HomeMy Public PortalAbout19990127 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 99-04
REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 27, 1999
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
J. Cyr called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M.
Members Present: Betsy Crowder, Jed Cyr, Mary Davey, Pete Siemens, Deane Little, Nonette
Hanko, and Ken Nitz.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman
II. CLOSED SESSION
J. Cyr stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing
Closed Session Agenda Item 1.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:35 P.M. and the Closed Session commenced at 6:36
P.M. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:30 P.M. and J. Cyr called the Regular
Meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. He noted that no reportable actions had taken place in Closed
Session.
Additional Personnel Present: Randy Anderson, Mary de Beauvieres, John Escobar, Malcolm
Smith, Deirdre Dolan, Doug Vu, Michael Williams
M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highlands Circle, Los Altos, asked what the District was going to do
regarding the north side of the trail through the Windy I-Iill/Portola Road parking lot. In addition,
he asked about a claim for $200 as retainer to the Portola Valley town engineer. He asked that
larger letters be used for the claims.
King Lear, city council member, Los Altos, said he was happy to have the District office in Los
Altos and he would try to occasionally attend Board meetings.
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
330 Distel Circe . Fos Altus, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:6.50-691-1200
FAX:050-691-0485 . E-mail: mrostltropenspace.org . Web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Direr ton.ha to Siemens,M,rry C. Davey,led Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Nanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz .General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Meeting 99-04 Page 2
Motion K. Nitz moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the motion.
The motion passed 7 to 0.
V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
J. Cyr asked that the minutes of the November 12, 1998, Special Meeting be corrected to remove
the words"in doing" from the next to the last paragraph under Informational Reports.
Motion B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including approval
of the minutes of the November 12, 1998, Special Meeting as amended; and the
November 18, 1998, and November 30, 1998, Special Meetings; replies to written
communications from Deborah Rogers, 2160 Avy Ave., Menlo Park; Ernst O.
Meissner, 1327 Johnson St., Menlo Park; Beverly Bryant 27060 Appaloosa Way,
Los Altos Hills;Richard & Constance Sharp, 261 Vista Verde Way, Portola
Valley; and Nancy& Chris Carter, 237 Canyon Drive, Portola Valley; agenda
item 8,Notice of Contract Completion for the Demolition and Cleanup of the
Former Sink, Barlow and Young Properties, Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and
Authorization for the Board President, or Other Appropriate Officer, to Execute
the Notice of Completion of Contract and Acceptance of Work for the Cleanup
Projects; agenda item 9, Authorization to Change Designation of Authorized
Signatories fbr Entering, Safe Deposit Boxes (Md-Peninsula Bank), including
adoption of Resolution 99-03 A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Establishing Signatories for Entering
Safe Deposit Boxes (Mid-Peninsula Bank): agenda item 10, Approval for the
General Manager to Authorize Additional Payment to the Law Firm of Miller,
Starr, and Regalia for Legal Services in the Amount of$35,000: and Revised
Claims 98-20. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 1 - Authorization of Agreements with 2M Associates and John Wade
for Consultant Services on the Potential District Annexation of the San Mateo County
Coast With a Maximum Budget of$400-000 and $5,000, Respectively—(Report R-99-
04
R. Anderson introduced Patrick Miller and Jane Miller(2M), and Terrell Watt.
P. Miller said this would be a two-year program of planning, decision-making and
recommendations. He said the team will work with the Coastal Advisory Committee for
nine to twelve months soliciting comments about the potential annexation. They will work
on the environmental review and fiscal impact study. He said they would be acting as
District staff during LAFCO hearings, and would work with the ad hoc and advisory
committees.
N. Hanko commented that 2M had experience in San Mateo County.
P. Miller answered questions from the Board, noting that the $122,000 for environmental
Meeting 99-04 Page 3
documents assumed the worst case condition, and they wanted to make sure the budget
was sufficient. He said the products would be produced along the way and that their
responsibility was to see that the project came within budget and on time.
M. Davey described her previous excellent experience working with 2M. P. Miller noted
that some clerical errors would be corrected in the agreements.
P. Miller answered questions about the phasing of the process, noting that they would be
coming to the Board for decisions along the way.
S. Schectman said the LAFCO statutory requirement is that the District submit a service
plan and environmental documents for the area to be annexed, including services they will
provide, how they will do it, and how they will fund it. She said the service plan would
not contain funding choices, but the fiscal plan could have various scenarios and could
include multiple possibilities.
J. Miller said the question is how the area is serviced now and whether that would change
with annexation. LAFCO wants to know how the District would fund the annexation and
verify that all local agencies involved in the change understand it.
P. Miller said they could outline options but not a detailed financial analysis. He said they
could answer fiscal questions to satisfy LAFCO's request for information in order to make
a decision. Beyond that, they need to listen to what needs to be done from a lot of
different people.
C. Britton talked about the service plan, stating that policy development and Board
decisions will dictate what the plan looks like.
P. Miller said this was a program-level document and decision-making process. He fisted
some of 2M's major clients, stating the company did not take on work they could not do.
C. Britton said the project required four or five areas of expertise. He said he thought this
was the perfect place to hire a consultant. However, there would be staff needs. He said
staff needed management of the process, and P. Miller was good at that.
Bob Wallace, 12881 Foothill Lane, Stanford, asked what area the annexation included,
and said the District had done well on trails.
Marge Ottenberg(no card), said 2M handled some very difficult situations in the trails
master plan for San Mateo County.
Chuck Kozak, P. O. Box 370702, Montara, talked about the cost and layout of the
contract. He asked if an EIR is automatically required. S Schectman said no, but they
were assuming there would be one. Regarding service needs on agricultural lands, C.
Kozak said he thought they would find them somewhat different from current ones. There
would be the issue of protection of those lands. He talked about the scope of John
Wade's role.
Meeting 99-04 Page 4
Peter Markey (no card), said he knew J. Wade, and he had a good relationship with
farmers and property owners.
April Vargas, Montara (no card), said many people were concerned about the money they
pay and how it is spent. She commented on the way the contract was broken down,
noting that it showed fiscal responsibility on behalf of the District.
C. Britton talked about the selection process for the consultant, and noted that they had
received a$200,000 grant from the Packard Foundation, so taxpayers were only paying
for half of the cost. He said John Wade's function was helping staff to better understand
the coast.
P. Siemens said he would like to hear from the 45% who voted against the annexation as
well as supporters.
H. Haeussler talked about the expenses for the annexation, stating that, as a taxpayer in
Santa Clara County, he had been paying taxes since the formation of the District. He
thought the people living on the coast should put something up for it.
D. Little suggested that maybe the District should be talking to its lobbyist about
exempting districts like MROSD from the EIR process.
Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to
execute the agreement with 2M Associates for consultant services on the
potential District annexation of the San Mateo Coast, with a maximum not-
to-exceed budget of$180,000 for all anticipated services and products on
Phase I of the project, development of policies and draft service plan, and
an anticipated maximum budget of$400,000 for all potentially required
services, with page 2 paragraph(7), first sentence, to include the words,
"arising out of any work" after the words, "subcontractors, or agents,";
and authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with John
Wade for consulting services on the annexation project, with a maximum
not-to-exceed budget of$5,000. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The
motion passed 7 to 0.
B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Confirmation of Coastal Advisory Committee Appointments:
Confirm the Participants Appointed to the Coastal Advisory Committee_ Including
Acceptance of the Cabrillo Unified School District Board of Directors' Decision not to
Participated Therefore a Third"at-large" Appointment by the Coastal Advisory Committee
is Recommended to Maintain the Committee Appointee Level at 13; Acknowledge that
the Formal Appointment by the Half Moon Bay City Council will occur at its Meeting of
February 2. 1999;Designate Director Nitz as the non-voting Alternate for the District's
Ad Hoc Committee Appointees to the Coastal Advisory Committee; and Stronalv
Recommend to the Coastal Advisory Committee that San Mateo County Supervisor Rich
Gordon be Selected as Chair of the Committee—Report R-99-171.
C. Britton presented the staff report.
Meeting 99-04 Page 5
N. Hanko discussed recommendation 1, stating that the committee felt that three at-large
representatives, rather than two, provided a better representation of the Board's intention.
The committee felt the alternates should be non-voting members.
B Crowder spoke regarding recommendation 4, stating that the ad hoc committee felt
strongly that it was important to have as chair a person who was not aligned with either
the"yes" or"no" vote on the advisory measure. Rich Gordon had indicated he would be
willing to serve on the committee as chair. Therefore she changed the recommendation to
read, "Appoint Supervisor Rich Gordon as chair of the Coastal Advisory Committee,
subject to ratification by Coastal Advisory Committee members."
M. Davey requested that recommendation 3 clarify that all alternates will be non-voting.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board amend recommendation 3)to add the
sentence, "Any alternate will be non-voting as well" and amend
recommendation 4) to read, "Appoint San Mateo County Supervisor Rich
Gordon as chair of the Committee subject to ratification of the Coastal
Advisory Committee." M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
Motion: D. Little moved that the Board confirm the participants appointed to the
Coastal Advisory Committee, including acceptance of the Cabrillo Unified
School District Board of Directors' decision not to participate; therefore a
third "at-large" appointment by the Coastal Advisory Committee is
recommended to maintain the Committee appointee level at 13;
acknowledge that the formal appointment by the Half Moon Bay City
Council will occur at its meeting of February 2, 1999;Designate Director
Nitz as the non-voting alternate for the District's Ad Hoc Committee
appointees to the Coastal Advisory Committee; stipulate that any alternate
will be non-voting as well; and appoint San Mateo County Supervisor Rich
Gordon as chair of the Committee, subject to ratification by the Coastal
Advisory Committee. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
There was a recess from 8:40 P.M.-8:50 P.M.
C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Consideration of a Good Neighbor Pilot Do,g Program for Long
Ridge Open Space Preserve and Recommendation to Direct Staff and an Appropriate
Board Committee to Develop a Good Neighbor Pilot Dog Program Whereby Standards
for the Program Will Include a K-9 Patrol be Developed in Cooperation with the
Neighbors and Field Staff at the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve(&12ort R-99-23).
N. Hanko reviewed her report including discussion of the report prepared by Dr.
McGinnis. She said about six months ago she began receiving letters from property
owners near Long Ridge who had access with their dogs to a portion of the Preserve for
ten years and prior to the District acquiring it, had permission from the owners. Following
a serious accident on Skyline, people were afraid to walk their dogs there and wanted
Meeting 99-04 Page 6
permission to use the grassy area away from the riparian area. She said people would be
on the honor system and police themselves, and she thought they should reinstate
permission to use the grassy area. In return, they could patrol the area, look for hazards,
and report to rangers as a way of returning something to the District. Permits would be
revoked if violations of standards occurred. She said this pilot program could help in
developing neighbor policies for coastal annexation.
Bob Wallace talked about his experience with dogs off leash at various parks.
Steve Wolfe, P. O. Box 322A, Star Route 2, said he was one of nine people who sent
letters and documents requesting the opening of Long Ridge. He felt it was important to
give something in turn. He said they are concerned about the condition of the preserve
and how it functions. He thought they were responsible and could make the program
work.
Denise Williams, Los Altos Hills (no card), said she was thrilled that this was being
considered.
Jerry Peters, 1531 Skyline Blvd., said Director Hanko had captured his thoughts. He
talked about close calls while walking his dog on Skyline.
Janet Peters, 1531 Skyline Blvd., thanked N. Hanko, noting that her property is
surrounded by the preserve. She said they pick up trash and keep an eye on things.
Bill Fawkes, Rt. 2, Box 329, La Honda, thanked N. Hanko. He said he would like to be
able to take his dog on the preserve and that it was a safety issue. He said there were 20-
25 immediate neighbors adjacent to Long Ridge. He described the area they used to walk
their dogs. He said most trails are old roads, not narrow trails. Some of the connecting
ones are narrow.
C. Britton said staff is not supporting this program because the McGinnis study was of a
particular area of Long Ridge and was superseded by a matrix study of the District. Long
Ridge landed below the line and they ended dog access. Because of enforcement, staff
would like all preserves either opened or closed . Another problem is exclusivity with only
access for neighbors. In addition, it may set a precedent for other preserves. He said if
they are considering opening it, they should open the whole site to dogs.
K. Nitz referred to the Warner Report and said one part of the plan he liked was involving
the ranger staff.
B. Crowder said she did not believe dog policies and good neighbor policies worked.
together. She did not want to burden staff with additional work. She said she did not
want to revise the dog policy adopted in 1995.
N. Hanko said that policy was adopted as a guideline. The idea of the good neighbor
policy, which goes back farther, was to meet with neighbors to find out where problems
were and act on them. She thought this proposal responded to neighbors' concerns, and
did not see involving staff a great deal.
Meeting 99-04 Page 7
D. Little strongly supported the plan for several reasons, including safety and the fact
there was no evidence of dog problems at Windy Hill. He said he thought it showed a
measure of respect for their constituents.
K. Nitz noted that everyone who spoke called it o ark not a preserve.
P. Siemens said in regard to the issue of enforcement, they might think about a permit
system. This might be a good place to test such a program.
J. Cyr said he would like to take the long view. This was setting precedent and would
involve staff time. Also, it was not fair to allow access to only a few. He said he might be
open to exploring a permit system farther.
M. Davey said she thought the solution would be to open the whole preserve to dogs and
have a neighborhood patrol. She said there is concern regarding the part of the preserve
that is a fragile environment. She thought the District's goal was to make land available in
the least harmful way. She said she knew there would be an increased burden on staff.
B. Crowder if the plan were implemented, they would have to amend the 1995 dog policy
and the Use and Management Plan.
N. Hanko said she would be happy to have M. Davey's idea considered by field staff and
the neighbors.
J. Escobar said there would be increased public use and impacts on other preserves. He
thought there would be a significant amount of law enforcement. In addition, Long Ridge
had no off-road parking.
J. Escobar said no jurisdictions that surround the District allow dogs. He said he believed
staff would favor the preserve being open to everyone, not a permit system.
Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board refer to District staff and appropriate
Board committee the concept of a pilot permit dog program for Long
Ridge Open Space Preserve whereby standards be developed in
cooperation with the neighbors and field staff. N. Hanko seconded the
motion.
Discussion: D. Little said he would like to see the Board vote on N. Hanko's proposal.
P Siemens said he would rather have a committee come back with
recommendations after looking at the concept. C. Britton recommended
that they come back with simple permit system and try it out on a pilot
program with the neighbors rather than get into some larger study they
can't handle without setting aside other priorities. N. Hanko supported C.
Britton's idea. J. Escobar suggested the Board could vote to open the area
that was open to dogs before.
Vote: The motion failed with Directors Siemens and Hanko voting yes and
Directors Nitz, Cyr, Little, Davey, and Crowder voting no.
f
Meeting 99-04 Page 8
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board restore the dog use policy that preceded
the 1995 change to the Use and Management Plan, and that they go
through the process to change the Use and Management Plan.
Amendment: D. Little asked to amend the motion to add P Siemens' suggestion of a
permit system. M. Davey agreed to the amendment. N. Hanko seconded
the motion as amended.
Discussion: Additional discussion of the permitting system and the amount of staff time
required followed.
Vote: The motion passed 4 to 3 (Directors Siemens, Little, Davey, and Hanko
yes, Directors Crowder, Nitz and Cyr no).
S. Schectman said with litigation pending on uses, the Board might want to consider
where the area of use will be and how it will affect the ongoing litigation. She said
interested Board members can sit in on Use and Management Committee meetings as
observers but cannot participate.
There was a recess from 10:10-10:20 P.M.
D. Agenda Item No. 4- Tentative Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management
Plan for the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve for the
Establishment of a New Employee Residence, and Authorization for Staff to Solicit Bids
for Site Planning and Design Services Necessary to Secure Building Permits From Santa
Clara County—(Report R-99-14).
M. de Beauvieres reviewed the staff report, noting that the preferred alternative would be
to acquire a property with an existing structure suitable for use as an employee residence.
If that does not work, installation of a manufactured home in the area on one of four
potential sites would be the second choice.
C. Britton explained that one of the problems is timing, so staff needs to spend some
money to be ready to go in case the District isn't able to buy a house.
Motion B. Crowder moved that the Board tentatively adopt an amendment to the
Use and Management Plan for the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul
Open Space Preserve for the establishment of an employee residence in the
vicinity of Hicks Road; and authorize staff to solicit bids for site planning
and design services necessary to secure building permits from Santa Clara
County. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
E. Agenda Item No. 5 -Permit for The Sequoias-Portola Valley and Pacific Geotechnical
En ingi eering to Enter Windy Hill Open Space Preserve for the Purpose of Conducting a
Seismology Study and Authorization for the General Manager to Execute the Permit to
Enter—(Report R-99-M
Meeting 99-04 Page 9
D. Vu outlined staff recommendations. He said J. Isaacs would determine if reseeding
needed to be done. To his knowledge, no archeological groups had been notified, but he
would mention it. He said the work is being carefully monitored by the Town geologist.
Board members commended D. Vu on the report.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to execute
the Permit to Enter allowing The Sequoias-Portola Valley and their
contractor, Pacific Geotechnical Engineering, to access Windy Hill Open
Space Preserve for the purpose of conducting a seismology study. K. Nitz
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
F. Agenda Item No. 6 - Tentative Adoption of Preliminary 1999-2000 Action Plan for
Implementation of District's Basic Policy—(Report R-99-14
C. Britton noted that the Planning Program and Action Plan had been combined for the
first time. He said there were new positions proposed but only general justifications for
them would be presented at this meeting. When the Board considers adoption of the
budget, specific justification for the new positions will be provided.
Open Space Acquisition Program
Negotiations and Special Prpjects Subprogram
M. Williams noted the proposed addition of a Land Protection Specialist position. M.
Williams explained that the Land Protection Specialist would do easement monitoring and
deal with encroachment issues. He said some of the key acquisitions would be to protect
scenic ridge lines at the north end of the District boundary, and some properties that may
connect the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Santa Cruz Coastal Trail at the south end of
the District. Under grants, gifts, and bargain sales, they will pursue key acquisitions in the
Lexington Reservoir area with Santa Clara County Parks, and acquisitions at Long Ridge
which may connect to Portola State Park with Save the Redwoods.
Enterprise Subprogram
M. Williams noted that staff would pursue a long-term arrangement with the new tenant at
historic Picchetti winery which may include a potential vineyard lease. He talked about
alternative lease arrangements which could include a long-term lease similar to the
Bach/Bullis property at Skyline, or a lease that is structured like the Thornewood lease
where there is some renovation done in lieu of a portion of the rent.
S. Schectman explained that Items 14 and 15 under Negotiations and Special Projects
Subprogram would be joint projects with the Legal Program which supports many
projects in the action program. She said the Research Attorney position would be filled
soon and that person would be working actively on those issues.
M. Williams said that approximately 1,000 acres had been added to the District this year in
Meeting 99-04 Page 10
20 transactions. Regarding Thornewood road arbitration, S. Schectman said it had been
continued until March. She thought they would reach a compromise the District could
live with.
Open Space Planning Program
Advance Planning(including related Interdepartmental Support and Team Development)
Subprogram
R. Anderson said there were a number of special projects including the coast, the trail use
policy and guidelines, wilderness policy review, and an area plan. Another listed project
was to increase and refine the level of attention given to supervision. He talked about
proposed additional staff.
C. Britton said staff will bring a proposal for a permanent reorganization of Planning, and
are working with E. Jarosz on that.
R. Anderson talked about the area plan which would include inventory of resources and
development of a methodology. He said the current methodology did not focus on
resources.
R. Anderson said the Regional Open Space Study is complete except for the basic policy
which will be coming to the Board at their next meeting.
Current Planning(including,; related Interdepartmental Support and Information Systems)
Subprogram work program attached)
M. de Beauvieres reviewed the recommendations. Regarding the Sausal Trail, she said it
should be complete this fiscal year. Regarding item 4 on the work program, she said the
consultant would be doing the majority of the work under staff direction.
R. Anderson talked about GIS, stating that staff would produce detailed maps showing
holdings, facilities, and how trails are used, among other information.
M. de Beauvieres said the issue of the closure of two trails would probably be coming
back to the Board at the second meeting in February.
Regarding item 39, C. Britton said they had not finished the acquisition of the Silva
property.
R. Anderson said they had received $170,000 from FEMA for the 1995 storms, which was
roughly 30% of what was spent. They are filing appeals.
Operations Program
Field Operations Subprogram
J. Escobar said the proposed plan reflects the operations program review outcome,
Meeting 99-04 Page 11
including positions to be added. He said the seasonal hours cover Sunday staffing at Deer
Hollow Farm and special projects, in addition to maintenance responsibilities. He said
renegotiating the contract with Mountain View for Deer Hollow Farm should be added to
the list of projects. Regarding Key Project 1, he said the focus this year would be on
ranger and visitor safety issues and staffing levels throughout the program. He said
vandalism is now being included in the monthly activity report. Staff is working on sign
wording for trail closures at ECDM. He talked about Key Project 4, noting that staff will
be working on improving systems and sharing responsibility on a systematic basis.
Resource Management Subprogram
In J. Isaacs' absence, J. Escobar said staff intends to put more resources into Pulgas Ridge
this year. Key Project 3, Resource Management Program Development, was directly
attributable to the Operations Program Review. He said they cannot recommend major
changes at this time, but plan to come up with a long-term plan. They will be looking at
increased participation and level of responsibility for field staff.
J. Escobar said the Grassland Management Implementation Plan is in its third year and he
hoped they would see reduced costs next year. It will require maintenance. Regarding
Item 3 under Other Projects, he said field project leaders would be field staff in
cooperation with the Native Plant Society and other volunteers.
Public Affairs Program
General Public Information and Outreach Subprogram
M. Smith said Key Project 4, Coastal Community Outreach, was a significant addition to
the general program emphasis. He said the Public Event referred to in Key Project 1 was
meant to replace Kids Art of Open Space. He said they are budgeting for at least two
mailings to the coast side as part of Key Project 4. He said the mechanism is in place to
contact the press regarding actions pertaining to the Coast. Referring to item 2 under
other projects, he said staff will be scheduling presentations to members of the media.
M. Smith said the good neighbor brochure that will be sent to the coast will describe some
of the District issues and policies that relate to neighbors surrounding open space
preserves, to try to educate them about what the District does that is mutually beneficial,
such as fire breaks. He said that, as part of the ongoing outreach, they will make
presentations and provide information to Silicon Valley companies. He added that as item
10 under Other Projects.
TLe i la ivye, Funding, and Organizational Relations Subpro m
M. Smith talked about two new Key Projects, Coastal Preservation Effort and Funding for
Mt. Umunhum Clean Up. Regarding Item 4, Sponsor Legislation, staff want some
definition and language changes in Public Resources Code 5500, and changes to the Civil
Code to redefine mountain biking
Meeting 99-04 Page 12
Visitor Services Subprogram
M. Smith talked about Key Project 1, Interpretive Program, stating that staff wants to
refine the objectives of the docent program. Key Project 2 referred to the short courses for
docent training. Environmental Education, Key Project 3, will include increasing training
sessions to twice a year and continued efforts to secure funding for Kids Nature Express.
At the Daniels Nature Center, some of the objectives are to finish the exhibit cases and
install benches. Regarding Other Project number 5, he explained that the Grant Cabin
was at Deer Hollow Farm.
Administration Program
Administration/Human Resources Subprogram
D. Dolan said staff had added a sentence relative to the coast under general program
emphasis. She talked about staff increases which included increasing the secretary to 60%
time and adding a one-half time network specialist. She outlined Key Projects and added
that the sound system for the Board Room would be upgraded. She said Y2K would be
added as number l l under Other Projects. In regard to Item 12, she said the idea is to
provide a single place for information about the District.
Legal Services Subprogram
S. Schectman said the coastal expansion will be the major project. She said she hoped
staff could reduce their reliance on outside counsel. The goal is to work with the research
attorney as assistant District legal counsel to handle projects independently. Referring to
Key Project 2, Risk Management, she described the lawsuits that are going on, including a
civil rights suit for false arrest. She talked about Key Project 3, Human Resources, stating
staff will finish the internal affairs policy, and binding arbitration and grievance issues.
Motion; N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt the Preliminary Action Plan, and
charge 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. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 7
to 0.
G. Agenda Item No. 7 - Appointment of 1999 Board Committees—(Report R-99-15),
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve appointments to standing and ad-
hoc committees as contained in the staff report, including the determination
of compensation status. K. Nitz seconded the motion. The motion passed
7 to 0.
VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N. Hanko reported as follows: 1. She hoped the District would take a strong position against the
county charging an entrance fee at Rancho. C. Britton said they were not taking any position at
Meeting 99-04 Page 13
this time. He had provided a full report in the FYIs. There seemed to be groundswell against the
proposal. N. Hanko said they should let people know it is not the District's idea and they should
contact the County. C. Britton said he would agendize the issue, if necessary. 2. N. Hanko said
legal counsel had informed her that any interested Board members may attend the South Skyline
meeting that the sheriffs will attend without fear of violating the Brown Act. J. Cyr read into the
record Section 54952.2(c)(3) and (4) of the Government Code, as follows: "(3) The attendance
of a majority of the members of a legislative body at an open and publicized meeting organized to
address a topic of local community concern by a person or organization other than the local
agency, provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as
part of the scheduled program, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the legislative body of the local agency. (4) The attendance of a majority of the
members of a legislative body at an open and noticed meeting of another body of the local agency,
provided that a majority of the members do not discuss among themselves, other than as part of
the scheduled meeting, business of a specific nature that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of
the legislative body of the local agency." S. Schectman cautioned Board members about being
drawn into discussions. 3. N. Hanko reported that M. Smith had provided to the Half Moon Bay
newspaper an application for people who wished to fill one of the three at-large seats on the
Coastal Advisory Committee. She announced dates of the first meetings of the Committee as
follows: February 9 in Half Moon Bay, February 23 for the appointment of three new members,
and March 9. She said they are planning bi-weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings at different
locations on the coast. S. Schectman said it appears the Committee will be subject to the Brown
Act.
M. Davey said she and M. Smith went to the Bay Area Open Space Council meeting. The high
point was Ralph Heim's report. He stressed it was important to keep in close contact with elected
officials.
B. Crowder said she and M. Davey went to T. Lempert's breakfast.
D. Little said he got a call from an irate Mountain View resident regarding the proposed parking
fees at Rancho. He said he intended to fight it personally. C. Britton said it was very difficult for
the District to demand they not charge a fee when they were charging fees throughout the county.
He said he would talk to Paul Romero to see if there were options.
D. Little suggested that next time they do a proposed preliminary action plan that requires a lot of
staff to be here they do it as the first item or at a special meeting.
J. Cyr reported: 1. He had signed $29+ million worth of bonds. 2. He said the Board needs six
more lapel microphones.
C. Britton reported as follows: 1. San Mateo County LAFCO passed a resolution asking Santa
Clara County to pass the jurisdiction of the coastal annexation to them. 2. He brought to their
attention that the payment to Jens Hansen at Windy Hill had been reduced by$2,700 because of
the plant loss. 3. The claim questioned at the last meeting was for fumigation costs for the duplex
at Rancho that is occupied by two field staff members. 4. He had a flier on the Bay Area Open
Space Council Spring Conference on May 14. 5. The note issue closed today; he passed out the
official statement. 6. Staff members had attended a talk by Jim Kent, a sociologist. He thought
the subject matter would be germane to two of the District's projects, the coastal annexation and
Meeting 99-04 Page 14
the possibility of a funding measure. He produced a memo from J. Escobar and a copy of Jim
Kent's background information. He said he would like to bring him in for a training session with
Board and keystaff members on Sa
turday,da March 13. Ke
nt ent would o to the
Y, g coast, then meet
for a four-hour seminar on general matters. J. Escobar said staff members were impressed and
talked about J. Kent's methods. C. Britton he would like to provide media training and bring in a
political advisor in the future in addition to this training session.
VIM ADJOURNMENT
At 12:55 A.M. the meeting was adjourned.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary