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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19960724 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 96-16 Regionai Open 51 ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-16 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 7:00 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Wednesday Los Altos, California July 24, 1996 (7:00) ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 7:00 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. Labor Negotiations - Government Code Section 54957.6(a) I Conference with Labor Negotiator - Represented Employees Agency Negotiator: Susan Schectman Employee Organization: S.E.I.U. Local 715 (7:30) REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR -- N. Hanko APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 24, 1996 Consent Item) June 26, 1996 (Consent Item) WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (Consent Item) BOARD BUSINESS (7:45) 1. Proposed Exchange Agreement with Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH) to Acquire a Storm Drainage Easement in Exchange for a License for Emergency Access Purposes (Windy Hill Open Space Preserve) and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA -- M. Williams 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 e FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Renshaw, David T.Smernoff, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Meeting 96-16 Page 2 Resolution Approving and Authorizing Acceptance of an Exchange Agreement, Authorizing Officer to Execute Certificate of Acceptance of an Easement Deed to District and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Transaction (Windy Hill Open Space Preserve - Lands of Northern California Presbyterian Homes) (7:50) 2. Final Adoption of Four-Year Grassland Management Plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve -- R. Anderson (8:05) 3. Final Adoption of the Trails Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve as an Element of the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan -- J. McCullough (8:15) 4. Authorization to Solicit Bids for the Weeks Road Repair Project at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, Including Four Additions to the Project's Scope Estimated to Cost an Additional $36,000 and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA -- R. Anderson (8:25) 5. Authorization to Apply for National Recreational Trails Fund Act Program Grant Funds for Implementation of Phase H of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve -- M. de Beauvieres Resolution Approving the Application for Grant Funds, the National Recreational Trails Fund Act - Fiscal Year 1996-1997 (8:30) 6. Program Evaluation for the 1995-1996 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District -- C. Britton 7. Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Execution of Indemnity Surety Bond to Partially Fund the Debt Service Reserve Fund for the 1995 Promissory Notes -- S. Schectman Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Execution of Indemnity Surety Bond to Partially Fund the Debt Service Reserve Fund for the 1995 Promissory Notes (9:00) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS -- Directors and Staff REVISED CLAIMS Consent Item) CLOSED SESSION - (Continued, if necessary) ADJOURNMENT *NOTE. Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. Meeting 96-16 Page 3 ** 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 o�'the public may mmq that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar. Regional erg 5 :ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-14 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS June 24, 1996 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Members Present: Peter Siemens, David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, and Wim de Wit Members Absent: None Personnel Present: Craig Britton and George Sipel II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None III. CLOSED SESSION The Board met in Closed Session for the purpose of conducting the General Manager's performance evaluation. The Closed Session commenced at 7:03 P.M. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:17 P.M. Craig Britton General Manager 330 Distel Circle Los Altos CA 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosdGnetcom.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 Meeting 96-15 REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS June 26, 1996 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Peter Siemens, David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, and Wim de Wit. Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes, John Escobar, Sue Schectman, Randy Anderson, Mary de Beauvieres, Michael Foster, and Malcolm Smith. II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications. III. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the agenda. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. V. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR C. Britton announced that the Board had received a letter relating to agenda item 5, Final Adoption of Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve and requested the item be removed from the Consent Calendar. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar including the minutes of the June 12 Special and Regular Meeting; responses to written communications from Robert Zatkin, 406 Maple Way, Woodside and Kent Ferris, 370 Distel Circle, Suite A-100; agenda item 7, Authorization to Solicit Bids for Picchetti Ranch Homestead House Restoration Based on Determination that Recommended Action is Categorically Exempt from C>✓QA; agenda item S, Cancellation of July 10 Meeting; and revised claims 96-12. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VI. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. 1 - Authorization for the General Manager to Submit an Application to the Town of Woodside for a Lot Line Adjustment to Create Four Residential Parcels at PjnjQ Wav and [)n . R .sid .ntial Par �l at �ummi Cnringc as 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 Meeting 96-15 Page 2 Part of the Process to Sell Surplus Property at Teague Hill Oven Space Preserve - (R. CM R-96-72) R. Anderson reviewed the staff report and presented a chronology of events to this point. He stated that staff was requesting Board approval for a lot line adjustment to create four conforming 10-acre lots of Pinto Way by incorporating approximately 4.5 acres of residentially zoned land from the Summit Springs area into one of the lots. He noted that the Summit Springs area would remain as a single residentially-zoned parcel of approximately 30-acres. Marilyn Voelke, 55 Roan Place, said public money had been used to purchase this land and she did not think the District has a favorable outlook of being able to develop it. She said she did not know that little bits and pieces of land could be added to a lot to make it the required size and thought it was wrong of the District to try. She fully supports the purchase of open space, but asked if the District had considered that this proposal would cost the Town of Woodside a lot of money. She urged Board members to rethink their mission and that perhaps other ways can be found to recoup the money. N. Hanko said there are only two current Board members who participated in the original action to acquire the property. She said the property owner who was selling it owned several parcels and they wanted to sell it all at one time, adding it had been the position of the Board that it was a significant amount of money and they were hoping to recoup some of the money that was spent through development of a portion of the property. Ms. Voelke raised the issue of fire safety. She said it is the Board§ duty to contact the fire department, and she thought that they would oppose the proposal to extend the road considerably with no alternate exit in the event of a fire. Eric Broadbent, 30 Roan Place, said his family moved to the area last fall and found out about the planned development when closing on their home. He said they were concerned and considered not buying the property because one of the attractive elements was that it backed up to open space, adding that as a family and a neighborhood they are generally excited about the fact that there is open space. He said if they have to share the burden by having development in their area he did not think they were opposed to that in concept. However, looking at the steepness of the road and the cost of each parcel, a developer will have to do substantial development to sell it and make a profit. He expressed concerns regarding the lot line variance, the expense the Town will have to go through, topography, added water through septic systems and added erosion through building of roads and cutting of trees, and said this now becomes something that they cannot support as a neighborhood. Pauline Siedenburg, 10 Pinto Way, said the agenda was not received by many people and they had not been notified of the November meeting. She said that at an informal meeting when R. Anderson was going to announce this evening's meeting, Enshallah asked him not to. She cited the following issues: hillside drainage; fire and Meeting 96-15 Page 3 emergency hazard because of the deadend road; and the cost of the property will not be recouped. She said the District will be paying a lot more than it has budgeted and will not get as much as Enshallah says it will. She said she has supported open space and would work to support fund raising. She said the District is tarnishing its image by being developers and marketers of open space. Joseph Lascola, 87 Patrol Road, said that during heavy rains in 1982 there was damage in the area which the Town repaired. He said he had an additional creek this year caused by the work that the District had done on the property. He said there has been a lot of controversy with this property because of the higher elevations. Jay Siedenburg, 10 Pinto Way, said there is a good reason the property is zoned 10 acre minimum because it is a fragile environment and not very suitable for building. He said the ridge is the only place people can build. He described the ridge and steep terrain and said gerrymandering the lot is very suspicious, adding this does not meet the intent of the zoning ordinance and he did not think it was legal or that the Town will agree. He agreed with previous speakers' concerns regarding drainage. Russell Molari, 75 Roan Place, said there are foundation, fire, and ground movement problems and said he was concerned about a single access road in the event of a natural catastrophe. He said he was also concerned about the way the $1-$2 million homes would change the area. He said the neighbors need open communication with the Board and he was the only person who knew about the decision to move from the Summit site to the Pinto site and to look for four lots rather than three. He said people will stop trusting the District and complained about the use of Enshallah. The neighbors deserve to be talked to by the District, not a paid public relations firm. Jim Milton, 710 Patrol Road, said he has supported environmental groups including the District for the last 20 years. He said it seems the District has been fighting corporations, but it is starting to look like what it is opposing while using tax dollars and non-profit funds. Eric Broadbent spoke again and said he felt that Enshallah representing the District had hurt the process. He felt that information had not been fully expressed or maybe even misrepresented. He said there are four or five constituencies: Enshallah who is paid to move the process forward; the Town which needs to enforce its zoning ordinances; the Board; those who are affected.; and the larger community. He said one of the points made at the recent meeting is that they as a neighborhood would like to help the District find an alternative solution if there are other ways to fund this that they could all get behind. Otherwise, he said they are looking at a battle and he thought they wanted to avoid that. Tom Shannon of Enshallah, asked that the record show that due to protests heard at the neighborhood meeting the previous week, Ms. Steinberg wanted to report to staff as to what the feelings were and give staff time to reconsider whether they wanted to have this item on the agenda at this meeting. He said it was not intended that people not be notified. Meeting 96-15 Page 4 N. Hanko said T. Henshaw and she were the only Board members who voted on the initial acquisition, noting she was the only Board member who voted against the idea of separating part of the property for development, because she foresaw that it would be a problem because the District acquires land for the purpose of preserving it. She did not think people would understand why they were selling off part of the property, though she respected the reasons the Board decided to do so. She said she liked the idea of the trail on the ridge and felt the public would be alienated by having homes there. She said she did not plan to support the lot line adjustment. T. Henshaw said that at the time the property came up for sale she was against acquiring it. After it was decided at that meeting that part of it could be developed and the District could recoup some of the costs, she supported the acquisition because part of the property was going to be sold. She said some of the speakers may not recall that the sale was part of the original agreement and she understood their concerns. She said she was relieved when Enshallah was brought into the process because she thought finally part of this property could be sold, but appreciated people sharing their concerns about Enshallah§ involvement. She hoped that it was not too late for it to be a win-win situation as one of the speakers had stated. B. Crowder said she was faced with the situation when she came on the Board. She recalled the failure of Woodside§ measure to purchase the property and said it had been discouraging to the Council and the Board. She said the District is faced again with financial difficulties and this 600 acres has never been developed as a preserve, mainly because the pending sale of a portion of the property. She said she would like to find a solution and perhaps another vote in Woodside might work. Failing that, she said that the District needs to recoup some of its cost of purchasing this parcel. P. Siemens described a similar situation in Los Gatos. In that case, Los Gatos elected to join with the District and pay about half of the property's cost for what is now St. Joseph§ Hill Open Space Preserve. He said he understood the context under which the land was purchased, but had questions regarding the gerrymandered lot line adjustment. He said the property was probably zoned originally for 50-60 homes, so four or five homes seems like a good compromise. He said there may be problems with the land that the District is not aware of. Discussion followed regarding notification of the public, both by the District and Enshallah. P. Siemens said that the District works very hard to make the public notice policy very open and has opened up the process as much as possible. Staff informed the Board that the property could be sold as is, but to have four legal parcels there would need to be a lot line adjustment that would have to be approved by the Woodside Planning Commission. W. de Wit asked if it might be worth trying another Town of Woodside measure to raise $3.5 million so that the property would not have to be sold and developed. Meeting 96-15 Page 5 In response, C. Britton said the amount would be lower, but he could not say if another vote would turn out differently. He said the vote that fell short was an advisory measure and if it were on the ballot now it would take a 2/3 vote to pass a tax. M. Davey said she empathized with the speakers and would like to see the parcels as open space. However, all agencies are faced with an era of diminishing resources and have to look to opportunities to increase the revenues to buy open space. She said the District told people early on that this property would be developed, while the majority will remain in open space. She said this is a forthright way to increase the financial resources for the District and she would vote for the lot line adjustment. B. Crowder said the District hired Enshallah because the District is an open space district which has planners and land managers, but not developers or politicians on the staff. She said she was sorry the speakers had had a bad experience with Enshallah. C. Britton said staff would talk with Enshallah as it was important to make sure the public has all the information that is available. P. Siemens commented that he expected the property to net $2 million or less. The process of selling it will take time, and if citizens can raise $2 million he would be glad to take that into consideration. Eric Broadbent said the neighbors would like a chance to investigate that possibility, and if they had a chance to investigate that he felt they would be much less antagonistic. C. Britton said if the motion for a lot line adjustment passes there will be an opportunity for the neighbors to bring forward a proposal of some type that would raise money since the final approval could take months. Pauline Siedenburg asked what options are available if the lot line adjustment was not approved. Discussion followed regarding options, including negotiations with a party interested in trading other open space for the Summit Springs lot, or forming an assessment district. N Hanko said she would like to pursue the Summit Springs lot without getting more involved in development plans for any of the sites. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to � submit an application to the Town of Woodside for a lot line adjustment to create four residential parcels at Pinto Way and one residential parcel at Summit Springs. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following vote: Ayes: P. Siemens, B. Crowder, M. Davey, D. Smernoff, T. Henshaw and W. de Wit Meeting 96-15 Page 6 Noes: N. Hanko S. Schectman said that when the Town is considering the District's request, the Town could approve or deny four lots or conditionally approve it and cut it down to three lots. She said that if they denied all of it, the two 35-acre parcels exist as legal lots. President Hanko called a recess at 8:42 P.M. and the Board reconvened the meeting at 8:57 P.M. All seven Board members were present. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Authorization to Implement Four-Year Grassland Management Action Plan for the Russian Ridge (den Space Preserve Based on Determination that Provosed Project is Categorically Exempt from CEOA- M=n R-96-74I R. Anderson focused on the key aspects of the proposed action plan for grassland management at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Dave Wachtel, California Department of Forestry (CDF), talked about the Department§ vegetation management program, which is a cost share program with CDF paying about 80%. He said the liability is taken on by CDF and the District could provide its share of the cost with either equipment or labor. He described the process that would take place, including an environmental assessment and burn prescription, and said if they start now, a burn could take place toward the end of August unless there is a fire somewhere else that would take away equipment. He said they would have to work with the air pollution district when establishing burn days. He said others who have done burns for star thistle have found they have to do it for three consecutive years. Battalion Chief Craig Herrett addressed the operational issues of a burn and said this would not be a large burn and would take 2-3 days, depending on the objectives. Tamara Kan, who wrote the grassland management plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, described the areas where actions will occur. In dealing with yellow star thistle, Ms. Kan said there needs to be at least three years of management because of the seed bank; goats could be used to graze large areas of concentration but small areas would have to be sprayed or mowed prior to a burn. She said she was not recommending several consecutive years of burning. Monitoring should take place each year to see what the effect of the burn is on the thistle. Following discussion of whether complete reports, including maps like the colored one displayed, should be included in Board packets, N. Hanko stated that this is an internal matter that would be discussed among Board members when they discuss rules of procedure. T. Kan showed where there is a population of bull thistle. She said the District could talk to CalTrans about spraying or burning the thistles on the Skyline Boulevard right of way. Meeting 96-15 Page 7 Discussion followed regarding the herbicides which could be used. T. Kan said she is not an expert, but it makes sense to use a more specialized type of herbicide than Roundup. D. Smernoff said his recommendation would be to try Garlon 4 first and then go to something stronger if necessary. He thanked T. Kan for a thorough report which included the option of biological control. Battalion Chief Craig Herrett addressed concerns about the time of the burning and said it depends on the objectives of the plan which will come from the biologist, adding the prescription can change on a daily basis. D. Smernoff said he was pleased with the plan because objectives are in place and will be monitored. B. Crowder expressed strong opposition to cattle grazing. The relative cost between cattle and goat grazing was discussed. R. Anderson clarified that the idea of studying cattle grazing further is not part of the grassland management plan; the vote on the plan can either accept or eliminate cattle grazing. He said that staff felt it should be looked at further and it was not something T. Kan had proposed. D. Smernoff said he thought burning was something they should try, then grazing with goats, hand pulling, mowing, disking, herbicides, with cattle grazing as the last option. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on the findings contained in this report; and authorize staff to proceed with tentative implementation of the Management Action Plan recommended in the staff report. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. Discussion: P. Siemens asked if the recommendation to use Garlon 4 should be part of the motion. R. Anderson proposed that if there is a reason to explore this further, he would include it in the report for the final reading of the plan. J. Escobar pointed out that staff has been using Roundup applications and his understanding was that if mitigation of the thistle was limited to this one chemical, the Board was not limiting the use of Roundup in other areas. i The motion passed 7 to 0. I I Meeting 96-15 Page 8 C. Agenda Item No. 3 - Authorization for General Manager to Execute Fifth Amendment to Agreement between District and City of Mountain View Extending Deer Hollow Farm Agreement for 90 Days - aRgM R-96-M J. Escobar stated that staff would be returning to the Board in 30 to 60 days with a three-year agreement between the District, City of Mountain View, and Santa Clara County. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to execute the Fifth Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Mountain View and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: J. Escobar clarified that this agreement allows for time to complete the work on the multiple year agreement; the farm would close on June 30 if this amendment were not approved. The motion passed 7 to 0. Since there were members of the public present for agenda item 5, the Board agreed to consider this agenda item next. D. Agenda. Item No. 5 - Final Adoption of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creen Space Preserve as an Amendment to the Preserve§ Comprehensive Use and Management Plan - (9=rt R-96-68) It was noted that the letter from Mr. Robert Zatkin on this agenda item had been received after the meeting packet had been mailed to the Board. B. Crowder commented for the record that any mitigation Mr. Zatkin talked about was actually being done by adoption of the Trails Plan because they are removing unauthorized trails from the creek area. Motion: D. Smernoff moved that the Board adopt the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve as contained in report R- 96-60 as an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the Preserve. B. Crowder seconded the motion. Discussion: Berry Stevens, Redwood City, said he was a member of ROMP, and congratulated the Board and the District for being progressive in dealing with the concerns of his group and setting a good example for other land management agencies. Patty Ciesla, Palo Alto, said she was looking forward to working with the District on using mountain biker volunteers to do some of the trail work and she was very encouraged. She said mountain bike groups Meeting 96-15 Page 9 agree that this is one of the most promising things going on in the area and she thought it was a great thing. The motion passed 7 to 0. E. Agenda Item No. 6 - Authorization with Eugene R. Sheehan for $24.200 for Trail Construction Services at El Corte de Madera Creek Q= Snare Preserve - 09" R- 96-73) M. de Beauvieres stated that Mr. Sheehan would be covered under the District's insurance policy and there will be no additional charge for this because the District has an excellent risk management program. She said Mr. Sheehan charges $40 an hour for trail layout and trail construction and the compensation amount in the agreement for trail layout services should be changed to $40.00 per hour and the total compensation amount should be changed from $24,000 to $24,200. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to contract with Eugene R. Sheehan for $24,200 for trail construction services at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. Discussion: D. Smernoff said he was concerned that Exhibit A - Scope of Services stated that the trail width will be 5 feet and the maximum grade is 15%. He asked that Exhibit A, second paragraph, be modified to read, "Trails shall generally be constructed to a width of five (5) feet, and a maximum grade of 15%." P. Siemens and T. Henshaw agreed that this be added to the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. President N. Hanko said the Board would next consider agenda item 4. F. Agenda Item No. 4 - Authorization of the Issuance of Mid=insula Regional Space District 1996 Refunding Promissory Notes in & R&_gipd Amount Not to Exceed $18.700.000: Authorization to Execute and Deliver a Site Lease. Project Lease, Purchase Contract, and Other Items Required to Allow for the Issuance and Sale of$30.2M.000 of Mid2minsula Regional Q= Snare District Authority 199 Revenue Bonds: and Approval of Agreement for Bond Counsel Services with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe - akpW R-96-69) M. Foster said this had been a team effort over the last six months and introduced Tom Lockard, principal with Stone & Youngberg, underwriter; and Anna Marie del Rio from Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe. In addition, he said S. Schectman, C. Britton, and J. Fiddes had worked very hard on this issue. He said this is the largest, most creative, and most beneficial piece of financing the District has ever done. He said there are three major components: (a) refinancing the 1988 notes of$10 million and fixing the rate; (b) the paying of$9 million in land contract notes including the Meeting 96-15 Page 10 Hosking notes; and (c) issuing new capital appreciation bonds and lease debt. The key element was in forming the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority with Santa Clara County. He said the down side is that the debt service will gradually rise each year for the next 20 years. In response to a question from N. Hanko, S. Schectman stated that the definition of Treasurer on page 4 of Resolution 96-24 means the Controller of the District. N. Hanko suggested that it read "Treasurer; Controller." Ms. del Rio stated that the wording would be changed to state that Treasurer means Controller, unless actions are to be taken jointly by the Treasurer and the Controller, in which case Treasurer would mean Treasurer of the District. T. Lockard said they will know the bond rating later in the week and expected an A rating from Standard and Poors. He said they might also get an insurance commitment acceptable to the District. C. Britton explained why some Board members received duplicates of some documents and said that Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe had done some of the copying. N. Hanko said she wanted to be sure that there will be a procedural amendment in the Rules of Procedure regarding appointments to the Authority in January. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt Resolution 96-24 as amended, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing the Issuance of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 1996 Refunding Promissory Notes in a Principal Amount Not to Exceed $18,700,000 and Providing for the Form, Execution and Repayment of Said Notes. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. Discussion followed regarding the interest rate. T. Lockard said the rate depended on whether it was insured. He said it would be in the District§ interest to pay the insurance providing conditions are not too onerous. C. Britton commented on the site lease of the property and said the appraisal supports the value of the single parcel being pledged for the lease. N. Hanko asked that the Board be provided with a schedule of dates and said she was uncomfortable with the wording in the Official Statement regarding the District§ taxing power. Following discussion, it was agreed that if bond counsel was comfortable with it that the wording in the section above Maturity Schedule on the last line be changed to read, ". . . has the ability to levy taxes." Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt Resolution 96-25, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Site Lease, a Meeting 96-15 Page 11 Project Lease, a Purchase Contract and aContinuing Disclosure Agreement, and Approving a Preliminary Official Statement and Approving Certain Other Matters in Connection Therewith. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passer! 7 to 0. Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board authorize the President to execute the Agreement for Bond Counsel Services with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe of San Francisco. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 to 0; W. de Wit was not present for the vote. At 10:07 P.M., President Hanko called a recess so that a Special Meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority could be held. At 10:28 p.m., the Board reconvened to continue the Regular Meeting. All seven Board members were present. VII. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS B. Crowder said she had met with Patrick Sanchez regarding the San Mateo County Trails Plan for which an Environmental Impact Report is required. M. Davey said the Rhus Ridge Road neighborhood meeting regarding parking went very well and she complimented staff. She said concerns were raised by residents about parking; staff listened to concerns and promised to get back to them and schedule another meeting. M. Davey said she and N. Hanko had arranged for Mary Stegner to view the Stegner memorial bench. N. Hanko said M. Smith, C. Britton, and D. Danielson also attended the picnic lunch and that she is preparing a scrapbook for Mrs. Stegner. D. Smernoff said he had met with the South Bay Ad Hoc Trail Committee and NASA is willing to move fences to give the Bay Trail a full width and provide an opportunity to get that segment of the trail through out to the peninsula. He said NASA's also willing to give a trail easement and maybe a bench and platform; a definitive answer from NASA is expected by the end of summer. W. de Wit said he took a visitor from Germany on a Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve trail and encountered bikes on the hiking only section. C. Britton reported as follows: 1. The Jarvis II initiative qualified for the November ballot. 2. A friend of the District gave a gift of$25,000 anonymously for the Nature Center. 3. A tom turkey is approaching people at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve but will be relocated. 4. Escrows closed on several properties including the POST (Liles) property and the Wells and Cutten properties. 5. Byron Shea bill to allow the one-half cent sales tax in San Mateo County, SB 1838, passed on reconsideration of the committee with a Proposition 62 amendment, which means that any tax enacted in San Mateo County since the enactment of Prop. 62 would have to go back to the voters for approval. San Mateo will have to decide what they want to do about going back to the voters. 6. He had received an Meeting 96-15 Page 12 invitation for the Josephine and Frank Duveneck Humanitarian Awards on September 28. He said he would attend. T. Henshaw said she would also like to attend and would have her school cover one-half of the cost. 7. He distributed copies of the planning staffs work �P P g program, including staff assignments for each project. J. Escobar talked about the large oak tree in Deer Hollow Farm which has lost major limbs. He said consultant Barrie Coate has recommended removing the tree, adding staff will try to retain it through the dedication of the Grant cabin. He said the new oak trees are doing well at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. S. Schectman reported as follows: 1. Staff is continuing to work on the legal aspects of the golf ball problem at Saratoga County Club; R. Anderson will meet with the manager of the country club and they hope they can work out a mutually acceptable solution to the problem. 2. The amicus brief in support of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority is being prepared, adding that the Trust for Public Lands, the League of California Cities, and other California counties are filing amicus briefs. 3. She said staff will send Board members a report on the Jarvis initiative and its impact, if passed, on future assessment districts. 4. In regard to the Pezolli estate matter where the District had a chance to acquire 30 acres, Diane Blackman worked hard on the matter and it is closed. In addition, Wilson Sonsini law firm provided pro bono services and staff will prepare a letter thanking them. She said she would include in her memo about the Jarvis initiative whether there is anything that would preclude forming a financing authority. P. Siemens suggested giving Wilson Sonsini a District photo in appreciation for their work. M. deBeauvieres gave a progress report on the construction of the Skyline field office. She said the undergrounding project at Windy Hill along Portola Road is complete. C. Britton said he and M. de Beauvieres had met with Mr. Neely at Windy Hill and will be meeting with George Nader, planner from the Town of Portola Valley. C. Britton said he thought there would be problems with completing the Windy Hill parking lot project this year. President N. Hanko adjourned the meeting at 10:57 p.m. Roberta Wolfe Recording Secretary Claims No. 96-12 Meeting 96-15 Date: June 26, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 424 219.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 425 96.87 All Laser Service Copier Cartridge Refill Service 426 100.00 Randy Anderson Reimbursement-Professional Dues 427 470.17 AT & T Telephone Service 428 268.46 Baron Welding & Iron Works, Inc. Sign Brackets 429 41.05 Black Mountain Spring Water Water Service 430 153.40 Bowerman Electric Electrical Repair-Daniels Nature Center 431 310.50 Breon, O'Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannis Legal Services 432 49.68 Brian Kangas Foulk Engineering Consultant-Teague Hill 433 47.98 Carleen Bruins Reimbursement--Volunteer Event Supplies 434 235.00 California Park & Recreation Society Recruitment Advertisement 435 565.28 State of CA, Department of General Services GSA Vehicle Purchase Fee 436 340.26 California Water Service Company Water Service 437 8,743.82 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Two Water Pumper Units and Parts 438 2,970.50 Sheryl Marioni Cochran Trail Use Consulting-Fremont Older, Mt. Umunhum and Devils Canyon 439 49.68 Commercial Landscape Supply, Inc. Chemical Spray Suits 440 458.19 Communications & Control, Inc. P G & E Pump--Mt Umunhum 441 110.28 Dennis Danielson Reimbursement-Medical Supplies 442 78.00 Mary DeBeauvieres Vehicle Expense 443 106.30 Decatur Electronics, Inc. Radar Unit Repairs 444 2,729.51 Design Concepts Graphic Design for June 9th Event 445 50.00 Chris Di Leonardo Docent Training 446 39.00 Federal Express Corporation Express Mail 447 79.17 Film to Frame Film Developing 448 126.83 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Keys 449 34.82 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 450 1,002.08 Sharon Hall Photography Photography-June 9th Event 451 249.85 Hengehold Motor Co., Inc. Van Rental--June 9th Event 452 106.37 Home Depot Field Supplies 453 219.00 Honeywell Inc. Burglar Alarm Service 454 100.00 InterNIC Registration Services Website Domain Registration Fee 455 1,582.84 Jeda Publications, Inc. Fremont Older Brochures 456 11,500.00 Joe's Rototilling Foothills and Skyline Discing 457 2,873.90 Tamara Kan Consulting-Russian Ridge Grassland Study 458 30.71 Kinko's Copy Services 459 31.28 Dennis Kobza & Associates, Inc. Architectural Consulting Services-Skyline Ridge Field Office 460 75.92 Langley Hill Quarry Baserock 461 946.40- Lanier Worldwide Inc. Photocopier Lease Agreement 2,770.70 462 614.17 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service 463 20.30 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services- Skyline Field Office 464 190.74 Magnusen Buick-Pontiac-GMC, Inc. Vehicle Repairs 465 1,688.48 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Repairs and Batteries 466 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Ranger Office Rental Page 1 Claims No. W12 Meeting W15 Date:June 26, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 467 200.00 Mobile Radio Resources FCC Radio System Tone Report 468 228.21 Moffett Supply Company Restroorn Supplies 469 594.16 Monogram Sanitation Sanitation Services 470 382.94 Monterey County Fire Training Officers' Assn. Wildland Fire School Registration- P. Congdon 471 19.50 Netcom Monthly Internet Fee 472 9.73 Noble Ford Vehicle Part 473 215.00 National Recreation and Park Association Renewal Membership 474 647.26 Office Depot Office Supplies 475 768.41 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 476 1,129.80 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 477 3,722.70 Page & Turnbull Consulting Services-Picchetti Ranch Homestead Stabilization 478 363.57 PIP Printing Program Printing-June 9th Event 479 725.00 Glen A. Phillips Landscape Architectural Services- Fremont Older and Monte Bello Parking 480 467.64 Pitney Bowes Credit Corporation Postage Reset Charges 481 190.00 Peninsula Open Space Trust Pezzoli Acquisition Settlement 482 4,000.00 Postage By Phone System Postage 483 18.48 Precision Engravers Name Tags 484 631.44 Quicksilver Printing Notecards, Programs and Envelopes 485 186.06 Rabbit Copiers, Inc. Field Offices Copier Maintenance Plan 486 8,290.00 Randazzo Enterprises Black Mountain Cabin Demolition 487 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 488 1,820.84 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair 489 37.53 Russ Enterprises Signs 490 80.12 San Jose Mercury News Subscription 491 219.71 Sears Field Tools 492 378.50 Sequoia Analytical Water Sample Testing 493 404.18 Malcolm Smith Vehicle Expense and Event Supplies 494 250.00 Suburban Propane Honda Generator Conversion to Propane 495 577.50 TAC/TEMPS Temporary Receptionist 496 2,402.55 Teater & Etc. Maps and Visitor Guides 497 342.73 Therma Corp. Quarterly Maintenance 498 60.23 TSI Time Systems Office Supplies 499 420.75 U.S. Rentals Water Truck Rental-June 9th Event 500 42.58 Western Tree & Landscape Supply Field Supply 501 960.00 West Valley College Leadership Training Course 502 180.89 Wheelsmith, Inc. June 9th Bicycle Raffle 503 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 504 1,208.36 Del Woods Reimbursement-Professional Conference 505 85.34 Yardbird Equipment Sales Field Supplies 506R 40.00 Caltrans Highway Design Manual 507R 132.00 Department of Fish and Game Permit for Installation of Culvert 508R 420.00 Petty Cash Field and Office Supplies, Local and Out- of-Town Meeting Expenses, Docent and Volunteer Expenses, Postage and Private Vehicle Expense TOTAL 75,915.13 Page 2 RE: Russian Ridge Grassland Management Plan - `"'pis letter was received after the mail ; of the agenda materials r the July 24 Regular Meeting. J. Fiddes July 17, 1996 District Clerk Dear Mr. Anderson, We have read over the Grassland management plan for the Russian Ridge, which overall is a thoughtful and well-done piece of work, and would like to share a few thoughts with you and the board. Foremost, the plan focusses on restoring and maintaining the health of the grassland, and on controlling invading species. It appears to take an experimental approach to the problem, and recommends monitoring of the results of different techniques ranging from prescribed burns to grazing, to determine the effect of each technique. It recognizes that Fall burning will need to be preceded by serious measures to control yellow star-thistle, and that either Summer or Fall burning will need to be followed, for several years, by such measures. We think that these are all essential elements of a well thought-out plan. Because of our familiarity with the Russian Ridge area, the area that was burned in November of 1995, and with star-thistle, we hope that the Board and the staff will be open to a few of our observations about how the plan might best be implemented. Herbicide use Some herbicide use is probably inevitable. We understand that at this point the Board has decided to allow the use of triclopyr, but not 24-D, and that staff will not push for the use of dicamba. As groundwater users and neighbors of Russian Ridge, this is acceptable to us. 1 We would prefer that herbicides be used cautiously and sparingly, in line with the Resource M d that their effect on non-target species be monitor also in line with the Management Plan, an S � g p � Resource Management Plan. The most effective time period for herbicide application, mid February to May, is also a time period of considerable growth, and hence sensitivity, of many native wildflowers. Even as late as July and August, native Tarweed are actively growing and may be affected. Goat grazing Goats are known to prefer broad-leaved plants over other forage, and are reputed to prefer thistles over all other fortis. We do not know if these are truly the grazing habits of goats, but if they are this would be the most selective and environmentally benign of all the control measures proposed. We enthusiastically support its use and look forward to the outcome of monitoring experiments. Mowing Mowed star-thistles set new seed-heads close to the mowed height. Successful mowing control requires repeated mowing at 4 to 6 week intervals, as noted in Ms. Kan's report. Each mowing must be done at a lower cutter-bar height. In our experience the wet winters, and considerable soil moisture, characteristic of Russian Ridge can sometimes lead to more successive flowerings of star-thistle than generally anticipated, at lower heights than can be mowed. While mowing appears in many respects to be one of the most environmentally benign control measures, herbicides may need to be used as a final contingency. Burn size While it is true, as pointed out by Craig Britton, that the beneficial effects of fire on grassland are well documented, so are the harmful effects...particularly with respect to star thistle. No burning is anticipated without the use of star-thistle control measures in subsequent years. In particular, the magnitude of the star-thistle problem the following Spring is hard to predict, may be extensive, and may lead to extensive use of herbicides. For these reasons we suggest that the burns be kept small so that the effect on all species can be monitored, and so that the District is not presented with a large star-thistle problem that it is difficult and expensive, both monetarily and ecologically, to deal with. Monitoring Monitoring is essential. Most, perhaps all, of the proposed management methods have some potential to both harm and favor desirable native as well as undesirable invading species. This is clearly the case with selective herbicides which will not harm grasses, but will kill most wildflowers. Burning can neither be done nor considered in isolation; it is planned to be followed, in subsequent years, by mowing, hand-pulling, or herbicide spraying of thistle. It seems likely that some post-burn infestations will be too large to weed by hand(a visit to the 1995 burn control may well be used either as initiallyplanned v" you of this and herbicidal site would convince Y ) Y or because of the failure of mowing control. Monitoring of all species will allow us to understand if the benefits of burning for forbs outweigh the harm caused by herbicide use. One of the most important points of the Management plan is that the effects of each treatment "should be and laps. control methods monitored and evaluated and then used to modify and improve futurep The benefits to native species and biodiversity can only be achieved by monitoring every important species that could be affected. We hope that you find our comments helpful and constructive. With the understanding that the Grassland Management Plan will evolve as more is learned about the best procedures to use in the Russian Ridge environment, and that it will be undertaken cautiously with only small-scale use of herbicides and burns, we encourage the Board to approve the plan, and the District to move forward with it. Finally, because full-scale monitoring of a 1996 burn will not be possible, and because the burn may well entail the subsequent use of herbicides with unanticipated and unmeasurable effects on species other than yellow star-thistle, we encourage you to consider putting off the proposed 1996 burn until the Summer or Fall of 1997, as is consistent with the Action Plan Schedule of the Grassland Management Plan. Sincerely, Nick Moll Sarah Christian Star route 2 Box 408 La Honda, CA 94020 Regional Open S. ce t 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-75 Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Proposed Exchange Agreement with Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH) to Acquire a Storm Drainage Easement in Exchange for a License for Emergency Access Purposes (Windy Hill Open Space Preserve) 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. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing an exchange agreement with Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH) which is in accordance with the District's Basic Policy and is not detrimental to the open space character of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION In 1987, the District purchased the former Slobe property as an addition to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. The acquisition was contingent upon the Town of Portola Valley's approval of a 50-car parking area adjacent to Portola Road and the Sequoias retirement community which is owned by Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH). As part of the development of the proposed parking area, the District's consulting engineer, Brian Kangas and Foulk, determined that a drainage facility would be required to carry storm water runoff from the parking area. This drainage facility would be most efficient if it were tied into an existing storm drainage structure located on NCPH land. District staff contacted representatives from NCPH to obtain a storm drainage easement across a small portion of NCPH land. In exchange for this easement, NCPH requested an emergency access from the Sequoias through the District's proposed parking lot to Portola Road (see attached map-Exhibit A). The Sequoias retirement community is accessed by Willowbrook Drive with no secondary access in case of an emergency such as an earthquake or fire. The exchange agreement would provide for NCPH to grant the District a storm drainage easement consisting of approximately 125 sq. ft. for the purpose installing a storm drainage facility and the District would issue a license for providing a secondary emergency access through the proposed parking lot on District land to Portola Road. The emergency access would be twenty feet wide and would only be used in an emergency situation when the primary access via Willowbrook Drive could not be used. Since this portion of the 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 preserve has not been officially dedicated as public open space, in anticipation of the necessary property rights exchange(s) to accomplish this parking lot project, this agreement can be approved by a simple majority of the Board. NOTE: This proposed project was determined by the General Manager to be of limited concern or importance to property owners adjacent to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, and therefore, adjacent property owners were not notified of the proposed actions recommended to the Board of Directors for approval, CEQA COMPLIANCE l Project Description The project consists of the acceptance of a storm drainage easement for diverting storm water runoff into an existing drainage structure and providing an emergency access to the adjacent property through a proposed parking area to Portola Road. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) under sections 15304 and 15317. Section 15304 exempts minor public alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of easement interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. Prepared by: Michael Williams, Real Property Representative Contact Person: Same as above r i QUO+• LAND OF r' ' �o MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT i � t � WINDY HILL / - OPEN SPACE.PRESERVE i Proposed emergency ,1 f access route through District parking lot to Portoia Road 1 Exact alignment to be determined; Storm drainage 1 / route to be free of parked vehicles improvement ; at all times -- ... - t LAND OF ` Proposed emergency access Property line NORTHERN CALIFORNIA �� t t PRESBYTERIAN HOMES t Proposed gate location f t t Exhibit A RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING OFFICER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF A EASEMENT DEED TO DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO THE TRANSACTION (WINDY HILL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - LANDS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PRESBYTERIAN HOMES) 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 Exchange Agreement between Northern California Presbyterian Homes and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District dated June 27, 1996, 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 or other appropriate officer is authorized to execute a Certificate of Acceptance to the Easement Deed conveying certain real property interests to District lands. Section Three. The President of the Board or other appropriate officer is authorized to execute the license agreement for emergency access purposes to Northern California Presbyterian Homes. Section Four. The General Manager is authorized to execute any and all other documents necessary or appropriate to the transaction. Section Five. The Board of Directors finds and determines that this exchange of interests is in accordance with the Basic Policy of the District and is not detrimental to the open space character of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Regional Open S ce R-96-77 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Final Adoption of Grassland Management Plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS Adopt the Grassland Management Plan for Russian Ridge n Space Preserve as summarized in report R-96-74 as an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, with the condition that only triclophyr be added to the list of herbicides authorized for use by District staff. DISCUSSION At your June 26, 1996 meeting you took the following actions: 1. Determined that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 2. Tentatively adopted the Grassland Management Plan based on the summary provided in report R-96-74. Since the June 26 meeting staff has received a letter from Nick Moll and Sarah Christian, who reside near the site. Their letter and the General Manager's response are attached. In particular, Mr. Moll and Ms. Christian questioned the proposed use of the herbicides dicamba and 2,4-D. They provided some additional information on the pesticides that indicates triclopyr has the least potential concerns. The attached memorandum was received from Director Smernoff, who is unable to attend your July 24 meeting. The memorandum urges non-herbicide management strategies to be given top priority, that additional herbicides to be used be limited to triclopyr; that a small, mid-to late summer burn with multiple post treatment studies is the best approach to burning; and asked j about plans for reseeding or planting in burned or otherwise treated areas. The position of Mr. Moll, Ms. Christian, and Director Smernoff is consistent regarding the authorization of additional herbicide use. The management plan mentions a number of different herbicides that are recommended for treating specific weeds. However, the scope of the plan did not include independent study of the environmental hazards of the herbicides, instead depending on information collected from other sources. Staff recommends that the plan be adopted on the condition that Garlon 4 (triclopyr) is the only herbicide authorized for use in addition to Roundup (glyphosate). If the trial management efforts indicate that use of other herbicides should be considered, staff will return to the Board with more complete information along with such a request. 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-96-77 Page 2 The management plan prioritizes the weeds to be managed, but does not prioritize the management methods. The management plan is intended to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the various management methods, so it may be premature to specifically prioritize the methods as a condition of approval. However, Director Smemoff s desire that non-herbicide methods be given priority is consistent with the plan's approach and objectives, and staff will make every effort to use methods which avoid the use of herbicides or significant disturbance of the land. Although it is not included in the management plan due to the timing of the plan preparation, staff would like to pursue the opportunity to conduct a controlled bum in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry (CDF) this year. The bum would probably occur in late August depending on CDF's availability. Staff has completed pre-treatment of star thistle to allow a limited area to be burned without exacerbating the thistle problem and intends to conduct pre-bum monitoring using the techniques recommended in the plan. If the arrangements can be completed, staff will return to the Board with a specific bum proposal. Director Smemoffs preference for a mid- to late summer bum over a fall bum and his interest in multiple post- treatment studies are consistent with staff's intent and can be addressed in a specific bum plan to be brought to the Board when and if a bum is proposed. Director Smemoff asked about plans for re-seeding or planting in the bum or treated areas. Due to the generally good condition of the grasslands at Russian Ridge, such seeding is anticipated to occur naturally if nature is given an assist through active management. The collection and distribution of native seeds and plants on site, particularly the native needle grass, would be desirable and beneficial but would be pursued through individual volunteer projects or an ongoing coordinated program. This is the type of effort that the new Resource Management Specialist position and the expanded Volunteer Coordinator role is intended to facilitate. Prepared by: Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Contact person: Same as above July 4, 1>>o L. Craig Britton MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 We are writing, as residents of Ward 6 and neighbors of Russian Ridge, about the "grassland management plan" (agenda item R-96-74) for Russian Ridge which was presumably discussed at the June 26 MROSD board meeting. There are five items that are of immediate concern to us. First, we would appreciate being notified well in advance of impending actions on the Russian Ridge and Coal Creek Preserves. In the future, please use the mailing address shown at the end of this letter, which is to our knowledge the only one that we have used in our correspondence with the district on this or any other matter. By using an address with an incorrect city and zip-code, the district insured, no doubt inadvertently, that we did not receive notice of the June 26 meeting until after the fact. Second, we would appreciate receiving by return mail a copy of the Russian Ridge study prepared by Tamara Kan, and a copy of the minutes of the June 26 meeting when they become available. Third, we would like to offer a few general comments on the proposed plan. It appears, as nearly as one can say from the necessarily sketchy details provided to us, to be a significant improvement over last years"proposal, and to validate our original objections, which were to an un-monitored, large-scale Fall burn. There are provisions for monitoring the effects of some, if not all, of the proposed protocols, and there is recognition of the potential importance of timing of controlled burns on thistle population. It is interesting to note in the Action Plan Schedule that no Fall burn is proposed to be done without first spraying yellow star-thistle, and no burn of any kind is proposed without follow-up thistle control. Goat grazing is a proven technique for star- thistle reduction and we are glad to see that it is included. However, we are puzzled by the statement (page 3 item 4 of R-96-74) that "Staff would like to pursue the opportunity to conduct a controlled bum...during summer or fall 1996" which is at odds with the action plan table, and could not be done with full monitoring. We hope this is a typographical error. Fourth, we take issue with the characterization of some of the herbicides proposed for use by the district as safe and effective. While 'effective' is likely, 'safe' seems less so, and this characterization by pesticide applicators, who as a profession have historically proclaimed the safety of pesticides now banned from use in this country, is of little comfort. All of Russian Ridge's neighbors obtain their water from wells, some shallow, or from springs. As shown in the table below, two of the three proposed broad-leaf-selective herbicides have a significant potential for groundwater contamination. HERBICIDE HUMAN HUMAN GROUNDWATER 1/2 LIFE WILDLIFE CARCINOGEN TERATOGEN POLLUTER (days) EFFECTS Glyphosate uncertain unlikely no 1-174 can be toxic to fish 2,4-D possible possible yes 7-10 can be toxic to fish, insects dicamba uncertain suspected likely 4-555 triclopyr unlikely unlikely no 30-90 The annual rainfall on Russian Ridge is between 40 and 60 inches per year, which is generally considered more than adequate to drive soil leaching. We strongly object to the use of dicamba or 2,4-D. Fifth, we would like to propose that the district rethink, and open up, its process for public input. Staff must surely have been aware, after the hearings on the proposed Russian Ridge burn last year, of our intense interest in this matter. They arranged the presence of two CDF employees at the June 26 board meeting to present one side of the story. Conversely, as interested members of the public, residents of the District, and neighbors of the Preserve, we were informed by mail sent to the wrong town and postmarked three working days before the board meeting in question. We were not really informed at all. Is it too much to ask that the district inform at least those members of the public who they know full well are interested in a particular matter, of relevant board meetings well before the meeting is to occur? Why not go even further, and inform those same citizens of studies that are underway, or completed? Why not post notices at affected preserve entrances, so that all who are potentially interested could be informed of upcoming actions?Our interest in this matter is and has been only to insure thoughtful and sound stewardship of public lands and the environment, without preconceived notions of the right or wrong course of action. Frankly, we believe that by being involved in the question of the proposed Russian Ridge burn last year, we have improved that stewardship in some small way. The district would do well to make such involvement easier, rather than more difficult. Sincerely, Ztw Ao- Nick Moll (PhD) Sarah Christian(Hydrogeologist) Star Route 2 Box 408 La Honda, CA 94020 CC: Directors Note: Herbicide properties were abstracted from EXTOXNET EXTENSION TOXICOLOGY NETWORK references, which will be provided upon request. Regional Open S&ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 8, 1996 Nick Moll Sarah Christian Star Route 2 Box 408 La Honda, CA 94020 Re. Russian Ridge Grassland Management Study Dear Mr. Moll and Ms. Christian: Thank you for your letter of July 4th. I apologize about the mix-up on your mailing address. We will be certain to retain the correct address from this point. The Board meeting on June 26 was for consideration of a tentative adoption of the plan. Final adoption of the plan is currently agendized for the July 24 meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the District administrative offices. We will send you and other neighbors the final agenda. A copy of the Grassland Management Plan is enclosed, as you requested. The minutes of the meeting of June 26 are currently being transcribed and will be mailed to you with the agenda for the next meeting. At the June 26 meeting the Board tentatively adopted the plan, with the condition that the Garlon-4 (triclopyr) be added to the list of pesticides accepted for use, that more information be provided before Banvil (dicamba) be considered for use, and that Weedar (2,4-D) not be considered for use. The statement on page 3 of the report that staff would like to pursue the opportunity to conduct a controlled burn during the summer or fail of 1996 is not an error. Although, due to the timing of the study, the opportunity to provide the full level of monitoring of pre-burn conditions was lost, staff has been working to pre-treat the proposed burn areas (using round-up) and is setting up the monitoring and controls to the degree possible given that the time of wildflower bloom is past. Although this approach will not provide the full extent of the desirable scientific information, it will document the effect on the thistle. Because the overall beneficial effects of fire on grassland management are well documented, we believe that the management benefits of a limited burn this year outweigh the reduced "before and after" data. If we move forward with a burn proposal, a detailed plan and agreement with the California Department of Forestry would first come before the Board, potentially at the August 14 meeting. The burn would probably occur in August or October. The bum area would be relatively small, on the order of 25 acres. The following year we would have the time to arrange the full monitoring program for an additional burn. I appreciate your comments regarding the public participation process. The District has done a lot of thinking about the process over the past several years and significantly improved its public notification process, including virtually all of the measures you have suggested. 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 Nick Moll and Sarah Christian July 8, 1996 Page 2 However, in addition to the address problem, we recognize that the short notice provided by the agenda mailing may be a problem in rural locations. That is why we have adopted the tentative approval process to allow time for aditional community comment. I hope this answers the questions in your letter. Please contact Randy Anderson on our staff if you have further questions or comments. Your letter will be included in the agenda packet for the July 24 meeting. Sm, ce"re-11y. L. Craig Britton, General Manager cc: Board of Directors BRA Regional Open ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 11 July 1996 TO: Craig Britton From: David Smernoff RE: Russian Ridge Grassland Management Plan Because I will be out of town for the final reading of the RR plan I wanted to convey the following points. These are general comments about the overall management strategy and alternatives. As specific actions are contemplated we should focus on the details of each species and the options available. 1. Non-herbicide management strategies should be given top priority. Although herbicides may appear on the surface to be the least expensive in direct costs, if we look carefully at the hidden costs of herbicide use (ecological and health impacts,disposal costs,potential clean-up costs in the case of accidents, etc.) I believe they are equally or more expensive. 2. Approval of a broad leaf herbicide should be limited to triclopyr. This is the least hazardous of the three herbicides proposed. Other chemical treatments should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and only if less hazardous alternatives prove ineffective (which I don't believe will be the case). This is in keeping with already established policies regarding herbicides. 3. It is clear from the report that Fall burns require extra vigilance during post-treatment phases. I agree we should conduct multiple post-treatments to determine which methods are most effective, both ecologically and monetarily. It is my hope we can conduct a mid- to late summer burn as described on page 13 of the report,rather than a fall burn. I also think we should do a small burn to start so we can closely watch the whole burned area. 4. It is not clear from the plan how various management options will be selected. Perhaps the intent is to try them all, but if a single method is to be used I would suggest the following priority: hand pulling, goat grazing,mowing, discing, herbicides. Different species may require different approaches but in general I think we should start with the least destructive options first and get more aggressive as necessary. This is keeping with established policies. 5. Do we have any plans for re-seeding or planting in burned areas or in areas which receive other treatments? 6. In the future please provide me double-sided copies of materials. I appreciate the quality report prepared by Tamara and Randy. I believe we can implement a very successful program on RROSP if we pay close attention to the complex details as we begin field work. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com e 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 S. ce R-96-79 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Final Adoption of the Trails Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve as an Element of the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt the attached Trails Plan as an Element of the Comprehensive Use and P P Management Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION At our June 12, 1996 meeting, you took the following actions: Y g Y g 1. Determined that the recommended actions were categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act, and 2. Tentatively adopted the Trails Plan as an Element of the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Fremont Older Open Space Preserve as contained in report R- 96-98 and as amended during the meeting. At that meeting, the Board requested that the Trails Plan be amended to include a reference in the Site Description to the connection with the nearby Picchetti Ranch Area of Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. One additional change to this paragraph is being recommended by staff describing the parking lot. The Site Description on page 4 of the Trails Plan has been amended to read: 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 interferring with vehicle access. The District is currently investigating both long-term and short-term solutions to the preserves parking problem. Additional parking and preserve access are available at Stevens Creek County Park, which borders Fremont Older Space Preserve to the west. The preserve can also be reached from a trailhead located off Regnart Road. Limited roadside parkingis available at this trailhead. Private trails owned b the Y 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 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 # FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com E) Board of(Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena F lenshaw,David T.Smerrnoff,Nonette F ianko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-79 Page 2 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. In addition, the Fremont Older trail system is linked to the trails at the District's Picchetti Ranch Area of Monte Bello Open Space Preserve by trails in the adjacent Stevens Creek County Park. The Board also requested that a site plan showing the alignment of the proposed Prospect Road bypass trail and its relationship to a neighbor's house and property lines be included with this report. The site plan is attached to this report and will be incorporated into the Trails Plan as Figure 3. Staff has not received any comments on the Trails Plan since the Board's June 12th regular meeting. Prepared By: Julie C. McCullough, Open Space Planner Contact Person: Same as above MW FREMONT OLDER OPEN SPACE PRESERVE ♦--SEVEN SPRINGS TRAIL HAYFIELD TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL PRIVATE TO HAYFIELD-=---�i\ PROPERTY PROSPECT ROAD - PARKING LOT SARATOGA COUNTRY CLUB LEGEND - PRIVATE PROPERTY EXISTING FORESTS SCALE: V = 200' FIGURE 3 Regional Open S ce 1 R-96-80 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Solicit Bids for Repairs to Weeks Road at Honda Creek Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATI 1. Determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the C ifornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on the findings contained in this report. 2. Authorize staff to advertize the project for bidding by contractors, including four additions to the scope of work that would increase the project budget by an estimated $36,000. DISCUSSION The private driveway known as Weeks Road was constructed by the District in 1993. The obligation for this project was based on a settlement of the Dyer vs. Mills litigation which the District inherited as part of purchase of the former Dyer property to create La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Weeks Road is a steep, base rock-surfaced driveway approximately 450 feet long located west of Highway 35, Skyline Boulevard (see attached map). The road serves one District tenant and a neighboring residential property, as well as District patrol and maintenance of the preserve. During construction heavy clay soil and a significant groundwater problem were encountered, resulting in substantially increased cost for construction. During the winters of 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 the surface of the road deteriorated to the point where vehicle passage was difficult and temporarily blocked. District staff and the adjoining property owner, Jack Paulin, have placed additional base rock to maintain the road in passable condition. In addition, staff installed a drainage system to intercept runoff from a CalTrans culvert off Highway 35 which was discharging above Weeks Road. Staff, residents, and consultants agree that these measures are not sufficient to keep the road in an acceptable condition. A corrective project to permanently address the problems with Weeks Road was included in the 1995-1996 Capital Improvement Project budget as a design study and in the 1996-1997 Capital Improvement Project budget as a construction project. Geotechnical Engineer Barry Milstone prepared an initial study, while Zumwalt Engineering Group, civil engineers, and William Cotton Associates, geotechnical engineers, are preparing the construction documents. All three consultants have been involved in analyzing why the previous project failed and how the road can be designed to avoid future failures. Their opinion is that, combined with the poor soils and wet conditions, the project failed due to the lack of a lined drainage ditch along the road, use by heavy trucks, a subdrain system that is not functioning adequately, and because the baserock used on the project was of poor quality and quickly broke down. 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-96-80 Page 2 The consultants believe that the road would hold up better if it was paved. In addition to paving the road and replacing the base rock, the consultants recommend additional subdrain improvements and placement of a geotextile fabric under the baserock to help stabilize the road. The reconstruction project is expected to require a staff-level permit from San Mateo County which will be obtained prior to requesting award of the contract. The estimated cost of repairing the road, including paving to accommodate automobiles, is $50,000. Consultant costs for the construction documents are estimated to total $12,000. The total amount budgeted for design and construction is $62,460. The paving aspect of the reconstruction project is complicated by the use of heavy trucks on the road. Adjacent property owner Jack Paulin uses a heavy (18,000 lb. unloaded) truck for his tree service business, which he operates from his property using Weeks Road for access. Providing a pavement section which will withstand this heavy truck will cost approximately $20,000 more than a pavement section for automobiles, according to the geotechnical engineer. The bid documents are planned to include an add-alternate for paving the road with a pavement section to accommodate the truck. Prior to award of a bid, staff will investigate the legal obligations and practical alternatives for responding to the impacts of this heavy truck use on the road. Jack Paulin and his mother, Joan Paulin, who also owns property with access from Weeks Road, still owe a $5,000 share of the road reconstruction costs from the original agreement. They have refused to pay these costs due to dissatisfaction with the design and performance of the road. Jack Paulin has stated that based on the proposed repairs, they would pay the $5,000 prior to completion of the repairs. Staff proposes that their payment be a condition of the District's award a of construction contract. Staff will not authorize the pavement add-on to accommodate the truck unless a satisfactory cost saving agreement has been reached with the Paulins. The design will also include solutions for three other problems that arose after the project budget was established. The first problem involves closing a vehicle gate. A gate is installed in the road approximately 200 feet from Skyline Boulevard to prevent unauthorized vehicle from entering. Warren Weeks, who owns the property over which the road passes, insists that the gate be shut, however Jack Paulin and his family complain that the road is too steep to safely stop a vehicle to get out and open or shut the gate. The proposed solution is to relocate the gate, construct an additional turnout on the road, and install wheelstops on the existing and proposed turnouts above and below the gate to allow vehicles to be safely stopped on the slope. The wheel stops will also have to be designed to support the heavy truck. This work is anticipated to cost approximately $3000. This work would be part of the base bid. Again, staff will work with the Paulins on an equitable cost sharing. The second unanticipated problem to be addressed in the design relates to drainage off Highway 35 that is running across Mr. Weeks' property causing erosion. Before Weeks Road was constructed, this drainage entered the wet area now occupied by the road. After the road was completed the drainage was diverted farther down the highway, where it enters Weeks' property and flows through the area occupied by a garage and barn. The drainage is causing an erosion gully to extend into this area. The proposed solution is to install a drop inlet in the existing R-96-80 Page 3 CalTrans culvert which crosses Highway 35 above Week's Road. This will require an encroachment permit from CalTrans, which is in progress, and is estimated to cost approximately $2500. The previous project included installation of new water lines connecting to Skyline Mutual Water Company mains at Skyline Boulevard and serving an adjacent property owner (Landre) and District tenants in the former Bechtel house. The tenants have since complained of cloudy tap water which has been tested and found to contain high concentrations of zinc. Testers have concluded that the zinc is coming from inferior quality water pipe that was used for the previous project. While not necessarily hazardous, the zinc-rich water is unpalatable. An add-alternate will be included in the contract documents for the replacement of the water lines, which is estimated to cost approximately $10,500. The total estimated cost of the add-alternates and additional work to the originally budgeted scope is $36,000. Funding for this work is anticipated to be available in the capital improvement budget due to delay in the construction of the Windy Hill staging area project resulting from concerns of a new adjacent property owner. CEQA Compliance RMect Description The project consists of paving repairs and drainage improvements to an existing private road on a steep, wooded slope in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The portion of the road involved in the project extends approximately 700 feet south of Highway 35, Skyline Boulevard, from a point approximately 2/3 mile northwest of the intersection of Highways 35 and 84. No work would take place outside the limits of grading and construction of the existing road. 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 Section 15304 and Section 15307 of the CEQA guidelines. Section 15304 exempts minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 15302 exempts actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment. Prepared by: Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Contact person: same as above MMPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT La Honda Creek Op& Space Preserve Written Permit Requirpd For Vehicle Access WUNDERUCH PARK " x SKYLINE BLVD. .r ws 1 N ` Shy a Air ..+� t WEEKS ROAD �y BEAR GULCH RD - = M \ . \` s 84 y ALLEN RD.: PRIVATE - teh • Allen t . . ,' � NO PUBLIC HIKING OR -` •.` • ' ` ' x. .'=_ RIDING ALONG ALLEN RD. " . EL CORTE ti, _3 DE MADERA t�o� � 461 2 V, OPEN SPACE ..< r `� t .'.• a. a '. -' PRESERVE Q. NO PUBLIC ACCESS F + (' BEYOND THIS POINT oa ; PRESERVE ENTRY GATE 0.2 • 0.3PFiNA'1'E PROPERTY BIG "NO C -- oo i Y BEYOND Z CLOSED 0.6 0.2 AREAERS �f S • i CARETAK ~ PRIVATE PROPERTY - - ,} 1 NO PARKING ALONG _-, `v ALLEN ROAD OR a OUTSIDE PRESERVE PRIVATE PROPERTY �4 — " GATE ird 1 mi. I I Feb 1996 B Regional R-96-76 Meeting 96-24 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Apply for National Recreational Trails Fund Act Program Grant Funds for Implementation of Phase II of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached resolution approving the application to the National Recreational Trails Fund Act Program for Trail Use Plan Implementation, Phase II: El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION The National Recreational Trails Fund Act Program (NRTFA) is a federally funded program, administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, that provides funds for acquisition and development of recreational trails and trail related projects. The grants require a fifty-fifty match. California will receive $1,025,181 a year for fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Approximately $307,000 r year is available for motorized projects, and $717,000 per year is PP Y per Y available for non-motorized projects, less administration costs. Cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands are eligible. The non-motorized projects will be administered by the Local. Services Section of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the motorized projects by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The application deadline is August 1, 1996. California's allocations for both fiscal years 1996 and 1997 will be awarded based on the applications received on-August 1, 1996. Submitting an application for a phased project including both fiscal years is preferable to submitting two different projects. Motorized projects totaling approximately $600,000 and non-motorized projects totaling approximately $1.4 million will be recommended for funding. Priority will be given to projects that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, nonroutine maintenance, or relocation of trails in order to mitigate and minimize the impacts to the natural environment. Projects that can be initiated, completed, and made available for public use at an early date are preferred. Staff believe that El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Use Plan is an excellent prospect for these selection criteria. 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 . FAX:415-691-0485 e E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com ts� Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw, David T.Smernoff,Nonette f Ianko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L Craig Britton R-96-76 Page 2 Trail Use Plan Implementation The District will apply for a grant of$73,925 to implement Phase II of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. The Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve was tentatively adopted at your May 22, 1996 (see report R-96-60). Final adoption occurred at your June 26, 1996 meeting. (See report R-96-68.) The Trail Use Plan will be implemented in three phases. The District has already begun Phase I, which focuses on correcting and preventing resource and trespass problems in the northwest part of the preserve. Phase I also includes the demonstration trail completed in the summer of 1995. This new trail connects two main trails through the preserve via a scenic ridge. It incorporates the usable parts of an existing "unauthorized" trail and closed and restored sections that were unsafe or causing resource damage. Funding for Phase I improvements is included in both the operations and planning budgets for fiscal year 1996-1997. Implementation of Phase II is proposed to be funded by this grant application. It includes construction of the "B" priority trails, as shown on the attached map. The "B" priority trails help form a perimeter trail and improve circulation around the preserve. In addition, a new trail is proposed below the sandstone formation to help protect delicate tafoni. The grant application also includes the lease of a trail machine to facilitate trail construction. In this phase, the District will also work with other involved agencies on implementing a Bay Area Ridge Trail connection from the El Corte de Madera Preserve to trails east of Skyline Boulevard. Phase III addresses the development of trails related to a proposed parking area to be built near the Gordon Mill Trailhead at Skyline Boulevard. The proposed parking area and associated trails will be addressed in the upcoming Use and Management Plan for the preserve, tentatively scheduled for your review this winter. Implementation of Phase III improvements will most likely be coordinated with development of the parking area. CEQA Complian At your May 22, 1996 meeting, you determined that this project was categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Prepared by: A. Cummings, Consultant M. de Beauvieres, Open Space Planner Contact Person: M. de Beauvieres, Open Space Planner EL COR DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE TRAIL PLAN Proposed Entry _ Bulletin Board and Map Traits Al - A5 Currently Under-, ConstructionN �� �- 2 Al ,�, -�.%�==` P , s Proposed Trails Existing Trails A.4'i( 10 ;-�r-�=.:.1 )i ����/tip~ , ``•�� I!.1. Proposed �: B 16 A 5 S, 1-- M r ,r.. It,,.� , , 1 Proposed Entry Trail Bridge ; 1; '�`r ��% D14: �=� '�)` B8 Bulletin Board and Map Demon stratioArail\ Proposed Ent •�`,1 r'•�i ,-_;1� � ,"••`.'=_;-,; 2oun/ij,� ,1-- ,, -_ � and F Bulletin Bo and Entry Ma !FI' s -' -._�-_^��(�i .ems •• �,d' _:. , - ' ,. lit, YI Leaf Trail `lC -� ` •�� '�-.'=1 ,'�. --- Proposed �� +'. ��; ,1 ;� ) �; J ��������. ••.,,:.: , .� Parking Location \`'' f l 1� 1,• _—.� ref- /..� ir�i'�-i. f (1, i• '.` ���•' _ i � 15 qoy 7. l ;•r( , ! i ...i' /� ,-" __ - � i �it '�'� 1 Pro osed ,'.., Trail Bridge - 77 !' Replace Footings'on, Lawrence Creek Bridge 1. RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS, THE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS FUND ACT - FISCAL YEAR 1996-1997 WHEREAS, the National Recreational Trails Fund Act of 1991, provides funds to the State of California for grants to state, local and non-profit organizations to acquire, develop and/or maintain motorized and non-motorized trail purposes; and WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the program within the State, setting up necessary procedures governing project application under the program; and WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and Recreation require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of application(s) before submission of said application(s) to the State; and WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California to complete the project(s); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District hereby: Approves the filing of an application for the National Recreational Trails Fund Act Program; and Certifies that said applicant has or will have available prior to commencement of any work on the project(s) included in the application sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project(s); and Appoints the General Manager as agent of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project(s). Regional erg R-96-78 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Program Evaluation for the 1995-1996 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Basic Policy of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Accept staff s program evaluation report. DISCUSSION The attached program evaluation material covers the entire 1995-1996 fiscal year. You conducted the mid-year review of the 1995-1996 Action Plan's key projects and activities in October 1995 (see report R-95-126). As done in October, staff will brief you at your July 24 meeting on additional projects and activities not specifically included in the Action Plan that required significant effort. The planning team has prepared an addendum that provides a summary of other projects and activities described in the Action Plan and Relative Site Emphasis that were completed or initiated in 1995-1996. The summary includes projects, which are shown in italics, that were undertaken but were not anticipated at the beginning of the fiscal year. These,projects were initiated or completed since April 1, 1995. The projects are divided into two subprograms that correspond to those contained in the Action Plan. The last page of the addendum lists projects from the Action Plan, Relative Site Emphasis Plan, and fiscal year 1995-1996 budget that were not completed in 1995-1996. Most of these projects were categorized "B" priority in the Relative Site Emphasis and, as such, work on them progressed as time permitted. You adopted the new Action Plan for the 1996-1997 fiscal year at your March 27, 1996 meeting. Copies of this Action Plan are available at the District office for public inspection. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager J. Fiddes, Administrative Services Manager J. Escobar, Operations Manager M. Smith, Public Affairs Manager Planning Team Members Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 EAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosdt1netcom.Com Board or Direoors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BASIC POLICY OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE 1995-1996 FISCAL YEAR I. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION PROGRAM H. PLANNING PROGRAM III. OPERATIONS PROGRAM IV. PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM V. ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION PROGRAM Subprograms A. Negotiations and Special Projects B. Enterprise To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District will purchase or otherwise acquire interest in the maximum feasible amount of strategic open space within the District planning areas. General Program Emphasis for 1995-1996 As a result of limited acquisition funding, the program effort will focus on the most critical, highest priority projects. Lower priority properties will be pursued through long-term options, available grant funding, bargain sales and gifts. Continued efforts will be made to clear and perfect title to existing District lands. The District will continue to work with the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to acquire land and further the District's overall open space acquisition goals. The enterprise sub-program will also receive additional focus relating to maintenance and improvements of rental structures. Staff—Resources (Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated) Real Property Representative Secretary - Open Space Acquisition (shared half-time with Planning Program) PROGRESS: • The District acquired 1,964 acres of open space land since April 1, 1995 including the 1,465-acre Rancho de Guadalupe property and 108-acre Shannon property (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve) and the 116-acre Sempervirens Fund property (Long Ridge Open Space Preserve). The 162-acre General Convention and 19.02-acre Lee properties were acquired as "defensible fee" transactions as additions to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. • The District was successful in the annexation of the 767.9-acre Big Dipper Ranch property as part of the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. The annexation included the 233.5 acre Silva property, and the 481-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust property (former Thysen property) adjacent the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. 2 1995-1996 Negotiations and Special Projects Subprogram Qbjectiv To provide for the acquisition of all real property rights necessary to secure a recreational and open space greenbelt in the foothills and baylands, including rounding out and improving public access to existing preserves and connecting District preserves with other public lands. Key Projects 1. Gifts, Grants and Bargain Sales - Focus on acquiring the highest priority, most critical properties, which enhance public access to existing preserves, and connect with other preserves and other public lands, through available grant funding, bargain sales, and/or gifts where possible. PROGRESS: • The 1,465-acre Rancho de Guadalupe property was acquired at an advantageous purchase price of$6,750,000. The property had been previously been listed at a $19.5 million. This addition to the Sierra Azul Open Space , Preserve includes a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and is adjacent to the Santa Clara County Almaden Quicksilver Park. • The 116-acre Sempervirens Fund property was acquired as an addition to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve for $600,000 with a $300,000 bargain sale gift from Sempervirens Fund, and a $300,000 matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This allowed Sempervirens Fund to repay the District for its contribution towards the purchase of the former Deka property. 2. Options - Obtain Board approval on appropriate long-term options, at market prices or less, to acquire desirable properties that might be affordable in future years should the District be successful in obtaining additional funding for land acquisition. PROGRESS: • The District exercised options on the 162-acre General Convention and the 19.02-acre Lee properties as additions to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. These properties were acquired as "defeasible fee" transactions allowing the District to hold title and manage the properties while making modest annual payments for five years to the owners. One-half of the annual fees are applicable to the purchase price. At the end of five years, the District anticipates acquiring the properties outright. 3. Assess Viability of Sale of Surplus Properties - Work with Enshallah and the town of Woodside to determine the building site density and the marketability of the Teague Hill surplus properties, which would help fill a critical funding gap for additional land purchases. PROGRESS: • District staff worked with Enshallah to complete preliminary geotechnical, 3 civil enginek—.ag, and septic percolation studies to ..--zinine lot configuration and feasibility. The District and Enshallah obtained certificates of compliance for the District's existing seven legal lots and completed initial discussions with Town of Woodside staff regarding lot line adjustment approach. • District began negotiations with interested parties for the sale of the 10-acre Thornewood "surplus property" to help fill a critical funding gap for additional land purchases; the sale was approved by the Board in May 1996. 4. Trail Easements - In order to conserve existing, limited funding, focus on obtaining trail easements that link District preserves and other public lands, enhancing public access to open space and furthering the completion the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Bay Trail systems. PROGRESS: • Negotiations continued to acquire a trail easement across the Paul property that will connect surrounding District lands which are part of the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. This trail corridor is part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant also used to acquire the former Sempervirens Fund property- • District entered into an Exchange Agreement with Rhone-Poulenc for a future trail easement as part of the San Francisco Bay Trail, adjacent to the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. • District applied for a Habitat Conservation Grant for a trail acquisition along Old Page Mill Road across the Silva property. The proposed trail would connect Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve to Portola State Park. This grant has since been approved. 4 1995-199 Enterprise Subprogram Qbjectivg To manage all of the District's revenue producing activities in such a way as to maximize income from enterprise accounts consistent with Open Space Management policies, incorporating compatible new programs when possible. Key Projects 1. Administer Enterprise Accounts - Administer leases and rental properties, consistent with open space management policies, to maintain and enhance revenue stream through competitive and current rate structure, effective maintenance programs and communication with tenants. PROGRESS: • The District's residential properties continue to be popular and are fully occupied. 2. Maintain Rental Structures - Carry out maintenance and improvements to rental houses to keep buildings and grounds in a safe, sanitary, and attractive condition and to increase net rental income. Establish long term and reoccurring maintenance priorities on rental properties (such as annual road maintenance, roof replacements, etc). PROGRESS: • The District continued to repair deferred maintenance items on rental houses, including the road repairs and weather-proofing of the Smith house at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and the Bean house at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, roof replacement at the Dyer house at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and structural and pest control repairs to the three Saratoga Gap cabins, and storm repairs to various enterprise and employee residences as a result of the December 1995 storm. 3. Assess Economic Viability of Rental Properties - Evaluate and make recommendations on the long-term and economic viability of maintaining District residential rental properties on a case by case basis (such as Saratoga Gap cabins, former Landre house, etc). PROGRESS: • District is reviewing repair estimates and is soliciting demolition bids for the Landre house at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve to compare and assess the viability of maintaining this rental property which is accessed along an unstable road that requires several extensive repairs. 4. Lease Compliance on Historic Properties - Become more directly involved in lease compliance and renovation requirements on District historic leases. 5 PROGRESS: 0 District staff worked with the Stortzes to meet historic renovation deadlines and continued to monitor other lease compliance issues for the historic Picchetti winery at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. i 6 J OPEN SPACE PLANNING PROGRAM Subprograms A. Regional and Long-Term Planning B. Site Planning and Implementation To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVES: The District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care of open space lands, allowing public access appropriate to the nature of the land and consistent with ecological values. The District will work with and encourage private and other public agencies to preserve, maintain, and enhance open space. Program Emphasis for 1995-199 Balanced attention will be given to long- and short-term goals. A clearer vision for the future of the District will be developed through a Regional Open Space Plan. Amendments to existing policies and program guidelines will help resolve issues regarding dog access, preparation of Resource Management Plans, and ADA information and design guidelines. Efforts will continue to develop more sophisticated computer-based resources for record- keeping and mapping. Preserve Use and Management Plans will include completion of one major comprehensive plan, and four trail elements. Key capital improvements include construction and structural upgrade of field staff facilities, and major improvements, planning, or construction progress on several staging areas and other public access facilities. A workplan system to provide better predictability and accountability for project budgets and schedules will be initiated. Staff Resources (Regular full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated; staffing for first six months shown on left; reorganization approved September 27, 1995 shown on right) Planning Manager Interim Planning Manager (contract) Senior Planner Senior Planner (2) Open Space Planner H (2) Open Space Planner H (1) Resource Planner Open Space Planner 1 (2) Planning Technician (2) Resource Planner (currently vacant) Planning Secretary Planning Technician (1) (shared half-time with Acquisition Program) Planning Secretary (shared half-time with Acquisition Program) 7 PROGRESS: 0 Reorganization of the department was a major accomplishment and implementation of a self-directed planning team is progressing to better meet long-term planning goals. 0 Major projects completed include the dog access program, El Corte de Madera dump cleanup and demonstration trail project, Rancho de Guadalupe acquisition, and four grant proposals. 0 Significant progress was made on several major projects, including the Skyline field office and nature center, Regional Open Space Plan, Teague Hill surplus land, El Corte de Madera and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves trails plans, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve staging area, Picchetti lease amendments, Grant cabin historic restoration, and new trail at Purisima Creek Redwood Open Space Preserve. 9 Procedures have been improved for integrating planning and project scheduling with use and management planning, five-year work program, and budget preparation. 1995-1996 Regional and Long-Term Planning Sub"r gram Objective Assist with the formulation, review, and refinement of policies, District-wide plans, and cost estimates for the management and development of District preserves on a regional or District-wide basis. Work with local agencies on joint planning and implementation projects, to share information, and to encourage planning decisions that support the preservation of open space and natural resources and development of regional trail systems. Key EWjects 1. Regional Open Space Plan - Continue a research, analysis, and public participation process to prepare a clearer vision for the long-term future District. Objectives include: 0 Review existing and planned improvements 0 Discuss conceptual buildout of improvements corresponding to completion of the greenbelt • Consider the impacts of operations costs and acquisition tradeoffs 0 Draft a mission statement for completion of the greenbelt 0 Review the Basic Policy document in light of the long-range planning studies. 0 Refer the results of the committee review process to the Board for further discussion and public input. PROGRESS: 0 Board approved revised schedule and scope of the project in December of 1995. 0 Held public workshop in January 1996. Collected input on the Basic Policy and Mission Statement. 0 Currently developing plan and estimating the costs for completion of the 8 "Greenbelt." 2. Amendments to Board Use and Management Policies - Incorporate Resource Management Plan preparation, new notification policies, ADA guidelines, and Site Emphasis format and process. PROGRESS: • Defined tentative format for integrating resource management with use and management plans. • Modified process for providing trail accessibility information to comply with ADA guidelines. 0 Discontinued Relative Site Emphasis and adopted new process and schedule for review of Five-Year Planning Work Program of District Preserves and Facilities. Expanded notification of major use and management amendments, including trails plans to adjacent neighbors and interested individuals and organizations. 3. Dog Access Program - Assist with completing the review of existing policy and the implementation of any revisions to the program, as directed by the Board. PROGRESS: • Adopted site evaluation criteria for dog access suitability. • Identified additional policy issues and reached Board consensus. • Completed Use and dement Plan amendments in October and November. • Implemented sign and site map changes. • Opened new dog access areas by February. 4. Database Development - Design and implement computer databases for management of files for trail use, property owner notification, and land acquisition records, to ultimately work in concert with the GIS system. PROGRESS: • Completed trail use database and are generating reports. • Database for notification of property owners and interested individuals and organizations began in response to Board-related issues. 5. G.I.S. Mapping - Continue the acquisition of digital geographic data for a shared regional computerized map and information database, and secure access to a system for analysis and plotting. PROGRESS: • Acquired USGS data. • Secured access to Santa Clara County's geographic information system and data. 0 Conducted a study to determine the compatibility of County data and USGS data. • Joined the BASIC digital mapping project. • Continued coordination with Greenbelt Alliance regarding their GIS database and added open space lands to their database. 9 1995-199 Site Planning and Implementation Subprogram Apply policies, prepare and implement plans on a site-specific basis, including capital improvement, repair and restoration projects, and respond to site-specific use and management issues. Ka Projects I. Trail Use Elements and Comprehensive Use and Management Plans - Continue to apply the adopted Trail Use Guidelines to resolve conflicts, provide access information in compliance with ADA Plan. Preserves on the current draft Target Use and Management Review Schedule during this fiscal year include: 0 El Corte de Madera comprehensive plan (3rd quarter 1995) 0 Fremont Older Trail Element (2nd quarter 1995) 0 Purisima Trail Element (2nd quarter 1995) 0 Rancho San Antonio Trail Element (3rd quarter 1995) 0 Long Ridge (1st quarter 1996) PROGRESS: El Corte de Madera Use and Management Plan 0 Completed 14-month process with task force to formulate a draft trails plan. 0 Completed background data collection and field investigation of problem areas (including physical characteristics, trail use counts, and incident reports) for the trails plan. 0 Completed demonstration trail project. 0 Presented draft trails map and conceptual plan to Use and Management Committee in January. 0 Conducted visitor counts at trailheads to determine type and volume of use. 0 Completed background research on natural resources. 0 Draft Trails Plan completed for presentation to Use and Management Committee in April and Board of Directors in May. Fremont Older Trail Element 0 Completed background data collection and field investigation of problem areas (including physical characteristics, trail use counts, and incident reports) for the trails plan. 0 Completed analysis of trail system and presented initial findings to staff. 0 Initiated format revisions for trails plan. 0 Held a neighborhood workshop for the residents on Prospect Road. 0 Continued working on the Draft Trails Plan for presentation to the Board of Directors in June. Purisima Creek Redwoods InU Element 0 Project was rescheduled to 1996-1997 in Five-Year Planning Work Program. Rancho San Antonio Trail Element 0 Conducted visitor counts at trailhead to determine type and volume of use. 10 • Project was delgrred and has not been rescheduled in -_✓e-Year PlanningWork Program. Long Ridge Trail Element • Project was deferred and has not been rescheduled in Five-Year Planning Work Program. 2. Site Emphasis, Action Plan and Budget System rovements - Continue the P � Y bn P development and use of a Master Workplan for the Planning Program, to better integrate these elements of annual planning, and relate them to realistic individual and project workplans. PROGRESS: • Improved process for preparing scope, schedule, and budget for major projects. • Integrated scheduling of projects with new Five-Year Planning Work Program. • Implemented a more sophisticated work planning and prioritization process. • Prepared quarterly budget reviews. 3. Capital Improvement Project Planning and Implementation - Complete the key projects as described in the Site Emphasis Plan: Skyline Area • Skyline Ridge - complete field office use permit process and construction; Daniels Nature Center interior improvements phase I construction; complete Ridge Trail between Long Ridge and Skyline Ridge Preserves • Windy Hill - Underground utilities and obtain permits for staging area construction • La Honda Creek - Weeks Road drainage improvements Foothills Area • Pulgas Ridge - County permit process and obtain easement on San Francisco Water Department land, continued site restoration efforts. • Rancho San Antonio - design and construction of structural improvements to shop building. • Sierra Azul - Kennedy Road staging area planning. • St. Joseph's Hill - implement trail construction and restoration funded by Caltrans oak mitigation project. • Fremont Older - planning for improvements to parking area. PROGRESS: Skyline Ridge Field Office • Contracted with Town of Los Gatos for construction administration services. • Revised conceptual drawings and format for the construction contracts. • Completed Use permit, building permit, and grading permit processes. • Demolished the garage and relocated the storage shed, rerouted the electrical lines, and removed necessary trees. • Completed installation of the septic system. • Solicited bids for the entire project (site work and building construction); 11 rejected the L , due to irregularities in the bids. • Re-solicited bids for construction. • Awarded bids for construction and construction is underway. Skyline David C. Daniels Nature Center • Worked with Operations staff to coordinate exhibit design with environmental education plans. • Contracted with Platypus Studios for the construction and installation of Phase I exhibits. • Installed mobiles, plant community and animal display cases, and a lab station as part of Phase I. S41ine Ridge Trail between Long Ridge and Skyline Ridge • Held two workshops with neighbors and Portola Park Heights residents to discuss trail alignment and other issues. • Installed electric gate and fencing at former Fowkes property. • Use and Management amended by Board of Directors in October. • Continued discussions with Portola Park Heights residents. Windy Hill • Completed plans and entered into agreement for utility undergrounding project; undergrounding slated for spring of 1996. La Honda Creek • Stabilized Weeks roadbed through winter. • Completed studies analyzing reasons for continued drainage problems. • Met with neighbors and permitting agencies. • Contracted with civil and geotech engineers for preparing plans and specifications. • Repairs to occur in late summer 1996. Pulgas Ridge, • Completed retesting of lead contamination and verified lead is below threshold for classification as hazardous waste. • Developed design alternatives for the proposed staging area and cost estimates for the proposed project. • Obtained draft agreement for access rights from San Francisco Public Utilities Commission which is subject to further negotiations. • Determined permit requirements from the County of San Mateo. • Removed additional invasive non-native acacia trees. Rancho San Antonio • Completed the structural seismic upgrade engineering for the shop building. • Expanded project's scope to include a new roof and minor architectural modifications. • Hired architect to prepare final construction drawings and bid documents. St. Joseph's Hill • Realigned the main patrol route (Hilltop Trail) to the top of hill. • Installed fencing and signing in areas that are being restored. 12 • Reviewed cot.---action plans and agreed upon the sex., of the oak mitigation project with Caltrans revegetation consultant. • Issued a Permit to Enter to CalTrans stating the construction conditions by which they must abide during the oak mitigation projects. Fremont C?lder • Prepared series of alternatives for improvement and/or expansion of the existing staging area. Held public meeting with preserve users and neighbors in February. 4. Sierra AzuI Open Space Preserve, Former Almaden Air Force Base, Mt. Umunhum • Complete the public review process to evaluate potential uses of the buildings and facilities resulting from the RFP process • Research the requirements and cost for demolition of the buildings and restoration of the site. • Assist the Board in making a final determination regarding the disposition of the buildings and facilities. PROGRESS: • Completed the public review process. • Determined that surplus generators are not marketable. • Monitored the Army Corp of Engineers fuel tank and container removal project. • Responded to problems resulting from contractor activities during the clean-up project. 13 ADDENDUM OPEN SPACE PLANNING PROGRAM PROGRESS ON OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES The addendum provides a summary of other projects and activities described in the Action Plan and Relative Site Emphasis that are in-progress or have been completed 1995-1996. In addition, the summary includes projects (shown in italics) that were undertaken during the year but not anticipated at the beginning of the fiscal year. The projects are divided into two subprograms that correspond to those contained in Action Plan. Regional and Long-Term Planning SubMeram • Completed environmental review of Diocese Development Plan, Los Gatos Country Club, Santa Clara County Trails Plan, Quarry Hills Subdivision, Lexington Dam Improvement Plan, NASA Wind Tunnel and alternative bicycle commute trail, Edgewood County Park plan, Blue Oaks Subdivision plan, San Mateo County Trails Plan, and San Mateo County Parks Alternative Funding Committee. • Completed management agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust for the North and 7hysen properties. • Participated in the Santa Cruz Mountains Biodiversity Task Force, and committees for the Bay Trail and Ridge Trail. • Conducted acquisition studies and prepared reports for the San Mateo County finding measure, Rancho de Guadalupe, General Convention, Anthony, Reece, Sempervirens, shannon, Bartkowski, and Lee properties; investigating easement for Ridge 7)Wl connection between Long Ridge and Sempervirens. • Directed volunteer projects for database projects, and organization of the slide collection. • Worked with Real Property Representative to resolve encroachment issues at Kennedy Limekiln Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 9 Expanded computer network system for all departments in the District's main office. • Prepared grant applications for Land & Water Conservation Fund, Habitat Restoration Fund, and Hazard Mitigation Grants Program for eight separate projects. • Applied to student internship program with local universities to provide support for key planning projects. e Received certificates of compliance and site development permit for Teague Hill surplus land proposal, improving existing road to gain access and conduct percolation tests. 14 • Prepared grant appli on to California Trails Foundation j. -reek cleanup and restoration at Picchetti Ranch. Received $2,000 in grant funding. Site Planning Signs, Maps and Brochures • Completed computerized maps for the Picchetti Ranch Area and St. Joseph's Hill. Finalizing the South Skyline Region computerized map. • Completed new brochure for Purisima Creek Redwoods, Long Ridge and Saratoga Gap, and Monte Bello. • Installed new mapboards and bulletin boards at Coal Creek, Los Trancos, Russian Ridge, Windy Hill, and Rancho San Antonio. • Revised the Open Space Preserve signs to better inform visitors of District regulations. • Obtained sign permit and installed signs at District's main office. • Completed Use and Management amendment to install interpretive signs on Stevens Creek Nature Trail at Monte Bello • Developed interpretive signs for Stevens Creek Nature Trail at Monte Bello. Staging Areas and Trail Projects • Studied reconfiguring existing Fremont Older staging area to accommodate additional parking spaces, restroom, and bulletin board. Met with Prospect Road neighbors to discuss parking plans. • Surveyed existing conditions for expansion of Rhus Ridge parking area and commenced area-wide study for improving staging facilities. • Completed new trails at Picchetti, including Bear Meadow Trail, Zinfandel Trail, trail around pond, and trail to hilltop; coordinated with the County of Santa Clara to complete Zinfandel Trail connection to Stevens Creek County Park. • Installing pit toilet at lower end of Purisima. • Completed demonstration trail and restoration at El Corte de Madera. • Completed realignment of Ridge Trail at Russian Ridge and administrative details for two State grants. • Responded to the Board request to evaluate trail use at Seven Springs Loop Trail and determine how the trail relates to the Trail Use Guidelines. • Coordinated with County of Santa Clara on the Alma Bridge Road Bypass Trail, constructed trail. 15 • Submitted documents - the closeout of the Land and Watei ant Application for Blue Oak and Cordilleras Trails at Pulgas Ridge. Demolition Projects • Demolished the Mud cabin at Long Ridge and the structure at 140 La Honda Creek Road at La Honda Creek. • Completed the fuel tank and hazardous waste removal project at the former Dyer property at La Honda Creek. • Contracted for the demolition of the Black Mountain cabin at Monte Bello. Restoration and Clean-up Projects • Initiated grassland/thistle management study for Russian Ridge. • Further defined scope of oak mitigation project at St. Joseph's Hill with CalTrans representatives. • Obtained funding from the State legislation to remove and restore dump sites; clean-up underway and anticipate completion by the end of October. • Completed volunteer/staff project including dump site clean-up, historic artifact cataloging, and invasive vegetation removal project at Picchetti Ranch. • Worked with California Integrated Waste Management Board and San Mateo county Environmental Health Department to remove dump and restore site at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Completed dump removal project in November. Leases • Completed mcchetu Ranch lease amendment to clarify historic renovation requirements, schedule, and public access arrangements; revised site plan including the proposed lighting plan; researched status of use permit; requested proposals from architect and engineer for structural analysis of existing winery building. Historic Preservation • Implementing Grant cabin interior improvements at Rancho San Antonio. Tasks included contracting for exhibit design services, finalizing plans for exhibits, displaying artifacts, directing volunteer efforts, conducting interviews with Grant and Perham families, and installing electricity. Submitted documents for the grant closeout. • Awarded $30,000 in April of 1995 and $33,000 in April of 1996 from the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors through the County Heritage Commission Project Funds for restoring the Picchetti Homestead House. Hired architects and engineers to prepare plans and specifications for constructing a concealed foundation, new lateral-load framing for first and second interior floors. Submitted plans to county for permits. Anticipate construction in fall. 16 • Submitted documents __. the grant closeout of California Wi. _e, Coastal, and Parkland Conservation Act of 1988 (Prop. 70). • Assisting Real Property Representative in accessing the structural conditions of the historic residence at Thornewood; developing restoration plans. Special Permits • Drafted "Permit to Enter"for USGS Earthquake Fault Study at Rancho San Antonio and coordinated different phases of study with USGS and their contractor. • Reviewed hangliding proposal at Bald Mountain and obtained planning and field stafs input. Infrastructure • Prepared "Permit to Enter" and coordinated with County of Santa Clara for culvert construction on Stevens Canyon Road at Piccheta Ranch Area. • Prepared site plan and administered guard rail project and associated improvements at Jacques Ridge. • Completed fuel tank removal project at Rancho San Antonio Annex. • Reviewed and worked with field staff on the landscaping plan for the ranger office at Rancho San Antonio. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following projects were included in Action Plan, Relative Site Emphasis and fiscal year 1995-1996 budget but were not completed. Most of these projects were categorized "B" priority in Relative Site Emphasis. 1. Rancho San Antonio Trail Element 2. Purisima Trail Element 3. Long Ridge Trail Element 4. Pulgas Comprehensive Use and Management Plan * 5. Cothran cleanup/Ringo cleanup * 6. Jacques Ridge cleanup * 7. Exotic plant control - Cathedral Oaks * 8. Kennedy - Limekiln parking/grant-related * 9. Kennedy - Limekiln sign *10. Monte Bello Vista Trail (crew project) *11. Purisima undergrounding (crew project) *12. Pulgas catch basin (crew project) 13. Expansion of Purisima parking (crew project) *14. Abandoned Vineyard Trail - St. Joseph's Hill (crew project) *15. Monte Bello Use Permit - backpack camp/restroom *16. Redwood Trail - underground tank *17. Windy Hill upper restroom *18. La Honda Creek - asbestos shingle removal *19. Thornewood dam restoration 17 20. Preserve an, -ail use databases - partially done 21. General District database 22. Weeks road repairs 23. Process for identifying, prioritizing, and scheduling specific resource management and restoration projects. 24. Formulation of a historical and cultural resources program to provide better identification and information for such resources on District preserves. *25. Monte Bello Parking, south end. * Projects prioritized "B" in Relative Site Emphasis Plan and Budget i 18 OPERATIONS PROGRAM Subprograms A. Field Operations B. Volunteer and Docent To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care of open space lands, allowing public access appropriate to the nature of the land and consistent with ecological values. Program Emphasis for 1995-199 Continue to provide responsible stewardship of District lands. In accordance with trail use policies and guidelines, increase efforts in public education and volunteer participation. Increase the use of District lands and facilities as an environmental education resource. Traditional operations program activities such as ranger patrol, resource protection, and maintenance and construction responsibilities will continue to demand the majority of the program's resources. PROGRESS: • Maintenance crews devoted a significant amount of time repairing winter storm damage to roads, trails. Following one storm, over 200 fallen trees blocked District roads and trails. • Through the efforts of two contractors, District staff, and volunteers, the demonstration trail at El Corte de Madera was completed. • Staff assisted Santa Clara County Parks with the design and construction of a temporary trail to bypass a washed-out section of Alma Bridge Road. • Vacancies in four regular positions in the Operations Program were filled this past year. • New trail construction included the completion of the Zinfandel Trail to Stevens Creek County Park and the Thysen Trail at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. • With the assistance of Santa Clara County Transit, San Jose Conservation Corps, and Peninsula Open Space Trust, maintenance crews completed a major roadside clean-up of the former North property. District crews also completed the roadside clean-up of the former Jamison property. • Staff completed the demolition of the former Mudd cabin with the assistance of a CDF training bum. 0 Staff developed procedures and guidelines made necessary by the addition of expandable batons, soft body armor, and radio shoulder microphones to the list of assigned personal equipment for rangers. 0 Ranger staff completed 20 hours of defensive tactics training this year. 0 Docents led over 260 interpretive programs, totaling 1,900 hours. 0 Although many projects were canceled because of wet weather conditions, volunteers contributed 2,600 hours to projects on open space preserves. 0 Staff worked with Garrod Farms to install a fence that prevents the grazing of District land on the common boundary at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. 19 Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) Operations Manager Area Superintendents (2) Visitor Services Supervisor Support Services Supervisor Supervising Rangers (4) Docent Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator (half-time) Secretary Rangers (12) Equipment Mechanic-Operator (2) Lead Open Space Technicians (2) Open Space Technicians (5) Seasonal Open Space Technicians (7 currently) 1995-199 Field Operations Sub"r gom Oblectiyg To provide responsible stewardship of all District lands by furnishing those public safety, maintenance, and resource protection services necessary and appropriate for effective management of District lands. Ka Projects 1. Operations Manual Update - Revise operations manual to include Open Space Technician, Lead Open Space Technician, and Equipment Mechanic-Operator positions. Update ranger sections to include new procedures not yet formally placed in document. Develop standing orders system to draft, review, and implement directives not included in the operations manual. PROGRESS: • The use of force policy and defensive equipment procedures were completed in March. • Work is underway on procedures for ranger ride-alongs, bicycle patrol, and staff scheduling. • Revisions to the Operations Manual to include Open Space Technician, Lead Open Space Technician and Equipment Mechanic-Operator positions were not completed. 2. Special Use Policies - Develop draft special use policies for Board adoption. Work 20 with the Use and Magement Committee to develop draft. :oncentrate on public agency and private non-profit special uses. PROGRESS 0 Staff is reviewing and editing the draft document. Staff plans to present the draft to the Use and Management Committee after the first of the year. Other priorities have delayed significant progress on this project. 3. Deer Hollow Farm - Work closely with the County of Santa Clara and the City of Mountain View for funding and work with city staff to provide for the continued operation of Deer Hollow Farm. PROGRESS • In June, the Board approved an agreement with the City of Mountain View to jointly operate the Farm through June 1996. • The potential for a multiple-year agreement depends largely on the County of Santa Clara's ability to participate in the funding of the farm through a grant from the Park Charter Fund. • Staff has proposed a three-month extension to the current agreement to allow time to work out the details of a multiple-year agreement. 4. Site Inspection System - Complete and implement site inspection procedures to insure pre-acquisition and regular inspection of District lands and public use facilities. PROGRESS • District counsel is reviewing the draft site safety inspection plan. • Staff anticipates implementing the inspection system by August 1996. 1995-1996 Volunteer and Docent Subprogram To encourage active public participation in the maintenance, restoration, and protection of the District's natural resources, and provide cultural, historical, and environmental education opportunities to the public. Ka Projects 1. Environmental Education - Expand the docent program to include a focused environmental education program for school children. Develop general environmental education guidelines and specific curriculum for use at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. PROGRESS 0 Staff has developed an environmental education curriculum, designed for grades 4-6, titled Spaces and Species: Exploring Natural Communities. 21 • The docent f1gram has been expanded to include - Aucation leaders, who used the new curriculum to conduct field trips at Skyline Ridge and the Daniels Nature Center this spring. About 432 school children have participated in the program. 2. Daniels Nature Center - Work with planning staff to design and install exhibits. Develop and set up seasonal and temporary displays. Continue to seek grant funding for exhibits and offer public programs at the nature center. Recruit and train volunteers to staff the nature center at least one weekend day per week. PROGRESS • The laboratory station, pond strata displays, and natural communities exhibits have been installed. Staff and the exhibit designer have started work on the next phase of the exhibits. • The District received a $5,000 donation from Peninsula Open Space Trust to be used for the next phase of the exhibits at the nature center. Staff met with a potential donor who has made a commitment to contribute $25,000 for specific exhibits at the nature center. The donor wishes to remain anonymous. • Volunteers began staffing the nature center in April. The center is now open to the public on Sundays. • Staff will continue to set up seasonal and temporary displays in the nature center. 22 PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM Subprogram A. General Public Information and Outreach B. Legislative, Funding, and Organizational Relations To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District will educate and make clearly visible to the public the purposes and actions of the District, and will actively encourage public communication and involvement in District activities. General Program Emphasis for 1995-1996 Provide District information to as wide a constituency as possible, focusing on geographic areas of the District that have previously not been reached; maximize District name recognition in all communities served and to an target audiences; maximize overall awareness of the District throughout the District's 16 cities and the unincorporated county areas. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) Public Affairs Manager Public Affairs Assistant PROGRESS: • The new visitors map, which was printed in the prior fiscal year, was distributed during the 1995-1996 fiscal year via direct mail to 290,000 households, with an additional 15,000 being distributed by field staff at the preserves, through presentations, and by phone, mail, and e-mail request. This has proved to be a significant tool for reaching our constituents, and a reprint is planned for this summer. • Eight slide presentations were given to city councils, five to parks and recreation commissions, and 11 to planning commissions within the District. • Twenty-one additional slide presentations and 15 displays were carried out with the assistance of operations staff and Board members, including the District display at six major art and wine festivals in the area, each staffed for a two-day period, reaching thousands of people with District information. • Outreach continued to the 9 chambers of commerce to which the District belongs, including a District fact sheet insert in their newsletters and a direct mailing of District information to all members. • A one-month display of District information was placed in the Sunnyvale library. 23 • Thirty-seven press _eases were issued by the Public Aft, Program resulting in significant coverage by the media. • Through the work of a volunteer, the District created an Internet web site, containing virtually all District information including trail maps, brochure text, preserve photos, regulations, Board meeting agendas and minutes, press releases, newsletters, and more. 24 1995-1996 General Public Information and Outreach Subprogram Qbjectiv To generate additional support among the general public for completing the greenbelt by increasing the positive perception and awareness of the District's mission, objectives, accomplishments, programs, and effective management of public lands and financial resources. Key Projects 1. Annual Report - Publish a District 1994-1995 Annual Report by May 31, 1995, followed by three regular issues of Open Space News. PROGRESS: • The Annual Report was completed and distributed within two weeks of the target date, and the issues of Open Space News were delivered on schedule. 2. Kids' Art of Open Space - Assuming a successful 1995 Kids' Art event (scheduled for March 1, 1995), schedule and coordinate the third annual event to take place no later than March 31, 1996. PROGRESS: 0 The Kids' Art of Open Space was very successful. Due to the desire to implement a major environmental festival event in the spring of 1996, it is proposed that the 1996 Kids' Art program take place in the fall of 1996. However, our partners in this project, the Community School of Music and Arts, determined that fall is an inopportune time to reach the school teachers, so the Kids' Art event will take place in early March, 1997. I 3. Visitor Usage Survey - Implement a plan for accurately determining the number of visitors to District preserves, and their types of usage, based on a survey performed on-site at the preserves. PROGRESS: • Visitors usage surveys were conducted at Rancho San Antonio and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves over a two-day period in October, 1995, utilizing over 100 volunteers. Results were presented to the Board in January, 1996. An additional two preserves are proposed for surveying sometime in the 1996-1997 fiscal year. 4. Public Event - Implement the Founders Commemoration event in May, 1995, and complete planning for a preserve "open house" or other major public event to take place early in the 1996-1997 fiscal year. PROGRESS: • The Founders Commemoration took place on June 25 and was attended by approximately 50 people, receiving good media coverage. Plans were 25 completed -- the May 19, 1996 Stegner memoriat _.ich commemoration, and the June 9, 1996 event at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. 1995-199 Legislative, Funding. and QMwAggWmal Relations Subprogram Qbjeciv To carry out the high priority elements of the District's legislative plan and to inform other public agencies and private organizations about the District's activities and goals. Key Projects 1. Lobbying Efforts - Work with the general manager and the District's Sacramento lobbyist to preserve current and future state funding for the District, and to carry out elements of the District's legislative plan. PROGRESS: • The District sponsored Assembly Bill 700, secured Assemblyman Jim Cunneen as its author, testified at both the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings, and solicited and received numerous letters of support for the bill at all necessary junctures. The bill passed both committees and full houses, and was signed into law by Governor Wilson on October 5, 1996. • The District continues to review legislation which may affect District activities, programs, or funding and take a support/oppose position on any bills that are deemed to have a significant impact. The District also provided numerous letters of support or opposition on a variety of bills. 2. Protection Of District Funding - Work with East Bay Regional Park District to provide for long-term protection of District funding, including possible modification of appropriate Public Resources Code sections. PROGRESS: 0 East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), the lead agency involved in developing this issue, has not pursued the project during the most recent legislative session. It is believed that EBRPD will proceed with the issue for the next legislative session. 3. Regional Funding - Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council, the Planning and Conservation League, San Mateo County, and others to develop and support potential regional or other alternative funding mechanisms. PROGRESS: 0 The District remains very involved in the Open Space Council's discussions of potential funding measures for the Bay Area, although no firm, viable alternative has been developed. The recent State Supreme Court ruling on Santa Clara County's Measure A sales tax, essentially requiring a 2/3 vote for any special taxes, will require a re-examination of the potential for any such regional measures. 26 • The Distric.. -.jntinues to comment and provide sug,, dons for improvement to the Planning and Conservation League's tax credit initiative, Senate Bill 1280, and will consider full support once its final provisions are known. • The District was very involved in the development of San Mateo County's "quality of life" sales tax measure, benefiting schools, libraries, and parks and open space, requiring a 2/3 voter approval. However, the bill to allow the issue to move forward appears to be dead. The District will continue to work with the partners in this coalition to see if any other alternatives are available. 27 ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The staff of the District will administer the affairs of the District on behalf of the public so as to maximize accomplishment of the goals of the District within existing financial and other constraints. General Program Emphasis for 1995-199 Instill vision and provide leadership to foster staff participation and activities to carry out the District's short and long-term goals and objectives. Maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency in light of limited funding. Focus efforts on working with the Planning Department, all staff, and the Board in development of the Regional Open Space Plan. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) General Manager Legal Counsel (part-time under retainer) Controller (one-quarter time) Administrative Services Manager/District Clerk Research Attorney Administrative Analyst Office Manager/Secretary to the General Manager Accounting Specialist Secretary Receptionist PROGRESS: • The General Manager and Controller explored different funding opportunities in light of District's limited resources. The foundation was laid to create the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority, a joint powers authority with Santa Clara County, that would allow for the issuance and sale of bonds. • The General Manager, management team, and all staff put in focused efforts to carry out District activities prescribed in the Action Plan. Reorganization of Planning Program has been a pivotal project. • Preparation of Regional Open Space Plan has been delayed due to Planning Program's reorganization. 28 1995-199 Administration Program Objective:To provide overall coordination, direction, and administrative base for all District activities so as to maximize the accomplishment of the Board's policies and directives, to implement the Strategic Plan, and to maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency. Key Projects 1. District Funding - Work to preserve current and future state funding for the District. Continue to provide multi-year information/scenarios on District's long-term finances and to address the need to rely on the availability of grant funds for major development projects. PROGRESS: The General Manager and Controller explored different opportunities to raise additional acquisition funds, including borrowing against a portion of the District's required reserves and seeking private foundation assistance. Working with Stone & Youngberg, groundwork was laid to create the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority, a joint powers authority with Santa Clara County, that would allow for the issuance and sale of bonds. 2. Human Resources - Carry out District's personnel and labor relations functions. Enhance organizational effectiveness through increased communications, staff meetings, retreats, workshops, training seminars, and team building activities. PROGRESS: • Hiring process completed for docent coordinator, equipment mechanic operator, volunteer coordinator, Deer Hollow Farm maintenance worker, planning technician, planning secretary, and ranger positions, and underway for the volunteer coordinator and resource management specialist positions. • Workers' compensation insurance coverage was transferred from State Compensation Insurance Fund to California Compensation effective July 1, 1995, in an effort to receive improved case management services. Meetings took place with staff at both field offices to make them more aware of the worker's compensation program. • A significantly improved long term disability program was implemented effective April 1, 1995. • Salary incentive award program distribution method was revised in light of the $25,000 funding cap. • The employee steering committee was reformatted to become the Employee Forum. Its purpose is to provide a forum for dialogue on issues related to 29 employmen*the District, as well as to enhance c. -munication between management and staff. • Training sessions have included back fitness training for all staff and an in- house, two-part leadership training focusing on influencing skills for program managers and area superintendents. • Various staff committees remain active -- staff safety committee, field uniform committee, and "fun" committee. 3. Joint Meetings - Coordinate joint meetings with the Board of Directors and the Park and Recreation Commissioners of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to discuss topics of mutual interest in each county. Hold joint meetings with key parks and recreation department staff at San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to facilitate interagency cooperation and communication. PROGRESS: • A special joint meeting of the Board and the San Mateo County Park and Recreation Commission was held on May 4, 1995. • C. Britton, M. Smith, and Directors Crowder and de Wit were actively involved in initial discussions and committees for the San Mateo County alternative funding measure for parks, libraries, and schools. • Initial discussions took place in May 1995 about possible agenda topics and dates for a joint Board meeting with Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Commission. The possibility of including the Board of Directors of the Santa Clara Open Space Authority for a 3-way meeting was proposed. Scheduling of joint meeting was deferred until after the appointment of the new Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation director and did not take place prior to the end of the fiscal year. 4. Regional Open Space Plan - Work with the Board of Directors, Planning Program, and all District staff to prepare a plan providing a clearer vision for the future of the District. PROGRESS: • Because of the reorganization of the Planning Program, preparation of the Regional Open Space Plan was delayed. The Board approved the revised schedule and project scope in December 1995. A public workshop was held in January 1996 to collect input on the Basic Policy and Mission Statement. The project is progressing and another Board workshop is anticipated in the fall. 30 I Regional Open S ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-81 Meeting 96-16 July 24, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Execution of an Indemnity Surety Bond to Partially Fund the Debt Service Reserve Fund for the 1 5 Promissory Notes GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the purchase and execution of an indemnity surety bond to partially fund the Debt Service Reserve Funds for the 1995 Promissory Notes DISCUSSION When the District issues promissory notes or bonds, a reserve fund is required which insures that sufficient cash is available to meet the final debt service payment. Putting funds in a reserve fund restricts their use and ties up those borrowed funds for the life of the obligation. On June 26, 1996, the District authorized a joint financing with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority for the issuance of the 1995 Revenue Bonds. For the first time in such a financing, the District was able to secure municipal bond insurance which resulted in a more favorable bond rating. As part of this financing, the insurer, AMBAC Indemnity Corporation, agreed to provide a Surety Bond for a portion of the bond reserve fund, increasing the net proceeds and freeing the reserve funds for land acquisition. This creates a similar opportunity to obtain a surety bond to fund one-half of the reserve fund for the 1995 Promissory Notes which will likewise free up funds for land acquisition. The 1995 Promissory Note issue authorized the substitution of a surety bond for reserve funds and AMBAC has agreed to provide such a bond for a premium amount of$13,800.00. This will release funds in the approximate amount of $460,000 for land acquisition. The premium will be paid out of the funds released by the posting of the Surety Bond. Prepared by: Susan M. Schectman, District Legal Counsel Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone:415-E 91-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 a E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com ED 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 RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND EXECUTION OF AN INDEMNITY SURETY BOND TO PARTIALLY FUND THE DEBT SERVICE RESERVE FUND FOR 1995 PROMISSORY NOTES WHEREAS, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has issued the "Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 1995 Promissory Notes" in the amount of $11,500,000.00; and WHEREAS, the 1995 Notes required the establishment of a 1995 Debt Service Reserve Fund in an amount equal to $920,000.00 and further authorize the District to obtain a Surety Bond in place of fully or partially funding the Debt Service Reserve Fund; and WHEREAS, application has been made to AMBAC Indemnity Corporation for the issuance of a Surety Bond for the purpose of funding one-half of the 1995 Debt Service Reserve Fund. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula, Regional Open Space District as follows: Section One. The President or other appropriate officers and General Manager of the District are authorized to purchase and execute an indemnity surety bond in a premium amount not to exceed $13,800.00 for the purpose of funding one half of the Debt Service Reserve Fund for the 1995 Promissory Notes. Section Two. The President or other appropriate officers, attorneys and General Manager of the District are hereby authorized and directed to do any and all things and to execute and deliver any and all documents which they may deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out, give effect to and comply with the form and intent of this Resolution including, but not limited to, the execution of the Debt Service Resource Fund Policy Agreement, the payment of any premium therefore in an amount not to exceed $13,800.00. Any such actions heretofore taken by such officers or attorneys or General Manager are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved. Section Three. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage. Claims No. 96-13 Meeting 96-16 Date: July 24, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 509 72.50 Ace Fire Equipment Fire Extinguisher Service 510 166.71 A-1 Sanitation Sanitation Services 511 544.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation, Inc. Sanitation Services 512 148.84 ADT Security Systems, Inc. Alarm System Maintenance 513 96.12 American Welding Supply Welding Supplies 514 601.02 AT&T Telephone Service 516 52.80 Barron Park Supply Company Electrical Parts 515 24.30 Bay Area Air Quality Management District Fuel Tank Nozzle Permit 517 45.35 Craig Beckman Reimbursement-Field Supplies 518 30.00 Best Internet Communications Monthly Service Fee 519 251.00 Bill's Towing & Recovery Vehicle Towing Services 520 858.00 C & N Tractors Equipment Rental 521 124.38 California State Board of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax 522 65.28 California Trail Foundation Trail Day Supplies 523 246.50 California Water Service Water Service 524 78.63 Capitol Enquiry Legislative Directory 525 49.21 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Fire Equipment 526 177.82 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Parts and Repairs 527 478.45 Barrie D. Coate Oak Tree Assessment-Grant House 528 378.39 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Field Supplies 529 23.91 Commercial Landscape Supply, Inc. Field Supplies 530 305.00 Con's Backhoe & Lumber Water Line Repair-McDonald Ranch 531 4,237.93 Alice Cummings Consulting Service-Grant Preparation 532 72.27 Dennis Danielson Reimbursement--Field Supplies 533 108.00 Mary deBeauvieres Private Vehicle Expense 534 1,561.86 Enshallah Consulting Services-Teague Hill 535 525.00 John Escobar Reimbursement--Training Expenses 536 101.25 Federal Express Corporation Express Mail 537 36.73 Film to Frame Film Developing 538 1,000.00 First American Title Guaranty Company Preliminary Reports 539 68.47 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locks and Keys 540 49.71 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 541 2,322.90 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Equipment and Supplies 542 60.26 Gibson Studio LLC Film Processing and Prints 543 300.00 Goldfus Enterprises, Ink Consulting Services--June 9th Event 544 203.94 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing 545 531.87 Goodyear Auto Service Center Vehicle Tires 546 145.47 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Telephone Service 547 77.89 *1 George Gray Resource Management Interview Panelist Expenses 548 184.10 *2 Kathe Gibbs Hansen Reimbursement--Enterprise Expense 549 1,185.25 Virg Harkins Signs Signs 550 160.00 Hengehold Motor Company Van Rental 551 250.00 Hidden Villa Awards Dinner-C.Britton and T. Henshaw 552 432.67 The Home Depot Field Equipment and Supplies 553 135.71 House of Printing Printing 554 88.00 Hyster Sales Company Vehicle Parts *1 Urgent check issued on July 2, 1996. *2 Urgent check issued on July 8, 1996. Page 1 Claims No. 96-13 Meeting 96-16 Date:July 24, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 555 2,079.58 Jeda Publications Brochure Printing 556 12.93 Keeble & Shuchat Photography Color Prints 557 144.92 Kinko's Docent Newsletter Printing 558 34.49 D. Kobza & Associates Architectural Services--Skyline Office 559 43.32 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock 560 145.45 Tom Lausten Reimbursement--Uniform Expense 561 89.70 Judy Law Private Vehicle Expense 562 1,058.62 Lawson Products, Inc. Field Supplies 563 1,117.65 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Rental 564 2,712.85 Town of Los Gatos Administration Services--Skyline Office 565 262.91 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 566 20.00 Mendocino County Resource Conservation Resource Document District 567 141.47 MetroMobile Communications Radio Repairs 568 630.00 Micro Accounting Solutions Computer Services 569 159.92 Minton's Lumber & Supply Field Supplies 570 46.33 Mountain View Garden Center Field Supplies 571 29.00 National Rotary Association Subscription 572 19.50 Netcom Monthly Service Fee 573 306.75 Netstart Internal Modem 574 1,007.31 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Repairs 575 51.46 Norney's of Mountain View Office Supplies 576 46.28 Northern Energy, Inc. Propane Fuel 577 1,345.00 N. T. L. Institute Training Registration--J.Escobar 578 1,447.99 Office Depot Office Supplies 579 681.76 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 580 1,232.58 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 581 147.53 Page &Turnbull Consulting Services--Picchetti Ranch 582 338.19 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. Bluelines and Photo Enlargements 583 1,500.00 Platypus Cabinet Design--Nature Center 584 833.89 Glen A. Phillips, Landscape Architect Consulting Services--Fremont Older and Monte Bello Parking Areas 585 45.34 Precision Engravers, Inc. Namebadges 586 195.00 Fred Pryor Seminars Seminar Registration-J.McCullough 587 5.50 Rancho Cobbler Radio Case Repair 588 44.17 Rancho Hardware Field Supplies 589 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 590 40.81 Rich's Tire Service Tire Change and Repair 591 3,719.92 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs 592 460.31 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs and Traffic Cones 593 174.61 Saftey Kleen Solvent Tank Service 594 1,024.60 Jane Saltman Consulting Services-El Corte de Madera and Rancho de Guadalupe Parking 595 300.00 Santa Clara County Health Department Permit 596 50.00 Santa Clara County Health Training Officers Fire Training-Rangers 597 348.75 *3 Savory & Sweet Deposit--Staff Appreciation Event *3 Urgent check issued on July 1, 1996. Page 2 Claims No. 96-12 Meeting 96-15 Date:June26, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 598 62.55 *4 Second Cup Coastal Protection Legislation Lunch 599 323.36 Serendipity Land Yachts, Ltd. Bus Charter—June 9th Event 600 213.02 Shell Oil Company Fuel 601 1,667.27 Signs of the Times Signs 602 4,200.00 George Sipel Associates Consulting Services--Planning Department 603 55.45 Skyline County Water District Water Service 604 5.02 Skywood Trading Post Fuel 605 77.47 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 606 7,348.00 Sylvester, Schwartz & Tugaw Worker's Compensation Insurance Deposit 607 1,545.00 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 608 103,491.00 Tag Group Corporation Skyline Office Construction 609 165.94 Tap Plastics Signs 610 1,755.32 Teater & Etc Sign Graphics and Map Revisions 611 124.82 Terra Tech Concrete Testing 612 5,000-00 Grant Thornton Partial Billing--1995/1996 Audit 613 225.00 David Topley Reimbursement--Training Registration 614 312.48 Tractor Equipment Sales Equipment Rental 615 66.19 Unocal Fuel 616 167.49 University Art Center Drafting Supplies 617 864.69 Valley Title Company Title Insurance--Liles Property 618 82.80 M. Douglas Vu Private Vehicle Expense 619 61.22 West Guard Corporation Uniform Allowance 620 261 ee Wesco Boots Uniform Expense 521.00 621 69.75 West Publishing Company Resource Documents 622 1,058.69 Wheelsmith Bicycles 623 132.90 Michael Williams Private Vehicle Expense 624 138.75 Whitmore, Johnson & Bolanos Legal Services 625 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Board Meeting Recording Services 626 77.59 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 627 979.71 Yardbird Equipment Sales Equipment Parts and Repairs 628 1,219.50 Zumwalt Engineering Group Engineering Services--Weeks Road and Schilling Lake Spillway Projects 629R 224.43 Lauren Crook Reimbursement: Staff Activities 630R 82.50 Cupertino Senior Center Rental—Recognition Activities by Board 631R 79.98 Safeway Grant Cabin Dedication Refreshments 632R 267.51 Petty Cash Local Meeting Expense, Field and Office Supplies, Docent and Volunteer Expenses, and Private Vehicle Expense TOTAL 176,016.23 *4 Urgent check issued on July 15, 1996. Page 3 Claims No. 96-13 Meeting 96-16 Date: July 24, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 509 72.50 Ace Fire Equipment Fire Extinguisher Service 510 166.71 A-1 Sanitation Sanitation Services 511 544.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation, Inc. Sanitation Services 512 148.84 ADT Security Systems, Inc. Alarm System Maintenance 513 96.12 American Welding Supply Welding Supplies 514 601.02 AT&T Telephone Service 516 52.80 Barron Park Supply Company Electrical Parts 515 24.30 Bay Area Air Quality Management District Fuel Tank Nozzle Permit 517 45.35 Craig Beckman Reimbursement--Field Supplies 518 30.00 Best Internet Communications Monthly Service Fee 519 251.00 Bill's Towing & Recovery Vehicle Towing Services 520 858.00 C & N Tractors Equipment Rental 521 124.38 California State Board of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax 522 65.28 California Trail Foundation Trail Day Supplies 523 246.50 California Water Service Water Service 524 78.63 Capitol Enquiry Legislative Directory 525 49.21 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Fire Equipment 526 177.82 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Parts and Repairs 527 478.45 Barrie D. Coate Oak Tree Assessment--Grant House 528 378.39 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Field Supplies 529 23.91 Commercial Landscape Supply, Inc. Field Supplies 530 305.00 Con's Backhoe & Lumber Water Line Repair--McDonald Ranch 531 4,237.93 Alice Cummings Consulting Service--Grarit Preparation 532 72.27 Dennis Danielson Reimbursement--Field Supplies 533 108.00 Mary deBeauvieres Private Vehicle Expense 534 1,561.86 Enshallah Consulting Services--Teague Hill 535 525.00 John Escobar Reimbursement--Training Expenses 536 101.25 Federal Express Corporation Express Mail 537 36.73 Film to Frame Film Developing 538 1,000.00 First American Title Guaranty Company Preliminary Reports 539 68.47 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locks and Keys 540 49.71 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 541 2,322.90 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Equipment and Supplies 542 60.26 Gibson Studio LLC Film Processing and Prints 543 300.00 Goldfus Enterprises, Ink Consulting Services--June 9th Event 544 203.94 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing 545 531.87 Goodyear Auto Service Center Vehicle Tires 546 145.47 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Telephone Service 547 77.89 *1 George Gray Resource Management Interview Panelist Expenses 548 184.10 *2 Kathe Gibbs Hansen Reimbursement-Enterprise Expense 549 1,185.25 Virg Harkins Signs Signs 550 160.00 Hengehold Motor Company Van Rental 551 250.00 Hidden Villa Awards Dinner--C.Britton and T. Henshaw 552 432.67 The Home Depot Field Equipment and Supplies 553 135.71 House of Printing Printing 554 88.00 Hyster Sales Company Vehicle Parts *1 Urgent check issued on July 2, 1996. *2 Urgent check issued on July 8, 1996. Page 1 Claims No. 96-13 Meeting 96-16 Date:July 24, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 555 2,079.58 Jeda Publications Brochure Printing 556 12.93 Keeble & Shuchat Photography Color Prints 557 144.92 Kinko's Docent Newsletter Printing 558 34.49 D. Kobza & Associates Architectural Services--Skyline Office 559 43.32 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock 560 145.45 Tom Lausten Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 561 89.70 Judy Law Private Vehicle Expense 562 1,058.62 Lawson Products, Inc. Field Supplies 563 1,117.65 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Rental 564 2,712.85 Town of Los Gatos Administration Services--Skyline Office 565 262.91 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 566 20.00 Mendocino County Resource Conservation Resource Document District 567 141.47 MetroMobile Communications Radio Repairs 568 630.00 Micro Accounting Solutions Computer Services 569 159.92 Minton's Lumber & Supply Field Supplies 570 46.33 Mountain View Garden Center Field Supplies 571 29.00 National Rotary Association Subscription 572 19.50 Netcom Monthly Service Fee 573 306.75 Netstart Internal Modem 574 1,007.31 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Repairs 575 51.46 Norney's of Mountain View Office Supplies 576 46.28 Northern Energy, Inc. Propane Fuel 577 1,345-00 N. T. L. Institute Training Registration--J.Escobar 578 1,447.99 Office Depot Office Supplies 579 681.76 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 580 1,232.58 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 581 147.53 Page &Turnbull Consulting Services--Picchetti Ranch 582 338.19 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. Bluelines and Photo Enlargements 583 1,500.00 Platypus Cabinet Design--Nature Center 584 833.89 Glen A. Phillips, Landscape Architect Consulting Services--Fremont Older and Monte Bello Parking Areas 585 45.34 Precision Engravers, Inc. Namebadges 586 195.00 Fred Pryor Seminars Seminar Registration-J.McCullough 587 5.50 Rancho Cobbler Radio Case Repair 588 44.17 Rancho Hardware Field Supplies 589 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 590 40.81 Rich's Tire Service Tire Change and Repair 591 3,719.92 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs 592 460.31 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs and Traffic Cones 593 174.61 Saftey Kleen Solvent Tank Service 594 1,024.60 Jane Saltman Consulting Services--El Corte de Madera and Rancho de Guadalupe Parking 595 300.00 Santa Clara County Health Department Permit 596 50.00 Santa Clara County Health Training Officers Fire Training--Rangers 597 348.75 •3 Savory & Sweet Deposit--Staff Appreciation Event •3 Urgent check issued on July 1, 1996. Page 2 Claims No. 96-12 Meeting 96-15 Date: June26, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Amount Name Description 598 62.55 *4 Second Cup Coastal Protection Legislation Lunch 599 323.36 Serendipity Land Yachts, Ltd. Bus Charter--June 9th Event 600 213.02 Shell Oil Company Fuel 601 1,667.27 Signs of the Times Signs 602 4,200.00 George Sipel Associates Consulting Services--Planning Department 603 55.45 Skyline County Water District Water Service 604 5.02 Skywood Trading Post Fuel 605 77.47 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 606 7,348.00 Sylvester, Schwartz & Tugaw Worker's Compensation Insurance Deposit 607 1,545.00 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 608 103,491.00 Tag Group Corporation Skyline Office Construction 609 165.94 Tap Plastics Signs 610 1,755.32 Teater & Etc Sign Graphics and Map Revisions 611 124.82 Terra Tech Concrete Testing 612 5,000.00 Grant Thornton Partial Billing-1995/1996 Audit 613 225.00 David Topley Reimbursement—Training Registration 614 312.48 Tractor Equipment Sales Equipment Rental 615 66.19 Unocal Fuel 616 167.49 University Art Center Drafting Supplies 617 864.69 Valley Title Company Title Insurance--Liles Property 618 82.80 M. Douglas Vu Private Vehicle Expense 619 61.22 West Guard Corporation Uniform Allowance 620 261.00 Wesco Boots Uniform Expense 621 69.75 West Publishing Company Resource Documents 622 1,058.69 Wheelsmith Bicycles 623 132.90 Michael Williams Private Vehicle Expense 624 138.75 Whitmore, Johnson & Bolanos Legal Services 625 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Board Meeting Recording Services 626 77.59 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 627 979.71 Yardbird Equipment Sales Equipment Parts and Repairs 628 1,219.50 Zumwalt Engineering Group Engineering Services--Weeks Road and Schilling Lake Spillway Projects TOTAL 174,840.81 *4 Urgent check issued on July 15, 1996. Page 3 Regional peen Sk ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manage DATE: July 24, 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 S1 .-e July 23, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Honorable Tom Campbell United States Congress 910 Campisi Way, Suite 1C Campbell, CA 95008 Dear Congressman Campbell: The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is applying to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for a National Recreational Trails Fund grant. Your assistance is crucial for the successful award of these funds . The District is seeking a $73 , 925 grant to help implement the Trail Use Plan for the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, and your letter of support will help immeasurably . The trails at this steep, rugged, 2, 788-acre preserve are most popular among mountain bicyclists. Unfortunately, up to 21 miles of unauthorized trails have been created by shortcutting and reopening old logging and motorcycle trails . To resolve the situation, the Trail Use Plan was jointly formulated by a Citizen' s Task Force and District staff after extensive public input. It' s purpose is to protect and restore the natural resources of the preserve, while enhancing wildland trail opportunities for a broad spectrum of visitors . When complete, there will be 30 miles of official trails to suit hikers, bikers, and equestrians, and an improved circulation pattern. Unsafe or damaging trails will be rerouted or eliminated, and degraded areas will be restored. It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you could provide a letter of support for awarding a grant to help fund this project. Please direct your support - letter to Keith Steinhart, Project Officer, Local Services Section, Dept. of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-001. Attached is a sample letter of support that you may wish to use as a guide in preparing your letter. It would be most helpful if your letter is mailed as soon as possible, and if you provided our office with a copy. Thank you for your continuing support of our common goals of enhancing regional open space, recreation programs, and public access . Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors NH/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com e 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 Sample Letter of Support July 23, 1996 Keith Steinhart, Project Officer Local Services Section, Dept. of Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-001 Dear Mr. Steinhart: I am writing to support the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's application for a National Recreational Trails Fund grant. This grant will help fund implementation of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. The Trail Use Plan,jointly formulated by the District and a Citizen's Task Force, enjoys wide support among user groups interested in enhancing the trails at this preserve. This area is particularly popular with mountain bicyclists, who currently enjoy 17 miles of designated trails. Unfortunately, up to 21 miles of w-iofficial trails have been created by shortcutting and the reopening of old logging and motorcycle trails, resulting in degradation of the natural resources as well as safety, trespass, and trail use problems. The Trail Use Plan will balance the recreational and environmental interests of trail users with the District's desire and responsibility to maintain the natural resources while providing for public use. With the assistance of this grant,the District will create new trail mileage, repair degraded trail, eliminate some unauthorized trails, build or repair trail/vehicle bridges, and install new fencing, gates, and signage. The final result will be a total of 30 miles of official trails that will best suit the recreational desires of hikers, bikers, and equestrians, balanced with the District's natural resource protection policies. I urge you to award this grant to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District so that it may continue in its efforts to provide the public with a safe, positive trail experience at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Identical Letter sent to the following: Hon. Byron Sher Hon. Anna Eshoo Hon. Tom Campbell San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Terry Segal, Trail Center Pat Sanchez, Director, SM Co Parks & Recreation Richard Biederman, Chair, SM Co Parks & Recreation Commission Julia Bott, Sierra Club Andrew Lisac, Exec. Director, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Peter Donohue, ROMP El Corte de Madera Task Force Members: Kevin Maher, Berry Stevens, Bob Kain, Barrie Freeman, Bo Gimbal i I INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM July 22, 1996 TO: Craig Britton, General Manger FROM: John Escobar, Operations Manager SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month June Year 1996 VIOLATIONS TOTALS (*) ACCIDENTS TOTALS Bicycles Bicycle 9 Closed area 9 (7) Equestrian 2 Speed. 24 (4) Hiking/running 1 Helmet 24 (12) Vehicle I Night riding 0 Search/rescue 0 Dogs Helicopter evacuations 1 Prohibited area 3 (2) Off-leash 9 (4) ENFORCENWM Fishing/swimming 2 (2) Citations 83 (**) Off-road vehicles 0 (0) Written warnings _677 Closed area 0 (0) Police assistance 0 After hours 38 (26) Weapons CPJAIIES Actual contacts 0 Resisting peace officer I Reports only 0 Auto Burglary 0 Vandalism _0 (0) False information to Parking 16 (4) police officer 1 (1) After hours parking 10 (7) Minor in possession Dumping/littering 1 (0) of alcohol 14 (**14) MUTUAL AID (*) = number of citations issued Accidents 5 Enforcement 2 (**) = includes S Juvenile Fire 4 Contact Reports Helicopter Landing Zone I SLrNEWARIES OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS 6/1: M. Newburn observed an illegal campfire in Stevens Creek Co. Park Area #1 picnic grounds. He extinguished the fire with his vehicle pumper. The visitor was cited by county park rangers and arrested by county sheriffs for $23,000 in outstanding traffic-related warrants. 6/1: T. Kamofel and K. Carlson assisted with the detention and arrest of a drunk driver within the Villa Maria picnic area of Stevens Creek County Park. 6/8: L. Paterson cited a cyclist for closed area and false information to a peace officer violations on the Black Mountain Trail. 6/10: K. Miller cleaned up a dump pile of clothes and magazines (3 garbage bags) found at the Fremont Older Prospect lot. He telephone interviewed the suspected owner of the garbage. He then issued a warning notice to the visitor advising against further dumping in the preserve. 6/10: P. Hearin received and filed a report of a dog bite that occurred at Fremont Older. 6/11: A tire was slashed on a District vehicle while it was parked on Harkins Ridge at Soda Gulch at Purisima OSP. The tire had to be replaced. 6/11: A campfire ring with melted beer bottles was found at Windy Hill near Willowbrook and Alpine. A section of fence was found vandalized and used for firewood. 6/18: D. Sanguinetti, P. Congdon, and B. Downing assisted in fighting a fire on private property near Page Mill and Moody Roads in Los Altos Hills. Faulty wiring in a barn caused the fire. 6/22: B. Malone found a stolen vehicle blocking an access gate to Purisima OSP. While waiting for a San Mateo sheriffs' deputy Malone saw a group of night riders in Huddert Park directly across from his location. He tried to contact them but they fled from into the park. 6/30: M. Ken, L. Paterson, and B. Downing assisted in fighting a fire on private property on Old La Honda Road near Highway 84. M. Ken and L. Paterson were first on scene and made the initial attack on the fire. Three arson fires were reported in the area on the same day. I I INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM July 22, 1996 TO: Craig Britton, General Manger FROM: John Escobar, Operations Manager SUBJECT: July 4 Field Report Skyline Area Use was moderate in the Skyline Area, with the majority occurring by mountain bicyclists at El Corte de Madera and Purisima Creek. These lots were full, while other lots were at half capacity most of the day. P. Congdon responded to a report of a fight in one of the Stevens Creek County Park picnic areas with a sheriffs deputy. They were unable to locate the suspects. M. Ken and L. Paterson responded to a bicycle accident at Long Ridge. In the evening, use increased substantially. Windy Hill, Russian i Ridge, and Los Trancos were opened by permit for fireworks observation. Visitors were generally cooperative. After hours violators were contacted at Windy Hill by M. Ken, L. Paterson and B. Downing. M. Malone contacted three visitors smoking and in possession of fireworks at Russian Ridge. Ten individuals in possession of fireworks and two firearms were contacted in one of the Long Ridge turn outs by a Santa Cruz County sheriffs deputy and P. Congdon, D. Danielson, L. Paterson, and W. Phillips. The sheriff confiscated the contraband and released the individuals. All units were off duty by 2400 hours. Foothills Area Visitation to all Foothills Area preserves was very low; there were no public contact incidents in the morning and early afternoon. Later in the evening, the activity level increased. At preserve closing time, rangers had to turn people away from St, Joseph's Hill, El Sereno, and Sierra Azul. A large party of people had to be dispersed from District gate #SA06 at Mt. Umunhum Road and Woods Road. (The Mt. Umunhum residents had the road blocked at the Rosetta property line.) There were approximately 100 visitors at each of the fireworks viewing areas, Hunter's Point in Fremont Older and Mora Water Tank in Rancho San Antonio. There were no illegal alcohol incidents at either location. Three people at Mora Water Tank were asked to stop smoking. A District ranger assisted County Parks with an illegal fireworks display and a lost family at Guadalupe Reservoir. �I I / | Regional| �� 8 Wce—��' ----- -- «- --- | | -- - — ------'— -- —~---~�-~�` —�~~—^--~_ | . m|0PENIN8ULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Michele Sann'uineui July 22` 1996 Interim Vo|untccrCoondinak`r (415)691-1200 Attention Calendar Editors � Mend i a - Fences and Con m k i m g Trail Users with the Open Space District � � � Los Altos, CA — Volunteers are needed for two upcoming pro ects for tile Midpenioyu|a � - Regional Open Space District. First, 15peop|e are invited to enjoyviews oftile Monterey Bay and the East Bay hills, while basking in tile beautiful weather at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, where � raptors soar and the Amesyhillsides beckon. During Vou, idyllic outing, you'll help k/ repair some old � fences that have fallen to the elements. This project tuke« p|uceon3o1urduy, /\ugust 17. � [fyou"dmth�retayc|oycrtobono�ycrud|| � �oy the great outdoors, You cunbe one ofsix � volunteers to assist with a trail census at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve on Saturday, August � 24. Thiu pr jcctwi|| Put in touch with nature, and �ivoYou an opportunity to enjoy tile abundant � wildlife that makes Rancho its home. Please call the District at(415) 691-1200 to Sign Lip for either of these projects. Space is limited, so please call soon! 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 4 1,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 2] open space preserves. Funding ia provided hyu small share of the annual total property tax revenues collected within District boundaries. The District permanently protects wildlife habitat, watershed, and u variety ofecosystems, restores damaged natural resources, and provides trail improvements for b tbe h| passiverecreationalux� u� public. ` The District's goals are to acquire u continuous greenbelt o[protected open space lands for public use and enjoyment,andtmprcscrveopenopucefbrb/ture generations to enjoy. Thcncmceapproxirnutc|y 20,000- 30,000 acres of land still at risk of being lost to development within the District's planning area. The District in divided into seven ��u�ruphiuvvurds,each represented for u four year tcrnnbyun elected Board member. The Board holds public meetings on tile second and fourth Wednesdays of each month u17:30p.m., at the District offices. ### Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General ma^oge :L.Craig Britton Regional O en S, ee MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEMORANDUM DATE: June 19, 1996 TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager FROM: Malcolm Smith, Public Affairs Manager RE: Evaluation of June 9 This Land is Your Land event Judging from the initial comments from vendors and discussions with staff,the event is considered an overall success, despite some initial problems with the shuttle buses from Foothill College. Staff has met and discussed all aspects of the event, and developed a number of ideas for improving any future events of this kind. While there certainly was room for improvement, all agreed that the event ran smoothly and efficiently, and that the public was well-served throughout the day. Field staff reports no significant negative impact to the land as a result of the event. A total of 950 visitors were counted during the day, clearly achieving our objective of accommodating between 500 and 1,000 participants. The shuttles were reasonably utilized, with approximately 200 passengers throughout the day, and event parking at Foothill College was counted at approximately 50 cars. The Skyline lot was generally full, but with enough turnover to accommodate a steady flow of cars. The Monte Bello overflow parking area(Lorrie's stable area)was used only minimally, with about 20 cars. There was a total of 36 vendors participating in the event, ranging from land conservation advocacy groups to recreational equipment retailers. Evaluation forms have been sent to each of them, and of those that have been returned so far the response is very favorable. One key question to them is, would they participate again, and so far all have said that it was a valuable use of their time, and that they would participate again.ate p p The visitors to the event included many families with children and, based on random surveys of the visitors, a large majority of them had not been to an open space preserve prior to this event. This achieves an event goal, and one Of Our,program objectives of reaching constituents who are not familiar with the District. Our surveys also showed that most people heard about the event from the San Jose Mercury News advertisements. In determining whether or not the event was a success and worth repeating, one must look beyond the easily-quantifiable results, such as number of participants and vendor satisfaction. For example, the amount of publicity garnered is an extremely significant element in fostering public awareness of the District. We can calculate the number of mentions in the paper and the distribution of the advertisements, but it is difficult to quantify the resulting changes in overall public awareness and perception (except, perhaps, through an in-depth public opinion poll). However, based merely on the sheer number of people who receive the Mercury News and the other publicity items, it is logical and reasonable to assume that the result has been at least an, increase in awareness and name recognition for the District. As has always been the goal of the public affairs program, any increase to the general name recognition of the District is valuable, and builds on the other aspects of our public outreach and communications. j 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 � � � Jonc |V� C , 1996 � L. Britton � ' '°�v� � � Page-2' � � Ro|kn*ingure some of the statistical details oo the June qevent. � event:SummaU of the methods used to publicize the Two | ads in the local section ofthe Mercury News................2U8,50U readers per/6m - Lne 1/4-page ad in tile Peninsula 'Living section uf the Mercury............. 4Q]X}Oreaders ' Coverage io other newspapers.............. |0 event listings - Diatrkctnev/ letter.................................|3JlO0recipients - Lorna 9rketon newsletter.......................22,0XX} recipients - |nteroutposing------------.unknuvvnnunoberofrcuders - Hyeodimbihutedtosovennm 'o, libraries and{o36 event vendors..........44 flyer locations ' Summary ` of direct costs: Printed items: $3,388.64 Art design/layout/consulting services: $3,728.38 Vehicles/parkingpuU� ,ontuo� �i834�22 � � � Miscellaneous supplies: $ 238.52 | Entertainment: $1`175.00 � (WikUUe Assoc., kids' music, strolling music) � Photography: $1]0[2.08 Total: $1-1 J66.84 In-kind contributions Value - Thrce | / ^ ~ / in the San Jose Mercury News: $9720.00 - Tvvoyhuttlevuns: $ 605.20 ' contributions:Total in-kind $1l�325.20 � � Estimated staff hours utilized during the event: 180 � (15 staff 48 hours; 4 staff Ct� Y hours; 2stadf 12hnuo) � ' Seventeen of these staff were working as part of their regular work week and did not Put in any additional hours nu their weekly schedule. |tiy not possible to estimate the nun/bcro[s�dfhnuoutilized in the planning phases o[the event. There vverc also 35 vo|unteeo contributing an approximate total of |O0 hours oo the day o[tile event. / | ' ^ Regional Open S, ce I MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT WARNING NOTICE On July 13, a coyote bit a small child at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Following the incident, two coyotes were trapped by a wildlife specialist. This particular coyote may have been captured. Coyotes are a natural part of this region's environment. They are normally wary of people and will generally avoid contact. However, coyotes are wild animals and can be dangerous to humans. Caution is essential when any wildlife is encountered, especially if the animal is aggressive, ill, or does not appear to be afraid of human contact. II To avoid problems with wildlife: • Do not let small children wander out of sight. • For protection rotection and the animals well-bein do not Y g� try to pet or feed a wild animal. Warn animals of your presence to give them an opportunity to avoid you. For more information, please call the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at (41 S) 691-1200. If you observe an animal displaying unusual behavior, please report it. 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 . FAX:415-691-0485 . E-mail: mrosd@netcorn.com 0 Berard of Directors:Fete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena 1 ienshaw, David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Win)de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open S. ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT I II TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manage�X, DATE: July 19, 1996 SUBJECT: FYI I f i I 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone:415-691-1200 m FAX:415-691-0485 . E-mail: mrosdCrnetcom.com Board of Directors.Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Renshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton III July 01, 1996 Midpenninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca. 94022-1404 Supervisor, Mid-Penn. Park Rangers On the afternoon of 06/25/96 a wildfire occurred on the west side of Stevens Canyon Road, approximately 1/8—th mile north of Stevens Creek Dam. CDF Engine 1683 arrived on scene and as we initiated a hose-lay to extinguish the flames along the right flank of the fire, two of your Rangers, Mike Newburn & Tom Lawston arrived on scene. Seeing we were short of personnel they put on their wildland safety clothing and offered their assistance. Upon recieving instructions they each immediately took 200 ft. of 1 1/2" hose up the hill and assisted my firefighter with the hose-lay and extinguishing the flames. During the hose-lay one length of hose broke and another was burned, your personnel immediately took action clamping and replacing the broken lengths of hose with two new lengths of hose to continue the hose-lay operation. My thanks to your Rangers Mike Newburn and Tom Lawston for their professionalism and assistance in a time of need. Through their actions and performance it was obvious to me they were well trained in producing an effective Progressive Hose-Lay, and extinguishing the fire in a Safe manner. My thanks to you also, their supervisors, for providing your employees with the necessary training and safety clothing needed in order for them to safely perform these tasks. Gratefully yours, I Ronald C. Thompson Fire Captain Calif. Dept. for Forestry& Fire Protection Station #23, Stevens Creek 0(_CA . r �► �-!� �`' -f-�.-e�. � -f-�.Q tom-. �.�. k s . 1 A regional group working for environmental quality THE COMMITTEE FOR GREEN FOOTHILLS Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 East Bayshore,Palo Alto,California 94303•(415)968-7243 J Regional Open Sfpce 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Jean Fiddes July 11, 1996 District Clerk (415) 691-1200 Open Space District Board Nomination Period Opens Los Altos, CA -- On November 5, 1996, voters in three wards of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will have the Opportunity to choose their elected representatives on the District's Board of Directors. The nomination period opens on Monday, July 15, 1996 and closes on Friday, August 9, 1996. The election covers two wards in Santa Clara County and one ward in San Mateo County. Ward 3 includes the portion of Sunnyvale north of Fremont Avenue; Ward 4 represents Mountain View, the Moffett Field area, and north Los Altos (bounded by Adobe Creek and Foothill Expressway); Ward 7 covers San Carlos, Redwood City, and the Palomar Park area. Individuals interested in running for seats on the Board must file with the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m., August 9, 1996. The nomination period will be extended to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14 if an incumbent director does not file nomination papers. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by the election date and must also be residents and registered voters in the ward in which they seek nomination. Candidates elected in November will serve four-year terms beginning in January, 1997. (more) 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 The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, extending from the City of San Carlos to the Town oflos Gatos, is a public agency which has preserved over 41,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 23 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. July 4, 1 L. Craig Britton MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 a neighbors of Russian Ride about the residents of Ward 6 and We are writing, as e g g "grassland management plan" (agenda item R-96-74) for Russian Ridge which was presumably discussed at the June 26 MROSD board meeting. There are five items that are of immediate concern to us. First, we would appreciate being notified well in advance of impending actions on the Russian Ridge and Coal Creek Preserves. In the future, please use the mailing address shown at the end of this letter, which is to our knowledge the only one that we have used in our correspondence with the district on this or any other matter. By using an address with an incorrect city and zip-code, the district insured, no doubt inadvertently, that we did not receive notice of the June 26 meeting until after the fact. Second, we would appreciate receiving by return mail a copy of the Russian Ridge study prepared by Tamara Kan, and a copy of the minutes of the June 26 meeting when they become available. Third, we would like to offer a few general comments on the proposed plan. It appears, as nearly as one can say from the necessarily sketchy details provided to us, to be a significant improvement over last years'proposal, and to validate our original objections, which were to an un-monitored, large-scale Fall burn. There are provisions for monitoring the effects of some, if not all, of the proposed protocols, and there is recognition of the potential importance of timing of controlled burns on thistle population. It is interesting to note in the Action Plan Schedule that no Fall burn is proposed to be done without first spraying yellow star-thistle, and no burn of any kind is proposed without follow-up thistle control. Goat grazing is a proven technique for star- thistle reduction and we are glad to see that it is included. However, we are puzzled by the statement (page 3 item 4 of R-96-74) that "Staff would like to pursue the opportunity to conduct a controlled bum...during summer or fall 1996" which is at odds with the action plan table, and could not be done with full monitoring. We hope this is a typographical error. Fourth, we take issue with the characterization of some of the herbicides proposed for use by the district as safe and effective. While 'effective' is likely, 'safe' seems less so, and this characterization by pesticide applicators, who as a profession have historically proclaimed the safety of pesticides now banned from use in this country, is of little comfort. All of Russian Ridge's neighbors obtain their water from wells, some shallow, or from springs. As shown in the table below, two of the three proposed broad-leaf-selective herbicides have a significant potential for groundwater contamination. HERBICIDE HUMAN HUMAN GROUNDWATER 1/2 LIFE WILDLIFE CARCINOGEN TERATOGEN POLLUTER (days) EFFECTS Glyphosate uncertain unlikely no 1-174 can be toxic to fish 2,4-D possible possible yes 7-10 can be toxic to fish, insects dicamba uncertain suspected likely 4-555 i f triclopyr unlikely unlikely no 30-90 The annual rainfall on Russian Ridge is between 40 and 60 inches per year, which is generally considered more than adequate to drive soil leaching. We strongly object to the use of dicamba or 2,4-D. Fifth, we would like to propose that the district rethink, and open up, its process for public input. Staff must surely have been aware, after the hearings on the proposed Russian Ridge burn last year, of our intense interest in this matter. They arranged the presence of two CDF employees at the June 26 board meeting to present one side of the story. Conversely, as interested members of the public, residents of the District, and neighbors of the Preserve, we were informed by mail sent to the wrong town and postmarked three working days before the board meeting in question. We were not really informed at all. Is it too much to ask that the district inform at least those members of the public who they know full well are interested in a particular matter, of relevant board meetings well before the meeting is to occur? Why not go even further, and inform those same citizens of studies that are underway, or completed?Why not post notices at affected preserve entrances, so that all who are potentially interested could be informed of upcoming actions?Our interest in this matter is and has been only to insure thoughtful and sound stewardship of public lands and the environment, without preconceived notions of the right or wrong course of action. Frankly, we believe that by being involved in the question of the proposed Russian Ridge burn last year, we have improved that stewardship in some small way. The district would do well to make such involvement easier, rather than more difficult. Sincerely, Nick Moll (PhD) Sarah Christian (Hydrogeologist) Star Route 2 Box 408 La Honda, CA 94020 CC: Directors Note: Herbicide properties were abstracted from EXTOXNET EXTENSION TOXICOLOGY NETWORK references, which will be provided upon request. c;L- Co�- - q-a 7 0 5 � J -cam e,.L� � -f "-e o an- J kn Pace, r wk, p-+.e_ S 01,VYCQ vl.s 7iso\-- ,7v C-ci �.� hA o s f vi ve- U-M llw�Grq/LA -D--) LM+ / tea+{- -C?� "' J Regional Open 5' ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 8, 1996 Sally Boyd 3352 La Mesa Dr. #17 San Carlos, CA 94070-4207 Re: Eucalyptus Trees, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Dear Ms. Boyd: Thank you for your letter, postmarked July 5, asking us to preserve the Ecalyptus trees in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. We understand your feelings about these trees. They are picturesque and people have come to appreciate them as an integral part of the California landscape. However, the District, like the National Park Service, has determined that Eucalyptus are an invasive, non-native species that over time will crowd out native vegetation. They also inhibit the growth of any vegetation beneath them, further reducing habitat values. Because the Eucalyptus are not so invasive as the Acacia at Pulgas Ridge, they are currently a low priority for management, but ultimately we propose to remove them. We expect to be focusing on the Acacia for the next several years. When the time comes, the removal of the Eucalyptus would be done gradually, due to our limited financial resources, and to avoid significant visual impact. In any case, we believe the trees you describe as right outside your window are on private condominium association land. We have no plans to cut any trees close to any residences and our management practices do not extend to private 'property. Attached for your information are excerpts from the District's adopted Resource Management Policies covering vegetation management. These policies were adopted with a great deal of research and public input, including consideration of the viewpoints of you and your neighbors. We are sorry we cannot comply with your request, but we hope this letter provides some r reas r4nce that the removal of the Eucalyptus will be slow in coming and very gradual. S S eas u ncerely\ L. igBritton, General Manager cc: MROSD Board of Directors BRA 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 o 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 Policies and Implementation Measures 4.1 Maintain the diversity of native plant communities. 0 As part of the Resource Management Plan for a preserve or geographic area: map and describe plant communities; analyze successional trends using aerial photographs, sequential photographs from set photo points, and where necessary, plant transects; and formulate site- specific vegetation management goals. 0 Identify appropriate areas for restoring lost or altered native plant communities and restore them to a natural condition. This is often best done by restoring natural processes and controlling invasive plants, rather than by planting. (See 3.1 • Manage native grassland sites to encourage reestablishment and perpetuation of California native grasses. • Manage oak woodland to encourage reestablishment and perpetuation of California native oaks. • Control invasive non-native plants. (See Section 6.) 4.2 Use native material occurring naturally on site or on similar sites for vegetation replacement or enhancement projects. • Use only local seed sources to revegetate or enhance degraded areas. The best source of native seed is topsoil taken from adjacent intact habitat and applied thinly. • Use fill, mulch, and seed mixtures that are as free as possible of non-native plants in restoration projects. Know where such materials come from. (See 8.1 for possible exception.) • Set up a District plant nursery or work with a local nursery to grow native plants needed for restoration projects. • To control erosion after fires, avoid seeding with rye grass, "Zorro" fescue, Harding grass, of other aggressive plants. Barley is preferable. • Use locally collected plant material that is biologically and visually appropriate to the surrounding wild landscape and appropriate to the stage of plant community development at the site. • Encourage District tenants to use native plants for landscaping to provide natural habitat. 4.3 Protect and enhance habitat for special status plant species. (Special status Wants include state and federally listed threatened, rare, and endangered species, species of special concern, and species listed by the California Native Plant Society.) 0 Identify the location and condition of special status plants and their habitats as part of the Resource Management Plan for a preserve or geographical area. 0 Conduct surveys for special status plants during the appropriate flowering season before significant site-specific development or any unusual anticipated increase in use. Modify the project or use to avoid impacting such plants. 0 Protect areas with special status species from human activities and other negative impacts such as erosion. Examples of protective measures include trail rerouting, signs, and fencing. 0 Do not transplant naturally occurring wild plants as a mitigation measure, except as a last resort. 4-3 October 1994 NON-N' 'iE SPECIES MANAGEME • 6 Non-Native Species Management Goal: Control of non-native species which have a substantial impact on preserve resources, whenever control is reasonably possible Policies and Implementation Measures 6.1 Discourage spread of invasive non-native species. • Develop a program to monitor invasive non-native plant and animal species to detect population growth and range expansion. Post information about invasives at apprcariate trailheads. • Take measures to prevent invasion of non-natives in undertaking projects that disturb vegetation. • Give highest priority for control efforts to non-native species which are actively displacing native species, especially in sensitive habitats areas next topriva te property, and areas with high visitor use. • Coordinate and cooperate with neighbors to control invasive species. • Consider the impact of removal of non-native species on native wildlife. • Do not introduce non-native plants and animals into preserves, except to control detrimental non-native species, and then only when the following two conditions are met: (1) available native species will not meet the needs of the management program; and (2) the non-native species will not become a pest (based on best available information). • If a non-native animal becomes a problem and removal is advisable, make an effort to save the animal's life by finding a suitable home in a non-natural setting. 6.2 Manage both native and non-native species according to integrated pest management (IPM) techniques in cooperation with responsible agencies. • Use IPM procedures to determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, chemical, fire, biological, or other means. • Understand the biology of an invading species, determine its disruptive potential, and assign acceptable levels of damage. Use control methods that cause the least hazard to people, property, and the environment. Identify a proposed control or elimination program and its effects prior to its implementation. For example, before using prescribed fire to control encroaching vegetation, consider fire's impact on the overall habitat and 'andscape and weigh this against other control methods such as physical removal. • Take action against pests only when and where natural controls appear to be failing and the post will cause unacceptable impacts on preserve resources, neighboring private property, or human health. • Consider the full range of pest control alternatives. Choose strategies and times of treatment that are the least disruptive to natural controls, least hazardous to human health, least toxic to non-target organisms, least damaging to the general environment, and most cost-effective. Direct the control method narrowly at the target organism to avoid L-oad impacts on the ecosystem. 6-2 Regional Open Sipce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 8, 1996 Neil R. Cullen Director of Public Works County of San Mateo 10 Twin Dolphin Drive Suite C-200 Redwood City, CA 94065-1065 Subject: Permanent Closure of Alpine Road East of Skyline Boulevard Dear Mr. Cullen: I am writing in response to your letter of July 2, 1996, indicating the possibility of the County abandoning the portion of Alpine Road east of Skyline Boulevard. The District recognizes the practicality of permanantly closing the road to motor vehicles. However, we encourage the County to retain the right of way due to its importance as a bicycle and trail connection to Skyline Boulevard. Alpine Road currently functions as the only safe, easily negotiable connection to the Skyline area for bicyclists and other trail users. Any County-wide transportation planning must recognize the importance of this alignment serving the bicycling community. We understand your department has recognized Alpine Road's value as a bicycle connection by applying for an ISTEA grant to create a paved bike trail on Alpine Road to allow road bikes to access Skyline Boulevard without having to contend with vehicular traffic on alternative less safe alternatives. While the grant was unsuccessful, we commend your Department for the effort and encourage you to retain and maintain Alpine Road as a county bicycle and hiking route. We are also hopeful that the County secured FEMA funds to repair the current erosion and slide damage to the road. If your department is interested in preparing another grant application for this project, the District would be happy to support the effort. In the interim, we respectfully request that you repair and continue to maintain the road in sufficient condition to allow use by bicycles, equestrians, hikers, and emergency vehicles. S* ely, L7. raig Britton, General Manager cc: MROSD Board of Directors Berry Stevens, ROMP 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 o Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com 6D 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 Department of Public Works BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RUBEN BARRALES MARY GRIFFIN 'JUL TOM HUENING • 15 199F TED LEMPERT MICHAEL D.NEVIN NEIL R.CULLEN COUNTY OF SAN MATEO DIRECTOR 10 TWIN DOLPHIN DRIVE,SUITE C-200-REDWOOD CITY-CALIFORNIA 94065-1065-PHONE(415)363-4100 FAX(415)594-9980 July 2, 1996 Dear Property Owner: Re: Permanent Closure of a Segment of Alpine Road East of Skyline Boulevard The Department of Public Works is proposing to recommend the permanent closure of that segment of Alpine Road between the existing gates near Joaquin and Page Mill roads (see attached map for the proposed limits of the closure) to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. This road has been closed to vehicular traffic for several years and a portion of the road was effectively eliminated by a landslide last winter. The road therefor, has not functioned as part of the County's maintained road system, and I believe it does not war-rant the expense that would have to be incurred to reopen it for vehicular traffic. Closing the road permanently will require a public hearing by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. However, we are asking for your input prior to taking our recommendation to the Board and setting a date for a hearing, as your property is either nearby or adjacent to the section of road proposed to be permanently closed. I would appreciate your comments by Friday, July 19th, so that we can respond to any comments received and then bring this matter to the Board for their consideration. We are currently planning on presenting our report to the Board in August. We will notify you of the time and date set for this item to be heard, once we confirm a date with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. If you have any questions or require any additional information, please call Mustafa Abu-Najem or Joe LoCoco of our office at (415) 363-4100. Very truly yours, Neil R. Cullen Dirertor of Public Works NRC:BCL:E1✓K:JAL:MSA:cda-fm F:\USERS\COMMON\ESD\ALPINERD\1996\ALPINCLS.WPD f.-/users/Joel/wpdata/alp;c,cis Attachnitr',- Map C(1: Members, ijoard of Supervisors John Maltbie, County Manager Mustafa Abu-Najeni, AssociatQ Engineer ti / Oy 9 I r'• 4� @ P 0 `e�. �v r Ro o / 4 Pr,F.. �I 4nfSH y. \\ C 874 PROPOSED SEGMENT TO BE ABANDONED M1 R� n ! % I C •y � f •:JJ I T �O - -- �ti -- - - -----� - ---- -- -9 ----Q - .4z- II I - ACPlN w �0,�..•.. QP i LLI LLI 111 NINDEGO• a I vaLd i -� i • Z I. Q ADINGCE •16. W •f.• California Municipal Market Report Independence Day Holiday Weekend Edition Stone & Youngberg New Issuance Stone & Youngberg expects to price during the week of the 8th, approximately $30 million in Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Financing Authority Revenue Bonds. The Bonds will be AMBAC insured and carry a Standard& Poor's A rating underlying the Aaa/AAA insurance. The financing structure is expected to have serial maturities running from 1997 through the early teens. Non-callable capital appreciation bonds will be serialized through the maturities from 2015 through 2026. Using a financing authority as the issuing vehicle. the District is combining approximately $19 million in 20 year promissory notes with approximately $11 million in a 30 year lease. The District intends to use the proceeds to refund variable rate notes, refund subordinate lien land contracts, and provide funds for acquiring additional open space. The District was created by vote in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties between 1972 and 1976. To date more than 41,000 acres have been preserved in the two counties. The Bond Buyer 20 General Obligation Bond Index was not published on Thursday, July 4. (The Bond Buyer 20 General Obligation Bond Index is published on Thursdays.) The Index will be updated next week on July 12. The Treasury Market on Friday closed approximately as follows: Change on Week 3 Mos 5.28% +13 Basis Points 6 Mos 5.57% +22 1 Yr 5.95% +14 5 Yr 6.84% +38 10 Yr 7.07% +36 30 Yr 7.21% +32 Stone & Youngberg LLC has made an effort to obtain reliable information. However. we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information. Regional Open SN.,ce ��riws^ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 3, 1996 Ms. Susan Nord 753 Jordan Ave. Los Altos, CA 94022 Re: Additional Dog Access at Windy Hill Dear Ms. Nord: Thank you for your letter dated May 29, 1996 and the attached petition, encouraging the opening of a loop trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to leashed dogs. A copy of your letter and petition has been given to the Board of Directors. You may be aware that in 1995 the Board concluded a two year review process that resulted in substantially increased access for dogs, including many loop trails. Information on dog accessible preserves is enclosed. Based on many expressions of interest, the Board has directed its' Use and Management Committee to re-examine the dog access situation at Windy Hill. Given the committee's work load, a hearing on this issue is anticipated to take place in late September to early October. Your name has been added to the list of persons to be notified of any meetings on this subject. The people on your petition who wrote legible addresses or phone numbers will also be notified. Sincerely, I Randy Anderson Senior Planner RA:kh cc: Board of Directors enc. 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 i 0,6 --9�b - - I �i - ate S r� U-, u2 �- -- ----- -��_ �n 5 - -S U(J,L4 n JCS- . Co i(1-9 I-0-A4, Pc�rP) Ps I � U iuUn-i . I J s , v 20-tv 007 �b G:�Io Ak )A ----- -- -- �J --=`�- -vow 1,aj'U2 s� s07� v''- �j o� ur-IG 0C off- fhb - _ Sc. � fi � % nt�� 1 n,t,' s.ca 007 0oi S (-�0 S?J?fjlcy: 4,7 fi/C'p/1/ * v6'p - - - - cq L)dAL eV-rAW LQl-tkj 0�� t _ Lr --�- - -n K667 276 Ok. ,� _Y�z Z_ ? 2 7`t 3 95 73 -' t8foec 5� �t-6 Arr'.V�" C , w n T w s� VA< s�� �vhes (l x o�- - Ir efA- ,e p to t�� (� 2--t` e.r� �., --- I�- - �5. 5 2-5 - 4154337239 P.azew S&P RtS Midpeninsula Reg open Space Auth,CA Bnds 'As NY -- Standard & Poor's CreditWife 7/2/96 -- Standard A Poor's today has assigned its single-'A' rating to XidPeninsula Regional Open space District Financing Authority, Calif. 's $29.2 million 2026, revenue bonds series 1996 due Standard & Poor's has affirmed its single-W rating on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Calif. 's $17.225 million Certificates of participation series 1993 due 2020 and its single-W-Plus rating on the following promissory notes, $11.5 million promissory notes series 1995 due 2014, $8 million promissory notes series 1992 due 2012, and $14-46 Million Promissory notes series 1990 due 2010. The single—A, rating an the 1996 Authority revenue bonds reflects the district's very strong general credit characteristics and security Provided by participating program obligations, including a subordinate lien Obligation. General credit Characteristics of the district include: A strong and diverse regional economy, Above-average wealth and income indicators, and Limited security and revenue-raising ability, offset by Strong financial performance. The authority will refund two outstanding district Promissory notes, and enter into a lease with the district. The district's outstanding and refunding PVOZiSSOrY notes are Parity limited obligations, payable from t district's share of ad valorem taxes. h 1993 certificates are each subordinate Payments on the lease and outstanding to payments on the notes. The lease is Secured by district lease rental Payments, which the district cove ants to budget and appropriate annually n. - The district's purpose is to preserve open space through a land acquisition program. The lease has strong project essentiality, with the financing of a major Purchase (2,000-2,S00 acres) secured by about 1,4SO acres Of Open space in San Mateo County. The lease is of district Open sace in county known as Rancho de Guadalupe. Under a Marpks-Roossouthern structureS,anta Clara ym pa by the district due under the promissory notes and under the lease are pledged to the authority. A first lien on payments is pledged for the benefit of series 1996 bondholders.received by the authority revenues rs. District property tax annual debt in fiscal 1995 provide 1.4 times (x) Coverage of maximum bt service of outstanding and series 1996 bonds. OUTLOOK: Stable. The Outlook reflects expected continued Prudent debt management, and financial flexibility provided by the district's ability to adjust fiscal Year expenditures for operations and land acquisitions, Standard s Poor's said. __ CreditWire Contact: Susan Schaffer, San Francisco (1) 415-765-5020, Jeffrey J. Thiemann, San Francisco SMviaNewsEDGE *SUBJECT: ICBM MUER SPRG SRTC CMKT Copyright (c) 1996 Standard & Poor's Received by NewsEDGE/LAN: 7/2/96 6:14 PM li TOTAL P.02 ZOO/Z001A !)H3ff5k10X 3N01S s6a srt sTra Lt:ST 96/zo/zo I Regional Open S, ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEMORANDUM DATE: July 2, 1996 TO: Craig Britton FROM: Malcolm Smith RE: Status of District Presentations to Councils, Planning Commissions, and Park & Recreation Commissions City Councils Planning Commissions Park and Rec Commissions Woodside 10/94 Los Gatos 7/26/95 Cupertino 12/1/94 Los Gatos 2/6/95 Menlo Park 8/7/9.5 Saratoga 10/2/95 San Carlos 1/23/95 Sunnyvale 8/14/95 San Carlos 10/4/95 Saratoga 2/l/95 Portola Valley 9/6/95 Los Altos 1995 Cupertino 3/20/95 San Carlos 1 1/6/95 Menlo Park letter 2/15/96 Redwood City 3/27/95 Palo Alto 8/30/95 Portola Valley letter 2/15/96 ` Mntn View 5/9/95 Atherton letter 2/15/96 Los Gatos 5/7/96 E Palo Alto 5/15/95 E Palo Alto letter 2/15/96 Redwood City letter 2/15/96 Sunnyvale 5/23/95 Redwood City 5/22/96 Woodside letter 2/15/96 Palo Alto 7/10/95 Woodside 4/23/96 Los Altos HIIs letter 2/15/96 Menlo Park 7/25/95 Cupertino 6/24/96 Mntn View 6/5/96 Portola Valley 8/10/95 Los Altos 4/1 1/96 Sunnyvale letter 2/15/96 Monte Sereno 8/15/95 Los Altos Hlls letter 2/15/96 Atherton (N/A) Los Altos Hlls 9/20/95 Mntn View 4/17/96 1 Palo Alto (N/A) Atherton (declined) Saratoga letter 2/15/96 Monte Sereno (N/A) Los Altos (no response) Monte Sereno (N/A) Palo Alto (N/A) Total: 15 of 16 completed Total: I 1 of 15 completed Total: 6 of 12 completed 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 S ce 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 1, 1996 Mr. Robert Zatkin 406 Maple Way Woodside, California 94062 Dear Mr. Zatkin: The District's Board of Directors received a copy of your June 22, 1996 letter regarding the trail use plan for El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve at the beginning of their June 26 Regular Meeting. The agenda item on the final adoption of the preserve's trail use plan was removed from the consent calendar to allow the Board to read your letter and consider your request to table action on this matter until after the study requested by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board is completed. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the trail use plan for El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve as contained in the initial staff report as amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the Preserve. I have attached a copy of the staff report that was submitted to the Board for the June 26 meeting that addresses the Regional Water Quality Control Board's request. Sincerely, Y1,0 //- Jean H. Fiddes District Clerk cc: Board of Directors i 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 Cheryl Solomon, Docent Coordinator Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 June 18, 1996 Dear Cheryl, Just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful "Spaces and Species: Exploring Natural Communities" field trip that my class was able to participate in on June 7, 1996. We had an excellent time!! The docents were very good with my class, and we all received a general understanding of the ecology of the pond and surrounding communities. We had previously attended a similar field trip at the San Francisco Wildlife Refuge in Fremont where we explored salt marsh communities. I feel so fortunate to have been able to allow my students the chance to observe the similarities and diversities of different ecosystems! Thank you for providing that opportunity. I hope this program will be an ongoing one. I would certainly attend again with my class next year! Thank you again for the work you do. Sincerely, kA"LQQo�,�C6 Tamra L. Hollenbeck Allen School 5th Grade Teacher 875 W. Angus Avenue San Bruno, CA 94066 (home address) 940 Green Avenue San Bruno, CA 94066-3132 Regional Open ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Cheryl Solomon June 28, 1996 Docent Coordinator (415) 691-1200 ATTENTION CALENDAR EDITORS Learn About Fossils and Birds On Open Space Preserves Los Altos, CA -- Two exciting new FREE hikes have been scheduled by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. First, on July I') from 8 am to 3 pal, an 8-mile hike combines rigorous trail walking with off-trail exploration of a delicate and rare environment. On this unique adventure with docent Mike Alexander, you'll see leaves and other items encased in stone. Accumulated elevation change is 2,600 feet on this challenging journey, best suited for experienced, adult hikers. Hikers should wear soft-soled shoes and long pants, and carry ample water and a favorite walking stick. Hikers will meet at the Grizzly Flat parking area, and reservations are required. Call (415) 691-2153 no later than 4 pm on Friday, July 12 to sign up for this hike. The second hike, on July 14 from 5 pm to 8 pm, features evening birding at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. During a leisurely stroll through Rancho San Antonio, visitors will look, listen, and learn about our common feathered friends. This hike is for beginners, but experienced birders are welcome. Docents Julie and Chuck Muir will demonstrate how to identify birds using binoculars and field guides. Bring binoculars, a snack, and ajacket on this 3- mile, leisurely hike. Meet near the restrooms in the parking lot furthest to the right. The Midpeminsula 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 23 open space preserves. 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. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 9 Phone:415-691-1200 e 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 Regional Open Space 2 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT .]tine 26, 1996 I lorlorable Charles Poochigian, Chair Identical letter sent to: Assenbly Appropriations C.cirmittee Assembly Appropriations Committee rrerlbers: (Zoom 2114, P.O. Box 942849 Bill Morrow Sacramento, CA 94249-0001 Fred Aguiar ©eorge House Subject: Support for S13 1838 Dear Assemblyman Poochigiaw The quality of lilc that we enjoy in San Mateo County is at immediate risk. The parks are suffet•ing from dclerrcd tllaintenancc, cutbacks in com inanity programs and activities, mud a lack ofnew actfuisitions for parks acid open spaces. to addition, local libraries have endured drastic cutbacks in staffing and hours, and are lacking funds for new hooks atul materials. San Mateo County schools are being left behind by funding inequities, by limited fituds for technology, and a lack of funds to provide a safe school envil-orlrttcrit. Senate Bill 1838, authored by Byron Sher, is the first step in reversing that devastating trend that threatens our quality of lile. This bill will allow libraries and parks to join forces with schools to develop a funding measure for voter apfx Lilari oval by a two- thirds ' in 1997 or 1998. "this bill recently passed the Assembly Revenue and Taxi ti m 1 m mittee b a vote of six-to-one.1 1 Lt L Ll V I strongly urge -your support 0l'SB 1838 when it comes before you iti the wr i � i n Committee in Jul The voters ol'Sair Mateo Comity deserve the Alf tftl ►tt tsCt } S opportunity to provide it local solution to it local problem. without fiscal impact to the State. Thank you for your attention and thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, Nonette I fanko, President Board of Directors N11/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors i Patrick Sanchez Ralph lleim . i 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 I lenshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette I lanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Brillon � � -- -- — — � --�—' -- -- -- —1 | Regional � �-�=" mm���������8 m������ *ace _��-~ _ _ /N|DPEN(M6ULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT June 26` |VV6 � Uononallo Keith ()|herg, Chair � � and Members n[the Assembly Committee oil Natural Resources Room 2|36, State Capitol � PD. Box Y42849 � Sacramento, C/\94249'000| � Subject: Support 88 1200 � . � Dear Assemblyman ()|hcrg: / ()x behalf oFUxeh1idhpuninuu|u Regional Open Space District, | mo writing{o Urge your support o[8cox{o Bill 1280 when it comes hck/vc Uu Ayxcmh|y L\nnmiUcu on Nx|xrx| Kceoxrcco on jo|y |. This bill will ounc( the | � Cu|i[o/oix Land and Water Conservation Act of' |VV6. The Purpose o[\hcbill is \n provide tax credits for � donations ufquu|iUcd property /o the skkc u local government, uruxox-proh{entity, os defined. 8uch (foliated | � |oxd vxm|d (hco be used to provide hv new open space and park |mx|s, or enhance such existing areas. � 'file value nfmxchaprogram cannot be underestimated. Sensitive wildlife habitat, wetlands, riparian corridors, and other crucial ecosystems that otherwise might be overrun and de bvdcvciopmcrd000|dbc | permanently preserved via dooa|im/ o[the land. In many cases, the availability o[Uhe tax credit will be tile � � deciding |ou(or in whether or not ho donate tile land. This program will take the existing, sometimes adversarial / circumstance and Unxs|onn it into xwin/win situation, sn(\sfviu8both land owners and Ule public's desire for open � space and parks, while being tempered with ox approval process that will guarantee that the public wiU ohtaix desirable open space and park |xod g fair value. The result uf|hisnew incentive k`contribute land Ivopcn space and/or 'parks will enhance the efforts to preserve endangered species' habitat, and wildlife. |n addition, 6v avoiding the potential for costly litigation or other disputes over disposition of resource laild, the economic vitality ofthe state will be enhanced. Please give careful coils idero|iooio tile mcribo[SB |280. I'm sure you'll find that ii will hc ail effective kxo| For pvovidi/!gail incentive to preserve open space and pork lands that otherwise might be lost forever. P|cosc uuppodS8 |28U Oil July |. Sincerely, � . NnncUcHoxko, President � Board ofDirectors � � NB/nca � cc: Gmra|dMero Ralph leim � MKDSU Board ofDimdom ' | | 3]UDiy6 Circle ° Los Altos, CA9402Z-)404 ° Pkone:4|5{69}120O " FAX:4lS-6*l,04U5 ° [-nai|:mnosd@nctcom.com 0 � Boardot'Dire(tois:Petesiemens,Mary(-,Daveyjeena o, ,xaw,David/.so*n*xwoornenookv ueu'cmwJ,r,vvmdowm � General Manager:L Craig Britton � `