The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About20000322 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) l Open ' we 1 f � eZ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 00-07 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS March 22, 2000 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING I. ROLL CALL President Ken Nitz called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Members Present: Nonette Hanko, Mary Davey, Jed Cyr, Ken Nitz, Peter Siemens, and Deane Little. Members Absent: Betsy Crowder. Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, John Escobar, Deirdre Dolan, Mike Williams, � g Del Woods, and Thomas Fischer. II. CLOSED SESSION K. Nitz stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of a discussing Closed Session Agenda Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:33 P.M. and the Closed Session commenced at 6:33 P.M. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:30 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING K. Nitz noted that no reportable action had taken place in Closed Session, and called the Special Meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. S. Schectman outlined the staff recommendations. III. Special Meeting Agenda Item No. 1 - Authorize the General Manager to Request a Shortened Review Period From the Sate Clearinghouse for the Proposed Negative Declaration to Purchase Lands of Krone and Bishop as an Addition to El Sereno Open Space Preserve — (Report R-00- 44 Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 00-15, Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing 330 Distel Cirr le - l os Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 050 691-1200 FAX:650-091-0485 - F-mail: mrosd(01 openspace.org Wei)site:www.openspace.org f3aarcl of f�irec tors Pete' Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jere]Cyr, Deane tittle, None..e.....—_.__.®____w (r.ttf Iianko,Betsyy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nit/ . Gene°ral M mar;er:L.Cram,Britton Meeting 00-07 Page 2 General Manager to Submit a Request to the State Clearinghouse for a Shortened Review Period for Proposed Negative Declaration Under the California Environmental Quality Act (Proposed Addition to El Sereno Open Space Preserve Purchase of Lands of Krone and Bishop). P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: S. Schectman said all the requisite notices for a special meeting had been given. Vote: The motion passed 6 to 0. At 7:36 P.M., the Board concluded the Special Meeting. REGULAR MEETING IV. K. Nitz called the Regular meeting to order at 7:37 P.M. Additional Staff Present: Randy Anderson. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS VI. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VII. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including agenda item 5, Annual Claims List for Fiscal Year 2000-2001; Approve the Annual Claims List, Including Debt Service Payments for the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 agenda item 7, Authorization to Purchase Four Vehicles at a Total Cost of $79,479; Conditional on the Final Approval of the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 District Budeet, Direct the General Manner to Execute a Purchase Contract With the State Department of General Services for Four Patrol Trucks at a Total Cost of $74,479; agenda item 9, Reimbursement of Registration Fees to Director Crowder for Attendance at the PCL Foundation 2000 Environmental Legislative Symposium; Authorize the Reimbursement of Registration Fees in the Amount of $55.00 to Director Crowder for Her Attendance at the PCL Foundation Symposium on March 4, 2000; and Revised Claims 00-06. J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VIII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. I - Adoption of the Action Plan for the Implementation of the District's Basic Policy for Fiscal Year 2000-2001; Adopt the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Meeting 00-07 Page 3 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula RegigLng Open Space District - (Report R-00-37). C. Britton noted changes in the staff report on page 2 under General Program Emphasis for 2000-2001, and on page 3, Item 3, to indicate that Propositions 12 and 13 had passed. In regard to Item 3a on page 13, J. Escobar said this project was in progress and would take more than a year. In reference to Item 1 under Other Projects and Activities on page 5, C. Britton said if there is another program to supersede this one, they would not pursue it. Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board adopt the 2000-2001 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, as amended. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: N. Hanko asked if they were going to paint the barn, #31 on page 6 of the chart. R. Anderson stated there were issues with lead-based paint removal so painting was not budgeted for this year. N. Hanko, said it was getting to be an eyesore and people were complaining. Following discussion, C. Britton said they would add under tasks, "analyze paint for procedure to preserve barn's integrity." Vote: The motion passed 6 to 0. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Acceptance of Insurance Coverage for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 at a Total Cost of $198,303; Approve the Property and General Liability, Auto, Umbrella Liabilfty, Fidelity Bond, and Public Entity Errors and Omissions Insurance Bid Totaliniz $198,303 from Thoits Insurance Brokers Based on the Quotations Shown from Reliance, General Accident Insurance, Fireman's Fund Insurance, Chubb and United National Insurance for the Period of April 1, 2000, through March 31, 2001 - (Report R-00-40). C. Britton said Skip McIntyre, the District's insurance broker from Thoits Insurance, was not able to be at the meeting because of medical necessity. D. Dolan noted that the addition of Employment Practices Liability Coverage under Public Entity Errors and Omissions Coverage accounted for most of the increase in insurance premiums. J. Escobar said the District now has 37 vehicles. C. Britton said he felt the rates were good based upon previous years and the fact that staff had increased, and the amount of District buildings and acreage had increased. Meeting 00-07 Page 4 i I I Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve the property and general liability, auto, umbrella liability, fidelity bond, and public entity errors and omissions insurance bid totaling $198,303 from Thoits Insurance Brokers based on the quotations shown on Exhibit A from Reliance, General Accident Insurance, Fireman's Fund Insurance, Chubb, and United National Insurance for the period of April 1, 2000, through March 31, 2000. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. I C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Controller's Report on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Budget - (Report R-00-30). C. Britton said M. Foster couldn't be at the meeting but will attend when the Board reviews the salary and benefit adjustments. He said it had been suggested that, as salary and benefit agreements are reached, M. Foster return to the Budget Committee with a presentation. He referred to the graph in the FYIs to show the six percent operating budget growth guidelines. Board members thanked the staff. By consensus, the Board accepted the report. I D. Agenda Item No. 4A - Approval of Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Budget Recommendations Administration and Budget Committee Report - (Report R-00-39) J. Cyr presented the Administration and Budget Committee report and said they will return to the full Board after they include salaries and benefits. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve the proposed 2000-2001 budget without salary and benefit increases; after the Board has made a decision on salary and benefit increases, refer the budget back to the Administration and Budget Committee for analysis and recommendations to the full Board; approve the Proposed Budget Guidelines for Board Conference Attendance; direct the ad hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee to initiate an evaluation and salary review for the General Manager, Controller, and Legal Counsel; and direct the Administration and Budget Committee to review the 1999-2000 actual versus projected expenditures after completion of the audit. Mid-way through the fiscal year, review the 2000-2001 budget and expenditure status, review the capital improvement budget to insure the guidelines are working adequately, and meet with the Controller for a review of the District's financial status. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: N. Hanko suggested that Item 2 of the Proposed Budget Guidelines for Board Conference Attendance be amended to read, "Attendance at a l Meeting 00-07 Page 5 specific conference will be assigned as follows: one conference for the president or Vice President to attend the annual Special Parks Districts Forum; M. Davey accepted this amendment to the motion. K. Nitz said he would vote no because the report does not include salary and benefits. J. Cyr commented that it would be preferable to have that information but he felt comfortable approving the budget this way. Vote: The motion passed 5 to 1, with President Nitz voting no. E. Agenda Item No. 411 - Approval of Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Budget Recommendations Staff Report - (Report -00-43). C. Britton summarized the staff report, stating that this was information the Board had reviewed before and it was being brought back with several minor corrections. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 00-16, Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Adopting Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-2001. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 5 to 1, with President Nitz voting no. F. Agenda Item No. 6 - Tentative Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plans for Rancho San Antonio, Monte Bello, and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves to Identify Bench Sites for Use by Peninsula Open Space Trust in its Memorial Giving Program; Determine that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt Under the California Environmental Quality Act as Set Out in the Re Tentatively Adopt an Amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plans for Rancho San Antonio, Monte Bello, and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves to Permit Installation of Future Benches for Use by Peninsula Open Space Trust in its Memorial Giving Program - (Report R-00-34). R. Anderson presented the report of the Use and Management Committee. He said Curt Riffle had volunteered to work on the catalog. Four of the 22 prospective bench sites have been reserved for the District. Board members expressed great appreciation to Mr. Riffle for his time and effort. R. Anderson showed slides of the sites. Discussion followed regarding the cost of benches. C. Britton said that under District policy, if a person has been of particular help to the District as determined by the Board, there would be no cost for a bench. Otherwise, he said the District is not encouraging people to put in benches. He said it was never intended to be a program Meeting 00-07 Page 6 where any person could request a bench. POST is having the benches made and installing them, as well as guaranteeing maintenance for a certain period of time, but no memorial plaques will be installed. Board members expressed concern about POST's policy on the cost for benches. D. Little would like to make sure that it is not a situation where only the wealthy receive benches. In regard to how long the benches would remain, C. Britton said the idea is that they would be there perpetually, but the District does not maintain them beyond the time of POST's commitment. C. Britton said he would contact POST about their policy on the cost of benches. R. Anderson informed the Board that current policy does not allow plaques on the benches. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality act as set out in the staff report; and tentatively adopt an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plans for Rancho San Antonio, Monte Bello, and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves to permit installation of future benches for use by Peninsula Open Space Trust in its memorial giving program. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: C. Britton told the history of "Bob's Bench." K. Nitz said he was totally against benches. Mr. Riffle complimented Rangers Dennis Danielson and Phil Hearin who had worked with him on surveying the potential sites. Vote: The motion passed 5 to 1, with President Nitz voting no. H. Agenda Item 8 - -Approval of Retainer Agreement With Environmental Science Associates and Authorization of Payment for Services in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $25,000,• Approve the Letter of Agreement for Environmental Planning Services With the Environmental Planniniz Firm of Environmental Science Associates-, Authorize the General Manaizer to Sian the Agreement on Behalf of the District and Authorize Initial Payment for Services in a Total Amount Not to Exceed $25,000 - (Report R-00-42). D. Woods presented staff's recommendations. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve the letter of agreement for environmental planning services with the environmental planning firm of Meeting 00-07 Page 7 Environmental Science Associates; and authorize the General Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the District and authorize initial payment for services in a total amount not to exceed $25,000. P. Siemens seconded the motion. II Discussion:. D. Woods said there was a Negative Declaration because of the domestic water problem. Vote: The motion passed 6 to 0. IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS D. Little: 1. He talked about the March 9 trail use meeting. Fellow Board members said they had heard positive comments regarding his chair of the committee. J. Cyr: 1. He distributed newspaper articles in response to the March 9 meeting. 2. He said the Board President had asked each committee to review their charge and mission. He read the vision statement from the Administration and Budget Committee into the record. N. Hanko commented on Item 6 under Vision regarding the District enlarging to Santa Cruz County, noting that she was not sure that would be a good idea. She said Santa Cruz County should be encouraged to form their own district. K. Nitz said he appreciated the Administration and Budget Committee's review of itself and hoped the other committees would follow suit. N. Hanko: 1. She and C. Britton met with Palo Alto Mayor Liz Kniss and Greg Betts, Open Space and Sciences Director, yesterday to talk about a possible regional trail connection. They talked about one through Foothill Park to connect to Los Trancos. She said Patty Ciesla had given them a map showing another alternative. 2. P. Siemens, J. Cyr, and she had attended a meeting of San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee at which the District's consultants were there talking about the service plan. 3. The Horton (Stanford) meeting scheduled for today was called off and will be re-scheduled. 4. She and P. Siemens toured Windy Hill, including looking at the driveway to the Kabcenell property. She expressed regret that the District couldn't acquire the entire property. P. Siemens: 1. Regarding the meeting on potential trail closures, he said it seems the issue is that we are taking away something the cyclists have had. 2. Regarding the Agricultural Advisory Committee, he thought they were concerned that the District will buy land and take it out of production. He had talked to them about easements. J. Cyr said he thought the farmers also were concerned with the adverse impacts of letting land go fallow. M. Davey: 1. Consideration of the Bressler property has been postponed by Palo Alto until April. 2. Regarding the Stanford land, they will have a strategy gathering next week. Meeting 00-07 Page 8 C. Britton: 1. John Nicholas, Interim Area Superintendent at Foothills, left the District on March 17, and John Kowaleski has been promoted to that position. 2. M. de Beauvieres' last day was today. She will be under contract as a consultant for the trail program and El Corte de Madera. 3. R. Anderson has given notice of his intent to resign. 4. The Special Parks District Forum will be held June 7-10. K. Nitz will attend. 5. He referred to the Operations Program review memo from G. Baillie and said they would forward it to field staff. 6. He showed the picture to be given to Rich Gordon in appreciation for his work as chair of the Coastal Advisory Committee. 7. He had met with Rusty Arias, new Director of Parks, at the CPRS meeting last Friday in Ontario. Carol Nelson will help set up a tour of District lands for Mr. Arias. S. Schectman: 1. Information on the Diesel restitution award as the result of illegal grading was in the FYIs. She said the award was based in part on R. Anderson's testimony at the restitution hearing. J. Escobar: 1. He said they are in the midst of ranger hiring and explained what the skills test consisted of. 2. Art O'Neal began an Influencing Skills workshop today. R. Anderson: 1. He tentatively set April 11 at noon for a meeting with the Trails Committee. 2. The tentative date for Special Board meeting on Trail Policy is Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 P.M. X. ADJOURNMENT At 9:30 P.M., the meeting was concluded, and the Board reconvened in Closed Session at 9:36 P.M. to discuss Closed Session Agenda Items. At 10:55 P.M., the special meeting Closed Session was adjourned. Roberta Wolfe Recording Secretary