast wildflower population this year and the beautiful and
spectacular blooms during the tours the District conducted during the Special Districts
Forum. She was concerned that the techniques used to remove the star thistle may
have a negative impact on the wildflowers. J. Escobar assured her the methods used to
control star thistle will have little impact on the wildflowers. D. Smernoff added that
Meeting 98-12 Page 4
the studies and plans which have been put in place are intended to aid native diversity
and rid the area of invasive vegetation.
P. Siemens stated his pleasure with the support the field staff is giving the Resource
Management program.
M. Smith reported on the progress of the Public Affairs program which included
recognizing and using the 25th Anniversary as a publicity mechanism; integrating the
Visitor Services sub-program; and in general maximizing the public's awareness of the
District. He presented a few highlights such as: averaged two slide presentations per
month and one press release per month; the mailing list reached over 18,000 and
continues to row; the success of our Web site; the popularityof the Kids' Art of n
g � �
Space; the public opinion poll; and the success of two Bills -- AB1366 (Lem pert) and
P Po CI-e Pe )
SB1048 (Sher). He reported 33 school classes participated in the Spaces and Species
program; the District received the Peninsula Conservation Center 1997 Business
Environmental Award in the educational outreach category; Phase H exhibits have been
installed at the Nature Center; and 12 volunteers have completed the crew leader
training and already helped in 10 projects.
N. Hanko thanked C. Britton and M. Smith for their creative talents which led to the
passing in of SB1048.
C. Britton and D. Dolan highlighted the Administration Program. C. Britton reported
District funding is sound primarily based on the rebound of the economy and the state
reporting a surplus of$4 billion. He reported that he continues to work closely with
Ralph Heim on current legislative issues and hopes to have Ralph Heim give a
presentation at a Board Meeting close to year end.
D. Dolan reported on the continuation of the Communications Improvement Program;
the busy hiring year which included hiring for seven positions in addition to the usual
six to eight of seasonal employees; and the implementation of the PERS 2% at 55
retirement formula and the pre-tax dependent care and medical expense reimbursement
plans.
S. Schectman reported on the completion of the Substance Abuse Policy and the draft
Internal Affairs Policy. She also gave the status on several litigation matters which are
open and those which have been settled.
B. Agenda Item No, 3 - Tentative Adoption of an Amendment to the Comprehensive U
and Management Plan for Windy Hill (Men Space Preserve to Upgrade the Spring
Ridge Pic is Area and Install a Commemorative Bench on the Anniycrs= Trail and
Determination that the Action is Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental nualiV Act
K. Nitz removed this item from the consent calendar and requested more information
relating to the actual completion time of the project and actual length of time it will
remain closed while the grading was taking place. He questioned the need for grading.
Meeting 98-12 Page 5
M. de Beauvieres responded that grading became necessary when it was discovered that
ponds develop, after it rains, which eliminates use of about half the parking
availability. Parking will be available directly across the highway while the grading is
taking place. M. de Beauvieres also showed samples of the recycled material that will
be used for wheel stops when the parking lot is completed.
Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highlands Circle, Los Altos asked if horse hitching posts were
going to be installed at the new parking lot and if not, would hitching horses to the
fence be permitted. He complimented staff for clearly stating the CEQA actions on this
Board Report. Mr. Haeussler also suggested installing a screen around the rest room to
prevent startling of horses by users of the rest room. M. de Beauvieres clarified the
rest room will be away from the equestrian trail and N. Hanko responded she felt there
was no need to screen the rest room. M. de Beauvieres stated that this motion is a
tentative adoption and that staff could include information on hitching posts when they
return to the Board for final adoption.
Motion: K. Nitz moved that the Board determine that the action is categorically
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and tentatively
adopt an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan
for Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to upgrade the Spring Ridge picnic
area and install a commemorative bench on the Anniversary Trail.
C. Agenda Item No. 5 - Award of Contract for BridgeRRolacement Pmiect at La Honda
Creek Q= Space Preserve and Authorization for the General_ Manager to Enter into a
Contract with TKO Construction in the Amount of$137.950
R. Anderson provided background on the project and an overview of the bid results.
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter into
a contract with TKO Construction in the amount of$137,950 for the La
Honda Creek Bridge Replacement Project at La Honda Creek Open
Space Preserve. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed
7 to 0.
D. Agenda Item No. 6 - Award of Contract for Shilling eke Spillway Rcpair Pmject.
Thomewood Onen Space Preserve and Au ha 'nation for the general_ Manager to Enter
into a Contract with Brazil's Excavation in the Amount of$79,910
R. Anderson provided background on the project and an overview of the bid results.
Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to enter
into a contract with Brazil's Excavation in the amount of$79,910 for the
Schilling Lake Spillway Repair Project at Thornewood Open Space
Preserve. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
Meeting 98-12 Page 6
E. Agenda Item No. 8 - Authorization to Hire Godbe Research & Analysis, at a Cost of
to Conduct a Follow- Public pinion Survcy in the cal Area of San
Mateo County to Assist the District in Evaluating Public Interest in Potentially
Establishing a System of District been Sp= Preserves Parks, and t+ c on the San
Mateo County Coact in Coordination with Exic 'ne and Planned District Pre pryer and
Trails, Including Potential Expansion of the District to the Coast and A 1 ho 'mtion for
the General Manager to Execute the Contract with Godbe Research & Analysi
M. Smith provided background information on the decision to conduct a follow-up
random public opinion survey to evaluate public interest of potentially establishing a
system of District open space preserves, parks, and beaches on the San Mateo County
Coast.
Michael Murphy spoke on behalf of the Rural Coast Advisory Council, expressing their
concerns that another public opinion survey will not fairly cover the feelings of those
who live in the rural San Mateo Coast area. He suggested structuring the poll to ensure
those surveyed fairly represent the rural area, thereby assuring balanced results. Mr.
Murphy requested that when the survey is performed, the eminent domain issue be
conveyed very clearly to those in the rural area. M. Smith reiterated that this was to be
a random survey and that in his discussions with Mr. Godbe it was determined an
"over-sampling" could be performed to ensure statistical validity from the rural area.
C. Britton suggested to Mr. Murphy that perhaps the Rural Coast Advisory Council
select a representative for the Advisory Committee which would most likely be formed
following the November election.
P. Siemens stated he felt the policy on eminent domain needed to be revised to include
farm land but there wasn't enough time to do that before the survey. N. Hanko
responded that the ad hoc committee, at their last meeting, reviewed and changed the
wording within the survey specifically to address the issue of eminent domain.
P. Siemens asked for clarification as to why the second poll was being conducted. M.
Smith responded the poll was being conducted again to gauge any change in support
due to the convent issue.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to
execute a contract with Godbe Research & Analysis to conduct a public
opinion survey in the San Mateo County coastal area, at a cost of
$8,783.00. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6-1.
K. Nitz voted no stating he believed conducting the second poll would
not be necessary because an advisory vote would be conducted to gauge
public support.
Meeting 98-12 Page 7
F. Agenda Item No. 9 - Tentative Approval of the Amendments to the District's Site
Naming and Gift Recognition Policy
M. Smith reviewed the amendments which were made to the District's Site Naming and
Gift Recognition Policy. K. Nitz questioned if the revisions to the Gift Policy covered
land donations. C. Britton responded that land donations are handled differently and
are not included in the Gift Policy.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board tentatively approve the amendments to
the District's Site Naming and Gift Recognition Policy. K. Nitz
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VUL INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N. Hanko announced that at the June 10 Board Meeting there will be an initial ballot measure
proposal for the November advisory vote and on June 24 the Godbe survey results will be
available, ballot measure resolution, advanced planning and budget for initial annexation
submittal.
D. Smernoff congratulated staff on their exceptional job hosting the Special Districts Forum
tours on District preserves, Friday, May 22 and thanked C. Britton for arranging the helicopter
ride for himself and Director Cyr which took place over East Bay Regional Parks, Saturday,
May 23. He also reported on the tour which he took with the Acquisition and Enterprise
Committee to view three District residences which are under consideration for demolition.
C. Britton stated East Bay Regional Park officials were very gracious arranging helicopter
rides for the District Board members.
N. Hanko reported that her husband, Bob, was able to take several aerial photographs during
his helicopter ride and those photos will be available for Board members and staff. She also
stated several East Bay Parks' staff were disappointed they could not attend the District tours
as they were busy hosting their events.
C. Britton stated District staff plant to arrange a tour for East Bay staff who couldn't attend
our land tour event.
D. Dolan reported the District's Staff Recognition Event will be held on Tuesday, September
15 at Saratoga Springs Resort.
S. Schectman reported she attended the annual City Attorneys Legal Education Conference.
She regretfully announced the resignation of District Research Attorney, Diane Blackman, who
chose to change professions and accepted a position with People Soft as a Knowledge
Developer.
M. Smith reported Docent Coordinator, Cheryl Solomon, also resigned to pursue a teaching
credential so she could teach kindergarten.* He also pointed out the brightly colored posters
Meeting 98-12 Page 7
F. Agenda Item No. 9 - Tentative Approval of the Amendments to the District's Site
Naming and Gift Recognition Policy
M. Smith reviewed the amendments which were made to the District's Site Naming and
Gift Recognition Policy. K. Nitz questioned if the revisions to the Gift Policy covered
land donations. C. Britton responded that land donations are handled differently and
are not included in the Gift Policy.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board tentatively approve the amendments to
the District's Site Naming and Gift Recognition Policy. K. Nitz
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N. Hanko announced that at the June 10 Board Meeting there will be an initial ballot measure
proposal for the November advisory vote and on June 24 the Godbe survey results will be
available for consideration of a ballot measure resolution and a report on advanced planning
and budget for initial annexation submittal.
D. Smernoff congratulated staff on their exceptional job hosting the Special Districts Forum
tours on District preserves, Friday, May 22 and thanked C. Britton for arranging the helicopter
ride for himself and Director Cyr which took place over East Bay Regional Parks, Saturday,
May 23. He also reported on the tour which he took with the Acquisition and Enterprise
Committee to view three District residences which are under consideration for demolition.
C. Britton stated East Bay Regional Park officials were very gracious arranging helicopter
rides for the District Board members.
N. Hanko reported that her husband, Bob, was able to take several aerial photographs during
his helicopter ride and those photos will be available for Board members and staff. She also
stated several East Bay Parks' staff were disappointed they could not attend the District tours
as they were busy hosting their events.
C. Britton stated District staff plant to arrange a tour for East Bay staff who couldn't attend
our land tour event.
D. Dolan reported the District's Staff Recognition Event will be held on Tuesday, September
15 at Saratoga Springs Resort.
S. Schectman reported she attended the annual City Attorneys Legal Education Conference.
She regretfully announced the resignation of District Research Attorney, Diane Blackman, who
chose to change professions and accepted a position with People Soft as a Knowledge
Developer.
M. Smith reported Docent Coordinator, Cheryl Solomon, also resigned to pursue a teaching
credential so she could teach kindergarten. He also pointed out the brightly colored posters
Meeting 98-12 Page 8
which were produced by East Bay Regional Park for the Forum event and are now displayed in
the Board room.
R. Anderson announced the Sempervirens Board has invited representatives from the District
to attend their June 3 Board Meeting to give a presentation of the Regional Open Space Study
and asked which Board members would like to attend. Directors Cyr and Crowder stated they
would attend. M. Davey explained Sempervirens will be celebrating their 100th anniversary
in the year 2000.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 P.M.
Susan Dale
Recording Secretary