HomeMy Public PortalAbout20010411 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 01-09 Il
Regional O en ice
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 01-09
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
6:30 P.M.
Wednesday, April 11, 2001
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, California
AGENDA*
Please Note: 6:30 P.M.Closed Session Start Time
7:30 P.M.Regular Meeting Start Time
6:30 ROLL CALL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN
SPACE DISTRICT--CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session will begin at 7:00 P.M. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board
will adjourn the Special MeetingClosed Session to the Regular Meeting, and at the conclusion
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of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session.
1. Conference with General Counsel - Existing Litigation-Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Name of Case - Estate of John Pezzoli, Santa Clara County Case No. 129143
2. Conference with General Counsel -Anticipated Liti a� tion- Significant exposure to litigation
pursuant to subdivision(b) of Section 54956.9 (One potential case).
7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN
SPACE DISTRICT
** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS— Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
*** WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
*** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR— P. Siemens
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Approve the Operations Program Review Action Plan and Summary of Project
Accomplishments, and Direct Staff to Continue to Work on the Projects Outlined in the
Action Plan, Reporting Back to the Board on the Status of Projects in January 2002; Formally
Dissolve the Operations Program Review Ad Hoc Committee -J. Maciel
330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org *Web site:www.openspace.org EEC
Board of(directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Meeting 01-09 Page 2
8:10* 2 Authorize Amendment to the District's Proposed Legislation, AB 953 (Simitian); Approve the
Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee's Recommendation to Authorize the
General Manager to Introduce an Amendment to AB 953, Revising Public Resources Code
Section 5560, as requested by Marin County Open Space District; Authorize the General
Manager to Approve Minor Changes to AB 953 as Warranted for its Successful Endorsement
by other Affected Agencies, or Upon the Recommendation of the Bill's Author, Assemblyman
Joe Simitian- C. Britton
8:15 3 Redesignate the Sausal Trail as the Bets Crowder Trail at Wind Hill Open Space Preserve;
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Approve the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee's Recommendation to
Rename the Sausal Trail as the Betsy Crowder Trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in
Commemoration of the District's Late Former Ward 6 Board Director; Direct Staff to
Schedule a Trail Dedication Event for Late Spring or Early Summer 2001 - S. Jensen
8:25* 4 Approve the Award of Contract for Firebreak Maintenance Services; Determine that the
Recommended Action is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) as Set Out in this Report; Authorize Staff to Enter into a Contract for the
Performance of Disking Work as Specified in the Request for Bids -J. Maciel
*** REVISED CLAIMS
8:35* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS - Brief Reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of
District Directors and Staff
8:55* ADJOURNMENT
* Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of
order.
** TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each
item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters
during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,
you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates.
*** All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board
members, the General Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed
from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar.
Regional Open 5. ice
1
R-01-40 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 01-09
April 11, 2001
AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM i
Approval of the Operations Program Review Action Plan nd Su mary of Project Accomplishments and
Dissolution of the Board Ad Hoc Committee
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Approve the attached Operations Program Review Action Plan and Summary of Project Accomplishments, and
direct staff to continue to work on the projects outlined in the Action Plan, reporting back to the Board in
January 2002 on the status of the projects.
2. Formally dissolve the Operations Program Review Ad Hoc Committee.
INTRODUCTION
The attached Action Plan is the culmination of staff's work with the Operations Program Review Ad Hoc
Committee(Board members Cyr, Hanko and Siemens). When the Action Plan is approved,the project will return
to staff for completion,with an update to be presented to the Board in January 2002.
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BACKGROUND
The Board confirmed the process for an Operations Program Review in a letter dated March 10, 1997 to Service
Employees International Union(SEIU), Local 715 (see Report R-97-49). In the letter, the District agreed to
commission a study by a qualified consultant to review the Operations Program, including, but not limited to, law
enforcement issues.
At the regular meeting of October 8, 1997,the Board accepted the Request for Proposals and authorized the
General Manager to solicit bids for the project(see Report R-97-111). In keeping with the provisions of the letter
of intent,the request for proposals was reviewed by representatives from the bargaining unit,who were also
involved in reviewing the submittals from possible consultants.
At the regular meeting of January 14, 1998,the Board authorized the General Manager to execute a contract with
the Warner Group,and an Ad Hoc Committee of the Board was appointed to oversee the process and to provide
input(see Report R-98-07).
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At the special meetings of September 28, 1998 and October 21, 1998,the Board reviewed and accepted the report
of the Warner Group. The Operations Program Review Ad Hoc Committee was directed to continue to work with
staff on the creation of a plan to implement the recommendations in the Operations Program Review Final Report,
taking into account the feedback received from the Board and staff(see Report R-98-110).
At the regular meeting of February 10, 1999,the Board approved four actions related to the Operations Program
Review. These included:
1) Approval of the retention of the rangers' defensive equipment and current uniform profile,and reaffirmation by
formal Board action of the policy not to arm the ranger staff.
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 - Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org -Web site:www.openspace.org #P;fl O;ORE"
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton
R-01-40 Page 2
2) Authorization to hire two additional rangers,one in each geographic area.
3) Directing the Ad Hoc committee to continue developing a work plan based upon the Operations Program
Review in such a manner as to foster a closer working relationship among field staff, management,and the
Board of Directors.
4) Directingthe Ad Hoc committee to continue its work with staff,and to periodically provide progress reports to
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the Board.
DISCUSSION
The final report of the Operations Program Review contained a great deal of information and recommendations,
which the Ad Hoc committee used to set priorities. It was noted in Report R-99-22 that: "An important aspect of
this process is taking the time necessary to allow for research on the issues,distribution of draft materials, and the
gathering of input from the field staff." Thus,the process of creating a finalized Action Plan has taken from
February 1999 to the present.
As part of the process of creating the Action Plan, a series of meetings was held with the Assistant General
Manager,the Operations Management Analyst, field supervisors,and field staff to discuss priorities. In keeping
with commitments made at the start of the process, agendas and meeting materials were made available to field
staff prior to each ad hoc committee meeting. Eight Ad Hoc Committee meetings have been held over the last two
years to review the draft Action Plan, and to consider feedback from field staff on the various elements. All Ad
Hoc Committee meetings were open to interested field staff.
To the extent possible,the sections in the Action Plan are presented in the same order as they occur in the
Operations Program Review Final Report to facilitate review and comparison with the consultant's final
recommendations.
The attached Action Plan is the culmination of the Operations Program Review process and presents a blueprint for
actions to be taken over the next few years. Many of the recommendations, such as hiring additional staff,
improvement of the fire pumpers, improvement of radio coverage, increased staff communications, and providing
additional leadership training are already being implemented. The Action Plan provides an update on the status of
these and other projects.
Many of the projects listed in the Action Plan are expected to be substantially completed by January 2002. It is
anticipated that projects remaining after January 2002 would be considered along with other departmental priorities,
and would be addressed in future annual action plans.
Prepared by:
Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst
Contact person:
John M.Escobar, Assistant General Manager
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Operatio,its Program Review
ACTION LAST
(Including Summary
of Pro f � , t Atcomplishments),
Print Date: April 5, 2001
Table of Contents:
Background on the Operations Program Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page i
A. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page I
1. Improve the communications between the various offices and work groups. . . . . . . . Page I
2. Develop a multi-year Operations Program staffing plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
3. Provide progress reports on work done on the Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
B. CUSTOMER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
I. Identify the objectives of gathering visitor use information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
2. Consider use of a public opinion poll to determine what issues are of concern to visitors and
constituents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
3. Develop customer service standards for staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
4. Increase communication (education) with the public about the District's overall goals and
policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
C. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
1. Review methods of ensuring consistent levels of decision making authority . . . . . . . Page 4
2. Look at methods of increasing cooperation among all District staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
3. Clarify and set standards for leadership and supervision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
D. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
I. Work with the Planning Program to develop a draft strategic plan for the growth of the
Resource Management Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
2. Work with the Planning Program to integrate resource management planning into the Use
and Management decision making process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
3. Provide topic-specific training for staff involved in resource management projects. Page 7
E. DISTRICT-WIDE PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
1. Work with Planning to complete the trail policy update process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
2 Take the following actions if a District-wide comprehensive management plan is deemed
necessary: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
F. LAW ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
1. Clarify responsibility for, and jurisdiction over, law enforcement functions. . . . . . . . Page 9
2. Review and update the field operations manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
3. Provide annual training as specified in the Operations Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
4. Analyze current radio system shortcomings and develop recommendations . . . . . . . Page 11
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5. Integrate/clarify enabling legislation definition with actual roles and responsibilities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
6. Explore additional measures to ensure ranger safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
7. Clarify roles and responsibilities District staff when working with other law enforcement
agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
G. MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
1. Review of the maintenance program's effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
2. Develop maintenance standards for District trails and facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
3. Work with the Planning Program to review and clarify the construction standards . Page 12
4. Develop a more formal maintenance management plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
5. Create a separate section within the Operations Manual for maintenance staff s roles and
responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
6. Review and improve the vehicle replacement schedule and strategy. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
7. Provide initial and ongoing maintenance and construction training for field staff . . . Page 13
H. WILDLAND FIRE PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
1. Meet with fire agencies with jurisdiction on District lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
2. Work with fire agencies to identify equipment and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
3. Develop an equipment modification plan to improve the reliability of fire pumpers.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
I. PLANNING PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
I. Work with the Planning Program to develop a plan to improve the working relationship
between Planning and field staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
2. Develop an Operations Program project list to identify projects that require minimal
planning program involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
3. Track the status of projects and work on developing systems which encourage quicker
decision making and greater delegation of decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
J. OTHER SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
1. Continue to provide the current level of services in the areas of interpretation, emergency
medical services, and search and rescue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
2. Continue to work closely with the Public Affairs Program to ensure good communications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17
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Background on the Operations Program Review Process
In January, 1998 a contract was authorized with the Warner Group for a review of the
Operations Program, pursuant to the requirements of the side letter to the Memorandum of
Understanding.
The Warner Group presented a Final Report on the Operations Program Review at two Board
meetings in September and October, 1998. The Board accepted the report and directed staff to
continue working with the Program Review Ad Hoc Committee to develop an implementation
plan. This direction was formalized in a Board report which was accepted in February, 1999.
A Draft Project List was developed and was shared with field staff during a series of meetings
in March and April, 1999. The Ad Hoc Committee reviewed staff s comments with
management staff, and finalized the Project List. This process was accomplished during three
meetings, held on April 12, May 24 and June 24, 1999. The following table illustrates when
particular sections of the Project List were discussed. Sections were discussed in order of
priority as identified by field staff. More information about the comments made by both field
staff and the Ad Hoc Committee can be obtained from the meeting notes.
Section Date of Meeting
A. Organization June 24
B. Customer Service June 24
C. Leadership May 24
D. Resource Management May 24
E. District- Wide Planning May 24
F. Law Enforcement April 12
G. Trail Construction& Maintenance April 12
H. Wildland Fire Protection May 24
I. Planning Program May 24
J. Other Services June 24
To the extent possible, the sections in the Project List and the Action Plan are in the same
order as they are in the Operations Program Review Final Report, to facilitate review and
comparison with the consultant's recommendations.
This Action Plan is the culmination of this process and presents a blue print for actions to be
taken over the next few years. An annual review of this document is recommended,to ensure
the completion of projects and to provide updates as needed.
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Update - Progress in 2000 and 2001
The Action Plan was reviewed by the Ad Hoc Committee in early 2000, with the document print
date of January 7, 2000 being utilized as a blueprint for actions taken throughout the year. A
review of these actions was presented at an Ad Hoc Committee meeting of November 13, 2000.
Copies of the Action Plan with progress summaries were distributed to field staff in January, 2001.
No comments were received from staff. Presented below(in italics) is an update on these actions.
Further work was done on this document, with the culmination of this work being the final meeting
of the Ad Hoc Committee on February 6, 2001.
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A. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
1. Improve the communications between the various offices and work groups.
a. Continue the Influencing Skills training and implementation.
All employees, including supervisors and managers, who had previously received
Influencing Skills training attended a two-day refresher training in March, 2001.
Influencing Skills training for new employees is scheduled for April, 2001.
b. Actively provide opportunities for administrative staff to interact with field staff at the field
offices, or in a field setting. This includes actively encouraging the scheduling of meetings
and training at field offices.
More meetings are being held in at the field offices. Field offices are also being more
routinely used as training sites for the entire staff. This is also being addressed in the
Workplace Enhancement Plan (WEP).
c. Improve the flow of communications through greater use of technology (such as e-mail).
Additional computers have been purchased for the field offices, and all of the supervisors
now have individual e-mail accounts. E-mail is being used to improve the flow of
information to and from field staff. Board and Management Team meeting summaries are
being distributed by e-mail.
d. Continue efforts to decentralize decision making and clarify the authority and responsibility
of the Area Superintendents and supervisors.
The new Operations Manager is working closely with the two Area Superintendents to
increase delegated responsibility. Draft outlines of duties and responsibilities of
supervisors, superintendents, and managers have been prepared for the General
Manager's review.
e. Encourage field staff to be actively involved in improving the communications process by
continuing their involvement in District-wide committees, and ensuring the participation of
field staff in project workgroups early in the planning process.
A review of all committees associated with Operations is currently underway. This review
is considering the.functionality of the committees, and the involvement of staff at all
levels.
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f. Investigate the possibility of creating an office intern opportunities for field staff to
encourage greater understanding and interaction between field and office staff members.
Look for additional opportunities for office staff to participate in field work projects.
No formal proposal has been created for an office fce intern position; however, the
Workplace Enhancement Plan addresses additional opportunities for office staff to
participate infield activities.
g. Foster a sense of individual responsibility for promoting a healthy work environment by
recognizing and rewarding those who make a positive contribution to the goals of the
District. Recognize that some differences in culture, norms and expectations are to be
expected between the different work stations and positions, and that this is not necessarily
unhealthy, as long as staff members work cooperatively to achieve the goals of the
organization.
All of the supervisory positions available this year have been filled by in-house
promotions. The staff recognition event was also expanded to assist in providing further
recognition for staff whose positive attitude and work habits provided a positive
contribution to the District and to their co-workers.
h. Provide opportunities for field staff to work out of a different Area office, to increase
communications and knowledge, and to create training opportunities.
A number of field staff have traded work areas,primarily to assist with staffing shortages,
but also to provide an opportunity to increase understanding and communications
between the areas. Supervisors are also working on guidelines to permit temporary
trading of work stations.
2. Develop a multi-year Operations Program staffing plan.
a. Develop a five year staffing plan, based on current needs and anticipated growth. The
staffing plan should identify the basis for future staff growth, and should address the
concerns of the workload caused by the increased land acquisitions.
b. Present the draft staffing plan to the field staff, for input, prior to Board review and
adoption.
c. Incorporate the staffing plan in future budget priorities.
Items a and b have been accomplished, and the staffing plan is now used to formulate
budget proposals. The Staffing Plan should be updated prior to its expiration, and should
be seen as a guide to potential future staff needs. Eight new regular positions have been
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added to the field staff since the completion of the Operations Program Review (2 open
space technician (OST), 2 lead OST, 2 ranger, 2 supervising ranger).
3. Provide progress reports on work done on the Action Plan.
a. Provide staff and Board with periodic written reports on the status of projects outlined in
this document.
Staff and the Board's Ad Hoc Committee has been kept informed of the status of the
projects suggested by the Operations Program Review, and this document provides a more
formal complete update on the progress of the projects. Field staff received all written
material prepared for the Ad Hoc Committee meetings in advance of each meeting.
B. CUSTOMER SERVICE
The projects listed below, in Section B "Customer Service, " should be forwarded to the
Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee (LAFPA C) for review and
implementation. Members of the Operations Program Review Ad Hoc Committee support the
priorities and encourage the LAFPAC to develop strategies to address these issues.
More specific objectives need to be developed in order to implement the actions listed below.
In particular, the objectives for gathering the information need to be more clearly identified
prior to starting any information gathering process.
The Public Affairs Manager should also be involved in the development of this section, and it
is hoped that recent staffing changes in the Public Affairs Department will assist in
addressing the projects listed in this section.
1. Identify the objectives of gathering visitor use information.
a. Decide what the objectives are for gathering the information.
b. Decide on what type of information is needed to meet the stated objectives, and on the best
methods for gathering this data. Ensure that the data gathered is valid and accurate.
2. Consider use of a public opinion poll to determine what issues are of concern to visitors and
constituents.
3. Develop customer service standards for staff.
No actions have been taken on this item.
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a. Research customer service standards of other agencies.
b. Develop customer service standards, utilizing a process similar to the one used to develop
Supervisor Performance Standards.
4. Increase communication (education) with the public about the District's overall goals and
policies. (Note -this section was originally under "J- Other Services.")
a. Ensure that field staff have timely and accurate information about Board policies and
actions, including the reasoning behind decisions.
The Management Team is regularly sending e-mail to all staff regarding the Board's and
Management Team's meetings.
b. Continue to improve the quality of the District's electronic and print publications, including
information about District policies, and current regulations.
An update was done to the District's website, and further work is expected on this, though
this does not have as high a priority as other projects, due mainly to staffing changes.
C. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
l. Review methods of ensuring consistent levels of decision making authority by the Operations
Manager, Area Superintendents, and Supervising Rangers.
A six day Operations Leadership Academy has been completed. The sessions included both
leadership training and team-building. Staff from the Operations supervisory group,
including the Lead OSTs, the Assistant General Manager, the Administrative/Human
Resources Manager and the Human Resources Management Analyst participated in this
training.
a. Developguidelines which outline decision making authority b position. Ensure that the
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level of authority and responsibility delegated to supervisors is clear to all staff.
Information about roles and responsibilities of supervisors and managers was submitted
to the General Manager, and will be utilized to assist in clarifying roles where necessary.
2. Look at methods of increasing cooperation among all District staff, with special emphasis on
increasing cooperation between management and field staff.
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Several aspects of
f the Workplace Enhancement Plan address this item. Included in this is a
commitment by managers and supervisors to spend more time at field locations. Regular
Labor/Management meetings have been occurring regularly since last fall.
It is essential that all members of the District team, not just managers and supervisors, take
an element of personal responsibility for enhancing the morale of the workplace and for
making a positive contribution.
a. Strengthen the role of the supervisors in the communications process.
i Involve the supervisors in the decision-making process.
ii Ensure that information which needs to be passed along to field staff is clearly
identified as such to field supervisors, and that information which is confidential,
and cannot be shared, is also clearly identified.
iii Ensure that supervisors are informed of staff s involvement in projects, and are
kept up to date on the progress of projects and assignments.
In addition to increased use of e-mail to improve communications, the Operations
Meetings continue to be a major source of information, which supervisors can share with
their staf. The increased number of supervisors has sparked a review of the way in which
information is disseminated and exchanged The meeting schedule has been restructured
to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of meetings.
3. Clarify and set standards for leadership and supervision.
a. Complete the Supervisors' Performance Standards process, and incorporate the
standards in the evaluation process.
These are complete; however, they have not been integrated into the evaluation process
for supervisors. These will also be expanded to include managers. This issue is also
addressed in the WEP.
b. Ensure that all supervisors receive training in leadership and supervision.
The Operations Leadership Academy has helped to provide this training, and staff
continues to seek out other quality training opportunities. Future training, to build upon
the skills and knowledge gained in the Leadership Academy, is being planned. Various
options for a database to keep track oj*training are also being explored
c. Provide leadership career-development training for staff who show an interest in leadership
opportunities.
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The Tuition Reimbursement Program is being reviewed to see if it can be made more
usable by staff(i.e. by allowing non-credit classes to be reimbursed). The new scheduling
program will also assist staff in attending classes by providing greater scheduling
flexibility. The recent focus has been on providing leadership training for the group of
new supervisors and lead OSTs.
d. Clarify the role and leadership expectations of the Lead Open Space Technician and
Equipment Mechanic Operator positions.
The Lead Open Space Technicians participated in the Operations Leadership Academy as
afirst step in defining and further developing their leadership and supervisory role, and
to more Ally integrate them in the Operations leadership team. Lead Open Space
Technicians will also be participating in a new set of meetings (the Uniformed Supervisors
Group) to further support their leadership role.
D. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
I. Work with the Planning Program to develop a draft strategic plan for the growth of the
Resource Management Program; including increasing the Operations field staff s participation
in, and responsibility for, resource management projects.
Two retreat sessions have been held to produce,a draft strategic plan. Currently the Resource
Management Specialist and a Planner II are working with the Operations Manager and
Planning Manager to draft a working document, which will be circulated for staff review, and
which will be presented to the Board in early 2001.
The work to date by this committee was used in preparing the annual Operation budget and
Action Plan.
a. Update field job descriptions to include a component of resource management in the
description.
This has been completed.
b. Include a resource management component in the field performance appraisal forms.
This has been negotiated with the bargaining unit, and will be fully implemented with the
printing of an updated evaluation form.
c. Recognize the resource management role already being accomplished by field staff.
Page 6
This has been recognized at the staff recognition event, has been recognized by staff
members'supervisors as afactor in evaluations, and has been acknowledged in Board
presentations. Staff involved in resource management activities have also had the
opportunity to attend off-site training. Individual accomplishments are also being
recognized
d. Ensure opportunities are provided for field staff s involvement in resource management.
i Evaluate the effectiveness of the Resource Management Project Leader program
to ensure that it is meeting the District's goals and has staff s interests.
Field supervisors and the Resource Management Specialist continue to maximize
field staff opportunities in resource management. Enhancement of these
opportunities will be addressed in the resource management strategic planning
process.
ii Identify staffs expertise through the creation of a written list of staff members and
their areas and levels of expertise.
A written list has not been prepared However, staff members are being utilized
in many issues and projects, based on expertise and interest.
e. Make resource management considerations a priority during all planning and construction
phases of a project. Incorporate resource management priorities into maintenance of
existing lands and improvements.
i Develop a resource management project "checklist," to be completed by
supervisors (or designee) or Planning staff, prior to initiating work. The checklist
will focus on environmental protection.
This is under consideration as part of the Resource Management Strategic Plan
development.
As a result of initiatives taken by the Maintenance and Constructions Supervisors
and the Resource Management Specialist, monthly resource management project
days are being held in each geographic area.
2. Work with the Planning Program to integrate resource management planning into the Use and
Management decision making process.
a. Incorporate resource management considerations in the decision making process.
Page 7
Work completed thus far on the Draft Resource Management Strategic Plan has
already identified some possible improvements in the current Use and Management
Planning process.
3. Provide topic-specific training for staff involved in resource management projects.
a. Have the Resource Management Specialist, and outside consultants, provide training on
projects which they are involved.
Training has been provided on amphibians, water quality, and native vegetation.
Additional training is being planned
E. DISTRICT-WIDE PLANNING
1. Work with Planning to complete the trail policy update process.
a. Continue to have Operations staff work with Planning in support of the Trail Policy Ad
Hoc Committee.
The Area Superintendents have been included to forward field staff input and to provide a
field staff perspective to the committee. The Area Superintendents have also provided
regular updates to staff.
b. Ensure that field staff are kept up to date on the planning process, and have the ability to
give input when specific issues arise.
The Planning program has been made aware of field staffs request for more involvement.
Meetings were held to discuss Plannings'200112002 Work Plan. Staffftom the Planning
program have been designated as liaisons to the field staff. They have begun attending
field staff meetings to provide updates on Planning projects.
2 Take the following actions if a District-wide comprehensive management plan is deemed
necessary:
So far there has been no work done on a District-wide Comprehensive Plan. There is already
a backlog of work to be done on preserve specific plans, and work is being done on a
Resource Management Strategic Plan (as mentioned in other areas of this document). The
creation of a District-wide comprehensive plan is not seen as a priority at this time.
It is recommended that this section be referred to the Planning Department.
Page 8
a Obtain examples of other agency's comprehensive management plans, including visitor use
plans.
b Involve field staff in the creation of the plan.
c Review the various policies (Dog Policy, Resource Management Policy, Basic Policy, etc.)
with the goal of creating a District-wide Comprehensive Plan from existing documents,
creating new sections where needed.
d Continue the current focus of ensuring continuity and consistency between the various
policies.
e Creation of a District-wide comprehensive management plan is considered a long term
goal.
F. LAW ENFORCEMENT
1. Clarify responsibility for, and jurisdiction over, law enforcement functions.
a. Initiate meetings between District's management and the Sheriff's Offices' leadership to
share results of the Review and District management goals.
The Operations Manager will be following up on previous contacts made by the Assistant
General Manager, to develop a personal rapport with managers from the law enforcement
agencies with whom the District works,. Some meetings were held in 2000, and more are
planned,for 2001.
b. Arrange for Area Superintendents and Supervising Rangers to meet with appropriate local
law enforcement agencies and adjacent land management agencies. The goal of these
meetings will be to:
Improve staff and visitor safety by educating the agencies on the role and nature of
District services.
Ensure timely and appropriate response to requests for assistance.
Increase the agencies' awareness of the specific challenges facing District staff who
are enforcing District regulations and other selected codes.
Improve the working relationship between the agencies arranging for periodic
meetings and regular exchange of information.
Create written agreements,where necessary,to improve service levels.
Page 9
A forum needs to be created to ensure regular contacts. Major events, such as the search
at Skyline Ridge, have produced opportunities for fostering a closer working relationship.
San Mateo County Sheriffs office is planning to hold a major Search and Rescue
exercise on District land in June, 2001.
2. Review and update the field operations manual.
A format for the new Operations Manual has been developed, and supervisors agreed upon
the interpretation of specific sections of the manual, as requested by staff. The completion of
this project is a priority for 2001,following the finalization of the Operations Program
Review Action Plan. As of March, 2001 twenty-two sections are being prepared for review,
and a total of 145 sections have been identified. The size of the project will make it the major
focus of the administrative work of the Operations Department for 2001.
a. Create a "Field Information Binder," to organize the variety of memos and procedures
which have been created. This will be used as the basis for revisions to the Operations
Manual.
This has been completed
b. Start the review and update of the Operations Manual, and make this a priority for 2000.
See note above.
c. Develop preserve patrol standards.
These will be developed as part of the review of the Operations Manual.
3. Provide annual training as specified in the Operations Manual.
A supervisors committee is working on items a and b (below). A matrix of required and
optional training has been drafted, and is being reviewed
a. Develop a law enforcement training program which identifies the type of training, the
required annual hours and what issues should be covered in the training. Ensure that
legally mandated training is included.
b. Develop a list of supplemental training (beyond the legal requirements)which would be
beneficial to staff.
c. Continue to provide new rangers with law enforcement training equivalent to the National
Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy.
Page 10
The two new rangers completed the Park Service academy in December, 2000. It is
anticipated that the District will continue to utilize this academy for initial training of
rangers.
d. Develop a formal field training program for new staff. Proposed increases in the number of
supervising rangers will provide additional opportunities for field training of new staff.
Two new Supervising Rangers have been hired and an informal training program is still in
place. Review of new ranger training will be an element of the Operations Manual
review.
e. Complete the database for tracking staff training.
The Human Resources program is researching a Human Resources database, which would
include a system to track training.
4. Analyze current radio system shortcomings and develop recommendations. Include cost
estimates in recommendations.
The analysis has been completed Two new repeaters are in the licensing phase. Costs for
the new repeaters have been included in the 2001 -2002 Operations budget.
a. Research the coverage provided by the current radio system and suggest improvements in
both hardware and repeater site location.
b. Plan for future upgrades of the radio system.
5. Integrate/clarify enabling legislation definition with actual roles and responsibilities.
District Counsel has researched the issues and staffs roles, especially regarding law
enforcement and fare fighting, have been determined to be consistent with the District's
enabling legislation.
6. Explore additional measures to ensure ranger safety.
a. Provide additional staffing to address special needs and circumstances and to provide for
coverage during periods of expected higher use.
Page 11
Two additional ranger and two additional supervising ranger positions have been
approved by the Board since the completion of the Operations Program Review by the
consultant. Also, in keeping with the recommendations of the study, additional coverage
has been provided during evening hours by having "double lates, " (two ranger working in
each geographic area) whenever feasible.
b. Ensure an approach to law enforcement situations which is based on District standards,
with an emphasis on officer safety.
There has been afocus on ensuring that only law enforcement services appropriate for an
unarmed staff are provided, with the focus being on the protection of District lands.
c. Work with the Board to ensure that future policy decisions are consistent with current
unarmed level of enforcement service.
There has been no Board action which might enlarge the law enforcement function of
District rangers, and there is strong Board support for ensuring that the role does not
expand.
7. Clarify roles and responsibilities District staff when working with other law enforcement
agencies (e.g. CA. Fish & Game, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Drug Enforcement Agency, etc.) on
District lands.
a. Work closely with the agencies to ensure that the District receives the appropriate level of
service from these agencies through periodic meetings and frequent exchange of
information.
The Operations Manager will be setting up a series es of meeting with representatives from
the appropriate agencies.
G. MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
1. Review of the maintenance program's effectiveness. Include the following factors in this
review.
Number of trail miles,
Staffing and financial resources needed to maintain the trail system at the desired
level.
The level of maintenance to be done on roads, parking lots, and fencing.
The ratio of staff to facilities (i.e. staff to number of miles of trail, staff to number
of parking spaces, staff to acres of land, etc.). Qualitative measures also need to
be considered.
Page 12
2. Develop maintenance standards for District trails and facilities, and work to ensure consistency
in the standards. Such standards should reflect the diversity of District lands and visitor
experiences.
Two staff
members from each geographic area are part Qf a committee, which is being
chaired by the Planning Department, to help create the standards.
3. Work with the Planning Program to review and clarify the construction standards and develop
standards where needed.
a. Utilize the expertise of Operations and Planning staff who have a construction background.
b. Incorporate standards into new projects.
c. Evaluate the standards against appropriate industry standards.
The committee mentioned above is also working on the issues listed above
4. Develop a more formal maintenance management plan, appropriate to District needs.
Both Maintenance and Construction Supervisors have attended the Maintenance Management
Academy, and a database of maintenance activities is being developed
a. Review and/or develop maintenance standards as part of the maintenance management plan
process.
b. Maintenance standards should be reflected in the staffing plan.
5. Create a separate section within the Operations Manual for maintenance staff s roles and
responsibilities. Include the role of rangers, when working as part of maintenance work
groups.
This task will be addressed when the current Ranger Operations Manual has been updated
a. Clarify the role of rangers in the preserve maintenance program.
6. Review and improve the vehicle replacement schedule and strategy.
Meetings were held to address capital equipment needs for both maintenance and patrol
staffs. This information was utilized in the development of the 200112002 budget proposal.
Five new maintenance vehicles have been added to the fleet based on staff input.
Page 13
a. Ensure that capital equipment is included in the vehicle replacement schedule.
b. Create a database to better track actual vehicle problems, and to give quantitative
information about vehicle problems. Include measures of vehicle reliability and safety,
where feasible. Investigate the feasibility of tracking vehicles' "down time."
A fleet management database has been developed is being used to track various aspects of
vehicle maintenance.
7. Provide initial and ongoing maintenance and construction training for field staff.
A matrix of required training for both maintenance and patrol staff has been created and is
being reviewed Various options for a training database are being explored.
Training such as the California State Parks,Maintenance Academy at Asilomar, and other
specialized maintenance training, is being provided to maintenance staff.
a. Gather input from the supervisors and maintenance staff about appropriate training.
b. Compile a complete training calendar, which incorporates both maintenance and other
training priorities.
c. Look at the need both for basic and specialized training. Look at ways of providing greater
career development training opportunities for the maintenance staff.
d. Develop a standardized seasonal maintenance staff training program.
H. WILDLAND FIRE PROTECTION
1. Meet with fire agencies with jurisdiction on District lands.
a. Focus on California Dept. of Forestry (Felton and Morgan Hill), and Santa Clara County
Fire initially. Encourage agencies to include District lands in their CAD (Computer Aided
Dispatch) systems. Provide agencies with District map books and mapping information.
Map books have been provided to various local agencies.
b. Clarify jurisdiction and roles and responsibilities. Make recommendations to the Ad Hoc
committee. Negotiate written agreements as necessary.
Page 14
Meetings have been held with various agency leaders regarding jurisdictional issues. The
issues have proven to be complex. Staff is investigating formalizing the existing,
informal, mutual aid agreements. The level of interest in formalizing our current fire
protection roles and responsibilities varies among the jurisdictions.
c. Discuss the District's role in fire management(prevention& suppression), to improve and
enhance the services provided by these agencies.
d. Encourage the agencies to continue their current involvement in District resource
management controlled bums.
Other agencies are enthusiastic about working with the District on controlled burns.
Concerns related to the New Mexico fire, combined with poor burning conditions, resulted
in the cancellation of the two controlled burns scheduled for the summer of 2000. Staff
intends to pursue the re-establishment of these activities next summer.
2. Work with fire agencies to identify equipment and training that will help staff fulfill their role in
wildland fire protection.
a. Explore fire training opportunities available through fire agencies, building upon the good
working relationship that has built up between the District and the agencies.
b. Encourage agencies to continue current wildland training on District land, and to enhance
the opportunities available for District staff to participate in live fire training, and for staff
to receive additional training in command functions.
c. Develop minimum training standards for wildland fire, and standardize the training. Ensure
that Incident Command System training is included. Include training information in the
revisions to the Operations Manual.
d. Clarify what roles and duties, beyond the minimum levels, are appropriate for staff who
have received appropriate fire and emergency management training.
3. Develop an equipment modification plan to improve the reliability of fire pumpers.
a. Seek input from surrounding fire jurisdictions and test the proposed modifications. If tests
are successful, develop and implement a plan to improve all pumper units.
Two upgraded fire pumpers have been in use on District patrol trucks for over a year.
Based on field staff input, specifications are being finalized prior to going to bid on four
additional fire pumpers.
Page 15
b. Continue the efforts currently underway to obtain input from surrounding fire agencies
regarding appropriate equipment for the District's role in wildland fire fighting.
Several meetings have been held with surrounding fire agencies. The agencies are
reluctant to dictate the levels of service to be provided by District staff. All the agencies
have been very complimentary regarding District staffs assistance in responding to
emergencies.
c. Develop a plan to implement modifications, as needed. Utilize the currently available funds
during fiscal year 1999/2000 to begin modifications.
Two pumper units were purchased in 199912000 and four additional pumpers are
budgeted for purchase in 200112002.
1. PLANNING PROGRAM
I. Work with the Planning Program to develop a plan to improve the working relationship
between Planning and field staff. Identify key areas of conflict and mis-communication and
develop specific action items to address these areas.
a. Complete the work currently being done by the Work Order Improvement Committee to
re-establish the work order system, and to provide a clear path for input and a method for
tracking work orders and project requests.
A database is being designed to track work orders,.
b. Encourage greater communication between field staff and Planning staff by creating more
opportunities for interaction.
The return of the Planning program to a more traditional organizational structure has
helped to improve communications. There has also been increased communications
between the field and office stqff.
c. Establish more concrete time lines for projects which impact field staff scheduling.
d. Clarify standards for when it is necessary, and not necessary, for field staff to contact
Planning regarding projects.
2. Develop an Operations Program project list to identify projects that require minimal planning
program involvement.
Page 16
a. Develop the list, in conjunction with the work order improvements listed above.
3. Track the status of projects and work on developing systems which encourage quicker decision
making and greater delegation of decisions to the field staff, while retaining necessary control
and ensuring that legal mandates (permit requirements, etc.) are met.
a. Encourage Area Superintendents to apply (or delegate application) for simple permits.
More complex permits would require Planning's involvement. See also remarks about
work order system, above.
J. OTHER SERVICES
1. Continue to provide the current level of services in the areas of interpretation, emergency
medical services, and search and rescue.
a. Clarify the actual levels of service provided when revisions to the Operations Manual are
undertaken.
This recommendation will be addressed with the update of the Operations Manual.
b. Keep current with trends, legal mandates, technology, and standards of practice in the areas
of interpretation, emergency medical services, and search and rescue, and incorporate
changes to current practices as practical and appropriate.
Staff members maintain emergency medical certification. First-aid certification minimum
requirements were increased last year, as part of the salary and classification study.
Natural history and search and rescue training are provided on an "as available" basis.
Skills, knowledge, and experience of staff and docents are called upon to provide in-house
training. Some staff are members of professional organizations such as: NAI, NASAR,
NAEMT, etc. and share the information from journals and other sources regarding these
fields.
c. Establish minimum training/skill level standards for search and rescue.
d. Establish minimum training/skill level standards for interpretation.
2. Continue to work closely with the Public Affairs Program to ensure good communications
regarding the accessibility of preserves for docent-led and other District programs.
Page 17
a. Integrate the calendar functions utilized by Operations and Public Affairs to ensure "real
time," access to the most current information on scheduled events, and to prevent
scheduling conflicts.
Events are being coordinated through the Operations Administrative Assistant.
Page 18
I
Regional Open F -ice
R-01-51 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 01-09
April 11, 2001
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
Authorization to Amend the District's Proposed Legisl ion, AB 95 (Simitian)
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT
1. Approve the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee's recommendation to authorize
the General Manager to introduce an amendment to AB 953, revising Public Resources
Code Section 5560, as requested by Marin County Open Space District.
2. Authorize the General Manager to approve minor changes to AB 953 as warranted for its
successful endorsement by other affected agencies, or upon the recommendation of the
bill's author,Assemblyman Joe Simitian.
DISCUSSION
At your meeting of January 10, 2001, you approved the District's legislative program, including
sponsorship of a bill to amend sections of the Public Resources Code (PRC), beginning at
Section 5500 (the District's enabling legislation) (see Report R-01-04). Accordingly,
Assemblyman Joe Simitian agreed to author Assembly Bill 953, introducing the District's
proposed changes to Sections 5540.5, 5540.6, and 5549(b)(2).
Marin County Open Space District has asked to be included in AB 953 (Simitian), both to be
added to the proposed spending authority increase {PRC Section 5549(b)(2)), and also to
propose statutory increases to the maximum allowable fines for misdemeanor and infraction
violations.
I
This proposal by Marin County Open Space District would amend PRC Section 5560 to:
• increase maximum fines for misdemeanors from$500 to $1,000 dollars;
• and increase maximum fines for infractions from $50 to a maximum of up to $500 for
three or more violations of the same ordinance, rule, or regulation within one year.
Currently PRC Section 5560(a) reads as follows:
' Violation of any ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted pursuant to this article is a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or by
i imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such
fine and imprisonment, a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50).
i
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton
f
R-01-51 Page 2
Marin Coun 's Deputy Count Counsel has drafted and District General Counsel Susan
t3' P tY Y ,
Schectman, and I recommend that you authorize, the following proposed amendment to PRC
Section 5560(a)to read as follows:
Violation of any ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted pursuant to this Article is a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars($1,000), or by
imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such
fine and imprisonment unless the board provides that a violation of any ordinance, rule,
or regulation is an infraction, which shall be punishable by (1)a fine not exceeding one
hundred dollars for a first violation; (2) a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a
second violation of the same ordinance,rule, or regulation within one year; (3) a fine not
exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for each additional violation of the same
ordinance, rule, or regulation within one year.
Since the Public Resources Code enjoys equal legal dignity as the Penal Code, it can be amended
to set infractions at an amount appropriate to District purposes. However, for the sake of
comparison, it is helpful to note that while the District's enabling legislation currently caps
infraction fines at $50,the Penal Code provides that most infractions are subject to a fine not to
exceed $250. Similarly, the District's enabling statute currently caps District misdemeanor fines
at$500, while most misdemeanors are subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Marin County Open Space District"...believes that current fine amounts in PRC Section 5560
are outdated and are no longer sufficient deterrents to misdemeanor and infraction violations of
the MCOSD code." District General Counsel concurs that the amounts in the current PRC are
outdated when compared to most bail schedules. Therefore, it is appropriate to update PRC
amounts to be more in line with current Penal Code amounts.
Marin County's Board of Directors has already approved this amendment and support AB 953 as
amended. They understand that any amendments are subject to the author's (Assemblyman
Simitian's) concurrence . They also understand that if the bill is amended and we encounter any
difficulties obtaining passage as a result,the amendment could be dropped or further amended at
our option.
Prepared by:
Stephanie Jensen, Public Affairs Manager
Contact person:
Craig Britton, General Manager
Regional Open S ice
A.
R-01-50 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 01-09
April 11, 2001
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Redesignation of Sausal Trail as the Betsy Crowder Tra' at Win Hill Open Space Preserve
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Approve the Legislative,Finance,and Public Affairs Co mittee's recommendation to rename the Sausal
Trail as the Betsy Crowder Trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in commemoration of the District's
late, former Ward 6 Board Director.
2. Direct staff to schedule a trail dedication event for late spring or earl summer,2001.
P g Y �
DISCUSSION
Betsy Crowder, former Ward 6 Board member, represented the District for eleven years as a highly dedicated and
knowledgeable Director,who served on many committees and twice as Board President. Prior to, and during, her
service as a Board member, she also enthusiastically supported and frequently participated in District volunteer and
docent programs.
As a retired Environmental Planner for the City of Palo Alto, former Director Crowder brought both planning
acumen and a commitment to open space conservation to her work here at the District, as well as to several other
regional organizations and collaborative preservation projects. Betsy Crowder was well-known as a local
conservationist, both in her home community of Portola Valley and in the wider environmental community.
At the time of her tragic death in September, 2000, Director Crowder had been advocating the expeditious
completion of a Use and Management review of lower Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, including possible uses
along the trail heretofore known as Sausal Trail. This trail is located in the Ward formerly served by Director
Crowder and within the preserve she overlooked fondly from her home.
The Use and Management Committee is currently reviewing the plan for lower Windy Hill,and the uses being
proposed for Sausal Trail include hiking, equestrian,and dog use. The Sausal Trail was created in 1998 and,
therefore, has only been known by this informal name for a short time.
The Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee recommends that the Board officially designate this trail as
the Betsy Crowder Trail in commemoration of the District's departed Board Director. Designating this trail in
Director Crowder's honor will enable constituents within Ward 6 to reflect upon her service to them and to open
space conservation,while appreciating the preserve of which she was so fond.
Prepared by:
Stephanie Jensen, Public Affairs Manager
Contact person:
Nonette Hanko,Chair, Legislative,Finance, and Public Affairs Committee
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
I
WINDY F - ' LL OPEN SPACE f"ESERVE
MIDPENIh,3ULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE .,-.STRICT
0.1
ova Road
Pot
t
(WH05)
—
. %
o
o
' v
Sausal
800 Proposed : Pond
�-9, y Crowder
• 0.6
000 Trail S
\ �'��• \
�% Trail •J is
0 \ .V
Spring Ri ge Trai/ 0.3
1 .6
0.2
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Project Area 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 Mile
1
Regional Open S, ce
1
1
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-01-52
Meeting 01-09
April 11, 2001
AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
Award of Contract for Firebreak Maintenance Services
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Determine that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act(CEQA)as set out in this report.
2. Authorize staff to enter into a contract for the performance of disking work as specified in the Request for
Bids.
DISCUSSION
Disking of fire breaks is a necessary preventative action,which is required by local fire agencies to provide breaks
in easily ignited grassland fuels. In the event of a wildland fire,these breaks will slow or prevent the spread of the
fire and assist firefighters in controlling the fire. Disking is limited,to the extent possible,to locations adjacent to
structures and also adjacent to roads where fires frequently start.
Each year, staff sends out Requests for Bids for disking work on District preserves. The Request for Bids is
divided into two parts, one covering the Skyline and the other for the Foothills areas. The separate bids allow for
the use of separate contractors, one for each area, if this approach is found to be in the District's best interest.
Because of the specialized nature of the work and the specialized equipment required,there are very limited
number of contractors in this area who provide disking services, so only three companies were contacted. This
year,two bids were received in response to the Request for Bids, and Joe's Tractor Service was the lowest bidder
for both areas. As the total amount for both bids is $15,000, Board approval must be obtained to enter into a
contract. Funds for this work are included in the Operations Department budget for Fiscal Year 2001-2002.
i
CEOA DETERMINATION
The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically
exempt from CEQA under Article 19, Section 15304 as follows:
Section 15304 exempts minor alterations in the condition of the land. The disking work, which is not grading, is
an annual task to assist in fire prevention and does not substantially alter the character of the landscape.
Prepared by:
GordonBaillie Management Analyst
st g y
David Sanguinetti,Area Superintendent
Contact person:
John Maciel, Operations Manager
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd®openspace.org •Web site:www.openspace.org #=—n-11 ®.-It"
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
r
Rev"ed
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1557 86.92 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Co., Inc. Fire Extinguisher Servicing
1558 366.00 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Service
1559 45.00 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Maintenance&Repair
1560 20.00 American Red Cross Certification Cards
1561 64.00 Bob Armstrong Reimbursement--DMV Class A Permit
1562 7,712.57 Art O'Neal&Associates Influencing Skills Training Instructor
1563 48.36 AT&T Telephone Service
1564 138.33 A T&T Wireless Services Cell Phone
1565 479.35 Avaya, Inc. Telephone Service Agreement
1566 84.19 Chris Baressi Reimbursement--Field Supplies
1567 38,630.29 Bay Construction Services Distel Circle Building Improvements
1568 5,108.40 Biotic Resources Group Sierra Azul Resource Management Plan
1569 9,520.00 Dana Bland&Associates Sierra Azul Resource Inventory
1570 235.05 Cabela's Field Supplies
Pul as Clean-up Crew
1571 5,720.00 California ConservationCo s 5
Corps g P
1572 10.00 *1 California Native Plant Society Restoration Project Training-G. Kern
1573 1155.49 John CahillVehicle
Expense-May2000 to March 2001
1574 188.29 California Water Service Company Water Services
1575 28.08 Camper Shell King Camper Shell Balance Due
1576 633.43 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Fire Safety Supplies
1577 1,732.59 R. V. Cloud Sprinkler Block-RSA County Park
1578 7,596.25 Communications Specialists Installation of Voice&Data Cables
1579 3,100.00 Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. Geologic Mapping&Monitoring-RSA
1580 409.69 Costco Wholesale Office&Field Supplies
1581 441.60 Dacco Industrial Supply Co. Pressure Filters
1582 118.48 Dennis Danielson Reimbursement-Film
1583 395.06 Dennis Dart Vehicle and GIS Training Reimbursement
1584 5,694.30 Design Concepts Trail Brochure&Business Card Graphics
1585 44.81 Brendan Downing Reimbursement-Uniforms
1586 44.69 Emergency Vehicle Systems Vehicle Repairs
1587 4,620.00 Kevin Emery Rental Repairs-ECM Employee Housing
1588 203.01 John Escobar Reimbursement-Meeting Expense
1589 1,997.19 Falcon Fuels Fuel
1590 3.88 Film To Frame Slide Reprint
1591 131.11 Tom Fischer Vehicle Mileage
1592 159.54 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Small Tools
1593 199.26 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locksets&Hardware for Restrooms
1594 60.72 Matt Freeman Vehicle Expense
1595 1,476.36 Fry's Electronics Computer Data Hub
1596 507.14 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
1597 1,868.00 GreenInfo Network Wall Map Project
1598 498.00 GreenWaste Recovery, Inc. Debris Container Service
1599 12,386.52 Harbor Printing Brochure Printing
1600 5,850.00 Paul Heady Bat Survey
1601 520.00 Gavin Hoban Sierra Azul GPS/GIS Mapping
1602 2,677.80 Hopkins Technical Products, Inc. Water Treatment Products-SRO Office
1603 1,430.00 International Training Resources, Ltd. Defensive Tactics Training
1604 85.56 Jodiisaacs Vehicle Expense
Page 1
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1605 6,464.70 Michael Johnson FRO Office Modifications
1606 900.00 Tamara Kan Invasive Weed Study
1607 43.03 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Slide Accessories
1608 195.48 Tom Lausten Reimbursement-Uniforms
1609 447.42 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service
1610 181.77 John Maciel Reimbursement--Business Meeting Expense
1611 165.51 George Masamori Tire Damage Repairs
1612 51.65 MCI Worldcom Telephone
1613 209.55 Paul McKowan Reimbursement--Volunteer Supplies
1614 974.62 Micromedia, Inc. Board Meeting Reports-CD Rom Imaging
1615 108.35 Ken Miller Uniform Reimbursement
1616 288.88 Mocean Bike Uniform Samples
1617 55.78 Moss Rubber&Equipment Corp. Rain Gear Samples
1618 1,097.25 Office Team Office Temp Service
1619 570.82 Pacific Bell Telephone Service
1620 2,162.24 Pacific Water Systems Installation-Filters&UV System for Water
1621 1,267.80 Palo Alto Upholstery Seat Repairs&Seat Adjustments
1622 7,695.02 Panko Architects Distel Circle Building Remodel
1623 364.55 Loro Paterson Reimbursement-PRAC Conference
1624 2,433.37 Petrotek Fuel Pump Repairs-SRO
1625 8,000.00 Popish Appraisal&Consulting Appraisal Services
1626 48.06 PIP Printing Business Card Printing
1627 600.00 Portola Park Heights Property Owner's Association Road Dues
1628 26.52 Precision Engravers Name Tag Engraving
1629 693.00 Pryor Resources, Inc. Seminar-A.Koletzke, K.Hart,J. Escobar
G.Baillie, L. Crook, L.Zadek, J. Beaugh
1630 14,288.28 Rana Creek Habitat Restoration Grassland Management Project--R.R.
1631 156.45 Lori Raymaker Reimbursement--Docent Supplies
1632 171.07 Recreational Equipment, Inc. Uniforms
1633 9,900.00 Re-New Construction, Inc. Mt. Umunhum&RSA Road Repairs
1634 7,784.89 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
1635 642.54 David Sanguinetti Reim.-Computer Supplies and Uniform
1636 709.98 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement
1637 138.40 Second Cup Local Business Meeting Expense
1638 2,137.00 Sequoia Analytical Water Testing
1639 218.80 Shell Oil Company Fuel
1640 4,027.00 John Shelton, Inc. Culverts
1641 60.75 Skyline County Water District Water Service
1642 46.15 Skywood Trading Post Fuel
1643 5,750.00 Richard Seever DBA Land Management Resource Feral Pig Removal
1644 2,465.00 Sterling Environmental Corp. Asbestos Abatement-Annex Building
1645 250.00 Sterling Underground Construction Septic Tank Repairs
1646 789.08 Stevens Creek Dodge Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
1647 4,073.94 Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc. Baserock
1648 150.12 Summit Uniforms Uniforms
1649 21,229.57 2 M Associates District Annexation Studies
1650 80.84 Minh Tran Reimbursement--Computer Supplies
1651 237.50 Therma Corp. HVAC Repairs
Page 2
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1652 70.00 Tires on The Go Tires
1653 217.77 Tadco Supply Restroom Supplies
1654 2,330.00 Edward A. Tunheim Consulting Forester Services
1655 945.78 Tooland, Inc. Small Tools
1656 11.12 *2 United Parcel Service Parcel Post Service
1657 1,552.37 United Rentals Equipment Rental
1658 60.60 Verizon Wireless Messaging Services Pager Service
1659 7,567.37 *3 VISA 3198.62-Conference/Seminar/Trainings
1857.01-Field Supplies
42.90-Resource Documents
311.83-Office Supplies
950.64-Computer Supplies
339.03-Business Meeting Expense
177.84-Uniforms
689.50-E-Mail&Web Hosting Service
1660 3,878.60 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Baserock Trucking Service
1661 1,144.00 Michelle Wagner Budget Spreadsheet Contract Work
1662 198.01 West Group Payment Center On-Line Legal Services
1663 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services
1664 200.00 Woodside&Portola Private Patrol Windy Hill Patrol Services
1665R 1,012.44 The Home Depot Field Supplies
1666R 1,641.00 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Copier Leases
1667R 90.00 Los Altos Town Crier Recruitment Advertisement
1668R 475.00 Liebert Cassidy-2001 PSELC Registration-J. Beaugh
1669R 152.95 Palo Alto Weekly Recruitment Advertisement
1670R 142.77 Laura Raymaker Vehicle Expense
1671R 431.25 Malcolm Smith Public Affairs Consulting
1672R 355.16 Petty Cash Vehicle Expense, Office Supplies, Field
Supplies, Nature Center Supplies and
Local Business Meeting Expense
Total 257,654.23
*1 Urgent Check Issued March 30, 2001
*2 Urgent Check Issued March 30, 2001
*3 Urgent Check Issued April 9, 2001
Page 3
I
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1557 86.92 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Co., Inc. Fire Extinguisher Servicing
1558 366.00 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Service
1559 45.00 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Maintenance&Repair
1560 20.00 American Red Cross Certification Cards
1561 64.00 Bob Armstrong Reimbursement--DMV Class A Permit
1562 7,712.57 Art O'Neal&Associates Influencing Skills Training Instructor
1563 48.36 AT&T Telephone Service
1564 138.33 A T&T Wireless Services Cell Phone
1565 479.35 Avaya, Inc. Telephone Service Agreement
1566 84.19 Chris Baressi Reimbursement--Field Supplies
1567 38,630.29 Bay Construction Services Distel Circle Building Improvements
1568 5,108.40 Biotic Resources Group Sierra Azul Resource Management Plan
1569 9,520.00 Dana Bland&Associates Sierra Azul Resource Inventory
1570 235.05 Cabela's Field Supplies
1571 5,720.00 California Conservation Corps Pulgas Clean-up Crew
1572 10.00 *1 California Native Plant Society Restoration Project Training-G. Kern
1573 1,155.49 John Cahill Vehicle Expense-May 2000 to March 2001
1574 188.29 California Water Service Company Water Services
1575 28.08 Camper Shell King Camper Shell Balance Due
1576 633.43 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Fire Safety Supplies
1577 1,732.59 R. V. Cloud Sprinkler Block-RSA County Park
1578 7,596.25 Communications Specialists Installation of Voice&Data Cables
1579 3,100.00 Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. Geologic Mapping&Monitoring-RSA
1580 409.69 Costco Wholesale Office&Field Supplies
1581 441.60 Dacco Industrial Supply Co. Pressure Filters
1582 118.48 Dennis Danielson Reimbursement-Film
1583 395.06 Dennis Dart Vehicle and GIS Training Reimbursement
1584 5,694.30 Design Concepts Trail Brochure&Business Card Graphics
1585 44.81 Brendan Downing Reimbursement-Uniforms
1586 44.69 Emergency Vehicle Systems Vehicle Repairs
1587 4,620.00 Kevin Emery Rental Repairs-ECM Employee Housing
1588 203.01 John Escobar Reimbursement-Meeting Expense
1589 1,997.19 Falcon Fuels Fuel
1590 3.88 Film To Frame Slide Reprint
1591 131.11 Tom Fischer Vehicle Mileage
1592 159.54 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Small Tools
1593 199.26 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Locksets&Hardware for Restrooms
1594 60.72 Matt Freeman Vehicle Expense
1595 1,476.36 Fry's Electronics Computer Data Hub
1596 507.14 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
1597 1,868.00 GreenInfo Network Wall Map Project
1598 498.00 GreenWaste Recovery, Inc. Debris Container Service
1599 12,386.52 Harbor Printing Brochure Printing
1600 5,850.00 Paul Heady Bat Survey
1601 520.00 Gavin Hoban Sierra Azul GPS/GIS Mapping
1602 2,677.80 Hopkins Technical Products, Inc. Water Treatment Products-SRO Office
1603 1,430.00 International Training Resources, Ltd. Defensive Tactics Training
1604 85.56 Jodi Isaacs Vehicle Expense
Page 1
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1605 6,464.70 Michael Johnson FRO Office Modifications
1606 900.00 Tamara Kan Invasive Weed Study
1607 43.03 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Slide Accessories
1608 195.48 Tom Lausten Reimbursement-Uniforms
1609 447.42 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service
1610 181.77 John Maciel Reimbursement--Business Meeting Expense
1611 165.51 George Masamori Tire Damage Repairs
1612 51.65 MCI Worldcom Telephone
1613 209.55 Paul McKowan Reimbursement--Volunteer Supplies
1614 974.62 Micromedia, Inc. Board Meeting Reports-CD Rom Imaging
1615 108.35 Ken Miller Uniform Reimbursement
1616 288.88 Mocean Bike Uniform Samples
1617 55.78 Moss Rubber&Equipment Corp. Rain Gear Samples
1618 1,097.25 Office Team Office Temp Service
1619 570.82 Pacific Bell Telephone Service
1620 2,162.24 Pacific Water Systems Installation-Filters&UV System for Water
1621 1,267.80 Palo Alto Upholstery Seat Repairs&Seat Adjustments
1622 7,695.02 Panko Architects Distel Circle Building Remodel
1623 364.55 Loro Paterson Reimbursement-PRAC Conference
1624 2,433.37 Petrotek Fuel Pump Repairs-SRO
1625 8,000.00 Popish Appraisal&Consulting Appraisal Services
1626 48.06 PIP Printing Business Card Printing
1627 600.00 Portola Park Heights Property Owner's Association Road Dues
1628 26.52 Precision Engravers Name Tag Engraving
1629 693.00 Pryor Resources, Inc. Seminar-A.Koletzke, K.Hart,J. Escobar
G.Baillie, L. Crook, L.Zadek, J. Beaugh
1630 14,288.28 Rana Creek Habitat Restoration Grassland Management Project--R.R.
1631 156.45 Lori Raymaker Reimbursement--Docent Supplies
1632 171.07 Recreational Equipment, Inc. Uniforms
1633 9,900.00 Re-New Construction, Inc. Mt. Umunhum&RSA Road Repairs
1634 7,784.89 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
1635 642.54 David Sanguinetti Reim.-Computer Supplies and Uniform
1636 709.98 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement
1637 138.40 Second Cup Local Business Meeting Expense
1638 2,137.00 Sequoia Analytical Water Testing
1639 218.80 Shell Oil Company Fuel
1640 4,027.00 John Shelton, Inc. Culverts
1641 60.75 Skyline County Water District Water Service
1642 46.15 Skywood Trading Post Fuel
1643 5,750.00 Richard Seever DBA Land Management Resource Feral Pig Removal
1644 2,465.00 Sterling Environmental Corp. Asbestos Abatement-Annex Building
1645 250.00 Sterling Underground Construction Septic Tank Repairs
1646 789.08 Stevens Creek Dodge Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
1647 4,073.94 Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc. Baserock
1648 150.12 Summit Uniforms Uniforms
1649 21,229.57 2 M Associates District Annexation Studies
1650 80.84 Minh Tran Reimbursement--Computer Supplies
1651 237.50 Therma Corp. HVAC Repairs
Page 2
Claims No. 01-07
Meeting 01-09
Date: April 11, 2001
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
# Amount Name Description
1652 70.00 Tires on The Go Tires
1653 217.77 Tadco Supply Restroom Supplies
1654 2,330.00 Edward A. Tunheim Consulting Forester Services
1655 945.78 Tooland, Inc. Small Tools
1656 11.12 *2 United Parcel Service Parcel Post Service
1657 1,552.37 United Rentals Equipment Rental
1658 60.60 Verizon Wireless Messaging Services Pager Service
1659 7,567.37 VISA 3198.62-Conference/Seminar/Trainings
1857.01-Field Supplies
42.90-Resource Documents
311.83-Office Supplies
950.64-Computer Supplies
339.03-Business Meeting Expense
177.84-Uniforms
689.50-E-Mail&Web Hosting Service
1660 3,878.60 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Baserock Trucking Service
1661 1,144.00 Michelle Wagner Budget Spreadsheet Contract Work
1662 198.01 West Group Payment Center On-Line Legal Services
1663 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services
1664 200.00 Woodside&Portola Private Patrol Windy Hill Patrol Services
Total 253,353.66
*1 Urgent Check Issued March 30, 2001
*2 Urgent Check Issued March 30, 2001
Page 3
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
To: Board of Directors
From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
April 2 Date. p 16, 001
Re: FYI's
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosdgpopenspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
April 4, 2001
TO: C. Britton, General Manger
FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
Month February Year 2001
VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS CRIMES TOTALS
Bicycles Auto burglary 1
Closed area 8 9
Speed 0 0
Helmet 2 5 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS
Night-riding 0 0 Bicycle accident — 3
Unsafe operation 0 0 Vehicle accident — 2
Dogs Hiking/Running accident 2
Prohibited area 3 4 Search & Rescue 1
Off-leash 7 14
Off-road vehicles 0 1
Closed area 0 1 ENFORCEMENT
After hours 0 1 Parking citations — 59
Fishing 0 0 Other citations 20
Vandalism 0 2 Written warnings 29
Parking 52 60 Arrests — 0
Parking after hours 7 13 Police assistance 3
Dumping/littering 0 2
Campfires 0 0
Camping 0 0 MUTUAL AID
Weapons Accident 2
Actual contact 0 0 Fire 0
Report only 0 0 Law enforcement (S&R) 1
Evidence of 0 0 Landing zone off-site 0
Unlawful construction (tree house) 0 1
Skating prohibited 0 3
Nuisance dog 0 2
False info to PO 0 1
SUMMARIES OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS
Feb. 7 K. Carlson and M. Casaretto observed East Palo Alto Police responding with lights and
sirens to Ravenswood. A vicious pit bull arrived and the officers drew their service
weapons. The officers were looking for another vicious dog that had been darted and was
out on the levee. Animal Control and the police decided the dog was too far away to catch.
The preserve was closed for the rest of the afternoon.
Feb. 10 An after hours search for two overdue hikers occurred in El Corte de Madera OSP. One
hiker was injured by a fall, after dark, at the sandstone formation, but he made it out to
Skyline Blvd. without assistance. A CDF medic assessed the hiker, but he rejected medical
transport and was released to friends. L. Paterson, M. Ken, C. Beckman.
Feb. 11 B. Malone cited a woman for a "dog off leash" violation at Pulgas Ridge OSP. She said
that regular visitors to the preserve have a system down to let other dog owners know if a
ranger is in the area.
Feb. 12 A search for a hiker heard shouting for help took place just as daylight was ending, while it
was snowing, in Upper Steven's Creek County Park. Several District staff and several
Santa Clara County park rangers and sheriff's units responded. The hiker was near the creek
edge in Stevens Canyon and was rescued by a Santa Clara County Search and Rescue unit,
using ropes to rappel down the steep slope directly to where the hiker's voice was
emanating. L. Paterson, B. Downing, and C. Beckman.
Feb. 14 K. Carlson discovered illegal grading in El Sereno OSP. Their were several road cuts that
crossed two seasonal drainages, had no erosion control measures, and trees were cut down
or pushed over. T. Fisher photographed the damage and took GPS readings.
Feb. 18 A report of an auto burglary in Rancho County Park was received. K. Miller responded
and found broken glass from a window in the parking lot. The vehicle and owner were
gone. Another party told him that a jeep had a window broken and a wallet taken. Five
days later the owner called the office and provided all the information to P. Hearin.
Vandalism:
14 A wire fence was cut at El Sereno OSP that closed illegal trail access.
24 The "No Dogs" sign on Lost Trail at Windy Hill OSP was turned around.
I
Regional Open S' -ice
A
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 4, 2001
Ms. Joan Bernie
Mr. Bruce Rinehart
327 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94117
Dear Ms. Bernie and Mr. Rinehart,
This letter is in response to your letter of March 21, 2001 requesting the use of the former
Rocking Martini Ranch and specifically the red barn area for your wedding. The residence near
this barn is currently leased to a private party, and there are no parking facilities. The District is
also in the process of stabilizing the red barn. As a result of the private use, construction process,
and other safety concerns, this area is currently closed to public use. Additionally, this area of
the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is closed to all public use during the resource
inventory and planning process. I am sorry that this closure may be an inconvenience, but I am
unable to make an exception to this site closure as you have requested.
There are a number of other District sites which might be of interest to you for your wedding
celebration. Ms. Kathleen Hart can assist you in arranging a site for your wedding if you would
like to contact her directly.
Thank you for your interest in the District and its open space programs, and I wish you the very
best for your special day.
S i cerely,
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
LCB:gb:lz
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
John Maciel
David Sanguinetti
Kathleen Hart
330 Distel Circle - Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org •Web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton
March 21,2001
Dear Craig,
We are writing to you on the suggestion of Kathleen Hart with whom we met regarding
the use of Open Space Preserve property for our wedding and reception. Particularly, we
are interested in the Rocky Martini Ranch(located on Old La Honda Road=5 minutes
from "Alice's Restaurant").
Growing up in San Mateo county,Joan has seen this barn on her way to the coast for
several decades and it has special significance to her. We would only like to use the
grounds around the barn for an afternoon with as little impact as possible.
Kathleen informed us that to use the property we must be granted an exception by you or
the board as the property is currently closed to the public. Could we set up a meeting to
discuss with you the possibility of using the property around the barn?
We are also interested in exploring donations or other forms of support benefiting the
Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserve.
We hope you will grant us a meeting so we might understand if there is any path to
fulfilling this dream.
s know h might
Please let u ow ow we mi proceed.
L�
JSincerely,
Joan Bernier and
Bruce Rinehart
415.664.5651
Regional Open Soce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
4 April , 2001
Mr. Paul Romero, Director
Parks& Recreation Department
Environmental Resources Agency
County of Santa Clara
298 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
RE: Stevens Creek/Tony Look Trail at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
Dear Paul,
I am pleased to report that the District's Board of Directors approved the Use and Management
Plan Amendment to Fremont Older Open Space Preserve to designate the portion of the Stevens
Creek Trail passing through the preserve as the Stevens Canyon/Tony Look Trail. I have
enclosed a copy of the District staff report for your information.
The District would like to be a part of this tribute to Tony Look,whom we have known and
worked with since the District's inception in 1972. Would you please advise me when the trail
dedication ceremony will occur so that District Board and staff members might attend. As far as
the District's direct participation in the event's program, please contact Stephanie Jensen,the
District Public Affairs Manager, for specific arrangements.
Thank you for your continuing cooperation on projects of mutual interest and concern.
Si erely,-
`i
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
LCB:lz
encl.
cc: Stephanie Jensen
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org •web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett, Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Page 1 of 2
I
Kristi Webb
To: <postmaster@openspace.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 11:37 PM
Subject: Message for unknown user
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for<mro- o ens ace.or >• Thu 29 Mar 2001 16:14:48 -0500 (EST)
From: "Phyllis Ball" <ph. Ris ball_net>
To: <mro-(cr7,op ens pace.org>
Subject: Bay Area Ridge Trail - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF MOUNTAIN BIKES!!
Date: Thu 29 Mar 2001 13:15:25 -0800
Message-ID: <NDBBIHDGCLGDKLOEBENDKEEGCEAA.phyllis ,ball.net>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Dear MROSD,
I heard that you are on the verge of opening the Bay Area Ridge Trail to
bicycles. I just wanted to say thank you!!! As a person who looks forward to
the weekend so I can get out into our beautiful open space and get some
exercise on my mountain bike, I really appreciate it! This is why I pay to
live here!!
On behalf of the many others who feel the same way about mountain biking, I
thank you.
4/2/01
Page 1 of I
Kristi Webb
To: <postmaster@openspace.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2001 11:17 PM
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Message-ID: <5.89242c7.27f8b954@_qol.com>
Date: Sun, I Apr 2001 13:03:16 EDT
Subject: thanks!
To: mro-@openspace.or-g
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Thanks for opening more mountain bike trails!HHH!
4/2/01
Regional Open ce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
March 27, 2001
Ms. Vivian Love
Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk
City of West Hollywood
8300 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
RE: California Pooled Investment Authority
Dear Ms. Love,
At their meeting on March 14, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District passed Resolution No. 01-07 to terminate and rescind the Agreement with the
P g
CPIA.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you require further information, please do not
hesitate to call me at(650) 691-1200.
Sincerely,
Lisa Zadek
Acting District Clerk
Encl.
cc: Board of Directors
M. Foster
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org ftt;:;1 ®M 8.
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassert,Kenneth C. Nitz •Genera Manager:L.Craig Britton
RESOLUTION NO. 01-07
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TERMINATING THE JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS
AGREEMENT CREATING THE CALIFORNIA POOLED
INVESTMENT AUTHORITY
The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby resolve
and order as follows:
Section 1. Pursuant to Section VII.I(b) of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement(the
Agreement ) creating the California Pooled Investment Authority(the"Authority"), acting in
concert with the governing bodies of all the contracting parties,the Board of Directors hereby
terminates and rescinds the Agreement with the intention that the Authority be dissolved and its
assets distributed as provided in Sections VII.2 and VII.3 of the Agreement.
Section 2. The District Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the
Secretary of the Authority.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
1
I
RESOLUTION NO. 01-07
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District on March 14, 2001, at a regular meeting thereof, by the following vote:
AYES: P. Siemenz, K. N.c tz, M. Davey, D. Littee, N. Hanko, J. Cyn, L. Hazzett
NOES: none
ABSTAIN: none
ABSENT: none
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Secret ry President
Board of Directors Board of Directors
I,the District Clerk of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, hereby certify that
the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of
the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by the above vote at a meeting thereof duly
held and called on the above day.
n J
�� District Cler
Regional Open S ce
April 2, 2001 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Honorable Gale Norton
United States Secretary of the Interior
1849 C. Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Subject: Land and Water Conservation Fund
Dear Secretary Norton:
On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and its hundreds-of-thousands of
constituents, I am writing to urge you to support President Bush's recommendation for full funding of the
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
For too long, the LWCF has been woefully under-funded, and it is gratifying to see that President Bush's
Fiscal Year 2002 Budget includes $900 million for this critical program. He is to be particularly
congratulated for proposing to put the `stateside' LWCF funding on an equal footing with the Federal side
of the program. These funds will make a huge impact on the land conservation, habitat protection, and
parks and recreation programs of local agencies throughout the nation.
I encourage you to support the President's proposed full-funding level as the budget process moves
forward. In the past, as you know, this fund has been depleted and utilized for purposes far removed from
its intent. However, its track record, even with the minimal funding it has received in the past, illustrates
its great success. In its 35-year history, the LWCF has helped communities acquire nearly seven million
acres of parkland, water resources, and open space. Further, this fund has underwritten the development
of more than 37,000 state and local park and recreation projects. You and the President can ensure that
this incredible legacy continues, by working to keep full funding for the LWCF as a top priority through
the budget process.
Again, thank you for keeping in mind the great public need for full funding of the LWCF, and thank you
in advance for your work with the President to ensure that this important program is implemented as
originally intended, at its full funding level.
Sincerely,
Pete Siemens
President, Board of Directors
PS/lcb/mcs
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Tom St. Hilaire,Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 . E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org *m-z—;i ®,`°E"�'
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Regional Open S, ce
April 2, 2001 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Subject: Land and Water Conservation Fund
Dear President Bush:
On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and its hundreds-of-thousands of
constituents, I would like to thank you for recognizing the dire need for full funding of the Land and
Water Conservation Fund(LWCF).
For too long,the LWCF has been woefully under-funded, and it is gratifying to see that your Fiscal Year
2002 Budget includes $900 million for this critical program. You are to be particularly congratulated for
proposing to put the 'stateside' LWCF funding on an equal footing with the Federal side of the program.
These funds will make a huge impact on the land conservation, habitat protection, and parks and
recreation programs of local agencies throughout the nation.
I urge you to maintain your proposed full-funding level as the budget process moves forward. In the past,
as you know, this fund has been depleted and utilized for purposes far removed from its intent. However,
its track record, even with the minimal funding it has received in the past, illustrates its great success. In
its 35-year history, the LWCF has helped communities acquire nearly seven million acres of parkland,
water resources, and open space. Further,this fund has underwritten the development of more than
37,000 state and local park and recreation projects. You can ensure that this incredible legacy continues,
by working to keep full funding for the LWCF as a top priority through the budget process.
Again, thank you for raising the public profile of the LWCF, for proposing tits full funding in the
upcoming budget, and for continuing work to ensure that this important program is implemented as
originally intended, at its full funding level.
Sincerely,
Pete Siemens, President
Board of Directors
PS/Icb/mcs
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Tom St. Hilaire, Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation
330 Distel Circle # Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 a Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 - E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org * web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Regional Open Si ce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
March 28, 2001
The Honorable Patricia Wiggins, Chairperson
Assembly Local Government Committee
State Capital, Room 4016
Sacramento, CA 95841
Subject: Support of AB953 (Simitian)
Dear Assemblyperson Wiggins:
I am pleased to offer this letter in support of Assembly Bill 953 (Simitian) which is
currently scheduled to be heard at the April 4, 2001 meeting of the Assembly Local
Government Committee. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is the sponsor of
this bill which makes several minor changes to our District's enabling legislation, Public
Resource Code Section 5500, et seq. The meaning of Real Property in Sections 5540.5
and 5540.6 is clarified to include interests in real property, so that a contemplated
exchange of easements is clearly permitted. The bill also increases the General
Manager's spending authority from $10,000 to $25,000 (upon approval by the District's
Board of Directors), which is currently available only to East Bay Regional Park District.
I respectfully request your Committee's support of this proposed legislation.
Si erel ,
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
Cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Ralph Heim
Regional Open F ice
' MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
March 28,2001
Mr.Roger Myers
3057 Altamont Way
Redwood City, CA 94062
l
Dear Mr. Myers:
Thank you for your interest in protecting the District's preserves and providing opportunities for
public use. One way to encourage good trail etiquette is to educate the public, including hikers,
bicyclists, and equestrians. To that end, our docent coordinator, Lori Raymaker,has been working
with the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers' (ROMP)president, Rod Brown,to include
more docent-led bicycle tours within our docent program, and it was at her request that Rod
advertised the upcoming docent training to ROMP.
Currently, two of the District's docents are also members of ROMP and have been leading
bicycle tours for the District during the past four months.The participants of these bicycle rides
have greatly enjoyed their experience and have learned about mountain bicycle riding, trail
etiquette,oak trees, acorns,wildlife, and plant communities. Y
This year,Lori is anticipating a docent class of approximately 30 people,which will include four
to five bicyclists and two to three equestrians. We are excited to be able to add bicycle and
equestrian tours to our docent program,which will enable us to provide even more opportunities
for the public to learn about the stewardship of Open Space lands.
Thank you for you concern and for all of the time and effort that you have put forth in supporting
the District and its Docent program.
Si erel
Atmens, President
Board of Directors
PS/lr
CC: Board of Directors
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 j
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org i v OFREEeT
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Page 1 of 2
Kristi Webb
From: David King <davidkm@home.com>
To: <mrosd@openspace.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 3:52 PM
Subject: Purisima Creek
March 25, 2001
Mr. Pete Siemens
President, Board of Directors
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94o22
Dear Mr. Siemens,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my earlier communication
concerning the Purisima Creek Redwoods preserve.
As I'm sure that you would surmise, I found the conclusions and
justifications in your(the board's?)response wholly unsatisfactory.
The proposition that it is acceptable to permit public vehicles on
trails in nature preserves is, in itself, so preposterous that
discussing the details of such a travesty seems superfluous at best and
tragic at its worst.
In the event that you're unclear on this, most people that I know go to
forest preserves to escape a fast paced, noisy,pressure-laden and
relentlessly intrusive world. Under normal circumstances, a walk in the
woods provides a quiet retreat from the clamor, the noise, the speed and
the crowding inherent in the day to day pursuit of most of our lives.
Unfortunately, circumstances at Purisima Creek Redwoods rarely ever
simulate a normal forest experience. This is due entirely to rude,
intrusive, noisy mountain bikers. They careen through puddles splashing
anyone nearby. They blast up behind hikers who are making the serious
mistake of actually dawdling along trails and cause them to jump off
said trails to avoid being hit. They tear up and rut trails and wipe out
vegetation adjacent to the trail and accelerate trail erosion. They
routinely use trails quaintly and trustingly designated as 'hiking
only'. There are bicycle tracks everywhere you look. People of this
nature(and I use the term loosely) clearly cannot be counted upon to
obey obviously unenforceable regulations.
Allowing vehicles in the woods is antithetical to everything that a
forest can provide to a hiker.
Purisima Creek Redwoods is, in my judgement, the jewel in the crown of
the district's land. Closing trails to cyclists in other, less desirable
preserves will, of course, only have the effect of increasing the
i
4/2/01
Page 2 of 2
intrusion of these troglodytes at Purisima Creek. Let's give the wheat
to the bikers and the chaff to the hikers. Since this conclusion could
not have escaped the board's notice, I can only assume that cyclists
have imposed a majority in the board's voting membership or have simply
intimidated board members at the public meetings by behaving exactly as
they behave on the trails. Once again, apparently the rude,
I intrusive wheel gets the grease. I can only assume that, consistent with
the board's idea to "balance the desires of all constituents", I can
look forward to skeet shooters, off road vehicles or maybe people just
wanting a place to practice their chain saw skills. After all, they're
"constituents" as well.
For what it's worth, I imagine that I will no longer be taking up
valuable trail space at Purisima Creek simply walking along quietly and
breathing when that space could be used by cyclists to accelerate the
desecration of the area. It took us many years as a society to to evolve
to the point where at least a significant number of us realized that the
remaining redwood (and other) forest ecosystems should not be destroyed
by logging and other commercial activities and deserved our active
protection as a vital part of both our physical and psychological
environment. I hope that I'm around when the bone-headed decision to
allow public vehicles to desecrate the few remaining psychic retreats on
the Peninsula comes to be viewed as being every bit as primitive and
reprehensible as the idea of cutting down a 1,000 year old tree for
commercial gain has come to be.
Sincerely,
David King
I
i
4/2/01
Regional Open ace .
1
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 2, 2001
Mr. Paul Romero,Director
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Dept.
298 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos,CA 95032-7669
RE: Feral Pigs
Dear Paul:
I thought you would be interested in the enclosed letter I have written to Ms. Mary Nichols, Secretary for Resources
for the State of California. As the letter states, despite the fragmented efforts of a number of agencies,the problem
of feral pigs is continuing to grow, almost at an epidemic rate. I believe the State Resources Agency should provide
some coordination and assistance in determining the optimum method of controlling this exotic species.
As you will see from my letter, I am urging the Secretary to consider some means of sponsoring research and
scientific study, perhaps through either the University of California or State University systems,to gain a full
understanding of the magnitude of the problem, and determine the best course of action on a statewide basis. The
results would reflect a statewide perspective of the issue, and hopefully would provide agencies such as ours with a
set of well-thought out and coordinated solutions for control of the feral pig populations. j
It would be most effective in encouraging the Secretary to consider such a program if a number of like agencies
wrote similar letters. Please feel free to use my letter as a template in crafting your own letter, and be sure to send a
copy of your letter to your legislative delegation and legislative advocate.
I have sent this letter to the parks agencies in the nine-county Bay Area. The more letters the Secretary receives,the
better the possibility of action at the State level, so feel free to send copies of your letter to other agencies that you
feel would want to express their similar concerns.
Thank you in advance for your support of a statewide research and study effort aimed at solving the problem of feral
pigs.
Sincf ely, This letter was also sent to:
Pat O'Brien,East Bay Regional Park District
__.. Bob Berner,Marin Agricultural Land Trust
L.Craig Britton John Hoffnagle, The Land Trust of Napa County
m
General Manager Fran Brigan, Marin County Open Space District
John Norwood, South Livermore Valley Agricultural Land Trust
LCB:mcs Andrea MacKenzie, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation
encl. and Open Space District
Jim Angelo, Sonoma County Regional Parks
cc: MROSD Board of Directors Mary Burns,San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department
Elizabeth Grey,Nature Conservancy
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 - E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,led Cyr, Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton
II
I
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
To: Board of Directors
From: L. Craig Britton, e g General Manager
Date: April 11, 2001
Re: FYI's
330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Phone:650-691 1200
t
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosdoo ens ace.or • Web site: www.openspace.org
P P 8 P g
Page 1 of 1
Kristi Webb
From: <Hufty@aol.com>
To: <mrosd@openspace.org>; <dicka@best.com>; <elfv@earthl ink.corn>; <lynne@davisdata.com>;
<Pvtrailrider@aol.com>; <SusanBeeG@aol.com>; <rferrari2@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 8:57 AM
Subject: Windy Hill
Mr. Deane Little, chair
Use and Management committee
and the Board of MROSD
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, Ca
94022
Dear Deane, April 10, 2001
Thank you so much for taking the time to really get to know the trails on
Windy Hill and its users. The Trails Committee of Portola Valley is fully in
support of your recommendations to the Board on Sausal (The Betsy Crowder?)
Trail.
We also, are very happy with your staff recommendation of Alternate 2
with both on and off driveway routes at the Kabcenell driveway with the
Meadow Route on Segment 2, if possible.
It was a pleasure to spend a beautiful afternoon in such a glorious and
well conserved open space with your committee.
Sincerely,
Mary Page Hufty, MD,
Chairman Portola Valley Trails Committee
4/10/01
Regional Open S, ce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 12, 2001
Mr. Dan Bernstein
P.O. Box 1236
El Granada, CA 94018
(650) 593-1350
Subject: Use Designation for Sausal Trail
Dear Mr. Bernstein,
Thank you for taking the time to share your observations of the trails at lower Windy Hill
Open Space Preserve and for commenting on the use designation for Sausal Trail. We
appreciate input from members of the public to help make informed decisions regarding
the recreational use and management of District preserves. The Use and Management
Committee reviewed your April 5, 2001 electronic message during their scheduled public
meeting regarding Use and Management of lower Windy Hill that same night.
After considering co
mments mments from Staff p g
and the public, the Use and Management
Committee made a formal recommendation to designate Sausal Trail as open to hikers,
equestrians, and companion dogs. Staff will now evaluate the environmental impacts of
the recommendation per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)prior to
presenting the item to the Board of Directors for their consideration. This item is
tentatively scheduled for Board consideration in late May. Staff will keep you informed
once the date is confirmed.
Again thank you for your comments and for your interest on dog access at District
preserves.
Si cerely,",
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
LCB:arks/ak
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org •web site:www.openspace.org
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
Page 1 of 2
Kristi Webb
From: Dan Bernstein <dbernstein@argotech.com>
To: <mrosd@openspace.org>
Sent: Thursday,April 05, 2001 8:40 AM
Subject: Sausal Pond Trail
April 5, 2001
Dear MROSD Board of Directors,
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the meeting this evening(April
5th)to discuss reallowing dogs on the Sausal Pond Trail, so I would like to
present my comments to you via this short letter. I am strongly in favor of
allowing hikers with dogs to use the Sausal Pond Trail for several reasons:
(1)The Sausal Pond Trail offers a shady alternative to the Spring Ridge
fire road trail that it connects with. As we all know, the Spring Ridge
trail gets very warm during the summer months, so unless there are some very
clear and convincing reasons to not allow hikers with dogs on the Sausal
Pond Trail, allowing hiker with dogs access to that trail seems like the
logical and responsible choice.
(2) Approximately five years ago, the District(and community volunteers
such as myself and many others) conducted a fairly through study and review
of the District's overall dog access policies. One of the outcomes of that
laborious effort was the determination that the Windy Hill Preserve was an
appropriate preserve for hikers with dogs as compared to many other District
preserves. As I recall, another outcome of that review was to document a set
of dog access guidelines, and one of those guidelines recognized that it was
preferable to have an "all'or nothing" dog access policy for each preserve.
Given that fact, and the fact that the Sausal Pond Trail connects at both
ends with a trail that is already dog legal, I am strongly in favor of
allowing hikers with dogs on the Sausal Pond Trail.
(3)As a member and cofounder of PADS, I have worked at numerous info
stations at Windy Hill in an effort to help educate other hikers with dogs
about the District's dog policies so as to minimize the impact of dogs on
District preserves. I have found that the vast majority of hikers with dogs
greatly value being able to take their dogs to Windy Hill, and follow the
rules accordingly. The members of PADS have worked dilgently over the years
to "make dog access work", as do the majority of hikers with dogs, so I
would like to see the Sausal Pond Trail available to hikers with dogs.
I regret not being able to attend the meeting this evening to present my
statements in person and to answer any questions you may have, but I would
like to continue to kept informed about this and all dog access related
matters., I welcome your questions or comments!
4/5/01
Page 2 of 2
Respectfully,
Dan Bernstein
Phone: (650) 598-1350
4/5/01
Regional Open S ce
2
w
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 9, 2001
David Katz,Executive Director
Sonoma Land Trust
1122 Sonoma Avenue
Santa Rosa,CA 95405
RE: Feral Pigs
Dear David:
I thought you would be interested in the enclosed letter I have written to Ms. Mary Nichols, Secretary for Resources
for the State of California. As the letter states, despite the fragmented efforts of a number of agencies,the problem
of feral pigs is continuing to grow,almost at an epidemic rate. I believe the State Resources Agency should provide
some coordination and assistance in determining the optimum method of controlling this exotic species.
As you will see from my letter, I am urging the Secretary to consider some means of sponsoring research and
scientific study, perhaps through either the University of California or State University systems,to gain a full
understanding of the magnitude of the problem,and determine the best course of action on a statewide basis. The
results would reflect a statewide perspective of the issue,and hopefully would provide agencies such as ours with a
set of well-thought out and coordinated solutions for control of the feral pig populations.
It would be most effective in encouraging the Secretary to consider such a program if a number of like agencies
wrote similar letters. Please feel free to use my letter as a template in crafting your own letter, and be sure to send a
copy of your letter to your legislative delegation and legislative advocate.
receives,the
letter to the arks agencies in the nine-county Bay Area. The more letters the Secretary rece ,
I have sent this p g h' Y
better the possibility of action at the State level, so feel free to send copies of your letter to other agencies that you
feel would want to express their similar concerns.
Thank you in advance for your support of a statewide research and study effort aimed at solving the problem of feral
pigs.
Sibcerely,
L. Craig ritton
General Manager
LCB:mcs
encl.
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
«
330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-14 04 Phone:650-691-1200
Fax: 650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org OFREEET
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
This letter was also sent to:
Alex Sharp Bodega Land Trust
Ann Buell California Coastal Conservancy
April Vargas Half Moon Bay Open Space Trust
Audrey Rust Peninsula Open Space Trust
Birgitta Corsello County ofSolano
Brian Steen Sempervirens Fund
Bud Getty CA State Parks, Dept of Parks& Recreation, Resource
Management Division
Catherine Kutsuris County of Contra Costa
Clifford Janoff Bay Area Ridge Trail Council
Craig Mayer The Nature Conservancy
Dan Macon California Rangeland Trust
Dan Williams City of Palo Alto-Recreation, Open Space&Sciences
Dept.
Dan Cather City of Walnut Creek
Doug Bell Livermore Area Recreation&Park District
Frank Maurer,Jr. Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy
Gale Rankin Santa Clara Valley Water District
Jeffrey Redding County of Napa
Jennifer Barrett City of Novato
John Woodbury Bay Area Open Space Council
Kate Anderton Save-the-Redwoods League
Lloyd Wagstaff Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Nancy Richardson Land Trust for Santa Clara County
Niel Havlik City of San Luis Obispo
Pam Muick Solano County Farmlands& Open Space Foundation
Patrice Cox Elk Grove Community Service District
Ron Brown Save Mount Diablo
Tim Heffington Open Space Alliance of Santa Cruz
Tom Mooers Greenbelt Alliance
Aimee Rutledge Sacramento Valley Open Space Conservancy
Al Sokolow University of California-Davis
CA Field Director American Farmland Trust
Regional Open .' ice
---------------------
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 2, 2001
Ms. Mary D. Nichols, Secretary for Resources
Resources Agency, State of California
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Feral Pig Control
Dear Secretary Nichols:
Like many other public land conservation and management agencies throughout California, the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is experiencing great difficulty in controlling the
feral pig populations which inhabit an increasing portion of its lands. I am writing to express to
you our concern that there is no coordinated State-sponsored effort aimed at studying the effects
of feral pigs, and researching the various options for controlling this non-native invasive animal
species.
The pigs' intensive rooting activities disrupt and damage native plant communities, giving non-
native plant species a competitive advantage. They cause extensive damage to recreational areas,
other creatures' sensitive habitats (including rare and endangered species such as the California
red-legged frog), riparian areas, and roads, and are in direct competition with various native
wildlife species for seasonally available food.
The District is currently spending upwards of$35,000 annually in an attempt to control (trap and
shoot) the feral pig population, initially in only a small portion of the District's 46,500 acres of
open space land, with limited results. Other agencies are spending that much and more, but also
with results that, at best, only minimally affect the overall problem. Research into the
environmental effects of feral pigs and of the various potential control methods has not been
fully carried out on an organized statewide basis, leaving the local and regional agencies to
implement control programs with a limited knowledge base. Further, throughout the State, the
control methods themselves are fragmented and generally uncoordinated among agencies. To
my knowledge, no agency in California has had any significant degree of success in controlling
the population growth or expanding range of this species.
With an estimated 56 of California's 58 counties reporting feral pig populations and associated
problems, and with these populations potentially doubling every year, it seems clear that this is a
statewide issue of near-catastrophic proportions. Individual agencies simply do not have the
resources or expertise to carry out the type and amount of research that would be necessary to
produce a viable solution.
330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200
Fax:650-691-0485 . E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org + Web site:www.openspace.org ft , OR-sr
Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton
April 2, 2001
Ms. Mary Nichols Page 2
While there has been some cooperation and joint effort with neighboring agencies and private
property owners, the magnitude of the problem is such that a statewide effort may be the only
means of addressing this monumental problem before it becomes completely unmanageable.
I urge you to consider some mechanism by which State grants or other incentives can be offered
for research and scientific study in order to generate viable control methods, particularly
biological/contraceptive control. Currently, the only viable method of pig control is trap and
shoot which only reduces the pig population and requires an on-going program. Such grants or
incentives might be made available to the State University or University of California systems, or
perhaps the Department of Fish and Game could itself sponsor a comprehensive research
program aimed at solving this problem. Individual agencies such as ours are not equipped to
carry out this kind of research and study, and it is only through a State-sponsored program that
optimum solutions can be gained.
Thank you for your consideration of how the State might best be involved in reducing the feral
pig population that is plaguing public and private lands in nearly every county in California.
Please contact me if I can provide further information on our experience with this continuing
problem.
Since r ly,
L. Craig ttonw .+
General Manager
LCB:mcs
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Honorable Byron Sher
Honorable Rebecca Cohn
Honorable Joseph Simitian
Paul Romero, Director, Santa Clara County Parks
Mary Burns, Director, San Mateo County Parks
Lloyd Wagstaff, Director, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Robert C. Hight, Director, California Department of Fish and Game
Jane Adams, Executive Director, California Parks and Recreation Society
Ralph Heim, Heim,Noack, Kelly and Spahnn