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Home My Public Portal About19961218 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 96-26 , Regional Open S., ce MIDPENINSLILA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT III Meeting 96-26 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 7:30 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Wednesday Los Altos, California December 18, 1996 (7:30) ROLL CALL *** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA *** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR -- N. Hanko *** WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (Consent Item) BOARD BUSINESS (7:45) 1. Final Adoption of Use and Management Plan Amendment for Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to Open Hamm's Gulch Trail and a Portion of Lost Trail to Dogs on Leash for a One-Year Trial Period and Recommendation on Monitoring of Dog Use at the Preserve -- R. Anderson (8:05) 2. Annual Report on Dedication Status of District Lands and Proposed Dedication of 414.57 Acres of Land as Public Open Space at Long Ridge and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves -- C. Britton Resolution Dedicating Interests in Certain District Lands for Public Open Space Purposes t (8:10) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS -- Directors and Staff *** REVISED CLAIMS (Consent Item) ADJOURNMENT *NOTE: 77mes are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. ** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at then time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during oral communications. Each speaker 4411 ordinarily be limited to 3 minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 , Phone:415-691-1200 a FAX:41 5-691-0485 * E-mail:mrostl@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Nenshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Flanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:C.Craig Britton Meeting 94-27 Page 2 ***All items on the consent calendar shall be approved without discussion by one motion unless a Board member removes an item from the consent calendar for separate discussion. A member of the public may request under oral communications that an item be removed from the consent calendar. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The December 25, 1996 Regular Meeting has been cancelled. 7453 Kingsbury Place Cupertino, CA 95014 December 3, 1996 RESPONSE ACTION PROPOSED BY STAFP Soard President Acknowledge/Sespond Board of Directors Diractoc Acknovledg•/Sespond i Midpenninsula Regional Open Space District Staff AekaowLedge/Respond 330 Distel Circle � Draft Response Attached Los Altos CA 94022 Staff to be Directed to Prepare Draft R::Ponas for Soard Consideration par d Direttive(a) Subject: Seasonal Trail Closures No Response Necessary Dear Board: I was biking in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve the past few days and was extremely upset to find that the Toyon Trail had been closed to bikes. When I called your offices to find out why, I was told that it was a seasonal closure that would last all winter. I understand that there are times when a trail becomes so damp that any activity would cause potential damage to the trails, but to close trails for the entire winter is overkill. There are definitely times during the winter when the trails are dry enough to allow biking. I would like to suggest that since the barriers installed have swinging gates that the gates be opened when the trail is relatively dry and closed when it is extremely wet. Another point I'd like to address is the grouping of bicycles with horses in these closures. Horses, because of their immense weight and their walking motion can do great damage to trails when it is even the least bit damp. Bikes, in comparison, weigh only 25-30 pounds plus the weight of the rider and have a more even distribution of weight (even more so than a hiker) because there are two wheels constantly in contact with the ground and because of the rolling nature of the wheels. If you walk the trails after a rain and after they have used by visitors, you will notice deep and irregular divots made by horses and sometimes by hikers, whereas you will notice that areas of the trail used by bikes are very smooth and compacted, showing little signs of damage. I would be very glad to walk some trails with board members so that we can discuss these points first hand. Thank you for considering my comments and requests. I hope that some board members will take me up on my offer. If you need to contact me to discuss any of the items in this letter, I can be reached during the day at (408) 730-7285 or in the evening at (408) 446-4635. Sincerely, Mark G. Blaszczyk �— Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Mark G. Blaszczyk 7453 Kingsbury Place Cupertino, CA 95014 Dear Mr. Blaszczyk: Thank you for your December 3, 1996 letter regarding seasonal closure of the Toyon Trail. At our Special Meeting last night, the District's Board of Directors reviewed your comments. This summer, our staff completed major restoration work on the Toyon Trail. Typically, the District closes newly constructed trails for one season to allow for stabilization and compaction of the trail surface. Because the work performed on the Toyon Trail was so extensive, the trail will remain closed throughout the winter. Some seasonally closed trails, such as the Peters Creek Trail in Long Ridge preserve, are opened if there has been dry weather for an extended period of time. However, the Toyon Trail's soil type, shady environment, and active seasonal springs keep this trail wet and susceptible to damage during the entire winter. We recognize that bicycles and horses have different impacts on trails. Unfortunately, the Toyon Trail has not held up well to either use during the winter season. Our staff will evaluate the trail and consider making changes to its seasonal closure status next fall. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors N'H:CB:kh cc: Board of Directors 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,Ginny Babbitt,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General manager:L.Craig Britton Regional R-96-132 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-26 December 18, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Final Adoption of Use and Management Plan Amendment for Dog Access at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Amend the Use and Management Plan for Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to open the Hamm's Gulch Trail and the connecting portion of Lost Trail to leashed dogs for a trial period of one year. 2. Actively encourage compliance with District ordinances by installing clear signage and by having the Volunteer Coordinator work with the dog owner group, Peninsula Access for Dogs (PADS), to facilitate the presence of volunteers on the preserves who promote responsible dog use. 3. Direct staff to take measures to assess the impact of dog use on the preserve using the methods outlined in this report. 4. Direct the Use and Management Committee to reassess dog access on these trails after approximately one year. DISCUSSION At your October 23 Regular Meeting, you tentatively approved the recommendations of the Use and Management Committee outlined above to open the Hamm's Gulch Trail to leashed dogs for a trial period of one year and determined that the proposed action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (see report R-96-107). At your October 30 Special Meeting, adjoining property owner George Goudy spoke and provided materials and letters from three other adjoining property owners in the former Lauriston Estate area expressing concerns about the health impacts of dog access on spring- fed water systems serving their properties. Staff has met with Dr. Goudy and begun to investigate these concerns. Several additional letters expressing concern about dog access have been received since that time. Based on these concerns, staff recommended at your December 11 Regular Meeting that you refer this issue back to the Use and Management Committee (see report R-96-130). Following discussion and public comment at the December 11 meeting, you directed that the final reading of this Use and Management Plan Amendment be placed on your December 18 Special Meeting agenda. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 - Phone:415-691-1200 a FAX:415-691-0485 a E-mail:mrosd@rietcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw, David T.Srnernoff, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:l..Craig Britton i R-96-132 Page 2 Access to leashed dogs on Hamm's Gulch Trail has been proposed on a one year trial basis. Staff was directed to develop measures for assessing the success or failure of this trial. This should include a thorough assessment of rules compliance during the course of the trial. The compliance issues inherent in this trial are: 1) compliance with keeping dogs on-leash and 2) cleaning up after the dogs. In addition, at your December 11 meeting, you directed staff to respond to the health and water rights concerns raised by Dr. Goudy. Staff recommends that the standard for leash compliance be set at a relatively high level when it is ultimately established at the end of the trial. The assessment should include public comment on the methods and the standard. The District land use regulations currently require owners to clean up after any animal under conditions: 701.7 Removal of Animal Excrement. No person responsible for an animal shall allow its excrement or feces to remain in an area if it poses a health hazard, a public nuisance, or is in an area requiring its removal. To be enforced, this regulation requires placement of clear signage interpreting the regulation. Staff s interpretation is that proper low-impact use and common courtesy requires that dog owners clean up after their dogs. Although the regulation could also be interpreted to apply to horses, horse manure has not been deemed to present the same aesthetic or health concerns as dog feces. Kicking dog feces off the trail or burying is one method of mitigating the impact. Placing the waste in a bag and carrying it out is a more effective method of mitigating the impact, however there are practical considerations in attempting to enforce this as a regulation. Compliance may be facilitated if the District provides bags for waste cleanup. There are numerous commercial products available for this purpose. However, there have been mixed reviews on the success of providing bags from agencies that have tried this approach. Also, the District does not provide trash receptacles due to the impracticality and adverse impacts of maintenance. Therefore owners would have to take dog waste along with them to comply with clean-up standards. It may not be realistic to expect people to do this. Staff will determine an approach to waste clean-up for evaluation during this trial and will place clear signage informing the public what is expected. As with leash compliance, staff believes the assessment must be quantifiable and standards for waste clean-up should be at the high end of the scale. It is proposed that the measurement be made based on the number of observed fecal deposits, both in terms of total number and concentration in one area. Again, the actual standard will be determined when the one year trial is evaluated. Signing for these requirements should be easily seen and clearly understandable. A combination of symbols and words will probably work best to attract attention and communicate clearly. These signs should be posted at every trailhead with dog access. The I R-96-132 Page 3 signing should indicate that an evaluation of dog regulation compliance and dog use impact is underway. Assessment of compliance with leash use and waste clean-up will depend primarily on assistance from volunteer observers, although staff observations and historical and comparable data should also be considered. The District has used volunteers extensively to collect trail use data at many preserves. Dog use data would be collected along with information about other types of trail use. Volunteers would walk the trails on random weekdays and weekend days, recording their observations on forms to be developed by Planning and Visitor Services staff. The observations should be made on as many days as possible to provide a thorough assessment. The observers should not engage in confronting or informing visitors about the regulations or trial. Visitor information and encouragement towards compliance from Volunteer Trail Patrol members or the PADS group would be welcomed. The primary objective of the proposed trial is to assess the level of responsible dog use in the preserve. The regulations, signage, and assessment methods will also be on trial during this period. Adjustments may be required during the one year trial and may be recommended during review of the results at the end of the trial. Depending on the findings, compliance standards and assessment methods may be found to be an appropriate method of monitoring and managing dog access at other preserves. Potentially, such methods could be extended to other uses with a potential for impact on the preserves or other users. Prepared by: Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Roger Lanser, 04 : 19 PM 12/18/96, Access to Windy Hill Trails fo To: mrosd@openspace .org From: Roger Lanser <lanser@netbox. com> Reply-To : lanser@netbox.com Subject : Access to Windy Hill Trails for Dogs Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 16: 19: 06 -0800 X-Status : Gentlemen, I will be unable to attend the December 18 meeting for the final vote on access for dogs, but I would like to express my continued support of opening more trails to dogs . As a resident of Portola Valley, I appreciate the terrific resource that Windy Hill represents, and I would like to be able to enjoy the trails with my dog. After two years of study, and one year of delays, the time has come to implement the additional access . Any late coming arguments are simply a last ditch effort by a few people to over-ride the overwhelming support that the opening of more trails to dogs has . Please vote for this amendment . Thank you, Roger D. Lanser 225 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA i ,I Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> _ l C-i¢- �f�-- c�a'rg I Q:5p r� J W � J► , o 4 m DEC 16 ' 96 11 : 50 FROM MENLOMTG,'MARER/POWELL PAGE . 001 NANCY V. CARTER 237 CANYON DRIVE PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 94028 PHONE: (415) 851-2743 FAX: (415) 326-2037 FAX COVER SHEET DATE* December 16, 1996 TIME: 11:10am TO: Wim Dewit FAX #: (415) 691-0485 FROM: Nancy V. Carter, Who can be reached at the above phone or fax number. RE: dogs on Windy Hill trail TOW number of pages (including this page): I Dear Ms. Davey: Iil I iLl 01 Ll al am Very 11111ch looking forward to wallang my dog On the trail being considered in the Windy Hill preserve. I was able to attend the law meeting an appreciated the comments you made in that meeting. I also understood that you voted in favor Of the trial period at the preceding meeting on this issue. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of allowing dogs at the upcoming meeting on December 18th. UnfOlumately, I have a Commiftnent already scheduled for that night and I will not be able tv be at the NEdpenimesula meeting. For that reason I am sending you this fax. I won't take your time to go over one more time the issues and the reason that I think dogs should be allowed. I will leave it that your own Study groW WW two yem looking into the issue and concluded 01fy gnid k&Wod. The MUKt TOC@nt IM hAVM2 10 d6 win water quality I would suggest is a thinly veiled allempted to limit anyone or thing by neighbors who have enjoyed their own private park. I would suggest the credibility of Dr. Gaudy on this issue can best be men when you look back to his November 19th letter. He clearly implies in that letter that be and others are using the spring water as their drinking water. it was Only at the meeting last week that It was clear that he only uses the water for irrigation- Further, he even stated at the meeting that he did not contest that wild animals may contribute equally to the cOutaminatim,but excused that omission by saying that he was not addressing that issue. Finally, in hearing him speak after the meeting it appears that his argument assumes that the dogs would be peeing and Pooping kLftwater. That is an absurd assumption. Since dirt is a terrific filter, as is evidenced by the fact that septic system are an approved way of disposing of human waste, I thick that it would be logical to assu me that the dirt on the hillside would filter appropriately the dog wage as it has the wild animal and human waste for years. Theiefom, when you examine this latest water quality argument, it is clear that the argument presented by Dr. Goudy is presented in&m2nner calculated to mislead the board in order to promote his own position. S* N Carter UEC IG ' 96 11 : 51 FROM MENLOMTG/MAREP/POWELL PAGE .002 NANCY V. CARTER 237 CANYON DRIVE PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 94028 PHONE: (415) 851-2743 FAX: (415) 326-2037 FAX COVER SHEET DATE: December 16, 1996 TIME: 11:10am TO: David Snmwff FAX #. (415) 691-0485 FROM. Nancy V. Carter, who can be reached at the above phone or fax number. RE: dogs on Windy Hill grail Total number of pages (including this page): I Dear Ms. Davey: I am a resident of Poftla Valley and am very much looking forward to Walking my dog on the Wail being considered in the Windy Hill preserve. I was able to attend the last meeting an appreciated the comments you made in Out meeting. I also understood that you voted in favor of the trial period at the preceding meeting on this issue. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of allowing dogs at the upcoming meeting on December 18th. Unfortunately, I have a c(unmitment already scheduled for that night and I will not be able to be at the Midpenimisula meeting. For that reason I am sending you this fax. I won't take your time to go over one more time the issues and the reason that I think dogs should be allowed. I will leave it that you own study group spent two years looking into the issue and concluded they should be allowed. The most recent issue having to do with water quality I would suggest is a thinly veiled attempted to limit anyone or thing by neighbors who have enjoyed their own private park. I would suggest the credibility of Dr. Goudy on this issue can best be seen when you look back to his November 19th letter. He clearly implies m that letter that he and others are using the spring water as their drinking water. it was only at the meeting Ian week that it was clear that he only uses the water for irrigation. Further, be even stated at the meeting that he did not contest that wild animals may contribute equally to the contamination,but excused that emission by saying that he was not addressing that issue. Finally, in hearing him speak after the meeting it appears that his argument assurnes that the dogs would be pecing and pooping in_the wales. That is an absurd assumption. Since dirt is a terrific fitter, as is evidenced by the fact that septic system are an approved way of disposing of human waste, I think that it would be logical to assume that the dirt on the hillside would filter appropriately the dog waste as it has the wild awn W- and human waste for years. Therefore, when you examine this latest water quality argument, it is clear that the argument presented by Dr. Goudy is presented in a manner calculated to mislead the board in order to promote his own position. Sinc Y, N4V 4Cavx DEC 16 ' 96 11 : 52 FROM MENLOMTG/MAREP/POWELL PAGE . 003 NANCY V. CARTER 237 CANYON DRIVE pORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 94028 PHONE: (415) 851-2743 FAX: (415) 320-2037 FAX COVER SHEET DATE- December 16, 1996 TIME: 11:09am TO: Teem Renshaw FAX #: (415) 691-0485 FROM: Nancy V. Carter, who can be reached at the above phone or fax number. RE: dogs on Windy Hill trail Total number of pages (including this page): I Dear Ms. Davey: I am a resident of Portola Valley and am very much looking forward to walking my dog on the trail being considered in the Windy Hill preserve. I was able to attend the last meeting an appreciated the comments you made in that meeting- I also understood that you voted in favor of the trial period at the preceding meeting on this issue. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of allowing dogs at the upcoming meeting on December 18th. Unfortunately, I have a commitment already scheduled for that night and I will not be able to be at the Midpeninnsitila meeting. For that reason I am sending you this fax- I won't take your time to go over one more time the issues and the reason that I think dogs should be allowed. I will leave it that your own study group qx=tWQ years looking Into the issue and concluded they should be allowed. The most recent issue having to do with water quality I would suggest is a thinly veiled attempted to limit anyone or thing by neighbors who have enjoyed their own private park. I would suggest the credibility of Dr. Goudy on this issue can best be seen when you look back to Ins November 19th letter. He dearly implies in that letter that he and others are using the spring water as their drinking water. It was only at the meeting last week that it was clear that he only uses the water for irrigation. Further, he even stated at the meeting that he did not contest that wild ammah may contribute equally to the contamination,but excused that omission by saying that he was not addressing that issue. Finally, in hearing him speak after the meeting it appears that hisargument assumes that the dogs would be pig and pooping m the-m2lffr- That is an absurd assumption. Since dirt is a terrific filter, as is evidenced by the fact that septic systems are an approved way of disposing of human waste, I think that it would be logical to assume that the dirt on the hillside would filter appropriately the dog waste as it has the wild animal and human waste for yews. Therefore, when you examine this latest water quality argument, it is dear that the argument presented by Dr. Goody is presented in a manner calculated to mislead the board in order to proaKft his own position. S, y Nap Carter DEC 16 ' 96 11 : 53 FROM MENLOMTG/MARER/POWELL PAGE .004 NANCY V. CARTER 237 CANYON DRIVE PoRTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 94028 PHONE: (415) 851-2743 FAX: (415) 326-2037 FAX COVER SHEET DATE: December 16, 1996 TIME. I 1:08am TO: Mary C. Davey FAX #: (415) 691-0485 FROM: Nancy V. Carter, who can be reached at the above phone or fax number. RE: dogs on Windy Hill trail Total number of pages (including this page): I Dear Ms. Davey: I am a resident of Portola Valley and am very much looking forward to walking my dog on the trail being considered in the Windy Hill preserve. I was able to attend the last meeting an appreciated the wtoments you made in that meeting. I also understood that you voted in favor of the trial period at the preceding meeting on this issue. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of allowing dogs at the upcoming meeting on December 18th. Unfortunately, I have a commitment already scheduled for that night and I will not be able to be at the Midpenirmsula meeting. For that reason I am sending you this fax. I won't take your time to go over one more time the issues and the reason that I think dogs should be allowed. I will leave it that your awn study group spent two years looking into the Issue and concluded they should be allowed. The Most recent issue having to do with water quality I would suggest is a thinly veiled attempted to limit anyone or thing by neighbors who have enjoyed their own private park. I would suggest the credibility of Dr. Goudy on this issue can best be seen when you look back to his November 19th letter. He clearly implies in that letter that he and others are using the spring water as 0= drinking water- It was only at the meeting last week that it was clear that he only uses the water for irrigation. Further, he even stated at the meeting that he did not contest that wild animals may contribute equally to the contamination,but excused that omission by saying that he was not addressing that issue- Finally, in hearing him speak after the meeting it appears that his argument assumes that the dogs would be peeing and pooping vLjbui[a=. That is an absurd assumption. Since dint it,a terrific filter, as is evidenced by the fact that septic systems are an approved way of disposing of human waste, I think that it would be logical to assume that the dirt on the hillside would filter appropriately the dog waste as it has the wild animal and human waste for years. Therefore, when you examine this latest water quality argunial, it is clear that the argument presented by Dr. Goudy is presented in a manures'calculated to mislead the board in order to promote his own position. f S, N .ZCarter TOTAL PAGE . 004 Regional Open ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEMORANDUM December 18, 1996. To: Board of Directors -fc From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Subject: Research on health concerns, dog access at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Dr. George Goudy and other persons commenting on the proposal to open the Hamm's Gulch Trail to leashed dogs have expressed the concern that this action will pose a health risk to the existing spring-fed water systems that serve the in-holding properties surrounded by the preserve. Staff has accelerated its research to respond to these concerns for the December I 1 meeting. Amer reviewing the matter, staff concludes that adding access for leashed dogs on Hamm's Gulch Trail is a negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing at the site and that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. The first part of staffs conclusion is based on the fact that there has been a long history of dog access on the site. Prior to District ownership, portions of the current alignment were used by the public, including dog access. Hamm's Gulch Trail has been open to use by hikers and equestrians since the current alignient was completed in the early 1980's. Dogs have been allowed by the District since 1983 on the Spring Ridge and Anniversary Trails within the same watershed. Further, Dr. Goudy and other residents already have dogs on their property. Even if there had been no history of dog use access in the area, allowing hikers on a trail already open to various uses to have their leashed dogs accompany them is a negligible expansion of existing recreational uses. Staffs conclusions are further supported by information from veterinary and public health experts as noted in the attached memo from Resource Management Specialist Jodi Issacs. Her research indicates that the pathenogens of concern to Dr. Goudy and other neighbors are already present in existing wildlife on site to a greater degree than in domestic dogs and that wildlife is more likely to pollute the water supply than dogs, especially if the dogs are to be kept on leash. Public health officials have indicated that the only defense against contamination from existing wildlife is proper maintenance of the springs and treating the water. These precautions are necessary regardless of whether dogs are present. Staffs conclusions also include consideration of the location and configuration of the existing spring-fed water supplies in this area. Based on District records and information from Dr. Goudy, staff has identified three existing springs (see attached map) that serve the in-holdings. One spring is located to the north of the Spring Ridge Trail in an area that is already open to dog access. Two additional springs are located to the west of the inholdings, below the Lost Trail. This portion of the Lost Trail is not proposal to be opened to dogs. Thus, even if the contamination issue was not made moot by the existing higher potential for contamination from wildlife, the proposed access changes do not have the potential to significantly impact the water supplies. 330 Distel Circle & Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 ® Phone:415-691-1200 - FAX:415-6911-0485 # 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 In summary, staff concludes that allowing dog access on Hamm's Gulch Trail does not pose a health risk or a significant impact to the environment. Nevertheless, staff recommends, as detailed in'report R-96-132, that the one year trial include etforts to evaluate various use issues such as compliance with leash laws, waste clean-up, and closed area regulations and include assessment of any potential trail use conflicts between hikers, equestrians, and dog owners. Prepared by: Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT WINDY HI ' _ OPEN SPACE F- c-:SERVE MIDPENINbuLA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE iSTRICT ........... ............... .........................:.X.X.X-:,::X ...... ..... x .......... . .......... .... .... .. X. V.: ..... ... ...... . % . ........... ................ .1.......... ...... ....... ... ........... ...... .......... . .......... . ........ w: ............ . ......... ...... ............... ....... ............... .... ..... 1 01-111.1 m i�iW 1 11110 . .... SausalPon- .... ...... 0'.6 ...... )GOO ................... :;:;--X 0. ------------ §- S .................. 8 ------- f,�,g RidgO Trail 12(- SP jenr 2.1 HOI)SPRIN i: V H .......... .. ........ A%'-.Anniversd ii ry 0 ........... rj..: .7 N, /* Hamms Gulch Tra'. ............................... ... ..................... .................. ..... ...... SX ............................ ........................... .......... ...... ....... ........... .. ...... ... 0.41" ..... .. . .. 0 4 K� WX-X�.: IS 4-- �PP G ost Trail L 5, (--------- .......... 41. 04 IA '(WHO3 ................ Kiii .......... p ............ K. . ....... ... X5, ........... 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0 N%mm�__ i One Mile Map Legend Trail Use Parking Lot a 10 e Trail Distance in Miles ........ Hiking Only Roadside Parking 9--o Gate(#s) Hiking, Equestrian Driiveway-Authorized No Public Entry Hiking,Bicycling,Equestrian Vehicles Only Private or Leased Lands Dogs on Leashes Permitted Creek Only on Designated Trails INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Craig Britton, General Manager FROM: Jodi Isaacs, Resource Management Specialist DATE: December 18, 1996 RE: The threat of communicable diseases in water sources at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. I George Goudy, DVM brought to our attention on November 19, 1996 his concern about the District allowing leashed dogs on Hamm's Gulch Trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. He is concerned that dogs, because of their potential to carry many communicable diseases, are a threat to the local water source. I have spoken with Wildlife Veterinarians from California Department of Fish and Game and authorities at San Mateo Environmental Health Department and Public Health Laboratory who have expressed the following: I • Any risk of contamination to water sources from any of the eleven mentioned diseases already exists on site because nine of them are found in the native wildlife and the remaining two are suspected (Table 1) (Dr. Pamela Swift, Dr. Mark Star, pers. com.). • Native wildlife in the area which are most likely to carry these diseases include: deer, coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, raccoon, skunk and badger(Dr. Pamela Swift, Dr. Mark Star, pers. com.). • Native wildlife are dependent on water sources for drinking and washing which increases their visitation to them, thus increasing the chance of them defecating and urinating in the water(Dr. Pamela Swift, Dr. Mark Star,pers. com.). • Native wildlife are more likely to carry parasites than vaccinated domestic dogs (Public Health Laboratory, pers. com.). • The risk of water contamination is dependent on the type of water system and its location in the landscape. The risk is less if the intake is a proper spring box, well maintained, and if the water collected is ground water. The risk is greater if the intake is an open seepage, inundated with run-off pathogens or dilapidated (Kenneth Robinson, pers. com.). • Appropriate maintenance of water systems and proper water filtration and treatment is the best defense against transmission of the mentioned pathogens (Kenneth Robinson, San Mateo Public Health Laboratory,pers. com.). i • Transmission of these diseases is possible, however, occurrences are not frequent, and are almost non existent if water is properly treated and filtered (Kenneth Robinson, San Mateo Public Health Laboratory, pers. com.). The one year trial period will be the appropriate tool for addressing the increased use on the trail and for setting specific acceptance standards on leash compliance, feces clean up, and number of dogs on the trails. The evidence gathered should enable the Use and Management Committee to assess use issues such as potential user conflicts and waste clean-up on the trail. Table 1. The occurrence of mentioned diseases found in native wildlife. MENTIONED DISEASES FOUND IN NATIVE WILDLIFE Brucella Canis X Leptospirosis X Toxacara Canis X Giardia X Echinococcus X Hookworm X Clyptisporidurn suspected Yersinia suspected depending on which strain Pasteurella Multocida X Camphylobacter X Salmonella X Contacts Dr. Pamela Swift Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game - Wildlife Investigations Laboratory Mark Star California Department of Veterinary Public Health Services Dairen Simpson San Mateo County Vector Control Kenneth Robinson San Mateo County Environmental Health Department San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory I { w -96-131 Meeting 96-26 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT December 18, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Dedication Status of District Lands GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached Resolution Dedicating Interests in Certain District Lands for Public Open Space Purposes. Introduction: In accordance with the Board's Dedicated Lands Policy as last amended January 22, 1986 (see report R-86-03 dated January 13, 1986), an annual report indicating the status of District lands as dedicated or undedicated is to be presented to you in December of each year. According to this policy, "Normally, undedicated lands within the District's boundaries will be held for future dedication to park or open space, or both, purposes, but only after the necessary planning, boundary adjustments, provision for permanent access and other changes in configuration, which may involve the disposal or exchange of interests in all or portions of such lands, have been completed." Dedications are usually made in December on the basis of the annual report. During the year, part of the use and management planning decisions the Board makes for specific parcels and preserves is whether to indicate by motion an intention to dedicate certain interests in land, such as fee title or open space or trail easements. Note that although a motion of intent to dedicate might be adopted when the Preliminary Use and Management Plan for a new acquisition is approved, this does not mean that the parcel would necessarily be dedicated the following December. That is because it is usually prudent to wait until the Comprehensive, or at least Interim, Use and Management Plan for the entire preserve is adopted or reviewed. Since it might benefit the program of the District at some future time to apply development density credits from dedicated District land to other lands, dedication of these credits is not now normally included at the time of the annual dedications. The idea behind withholding potential density credits from dedication, while dedicating the land itself for public open space purposes, is that these credits may represent an asset of the District which maybe of substantial value in the future. The credits might be used for transfer to private property, potentially increasing the allowed development density on that property. This might be done in connection with a joint development application with the private party. In exchange, some of that property might be permanently preserved or the District might receive a cash payment which could be used for purchase of open space land in another location. Joint development plans and transfer of development rights are, of course, subject to approval of the city or county in which the land lies. A further rationale is that the District, in asserting its potential right to use these credits, may be able to counter proposals to increase allowed development densities that are based on the argument that the potential development which 330 Dist �y 0f�aveyrhone: 15- 91 D20 TaS AX:41No istel Circle � Los Altos, CA 94022-14, � 5 691-04II5 - E-mail: mrasdG�netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mar C. nette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera(Manager:L.Craig Britten R-96-131 Page 2 the District is precluding by buying open space can be put somewhere else in the hillsides. Since the District has, in effect, paid for this density we can argue that the District, if anyone, should benefit. Status Summary: Table 1 gives a summary of the dedication status of District preserves and preserve subareas. Only those parcels for which transactions have closed and title has passed to the District on or before December 10, 1996 are included. The interest in land that the District holds, i.e., fee title, an easement, or lease, is listed for each area. Rights of first refusal and/or reversions to the District are not included. The District has preserved 41,249 acres of land, 36,656 acres in fee and 4,593 acres in lesser interests. The District added 363 acres of protected lands since December 14, 1995. Recommended Dedications: Long Ridge QWn Space Preserve. The former Acronico parcel (179 acres) is proposed for dedication at this time. Land use studies relating to the development of the Ridge Trail and formulation of rock climbing policies indicate the entire parcel should be dedicated. The parcel is contiguous to other dedicated portions of the preserve and was acquired utilizing grant funds. Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve - Kennedy Limekiln Area - The former Berry (64.83 acres) Sinclair (43.23 acres) and Davis (64.83 acres) parcels are located east of Priest Rock and are the only remaining parcels in this geographical area that have not been dedicated. The parcels should be dedicated since this is an isolated area where possible trades in property interests are highly unlikely. Sierra Azul Open Suave Preserve - Cathedral Oaks Area - The former POST-Liles parcel (62.68 acres) is located in a remote part of Soda Springs Canyon where a trail corridor is most certainly to be developed in the future. The parcel was acquired with grant funds and should be dedicated at this time. Summary: Of the 41,249 acres preserved by the District, 1,817 acres are rights that cannot be dedicated such as leases, management agreements, etc., leaving 39,432 acres of marketable interests in land. Of this amount, 27,257 acres are dedicated (69.12%), and 12,175 acres are undedicated (30.87%). Upon adoption of the attached resolution dedicating 415 additional acres, 27,672 acres (70.18%) of these District rights in land would be dedicated. Of the 12,175 acres of undedicated lands, 82.34% are in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Prepared by: Del Woods, Open Space Planner Contact person: Same as above RE';OLUTIOI I NO. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS s )F THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT DEDICATING INTERESTS IN CERTAIN DISTRICT LANDS FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PURPOSES --- -----The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regicnal Open Space District does hereby resolve as follows: Section 1. Pursuant to Resolution No. 86-5, the Board of Directors does hereby dedicate for public open space purposes (�llirsuant to Public Resources Code Section 5540) the interests in land held by the District shown herein, except for possible development rights which might be transferred to or for the benefit of other lands. INTERESTS IN LAND TO BE DEDICATED (EXCEPT FOR POTENTIA DENSITY CREDITS) Board Approval Closing Property Preserve/Area Cy r; Date Date Acreage Inter es, Lonf, Ridge Acfonico 12/14/94 02/17/95 179.000 Fee Sierra AzuI Cathedral 0,)',--s POST (Liles) 06/12/96 06/20/96 62.680 Fee Kennedy Limekiln Berry 06/10/87 06/30/87 64.830 Fee Sinclair 02/13/91 01/28/92 43.230 Fee Davis 06/25/92 06/30/92 64.830 Fee TOTAL 414,57Q acres Table 1.DEDICATION STATUS SUMMARY" File: Run Date: LANDS96.XLS 10-Dec-96 I x .. ./�Ma� p� i:•i •:::i::. ........ ...........Aid..n....... ..A�f12Te.i�4t.. .....�:.. .. .:•::......._............. .:.................... .:..r........................,.:..:.. :... .... ::......:..... #%'z :::iiS..:;;.i:iiiiiii:i::£s};i'•r,:{:S:if:2# 'i<.i;: ;� :t':i?ii ::, i::i..,:, 'f ::::::•:,:::....�:::.:r:::::.�.:::::::, •o-:.o-;:;;•:;;:;:•;;•.rr:.r:.r:;.;r::.. ......................•.. ..:..............:........... ..:rr? :::: :i%::S'Sa's :::::::..:.;.:............. :::•>:::::^%:?y. >:;•::;: t i............ ..........:........ it5ala9+d.. ... ... .... Briggs Creek 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Coal Creek 493 0 0 493 0 0 0 0 493 0 0 493 Edgewood County Park 0 0 0 0 468 0 0 468 468 0 0 468 El Corte de Madera Creek 2788 4 0 2792 0 0 0 0 2788 4 0 2792 ElSereno 1080 72 0 1152 0 1 0 1 1080 72 0 1152 Foothills 201 10 0 211 0 0 0 0 201 10 0 211 Fremont Older 735 0 0 735 0 4 0 4 735 4 0 739 G.G.N.R.A. 0 0 0 0 0 1227 0 1227 0 1227 0 1227 La Honda Creek 1837 206 152 2043 0 0 0 0 1837 206 152 2043 Long Ridge 1346 307 253 1653 0 13 0 13 1346 321 253 1667 Los Tranc:os 274 0 0 274 0 0 0 0 274 0 0 274 Monte Bello "Monte Bello" 2631 101 61 2733 0 25 25 25 2631 126 86 2758 Monte Bello Picchetti Ranch 308 0 0 308 0 0 0 0 308 0 0 308 Monte Bello (All) (2939) (101) (61) (3,040) (0) (25) (25) (25) (2939) (126) (86) (3,065) Pulgas Ridge 293 0 0 293 0 0 0 0 293 0 0 293 Purisima Creek Redwoods 2543 80 77 2624 0 490 0 490 2543 571 77 3114 Rancho San Antonio 2053 85 4 2139 1495 0 0 1495 3549 85 4 3634 Ravenswood 274 0 0 274 98 1 0 99 372 1 0 373 Russian Ridge 1531 49 0 1580 0 0 0 0 1531 49 0 1580 Saratoga Gap 492 206 0 698 2 0 0 2 494 206 0_ 701 Sierra Azui Cathedral Oaks 163 1242 95 1404 0 9 0 9 163 1251 95 1413 Sierra Azui Kennedy Limekiln 2246 325 43 2571 68 7 5 76 2315 333 48 2647 Sierra Azul Mt.Umunhum 677 8311 52 8988 372 119 0 491 1049 8430 52 9480 Sierra Azul "Summit Road" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sierra Azui (All) (3086) (9878) (190) (12,964) (440) (136) (5) (576) (3527) (10013) (195) (13,540) Skyline Ridge 1162 428 0 1590 81 0 0 81 1243 428 0 1671 Stevens Creek- Shoreline 54 0 0 54 1 0 0 1 55 0 0 55 St Joseph's Hill 174 0 0 174 94 0 0 94 268 0 0 268 Teague Hill 0 624 0 624 0 0 0 0 0 624 0 624 Thomewood 87 30 0 117 5 10 0 15 92 40 0 131 Windy Hill 1129 2 0 1131 0 _ 1 0 1 1129 3 0 1132 All 24,573 12,083 739 36,666 2,684 1,909 (30) 4,593 27,267 13,992 769 41,249 "Includes only those interests acquired(title or lease recorded or unrecorded lease fully executed)on or before: 10-Dec-96 Note:All entries rounded to nearest acre after summates. Page 1 DSS(rounded) T , Regional Open Sl :e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE DEC 0 61996 December 2, 1996 Dog Access at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve At its October 23 Regular Meeting, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District tentatively approved the opening of Hamm's Gulch Trail and the connecting portion of Lost Trail on Windy Hill Open Space Preserve to leashed dogs for a one year trial period (see map on the reverse). Final consideration of this issue is scheduled for the Board's Regular Meeting on Wednesday, December 11. The meeting will start at 7:30 P.M. at the District administrative offices, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos. This agenda item will be considered at approximately 8:00 P.M. Those with comments or concerns are encouraged to attend and/or to write to the Board on this matter. Copies of the staff report will be available at the meeting, or may be obtained after Friday, December 6 by calling the administrative offices at (415) 691-1200. looK, of ways t allow `Y pubuic mo6f, aUeSS f 7hi5 xonder W ` X(r, in�rocl b� ) GKtnc_ access aw" l to, G I {b U happq, S a __ c l �V'a 1 � . lc��/ �� o� br, qq T q '' i GI - �� fY CGO Rlf 0 and 1 �� e� �PC, a lo b ofpos � f� Vc f(a/bac btl is da 1,5 1 � 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 �pORTOLAVALLEY ON . SPs, 0.idYr frail t e� 2.1 l U.; Trail t. x -— G.kh Trail •'b/ �=� -: \ a 0.4t H02- It C 2.19%Midi.--;. Sji—Dior Y MIDPENINSm A REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 330 Distel Los Altos, CA Circle94022 DEC 3'96 N oy �� _ �, « js s J ..J C Gr Tamela Cantor 3362 La Mesa Dr . #6 San Carlos CA 94070 Regional Open Space | --�--' ----- ---- �---- -��-- Claims No. 96-32 Meetirg86-2 Date: Dec. 18, 1996 � Revised K8|DPEN|NSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1324 375.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 1335 219.82 Aomno & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 1320 859.68 ADT Security Systems Security System Installation 1327 168.71 A-1 Sanitation Sanitation Services � 1320 23.48 AT1& T Telephone Service 1329 30.00 Best Internet Communications, Inc. Monthly Internet Service 1330 150.00 BiU`w Towing 8/ Recovery Towing Services 1331 802.72 Bowerman Electric Electrical Repairs--Main Office 1332 108.08 California Water Service Company Water Service 1333 92.63 Carter Industries Vehicle Part 1334 86.04 C|ark'eAutm PanLn/&0aohineShop Vehicle Parts 1335 5'042.50 Community Action Board, |no./NREP Natural Resources and Employment Program Cravv-VVwedAbatement 1330 5'450.82 William Cotton and Associates Gmoteohnica| Engineering San/ioma- � TmaQueHiUSurp|unPanca|s � 1337 118.00 Council mn Education inManagement Subscription � 1338 200.00 Divine Catering Volunteer Recognition Event Catering � 1338 115.98 Gilroy Motorcycle Center Motor Oil and Resource Documents 1340 55.81 GoodcoPrems Timecard Printing � 1341 63.23 GTE K8obi|net Cellular Phone Service � 1342 1'800.00 °1 Heather Heights Road Association Road Repair Dues � 1343 668.12 JedePubhoo1|ona Brochure Printing � 1344 8'817.13 Tamara Kan Invasive Exotic Plant Survey � 1345 350.00 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Copier Maintenance Agreement 1346 927.30 Los Altos Garbage Company DunnpotmrRonta| 1347 180.00 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services-- Skyline Field Office 1348 897.80 KAnrvvinA. Mace Acquisition Consulting 1349 362.91 K8oGrathRentCorp Skyline Office Rental 1350 120.00 K8otroK8obUeComnmmuninntions Radio Repair 1351 297.93 K8inton'o Lumber 0kSupply Field Supplies � 1352 2'932.01 Mission Valley Ford Trunk Sn|mo. Inc. Vehicle Repairs 1353 253.73 National Glass of Sunnyvale Vehicle Windshield 1354 1'432.20 Page & Turnbull PioohmttiRonoh Stabilization Project 1355 284.62 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. B|ue|ines' Maps and Photo Reproduction 1356 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 1357 84.05 Reed & {3rahamm Road Repair Materials � 1358 18.00 Rich's Tire Service Tire Balancing 1359 188.66 Ruum |ntmrpriams' Inc. Field Supplies � 1300 204.94 R. V. C|oud/Co. p|pa 1381 70.75 Safety N]aenService Solvent Tank Service 1362 257.85 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Business Meeting � � 1383 18.00 *% Sonoma County Health Department Tick Testing 1304 8.62 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense °1 Urgent Check Issued December 11. 1990. °2 Urgent Check Issued December 13, 1996. Page Claims No. 96-22 Meeting 96-26 Date: Dec. 18, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1365 1,056.49 Teater & Etc. Sign Graphics and Maps 1366 207.58 TransCom Corporation Vehicle Light Bar Repair 1367 14.76 University Art Drafting Supplies 1368 250.00 H. L. Wenrick Water System Consulting Service 1369 779.56 Bob WeVant & Associates Training Class Resource Documents 1370 184.66 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms 1371 24.41 Yardbird Equipment Sales Equipment Parts 1372R 130.00 Econo Page Pager and Service Contract 1373R 293.76 Jean Fiddes Reimbursement--Staff Holiday Event 1374R 45.00 John Kowaleski Reimbursement--Pesticide License 1375R 441.78 *3 Circuit City Enterprise Rental Appliance *3 Urgent Check Issued December 17, 1996 Total 38,202.17 Page 2 . , Claims No. 8G-22 Meeting06-2 Date: Dec. 18. 1996 K8|[3PEN|N0ULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT � # Amount Name Description 1324 375.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services � 1325 219.82 AcnmeQ^ Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 1320 659.68 AOT Security Systems Security System |notnUndon | � 1327 186.71 A'1 Sanitation Sanitation Services 1328 23.48 AT & T Telephone Service 1329 30.00 Best Internet Communications, Inc. Monthly Internet Service | � 1330 150.00 BiU'eTovving 0/ Recovery Towing Services 1331 802.72 Bowerman Electric Electrical Repairs--Main Office 1332 108.08 California Water Service Company Water Service 1333 93.63 Carter Industries Vehicle Part � 1334 86.04 C|arb's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Parts 1335 5'042.50 Community Action Board' |no./NREP Natural Resources and Employment Program Crew'-Weed Abatement | � 1338 5.450.82 William Cotton and Associates Gooteohnioe| EngineohnASenvinew- TeagueHiU Surplus Parcels 1337 119.00 Council on Education in K8mnugonnent Subscription 1338 200.00 Divine Catering Volunteer Recognition Event Catering | 1339 115.98 Gilroy Motorcycle Center Motor Oil and Resource Documents 1340 55.81 GoodnoPreya Timecard Printing 1341 63.33 GTE Mobi\net Cellular Phone Service 1342 1'800.00 °1 Heather Heights Rood Association Road Repair Ouoo | � 1343 888.12 JedoPub|icebonm Brochure Printing 1344 9'817.19 Tamara Kan Invasive Exotic Plant Survey 1345 250.00 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Copier Maintenance Agreement | � 1348 827.30 Los Altos Garbage Company DurnAaterRentu| 1347 180.00 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services-- Skyline Field Office 1348 897.80 K8enminA. NYnne Acquisition Consulting � 1349 262.91 K8cGmthRon1CorA Skyline Office Rental � 1350 120.00 K8etnoK8obUoComnrnunicmbona Radio Repair 1351 297.93 K8inton`a Lumnber0/ Supply Field Supplies 1352 2.932.01 Mission Valley Ford Trunk Sales, Inc. Vehicle Repairs 1353 252.73 National Glass ofSunnyvale Vehicle Windshield � � 1354 1'432.20 Page 8' Turnbull Picchetti Ranch Stabilization Project 1355 284.52 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. B|um|ineo. Maps and Photo Reproduction | 1356 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 1357 84.05 Reed & Gn*hern Road Repair Materials 1368 16.00 Rich's Tire Service Tlna Balancing 1359 188.56 Russ |n1erprimnu. Inc. Field Supplies � 1360 204.94 R. V. Cloud/Co. Pipe 1301 76.75 SafetyK|emn Service Solvent Tank Service � 1362 257.85 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Business Meeting � � 1303 18.00 °2 Sonoma County Health Department Tick Testing 1364 8.62 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense °1 Urgent Check Issued December 11. 1996. � °2 Urgent Check Issued December 13. 1996. | | Page � �� Claims No. 98-22 � K8eeUnO9G-2G � � Date: Dec. 18. 1996 K8|DPEN|NSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description lJbb 1,055.48 |eotoryk Etc. Sign Graphics and Maps | � 1308 207.58 7'rnnoComnCorporation Vehicle Light Bar Repair 1367 14.76 University Art Drafting Supplies 1368 250.00 H. L. VVwnriok Water System Consulting Service | � 1368 778.50 Bob VVoymnt0kAssociates Training Class Resource Documents 1370 184.66 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms 1371 24.41 Yordbird Equipment Sales Equipment Parts | Total 37.291.63 | Page 2 � � | � � � � � Regional Open Sr -ce 1 �.' ..�. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: December 13, 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 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION 590 HAMILTON STREET, 4TH FLOOR �(1� REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 `+�,dddddd (41 5) 363-4798 FAX: (41 5) 363-7882 � December 11, 1996 Mid-Peninsula Open Space District 330 Distal Court Los Altos, CA 94022 RE: spring water Dear Sir: I recently received a call from a resident of Portola Valley,George Goudy,DVM. He stated that the Mid- Peninsula Open Space District has decided to allow dogs in an area that may lead to the contamination of his spring water. Several diseases can be contracted by people from drinking water contaminated with animal waste. Although the main use of the spring water in question is irrigation,it still must be protected from contamination. I suggest that the possible contamination of this water supply be addressed by a competent professional. Sinter ly, Steven Hartsell,REHS Environmental Health Specialist SRH cc: Town of Portola Valley Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996 08:49:03 -v800 (PST) From: "Dinh Nguyen (415)723-7346" <NGUYEN D(&,HOSP.STANFORD.EDU> Subject: Open space open to dogs To: mrosd(c,)netcom.com Cc: a4gkarni G&pacbell.com To Whom It May Concern: I have heard about the meeting this Wednesday night, but will be unable to attend as I will be out of town. However, I want to express my desire to have more trails available to dog access. The rumor is that some people are opposed to dogs because they may pollute the water supply. I con not imagine any educated person or anyone over the age of 5 considering in this day and age drinking ANY water that hasn't been purified extensively. With the media's ever-present focus on E-coli, meat storage, and sanitation, I truly do not believe that these people can mean what they are saying, (or think that anyone else will consider the pollution argument to be a valid one.) Some questions that come to my mind are: is it better to drink water with deer and horse urine than dog urine? And, are dogs really more filthy than other people, rodents, skunks, bobcat, horses etc. that are out there? If so, why are we living with them in our houses and around our children? Please consider that there are many dogs and dog owners living in Portola Valley (I am one) and our dogs need exercise. It is difficult to find places to take them in this area, yet why should we be discriminated against? Just as there a bad dog owners there are bad horse owners -that dosen't mean the dogs should be kept out. And just because there may be some problem-causing dogs shouldn't mean that all dogs get punished. My dogs happen to be very friendly, do not harass other dogs, do not run after horses, respond to verbal commands, etc. And they need exercise. As I mentioned in my previous email in October, on my street at least 7 different homes have dogs. When dogs do not get appropriate exercise they are not happy, are restless, bark more, and are generally more of a nuisance. Please allow us to use the trails that we as Portola Valley residents have a right to access with the members of our family that we enjoy being with and whom protect us. It will make for a much nicer, quieter neighborhood. Finally, it is not as if the entire trail system is being opened. We are only asking for one trail. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alicia Amherd, 182 Brookside Dr. (I am using someone else's email address) SVR4 nobody uid, 07sL AM 12/12/96, Feedback For. Date : Thu, 12 Dec 1996 07 : 58 : 36 -0800 (PST) From: SVR4 nobody uid <nobody@webx.best . com> Reply-to : John.Huguenard@stanford.edu Subject : Feedback Form name = John Huguenard organization = Stanford University email = John.Huguenard@stanford.edu comments = Ms . Crowder and other board members, I was quite leased to hear that the Wind Hill loop q P Y (Hamm' s gulch, etc) would be open to dog' s and their owners . This fulfills a longstanding need within the district, that of a nice, shaded, varied loop. We plan to enjoy the new loop trail very soon. I find it extremely gratifying that the board hasa decided to allow at least one such trail to accomodate what is probably not a minority of MPROSD users . I can reiterate the reasons for making some of the trails open to us, as I did at a meeting a couple of years ago. Briefly, 1) Safety, especially for solo females on the trail, from human and feline menaces . 2) the ability to share a beautiful outdoor hiking experience with all the "family members" . We pledge to keep Tonto on a leash on this trail, as we always do on MPROSD trails . John Huguenard 415-325-2812 zipcode = 94305 age = 40to50 specialneeds = ethnic = Caucasian ethnic = knowMROSD = yes frequency = 1permonth frequency = fremont = on windy = on Hiking = on Birds = on other = funding = Yes news = on books = on internetnet = on TV = on other = mailto = mrosd@openspace .org Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspaee.org> l Regional Open S ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT December 9, 1996 Jamie Beckett Peninsula Editor, San Francisco Chronicle 2425 Leghorn Street Mountain View, CA 94043 Dear Ms. Beckett: I'd like to address some serious inaccuracies in the Chronicle's December 6 article on the Russian Orthodox Church's use of land for a convent in Woodside. First, while the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District agreed to obtain an appraisal of the land, this in no way means that its Board of Directors will proceed with acquisition through the use of eminent domain, as the article implies. As always, the District's intent is to purchase from willing sellers, and we will use the appraisal as a starting point in negotiating with the owners of this property.. It's true that neighboring property owners have asked the District to use all means available to acquire the land, and indeed the District sees this property as a crucial piece of open space that is irreplaceable if developed. However, our first priority is to acquire the land on a negotiated basis, or find some compromise that suits the District, the neighbors, the owners, and our constituents. Most importantly, I can assure your readers that the District has used the power of eminent domain only rarely, certainly not"many times" as the article states. In oui 25-year history the District has filed eminent domain proceedings approximately 12 times, and has gone to court only once. Those 12 filings represent a minuscule fraction of the literally hundreds of transactions which have resulted in acquisition of over 41,000 acres of permanently preserved public open space land. The District's Board of Directors has adopted very restrictive policies on its use of the power of eminent domain so that it is reserved only as a last-resort or emergency procedure, in the case, for instance, of severe environmental damage or impending development and permanent loss of the open space. By our policy, there are few instances in which the District might even consider this method. It's unfortunate that your article incorrectly implied that the District uses this method regularly. Since the article appeared only in the Peninsula section, we would appreciate the printing in that section of either a correction or this letter. erely, L. Craig Britton General Manager cc: Board of Directors, MROSD Marshall Wilson, San Francisco Chronicle December 7, 1996 Margaret Pfeiffer magpie(a�,earthlink.net Dear Ms. Pfeiffer: Thank you for contacting District staff with your concerns regarding demolition of the barn on Alamitos Road. Beyond what the newspaper chose to report, I'd like to explain to you how the demolition occurred, and how our process should work. When the District acquired the Jacques Ridge property in 1994, we were not aware of any structures on the land. It wasn't that we weren't aware of the barn, but that the exact property lines were unknown and we were under the impression there were no structures on the land. The entire parcel contains over 900 acres and I personally inspected much of the property. However, the area of major interest to the District was the Ridge Trail crossing, which included Woods Road and Jacques Ridge. I also inspected the wells on the property as potential public safety hazards. I have driven along Hicks Road and Alamitos Road on many occasions and have noticed the barn as well as other structures in the area. However, I never associated the barn or other structures with the Jacques Ridge property. Without that information, the barn was not noted in the District's Preliminary Use and Management(U&M) Plan. A U&M Plan is the overall planning document for a preserve; it identifies opportunities for new trails, parking areas,restrooms, and needs for special management or restoration actions within a preserve. When a property is acquired, a preliminary U&M Plan is proposed which"adds"the new property to the existing preserve. When we did a follow tip site inspection, we determined that the barn was indeed on District land. District planning staff and field staff concluded that the structure was dilapidated and rotting with no foundation. Staff s concern was that the structure was dangerous and 1-night fall, and/or that vandals would burn it, creating a serious liability problem for the District. It was therefore decided that the barn should be torn down. As general manager, I agreed with that determination. The District's Board of Directors authorized solicitation of demolition bids at their regular meeting of August 14, 1996, and awarded the demolition contract at their meeting of October 9. These actions took place during public Board meetings. All appropriate demolition permits were obtained from Santa Clara County, and the barn demolition took place on Sunday, November 10. c\I in s\a-progra\a-ptibaft\ietters\pfeiffer.doc At the time District staff discovered that the barn was on District land and that it would be recommended for demolition, we clearly should have done an amendment to that preserve's U&M Plan, which would have triggered our normal public notification process. Owners of adjacent property would have then been notified of the proposed demolition and would have had an opportunity to comment at a public Board meeting, or in writing. I apologize for our oversight in not following our normal process, and assure you that we've taken steps to ensure that such a lapse does not recur. This has never happened before in the District's 25-year history, and in fact we are the stewards of a number of historical structures throughout District land. By the way, we have determined that the barn was not located in a historical district. If it had been in that historical zone, the County permit process would have revealed that fact and a more stringent process would have been followed, as dictated by County ordinance. Again, let me offer my apology for our oversight in not making the demolition part of a U&M Plan Amendment and thus providing more opportunity for public comment. We encourage and welcome public input into the District's decision-making process, and our policies are designed to ensure that this opportunity is made available at any time, but especially when issues arise which may affect adjacent property owners. Our failure to follow that policy in this case is distressing to me, and I can assure you that our staff has been reminded of the need to conform to that policy. As I've informed the O'Days, I can also assure you that this was an honest mistake, and not any kind of strategy or tactic to bypass full public participation. Please feel free to call me if you have any additional questions or concerns. Sincerely, L. Craig Britton General Manager LCB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors c\I tncs\a-progia\a-l)ubafnetters\pfeitfei doe Margaret Pfeiffer, a4 i PM 12/3/96 , Alamitos B. Date : Tue, 03 Dec 1996 16 : 20 : 14 +0000 From: Margaret Pfeiffer magpie@earthlink.net> Reply-To: magpie@earthlink.net Organization: Magpie Productions To: mrosd@openspace .org CC: michael_honda@gmgatel.bos .CO.Santa-Clara.CA.US Subject : Alamitos Barn X-URL: http: //www.openspace .org/mrosd_feedback.html I am extremely dismayed at the recent destruction by MidPeninsula Regional Open Space of the barn on Alamitos Road. As a sixth generation Almaden native, I am appalled at the insensitivity and carelessness displayed by the MPROSD in this action. For an agency chartered with preserving open space, you have exhibited a total disregard for the cultural artifacts/resources of the very land you ostensibly are trying to protect . Your representative ' s claim that the barn was "overlooked" and that he did not realize it was there even after "walking" the property, may pacify the journalist whose article appeared in the San Jose Mercury, but to those of us familiar with the property, such claims indicate either the representative was outright lying, or never inspected the property at all . Since the barn is visible from Alamitos road, and this road is one of the few access points to the property, there is no way anyone who "walked" the property would have missed it . Also, in my recollection, the "For Sale" sign was posted directly on the barn. While no amount of apologies will ever replace this piece of Almaden history, I would at least expect representatives from MPROSD to own up to their egregious mistake, and not hide behind false protestations of ignorance . As someone who, in the past, has supported the intent and efforts behind preservation of bay area open space, I will definitely view future projects with a more jaundiced eye . I hope this unhappy incident has served as a wake-up call, and that such inept management of resources will not be a consistent pattern moving forward. Sincerely, Margaret Pfeiffer Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> l AGENDA: October 29, 1996 T CATEGORY: Consent DEPT.: Community Services—Shoreline TITLE: Bay Trail/NASA Ames Easement Discussions RECOMMENDATION Authorize staff to proceed with formal discussions with the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), NASA and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) over extending the Bay Trail .75 miles from Stevens Creek Trail across the northern boundary of Moffett Field. FISCAL IMPACT None. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS For over 10 years, the City has participated in regional planning efforts to develop the segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail between Shoreline at Mountain View and Sunnyvale's Baylands Park. The link has been identified in the County General Plan, is part of the County's recently completed Trail Master Plan and, when completed, will be an important trail addition that will allow area residents access frQra Stevens Creek Trail to Sunnyvale, Alviso and San Jose. For the last several years, meetings (facilitated by ABAG staff) with representatives from Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, NASA and Supervisor Dianne McKenna's office have been held to discuss various trail alignment alternatives through the NASA/Moffett site. Although NASA and Moffett Field officials have always supported the trail, discussions regarding the preferred alignment along the bay and at the end of the runways always met with failure due to concerns regarding base security and the close proximity of the ammunition storage bunkers. Recently, however, local NASA planning officials have supported a .75-mile trail segment extending from Stevens Creek across the northern edge of Moffett (drawing attached) to a peninsula which is part of Crittenden marsh owned by MROSD. Conceptually, NASA would grant MROSD a 20' recreational trail easement along the end of the runway (which would require moving NASA's security fence in 20') which would allow construction of the trail between the fence and marsh area. With NASA's interest for implementing this important trail link, it is now appropriate for Mountain View, MROSD, NASA and other agencies to begin holding formal meetings AGENDA: October 29, 1996 PAGE: 2 and agree on general parameters for the trail link project. Although the proposed project only advances the trail less than a mile, it is complex from a management standpoint and will require a high degree of cooperation between agencies. To date, the following general concepts have been discussed with NASA, MROSD and the City in regards to the project: 1. MROSD, since they own the land (Crittenden marsh) abutting the NASA/Moffett property, will acquire a recreational trail easement from NASA assuming the terms are acceptable to the District and provide for long-term trail use. 2. MROSD and the City will cooperate in seeking grant funds for the development and ongoing maintenance of the trail. 3. For the first section of the trail, the City would provide regular patrols and maintenance under an agreement with MROSD since District Rangers are geographic- ally concentrated in the foothill region making it difficult to patrol this small section near San Francisco Bay. Further, the trail is viewed as a natural extension of Stevens Creek Trail which is beneficial to Mountain View residents and users of Shoreline at Mountain View. Council authorization to begin formal discussions with ABAG, NASA and MROSD is not a commitment on behalf-of the,City at this time. In the future, staff will return to Council with a formal proposal outlining construction and maintenance, funding sources, cost estimates, CEQA documents, public liability and responsibility of all agencies involved in the project. Prepared by: Glenn Lyles Davi A. Muela Shoreline Manager Community Services Director Kevin C. Duggan GUCAM/212-10-15-96W City Manager Attachment cc: Ms. Jill Kiemach, Association of Bay Area Governments Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District CDD, PWD, POSM, CPM, SPM—Seeds