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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19960612 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 96-13 en, ace Regional Op MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-13 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 6:00 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Wednesday Los Altos, California June 12, 1996 (6:00) ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLOSED,SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 6:00 P.M. At 7:30 P.M., the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session to the conclusion of the Regular Board Meeting, and at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. 1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Government Code Section 54957 Title: General Manager (7:30) REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA *** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR -- N. Hanko *** APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 22, 1996 (Consent Item) *** WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (Consent Item) BOARD BUSINESS 7:45 1. Tentative Adoption of Trails Plan Element of Fremont Older n Space ( ) P � P Preserve Comprehensive Use and Management Plan and Determination that Recommended Actions Categorically Exempt from CEQA -- J. McCullough (8:05) 2. Tentative Adoption of Proposed Amendments to District's Public Notification Policy and Good Neighbor Policy -- M. Davey (8:15) 3. Proposed Acquisition of 62.68-Acre Peninsula Open Space Trust Property for $255,000 as an Addition to Cathedral Oaks Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Tentative Adoption of Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations for the Provertv, Including Dedication as Public 0 Axn 330 Distel Circle o Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 a FAX:415-691-0485 « E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton I Meeting 96-13 Page 2 Space, and Determination that Recommended Actions Categorically Exempt from CEQA -- M. Williams Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Agreement to Purchase Real Property, Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of Grant to District, and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Transaction (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Lands of Peninsula Open Space Trust) (8:25) 4. Calling of November 5, 1996 District Elections in Wards 3, 4 and 7, Requests for Election Consolidation Services from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Establishment of 200 Word Maximum for Candidates' Statements, and Recommendation Not to List Any Unopposed Candidate on the Ballot -- J. Fiddes Resolution Calling Election and Requesting Election Consolidation Services - Santa Clara County for Wards 3 and 4 Resolution Calling Election and Requesting Election Consolidation Services - San Mateo County for Ward 7 Resolution Authorizing Not Listing Any Unopposed Candidate for Election on the November 5 Ballots of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County (8:30) 5. Request for Board Authorization for General Manager to Issue Permits to Enter District Land to Third Parties for Performance of Minor and/or Emergency Work -- C. Britton Resolution Authorizing the General Manager to Approve Certain Permits to Enter District Property (8:40) 6. Approval of 1995-1996 Salary Adjustment and Meritorious Pay Award and Amendment to General Manager's Employment Agreement -- P. Siemens Resolution Approving 1995-1996 Salary Adjustment and Meritorious Pay Award for the General Manager and Approving Amendment to General Manager Employment Agreement 7. Authorization to Purchase Two All Terrain Vehicles at Estimated Cost of $12,000 -- J. Escobar (8:45) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS -- Directors and Staff REVISED CLAIMS (Consent Item) CLOSED SESSION - (Continued, if necessary) ADJOURNMENT Meeting 96-13 Page 3 *NOTE: limes are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. ** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the 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. Board members, the General Manager. and members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration ©f the Consent Calendar. Regional Open )ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-12 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 22, 1996 M[NLJ'I'ES I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Members Present: Peter Siemens, David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, and Wim de Wit Members Absent: Teena Henshaw Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes, and Sue Schectman II. CLOSED SESSION N. Hanko stated that the Board would adjourn to the Special Meeting Closed Session for the purpose of discussing Closed Session agenda items 1, 2, and 3. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 7:07 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at 7:08 p.m. The Board adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. and N. Hanko called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. She announced that the Board would continue the Closed Session at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting in order to discuss Closed Session agenda item 3. Additional Personnel Present: Mary de Beauvieres, John Escobar, and David Sanguinetti III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS William Hawkins, 646 Bucher Avenue, Santa Clara, said there are buried artifacts on the Duveneck property at Hidden Villa and at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve in the yard areas. He requested permission to look for them and would share any proceeds with the District. N. Hanko requested that Mr. Hawkins contact the General Manager regarding his request. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: W. de Wit moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR C. Britton requested removal of agenda item 3, Authorization of Permit to Enter for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Soil Testing at Cooley Landis - Ravenswood Oren Space Preserve and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA and N. Hanko r ted removal of the minutes of the May i 8 S al an d Re ular Meetin ues 330 Distel Circle a Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 ® Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com 0) Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw, David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Meeting 96-12 Page 2 Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar including the minutes of the May 6 Special Meeting; responses to written communications from Dan Bernstein, Peninsula Access for Dogs, 8009B Cuesta Dr., Box 196, Mountain View; Lisl Day, 4374 Miller Court, Palo Alto; and Bill Hauser, 148 Westridge Drive, San Jose; and revised claims 96-10. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES N. Hanko stated that Anne Greaves of Palo Alto should be included in the list of docents present at the meeting and that Ingrid Graeve was not present at the meeting. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 8 Special Meeting as amended. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. I - Tentative Adoption of Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Soo Preserve and Amendment of Preserve's Comprehensive Use and Management to Include Trail Use Plan and Determination that Recommended Action Categorically Exent from CEQA A. Use and Management Committee —Report B. Staff RqmM - (Report R-96-60)Crowder, Chairperson of the Use and Management Committee, presented the Committee's report. She suggested that a letter be sent to the Task Force members to thank them for serving on the Task Force. She also thanked staff for their efforts. She described the parameters the group had agreed on at the beginning of the process over 14 months ago. These included: Attempt to create a trail plan which (1) is consistent with the Board-adopted trail use policies and guidelines; (2) offers a variety of loop trails, short and long; (3) considers the safety of the user in both physical characteristics of the trail and in the area of user conflicts; (4) is interesting by making use of the variety of landscapes and plant communities; (5) protects the natural resource; (6) should provide opportunities for a variety of user groups; and (7) should consider the maintenance required to sustain the trails. She said the committee held meetings, including field trips, and following the final field trip, they modified the plan slightly. She said, for example, one of the D priority areas was moved to B and the bicycling group will work with staff on construction of that trail. She pointed out that Exhibit 20 attached to the staff report does not show all the illegal trails. Meeting 96-12 Page 3 W. de Wit said the proposed plan was a compromise reached among the Task Force members. D. Smernoff said it had been a good process and had resulted in a good and complete plan which he supported. He said he was looking forward to implementation of the plan. M. de Beauvieres presented the staff report; she pointed out the boundaries of El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve and reviewed the history of the property. There are now 17 miles of authorized trails and 21 miles of unauthorized trails on the preserve. She showed a schedule of the public meetings that had been held beginning in February 1994. Approximately 30-50 people attended each meeting. She described the notification process. She said the preserve had been divided into five study areas. The Task Force studied each area separately, then the entire preserve was looked at. She told Board members that the construction contract for the implementation of the first phase of the plan will be presented to them at the June 26 meeting. A trail crew will be dedicated to the project•for the summer. She highlighted the priorities (A through D) for construction of the various trails, with A priority projects being constructed first; $50,000 has been included in the Planning and Operations budget for construction and staff will be applying for a National Trails Fund Grant. Staff will be working with the bicycling community to develop and maintain several trails. She highlighted the additions to the original plan that resulted from the most recent public meeting. In answer to P. Siemens' question regarding parking along Star Hill Road for area 5 and creek access, M. de Beauvieres said the problem is that Swett and Star Hill Roads are both very narrow and staff is not considering developing parking in that area. P. Siemens said perhaps this parking should be discussed when a long-term plan is considered. J. Escobar referred to page 11 of the staff report regarding the citizen's complaint to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) about the erosion in El Corte de Madera Creek. He said staff has not yet met with the RWQCB as the May 17 meeting had to be rescheduled because of bad weather. He added there will be an Adopt-a-Trail program for trails at the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. D. Smernoff asked about the changed wording in recommendation 5.01. M. de Beauvieres said it had originally said closed to public use, but because hikers are allowed to wander throughout the entire preserve, hiking use remained in the recommendation. Kevin Maher, Task Force member, said the District needs to be concerned about use 10 to 20 years in the future. The area will change because of use. He said he still thinks there are far too many trails, but urged the Board to adopt the plan because it Meeting 96-12 Page 4 addresses the values determined by the District and provides a clear trail system. He said he hoped the plan will halt the proliferation of unofficial trails, and urged that the natural resources be protected. Ross Finlayson, Mountain View, discussed the fundamental differences of opinion in what it means to manage and preserve open space. He said bicyclists are primarily concerned with preserving the natural beauty and maintaining the wild nature of the preserve. He described his objection to the use of a trail machine. He said bicyclists are more tolerant toward steeper trails which are more prone to erosion and they take a reactive approach -- control rather than prevent erosion. In summarizing the two different views, he said he would like to see the District consider the following plans for use and management in the future: 1. A written condition that the wide diversity present in the District's preserve system is an asset and that the trail use and management guidelines should reflect the diversity of experiences possible in the preserves. 2. A willingness to relax the steepness and width guidelines for existing trails with considerable natural beauty. 3. A willingness to experiment with new means of reducing the probability of trail conflicts such as one-way controls and rotation of access. 4. The increased use of alternate means for controlling erosion such as periodic closures and volunteer trail maintenance. He said he would like the District to think about this difference of opinion and how the District might accommodate the desires and needs of all preserve users when it reconsiders its use and management guidelines in the future. Berry Stevens, Redwood City, a member of the Task Force and Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), said he did not know of any other piece of property that arouses the passions that El Corte de Madera Creek does. He said the compromise reached on the plan is reasonable and in the long run this process is a model for other land management agencies. He said he had reservations about some specific issues but the plan is a good and fair compromise which he supported wholeheartedly. David Luke, San Jose, thanked the Board for having an open mind and listening to the mountain biking community. He said they would probably prefer trails in a more rugged state and made the following suggestions in regard to the proposed plan: • Page 3, under Introduction, eliminate the third paragraph unless they feel it has some value. • Page 4, last paragraph, he said the trail characteristics are defined by the topographic nature of the landscape and also he didn't know if it restricts use by the hiking public. Also, in his experience, the majority of the mountain bike users of the trails are beginning or intermediate. • Page 5, second paragraph, he proposed that as the trail use plan is defined in more in the future, the Board consider that many other trails are really only used Meeting 96-12 Page 5 by bicyclists and hikers who have the stamina and strength to get there. People who go deeply into the preserve appreciate the rugged terrain. • Page 8, the Douglas fir mentioned in the first paragraph is a Redwood. Todd McGee thanked the Use and Management Committee and the Task Force for being willing to adapt their procedures and behavior to public comments. He asked that the District take into account the passion and interest of user groups and use their willingness and labor to its best effect. He described the trails mountain bicycle groups have worked on. Bob Kain, Task Force member, urged the Board to approve the proposed plan. Patty Ciesla, Palo Alto, discussed her philosophy about building trails and said she is not against the plan. She encouraged the Board, when looking at the building of trails, to remember that a lot of mountain bicyclists prefer a few obstacles to slow them down and trails that encourage use because they are tricky, not because they can go fast. She talked about the Leaf Trail and encouraged the District to keep the sentiments of users in mind when implementing the plan. To help avoid erosion, she encouraged the District to look into alternate routing plans or one way designations. She said they should minimize user conflicts as much as possible. She talked about the Redwood tree across the creek and encouraged the District to leave the log as it is. J. Escobar said trail machines would be appropriate for use on this site. He said staff has heard the bicycling community in terms of their interest in not having wide, overly smooth trails, but staff cannot ignore that steepness encourages erosion. He said some of the wide, steep trails might be replaced with narrower trails that are not as steep; trails will be moved off ridge tops onto side slopes. He said the common thread is that although the bicycling community is interested in challenging trails, it is not necessary that they be too steep. He described what would be done on the Leaf Trail. He said if there is one goal with the trail plan it is to prevent erosion to preserve natural resources and he thought that could be accomplished. W. de Wit said the compromise plan has created a reconciliation between preservation and recreation. P. Siemens said the plan is good from the standpoint of process and results. He said they had received E-mail from people objecting to omitting parts of the plan they called technical. He said he was interested in the idea of providing challenging trails while cutting down on speeds. On the issue of volunteers, he said the District had recently approved increasing the volunteer program and he was expecting great opportunities for volunteer efforts at this preserve. N. Hanko thanked the Use and Management Committee and the Task Force. She Meeting 96-12 Page 6 said that for the mountain bicyclists to come in with a recommendation that is acceptable to the hiking community and equestrians is a fine step in the direction of cooperative relationships between the mountain biking community and public agencies. She said the District is probably the only agency in the Bay Area that has been so receptive to the sport of mountain bicycling. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality act as set out in the staff report. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board tentatively adopt the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve as contained in the staff report as an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the Preserve. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. C. Britton added that Task Force members were invited the volunteer recognition event on June I and personally thanked M. de Beauvieres, J. Escobar and D. Sanguinetti. P. Siemens extended an invitation to the June 9 Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve event. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - District —Appointments to the hfidminsula Regional Oren SRM District Financing Authority Governing Board - (LR=rt R-96t58) N. Hanko appointed Mary Davey (Vice-President), Teena Henshaw (Chair, Administration and Budget Committee), and David Smernoff(Treasurer) to the governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority. The first meeting will be June 26 and Supervisor Dianne McKenna will be present at that meeting. C. Britton stated the Authority will probably only meet once a year. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the President's appointments. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Authorization of Permit to Enter for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Soil Testing at CQg-la Landing - Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt from CEOA - &M R-96-59 C. Britton said he had removed this item from the Consent Calendar because the permit's indemnification clause needed to be reworked. He said the recommendation should be amended that to find that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA and that he is authorized to sign a permit to enter upon approval by District Legal Counsel. It will be returned to the Board as an informational item with the final wording. Meeting 96-12 Page 7 S. Schectman said EPA has no information that there is any contamination. The testing is being done as part of a larger effort in sites that can be cleaned up and reused for economic development. However, if contamination is found the District might be involved in the remediation process. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on the findings contained in the staff report and authorize the General Manager to sign the Permit to Enter as approved by District Legal Counsel. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0. VIII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS B. Crowder gave staff a copy of a portion of the Harold Gilliam speech given at the Stegner bench dedication for distribution to anyone who wanted it. She said W. de Wit had been honored as Environmental Educator of the Year by the Audubon Society. She said she had met with Judy Steiner of Hidden Villa. She announced that the South Skyline Association is having its annual Memorial Day Folk Dance Weekend and that Ken Fisher is leading a hike to Virginia Mill on May 26. W. de Wit said he had attended a hearing at the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors about the Coastal Initiative and he had asked to have density credits deleted. B. Crowder said there will be a first time event at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve on June 23, the Temblor Trails Trials, an equestrian event. C. Britton reported as follows: (1) He received an invitation to the June 1 Stevens Creek ribbon cutting, but couldn't attend. (2) Regarding the parking lot at Rhus Ridge Road, M. Davey, D. Smernoff and B. Crowder have agreed to meet with the neighbors and staff on June 19 at 6:30 p.m. to look at the issue and gather information. There will ultimately be a staff recommendation on the parking lot. (3) Mr. Slobe has a bonafide offer in excess of $3 million for his land adjacent to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve and the District has 21 days to consider and exercise its right of first refusal; he said the price precludes the District from exercising this right, adding the buyers have asked the District to work with them because the buyer would like to build a bridge to the property. (4) M. Davey had attended Ralph Molica's presentation. (5) The Constitutional Review Commission has put their proposals in the form of a bill. He said he had the bill text and copies could be provided to interested Board members. (6) He said he wanted to have a professionally mounted bobcat and mountain lion to display at the District's office so people could see the difference; he has contacted Wildlife Rescue regarding the loan of a mounted bobcat and Fish and Game will make a cougar available to the District for mounting. (7) In regard to Harry Haeussler's comment about the monthly field activity summary and reporting how many violations were actually cited, he showed the change in the report's format. (8) A $1,875 grant to clean up the creek at Picchetti had been received. (9) He showed the ad for the June 9 event and Meeting 96-12 Page 8 said M. Smith gave a District presentation at the Redwood City Planning Commission tonight and therefore wasn't at the meeting. (10) He had met with Mr. Neely regarding his driveway at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve parking lot. (11) The Right to Vote on Taxes Act petition had been filed with over 1,000,000 signatures.. (12) Ground was broken on May 21 for the new field office at Skyline. At 9:20 p.m., N. Hanko adjourned the Regular Meeting and stated that the Board would reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session to discuss Closed Session agenda item 3. IX. CLOSED SESSION. CONTINUED The Board reconvened the continued Closed Session Special Meeting at 9:24 p.m. X. ADJOURNMENT The Closed Session Special Meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Roberta Wolfe Recording Secretary Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 232 300.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 233 1500.00 A-1 Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 234 444.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 235 420.79 Acute Computer Technology Computer Upgrade 236 186.86 All Laser Service Office Printer Maintenance Service 237 6.60 American Welding Supply Welding Service 238 967.00 Atlas Heating & Air Conditioning Furnace and Ducting Repair 239 342.09 AT & T Telephone Service 240 100.00 Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Membership Renewal 241 145.00 Bill's Towing & Recovery Towing Services 242 77.89 Breon, O'Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannis Legal Services 243 55.80 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Documents 244 168.14 California Water Service Company Water Service 245 64.00 Camino Medical Services Medical Services 246 39.75 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Repairs 247 426.91 Clyde Robin Seed Company Inc. Wildflower Packets with Logo--6/9 Eves 248 2150.00 Sheryl Marioni Cochran Trail Use Consulting--Fremont Older 249 403.09 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Uniform and Field Supplies 250 323.64 Communication & Control Inc. Mt. Umunhum P G & E Pump Utilities 251 81.25 Computer Resource Center Computer Class--B. Congdon 252 20.00 Country Home Products Field Supplies 253 25.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Inspection 254 104.40 Mary de Beauvieres Private Vehicle Expense 255 190.00 Enshallah Site Analysis Consulting Services-- Teague Hill Property 256 15.03 Film To Frame Photo Processing 257 350.00 Foothill College Facilities Office Parking Lot Rental--6/9 Event 258 2111.76 Gardenland Power Equipment Equipment Repair and Parts 259 31.34 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 260 157.72 Goodco Press Incorporated Invitations--Volunteer Recognition Ever 351.67 Grainger Restroom Door Replacement 261 24.09 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 262 124.81 Hengehold Motor Co., Inc. Van Rental--FOOSP House Tour 263 252.63 Home Depot Field Supplies 264 18.05 Honda Peninsula Vehicle Repair Part 265 400.00 Integrated Training Resources LTD Weaponless Defense/Baton 'Training 266 620.00 Frank W. Isidoro Grading Services--Windy Hill 267 5085.81 Jeda Publications Brochures 268 31.86 Kelly-Moore Paint Company, Inc. Grant Cabin Supplies 269 356.21 Lab Safety Supply Inc. Field Safety Supplies 270 75.92 Langley Hill Quarry Baserock 271 652.72 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Photocopier Maintenance Agreement 272 275.00 League of California Cities Registration Fee--S.Schectman 273 1615.00 D. Martinez Electrical Contractor Storage Shed Electrical Upgrade Page 1 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 274 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 275 123.25 Metro M obileCommunications Radio Repair 276 840.00 Micro Accounting Solutions Computer Consulting Services 277 234.11 Minton's Lumber & Supply Lumber, Concrete and Mortar 278 89.00 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies 279 19.50 Netcom Monthly Internet Fee 280 59.73 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Parts 281 650.83 Office Depot Office Supplies 282 587.04 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 283 910.57 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 284 1275.13 Page & Turnbull Consulting Services--Picchetti Ranch Homestead Stabilization Project 285 160.01 PIP Printing Training Booklets 286 1616.25 Platypus Revisions to Exhibits--Daniels Nature 287 48.49 *1 Porter Rents Stegner Event Sound System Center 288 600.00 Portola Park Heights Property Owners Assoc. Road, Dues 289 7190.00 POST Pezzoli Acquisition Settlement 290 12.87 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name Tags 291 230.00 Quicksilver Printing Printing--Letterhead 292 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 293 745.63 Rich's Tire Service Vehicle Tires 294 1445.49 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair Service 295 102.36 Safety-Kleen Solvent Tank Service 296 157.63 San Lorenzo Valley Locksmith Keys 297 504.46 Susan Schectman Reimbursement--Professional Conferenc 298 4740.00 E.R. Sheehan Trail Building Services 299 177.14 John Shelton, Inc. Culvert 300 972.69 Signs of the Times Field Signs 301 60.00 Silicon Valley/IABC Awards Entry Fee--Public Affairs 302 357.87 Silverado Avionics Inc. Radio Batteries 303 172.32 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Canopies for Special 304 39.81 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 305 1900.00 Sutter Equipment Co. Dozer Rental 306 19976.79 *2 Swift Auto World North 1 Vehicle 307 39953.58 Swift Auto World North 2 Vehicles 308 240.00 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 309 680.16 Teater & Etc. Sign and Map Revisions 310 520.96 Triple A Plumbing Service Water Heater--DHF Blacksmith Shop 311 40.78 University Art Center Planning Office Supplies 312 1184.81 Vallen Safety Supply Company Safety Supplies 313 57.00 Doug Vu Private.Vehicle Expense *1 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 *2 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 314 175.00 WAC Corporation Aerial Photos--Russian Ridge Grass Land Study 315 360.00 West Valley Mission Community College District Law Enforcement Update Training 316 389.20 Whitmore, Johnson & Bolanos Legal Services 317 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 318 115.24 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 319R 967.50 County of Santa Clara Permit Fees--Homestead House 320R 362.10 Petty Cash Film and Developing, Recognition Event Supplies, Training and Seminar! Docent Supplies, Local Business Meetings and Postage TOTALS 112722.06 Page 3 Regional Open Mwe ................................... MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 13, 1996 DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF Mr. William R. Estrada, 1[ FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION P. O. Box 153 New Almaden, CA 95042-0153 Dear Mr. Estrada, Thank you for your E-mail letter dated May 31, 1996 asking that your request for a utility easement through District open space lands in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve be placed on a future Board agenda. It is my understanding that you have not contacted District staff to discuss this matter since you addressed the Board at the November 8, 1995 meeting. At that meeting, you requested under Oral Communications that the Board unconditionally grant you the utility easement. In response to your statement, Board President Siemens recommended that each Board member review the correspondence provided them and contact the General Manager if a member of the Board wanted to place your request on a future agenda. As president of the Board, I consider it premature to place your request for the utility easement on a Board agenda. I do not think that the Board is prepared to discuss or take any action on this subject until you and District staff have thoroughly discussed the matter and reached agreement upon the potential terms and conditions of any utility easement. I urge you to contact Michael Williams, our Real REMM ftreagntative. at (415) 691-120Q to reactivate discussions about an easement. As noted in Board President Siemen's July 27, 1995 letter to you in response to your initial request for a utility easement, the Board is very concerned about the visual impact of overhead utility lines on District lands in the Sierra Azul area, and "we have directed staff to address this concern specifically in considering your request". I am forwarding a copy of your May 31 E-mail letter to all members of the Board. Sincerely, Nonette G. Hanko, President Board of Directors cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle 9 Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com OD Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton RESPONSE ACTION PROPOSED by STAPT Date: Fri, 31 May 96 10:31:28 PDT Beard President AcknovledBe/Rospond From: wre00@eng.amdahl.com (William R. Estrada) Director Acknovledfe/Rospood y Staff Atknovled;e/Respond To1R!'irosd@netcom.com _� Draft Response Attached Subject: My request. Staff to be Directed to Prepare Dr Response for Board Consideration per Board Direttive(s) May 31, 1996 No Response Necessary Board members, It has been several mouths since 1 talked to some of the board members about my request for an easement across the Barlow property. I was told that I would be contacted by Staff to try to resolve the impass. To this date, I have not. I will assume that the last offer is all that your people are going to make. As I told you at the last meeting I went to ( Dec, I think ), your DEMANDS are out of the question. I see no reason why I need to give up control over my property. All I am asking for is what any other reasonable person would expect in this day and age. It will not cost the District anything. In fact, it would help to build up the poor public image that MROSD has now. In order for me to proceed, I need for the board to act on my reuuest. Please put my request for the utility easement on the agenda. Please notifiy me early about when it will come up for a vote. Wm. R. Estrada II, KD6VEG 408-997-0743 Home 408-746-8886 Work i \ William R. Estrada 11 - Mt. Umunhum, Santa Clara County, CA,95042 1 Internet address - kd6veg@netservers.com Web Home Page - http://netservers.com/kd6veg Packet address - KD6VEG@NOARY.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA \ Standard Disclaimer J Regional Op, Space -------------- R-96-65 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 i i AGENDA ITEM Tentative Adoption of the Trails Plan Element of Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Comprehensive Use and Management Plan GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt under the"California Environmental Quality Act as set out in this report. 2. Tentatively adopt the attached Trails Plan as an Element of the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION Purpose of the Trails Plan The attached Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Trails Plan is an attempt to establish a trail system that promotes safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors of the preserve, while minimizing impacts to the natural resources. To accomplish this, the trails element includes evaluations of the preserve's existing trail system, analyzes suitable trail use designations, and makes determinations for appropriate trail improvements. Planning Process The Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Trails Plan was developed based on an evaluation process derived from the District's adopted Trail Use Guidelines and Mitigation Measures (see reports R-93-10 and R-93-20). The evaluation process examines different factors affecting trail use, including historical use, adjacent uses, physical trail characteristics, reported conflicts, and other trail use related incidents. The process also considers various mitigation measures to enhance the existing trail system, reduce trail use conflicts, and minimize environmental impacts. Specific examples of these measures include signing, trail use education, trail maintenance, and enforcement: During the past two years, staff collected and evaluated a variety of data on the preserve's trail system. Ranger incident reports and volunteer trail patrol reports were reviewed for information about trail use related accidents, citations, and conflicts that occurred on the preserve. Individual trails were inventoried and physical characteristics were identified. Visitor use counts were taken by District volunteers in June and October of 1995. Public input was received at a trail use workshop on October 22, 1994, and a Prospect Road neighborhood meeting on February 11, 1996. 330 Distel Circle # Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 # FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors.Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-65 Page 2 Highlights of the Trails Element The attached Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Trails Plan designates all trail segments on the preserve multi-use, except Prospect Road and the Creekside Trail. These multi-use designations are based on the preserve's historical multi-use patterns combined with a low occurrence level of trail use conflicts and acceptable physical characteristics for the volume of use received. The Creekside Trail is designated for "hiking only" because of its historical "hiking only" use and its limiting physical characteristics. It also provides hikers an alternate route bypassing a portion of Prospect Road which is currently shard by bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, and resident vehicles. To reduce trail use conflicts on Prospect Road, the current multi-use designation will be changed to "hiking and equestrian use only" when the alternative bypass trail is constructed and opened to multi-use. The trails plan identifies appropriate improvements to reduce trail use conflicts, minimize erosion, and/or offer more opportunities for trail users. These improvements include reopening the abandoned Fern Trail, and construction of a multi-use trail bypassing Prospect Road as mentioned above. The plan also describes recent trail improvements that have been completed on the preserve, including: widening and brushing on the Seven Springs Trail and Toyon Trail to increase the sight distance and passing space; construction of a new trail to Seven Springs Canyon bypassing the steep section of Seven Springs Loop Trail; and installation of drainage improvements on the Toyon Trail to reduce erosion. Implementation of the Plan Funding for improvements that have been identified as high priority in the plan are included in both the operations and planning budgets for fiscal year 1996-1997. Improvements identified as moderate or low priority will be scheduled as staff time and funding is available. CEOA COMPLIANCE Project Description The project includes a Trail Use Plan and implementation of trail improvement projects at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. The 739-acre open space preserve is currently open to the public and has 11 miles of trails. Implementation of the Trail Use Plan will increase the overall trail system to approximately 12 miles of trails by constructing one mile of new trail, and reopening 0.25 miles of old trail. Approximately 1.5 miles of trail will be repaired. In addition, new trail signs and culverts will be installed. The two most significant trail construction projects include a Prospect Road bypass trail and Santa Clara County's construction of the Stevens Canyon Trail as it passes through the open space preserve. The District will work cooperatively with the County of Santa Clara to undertake the construction of the Stevens Canyon Trail. The Stevens Creek County Master Plan will include an environmental review of this trail project as their plan is further developed. R-96-65 Page 3 Project Determination under CEQA The project is categorically exempt under sections 15302, 15304 and 15061 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Categorical Exemption 15302 - Replacement or Reconstruction The Fem Trail will be reconstructed in the same location and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity. The existing trail was closed to the public years ago because of slides and, upon reconstruction, will be reopened for trail use. Categorical Exemption 15304 - Minor Alterations to Land Trail construction will consist of minor grading and clearing of vegetation in order to provide four to six foot wide trails with unobtrusive cut and fill side slopes. Trail grades will generally be under 10% and drainage designed to minimize soil erosion. Trail alignments in the Trail Use Plan are general and subject to minor changes during the construction phase to protect sensitive resources. The Trails Plan qualifies under both sections. In addition, the actions proposed in the Trails Plan are exempt under section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. ADA COMPLIANCE The improvements contained in the Trails Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve are consistent with the District's adopted Access Plan for Persons with Disabilities. One goal of the Access Plan is to provide access to open space preserves, facilities, and trails, to all persons regardless of physical limitations, consistent with the constraints of the natural landscape and the District's resources. Three levels of trail access are defined in the Access Plan and serve as guidelines for evaluating, designing, and constructing trails. All existing and planned trails at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve are classified Level 2 and 3 which may be accessible for persons with physical limitations, depending on their abilities and inclinations. Level 1 trails that meet whole access standards are not included in the trail system due to the preserve's steep and rugged terrain. Visitors who need help in interpreting trail conditions at the preserve are encouraged to contact the District for more information. Trail conditions such as grade, slope and surface characteristics are available in detail for trails at the preserve. Prepared by: S. Cochran, Consultant J. McCullough, Open Space Planner Contact Person: J. McCullough, Open Space Planner TRAILS PLAN i Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District June 1996 II TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FIGURE 1 Trails Plan Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 GENERAL SITE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TRAILS DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 PROSPECT ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 CREEKSIDE TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 HAYFIELD TRAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 TRAIL TO REGNART ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SEVEN SPRINGS CANYON TRAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CUT OVER TRAILS TO HUNTERS POINT ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 HUNTERS POINT ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 TRAIL ABOVE RAINBOW SUBDIVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 TRAIL TO REGNART ROAD EASEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 TRAIL AROUND NOB HILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 TRAIL TO PARKER RANCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 TOYON TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 BAY VIEW TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 COYOTE RIDGE TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TRAIL TO KAISER LAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 STEVENS CANYON TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BROOKS TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 VISTA LOOP TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FERN TRAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 FIGURE 2 Physical Trail Class Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 TRAILS PLAN SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 INTRODUCTION TO THE PLAN Purpose of the Plan The Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Trails Plan attempts to establish a trail system that will promote safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors to the preserve, while minimizing impacts to the natural resources. The plan includes an analysis of different factors affecting the preserve's existing trail system and determines the uses that are appropriate on each trail. These factors were derived from the District's adopted Trail Use Guidelines and Mitigation Measures (see Reports R-93- 10 and R-93-20). The plan also determines the mitigation measures that are needed to enhance the existing trail system, reduce trail use conflicts, and minimize environmental impacts. Examples of these measures include trail use education, trail realignments, and seasonal trail closures. Plan Format The Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Trails Plan is organized into three main sections. The first section, General Site Information, includes information about the preserve's location and staging areas, as well as the trail system and related use. Section two, Trails Discussion, provides background and rationale for the use designations and trail improvements proposed in the plan. It also describes recent improvements. This section is organized into sub-sections by major trails. Each sub-section includes a chart, which lists the main factors considered in determining the trail use designation for each trail segment. The factors as they relate to the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve trails are described below: 1. Historical use identifies trail use patterns that have been established on the preserve over the years (example: multi-use or hiking only). This is an important factor to consider because established use patterns often are difficult to change. 2. Level of Use indicates the number of visitors that use a specific trail during peak use periods (weekday evenings and weekends). Low use is generally less than 20 visitors per hour. Moderate is 20 to 40 visitors per hour. High use is over 40 visitors per h6ur. 3. Trail use conflicts alert the District to potential problems on the preserve. However, they are hard to quantify, because many conflicts are not reported. The chart reflects those accidents and trail use related citations that have been reported to and recorded by District staff. Less than three reported accidents per year on a specific trail is considered low. Between three to five reported accidents per year is moderate, and over five is high. A low level of citations means there were less than three citations given on a specific trail during a year. A moderate level of citations falls between three and ten, and a high level is over ten per year. 4. Adjacent Use identifies use found on trails that connect with preserve trails, but are located outside the preserve boundaries. The trails can be on adjacent public or private lands. Compatible trail use with adjacent public lands is important because it is easier for both agencies to manage. It also reduces confusion for visitors. Preserve trails that connect to privately owned trails must be carefully signed and fenced to discourage undesirable use on private lands. Stevens Creek County Draft Master Plan In 1993, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department embarked on preparing a Master Plan for Stevens Creek County Park . Although the plan is not complete, the draft Master Plan provides a long-range development plan for the park and establishes the types and mix of recreational use best suited for the park's resources. The plan proposes improving trail connections to the adjacent MROSD preserves (Fremont Older and Picchetti Ranch), and creating a Stevens Creek Trail Corridor which will traverse both the county park and Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. The Preserve's Trails Plan has considered the County's Master Plan and incorporated provisions to make these plans consistent. 5. The physical characteristics of each trail are identified using the trail classification system that was developed in the Trail Use Guidelines (See Figure 2 - Trail Class Designations). This classification system defines three classes, which are believed to represent approximately 75% of the District's trail system. Those trails that do not clearly fit into one of the three physical classes are identified as non-classified. The third section, Trails Plan Summary, gives an overview of the plan. It is presented in a table format and organized by major trails and corresponding trail segment numbers. For each trail, a use designation is given along with any appropriate improvements, and the anticipated costs and staff time to implement them. The improvements are prioritized by their importance on the preserve. Those improvements that potentially will reduce current trail use conflicts or environmental impacts have been given the highest priority in the plan. These will be implemented first. The other improvements will be implemented as staff time allows and funding is available. In addition to the three sections, the plan includes two figures. Figure 1, the Trails Plan Map, identifies existing and proposed trails and their uses. Figure 2 identifies and defines the three trail class designations that were developed in the Trail Use Guidelines. 2 TRAILS PLAO Figure 1 FREMONT OLDER OPEN SPACE PRESERVE .. ......._............... ....... .......... w % %: .. % % mn M?, MR .•......... XMIS�n MOM 001. S on \% 1110% 101 01%�, Wu.. ...... lQ 2. %0 % g. R g%g I-\ 1%1 NINE% �\.,;••.I T xw N ........ Bicycle riders must wear x. ...... .. -,%�,,,ua. ........... .... ....... .......... ............ ................ ...... approved helmets in Fremont older O.S.P. n Stevens Creek Count) Z ........ .......... ....... ..... .............. ........... ................ xxs........... �.4 ....... .......... .x is X, iiii ...... ....... ... . .......%": .......... %11K ........... X. X kw� ♦ N x.X X, .......... .......... 11 00 21 ....... ............ ........... .... .. 36: g\ NO---------------------—- IN 22N.......... ..... a 19 .............. ..... • O .......... 18 X > ............ ............ .......... A 16 Hunter's Point 13 ............ ...... 10 > V :X. 9 X\ 4 .................. Cd ;k" ag 35 ­0 Hayfield 8 Al t� (:d Trail r %\ ........... NUNN,11' 7 -g ....... ........ 3 X'0 Maisie's •34 4 D_ ... ..... Pea 27 42 Qj 28 4 X t K ............... ....... ... :x, ..............-. Bay View XX­.� .. ._- m — Q;Trail ixi�x 0 ...ffi %\ W7 N_ J.Z Toyon x .......... NOTE:To T ................. Trail ............. .......... � �' to seasonal closure KX*, .... L9 25 .. .. ..... K . .. r .......... ...... 07, X.. ...................... ......... Loop 3 Nob �\% Vista xxix.��\, x Hill Trail 1000 30 ............................... 9 24 ............................... x .... ......... . . ............... :::c M t Contact Stevens Creek tL County Park for more Ede ............ County Park information. mx\ ............ R"":'a':d:': ———----- ........... ......... . ......... 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0 F� One Mile niiiiii"i M M . Trail Use Map Legend ........ D og s on Leash Permi(ed on F777777M Hiking,Bicycling Hiking Only 0 i�All Fremont Older Trails and Equestrian LLJ Residence Restrooms Roadside Vehicle Other Private or No Hiking,Bicycling Proposed Multi-Use Proposed Hiking and Parking Parking Lot Public Lands Leased Lands Public Entry il(3,42) Equestrian Trail(1,2) GENERAL SITE INFORMATION Site Description (see Figure 1) The 739-acre Fremont Older Open Space Preserve is located in the hills above the cities of Saratoga and Cupertino. The main entrance into the preserve is located at the end of Prospect Road, adjacent to Saratoga Country Club. Parking for 20 to 25 vehicles and a restroom are available here. The parking lot often reaches capacity on weekday evenings and weekends. When this happens, visitors park along Prospect Road, often blocking emergency and resident vehicle access. The District is currently investigating both long-term and short-term solutions to the preserve's parking problem. Additional parking and preserve access are available at Stevens Creek County Park, which borders Fremont Older Open Space Preserve to the west. The preserve can also be reached from a trailhead located off Regnart Road. Limited roadside parking is available at this trailhead. Private trails owned by the adjacent Garrod Farms enter the preserve at the southern boundary. Garrod Farms is a private equestrian facility that offers horse rental and boarding to the public. There is also a trail on the adjacent Kaiser property that enters the preserve at the northern boundary. Access to the preserve via these private trails requires permission of the property owner. Use of the Preserve Equestrians, hikers, runners, and mountain bicyclists share the preserve's eleven-mile trail system. Trails wind through open grassland, oak woodland, chaparral, and abandoned orchards. About 65% of the trails are road width, ten to twelve-feet wide. Thirty-five percent are narrow single-track trails, typically two to five-feet wide. Since the District acquired the preserve, all of the trails, except the quarter-mile long Creekside Trail (segment 4), have been open to multi-use. The Creekside Trail has been restricted to hiking use since its original construction. Because of its proximity to an urban area, the preserve can receive heavy trail use, especially on weekday evenings and weekend days. Based on recent visitor surveys, staff estimates that 300 to 400 people visit the preserve on a busy weekend day. Approximately 50% of the visitors are bicyclists, 35% hikers and runners, and 15% equestrians. Equestrians have been riding on the preserve trails since before the District acquired the land in 1975. Recent visitor counts indicate that most of the equestrian use is concentrated in the southern portion of the preserve next to Garrod Farms. This part of the preserve was previously owned by the private equestrian facility. Many trails in this area were originally constructed by the owner of Garrod Farms, and continue to be used by equestrians who board or rent horses there. Mountain bicyclists have used the preserve for over ten years. Their numbers have increased significantly over the past five years as the sport has become more popular. With this increased use, the District has received reports of trail user conflicts and accidents. Many accidents and conflicts are caused by excessive speed, lack of communication between trail users, or lack of common courtesy on the trails. Over the past few years, the District has attempted to reduce trail use conflicts by installing caution and speed limit signs, posting educational flyers, setting up information stations, increasing ranger 4 patrol, and using radar to enforce District adopted speed limits. The District's trail patrol volunteers and rangers patrolling the trails on bicycles have also encouraged trail users to slow down and use more caution. Since these measures have been implemented, the number of reported trail use conflicts has decreased significantly. Dog Use All trails on the preserve are open to dogs on leash. In November 1995, the Board of Directors approved the allowance of dogs on leash on all trails at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, through a Use and Management Plan amendment. This decision was based on the adopted site evaluation criteria for dog access (R-95-116) and the adopted dog policy access (R-95-117). The preserve was found suitable for dog use due to its road-width trails which decrease the opportunity for conflict, the proximity to urban use, the previously disturbed habitat found on the site, and the history of dog use on the site. In addition, the Board policy states that an entire preserve be either open or closed to dogs. This facilitates management, mapping and signing, and avoids confusion on the part of visitors. Public Workshop On October 22, 1994, the District held a public workshop at the preserve to obtain input for the trails plan. Approximately 30 people attended. Staff gave a brief presentation at the Prospect Road parking lot, explained the District's planning process, and summarized trail use information gathered to date. Attendees asked questions, and shared ideas and concerns about trail use on the preserve. In general, people felt trail use conflicts had been reduced over the past year, since the District had implemented a number of mitigation measures, including adopting and enforcing speed limits. Most of the workshop participants seemed to want to work together to keep the preserve trails open to multi-use. After the presentation and discussion, the group hiked to the Toyon Trail (segment 27) to look at a short section of trail where several equestrians in the group had experienced conflicts with bicyclists. Because this section had limited sight distance, these equestrians were startled by approaching bicyclists they did not see until it was almost too late to pass safely. Potential solutions, including brushing and widening the trail to increase the sight distance, were discussed. Other Public Comment During the past two years, the District has received several telephone calls and letters from trail users and adjacent property owners regarding trail use at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. Some of the comments include: 1. Bike vs. horse conflicts have occurred at the blind corner on the Graveyard Trail (Toyon Trail, segment 27). Restrict single track trails to horses. Bikes race down them. (Equestrian who experienced conflicts with bicyclists on this section of trail) 2. Bicyclists speed past hikers, especially down Hunters Point and trail to Regnart Road. Bicyclists need to announce they're coming up behind you. Bicycles can spook some horses. Glad to hear the District is using radar and bicycle patrol. Hope it continues. (Preserve neighbor) 3. The preserve trails are not appropriate for mountain bikes or horses. Hikers can step in manure. 5 Horses attract flies. (Preserve neighbor) 4. Bicycles and horses don't mix. Equestrians fear every corner because a fast bicyclist may be approaching. Some try to be courteous but that doesn't help due to the large number of them. Let's have Horse Only days and Bikes Only days. (Equestrians who board horses at Garrod Farm) 5. Use radar consistently for two weeks at the same place to send a clear message to bicyclists to slow down. (Private resident concerned about speeding bikes on Prospect Road) 6. Observed another near-miss between hikers and a bicyclist on Prospect Road. Supports alternate multi-use trail to the Hayfield and removal of bicyclists off Prospect Road to eliminate trail use conflicts. Also supports establishing a bike walk zone on the steepest section of Prospect Road until an alternate trail can be constructed. (Private resident on Prospect Road) Staff carefully considered the public's comments. Whenever feasible, these concerns have been addressed in this plan. Trail Maintenance Because of the highly erodible clay soils found on this preserve, many trails are susceptible to rutting and troughing, especially during a heavy rainy season. The preserve's road width trails require regular grading to ensure efficient ranger vehicle patrol of the preserve. The narrower trails are maintained (i.e., regraded, brushed, drainage improved) as needed and as staff or volunteer resources are available. 6 TRAILS DISCUSSION PROSPECT ROAD: Segments 1, 2, and 3 Trail 11storical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Use (peak period) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation (1994-95) (See Figum 2) Segment 1 Multi-use Moderate to Law None Multi-use, Class A Hiking and (0.15 mi) High Hiking Equestrian* Segment 2 Multi-use Moderate to Low Moderate Multi-use, Class A Hiking and (0.34 mi) High Hiking Equestrian* Segment 3 Multi-use, Class A Multi-use (Proposed) Hiking & (0.75 mi) Equestrian To remain multi-use until bypass trail (segment 3) is constructed and opened to multi-use. DISCUSSION Prospect Road is the main trail and patrol road leading from the parking lot into the preserve. It also provides the only vehicle access for five private homes located within the preserve. On a busy weekday evening or weekend, trail segments 1 and 2 can receive 30 to 50 visitors per hour. Approximately 49% of the use is from bicyclists, 49% from hikers, and 2% from equestrians. Hikers have the option of bypassing sin the steeper section of segment 2, by using the Creekside Trail (segment 4) which restricts use to hiking. Trail Use Conflicts The District has received complaints from residents that bicyclists are riding too fast down Prospect Road (Segments 1 & 2). Residents in vehicles and other trail users continue to experience conflicts with bicyclists. The long, moderate to gradual grade, combined with the smooth road surface, creates favorable conditions for bicyclists to gain speed during their descent. A 15-mph speed limit sign is posted on the trail. However, there have still been a number of citations given to bicyclists for exceeding the posted speed limit. In addition, two bicycle accidents were reported on the road in 1995. Both were minor accidents involving solo bicyclists. Improvements To reduce conflicts, trail use on segments 1 and 2 will be restricted to hikers and equestrians, and an alternative multi-use trail bypassing Prospect Road will be constructed. Staff investigated several trail alignments before finding one that could be constructed to accommodate multi-use. Steep terrain, unstable soils, and limited available land made it difficult to find a suitable trail alignment. Consideration was also given to improving the existing Creekside Trail (segment 4) to make it 7 suitable for multi-use. However, because of the trail's consistently steep grades, steep side slopes, and short lines of sight, it is not feasible to make the significant improvements necessary to accommodate the current high use that Prospect Road receives. Approximately 70% of the Creekside Trail exceeds a 15% grade. The maximum grade is about 30%. The new trail alignment (segment 3) begins at the parking lot on the north side of Prospect Road and climbs gradually above the road for a short distance before heading north and west to the Hayfield Trail (segment 5). The trail will be constructed to a minimum six-foot width and maximum 100/0 grade. It will be surfaced as necessary to accommodate trail use during wet conditions. To avoid the steep and unstable hillside above the road, a short section of the trail will be constructed within ten feet of the preserve's northern boundary. District star will work with the neighbors to minimize any impacts that the trail may have on their properties. Native vegetation will be planted along the northern property boundary as necessary to protect the privacy of the adjacent private residence. To discourage trespassing on the adjacent property, split rail fence will be installed along the property line as needed. After construction is completed, trail segment 3 will be temporarily closed to bicycles and horses until the trail tread has stabilized. Trail segments 1 and 2 will remain multi-use until segment 3 is opened to multi-use. To minimize conflicts during this period, additional signing on Prospect Road will be installed to discourage bicyclists from speeding and to encourage trail users to respect adjacent private property. Also, information stations will be held to educate bicyclists about District speed limits and trail use safety. Ptuspect Road Neighbod" Meeting The alternative trail alignment (segment 3) was presented to the Prospect Road residents on February I I, 1996 at a neighborhood meeting. The residents all concurred that there was a problem with bicyclists riding too fast down Prospect Road. They supported construction of a trail that would provide an alternative route for bicyclists to bypass Prospect Road. Residents also agreed that additional signing was needed in the interim to encourage bicyclists to slow down and to respect adjacent private property. In addition, neighbors supported asking ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers) to hold information stations on Prospect Road to educate trail users about speed limits and trail use safety. After the meeting, District staff looked at the proposed alternative trail alignment with the adjacent property owner who shares the preserve's northern boundary. Staff also looked at another potential trail alignment suggested by the property owner. This alignment is located on the north side of the neighbor's house within an existing utility easement. After seeing both potential alignments, staff and the neighbor agreed that the Districts proposed alignment would be less intrusive to the neighbor's property. i 8 CREEIKSIDE TRAIL:. Segment 4 Trail Iistoncal Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 4 Hiking Low to None Low Multi-use Non-classified Hiking (0.22 mi) Moderate DISCUSSION The Creekside Trail is designated for hiking use only. This trail was originally constructed as an alternate route for hikers to reach the Hayfield Trails. Trail segment 4 bypasses segment 2 of Prospect Road, which currently receives high use from equestrians, bicyclists, hikers, and vehicles. By offering hikers this alternate route, the potential for trail use conflicts between hikers and other trail users on Prospect Road is reduced. The Creekside Trail has moderate to steep grades, steep side slopes, and limited sight distance. Seventy percent of the trail exceeds a 15% grade. Forty percent of the trail has sight distances of less than 50 feet. These conditions, combined with moderate to high use levels, could significantly increase the potential for trail use conflicts if this trail was designated multi-use. The consistently steep grades could make it more difficult for bicyclists to pass other trail users at a safe speed. In addition, the limited sight lines would not allow most trail users sufficient time to see approaching bicyclists and step out of their way. Staff looked into re-aligning this trail to accommodate multi- use, but a suitable alignment was not found due to the terrain. For these reasons, trail segment 4 is designated for hiking only and no improvements are proposed in this plan. HAYF :ID TRARS: Segments 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Trail Bistoncal level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Wads Accidents 1994- Trail Use Characteristics Designation Segment Use (P�pe ) ( � � (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 5 Multi-use Moderate to Low None Multi-use, Class A Multi-use (0.24 mi) High Hiking Segments Multi-use Moderate to Low None Multi-use Class A Multi-use 6,7,8,9,10 High (0.71 mi) DISCUSSION The Hayfield Trails are former ranch roads that lead trail users through open grasslands north to Hunters Point or west to the Coyote Ridge Trail. Their ten to twelve-foot width and gradual to moderate side slopes provide sufficient room for trail users to pass safely. In addition, these roads have excellent lines of sight and gradual to moderate grades. These favorable physical conditions 9 adequately accommodate the moderate to high use the trails currently receive from hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, and runners. As a result, there have been few reported trail use conflicts during the last few years. For these reasons, the trail should remain multi-use, and no improvements are needed at this time. TRAIL TO R .GNART ROAD: Segment 11 Trail Mtoncal bevel of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment- Use (peakpedock) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Chatactedstics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 11 Multi-use Low None None I Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.22 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segment 11 provides neighborhood access onto the preserve from Regnart Road. Because it is not a main preserve access route, trail use is generally low. The tail's ten to twelve-foot width and one hundred-foot sight lines provide sufficient room for passing. These conditions combined, with low use, have resulted in few trail use incidents over the past two years. Therefore, it is appropriate to keep this trail's current multi-use designation. SEVEN SPRINGS CANYON TRAMS: Segments 12, 13, 149 15, 16, 17 Trail IFstoncal Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Cbarnctens6cs Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Ranch Road Segments Multi-use Low to Moderate None Multi-use Class A Multi-use 12, 13 Moderate (0.39 mi) Seven Springs Trail Segments Multi-use Low to Low Low Multi-use Non-classified Multi-use 15, 17 Moderate (1.05 mi) Segment 16 Multi-use Low to None None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.1 mi) Moderate Segment None Multi-use Not Multi-use ** 14* Inventoried (0.7 mi) New trail constructApril, 1996. ** Trail is temporary closed to bicyclists and equestrians to allow the trail tread to stabilize. 10 DISCUSSION The Seven Springs Canyon Trails are a network of connecting trails that take visitors from the Hayfield Trails to Seven Springs Canyon. During peak use periods, the trails can receive 15 to 30 visitors per hour. Most of the use is from hikers and bicyclists. The trails typically have grades under 1501% side slopes less than 301/, and sight distances greater than 75 feet. Trail widths range from four to twelve feet. Before recent improvements were completed, the trails had several limiting physical characteristics, including narrow widths on segments 15 and 17, steep grades on segments 12 and 13, and several short lines of sight on segment 15. The improvements described below address these conditions, attempt to minimize trail use conflicts and accidents, and enhance the multi-use trail network in this part of the preserve. At this time, no changes to the use designation are proposed. Trail Use Conflicts At the July 26, 1995 Board of Director's regular meeting, a member of the public expressed concern about trail use conflicts he had experienced on trail segment 15. On several occasions he was almost pushed off the trail by bicyclists riding fast on the narrow sections of this trail. At the Board's August 23, 1995 meeting, he asked the District to consider closing the trail to bicyclists or designating it a one-way trail. Improvements (trait segments 15 and 17) In August of 1995, District rangers and volunteer trail patrollers increased patrol of the trail in response to the complaint received about the trail. Staff also mowed thistle and tall grasses along the trail to allow more passing room for trail users. Sections of trail segments 15 and 17 had narrowed over past years, because of sloughing of adjacent slopes, encroaching vegetation, and rutting caused by trail use combined with the soft clay soils that are typical on the preserve. Heavy rains from the past few years intensified these problems. Trail segment 15 also had several sections with sight lines under 75 feet. In April 1996, additional improvements were completed to provide more passing room and improve the sight distance on trail segments 15 and 17. The narrow sections of segments 15 and 17 were brushed and widened. The steep switchback below the ridge on segment 15 was realigned. In addition to making these physical trail improvements, staff will continue to enforce the 15-mph speed limit with radar and monitor the use of the trail with assistance from the volunteer trail patrol. It is not appropriate to close this trail to bicycles or make it a one-way trail at this time. The trail currently receives low to moderate use, reports of trail use conflicts have been few; and recent improvements have been made to increase the sight distance and also provide additional room for passing. If trail use and related conflicts increase on the trail segments 15 and 17, the District will investigate potential solutions, including changing the use designation. hMmvements (trail segments 12 and 13) Trail segments 12 and 13 are twelve feet wide, with moderate to steep grades ranging from 13%to 35%. Trail users often hike or ride up this section of the loop trail to avoid the steep descent. Three 11 bicycle accidents were reported on this stretch of trail in 1994. The accidents involved solo bicyclists who were either unfamiliar with the trail or inexperienced riders. The Fremont Older Open Space Preserve Use and Management Plan, adopted in 1990, recommends realigning the steep sections of trail segments 12 and 13. Consideration was given to constructing a new 12-foot road to accommodate trail use and ranger patrol vehicles. But, because of the steep terrain, realignment of segments 12 and 13 would require extensive grading to eliminate the existing road and construct the new road alignment. The project would impact the land significantly and would also be very costly. Instead, an alternative multi-use trail bypassing trail segments 12 and 13 was constructed in April 1996. This trail (segment 14) connects the Hayfield Trail (segment 5) to the bottom of Seven Springs Canyon. It offers trail users a more desirable, less steep alternate route through the tree-shaded canyon south of Seven Springs Canyon. To accommodate multi-use, it has been constructed to a five to six-foot width, with grades not exceeding ten percent. Trail segments 12 and 13 will continue to be maintained for ranger vehicle patrol. Drainage improvements will be made to trail segments 12 and 13. CUT OVER TRAILS TO HUNTERS POINT ROAD: Segments 18 and 19 Trail, Ustorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Tian Use Carac6eristic Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segments Multi-use Low Low None Multi-use Non-classified Multi-use 18, 19 (0.21 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segments 18 and 19 provide a short connection from trail segment 15 to the Hunters Point Road (segment 20), bypassing the steeper section of this road. Both segments have three-foot widths, gradual to moderate grades, 100-foot sight lines, and moderate to steep side slopes. The narrow widths and steep side slopes do not allow much passing room on these segments. However, because both segments are less than 600 feet long, have good sight lines, and receive low use, there have been few reported trail use conflicts. Therefore, trail segments 18 and 19 are designated multi- use. Improvenients As staff time permits, trail segment 18 and 19 shall be widened to a four to five-foot width to provide trail users more passing space and to accommodate any future increase in trail use. 12 HUNTERS POINT ROAD: Segment 20 Trail Ustorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Tian Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Chmacteenstics Designation (1994-95) (See Figs 2) Segment 20 Multi-use Moderate Low None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.31 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segment 20 climbs moderately from the Hayfield Trail (segment 9) to Hunters Point, a popular destination point located above Seven Springs Canyon. From Hunters Point, it descends steeply to trail segments 21 and 22. Most trail users turn around at Hunters Point to avoid the steep descent. Trail segment 20 typically receives moderate use from hikers and bicyclists, and low use from equestrians. There were two accidents that were reported on the trail during the last two years; one in March 1994, and one in August of 1995. Both involved solo bicyclists who lost control while riding the steeper section on the north side of Hunters Point. There have been few reported trail use conflicts on segment 20 during the last two years. The trail's 12-foot width provides adequate room for trail users to pass safely. The 100-foot sight lines allow sufficient time for visitors to see and anticipate approaching trail users. For these reasons, the trail is designated multi-use and no improvements are proposed at this time. TRAIL ABOVE RAINBOW SUBDIVISION: Segment 21 Trail Ilstorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95') Trail Use Chametedstics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) E gment21 Multi-use Low None None Multi-use Class A Multi-use 0.15 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segment 21 is a former ranch road that leads visitors to the preserve's northern boundary adjacent to the City of Cupertino's Rainbow Subdivision. The trail ends at the preserve boundary. There is no public trail access into the adjacent subdivision. Trail segment 21 receives low use, the majority of which is from hikers and bicyclists. Its 12-foot widths and 100-foot sight lines provide adequate room and time for passing. The trail is designated multi-use because its favorable physical characteristics, combined with its current low use, have resulted in few trail use conflicts. No improvements are proposed at this time. 13 TRAIL TO REGNVART ROAD EASEMENT: Segment 22 Trail Ilistwical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Tian Use Segment Trail Use (pear periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Char teristics Designation (1994-95) (See I+ gun~2) Segment 22 Multi-use Low None None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.16 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segment 22 provides neighborhood access from Regnart Road through a trail easement across adjacent private land. Because the trail is a secondary access point and has a moderately steep grade, it typically receives low use. The trail is 12 feet wide, has 100-foot sight distances, side slopes less than 15%, and grades ranging from 13%to 27%. These conditions combined with low use have resulted in few reported trail use conflicts. Therefore, trail segment 22 is designated multi- use and no improvements are proposed at this time TRAIL AROUND NOB HILL: Segment 23 Trail ITistorical Uevel of Use Reported Citations Adjacent' Physical Trail Use Segment Tmd Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Tril Use Characteristics Designation (1994-957 (See Fl;ure 2) Segment 23 Multi-use Low to None None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.24 mi) Moderate DISCUSSION Trail segment 23 contours around the base of Nob Hill, a small knoll located near the preserve's southern boundary. The trail can receive 15 to 25 trail users during a peak use period. The majority of use is from bicyclists and equestrians. Equestrians from the adjacent private stables can get to the trail from either end. The trail's typical 12-foot widths and 100-foot sight distances provide adequate room and time for trail users to pass safely. In addition, segment 23 has grades less than 6%. These favorable physical conditions, combined with few reported trail use conflicts, make trail segment 23 suitable for multi-use. Therefore, no changes to the trail or use are proposed under this plan. TRAIL TO PARKER RANCCM Segment 24 Trail Ifistorical Level of Use Reported Citations` Adjacent Physical 'Dail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 24 Multi-use Low None I None I Multi-use Non-classified Multi-use (0.1 mi) 14 i DISCUSSION Trail segment 24 is a short single-track trail located in the southeast comer of the preserve. The trail connects to the Town of Saratoga's Parker Ranch trails located east of the preserve. Parker Ranch trails are open to hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists. Segment 24 is steep, narrow, and has sight distances less than 75 feet. It receives low use from equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers. Despite the less than ideal physical characteristics of this trail, there have been no reported trail use conflicts during the past few years. This is most likely because of its short length (700 feet) and low use. Staff has investigated alternative trail alignments for this trail, but to date has not found a feasible alignment that could accommodate multi-use. Potentially, this trail could be realigned in conjunction with a realignment of segment 25 of the Toyon Trail. The new trail alignment could begin at the preserve's southeastern boundary, follow the contours below trail segment 25, and connect to either trail segments 7, 26, or 27. Further investigation of this potential alignment shall be done as staff time permits. In the meantime, because segment 24 provides the only multi-use connection to the Town of Saratoga's trail system, it is desirable to keep this trail open to multi-use. If trail use and related conflicts increase significantly in future years, the trail shall be reevaluated and potential solutions, including trail realignment or changing the use designation, shall be considered. TOYON TRAIL: Segments 25, 26, 27 TrAil I1storical Level of Use Repoited Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation (1994-95) (See Fiigum 2) Segment 25 Multi-use Low Low None Multi-use Non-classified Multi-use (0.56 mi) Segment 26 Multi-use Moderate Low None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.39 mi) Segment 27 Multi-use Low Low None Multi-use Non-classified Multi-use (0.26 mi) DISCUSSION The Toyon Trail is made up of three trail segments. When combined with sections of the Coyote Ridge Trail or the Bay View Trail, these segments offer a variety of loop experiences for all visitors. The Toyon Trail currently receives low to moderate use. Trail users are predominantly bicyclists; however, the trail also receives a fair amount of use by equestrians from the adjacent private stables. During peak use periods, trail segments 26 and 27 can receive 15 to 20 visitors per hour. Segment 25 typically receives less than 10 visitors per hour. In 1994 and 1995, there was one recorded accident on the Toyon Trail. The accident involved a solo bicyclist who suffered minor injuries. 15 The Toyon Trail's physical characteristics are satisfactory, although not ideal. Most of the trail has good sight distances (75-100 feet), moderate grades (less than 15%), and adequate trail widths (4-7 feet). These conditions allow most visitors sufficient time and space for passing other trail users safely. The Toyon Trail's most limiting factors are steep grades on segment 25. Over 50% of segment 25 has grades exceeding 15%. All segments of the Toyon Trail are designated multi-use because they generally have good lines of j sight and trail widths, receive low to moderate use, and few trail use conflicts. Improvements (segment 25) Because of segment 25's steep grades and steep side slopes, erosion has been an ongoing problem. The soft erodible clay soils, combined with trail use during the rainy season, intensify the problems and contribute to rutting or troughing of the trail. During the heavy rains of 1994, several slides closed the trail. It remained closed until the spring, when the trail surface dried out and the District's maintenance crew was able to get equipment in to clear the slides. The trail was also temporarily closed during the 1995-1996 winter after heavy rains damaged sections of the trail. In April 1996, segment 25 was graded to smooth out the rutted trail surface. Culverts and waterbars j were installed on the steep sections of the trail to direct runoff away from the trail. In addition, the trail will be subject to closure to all uses during wet conditions to minimize future rutting and troughing of the trail. Seasonal trail closures and the drainage improvements should reduce the erosion. If the trail continues to require high maintenance, financial and/or volunteer assistance could be sought from local trail user groups for the ongoing maintenance of this trail If the recent improvements do not solve the erosion problems on segment 25, other solutions, including realigning the steeper trail sections or relocating the entire trail, will be considered. Last year, staff investigated alternative trail alignments above the existing trail, but could not find a suitable alignment that did not duplicate the existing trail around Nob Hill (segment 23) or the Bay View Trail (segment 30). A potentially suitable altemative trail alignment could be found below trail segment 25. The trail could begin at the southeast preserve boundary, follow the contour below the existing trail, and connect into either trail segments 7, 26, or 27. This area shall be field checked as staff time permits. hMmvements (segment 27) At the October 1994 public trail use workshop, several equestrians expressed concern over trail use conflicts they experienced on trail segment 27. Because of the limited sight distance on a section of this trail, these equestrians did not see bicyclists riding toward them until they were right in front of them; no accidents occurred Since the workshop, staff has cleared brush and widened this section of trail to increase the sight distance. This improvement should address equestrian concerns and help minimize future trail use conflicts. 16 BAY VIEW'TRAIL: Segments 28, 29, 30 Tian Mtorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Tian Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Chmactedstics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segments Multi-use Moderate Low None Multi-use Class A Multi-use 28, 29, 30 (0.59 mi) DISCUSSION The Bay View Trail provides a variety of popular round-trip routes when combined with sections of the Toyon Trail or the Coyote Ridge Trail. The trail receives moderate use from bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers. All three segments of this trail have grades typically under 10% and good sight lines. Segments 29 and 30 are road width (10-12 feet). Segment 28 is approximately seven feet wide. These physical conditions provide adequate room and time for trail users to pass safely. During 1994 and 1995, there was one recorded accident on the trail and no reported trail use conflicts. The accident occurred in February of 1995 and involved one equestrian. The trail's favorable physical characteristics and few trail use conflicts make it suitable for multi-use. No changes to the trail or use are proposed at this time. COYOTE RIDGE TRAU,- Segments 31, 329 339 349 35, and 36 Trail TPistorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95') Trail Use teristics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segments Multi-use Moderate to Low Low Multi-use Class A Multi-use 31,32,33, fEgh 34,35 (1.16 mi) Segment 36 Multi-use Moderate to Moderate 1-ligh Multi-use Class A Multi-use ( 0.6 mi) 1-Egli DISCUSSION The Coyote Ridge Trail is a road-width trail (10-12 feet) that follows the prominent ridge from Garrod Farms south to the water tank located above the adjacent Regnant Road development. From the water tank, segment 36 of the trail descends steeply to Stevens Creek County Park. During peak use periods, the Coyote Ridge Trail can receive 25 to 50 visitors per hour. Many of these trail users park at the county park and make the challenging climb up segment 36 to the ridge. This trail is an important ranger patrol route because of its easy access from Stevens Creek County Park, and because it offers great views of the preserve's trail system. Six trail segments make up the Coyote Ridge Trail. Segments 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are 10 to 12 17 feet wide, have sight distances greater than 100 feet, and grades typically under 15%. Segment 36 differs from the rest of the trail in that forty percent of it exceeds a 15% grade. The moderate to steep grades on this segment, along with the half-mile length, make it easy for bicyclists to gather speed as they descend the trail. In 1994, seven speeding citations were given to bicyclists riding at speeds over 20 mph. In 1995, there were eleven speeding citations given. There were also seven reported accidents on the Coyote Ridge Trail in 1994 and 1995. Most of them were minor injury accidents. All but one involved solo trail users. It is important to maintain this multi-use trail connection to Stevens Creek County Park because it provides the only preserve access from the county park that allows bicyclists and equestrians. All segments of the Coyote Ridge Trail are road width (10-12 feet) and their good sight lines provide adequate room and time for trail users to pass safely. In addition, the trail is heavily patrolled by District rangers, and trail use conflicts have been few during the last two years. hnpmvements (segment 36) Staff will continue to enforce the 15 mph sped limit on this trail to encourage bicyclists to slow down and ride more cautiously. TRAIL TO KAISER LAND: Segment 37 Trail Itistorical "Level of Use Repotted Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation (1994-95) (See Fiigiue`2) Segment 37 Multi-use Low Low None Multi-use Class A Multi-use (0.45 mi) DISCUSSION Trail segment 37 follows the ridge north of the Coyote Ridge Trail to the preserve's northern boundary. From the preserve boundary, segment 37 continues through private property and connects with Stevens Creek County Park. Although, the road is gated and signed "No Bicycles or Horses" at the County Park boundary and is posted "Preserve Boundary, Please do not Trespass" at the District boundary, visitors routinely pass through the private property. The road is also currently used by District rangers for patrol access. In the County's Draft Master Plan for Stevens Creek County Park, the County proposes "the acquisition of an easement for the existing volunteer trail connection from the Villa Maria Area to Fremont Older Preserve." The District supports formalizing this trail connection to provide additional access from Stevens Creek County Park and to maintain the patrol access from Stevens Canyon Road. The District will work in cooperation with Santa Clara County in formalizing this trail. The 12-foot width and 100-foot sight distances on segment 37 provide sufficient room and time for 18 trail users to pass others safely. These characteristics, combined with low use and few, if any, trail use conflicts, make the trail suitable for multi-use. No changes to the trail or use are proposed at this time. STEVENS CANYON TRAIL- Segment 38 Trail historical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Trail Use Segment Trail Use (peak periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Chameteristics Designation j (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 38 Multi-use N/A N/A N/A Multi-use, N/A Multi-use king Onl DISCUSSION Stevens Canyon Trail crosses through Fremont Older Open Space Preserve providing hikers a route which parallels the reservoir and connects the main staging area at Stevens Creek County Park with the County's Lookout Trail. Santa Clara County Parks constructed this trail and maintains the trail. Stevens Canyon Trail is designated hiking only due to the steep side slopes and narrow width of the trail. The County's Draft Master Plan for Stevens Creek County Park proposes constructing a 18-mile multi-use trail, the Stevens Creek Trail Corridor, which will connect the Bay Trail with the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The proposed alignment generally follows the alignment of the Stevens Canyon Trail through Fremont Older Open Space Preserve with the exception of some areas where the trail needs to be realigned because it is too steep or too narrow to accommodate a multi-use trail. The County proposes building this trail to their multi-use standards (8 feet minimum width, less than 10% slope). The District will support the County's efforts to build this trail and will work with the County to insure that the natural resources are protected. This trail will be designated multi-use once it is constructed. BROOKS TRAIL: Segment 39 Trail Ilistorical Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent ical Trail Use Segment Trail Use nods Accidents 1994- Trail Use Characteristics Desi 'on (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 39 Multi-use Low None I None I Multi-use, Class A Multi-use (0.28 nu) Hiking DISCUSSION Segment 39 begins at the Vista Loop Trail and heads south to a private stable located just south of the preserve and west of Garrod Farms. The stables were formerly owned by the Brooks family. The trail receives low use, most of which is by equestrians from the adjacent stables. 19 Segment 39 ranges in width from two to six feet. Fifty percent of the trail is less than four-feet wide. The trail also generally has 100-foot sight distances, grades less than 1501, and moderate side slopes. 'There were few reported trail use conflicts in 1994 and 1995. This is probably due to the trail's low use and generally good sight lines. Although the trail is narrow, the moderate side slopes offer a place for trail users to step off the trail and allow others to pass. For these reasons, the trail is designated multi-use. Improvements As staff time permits, the narrow sections of this trail shall be widened to four to five feet to provide additional passing room and accommodate any future increase in trail use. VISTA LOOP TRAIL:- Segment 40 and 41 Trail ; Hstoncal Level of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Traid Use Segrnent Trail Use (peak.periods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Characteristics Designation „(1994-95) (See l4gute 2), Segments Multi-use Moderate None None Multi-use, Class A Multi-use 40, 41 Hiking (0.76 mi) DISCUSSION The Vista Loop Trail is located west of Coyote Ridge in the southern portion of the preserve. The trail provides a popular loop for trail users when combined with the Coyote Ridge Trail. Bicyclists and equestrians are the predominant users. Segment 40 of the trail also connects with Stevens Creek County Park's Lookout Trail, which is designated for hiking only. Currently, the connection to this trail is unmarked and the beginning of the Lookout Trail is very steep. This section of the trail is located on District land, Trail segments 40 and 41 are road width (10-12 feet), and generally have grades less than 1501% steep side slopes ranging from 35% to 60%, and sight distances of 100 feet or more. There is one section of trail segment 41 that has a sight distance of less than sixty feet. The trail's physical conditions provides adequate room and time for trail users to see and anticipate approaching trail users and pass safely. As a result, there have been few reported trail use conflicts during the past few years. For these reasons, the trail is designated multi-use and no improvements are at this time. proposed In addition, the County's Draft Master Plan for Stevens Creek County Park proposes constructing a new trail that connects segment 40 with a proposed staging area at Laurel Flat. The Laurel Flat Trail will be a multi-use trail located along the prominent ridge north of the Lookout Trail within the county park. The trail will provide a valuable connection between the County and District lands for equestrians and bicyclists who are currently not permitted on the Lookout Trail. 20 Improvements Signing will be installed at the junction of segment 40 and the Lookout Trail to clarify the beginning of the Lookout Trail. The District will utilize volunteers to realign the first 50 feet of the Lookout Trail to bypass the existing steep alignment. Support the County's effort to construct the Laurel Fiat staging area and the Laurel Flat Trail. FERN 'TRAIL: Segment 42 Trail Itistodcal 1 revel of Use Reported Citations Adjacent Physical Vail Use Segment Trail Use (peak.petiods) Accidents (1994-95) Trail Use Chara�c�teristics Designation (1994-95) (See Figure 2) Segment 42 Multi-use Multi-use Non-classifier) Multi-use (0.28 mi) trail will reopened to Class A or B. DISCCUSSION The Fern Trail was originally constructed by Garrod Fauns, the adjacent equestrian facility, prior to the District's acquisition of the preserve. It was part of a popular one-hour loop trail used mainly by people renting horses from Garrod Farms. This quarter-mile long trail linked segment 34 of the Coyote Ridge Trail to segment 41 of the Vista Loop Trail. The trail was closed to the public years ago after several sections slid away. Garrod Farms has requested that the District reopen the trail to re-establish the one-hour loop. The trail was originally road width (10-12 feet). Today, because of slides and washouts, 50°/o of the trail is three to five feet wide. The trail is also overgrown with brush. Several years ago, stall' investigated potential realignments of this trail. However, because of the steep, rugged terrain found on the western slopeof Coyote Ride and the proximity of the Fein Trail to other reserve trails a Y g P tY P suitable realignment was not found. In 1995, Garrod Farms entered into an agreement with the District to share fence construction costs to secure the preserve's southern boundary. As part of the agreement, the District will reopen the abandoned Fern Trail. The trail will be designated multi-use when it is reopened. Improvements The Fern Trail will be reopened to accommodate multi-use. This will involve clearing several slides, constructing retaining wails, replacing existing culverts, regrading the trail surface, and removing brush. In addition, the short, steep section of trail near its intersection with Coyote Ridge will be realigned. Most, if not all, of the trail will be reopened to its original road width. Those sections that may not be possible to open and maintain at this width because of past slides and washouts will be reopened to a minimum five-foot width. 21 I Figure 2 - Trail Class Designations Class ATrail Trail Use Suitability Hiking Equestrian Running Bicycling Examples Monte Bello - Upper & Lower Canyon Trail Russian Ridge - Ridge Trail 10 feet Statistics 6 feet p Represents approximately 60% of District trails Width: 6 to 10 feet Grade: Varying grade Significant Problems Side Slope: Varying slope Speed increases on wide trails and roads Line of Sight: More than 75 feet Class B Trail • Trail Use Suitability r Hiking Equestrian Running Bicycling Examples Long Ridge - Parking to Peters Creek Monte Bello - Parking lot to Skyline 6 feet d—4 feet-{� Statistics Width: 4 to 6 feet Represents approximately 10% of District trails Grade: Less than 15% Side Slope: Less than 30% Significant Problems Line of Sight:More than 100 feet Passing often requires moving off trail Class C Trail Trail Use Suitability Hiking Running Examples Purisima Creek Redwoods - Soda Gulch Trail • St. Joseph's Hill - Jones Trail 4 feet Statistics 2feet Represents approximately 5% of District trails Width: 2 to 4 feet Grade: Varying grade Side Slope: More than 307 Significant Problems Line of Sight: More than 50 feet Speed is alarming on blind turns IRAIIS MAN SUMMARY FREMONT OLDER OPEN SPACE PRESERVE TRAILS PLAN SUMMARY TRAIL USE MITIGATION COST STAFF TIME PRIORITY DESIGNATION MEASURES ESTIMATE Planning Operations '7Wp_FPk Segments 1 &2 Hiking and Equestrian 1. Install additional signing on Prospect Road to encourage $300 16 his 8 hrs High (to remain multi-use until bicyclists to slow down. proposed segment 39 is constructed and opened 2. Hold information stations to educate bicyclists about 2 ln-s 4 hrs High to multi-use) District speed limits and trail use safety. Proposed Multi-use Construct new trail from parking lot to Hayfields Trail $10,000 20 hrs 600 hrs High Segment 3 segment 5. Trail would bypass Prospect Road,segments 1 &2. Close temporarily to bikes&horses until trail tread stabilizes. rs _.....Te Segment 4 Hiking Only None ayFt >r ) raa1 Segments Multi-use None 5,6,7,8,9,10 xa 1 t6 It pact 1 , d _... .. Segment I 1 Multi-use None Seven pri,ng ` anyo Trails: .. (Ranch Road) Multi-use Improve drainage on steep section-,install culverts. 8 Ins Moderate Segments 12& 13 (Seven Springs Trail) Multi-use Keep trail closed to bikes&horses until new trail tread has High Segment 14 stabilized. (Seven Springs Trail) Multi-use Clear brush and widen narrow sections as necessary to (potential) Ongoing Ongoing High Segment 15 maintain adequate passing room and sight distance. volunteer project) (Seven Springs Trail) Multi-use None Segment 16 (Seven Springs Trail) Multi-use Widen na7Tow sections as necessary,to maintain adequate (potential Ongoing Ongoing High Segment 17 passing room. volunteer project) 1 - Summary FREMONT OLDER OPEN SPACE PRESERVE TRAILS PLAN SUMMARY TRAIL USE MITIGATION COST STAFF TIME PRIORITY DESIGNATION MEASURES ESTIMATE Planning Operations uttikxaiMs 1 Ruz�ltra �rnt:Road _ .. .. .. .. .. . Segment 18, 19 Multi-use Widen trail to 4-5'. (potential 1 hr 8 hrs Low volunteer project) aa� x; '�xnt: aad Segment 20 Multi-use None Frail f Rainb S. hd' €sio t Segment 21 Multi-use None Trail tQ;Reg�rart Rerad.Easexn;ent Segment 22 Multi-use None Trail airowxd lob Hii; Segment 23 Multi-use None h's ba Segment 24 Multi-use Investigate alternative trail alignment. $400 8 hrs 8 hrs Low Tb �r Trail Segment 25 Multi-use 1. Close seasonally to all trail use as needed to minimize erosion. High 2. Maintain recent drainage improvements to minimize erosion. (potential High volunteer proj ect) 3.Investigate alternative trail alignment below existing trail. $600 16 hrs 16 hrs Lo-,v Segment 26 Multi-use None Segment 27 Multi-use None Ba3 Yicxs Train .. _. Segment 28, 29, 30 Multi-use None Comte Ridge Ttra'I Segments 31, 32,33 Multi-use Use radar and education to encourage bicyclists to sloe down, Ongoing Ongoing Iligh 34,35,36 especially on segment 36. 2 - Summary I FREMONT OLDER OPEN SPACE PRESERVE TRAILS PLAN SUMMARY TRAIL USE MITIGATION COST STAFF TIME PRIORITY DESIGNATION MEASURES ESTIMATE Planning Operations Tra��taR��serLttd Segment 37 Multi-use None teetsatt°ar :; .. Segment 38 Hiking Only Support County's planning efforts to build the Stevens Creek Ongoing Ongoing Moderate (Multi-use when Stevens Trail Corridor. Creek Trail Corridor is constructed) Crud .. .... .. . .. .. Segment 39 Multi-use Widen narrow sections to 4-5 feet. (Potential 8 hrs Low volunteer sta Look Trail Segment 40,41 Multi-use 1. Install signing at junction of segment 40&the Lookout Trail . $200 4 hrs 4hrs Moderate 2_Realign first 50 feet of the Lookout Trail. (Potential 8 hrs Moderate — volunteer Pro ect) . ...:._ Fertt Trail Proposed Segment 42 Multi-use Reopen overgrown trail to minimum 5-6 feet width. Close $3,000 8 hrs 120 hrs High temporarily to bikes&horses until trail tread stablizes. *The improvements are prioritized by their-importance on the preserve. Those improvements that potentially will reduce current trail use conflicts or environmental impacts have been given the highest priority in the plan. These will be implemented first. The other improvements will be implemented as staff time allows and funding is available. 3 - Summary Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-62 Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Amendments to the Public Notification Policy and the GoL�dlNeighbor Policy GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Tentatively adopt the attached amendments to the District's Public Notification Policy. 2. Tentatively adopt the attached amendments to the District's Good Neighbor Policy. DISCUSSION The Public Notification Policy was developed to ensure that a focused effort is made to inform adjacent landowners and members of the public about District activities that may interest or affect them. These activities might include acquisitions (including possible uses of eminent domain), grant applications, and land use planning projects and workshops. Periodic amendments have been made to this policy to keep the District's notification methods up to date, to ensure that the policy reflects the Board's desire for public outreach, and to adequately inform the District's constituency and neighbors of proposed land use changes. The most recent amendments were adopted by the Board on February 8, 1995 (see R-95-21). The currently proposed amendments reflect the ability of the District to include publicity through electronic means such as the internet; to take into account any transaction involving the sale, exchange, long-term lease, or other disposition of interest(s) in existing District lands; to provide appropriate notification of annexations of land into the District; and to define various terms and make the policy clearer. The Good Neighbor Policy was adopted on October 26, 1988, and has not been updated since that time. This policy provides basic guidelines for developing good working relationships with adjoining property owners, and for encouraging neighbor input and participation in District decisions. The proposed amendments update the policy to reflect processes the District. is already using; expand the description of on-site workshops on specific issues; address the issue of providing trail map modification drafts to neighbors; and expand and clarify the policy language. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-62 Page Two These proposed amendments to both policies were reviewed and approved by the Board's Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee. Subsequent to the Committee's review, District Legal Counsel S. Schectman proposed some additional changes that are included M the attached proposed revisions. One change to the Public Notification Policy is a technical separation of an "exchange" of property rights (which includes an acquisition) from a "disposition" of property rights, in order to allow for a resolution to be approved at a first reading, rather than at a second reading. Also, the ability to adopt the resolution at the first meeting is retained for a "disposition" of property rights, if determined necessary by the Board. An additional change to both policies is the inclusion of a statement that failure to comply with these policies will not affect the validity of any action taken by the District. This is appropriate since these policies are not intended to provide any additional legal requirements for public notice. For the Board's review, the prior versions of these policies, with additions shown in bold italics and deletions shown in strike-through, are attached. The proposed amendments will hopefully modernize these policies, provide a clearer focus of their intent, and make their language more clear and understandable. In keeping with the spirit of the Public Notification Policy, the recommended tentative adoption will allow for a second reading of these amendments, providing an additional period of time for public comment prior to the Board's final action. Prepared by: C. Britton, General Manager M. Smith, Public Affairs Manager Contact person: C. Britton, General Manager Public Notification Policy Adopted by the Board of Directors August 26, 1981 Amended September 14, 1983 Amended September 10, 1986 Amended February 8, 1995 Proposed Amendments June 12, 1996 Additions in bold italics Deletions in strike-through The purpose of the Public Notification Policy is to ensure that a concentrated effort is made to inform adjacent landowners and interested members of the public of District activities which may interest or affect them, such as acquisitions, including possible uses of eminent domain, grant applications, and land use planning projects and workshops. It is not the purpose of this policy to adopt any legal notice requirements. Rather,the purpose of this policy is to supplement any public notice required by law and to provide the broadest opportunity for public participation in and input on various District issues. Failure to comply with this policy shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the District. The requirement for public notice under this policy shall be advisory only, and the failure to give such notice in any particular instance shall not affect the validity of any action taken. Any property owner lists used for the purpose of notification will be based on the most recent microfiche obtained by the District as provided by the County Assessor's Office. This notification policy may, at the discretion of the general manager or as desired by the Board, be supplemented with additional publicity I via press releases, internet postings, advertisements,special mailings, or other methods to reach a wider public audience. 1. Land Acquisition The following means of public notification will be utilized for proposed acquisition of real property, including notification of consideration of a preliminary Use and Management Plan. (For any transaction involving the sale, exchange, long-term lease[more than one year in length]or other disposition of interest(s) in existing District lands,see the notification procedure in item number 5,Land Use Planning.)2 a) Notification of owner or owner's representative shall be by a method as deemed appropriate by staff for the particular negotiation situation. b) The Agenda Notice 3 for the meeting at which the proposed acquisition will be discussed 4 shall be mailed to the press, individuals, and organizationS that subscribe to agendas. C) Press feleases may be distfibtAed-Publicity may be initiated in advance of a meeting, as deemed appropriate by staff or or-defe directed by the Board. d) For regular Board or committee meetings, posting of a meeting notice on the District office door at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the proposed acquisition will be discussed. 5 6 e) Notification to owners of lands contiguous to the property being acquired, lands contiguous to the main access road? to the property being acquired (unless the main access road is a publicly maintained road), and lands where the owners' main, private access road passes through the property being acquired, Linder a recorded easement f) Notification3 to Clerk of the city (or county if in an unincorporated area) within whose jurisdiction the land is located. 2. Condemnation The following means of public notification will be utilized for proposed condemnation of real property: a) At least fifteen day written notification to the owner of the affected property prior to adoption of a resolution of necessity to allow for written response as provided by State law. b) The Agenda Notice 8 for the meeting at which the proposed action will be discussed shall be mailed to the press, individuals, and organizations4 that subscribe to agendas C) Press fete see may be distfibuted Publicity may be initiated in advance of a meeting, as deemed appropriate by staff or or-defe directed by the Board. d) For regular Board or committee meetings, posting of a meeting notice on the District office door at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the proposed action will be discussed. e) Special Notice 8 to owners of lands contiguous 6 to the affected property, lands contiguous to the main access road 7 to the affected property (unless the main access road is a publicly maintained road), and lands where the owners' main, private access road? passes through the affected property, under a recorded easement I) Notification 3 to Clerk of the city (or county if in an unincorporated area) within whose jurisdiction the land is located. g) Public hearing(s) as required by State law and District policies and procedures. 3. Grant Applications for Land Acquisitions The following means of public notification will be utilized for proposed grant applications for acquisition of real property, and/or for proposed amendments to applications: a) In cases where a specific property's ownership is identified in the grant application agenda report, notice shall be mailed to that owner by 5:30 P.M. fifteen days before the meeting at which the grant application is scheduled to be discussed. The General Manager has the authority to delay mailing of notice until not later than 5:3)0 P.M. five days before the meeting, if the General Manager determines that giving longer notice would be detrimental to negotiations with the landowner or is necessary because of grant deadlines. The General Manager also has the authority to provide for shorter notice than five days if the General Manager determines that it is necessary in order to meet timing requirements for grants, and also if the property owner has actual notice and an opportunity to appear before the Board at the meeting. b) The Agenda Notice- for the meeting at which the proposed grant application will be discussed shall be mailed to the press, individuals, and organizations4 that subscribe to agendas C) Press releases may be distributed-Publicity may be initiated in advance of a meeting, as deemed appropriate by staff or or-defe directed by the Board. d) For regular Board or committee meetings, posting of a meeting notice on the District office door at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the proposed grant application or amendment to an application will be discussed . e) Notification 3 to Clerk of the city (or county if in an unincorporated area) within whose jurisdiction the land is located. 4. Annexations In the event of a proposed annexation of land into the District, an agenda notice 3 will be sent to owners of property contiguous 6 to the lands being considered for annexation. 5. Land Use Planning The following means of public notification will be utilized for a proposed Interim or F41al Comprehensive Use and Management Plan or Trail Use Element review, adoption, amendment, of public workshop, or the sale, exchange, long-term lease (more than one year in length), or other disposition of any interest(s) in District property. At the General Manager's discretion, public notification of land use planning issues may be reduced in scope if it is determined that the issue is of limited concern or importance, which decision shall be included in the staff report to the Board of Directors. The Board will consider tentative adoption of all planning matters at noticed, public Board meeting(s). Final adoption of a planning proposal will be considered by the Board at a subsequent noticed Board meeting, to take place no less sooner than one month a the second meeting following the meeting at which tentative adoption is approved. There are at least four points during which the public has the opportunity to comment verbally or in writing on planning proposals before the Board: 1) prior to tentative adoption, based on these notification policies and possible public workshops; 2) during the meeting(s) at which tentative adoption is considered; 3) prior to the meeting at which final adoption is considered, and; 4) during the meeting(s) at which final adoption is considered. a) Notification 3 to owners of lands contiguous 6 to the preserve or preserve area where a proposed Interim or Final Comprehensive Use and Management Plan or Trail Use Element9 review, adoption, amendment, public workshop, or a decision to dispose oJ'any interest in District real property is scheduled. b) The Agenda Notice3 for the meeting at which the proposed pr-Eqeet issue will be discussed shall be mailed to the press, individuals, and organizations 9 that subscribe to agendas. C) Press releases may be distfibuted-Publicity may be initiated in advance ot'a meeting, as deemed appropriate by staff or Exdered directed by the Board. d) For regular Board or committee meetings, posting of a meeting notice on the District office door at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the proposed project will be discussed. e) Notification 3 of persons and organizations9 which have requested notification regarding a particular topic for which the Board has decided a mailing list should be maintained. I) Notification I to Clerk of the city (or county if in an unincorporated area) within whose jurisdiction the land is located. g) Posting on site, where deemed helpful by staff. NOTE: Each Preliminary Use and Management Plan included in an acquisition report (including an exchange of land or interest in real property) shall be placed on the agenda for final approval following close of escrow, if public comment or changes to the Preliminary Use and Management Plan occurred during the initial discussions of the report. Other Use and Management Plans and Plan reviews and any other land use actions or reviews (except for hazards or other emergencies) including the sale, long-term lease (more than one year in length), or other disposal of any interest(s) in District property, (other than an exchange of land or interest in real property) shall be placed on the earliest upcoming regular agenda, no sooner than one menth a the second meeting following the meeting at which the item is first heard, for final approval, as determined to be feasible by staff and if required. I I Publicity may consist of any combination of typical public relations methods for generating a public awareness of and interest in District activities. These may include press releases, internet postings, email notifications, advertisements,flyers, special mailings,personal contact, or other methods. 2 A Preliminary Use and Management Plan consists of use and management recommendations developed and approved at the time of acquisition of real property. These plans normally represent a status quo approach to use and management, with emphasis on securing the site and establishing a timeline for environmental enhancements and development of amenities for providing public access.An exchange of land or interest in real property is considered an acquisition and includes a Preliminary Use and Management Plan. An Interim Use and Management Plan is usually a refinement of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan, and in some cases is also an accumulation of the Preliminary Use and Management Plans for a number of acquisitions comprising a preserve. The Interim Plan is most commonly prepared for preserves which consist of non-contiguous parcels, have use limitations, or are likely to be subject to relatively frequent changes in boundary alignments. A Comprehensive Use and Management Plan is a detailed plan addressing all aspects of use and management. It is prepared for preserves in which public use, environmental, or land use issues need attention. The Comprehensive Plan is based on a resource analysis and public input, and evaluates potential uses as well as historical and existing uses. It represents both long- and short-term goals, with the focus of specific short-term recommendations being the tasks to be completed within three years. The Trail Use Element of a Use and Management Plan is the segment of the plan which deals only with trail use issues, and contains the description and use designations for existing and proposed trails. It is in the Trail Use Element that the final decisions are made about which uses (hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, dog access) should be allowed on each trail. 4 The sale, long-term lease(more than one year in length), or other disposal of*any interest(s) in District property, other than an exchange of'land or interest in real property, would be completed by the adoption of a resolution by the Board, ordinarily to take place no sooner than the second meeting following the meeting at which the item is first heard. However, the Board may determine that there is a need to take action at the first meeting at which the item is heard. 3 Agenda Notice: Normally mailed by 5:30 P.M. five days in advance of a meeting (Friday before a Wednesday meeting), but generally not less than 72 hours before the meeting, except when shorter notice for a Special Meeting is necessary, as provided by law and the District's Rules of Procedure. The Board shall note in the minutes of the Special Meeting the reason shorter notice was required. 4 Staff to contact known neighborhood associations annually to advise that they can Subscribe to the District's agendas for an established fee. 5 The timing of this notification is the same as for an agenda item notice, but may be deferred by the General Manager until the purchase contract for the property being acquired has been signed by the seller. 6 For the purposes of the District's public notification, "contiguous"properties shall be defined as those properties which share an edge, corner, or boundary with District lands, or which are located directly across a two-lane (or narrower) city, county, or private roadway from District lands. 7 Posting of notices on the access road may be substituted for a mailed notice if a significant or excessive level of additional research is necessary to determine the owners of recorded access easements, or if it is impractical to mail notices. 9 Special Notice: Mailing by 5:30 P.M. 6ght days in advance of a meeting (Tuesday of a week before a Wednesday meeting), with the General Manager having authority to delay mailing of notice until not later than 5:310 P.M. five days before the meeting if the General Manager determines that giving longer notice would be detrimental to negotiations with the land owner. 9 Except those situations where the specific property has previously come to Board attention in public session and 1) a resolution for a grant application was adopted and there was no owner objection. or 2) a resolution for a grant application was adopted and as a result, the District received the requested grant, or 3 3) a resolution of public necessity has been adopted. 5 Good Neighbor Policy Adopted by the Board of Directors October 26, 1988 Proposed Amendments June 12, 1996 Additions in bold italics Deletions in strike-through In both the day-to-day conduct of its business and in the long-range planning for public open space preserves, the District shall make every eff ort to cooperate with preserve neighbors, to take into account their perspectives, to fully address their concerns, and to engage and involve them in the process of making decisions regarding the preserves of which they are neighbors. It is not the intention or purpose of this policy to add any legal notice requirements or to establish procedural requirements which must be met prior to District action, but rather to supplement any public notice or procedure which is required by law. Failure to comply with this policy shall not affect the validity of any action taken by the District. Board wort Special Board meetings in the form of workshops shall be held at least once a year in the District's planning area (see description definition of"planning area"in Land Acquisition Policies and Procedure Meefi*gs Workshops shall be publicized so as to reach the maximum number of planning aFea residents preserve neighbors, or, if the workshop involves District-wide issues, to reach the maximum number of constituents. Methods for gaining publicity for the workshop may include the following: advertisements,press releases, internet postings, special mailings to targeted audiences, or other typical publicity strategies deemed appropriate by the general manager. In addition to any specific issues for which a Board workshop was scheduled, agenda topics Sh0LIldsha//be identified to encourage neighbor input and neighbor participation in District decisions and activities. ".4m-portant that there be pat4ieipatien at such meetings or workshops by stag rnembers, ineluding rangers (night meetinggs); doeents, and volunteers. invitations should be sent to doeents, and county and legislative m,. The District will ensure that all staff members, including field and off ice staff, as well as docents and volunteers are encouraged to attend workshops and provide their perspectives and input. Workshops with preserve neighbors or the general public may also be scheduled to discuss significant changes in land use or planning issues, or items of a controversial nature where public input is desired or required. These workshops may be noticed as Board meetings or Committee meetings, as appropriate. As noted in the Public Notification Policy, the District will notify neighboring property owners of upcoming regular Board meetings at which the neighboring preserve's use and management will be discussed. The District may, as needed and at the discretion of the general manager,provide neighbors with drafts of upcoming trail map modifications, offering an opportunity for neighbors to comment on the map prior to its public distribution as part of a site brochure. Where there are potential areas of contention between neighbors and the District, the District shall make reasonable eff orts to address the neighbors'concerns and resolve the situation to the mutual satisfaction of*the District and the neighbors. The District may also respond to neighborhood concerns�y holding office y IN .11 and/or site meetings, as needed, between the property owners, appropriate Board member(s), andfield and/or off ice stqf.f in an ef fort to resolve concerns about the specific issue or issues. District field staff interaction with preserve neighbors is one method ofproviding service it)those neighbors. As appropriate,field staff may be assigned to attend local community meetings, make contact with preserve neighbors on relevant issues, respond to and address neighbors'concerns regarding preserve issues, and otherwise be a "good neighbor,"representing the District in the neighboring community. Regional Open S, ce a R-96-6b MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Proposed Addition of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) Property to the Cathedral Oaks Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in this report. 2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust property. 3. Tentatively adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained'in this report, including naming the property as an addition to the Cathedral Oaks Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 4. Indicate your intention to dedicate the property as public open space at this time. DISCUSSION On December 15, 1992, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) acquired the 62.68 acre Liles property, Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Number 558-34-05. POST acquired the property for eventual sale to the District. In the interim, the District has managed the property as part of the surrounding open space preserve based on a management agreement with POST (see report R-93-15). The property is adjacent to the Cathedral Oaks Area of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and would be a desirable addition to the preserve. In 1994, the District was awarded two grants toward land acquisition in this area; a Habitat Conservation Fund Grant of$212,500 and a CalTrans Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Grant (EEM) of$340,000; Part of the EEM grant will be used to partially fund this acquisition. DESCRIPTION (see attached mau) This undeveloped property lies on the south side of Soda Springs Canyon about one mile east of Lexington Reservoir. The property is a short distance north of Soda Springs Road. The g P Perty P i n the property on f Terra Azul n Space Preserve s adjacent t to Cathedral Oaks Area o the S � P J P PertY the south and west side. Lands of San Jose Water Company bound the property to the north and private lands are located to the east. A driveway leads downhill to the property from Soda Springs Road, passing through a portion of the preserve. The driveway, which is currently impassable by motor vehicle, 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 a FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com f7 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-66 Page 2 continues north into the site where it ends at an old homesite near the north boundary. From here, a trail descends to Soda Springs Creek. Along the creek, a second trail extends to the west through the preserve towards Lexington Reservoir. To the east, this creekside trail soon ends within the property. The site slopes steeply toward Soda Springs Creek which generally forms the north boundary of the property. Mixed evergreen forest is the dominant vegetation type located on the moist north-facing slopes and canyons. Chaparral is more prominent on the drier upper slopes. Native plants include bay, tanoak, madrone, toyon, coffeeberry, poison oak, coyote bush, chamise, and scrub oak. USE AND MANAGEMENT The property is rated in the District's Open Space Master Plan as having a low to moderate open space value. However, Soda Springs Creek contains excellent riparian habitat and is part of an important wildlife corridor from the Mt. Umunhum Area to Lexington Reservoir. The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Grant envisioned a trail paralleling the creek across the Liles property to connect from Lexington Reservoir County Park to the Priest Rock Trail in the Kennedy Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The property on the north side of Soda Springs Canyon is owned by San lose Water Company. Preliminary Use and Management Recommendations Dedication: Indicate your intention to dedicate the property as public open space at this time. Name: Name the property as an addition to the Cathedral Oaks Area of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Signs: Install private property and preserve boundary signs where appropriate. Public Safety Review: There are no known hazards. CEQA COMPLIANCE Project Description The project consists of the acquisition of a 62.68 acre parcel of undeveloped land as an addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the property. Ultimately, the property will be included in comprehensive use and management plans for the adjacent preserve areas. The land will be permanently preserved as open space. The property will be maintained in a natural condition and opened to the public for low-intensity recreation. R-96-66 Page 3 CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA (the California Environmental Quality Act) under Article 19, Sections 15316, 15317, 15325 and 15061 of CEQA Guidelines as follows: Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. This acquisition qualifies under all three sections. The actions proposed in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan are also exempt under section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. TERMS AND CONDITIONS This acquisition was the subject of a successful Environmental Enhancement Mitigation (EEM) Program grant application in 1994 through the State Transportation Improvement Program. The purchase price of 1255,000 is considered to be fair market value based upon a current appraisal of the property obtained by the District. The EEM grant provides approximately 45% of the acquisition funding or $113,500 towards the purchase for a net cost of$141,500 to the District. As mentioned earlier in this report, POST originally acquired the property for an eventual sale to the District, as it was determined that a grant source might be available in the future. The District has been managing the property since 1993 in conjunction with surrounding open space preserve. The proceeds of this purchase will help renew POST's revolving land acquisition fund for additional open space purchases. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS 1996/1997 Budget for Land Acquisition New land $8,300,000 Wells and Cutten Acquisition (previously approved) (100,000) POST acquisition proposed on this agenda (255,000) R-96-66 Page 4 Acquisition Budget Remaining $7.945.000 Controller M. Foster has been consulted on this proposed acquisition, and considering cash flow and cash availability, funds are available for this property purchase. Also, when the grant application was submitted, this parcel was identified as an important addition to the Cathedral Oaks Area for riparian corridor protection and is a critical part of the trail system in this area. Prepared by: Michael C. Williams, Real Property Representative Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Julie McCullough, Planner Contact person: Michael C. Williams, Real Property Representative •r�';�.o :rl t t �''h's� >��� u-� / �o,,-i�' "� z��// �S KENNEDYTRAIL Saratoga a•/4' '4+•," t 1'Y ',�. a3�". / , �`- - : `. t ;*- '� .� J f! �Itl {1 �{-J • • �,�� Y � Monte 1�J � 4� f���- ,i n x ..... �",•. ,> .fr _ Serena es A�Irf A ago c la ' - _ �: ;:[z:.::;°�•�� � .����� >.4 �f;: •$,. _ _ J 1 4N {{yy _ Los Gato i I i 1. b. 1 •:I.IsERV YINOTCN .IIFAM Ae1/L OPEN nr �4 t .i.::..vv: f / ',. : {: ;,f;• .':•4�y,,?:::.••.. ^�+d :1_ � "R •.,...., , ,... �..- : ::':.•:.::::�>;<;�: ..OPEN SPACE EASEMENT aVAMIUPF •' ::y ;•::::. ::: .... .:•:': �f +':• ':i fFYIN0IDN RFA♦,'._,. ._ flE5 `-- •'' '::?:.'..:"•' :: '' ��� � F �i ---:::•• � •.: 7 .WATER :�� .: .ti' ��'• � ..:h:....:is`:: j AREA f•. r i/ f' 1 1 I F l .�•r — F a. [o •.EL.r,m 1 _ _ woad - Ft P I �e s ro 7 0 Eshtes R \ ,Holy City .:ia„�i ::: FS G'(,'.� ..S t' ��.'q� r. �E 1 r�f R ��fL y VV ( Q _ 1 .! 3 • i' • A T L n f Post • "" t ' r � p (Former Liles l� . ;:... : : °:'_.�"'::':>"` `;.;::..: ' ': :: ;: :' • ''. �:�.:. �.:::`���';.�•�.;.. `':.::,. :..•. :, •. ...;<. :::':.;...;;:♦ ._:.. ,..'.� ' �1 ALMA BRIDGE ROAD m P 6 I � rtY w' .w l • / 11 _ r y i� e' i I• _ SODA SPRINGS RD. J . KENNED ' LIMEKILN'AREA i CATHEDRAL OAKS AREA . Y Zs� �.J :> v AMRit ,4 `-' ..... SITE MAP OF ' SIERRA AZUL AREA c (1 lII�T Lands of Post g s' �i •�Jo� I, z C ,1� �j MROSD Lands "'Scale: 1" = 2000 - 0 NorthT Ian 1993 RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY, AUTHORIZING OFFICER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT TO DISTRICT, AND AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE To THE TRANSACTION (SIERRA AZUL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - LANDS OF PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST) The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: Section One. The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby accept the offer contained in that certain Agreement to Purchase Real Property between Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a copy of which is attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof, and authorizes the President or appropriate officers to execute the Agreement on behalf of the District. Section Two. The President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate officer is authorized to execute a Certificate of Acceptance on behalf of the District. Section Three. The General Manager of the District shall cause to be given appropriate notice of acceptance to the seller. The General Manager further is authorized to execute any and all other documents necessary or appropriate to the transaction. Section Four. The General Manager of the District is authorized to expend up to $5,000 to cover the cost of title insurance, escrow fees, and other miscellaneous costs related to this transaction. Section Five. It is intended, reasonably expected and hereby authorized that the District's general fund will be reimbursed in the amount of$255,000 from the proceeds of the next long term District note issue. This Section of this Resolution is adopted by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District solely for purposes of establishing compliance with the requirements of Section 1.103-18 of the Treasury Regulations. The reimbursement of this payment expenditure is consistent with District's Resolution page 2 budgetary and financial circumstances. There are no funds or sources of moneys of the District that have been, or reasonably are expected to be reserved or allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside to pay the costs of this open space land acquisition project which are to be paid or reimbursed out of proceeds of indebtedness to be issued by District. The Board of Directors hereby declares District's official intent to use proceeds of indebtedness to reimburse itself for this open space land acquisition project expenditure. m Regional we Open , R-90-57 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Calling of District Elections in Wards 3, 4 and 7 an eiquests for Election Consolidation Services from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties � I GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION, 1. Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Calling Election and Requesting Election Consolidation Services - Santa Clara County for Wards 3 and 4. 2. Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Calling Election and Requesting Election Consolidation Services - San Mateo County for Ward 7. 3. Reconfirm Section 2.12 of your Rule of Procedure regarding a maximum of 200 words per candidate statement and payment of candidates' statements in those wards where two or more candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot. 4. Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing Not Listing Any Unopposed Candidate for Election on the November 5, 1996 Ballots of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. Discussion: Voters in three of the District's seven wards are scheduled to elect Directors this November. The wards and their current Directors are: Ward General Descries Incumbent 3 Portion of Sunnyvale (north of T. Henshaw i yv Fremont Avenue 4 Mountain View, the Moffett Field D. Smernoff Area, and North Los Altos (bounded Appointed incumbent by Adobe Creek, Foothill Expressway) (Ward 4 filled by appointment in June 1995.) 7 San Carlos, Redwood City, and W. de Wit Palomar Park Area 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-57 Page 2 The attached Exhibit A map, shows schematically the current ward boundaries. Calling Election-Requesting Consolidation Services - In preparation for the November 5 general election, it is necessary for you to call an election in the District and request election consolidation services from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The nomination period for the election will open on Monday, July 15 and close on Friday, August 9. If an incumbent who is eligible to file fails to file for reelection, the voters have until 5:00 P.M. on August 14 to nominate candidates other than the incumbent. Payment of Candidate Statements-200 Word Maximum -The District Clerk must also relay to the Registrar of Voters in each County the Board's policy regarding payment of candidate statements and number of words to be included in each statement. Section 2.12 of your Rules of Procedure states that in those wards where two or more candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot, candidates' statements of qualifications, (and, if provided by the respective county for county candidates, Spanish translations of candidates' statements for those requesting them) up to a maximum of 200 words, shall, if requested, be provided by the District at its expense pursuant to the Elections Code of the State of California, and no such candidate shall be billed for availing himself or herself of these services. Outing Not to Permit Candidates Running Unopposed to Have Their Names Appear on the Ball - Section 5532(e) of the District enabling legislation (Public Resources Code) states in part that "The board of directors may permit the candidates running unopposed to have their names appear on the ballot, at the board's option. Section 2.12 of your Rules of Procedure (jjng=gsed Candidates and Candidates' Statements) has not been amended to incorporate the "at the board's option" language and reads "in the case where there is a single candidate qualified to appear on the ballot, such candidate shall be permitted to have his or her name on the ballot at no cost to the candidate.- District election costs for Ward 3, 4 and 7 are estimated to be $50,800 ($10,650 for Ward 3, $10,900 for Ward 4, and $29,250 for Ward 7). In light of the District's tight operating budget, I am recommending that it would be financially prudent for the Board to exercise its option not to list any unopposed candidates on the ballot. In the 1994 election, the Board opted not to list the Ward 5 unopposed candidate, Nonette Hanko, on the ballot. In the 1992 election, the Board opted not to list the Ward 7 unopposed candidate, Wim de Wit, on the ballot. The Board's decision regarding unopposed candidates must be made very shortly after the close of the nominating period. Rather than having call a special meeting after the close of the nominating period, staff is recommending you adopt the final attached resolution at this time in the event there are any unopposed candidates in Ward 3, 4, or 7. Prepared by: Jean H. Fiddes, District Clerk Contact person: Same as above A,oGE itE aE. M barte�) E + 1Ls A-co fL � . WNIPRE \BB DecoLo"� M Burlingame.,,.. niko Dstmil II „ 1s-mr. Pt. Alvarad City` qSuntoofRwY (COY"w Dist o o l 2rE Ir Hillsborough I %MFo co. 2 B` o° NNEr 9foN = �;rxbrE I _aE o"'} RAN\UIsco San Mate b 9.AY;P= fL \ 3` o y % nsoK EUPL 1 'F •• FefiM _ - Br - A .wipyISL cLR.° 6 1 Pi/meitew 8 4� 'r" ♦��1 cr; t. - "w� ----- L✓t. 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Boulder P1.At.NtKwr �_ - _. i• P Creek a °°M:°„ 'L urel -% f or [.3 Glenwood.A' a vyd O'a ---+ Brookdale - EL fao y >✓ Rr ! ° [err' _ r EL Soo Zayante Lomond - r4+^KG `NSA ,Swanton -• '- - 2 � � S � l� ' �� L IwrEE _ F�if-- I Y - °+.FLgy xT.'nEA _ .THE FORESTIF O/ YL Ikn"0" rP a�EIS NISENE A kLYA` Felton -E < 'Bonny Dow, ,_,.. +r Scuffs Yall ey a .' Er Jarro Pt. E EL sao 6 Davenport Landing a 4 "R's ^• a 1STATE o JUNE 1992 Exhibit A - MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT mended 6/94 WARD BOUNDARIES RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT CALLING ELECTION AND REQUESTING ELECTION CONSOLIDATION SERVICES - SANTA CLARA COUNTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA ss. County of Santa Clara WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5530 of the Public Resources Code, a Biennial Governing Board Member Election has been ordered to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 1996 in the MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT of Santa Clara County for the purpose of electing two (2) Directors of the Governing Board of the District; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 10400) of Division 10 of the Elections Code, such election may be either completely or partially consolidated; NOW, THEREFORE, THE Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: 1 Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5530, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does call an election in the District for the election of two (2) members of the Board of Directors of the District in Wards 3 and 4 on Tuesday, November 5, 1996. 2. That said election be consolidated with the statewide general election to be held in Santa Clara County on said date. 3. That the election precincts, polling places, voting booths, and election officials in each of the precincts shall, to the extent practicable, be the same as provided for the statewie election on said date, as prescribed by the ordinance, order, resolution, or notice of the Board of Supervisors of said County calling, providing for or giving notice of such other election and which sets forth such precincts, voting booths, polling places and election officials. 4. That the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County is hereby authorized and instructed to canvass the returns of said election for the office of members of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and is requested to certify the results of said election to the Board of Directors of the District. Resolution Page 2 5. The Board of Directors further requests, pursuant to Election Code Section 10002, that County election official(s) be authorized to render services to the District relating to the conduct of said election. The services shall be of the type normally performed by such County election official(s) in conducting elections including, but not limited to, checking registrations, printing and mailing ballots, ballot arguments, candidates' statement, hiring election officers and arranging for polling places, and providing and distributing election supplies. 6. The General Manager of the District is hereby authorized to reimburse the County in full for the services performed upon presentation of a bill to the District. 7. The District Clerk is hereby directed to submit a certified copy of this resolution to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara, and to appropriate County election officials of said County. PASSED AND ADOPTED this- day of 1996, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ATTEST: District Clerk of MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT CALLING ELECTION AND REQUESTING ELECTION CONSOLIDATION SERVICES - SAN MATEO COUNTY STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) ss. County of Santa Clara WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5530 of the Public Resources Code, a Biennial Governing Board Member Election has been ordered to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 1996 in the MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT of San Mateo County for the purpose of electing one (1) Director of the Governing Board of the District; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Park 3 (commencing with Section 10400) of Division 10 of the Elections Code, such election may be either completely or partially consolidated; NOW,THEREFORE, THE Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula,Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: 1. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5530, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does call an election in the District for the election of one (1) member of the Board of Directors of the District in Ward 7 on Tuesday, November 5, 1996. 2. That said election be consolidated with the statewide general election to be held in San Mateo County on said date. 3. That the election precincts, polling places, voting booths, and election officials in each of the precincts shall, to the extent practicable, be the same as provided for the statewie election on said date, as prescribed by the ordinance, order, resolution, or notice of the Board of Supervisors of said County calling, providing for or giving notice of such other election and which sets forth such precincts, voting booths, polling places and election officials. 4. That the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County is hereby authorized and instructed to canvass the returns of said election for the office of members of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula. Regional Open Space District and is requested to certify the results of said election to the Board of Directors of the District. Resolution Page 2 5. The Board of Directors further requests, pursuant to Election Code Section 10002, that County election official(s) be authorized to render services to the District relating to the conduct of said election. The services shall be of the type normally performed by such County election official(s) in conducting elections including, but not limited to, checking registrations, printing and mailing ballots, ballot arguments, candidates' statement, hiring election officers and arranging for polling places, and providing and distributing election supplies. 6. The General Manager of the District is hereby authorized to reimburse the County in full for the services performed upon presentation of a bill to the District. 7. The District Clerk is hereby directed to submit a certified copy of this resolution to the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, and to appropriate County election officials of said County. PASSED AND ADOPTED this _day of 1996, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ATTEST: District Clerk of MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING NOT LISTING ANY UNOPPOSED CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION ON THE NOVEMBER 5, 1996 BALLOTS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY AND SAN MATEO COUNTY WHEREAS, The District's enabling legislation states that the Board of Directors may opt not to permit candidates running unopposed to have their names appear on the ballot, NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby opt not to fist any unopposed Ward 3, 4 and/or 7 candidate for election on the November 5, 1996 ballots of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Regional Open ace R-96-67 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Request for Board Authorization for General Manager to Issue Permits to jt�e�r District Land to Third Parties for Performance of Emergency and/or Minor Work — .. GENERAL MANAGER'S AND LEGAL COUNSEL' RE OMMENDATI It is recommend that the Board adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the District General Manager to issue Permits to Enter District property for performance of emergency and/or i minor work according to the criteria listed in this report. DISCUSSION From time to time, government agencies or private third parties request permission from the District to temporarily enter District lands to perform work for a variety of purposes. This has included requests to enter to undertake soil sampling to test for contamination, to construct drainage devices to protect adjacent property, to do percolation tests, to determine the geotechnical condition of land, to do earthquake research, to install mitigation planting, to perform repairs to land or structures, including state and county highways and city streets, or_simply to cross District land with heavy equipment to access adjoining property for well drilling, etc. It's been the General Manager's practice to bring all of these permit requests before the Board for approval. However, there have been situations in the past year where the need to wait,for the next regular Board meeting to issue the permit has hampered the permittee's ability to do the work as quickly as needed. There have also been emergency situations where it would have been preferable to have the ability to issue an emergency permit prior to the next Board meeting. It is recommended the Board authorize the General Manager to issue temporary permits to enter District lands in these types of situations. The General Manager would report back to the Board at its next regular meeting whenever any such permit has been issued. It is customary that the manager of a public agency have this type of authority. The Board has the legal ability to delegate this procedure to the General Manager. Such authority would be consistent with the District's Land Use Regulation which defines a permit as "permission granted in writing by the general manager or an authorized representative of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District." See Section 105. 330 Distel Circle m Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 - E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton l R-96-67 Page 2 Further, Section 702.5 provides that special permission (Section 105) may be granted to affect flora, fauna or geological materials for research, interpretive, educational or operational purposes. It appears that it has been contemplated that the General Manager would have significant permitting authority. A recent example of the type of permit which would fall within this authority was on the Board's May 22 agenda. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requested a permit to enter the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve to conduct soil sampling for a period of one week. The need to wait for the Board meeting made it somewhat more difficult for EPA and its contractors to coordinate the work they were doing at other sites at Cooley Landing. Another example of an emergency situation wherein the General Manager's authority would have been very helpful and appropriate is the recent emergency rerouting of traffic on Route 84 above the Thornewood Open Space Preserve after a severe landslide. The District has also been contacted by the potential purchasers of the Slobe lot to cross District land at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve with well drilling equipment, which would be in the District's best interest to accommodate. It is recommended that the Board authorize the General Manager to issue temporary permits to third parties to enter District property to perform work upon District land subject to either of the following criteria: 1. The work is required due to the existence of an emergency which necessitates immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of health, safety or property or essential public services; or 2. The work is minor and temporary. Additionally, such a permit would be subject to all of the following criteria: 1 The work shall be done in such a way at to minimize damage to District land • Y g shall be conducted in full compliance with the Resource Management policies and Land Use Regulations of the District, and the project shall be fully mitigated and the land restored to its prior condition upon completion. 2. The General Manager is convinced that no alternative exists to the utilization of District land. 3. The form of the Permit to Enter is approved by District Legal Counsel. Prepared by: S. Schectman, District Legal Counsel L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE GENERAL MANAGER TO APPROVE CERTAIN PERMITS TO ENTER DISTRICT PROPERTY WHEREAS, in the normal course of District business, there are occasions when a government agency or third party will request a temporary permit to enter District real property to perform certain physical work thereon; and WHEREAS, Section 5538 of the Public Resources Code authorizes the Board of Directors to fix the duties of the General Manager; and WHEREAS, Section 5541 of the Public Resources Code authorizes the Board to do all things necessary and convenient in order to control, operate and maintain its open space preserves; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors determines that it is necessary and convenient for the purposes of the District that the General Manager be authorized to issue temporary permits to enter District property to perform work of an emergency or minor nature; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District hereby expressly authorizes and delegates to the District's General Manager the authority to issue permits to enter District property to third parties provided one of the following criteria are met: 1. The work is required due to the existence of an emergency which necessitates immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of health, safety or property or essential public services; or 2. The work is minor and temporary. Additionally, such a permit shall be subject to all of the following criteria: 1. The work shall be done in such a way at to minimize damage to District land, and shall be conducted in full compliance with the Resource Management policies and Land Use Regulations of the District, and the project shall be fully mitigated and the land restored to its prior condition upon completion; or. 2. The General Manager is convinced that no alternative exists to the utilization of District land. 3. The form of the Permit to Enter is approved by District Legal Counsel. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager shall report to the District's Board of Directors at is next regular meeting any permit issued by the General Manager pursuant to this Resolution. Regional Open St _-e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-63 Meeting 96-13 June 12,1996 AGENDA ITEM Approval of Salary Adjustment and Meritorious Pay Award for the General Manager and Approval of Amendment to General Manager's Employment Agreement AD HOC GENERAL MANAGER EVALUATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 1. As a result of the Board's evaluation of the General Manager's performance for the period of March 10, 1995 through March 9, 1996 and compensation review for the position, the Ad Hoc General Manager Evaluation Committee recommends a 3% meritorious pay award based on the General Manager's current salary and a 6% salary adjustment, inclusive of a cost of living increase, retroactive to March 9, 1996. 2. Adopt the attached resolution amending the General Manager's Employment Agreement to reflect an adjusted salary of$95,335.55, a 3% meritorious pay award, and the inclusion of the sick leave conversion program and basic life insurance amount as was approved for the office, supervisory, and management staff. DISCUSSION The Board conducted its annual evaluation of the General Manager's performance and its compensation review for the position at its May 22, 1996 meeting. The ad hoc General Manager Evaluation Committee, composed of Directors Siemens, Henshaw, and Hanko, was instructed to serve as the District's negotiator and was directed by the Board to meet with the General Manager to review his compensation. The Committee recommends, based on the General Manager's past performance and the results of its local agency salary survey, that the Board approve a 6% salary adjustment for the General Manager, retroactive to March 9, 1996, the anniversary date for his Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreement called for an annual salary review and contemplated a determination of an adjustment each anniversary date. Therefore a retroactive date for this adjustment is appropriate. This salary adjustment includes a cost of living adjustment, as well as a salary adjustment to bring the position's total salary closer in line with local agencies of comparable complexity. The attached salary survey for the General Manager position (see attachment A) was completed in April 1996 and used by the Committee in making its recommendation to the Board. The General Manager's adjusted salary would be $95,335. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 9402 2-1 404 d Phone:415-691-1200 ° FAX:415-691-0485 - E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Han ko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton i R-96-63 Page 2 Based on the Board's review of the General Manager's performance during the evaluation period, the Committee recommends that a 3% meritorious pay award ($2698.18) be granted the General Manager. This award is not a salary adjustment, but rather is granted as a one- time award in recognition for performance during his year of service from March 10, 1995 through March 9, 1996. The Board is pleased with the General Manager's overall performance during the past year. Significant accomplishments included: suggested revision of Good Neighbor Policy and Public Notification Policy sent to Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee; continued budget adherence to 6% growth guideline; development of new bond financing plan for new acquisitions; progress toward Planning department reorganization; increased contacts with field staff; oversaw the start-up of environmental education programs at the Daniels Nature Center; continued work with San Mateo County on funding plan; started the process for a mission statement and Regional Open Space Plan and the Basic Policy update; increased District open space lands by nearly 2000 acres both by direct purchase and alternative agreements; oversaw the first-ever direct mailing of new visitor's map to all constituents, as well as numerous presentations to the public and to elected officials; continued close association with POST in its development of acquisition plans; shepherded the successful passage of AB700 to add mountain bicycling to the list of hazardous recreational activities; extension of the Deer Hollow Farm agreement with Mountain View and the County of Santa Clara; initiation of the Planning department's Five-Year Capital Improvement Program to replace Site Emphasis. As a result of these accomplishments, the Committee is makin this meritorious r mm n s eco a lotion. P � gpay The Committee also recommends that the General Manager's Employment Agreement be amended to include the sick leave conversion program and increased life insurance amount as was approved for the office, supervisory, and management staff in March 1996. Additional benefits for this group are automatically awarded to the General Manager under his original contract; however, inclusion of these additional benefits in the proposed resolution is recommended, by District Legal Counsel. Submitted by: Ad Hoc General Manager Evaluation Committee (Directors Pete Siemens, Nonette Hanko, and Teena Henshaw) Contact person: Director Pete Siemens SALARY SURVEY-GENERAL MANAGER POSITION SORTED BY SALARY April 1996 AGENCY POSITION SALARY RETIREMENT TOTAL NEXT HIGHEST SALARY DIFFERENTIAL POSITION Santa Clara Valley Water General Manager $ 142,475 $14,302 $ 156,777 Asst.General $138,678 2.7% District Manager Palo Alto City Manager $ 136,572 $17,631 $ 154,203 Asst.City Manager $113,724 20% Sunnyvale City Manager $ 130,740 $13,074 $ 143,814 Asst.City Manager $116,832 12% East Bay Regional Park General Maf2ager $ 125,543 $22,597 $ 148,140 Department Head $103,695 21% Ftn iew City Manager $ 121,764 $16,365+ $300 $ 138,429 Asa.City Manager $110,328 10% def.comp + matching up to 2% City Manager $ 100,932 $11,909 $ 112,840 Asat.City Manager $85,656 18% Town Manager $99,249 $13,796 $ 113,045 Asa.Town Manager $71,463 39% County Director of Parks&Recreation $96,430 $14,158 $ 110,588 Deputy Director $76,217 27% OPOSED General Manager $95,33S $11,713 $107,048 Admin. Services $69,735 37% Manager-Asst. General Mans er 8 City Manager $92,284 $9,053 + $5000 $ 106,338 Department Head $90,804 1.6% deferred comp San Mateo County Director of Parks&Recreation $91,666 $19,662 $ 111,328 Park Superintendent $65,112 40% Marin County Director of Parks&Open Space $90,600 $2,990 $93,590 Asst.Director $75,792 20% MROSD GENERAL MANAGER $99,939 $11,050 $100,989 Admin.Services $69,735 29% � H Manager-Asst. 1-3 > General Manager n n Monterey Peninsula Regional General Manager $82,788 $14,074 $96,862 N/A N/A N/A Park District z F3 Avenge Salary:$107,768(excluding MROSD proposed) i it RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA, REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING 1995-1996 SALARY ADJUSTMENT AND MERITORIOUS PAY AWARD FOR THE GENERAL MANAGER AND APPROVING AMENDMENT TO GENERAL MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District entered into an Agreement, dated March 9, 1994, with L. Craig Britton employing Britton as the District's General Manager; and WHEREAS, on January 11, 1995 the Board approved a 2.5% cost of living increase for the General Manager, retroactive to September 9, 1994, and on October 11, 1995 the Board approved a 2% cost of living increase for the General Manager, retroactive to March 9, 1995; and WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for an annual review of the General Manager's performance and an annual compensation review; and WHEREAS, the Board has completed its annual review; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to adjust the General Manager's compensation to include a 6% salary adjustment, inclusive of a cost of living increase, retroactive to March 9, 1996, increasing his salary to $95,335.55 per annurn; and WHEREAS, the Board, based on its annual review of Britton's performance, desires to grant him meritorious pay of 3% or $2,698.18 over and above Britton's salary in recognition for performance during the previous year of service; and WHEREAS, the Board agrees as part of the General Manager's compensation review to include the sick leave conversion program and basic life insurance amount as was approved in March 1996 for the office, supervisory, and management staff in the General Manager's benefit plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District do authorize the President of the Board of Directors to execute the attached second amendment to the General Manager Employment Agreement on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to increase the General Manager's salary to $95,335.55 per annum based on a 6% salary adjustment, retroactive to March 9, 1996 and to include in the General Manager's benefit plan the sick leave conversion program and basic life insurance amount as approved in March 1996 for the office, supervisory, and management staff. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does grant the General Manager by adoption of this resolution 3% meritorious pay award in the amount of$2,698.18 over and above the General Manager's salary. Second Amendment to Employment Agreement General Manager WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District entered into an Employment Agreement ("Agreement"), dated March 9, 1994, with L. Craig Britton employing Britton as the District's General Manager; and WHEREAS, on January 11, 1995 the Board approval a 2.5% cost of living increase for the General Manager, retroactive to September 9, 1994, increasing salary his sal to $88,167.04 per annum and on October 11, 1995 (First Amendment to Employment Agreement) approved a 2% cost of living increase, retroactive to March 9, 1995, increasing his salary to $89,939.20; and WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for an annual review of the General Manager's performance and compensation review; and WHEREAS, the Board has completed its annual review and desires to adjust the General Manager's current compensation to include a 6% salary adjustment, inclusive of a cost of living increase, retroactive to March 9, 1996, increasing his salary to $95,335.55 per annum; and WHEREAS, the Board wishes to include in the General Manager's benefit plan the sick leave conversion program and basic life insurance amount as was approved in March 1996 for the office, supervisory, and management staff; NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that the Agreement shall hereby be modified as follows: 1) Effective retroactively to March 9, 1996, Section 3(a) is hereby amended to read as follows: (a) Ste. As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder, Britton shall receive a salary at the rate of$95,355.55 per annum. District's Board of Director's (the "Board") shall review Britton's performance and salary annually. 2) Effective retroactively to April 1, 1996, Section 3(h) is hereby amended to read as follows: (h) Benefit Plans. The District shall pay the full premium for the General Manager and dependents for enrollment in either Kaiser, TakeCare or Santa Clara County Employee Preferred 100 plans. The District shall also provide dental, vision, and various life and disability insurance coverages in accordance with the District Benefit Plan for non- represented employees as approved by the Board of Directors, including participation in the sick leave conversion program approved in March 1996 and basic life insurance equivalent to the General Manager's annual salary. It is further agreed that in all other respects the Agreement is hereby ratified and reaffirmed. In witness whereof, the parties have executed the Amendment this day of , 1996. By: Nonette G. Hanko, President L. Craig Britton, General Manager Regional Open Sp, e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-61 Meeting 96-13 June 12, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Solicit Bids for Two All Terrain Vehicles GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize staff to advertise for bids to purchase two all terrain vehicles. DISCUSSION At your March 27, 1996 meeting you approved the fiscal year 1996-1997 budget which included $12,000 for two all terrain vehicles(see report R-96-07). The two all terrain vehicles(ATVs) are included in Open Space Management's five-year capital equipment schedule. One will be assigned to each geographical area. ATVs can be used to check roads and trails during storms. Opening a small blocked culvert can often save an entire section of trail or road. ATVs can transport equipment and pull small utility trailers. This makes them effective in reducing potential back injuries. ATVs can also be used for search and rescue on single track trails or in areas where trucks cannot travel because of poor road conditions. Prepared by: David Topley, Support Services Supervisor Contact person: Same as above i i 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 m Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoft,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date: June 12, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 321 671.59 A-1 Sanitation Sanitation Services 322 54.70 *1 Accessories Plus Truck Part 323 25.00 Allen Equipment Co. Inc. Tool Repair 324 877.35 Almaden RV Service Refrigerator-Barlow house 325 61.09 American Welding Supply Welding Service 326 72.90 Randy Anderson Vehicle Expense 327 9116. AT & T Telephone Service 321.87 328 30.00 Best Internet Communications Monthly Internet Fee 329 41.05 Black Mountain Spring Water Water Service 330 1,150.00 Louis Bordi General Engineering Grading and Training Services 331 100.27 Craig Britton Reimbursement--CARPOSA Meeting 332 50.53 Butler's Uniforms Uniform Expense 333 17.59 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Repair Parts 334 103.21 California Water Service Co. Water Service 335 52.91 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Document 336 211.86 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Field Supplies 337 75.00 Comm-Sery Projection Screen Service 338 56.57 Contemporary Engraving Co., Inc. Name Tags 339 199.60 Country Home Products Field Supplies 340 99.00 Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership 341 200.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Inspections 342 127.20 Decatur Electronics Radar Unit Repair 343 4,543.17 Design Concepts Graphic Design for Events 344 451.25 Divine Catering Volunteer Recogniton Event 345 167.33 Dorfman-Pacific Co., Inc. District Caps 346 96.50 John Escobar Reimbursement--CARPOSA Meeting 347 150-00 Falore Jeep Vehicle Repairs 348 321.50 Farrelle Communications Vehicle Amber Light Bar 349 14.67 Film To Frame Photocopies 350 10.67 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locks for Vehicle 351 602.32 *2 Fry's Electronics Office Fax Machine 352 24.10 G & K Services Shop Towel Supply Service 353 914.41 Garcia Well & Pump Company Pump System*Repair-Smith House 354 10,000.00 General Convention of the New Jerusalem Defeasance Fee 355 41.50 Mary Gilman Reimbursement--Deer Hollow Farm Supplies 356 120.01 Goodco Press Incorporated Printing Service 357 419.14 Goodyear Auto Service Center Tires 358 133.23 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 359 625.61 Guy Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Incerpi House Plumbing 360 446.64 Phillip Hearin Reimbursement--Bicycle Patrol Training 361 8,436.00 House of Printing Printing-Annual Report/Newsletter 362 216.00 Jobs Available Inc. Recruitment Advertisement 363 106.40 Kinko's June Newsletter Printing *1 Urgent Check Issued May 30, 1996 *2 Urgent Check Issued May 29, 1996 Page 1 Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date: June 12, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 364 507.50 Dennis Kobza & Associates, Inc. Architectural Consultant Skyline Ranger Office 365 243.46 John Kowaleski Reimbursement--Field Supplies, Uniform Expense and Pesticide Training Class 366 1000.00 *3 Judy Law Grant Cabin Artifacts 367 54.90 Judy Law Vehicle Expense 368 65.00 Lawyer's Title Reconveyance Fee-Gastronics 369 5000.00 *4 Lucille and William Ming Sing Lee Defeasance Fee 370 517.50 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services-- Skyline Ranger Office 371 151.79 Marin Supply Company Restroom Supplies 372 250.00 *5 Juliette McDonald June 9 Event Entertainment 373 846.00 Milstone Geotechnical Geotechnical Consulting Services-- Weeks Road & Schilling Lake Spillway 374 544.38 Minton's Lumber & Supply Paint, Lumber and Field Supplies 375 35.56 Mountain View Garden Center Gravel 376 NetStart, Inc. Computer Upgrade and Servicing 824.52 377 33.19 Northern Energy Propane Service 378 125.00 Frank Olson Reimbursement--Tuition 379 280.61 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 380 145.00 Padgett Thompson Seminar--J. Fiddes 381 560.51 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. Bluelines, Enlargements and Maps 382 986.05 Pine Cone Lumber Co., Inc. Lumber and Supplies 383 161.37 PIP Printing Photocopying 384 1068.56 Pouncing Pachyderm Productions Restoration Consulting Services 385 149.00 Fred Pryor Seminars Seminar--S. Shipley 386 2070.62 Quicksilver Printing Factsheets, Letterhead and Labels 387 78.44 Reed & Graham. Inc. Asphalt 388 2837.66 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair 389 798.43 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs 390 708.40 Sandis Humber Jones Engineering Consulting Services-- Grading Plan-Skyline Ranger Office 391 321.03 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement 392 42.22 San Mateo County Times Subscription Renewal 393 --930-W San Francisco Newspaper Agency Recruitment Advertisement 386.46 394 843.11 Sears Refrigerator--Ranger Residence 395 1025.00 Security Alarm, Inc. Alarm Installation-Grant Cabin 396 300.00 *6 Sertoma Club of Los Altos Volunteer Event Pancake Griddle 397 823.87 Signs of the Times Signs 398 285.25 Shell Oil Company Fuel 399 5550.00 George Sipel Associates Consulting Services-Organizational Management *3 Urgent Check Issued May 1, 1996 *4 Urgent Check Issued May 31, 1996 *5 Urgent Check Issued June 6, 1996 *6 Urgent Check Issued May 31, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date:June12, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 400 183.25 Skyline County Water District Water Services 401 18.00 * Sonoma County Health Department Medical Services 402 100.00 * Gulliver Spring June 9—Event Entertainment 403 49.88 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 404 1935.00 Paul Sykes Construction Company McDonald Property—Repairs 405 1395.00 TACfTemps Temporary Receptionist 406 47700.00 Tag Group Corporation Construction Services--Skyline Ranger Office 407 1135.69 Target Specialty Products Weed Abatement Chemicals 408 193.95 Teater & Etc. Maps 409 186.42 Therma Corp. Pump Fuse Repair 410 - 5 U.S. Rentals Equipment Rental 2131.33 411 255,000.00 Valley Title Company POST Aquisition 412 220.00 WAC Corporation Aerial Photos 413 825.00 *7 Wildlife Associates June 9—Program Presentation 414 112.62 Michael Williams Business Meeting and Vehicle Expense 415 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 416 96.13 Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 417 79.83 Joan Young Reimbursement—Volunteer Event Supplies 418 5,353.13 Zumwalt Engineering Group Engineering Services—Weeks Road and Schilling Lake Spillway 419R 660.00 *8 Town of Woodside Permit—Schilling Lake Spillway 420R 5.00 *9 Secretary of State Filing Fee—MROSD Joint Powers 421R 172.40 *10 Winchester Hardware Pulaski Handles 422R 920.71 Petty Cash June gth Event Supplies, Local Business Meetings, Grant Cabin Artifacts, Resource Documents, Photocopies, Office Supplies Vehicle Expense, Volunteer Recognition Event Supplies and Postage. *7 Urgent Check Issued June 6, 1996 *8 Urgent Check Issued May 28, 1996 *9 Urgent Check Issued May 28, 1996 *10 Urgent Check Issued June 10, 1996 Total 380,833.47 Page 3 Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date: June 12, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 321 671.59 A-1 Sanitation Sanitation Services 322 54.70 *1 Accessories Plus Truck Part 323 25.00 Allen Equipment Co. Inc. Tool Repair 324 877.33 Almaden RV Service Refrigerator-Barlow house 325 61.09 American Welding Supply Welding Service 326 72.90 Randy Anderson Vehicle Expense 327 316.72 A T & T Telephone Service 328 30.00 Best Internet Communications Monthly Internet Fee 329 41.05 Black Mountain Spring Water Water Service 330 1,150.00 Louis Bordi General Engineering Grading and Training Services 331 100.27 Craig Britton Reimbursement--CARPOSA Meeting 332 50.53 Butler's Uniforms Uniform Expense 333 17.59 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Repair Parts 334 103.21 California Water Service Co. Water Service 335 52.91 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Document 336 211.86 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Field Supplies 337 75.00 Comm-Sery Projection Screen Service 338 56.57 Contemporary Engraving Co., Inc. Name Tags 339 199.60 Country Home Products Field Supplies 340 99.00 Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership 341 200.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Inspections 342 127.20 Decatur Electronics Radar Unit Repair 343 4,543.17 Design Concepts Graphic Design for Events 344 451.25 Divine Catering Volunteer Recogniton Event 345 167.33 Dorfman-Pacific Co., Inc. District Caps 346 96.50 John Escobar Reimbursement--CARPOSA Meeting 347 150.00 Falore Jeep Vehicle Repairs 348 321.50 Farrelle Communications Vehicle Amber Light Bar 349 14.67 Film To Frame Photocopies 350 10.67 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locks for Vehicle 351 602.32 *2 Fry's Electronics Office Fax Machine 352 24.10 G & K Services Shop Towel Supply Service 353 914.41 Garcia Well & Pump Company Pump System Repair-Smith House 354 10,000.00 General Convention of the New Jerusalem Defeasance Fee 355 41.50 Mary Gilman Reimbursement--Deer Hollow Farm Supplies 356 120.01 Goodco Press Incorporated Printing Service 357 419.14 Goodyear Auto Service Center Tires 358 133.23 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 359 625.61 Guy Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Incerpi House Plumbing 360 446.64 Phillip Hearin Reimbursement--Bicycle Patrol Training 361 8,436.00 House of Printing Printing--Annual Report/Newsletter 362 216.00 Jobs Available Inc. Recruitment Advertisement 363 106.40 Kinko's June Newsletter Printing *1 Urgent Check Issued May 30, 1996 *2 Urgent Check Issued May 29, 1996 Page 1 Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date:June 12, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 364 507.50 Dennis Kobza & Associates, Inc. Architectural Consultant--Skyline Ranger Office 365 243.46 John Kowaleski Reimbursement--Field Supplies, Uniform Expense and Pesticide Training Class 366 1000.00 *3 Judy Law Grant Cabin Artifacts 367 54.90 Judy Law Vehicle Expense 368 65.00 Lawyer's Title Reconveyance Fee--Gastronics 369 5000.00 *4 Lucille and William Ming Sing Lee Defeasance Fee 370 517.50 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services-- Skyline Ranger Office 371 151.78 Marin Supply Company Restroom Supplies 372 250.00 *5 Juliette McDonald June 9--Event Entertainment 373 846.00 Milstone Geotechnical Geotechnical Consulting Services-- Weeks Road & Schilling Lake Spillway 374 544.38 Minton's Lumber & Supply Paint, Lumber and Field Supplies 375 35.56 Mountain View Garden Center Gravel 376 60.00 NetStart, Inc. Computer Upgrade and Servicing 377 33.19 Northern Energy Propane Service 378 125.00 Frank Olson Reimbursement--Tuition 379 280.61 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 380 145.00 Padgett Thompson Seminar--J. Fiddes 381 560.51 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. Bluelines, Enlargements and Maps 382 986.05 Pine Cone Lumber Co., Inc. Lumber and Supplies 383 161.37 PIP Printing Photocopying 384 1068.56 Pouncing Pachyderm Productions Restoration Consulting Services 385 149.00 Fred Pryor Seminars Seminar--S. Shipley 386 2070.62 Quicksilver Printing Factsheets, Letterhead and Labels 387 78.44 Reed & Graham, Inc. Asphalt 388 2837.66 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair 389 798.43 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs 390 708.40 Sandis Humber Jones Engineering Consulting Services-- Grading Plan-Skyline Ranger Office 391 321.03 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement 392 42.22 San Mateo County Times Subscription Renewal 393 376.46 San Francisco Newspaper Agency Recruitment Advertisement 394 843.11 Sears Refrigerator--Ranger Residence 395 1025.00 Security Alarm, Inc. Alarm Installation--Grant Cabin 396 300.00 *6 Sertoma Club of Los Altos Volunteer Event Pancake Griddle 397 823.87 Signs of the Times Signs 398 285.25 Shell Oil Company Fuel 399 5550.00 George Sipel Associates Consulting Services--Organizational Management *3 Urgent Check Issued May 1, 1996 *4 Urgent Check Issued May 31, 1996 *5 Urgent Check Issued June 6, 1996 *6 Urgent Check Issued May 31, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-11 Meeting 96-13 Date: June 12, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 400 183.25 Skyline County Water District Water Services 401 18.00 Sonoma County Health Department Medical Services 402 100.00 Gulliver Spring June 9--Event Entertainment 403 49.88 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 404 1935.00 Paul Sykes Construction Company McDonald Property--Repairs 405 1395.00 TACITEMPS Temporary Receptionist 406 47700.00 Tag Group Corporation Construction Services--Skyline Ranger Office 407 1135.69 Target Specialty Products Weed Abatement Chemicals 408 193.95 Teater & Etc. Maps 409 186.42 Therma Corp. Pump Fuse Repair 410 2090.35 U.S. Rentals Equipment Rental 411 255000.00 Valley Title Company POST Acquisition 412 220.00 WAC Corporation Aerial Photos 413 825.00 *7 Wildlife Associates June 9--Program Presentation 414 112.62 Michael Williams Business Meeting and Vehicle Expense 415 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 416 96.13 Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 417 79.83 Joan Young Reimbursement—Volunteer Event Supplies 418 5,353.13 Zumwalt Engineering Group Engineering Services—Weeks Road and Schilling Lake Spillway Total 378,259.83 *7 Urgent Check Issued June 6, 1996 Page 3 Regional Opera S1 .-e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors 9 FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: June 12, 1996 SUBJECT: FYI 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT INFORMATIOrNAL MEETING on TEAGUE HILL PROPERTY Wednesday, June 19, 1996 7:30 P.M. Woodside Elementary School Multi purpose Room 3195 Woodside Road Woodside, California The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District invites you to an informational meeting for an update on its plans for the sale of surplus property at Teague Hill. The District will share its revised plans, hear your concerns and answer your questions. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Enshallah, Inc. (Property Consultant to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District) 408 295-9880 i TRAIL CENTER Trail Information and Trail Volunteers for Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco Counties 6 June 1996 Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Directors of MROSD: The Trail Map of the Southern Peninsula has become a reality! The District's efforts in providing resources for this project is very much appreciated. Moreover, the work that David Hanson, Sheryl Cochran, Craig Beckman, Julie Low(?), and Malcolm Smith contributed has been instrumental in assuring the accuracy of this map. David provided years of guidance to the Map Committee and helped conceive of this trail map. Sheryl was kind enough to provide base maps on which to record trail route data. Craig was available to allow access, and sometimes transportation, to the more remote areas of Monte Bello OSP. Julie, Sheryl, and Malcolm spent several hours checking the map for accuracy and correctness. On behalf of the Trail Center Board of Directors I want to thank you for the years of support in our goal to produce useful and accurate maps of the Open Space we all enjoy. As a token of our appreciation I have attached several copies of the poster and folded editions of the map. I hope they enhance you enjoyment of our wonderful Open Space. Sincerely, Darwin Poulos Member, Board of Directors Co-Chairman, Map Committee 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415) 968-7065 Regional Open S1 ,e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 7, 1996 Honorable Steve Baldwin, Chair Members of the Assembly Committee on Education Room 2141 State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Subject: SB 1873 - Oppose Dear Assemblyman Baldwin: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I am writing to urge you to oppose SB 1873 when it comes before you on the Assembly Committee on Education. This bill would repeal the core provisions of the Naylor Act, which provide for local acquisition of parklands from school districts at original cost plus inflation and improvements. If these provisions are repealed, it will make these prime potential park lands prohibitively expensive, and completely out of reach for local governments to acquire for parks purposes. It's clear that our communities need more parks and recreation areas, not fewer. If this bill passes, it will have a direct negative impact on the available acres of urban parks in our cities. In today's climate of reduced revenues and few, if any, grant opportunities for park lands acquisition, it is crucial that programs providing acquisition opportunities remain in place. In the interest of providing parks and recreation programs for our communities, our children, and for future generations, I urge you to opposed SB 1873 and preserve this worthy program. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Terry Jewell, CPRS Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,!Nary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open S� _,e Am MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 10, 1996 This letter also sent to: Honorable Nao Takasugi Honorable Jim Cunneen Honorable Peter Frusetta Member, Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee State Capitol, Room 4009 Sacramento, CA 95814 Subject: Support for SB 1838 Dear Assemblyman Cunneen: Thank you once again for your support of AB 3239, which unfortunately failed in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee in April. Your vote was extremely important to this issue, and I hope we can count on you for the same level of support for SB 1838. As you know, this bill is essentially the same as AB 3239, and is introduced by now-Senator Byron Sher. SB 1838 will allow libraries and parks to join forces with schools to develop a funding measure for voter approval by a two-thirds majority in 1997 or 1998. The need for additional funding is crucial, and the schools/parks/libraries coalition is a prime example of how diverse entities can cooperate towards a common objective. This cooperative effort should be recognized by the legislature, and allowed to be considered by the voters of San Mateo County. Again,thank you for your continuing support. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can provide you with any information on the local need for parks and open space lands. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Ralph Heim Patrick Sanchez 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton i Regional Open SlOce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT SENT TO ATTACHED LIST May 24, 1996 Dear The District would like to invite you to a neighborhood workshop on Wednesday, June 19th at 6:30 pm at the Rhus Ridge Road parking lot of Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. We are aware that there are neighborhood concerns regarding the use of the parking lot by preserve visitors. At this meeting, District Board members will be present to listen to your comments and concerns. Parking and public access at Rhus Ridge Road are historical land uses that originated prior to the District acquiring the lower portion of the Windmill Pasture Area in 1988. While the Duveneck family owned and managed the property, it is our understanding, there was unrestricted public access with trailhead registration required near the existing parking area. The District's primary interest in acquiring the land was to ensure that the public would continue to have this opportunity to use these lands as they had in the past. We recognize dramatic changes have occurred in both the size of the preserve and public interest in trail access. In meeting growing demands for trail use, we are continually searching for ways to improve and enhance public access into the preserve. Our maps and brochures emphasize the staging areas at Rancho San Antonio County Park off Cristo Rey Drive in an attempt to direct visitors away from smaller staging areas such as Rhus Ridge Road. More recently, we unsuccessfully pursued incorporation of a public staging area,for the preserve in the Quarry Hills Subdivision plan within the Town of Los Altos Hills. Julie McCullough, a planner with the District, has been conducting preliminary studies at the Rhus Ridge parking lot to determine potential alternatives that may reduce the conflicts between public parking and residential use. Both site improvements and enhanced management techniques are being evaluated, and we are currently having the area surveyed to precisely determine District property boundaries We hope you can attend the meeting on June 19th. We realize that there are many conflicting interests and we look forward to working with you to help identify and propose solutions and ideas. Sincerely, L. Craig Britton General Manager cc: MROSD Board of Directors Town of Los Altos Hills 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 19 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Joel and Susan Thompson Dan and Liz Dana 11910 Rhus Ridge Road 25700 Bassett Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos, CA 94022 Ronald and Linda Alepin Charles Knowles 11920 Rhus Ridge Road 25725 Bassett Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos, CA 94022 Raye Girouard Peter Spitzer 11924 Rhus Ridge Road 25745 Bassett Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos, CA 94022 Jerry Chen Sandra Salter 11930 Rhus Ridge Road 25765 Bassett Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos, CA 94022 Paul and Sheila Fair Polly Shouse 11935 Rhus Ridge Road 25785 Bassett Lane Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos, CA 94022 Marie Singer Town of Los Altos Hills 11950 Rhus Ridge Road 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Mike Heller 11970 Rhus Ridge Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Joe Goodman 11989 Rhus Ridge Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Pearl Du Hamel 12001 Rhus Ridge Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Regional Open ` ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton General Manager DATE: June 7, 1996 SUBJECT: FYI 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open , we ---------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 6, 1996 Honorable John Vasconcellos Member, California State Assembly Room 6026, State Capitol P.O. BOX 942848 Sacramento, CA 94248-0001 Subject: SB 160 Dear Assemblyman Vasconcellos: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I am writing urge to to oppose g you pp SB 160 (Kopp) when it comes before you on the Assembly Transportation Committee on June 10. This bill will repeal the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, resulting in the loss of$10 million annually in vital funding for protection of fragile resource lands, urban forestry projects, and roadside recreation projects. This is an excellent program in that the funding relates directly to highway projects where resource and forestry lands are being eliminated. The program thus provides a visible balance for such intensive projects. The Open Space District has been the recipient of two grants under this program, and there is great potential for future grants. Passage of this bill will mean the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in future funding for the District, a situation that will be echoed at other agencies throughout the state. In today's climate of reduced revenues and few, if any, grant opportunities, it is crucial that sources such as the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program remain in place. In the interest of natural resource protection, the continuation of urban forestry programs, and the enhancement of roadside recreation projects, I urge you to opposed SB 160 and preserve the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. Sincerely, qz- j Nonette Hanko, President N H/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton I Sempervirents FundEsTablished 1900 Drawer BE, Los Altos, CA 94023-4054 415/968-4509 Fax 415/968-0713 For the preservation of redwood lands Board of Directors Ellen C Weaver President John f) I uckhardt Vice President Ms. Annette Coleman Michael S.Barton Set t etary Area Superintendent Geza L Gyorey and Tr eascu er Randy Anderson Chri,,W.Beekhurs Mr. Ran Robert A.Bryan Mary( Davey Senior Planner Gil V Hernandez MidPeninsula Regional open Space District Harry v1 Hind Jaude A took 330 Distel Circle Betsy B Ross Dunham Los Los Altos, California 94022 Richard P Wheat M D. Stephen N Wyckoff George Collins Dear Annette and Randy, Honorary Vice President Howard King Honorary Vice President On behalf of the Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council, I 7hornas K Worthy Honorary Vice President want to thank you for the wonderful tour on May 23 of the Sierra Sponsors Azul. All of us who were with you that day were thrilled to see Clyde Arbuckle this wild and rich land, with its abundance of plant life - some of Stanley M Barnes Allan F Brown it rare - and magnificant vistas. How absolutely wonderful that Robert V Brown this great area is now a permanent part of our open space!! Mrs Robert Rusher Frederica Clark James R Compton Mabel Crittenden am confident that all of us want to return for more a leisurely Mrs Morris M Doyle look, and for studying certain aspects of the geology and biology Robert B.Hint,Jr Robert H Geisler of the area, now that we have had a quick overview. One should Edward Ginzton really hike it for full appreciation, and there are many days to be Michael D.Green William R Hewlett spent there for pleasure and learning. Less A Hoefer Penny Gerbode Jay Donald Kennedy Both of you were superb hosts and guides. We are grateful both Robert C Kirkwood Betty Jones Kra,ber to you personally and to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Melvin B [.ane District for the great generosity shown us. Thank you. Mrs.Horace Laughlin Putt rarn Livermore Paul Locatelli,S,T Mrs,L S Mark Sincerely yours, Dean McHenry Robert Mclnryre Brian O'Neill M,Irclaret owings David Packard Billy PriorEllen Weaver Robert C Rempel CadJ Schmitt President, Board of Directors Kirk Smith Mrs Jean S.Steinhardt John W Stypula c- Steve Singer, SCMBR Council Coordinator Denzil Verar do Jennie Verardo Verl Clausen, Executive Director Keith A M,Walker Advisors Kindel I Blau Doris Leonard Alexander Lowry Betsy Blais Shot-well Michael E.Seale Stephen M Stevick Executive Director Verlyn H Clausen P,niecl on Royded Paler Regional Open *ace 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 5, 1996 This letter was also sent to: Honorable Dominic Cortese Honorable Jim Cunneen Member, California State Assembly Room 4009, State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0001 Subject: AB 3014 Dear Assemblyman Cunneen: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I'd like to thank you for authoring AB 3014, the statewide parks bond act. As you know, there is an urgent need to address the state's backlog in park and wildlife area project funding. Our hope is that this bill, along with a positive vote of the people, will help in dealing with that backlog. If the District can provide any useful information for your efforts on this bill, please feel free to call me. Again, thank you for your continuing support of parks, open space, and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open . ice ---------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 4, 1996 Honorable Henry Mello Member, California State Senate This letter was also sent to: Room 3)13, State Capitol Honorable Al Alquist P.O. Box 942848 Honorable Byron Sher Sacramento, CA 94248-0001 Subject: SB 1948 Dear Senator Mello: I am writing to urge your support for Senate Bill 1948, the statewide parks bond act. This bill will allow the voters to consider a critically needed park and open-space funding measure on the November 1996 ballot. This bill is urgently needed to address the state's substantial backlog in park and wildlife area project funding. In recent years, available funds to acquire key open space areas and to improve park facilities have greatly declined. These dramatic funding shortages make it exceedingly difficult to protect our natural areas and provide park activities and open space areas for California's growing population. This bill, if placed on the ballot and passed by the voters, will help agencies such as ours to acquire and restore key open space areas, provide protection for wildlife habitat, and to create scenic areas and recreational opportunities for the public. In addition, it will provide funds to improve, repair, and expand state and local parks and recreational facilities, fund local park projects in each city and county, and preserve agricultural lands through the purchase of conservation easements. Thank you for your continuing support of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Distrii& and parks, recreation, and open space for the people of California. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 a Phone:415-691-1200 e FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open , . ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 4, 1996 Honorable John Vasconcellos This letter was also sent to:Member, California State Assembly Honorable Jackie Speier Room 6026, State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0001 Subject: AB 3014 Dear Assemblyman Vasconcellos: I am writing to urge your support for Assembly Bill 3014, the statewide parks bond act. This bill will allow the voters to consider a critically needed park and open-space funding measure on the November 1996 ballot. This bill is urgently needed to address the state's substantial backlog in park and wildlife area project funding. In recent years, available funds to acquire key open space areas and to improve park facilities have greatly declined. These dramatic funding shortages make it exceedingly difficult to protect our natural areas and provide park activities and open space areas for California's growing population. This bill, if placed on the ballot and passed by the voters, will help agencies such as ours to acquire and restore key open space areas, provide protection for wildlife habitat, and to create scenic areas and recreational opportunities for the public. In addition, it will provide funds to improve, repair, and expand state and local parks and recreational facilities, fund local park projects in each city and county, and preserve agricultural lands through the purchase of conservation easements. Thank you for your continuing support of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and parks, recreation, and open space for the people of California. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Honorable Jim Cunneen Honorable Dominic Cortese Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle # Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 11:18:15 -0700 From: kh <kh@a.crl.com> To: mrosdgnetcom.com Subject: El Corte de Madera To Whom It May Concern, This is a message in regards to the proposed changes of some of the trails in El Corte de Madera(ECdM) Open Space Preserve. Please forward this message to the Board. It is understandable that in creating and maintaining a park or Open. Space Preserve, trails must be relatively safe and accessible to a variety of users. While these recreational and safety issues must be accomodated by park planners, the sanctity and serenity of the park must also remain a paramount factor inthe planning process. It is true that some of the trails in ECdM are quite steep, narrow at places, and can become eroded during the winter seasons. However, these trails are are in most cases unmarked and seldom traveled. While planners must consider these trails to be potential hazards to the inexperienced and occasional user, they must also be regarded as part of the existing park that many users have safely enjoyed for years and that contribute to the overall quality, serenity, beauty, and character of the preserve. I can understand the necessity to build a few new, wider trails that can accomodate an increasing number and variety of users, but I feel that the preservation of the existing resource must be the first and foremost issue in this situation. The El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve is now one of the very few places anywhere near the bay area that still offers the user a relatively unspoiled experience of the native habitat of the coastal mountain range. Instead of closing existing trails and building new ones, I feel the emphasis on ECdM should be to improve the existing trails in places that need it and continue to preserve the overall natural setting. I think that the trails that are in highly accessible areas that are steep and might be considered dangerous to some users be marked as such. This could be done with a simple system much like that used in major ski resorts that is very low-impact and blends with the natural habitat. Kendall Holback Regional Open *ce -------------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Malcolm Smith May 29, 1996 Public Affairs Manager (415) 691-1200 M E D I A A D V I S 0 R Y Free Family Outdoor Festival on June 9 at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Los Altos, CA -- This Land is Your Land..A Day in Open Space is a fun-filled outdoor environmental festival for the whole family! On Sunday,June 9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the public can enjoy hikes and walks, nature interpretation activities and displays, live animal programs, kite making, recreation retailer displays and demonstrations, mountain bike clinics and rides, crafts, nature center, food, music, and lots of giveaways for everyone. WIN a free mountain bike, a pair of hiking boots, and other prizes. Free parking is available at Foothill College (lot"B" only), El Monte Road at Route 280, with a free shuttle to the event. Participants in This Land is Your Land include: A.D. One Sports, Bay Area Action, Black Mountain Spring Water, Caffe Carello, California Native Plant Society, California Rescue Dog Association, Committee for Green Foothills, Sunnyvale Parks Dept., Coyote Point Museum, Environmental Volunteers, Enviro-Care, Golden Gate National Recreational Area, Greenbelt Alliance, Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation, Los Trancos Woods Marching Band, Children's Music with Juliette McDonald, Music by Gulliver, American Red Cross, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, ROMP, R.E.I., South Skyline Association, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Association, Save the Redwoods League, Santa Clara County Parks Dept., Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Serendipity Land Yachts, Sierra Club-Guadalupe Chapter, Sierra Singles, Trail Center, Wheelsmith, Whole Foods Market- Cupertino, Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Associates. (more) 330 Distel Circle 9 Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 9 Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton 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 41,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 2') open space preserves. 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. CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION MAY 1996 12o 1 K STREET, SUITE 174o �_ -Message' From The Chair Following two years of meetings, hearings and community forums, the Commission is in the final process :of presenting it's recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. The constitutional language, contained in - Senate Constitutional Amendment (SCA) 39 by Senator Lucy. Killea and Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 49 by Assemblyman ' Phillip Isenberg has been introduced in bill form so that the public, interested groups and the Legislature can begin consideration of the Commissions recommendations. The Commission will be reviewing the language at a meeting p in Sacramento on:: May 28, :1996. More information about,the meeting and.a Isumm.ary. of the recommendations are included in this newsletter. 'The proposed Constitution revision - covers state governance,' .the.'state budget, and the. structure ,and finance` of K-12 education, and local government. , Copies of the proposed constitutional amendment, a summary- of the Commissions recommendations, and news,on-the progress of the legislative hearings will be available on the Internet. Information on accessing`this material is included in this newsletter.' For those who do not have `access-to the Internet,.just'give' us a call and we - will keep you posted on the progress in the Legislature. On behalf of the Commission, I:want to thank all of you f who shared your thoughts and ideas.with us. The final ` report oft he Commission, including.a.compilation of the . Commissions research and submitted material, will be available in-July.". William Hauck Chair - : y, : ..• -k,. ... .. -:. .. _Vj. mot- - .1.gpNAWjY'r't`7'mW1 '.•i•X'IApCM'!`A:wYMw1 ++.r-�.'^�„'alTw-n..)•r/T'i..�A�l�\RnAwvt�Y''IIMRR�Ip•, +r• PAGE 2 MAY 1996' ,- MEET[NG ANNOUNCEMENT AGENDA Tuesday, May 28, 1996- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - 1201 K Street, 7th Floor Sacramento _ Roll Call f Il. Approval of Minutes from Prior Meetings III. Re vie of'the Lan- ua e Contained in SC 39 and vie o ACA 49 Implementing the Commission's Recoimendations-- = For further-information;prikor to the.meeting, please-contact; De Lind. at the commission office at (916),,322-4121 : - r \. * N r' •+,:t.;;fi r _� '.Z. :-<'> = Fes ; i ,C{ALIFG,KN.C.A -00NSTITUT ON: 1A/ 1SI0 .N CO N1MlSSaON t ``X�.�°�+`+''{�'�'�5.3'.1.i.�A'�"��4?.�5�>'v+s�'y�''�'t��-�,•� ' , i'k..l��:�.�r�.yr�b�.-{;i[,�� r+fJ' � ,� , '. _ _ T J PAGE 3 MAX:1996 CCRC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE-GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE [he following is a general summary of the commission actions. `these recommendations are included in the proposal submitted to Legislature in May 1996. INTRODUCTION ♦ .Analyze the current configuration In a letter to James Warren on of state and local government duties April 22, 1776, John Adams wrote, All and responsibilities and review the great changes are irksome to the human constraints that interfere with the mind, especially those which are attended allocation of state and local with great dangers and uncertain effects." responsibilities = Today, Californians are seeking change. in + Review the state budgetary process, the way their-government operates. One; ' including.the appropriate balance of. need look only " the voter approved resources and spending; the fiscal- initiatives of the last 20 years to see a relations between. state, federal, and citizenry frustrated with their local governments, and the government. Proposing a new way to do constraints and impediments that things is never easy: The reality we do interfere with an orderly and not like often looks better than the new comprehensive consideration of way that might bring a better, yet fiscat,issues uncertain future + Consider the feasibility,of integrating community::resources in order to reduce;duplication and Despite the uncertauty that change= brings, it is clear that change in increase the productivity of local , _ service delivery California's system of state and local government is'necessary. Californians simply are not satisfied with their state , _ In May of.1994, the California and to Constitution Revision Commission began local governments: In.order' develop reasonable and workable ways to - holding meetings, hearings, and reform our.:government,'the.governor community forums across the state._ `:The and legislature appointed the 23-member Commission received comments and. California Constitution Revision proposals from both the general public- Commission. The Commission was 'and experts-'with knowledge of,specific ' asked to do the following: issues. Those comments focused on the problems with current government + Examine the structure of state structures_and,procedures and what could be done to alleviate'those problems. After government and propose modifications that will increase : eighteen months of hearings and analysis; agenda- accountability the Commission is proposing an agenda for changing-the ways in which our state CALIFOR.hLLA CONSTfTU- TION REVIS1.0N CO.MMIISS-ION ....- PAGE 4 MAY 1996' and local governments operate. .The executive to effectively manage Commission's primary objectives in government operations and be making these recommendations are to accountable to the people of California. improve the accountability and Additionally, the authority of the responsiveness of government at all executive .and legislative branches are levels - from the state to the smallest limited by the adoption of initiatives community: which are often enacted in response to legislative inaction. The`initiative ♦ Improve the accountability and process, which was originally intended to -responsiveness ,of government at all break the grip of special interests on the levels - from the state to the legislative process, has been used in place smallest community. of the legislature for major public policy ♦ Eliminate barriers to efficiency and decisions. Currently, there is a process for -increase flexibility. a public discussion of the legal.and + Assure that.the-state adopts and technical issues of proposed initiatives but maintains a balanced budget there is no.formal process for revising qualified initiatives before they are placed Change can be irksome. We`cannot on the ballot. completely predict the outcome. But we do know that the current system is in dire A. Executive.Branch need of change The Commission. believes`.these recommendations Provide for,Single Ticket Election of the represent an'opportunity for positive Governor and Lieutenant Governor The change in":California's governance system. Governor;and Lieutenant'Governor .Only through major changes can we-hope should on the_same ticket-asp feani.: to create a better system"and a`better state Additionally, the Governor should be for all Californians. authorized but not required to appoint the Lieutenant Governor to an executive I. STATE GOVERNANCE - , branch responsibility. - The Governor's STRUCTURE'AND OPERATIONS executive powers should not pass to the Lieutenant"Governor,.when the Governor THE ISSUE' leaves the State a California's state ove'rr ment`structiire is - g Reduce the Number '. Statewide Elective often described as `'divided" _split.up .- _ among a dozen directly. public Offices -The Superintendent of.Public officials with a mixture of authority and Instruction, the.State-Treasurer,,and the few direct lines of accountability., The -State Insurance Commissioner should be primary objective of the organization of _ appointed by the Governor, rather than executive functions should be,to promote elected, and subject to legislative efficiencyand.res onsiveness in the confirmation: ` t implementation of state,policy.;:However; power in the executive branch is widely. Reorganize and Restructure the Revenue Collection S stem-Th`e Board,of dispersed among independent elected. y °officials: This limits the: ability of the.chief Equalization should be abolished and its regulatory and executive functions, along {;.CALIFOR> NIA CON.ST. lTU :Trl0N UV1S1flN C4.MMLSSION .. F F ` .r�"y*.- - - - ,.-a.. ......,.., .A..._.•..... r '_-__ �_.._.._.�..-...--.. ,gym..-..a. .,,.R---- -•• .,.,._ ._ _.__.—.`._.�...__. PAGES MAY 1996 with the functions of the Franchise Tax legislators has inhibited the legislative Board, be combined into a Department of process as.members of the Legislature are Revenue. A state tax appeals body should constantly running for office. Currently, be established, appointed by the Governor Assemblymembers have three,'two-year -and subject to legislative confirmation. terms and Senators have two, four-year. terms. , .University of California Board of. -Regents - The terms'-of office of the Board ". Increased Oversight Authority- The of Regents should be reduced .from 12 to Constitution should provide additional 10 years. Reappointment should be authority for the Legislature to review prohibited unless the appointee has and disapprove administrative served less than a full term. The number regulations. of appointed members should be reduced : from 18 to 15. The Superintendent of Tie Budget Passage to Salaries -The - Public Instruction should be removed.as a Constitution should require the budget to member of the Board of Regents since this be passed by the constitutional deadline or office will be"appointive and part of the the Governor and the Legislature forfeit Governor's administration. their pay. Change the Responsibilities and Tertns of Provide Retirement Benefits -The the State Personnel Board -.The Constitution should allow legislators to probationary and classification functions participate in the regular Public. of-the State Personnel Board (SPB) should Employees' Retirement System. be transferred'to the_-Department of Personnel Administration (DPA). :The C. The Initiative Process #erms of the SPB members t�should be, r, t shortened from ten years to six years. -Place Initiative'Constitutiottal `'- Amendments on the November Ballot B. Legislative Branch -The Constitution should provide that all . initiative, and legislative constitutional Shorten Legislative Sess ions.-_The` amendments be placed on the November 3 — Constitution"should limit the:length,of _ ballot. Constitutional amendments.- legislative sessions to six months; extend proposed by the-Legislature may be placed r '. . the time for.the Governor to.act on, on primary or special election ballots with legislation, and allow the-Legislature"to a"two-thirds vote of the Legislature and consider -but not pass measures shortly the approval of the Governor. . after introduction. " Allow Amendment of Statutory Term Limits - The Commission Initiatives After Six Years,'-' The recommends that term limits be retained : Constitution should allow-the Legislature, but extended to three,'four-year terms in with gubernatorial approval, to amend each:house The terms'should be statutory initiatives after they have been staggered so.that one-half-of Assernb�y °effective for:six years and the Senate would-be elected every two years. The Commission concluded Provide a Role for the Legislature in the that the current length'of terms of Initiative Process - The Constitution C-ALIF0:RN1A CONSTITUTION REVISION COMM_[ SS10N .. ,a 7a 't'4 _. :•. .- , ,. - CC ',y 'il. T .�.•1 ' Tt � ^1 t C'l � S y �' "Zi� �i y •u l 1 1 - (r a itiaYrp..+: 7P ...�,,• .•-sKdaw+-,W.ya.. rrc+rw:csr..l,::wv.��'fq,dfS.::r:YINYWwa..,.skits;t:sk.s.sa.auu.il:e„i..ur5:n6hi+s- �,rrlfi �9rti�i 't��,z•'*- f�.a s°—�=.'�d+��Yei�r ''u�E,� r PAGE 6 MAY 1996 should establish a process for legislative reserve. The reserve would be phased in review and amendment of qualified over several budget periods. initiatives. With the consent of the Appropriations from the reserve would proponents, the Legislature could amend require a two-thirds vote of both houses. a qualified initiative. Such amendments must be technical and clarifying only, and Provide a Budget Rebalancing Mechanism must be consistent with'the purposes of - The Constitution should specify that.if a ` w the initiative. budget becomes unbalanced, a "rebalancing process for the state budget II. THE STATE BUDGET AND should be provided. Midway through the FISCAL SYSTEM fiscal period, the Governor would be required to provide an update on the THE ISSUE staWs''fiscal condition. If necessary, the. The state's budget process contains few- Governor may submit legislation to ' constitutional standards. For example, "rebalance".the budget. there is no constitutional requirement Prohibit "External" Borrowing Across that the state enact or maintain a balanced Fiscal Periods - The Constitution should budget. Once a budget becomes ,'wit the ability of the state to borrow unbalanced there is no formal system for funds from private capital markets rebalancing the budget. An annual budget beyond the two-year budget period. provides limited oes for establishing and implementing Require A Majority,Vote.to Enact the Iong-term strategic clans: Such clans Budget and Budget Related Legislation w uto provide more direction for overall The Constitution'should provide for a spending and„facilitate the sysfezriatic" majority vote for,the adoption of the state evaluation of programs by the public, and budget, the•budget implementation bill, increase.accountability. and the bill to '`rebalance" the budget. A.Keeping the budget balanced Allow for Multiple Subject Implementation Legislation - The Require the State's Budget to be Balanced- Constitution should allow the Legislature . The'Constitution should-require that ;: to include multiple statutory changes expenditures:rot exceed revenues and needed to implement lie;budget bill in a reserves. Following the,adoption of the , single bill other than the budget bill. budget, no bill could be enacted that would have the effect of creating a deficit. B. Viewing the Long Term. Authorize the Adoption of a Two-Year Require Strategic Planning and Budget The current annual budget1. performance Measures in the Budgetary process should_be replaced with a,_ Process ,- The Constitution should require two=year budget process. the Governor to submit a four=year Require a Three Percent General Fund ^- strategic plan.to the Legislature for Reserve - The Constitution should review, amendment, and adoption.' The require the state to begin its two-year plan would include policy and fiscal ..budget period,with a three:percent priorities, performance standards to gauge CA, C .IFORNI CO,NSTI 'Tll.T1ON: REVISION.- CO�MMIS`S10 -N PAGE 7 MAY 1996 the productivity of state expenditures, a B. Constitutional/Statutory Nature capital facilities and financing plan, and of Education Governance the programmatic relationship between The Constitution should be amended to the state and local governments_ . The- provide for the appointment of a Commission recommends that a-statutory Superintendent of Public Instruction by provision be adopted requiring the budget the Governor. . The State.Board of to contain outcome-based performance. Education and;the county school measures. superintendents and boards should be removed from the Constitution. The III. ELEMENTARY AND duties of the Superintendent, the State SECONDARY EDUCATION Board of Education and the county offices ACCOUNTABILITY,'STRUCTURE, should-be determined by statute. AND FINANCING C. Financing Education THE ISSUE: The governance structure of elementary Maintaining the Statewide Funding and secondary education is divided Guarantee for K-12 - The constitutional among several state, county, and local guarantee.for K-12 schools should be authorities: .Lines of accountability are maintained. However, greater flexibility blurred. Although elementary and should be available to the Legislature and secondary education are a shared local and the Governor to determine how to . provide additionalirids to K-12 in excess state.responsibility, local K-12 districts taxes to of,the funding guarantee. Additional have little authority to raise' provide additional funds for education. funding should be on a one-time basis and m an unless the Legislature specifically 1 it' counties naI c-AdditioY Yappropriated additional fundin into special districts provide services that affect PP P riated the add_ g a child's education and health, yet there the guarantee. Community colleges are few formal incentives for the should become part of higher education collaborative delivery of services that and should be excluded from the . uarantee ' might lead to more efficiency acid cost g A savings. Authorize Supplementary Local Voter= A.' Accountability 1n Education -'Approved Taxes for Education - The Constitution should allow local , The Constitution should provide the communities to supplement the state authority of local school boards to make guarantee by authorizing K=12 unified decisions not in conflict with state law. school districts to increase the property tax Additionally,,the state should adopt, by with the approval of two-thirds of the statute, an accountability system that is voters within the district. Additionally, limited to education content, pupil an increase of up to one-half cent on the performance, and financial and sales tax on.a.countywide basis with a. managerial responsibilities. majority.vote'of the voters shouild also be authorized. The proceeds of the tax would be allocated on a per=student basis. C:A L ( F O R.N.I A CONSTITUTtO.N REV; LSIQN COMMIS -10N` I — _ _._ _... ._-__ .................• '1..�..v —.rnwa ws �•-..—e;. �js twr!w.�N.J _ _- ''!�t��rT PAGE 8 MAY 199b Ca ital Outla Financin The State/Local Realignment.Plan.for the- Constitution Y- g " Constitution should provide,for a new alignment of state and local services-in system for developing and approving the mid 1997. The plan maybe revised by the financing of capital facilities. If a school Legislature-and must be approved and district participates with other public sent to the Governor.for his action by agencies in a capital outlay_planning September 15, 1997. The objective of the program, implemented,through the plan would be to clarify roles, "Home Rule Community Charter" and responsibilities, and financing of state and. the.proposed project is consistent with the local- government. With that objective in, plan, the vote requirement for the mind the level of government assigned a approval of general obligation,bonds to program responsibility should have the finance school construction would be a authority to organize, administer and majority of those voting.,-.",:. finance the program. In the case of a program that is shared between the state IV. STATEILOCAL RELATIONSHIP and- local government, administrative flexibility should-be provided at the local THE ISSUE` level The assignment of governmental . • ' responsibilities between the state and V. ESTABLISHING ANEW LOCAL various local governments, particularly, GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE counties, is fragmented'and confused. AND FINANCE SYSTEM The absence of clearly assigned _ responsibilities for operating and THE ISSUE financing government.services has The present structure.of.7,000 local overn ed 'the accountability of tY . government entitiescounties, cities, . gea e ment officials to`the_pub iic. speciai districts, and school distracts)has Functions which are,clearly state,(e.g., resulted,in a confusing array of higher education) or clearly local-(e.g.,- governmental'entities, a number of library serv_ice's) are.not the problem..-The which, have overlapping, .if not issue centers on°those fu6ctior s that are conflicting, duties and responsibilities. statewide in.nature-but are administered While there is a generA,public-policy on behalf of the s.#ate by another entity, interest in irri rovin and.streamlining P g g such as a county. -Under this system local governance and service delivery and counties are treated as agents of the state ' r f=� g; increasing local_accountability, local 17 and often mti4'ixse the tax`base meant to 7, agencies,have few tangible incentives for, ^��s_ su ort local services to,fund programs pp P �' reform. The existing local government tFover which the county has no structure and .division of governmental k programmatic or,operational control. responsibilities were-conceived during a Finding the right mix of program time in the state's history when'there �g responsibilities and financung for shared were fewer.people, fewer environmental programs must,"be a high;prioiity.task-for problems, and the states population less' &�- the`Legislature and the Governor. diverse. Moreover, the diversity of, California's regions make it difficult for a New State&ocal Realignment Plan uniform approach to local governance to The Constitution should'require the be responsive #o each area's`needs. Governor to submit to the Legislature a . I . t OMMISSION CALIF0K-N1A CONSTITCIT10 -N�. REVISION ' ' C ---^••a.�r+=.-..w..seem ', '. ry'g+*^rw�—_�y...^,.rc,vm+ '�:^. »+...e�-+...,,.,»ate. - w..... PAGE 9 MAY 1996 Recognizing the state's diversity,Ahe = B. Establishment of an Oversight Commission. recommends a new Commission provision be placed in the Constitution that would provide for the organization, The Legislature should establish, in financing, and strengthening of the home statute, a state commission that would be rule powers of local government. The limited to a clearinghouse of ideas for the Commission recommends that a new work of the citizens' commissions, authority be established 'that would monitoring their progress and advising improve the accountability and, efficiency the Governor and Legislature on the of local government. The new,,authority state/local realignment process. would consist of a."Home Rule _ Community Charter" which would C. Contents of the Charter provide for the assignment of local government services and their financing.' The countywide charter-and/or sub- county,charters would include the A. Process for Developing a Charter following components In early 1997, a Citizens' Charter . + Identify the territory to be covered Commission would be appointed in each., by the charter' county, or if desired, multi-county area. + Provide methods for reducing the The commission would be made up :of number and.cost of local representatives of existing governmental ; government agencies and members of the pubiic. .A + Allocate local:services and l majority- of the membership would be _ regulatory:responsibilities ,- non-governmental ;The job of-the + , Provide for the organization and Charter Commission would be'to :' reorganization, as welfas the.;-' examine the current local government , = boundaries of local.agencies structure, methods of:service"delivery, + :Develop a capital'improvement and assignment. of responsibilities and. .. program for, all of the agencies , powers." At the conclusion of the, .covered by`the community charter examination, the commission would + -Allocate general:purpose state- Adopt a Governmental Servic6s and, authorized, local revenues Financing ncing Plan fore:territory covered by" the charter. No later than November D. Strengthening Home:Rule 2000, a new Home Rule Community -1 Charter that implement the p The Commission has endorsed Y governmental services and financing plan strengthening the home rule provisions' must be submitted to the voters for of the Constitution. One of the incentives approval. The charter may include both. for general law cities;counties:and other countywide and sub-county charters. ,'This local entities to participate in the Home process will adueve the goals of :Rule Community Charter is that home ,, improved service delivery; efficiency, and rule powers,'previously limited to-.charter accountability: Full disclosure'of the cities, would be granted to the-neyv. financing of loeal•.government services" community charter>aiid to he entities would.also be required. operating within-the charter. This CA.L ( FORN;( A GONSTlTl1.T;1ON RE1,' IsloN ,, CO,MMISS-ION. 1. ,3:ttircasuw;.,w�<via: wrtk+,mr»atae.aoJlw.,�"o�Gfm a="-errm errntlt4wres�we.:..� -ipr:.,� : PAGE 10 MAY 1996 provision will strengthen local F. Vote Requirements for Local governments' ability to govern local ;'faxes and General Obligation. affairs. Additionally, once the charter for ,Bonds a given area is adopted the state would be prohibited from reallocating the non The authority to raise taxes would-be school share of the property tax or other subject to a majority vote of the general purpose local taxes allocated by governing board and a majority of the the charter. With respect to charter cities, voters unless the charter provided for a the provisions of a Home Rule higher threshold. This would apply to Community Charter may not interfere all locally levied taxes except the with or abrogate the authority of a charter ad valoremo property tax. Additionally, t3'•" general obligation bonds for projects consistent with a capital outlay plan for E. Fiscal Disclosure the area covered by the charter could be approved with a majority vote. All local government agencies will be required to disclose thei r revenues and - _ expenditures in a uniform manner as required.by statute. r ( •n� c��4 a n,.. �, ,�, ;.�-x 1K i,�+ ,.a- }" tr:'' , .��R.' s.4-:: ,•s.. S ; .�' i r �,• t�r. �+ b _.,_ z A. ,�J_ 9l� 3;`�'s� -t�'iy •J - .ice :� a; w: ..„��,�...;;y !, •'"..' }3 � � L' Y �} �F-��zip• ����>w •+Grp+t 4' � 2, r r'tT r_ A"r x .T 5 -' i "yY^+'1 l,r �.'�' ' z '4i1 �1 4r X" 35 i:,,f x �Vs k�..xy i,�Y-., +iT tr �+ y r a � "4Y-s T.. • . .,Yt�, I * tfN feryt:t 7• �:i rti" t: � b''d!C. ,�"i'j F.-; "' _ r.fs- x.i w r;'��,•` 7- :2 .n K d'Fyy�t�i,�`>4"�,�„�'�,q�`��'�.�2tiT`e�.�*�°Y'..q""S-�� �'r�n'���1 ,� s�! Rii '' $,�`�,z ��i�.��7[• z• LY �z 1' �_Yr. r k �z r���� � k s CAI. IFOr RN LA. CQ;NSTITlJT1ON REVISION COMMISSION '`¢i.�y I e-�2 .�.;TJ t' �r=+". F'•. ' Jc 'P'` ` x fy ^5't5 Y t'.k rYr xt :t d 'x' t '' r "r.5 �. 'J r ?; ' .'i,l' i PAGE t MAY 1996 THE CCRC The California Constitution Revision comprehensive consideration,of fiscal Commission was created by Chapter 1243, issues.Statutes of 1993 (SB 16, Senator Lucy Killea) . • Examine the structure of state governance Legislative Intent and propose modifications that may increase accountability. • The state budget process has become a complex entanglement of constraints that Examine the current configuration of state interfere with an orderly and comprehensive and local government duties and consideration of fiscal matters. responsibilities and review the constraints that interfere with the allocation of state and • The Legislative and Executive Branches local responsibilities. have continuing institutional rivalries that have obstructed the state's ability to make Examine the feasibility of integrating significant policy changes in response to a community resources in order to reduce changing California. Changes to the existing duplication and increase the productivity of governmental structure may provide a more local service delivery. responsive and productive government for Timetable California. Composition"of the Commission A preliminary report was presented to the Legislature and the Governor in August The commission is composed of 23 members. 1995.. Ten are selected by the Governor, five by the Following sed Constitutionrinsin t re all of 1995, a final Speaker of the Assembly, and five by the propohearings m the f Senate Rules Committee. The Chief Justice"of vision was the Supreme Court the Le" islative"Anal st,and ". , ubmittedto the Legislature and the the Director.of the De arfine9 t of Finance are ..: Governor in'-May for placement on the P `` `November1996 ballot. also members-of the commission. Responsibilities of the CCRC In order for the voters to'consider a propose revision, both houses of the Legislature must lace it on the ballot b a 9 P Y Examine the state budgetary process, - two-thirds vote. including the appropriate balance of sources andspending;the fiscal relations ,-e mission is scheduled to 0 out of The Commission- 9 between the 6tate,federal, and local ._ existence July:.1; 1996. governments;:and the constraints and impediments"that interfere with an orderly C-ALIFORNIA CON",STI'T" UTION REVISION COMMISSION Ws (.J) MAYZ E rvf� u.S.POSTAGE 1'96 C71 .i; a°� 0 .5 0 4 CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION . �A, 6�Soti3; 1201 K STREET.SUITE 1740 SACRAMENTO.CA 95814 (916)322.4121 FAX 3233927 - r MAY, 211996 k4 L. BRITTON NIOPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DIST, 330 f�IST161. CIRCLE LOS -ALTOS.CA 9402E This monthly publication contains information regarding the California Constitution Revision Commission and its activities and provides public meeting notice as required under Government Code Section 11125. d 3