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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 01-11
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 9, 2001
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
Vice President Deane Little called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Mary Davey, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Deane Little,
Ken Nitz, and Pete Siemens (arrived at 6:45 p.m.).
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, Duncan Simmons, John Maciel, Del
Woods, Mike Williams, and John Escobar.
U. CLOSED SESSION
D. Little stated that the Board would adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Closed Session
Items 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The Board recessed to Closed Session at 6:35 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at
6:35 p.m. The Board concluded the Closed Session at 7:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
III. P. Siemens called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. and noted that no reportable
actions had taken place in Closed Session. He added that the Special Meeting Closed
Session would continue at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting to discuss items 3
and 4.
Additional Staff Present: Jodi Isaacs, Matt Freeman, Thomas Fischer, Stephanie Jensen,
and Lisa Zadek.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Frank Keller, 1140 Snowberry Court, Sunnyvale, said he is a docent at Deer Hollow
Farm but cannot accept one of the policies of the District, the volunteer release of
liability. He read from the release form and said he would like to think the District would
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 ® E
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz .General Manager:L.Craig Britton
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Meeting 0 1-11 Page 2
be concerned about his welfare. He said that since the Board makes policy, he wanted to
bring this to their attention.
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P. Siemens asked for a memo describing the release and how it compares with others.
V. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
Lori Raymaker, Docent Coordinator, read the tribute to Roger Myers and said he would
be greatly missed.
P. Siemens read the resolution. Other Board members thanked Mr. Myers.
R. Myers thanked the Board and reflected on his years with the District stating it had
been a privilege and an honor. He talked about why he is moving to Montana.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt Resolution 01-14, Resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Commending and Honoring Roger Myers for his Exemplary Volunteerism
as a District Docent. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed
7to0.
VI. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the agenda. K. Nitz seconded and
the motion passed 7 to 0.
VII. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
K. Nitz removed agenda item 4, Authorization to Purchase Four Fire Pumpers for District
Patrol Vehicles from Cascade Fire; Determine that Cascade Fire is the Lowest
Responsive Bidder and Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Purchase Contract
with Cascade Fire for Four Fire Pumpers for District Patrol Vehicles at a Total Cost of
$35,340.84.
Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, approval of
minutes of the February 14, 2001 Regular Meeting and the February 28,
2001 Special and Regular Meetings; and Revised Claims 01-09. K. Nitz
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
VIH. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 1 —Progress Report on the Habitat Restoration at Pul ag s Ridge
Open Space Preserve; Receive and Comment on the Progress Report for the
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Habitat Restoration Project - (Report R-01-
59 .
C. Britton made an opening statement, noting that this is a progress report and no
action by the Board is necessary. He added that staff'had notified over 300
people.
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Meeting 0 1-11 Page 3
J. Isaacs recognized volunteers and staff, including Sumudu Welaratna, Resource
Management Intern, who put together the presentation. She made a PowerPoint
presentation that discussed the objective of the restoration efforts, the restoration
activities that have taken place, site monitoring, and future plans. She noted that a
timeline of activities at Pulgas Ridge from May 1983 to the present was attached
to the staff report.
N. Hanko said she was interested in the group of cactus and would try to find the
history of the Hassler Health Home site.
J. Isaacs said Roundup is the only herbicide they use. She described how it is
applied.
D. Little asked if the District has a program that would allow motivated
volunteers to work on their own time. J. Isaacs said not to date. They would need
to talk to S. Schectman regarding liability, but it is a good resource to investigate.
J. Cyr said he appreciated the history and thoroughness provided by the report.
K. Nitz thanked J. Isaacs and S. Welaratna, noting that volunteering is a lot of
work and you feel good.
D. Little suggested that an adopt-a-plot plan might work.
Judy Baker, 27544 Canyon Road, Los Altos Hills, said she had gathered 250
signatures from people who use the preserve and live in the surrounding area.
Nine out of ten people are in favor of saving the Eucalyptus. There had been
several articles and pictures in the newspapers. She said Eucalyptus trees occupy
perhaps 15% of the area and asked who makes the rules on what is native. She
said if the District's mission is to provide pleasure, that might be a reason to be
flexible with the P'ro am.
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Ms. Baker read a statement from Karl Weidel, 734 Hillcrest Drive, Redwood
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City, talking about the large Eucalyptus with oak seedlings growing under them.
He said the trees provide shade and sensual stimulation. He noted that it appeared
that less than half of the oak seedlings have survived. He asked that they
reconsider and let nature take its course. He also asked that they leave the cactus
alone. He said let the oldest trees survive and attack the broom. He urged the
Board to listen to what those who use the preserve said.
Carolyn Chaney, 313 Lakeview Way, Redwood City, MROSD volunteer, listed
reasons for not removing the trees. She said the trees are home to raptors and are
not especially invasive. In addition, the trees provide a nursery for baby oaks and
other native trees. She said she considered the work that had been done to be
invasive. She asked that the District leave the Eucalyptus trees that are in the
windbreak, along the road, and in the grove.
Meeting 0 1-11 Page 4
N. Hanko asked staff if there are any plans this year to remove any of the trees
just referred to. J. Isaacs said none of the large trees are targeted this year. Any
plan for removal of the large trees would come back to the Board.
Regarding the nurturing aspect of Eucalyptus toward oak, J. Isaacs said there is a
lot of natural regeneration under the Eucalyptus. However, they do not know
whether removing the trees would allow them to flourish more. That is why staff
removed the trees in the canyon area. There is some competition between plants
and they do not know how much is being stunted by the Eucalyptus.
J. Isaacs said there are no Eucalyptus trees in regions 3 and 4. The majority of the
budgeted money this year will go to the Conservation Corps. for removal of
broom along the Blue Oak Trail. She thought it would be about 4-5 years when
the District might consider taking another pass through the large Eucalyptus. This
estimate was based on how the canyon responded.
P. Siemens suggested looking at potential compromises. He said he has mixed
feelings about Eucalyptus as a California native himself. J. Isaacs said staff could
manage 20 large trees but eventually the trees will spread. P. Siemens said he
would like to have options.
N. Hanko talked about the past and resource management plans. She said they are
hearing lots from people and should consider what they are saying. She asked if
there is a Use and Management Plan in the works so they can look at the whole
situation. J. Isaacs said there is but she did not know the date. N. Hanko asked
about the possibility of a group of Eucalyptus being retained in a place that is
PY enjoyed Y
articular) o ed b the public.
K. Nitz commented that maybe that could be done on the knoll where the trees are
easy to maintain, but he thought they should be taken out.
N. Hanko talked about the history of Eucalyptus in San Mateo County, and said
they should look at protection of Eucalyptus where they are not a fire hazard.
C. Britton said there is a Use and Management Plan for Pulgas Ridge. That was
the basis of the application to the Land and Water Fund. He said in the past,
resource decisions have been made apart from Use and Management. He said the
Board needs to look at the resource policies to see if they want to change their
goals. P. Siemens said maybe they should be tied together.
D. Little responded to public comment stating that the mission statement is very
clear. He said sometimes the Board has to take stands that are not popular with
the public because of their mission to protect native plans and animals.
By consensus, the Board accepted the report.
B. Agenda Item No. 2- Authorization to Contract for Vegetation Mapping Services
at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve;Determine that the Recommended
Actions are Categoricall,�Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Meeting 01-11 Page 5
Based on the Findings Contained in this Report; Authorize the General Manager
to Execute an Agreement with Aerial Information Systems in an Amount Not to
Exceed $15,500 to Provide Detailed Vegetation Mapping; Services at La Honda
Creek Open Space Preserve—(Report R-01-58 .
M. Freeman presented the staff report and a PowerPoint overview. Studying the
large area has resulted in huge economy of scale.
Regarding the question of spending money outside the District, S. Schectman said
as the data benefits District programs, she did not think it was an issue. J. Cyr
agreed, stating that it seems advantageous to do the whole watershed so the
District can see how their part fits in.
M. Freeman talked about how staff defined the boundary, noting that they wanted
to encompass the entire watershed. N. Hanko said she thought a more reasonable
sphere of influence for the District would go all the way to the coast.
Regarding plans for other areas, M. Freeman said Bear Creek needs a focus study.
C. Britton noted that they are focusing on sites that have been closed. They are
starting a new process of master planning. He said in the long run, they will
probably do it on all District lands. One of the issues is grazing.
Motion: J. Cyr moved that the Board determine that the project is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality
g Y P Q Y
Act (CEQA)based on the finding contained in the staff report; and
authorize the General Manager to execute an agreement with
Aerial Information Systems in an amount not to exceed $15,000 to
provide detailed vegetation mapping services at La Honda Creek
Open Space Preserve. D. Little seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7 to 0.
C. Agenda Item No. 3—Proposed Addition of Santa Clara County Tax-Defaulted
Properties to Various District Preserves, as Follows:
Agenda Item No. 3a-Proposed Addition of Santa Clara County Tax-Defaulted
Pezzoli Property to Kennedy Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve-,
Determine that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act; Tentatively Adopt the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan Recommendations, Including,Naming the Property as an
Addition to the Kennedy Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve;
Indicate Intention to Withhold the Property from Dedication as Public Open
Space at this Time—(Report R-01-49A).
T. Fischer outlined staff s recommendations.
Agenda Item No. 3b-Proposed Addition of Santa Clara County Tax-Defaulted
Kadluboski Property to El Sereno Open Space Preserve; Determine that the
Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act-, Tentatively Adopt the Preliminary Use and
Meeting 01-11 Page 6
Management Plan Recommendations, Including Naming the Property as an
Addition to El Sereno Open Space Preserve; Indicate Intention to Withhold the
Property from Dedication as Public Open Space at this Time—(Report R-01-
49B .
D. Woods presented this portion of the staff report.
Agenda Item No. 3c-Proposed Addition of Santa Clara County Tax-Defaulted
Maridon (6.25% Interest)Property to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve,
Determine that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act; Adopt the Attached Resolution
Authorizing the Purchase of the Santa Clara County Tax-Defaulted Properties
(Pezzoli, Kadluboski , and Maridon 6.25%Interest) as Attached for Agenda Items
34, 3b, and 3c. Tentatively Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan
Recommendations, Including Naming the Property as an Addition to Monte Bello
Open Space Preserve, Indicate Intention to Withhold the Property from
Dedication as Public Open Space at this Time—(Report R-01-49C).
T. Fischer presented the staff report including the terms and conditions for all
three properties.
T. Fischer and C. Britton answered questions regarding the process for sale of tax
defaulted properties. C. Britton provided history on how the properties became
available.
S. Schectman noted a correction in Section 2 of the Resolution, stating that
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"Certificate of Acceptance" should be plural.
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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 01-15 as amended, Resolution of the Board of Directors
of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Approving and
Authorizing Execution of Agreement to Purchase Tax-Defaulted
Property, Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificates of
Acceptance of Grant to District (Montebello, Sierra Azul, and El
Sereno Open Space Preserves—Tax-Defaulted Properties, Santa
Clara County); tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan recommendations contained in the staff report,
including naming the properties as additions to the Montebello
Open Space Preserve, the Kennedy Limekiln Area of the Sierra
Azul Open Space Preserve, and the El Sereno Open Space
Preserve; and indicate their intention to withhold the properties
from dedication as public open space at this time. J. Cyr seconded
the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
D. Agenda Item No. 4- Authorization to Purchase Four Fire Pumpers for District
Patrol Vehicles from Cascade Fire Determine that Cascade Fire is the Lowest
Responsive Bidder and Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Purchase
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Meeting 0 1-11 Page 7
Contract with Cascade Fire for Four Fire Pumpers for District Patrol Vehicles at a
Total Cost of$3 5,340.84 —(Report R-0 1-57).
K. Nitz said he had noticed seven pumpers in the barn and asked why the District
is buying more. J. Maciel said the pumpers are taken off the trucks during the
winter, and the pumpers K. Nitz saw would be put back on the vehicles.
Motion- K. Nitz moved that the Board determine that Cascade Fire is the
lowest responsive bidder and authorize the General Manager to
execute a purchase contract with Cascade Fire for four(4)pumpers
for District patrol vehicles at a total cost of$35,340.84. M. Davey
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0.
IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
M. Davey reported on the Board of Supervisors' decision regarding the Carnegie
proposal for building in the area west of Junipero Serra. N. Hanko asked if the City of
Palo Alto took a position. M. Davey said they voted unanimously against Carnegie's
application. The growth boundary for City of Palo Alto is Junipero Serra.
L. Hassett: 1. He had attended neighborhood meetings of the South Skyline Association
and the Kings Mountain general meeting where he presented a program. 2. He spent the
day with Evening Magazine at his store and other sites with solar installations. The
segment will be aired next Friday.
D. Little: 1. He went on docent led hikes at Skyline. He said the wildflowers were
spectacular. 2. He noticed lots of dead lizards during a hike at Monte Bello and felt sure
they were killed by bicycles. He suggested a bicycle speed trap on Bella Vista Trail.
P. Siemens said he went on a field trip in Corte Madera with Mr. Zatkin and other
agencies. He felt good about the job the District is doing at this preserve.
C. Britton: 1. He referred to responses in the FYIs to feral pig letters they sent out. 2.
There was also a letter to Congressman Honda regarding HR-701. 3. Last week,there
was a meeting before the Santa Clara County Planning Commission for San Jose Water
to get a permit to begin replacement of the water system at Montgomery Highlands. He
thanked D. Woods for his efforts in getting it approved. 4. The Board had seen publicity
regarding POST option to acquire Rancho Corral de Tierra. 5. He reported that Dennis
Dart is leaving. 6. He called Marin County expressing disappointment with their
decision on the dog leash law. 7. P. Siemens and he met with the new Town Manager
and Planning Director of Los Gatos.
J. Escobar: 1. He attended the CPRS legislative committee meeting in Sacramento. 2.
He met with the executive search firm for the MAdministrative Manager position and
talked about the progress in the search. 3. He said the other three agencies on the field
trip with P. Siemens were National Marine Fisheries, Regional Water Quality Control
Board, and California Fish and Game.
Meeting 01-11 Page 8
M. Davey asked about the District's energy conservation program. C. Britton informed
her that a committee has been established to look into conservation issues at the District.
L. Zadek announced that May 17 would be bike to work day. Several staff members are
taking part.
J. Maciel: 1. He reported on an incident Sunday at Windy Hill in which there was a
fatality. He talked about how it was handled by the various agencies. 2. The bicyclist
who was injured is now out of the coma. Staff has no further information on how the
accident occurred. He described the location of the accident. 2. There was a small fire
in La Honda on Friday. 4. May 15 has been declared the beginning of fire season. 5.
The District had a safety fair at Hidden Villa. 6. The energy committee will meet
tomorrow. 7. He reported that there were eleven pigs trapped in April. 8. He said the
District will be doing burns this year and information will be presented at the next Board
meeting.
S. Jensen: 1. The annual Volunteer Recognition event will be July 27. 2. The B.
Crowder trail dedication event at Windy Hill will be held on June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m. 3. She asked for volunteers to work at the Art and Wine Festivals noting that
the first one is June 2 and 3 in Sunnyvale. 4. KQED has been on the preserves in the
Skyline area working on a program on parks that will be set to classical music.
X. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:20 p.m., the Board adjourned the Regular Meeting and reconvened the Special
Meeting. The Board adjourned to Closed Session to discuss Closed Session items 3 and
4. The Closed Session Special Meeting reconvened at 10:30 p.m. and concluded at 10:57
p.m. No reportable actions were taken.
Roberta Wolfe
Recording Secretary