Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout19980909 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) i Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 98-19 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 9, 1998 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Betsy Crowder called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Members Present: Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Ken Nitz, Jed Cyr, Peter Siemens, and Nonette Hanko. Members Absent: None Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Del Woods, and Mike Williams; and Susan Schectman by conference telephone. H. CLOSED SESSION B. Crowder stated that the Board would adjourn Closed Session for the purpose of discussing closed Session Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 P.M. and the Closed Session commenced at 6:35 P.M. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:12 P.M. and B. Crowder called 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: Deirdre Dolan, John Escobar, John Cahill, Malcolm Smith, Matthew Freeman, Carleen Bruins, and Randy Anderson. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS H. Haeussler asked how the District can buy Santa Cruz County property when they are not in the District. He said he did not think it was proper. Board Members indicated that a portion of the District was already in Santa Cruz County. C. Britton informed Mr. Haeussler that the District owns several parcels in Santa Cruz County, 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@o ens a r • ce o Web site:www.openspace.org p p g .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 Meeting9819 - Page 2 including the former Paul, Sempervirens, Bar Y, Long Ridge, and Deca properties. The District has already entered into a three-way agreement on the property discussed at the closed session tonight. N. Hanko asked C. Britton to discuss the matter with Mr. Hauessler after the meeting. Jack Hickey, Redwood City, candidate for Ward 6 Director, introduced himself and said his primary reason for running is the eminent domain issue. He said he thought the District should have more revenue coming in from golf courses and change its name back to park district rather than open space district. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. V. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY C. Britton introduced Mary Burns, the new Parks Director for San Mateo County. M. Burns said she looked forward to working closely with this agency. C. Bruins introduced Lori Raymaker, the new Docent Coordinator. VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CAL END N. Hanko removed the reply to a written communication from Mr. Glenn Wegner, 10200 Hllcrest Road, Cupertino. Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including approval of the minutes of the August 12, 1998 Regular and Special Meeting; reply to written communication from Darwin Patmode, Executive Director,Foundation for San Mateo County Community College District, 3401 DSM Drive, San Mateo; and Revised Claims 98-16. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VII. WRITTEN CONIlmUNICATIONS. N. Hanko expressed concern about the letter from Mr. Wegner regarding the condition of a trail. She felt that if there was a problem with the work that had been done on the trail there should be some signing to alert bicyclists that there is a new surface and maybe they should slow down. She said there need not be permanent signs. She asked for a further report from J. Escobar as to how to address problems as they come up when trail conditions change. J. Escobar said this was regular maintenance, not repair because of storm damage. He said he would like to talk to S. Schectman before beginning signing. Regarding P. Siemens' suggestion Meeting 98-19 Page 3 of leaving the trails closed for a season, I Escobar replied that if that were done for rework rather than just new trails they would see lots of closures. He said staff cannot guarantee a trail in terms of tread condition, and to insure a trail would be free of rocks and soft material would require a much higher level of maintenance. P. Siemens said maybe that explanation should be in the letter. H. Haeuessler said he thought the letter referred to mountain bikers and that they have to accept what is there and that the District should not make exceptions. C. Britton said he would add wording that in any given year the District reworks 25% of its trail mileage so staff can never guarantee a trail surface. In addition, he could talk to I Escobar about putting up temporary signs saying trail maintenance ahead. M. Smith said we do not post trail maintenance on the web page,just trail closures. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve the amended reply to a written communication from Mr. Glenn Wegner, 10200 Hillcrest Road, Cupertino. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VIII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. 1 - Accept Resignation of Director D. Smernoff, and Establish Procedure for Filling of Ward 4 Board Vacancy;Determination Whether the Board Vacancy in Ward 4 will be Filled by Appointment or by the Election Process_If Determined to Fill the Vacancy by, Appointment the Board Needs to: 1)Approve the Application Form to be Used;2)Reaffirm the Use of the General Criteria for Appointment to the Board of Directors,,or Moda Them as They Deem Necessary,+,,;3) Reaffirm the Use of the Procedures for Interviews or Modify Them as They Deem Necessary;4)Establish a Timeline for Filling the Vacancy,Including Setting the Dates for the First and Second Round of Interviews, Assuming.They Reaffirm the Procedures for Interviews;and If They Decide to Fill the Vacancy by Cog an Election_ Establish the Date of the Election and Staff Return with Awrog 'Hate Resolution for Calling the Election and Requesting Consolidation Services from Santa Clara County—(Report R-98-112) C. Britton outlined staffs recommendations. N. Hanko spoke in opposition to calling an election. She said six months is a long time for the seat to be vacant and she was in favor of the appointment process. Discussion of the meeting schedule followed. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board accept the resignation of Director Meeting 98-19 Page 4 D. Smernoff and that the vacancy in Ward 4 be filled by the appointment process. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve the application form and reaffirm the use of the general criteria for appointment to the Board of Directors. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: K. Nitz suggested adding wording to the list of General Criteria for Appointment to the Board of Directors that said the person should be dedicated to the preservation of open space. Vote: The motion passed 6 to 0. C. Britton said staff would bring a resolution honoring D. Smernoff to the next meeting. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the proposed schedule for filling the Ward 4 vacancy with the addition of a special meeting on October 19 for initial interviews of applicants and a Special Meeting on October 21 for final interviews. I Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. B. Agenda Item No. 2-Elect Vice President for the Midgeninsula Regional nal Open Space District Board of Directors—(&port R-98-111) D. Dolan outlined the procedure for the election. Nomination: M. Davey nominated I Cyr. N. Hanko seconded the nomination. Motion M. Davey moved that nominations be closed. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. D. Dolan distributed ballots. Board Members cast their ballots and D Do lan 1 an announced that there were six votes for I Cyr. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board appoint P. Siemens as Secretary Pro Tem. I Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. C. Agenda Item No. 3-Proposed Addition of Lanphear Prom to Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve;Determination that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act: Meeting 98-19 Page 5 Tentative Adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations. Including-Naming the Lanphear Proper as an Addition to the Mt Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; and Indicate Their Intention to Withhold the Proper from Dedication as Public Open Space at this Time—Meffort R-98-149), M. Freeman described the property and showed its location on a map. He showed slides taken on the property and noted that Hicks Road has been designated as a scenic corridor by Santa Clara County in order to protect the view shed. He said Guadalupe Creek is very important ecologically. The property contains California Sycamore, white alder and black cottonwood trees which are very rare in the valley bottom now. Regarding stairs reason for withholding the property from dedication as public open space, C. Britton said none of the property in the area is dedicated and would generally be withheld until after they do a comprehensive study of the entire area. In this area there may be the possibility of transferring density rights to another piece of property as part of a conservation effort, or some boundary fine changes. He said he didn't know when they would do the interim study in Rancho de Guadalupe, but most of it would be proposed for dedication. He said the property is part of the Mt. Umunhum Area of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Part of the problem is that the study of the area cannot take place until after cleanup of Mt. Umunhum. M. Williams described the terms and conditions of the acquisition. 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 98-33 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 AuthorizingGeneral Manager to Execute An and All 8 Y Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to Closing of the Transaction(Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve-Lands of Lanphear); tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in the staff report, including naming the Lanphear 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. Discussion: H. Hauessler asked about contacting the County about sharing in expenses. C. Britton said that if there is a future transfer to the County of a portion of the property, it would probably be part of an exchange of land and/or management responsibility. Meeting 98-19 Page 6 Vote: The motion passed 6 to 0. D. Agenda Item No. 4 - Increase in Contract for Construction of Three Restroom Units. One Each at S fine Ridge. Monte Bello. and Windy ill Open Space Preserves in an Amount Not to Exceed $7.500 and Authorization for Staff to Execute Changes to the Contract with Restroom Facilities Corporation of Reno- Nevada. for a Sum Not to Exceed $7.500 (Bringing the Total Contract Amount to $57.500) for Additional Expenses or Changes Encountered During Installation of Three Prefabricated Restroom Units- ftport R-98-108) R. Anderson reviewed the staff report. He said there were requirements that prevailing wages be paid and that there be bonds for completion of the project. The contractor said he was not aware of these requirements up front. He is the only supplier of a product that meets the District's needs. The restroom installed in the parking lot at Windy Hill is from this supplier. Discussion followed about adding contingency fees to future contracts. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize staff to execute changes to the contract with Restroom Facilities Corp. of Reno,Nevada, for a sum not to exceed $7,500 (bringing the total contract amount to $57,500)for additional expenses or changes encountered during installation of three prefabricated restroom units. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. E. Agenda Item No. 5- Authorization to Solicit Bids for Equipment Storage Building Improvements at the Skyline Field Office, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and Authorization for Staff to Solicit Bids for Equipment Storage Building Improvements at the Skyline Field Office- (Report R-98-109). J. Cahill showed a drawing and described the proposed improvements. Lotion; N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize staff to solicit bids for equipment storage building improvements at the Skyline Field Office. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS M. Davey said as a member of the Board of Sempervirens, she visited the San Lorenzo Valley Water District. They are working to preserve that area of open space in perpetuity. There were concerns about who will take care of and monitor the area. It was mentioned that there might be a possibility for the District to be part of that area. P. Siemens said he would be attending a meeting of a group of park district managers on Friday. Paul Romero will be giving a talk on bicycles and their impact on county parks. I " Meeting 98-19 Page 7 N. Hanko referred to the letter in the FYIs that C. Britton had written to the Stanford athletic department, and to a letter from the department stating that in the future they would request the necessary permits. She said she thought an additional letter might point out there are certain problems at Rancho San Antonio (it is too crowded and used by families) and permits will not be issued for such events. I Escobar said the District does not issue permits for this kind of activity, nor does Santa Clara County. They still have high schools and colleges coming for workouts. The parking lot cannot accommodate those groups and the parking lot gate will be attended from now on. M. Smith said he called the child's family and left a message to ask how the boy was and give them the runner's phone number. C. Britton sent a copy of the District's letter to the Stanford president. I Escobar said when groups inquire about using Rancho San Antonio they suggest alternative sites. C. Britton will send another letter clarifying that this preserve will not be open for that kind of event. B. Crowder had an article from the Sacramento paper regarding Bob Slobe who owns land adjacent to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. N. Hanko had clippings regarding Phyllis Cangemi trailblazing in San Francisco, and from the Sacramento Bee about the farmland preservation bill being signed by the Governor. In addition she had a copy of San Francisco Magazine which included an interview with her. B. Crowder pointed out in the FYIs an article from the NRPA Magazine written by Mary Burns about the trails conference. I Cyr said that in addition to the ride alongs with rangers and OSTs he was able to observe the recent controlled burn. Britton reported as follows: 1 Regarding C. p egard g h recently the ece tly approved purchase of the Nead property, Save the Redwoods League will donate$400,000 toward several acquisitions in the area. However, the Mecklers are exercising the right of first refusal on the one-half interest. If they don't meet the District's terms the deal could be closed. If they buy it, the District will be talking to them about acquiring the entire property. 2. State budget- The Governor blue lined the$450,000 that was for the District for Phase II of AB1366. They got $350,000 back in and this is on the Governor's desk. 3. Vicki Moore has been promoted to Policy Director with Greenbelt Alliance and the new South Bay Field Representative is Catalan Gaffney. 4. SB 2080, sponsored by PCL and allowing tax credits for gifts of land, died in the legislature. There will be no park bond act(SB 2) on the November ballot. Ralph Heim will give a year- end report to the Board after the election. 5. There will be a meeting of the Open Space Meeting 98-19 Page 8 Council at the Presidio on September 17. The focus will be on the Nature Conservancy's plans for the Mt. Hamilton Range. 6. Letter in FYI from Meyers,Nave, Riback, Silver& Wilson re Patterson v. City of Livermore thanking the District for the support letter prepared by S. Schectman. 7. Memo in FYIs about vandalism and illegal trail construction at El Corte de Madera. This will be added to the file and staff will be thinking of how to deal with ECDM. 7. Memo regarding Spangle fund in FYIs. Photographs of Mr. Spangle will be given to his family. J. Escobar reported as follows: 1. District staff started a fire on Mr. McQueen's property with the brush tractor. It burned an acre, but Mr. McQueen praised staff for their handling of the incident. 2. September 16-18, Art O'Neal will be teaching the next session on Influencing Skills to new,employees. He invited Board members. Developing Performance Standards for supervisors will be next. 3. There will be a Special Board Meeting at 6:30 P.M. on September 28 on the Warner Group operations report. 4. The Deer Hollow Farm dinner will be on October 4. D. Dolan previewed the Board sponsored staff recognition event to be held on September 15 at Saratoga Springs, noting that they expect 110-115 people to participate. M. Smith said Bay Area Back Roads filmed a segment that will air September 19 at 6:00 p.m. on Channel 4. He said he would be showing a video of three pieces of news coverage of the controlled burn following adjournment of this meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT At 9:00 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Roberta Wolfe Recording Secretary