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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19940928 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 94-25 r -Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT I Meeting 94-25 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 6:30 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Wednesday Los Altos, California September 28, 1994 f (6:30) ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 6:30 P.M. At 7:30 P.M., the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session 10 the conclusion of the Regular Board Meeting, and at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board will reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. 1. Conference with Leizal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Government Code Section 54956.9(c) Initiation of Litigation - Picchetti Winery Lease 2. Public Employment - Government Cale Section 54957 a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - General Manager b. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Legal Counsel C. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Controller 3. Labor Negotiations - Government Code Section 54957.E Conference with Labor Negotiator - Unrepresented Employee: Controller (7:30) ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA *** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR -- G. Babbitt *** WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (Consent Item) 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, California 94022-1404 ° Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 0 Board of Dire(.tors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L Craig Britton Meeting 94-25 Page 2 BOARD BUSINESS (7:45) 1. Establishment of a Target Average 6% Growth Guideline for Future Operating Expenses and Direction to Staff for 1995-1996 Budget Preparation — R. McKibbin (7:55) 2. Authorization for Staff to Arrange the Issuance of Approximately $16.1 Million of Twenty Year Notes for Refinancing Previous Notes and New Land Acquisitions and Authorization for General manager to Execute Underwriting Agreement with Stone and Youngberg -- M. Foster (8:05) 3. Appointment of Ward 5 Unopposed Candidate (Nonette Hanko) -- J. Fiddes Resolution Appointing Director - Ward 5 of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (8:10) 4. Authorization to Expend $26,000 for Phase I Improvement at the David C. Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and for Staff to Proceed with Insulation Installation and Ceiling Work at the Center -- M. Gundert (8:25) 5. Amendment to the Use and Management Plans for Monte Bello, Long Ridge and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves and Authorization to Solicit Bids for Removal of the Black Mountain Structures, the Former Mud Cabin, and the Former Fletcher Duplex -- M. Gundert 6. Habitat Conservation Fund Application for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project -- R. Anderson Resolution Approving the Application for Grant Funds for the Local Agency Grant Program - Fiscal Year 1995-1996 Under the Habitat Conservation Fund Program of the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. (8:30) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS -- Directors and Staff REVISED CLAIMS (Consent Item) CLOSED SESSION - Continued ADJOURNMENT *NOTE. Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. Meeting 94-25 Page 3 ** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at then time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during oral communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to 3 minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. ***All items on the consent calendar shall be approved without discussion by one motion unless a Board member removes an item from the consent calendar or separate discussion. A member of the public may request under oral communications that an item be removed,from the consent calendar. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS There will be a Special Meeting on Saturday, October 1, 1994 beginning at 8:00 A.M. at the parking lot of the Woodside Town Ball, 2995 Woodside Road for the purpose of conducting a tour of District lands for local public officials in San Mateo County. The Dog Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 5, 1994 at 7:00 P.M. at the District office for the purpose of discussing the Dog Program and allowing dogs on additional District preserves. The Use and Management Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 19, 1994 at 7:00 P.M. at the District office for the purpose of discussing trail use issues on El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. There will be an on-site public workshop at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve on Saturday, October 22, beginning at 9:00 A.M. for the purpose of discussing trail use issues. Open Spam MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 94-26 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 8:00 A.M. The meeting will convene Saturday in the parking lot at the October 1, 1994 Woodside Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road (8:00) ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA BOARD BUSINESS (8:15) 1. Tour of District Lands for Public Officials M. Smith The tour is scheduled to depart from the parking lot of the Woodside Town Hall, 2995 Woodside Road. See tentative itinerary on reverse side. A final itinerary will be available at the start of the meeting. Reserved seating will be provided for the invited officials aboard vehicles provided by the District, and for the public on a space-available basis. Members of the public are asked to bring their own lunches, and to be prepared to drive their own vehicles if space is not available in the District's vehicles. (2:00)- ADJOURNMENT *NOTE: Times for stops along the tour route are estimated. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 OD Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Preliminary Itinerary - San Mateo County VIP Tour, Saturday, October 1, 1994 Woodside Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road; Route 280 to Route 92 to Route 35 (Skyline Boulevard) Return via Route 84 8:00 am - Meet at Woodside Town Hall 8:15 am - Welcome and introductions by District Board of Directors President Ginny Babbitt 8:30 am- Board buses and depart 9:10 am - Arrive at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve main lot, view the trailhead, then continue to the whole-access (Redwood Trailhead) Purisima lot 9:20 am - Arrive at whole-access Purisima lot, where several staff- and Board-led hikes will be available 10:15 am- Board buses and depart Purisima 11:00 am- Arrive at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, where several staff- and board-led hikes will be available. Guests will walk to the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, where lunch will be provided at the David C. Daniels Nature Center( eat inside, on deck, or picnic - need drop cloths) 12:30 pm- Guests will return to Russian Ridge, board buses, and depart 12:45 pm- Arrive at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve for a short walk 1:15 pm - Depart Windy Hill 2:00 pm- Arrive at Woodside Town Hall-Tour Ends Open Spact MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING DOG USE COMMITTEE AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Ginny Babbitt, Chair Wednesday, Betsy Crowder October 5, 1994 Wim de Wit Los Altos Youth Center 1 N. San Antonio Road Los Altos (7:00) ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Public ADOPTION`OF AGENDA COMMITTEE BUSINESS (7:10) 1. Recap of Dog Program Review Process to Date - Staff (7:15) 2. Review of Research Results and Program Amendment Criteria and Alternatives for Program Amendments - Staff (7:30) 3. Committee Comments and Questions (8:00) 4. Public Comments and Questions (8:30) 5. Committee Discussion (9:00) 6. Scheduling of Next Meeting and Proposed Items for Next Agenda (9:05) ADJOURNMENT t k y 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette.Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton DOG ACCESS PROGRAM EVALUATION REPORT Table of Contents Draft August 10, 1994 Page 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Scope and Objectives of Study 1 1.2 The Dog Use Committee 1 1.3 Summary of Recent Public Workshops 1 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 Background of the Existing Program 2 2.2 Current Dog Access in the District 2 2.3 Field Staff Experience with the Existing Program 6 3 RESEARCH RESULTS 3.1 Nationwide Research 9 3.2 Regional Research 11 3.3 Research Conclusions 13 4 ALTERNATIVES 4.1 Criteria and Mitigations for Dog Access 15 4.2 General Program Management Recommendations 16 4.3 Dog Access Program Alternatives 16 4.4 Possible Next Steps 18 5 APPENDICES A Summary of Recent Workshops, Task Force Charge and Members B Nationwide Survey Format and Summary C Regional Survey Format and Summary List of Figures Figure 1 Chart of Existing District Dog Access 3 Figure 2 Chart of Other Dog Access Sites in District 4,5 Figure 3 Chart of Dog Use Violations 7 Figure 4 Chart of All Violations 8 Figure 5 Chart of Selected Nationwide Dog Access and Experience 10 Figure 6 Chart of Regional Agency Dog Access and Experience 12 i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District DOG ACCESS PROGRAM EVALUATION REPORT Draft, August 12, 1994 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Scope and Objectives. The purpose of this report is to summarize the background of the District's current policies and practices regarding access for dogs; present the results of research conducted by a volunteer task force and District staff into other agencies' policies, practices and experiences with dog access; present some criteria and mitigation measures for dog access into open space lands; and present some alternatives for expansion of dog access on District lands. The goal of the research was to find conclusive evidence about the impact of dogs on natural resource lands and other users, and to learn the best methods of managing dog access. Despite a broad canvassing of agencies across the county and a thorough review of similar agencies in the Bay Area, we failed to secure scientific evidence or clear trends in public agency practice. However, we gathered much useful information that will help clarify the decision and implementation process for MROSD. 1.2 The Dog Use Committee. The District Board of Directors originally appointed this committee in 1983 in response to public interest in dog access. The current extent of dog access in the District evolved over the period from 1983 to 1987, during which the Dog Use Committee and the Board held workshops and meetings to plan and review the program. In December 1993, the Board reorganized its committee structure, creating four "master" committees to handle most functions. Although subjects such as dog access will now be handled by the Board's Use and Management committee, it was agreed for the sake of continuity that the current Dog Use Committee would continue to work on this issue until a decision on revision of the program was made. 1.3 Summary of Recent Public Workshops. The Dog Use Committee, currently consisting of Chair, Director Ginny Babbitt, Director Betsy Crowder, and Director Wini de Wit, held a public workshop in September 1993 to hear public comments on the issue of increased access for dogs. Based on overwhelming support for more access from those present, (a summary of the workshop comments is contained in Appendix A) the Committee directed staff to prepare a process and schedule for studying the issue. The scope and schedule for study of dog access was presented at a workshop held in December 1993 and mailed out to a list of persons who had written, called, or attended the previous workshop. A notice also went out to the list asking for volunteers to work on a research task force to collect information pertinent to the issue, and to review the findings. The seven members of the task force met on February 3 and March 16, 1994, and completed their research by April (see Appendix A for task force members and charge). 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 Background of the Existing Dog Access Program. The District's dog access program was initiated in 1983, when the Dog Use Committee held a number of public workshops, leading to a decision on April 13, 1983 to allow access to dogs on leash in three preserves. Staff analysis included consultation with two university biologists and the California Department of Fish and Game. A trial program was recommended. Key components of the program were that leashes be required to minimize impact on wildlife, and that the leash law be actively enforced to maximize compliance. After evaluating preserves for possible wildlife and visitor impacts, proximity to urban corridor, accessibility, manageability, and geographical distribution, staff selected portions of Fremont Older, Foothills, and Windy Hill to allow dog access for a one-year trial period. An education program was inaugurated and the program monitored to determine wildlife/visitor impacts, compliance with the leash law, and staff time. Following several public workshops, the program was extended in 1985. Noncompliance with the leash law was the major problem; data on the program's impact on wildlife was insufficient to reach a conclusion. The program was continued for an additional year with two modifications: a portion of Long Ridge was added and the use of Fremont Older extended under the condition that compliance with the leash law improve. In 1987, the Board added St. Joseph's Hill to the program. Review of the program revealed that compliance had improved. The program was extended indefinitely, adding the Spring Ridge Trail at Windy Hill and all trails at Pulgas Ridge. Russian Ridge was considered, but not implemented because of potential conflicts with proposed grazing and high visitor use. 2.2 Current Access Opportunities in the District. Six of the twenty three District preserves currently are open to dogs on leash on all or part of the trails, as shown in Figure 1. These six preserves are primarily located in the eastern foothills and slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains from the south end of the District's jurisdiction in Los Gatos to the north end in San Carlos. District staff has researched other opportunities for dog access available within the District, which are summarized in the chart in Figure 2. This list is by no means comprehensive, as there are many city, institutional, or privately-owned lands that provide official or unofficial access. 2 i 3.3 Research Conclusions. The research conducted for this report could not realistically be scientific in either method or specific findings. There was inevitably a great deal of interpretation and generalization by the surveyors and respondents. The following generalizations were derived from the general and focused research results and the District's previous research on, and experience with, dog access: 1. Tradition, historical precedent, and public pressure are the biggest reason why one agency will allow dogs when another agency restricts or prohibits dog access. Environmental and user impact factors do not seem to play a large part in the establishment of these policies. 2. There was a wide range of experience and opinion regarding dogs among the staff persons contacted. Responses seemed to relate more to the background and attitude of the person surveyed than the actual setting or experience with dog use. Contacts were primarily field rangers, but also included supervising rangers, planners, and managers of the agencies. 3. Dog access impacts and conflicts increase proportionately with use levels and density of use, unless users and managers cooperate with an active program to manage the use. 4. In areas with significant use, and in the absence of an ambitious management program, impacts or conflicts due to dog access are substantially increased where leash laws do not exist or are not enforced. 5. Dog access impacts and conflicts are much more significant on lands with direct urban interface. If residential areas are immediately adjacent, not only are use levels increased, but access points may be more numerous and difficult to control, and compliance with leash laws is generally low. 6. Dogs running loose from adjacent neighborhoods and dogs which have been abandoned cause most of the significant incidents of harming wildlife or conflicting with other dogs or users. 7. In remote areas with low use levels, dog access does not tend to create significant problems in terms of conflict with other users, aside from lack of compliance with leash laws where they exist. 8. Conflict between dogs and bicycles, horses, or cattle was not reported to be a serious problem when the dogs are accompanied by owners. However, there are some instances of "local" dogs running loose in packs causing such problems. 9. Without vigorous enforcement, compliance with leash laws (or any other rules) is poor at best. Attention to enforcement may be reduced after an initial period to set a precedent, provided that the situation is-monitored so that there is appropriate response 13 if the problem resurfaces. 10. Pressure from other users improves compliance with leash laws and other regulations, especially if there is a regular user group. 11. Although there were many reports of dogs chasing wildlife (i.e. deer) and a report of wildlife (coyotes) confronting and even attacking dogs, there is no evidence that dogs cause a sianificant impact on wildlife, such as threatening populations. This issue does not appear to have been studied scientifically. 12. There is strong opinion and some evidence that dogs reduce the presence or visibility of wildlife. One of the main reasons that people visit the preserves is to observe wildlife. Benefits and Impacts of Dog Access: The following factors were identified from the research, public testimony, and the experience of District staff in dealing with dog access. They are not listed in any particular order, nor are the impacts necessarily more significant than the benefits because there are more of them. The research shows that decisions and evaluations on dog access have not been (and probably cannot be) made on a completely scientific basis. Potential Benefits 1. accommodates dog's exercise and socialization need 2. enjoyment (dog's and owner's) 3. security (protection for owners) 4. service (to a large tax paying constituency) 5. tradition (dog as companion on hikes and walks) Potential Impacts 1. dog impact on wildlife: direct (attack, chasing, digging) indirect (presence or scent a deterrent) 2. dog impact on livestock, if present 3. wildlife impact on dogs (coyotes, snakes, ticks, burrs, heartworm) 4. dog/dog conflicts (fighting, unwanted advances) 5. dogs can transmit poison oak to people 6. dog/people conflicts (overly friendly, threatening, attacks, general fear of dogs) 7. safety conflict with bikes and horses S. aesthetics (dogs not a natural part of open space, less wildlife present, feces) 9. additional management requirements/cost Opinions about the presence and significance of these impacts vary widely between open space management personnel, often in spite of very similar settings. In addition to evaluating whether these impacts are likely to occur in a specific case, it is important to try to identify ways to 14 mitigate or avoid these impacts. Much of this mitigation or avoidance may be possible through the use of the criteria and recommendations that follow. Off-Leash Benefits and Impacts The opportunity for off-leash access enhances all the benefits according to dog owners, and would make it easier for people on horses or bikes to bring their dogs along. Staff time committed to enforcement may also be reduced without the leash requirement. Although many agency staff persons interviewed believe that off-leash dogs create greater likelihood of the impacts outlined above, most believed that these impacts were not significant, or could be mitigated to a level of insignificance. 4 ALTERNATIVES 4.1 Criteria and Mitigation Measures for Dog Access. If the District's current dog access situation is to be revised, research indicates that these factors should be considered to avoid or mitigate the impacts of the use. The proposed criteria are similar to the criteria used approximately 10 years ago when the dog access program was initiated. These factors should not be taken as absolute criteria. The weight given to each criterion or measure should be considered on a case-by-case basis for each specific site. 1. Provide geographic distribution of dog access areas. 2. Provide habitat variety: sun, shade, grassland, woodland, forest, etc. 3. Provide loop trail access: more extensive hiking opportunities. 4. Maintain consistency with adjacent agency/connecting trail regulations. 5. Limit dog access to areas with primarily road width trails and/or good visibility. 6. The area should have good access and parking for regional use. 7. The entire preserve (or at least distinct geographic area) should either be open or closed. 8. The limits of dog access should be clearly defined with signs, and/or gates and stiles. 9. If off-leash areas or trails are to be considered, areas adjacent to neighborhoods and areas with heavy use should be avoided. 10. Avoid adding dog access to trails which already experience conflict due to heavy hiker, bicycle or equestrian use, or resolve such conflicts prior to allowing dog access. 11. Don't allow dogs in sensitive wildlife habitat areas; provide for exceptions to criterion 7 to exclude sensitive areas as appropriate. 12. Avoid dog (and horse) access in areas serving as direct water source for residences. 13. If off-leash access is allowed, it should be in less used and least sensitive locations. 14. Favor areas which have historically had dogs present, or other disturbance, over areas which have relatively undisturbed wildlife and habitat. 15. Avoid special use zones such as environmental education sites, certain types of agricultural areas, construction or significant restoration sites, equestrian staging areas, and ranger or rental residences. 15 4W 4.2 General Program Management Recommendations. These actions are recommended for implementation regardless of how, or if, the current dog access program is amended. Research indicates that these measures will help improve public benefit from the program and compliance with its rules. 1. If compliance with leash, closed area, or clean-up rules is expected, be prepared to commit more staff patrol resources to areas where dogs are allowed, especially if the site is close to urban areas, or heavily used. 2. Maintain a data base of reports, incidents, citations, etc. pertaining to dog use for each preserve open to dogs. Use this information to focus the type of response needed to minimize problems. 3. Do public opinion surveys at District sites with and without dogs; focus on benefits, problems, and general acceptance. 4. Prepare a brochure about dog access. Include maps of where dogs are allowed, the rules and regulations, and general courtesy and safety guidelines. Indicate how to communicate with staff and the dog owner group. 5. Encourage the formation of regional and/or preserve-based dog owners group to help inform the public about rules and courtesies, encourage compliance, and facilitate communication between users and staff. 6. Investigate interest in forming a dog owner's subgroup within the existing District- sponsored volunteer trail patrol program. 7. Develop criteria for designating dog access areas. (This is also an implementation measure recommended in the Resource Management Policy document now under review.) Include a list of the habitat types and species which would be sensitive to impacts of dog access. 8. Prior to opening a preserve or site to dogs, assess the area and review how the access criteria apply. The assessment should include a review of data available from wildlife agencies and organizations, reconnaissance of the site by qualified persons to identify sensitive species and habitats, and identification of specific areas or times, if any, when dog access should be restricted. 9. Consider expanding dog access on a case-by-case basis as new lands are acquired, consistent with the selected program, and using the Access Criteria. 4.3 Dog Access Program Alternatives. These alternatives have been formulated from the research to represent a realistic range given the District's situation and interests. Each of these 16 alternatives (other than maintaining the status quo)would require further planning and organizing by District staff. The chosen alternative will be implemented in a phased, experimental basis, initially. Consideration of new sites acquired by the District would take place consistent with the selected program alternative. 1. Status Quo. Retain existing access opportunities(may consider deleting Long Ridge and Foothills due to inconsistency with "geographic" criterion). 2. Expansion to Selected Preserves. Expand on leash dog access to two or three selected preserves based on those best meeting the Access Criteria, with the particular objectives of geographic distribution, environmental variety, and more/longer loop trails. 3. Expansion to all Appropriate Preserves. Expand on leash dog access to all preserves which meet the Access Criteria. Expansion would take place in stages with review of the program at least annually before further expansion. 4. Designated Trail Limitation Option. Limit dog access to designated trails. Current regulations do not require humans, or dogs on leash where allowed, to stay on designated trails, so this option would require amendment of the regulations. This limitation could be applied under any of the program alternatives, and could be applied to specific sites - as a mitigation measure, although the "geographic consistency" criteria should also be upheld. The practicality of enforcing this as a mitigation measure should be examined. 5. Off-Leash Options. (Could be combined with any of the above alternatives). If off-leash options are considered, amendment of the District's regulations will be required to establish a regulation for voice control, which would apply in any off-leash areas. An example is the East Bay Regional Park District's regulations, Section 801.3: ... the owner, keeper, or person exercising the animal shall have a leash in their possession and keep their animal under control at all times, and must not allow their animal to interfere with, bother, or harass, park users, other animals, or wildlife. The voice control regulation may also entail specification of the distance that the animal must remain from the owner to be considered in control (i.e. 25 feet). Off-leash options may also require amendment or exemption from county leash laws that require dogs to be leashed on all public land except within enclosures, as is stated in the San Mateo County ordinance: Section 3330.5 PROHIBITED CONDUCT No owner or possessor of any animal shall cause or permit it to do any of the following: (a) To be upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, any 17 public property, or upon any unenclosed premises in this jurisdiction unless the animal is properly licensed, if such licensing is necessary hereunder, and under the control of the owner by being saddled, harnessed, haltered, or leashed by a substantial chain, lead rope, or leash, which chain, lead rope, or leash shall be continuously held by some competent person capable of controlling such animal. Presumably amendment or exemption from this law would not be a significant barrier if the District did decide to allow dogs off-leash. There are at least two options for how off-leash access could be provided: a. Off-Leash Preserves. Allow dogs off-leash in selected low-use areas meeting all access criteria. As with on-leash dog access, off-leash access should be consistent for the entire preserve or at least a large, distinct, geographic area. Start with one or two trial areas and consider discontinuing or expanding the program based on public comment and management experience after two years. b. Off-leash Trails. As above, except the owner of the off-leash dog would be restricted to the designated trail(s), and the dog must be nearby, under their control. This would require amendment of the regulations as under option a., and may not be as practical to enforce as option a. 4.4 Possible Next Steps in Amending the Dog Access Program. Based on a recommendation by the Dog Use Committee and confirmation by the full Board that the dog access program will be amended, the specifics would be worked out by staff to be brought back for final review and approval. This may include identification of which preserves and specific trails would be considered and would include the development ment of the access criteria d other measures listed under 4.2, as directed. The time required to start the amended program depends on the extent of the changes, and the locations proposed. In particular, the decision must be made as to how carefully the access criteria such as wildlife and habitat, and possible mitigation measures, will be studied prior to making a site-specific decision. 18 RESPONSE ACTION PROPOSED BY STAFF Board President Acknowledge/Respond Director Acknowledge/Respond Staff Acknowledge/Respond Harry H. Haeussler, Jr . Draft Response Attached _ Staff to he Directed to Prepare Draft 1094 Highland Circle Response for Board Consideration per Los Altos, CA 94024 Board Dlrective(a) No Response Necessary September 26, 1994 Board of Directors MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Re : Board of Dir Mtg Agenda Item 2 . for Wednesday, Sept . 28, 1994. I am writing this letter, which I will hand deliver, as I will be out of town for the September 28, 1994 , meeting, and I want to be sure my feelings are heard by both the Board of Directors and the public. I have attended the past few Budget Committee meetings and they have been concerned moistly with cutting and limiting operating expenses for this and future years. In the past when budget and income was discussed, I recall something to the effect that debt service for bonds amounted to about half of the tax income. In my opinion, which I have expressed frequently to you, you do not have enough staff to adequately patrol and maintain the lands the public now owns . I have heard concurring opinions from some board members , though not in regular sessions but privatly. As for the issuance of new notes to retire previous notes and make new land acquisitions, I want to express my approval , ONLY IF THE DEBT SERVICE NOW ON THE BOOKS IS NOT INCREASED. If you intend to increase the debt service, you will be cutting into operating funds for the future and the public will suffer with lands they will have bought that are not improved for public use, and maintenance of present lands will deteriorate. The state of the present economy and the foreseeable economy in not such that incurring more debt service at the present time is advisable, wise, or economically sound. Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. POLICY FOR SITE NAMING AND GIFT RECOGNITION Adopted by the Board of Directors, August 25, 1993 Amended September 14, 1994 I. SITE NAMING All District site names and signs should be kept as simple and functional as possible. When a property is acquired, either as an addition to an existing preserve or for the establishment of a new preserve, a name will be recommended in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan. In most cases, "open space preserve" is appropriate as part of the name; however, there may be circumstances when another designation may be used. In some cases, a temporary name may be retained until the next Comprehensive Use and Management Plan review. Memorial plaques that are not art of the Districts standard informational signs shall be discouraged. P q P g g Any Board approved memorial names may be included in site brochures, maps, or other informational materials. A. Open Space Preserves The name given to each open space preserve should be general enough to remain suitable if the site is enlarged, but specific enough to give its location some significance. Properties added to an open space preserve may not always be contiguous with that preserve. 1. Preserves shall be named after: a) geographical features of broad, general significance to the preserve; b) historical persons, uses, or events broadly associated with the locale. 2. Preserves shall not be named after any individuals other than historical persons as noted above. B. Preserve Areas, Trails, Site Improvements, Historic Sites and Unnamed Natural Features This designation refers to specific locations, land formations, trails, natural and physical features, staging areas and other site improvements, and areas of significance within open space preserves. Recognition of significant land gifts, including "bargain" purchases, will be negotiated at the time of the gift or bargain purchase. 1. Preserve areas,trails, site improvements, historic sites and unnamed natural features shall ordinarily be named after: a) geographical, botanical or zoological identification; b) historical persons, uses, or events associated with the site, or significant supporters of open space 2. Preserve areas, trails, site improvements, historic sites and unnamed natural features shall not be named after any living individual. Il. GIFT RECOGNITION The purpose of the gift recognition policy is to provide an opportunity for the District to recognize and commend individuals or groups that have made significant contributions of cash, equipment, materials, t f h District, itprograms, and its facilities. 0 ods or professional serv ices toward the enhancement o the Dist s g P � A. Unsolicited Cash Gifts: $ 0 - $ 99 Letter signed by General Manager $ 100 - $ 499 Letter signed by President of the Board $ 500 - $ 999 *Resolution of the Board (Special Order of Day) $ 1,000 - $ 9,999 *Photo of favorite preserve with resolution $10,000 or more *Resolution,photo, and article in District publication B. Gifts for specific projects** and memorials (includes cash,equipment, materials, ,goods or professional services); This policy includes those memorial gifts referred to POST by the District or initiated by POST in accordance with the Memorial and Commemorative Sitting Areas program approved by the Board on February 10, 1993. New bench locations will be considered by staff during the Use and Management Plan process for each preserve. Bench sites that are approved by the Board may be designated for inclusion in POST's Memorial and Commemorative Sitting Areas program. The District will not maintain a separate memorial and/or commemorative bench program, except under the Special Recognition section of this policy. No type of on-site plaques will be considered under the Gift Recognition section of this policy. Minimum value level $500 - ($499 and under is recognized in accordance with Unsolicited Cash Gifts schedule, above) $ 500 - $ 999 *Personalized resolution $ 1,000 - $4,999 *Photo and resolution $ 5,000 - $ 9,999 *Photo and resolution in plaque form $10,000 or more *Photo and resolution in plaque form (Ceremony); Honor Roll in District office; Article in District publication RESPONSE ACTION PROPOSED BY STAFF Board President Acknowledge/Respond Director Acknowledge/Respond Staff Acknowledge/Respond Sally Perham Chaves 962 Scorpion Place _ x Draft Response Attached Staff to be Directed to Prepare Draft Fremont, Calif. 94539 Response for Board Consideration per Board Dir eetive(s) September 15, 1994 No Response Necessary Jinny Babbitt Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Calif. 94022 Dear Jinny Babbitt, My name is Sally Perham Chaves. I am the granddaughter of Frances Perham, whom the Park District obtained the Rancho San Antonio land from in 1974. I spent my childhood on this property and the land is very dear to me. Most of my childhood memories take place there. Though my children don't have the opportunity to have their life revolve around a ranch setting, I am thankful the property is preserved mostly like it was 20 years ago. The Perham family has been a part of the Los Altos community for generations. My grandmother, parents, and aunt, Jane Perham Shoemaker, are known for their generosity in countless hours of service to the community. Their involvement includes organizations such as El Camino Hospital, Los Altos Rotary, Scouting, schools, and children's art and sports groups. They are all great sportsmen and regularly hike, kayak, bike, and fish. The Perhams have a great love for nature, which they have passed down to the younger generations. They loved their Los Altos property, and preserved it and its fences and old buildings for forty years. The Perham family is known for its integrity. In July, my aunt, Jane Perham Shoemaker, died of breast cancer. She was greatly loved in my family and among her circle of friends, most of them Stanford or Berkeley graduates. She spent most of her life on "the ranch" and had a deep feeling for it, as only those who have grown up on a piece of land can understand. She took her grandchildren there as much as possible, telling them stories of their grandparent's and great-grandparent's lives. Each trail, old tree, fallen-down log, scent in the air, meant something to her and all of us. We will miss Jane greatly. In honor of my Aunt Jane, I would like to propose to have a trail made on the Perham parcel of the Rancho San Antonio Park and dedicate it in her name. Many family members and friends would like to participate in working on this trail. Though we owned, preserved and cherished the land for many years, there is no acknowledgment of the Perham name in the park or on any pamphlet. I can think of no greater way of preserving her memory, than a trail dedicated to here Please seriously consider this proposal. It would mean a great deal to my family. Sally Perham Chaves Open Space - MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 28, 1994 DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Ms. Sally Perham Chaves ' 962 Scorpion Place ' Fremont, CA 94539 Dear Ms. Chaves: Thank our you for letter of September 15 proposing to construct a trail at Rancho San Antonio Y y P Open Space Preserve in memory of your aunt. The Board considered your request at its September 28 meeting. Due to the number of such requests, the Board has adopted a Site Naming and Gifts Recognition Policy (enclosed) to guide decisions in providing a means of recognition and commemoration. Your request has been referred to the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee, the Board- appointed committee which considers these items. That committee is expected to discuss your proposal at its 11:00 a.m. October 27 meeting. You are welcome to attend this meeting at the District office. In the meantime,we have directed staff to look at the Use and Management (U & M) Plan for Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve to see if there are currently any plans for additional trails or other projects that might meet your needs. The U & M Plan outlines the overall, long-term plans for a preserve, including where and when trails or other improvements will be built. Amendments to the U & M Plan may be proposed, but will not necessarily be recommended by staff or approved by the Board. While volunteer trail-building is welcomed,normally such a project would also necessitate a donation of funding from those wishing the commemoration. It is expected that information on the U & M Plan and any possible projects will be available for discussion at the October 27 committee meeting. Again,thank you for writing.'Please feel free to call Malcolm Smith of our staff if you have further questions. Sincerely, Ginny Babbitt President, Board of Directors GB/mcs cc: Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton RESPONSE ACTION PROPOSED BY STAPP r Board President Acknowledge/Respond Direct.[ Acknowledge/Respond Staff Acknowledge/Rea p, nd y 1 Draft Response Attached i Staff [0 6e Directed to Prepare Draft Response for Board Co nslderatfon pec Board Dlrecclve(a) � September 19, 1994 I No Response Necessary Board of Directors MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 I have received your September 15, 1994, reply to my letter about a possible bicycle trail on Windy Hill . I agree with your comments in general . However, the second sentence stretches your veracity. Also refer to your reply to Mr. Bruce F. Campbell as included in your agenda item WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS. I received the same letter your staff prepared, and I assume Mr. Campbell did also. I attended the meeting of September 14, 1994. All WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS were under "Consent Item" and were not "reviewed" , as your letter to me and the proposed answer to Mr. Campbell states. There was no discussion, comment, or anything that I recall during the meeting about these two letters. The only possible way board members knew about these letters was by reading them in their meeting packetg before or after the meeting. There was no public review of either of these letters . Were these "reviews" done in closed or private sessions? This matter causes me to wonder about the trustworthiness of all communications from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. 1094 Highland Circle Los Altos, CA 94024 Open Space ------------------- 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION September 29, 1994 - Mr, Harry H. Haeussler, Jr. 1094 Highland Circle Los Altos, CA 94024 Dear Harry: Thank you for your September 19, 1994 letter concerning the use of the word "review," in our responses to written communications. Board members have the opportunity to review written communications and responses proposed by staff, as well as reports and material for all agenda items, when we receive our meeting packets. Any member of the Board or the public can request that a written communication and/or its draft response bey removed from the consent calendar so that the letter or recommended changes in the response can be discussed. If not pulled from the consent calendar, written communications, as well as other agenda items on the consent calendar, are approved without discussion by one motion. I hope this clarifies the use of the word "review" in our written communication responses. Sincerely, Qinny Babbitt President, Board of Directors cc: MROSD Board of Directors. GB/JF/e* 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit * These items will be provided only if desired by the donor ** MROSD Approved Projects only -Unapproved projects are discouraged and require formal U&M amendment which will not necessarily be recommended by staff or approved by Board. III. SPECIAL RECOGNITION A. Founders Special recognition for the founders of the District, either as individuals or as a group, may be recommended by an appropriate Board committee and approved by the Board. "Founders" shall be defined as an individual or group of individuals who participated in the formation of the District, or were significant supporters of the formation of the District. A committee appointed by the Board will make any final determinations as to the inclusion of specific individuals or groups in the category "Founders." B. Significant Supporters Special recognition for individuals or groups which have provided significant or extraordinary support to the District may be recommended for approval by the Board. "Significant Supporters" is defined as individuals or a group of individuals who have shown conspicuous or noteworthy support for the District through significant, extraordinary contributions of funds, land, time, or effort to the advancement of the goals,philosophy and mission of the District. IV. RECOGNITION OF HISTORIC SITES A. A recognition monument, normally in plaque form, may be considered by the Board if it is in relation to a specific existing building or other remaining structure of significant historic value. In such cases, the plaque will be affixed or in close proximity to the structure itself. If there is no structure, then recognition may be considered for inclusion on District informational materials or trail signage. Such a site, in the absence of a building or structure, will ordinarily not be physically marked except as determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis as part of the Use and Management planning process for the corresponding open space preserve . Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-94-100 Meeting 94-25 September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Establishment ,f a Target Average 6% Growth th Guideline for District Operating Expenses 1994 ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION Approve the establishment of a target average 6% growth guideline for future operating expenses (salaries and benefits, services and supplies, and fixed assets) and direct staff to present a proposed budget for 1995-1996 that includes operating expenses at a 5%, 6%, and 7% growth rate. DISCUSSION In its March 1994 report recommending approval of the 1994-1995 fiscal year budget, the Administration and Budget Committee requested that it be charged to research the use of a formal growth cap on total expenses and its components and to return with a recommendation to the Board on future implementation (see report R-94-32 presented March 9, 1994). The committee, composed of Directors McKibbin (committee chair), Henshaw, and Siemens met on August 16, August 30, and September 14 to review the use of a formal growth guideline for operating expenses. The committee recommends that the Board approve the establishment of a target average 6% growth guideline for operating expenses. Operating expenses,include salary and benefits, services and supplies, and fixed assets. Facility costs (such as renovation of the Skyline field office or establishment of a new field office) and capital improvement projects are the only items that would be outside the growth guideline for operating expenses. The 6% target average growth for operating expenses is intended to cover any additional operating expenses tied to the acquisition of new District land. In addition to other information, the committee reviewed the attached five year operating expense history for the District's five major programs (acquisition, planning, operations, public affairs, and administration). Also reviewed was the attached status quo projected operating budget expenses for the 1995-1996. The committee feels that a relationship should be maintained between the District's growth in operating expenses and the District's tax income. Therefore, future budget deliberations should include consideration of CPI data, as well as historic tax income growth and trends. The guideline is intended to assist staff in preparing future budgets, but is not intended to be so rigid that it cannot be adjusted. The guideline is a target average; therefore, operating growth may be 5% one year and 7% the following year. :330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, California 94022-1404 * Phone: 415-691-1200 * FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Rohert M(Kihhin, Deena Henshaw,Ginny 13abbitt,Nanette Hanko, Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Prepared by: Administration and Budget Committee (Director McKibbin, Henshaw, and Siemens) J. Fiddes, Administrative Services Manager Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager FIVE YEAR BUDGET HISTORY ALL PROGRAMS SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAGE AVERAGE FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWTH GROWTH r� 2,683,976 3,313,411 3,496,839 3,789,179 3,619,138 4,074,450 z 3�� .. � ANNUAL%GROWTH 23.45% 5.54% 8.36 -4.49% 12.58% 9.09% 5.48 1,638,368 2,117,507 2,255,430 2,622,044 2,591,866 2,952,650 h h ' ANNUAL%GROWTH 29.244A 6.51% 16.25 -1.15% 13.92% 12.96% 9.67 ivv �r% #�s�<'�•`Y><�'s?�"`{r �r;tiSii`t�? <2� . '1Fp < ;; 905,768 1,064,186 1,114,864 1,052,619 938,382 1,001,600 .`:::i;:i f,.yi::,ti:''•4i:?ikti':'ti?G:ii:{{;:•ii:S:i: $}.. :•,: ANNUAL%GROWTH 17.49% 4.76 -5.58% -10.85% 6.740A 2.51 -3.23 139,840 131,718 126,545 114,516 6 88,890 120,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH -5.81 -3.93 -9.51 -22.38% 35.22 -1.28% 1.11 FACILITIES 18,394 1,974,546 350,645 619,467 372,734 124,500 667,157 576,714 5 yr.avg. 6 yr.avg ANNUAL%GROWTH 10634.73 -82.24% 76.67 -39.83 -66.600A 2104.54 -9.9 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT 1,150,132 337,495 333,162 350,119 546,076 786,000 543,397 583,831 5 yr.avg. 6 yr.avg ANNUAL%GROWTH -70. -1.28% 5.09% 55.97% 43.94 6.61 35. I ACQUISITION(INCLUDING ENTERPRISE) SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAGE AVERAGE FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWTH GROWTH }} 290,572 321,689 392,994 425,233 379,898 334,400 ANNUAL%GROWTH 10.71% 22.17° 8.20°! -10.66% -11.980A 3.69 -4.81°! AJ4 $ I+ I:T 155,682 188,984 206,434 222,115 185,679 142,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH 21.39° 9.230A 7.60% -16.40% -23.420A -0.32% -10.749A SALARIES 141,052 154,826 173,688 182,119 154,356 113,700 ANNUAL%GROWTH 9.77°! 12.18% 4.85° -15.24°! -26.340A -2.96°! -12.24 HEALTH BENEFITS 8,547 10,167 10,707 13,618 13,571 14,000 ANNUAL%GROWTH 18.95% 5.31° 27.19% -0.35% 3.16° 10.85° 10.00° It{ cft �f}� ` 131,800 129,260 186,560 199,232 194,219 190,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH -1.93° 44.33° 6.79° -2.52 -2.07% 8.92° 0.74° tire•�� �tv`,}-0,�}r'�"� rk 3,090 3,445 0 3,886 0 2,000 f ANNUAL%GROWTH 11.49° -100.00 3886.00 -100.00% 2000.00° 1139.50% 1928.67 FACILITIES 531,984 11,085 102,500 ..... ... __ FIVE YEAR BUDGET HISTOR` PLANNING SEPTEMBER 1,1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAGE AVERAGE FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWTH GROWTH 346,645 386,431 345,735 332,404 375,737 469,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH 11.48 -10.53 -3.860A 13.04% 24.87% 7.00% 11.35 t.r, 299,290 342,492 318,390 307,929 350,500 433,600 Y" ANNUAL%GROWTH 14.43 -7.04 -3.290A 13.82% 23.71% 8.33% 11.4 SALARIES 273,056 284,285 271,260 258,678 297,233 346,300 ANNUAL%GROWTH 4.11 OA -4.58 -4.640A 14.90% 16.51% 5.26% 8.92 HEALTH BENEFITS 14,420 12,515 11,687 14,850 17,638 31,100 ANNUAL%GROWTH -13.21 -6.62% 27.06% 18.77% 76.32% 20.47% 40.7 47,163 38,353 25,366 20,746 22,908 31,600 ANNUAL%GROWTH -18.68 -33.86 -18.21% 10.4 37.94 -4.480A 10.05 192 5,586 1,979 3,729 2,329 4,000 ANNUAL%GROWTH 2809.38 -64.57% 88.43 -37.54% 71.75% 573.49% 40.88 A tL1T�E 7,300 15,690 28,435 87,483 361,649 22,000 100,111 87.093 5 yr.avg. 6 yr.avg ANNUAL%GROWTH 114.930/t 81.23% 207,660A 313.39 -93.921% 124.660A 142.380% �AP A-£1M RC)VE� 1,150,132 337,495 333,162 350,119 546,076 786,000 543,397 583,831 $' 5 yr.avg. 6 yr.av ANNUAL%GROWTH -70.66 -1.28% 5.090A 55.97% 43.94% 6.61% 35.0 1,504,077 739,616 707,332 770,006 1,283,462 1,277,200 1,000,899 11046,949 5 yr.avg. 6 yr.av ANNUAL%GRO WTH -50.83 -4.36% 8.860A 66.68 -0.490A 3.97% 25.02 80,000 3,333 0 128,624 104,463 16,214 63,284 55,439 (projected) 5 yr.avg. I6 r.av Capital Improvements and Grand Total include Site Prep$from Operations budget:31,458 for 89/90;45,342 for 90/91;25,499 for 91/92 III FIVE YEAR BUDGET HISTORY OPERATIONS SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAG AVERAG FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWT GROWT 1,251,869 1,652,651 1,741,062 2,025,285 2,029,313 2,280,600 {• k\;:.vt•{;:{•'+;ist:;,:;:;''ssv;:2:s:ii";$..:61s•., ANNUAL%GROWTH 32.01°/ 5.350A 16.32% 0.20% 12.38° 13.25°I 9.64% 785,099 1,088,484 1,172,112 1,474,312 1,528,865 1,730,200 b'.:�'+�'•. dig'+',''..'•:y.�t'„`:;s.�•�:t;'•;:3;?k+'��:z;:v:'•.'.�3:�>:'s;;`.::ti'::;:,"+:::;::;i;: ANNUAL%GROWTH 38.640/c 7.680A 25.78% 3.700A 13.170A 17.80% 14.220A SALARIES 646,353 813,675 934,976 1,150,819 1,245,653 1,312,400 ANNUAL%GROWTH 25.89°/ 14.91° 23.09% 8.24°/ 5.36% 15,50% 12.23% HEALTH BENEFITS 54,949 74,028 90,731 113,775 125,249 153,636 ANNUAL%GROWTH 34.72% 22.56% 25.40% 10.08% 22.66°! 23.09°/ 19.38% ryff .rr:•xr:�}.+,3i :•'r�.•:{;}vC�fi:•:/1•.:{.�ry��:• ktrti;i: Jam::r.✓.r$:ti .{ '{'.{':iiv:.. > ._ ( t . rl ( � Vaf}ar• 363,423 446,494 453,638 457,069 419,594 454,900 :rr....:.i•.'. '• .•.v, s• svv.v \ti.%vx ANNUAL%GROWTH 22.86% 1.600A 0.76% -8.20% 8.41° 5.09% 0.32 103,347 117,673 115,312 93,904 80,854 95,500 ANNUAL%GROWTH 13.86 -2,01 -18.570/ -13.900 18.11 -0.50°/ -4.78 FIVE YEAR BUDGET HISTORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAG AVERAG FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWT GROWT W. 197,570 247,291 282 886 262,604 261,827 291,700 ANNUAL%GROWTH 25.17° 14.39% —7.17% -0.30% 11.41% 8.70% 1.31°/ :: ;•}::::.;:..�....:..... }�,.:-� '�}tiff,}';{•;:: $Ayr. .,.• .{ .....:. 75,468 97,417 99,450 99,706 113,125 123,850 ANNUAL%GROWTH 29.08% 2.09°/ 0.26% 13.46° 9.48° 10.87°/ 7.73% SALARIES 69,228 81,850 80,539 84,894 91,235 97,800 ANNUAL%GROWTH 18.23% -1.600% 5.41° 7.47% 7.20° 7.34% 6.690/ HEALTH BENEFITS 5,595 6,333 7,303 8,512 11,439 12,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH 13.19° 15.32% 16.55% 34.39° 6.65% 17.22°/ 19.20° 1j �lfis; J �} : 121,631 149,874 183,436 158,156 147,012 166,350 ANNUAL%GROWTH 23.22% 22.39 -13.78% -7.05% 13.15% 7.59 -2.56% 0 471 0 0 4,742 1,690 1,500 ANNUAL%GROWTH -100.00% 0.00 4742.00% -64.36 11.24% 913.28% 1555.4 FIVE YEAR BUDGET HISTORY ADMINISTRATION SEPTEMBER 1,1994 5 YEAR 3 YEAR ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET AVERAGE AVERAGE FISCAL YEAR 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 GROWTH GROWTH omm- 597,322 705,349 734,162 743,653 572,363 698,550 ANNUAL%GROWTH 18.09% 4.08% 1.29% -23.03% 22.05% 4.50% 0.10% BOARD APPOINTEES 149,745 158,773 167,214 166,470 86,174 140,900 ANNUAL%GROWTH 6.03% 5.32% -0.44% -48.23% 63.51% 5.23% 4.94% GM APPOINTEES 114,198 142,058 175,613 229,479 226,937 243,400 ANNUAL%GROWTH 24.40% 23.62% 30.67% -1.11% 7.25% 16.97% 12.27% SALARY INCENTIVE 8,516 14,293 16,045 14,593 16,547 21,300 ANNUAL%GROWTH 67.84% 12.26% -9.05% 13.39% 28.72% 22-63% 11.02% HEALTH BENEFITS 14,151 16,840 24,047 29,498 28,754 35,350 ANNUAL%GROWTH 19.00% 42.80% 22.67% -2.52% 22-94% 20.98% 14.36% DIRECTOR FEES 21,400 25,400 30,300 27,200 22,200 27,000 ANNUAL%GROWTH 18.69% 19.29% -10.23% -18.38% 21.62% 6.20% -2.33% 322,829 400,130 459,044 517,982 413,697 522,800 ANNUAL%GROWTH 23.94% 14.72% 12.84% -20.13% 26.37% 11.55% 6.36% 241,751 300,205 265,864 217,416 154,649 158,550 ANNUAL%GROWTH 24.18% -11.44% -18.22% -28.87% 2.52% -6.37% -14.86% 32,742 5,014 9,254 8,255 4,017 17,200 ANNUAL%GROWTH -84.69% 84.56% -10.80% -51.34% 328.18% 53.18% 88.68% FACILITIES 11,094 1,958,856 322,210 i 1 • 1�303 i t J-jlmxvi i 1-Ci'Li1 SERVICES&SUPPLIES 1 •1 i l IMF 1■ •F1 ►I i ♦ 1��1�■1�1 • • • • • 1 1�■1��■1�■11 SERVICESi SUPPLIES �F%j RIO. 1 ill 1-i '11 1-i�'1 1�1�1��■1■��1 SERVICES AND 1��11��11■ 1 • � _ � by 1 ■1 1�1■1 . . . , i : 1� 1 1.■1■ :1 i i� 1��1 SUPPLIES ► . • 1� ,• it 1■�1��1�1��1 1��1��■1 1 • • ' ' i i 1 :i •1�1 ii 1-f�Lil ♦ � w Stk 4. .. 1�■1��1�1�1 • i • • 1 1■ •• 11 1- ill ►� i • 1� 11 1 it I��ir7�1 SERVICES . . • 1 . • 1 •i l 1�®I��IF �'1 • i SUPPLIESIsis 4"Nowl 1� i I� •1 111 1 �'1 1��1�■■1 1 SERVICES i SUPPLIES • 11 ►m i ' 1� �1�1.�� 11 1 '•1 1��■1��111��1 BUDGET STATUSQUO %INCREASE 94-95 95-96 FAC L ITIE S Facilities-Enterprise $102,500 $0 -100% Facilities-Planning $22,000 $480,000 2082% TOTAL FACILITIES $124,500 $480,000 286% CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS �-$786,000 $600,000 -24% TOTAL BUDGET-OPERATING, $4,984,950 $5,257,250 5941 FACILITIES AND CAPITAL RviPROVEMENTS Open Space I R-94-97 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 94-25 September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Issuance of 1994 Notes and Approval of Underwriting Agreement i CONTROLLER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to execute the attached Underwriting Agreement with Stone & Youngberg and authorize staff to take all actions necessary to arrange the issuance of approximately $16.1 million of twenty year notes. DISCUSSION The 1994-1995 budget included the issuance, during the second half of the year, of$5 million of twenty year notes. The current land acquisition forecast indicates these funds will be needed in the January-March 1995 timeframe. In addition, in concert with investment bankers and bond counsel, we have developed a plan to refinance the remaining $5.9 million of the 1987 Notes and $4.65 million of the 1990 Notes. This refinancing would reduce debt service payments by $7.6 million between March 1995 and March 1997. Even including the debt service on the proposed $5.4 million net proceeds (i.e., new money), overall debt service obligations would be reduced by $5.3 million over the next three years. The total debt service impact is positive, on a cumulative basis, through 2006. Sources and uses for the proposed 1994 Notes are as follows: j Sources: Notes to be issued $16,100,000 Reserve funds eliminated 2,068,(�00 Total sources $18,168,000 Uses: New land acquisition funds $ 5,430,000 Refunding escrow deposits 11,080,000 New reserve funds (8%) 1,287,000 Accrued interest 100,000 Underwriter discount (1%) 161,000 Other costs of issuance 110,000 Total uses $18,168,000 Staff will also pursue bond insurance if it reduces interest savings or reserve requirements. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, California 94022-1404 * Phone: 415-691-1200 * FAX: 415-691-0485 Bwal of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert M(Kibbin, Ieen<a Henskaaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit R-94-97 Page 2 The proposed issue is consistent with current long-term cash projections (see attached) and is easily accommodated within our statutory debt limit. At the end of March 1995, the District would have outstanding bonded indebtedness of some $50.3 million compared to a debt limit of$57-59 million (depending on the rate of tax revenuegrowth). Pe g The proposed underwriter is Stone & Youngberg (S&Y). S&Y underwrites more California municipal financings than an other firm and underwrote all District issues prior to 1987. P g Y S&Y has proposed a very favorable financing structure and an underwriting fee not to exceed 1%. This compares to the 1.2% fee paid to Kidder-Peabody and Prudential-Bache on our 1993 Certificates of Participation. Attached is the proposed Underwriting Agreement from S&Y. In summary, S&Y proposes to perform the following: a. Work with District staff to structure the notes in order to obtain the most advantageous terms and conditions b. Lead development of the Official Statement C. Attempt to obtain a rating from Standard and Poors and/or bond insurance d. At the earliest date practical, submit an offer to the District to purchase the notes e. Sell the notes directly or through a syndicate formed by S&Y The proposed bond counsel is Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe. Orrick has served in this role for virtually all of the District's debt issues and staff desires to maintain this successful relationship. Summary of Proposed Transaction: 1. Amount: Approximately $16.1 million 2. Term: Twenty years, final maturity September 2014 3. Purposes: (1) Refinance remaining 1987 Notes and 31% of the 1990 Notes to achieve significant near-term cash flow savings and (2) provide $5.4 million of new land acquisition funds 4. Principal Repayment: Annually beginning September 1998, average life of 16 years 5. Interest Rate: To be priced in Mid-December. Estimated fixed interest rate yield of 6.5% 6. Interest Payments: Twice a year, in March and September 7. Reserve Fund: 8% of issue ($1.3 million) 8. Underwriter: Stone & Youngberg 9. Underwriter Fee: 0.9-1% of issue (approximately $160,000) 10. Bond Counsel: Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe 11. Closing Schedule: Early January 1995 Prepared by: Michael Foster, Controller Contact person: Same as above ' ! ! JEEM!"- I MIAL• ' ! ! • ! • • ® • • • + • s • � • � • • • • i f i i / 1 1 i i 1 i • i '• • i EC�____,__ 1 1 1 1 • • • • i . • . . I . • . . . . ' •' •'• + • 11 .• 1 1 • 1 i • 1 i • i� s 1'� • 1 1� • 1 i'�1��.3� • - . : i1 11 : 1 �-_ + • 1� 11 , it : • : ! 61 • : 1 : : : 9038 :991 • • i 11 i • 1 1108 1327 1366 1574 1710 1894 1846 1916 2000 2098 Stone & Youngberg Established 1931 INVESTMENT BANKING AGREEMENT September 21, 1994 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Re: Investment Banking Agreement for Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 1994 Financing Program Members of the Board: This letter will serve as an agreement between the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (the "District") and Stone & Youngberg (the "Underwriter") to serve as Underwriter to the District until the parties enter into an actual Purchase Contract regarding the negotiated sale of securities for the District's financing needs (the "Notes"). As Underwriter we will use our best efforts to bring the Notes to market and to obtain the lowest cost financing under then existing conditions. The Underwriter agrees to undertake for the Notes the below listed services and functions: A. Structuring and Financing 1. The Underwriter will cooperate with the District in determining the advantages and risks of various financing alternatives available to the District and the structure of a long-term plan of finance. The Underwriter will work with the District and Bond Counsel to create the most feasible and efficient structure for the marketing of the Notes. 2. The Underwriter will work with the District and Bond Counsel in recommending specific terms and conditions affecting the security of the Notes. P g t3' 3. The Underwriter will assist in the of the Official Statement on behalf of preparation the District (preliminary and final versions, respectively) for sale of the Notes. The District agrees to participate in preparation of the Official Statement by providing pertinent information to be included therein and agrees to review the Official Statement for accuracy as it relates to matters concerning the Notes, the District and the financing plan. The Official Statement will include a description of the Notes and their security and pertinent financial and economic data. The execution and delivery 50 California Street • San Francisco, California 94111 • 415/981-1314 • Fax 415/397-9592 I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District September 21, 1994 Page 2 of the Official Statement will be duly authorized by the District for use in marketing the Notes. B. Marketing the Notes: 1. At the designated time for the sale of the Notes, the Underwriter will submit an offer to the District to purchase the Notes, subject to pertinent resolutions, the Official Statement, and all other necessary documents, approvals, and proceedings governing such Notes having been determined by Bond Counsel, the District, and the Underwriter to be satisfactory in all respects for financing purposes. It is intended that, once purchased, the Notes will be re-offered to the public on the basis of an immediate "bona fide public offering". The Underwriter may form a group of investment banking firms for the purpose of underwriting and selling the Notes. 2. At least one day prior to the submission of any such formal offer to the District for the purchase of the Notes, the Underwriter will indicate to the District the interest rate or rates and public offering price of the Notes which we then estimate will be included in such offer. If, after negotiations in good faith, the District and the Underwriter fail to agree on the terms of sale of the Notes, and upon written notice to the Underwriter the District may then offer the Notes for sale to others or the District may decide not to sell the Notes under any circumstances P at the sole option of the District. 3. The fee for the Underwriter will be taken in the form of a discount purchase of the Notes and is fully contingent upon the sale of the Notes to the Underwriter. The fee will not exceed $9.00/$1,000 for an insured issue and $10.00/$1,000 for a rated issue. These not to exceed fees include: management, expenses, underwriting, and average sales credit. C. General Provisions Relating to the District and the Underwriter: 1. The District agrees to make available to the Underwriter without cost, sufficient copies of any applicable reports, agreements, contracts, resolutions, the Official Statement and other relevant documents pertaining to the financing plan, the District or the Notes as reasonably may be required from time to time for the prompt and efficient performance by the Underwriter of its obligations hereunder. 2. The Underwriter will pay its own out-of-pocket, travel and other expenses, assignment of CUSIPs, and any advertising expenses in connection with the public offering of the Notes. 3. The District will pay from the proceeds of the Notes the cost of printing the Official Statement (preliminary and final versions), the fees and expenses of its legal counsel, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District September 21, 1994 Page 3 Bond Counsel, Trustee, rating services, insurance companies and of any other experts or consultants retained by the District in connection with the financing. 4. It is expressly understood and agreed and the District hereby recognizes that in performing its activities the Underwriter is acting solely on its own behalf and plans to submit to the District a proposal to purchase the Notes for resale. Nothing herein will be construed to make the Underwriter an employee or financial, fiscal or other advisor of the District, or to establish any fiduciary relationship between the District and the Underwriter. It is understood and agreed that the District will not be required to compensate the Underwriter for services provided to the District under this agreement except as provided in Section B herein. 5. The District may terminate this agreement without liability on written notice to the Underwriter if the Underwriter fails to adequately perform the services outlined herein as determined by the General Manager. If this agreement is not terminated, it will extend to the date of sale of the Notes. 6. Upon termination of this agreement, the District will be under no further obligation to the Underwriter hereunder. Upon your acceptance set forth below,this letter will constitute an agreement between the District and the undersigned. Very truly yours, STONE & YOUNGBERG Partner Accepted this day of , 1994 By: Title WTL:crq [SF942590.0051 Open Spam MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-94-96 Meeting 94-25 September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Ward 5 Unopposed Candidate (Nonette Hanko) GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached resolution appointing unopposed Ward 5 candida a Nonette Hanko to a four-year term as the director of Ward 5. The term will begin in January. Discussion: Section 5532(e) of the District's enabling legislation states in part that the Board of Directors, at a regular or special meeting held prior to the last Monday before the last Friday in November in which an election is held, shall appoint unopposed candidates who have been nominated. Section 5532(e) specifies that the Board of Directors shall make the appointment and that the person appointed shall qualify and take office and serve exactly as if elected for the office. Nonette Hanko of Palo Alto is the unopposed candidate nominated for the position of Director in Ward 5. At your August 16, 1994 special meeting, you adopted Resolution 94-30 opting not to list any unopposed candidates on the November 8, 1994 ballot. In accordance with other provisions of section 5532, certificates of election shall be issued and the oath of office shall be administered. Prepared by: Jean Fiddes, District Clerk Contact person: Same as above 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPOINTING DIRECTOR - WARD 5 OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT WHEREAS, an election for the office of Director - Ward 5 of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was scheduled to be held on November 8, 1994; and WHEREAS, at five o'clock p.m. on the 83rd day prior to the date of said election only one person had been nominated for the position to be filled at that election and a petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the voters or fifty voters, whichever is the smaller number, in Ward 5 of the District, had not been presented to the District Clerk requesting that an election be held; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5532(e) of the Public Resources Code, the Board.of Directors, at a regular or special meeting held prior to the last Monday before the last Friday in November in which the election is held, shall appoint to the office the person who has been nominated, and; WHEREAS, Nonette G. Hanko was unopposed as a candidate for Director - Ward 5; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District that, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5532 of the Public Resources Code, Nonette G. Hanko is appointed Director - Ward 5 of said District, is duly qualified for the office of Director - Ward 5 of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and shall take office and serve exactly as if elected at the November 8, 1994 general district election for said office. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District this 28th day of September, 1994 by the following.vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ATTEST: Virginia Babbitt, President Ernestine U. Henshaw, Secretary Board of Directors Board of Directors Jean H. Fiddes, District Clerk i Open Space 1 R-94-99 Meeting 94-25 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Improvement of the David C. Daniels Nature Center at S rie Riige Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS \\ 1. Authorize expenditure of the $26,000 budgeted in fiscal year 1994-9 or the Phase I improvements to the David C. Daniels Nature Center. 2. Authorize staff to proceed with installing insulation and finishing work on the ceiling. DISCUSSION At your May 11, 1994, meeting, you approved the conceptual exhibit plan and operational alternatives for the David C. Daniels Nature Center, authorized staff to proceed with design of the Phase I improvements, authorized submittal of an application for the Environmental Education Grant Program for implementation of Phase I of the exhibit plan, and authorized staff to proceed with development of the utilities and support system for the nature center. Phase I Improvements The Phase I improvements consist of the Alpine Pond community mural, pond strata mobiles, a lab station and library, and window shades that serve as field guides to the local flora and fauna. The Phase I improvements will also include a description and history of the District and explain Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and its involvement in the preserve and nature center. Following the May meeting, staff hired consultant Jana Sokale to proceed with design of the Phase I improvements. Several meetings between the consultant and staff have occurred. The Phase I design is scheduled to be complete by mid-November. Utilities and Support System Improvements Staff has also worked with Pacific Gas and Electric, Pacific Bell, and field staff to connect utility lines to the nature center. The work is scheduled for late September or early October. Ultraviolet window film, window blinds, lighting, and a heating system are being researched and purchased. Extension of the deck to the rear of the building will occur this fall or winter. The ceiling is still unfinished. The ceiling is open beam with construction grade materials. There is no insulation and the sprinkler system is visible. In order to make the building energy efficient, insulation should be installed and the ceiling stained a darker color. Funding for this work was not specifically included in the budget for the support system improvements. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 • Phone: 415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton R-94-99 Page 2 However, the cost of the utility undergrounding is less than originally anticipated. If authorized, this work can be completed within the allotted budget for the support system improvements. I Funding Sources In late July, staff received notice that the District's application to the Environmental Education Grant program has been denied. The state grant application was for $15,000 and the District would have been responsible for the remainder of the funding. The grant review committee cited an incomplete environmental education program plan as the primary reason for rejection of the grant application. The District can resubmit the application next year as no other grant sources are known for this type of project. District staff has discussed the possibility of obtaining assistance from POST for all or a portion of this project. POST staff has expressed a commitment to the project, but noted that they have already invested more money in this project than originally anticipated. The Daniels family has expressed an interest in providing additional funding toward the development of the nature center. In particular, they are interested in donating money to develop an exterior display for the rear of the nature center. This display would supplement the interior displays and would also provide visitors with information about the preserve and surrounding area when the center is closed. The exterior display would best be constructed following completion of the Phase I improvements. Project Cost and Funding Alternatives The cost of constructing Phase I improvements is estimated to be between $36,815 and $43,590. There is $26,000 budgeted for interior improvements for the center in the fiscal year 1994-1995 budget. A portion of this budgeted amount was intended to be used as the match for the grant funding if the grant application was successful. Following notification that the District's grant application was denied, staff began to investigate alternatives to completing the Phase I improvements. Some of the improvements, including the utility installation and construction of the lab station, can be completed by field staff. A priority listing of the Phase I improvements was also formulated. The lab station, library, and community mural were identified as the highest priority improvements, followed by the pond strata mobiles and field guide shades. While no other grant sources are known, staff believes I improvements now in order to develop a m construct some of the Phase it is important to co stru , P Po program using the center and thus improve our chances of receiving future grant funds. With the in-house efforts of the field staff, most of the Phase I improvements can be completed with the budgeted funding. Staff will implement the Phase I improvements according to the priority list indicated above. If all Phase I improvements cannot be completed, those remaining can be included in a grant application for funding next year. R-94-99 Page 3 Public Use Staff is continuing to work on an environmental education plan for the District. The development of a program at the nature center will become an integral part of the plan. Staff envisions that the nature center program will include interpretation for school groups and will require additional volunteer recruitment and specialized training for docents. Completion of an education plan for the center will enhance our chances for a successful grant application next Year In the interim, staff is developing several temporary displays and teaching stations that can be used in conjunction with docent-led activities now occurring at the nature center. Approximately J g PP Y one docent activity per month is scheduled for the winter season at the nature center. Beginning this spring, staff hopes to encourage docents to staff the center on a more regular basis. Recruitment and training for nature center docents will occur next fall, possibly sooner if you authorize proceeding with the Phase I exhibits. Following completion of the training, the program would be expanded to reach schools and other groups, as well as provide regular weekend activities for the public. In addition, the center is used occasionally for special events. A District tour for government officials from San Mateo County will visit the nature center on October 1, 1994. A brochure (see attached) describing the plans for the nature center has been developed and will be available at the center. The brochure gives interested visitors an opportunity to help with the fundraising for the center. Prepared by: Mary Gundert, Open Space Planner Contact person: Same as above i Open Spam 1 R-94-98 Meeting 94-25 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Amendment to the Use and Management Plans for Monte lo, Long Ridge and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves and Authorization to Solicit ids for Removal of Structures GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Tentatively adopt the amendment to the Use and Management Plan for Monte Bello Open Space Preserve to demolish the remaining structures on Black Mountain. 2. Tentatively adopt the amendment to the Use and Management Plan for Long Ridge Open Space Preserve to demolish the structure on the former Mud property. 3. Tentatively adopt the amendment to the Use and Management Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to demolish the structure located on the former Fletcher property. 4. Authorize staff to solicit bids to remove the structures on Black Mountain, the former Mud property and the former Fletcher property. DISCUSSION Monte Bello Open Space Preserve - Black Mountain Structures After a long association with the District, the Lindh family recently vacated the cabin on Black Mountain. The Lindh's caretaker lease on Black Mountain dates back to when the District first purchased the property in 1979. Their most recent home is adjacent to the District's Black Mountain backpack camp. The Lindhs helped District staff by acting informally as caretakers for the District camp and as,additional `eyes and ears' on the mountain for the field staff. The cabin and barn are beyond repair. Dry rot is evident in numerous places on the structure. In addition, the septic system failed several years ago. The Lindh's had been using a composting toilet since that time. Their greywater flushed out onto the ground. Other repairs which would be necessary to bring the structure up to comply with the current building code do not warrant keeping the structure. With the Lindh's gone, emergency communication from the backpack camp became a concern. A new pay telephone was recently installed at the backpack camp for emergency use. Long Ridge Open Space Preserve - (former Mud Cabin) This cabin is currently vacant. It is approximately 800 square feet in size and has several significant limitations as a rental residence for the District. In addition, the rental income which 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 IS Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton i R-94-98 Page 2 could be expected from this structure due to its remote nature and size is quite modest when stacked against the costs necessary to bring the structure to a habitable level. The water system is currently broken and disconnected from the house. The surface-fed system is untreated and at a minimum would need to be rebuilt and a new pump purchased. There is no power to run the system and a new generator would be needed to supply power to the water system and the structure. The septic leach field location is unknown. However, the home sits in a narrow valley within thirty feet of a small creek. The terrain slopes down into the creek. Given that the creek is the water source for the home, there is considerable potential for the water source to become contaminated. Additional repairs necessary to make the property habitable include roof repairs, wiring repairs, and repairs to the sinks. Staff tried to rent this structure when the former tenants vacated and there was little or no interest. Recently a prospective tenant has come forward, however after reexamination of the house and surroundings, staff has decided to recommend demolition. i La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve - (former Fletcher duplex) This duplex is vacant. A home inspection service was contracted in February to prepare a report regarding the condition of the structure. They strongly recommended demolition. The structure is situated on a very steep hillside directly below Highway 84. Every aspect of this structure was deemed substandard by the inspectors and the site has since been vacated and closed. Photo slides of all three structures will be available for viewing at your September 28 meeting. Budget $35,000 is included in the 1994-1995 fiscal year budget for site preparation expenses. This amount is not expected to be sufficient to cover the cost of all three demolition projects; however, other budgeted capital improvement projects (e.g. the undergrounding of utilities at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve) cannot be completed this year. Thus, there are funds available to complete the demolitions without increasing the capital improvements budget. Due to the potential for vandalism and the attractive nuisance vacant homes provide, staff would like to proceed immediately with the demolition of these structures. Staff will solicit bids for the demolitions upon your approval and will return to you for authorization to enter into contract once the bids are received and analyzed. Prepared by: Mary Gundert, Open Space Planner Contact person: Same as above i Open Spacc 1 LY 1� MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-94-95 Meeting 94-25 September 28, 1994 AGENDA ITEM Habitat Conservation Fund Application for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT ON Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District approving the application to the Habitat Conservation Fund Program for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. DISCUSSION The Habitat Conservation Fund The California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Mountain Lion Initiative) established the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF). The-HCF provides $2 million annually from July 1, 1990, to July 1, 2020, to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Local Agency Grants Programs. This program awards 50% matching grants to local agencies to acquire, restore or enhance wildlife habitat or provide trails and programs that bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas. HCF funds are available for projects in six categories. Four of the six categories are funded each year on a rotational basis. The four categories eligible for funding in fiscal year 1995/1996 include: 1) deer/lion habitat; 2) habitat for rare, endangered, threatened or fully protected species; 3) wetland habitat; and 4) riparian habitat. The application deadline for this funding cycle is October 3, 1994. Since funds are divided equally between the project categories, each category will be allocated $500,000. The project must start within three years of the date the grant funds are appropriated in the state budget. All agencies that manage lands acquired with HCF funds are required to prepare, with full public participation, a management plan for lands that have been acquired. The plan shall reasonably reduce possible conflicts with neighboring land use and land owners, including agriculturalists. The plan shall also comply with the Environmental Quality Act. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-94-95 Page 2 Previous Grant Funding The District has already been awarded two Habitat Conservation Fund grants. They include $1,000,000 for the Jacques Ridge Corridor Acquisition (1992/1993), and $325,000 for the Devil's Canyon Acquisition (1993/1994). We have not yet completed either of these acquisitions, although we expect to acquire both properties before the end of this calendar year. The District also recently received a $340,000 matching grant from the California Transportation Commission under the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. This grant includes acquisition of two parcels totalling 131 acres: the 63-acre former Liles parcel on Soda Springs Creek, and the 68-acre Hogan parcel in neighboring Limekiln Canyon. The project also includes construction of a small staging area in Limekiln Canyon to provide access to the extensive Sierra Azul trail network from the west. Project Description The District proposes to apply to the Habitat Conservation Fund Program in the deer/lion habitat category. We would be requesting a $212,000 grant to help acquire two parcels totalling approximately 77 acres of land: the 32-acre Kirschbaum parcel and the 45-acre Zelhart parcel. Both parcels adjoin Soda Springs Creek, located east of Lexington Reservoir in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant application (described above) originally included the Kirschbaum and Zelhart parcels, but they were deleted from the project because of a reduction in the grant award from the original request. Soda Springs Creek is a cool, year-round stream that supports a breeding population of rainbow trout. Overhead is a well developed riparian corridor, thick with sycamore, alder, oak, bay and willow. The creek forms the center of a continuous wildlife corridor down the west side of the Sierra Azul range. It connects the 6,303-acre Mt. Umunhurn Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve with Lexington Reservoir County Park. The project area is outstanding deer and mountain lion habitat. It supports diverse plant communities including mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and riparian forest. Deer and other wildlife are abundant. Our staff found mountain lion tracks along Wood Road, the access road to these properties, during investigations for this project. A District ranger saw a mountain lion on Weaver Road, about a mile above the project area, on September 18, 1994. A local resident reported five mountain lion sightings this year within about two miles of the properties. Properties in this area are being divided and sold for residential development. There is already an older house on the Kirshbaum property. Building additional houses here would severely impact a large block of wilderness. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon. They will also help preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE LOCAL AGENCY GRANT PROGRAM - FISCAL YEAR 1995-1996 UNDER THE HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT OF 1990 FOR THE SODA SPRINGS CORRIDOR ACQUISITION PROJECT WHEREAS, the people of the State of California have enacted the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, which provides funds to the State of California for grants to local agencies to acquire and/or develop facilities for public recreational and fish and wildlife habitat protection purposes; and WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of a portion of the program within the State, setting up necessary procedures governing application by local agencies under the program; and WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and Recreation require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of application(s) before submission of said application(s) to the State; and WHEREAS, said application(s) contain assurances that the applicant must comply with; and WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California for acquisition or development of the project(s); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors hereby: 1. Approves the filing of an application for the Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program under the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 State grant assistance for the above project; and 2. Certifies that said applicant understands the assurances and certification in the application form; and 3. Certifies that said applicant has or will have available prior to commencement of any work on the project included in this application, the required match; and will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project; and 4. Appoints the General Manager as agent of the District to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project. 6°Allr- LEGEND � LOS GATOS : . KENNEDY ROAD l(� �; aai i' ( `. %� PROPOSED CREEK TRAIL - f --\. .-t __ •� �� n- `� :� -.\\.,�� ��� h11 I\ \'JG�__JI-.J;__- rl -✓1 l�/r�fa �1- r�I. ACQUISITIONS .�r 1 {1 "'//.r-�'.,�!-�`-'�,.,��g� �7-• 1Jf `�`r�""'' /°° a`�% �� "�f; .�;' >` ' a� i j� r'"`\A: •'� EXISTINGI,n MROSD LAND ST. JOSEPH S HILL OPEN SPACE PRESERV �� � � r� . J _ r 1�1 EXISTING ) CO. PARK LANDS J��rl�,•I�! � � U ' (� �� �/°�//F��3� i� r +1�'t`�"✓*y�-r,�`�r � ,� i t:.�I^ 16 EXISTING — /' �4 r�- fir' S f ��: V . �� �*T �;:: ACCESS ROADS l / r:- y PI �� �so � `� a d .� 1W p� v, ei//J _ _ ��' a�./ /ll r. �/( {� � �.'��&m � �:i ,sy �°�• Jr f. .� 0. �. EXISTING TRAILS `Fo ri 1 �.� ` s1`1 `/ / /!I /��� ���/ I 8` I� as •I K o: I ,' /_4 (`I I\ ��f� r �� (1 ��u [—.�-. �. � �( �/ !' ',�'�3, `'J•, (� a` r/r�`>,000 , ' ��rl ll� / � ��O� a � may-• �� �9' :� . wy ,Pi' '� �� �� �,li�n1�` : J,�-6��r � �r irC }� �1,� (( V PARKING ?r/�s; ->�J��� SPACES ( ) © i'• ' Li �Zr'/ t �ia6 f' •t -e��� � r - _ ry ,,, '� 1 /� i EXI T •P e :- t Y e, �t w., .. �, �', .. 17 J AVI '.�--/J I] a.,c�w,,r e.e Ir'� (� h`'✓����'_\' "�Pd� ` ,r'C �hd ar a a �i fq �C.�. `rl i �I 1 ��� � ���91�`�$7•�`�''� II I ✓%�_�ii I��1 KIRSCHBAUM -31 �`' fl ! try ,Il `:.EXISTING x II .3� I / Y, � 6 Y Y�.'. F11 34 - ,��g i.••.r;a'°a •�.y �, t � Btk SIERRA AZUL Br179 i (� ,� y I� r� ��%=� `tea k = - OPEN SPACE PRESERVE' z , /S iYOn C,-��`. _ '� 49 . -�1 :i �' _ + y� ?Y �7� /( _../\• _j ZELHART ' " Y,. 1� xtr- a• , l_ `+••'� Cqam. I` �i•s� ��f'J �� 4 /."r Q`a�. • I ��-z,.,;,.itrg,. - r, k .* °f �` �- "' i - ma��P 1c WlN� C. • ,�,OMI 1,��.� Alma£' j. '\ ��+' .\ f �,����'�•.•.. '�'�M' q r, L`-'\S. ti `: y j,� ft� I• n �,K�^ :Contra 'I $.Z�, �;' i..-..• r;:p'z ,tr;J+ , - �a s rp� '� , ��4.. l'„I I\i.I• :_ - ---�.i S { ,/ p110 •.�h, ,`- l y'.4+,. •� J '`✓ J�\ 1� ►. r : 0 Y s LEXINGTON I r �° - �' ., �, < -. J �� ,^�.,�t a.4^$Ek`-'�Y. ���� `�/JJJ_���•� � �:+ � "ti�-< b 1 oq,�� �ir��_� RESERVOIR COUNTY ARK P t' t_ •c� v , ��i (( �,, r '' F, wo, ^,. a. -'.¢•�e. ', 4t r ty- /, "\ r �i .. - �� [T" r. rr �1lnntezuu,a, �+,I :1 �• Z_".��•. � -` L _ ^. W, r S,•hni,l f �• .. ". �. \�_,c. . — �+ `�� zae3�: � I �'�+� HIGHWAY 173\. r ✓ .-. �� i w�_�f b•NS � �f �.. � �; � �� -/ t 1. �w _ SODA SPRINGS ROAD 310 goo° � � �� t--•°, , � (f��. SODA SPRINGS CORRIDOR AC QUISITION CQUISITION PROJECT I'.'I�•/�i•y ! C.tl PrI oiectA Location 3 Mar) 9�� 1 " _- re�rr'`-�,_t1,1�r�r�lw/� JJ 1 , it)l�( l "���I 1"I1�ti`(�l•�(���r. ;11I���.r�l 1.1ra x1p'''Sep 1;[1�(•9�__9r��( .x4 P , lV 1 Open .Space I MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: September 23, 1994 SUBJECT: FYI I I I -I A 1 110 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton h 0 Ao 0 0 TAANK You S by q�ko Open SpaeE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 21, 1994 AudreyC. C Rust Peninsula Open Space Trust 3000 Sand Hill Road, #4-135 Menlo Park, CA 94025 RE: Easement Monitoring Program Dear Audrey: The District is in the process of compiling and organizing baseline data for a number of conservation easements that we own. Since POST already has in,,place a volunteer-staffed Easement Monitoring Program, I'm writing to ask if you would assume responsibility for the annual monitoring of our easements as well. To date, three easements that should be monitored annually have been documented. (Two of these are very'straightforward open land, and the third, at jikoji, is only a bit more involved.). Others will be added to the program as time permits. If you are willing to undertake this responsibility for the District, I'll ask Bucky to deliver a set of baseline data to your office. erely, rai Britton g General Manager II 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Eugene D. Gutt 1013 Russell Avenue Log Altos, CA 94024-5064 415.967.7031;fax 415.988.0396 August 23, 1994 j3 Mi. L. Craig Britton General Manager Midpenin3ula Regional Open Space District 330 Di9tel Circle Teh 415.691.1200 Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Fax:415.691.0485 Deaf Mr. L. Craig Britton, Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to writing about the use of the trails. You and the Board of Directors are to be commended on your efforts to provide go many trails for horse riding, hiking and mountain biking. You have a difficult task. Not to overdo my applause but I want to tell you how much I enjoy Stevens Creek Reservoir Park and the Fremant)lDldef Open Space Preserve-and the satisfaction received from its trails. The persons(s)preparing these materials should be recognized for the professional job they have done. It is apparent in my use of the open space that considerable moneys are being spent to ensure that the trails are well maintained,managed and administered. Thank you. The two most important points in all the information provided are: 1.Promote safe and enjoyable experiences for all those that use District lands. 2. Alarming increase in trail use conflicts. Horses, hikers and mountain bike riders are on a collision course- While they use this en-'eiroament in the same-way the numbers are increasing. Mountain Bike Riders especially have been increasing as a part of those using the trails over the past few years. The effort to administer use of the trails by hikers and horse riders is minimal Wbat rules are enforced by Rangers for hikers and/or horse riders? What number of documented warnings or violations are there for each class of open space userse And, let's count the number of signs that monitor all classes of trail users.? My primary reason for riding a mountain bike is to stay in good physical condition. Mountain bike riding is the most demanding and time effective physical conditioning that I have experienced and prepares me to be competitive in ocean sporting and wilderness events. However, I have experience with riding and maintaining horses. I grew up an farm that had many different kinds of animals including as many as seven horses. I rode ponies from 7 to 11 years of age and thoroughbred horsesthereafter. (I see children under hLelve-my guess is as young as eight-riding horses on these trails.) This experience has also made me familiar with persons who ride horses. My grandfather(it wag his farm) taught me that a horse in as smart and experienced as the rider. If the horse was smart he wouldn't be ridden. Horses doe t have riots, people do. When a rider doesn't have experience the horse doesn't either and the horse does what comes naturally which is not always in the best interest of people. People are riding horses that should not be riding horses. The dollar is more important than the safety required. Following are a number of situations which I have personally experienced that are representative of the attitude and behavior of horse riders and mountain bike riders. The horse riders,in my opinion,are of the mind that the trails are for their exclusive use. How can the stables whose rented or boarded horses use the trails without regulation, insurance and accountability? How can a business use community property without paying the community for the use of the propelly? The liability of the horse riders while in the open space is a a potential liability to the taxpayers. Is the general liability policy of the 0 arrod stables and others who use the park for horse back riding specify that the open space is an added insured? The open space is maintaining trails for a business that does not pay opnqpc-Doc 09/1 4N 4 09:29 PM for the maintenance of the traits. Is this last sentence line. How can a business be run on community property with the business owner responsible for profits and not liability. The stable personnel when they feel it is required take pesaons who need direction to the top of the trail and let them loose- I have personally observed this routine. The rule for the horse riders is no cantering. Young adult riders canter and gallop and must do so in order to get to the lop of the UAU lookout points that they Prefer to go to in order to enjoy the view. I have been at the lop of these locations and taken their pictures with their cameras and enjoyed conversation about their riding experiences and habits. Horse riders should be wearing helmets. This requirement would make them aware of the potential risks and promote safety. They can go as fast as 2 bike and fall from a higher height than a bike rider. Many times I see horse saddles that are too loose and the riders are leaning way over to get the saddle to straighten out. That they don't know what to do to resolve the problem is evidence of their inexperience. The horse is a factor that presents an element of risk. Just last week I was on a Class C trail(on the side of a hill-high cliff a-ad sleep drop below the trail) and there were two horns ahead of me(about 50)and I was told not to ride on the trail became one of the horses(the last hom)had a tendency to kk:k What is a hone like this doing on a trail that is very dangerous for anyone in either direction to pass? V&o are these persons That are faking over particular trails for their exclusive use? They in of the opinion that the trails are for their use primarily. This attitude is prevalent by the very experienced riders. They consider themselves to be special and of a class that is better than others. The nude rider(a woman he called by the name of Linda was riding the horse that kiclsed)told her to go ahead and he canm 211 the way from S* away from me back to me and shack his horse's head in nxy face and screamed at me that I should pass. I told him I didd t want to pass and never did. He turned the horse around with the horse standing on the back feet only and turning at the same time. The horse was losing ground to the cliff side of the hill and there %vas moment when I thought the horse and rider weir.going to go over the edge. I never saw them again. Young children are on horses that have never ridden before and being guided by parents who themselves are not experienced horse,riders presents a level of risk that places the mountain bike rider in jeopardy. If there were to be an incident it is my opinion that the mountain bike rider would be suspect before the facts were collected. I haver:come to notice during this time of your of many snake trails in the dust. If a horse comes across one of lbe9p,what do you think can happen to an experienced let alone an inexperienced rider? That it hasn't happened yet is no guarantee that it can't of won't. I have had horse riders tell me that I should vowr a bell around my neck to let them know I am coming. When I have rung the bell on my bike I have been screamed at that I am scaring the horse. I haw been told to get off my bike and let them pass. I have been told to take another trail at go back the "my I came. I have been told that one of the riders is inexperienced and I should go another way. The.hikers are at risk and present a danger to horse and bike riders. They wall abreast on the trail and don't know where to go when a horse or a bike rider comes along. When I ring the bell on my bike hikers split to both sides of the trail instead of going to only one side- The children become confused and try to run back to the other side to be together with the other parent and this creates confusion and risk. Maybe a sign telling persons to stay to one side of the trail would help. When I have ridden by a family (more than once)the child has decided to fun back to the other parent(at the last minute)and the parent considers me to be endangering the childichildren. When there is a dog involved it is even more dangerous The does leash becomes another hazard as it is another obstacle in the trail. People don't' know to bring the dog close to them but let the leash run out. Dogs are usually on a leash going up the trail but not on the way down. The most immediate comments that I have is to provide more signs about wearing helmets and the associated fines($72.00)telling people how much the fine is the same as the commute lane does or freeways. Tle OpnSpc.DDc 09/14X4 09:29 PM speed limit is difficult. Until speedometers are installed on bikes it will be difficult to keep riders at the speed limit Thank you for your efforts and the time you and the board have taken to solicit and and act on the inputs fxom citizens interested in the open spaces. Please circulate as you deem appropriate the distribution of this letter. Sincerely, Eugene D. Gutt cc: Mr. Berry Stevens(ROBO) C)pnSpc.Doc 09 A 4/04 N:29 PM Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 16, 1994 Eugene D. Gutt 1013 Russell Avenue Los Altos, CA 94024 Dear Mr. Gutt: Thank you for your August 23, 1994 letter regarding trail use. I am pleased to hear that you find the District's trails well-maintained and managed. A copy of our land use regulations is enclosed for your information. Rangers enforce all District regulations. Last year, they issued approximately 1,000 citations. Nearly 80% of these, in ranked order, were related to after-hours use, parking, bicycles, and dogs. Fines for violations vary in each court jurisdiction, so it would be difficult to post signs that inform people of the fine for violating the helmet law. Very few of the accidents occurring on district trails involve equestrians. In 1993, 62% of trail accidents involved bicyclists, 29'% involved hikers or runners, and 5% were horse related. Families with children have a right to use the trails for all legal uses. The skills of young equestrians, as well as other types of trail users, will improve as they become more experienced. Being considerate is the key to sharing the trails for all preserve visitors. The District is accommodating a variety of trail users, including hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians. We are concerned about the safety of all preserve visitors, and are trying to reduce conflicts on District trails. Volunteers and staff are distributing a trail etiquette brochure, we have established a 15 MPH speed limit on trails, rangers are patrolling on bicycles, and we have an active volunteer trail.patrol program. Our . rangers have spent hundreds of hours using radar to educate trail users throughout the District. As part of our 1994-1995 action plan, we are developing policies for commercial use of District land. Staff plans to present the proposed policies to the Board of Directors for adoption during the first quarter of next year. If you are interested in upcoming agenda items, please call the District office about subscribing to our agendas. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin.Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit We believe that multiple-use trails can work. As trail users become better informed, we expect to see a reduction in trail conflicts in the future. I appreciate your concern about trail safety, which is also our primary concern. Thank you for taking the time to write. I hope you will continue to support District open space programs. S cere , L. Craig Britton General Manager _ LCB/CRB/cb Enclosure Open Spact September 15, 1994 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Honorable Tom Campbell California State Senator 373 1st Street, #100 Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Senator Campbell: With the legislature in recess, I thought now might be a good time to invite you for a hike on some of our beautiful open space lands,permanently protected by the voters of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. A short hike (or longer, if you'd like)at the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve above Los Altos would illustrate the great diversity of District lands, the high level of public usage, and the contributions the District makes to maintaining and improving the quality of life for the region's inhabitants. I'd like to suggest any Saturday or Sunday in October as possible dates for this hike,which could be as short as an hour. Of course, your wife and/or other guests would be most welcome to join us. We'll call your local office within the next week to see if a convenient date can be scheduled for this hike. In the meantime,please feel free to contact me or our general manager, Craig Britton, if we can provide any additional information about the District. Sincerely, 2,4 ' Betsy Crowder Director, Ward 6 BClmcs cc: Board of Directors clamaVroarNettmt413camp.&c + 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Open Space MIDPENINSUTA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: September 28, 1994 SUBJECT: FYI 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera(Manager:L.Craig Britton I Letter sent t;.. . Jackie Speier, Dom Cortese, Byron Sher, Charles Quackenbush, Al Alquist, Henry Mello, Preston Kelley, Zoe Lofqren, Alan La Fleur, David Knapp, Barbara Rice, Tom French September 26, 1994 (Name) (Address) (City, State,ZIP) Dear(Name): The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has applied for a Habitat Conservation Fund(HCF)grant for its Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition project.This grant is being sought in the HCF's deer/lion habitat category,and I'd like to ask for your help in ensuring that the funding is made available.For your information,a project description is attached. The acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District and were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission.They were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount.You may recall that you provided a letter of support for the original grant application to the CTC(letter attached).The current grant application will, if successful,provide for the two acquisitions to complete that originally-proposed project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon,and will also preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. With your assistance,this project will have a greater likelihood of being funded. It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you could again provide a letter of support. Please write or fax a letter to the California Department of Parks and Recreation endorsing award of this grant to the District, so that they are apprised of the strong regional support for this project.Attached is a sample letter of support you may wish to use as a guide in preparing your letter. It would be most helpful if your letter was received by the Department by October 3. We would also appreciate it if you provided our office with a copy. If you are able to assist the District,please address your letter to: Ms. Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation,Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St., Rm. 1448-1, P.O.Box 942896 Sacramento,CA 94296-0001 fax(916)653-9824 Thank you for your continuing support of the District and ii!�regional open space and recreation programs. Sincerely, Ginny Babbitt President,Board of Directors GB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Letter sent t John Vasconcellos, Tom Campbell, Dan McCorquodale, Rod Diridon, Dianne McKenna, Ted Lemper� Mike Nevin, Mary Griffin, Ruben Barrles, Tom Huening September 26, 1994 (Name) (Address) (City, State,ZIP) Dear(Name): The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has applied for a Habitat Conservation Fund(HCF)grant for its Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition project. This grant is being sought in the HCF's deer/lion habitat category,and I'd like to ask for your help in ensuring that the funding is made available. For your information,a project description is attached. The acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District and were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission. They were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount.The current grant application will, if successful,provide for the two acquisitions to complete that originally-proposed project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon,and will also preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. With your assistance,this project will have a greater likelihood of being funded. It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you could provide a letter of support. Please write or fax a letter to the California Department of Parks and Recreation endorsing award of this grant to the District, so that they are apprised of the strong regional support for this project.Attached is a sample letter of support that you may wish to use as a guide in preparing your letter. It would be most helpful if your letter was received by the Department By October 3. We would also appreciate it if you provided our office with a copy.If you are able to assist the District,please address your letter to: Ms. Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation, Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St.,Rm. 1448-1,P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento,CA 94296-0001 fax(916)653-9824 Thank you for your continuing support of the District and it's regional open space and recreation programs. Sincerely, Ginny Babbitt President,Board of Directors GB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Habitat Conservation Fund Applications for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project Project Description The District proposes to apply to the Habitat Conservation Fund Program in the deer/lion habitat category. We would be requesting a $212,000 grant to help acquire two parcels totalling approximately 77 acres of land: the 32-acre Kirschbaum parcel and the 45-acre Zelhart parcel. Both parcels adjoin Soda Springs Creek, located east of Lexington Reservoir in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant application (described above) originally included the Kirschbaum and Zelhart parcels, but they were deleted from the project because of a reduction in the grant award from the original request. Soda Springs Creek is a cool, year-round stream that supports a breeding population of rainbow trout. Overhead is a well developed riparian corridor, thick with sycamore, alder, 'oak, bay and willow,. The creek forms the center of a ' continuous wildlife corridor down the west side of the Sierra Azul range. It connects the 6,303-acre Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve with Lexington Reservoir County Park. The project area is outstanding deer and mountain lion habitat. It supports diverse plant communities including mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and riparian forest. Deer and other wildlife are abundant. Our staff found mountain lion tracks along Wood Road, the access road to these properties, during investigations for this project. A District ranger saw a mountain lion on Weaver Road, about a mile above the project area, on September 18, 1994. A local resident reported five mountain lion sightings this year within about two miles of the properties. Properties in this area are being divided and sold for residential development. There is already an older house on the Kirshbaum property. Building additional houses here would severely impact a large block of wilderness. The, proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon. They will also help preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. � I 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 l#? Board of Directors:Pete siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit L SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT October 3, 1994 Ms. Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St., Rm. 1448-1 P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 RE: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project Grant Dear Ms. Ettinger: I would like to express my strong support for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Habitat Conservation Fund grant application for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon, and will also preserve an uninterrupted wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. There is widespread public support for this project,and the acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District. In fact,they were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission, and although the grant application was successful,these acquisitions were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount. I urge you to ensure that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District receive funding for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. Sincerely, our name) ) cc: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District . , t ----Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 23, 1994 Mr. Robert Dwyer 14850 Farwell Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Mr. Dwyer: Thank you for providing a copy of your recent letter to the San Francisco Chronicle regarding mountain lions. I appreciate your interest in the District, and your concern that the District Board of Directors are made aware of this issue. One of the goals of the District is to preserve the natural environment adjacent to our densely populated urban area. The indigenous species that live in that environment include the mountain lion. The mountain lion is normally a very secretive animal and is seldom seen. - However, this year in particular there have been many sightings in the Bay Area, including some adjacent to and on District land. I cannot fully explain whey they are more noticeable this year, except that the continuing drought and loss of habitat may be contributing factors. Most of the sightings that have come to our attention recently have turned out to be bobcats, which have been incorrectly identified as lion cubs. Unfortunately there seems currently to be a sort of public hysteria regarding these animals, resulting from the sad incidence of one woman's death from an attack. It'appears that this incident is being used as a catalyst to re-introduce hunting of these animals, which I feel is an unfortunate and short-sighted reaction. The normal range of a male lion is 50 square miles and we're fortunate to have the few that roam our preserves. We have had an increase in sightings on District land, but in 22 years have never had an incident of any kind involving a mountain lion. We hope to step up our information and education program so our users will better understand how to react if they are favored with a sighting. Again, thank you for writing. rely, L. raig Britton General Manager LCB:snd cc: Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX: 415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton ROBERT H. DWYER 14850 FARWELL AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 Mr. Craig Britton General Manag er Sept. 16, 1994 Midpeninsula Regional O.S.D. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca. 94022 Dear Mr. Britton, Enclosed is a letter I sent to the S.F. Chronicle yesterday. The sentiments are not mine alone. In fact when I've discussed this subject with friends who love and use our hiking trails I find virtually identical feelings: We're not alarmed yet, but this development points toward a real mess in the future. I hope your Board is watching. Sincerely, Mr. William German, Editor September 15, 1994 San Francisco Chronicle 901 Mission Street San Francisco, Ca. 94103 Dear Mr. German, The article on mountain lions in last Monday's paper was timely and interesting, but would have been more useful to your readers if the writer had asked the Fish and Game Department a few questions, and then reflected a bit before repeating the familiar slogans which substitute for thought on this matter. Repeating that we are ". . experiencing an influx of mountain lions coming out of the mountains looking for food and water" is just plain silly. Ask the Fish and Game people if they have restocked the mountains around the Bay Area with the Cougars. Rancher stories abound in this valley about such restocking. Even without efforts to repopulate the suburban hills it should not be surprising that Cougars are suddenly numerous. It has been illegal to hunt or trap them in California for a long time now; long enough for a whole new generation of animals to grow up utterly without fear of Man. A wonderland of mountain hiking and biking trails has been acquired and built around the Bay Area at a high cost to taxpayers. My family has enjoyed them greatly. How enjoyable will they be when solitary hiking is dangerous and when children are at risk? How will public support and enthusiasm for the necessary taxes be maintained? And how will the public be dissuaded from bringing along a firearm, just in case? The green pantheists who drive public policy revere the animals but paradoxically seem to assume they are some kind of preprogrammed robots rather than quite intelligent and very adaptable large-animal carnivores. They are the latter, not the former, and an unwary public will find out before long. Omni caro est caro. Sightings and attacks are not going to be "extremely rare" in the future. Pre-civilized life was not Eden. Sincerely, 7) MOWDAr,5E"EMBEa 12,1"4 BAY AREA/CAUFORNIA *****_San*astisco(Ar*nide A21 Mountain Lions Sighted at Stanford, UC Santa Cruz Campuses By 3ticdaet MCCabe along the Chinquapin Trail near darted to the middle of the road, ed deer carcass was discovered 15 experiencing an influx of moun- Mountain lion attacks on hu- ca makes srµt Wm" the intersection of Empire Grade cutting Smith and his dog off from feet from the student health cen- tain lions coming out of the moun- mans are exceedingly rare.Schoe• Road with his dog,Daiquiri,at&15 town, ter, tains looking for food or water.We ner's death was the first in Califor- Iti the latest sightings of moon• Saturday morning when he heard "It was then I was scared," In the second mountain lion in- are not finding this highly unusu- is in more than 80 years.It is diffi• fain lions in the Bay Area,two of a terrifying cream, Smith said. "This was a hunting cklent, at Stanford on Saturday a cult to estimate how many of the the large,tawny cats showed up on "It was the weirdest scream I maneuver." morning,backup units from Stan- Mountain lion animals roam the state,but some college campuses during the week- have ever heard,"said Smith,45 ford and Palo Alto lice arrived were experts guess the number is be- end,one at the University of Cali- 'It lasted for 10 seconds or so.It A car drove by and the cat minutes where the cat had wemttieytt)��ti year, been 2 000 and 4 000. fornia at Santa Cruz and the other sounded human,but it was a loud- dived into the bushes.The car did g spob at Stanford University. not stop but a second car did and been sighted near Junipero Serra ted all around the Bay Area Around the Stanford area,po- er scream than any human could took Smith and his dog to the west Boulevard close to the dry lake lice have posted flyers warning In Santa Cruz,an attorney jog- make." Two weeks ago,Sonoma Coun- ging to a rural part of campus with gate of the campus,where he filed 1� Lagunita.But the mountain rangers w people to be careful and alert. his German shepherd do told Smith said he and his dog con- a report with campus police. disappeared and has not been ty ang posted warnings in The flyers say. "Although we g Po• tinued running away from the_ spotted again,said Joni Corley,al Foothill Regional Park near Wind- lice there is no immediate lice they were chased by a moon- scream for about 15 minutes into a Despite his ordeal,Smith said supervisor for the Palo Alto 911'. sor,where two hikers saw a moun- threat to your safety, please use tain Hon that pursued them for meadow. When he and the dog he fears for the mountain Hon's center, i tain lion a week earlier.Cougars caution while running or walking several hundred feet—it even got looked over their shoulder they safety. "I don't want this animal-- Palo Alto officer Lori Kratzer have also turned up recently in in this area." by a barbed wire fence to cut them spatted a mountain lion loping be- shot.It obviously lives in the mead- saw the animal at 70 a.m.Satur- Blackhawk in Contra Costa Coun• The flyers urge adults to keep off. hind them at a medium pace. It ow.It would be better if they tran- day.Police said the animal return. ty, Fairfax in M�County and p - At Stanford, a mountain Hon screamed again quilized it and took it someplace ed to the mountain;west of the SanJose`s Alum Rock Park• children in sight at all times.If a was spotted sauntering along a re- else." mountain Hon is sighted,the warn- mote section of East Campus Drive He said he and his dog,which _ campus after finding Lagunita dry — In April Barbara Schoener of ing advises not running or crouch- on the campus,a Palo Alto police- was on a leash,ran as fast as they Deb White,the campus'animal and probably will not return. Placerville was killed by a moun• ing,but to"try to appear as large woman reported. could until they reached a barbed control officer,said she believes at Mountain lions usually shy away tain Hon as she jogged in a state as possible,"and to fight back 1t wire fence that separates the least one mountain Hon has claim- from humans,police said. recreation area near Auburn.Last attacked. In both cases, the big cats— meadow from Empire Grade Road. ed the Santa Cruz campus as its ter- •This is the first sighting of a month, campers killed a rabid As also known as cougars — disap- They scrambled under it,but the ritory. mountain Hon around here that I mountain Hon in Mendocino Coun- a postscript'the flyers ad- peered and no one was injured. mountain Hon immediately ran in Jul 1993, warning ty after it tangled with a dog.One vise people not to try to photo- y y g posters have heard of and I've been here graph or touch mountain lions. The Santa Cruz attorney, _along the fence for several yards were posted around the Santa for 25 years,"Corley said yester- man's thumb was bitten off during ca�kAz jai David xa- George Smith,said he was jogging until jt found an opening and then Cruz campus after a cougar-gnaw- day."But the state of California is_ the struggle. ,con&1buted to C,MpoK Open Space P P -------------- t 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Randy Anderson September 23, 1994 Planning Manager (415)691-1200 Open Space District Schedules Workshop To Discuss Dog Access To Preserves Los Altos, CA -- The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has scheduled a public workshop to discuss the issue of allowing dogs on its open space preserves. This is a noticed public meeting of the Dog Use Committee and is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Los II 1 Altos Youth Center, 1 North San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Previous workshops on this issue were held � in September and December of last year. Since then, a task force consisting of staff and members of the public has met twice and produced a draft Da Access Program Evaluation Report, which will be P P g g available and discussed at the upcoming workshop. The purpose of the report and of the workshop is to: l) summarize the background of the District's current policies regarding access for dogs; 2)present the results of the research conducted by the task force and District-staff regarding dog access policies and experiences of other agencies; 3) submit some proposed criteria for dog access onto open space lands, and; 4)to present some alternatives for possible expansion of dog access to District lands. The committee will be seeking public comment on these alternatives, and on any other aspect of the report. For further information about this issue, please contact Randy Anderson, Planning Manager, at(415) 691-1200. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,extending from the City of San Carlos to the Town of Los Gatos, is a public agency which has preserved over 36,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 23 open space preserves. 330 Dtstel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415 691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit ..................._ Funding is provided by a small share of the annual total property tax revenues collected within District boundaries. The District permanently protects wildlife habitat,watershed, and a variety of ecosystems,restores damaged natural resources, and provides trail improvements for passive recreational use by the public. The District's goals are to acquire a continuous greenbelt of protected open space lands for public use and enjoyment, and to preserve open space for future generations to enjoy. There are approximately 20,000- 30,000 acres of land still at risk of being lost to development within the District's planning area. The District is divided into seven geographic wards,each represented for a four year term by an elected Board member. The Board holds public meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.,at the District offices. } Y Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: September 28 1994 SUBJECT: FYI i i _ I 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Letter sent to: Jackie Speier, Dom Cortese, Byron Sher, Charles Quackenbush, Al Alquist, Henry Mello, Preston Kelley, Zoe Lofgren, Alan La Fleur, September 26, 1994 David Knapp, Barbara Rice, Tom French (Name) (Address) (City, State,ZIP) Dear(Name): The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has applied for a Habitat Conservation Fund(HCF)grant for its Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition project. This grant is being sought in the HCF's deer/lion habitat category,and I'd like to ask for your help in ensuring that the funding is made available. For your information,a project description is attached. The acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District and were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission. They were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount.You may recall that you provided a letter of support for the original grant application to the CTC(letter attached).The current grant application will, if successful,provide for the two acquisitions to complete that originally-proposed project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon, and will also preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. With your assistance,this project will have a greater likelihood of being funded.It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you could again provide a letter of support.Please write or fax a letter to the California Department of Parks and Recreation endorsing award of this grant to the District, so that they are apprised of the strong regional support for this project.Attached is a sample letter of support you may wish to use as a guide in preparing your letter.It would be most helpful if your letter was received by the Department by October 3. We would also appreciate it if you provided our office with a copy. If you are able to assist the District,please address your letter to: Ms. Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation,Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St.,Rm. 1448-1,P.O.Box 9428196 Sacramento,CA 94296-0001 fax(916)653-9824 Thank you for your continuing support of the District and iA regional open space and recreation programs. Sincerely, Ginny Babbitt President, Board of Directors GB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Letter sent t( John Vasconcellos, Tom Campbell, Dan McCorquodale, Rod Diridon, Dianne McKenna, Ted Lempert, Mike Nevin, Mary Griffin, September 26, 1994 Ruben Barrles, Tom Huening (Name) (Address) (City, State,ZIP) Dear(Name): The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has applied for a Habitat Conservation Fund(HCF)grant for its Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition project.This grant is being sought in the HCF's deer/lion habitat category,and I'd like to ask for your help in ensuring that the funding is made available.For your information,a project description is attached. The acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District and were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission.They were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount.The current grant application will, if successful,provide for the two acquisitions to complete that originally-proposed project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon,and will also preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. With your assistance,this project will have a greater likelihood of being funded.It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you could provide a letter of support. Please write or fax a letter to the California Department of Parks and Recreation endorsing award of this grant to the District,so that they are apprised of the strong regional support for this project.Attached is a sample letter of support that you may wish to use as a guide in preparing your letter.It would be most helpful if your letter was received by the Department By October 3. We would also appreciate it if you provided our office with a copy.If you are able to assist the District,please address your,letter to: Ms.Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation,Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St.,Rm. 1448-1,P.O.Box 942896 Sacramento,CA 94296-0001 fax(916)653-9824 Thank you for your continuing support of the District and it's regional open space and recreation programs. Sincerely, Ginny Babbitt President, Board of Directors GB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Open Space 1 11 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Habitat Conservation Fund Applications for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project Project Description The District proposes to apply to the Habitat Conservation Fund Program in the deer/lion habitat category. We would be requesting a $212,000 grant to help acquire two parcels totalling approximately 77 acres of land: the 32-acre Kirschbaum parcel and the 45-acre Zelhart parcel. Both parcels adjoin Soda Springs Creek, located east of Lexington Reservoir in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant application (described above) originally included the Kirschbaum and Zelhart parcels, but they were deleted from the project because of a reduction in the grant award from the original request. Soda Springs Creek is a cool, year-round stream that supports a breeding o ula p p tion of rainbow trout. Overhead is a well developed riparian corridor, thick with sycamore, y re, alder, `oak, bay and willow.. The creek forms the center of a continuous wildlife corridor down the west side of the Sierra Azul range. It connects e t h 6,303-acre Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve with Lexington Reservoir County Park. The project area is outstandingdeer and mountain lion habitat.h itat. It supports diverse plant communities including mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and riparian forest. Deer and other wildlife are abundant. Our staff found mountain lion tracks along Wood Road, the access road to these properties, during investigations for this project. A District ranger saw a mountain lion on Weaver Road, about a mile above the project area, on September 18, 1994. A local resident reported five mountain lion sightings this year within about two miles of the properties. Properties in this area are being divided and sold for residential development. There is already an older house on the Kirshbaum property. Building additional houses here would severely impact a large block of wilderness. The, proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon. They will also help preserve a continuous wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT October 3, 1994 Ms. Betty Ettinger California Department of Parks and Recreation Local Services Section 1416 Ninth St., Rm. 1448-1 P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 RE: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project Grant Dear Ms. Ettinger: I would like to express my strong support for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Habitat Conservation Fund grant application for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. The proposed acquisitions will directly protect some beautiful and sensitive riparian habitats in Soda Springs Canyon, and will also preserve an uninterrupted wildlife corridor in prime deer and mountain lion country, linking important habitat and water resources. With increasing subdivision and proposed housing development in this region, it is ever-more important to preserve the natural environment and uninterrupted greenbelt corridors in order to maintain the balance between the use of the surrounding area by humans and the integrity of the wildlife habitat. There is widespread public support for this project,and the acquisitions in this project are a high priority for the District. In fact,they were originally part of an application for an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant from the California Transportation Commission,and although-the grant application was successful,these acquisitions were deleted from the project due to a reduction in the grant award from the original requested amount. I urge you to ensure that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District receive funding for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. Sincerely, (your name) cc: Midpeninsula.Regional Open Space District i u pen Space 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT September 23, 1994 Mr. Robert Dwyer 14850 Farwell Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Mr. Dwyer: Thank you for providing a copy of your recent letter to the San Francisco Chronicle regarding mountain lions. I appreciate your interest in the District, and your concern that the District Board of Directors are made aware of this issue. One of the goals of the District is to preserve the natural environment adjacent to our densely populated urban area. The indigenous species that live in that environment include the mountain lion. The mountain lion is normally a very secretive animal and is seldom seen. - However, this year in particular there have been many sightings in the Bay Area, including some adjacent to and on District land: I cannot fully explain whey they are more noticeable this year, except that the continuing drought and loss of habitat may be contributing factors. Most of the sightings that have come to our attention recently have turned out to be bobcats, which have been incorrectly identified as lion cubs. Unfortunately there seems currently to be a sort of public hysteria regarding these animals, resulting from the sad incidence of one woman's death from an attack. It appears that this incident is being used as a catalyst to re-introduce hunting of these animals, which I feel is an unfortunate and short-sighted reaction. The normal range of a male lion is 50 square miles and we're fortunate to have the few that roam our preserves. We have had an increase in sightings on District land, but in 22 years have never had an incident of any kind involving a mountain lion. We hope to step up our information and education program so our users will better understand how to react if they are favored with a sighting. Again, thank you for writing. rely, L. raig Britton General Manager I . LCB:snd cc: Board of Directors j 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Phone: 415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens.Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton ROBERT H. DWYER 14850 FARWELL AVENUE SARATOGA. CALIFORNIA 95070 Mr. Cr aig i a Britton General 9 Manager Sep t. 16, 1994 Midpeninsula Regional O.S.D. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca. 94022 Dear Mr. Britton, Enclosed is a letter I sent to the S.F. Chronicle yesterday. The sentiments are not mine alone. In fact when I've discussed this subject with friends who love and use our hiking trails I find virtually identical feelings: We're not alarmed yet, but this development points toward a real mess in the future. I hope your Board is watching. Sincerely, Mr. William German, Editor September 15, 1994 San Francisco Chronicle 901 Mission Street San Francisco, Ca. 94103 Dear Mr. German, The article on mountain lions in last Monday's paper was timely and interesting, but would have been more useful to your readers if the writer had asked the Fish and Game Department a few questions, and then reflected a bit before repeating the familiar slogans which substitute for thought on this matter. Repeating that we are ". . experiencing an influx of mountain lions coming out of the mountains looking for food and water" is just plain silly. Ask the Fish and Game people if they have restocked the mountains around the Bay Area with the Cougars. Rancher stories abound in this valley about such restocking. Even without efforts to repopulate the suburban hills it should not be surprising that Cougars are suddenly numerous. It has been illegal to hunt or trap them in California for a long time now; long enough for a whole new generation of animals to grow up utterly without fear of Man. A wonderland of mountain hiking and biking trails has been acquired and built around the Bay Area at a high cost to taxpayers. My family has enjoyed them greatly. How enjoyable will they be when solitary hiking is dangerous and when children are at risk? How will public support and enthusiasm for the necessary taxes be maintained? And how will the public be dissuaded from bringing along a firearm, just in case? The green pantheists who drive public policy revere the animals but paradoxically seem to assume they are some kind of preprogrammed robots rather than quite intelligent and very adaptable large-animal carnivores. They are the latter, not the former, and an unwary public will find out before long. Omni caro est caro. Sightings and attacks are not going to be "extremely rare" in the future. Pre-civilized life was not Eden. Sincerely, .0NO.Y.SMEM&Ea14.1"4 BAY AREA/CALIFORNIA A21 Mountain Lions Sighted at Stanford, UC Santa Cruz Campuses I f By l7k imel McCabe along the Chinquapin Trail near darted to the middle of the road, ed deer carcass was discovered 15 experiencing an influx of moun- Mountain lion attacks on hu- Chronkle skrw.aer the intersection of Empire Grade cutting Smith and his dog off from feet from the student health cen• tain Bons coming out of the moun. mans are exceedingly rare.Schoe Road with his dog,Daiquiri,at&15 town. �, twins looking for food or water.We ner's death was the first in Califor- hi the latest sightings of moun- Saturday morning when he heard "It was then I was seared," In the second mountain lion in- are not fin years.It is ditfi ding this highly unosu- is in more than 80 tain lions In the Bay Area,two of a terrifying scream. Smith said. "Phis was a huntingal." cult to estimate bow many ckient, at Stanford on Saturday of the We large,tawny cats showed up on "It was the weirdest scream I maneuver." 6acku units from Stan animals roam the state,but some college campuses during the week- rning. F Mountain lion sightings were ty have ever heard;'said Smith,45 Y ford and Palo Alto extremely rare until this year, experts guess the number is be- end. one at the University of Call- A car drove b and the cat within minutes where the cat had when the big cats have been spot-it lasted for , seconds or loud- It dived into the bushes.The car did tween 2,tXq and 4,000. forma at Santa Cruz and the other g Po sounded human,but it was a loud been sighted near Juni at Stanford University. not stop but a taxand car did and Pero Serra led all around the Bay Area Around the Stanford area,pa In Santa Cruz,an attorney er scream than any human could took Smith and his dog to the west Boulevard close to the dry lake lice have posted flyers warning Y jog- make" Two weeks o giug is a rural part of campus with gate of the campus,where he flied bed of LaBunita.But the mountain - ago, Coun- people to be careful and alert. Smith said he and his dog con- a report with campus lion disc and has not been tY rangers posted warnings in his German shepherd do told P PattCe• disappeared The flyers say: "Although we P g pa' tinued running away from the— spotted again,said Joni Corley,a Foothill Regional Park near Wind- lice believe there !s no immediate tainthey were chased by a moun- scream for about 15 minutes into a �PiLe his ordeal,Smith said supervisor for the Palo Alto 911, mr,where two hikers saw a moun- twin lionalh that pursued them for he fears for the mountain lion's threat to your safety, please use meadow. When he and the dog center. 1 tain lion a week earlier.Cougars caution while running or walking several hundred feet—!t even got looked over their &boulder they safety. 1 don't want this animal-- Palo Alto officer Lori Kratzer have also turned up recently in this area." Off,a barbed wire fence to cut them spotted a mountain lion loping be- shot.It obviously lives in the mead• saw the animal at 7M am.Satur- Blackhawk in Contra Costa Coun- In off. hind them at a medium pace. It ow.it would be better it they tran• day.Police said the animal return. tY. Fairfax in Marin County and The flyers urge adults to keep - At Stanford, a mountain lion screed again quilized it and took it someplace ed to the mountains west of the San Jose's Alum Rock Park. children in sight at all times.If a was spotted sauntering along a re- else." campus attrs finding - mountain lion is sighted,the warn- mote section of East Campus Drive He said he and his dog,which _ �g Lagunita dry — In April,Barbara Schoener of tng advises not running or crouch- on the campus,a Palo Alto police was on a leash,ran as fast as they Deb White,the campus'animal and probably will not return. In was killed by a moun- ing,but to"try to appear as large woman reported. could until they reached a barbed control officer,said she believes at Mountain lions usually shy away tain lion as she jogged in a state as possible,"and to fight back if wire fence that separates the least one mountain lion has claim- from humans,police said. recreation area near Auburn.Last attacked. In both cases,the big cats— meadow from Empire Grade Road. ed the Santa Cruz campus as its ter- "This is the first sighting of a month, campers killed a rabid As also known as cougars — disap- They scrambled under it,but the ritory. mountain lion around here that I mountain Hon in Mendocino Coun- a postscript,the flyers to- peared and no one was injured. mountain Hon immediately ran In July 1993, warning posters have heard of and I've been here ty after it tangled with a dog.One �h o Ftouch moun not to tain lio to ns. The Santa Cruz attorney, along the fence for several yards were posted around the Santa for 25 years,"Corley said yester- man's thumb was bitten off during cared*wrugmadve Daces Roe. George Smith,said he was jogging until jt found an opening and then Cruz campus after a cougar-gnaw- day."But the state of California is- the struggle. der coagibated to eew,,pore Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Randy Anderson September 23, 1994 Planning Manager (415) 691-1200 Open Space District Schedules Workshop To Discuss Dog Access To Preserves Los Altos, CA -- The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has scheduled a public workshop to discuss the issue of allowing dogs on its open space preserves. This is a noticed public meeting of the Dog Use Committee and is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Los Altos Youth Center, 1 North San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Previous workshops on this issue were held in September and December of last year. Since then, a task force consisting of staff and members of the public has met twice and produced a draft Dog Access Program Evaluation Report,which will be available and discussed at the upcoming workshop. The purpose of the report and of the workshop is to: 1) summarize the background of the District's current policies regarding access for dogs; 2)present the results of the research conducted by the task force and District-staff regarding dog access policies and experiences of other agencies; 3) submit some proposed criteria for dog access onto open space lands, and;4)to present some alternatives for possible expansion of dog access to District lands. The committee will be seeking public comment on these alternatives, and on any other aspect of the report. For further information about this issue, please contact Randy Anderson, Planning Manager, at(415) 691-1200. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,extending from the City of San Carlos to the Town of Los Gatos, is a public agency which has preserved over 36,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 23 open space preserves. 330 Distel Circle • los Altos, California 94022-1404 • Phone: 415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 19 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de wit Funding is provided by a small share of the annual total property tax revenues collected within District boundaries. The District permanently protects wildlife habitat,watershed, and a variety of ecosystems,restores damaged natural resources,and provides trail improvements for passive recreational use by the public. The District's goals are to acquire a continuous greenbelt of protected open space lands for public use and enjoyment,and to preserve open space for future generations to enjoy. There are approximately 20,000 -30,000 acres of land still at risk of being lost to development within the District's planning area. The District is divided into seven geographic wards,each represented for a four year term by an elected Board member. The Board holds public meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m., at the District'offices. ### Open Spact ---------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 94-25 SUMMARY OF SEPTEMBER 28. 1994 REGULAR BOARD MEETING Establishment of a Target Average 6% Growth Guideline for Future Operating Expenses and Direction to Staff for 1995-1996 Budget Preparation - The Board approved the establishment of a target average 6% growth guideline for future operating expenses (salaries and benefits, services and supplies, and fixed assets) and directed staff to present a proposed budget for 1995- 1996 that includes operating expenses at a 5%, 6%, and 7% growth rate. Authorization for Staff to Arrange the Issuance of Approximately$16.1 Million of Twenty Year Notes for Refinancing Previous Notes and New Land Acquisitions and Authorization for General Manager to Execute Underwriting Agreement with Stone and Young -The Board authorized the General Manager to execute the Underwriting Agreement with Stone and Youngberg and authorized staff to take all actions necessary to arrange the issuance of approximately $16.1 million of twenty year notes. Appointment of Ward 5 Unopposed Candidate (Nonette Hanko) - The Board approved Resolution 94-33 appointing Nonette Hanko Director - Ward 5 of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula, Regional Open Space District. Authorization to Expend $26,000 for Phase I Improvement at the David C. Daniels Nature Center-at Skyline Ridge ftn Space Preserve and for Staff to Proceed with Insulation Installation and Ceiling Work at the Center - The Board authorized expenditure of the $26,000 budgeted in fiscal year 1994-1995 for the Phase I improvements to the David C. Daniels Nature Center and authorized staff to proceed with installing insulation and finishing work on the ceiling. Amendment to the Use and Management Plans for Monte Bello, Long Ridge and U Honda Creek Q= Space Preserves and Authorization to Solicit Bids for Removal of the Black Mountain Structures. the Former Mud Cabin, and the Former Fletcher Duplex - The Board tentatively adopted the amendments to the Use and Management Plans for Monte Bello Open Space Preserve to demolish the remaining structures on Black Mountain; Long Ridge Open Space Preserve to demolish the structure on the former Mud property; La Honda Creek Midpeninsula. Regional Open Space District to demolish the structure located on the former Fletcher property, and authorized staff to solicit bids to remove the structures on Black Mountain, the former Mud Property and the former Fletcher property. Habitat Conservation Fund Application for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition PLgj -The Board adopted Resolution 94-32 approving the application for grant funds for the Local Agency Grant Program - fiscal year 1995-1996 under the Habitat Conservation Fund Program of the- California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 for the Soda Springs Corridor Acquisition Project. Susan Dale Recording Secretary 330 Distel Circle 0 Los Altos, California 94022-1404 e Phone: 415-691-1200 a FAX: 415-691-0485 40 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Robert McKibbin,Teena Henshaw,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton f DISTRIBUTED AT MEETING OF 09/28/94 STAGES IN PRESERVE DEVELOPMENT - OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC INPUT This diagram shows the basic stages in the creation of an open space preserve. These stages typically occur over a period of several years, although the timing for each stage,and overall, may vary significantly. The schedule for which preserves will be planned and improved is updated annually as part of the Site Emphasis process, which is also open to public review and comment. ACQUISITION USE AND DEVELOPMENT SITE PHASE MANAGEMENT GRANT DEVELOPMENT PLANS Acquisition Acquisition Preliminary Interim Comprehensive Planning Planning Construction Brochure Research Report U&M Plan U&M Plan U&M Plan &Design '' &Design Phase &Map Sign Access& Program Circulation Follow-up& Acquisition Acquisition Contract Option Grant' Report Report - Trail Use Inventory&Plan Grant Administration Opportunity for Public Review Fillip— and Comment. Resource Management R t ACQUISITION - USE AND MANAGEMENT PLANS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS are an SITE DEVELOPMENT The early stage of the acquisition During this stage studies and important stage in the development Includes the preparation of conceptual process is the only instance during the decisions are made about how the process. The District tries to obtain designs, followed by construction planning and implementation of a land will be used, what improvements state, federal,or private grant drawings, and the actual construction preserve that the public may not have will be made,and what problems will assistance for significant development of the improvements. Some projects, a direct opportunity for input, due to be addressed. There is a publicized projects in order to conserve its funds such as trails, do not go through a the sensitive nature of negotiations opportunity for public input at each for land acquisition. If a project is formal design process, but are with property owners and the need to stage. The Preliminary Use and ineligible for grants and/or is vital to initiated on a design-build basis avoid giving advance notice of Management Plan is typically the District's mission, this grant stage following identification of the project potential acquisitions. After a sale or prepared when the acquisition is may be skipped. in the U&M Plan and the Annual option agreement has been concluded, completed. The Interim U&M Plan Budget. Following construction, the process becomes public. is used if the property is not yet ready signs, maps and brochures are for significant use or development, prepared or updated to enable the and the Comprehensive U&M plan is public to take advantage of the prepared when the site is ready to improvements. start becoming a full-fledged preserve. � ° Claims No. 94- 7 Meeting 94-25 Date Sept. 28. 1994 � REVISED � K8|OPEN|N8ULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 6439 135.00 ADT Security Systems Alarm System Maini-enance 8440 345.00 Randy Anderson Reimbursement--Class Registration 8441 207.04 AT&T Telephone Maintenance 6442 36.00 Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Resource Documents 6443 240.00 Louis Bondi Road Layout 6444 90.00 Bneon. O'Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannia Legal Services 6445 48.74 CodoenBruins Private Vehicle Expense 8448 50.00 California Park& Recreation Society Advertisement 6447 230.32 California Water Service Company Water Service 8448 34.79 Cal-Line Equipment Company Equipment Maintenance 6449 1.238.46 CaUo Sign Company Signs 6450 78.14 Sheryl M. Cochran ' Private Vehicle Expense 6451 1.00 Communication & Contro| Radio Site Lease 6452 61.27 ° Country Gourmet Local Meeting Expense 8453 55.42 °° Country Gourmet Local Meeting Expense 6454 131.25 Alice Cummings Reimbursement--Conference Expense 6455 3.862.83 Design Concepts Design and Production ofBrochures � � 8456 185.87 OavidB. Fisher Legal Services � 6457 21.07 G & NServices Shop Towel Service � 6450 1.487.00 HK8H. Incorporated Engineering Services � 6459 213.20 The Home Depot Field Supplies � .G48O 1 11G.31 JedaPub|ioaUono. Inc. Brochure Printing � � 0461 32.28 N]nkƒs Photocopying � 8402 1B.38 John Slide Duplication � LegalServices � O463 159.00 Komnfie|d. Paul f�Bup9 �ego �484 8557� Lanier Inc. Photocopier � � � . . � 6485 295.00 Land Letter Subscription 0466 48.60 Judy Law Private Vehicle Expense � 6467 200.00 Kevin MacKay Resource Intern 8488 213.00 Pau| K8oKowan Reimbursement-Training Tuition � 8459 766.93 Murray &Murray Legal Services 8470 53.80 Northern Energy FmponaFue| 6471 484.85 Office Depot {]fDoe Supplies � 0473 840.00 Rache|CJppedeh| Consulting Services 6473 42.07 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 6474 80.00 Palo Alto Weekly Advertisement 6475 158.35 LoropaNaroon Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 6470 688.52 Pi|eroibzo<]uarry Base Rock 8477 3.236.14 PIP Printing Printing 6478 146.83 Pitney Bowes Credit Corporation Mailing Machine Rental � 6479 0.04 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name Badge � 6480 150.00 PhneCos*zo Field Supplies 8481 7.812.50 Prudential Securities Incorporated RemarknUngAgreennent--1908 Notes 8482 1.076-01 Quick Silver Printing Printing ° Urgent check issued onSeptember 14' 1994. � °*Urgent check issued on September 18. 1894. ' Page Claims No. 94-17 Date: Sept. 28, 1994 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 6483 32.50 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 6484 17.33 The Recorder Subscription 6486 1,144.64 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance 6487 23.82 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Service 6488 50.00 San Mateo County Chapter Membership Dues California Special Districts Association 6489 765.00 Santa Clara County Department of Permits Environmental Health 6490 431.92 Shelton, Inc. Filter Material 6491 615.86 Signs of the Times Signs � 8483 1.040.89 Smith Equipment Tractor Repairs 0484 1.423.84 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock 8495 805.80 U8Renba|s Equipment Rental ! 8490 64.08 West Coast RebarCompony Field Supplies 6497 300.00 Virginia Babbitt Staff Recognition Gift Certificates 6498 400.00 Sheryl yW. Cochran Roimbumoernent—VVoter Meter Deposit � 6499 22.00 Federal Express Corporation Express Mail ' 6500 300.00 Judy Law Reimbursement--Tuition � 8501 1.938.70 3-K8 Promotional Market Printing � 6502 56.67 Porter Rents Rental of Supplies for VIP Tour � 8503 527.01 Petty Cash Office and Field Supplies, Film and � Developing, Docent and Volunteer � | Expenses, Training Expenses, / and Private Vehicle Expense Page 2