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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19750226 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 75-05 r` Meeting 75-5 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Regular Meeting Board of Directors A G E N D A February 26, 1975 7 : 30 P.M. Midpeninsula Regional Park District 745 Distel Drive Los Altos, CA (7: 30) ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 22, 1975 February 2, 1975 February 7, 1975 ADOPTION OF AGENDA ORAL COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS OLD BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION (7:45) 1. Goals Workshop Follow-up - H. Grench OLD BUSINESS NOT REQUIRING ACTION (9: 45) 2. Urban Service Area Boundaries - H. Grench NEW BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION (9: 55) 3. Acquisition Policy Statement Concerning Trails - A. Grundmann NEW BUSINESS NOT REQUIRING ACTION (10: 25) 4. Assembly Bill 523 - H. Grench CLAIMS (10: 35) EXECUTIVE SESSION - Land Negotiations ADJOURNMENT JL R-75-1 (Meeting 75-5, Agenda item No. 1) MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT February 22 , 1975 TO: Board of Directors FROM: H. Grench, General Manager SUBJECT: Goals Workshop Follow-Up Introduction: At the February 2, 1975 Goals Workshop, the Board of Directors considered the goals and associated programs of the District. Since that meeting was a general discussion of activities rather than an action session, several items were put off for future action. For your convenience, a copy of the February 2 minutes is attached with marks in the margins where further discussion was indicated. The purpose of this memorandum is to suggest a format for follow-up discussion on February 26, 1975. That meeting could be devoted to the Board' s deciding what further work and reports are needed on various programs, which specific items or tasks should be handled at an early date, and what relative priorities and timetables should be placed on the foregoing. Discussion: The following table lists suggested tasks and priorities for each major program. These are follow-up items from February 2, and are not intended to represent all the projects and tasks which are underway or planned. The priorities refer only to the items in the table and not to the total program and activities now underway. R-75-1 Page two Program Task Remarks Priority Recommended Action 2/26 I . Land A. Update Action The existing Action Plan con- A Direct General Manager Acquisition Plan sists of Board policy direc- to prepare updated tion on the General Manager' s recommended Action Plan report on the Action Plan for Implementation of the Basic Policy of the MRPD (R-74-6) , dated March 11, 1974 . This summary has been very useful in showing what the District is doing. The updated Action Plan would be a document adopted by the Board and based upon a recommended Plan from the General Manager. B. Discussion of Further Board discussion B Schedule for future possible formation needed to decide if founda- meeting as agenda per- of "Friends of tion is advisable and how mits the MRPD" founda- to see it implemented. tion for gifts program C. Completion of Statements referring to ac- A Direct Policy Statement draft Master Plan ceptance of gifts of land or Subcommittee to come Acquisition rights in land for agriculture in with recommendations Policies and lower priority open space for March 12 meeting uses need to be acted upon. Statements referring to trails A Direct Policy Statement need to be acted upon after Subcommittee to come report from Trails Task Force. in with recommendations for March 12 meeting D. Continued dis- The Board needs to decide cussion of urban whether a further policy B Board decide to make open space of statement beyond that in the no change at this time regional signifi- existing Basic Policy should cance. be made and if it should be included in the Master Plan. Also the Board may wish to review use of "outside Urban Service Area" for the Dis- trict' s main emphasis. R-75-1 Page three Program Task Remarks Priority Recommended Action on 2/26 II. Govern- A. Update Action A Direct General Manager mental and Plan to prepare report Private Liaison B. Staff report Report would include recom- B Direct General Manager on ways to improve mendations regarding increased to prepare report program Board participation (accord- ing to availability of indi- vidual Directors) in meetings with governmental officials and in review of agendas, minutes and EIR documents of other agencies. It would also include ways in which citizen monitors might be utilized. IV. Public A. Update Action A Direct General Manager Communica- Plan to prepare report tion B. Staff report If the majority of the Board B Decide not to advertise on trial agenda is not in favor of agenda ad- at this time. Direct advertising vertisinq, based on cost data General Manager to re- previously submitted, there port in 6 months on press is no need for the staff report. ­,4 coverage before meetings C. Two-term limit Assignment might be undertaken C Assign proposal and pro for Directors by Directors Shelley and Hanko arguments to Director for written pro and con argu- Shelley. Assign con ments. Board should discuss arguments to Director whether it would like a reso- Hanko lution prepared and/or whether special State legislation should be sought. A specific proposal might be requested from one or more Board members. D. Funding of Assignment might be undertaken C Direct General Manager candidates' state- by Directors Duffy and Wendin to prepare cost report. ments for written pro and con argu- Assign Directors Duffy ments. Staff can prepare report and Wendin pro and con on potential costs involved. arc-ument preparation . Board might decide whether to agendize resolution for same meeting at which the above materials are considered. R-75-1 Page four Program Task Remarks Priority Recommended Action 2/26 III Open A. Update Action A Direct General Manager Space Plan to prepare updated Resources recommended Action Plan B. Staff Accompanying memorandum from J. A Direct General Manager Requirements Olson to H. Grench outlines to prepare Job Descrip- land management needs. Due to tion and salary range long lead times, certain de- of ranger position for cisions should be made soon March 12 meeting C. Equipment Requirements See memorandum A Direct General Manager to prepare specifica- tions for bids on type A vehicle for March 12 , if possible. A Concur in ordering of type D vehicle. A Concur with staff pre- senting recommendations on radio communications D. Site See memorandum B Direct General Manager Classifications to prepare interim classification system for Board consideration B Discuss citizen involve- ment in planning process E. Regulatory See memorandum B Direct staff to prepare Ordinances draft regulatory ordinances for March 26 Board meeting F. Volunteer Program See memorandum C Direct staff to prepare report on volunteer pro- gram m- '4I %!,a� � � � MKDPENUNSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT � MEMORANDUM � � � February 22, 1975 TO: B. Greocbv General Manager ` FROM: J. Olson, Land Manager � SUBJECT: Open Space Resources Program INTRODUCTION � � Below is an excerpt from the Midpeninsula Regional Park District � Basic Policy statements, dealing with land management: � � 3. The District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care � of open space land, allowing public access appropriate to the nature of the � land and consistent with ecological values. � � POLICIES � Preservation u. Careful planning and great care will be taken to protect the natural � beauty and eoo|og|om| balance of the lands of the District. Good b. The District will make every effort to be ''good neighbor" to other neighbor property owners. Adequate putrul, mmin\enunco, and pub|iceduuu- pmlicD Uonvvi|| be provided to minimize fire hazards, }Mer. noise, erosion, � unsound use of the [and, disturbance of wildlife and vegetation, and tneopuam|nQ. Public c. With certain limitations, the District will allow public acooeo to its access lands. Because no agency in this area has contemplated acquiring open space in such quantity so close to urban areas, the financial Cost resources required for maintenance of acquired lands will be an im- constraints purtantoonoidere1ion. }tin clear that the more funds are expended in development of facilities and supervision of public access, the less will be available for acquisition. This oono1ny|nt will necessitate ||mUod types and quantity cd access on at least some of the lands Environmental of the District. Some lands will be banked for period of time prior constraints to opening to public use. Areas found to be vital wildlife or plant habitats will be designated as refuge areas, and in these areas eo- Othm, nosawi|| be severely restricted. Safety factors such as dangerous cmmmumaVwos physical conditions will necessitate limited access in some areas. � Agricultural land will also require restricted public use. In some Permitted cases use will be regulatedbym permit system. In generm}, ancoaa access will be allowed according to the availability offacilities and super- vision aoaenUao e uoo' essential to intended and according 10 the carrying � � capacity of the land. Use will be open to everyone regardless of place of residence. � Recreation d. Initial development willbe primarily for low-intensity recreation,such � as hiking, riding, grass picnicking, h t h d nature study. Cost limits Because of the commitment to maximum acquisition nfYudn. |ni8u| expenditures on recreational improvements will be limited to not CwmpmmmWve more than 5% of the District's income for the first 1O years. The Din- � efforts \rint will seek arrangements with other governmental agencies whereby the other agencies will provide some or all development of facilities and supervision of public access.This can include mak- ing land available to other agencies by long term |eaoe, oa|o, o, similar arrangement. The District will insure that such development will protect important natural values ofthe open space. Agriculture e. Where feasible, agricultural use will be sustained and encouraged. � M-75-41 Page two Following is a report that appraises some of the basic decisions that must be made in order to implement the above policies. Regardless of the precise direction the program takes, the issues discussed are basic to a general land management program. The scope of the land management program is so wide that it has been difficult to know where to begin. I have tried to concen- trate the major portions of this report on key areas on which decisions must be made that will further structure the direction of the land management program. There are three specific areas that the Board must consider and give further direction on. They are as follows: 1. Park ranger position 2. Major equipment purchases A. Vehicle (s) B. Radio communications 3. Site management and use classifications PATROL AND COMMUNICATIONS It will be necessary to develop the following capabilities in order to provide regular patrol and respond to incidents reported on District land. 1. Patrol It is impossible to protect against every unwanted potential occurrence on District land. Unwanted use can be minimized by frequent patrol of all sites. The person patrolling would inspect individual sites and respond to incidents as advised by the radio dispatcher in the District office. On the follow- ing page is a chart showing suggested patrol coverage. M-75-41 PATROL COVERAGE Page three Typical Winter Typical Summer Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. X X 9 AM X X X X 10 AM X X X X X X X X X 11 AM X X X X X X X X X L X U X N X C X H X 12 Nn X X X U X X C XH X X X X X X X X 1 PM X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 2 PM X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 3 PM X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 4 PM X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 5 PM X X X X X X X 6 PM X X X X X X X 7 PM X X X X X X X 8 PM X X X X X X X 9 PM X X X X X X X 10 PM 9-5 5x5 39 hours 11-9 9x5 67 hours 11-5 7x2 9-9 llx2 i I M-75-41 Page four I , This chart shows distance and travel time between existing sites. Future acquisition in the southern portion of the District will significantly increase daily mileage and travel time. APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME AND DISTANCE BETWEEN SITES Office 12/15 I North Foothills 7/12 0/15 I 5/15 Permanente Creek 10/15 Black Mountain I I 5/25 12/15 I 14/25 I I I SaratOqa Gap 15/20 Fremont Older I Time in Minutes/Mileage I M-75-41 Page five 2. Two-Way Radio Communication Two-way communication is necessary to provide contact between MRPD mobile units, the MRPD office and emergency contact with Santa Clara County Communications. Santa Clara County is willing to provide technical consulta- tion, recommend equipment, and provide installation and main- tenance service to cities and special districts under contract. Santa Clara County Communications is preparing a recommendation to the District regarding the establishment of a communications system for the District. The preliminary cost estimate for such a system is $7, 500. 00, and there is a six-month lead time necessary to have such a system functional. The chart below shows how such a system would function. COMMUNICATIONS CHART 9 : 00 A.M. to Dusk Dusk to 9 : 00 A.M. Outside ide utside outside Call Call Other Public District District Ans. On-Call Agencies Service Staff office ► Mobile (Police, units Person Fire) II Police & Other Fire MRPD Staff I i I i i i i i I M-75-41 Page six i i I � 1 3. Vehicles i The most commonly used vehicles for park maintenance and patrol purposes are � ton and larger pick-up trucks of both two and four wheel drive. These trucks are generally assigned to a particular park or site and not used for long distance travel. Since the District is not considering assignment of staff or vehicles to a particular site, I have considered alternative vehicles more suited to the frequent patrol use of District vehicles. The following are the vehicle types I have considered and a recommendation as to which vehicles would be most suit- able for our use: i Vehicle type A: 3/4 to 1 ton four-wheel drive pick-up equipped with winch, rear side tool compartments, and water tank pump unit for fire fighting. This type of vehicle is suitable for carrying all of the tools and materials necessary for routine maintenance and con- struction projects. i Approximate Cost: $8,500. 00 (equipped as above) Gas Mileage: 10 to 14 mpg unladen Vehicle type B: a ton, two-wheel drive pick-up truck with side mount tool boxes and small fire fighting tank and pump. This could be a Ford Courier, Toyota or Dat- sun small pick-up. These vehicles are generally intended for light duty use and would be marginal if used for regular maintenance and construction work. i Approximate Cost: $6, 000. 00 Gas Mileage: 19 to 28 mpg unladen Vehicle type C: Light-weight utility vehicle, such as Jeep, Bronco or Blazer. These vehicles have extremely limited cargo capacity but would be suitable for patrol use. They all have four-wheel drive. Approximate Cost: $5,500. 00 Gas Mileage: 12 to 16 mpg unladen Vehicle type D: Volkswagen "Thing" , a light-weigh two- wheel drive utility vehicle, originally designed for NATO military use. It has high ground clearance and extremely good traction due to the engine being mounted over the drive wheels. Approximate Cost: $3, 500. 00 Gas Mileage: 23 to 34 mpg unladen -—----——------------- - - - - - - - M-75-41 Page seven Fuel and operational costs will vary significantly depending upon the type or types of vehicles purchased. If we assume a District vehicle will travel about 100 miles per day, that would be approximately 35, 000 miles per year. Based upon this figure, fuel costs would be as follows for vehicles achieving 10 , 20 and 30 miles per gallon: 10 - $2, 100. 00 ) assuming that gasoline 30 - $ 700. 00 costs 60� per gallon Maintenance costs will also vary significantly between the heavier, more expensive vehicle and the smaller, lighter types. I recommend the acquisition of two vehicles: one type A and one type D. The type A vehicle would be used primarily for maintenance and construction, but could be used for patrol purposes. The type D vehicle would be used primarily for routine patrol purposes, due to the significantly lower fuel and operating costs. The acquisition of two vehicles allows for two patrols to operate simultaneously if necessary, and provides a back-up vehicle when the other vehicle is being serviced or is otherwise inoperative. If the requested ranger position is implemented, this person would be using the type D vehicle most often. If the Board were to authorize specifications and opening of bids for vehicles at the March 12 meeting, we would not be able to accept a bid until about April 12, and therefore would not receive the vehicle until approximately mid-June. Formal bidding procedures may not be required for the type D vehicle. An alternative could be to lease vehicle type D. This would allow us to obtain it sooner and use it for one year to deter- mine its feasibility for patrol purposes. The sum of $25, 000 has been budgeted for land management pur- poses. The purchase of radio equipment and the two recom- mended vehicles would use approximately $19 ,000 of the $25,000. PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND USE In order to plan for the management and use of District lands, I suggest a three step planning process. Step One: Initial study. This would be similar to the report done on the Black Mountain Preserve but would be expanded to include costs attendant with manage- ment and use of the property. ------- ----------- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- M-75-41 Page eight Step Two: Interim classification system. Upon acquisition of each site, the Board would adopt a use and manage- ment classification appropriate to that site. In general, the management and use of the site would not change significantly from its previous use. Step Three: Long range management and use plan. After a site has been acquired, a detailed study of the site would be made, following this suggested format: 1. Resource inventory and evaluation. 2. Study of potential public use on this site and other adjacent sites, includ- ing costs for such use. 3. From (1) and (2) above, we would then develop the long range management and use plan. I am in the process of developing site classifications for Step Two above. These may be available for the Board' s con- sideration for the March 12 meeting for the three sites we currently own. I am also developing a format for Step Three above, which, due to its complexity and other time commitments, will not be available until sometime in April. On the two sites not yet acquired - Fremont Older and Permanente Creek - we can begin to develop Step Two above and involve citizens in the planning process. Citizen Participation in the Planning Process This is a suggested format for citizen participation in the MRPD site planning process: 1. Five appointees, to give a regional perspective, one appointed by each Director. 2. Five neighborhood representatives appointed by the Board, possibly nominated by neighborhood groups. 3. For each site there would then be a ten member group composed of five regional representatives and five local representatives. The regional representatives could advise on all of the District sites. The neighborhood representatives would advise on their neighborhood site only. The citizens group would work in an advisory capacity to the District staff in preparing a recommended long range i M-75-41 Page nine management and use plan. The resultant staff plan would then be presented to the Board for consideration. In addition to the above committee, staff would initiate contact with individual neighbors to solicit their input I into the planning process. { I CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING PROCESS Negotiations Staff Use & Management Initial Analysis i Initial Report and Hearing If Board Decides To Purchase I Formation of Staff Contacts Site Committee With Individual Neighbors l / Staff Report On Use & Management / 1 r u Board Consideration M-75-41 Page ten General Staffing and Operational Cost Considerations I envision 1975 as a period of learning the potentials and problems inherent in operating public open space land. Due to the unique philosophy of the MRPD, I feel the operational costs of other park agencies are not particularly applicable to us. Anticipating staff requirements to responsibly plan, manage and operate District lands is impossible at this time. The potential for part-time staff, volunteer, student intern and consultant involvement in the above functions should signi- ficantly reduce the need for full-time staff personnel. It appears that there are sufficient funds in the budget to allow for part-time staff if needed for the planning and patrol functions through the end of this fiscal year. Whether these alternative labor sources, existing District staff and the hiring of a park ranger can provide the responsible management capabilities necessary for the District' s land will be part of the learning experience. Additional increments of staff time may be necessary to com- pensate for patrol personnel, fire and first aid training programs, vacations and illness. I am recommending the hiring of a full-time park ranger to handle the majority of patrol and minor maintenance functions. I am attaching a draft Job Description for such a position. If the Board approves the Job Description and authorizes filling of the position at the March 12 Board meeting, I anticipate that because of advertising, interviewing and the selection process, we may not be able to hire the ranger until mid-July. March 12 - Authorization to hire May 12 - End of advertising period June 12 - Finish interviewing and make decision June 15 - Chosen applicant gives notice to employer July 15 - Chosen applicant begins work with MRPD Due to the lengthy lead time to hire a ranger, we may have to hire someone on a temporary basis to handle the patrol function. M-75-41 Page eleven MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Draft Job Description PARK RANGER Definition: Under supervision patrols District land and performs journeyman leval maintenance, operations, improvement and visitor services, functions in units of Regional Parklands. Typical Tasks: Has frequent contact with the public, providing them with information and directions, answers questions as required, etc. Keeps records of attendance and other related data as required. Cleans and performs routine maintenance work on buildings and other related park facilities. Does routine maintenance work and prepares park facilities for public use. Rakes leaves, loads and unloads brush, rubbish and materials. Drives pick-up and dump trucks; operates clippers, small tractors, mowers, sprayers, rototillers, chain saws, and similar small garden- ing equipment. Fights park fires and protects the public and the District property in the event of natural disasters. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to operate mechanical equipment; demonstrated maintenance skills; ability to follow in- structions and to maintain harmonious working relations with fellow employees and the public; physical strength and agility to perform park maintenance and operational work; willingness to work under adverse conditions. Aptitude for understanding and applying principles and practices involved in maintaining, operating and protecting District areas; purposes, organization, policies, procedures, principles of wild- land fire control, and general resource management and protection. Minimum Qualifications: Ordinarily the position would require two years' full-time paid experience in the maintenance, operation and protection of a park, forest, public recreational area or equivalent; and education equivalent to graduation from Jr. college (AA Degree or equivalent) . Education may be substituted for experience and experience may be substituted for education; and a California driver' s license is required. Special Personal Characteristics: Aptitude, liking and demonstrated interest in park and recreation work, philosophy and principles; willingness to wear the prescribed uniform and conform to personal appearance standards; willingness to work at various locations throughout the District and willingness to work on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and at odd or irregular hours; interest in public con- tact, aptitude for public relations; emotional maturity; neatness and courtesy. M-75-41 Page twelve Physical Requirements: Strength, endurance and agility; mentally alert; physically sound; normal hearing; normal visual function and visual acuity of not less than 20/200 in each eye without correc- tion; and 20/30 in each eye with correction; weight proportional to age and height; demonstrate sufficient swimming ability for self- preservation. M-75-41 Page thirteen Land Manager Responsibilities Listed below are some examples of the projects that I will be working on during the coming year. The complexity and diversity of these projects will require a high degree of discipline in allocating my time and will necessitate the flexible and innovative uses of other staff and volunteers. 1. Daily patrol of District land 2. Negotiate leases and maintain contact with tenants, both agricultural and residential 3. Develop long range use and management programs 4. Develop capital improvement projects 5. Develop design standards for signs, fences, etc. 6. Develop Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Reports 7. Develop enforcement/education program 8. Organize and administer use of land during 1975 9. Organize volunteer program; synthesize volunteer work into standard format 10. Meet with neighborhood and community groups regarding use and site plans 11. Participate in development of regional trails program Regulatory Ordinances Stan and I will attempt to have a draft of the regulatory ordinances ready for review prior to the March 26 Board meet- ing. Volunteer Program I am in the process of developing a comprehensive volunteer and student intern program. A volunteer pilot project to monitor current use of the North Foothills Preserve will begin the week of March 2. 1 anticipate litter clean-up projects at North Foothills and Saratoga Gap during April. A draft of the volunteer and student intern program will probably not be available until the end of April due to my many other commitments. JO:acc Meeting 75-3 Page two He expressed the hope that, in addition, the term "regional significance" would be discussed at some point during the day. There would also be discussion of Short-term Financial- Manage- ment under this agenda item. A. Short-term Financial management. D. Wendin turned the discussion over to J. Melton, who pointed out that to date the District has relied upon the methods of tax revenue, borrowing power and gifts for financial resources. It has applied for and received grant funds. He expressed the belief that in the near future the District would continue to rely on these as the only sources available. He asked for any ideas for other short-term financing sources. D. Wendin asked if there was an advantage to borrowing from banks rather than on an installment plan with a seller. J. Melton replied that an advantage would exist when the District could receive a lower interest rate from a bank than it could from the seller. To date this has not been the case. J. Melton then presented an update of the December 31, 1974 financial report. He said the District had roughly $1, 750,000 in the bank, plus $3, 000 , 000 in borrowing power (of this amount $800, 000 is committed, with $600, 000 due within a year) . In addition, grants from Proposition 1 funds and Land and Water Conservation funds should be re- ceived soon. By June 30, 1975 the District should have over $3, 000, 000 in cash. If the Older-Seven Springs option is exercised, an additional $600, 000 will be used. There- fore, it would be reasonable to think in terms of having $1, 750 , 000 available for acquisition. In the short term, the traditional sources will continue to give $4 to $5 million in purchasing power. E. Shelley asked if the anticipated funds from the State were "one time only, " to which J. Melton replied affirmatively. H. Grench pointed out that Land and Water Conservation funds can be applied for each year, but there is no assur- ance they will be granted. H. Grench stated, in response to J. Melton' s request for additional sources of financing, that he would like to reintroduce the possibility of a non-profit, private foundation - like "Friends of MRPD" - which would work for contributions of cash and other assets. He felt it was harder for the staff and District to solicit gifts of money or other property such as stocks than it is for them to work for gifts of land or bargain purchases. Mtzeting 75-3 INAIDPLNINSULA RLGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Special Meeting Goals Workshop Board of Directors M I N U T E S February 2, 1975 745 Distel Drive Los Altos, CA I. ROLL CALL President Duffy called the meeting to order at 10: 07 A.M. Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Barbara Green, Nonette Hanko, Edward Shelley and Daniel Wendin. Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Edward Jaynes, Jon Olson, Anne Crosley, Stanley Norton, Carroll Harrington, Jennie George, Norma Kelly and John Melton. Audience of four persons at opening of meeting, up to 35 persons during the day. INTRODUCTION H. Grench reviewed the last District Goals Workshop of July, 1973 and reported that since that time the District has acquired five parcels of land totaling 1600 acres and that progress in all goal categories was evident. Today' s workshop was intended to review the goals adopted by the Board with consideration of possible revision for the coming year, and to update the Action Plan. Budget implications would follow from these re- visions. H. Grench stated that he saw the day's discussion as informal with freedom for public participation. LAND ACQUISITION D. Wendin led the discussion of the land acquisition policies. He stated that the Board at a previous meeting had tentatively adopted most policies as outlined, but had agreed to discuss the following today in more detail: 1) Open Space for the Protection of Agriculture 2) Trails (to be discussed under the Land Management agenda item) 3) Gifts of land which did not fulfill general open space requirements but had limited or specific re- sources, such as possessing only historical or archeological significance Meeting 75-3 Page four E. Shelley asked if the group might have the independence to donate to other agencies. H. Grench said this arrange- ment could work to the District ' s advantage. K. Duffy suggested the idea of agifts foundation be agen- dized at a time when L. Klein could attend a Board meeting. B. Acquisition Policies D. Wendin said he thought items (1) and (3) of his intro- duction could be covered if the Board began a discussion of agricultural lands. He read the suggested policies for acquisition of open space for the protection of agri- culture and said the key to the second policy was that it would be sufficient if agriculture were the only open space use. K. Duffy said she felt agricultural land is valuable enough to be considered on its own merit. N. Hanko reminded the Board that a planned workshop on the viability of orchard lands as open space has not yet taken place, and that bet- ter answers could be reached after such a meeting was held. She said she thought the statement " . . .the District will consider. . . " was appropriate. D. Wendin said the basic question was this: If the Dis- trict is presented with the opportunity to purchase a par- cel of land which has agricultural use as its only poten- tial, would the District even consider the purchase. The question, he said, assumesthe parcel under consideration meets the requirement of "regional significance. " Mr. William Peters, Buena Vista del Rio, Carmel Valley, said that the answer should be yes, and he used El Retiro as an example. D. Wendin pointed out there were other justifiable open space uses for that parcel. He added that the lack of an answer to his question indicated to him that the Board would not consider purchase of agri- cultural land suited for that purpose only. H. Grench expressed his belief that the District should stay with its present policy, which has basically defined the District' s area of interest as being outside the Urban Service Area, although allowing for some cross-over. He said he would exclude orchards within the Urban Service Areas which possess regional significance, because he sees the District' s role in such cases as that of an advocate to urge the cities to implement their own open space programs within their Urban Service Area boundaries . D. Wendin stated that he felt there was a consensus among Board members that the District will consider acquiring Meeting 75-3 Page three K. Duffy said she supported this idea because it would provide an opportunity for persons who feel freer deal- ing with non-goverhmental officials. She expressed con- cern that such a foundation might be in competition with similar existing groups such as the Sempervirens Funds . H. Grench said that, while competition might be a factor, he felt it would be important if people were motivated to give who would not contribute to other similar causes. J. Melton wondered if it would be possible to put together a gifts task force similar to the Trails Task Force. D. Wendin asked if there is a long term possibility for the Trust for Public Lands or the Nature Conservancy to act as an intermediary. H. Grench replied that they could do so in some cases, but he felt there is a need for another group to be soliciting in the interests of the MRPD specifically. N. Hanko reminded the Board that Larry Klein had contracted to submit a tax advantages research and documentation report. She asked about the current status of his work. H. Grench said Mr. Klein is again working on it, and the brochure will be implemented by staff. E. Jaynes pointed out that Mr. Klein said most available literature relates to federal tax advantages, and he would like to develop material on State-related advantages. K. Duffy noted that a group was to be formed for the City of Saratoga to perform the functions suggested by H. Grench, but their goals were not accomplished. J. Olson reported that the East Bay Regional Park District has such a foundation, but it is staffed by the EBRPD and performs more of a bookkeeping function than acting as a separate organization. H. Grench said he was not suggesting the EBRPD foundation as a model. K. Duffy asked if the District could contribute to the funding of such an organization. S. Norton said that was possible under a contract arrangement for specific serv- ices. D. Wendin suggested the idea be placed on a future meeting agerida for further discussion. A. Crosley asked if conflicts would arise between an in- dependent foundation and the District' s program. D. Wen- din said he thought the possibility existed, but since the goals of the two organizations were the same, it would not be a great threat. Meeting 75-3 Page six H. Grench said he often felt frustrated because he would like to meet regularly with representatives from the cities, but he has been unable to find enough time. He said he would pre- fer that the District use its money for land acquisition rather than additional staff for this purpose. K. Duffy suggested Board members should receive agendas, review them and check with staff on items of interest to the District. A. Crosley said she often needs to explain who the District is when speaking with staff members of various cities and other agencies. She said staffs have a great deal of influence on boards or councils, and suggested they also be invited to the District office to learn of our goals and interests. N. Hanko said informal meetings with city council members could include a staff member, also. She suggested the possibility of conducting such meetings be agendized for consideration at a future Board meeting. Until then, she urged that Board members actively review Environmental Impact Reports and agendas. S. Norton suggested each Director could be responsible for monitoring the actions of agencies in his or her own area. E. Shelley said they would have to be careful to coordinate their individual efforts with the efforts of staff. D. Wendin pointed out that receiving all agendas could be costly. K. Duffy asked Board members for agreement that each would re- ceive and review agendas from agencies in their respective wards. No one voiced disagreement. J. George asked if staff should continue reviewing also. K. Duffy said she felt it was a good idea to reduce the possibility that an important item would be missed. K. Duffy asked if environmental impact reports could be sorted out by the staff so only items pertinent to the District would be reviewed by the appropriate Director. H. Grench suggested the staff allocate a little more time in its efforts to receive reports and then distribute them to the Director of the ward which would be affected. D. Wendin said he did not personally feel he could assume the responsibility for reviewing reports for a minimum of two, and a maximum of five, cities. E. Shelley said the responsibilities could be divided among the Directors so that no one Director carries a large burden. During the discussion that followed, other suggestions included the use of volunteers or adding a part-time staff member. Meeting 75-3 Page five land or rights in land which is used for agricultural pro- duction if such land also has other substantial open space value. He suggested the second policy - that the District will consider accepting gifts of land or rights in land in order to preserve and protect agricultural production - be discussed at this time. It was agreed that implicit in all of the policies was the consideration of ongoing cost factors and the weighing of this with all other factors. E. Jaynes pointed out that the policy discusses rights in land as well as gifts of land*, and considerations might be different in each case. For example, the District may very well accept a gift of development rights. K. Duffy suggested the District develop further statements on gift giving. D. Wendin said the item could be placed on a future meeting agenda. D. Wendin said that he hoped the group would discuss the term "regional significance" later in the day if time per- mits. IV. GOVERNMENTAL LIAISON K. Duffy reported that this goal had been placed on the "back burner" by the Board because of other priorities, and it was therefore important to review what has been accomplished in this area and what should be done in the future. H. Grench said the staff generally reviews agendas from other agencies, but often this is too late to become involved. For example, this year the District was caught short on Urban Service Area considerations. He said he would like to discuss Board involvement in the review of Environmental Impact Reports affecting their respective wards. He said he did not wish to see additional staff devoted to this area, but at present staff simply doesn 't have the time available to handle it more thoroughly. He asked if it would be possible for Board members to become more active in this review process. Mr. William Peters said when he was a Director, he often felt himself caught between District business and city matters. He did agree that the staff, as it was now composed, probably would not be able to handle more. Mr. Robert Mark, 725 Cowper, Palo Alto, suggested the District use community volunteer observers. N. Hanko said she felt Board members could be more active. She suggested regular luncheon meetings between city officials and District Board members . She also felt land tours would be useful. Meeting 75-3 Page eight K. Duffy said she thought this definition should be included in the District ' s Master Plan. N. flanko disagreed, stating that she did not want to see it included at all because it might get the District involved in areas that were city responsibility. D. Wendin said he felt one of the roles of the District was to look at regionally significant parcels even if they did fall within an Urban Service Area. H. Grench pointed out that people in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos and elsewhere have asked the District to spend money in their cities for land. K. Duffy asked if he was arguing against inclusion of a statement about regionally significant lands in Urban Service Areas. H. Grench said he was, because he felt urban open space acquisition should be the program of other agencies and not the MRPD. S. Norton said the question was whether the District wanted an adopted policy to show as its final statement, or does it wish to consider each proposal that may come from cities as an indi- vidual -matter. Mr. Kermit Smith, 864 Orange Avenue, Sunnyvale, urged the Dis- trict to take a flexible view and review proposals on a case- by-case basis. He said this was also the most politically viable position. E. Shelley said he was uncomfortable with the use of the phrase "Urban Service Area" as a definition and would rather use the word "urbanized. " D. Wendin said he felt LAFCO' s definition of Urban Service Area was valid, although some cities have not adhered to that definition. K. Duffy suggested the Board consider the question of including a definition of urban open space of regional significance. She stated that the use of Urban Service Area would be placed on a- future Board meeting agenda. A recess for lunch was taken at 12 : 24 P.M. The meeting was re- convened at 1: 06 P.M. VI. LAND MANAGEMENT N. Hanko introduced Jon Olson, the District's new Land Manager. She read objective No. 3 from the District' s Basic Policy: "The District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care of open space land, allowing public access appropri- ate to the nature of the land and consistent with ecological values." J. Olson said the essence of developing the District' s land manage- ment and use programs will be balancing the various kinds of public and private use against the start-up and operating costs of such uses. He felt this balance must be kept in mind during the discussion of the items outlined. Meeting 75-3 Page seven K. Duffy said the problem might be partly solved by better con- tact with other agencies ' staffs. J. Olson said his experience with East Bay indicated the most productive method was the establishment of informal, personal contacts with other plan- ning staffs. N. Hanko suggested the District staff prepare a proposal for the improvement of intergovernmental relations, and that the proposal be placed on the agenda of a future Board meeting. Mr. William Peters said he agreed with the ideas of inviting agency staffs to the District and of conducting land tours for both council and staff members. H. Grench said he would summarize the discussion by noting that many of the ideas mentioned were being pursued by the staff and Board on a minimal level, but all felt that more should be done to improve relations with other agencies. Mr. Robert Mark said there were a number of people in the various communities who are already monitoring agencies who could be used by the District. D. Wendin said his past experience had been that it was difficult to organize and depend on a independent observer group. He suggested that a list be compiled showing what existing groups already monitor other agencies on a regular basis. V. REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE D. Wendin quoted the Basic Policy statement of the District: "The District will use its available resources primarily to acquire open space outside the urban service area boundaries of the cities rather than within the cities. " He felt that each Board member put his or her own meaning on the term "primarily" and under what circumstances the District would consider buying land located within the Urban Service Area. In an attempt to define more clearly the intent of the District, the words "urban open space of regional significance" have been studied by the staff, and defined in a report (R-74-17) as follows: "Urban Open Space of Regional Significance is undeveloped or essentially undeveloped land or water area located within the boundaries of an Urban Service Area with unique or unusual charac- teristics of sufficient natural value and import- ance to transcend its relevance to the immediate locality. " J. Melton said that in addition to items ) through (g) of the staff report, the additional criteria of "guiding urban form" might be listed. Meeting 75-3 Page ten N. Hanko asked what the procedure would be for develop- ing ordinances for the District. J. Olson advised that H. Grench, S. Norton and he have already begun review- ing ordinances, and a draft for Board consideration would be forthcoming. B. Green asked when the District would begin its pro- gram of public education. H. Grench said he thought it should begin when ordinances and land use policies are adopted by the Board. N. Hanko asked to what extent the District might con- tract for patrol services by other agencies. J. Olson said this would depend on the particular parcel, its location and use. He emphasized that he hoped the District would have high quality public contact. B. Planning, Management and Use Program J. Olson stated that the District must go through a planning process for each parcel before management and use can be determined. The process should include consideration of resource inventories, potential public and private uses, relationship to uses of other parcels, and the cost of the program. He envisioned the Dis- trict developing interim policies for a year or so to gain experience. Mrs. Linda Stuckey, 22600 Prospect Road, Saratoga, asked if there was a time frame for developing use policies for the Fremont Older Ranch. J. Olson said there was none at this time. Mrs. Stuckey noted there was a June 1, 1975 option date for that property, and said she hoped a policy would be developed by then. Mr. Robert Marks suggested a citizens ' advisory committee for each parcel, similar to the committees used by the State Parks System, could be used. D. Wendin asked what the District' s liability is for its land and the acts of those using the land. S. Norton said the principal area of concern was in terms of fire damage. An individual can be held liable for resulting costs, but the District would only be held liable if it were shown to be negligent. D. Wendin asked if the District was only keeping a property clear of litter, and if a hiker injures self, others or adjacent land, is the District liable. S. Norton said the District would be liable only if it could be shown that an employee or agent of the District acted in a negligent manner. In general, he said, the more per- sons as are admitted onto the land, the greater the Meeting 75-3 Page nine A. Patrol and Public Sa_Le±y J. Olson said agricultural land was an example of land requiring -the least expense for the District in the category of patrol and public safety. The patrol is built in, and there is some revenue return. However, most lands will require patrol and maintenance services . He felt the District would have to develop regulatory ordin- ances for the use of its lands. He said he felt strongly that the major emphasis of the District should be on educating users of the land rather than on enforcing laws rigidly. K. Duffy asked if the County could enforce District ordin- ances. J. Olson said the District could enter into an agreement with the County for such services, but he said this might be awkward. He added that it might mean sacri- ficing the type of policing that the District would prefer. Mr. Robert Marks cited the example of the Santa Monica Mountains area, where policing problems led to reduced public access, leaving bad feelings on the part of the public. He urged the Board to try very hard to allow at least limited public access, especially in areas which have previously been used by the public. H. Grench pointed out that the Fremont Older Ranch was an example of the problem cited by Mr. Marks. Past users of that land include horseback riders and hikers who are strong supporters of the District' s acquisition of the Ranch. D. Wendin asked if there was a rule-of-thumb cost per acre for patrol and maintenance services. J. Olson said there was no useful rule, since the kind of use for a parcel of land, as well as the topography of the land, determines what problems and costs will be necessary. B. Green asked how much authority a District patrolperson would have if someone were discovered to be violating the District' s ordinances. J. Olson pointed out that the Dis- trict' s enablinq legislation allows full police powers . C. Harrington suggested keeping in mind other methods of educating the public rather than distribution of printed materials at the time of an incident. As examples, she cited contact with schools, clubs and associations, news- papers and magazines. Meeting 75-3 Page tvielve N. Hanko said she felt there was a consensus by the Board that citizen participation is needed early in the planning process. She asked J. Olson to incorporate this into the forthcoming staff report. It was agreed that citizens committees would be beneficial and that guidelines for composing such committees should be developed. C. Trails N. Hanko introduced members of the Trails Task Force who were in attendance at the workshop: Artemas Ginzton, Tony Look and Alan Grundmann. Mr. Grundmann gave a brief history of the Task Force and said the one specific recommendation it had made thus far to the Board of Directors was that the District examine the feasibility of developing a Stevens Creek Trail System. N. Hanko asked Mr. Grundmann if the Task Force wanted any policy direction from the Board. He said the Task Force would like to know what the Board wants it to do. J. Olson defined the categories of trails, stating that he sees the current interest in trails as a reaction to automobiles and urbanization: 1. Regional Trail System: This concept has been discussed by many groups over the United States. Regional trails would be used for more than a day' s hike. One of the charges of the Trails Task Force is to identify appropriate regional trails for our area. 2. Feeder Trails : These are local trails leading to a particular area or center, or connecting regional trails to these sites. 3. Internal Trails : These are trails which are established within lands owned by the District. J. Olson said he saw the District as being most committed to this category of trails at the present. K. Duffy read the background statement and proposed trails acquisition policies for the benefit of the audience. A. Grundmann urged the Board to more clearly state its interest in transportation - particularly biking - trails. N. Hanko pointed out that the Board has asked the Task Force to comment on the proposed acquisition policy statements. Mr. Grundmann said he Meeting 75-3 Page eleven responsibility of the District for conditions on that land. Also, natural conditions which exist on the land (e.g. , a fallen log or a body of water) do not constitute liability. However, as one begins "improv- ing" natural conditions, added responsibility is taken on for proper maintenance. D. Wendin noted there were a number of existing trails on the Black Mountain property. Would the District be liable, he asked, if it were unable to provide suffi- cient patrol. S. Norton stated that the District has liability insurance, and if and when judgments or claims became so great as to require rate adjustment, the District could decide if it would be cheaper to add extra patrol personnel. N. Hanko asked for more discussion of the idea of using citizen advisory committees in planning for the use of District lands. J. Olson said he foresees staff, volun- teer and intern involvement in the following areas: (1) inventory of resources and (2) identification of possible uses for a particular parcel. D. Wendin suggested the current use of a parcel could be better defined by using citizen input. He said he felt that once the District has obtained an option for the future purchase of a parcel, planning efforts should begin. J. Olson and D. Wendin said they felt the Board should adopt a procedure for planning, even if it is only a broad outline, so at least the public would be aware of the process. D. Wendin said it seemed there was a need for two interim plans before arriving at the long-term planning stage: (1) a pre-acquisition plan which defines use of land immediately after transfer of title to the District, and (2) an interim plan for use while the long-term plan is being developed. K. Duffy urged citizen participation be encouraged from the time a parcel is chosen for acquisition. She felt that many citizen groups have a great deal of informa- tion to offer, and they need to receive information from the District in return. H. Grench said he could envision two types of citizen involvements: (1) formalized citizen advisory groups and (2) informal contacts by staff with interested citizens, particularly neighbors, from the , very begin- ninq. Meeting 75-3 Page fourteen said she felt the District needed to develop a policy statement covering the whole concept of trails develop- ment. Mr. Peter Daley, 1573 Ashcroft Way, Sunnyvale , referred to a letter by Mr. Stocklemeier concerning the impact on Stevens Creek of a proposed trail system. He said he was concerned about the existing wildlife along the Creek. He said he thought the District should concern itself with trails outside the urban areas. Mr. Dan Baer, 1380 Rosalia Avenue, Sunnyvale, said the previous discussion had mistakenly assumed there was no environmental impact on Stevens Creek at the present time. He suggested there has been some impact by the present landowners along the Creek, and that public ownership might improve the area. D. Volunteers J. Olson noted there has been discussion of the use of volunteers and student interns by the District, and he felt this was a good idea from a financial viewpoint and as an educational tool. He cautioned, however, that volunteer efforts are not always fruitful. He proposed that staff inventory the needs which could be met by volunteers. Ms. Betsy Fiksdal, 11271 Magdalena Road, Los Altos Hills, said volunteers could be of tremendous help to the Dis- trict. K. Duffy agreed, but pointed out that some staff time would still be necessary to guide volunteers. Ms. Jeanne Pinneo, 3347 St. Michael Court, Palo Alto, said she thought the District should have modest expecta- tions of volunteers. N. Hanko asked how soon a list of volunteer needs could be expected. J. Olson replied that a policy should be developed for volunteer programs. Then a draft of volun- teer needs could be expected about three months after that. He said the list would be an expanding one. VII . PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS C. Harrington reviewed the progress on implementation of the Basic Policy goal which states: "The District will educate and make clearly visible to the public the purposes and actions of the Dis- trict, and will actively encourage public communication and in- volvement in District activities. " She said the District has had good cooperation from newspapers . She noted that the District has distributed over 2, 000 brochures and prepared an official District map in cooperation with Santa Clara County. The District Meeting 75-3 Page thirteen personally accepted the final statement of the backgr ound material and the two acquisition policies . A. Ginzton asked if acquisition policy No. 1 might seem presumptuous, since it appeared to be saying the District would develop a regional trail system rather than empha- sizing that the District would cooperate with other agencies such as the County in this kind of development. E. Shelley said he did not think the statement excluded cooperation. K. Duffy felt the Statement referred to a regional trail system, not necessarily a District trail system. D. Wendin noted that the subcommittee had pur- posely left the statement rather loose, and perhaps it should be stated more clearly that the District does not intend to duplicate other regional trail systems. Ms. Lou Middleton, 22044 Creekside Court, Cupertino, asked if the District would solicit the opinions of people whose land may be acquired for a trail system. A. Ginzton noted that the purpose of today' s workshop was to consider general policies for trail acquisition, and not a specific trail. K. Duffy pointed out that the District holds publicly announced hearings for every acquisition it pro- poses to make. Mrs. Pat Maguire, 1013 East Cardinal Drive, Sunnyvale, asked if the County of Santa Clara' s trails committee would have authority over District proposals. It was ex- plained that the County' s committee is just now being formed, and it would be concerned with trails in the entire County, and would be separate from the MRPD. In response to a question from the audience asking if the $87, 000 figure was intended to be used for trails, A. Grundmann explained that his understanding was that the Board had agreed to limit spending on all types of development to 50 of its income during the first ten years. H. Grench advised that the $87, 000 would be used for all types of park development, including laying-in of trails, but not for trails acquisition. K. Duffy said she felt the words "regional trail system" needed further definition. D. Wendin suggested the last statement in the background material of the trails sec- tion be made a Dart of the acquisition policy: "The District intends to take a lead in planning and to parti- cipate in the implementation of recreational trails of regional significance. " He also thought acquisition policy No. 1 should be changed to reflect that the Dis- trict will participate in a regional system in the baylands and foothills. N. Hanko asked if there was consensus for this change. T. Look suggested the Board and Task Force should meet together to work on the definition. K. Duffy Meeting 75-3 Page sixteen N. 11anko said she objected to a two term limit for the following reasons: (1) it would attempt to take away from the voters the right of choice; (2) it is not generally imposed on legislative offices because power is limited; (3) since the enabling legislation does not limit terms , it would be an individual choice anyway; (4) it could mean lame-duck terms for half the Board; (5) the District needs stability in its early years; and (6) annexation problems (i.e. , the change in wards and forced retirement might come at just the wrong time) . E. Shelley said the need for a limitation is greater when the District is older, and he would like to see a legis- lative remedy to enact a limit. D. Wendin said he felt a two term limit was the only way to insure limitation of &-concentration of power. Mr. Robert Marks pointed out that the visibility of a District Director was not as great as political figures in more well-known offices. E. Shelley said he believed the District could benefit from "new blood" and that because of the incumbent advantage, a limit is necessary. K. Duffy asked that the positive and negative views, as well as a specific proposal, be placed on a future Board) meeting agenda for consideration. C. Conflicts of Interest D. Wendin suggested the District wait as along as possible regarding a conflicts of interest policy in order to determine the outcome of legislative and court tests. N. Hanko said she would like the District to work for inclusion of special district director under the disclosure provision of the law. S. Norton suggested the Board wait until the State Commis- sion prepared the model code, since time spent before that could be wasted. He suggested attempting to con- vince the State Commission to include candidates in the model code on disclosures. D. Funding of Candidates' Statements S. Norton stated that the Board has the option to pay or to bill candidates for campaign statements. K. Duffy said this question is related to District visibility, and that it is important, even in uncontested elections, to take the opportunity to inform the public about the Dis- Meeting 75-3 Page fifteen has fulfilled a number of requests for speakers, and has prepared a slide presentation for use at such speaking engagements. A. Newspaper Advertising of Elections and Meetings B. Green pointed out that the estimated cost of adver- tising District meetings is $7, 000 per year. K. Duffy noted there is a problem with a number of special dis- tricts regarding lack of visibility to the public, and she felt serious consideration should be given to adver- tising. Mrs. Maguire said she thought it very important that Board meetings be advertised. C. Harrington noted that it is easier to get meeting information into the news- papers "after the fact" than beforehand. N. Hanko suggested the Board consider a six-month trial of advertising Board agendas. S. Norton said it might be important to distinguish be- tween two types of advertising: (1) advertising so the District can say that it has advertised, or (2) adver- tising that the District hopes people will read. He said that if the Board hoped to do the latter, the public might react rather negatively since the agendas do not necessarily always reflect the most important activities of the District. Mr. Robert Marks suggested the District advertise in the two major newspapers within the District only. K. Duffy asked if C. Harrington could prepare a specific trial advertising proposal and place it on a future agenda for Board consideration. N. Hanko said the forthcoming League of Women Voters consensus report on special districts might offer good input. The report is scheduled to be available March 1. D. Wendin pointed out that even on an experimental basis the advertising could cost $1,000 for six months, and said he was opposed to the idea. He said he would prefer the District advertise only when it wishes to call special attention to a particular meeting. B. Two Term Limit E. Shelley said he favored a two term limitfor Directors, especially because the lack of a limit would lower special district visibility and a few people would become entrenched in their positions indefinitely, causing the District to stagnate. Meeting 75-3 Page eighteen H. Grench distributed copies of the analysis of Board and staff views on acquisition priorities for the Dis- trict. He pointed out that there seemed to be con- sistency in the views . K. Duffy said that although Board-Board relations were not a part of today' s agenda, she felt the President of the Board should be careful not to use that position to further personal views. J. Olson remarked that other Boards he was familiar with had experimented with daytime as well as nighttime meet- ings in order to attract different audiences. He asked if a combination might be worthwhile for the District to try. Some Board members expressed negative feelings about the possibility. C. Harrington suggested it would be a good idea to schedule at least one of the hearings on the Master Plan during the daytime. B. Long-Term Financial Strategies J. Melton said that, while no specific decisions were made during the day, several areas that were discussed reflect on long-term financial considerations. He asked the Board to start considering how the District will use its $1, 750, 000 each year. As an example, he pointed out that alternative use proposals prepared by J. Olson will include financial implications. He could foresee the day when all of the $1,750,000 could be used for operating costs instead of acquisition. He asked that a decision on percentages of such items as management and acquisi- tion be made. H. Grench felt that part of the long-term financial policy might be a request for a tax increase if and when it would be justified. He thought the timing of such a request would be very important. D. Wendin noted that several proposals discussed during the day had to do with District visibility. He said he would like to consider these as a package, and would like to consider the cost/benefit relationship of the various proposals. K. Duffy asked that the Budget Subcommittee of the Board cooperate in the long-term planning process. N. Hanko asked if there was a periodic review of the status of District funds so the best interest rate accrues. J. Melton said a review is made on a quarterly basis, and so far the County fund seems to offer the best ad- vantages. Meeting 75-3 Page seventeen trict and its Board members . She said she felt it is the obligation of the District in either contested or uncontested elections to pay for candidates ' statements. H. Grench said he hoped the Board would conduct future discussion of this item at another meeting, so that staff could prepare a report on the cost involved. K. Duffy said she would like to see a statement of the pros and cons of the idea, as well as a specific proposal. D. Wendin agreed to write the cons, and K. Duffy the pros. VIII. ADMINISTRATION A. Board-Staff Relations H. Grench said he had asked that this item be a part of the agenda since two new Directors and staff have been added since the original Goals Workshop. He reminded the group that at that time the Board set the policy of a strong General Manager system with polio input suggestions Y gg Y P from the Legal Counsel also welcomed. There would be initiation of programs by the General Manager with Board approval in all areas of the District' s program. Specific assignments involving more than minimal time are not to be made by individual Board members on the General Manager, Legal Counsel or the Controller. Although the General Manager may give assignments to the Legal Counsel or the Controller, these should not be major ones, which would require Board approval. He reiterated the policy that the remainder of the staff is not given assignments directly by individual Board members or by the Board as a whole, but rather these requests are made of the Gen- eral Manager, who may then assign staff to them. K. Duffy reminded the Board that the General Manager is hired by the Board and that in general the remainder of the staff is employed by the General Manager. S. Norton described the problem of elected officials asking lower-level staff to do jobs. He suggested that, as a rule of thumb, the Board might use staff members as an information source, but specific action requests should go through the General Manager. A. Crosley said she felt the District was very fortunate in that its Board-staff relations were excellent, especially in comparison to many other agencies she has observed. She expressed the hope that the groups would remain close and would cultivate good relations with other agencies and citizens, so that conflicts would not occur, and, if they did, they could be resolved easily. Meeting 75-3 Page nineteen E. Shelley asked if the District was making application for all available grants. H. Grench said he would like to have more time devoted to it, but at present the Land and Water Conservation funds are the best possibility for the District. C. Harrington suggested that smaller projects may be able to receive grants, such as specific educational projects. IX. CLAIMS N. Hanko moved approval of the claims (C-75-3) dated February 2, 1975, as presented. B. Green seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. X. SCHEDULING OF FIRST REGULAR MEETING IN FEBRUARY H. Grench reported that prior to today' s discussion there were no agenda items scheduled for the first regular meeting in February (February 13 , since February 12 is a holiday) . There is a slight possibility, he said, that the Master Plan maps would be ready for the February 26 meeting, but it did not appear very likely at this time. A discussion of the items from today' s workshop and the scheduling of these for further consideration would be forthcoming. K. Duffy said her preference is to hold meetings when they are normally scheduled. After discussion, the consensus was to cancel the February 13 meeting, utilize February 26 as a clean-up of today' s discussion), and, if necessary, call a Special Meeting for consideration of the Master Plan. XI . ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5 : 04 P.M. Norma Grench Volunteer Recording Secretary C-7 Fl-_I)r�jary 2, 1975 75-3 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT C L A I M S Amount Name Description 899 $161. 92 Valley Reproduction Services Nans 900 14 .40 New England Busines' s Service Office supplies 901 45. 00 Leisure Information Service Subscription: Fund Development & Tech- nical Assistance Report 902 6 . 00 Suburban Newspaper Sunnyvale Scribe Publications, Inc. Subscription 903 6 . 00 Suburban Newspaper Cupertino Courier Publications, Inc. Subscription 904 156 . 75 Pacific Telephone Telephone 905 74 . 15 E. Jaynes Private Vehicle expense $68 .15 Meal conference 6. 00 906 61. 00 J. Olson Private Vehicle expense $58 .50 Meal conference 2.5C 907 51. 62 20th Century Plastics Office supplies 908 59 . 91 Petty Cash Meal conference $50 . 1_:. Office supplies 9 . 75 M-75-40 or a 'u (Meeting 75-5, Agenda item No. 2) MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT MEMORANDUM February 21, 1975 TO: Board of Directors FROM: H. Grench, General Manager SUBJECT: Urban Service Area Boundaries An oral report on the status of the Urban Service Area boundary changes which LAFCO and Los Gatos have been con- sidering will be presented at the meeting of February 26, 1975. HG:acc OFFICE MEMORANDUM • STANFORD UNIVERSITY • OFFICE MEMORANDUM 9 STANFORD UNIVERSITY * OFFICE MEMORANDUM • (Meet 75-5, 4 Agenda item No. 3) > z 0 M DATE: 2/20/75 a C z To Herb Grew-1 < M 4A FROM Al an Grundmann • SUBJECT: Acquisition policy statement concerning trails. M 3 At its meeting of 2/19/75 the Trails Task Force discussed the 0 W Board' s draft acquisition policy statement concerning trails, and > recommended certain modifioations:as indicated in the attached draft. z a I C r. Two board members# Kay Duffy and Dan Wending joined the Task- 0 Force in discussing this policy statement. With them, I will be 4A 4 available when the Board considers this policy statement for formal > adoption. Z" 0 z cc: Trails Task Force Z M w/attachment ;U • 0 F, M 3: M 0 ;U z a C • .4 z 0 z M • "n M 3: M 3: 0 z a C 3 Revision of MD Acquisition Policy draft statement as recommended by the Trails Task Force at its meeting of 2/19/75 deleted from original draft presented to MRPD Board added to D. REGIONAL, TRAILS 5W eaa Walkingg bicyolingj_ mA horseback riding and backpacking are tree— e* among the most rapidly growing forms of reore— ation in the United States. There is a great need for more, and more easily accessible, public trails and pathways to acoomodate these growing forms of am& recreation and, where possible, to facilitate their routine use as transportation. The --- sher4"e—ftlee &Aele need to conserve energy_accentuates the desirability of "ire public trails 4e* in and near urban areas. Fasy accessibility through trails .fter is a vital factor in *it@ for public enjoyment of 44o open snacee—a!F *its in foothills and baylands. The District believes that all levels of government have a role to play in 44e developing a comprehensive trail and pathway system within the District. Various methods to establish trail rights of ways including both -purchase of fee ee and acquisition of trail easements are available to all levels of government. Eminent domain towers for trails are available to the District. The District intends to take a strong lead in planning fora and to participate in the implementation of recreational trails of that have regional significance. Aoquisition Policies I. THE DISTRICT WILL A0QUIREq THROUGH PURCHASE AND DONATIONS LAND OR RIGHTS t� A 1n1MV'_V'rn At- AnIl-&TT."S IN LAND A6 494 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FMIC TRAILS OF A7,GIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. DISTRICT ACQUISITIONS WILL BE CON— CPRM, PRDIARILY WITH TRAILS IN THR BAY LANDS AND FOOTHILLS* &AR A4PArq, 2. THE DISTRICT WILL F5T7R INTO COOPERATIV ' PROGRAMS WITH PUBLIC AGENCIES AND PRIVATE GFVUPS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE W4=9"-PUBLIC TRAILS WHICH CONNECT THIP, URBAN AR PAS WITH THE MAJOR OPEN SPACE AND RECRATIONAL RRSOURGES OF THE REGION. AA� M-75-35 (Meeting 75-5, Agenda item No. 4) 1"IDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT MEMORANDUM February 11, 1975 TO: Board of Directors FROM: H. Grench, General Manager SUBJECT: Assembly Bill 523 Assemblyman Calvo has contacted me in order to enlist Dis- trict support for AB 523, information on which is enclosed. After an initial reading of the bill, I feel that you may very well wish to support it. If you decide to do so, it will be helpful to him if you move quickly, since the bill is in committee now. Assemblyman Calvo has agreed to be a sponsor and the coor- dinator in Sacramento for our proposed changes in the Dis- trict' s enabling legislation. HG:acc nterest I LNG ACTI + an^n February 5, 1975 idpeninsula Regional Park District Board of Directors Attn. Kay Duffy Ladies and Gentlemen: Rea the aspect of fire hazard along the Stevens Crook Channel in the Elt$Camino - Fremont Ave. area and in particular the area of the Creek to the east of Hwy. 85. This area extends roughly 1-J - 2-J miles and is bound by Hwy. 85 to the west and high density residential development to the east, of which private ownership extends, in the majority of instances, beyond the backyard fence and into the Creek channel proper. The residents in this area can all attest to the fact that the state- ments in the attached letter also apply to the area above described, in the same identical way that they apply to the neighboring area thus described in the attached letter. There exists an expanse of open land with a preponderance of natural weeds, grasses, sage, poison oak, and other vegetation. The number of natural and planted trees is relatively minor. However, since this natural and planted vegetation along the creek banks extends right up to and into backyard areas, there is a fire hazard which endangers personal property including even, in some cases, the homes of the resi- dents themselves. There are residents who allow the natural vegetation to grow inside their backyard enclosures and who rototill only 1 - 2 times per year. Others allow a canopy of trees to grow continuously from creekside to residential structure, unaware of the danger involved in the event of fire. Couple these facts with the fact that a high proportion of residents work and are away from their homes during the day, all of which substantially adds to the danger re. fire observa- tion and protection. A grass fire can quickly reach proportions of 15 foot flames before it is spotted. The special characteristics of grass fires are well known by any Fire Dept.,whose been associated with this type of fire situation. . An identical incident resulted in a badly burned fence 2 - 3 years ago behind the home of a resident who was home at the time and whose neighbor was also home. Fortunately for them, that home- owner had rototilled the weeds from his yard just the week previous! »{A-,e 551,'�n5 Creeic am- �b'cl The many pauses of fire A�both arsen and accidental types, are ongre- cord in Chief Hansen's Office - Sunnyvale Dept. of Public Safety - , and Chief Chaney's Office - Mtn. View Fire Dept. Something as simple as a littered bottle or piece of glass can start fire with conducive conditions. There already exists severe risk from firecrackers, arsen, bonfires, smoking, and litter in the more accessible areas. As Commander Shipley (Svle. Public Safety) explained,"Anytime you open up a problem area, you make it that much more of a problem." Fighting fire is a problem in itself. This stretch of the Creek is characterized by 40 foot or more, cliffs and near verticle slopes of a severely steep nature. (The nature of these slopes. -- steep & deep & of soft loose consistency brings up other questions of erosion, trail maintenance, and liability concerns. Property owners are parti— cularly concerned when creek users stray from trails and are injure& on their property.) Poison Oakv as indicated in the attached letter, exists and can be a serious problem especially in a burning oonditiont to anyone in the vicinity of the area where it is found burning — residents, firefighters, and trail users alike. The toxic smoke of Poison Oak has been known to be the cause of recorded fatalities. I will also take this opportunity to speak to an entirely unre— lated topic% guns and bows & arrows. On the weekends, roving bands: of young teenagers are known to have been shooting at people, ears, and wildlife with 22sq BB guns and bows and arrows. Several incidents have been related by first hand observers. You might consider the safety of the trail user in this sort of situation whereL, being a target, he has no place to go for safety, as does the homeownert who can seek safety within his backyard enclosure. We rely on your careful considerations of these matters. Sincerely, Mrs Patricia Maguire 1013 E. Cardinal Dr. Sunnyvale, 94087 736-6362 2dr do Mrs James T. Maguire 1013 East Cardinal Dr. Sunnyvale, Calif. 94fl87 January 28, 1975 Res Opposition to Stevens Creak Trail System by Residents in the E1 Camino - Fremont Area. A meeting was recently held at the home of Mr. & Mrs N. Goetschi, 1021 E. Cardinal Dr. Sunnyvale, on Jan. 22, attended by approximately forty people, inal- uding Harold Shields and Charles Hefferlin, members of Sunnyvale City Council and representing Mayor Charley Allen, Bob Sapp, Jim Lenihan, and Bill Carlson, from the Santa Clara Valley ;dater District Board of Directors and Chief Engineering Division, C.D. Marron from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Dept., Commander Shipley from Sunnyvale Public Safety, Ken Alsman, Mtn. View Planning Commission, Dwight Martin, Mtn. View Parks & Recreation and representing Mtn. View City Manager Richard DeLong, Pony Look, ':rail Coordinator with Mid- peninsula Regional Park District, Louis Stooklemeier, Cupertino City Historian, along with home and property owners on Village Ct. Mtn. View, Knickerbocker Dr, Mockingbird Lane, East Cardinal Dr, Robin Way, Remington Ave, and Creekwood Garden Homes on Bernardo Ave, Sunny- vale, all of whom are directly affected by any trail system proposed on the Creek. Maguire sho wed Patricia a b 9% e of this are gu A survey Y opposition to the opening up of Stevens Creek Channel to the public at large by creekside residents. Copies of the opinion sheet with three pages of signatures were presented to Tony Look. Lj r- Statements were heardA,by area residents regarding the vandalism, encroachment of privacy,use of firearms, robberies, destruction of property, dope drops, hazards of fire and erosion situations already existing in their respective locales along the Creek. Tom Pavelko, Member of the Board of Directors for Creek- wood Homes Assooiation, brought out dollars and cents Cost considerations in spite of the volunteer help pro- posed by Midpeninsula Regional Park Dist. to develop, maintain, and patrol such a proposed trail system. Con j siderations were also made of danger to the existing wildlife in the Creek, existing groundcover which has been trampled and thus died from just the present rela- tively small amount of foot traffic and its contribution to increased fire hazard, litter, people not staying on the designated trail, and few dedicated peopla who would use it in proportion to the numbers of people so invited into the Creek area. Other items mentioned are the chart trips into the g made the papular access. serious hiker using private properties as Volunteer effort, as proposed by M'.R.P.D, would not get the quality e right type of trail maintenance and q y patrol needed. In the end, the cost is placed right into the laps of the taxpayer. ,,;Is are speaking of tremendous expense and liability," he stated. It might be added j that additional monies would be needed that the munici— pal budget could allow for increased safety patrol of j the area, according to Chief George Hansen of Sunnyvale Public Safety, in a recent communication sent to Mrs. Patricia Maguire of E. Cardinal Dr. Sunnyvale. According to the above mentioned letter from Chief Hansen, "It is anticipated that if the proposed trail were devel— oped, the reported incidents of noise, motorcyclists, vandalism, thefts, burglaries, fires, rapes, and muggings would increase substantially." Chief Schatz of the Mtn. Vie-W Police has essentially stated the same conditions within his jurisdiction along Stevens Creek in a tele— phone conversation with ?"Irs. Maguire. Again from the letter, "It would be necessary to provide an adequate foot and motorcycle ... patrol of the entire trail." "I can further state that it is not the policy of the City to police the area controlled by another juried.ic— tion such as the Midpeninsula Park District." . Commander Shipley indicated two problem areas existing within his jurisdictions the end of Remington Ave. and West Valley School, along the Stevens Creek Channel. "Anytime you open up an area you make it that much more of a problem," he stated. Sunnyvale Councilman Charles Hefferlin asked Tony book • who would be responsible for liability. Tony indicated that liability would be incurred upon whatever cities: the trail would pass through, again falling back into the laps of the taxpayer. The Santa Clara Valley Water District, being a companion Agency, would also be liable in those areas under its jurisdiction. Mr. Hefferlin also wanted to know why Midpeninsula Park District would ask 4500.00 from each City involved for too doCl r- trail study when they are currently receiving 10 cents ati sac i evai jr-6co for the District. "Wthy don't they pay for their own study rather than insult these Cities?" Sunnyvale Councilman Harold Shields concurred, "If Mid— peninsula Park District wants a trail, why don't they take the full responsibility and finance of this study"?" Expressing a personal opinion, Sunnyvale DistriotA 'rector Robert Sapp concluded that he "Couldn't support a trail system through a residential area such as the ones in question. Maybe spot parks, but no trail." i The Yeeting was also attended by a group of directly affected residents of the Homestead - Fremont Ave. area, who- are supporting their fellow residents along the Stevens Creek between Fremont and E1 Camino. Those attending were A'r & ?'rs Peter Borden, Mrs . Lois Daley, and Mr & Mrs Don La ierre. This group stated that they would help support any home owners opposing a trail through a residential area, whether it be a creek trail or an alternate street type trail. A statement was made by Tony Look that a residential street type trail would be a more feasible mode between Fremont and Home- stead and that Fallen Leaf Lane in Los Altos would be a desirable route to follow. This alternative is also opposed as once again, it involves opening up neighbor- hood areas to problem situations by those less dedica- ted and less serious individuals of any Community. Enclosure Copies of this letter will be sent to: Suburban. Newspapers Palo Alto Times San Jose l'orcury Richard Hayden, Assemblyman Paul McCloskey, Congressman Santa Clara valley +'f7ater District Sunnyvale City Council Mtn. View City Council Los Alto; City Council Cupertino City Council Santa Clara Co. Board of Supervisors Pacific Gas and Electric Midpeninsula Regional Park District Z rM Department of Public Safety �I FILE- : CITZ 1 CORR 99 December 19, 1974_ j19!k Mrs. Patricia iaguire 1013 East Cardinal Drive Sunnyvale, California 94087 Dear Ivrs. t4agui re: It has been the experience of the Lepartment of Public Safety that readily accessible sections of Stevens Creek, Calabazas Creek and the Sunnyvale East Channel creato serious police and Fire problems. These problems include large numbers of cor.iplaints of noise and dust from motorcyclists, a higti incidence of vandalism, grass fires, both arson and accidental ; and a ready escape route for thieves and burglars. In addition, walkways established for schools, that are not readily visible frorii adjacent streets create these safe problems and others such as indecent exposures ana similar unlawful conauct. It is anticipated that if the proposed trail r.ere developed, the reported incidents of noise, motorcyclists, vandalism::, thefts, burglaries, fires , rapes and r:-luggings would increase substantially. To provide for the personal safety of trail users and adjacent residents, it would be necessary to provide an adequate foot and motorcycle or motor scooter patrol of the entire trail . The Department of Public Safety is now utilizing to the maximum its available resources just to maintain the current level of service. !4ithout a sub- stantial increase in personnel , we Mould be unable to provide for the safety of trail users or adjacent residents. sincere, incEre i.Y,3�' r George', n, Chief Dept. of Public Safety HAS:gms /,�' rah✓'/�=.�,:u.-.�;�,. /-�-�.c 1,�,�.�� . i ADDRESS ALL MAIL TO: P.O. BOX 6070 SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA 940880PHONE (408)739-0531 Locations: City Hall,456 West Olive 0Public Safety,650 West Olive 0 Library,665 West Olive PS � CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEVO July 19, 1571 Don Gales, Director of Parks and Recreation William W. miller, Battalion Chief FIRE HAZARD CONDITIONS IN STEVENS CREEK PARK CHAIN On Wednesday , July 7, 1971 , we met with Bob Latirance, Director of Planning, regarding the very dannerous fire conditions which exist in the subject park area due to dead limbs , dry grass and leaves, and also lack of access. As a result of that discussion, Mr. Lawrence directed us to you. On Thursday, July 3, 1971 , at your direction we met vilth Manuel Pagan and Frank Gamma of the Parks Department. We Inspected 0c -)ar': involving the area between E 1 Cain i no Real and brook Place bordered by Highway L5 and property Hlcst of the Stevens Creek for the purpose of determining fire breaks to reduce the spread of fire. c have had approximately ten fires in the dcscribed area in the last two weeks. These fires have all been of the inc&ndiart ty e , set by iuvoni es. Some damage has occurred on private homics , wood fencing and their yard plants adjacent to the banks of tihi; park. Horiever, we have lost a considerable amount of natural vocetation due to the fires which will set back the natural grmitn for a long tune. Property oriners adjacent to the park are contributing to the fire problem in some instances. In these cases tie have three problems. One is the property owner who disj)oses of dry grass, leaves and limbs over their property onto the tank which borders the creek and park area. ^.nother ;>ro�lem is the gra•rth of dry combustible grass and weeds on tih-a bailk at rear of these properties. Also the disposal of debris contri6utcd to flood control problem by obstructing flcy.•i of water in the eater .Izy. �� eonuitions endanger the property o:rners ;:rme and fence and ,,;ants �..:� cr)ul�4' cause a destructive Fire to the natur—�aenvironmcnt of t se p rk ever a v_.ry widespread area. in order to correct the a:)ove eonJitions , .:. . going to distribute to each homeoti:ner living adjacent co t,.a an:: :rk area, items narked A L S Handout in the attache;. ':ic wi i hunC: ::eiiv::r these within the next ten days to t�.o week period. z-,s a City must ais., reduce the fire ;irob1cm in Park pro; ;rcy _y fir:: .r,�a'a and by ra:rwing dry grass and arc i'.: and dezc 1 it :s fol i :«.. �-.as Uuilt up over t:ce years. Ve realize thls is a : j t .r, wm5 t ex;,cd i tc t:i i s program. in ord,:r to rQJuce tthe ;i r. -,•:):eatial loss of property, both private and pudic. .also, ae fucv a c_ht danr,:r in exposing this Fire i,cpartiAent p•'rsonnel to pro le:..; of T i- ;,t i ng .gin the steep s lopes of t eu ereck w i flout proper access :i,u wi t.l :.oi,•;n o4'. ti-irougnout file area. 1/hen poison oak burns, the toxic scnor:e causes extrescely dangerous conditions in respiratory system as bell as skin poisoning. REVISED C-75-5 February 26 , 1975 Meeting 75-5 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT C L A I M S A Amount Name Description 918 58.50 Norney' s Office supplies 919 447 .93 Curtis Lindsay Inc. - Office equipment 920 3 .78 Stanley Norton January claim 921 1,782.89 Stanley Norton Litigation legal services 922 1,710.00 Rogers, Vizzard & Tallett Legal services 923 259 - 50 Western Title Guaranty Co. Title fee 924 30. 00 California Journal Subscription 925 60 .00 Handbook of California Book Law Publishing Co. 926 5. 30 Alan Grundmann Office supplies 927 191. 82 Jon Olson Office equipment 928 6.00 Los Altos Town Crier Subscription 929 15. 00 The Stanford Daily Subscription 930 24 .91 A. F. Cordray Co. Office supplies 931 14 .53 H. Grench Travel expense $3 . 03 Meeting expense 6 .00 Meal conference 5 .50 932 346 .71 University Art Center Office equipment $210.62 Office supplies 136.09 933 12- 51 Dahnken Office supplies 934 31.95 Pasadena Map Company Maps 935 7. 08 A. Crosley Mileage 936 18 . 00 Inter-City Office Maintenance & repair Machines MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT C L A I M S Amount Name Description (continued) 937 $ 76. 50 Jon Olson Mileage 938 60.40 E. Jaynes Meal conferences $6.25 Mileage 54 .15 939 90.99 Petty Cash Meal conferences $28 .14 Office supplies 12.31 Travel expense 40 .00 Library 10 .54 940 57 .92 J. George Office supplies $20 .46 Mileage 37 .92 I I I I I I I