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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19850504 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 85-11 Meeting 85-11 dam MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022 (415)965-4717 SPECIAL MEETING 9 : 0 0 A.M. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Las Lcmitas School Saturday 299 Alameda de las Pulgas May 4 , 1985 Atherton, California 94025 A G E N D A (9 : 00) ROLL CALL BOARD WORKSHOP : PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INVITED 1 . Continuation of Discussion on Procedures in Implementing Amend- ments to Brown Act Regarding Closed Session Discussions of Property Negotiations 2. Policy Regarding Acquisition of Land Outside District Boundaries 3 . Policy Regarding Annexation of Lands (11 : 30) ADJOURNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUTURE COMMITTEE MEETINGS -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC The Budget Committee wiZZ meet at 4:30 P.M. at the District office on the following dates: April 30, May 7, May 14, and May 21. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss preparation of the budget for the 1985-1986 fiscal year. The meetings are subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Contact the District office Ato confirm date and time. �JF F.•• MENLO •J' J 'r�♦-`f`,� /\♦ 4 !"♦ •"v♦+^ .4 Y ......,..-. • m\sr v,r cp \c' •'. 'rn raR.a' r '�.y.. 41 :•: ( � r�'F. r` `$ °`` .r 7 �r. 4 ♦R r?♦h � j 3 'n ri .+r � :7 i a�r ��, � >. t♦ �" . r..;,�.. 'r'r:� \ ara COUNIAV / c'�/. 7 /, ''0ri +'vh"r•rr, r7•r � rti � 'y'' r `rr a~ r•�oj � a 2• oa• / - ti 9,+;:;: I':=: �\ aouu 'r7. �"•++•.�� +P � r • 6 �'"r .$nr 4� ! 4�TMr o �e y' mar ��` � W f rr .:�:: Clue- N ram• }a • / cr ♦r I;}:. �• �c, o o tr / �or p ♦ Q.rr a +7/rary ++. =-` ' ` ro ..d o♦ 4.v.� :?•�, `� ++F 44 oaf 4Af a "r'g /[., r!sr r� r / i: ti ♦n, q. -.�'_ 40 +r -ry ♦e` / /\�,=": ri�•y, o° rci �o•trc.r[C �� � � o♦ � � r: r V + l�to rR/,D"lyry s+♦r'• �"♦j:.\i^`}.:r c+� �74h b♦ a♦ y� ^w N..K]... !'.�.00 { : .0 `� 1 / /O • j/r e � ♦� � C •�Yr?r r♦ ``�`��• .�. 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K* Atherton .r<."°4• LAS LOMITA3 SCHOOL �♦X r�s�F+t!+ -a SNARON XE/GX7S \ ++.).•sue OLF, r�tNU g41R:V �aF f ` COU'IiR�= C[UB i+a In 1 c cF»I r v"or RO Cano p� — ��' 1Ial1 LIVFAR 1 : - VIVOxu I -- tt . \� _--- - --- Alameda de las Pulgas -=` Las Lomitas School District DB/101 Rev. 6/74 APPLICATION for use of SCHOOL FACILITIES Date of Application: April 24, 1985 Facility Desired: Las Lcmitas School Multi-Purpose Po m Location (school): Las Lomitas School Day of the Week: Saturday, May 4, 1985 Time: From 8:00 A.M. to 12 Noon Indicate AM or PM Dates: Beginning: May 4, 1985 Only Ending: Purpose: Public Meeting of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors An admission charge will be made Yes ( ) No (X ) Contributions will be solicited Yes ( -) No (X ) Person in charge: Name H ��CS Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Address 375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1; Los Altos, CA 94022 Telephone (415) 965-4717 The undersigned adult citizen believes the above statement to be correct and agrees to be responsible for compliance with the rules and regulations of the governing Board with respect to the use of school facilities , including the payment of,,fees. SignatureVt' 4 _b_/ Mid A insula Regional Open Space District Address 375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1; Los Altos, CA 94022 Telephone (415) 965-4717 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approved, and reserved for date and hours specified. Signed CO-Imunit 11 Ues P 1410 1418 General The Governing Board encouragc:; the use of school facilities for non-school activities. Qualified community, groups are permitted to use the school facilities when such use does not conflict with the scheduled school program. Such groups ordinarily will not be subject to a fee. Eligible Organizations A "qualified community group" is one in which a majority of the members are residents of the District. Typical organizations would include P.T.A. , Camp Fire Girls, BOY Scouts, senior citizens, and associations formed by citizens for recreational, educational, political, economic, artistic, or moral activities. Facilities Available Permits shall be issued for specific rooms or facilities which have been ,declared available. Playgrounds shall be posted to design-ate restricted or pro- hibited uses, as determined co-operatively by the District administration, and local recreation and law enforcement agencies. District property Is not available for use except witil the expressed authorization of the building Principal. Request to use District equipment away from school property must be made in writing to the Superintendent. Use for Profit If an admission fee is charged, or contributions or dues are solicited and the net receipts are not used entirely for pupil welfare or charitable purposes, a fee shall be assessed for the use of the school property. Application for Armroval Application for the use of any facilities shall be made on a prescribed form, and shall be subject to approva. by a properly designated officer of the District. Fees In cases of use when a fee must be charged, the Business office will bill the user organization. Such charges will be based on the costs to the District, including the salaries of District personnel required for supervision and custodial ser-,rices, and a fair rental value for the facilities used. Responsibility of Organizations All organizations using school premises shall oxecute an agreement assuming the costs of repairing any damage to school property arising from such use. Decision as to the extent of damage and cost of repairs rests solely with the Governing Board. E.C. Socs. 16551 16566 Policy Adopted 12-10-69 M-85-71 At AS, MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022 (415)9654717 April 23, 1985 To: The Committee on Eminent Domain Policy; District Counsel From: Harry A. Turner Art Subject : Exclusion of Emi ent Domain from All Land Acquisition Transactions Position. There should be a moratorium period of two years during which the District will not initiate an eminent domain proceeding. This moratorium should begin soon and should extend to all discussions between the District staff and landowners: the potential for use of eminent domain and the prospect of a recommendation to the District Board for its use will not be discussed. Rationale. The rationale for this policy is different from the rationale for prior recommendations to restrict or eliminate the exercise of eminent domain against people living on land they love. In this case the objective is to seek a relationship that is compatible with land use policy making governments. In the impartial LAFCO analysis of District powers (in 1972 and 1976) it was stated, "The powers of the District include acquisition and disposition of property, with right of eminent domain, ...(except that such actions shall not interfere with city or county property or activities), ..." (emphasis added) . As we all know, the District has no zoning power and it operates under legislative mandate to make only acquisitions that are compatible with city and county master plans. It is also true that proposed developments are scrutinized and controlled by CEQA processes and the power of the county to withhold development permits. The county planning staff and commission is an additional forum for the implementation of the county's land use policies and guidelines. All of these facts lead to a strong observation the the District's intended and appropriate role is harmony with public land use authority. We should also note that the mere existence of the eminent domain power is a counter-productive incentive against the District's objectives. Undeveloped lands beome more secure against its use when they are improved with residences. Recommendation. The District Board of Directors should adopt the following eminent domain policies: 1 . The District shall not acquire land or interests in land by exercise of the power of eminent domain. All land acquisitions shall be from willing sellers. HerDen A G,*n_h,Gene/a/Manlpe, Ncwro of D"ef10r3 KAtherine Dutty,Nonette G HankO.Tema Hen3hs. Richard S 9�shoo Ea-410 G Shelley,Marry A Turner.Dsn.et G wonain Eminent Domain 2. The threat of eminent domain shall not be made. 3. These policies will expire after two years from the date of their adoption unless they are re-adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors in public session. 4. When developments are proposed that are incompatible with current or prospective public open space, the District will present its concerns to the appropriate government agencies. 5. In the event that these policies are rescinded, then the following policies will take effect: a. Residents, whether owners or tenants, will not be subject to involuntary removal from the land on which they live. b. Lands La that are essentially in their natural state will not be acquired by use of eminent domain proceedings except in those extraordinary circumstances in which the public benefit demonstrably outweighs the loss of individual property ownership and in which no feasible alternative is available. k I • c y M-85-70 r MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 375 DISTEL CIRCLE.SUITE D-1.LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022 (415)%5-4717 April 23, 1985 To: The Board of Directors, District Counsel From: Harry A. Turnerq V1 Subject: Compliance with the Brown Act Position: An alternative method of compliance that risks increased land acquisitions costs should be given a trial. Rationale: Our publication of the properties list has produced conse- quences that we did not foresee. If they had been forseen I doubt that the District would have published it. Some other means of complying with the Brown Act would have been devised. Although our policies have not changed we have unintentionally and regretably frightened many people. This effect alone is sufficient to make us find another solution. A most important thing has changed, we have frightened our friends and neighbors. In addition, we have unintentionally selected a process that gives the appearance of avoiding the spirit of the Brown Act. And, since the list includes vastly more properties than the District has the capability to acquire, it has given the appearance of not providing meaningful information regarding District objectives. One of our motivations was to serve the public interest by protecting the District's negotiating position. Specifically, we accepted the argument, "Not only would the District be exposed to opportunistic third parties, good faith negotiations with landowners would suffer, since most owners consider such discussions to be personal and confidential." I believe that the general sentiment in favor of open processes requires us to accept the proposition that "democracy is expensive" and to evaluate the risks involved. Recommendation. The District Board of Directors should take the following corrective steps: 1. Withdraw the previously published list. In addition, make request forms available to any landowner who chooses to declare an unwillingness to talk with the District's land acquisition staff. MerDert A Grench,Oaneret Manger BGerO of OrrectWs Katherine putty,Nonette G Manko.Teens Menshar.,A#Chafd S 9fshop.Eo..are G SMney.Merry A Turner.Daniel G Wendin w � 4V II + Compliance with the )wn Act 2. Whenever the District Board intends to meet in closed session to instruct its negotiators it shall a. List the subject parcels and the names of their owners on the published agenda; and b. orally announce in public session the parcels to be discussed immediately prior to the beginning of the closed session. 3. Publicize these actions. 4. Write an explanatory letter to all landowners on the withdrawn list whom the District has good reason to believe were offended by its publication. cc: Assemblyman Bob Naylor Senator Becky Morgan M-85-69 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 375 OISTEL CIRCLE.SUITE D•1,LOS ALTOS,CAUFORNIA 94022 (415)965-4717 April 24, 1985 To: The Board of Directors From: Harry A. Turner Subject: Land Acquisition P1 n Position. Some uncertainties regarding our land acquisition guidelines need to be clarified. Rationale. We have received a reasonable request from George and Sarah Dueker to exclude a small community of homes (25 parcels, 18 of which contain homes) from the District's master plan. There are other similar communities that are included in the master plan. There are developable lands on the master plan which are unaffordable and for which cities with zoning power have encouraged development. District objectives within the LAFCO-mandated sphere of influence regarding preservation of the Skyline Scenic Corridor have not been subject to public scrutiny. Recommendation. 1 . Adopt a policy that will exclude the Dueker's and other communities from development in the District's master plan. 2. Place the topic of "land acquisition plans" on a future Board agenda. cc: George and Sarah Dueker South Skyline Association Portola Heights Association Kings Mountain Association Herbert A Grenth.Genera/Manager 8oerd of pvectors Katnenne puffy,NoMtte G Hanko,Tema Henshaw,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G Shelley,Marry A Turner,Daniel G Wendin M-85-77 Distributed at Board Workshop May 4, 1985 IMW or MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022 (415)965-4717 April 24, 1985 To: The Board of Directors From: Harry A. Turner Subject: Nonette Hanko's E c�llenftGood Neighbor Proposal Nonette has spotted a glaring District need: providing credible and clear information regarding District purposes, actions and policies. She has proposed the use of a newsletter of some kind to meet the need. I have been lucky enough to receive an excellent suggestion from a constituent regarding this need. Background. We have all despaired at public perceptions of our actions that differ from what we intend. To mention a few: - Our intent to make a prompt and conservative compliance with the Brown Act was erroneously interpreted as publication of a "hit list." - Many members of the public are unaware of the distinction between "parks and recreation" and "open space." They are unaware that the District was chartered to "not duplicate efforts of the County to acquire and develop land primarily for intensive park and recreational use." - Our land acquisition policy is believed to be unconstrained despite our repeated explanations of our objectives and limits. - Our Hassler decisions are regarded as abrupt and unconsidered even though we worked with the San Mateo County Arts Council for a long period of time to perfect its proposal. Any District publication that attempts to provide information will always be handicapped by its perception as a self-serving house organ. The most credible source must be entirely independent of the District and be a self-controlling organization. Recommendation. In a fashion similar to our docent program, mobilize a volunteer group of communicators of District actions, policies, etc. The group should include an assortment of experts in the field of communi- cations and public relations. It should determine its own objectives, publications, and distribution patterns. The first step is to put this topic on our agenda. ' Herbert A,Grench,General Manager Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy,Nonette G.Hanko,Teena Henshaw,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin Bo` isse 20225 Skyline Blvd. Wo .de | mail to: Rt.2 Box 482, La Honda 44820 � Phone (��� 8�� 2�6� . D1atritUted at Board Workshop 29 April 1985 � May 4, I985 ^ | Board of Directors | MidpenYnsuUa Regional Open Space District 375 Dlstel Circle Los Altos 94022 Regarding Workshop 4 May 1985 Dear Directors and fallow members of MRU5D | will not be able to attend the 4 May workshop where our land acquisition policies regarding the District will be discussed. | would like to have my following statement read into and become part of the record. 1 . Purchase land only within the borders of the District. . . 2. Annex land to the District only by popular vote of the electorate within the area proposed for annexation. ((f the area is approved by the voters for annexation then � the District can buy all the land it wants from willing � )sellers in the new district area.) � ' � \ and many, many others throughout the entire district � will be watching carefully what the recommended changes that � your committee will be proposing to the full Board. For the sake of the future success of the district \ hope that these will not be token recommended changes. � Sincerely, � Bob Flsse � � � | | � | Distributed at Board Workshop DAVID LEIGH RODGERS, M. L). May 4, 1985 11755 Skykine Blvd Los Gatos, CA 95030 Board of Directors MROSD 375 Distel Cir. Los Altos CA 94022 1 have owned 50 acres on Skyline for over 25 years, and 1 have lived here for three years, so the actions of MROSD are of personal and gen- uine concern to me. I wish to thank uou for your committment andachieve- ments, and assure you I appreciate your efforts for me and for our community. In your charge to acquire and administer enduring open space for the public your successes create a conflict which, if you respond knowledge- ably, will avoid actions which are bound to cause unnecessary furor. The more land you acquire the fewer pieces will remain to fill out the project. Your funds are reduced by the costs of land acquisition. At the same time funds necessary for administration of land already acquired increase. You and your staff sense the pressure caused by the conflict, and become concerned that the remaining lanA will escape you or become prohibitively expensive. Faced with the conflict and concern there is a tendency to employ means, such as condemnation, so you can continue to make progress with the charge you have been given. As you have found, this action induces public resistence, the outcry about the Brown Act, and, you can be certain, will cause more conflict downstream. If you appreciate that patience, on the part of yourselves and your staff, will achieve ultimate success you will avoid problems rather than have to confront them. The MROSD has plenty of time -- yourpurpose is to create for the future, ;,after all-- so you can be secure in the knowledge that acquisition of parcels to complete you project will be possible in due course. Of course, value of property will increase over time, but as you show willingness to minimize dislocation and hardship of owners you should expect them to minimize changes which artificially increase your costs of acquisition. Thus, a moratorium is indicated, not the imposition of condemnation or other hard-to-defend hard-line force. A moratorium can be made specific, understandable, consistent, fair, palatable and en- forcable -- and, it will achieve your purpose. An even-handed, sensitive pursuit of your goals will be a more secure policy and one consistent with your avowed policy than one which suspends your original intent. Your staff must temper its enthusiasm and im- patience, yet not lose its vigor in its pursuit of your commendable goal. None of us who attended your meeting of April 15, 1985 can but be im- ressed with your good intent and your competence. -- Thank l yu David Rodgers ,� Distributed at Boar -)rkshop May 4, 1985 April 27, 1985 To: The MROSD Board of Directors Subject: The issue of use of Eminent Domain Dear Directors: I applaud what MROSD has done and hopefully will persist in doing. The goal of preserving the Skyline, foothill and bayside open spaces should continue. Eminent domain is a ruthless but occasionally necessary tool in furthering that goal. I do not believe the power of eminent domain should be given up entirely for either vacant or lightly-developed properties. I do believe in some of the comments made April 17 regarding controlling the use of eminent domain. One man from Portola Heights suggested a much shorter list, saying he did not want to tie your hands in dealing with staff and that word gets around as to what the District "really wants". Kay Duffy commented later on that the long list had been used to avoid scaring anyone, as a shorter list would have done. In fact the long list only succeeded in scaring every Skyline resident. Clearly the possibility of eminent domain needs to remain for such crucial viewshed properties as Russian Ridge, Kelly Hill, Spring Ridge and in the Sierra Azul area, but I do not think the list needs to contain any residential pockets. Perhaps we could have a policy that eminent domain will not be used for any residential property provided the property remains at its present level of use or, in the case of a vacant lot, is adding a single home. By this I mean we retain right of eminent domain only to block large scale developments and/or the subdivision of major parcels. I also believe eminent domain should remain for non-residen- tial properties, such as was used in the Novitiate case in Los Gatos. Sincerely, Thomas Williams Cupertino I tributed at Board Workshop 4, 1985 Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. 1o94 Highland Circle Los Altos , Calif.94022 April 15, 1985 Board of Directors IVIROSD 375 Distel Circle Los Altos , CA 94022 Re : Land acquisition and SB2216 1. Emmend Domain. There has been mention of not exercising power of eminent domain, where there is an occupied residence. What about the property bought by a family for future occupation in retirement, or occupation when fortune benifits them ? Even though the use of eminent domain has been limited , the threat of it has forced some sales . And the "list" has caused considerable emotional distress and public outcry . propose use of eminent domain only on a friendly con- demnation where the fair market price is decided by the court. There shall be no use ofeminent domain when the owner does not wish to sell. 2. S .B . 2216 The broad interpretation of "prig" wherein you list every bit of property and make it subject to discussionat any time in the future without other notice is , to say the least, repulsive . Most general use and interpretation of "prior" is in the announcement being made in the agenda published for a meet- ing or in the meeting itselfjust prior to the closed session. Withdraw the "list" immediatly and get the public off your back. 3. Acquisition outside district boundaries . Taxpayer approval of the district gave them the right to expect the district to remain within its boundaries , and for these taxpayers use of its facilities. I do not feel district residents want others kept out as Palo Alto does with Foothill Park, but they have a right to keep their purchases within district boundaries . . If it is felt that a property outside the boundaries is essential, then the jurisdiction in which the sought after property lies should participate at least on a 50-50 basis for purchase and maintenance. But as for the district buying properties outside its boundaries on its own, NO Ret Land acquisition and SB 2216 page 2 4. Annexation outside district. As in number 3 above, it is , as taxpayers , our district. And it is generally felt it should remain so. If other areaswant a regional park district, let them vote to join ours or establish their own. Annexation outside the district boundaries is thus a NO-NO. C Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. • PRESENTED TO BOARD AT THE MAY 4 , 19,,E SPECIAL WORKSHOP PET I T ION TO M I OPEN I NSUL_A REG I ONAL OPEN SPACE O I STR I CT BOARD OF O I RECTORS Qlease stop all actions which include 1 3 use or threat o f use o f condemnati on 23 buyirna land outside the district an d 33 annexations urnt i t the pub t i c wori•cshops are comp 1 etec! and po 1 i cy rev i s i C30 have been established i , /YZZ 3 So -�Q- . (� Mo Allo g - 4g49 L C. Xle 4A l eowy c R.X•IW -94 ya 97 lv--6 d-�49 4 0 0 VC ( � Sox ' LftV%OAlnA - r i w 0 L1 �+ 0 z ? 0 w cj cl a "' 0 3 0 z 0 0 z < o S -� z D I o a 3 @ Distributed at Board Workshop 4, 1985 ,larry Ji. Haeussler, Jr. 1094 Hi-bland -ircle Los Altos', Calif. 94022 April 15, 1985 hoard of Directors 1,!Wsr) 375 Distel Circle Los Altos , -,A 94022 :fie : e : Land acquisition and SB2216 1 . Eminend Domain. There has been mention of not exercising power of eminent domain where there is an occui)ied residence . What about the property bought by a family for future occupation in retirement, or occupation when fortune benifits them ? Even though tire kise of eminent domain has been limited , the threat of it has forced some sales . And the "list" has caused considerable emotional distress and public outcry . I T)ror)osc use of eminent domain 2oLn2:.L on a friendly con- demnation where the fair market price is decided by the court. There shall be no use ofeminent domain when the owner doe:: not wish to sell.. 2 . S .3 . 22,16 The broad interpretation of "prirr" wherein you list every bit of property arid make it subject to discussionat any time in the future without other notice is , to say the least, repulsive . most general use and interpretation of "prior" is in the announcement being made in the agenda published for a meet- ing or in the meeting itselfjust prior to the closed session. Withdraw the "list" immediatly and get the public off your back. 3 . Acquisition outside district boundaries . Taxpayer approval of the district gave them the right to expect -the district to remain within its boundaries , and for these taxpayers use of its facilities . I do not feel district residents want others kept out as Palo Alto does with Foothill Park, but they have a right to keep their purchases within district boundaries . . If it is felt that a property outside the boundaries is essential, then the jurisdiction in which the sought after property lies should -participate at least on a 50-50 basis for purchase and maintenance . But as for the district buying properties outside its boundaries on its own, NO Re : band a--quisition and SB 2216 page 2 4. Annexation outside district. As in number 3 above , it is , as taxpayers , our district. And it is generally felt it should remain so. If other areaswant a regional Dark district, let them vote to join ours or establish their own. Annexation outside the district boundaries is thus a NO-I40. Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. Distributedat Board Workshop DAVID LUGH RODGERS, M. APR 2 5 1985' May 4, 1985 11755 Skykine Blvd Los G"cos, CA 95030 Board of Directors MROSD 375 Distel Cir. Los Altos CA 94022 I have owned 50 acres on Skyline for over 25 years, and I have lived here for three years, so the actions of MROSD are of personal and gen- uine concern to me. I wish to thank uou for your committment andachieve- ments, and assure you I appreciate your efforts for me and for our community. In your charge to acquire and administer enduring open space for the public your successes create a conflict which, if you respond knowledge- ably, will avoid actions which are bound to cause unnecessary furor. The more land you acquire the fewer pieces will remain to fill out the project. Your funds are reduced by the costs of land acquisition. At the same time funds necessary for administration of land already acquired increase. You and your staff sense the pressure caused by the conflict, and become concerned that the remaining lanA will escape you or become prohibitively expensive. Faced with the conflict and concern there is a tendency to employ means, such . as condemnation, so you can continue to make progress with the charge you have been given. As you have found, this action induces public resistence, the outcry about the Brown Act, and, you can be certain, will cause more conflict downstream. If you appreciate that patience, on the part of yourselves and your staff, will achieve ultimate success you will avoid problems rather than have to confront them. The MROSD has plenty of time -- yourpurpose is to create for the future' iafter all-- so you can be secure in the knowledge that acquisition of parcels to complete you project will be possible in due course. Of course, value of property will increase over time, but as you show willingness to minimize dislocation and hardship of owners you should expect them to minimize changes which artificially increase your costs of acquisition. Thus, a moratorium is indicated, not the imposition of condemnation or other hard-to-defend hard-line force. A moratorium can be made specific, understandable, consistent, fair, palatable and en- forcable -- and, it will achieve your purpose. An even-handed, sensitive pursuit of your goals will be a more secure policy and one consistent with your avowed policy than one which suspends your original intent. Your staff must temper its enthusiasm and im- patience, yet not lose its vigor in its pursuit of your commendable goal. None of us who attended your meeting of April 15, 1985 can but be im- ressed with your good intent and your competence. Thank, U. David Rodger---\ Distributed at Board Workshop | � � May 4, 1985 � � | �� � ��� .~ � � April 27, 1985 - To: The MRDSD Board of Directors Subject: The issue of use of Eminent Domain Omac Directors: I applaud what 0R03D has done and hopefully will pe-znist in doing. The goal of preserving the Skyline, foothill and bayaide open spaces should � continue. Eminent domain is o ruthless but occasionally necessary tool in furthering that goal. I do not believe the power of eminent domain should � be given up entirely for either vacant or lightly-deuelmpad properties. I � � do believe in some of the comments made April 17 regarding controlling the � use of eminent domain. One man from PortoIa Heights suggested a much shorter � Iistv saying he did not want to tic your hands in dealing with staff and that word gets around as to what the District "really wants". Kay Duffy commented later on that the long list had been used to avoid scaring anyone, as a shorter list would have done. In fact the long list only succeeded in scaring every Skyline resident. Clearly the possibility of eminent domain needs to remain for such crucial viowshed properties as Russian Ridge, Kelly Hill, Spring Ridge and in the Sierra Azul area, but I do not think the list needs to contain any residential pockets. Perhaps we could have a policy that eminent domain will not be used for any residential property provided � the property remainst its present level of use or, in the lot, is addingl this I mean we retainright domain l k l l and/or^ only ~- ~~~~ ~^�- scale ~~`~�~r^-'-~ ~' ^ the ~"~~i°i~i~'' of major parcels. I li non-residen- tial properties, such as was used in the Novitiate