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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20020130 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 02-02 Regional Open ice ---------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 02-02 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 7:00 p.m. Wednesday,January 30,2002 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California AGENDA* Please Note: 7:00 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting Start Time 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time 7:00* 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 Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting,and, at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting,the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. 1. Conference with Lea Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) -two potential cases 7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ORAL CONMUMCATIONS—Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—D.Little WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS BOARD BUSINESS 7:40* 1 Appointment of 2002 Year Board Committees; Approve Appointments to Standing and Ad-Hoc Committies as Contained in this Report,Including the Determination of Compensation Status—D.Little 7:50* 2 Appointment of District Representatives to the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority; Approve Appointment of Directors Nitz,Hanko,and Cyr to Serve on the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority—D. Little 7:55* 3 Review the Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 and Modify as Necessary for Review by the Administration And Budget Committee as a Part of the Budget Development Process —C. Britton 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 ftrnzl ®FNEE-EST 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 02-02 Page 2 8:15* 4 Final Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve;Determine that the Proposed Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)Based on the Findings Contained in this Report;Amend the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve for the Construction of an Observation Deck and Realignment of a Trail Adjacent to the Sandstone Formation with a Re- designation for Multiple Use,as Approved by the Use and Management Committee; Waive the Requirement for a Second and Final Reading of the Adoption of this Use and Management Plan Amendment Because of the Necessity to Complete this Project in Order to Secure Grant Funds that are in Danger of Being Lost;Authorize Staff to Solicit Bids for the Construction of an Observation Deck at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve—D. Vu 8:25* 5 Award of Contract for Roof Replacement of the Red Barn Located in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Contract with Andy's Roofing Company, Inc. of Mountain View for the Base Bid Amount of$44,933, Plus a Contingency Amount of$9,000,for a Total Contract Amount Not to Exceed $53,933 for the Roof Replacement of the Red Barn Located in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve—S.Welaratna 6 Authorize the General Manager to Execute Contract with Nancy Elizabeth Stoltz in an Amount Not to Exceed$5,700 to Prepare a Grant Application to the California Heritage Fund Grant Program for the Seismic Upgrade to the Winery Budding at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve —C.Woodbury 7 Appoint Macias,Gini and Company as the District's Auditor for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 for Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2001-2002;Authorize the General Manager to Execute the Engagement Letter Agreement in the Amount of$15,555 —M. Foster 8 Ratify the District Representative's Approval of Change Orders in the Amount of $7,500.00 with T.K.O. Engineering and Construction, Inc.,for a Total Contract Amount of$52,500.00 for the Emergency Slope Stabilization at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve—D. Simmons 9 Ratify Change Orders in the Amount of$7,289 for the Paving and Repair Contract with Bay Area Asphalt and Cement Works of San Jose for a Total Contract Amount Not to Exceed$43,962 for the Driveway at Thomewood Open Space Preserve; Approve a Notice of Completion for the Project.—J. Cahill 10 Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Contract with Concern Employee Assistance Program to Provide Employee Assistance Services for Calendar Year 2002 at a Cost Not to Exceed$11,900—S.Thielfoldt REVISED CLAIMS 8:30* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Brief reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of District Directors and Staff. 8:45* ADJOURNMENT Meeting 02-02 Page 3 Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. ToADDREssTHEBoARD: 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 duping 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 -ice A MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Ms. Marilyn J. Walter 20 Coyote Hill Portola Valley, CA 94028 Dear Ms. Walter: Thank you for your letter of December 22, 2001 expressing your interest in a new trail connection between Highway 35 and Half Moon Bay. Your description of a trail closely matches a regional trail that has been identified in the San Mateo County Trails proposed Plan. As you may know, the District works closely with the County of San Mateo and with other partners in the parks and open space field to implement these key trail connections. The District is currently proposing to annex the San Mateo County Coast from south of the City of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. If this effort is successful, it will allow us to begin acquiring and managing lands in the spectacular area you described. The District would then be able to work with San Mateo County, Peninsula Open Space Trust, and other similar agencies to help implement the regional trail alignment you described. Until that time, we continue to work diligently to implement regional trail connections within our boundaries, most notably the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Thank you again for your interest and support. Happy trails! Sincerely, Deane Little, President Board of Directors DL:mf 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,led Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett, Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton 20 Coyote Hill Portola Valley, CA 94028 December 22, 2001 Board of Directors Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 DEC 2 Re: Trail from #35 to Halfrnoon Bay Dear Board of Directors: Years ago we used to walk as a small group behind 011ie Mayer from highway #35 down to Halfmoon Bay for pie and coffee. (Those were the days!) The memory persisted, so... A few months ago Ellie Hess and I decided to find and retrace that path. We went to the County of San Mateo's map section and found a list of landowners (mostly P.O.S.T.) on that route; we went to P.O.S.T. and got a nice map of the area. Then we (quietly) set off, starting about two miles south of#92. It was a beautiful adventure, walking along open fields with views of the ocean--and just a few hours walk. We ended right at Pilarcitos Creek, and just two blocks from pie and coffee! I write this letter to try to interest you in investigating this trail route. It would make a fabulous addition to the Mid-Pen system, connects to #35's hiking and riding trail, as well as the proposed trail bordering #92 as it rises from #280, and, I understand that the Pilarcitos Trail soon will connect to the California Coastal Trail. Hope you'll consider it. Sincerely, Marilyn J. Walter Regional Open 5 ice DRAFT RESPONSE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Ms. Jane C. Holt 1960 Churton Avenue Los Altos, CA 94024-6907 Dear Ms. Holt: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I would like to express our appreciation of your thoughtful letter and our regret for the delayed response. As it happens, staff had already begun exploring ways of addressing the issue of District memorials this autumn, when your letter arrived. Apparently, your letter was retained in a memorial-related file for consideration in the context of proposed solutions, and has only recently come to the Board's attention. Your inquiries about memorials and wheelchair access raise important and challenging issues. I hope to provide useful information in response to each inquiry, in the order posed. With regard to dedications or memorials on open space preserves, the Board's current policy deliberately minimizes the construction or placing of memorials except for a few rare, extraordinary, and carefully planned instances. Consistent with our mission to preserve and maintain open space in the most natural, wild, and undisturbed state possible, the District provides minimal signage, few toilets, even fewer benches, no trash receptacles, and unpaved staging areas. Visitors often remark that it is, in fact, this carefully preserved sense of wildness that provides them with the solace and inspiration they are seeking for grieving, remembering, or enjoying the community of loved ones. As a public agency, the District strives to achieve a precarious balance between serving each of the many constituent requests it receives, and, at the same time, remaining true to its primary mission: the acquisition, preservation, management, and restoration of open space with appropriate, "low-intensity," public recreational access. The District has yet to identify a manner of accommodating the several requests received for memorials per month while remaining focused on the its primary open space mission. As you might imagine, accommodating three to four memorial requests per month would require significant staff support initially, and over time as well, for there would be the obligation to consistently maintain the memorials. Such a large number of memorials would also, cumulatively, significantly compromise the preserves. District preserves do contain a few memorials. These were either erected under a discontinued Peninsula Open Space Trust program, or, in extraordinary instances, at Board and/or interagency discretion. The District policy permits Board recognition of a significant contributor to the District's work. Bench siting where the District has determined a bench might be appropriate, and according to strict planning guidelines, is permitted under this policy(please request a copy of the policy, should you wish to review it). The District has identified potential sites for a small number of benches, but the number would not accommodate our equitable dedication program. 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 • •; ®R*EEBT Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz *Genera(Manager:L.Craig Britton Ms. Jane C. Holt January 31, 2002 Page 2 Innovative ideas such as yours have been considered by staff, who are eager to identify a simple, durable, and meaningful means of offering something to the many constituents who appreciate open space and seek memorials. While your suggestion of plaques on the back of signboards was not considered feasible since these signboards must be periodically replaced, the District welcomes innovative ideas. I hope you will consider recommending more ideas to the Public Affairs staff. Meanwhile, the midpeninsula community is fortunate to have other nature memorial programs, among them, the Sempervirens Fund and the San Mateo County Department of Parks and Recreation. With regard to your request for widened trails in order to accommodate adventurous wheelchair users, the District took the first step in this direction with its Access Plan for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in January 1993, which was committed to the elimination of human-made barriers to access. The recommendations of this plan have been implemented. District staff recognizes that many people with disabilities would like to enjoy semi-primitive and primitive settings as they are, without alterations that would fundamentally change the natural environment. Many District trails are at least 28 inches wide (the standard maximum width for wheelchair design as established by the National Wheelchair Standards Committee), including most of the designated multi-use trails. These multi-use trails are typically shown on District brochures. Besides width, there are other accessibility factors to be considered including trail grade and cross slope, surface conditions, drainage, water crossings and bridges, and vegetation. If you need assistance choosing a route that is within the range of your abilities, please feel free to call the District's administrative office at (650) 691-1200. Sincerely, Deane Little, President Board of Directors DL/shjlss cc: MROSD Board of Directors 9/5/01 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos-CA 94022-1404 Dear Board of Directors, Several months ago I called the office, as I wanted to find out about the dedications at Windy Hill and how to arrange one for our friend Tom Rhymes. Tom and his wife lived in the area for many years and have family and friends in the area(he worked at H-P and his wife taught at the college and university level). Over the years he introduced many many people to Windy Hill. Tom and his wife Rosalie had moved to Australia to care for her mother but they returned every year to visit and these visits usually included a hike to Windy Hill. Tom died suddenly from a heart attack while on lunchtime run last October. As we began to notify others and people passed the news on to more persons an email list got started. Some of us also used this to connect with others and share our memories and remembrances of Tom. One common question kept coming up—"when and how many times did you do Windy Hill with TornT' Different patches of trees or bends would have different names for different people that had gone on hikes with he and his wife. This was his favorite hike. Even though Tom is from the US and all his family is here,as he died in Australia and his wife is still in Australia this is where he is buried, and there is not anything for him and us that are here, and this was a big part of his life. Rosalie was here for a visit in June and we went up to Windy Hill and we saw the benches and markers. Rosalie and we thought how nice this would be to have something like this for Torn. I called and inquired about some type of remembrance for Torn,and was very surprised when I was told that this is not done. I am certain that t there must be a lot of requests of otherwise it would not have been such a sensitive matter for Christy. The response I got was not at all what I was expecting and also did not at all reflect what I was asking. If you get as many requests as I was told,then I am surprised and disappointed that t you have not found some way to address the need. The district is one for supposedly us all, but this makes it look as if only those who are in the"in"are allowed the honor of a remembrance. I was told that it was only founding or influential board members have this privilege but this did not seem to be the case as one name had dates that indicated the person was teenager. I am no way trying minimizing this person's loss or contribution to the MFOSD,but this does seem not quite fair. But I was taken aback by the accusation that I was trying to destroy the natural beauty by suggesting we turn the area into a cemetery or one big memorial park. In all honesty, I thought the number of benches seemed overdone and a bit much in the open space when there are no trees or shrubbery. So what I was hoping for was that there was some way to do something smaller,i.e., a one-inch by 2 or 3-inch name plate with a name on"... in remembrance of..."or something like an etching or wood burning on the back of the larger trail markers. The back of the large map at the trailhead would have space for many names. I do realize that even these would fill up over the years,but I would imagine that with all the new trails and new acquisitions that there is some way that peoples needs could be addressed and these could be financed(as well as general trail maintenance)by contributions in honor of the person. This is done at Big Basin with tree dedications. Again I am not saying plant a tree and put a marker—but there could be some way to put some remembrance with an existing tree- These are things I am"throwing out"as I am curious if you have thought of different ways that this might be done and keep the balance of the preserve. Since I am writing,I wanted to also raise another issue that has been of concern to me. This is the access for wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Many of us that use assistive devices such as walkers,wheelchairs and canes have figured out ways to hike but can only do so if the trails are wide enough for our walker or wheelchair. The wheelchair accessible trails are few and only cover a short distance. I am sure that the lack of accessible trails does not mean that those of us that use assistive devices are not expected by those designing and maintaining the trails to want to see more than one trial. Special trails are made for horse use and mountain bikes. I realize there are safety issues involved. If many or all of the trails were just slightly wider they would be more accessible for persons using wheelchairs,canes,or walkers. Since they are not it can lead us to feel that we are considered undesirable trail users. I know that when I have questioned this in the past,I was told that there was a fear that wider trails would lead to overuse by mountain bikes. I was also told that there was a fear that the wheels of the wheelchairs would erode the trail if more wheelchairs were to be used or that wheelchairs would scare the horses.Many times organizations get all caught up in ADA standards when there is a simple solution to increase access. it is particularly ftustrating when we go to a trail that has been recently trimmed and the weeds and vegetation have been cut back but we have to fold the wheelchair and go to canes because the trail is a foot wide. Sometimes the trail was recently made wider but only to I and 1/2foot when 6 inches more would have made it accessible. I again am not saying that these should be dedicated trails and meet all the codes on grade etc. When trail maintenance is done if it could be just slightly wider it would make it usable for those of us in wheelchairs. if you look at the bikes and outings by the district you can quickly see that other than Daniels' Nature Center,which is nice,there is not much available. My children felt after a few visits they wanted to see more,as did I. Thank you for your time in considering these 2 issues: 1)some way to address the need for people to have a some means of providing some memorial and 2)the needs of the disabled public for greater enjoyment of the open space we help pay for and support. Sincerely, Jane C. Holt 1960 Churton Ave. Los Altos. CA 94024-6907 UeG U-T Ua VO: T.;1V .i 4591 tr LL.d41I1WI 111C "%41 4 4 VJV 1 .JVV V P 1214I01 Dear Persons, I sent a letter 9t5t01 to you concerning the policy on memorial or some commemorative for a person at the MPOSD. I did not receive a response from you and am writing to follow-up on my letter and to see if you have thought some way to meet the district's needs as well as the public you serve. In rereading my letter(attached)I realize that it is hard to follow. Our friend Tom Rhymes loved the open space in particular Windy Hill. He brought many people to Windy Hill. There are many memorials on Windy Hill. I realize that most are for persons who have been"very influential in the district"but I don't believe that all are. We were not asking to place a bench or large object but just some way to honor Tom and also possible help support the Open Space. This is why I was suggesting a small name and date plaque even 3x5 inches. This would mean a lot to his widow and those of us that went with Tom on the hikes. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Jane C.Holt 1960 Churton Ave. Los Altos, CA 94024-6907 650-964-0228 Regional Open 2F - ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-18 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Current Year Board Committees PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION Approve my appointments to Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees as contained in this report, including the determination of compensation status. DISCUSSION Section 1.80-1.82 of our Rules of Procedure calls for the Board President to appoint Board members to our existing Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, with consent of the Board. The four Standing Committees consist of Administration and Budget; Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs;Use and Management; and Acquisition and Enterprise. Following our Rules, Directors Cyr,Nitz(Board Treasurer), and Siemens were appointed to the Administration and Budget Committee at our January 16, 2002 meeting. The remaining appointments are to be approved at this, our second Regular meeting in January. The Ad Hoc Committee on Operations Program Review was disbanded at our meeting of April 11, 2001 (see Report R-01-40). All standing committees are compensable. The Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation and Coastal Annexation Committees are also proposed to be compensable. The Ridge Trail Council representation is proposed to remain non-compensable. Proposed committee assignments for the current year are shown on the following page. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Lisa Zadek, Senior Administrative Assistant Contact person: Deane Little, President 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 - E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org e 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 BOARD OFFICERS—2002 President—Deane Little Vice-President—Nonette Hanko Treasurer—Ken Nitz Secretary—Larry Hassett BOARD COMMITTEES—2002 non-compensable STANDING COMMITTEES AD HOC COMMITTEES Administration and Budget Board Appointee Evaluation • Jed Cyr • Mazy Davey • Ken Nitz • Deane Little • Pete Siemens • Pete Siemens Legislative,Finance and Public Affairs Trails Policy Implementation • Mary Davey Jed Cyr • Nonette Hanko Nonette Hanko • Pete Siemens 0 Deane Little Alternate: Larry Hassett Use and Management Jed Cyr Coastal Annexation • Larry Hassett • Larry Hassett • Ken Nitz • Ken Nitz • Nonette Hanko Acquisition and Enterprise • Mary Davey Ridge Trail Council Representative • Nonette Hanko • Mary Davey • Larry Hassett Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-19 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of District Representatives to the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION Approve my appointment of Directors Hanko, Cyr, and Nitz to serve on the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority. DISCUSSION The Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority consists of five members. In accordance with the bylaws of the Financing Authority, the District's Board President shall be the Chairperson of the Financing Authority. Three members are to be members of the District's Board of Directors who are appointed by the Board President. The fifth member is the member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors whose district encompasses the greatest territory of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and who is appointed to the Board of the Financing Authority by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Liz Kniss will remain as the fifth member. Section 2.4 of Article II of the Financing Authority's bylaws calls for the Treasurer of the District to be the Treasurer of the Authority. I recommend that you approve my appointment of Directors Hanko, Cyr, and Nitz(Treasurer)to serve on the Governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager i Contact person: Deane Little, President 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 *General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open F ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-20 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementati of the District's Basic Policy for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Review the proposed Preliminary Action Plan for fiscal year 2002-2003 and modify as necessary for review by the Administration and Budget Committee as a part of the budget development process. DISCUSSION The District's activities are guided by an annual Action Plan that implements the Basic Policy and other Board policies. The Action Plan's function is to summarize the proposed and current emphasis of the District's major departments, to identify key projects, to allocate budget, and to be a basis for evaluation of progress. Each Department Manger will highlight specific proposals and related projects and services during their individual Action Plan presentations at this evening's meeting. The proposed Action Plan could be altered as a result of your meeting deliberations, the budget formulation, the Administration and Budget Committee review process, and your final approval of the Action Plan, which is ordinarily considered at your second meeting in March. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager John Escobar, Assistant General Manager Sally Thielfoldt, Administration/Human Resources Manager Mike Williams, Real Property Representative Del Woods, Senior Acquisition Planner Cathy Woodbury, Planning Manager John Maciel, Operations Manager Stephanie Jensen, Public Affairs Manager Susan Schectman, General Counsel Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General 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 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION DEPARTMENT Programs A. Acquisitions Funding and Procurement B. Enterprise C. Land Protection To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District seeks to purchase or otherwise acquire interest in the maximum feasible area of strategic open space land within the District planning areas, including bay lands and foothills. The District seeks to link its open space lands with federal, state, county, and city parklands and watershed lands. General Department Emphasis for 2002-2003 The department's emphasis will be to acquire the higher priority projects funded under the District's Financing Authority. Lower priority properties will be pursued through long-term options, available grant funding, bargain sales, and gifts. The District Will continue to work diligently with Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST)to acquire land and to further the District's overall open space acquisition goals. The Enterprise Program will focus on maximizing rental income consistent with Open Space Management policies, and on maintaining and improving District rental structures, as needed. The Land Protection Program will focus on conducting comprehensive land acquisition studies, monitoring land use planning activities where interests in land may be enhanced, and protect District interests in land by resolving conflicts arising from easement and encroachment issues. Continue to improve communications with other Departments to enhance the District's work environment. In the event of voter approval of the Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2002 (Proposition 40), the District will apply for per-capita and competitive grants to maximize available grant funding. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated) Land Acquisition Manager(vacant position) Real Property Representative Senior Acquisition Planner Land Protection Specialist Real Property Specialist Administrative Assistant Pace 1 2002-2003 Acquisition Funding and Procurement Objective To provide for the acquisition of all real property rights necessary to secure an open space greenbelt in the foothills and bay lands, including rounding out and improving public access to existing preserves and connecting District preserves with other public lands. Key Projects 1. New Land Commitments - Convert the budgeted funds in the New Land Commitments budget category into open space lands, at desirable prices, focusing on the higher priority properties which specifically protect the greenbelt, including rounding out and improving public access to existing preserves, connecting to other preserves and other public lands, protecting the natural habitat and resources, and furthering the completion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and San Francisco Bay Trail with potential ultimate trail connections to the Pacific Coast. Acquisitions connecting Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and Portola Redwoods State Park are a priority. Balance the desirability of potential acquisitions with the availability of budgeted funds, including, if possible, private financing with favorable terms. 2. Acquisition Grant Projects—To augment acquisition funds, explore new grant opportunities focusing on high priority acquisition projects. Seek new grant funds through existing grant programs such as Land and Water Conservation Fund, Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program, Environmental Enhancement Mitigation Program (EEMP), Recreational Trails Program, Wildlife Conservation Board, and Bay Area Ridge Trail grants. Complete EEMP and Bay Area Conservancy grant projects in Sierra Azul, including the acquisition of the POST/Guadalupe Land property. Complete HCF projects for acquisition of the POST/ Loma Prieta Ranch property and a possible addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. If approved by California voters in March 2002, implement Proposition 40 Bond Act Per Capita Grant projects and apply for related block grants and competitive grants as they become available. 3. Gifts,Bargain Sales, and Joint Acquisitions -To augment acquisition funds, explore bargain sales, and/or gifts where possible. Complete joint acquisition projects with Santa Clara County Parks for the former Lobner property in Stevens Creek Canyon, Moody Gulch property near Bear Creek Open Space Preserve and the Hacienda Park property adjacent to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Work closely with Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST)to pursue acquisition of open space that provides potential regional and coastal trail connections, including additions to Mills Creek, La Honda Creek, and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. 4. Alternative Acquisition Methods- Obtain Board approval of appropriate options, at market prices or less, to acquire desirable properties that might be affordable through Page 2 grant applications in future years. Explore various alternative terms of purchase (installment purchases, defeasable fee, exchange of agricultural easements to preserve open space lands, etc.)to offer advantages and incentives to landowners, as well as cost savings to the District. Other Projects and Activities 1. Maintain a multi-year spending plan for open space acquisition which optimizes use of cash and borrowed funds to accomplish acquisition goals within budget constraints. 2. Work closely with Legal Program to draft purchase agreements and related real estate documents, and to clear and perfect title on District open space lands including the ownership issues of Dennis Martin Road at Thornewood Open Space Preserve. 3. Assist the Planning Department, when appropriate, in the coastal annexation process through the Local Agency Formation Commission in San Mateo County. 4. Pursue a public financing measure with favorable terms to provide additional land acquisition funds if deemed appropriate by the District Controller. 5. Provide information for on-going acquisition planning and priorities to the Planning Department. 6. Explore additional methods to protect open space lands for less than the total cost of fee acquisition(open space easements, acquisition of development rights, development dedication, exchange or sale of development rights, cooperation with private individuals, land trusts, groups, etc.). 7. Encourage other agencies to acquire through various means, including grants, park and open space lands that are consistent with their goals and which compliment the District's greenbelt program. 8. Initiate and maintain contacts with landowners, real estate appraisers and brokers, developers, architects, engineers, zoning and planning officials, and financial institutions. 9. Maintain a relocation assistance program utilizing staff and consultants as necessary. 10. Compile current information on real estate market activity, including ordering preliminary title reports on a timely basis for research into potentially available properties. 11. Catalog information of special interest, such as deed restrictions, encumbrances, financing and tax considerations. This activity includes the establishment and continuation of a working relationship with title companies and other information sources. Page 3 2002-2003 Enterprise Program Objective To manage all of the District's revenue-producing activities in such a way as to maximize income from enterprise accounts consistent with Open Space Management policies, incorporating compatible new programs when possible. Key Projects I. Administer Enterprise Accounts - Administer rental accounts, communication and agricultural leases, consistent with open space management policies, to maintain and enhance revenue stream through competitive and current rate structure, effective maintenance programs and communication with tenants. 2. Maintain Rental Structures- Carry out maintenance and improvements to rental houses to keep buildings and grounds in a safe, sanitary, and attractive condition, and to increase net rental income. Work with Operations Department to implement a uniform water system and maintenance plan for District rental structures in the Skyline Area. Administer long term and recurring maintenance priorities on rental properties. 3. Administer Historic Leases- Oversee lease compliance and renovation requirements at the historic Picchetti winery, Thornewood estate, and Fremont Older house. Complete lease extension for historic Fremont Older residence. Pursue lease extension and potential agricultural lease with new tenant as part of the historic Picchetti winery. 4. Assess Economic Viability of Rental Properties—Evaluate and make recommendations on the long term-term feasibility of maintaining District residential rental properties(such as the former Smith and Sherrill residences). Assess the economic viability of long-term leasehold arrangements, or, if appropriate,the disposition of structures in accordance with Board policies. Other Projects and Activities I. Prepare annual rental surveys on District rental houses and Ranger residences. 2. Work with Operations and Planing departments to maintain and improve employee residence structures. 3. Work with Operations Department to negotiate lease extensions for District's two-way radio system, and employee residence rental at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 4. Investigate new enterprise proposals as initiated by other groups or individuals that would be compatible with District goals and objectives. Page 4 5. Pursue new cellular communications lease at existing PG&E tower at Pupas Ridge Open Space Preserve. Consolidate District's communication leases and maximize communication rental income. 6. Administer lease of additional office space at 330 Distel Circle. 7. Work with Operations and Planning Departments to evaluate potential grazing and agricultural uses in accordance with use and management process. Page 5 2002-2003 Land Protection Program Objective To preserve and protect District open space lands by conducting land acquisition planning activities to identify acquisition priorities and, once acquired, to further protect these public lands from incompatible and encroaching land use activities. Key Project I. Land Acquisition Planning-Provide comprehensive land acquisition studies to guide the acquisition program, including reviewing and updating acquisition priorities. Conduct subregional planning studies in the areas surrounding Purisima Creek Redwoods and Mills Creek Open Space Preserves,Monte Bello Open Space Preserve(Stevens Creek Trail), and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Provide site-planning information for land negotiators to assist in developing terms and conditions for acquisition projects. Following acquisition, administer projects that clarify and protect property rights, and collaborate with Planning and Operations Departments to facilitate incorporation of newly acquired land into the District greenbelt. 2. Encroachment Reduction -Protect open space lands from encroachments and preserve District real property fights. Work closely with Planning, Operations, and Legal Departments to achieve early identification of potential encroachments and seek resolution by negotiations and legal action, if necessary. Use a variety of techniques to resolve encroachment issues including restoration, mitigation and boundary line adjustments to maximize open space protection. In coordination with Operations, Public Affairs, and Legal Departments, complete a procedural manual for handling encroachments and identifying and resolving property rights issues on District land. in coordination with Planning and Legal Departments, assist in developing a permit fee policy to recoup costs of issuance of permits to enter District lands to remediate encroachments. 3. Easement Monitoring-Protect and monitor District lands encumbered by private and public easements, and conversely, protect District-owned open space easements where located on private and public lands. When easements are potentially violated, mutually agreed upon resolutions will be sought that protect and enhance open space values. Seek compliance with easement terms or, if necessary, seek modifications to enhance open space protection. Implement a grant from Bay Area Open Space Council to develop a digital database and training program for documentation of easement information. 4. Outside Project Review -Protect public and private open space lands from negative impacts associated with adjacent land development where there is a relationship to the District's land interests. Work with local jurisdictions, environmental organizations and private property owners in trying to protect such open space lands through the public review processes. When appropriate, partner with private property owners in seeking balanced land use plans that will maximize open space preservation. Complete acquisition of trail and open space easement as part of McCarthy Subdivision(former Page 6 Guadalupe College Property) in Los Gatos and seek similar easements from the proposed Canyon Heights Academy project in Cupertino. Other Prpjgqs and Activities 1. Review and update land acquisition and site dedication information and begin to integrate into District's Geographical Information System. With assistance from a volunteer, create a property index based on assessor's parcel numbers of all property interests held by the District. 2. Notify County recorder offices of District held open space and conservation easement rights in compliance with Assembly Bill 1011. 3. Conduct land acquisition studies and related planning activities, prepare acquisition reports and conduct due diligence investigations when necessary. 4. Establish methods for monitoring and responding to easement agreements involving private inholdings at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Sierra Azul and other lands where complex purchase agreements have resulted in the need for proactive management. 5. Clarify and monitor easements and other rights associated with Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and the Dennis Martin Road area of Thornewood Open Space Preserve. 6. Work actively and regularly with District legal counsel to protect District property rights where title to existing District land is threatened by claims of adverse rights, liens, or other interference with District's real property rights. 7. Develop monitoring programs on recently acquired easements at Windy Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. 8. Work with Operations Department in negotiating road agreements and resolving encroachments with adjoining property owners to ensure District's real property rights are protected and minimize the District's maintenance responsibilities where appropriate. 9. initiate and maintain contacts with landowners, County code enforcement officers, zoning and planning officials, surveyors and various regulatory agencies. 10. Work to clear and perfect title on District-owned land through the orderly, prioritized disposition of title and legal encumbrances(mineral and water rights, claims of prescriptive easements, encroachments, etc.)where appropriate. Page 7 OPEN SPACE PLANNING DEPARTMENT Proerams A. Advance and Resource Planning B. Current Planning and Capital Improvements To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVES: The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, provide public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological values and public safety. The District works with, and encourages, public and private agencies to preserve, maintain, and enhance open space. The District protects and restores the natural diversity and integrity of its resources for their value to the environment and the public, and provides for the use of the preserves consistent with resource protection. General Department Emi)hasis for 2002-2003 The Open Space Planning Department will take a broad-based approach to planning and project implementation that emphasizes resource management. Planning efforts will focus on providing public access while preserving and protecting the diversity and integrity of the District's environmental and cultural resources. In concert with resource planning, projects and activities will include early analysis to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Work will include the construction of projects designed in the last year, primarily those funded by grants. Once construction is under way, staff will initiate the Sierra Azul &Bear Creek Master Plan and La Honda Creek Master Plan processes. The Coastal Annexation effort will continue with certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report and application to the Local Agency Formation Commission to expand the District's boundary and sphere of influence. Planning staff will also support all other Departments with projects, such as on-the-ground resource management, new acquisitions, land protection, legal issues, GIS and GPS services. Staff Resources Planning Manager Senior Planner(1) Open Space Planner 11(2) Open Space Planner 1 (2) Planning Technician(2) Administrative Assistant (1) GIS Intern(1/2) Page 8 2002-2003 Advance and Resource Planning Program Objective To formulate plans, policies and procedures for the management and development of open space preserves. Facilitate resource inventories and other scientific study of the District's lands. In conjunction with the Resource Management Specialist, prepare environmental restoration, habitat enhancement and resource management plans. Develop and maintain GIS data sets necessary to support other Department's projects. Key Projects 1. Annexation of the San Mateo County Coast—Administer and coordinate the consultants' contract to finalize the Fiscal Analysis, EIR and Service Plan. Submit an application for the Coastal Annexation to LAFCo. Work with the Public Affairs Department to prepare updated information for the District's website and develop a public relations and media campaign in support of the annexation. 2. Master Plans—Identify key issues, develop scope of work and project framework for both projects. Request proposals and select consulting teams to initiate the Master Planning processes. Work with the consultant to identify stakeholders and develop public participation programs. • La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve- Staff anticipates that this project will continue through fiscal year 2004/2005. • Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves— Staff anticipates that this project will continue through fiscal year 2005/2006. 3. El Corte de Madera Creek Road Assessment—Expand existing assessment of the preserve's road and trail system to identify potential sources of sedimentation. Evaluate road design, management practices, and recreational activities that potentially contribute sediment to the creeks. Develop a prioritized implementation plan to address these issues, and seek grant funding to implement priority sites. Develop a monitoring program and GIS database to track these various sites. 4. Resource Management Strategic Plan—Upon completion of Board review, work with the Operations Department to implement the Five-Year Resource Management Strategic Plan: • Amend the Open Space Use and Management Planning Process to emphasize resource planning and management. Incorporate review and approval policies for structure demolition. • Develop resource elements as components of the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plans. • Work with the Resource Management Specialist to prepare resource management plans and identify environmental restoration and habitat enhancement projects. Page 9 Other PEoiggA and Activities 1. WEP Implementation—Continue efforts to integrate workplace enhancement methods into the daily activities of the Planning Department. 2. Redistricting—Work with the Administration Department to redraw the District's ward boundaries based on the Year 2000 Census Data. 3. District Book—Work with the Public Affairs Department to provide maps for production of the District Book. 4. Land Acquisition Support—Provide Planning support on acquisition projects as requested, including pre-acquisition field studies and interim use recommendations. Incorporate updated land acquisition and site dedication information into the District's GIS. 5. Guadalupe River Watershed Mercury NDRA Process—Work with the Legal Department to represent the District's interest and participate in project development to address Trustee agency concerns. 6. Outside Project Review—Review other agencies' policies and regional planning efforts, and comment as necessary to ensure regional coordination and implementation of the District's mission. • San Francisco Airport Expansion • San Mateo County Parks Vegetation Management Plan • Mid-Coast Local Coastal Program Update • San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Activities • NASA/Moffett Field 7. Ongoing GIS/GPS Development • Continue Regional Resource Inventory. Compile and synthesize all known cultural resources sites, Rare/Threatened/Endangered species and habitat locations into GIS and plot maps for field and main offices. Acquire resource maps available from other agencies. • Shared Data Policies. Work with Legal Department to develop GIS Data Sharing Policies. • Update District's brochures using GIS data in conjunction with trailhead sign replacement project. Refer to the attached Planning Department Work Program FY 2002/2003. Page 10 2002-2003 Current Planning and Capital lingrovements Program Objective To emphasize preservation and enhancement of resources in Use and Management Plans and in the design of capital improvement projects and public access facilities. Give the highest priority to constructing grant-funded projects. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Key Project 1. El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve • Virginia Mill Trail and Creek Crossing—Complete permitting process, construct bridge and trail realignment. Restore abandoned trail. • Methuselah Creek Crossing—Complete permitting process. Construct bridge and restore trail. • Lawrence Creek Bridge—Complete permitting process. Repair footings and stabilize creek bank. • Tafoni Trail Realignment and Observation Deck at Sandstone Formation —Complete permitting process and construct new trail and deck. Restore abandoned trail. • Study Area 2 Trail Realignments and Parking Lot along Skyline Boulevard—Seek grant funding. 2. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve • Work with Land Acquisition to resolve boundary line issues. • Review the Use and Management Plan with Committee and Board to reaffirm or amend the following: a. staging area location b. trail layout C. overall use of the preserve, including on- and off-leash dog areas. • Work with consultant to prepare design and construction documents for staging area and trail connection projects. 3. Long Ridge Open Space Preserve * Repair School Road—Complete permitting process and construct repairs including slip-out, undersized culvert and disturbed roadbed. e Layout Bay Area Ridge Trail Alternate at Saratoga Summit Gateway— Layout trail and staging area to provide access to the southeastern area of the Preserve and to serve as an alternative to the Bay Area Ridge Trail between Saratoga Gap and Long Ridge with connections to the Bay Area Ridge and the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trails. 4. Other FEMA-Funded Projects • Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, Old Page Mill Road—Repair storm-related damage including a slide and disturbed roadbed. Page 11 • Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Grabtown Gulch Bridge and Trail— Remove Grabtown Bridge from preserve. Lay out trail between Grabtown Gulch and Borden Hatch on north side of Purisima Creek, including trail bridge. Complete permitting process and construct bridge and trail realignment. Restore abandoned trail segment. 5. Jacques Ridge Staging Area—Complete construction documents and obtain permits. Construct staging area concurrently with construction of Santa Clara County's parking lot and staging area. 6. Windy Hill Improvements—Construct trail realignments, observation deck with interpretive signage at Sausal Pond, and fencing around pond. Construct Bay Area Ridge Trail segment, pending approval of an amendment to the Use and Management Plan. 7. Foothills Field Office Shop Building—Complete construction of shop building. Other Projects and Activities 1. Permits for Culvert Repairs and Replacements-Work with the Operations Department and consultant to expedite resource agency permits for culvert repairs and replacements during the ensuing construction season(April 15 —October 15). 2. Standard Details and Specifications—Work with Operations Department on the second phase of a handbook of technical standards for construction, repair and maintenance of roads,trails and other improvements. 3. Outside Project Review—Review and comment as necessary on site-specific projects within close proximity to, or that affect District lands. 4. Review agendas and minutes of Cities, Counties and Open Space/Parks agencies 5. Permits to Enter—Review alterations to District land or installation of facilities proposed by other agencies or private parties. Develop permit conditions to ensure protection, preservation or restoration of the affected lands. Work with Operations to monitor activities to ensure compliance with conditions. Work with Legal staff and the Land Protection Specialist to develop a permit fee policy to recoup the costs of issuing District permits. 6. Replace Trailhead Signs: Phase I of a 5-year program—Replace approximately 10 trailhead signs per year with new and improved prototype. Replacement will include new maps and graphics. 7. Master Services Contracts—Request qualifications and select consultants to provide on-call repetitive professional services(e.g., civil engineer, hydrologist, biologist, surveyor, etc.). Refer to the attached Planning Department Work Program FY 2002/2003. Page 12 PLANNING DEPARTMENT WORK PROGRAM FY 2002-03 Project Number Proje+r t Description PreserveProject � 2002-03 Tasks ADVANCE RESOURCE PLANNING 1 San Melso County Coastal Annexation General Cathy Administer and coordinate oxxrauRsnts'o:onbad to firrallas the Fiscal Analysis,EIR and Service Plan.Submit annembon application to LAFCo. 2 Sierra Azul&Bear Greek Redwoods Master Plan Sierra Azui& Sandy Identify key Issues and develop a scope of work Bow Creek and project framework.Request proposals and Redwoods select a consulting turn to Initiate the Master Planning process.Work with consultant IlD kterti fy stakeholders and develop a public Pa program.(Work will continue through FY 2005-2006) 3 La Honda Creek Master Plan La Honda Creels Melt Identify key issues and develop a scope of work and project franwrwork.Request proposals and select a consulting team to Initiate the Master Planning proms.Work with consultant to Identify stakeholders and develop a public participation program.(Work will continue through FY 2004-2005) 4 El Corte de Madera Creels Road Assessment El Corte de Matt Expand wristing assessments of road and try Madera Creek system,Identify sources of potential sedimentation. 5 Guadalupe Watershed Sierra Azul Sandy Work with Legal Department to represent the DMWs Interest and participate in project development to address Trustee agency concerns. g Resource Database General Matt Continue regional resource Inventory.Focus on sites,cultural resource RTE species and habitat locations.Acquire other 'maps. 7 Vegetation Study M Ruthie Prepare vegetation classificaition fox the Monte Preserves Bello Ridge/Upper Stevens Creek watershed (includes Monte Bello,Saratoga Gap,Rancho San Antonio,Coal Creek,Los Trancos,Plochetti Rands,Foothills,and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves). CURRENT PLANNING ♦ 5 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS STRUCTURES 8 ISelsmic Upgrade Plo heal Ruch I Cathy Structural Improvements to the winery building (pending grant funding). PARKINGAREAS g Study Area 2:Staging Area and AdIacent Trail El Corte de Sandy Define project parameters.Seek planning wW Madera Creek devebpment grant funding. 10 Jacque Ridge Staging Area Sierra Azul Doug Construct staging was concurrently with construction of Countya parking lot. 11 Staging Area(Parking Lot,Restrooms,Demolition Pulgas Ridge Doug Review U&M Plan to reaffirm or amend staging of Sewer Plant,Associated Tralis). area location,trall layout and overall use, including dog use.Work with consultant to prepare design and construction documents. Page 1 Revised 1/24/02 PLANNING DEPARTMENT WORK PROGRAM FY 2002-03 Project Number Project Description Preserve Manar 2002-03 Tasks ge 12 Parking Lot Expansion Purishm Creek Ana Assess parking nee&and annend Use& Redwoods Managenient Pon and Conditionsi Use Permit to Increase peaking lot capacity at upper and loner VVhkWnm Traltheeds. TRAILS , D 13 Windy Hill Improve►nats Windy Hill Are Construct tray matignrnennts, dock with Interpretive sign at Sausal Pond,fencing around pond.Construct Bay Arse Ridge Tra ll saWnent and 2W trall between Middle Road and Harnm's Gulch Trail,pending approval of U &M Affwxkn nt. 14 Staginig Area and Bay Area Ridge Trail Segmaint Long Ridge Arm Arnerid Use and Management Plan to include at Saratoga Summit Gateway shVWV area arid trail corridor.Work with cot nt on design and construction documents. 15 School Road Repair Long Ridge Doug I :C imptete rear: including sWout under roadway.Mocked dralriage and disturbed roadbed. 16 Old Page MR Road Repair Skyline Ridge Ana I :Repair storm- misted darnage Wckx*V slide and disturbed 17 Grabtown Gulch Bridge and Trail Purisima Creek Sandy Finalize construction plane.Realign traaN Redwoods between GraMown Gulch and Borden Hatch, construct trail bridge,remove old Grabtowm Gulch brklge. 1$ Virginia MIN Trail&Creek Crossing El Corte de Doug/Sandy Finalize constructlori pone.Corsbu ct tray Madera Creels bridge and realign trail. 19 Methuselah Creek Crossing El Cate de Ana/Sandy Finalize construction plans.Construct bridge Madera Creek and brklp approach. 20 Trail Realignrnent and Observation Deck at El Cate de Doug Finalize construction plane.e.Cor*uct cock and Sandstone Formation(Trail 137) Madera Creek trail realignment. 21 Lswrancs Creek Bridge El Coo de Doug Engineer to design footings,complete repairs. Madera Creek 22 Cuhrert Repairs and Reptaceffients General Sandy/Matt Work with Operations and consultant to expedite resource agency pent for high- priority culvert repairs and replaceinents. 23 At.Josephs Ave.Observation Area Rancho San AnatSuen Develop a 9=11 observation area with bednes Antonio and 24 fAipboard&Trallhead Signs and Updates General Sumudu Prioritize replacernent of old traillised signs. Replace approx.10 signs Par year,IncludkV maps and other exhitift. 2$ at Nature Center Skyline Ridge Sumudu Work with P A to develop now trail and interior eMN cum. DEMOLITION 26 underground Tans R -McKannay Sierra Azul John Remove u rat GR and restore site 27 Hardball Court Demolition Rancho San John Demolish handball courts to preserve heritage Antonio Bay tree;realign trail and fence. 28 Building -Lobner Nye Bello John Demolish cabin,salvage granite curbs and restore site. MISCELLANEOUS Y9 IAWffcroft Creek Encroachment Bear Creek Sandy Wok with consultanVicontractor to remove Redwoods I culvert and restore strearribed. Page 2 Revised 1/24/02 PLANNING DEPARTMENT WORK PROGRAM TY 2002-03 Project Project Description Preserve Prot Number Manager 2002-03 Tasks 30 Sewor and Storm DfUirl,000 Ememerit RePalm Pulgas Ridge Doug/John Work with City of San Carlos to repair slide end comer w&w and stone drain km. Page 3 Revised 1/24/02 PLANNING DEPA TMENT WORK PRQG M FY 2002.03 N inject Project Description Preserve Man ger 2002-03 Tasks STAFF aIMPROVEMENTS STRUCTURES 1 Foothills Operations Shop Builft Rancho San John F construction plane.Replace aft" Antonio snap with prefabricated ONGOING PLANNING • 1 Planting&Development Grant Tracking General Anne Document opmdkxw aid prepare payment requests to 2 O Project&Policy Review General Cathy Assigniments made to appropriate Planning staff. 3 Permits to Enter General Ana/Doug Negotiate and prepare conditions of approval, and monitor permitted activities far compliance. 4 GIS/GPS Development General Ruthie Continue developmerd of GIs and GPS in support of Ac q ,Current Planning and Resource Management activities. 5 Poky Formation General Cathy Amend the pkwwft process to emphasize resource planning and ma ;include policies for review and disposition of structures. Work with Legal to develop shared data g Standard Details and Specifications Sang&Doug Prepare second phase of handbook of standards for construction,repair and maintenance of roads,trails and other improvements. 7 Update Brochure Maps General Sum/Ruthls Work with Public Affairs Department to prepare updated maps for brochures. 8 Redistricting General Matt Work with Administration[partrnent to redraw the District's ward boundaries based on the Year 2000 Census Dab. g District Book General Sum/Ruthle Work with Public Affairs to provide maps. 10 District-Wide Road Maintenance Plan General Matt Work with the Operations Department to initlete a comprehensive road and trall maintenance plan. Page 4 Revised 1/24/02 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Programs A. Field Operations B. Resource Management To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, that provide public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological values and public safety. General Department Emphasis for 2002-2003 Continue to provide responsible stewardship of all District lands by furnishing those public safety, maintenance, construction, and resource management activities necessary to protect and enhance the natural resources and ensure safe and appropriate use of District lands. Implementation of Board-adopted Resource Management Policies, Trail-Use Policies and Guidelines and Development of the Field Operations Manual will continue to be the primary focus of the Operations Department. Staff Resources Operations Manager Area Superintendents(2) Support Services Supervisor Management Analyst Resource Management Specialist Supervising Rangers(4) Maintenance& Construction Supervisors(2) Administrative Assistant Rangers(14) Equipment Mechanic-Operators (2) Lead Open Space Technicians(4) Open Space Technicians (10) Farm Maintenance Worker 9,000 Seasonal Open Space Technician hours Student Intern 500 hours Page 13 2002-2003 Field Operations Program 1. Update of Field Operations Manual—Complete the revision of the existing Field Operations Manual to increase clarity and ease of use. The new Manual will be structured to clearly outline the purpose each procedure and to permit regular procedural updates to be incorporated into the manual. Staff anticipates completing the revisions and conducting staff training on the new procedures by December 2002. 2. Improvement of the District Training Program—Formalize a field staff training program to ensure that field staff members are properly trained to perform the duties and responsibilities of their individual positions consistent with District expectations. Identify additional training opportunities that could be utilized to expand beyond standard skill levels as budget constraints and work schedules permit. 3. Restoration and Mitigation of Off-trail Impacts of Public Use—Work with the Planning Department on identifying existing undesignated trails and shortcut trails. Focus on El Corte De Madera Creek Preserve where compliance is poor and undesignated trail development continues to occur. Mitigate natural resource impacts and improve alignments of existing trails to minimize erosion. Enforce District regulations and work with user groups to ensure compliance with restoration area closures. 4. Interpersonal Communication Skills and Performance Standards Development—Ensure new staff members attend the Influencing Skills training. Implement the performance standards developed for supervisors and begin developing performance standards for other staff. Provide leadership and supervision training to supervisors as necessary to facilitate the completion of these tasks and to enhance the overall quality of supervisory skills within the Department. 5. Increase Resource Management Staff Hours -Double the number of field staff hours currently dedicated to special resource management projects each month. Work with the Resource Management Specialist to identify and implement priority projects on a variety of District preserves. 6. Develop a Land Management Cost Evaluation System -Develop the first phase of system which identifies the cost of managing different types of land from undeveloped and remote, to developed and adjacent to population centers. The system would outline the level of patrol and maintenance necessary dependant upon the physical and cultural nature of the land. Other Projects and Activities 1. Patrol Services a. Monitor public use and land use regulation compliance. Assist in the education of the visiting public on proper use of District preserves. b. Enforce District land use regulations by providing active ranger patrol and after-hours call- Page 14 out response. ]Implement patrol agreements with other agencies. c. Respond to accidents and other emergencies occurring on District lands. d. Identify and mitigate potential hazards on Open Space preserves to enhance public safety. e. Monitor special events, use permits, and resource protection-related impacts on District lands. f Conduct focused ranger patrols in areas where high numbers of District ordinance violations occur. g. Assist the Land Protection Specialist with identification and mitigation of encroachments to District preserves. 2. Maintenance and Construction a. Continue to explore cost-effective methods of meeting site maintenance needs. b. Participate in the development of Use and Management Plan recommendations. c. Maintain lands in an environmentally sensitive manner, utilizing resource management practices. d. Maintain buildings, vehicles, and equipment to maximize utility and longevity. e. Provide supervision and assistance to volunteer projects. f Assist in the repair and maintenance of employee and enterprise housing. 3. Management and Administration a. Expand the liaison efforts with local police, fire, municipal court, and other public jurisdictions. b. Use established purchasing practices to purchase vehicles and equipment for the best price. c. Coordinate occupational health and safety program for field operations. d. Create a training and skills program to develop and enrich field staff job skills. e. Expand the communications between the field offices and main office, through better use of phone systems, e-mail capabilities and enhanced data management systems. f Update permit policies, including a review of the blanket permit system and work with Planning and legal Departments to adopt a revised policy. g. Completion of phase two of the data consolidation and information project. Page 15 4. Miscellaneous Other Projects and Activities a. Support the goals of the Public Affairs Department by providing staff for special events and other projects, as time permits. b. Monitor and collect natural resource data to better manage the preserves. c. Assist in the implementation of resource management plans and projects. d. Participate in the development of Trail Use Policies and Guidelines. e. Work with the Planning Department on a joint committee to develop Maintenance Standard Guidelines. f Assist the Acquisition Department in negotiating a lease extension for the District's two-way radio system. Page 16 2002-2003 Resource Management Program Objective Inventory and analyze the state of District natural resources, including the natural resources of specific preserves to identify needs and priorities. Address immediate and critical resource management issues utilizing District staff, volunteers and consultants to maximize the District's responsiveness. Develop procedures and strategic implementation plans to address the resource management needs of District land. Maintain regular contact and work with other agencies, local authorities, and specialists in the field to restore or manage the District's natural resources. Key Project 1. Resource Management Strategic Plan—Work with the Planning Department on the development, Board adoption and implementation of the Five-year Resource Management Plan to set program goals and determine staffing needs. 2. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Habitat Restoration - Continue implementation of the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve restoration plan. Restore native plant communities by reducing non-native plant populations and enhancing native species. These actions will be conducted by District staff, California Conservation Corps, and volunteers within Management Areas I - 3. The next phase will not require any additional trees to be removed from the ridgeline adjacent to the paved road. 3. Wild Pig Control Program —Continue the wild pig trapping program in the South Skyline Area to reduce rooting activity by wild pigs. Continue working with local agencies to develop a regional plan for managing wild pig damage. Support local agency efforts in developing a research project to study the ecological effects wild pigs have on public lands. Work with staff to continue monitoring established plots, rooted areas and sighting records. 4. Grassland Management—Implement management guidelines to increase native species diversity and control yellow star thistle and Harding grass at Russian Ridge. Monitor treatment areas and conduct a prescribed burn to assist in restoring native grassland. Work with California Youth Authority crews and volunteers to control non-native plants and collect native seed. Follow up with additional work on the front meadow grassland project at Rancho San Antonio. 5. Tree Farm Restoration—Develop and implement a restoration plan for the 13-acre portion of the Christmas tree farm at Skyline Ridge Preserve that is no longer part of the tree farm lease area. Page 17 Other Projects and Activities 1. Resource inventory—Inventory and record key flora, fauna, natural and geologic features, and biotic communities. Continue to work with,special District volunteers on soliciting additional information to enhance the species observation database. Hire a consultant to inventory and map special interest flora District-wide and conduct staff training on the results. Coordinate mapping and GIS database development with Planning department staff. 2. Seed increase program—Continue to develop a"District" seed propagation program to ensure an endemic seed source for restoration projects. Collect additional native seed for grower to meet District's requirement of 2,000 pounds of seed annually. Establish collection sites, schedule staff training, and ensure proper storage, labeling, and documentation of collected seed. Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to organize seed collection workdays. 3. Invasive Non-Native Plant Removal and Monitoring-Restore native habitats by removing invasive non-native species as a first phase of restoration. Continue to work with field staff to develop a treatment schedule and monitoring protocols for various invasive non-native plant populations identified in the Invasive Exotic Plant Inventory. Work with Volunteer Coordinator to organize volunteers projects at priority sites. Continue monitoring the effect of invasive non-native plant removal at Pulgas Ridge and Mills Creek Preserves. 4. Wildlife surveys—Cooperate with regional efforts to survey specific wildlife species. Work with field staff to establish schedules for bluebird, deer and red-legged frog surveys. Coordinate volunteers to monitor bluebird nest-boxes at Fremont Older, Rancho San Antonio and Windy Hill Open Space Preserves. Summarize results and report to local Audubon Society. 5. Pond management—Evaluate water quality and physical attributes of ponds to determine management needs to sustain viable pond habitat. Continue to monitor habitat improvements of Cherry Springs pond at Rancho de Guadalupe and assess the potential of increasing habitat values for the red-legged frog. 6. Master plan support—Provide support to the Planning Department during the development of the Bear Creek Redwoods and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve master plans. Work with Planning Department on the natural resource elements of the plans, including mapping the vegetation and defining the resource management objectives within each preserve. Page 18 PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT Programs A- General Public Information and Outreach B. Legislative, Funding, and Organizational Relations C. Community Programs To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: The District educates and makes clearly visible to the public the purposes and actions of the District, and actively encourages public input and involvement in the District's decision-making process and other activities. General Department Emphasis for 2002-2003 Maximize the general public's awareness and understanding of the District, its goals, and its activities, employing a variety of means and methods to reach all communities served and all other target audiences with District information; implement the top priorities of the District's legislative plan; maintain and enhance the District's environmental education facilities and curriculum; recruit and train new volunteers, while maintaining existing programs and volunteer involvement, and develop a long-range plan to maximize public participation in District programs; provide District materials and information regarding a proposed coastal annexation to potentially interested officials and members of the public, both in the San Mateo County coastside communities, and within the existing District, to ensure full knowledge and understanding of the District, its programs and activities. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated) Public Affairs Manager Community Programs Supervisor Public Affairs Specialist Volunteer Programs Coordinator Docent Programs Coordinator Administrative Assistant Interpretive Aide (Nature Center)* Public Affairs Intern * Community Programs Aide(summer only: events, etc.)** The Interpretive Aide and Intern are part-time positions. The Community Aide position is the new title of the former Special Events Aide, which is a seasonal (summer only) and part-time position. Page 19 2002-2003 General Public Information and Outreach Program Objectivg To generate additional support among opinion leaders, key policymakers, and the general public for District acquisition and preservation projects, including coastal annexation, by increasing the positive perception and awareness of the District's mission, objectives, accomplishments, programs, and effective management of public lands and financial resources. Key Project 1. Support Coastal Annexation/LAFCo Process—Develop, with the coastal team, a comprehensive outreach plan to support the application and LAFCO processes. Design presentations and develop collateral materials; schedule, and present at reporter briefings and editorial board visits; seek and obtain key endorsements; assist with public hearings as needed. Continue to provide District materials and information to the San Mateo County coastside communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of the District, its programs, and activities. Participate in a key coastside community outreach event. 2. Coordinate all Aspects Required to Produce an District Book-Provide support to author; obtain staff, Board and others' participation;transcribe key oral histories; edit manuscript; create, obtain, and assemble appropriate graphics and photographs;work with designer/typesetter, cover artist, and coordinate with publisher. Develop a promotional plan for the book. 3. Overhaul District Web Site—Consult with representatives of all departments regarding desired web design and identify forthcoming products. Following Board budget approval, hire a web design consultant; work with consultant(s)to create the necessary new architecture and layout; create necessary new content and graphics/images; and develop effective maintenance plan and posting protocol. 4. Plan and Organize District's 30a Anniversary Celebration Activities,and Develop Associated Materials/Publications -Work with Board Legislative and Public Affairs Committee(LFPAC)to develop a 30-year anniversary celebration plan, to be kicked off in November. Coordinate staff and other key participants for planned activities. Other Pro ects and Activities I Continue to train, develop, and build leadership and teamwork among staff. 2. Design an "Exit Survey" to Gauge Preserve Visitors' Satisfaction with the District. 3. Make the Natural Resources Database(NRDB) Available for Public Use—Publicize the District's innovative and valuable information tool to sister agencies and the public; encourage sister agencies' participation in augmenting the number of species identified. Integrate NRDB into District Web site; if feasible and budgeted. Page 20 4. Develop Public Affairs protocols and provide media and public communications training for all staff/interested Board members. 5. Complete production of the District"Good Neighbor brochure for distribution to property owners with land adjoining District preserves. 6. Continue to assist the Planning and Operations Departments to educate the public regarding appropriate and lawful preserve and trail use, modifying and updating publications to conform to policy or planning changes, as needed, and responding to associated public and media requests for information. 7. Maintain responsiveness to media, and promote regular media coverage of District activities and accomplishments. Arrange editorial board visits and reporter briefings; place pro-active, positive feature stories and work to place editorials, where appropriate. 8. Continue to work with the Planning Department to create new site maps for preserve brochures, and continue updating, producing, and distributing existing site maps, brochures, and other collateral materials. Incorporate new GIS information to render topographic and other information more user-friendly for the lay public. 9. Maintain and maximize the schedule of community presentations and displays, involving Board and staff in these presentations. Participate in the peninsula's Earth Day festival. 10. Continue providing public affairs services to other programs, i.e., attendance and input at meetings, press releases, flyers, displays, mapping, media liaison, etc. 11. Implement a new, sustainable system to maintain and update the District's web site on the Internet. 12. Continue to produce the District's quarterly newsletter, Open Space Views, and continue to expand its mailing list; continue mailing to coast-side residents. 13. Publish a District 2001-2002 Annual Report. Page 21 2002-2003 Legislative,Funding,and Organizational Retaligns Program Qbjg4iv To carry out the high priority elements of the District's legislative plan and to inform other public agencies and private organizations about the District's activities and goals. Key Project 1. Coastal Preservation Effort—Work with the Planning Department, consultants, other staff, and LAFCo representatives toward the proposed District expansion to the San Mateo County coast, and all related tasks and activities to include possible future funding measures. Seek endorsements of annexation by opinion leaders. 2. Other Lobbying Efforts—Work with the General Manager and the District's Sacramento lobbyist to preserve current and future state funding for the District, and to carry out elements of the District's legislative plan. 3. Sponsor Legislation—Work with the District's legislative advocate and with legislators and their staffs to sponsor and support the District's high-priority legislation from the Board-approved Legislative Plan, 4. Regional Funding—Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council and others to develop and/or support potential regional, state, or other alternative funding mechanisms, such as Proposition 40. Other ftiggs and Activities 1. Continually review and, working with legal counsel, analyze legislation, determine recommended District positions on bills, and take appropriate action, if any, on bills. 2. Work with legislators, legislative committees, state and federal administrators, other agencies, private organizations and interested citizens to provide information and to lobby regarding state legislation and specific local issues. 3. Support federal, state, or local legislation that will benefit the District. 4. Provide support and services for specific District projects requiring legislative support, such as grant applications and regional and state awards. 5. Plan and conduct VIP. tours for Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, and invite elected officials and representatives of sister agencies. 6. Work with members of Congress to develop and implement a strategy to obtain Federal funding toward clean up of the former Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhurn in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Page 22 7. Maintain contact with and exchange information with other organizations and agencies. Cooperate on special projects, such as a regional Bay Area Open Space Council regional forum, and participate in special events such as conferences and seminars, to keep District staff and Board informed of current issues. 8. Continue to provide staff support to the Legislative,Finance, and Public Affairs Committee, and work as needed to develop District positions on and involvement in statewide open space issues. 9. Provide a District presence in key legislative activities, meetings, and conferences in Sacramento, directly or with the District's legislative advocate. 10. Hold a Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve dedication celebration/ceremony; honor and thank all partners and participants in its acquisition, planning, and management. Page 23 2002-2003 Community Programs Objective To encourage active public participation in the maintenance, restoration, and protection of the District's natural resources, and provide cultural, historical, and environmental education opportunities to the public. Key Project 1. Community Programs—Develop a long range Community Programs plan establishing a vision supporting the District's Mission of, "...providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education." through the year 2005. The plan will support, expand, and strengthen current volunteer, interpretive, environmental education, and community outreach programs whose purpose is targeted at operation and community needs. The plan will aim to strengthen community support for the District through new and existing quality community programs. 2. Design of and Docent Training for Short-Courses —Design single-subject "short courses" for prospective volunteers who want to participate in the docent program, but have time restrictions or are only interested in a particular subject. These volunteers will be limited to leading activities related to the short courses they have completed. The earthquake geology short-course will be taught to new docents in Fiscal Year 2002-2003 and may be expanded to include the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Meanwhile, work will begin on a Picchetti interpretive short-course. 3. Environmental Education—Incorporate State educational standards into Spaces and Species curriculum. Train and retain new outdoor education leaders to meet the increasing demand for field trips at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Provide ongoing training opportunities for current outdoor education leaders. Review teacher survey results, and investigate methods of removing barriers to participation in District environmental education programs and field trips by under served community groups. 4. Daniels Nature Center—Continue repair of nature center systems and displays within budget constraints. Open the nature center to the public on weekends April to November. Work with exhibit designer to develop seasonal displays for the exterior exhibit case and accomplish other exhibit improvements with the remainder of the $12,000 grant from Peninsula Open Space Trust. Other Projects and Activities I. Adopt and distribute the newly revised Volunteer Handbook. 2. Revise volunteer brochure. 3. Recruit and train docents and other volunteers, and provide public information about volunteer programs, projects, and events through regular newsletters. Orient new Page 24 Community Outreach Volunteers to help District expand outreach presence. Continue to emphasize recruitment for Crew Leaders and Outdoor Education Docents as needed. 4. Coordinate monthly volunteer service projects and short-and long-term special request volunteer projects. Conduct an "Earth Day/Trail Days" event. 5. Conduct a broad range of public interpretive programs on open space preserves, encouraging docents to conduct programs at less-utilized preserves. Develop plan for popular spring wildflower series to ensure adequate docent coverage, parking, etc. Consider special (reservation-only)program for Mothers' Day wildflower tour. 6. Coordinate the volunteer trail patrol program, and provide ongoing training for trail patrol volunteers and docents. 7. Maintain the artifacts and furnishings in the historic Grant Cabin. 8. Maintain and operate the David C. Daniels Nature Center. 9. Provide leadership training to field staff assigned to work with volunteers. 10. Utilize new database of teachers/environmental educators for effective Spaces and Species/Outdoor Education Docent outreach. 11. Arrange, publicize, reserve spaces for, and work with field staff to support logistics of the Fremont Older House and Garden Tour in April 2002. Page 25 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Programs A. Administration B. Human Resources C. Legal Services To Implement the BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE: Administers the affairs of the District on behalf of the public so as to maximize accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the District within existing financial, legal and other constraints. General Program Emphasis for 2002-2003 Continue to support the District-wide efforts for improving supervisory, leadership, and communication skills among all staff, including opportunities for employee input, in order to enhance employee morale and the District's work environment. Foster staff participation in carrying out the District's short and long-term goals and objectives. Maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency. Work toward potential expansion of the District's boundaries to include coastal lands in San Mateo County. Complete the process to adjust the ward boundaries, following the 2000 census, and facilitate elections for four Wards. Staff Resources (Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated) General Manager Assistant General Manager General Counsel (66.67%time) Controller(25%time) Administration/Human Resources Manager Attorney Management Analyst—Human Resources Management Analyst—Administration(vacant) Senior Administrative Assistant Senior Accounting Specialist Administrative Assistant Receptionist Network Specialist(70°/®time) Accounting Specialist(60%time) Page 26 2002-2003 Administration Program Objective To provide overall coordination, direction, and administrative foundation for all District activities so as to maximize the accomplishment of the Board's policies and directives, to implement the Action Plan, and to maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency. Key Project 1. Coastal Expansion— Coordinate the efforts of the Board, consultants, and staff to work toward completion of the annexation of the coastal lands in San Mateo County. Work with all departments to examine the timing of the coastal annexation, and a potential funding measure, and assess the related impacts on staffing and resources. 2. Elections—Complete the process of re-districting geographic wards. Work with Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties on the election process for Wards 1, 2, 5, and 6 for November 2002. 3. Budget Growth Guidelines—Work with Board to standardize budget process and make recommendation for budget growth guidelines. 4. District Funding— Work to preserve current and future state funding for the District. Continue to provide multi-year information/scenarios on District's long-term finances, including bonded indebtedness and cash flow, and to address the need to rely on the availability of grant funds for major development projects. Pursue alternate sources of secure additional funding to meet acquisition and open space management needs. 5. Records Management Program —Prepare a plan and begin implementation for permanent storage, or record destruction, of all District records pertaining to the Public Records Act. This will include a database showing which records are held by each department and include a time-line for retention and/or destruction of such records. Other Projects and Activities 1. Continue to foster a management team approach for overall management of the District's activities. 2. Provide financial management and accounting services, including investment of temporarily idle funds, compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board-34, and other procedural updates including purchasing procedures. 3. Perform administrative and legal obligations as required by State law. 4. Oversee coordination of equipmentlinfrastructure needs at the main office. 5. Update Action Plan; coordinate program evaluations for Action Plan progress. Page 27 6. Prepare, monitor, and revise annual budget, as necessary. Coordinate Administration and Budget Committee meetings. 7. Coordinate preparation and distribution of all materials for Board's regular and special meetings. 8. Involve the Board of Directors in planning of the annual special Board meeting to be held as part of Board's Good Neighbor Policy. 9. Administer and update various risk management components. 10. Monitor the ongoing procurement policy for the purchase of recycled and alternative paper products and other office supplies. 11. Continue to upgrade the District's network computer system to increase efficiency and reliability; expand day-to-day technical support to include both field offices; and continue to assess system, develop resources, and manage technological change and improvements. 12. Work with other departments to continue to consolidate and coordinate the 15-plus databases that contain information that is shared by multiple departments. 13. Develop and maintain Board and staff orientation manuals. Page 28 2002-2003 Human Resources Program Objective To provide coordination and direction for human resources activities so as to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the District's work environment for all employees of the District. Key Project 1. Workplace Enhancement Plan—Continue to coordinate, monitor, and support the Workplace Enhancement Plan activities. The Plan consists of methods for improving communication among all employees and management staff, increasing employee input; enhancing management, supervisory, leadership, and communication skills; and establishing a greater emphasis on people management versus task management. 2. Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual—Revise and update the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual for Board approval in order to establish and/or clarify hiring procedures, exempt status policies, and other areas as needed. 3. Performance Standards—Review and assess the newly implemented supervisory and performance standards. 4. Negotiations—Participate and support the negotiating team for renewal of the SE.I.U. contract. Other Projects and Activities 1. Plan and conduct recruitment processes for all position vacancies in order to fill vacant positions as soon as possible. Ensure consistency in hiring procedures. Provide a comprehensive new employee orientation for all new employees. 2. Administer compensation and benefit programs for all employees. Monitor programs to insure they are cost-effective and competitive in the labor market. 3. Provide human resources support and employee or labor relations services to all departments. Continue to coordinate and participate in labor/management meetings with union staff and stewards. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with SEIU Local 715 and non-represented employees. 4. Assess training needs, identify training resources, and schedule in-house training programs as needed to develop and improve leadership, management, supervisory, communications skills, and risk management skills. 5. Coordinate, plan, and organize the annual staff recognition event on behalf of the Board. Oversee the staff activities("Fun") committee. Coordinate and plan other staff events as needed. Page 29 6. Promote and oversee the District's safety program. 7. Research and find a system to integrate existing MUS databases with applicable payroll functions to eliminate duplicate processes. Page 30 2002-2003 Legal Services Program Objective To provide timely legal services to the Board and to all District Departments; to advise and assist the Board and staff in developing and implementing District policies, regulations, and ordinances, and in accomplishing District projects in accordance with law. Key Project 1. Real Property—Provide legal advice concerning District real property matters, including acquisition, disposition, tide and encroachment issues, easement issues, permits to enter District land, and preserve maintenance issues. Anticipated major projects: MROSD v, Paulin(litigation concerning encroachment at La Honda Creek OSP); resolution of encroachments at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; adoption of a permit fee policy to recoup costs for issuance of permits to enter or use District land; assist in development of procedural manual for staff use in resolving encroachments. 2. Risk Management—Process and monitor current claims and litigation against the District; improve risk management procedures; represent District's interests in insurance coverage matters; provide oversight of matters handled by outside counsel. Anticipated major projects: Marquez v, hAQS (litigation concerning rope swing accident at Thornewood Open Space Preserve); Guadalupe River Watershed mercury NRDA process. 3. Human Resources—Assist in carrying out labor relations functions; provide legal advice on personnel matters. Anticipated major projects: Revise and update District's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual; assist in negotiations of successor agreement to current Memorandum of Agreement between the District and SE1U Local 715; assist in implementing the legal aspects of Workplace Enhancement Plan. 4. San Mateo County Coastal Expansion—Anticipated major projects: Provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to coastal annexation, particularly in the LAFCO and California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)process; review Environmental Impact Report and LAFCO application documents. 5. Operations—Advise on the update of the Field Operations Manual. Other Projects and Activities 1. Assist Administration to revise the District's vendor and bidding policy to reflect changes in legislation and to improve clarity and ease of use. 2. Provide legal research concerning historic parcels and chains of title to assist in resolving real property issues or in support of Planning and Acquisition projects. 3. Provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to public agencies such as the Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, election law and the California Environmental Quality Act. Page 31 4. Assist Departments in bidding processes and contract administration for public works and professional services contracts. 5. Prepare and review District legal documents such as contracts, resolutions, and leases. 6. Represent District's legal interests in relation to other government agencies. 7. Advise District on court rulings and legislation affecting the District and on legislation proposed by the District. Page 32 Regional Open ' Tee 2 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-o2-17 Meeting 02-02 REVISED January 30,2002 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Final Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorization to Solicit Bids for the Construction of an Observation Deck at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)based on the findings contained in this report. 2. Amend the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve for the construction of an observation deck and the realignment of a hiking-only trail adjacent to the sandstone formation ,as approved by the Use and Management Committee. 3. Waive the requirement for a second and final reading of the adoption of this Use and q g P Management Plan amendment because of the necessity to complete this project in order to secure grant funds that are in danger of being lost. 4. Authorize staff to solicit bids for the construction of an observation deck at E1 Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. BACKGROUND In August 1996,the District applied for a National Recreational Trails Fund Act grant to implement site improvement projects identified in Phase II of the Trails Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve(see Report R-96-76). These projects included the construction of trails to help form a perimeter trail network around the preserve, a new trail below the sandstone formation,two trail bridges,repair of an existing patrol bridge, and closure and restoration of unauthorized trails. The District received a grant award in the amount of$73,000 in September 1997 for completion of these projects with an expiration date of June 2002. One of the projects identified in the grant,and that has not been completed,is the proposed trail below the sandstone formation(see Exhibit A). The intent of this trail is to protect the delicate sandstone formation, which is slowly deteriorating due to uncontrolled access and vandalism,by constructing a trail a few hundred feet below the formation. The new bypass segment of Tafoni Trail would allow users to view the formation from a safe distance; however, staff realized that there were disadvantages to this proposal and wanted to analyze other alternatives. DISCUSSION In May 2001, a staff committee was formed comprised of planning, operations,and field staff to explore other alternatives for this project. The committee met on site several times to examine the opportunities and constraints of five separate alternatives,including the proposed trail below the sandstone formation. 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 I R-02-17 (REVISED) Page 2 The alternatives included providing no direct access to the formation,providing very limited access by installing fencing and bollards, and providing full access with the installation of multiple observation decks, stairs, and platforms. This last alternative was included because it was similar to the plan proposed by San Mateo County in 1974. The committee decided that an alternative that provided limited,yet direct access to the delicate sandstone formation was the most appropriate choice. The alternative that was selected involves the re-alignment of the existing trail and the construction of an observation deck at its terminus,located at the southwest face of the sandstone outcropping(see Exhibits B and Q. The existing hiking-only trail,which starts at Tafoni Trail and runs approximately 1,000 feet to the south side of the formation,would be re-aligned,as it does not meet the District's current trail standards: it runs along the crest of a secondary ridge and has areas where it is not only quite steep,but where erosion is occurring at a fast rate. The newly proposed trail will run approximately 2,000 feet along the contours of the existing slope, and will be constructed to an average grade of 10 percent or less. Although it is proposed thm the newly eenstfueted tfail will be open to equestnans and bieyelists,hor-ses and bieyeles will not be allowed on the obsefvatien deek(the trail is euffently a "hikiiig only" area adjeeent to the deek willbe established for-users to hiteh their-hoFses or-leave theif bieyeles. Sta will monitor-the use eomplionee for-this"ea owr-the next two year-s, and if it is 4;�d that the tfail and ebsen�ation deek are bei ately used, or-other problems oeet*-, staff will fetam to you fe; eensider-ation of f+H4her- Located at the southwest face of the outcropping,the proposed observation deck will allow preserve users an opportunity to view up close some of the interesting features that are present. As part of the contained deck,interpretive signing will be installed to educate visitors about how these features are formed,along with an explanation of their delicate nature. Since it is important to build a structure that will blend in with the surrounding environment, staff will be exploring different designs,construction methods,and floor materials for the approximately 150-square foot deck. This alternative will help ensure protection of the delicate formation by providing visitors with an established destination to view and experience the outcropping,as opposed to an undefined area that could encourage inappropriate use. This alternative is also advantageous because it will allow for future improvements should the District decide to incorporate additional barriers and/or interpretive features once compliance has been established. The Use and Management Committee held a meeting on January 15, 2002 to review the proposed project. Staff provided the Committee with the project's history and presented the proposed alternative. After comparing the recommended alternative to the remaining four alternatives,the Committee felt the proposed project was well planned, and voted unanimously to support the Tafoni Trail and Observation Deck project for full Board consideration as a Use and Management Plan amendment. As mentioned earlier,this grant-funded project needs to be completed and all necessary paperwork submitted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation(DPR)by May 2002. A final inspection will be conducted by DPR staff prior to the actual June 2002 grant deadline. The District is currently under contract with a consultant to provide design and engineering services for this project(see Report R-01-138). In order to proceed, the project must be adopted as a Use and Management Plan amendment. Therefore, it is the General Manager's recommendation that the Board approve the final adoption at tonight's meeting and waive the requirement of a second reading in thirty days. R-02-17 (REVISED) Page 3 Finally,if the Board approves the project this evening, staff expects to complete the design for the observation deck and solicit bids for its construction in April 2002. It is anticipated that the observation deck will be completed by May 2002 to meet the grant deadline. FUNDING At your March 28,2001 meeting,you approved the fiscal year 2001-2002 budget(see Report R-0 1-45), which included$8,000 to complete the design and engineering studies for the observation deck. However, staff re-evaluated the consultant costs for this project, and last December the Board approved the aforementioned contract,which included an amount of$16,312.75 (including a 15 percent contingency) for the observation deck. Since the construction costs for this project are anticipated to exceed the General Manager's authorized limit, staff will return to the Board this March with an authorization to enter into contract with a recommended bidder. CEQA COMPLIANCE Project Description The project,located in a tanoak and madrone forest above El Corte de Madera Creek at an elevation of approximately 2,080-feet,consists of constructing an observation deck approximately 150 square feet in size,and realigning approximately 2,000 linear-feet of a 4-to 6-foot wide trail adjacent to the sandstone formation. The trail being replaced will be obliterated and restored in order to prevent further use. The construction of the new trail and observation deck will take place in a setting that is not adjacent to a waterway,and no trees,greater than 12-inches in diameter at breast height is anticipated to be removed. CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA(California Environmental Quality Act)under Sections 15303 and 15304. Categorical Exemption 15303 —New Construction of Small Structures The proposed observation deck is considered a small structure or facility and does not exceed the maximum allowable on this legal parcel. Categorical Exemption 15304—Minor Alterations to Land Trail construction will consist of minor grading and clearing of vegetation in order to provide a 4-to 6- foot wide trail. Trail gradients will generally be less than 10 percent and drainage features will be designed to minimize soil erosion,if necessary. Techniques for eliminating and restoring abandoned trail will be site specific and may include soil de-compaction, seeding, and drainage controls. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION A copy of the agenda was sent to all interested persons and organizations. The agenda was also sent to adjacent neighbors located within a 300-foot boundary of El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Prepared by: Douglas Vu,Open Space Planner Contact Person: Same as above El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve PROJECT LOCATION MAP Hiking Only Trails Multi-Use Trails Road-Width/Multi-Use Trails Swett Road S'�yio Pe P� -0 2200 did A / 20011 Er\fed=0i; aC,eekTr W y�f QQ .. e ' : (CM01) d Wo°`T�ai/ - 9*IV# Skeggs 0.9 y 1 j�;'Ti * `a a�p 0.2 ®Point eg, .0 a. 1.21 0.9 2 •� �0.5 � n (CM07)' •� • 0.6 3 TRAIL B7 p. 2200 0.2 0��..... � I h S ra,• �e Y (SANDSTONE) ��!• 0--p r r LOCATION ° 0.1`' e- (CM02) 1 p 0.7 = l..''%tl '.`aaal ♦I0.3 r ` `O_•�• �0.3 0.2 '1p••U 0.5 OO 1600 1 a0 • has 2200 0.8 0.4 p 1600 ' � 1.3 •� 1.1 r (CM08) 0.3 �''! .� `• a 2000 / 0.4 0.6 °i 0.61 h":) f 0.7 t0,6 (CM03) 0.3 I � • p. � 0. �'S1P d (CM04)) 1.4 �• ( p 180o a 0 0.3lO, ' �keyS�ail 0.9 �a l 04 /0.3 p t;. • e 5 r a0l .\ 0.9 j� C osscuC7ra�\a;� •` /} Salamander t to ti`° 0.4 0 5° r .2 OO � .p✓O .2 aaa Old Growth O 0.3 1400 -� 0'1 Redwood rim -o ep 1800 1.3 1-. • 0 160 1400� _ ♦7 0. (CM101 Vim' 1.2 J / 1200 1.3 `+ 2000 0.1 B 0.2e0O A. N.`. 0.6�� 0.2 CM06) 2.5 2.1 a�aa Mil/frail 1 � f Trai1\ '• 1400 . ` • 800 loon 1200 1600 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0 One Mile EXHIBIT A EL CORTE DE WDERA CREEK OPEN SfJCE PRESERVE li l �r SANDSTONE FORMATION 4' A,g PROPOSED DECK LOCATION00"— Ir I i 2280 00 F • s � + EXISTING TRAIL ,``; `• (TO BE RESTORED) PROPOSED TRAIL l ow #1=0001A Oro 0 (No 80 80 160 240 EXHIBIT B EL CORTE DE ' ' NDERA CREEK OPEN ' CE PRESERVE SANDSTONE FORMATION „*x b ` It' # "� PROPOSED `• ;-- ! OBSERVATION DECK EXISTING TRAIL (TO BE RESTORED) ! L � tt C t t PROPOSED TRAIL NOT TO SCALE EXHIBIT C Regional Open .'' g p -ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-17 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Final Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorization to Solicit Bids for the Cons tion of an Observation Deck at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMM 1. Determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)based on the findings contained in this report. 2. Amend the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve for the construction of an observation deck and the realignment of a trail adjacent the sandstone formation re-designated for multiple use,as approved by the Use and Management Committee. 3. Waive the requirement for a second and final reading of the adoption of this Use and Management Plan amendment because of the necessity to complete this project in order to secure grant funds that are in danger of being lost. 4. Authorize staff to solicit bids for the construction of an observation deck at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. BACKGROUND In August 1996, the District applied for a National Recreational Trails Fund Act grant to implement site improvement projects identified in Phase II of the Trails Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve(see Report R-96-76). These projects included the construction of trails to help form a perimeter trail network around the preserve,a new trail below the sandstone formation, two trail bridges,repair of an existing patrol bridge,and closure and restoration of unauthorized trails. The District received a grant award in the amount of$73,000 in September 1997 for completion of these projects with an expiration date of June 2002. One of the projects identified in the grant,and that has not been completed,is the proposed trail below the sandstone formation(see Exhibit A). The intent of this trail is to protect the delicate sandstone formation, which is slowly deteriorating due to uncontrolled access and vandalism,by constructing a trail a few hundred feet below the formation. The new bypass segment of Tafoni Trail would allow users to view the formation from a safe distance; however, staff realized that there were disadvantages to this proposal and wanted to analyze other alternatives. DISCUSSION In May 2001, a staff committee was formed comprised of planning, operations, and field staff to explore other alternatives for this project. The committee met on site several times to examine the opportunities and constraints of five separate alternatives, including the proposed trail below the sandstone formation. The alternatives included providing no direct access to the formation,providing very limited access by 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 ftmw OF—REE" 1 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-02-17 Page 2 installing fencing and bollards, and providing full access with the installation of multiple observation decks, stairs, and platforms. This last alternative was included because it was similar to the plan proposed by San Mateo County in 1974. The committee decided that an alternative that provided limited,yet direct access to the delicate sandstone formation was the most appropriate choice. The alternative that was selected involves the re-alignment of the existing trail and the construction of an observation deck at its terminus, located at the southwest face of the sandstone outcropping(see Exhibits B and Q. The existing hiking-only trail, which starts at Tafoni Trail and runs approximately 1,000 feet to the south side of the formation, would be re-aligned,as it does not meet the District's current trail standards: it runs along the crest of a secondary ridge and has areas where it is not only quite steep,but where erosion is occurring at a fast rate. The newly proposed trail will run approximately 2,000 feet along the contours of the existing slope, and will be constructed to an average grade of 10 percent or less. Although it is proposed that the newly constructed trail will be open to equestrians and bicyclists,horses and bicycles will not be allowed on the observation deck(the trail is currently a "hiking only" trail). An area adjacent to the deck will be established for users to hitch their horses or leave their bicycles. Staff will monitor the use compliance for this area over the next two years, and if it is found that the trail and observation deck are being inappropriately used, or other problems occur, staff will return to you for consideration of further restrictions. Located at the southwest face of the outcropping, the proposed observation deck will allow preserve users an opportunity to view up close some of the interesting features that are present. As part of the contained deck,interpretive signing will be installed to educate visitors about how these features are formed,along with an explanation of their delicate nature. Since it is important to build a structure that will blend in with the surrounding environment, staff will be exploring different designs, construction methods, and floor materials for the approximately 150-square foot deck. This alternative will help ensure protection of the delicate formation by providing visitors with an established destination to view and experience the outcropping, as opposed to an undefined area that could encourage inappropriate use. This alternative is also advantageous because it will allow for future improvements should the District decide to incorporate additional barriers and/or interpretive features once compliance has been established. The Use and Management Committee held a meeting on January 15, 2002 to review the proposed project. Staff provided the Committee with the project's history and presented the proposed alternative. After comparing the recommended alternative to the remaining four alternatives,the Committee felt the proposed project was well planned,and voted unanimously to support the Tafoni Trail and Observation Deck project for full Board consideration as a Use and Management Plan amendment. As mentioned earlier,this grant-funded project needs to be completed and all necessary paperwork submitted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation(DPR)by May 2002. A final inspection will be conducted by DPR staff prior to the actual June 2002 grant deadline. The District is currently under contract with a consultant to provide design and engineering services for this project(see Report R-01-138). In order to proceed,the project must be adopted as a Use and Management Plan amendment. Therefore, it is the General Manager's recommendation that the Board approve the final adoption at tonight's meeting and waive the requirement of a second reading in thirty days. Finally,if the Board approves the project this evening, staff expects to complete the design for the observation deck and solicit bids for its construction in April 2002. It is anticipated that the observation deck will be completed by May 2002 to meet the grant deadline. R-02-17 Page 3 FUNDING At your March 28, 2001 meeting, you approved the fiscal year 2001-2002 budget(see Report R-0 1-45), which included$8,000 to complete the design and engineering studies for the observation deck. However, staff re-evaluated the consultant costs for this project, and last December the Board approved the aforementioned contract, which included an amount of$16,312.75 (including a 15 percent contingency) for the observation deck. Since the construction costs for this project are anticipated to exceed the General Manager's authorized limit, staff will return to the Board this March with an authorization to enter into contract with a recommended bidder. CEOA COMPLIANCE Project Description The project, located in a tanoak and madrone forest above El Corte de Madera Creek at an elevation of approximately 2,080-feet,consists of constructing an observation deck approximately 150 square feet in size, and realigning approximately 2,000 linear-feet of a 4-to 6-foot wide trail adjacent to the sandstone formation. The trail being replaced will be obliterated and restored in order to prevent further use. The construction of the new trail and observation deck will take place in a setting that is not adjacent a waterway, and no trees greater than 12-inches in diameter at breast height is anticipated to be removed. CEOA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA(California Environmental Quality Act) under Sections 15303 and 15304. Categorical Exemption 15303—New Construction of Small Structures The proposed observation deck is considered a small structure or facility and does not exceed the maximum allowable on this legal parcel. Categorical Exemption 15304—Minor Alterations to Land Trail construction will consist of minor grading and clearing of vegetation in order to provide a 4-to 6- foot wide trail. Trail gradients will generally be less,than 10 percent and drainage features will be designed to minimize soil erosion, if necessary. Techniques for eliminating and restoring abandoned trail will be site specific and may include soil de-compaction, seeding, and drainage controls. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION A copy of the agenda was sent to all interested persons and organizations. The agenda was also sent to adjacent neighbors located within a 300-foot boundary of El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Prepared by: Douglas Vu, Open Space Planner Contact Person: Same as above El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve PROJECT LOCATION MAP Hiking Only Trails Multi-Use Trails Road-Width/Multi-Use Trails Swett Road s'�yio Pe OG= P 4• ' t0011 = s1e EI\ \J�Madera Creek Tr 1 1.0 Come\ H W C� _ .. . . . (CMOU d �.0 r'a:= - o� Skeggs R, Ta �;= 4` salt* 0.2� ©Point 09 1.0 'F 1.2 �' ,r.• 0.9 ' '1 r0.5 C • w A. TRAIL 137 0.2 oc•-- % IahTra,• oP o. (SANDSTONE) `j;!•• 'o w LOCATION o; 0.1`• o_, (CM02) 0.7 r .3 '`♦ \'�-`�' 0.3'1p••I~ 0.2 1000 � 2211 0.8� 1600 • j 0.4 164) , • 1.3 1.1 /•. (CMOB) 0.3 3ethy ` ' _ A 2060 / 01 4 0.6 sP/h� 2000 t bA 6 l./ . °� 0.6 v h~I f ♦� ♦ 0.7 ,0.6 `• (CM03) 0.3 0.7 ' „�f� • 2000 'OO 4 01 p4 Sr• 0.5 0.3 1.4 �1. I' • 800 \0.2 0.3 `p'. �onkey3rail 0.9 �A 04 ~�0.3 �' a � 0.5 r dnt �\ 0.9 ��,Grosscut'Tra�\is �� o� Salamander 3<a y 0.2 �• d on <a v •^r,pi O OIdGrowih vo� �a 0.3 1400 -�-' 0'1 Redwood ///! Cm 000 1.3 1 a 1600 14008 I v , boa 0.1^Os) J�Cr G �.V.!`,� ' 1.2 d J 1200 1.31 �• 2000" \ 6 0.1 0.2.00- eg1 ,lad �. 0.6• 0.2 2.5 2.1 ONMil/=rai/ I/ ti PfIN 16 1400 1200 `,• sa) loon / leoo 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 ,8 .9 1.0 One Mile EXHIBIT A EL CORTE DE jpDERA CREEK OPEN SJ#CE PRESERVE SANDSTONE FORMATION t PROPOSED ' DECK LOCATION `y - • tow. 0 • Y • • • • • • e • yr ' • T • • EXISTING TRAIL `•1 (TO BE RESTORED) t r PROPOSED TRAIL .s . • 00 *0 80 0 80 160 240 EXHIBIT B EL CORTE DE WDERA CREEK OPEN SWCE PRESERVE SANDSTONE FORMATION ,.„ �',ai`Y F PROPOSED - OBSERVATION DECK �-- EXISTING TRAIL °F (TO BE RESTORED) t, PROPOSED ---► TRAIL A' R NOT TO SCALE EXHIBIT C Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-22 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM r` Award of Contract for Roof Replacement of the Red Barn Located in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMEND ION Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Andy's Roofing Company Inc. of Mountain View for the base bid amount of$44,933,plus a contingency amount of$9,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed$53,933 for the roof replacement of the Red Barn located in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION At your meeting on January 16, 2002,you authorized staff to solicit bids for roof replacement of the Red Barn located in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve(see Report R-02-15). Sealed bids were due by January 17,2002. Three bids were received: Bidder Location Base Bid I Andy's Roofing Company, Inc. Mountain View $44,933 II L. M. Construction Redwood City $45, 000 III Done Right Roofing Campbell $49,990 As defined in the Bid Proposal,the basis for selecting the low bid was the base bid only. The Information to Bidders noted that, "the contract will be awarded to the bidder determined to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder." Having reviewed the bidders' qualifications and the Bid Proposal, staff recommends awarding the contract for the base bid amount of$44,933 to Andy's Roofing Company Inc., which is the lowest responsive,responsible bidder. The base bid includes sufficient equipment, labor, and materials to accomplish replacement of the entire barn roof. The roof area of approximately 3,825 square feet represents that part of the roof that covers the main barn building, the storage loft (western lean-to), and the east annex. The installation of the new roof will include placing plywood over the entire roof structure to stiffen and strengthen the building. This project also includes reinforcing and/or replacing existing damaged structural members in the barn. Considering the age of the building,the recent intrusion of moisture, and the evidence of termite activity, staff anticipates some repair to the structural members of the roof. Staff will conduct a detailed survey of the roof rafters, fascia, and sheathing to estimate the extent of the necessary repairs as accurately as possible. This estimate will allow staff to order lumber, estimate the dollar amounts for the change orders, and instruct the roofing contractors on how to proceed. Staff will provide a greater presence on site during the roof removal phase of the project to stay abreast of any additional repairs that may become evident once the beams are exposed. This strategy for the repair work has been developed in order for staff to direct all repairs,prevent any delays in the contract, and to assist in monitoring any disturbance to the bat community, if it is still occupying the building. 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 iFax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org •Web site:www.openspace.org #M ®FORE" Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton 1 R-02-22 Page 2 Staff is recommending a contingency amount of$9,000 to cover the costs of these repairs. This contingency amount is approximately 20%of the base bid. The costs for this additional work will be controlled by unit prices established by the contractor during the bidding process. Due to the nature of the project,paying for the repairs by change order was determined to be the most cost-effective method of controlling the work and project costs. The re-roofing project is designed to maintain the historic integrity of the building by meeting the criteria set forth in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guideline for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, and to continue to provide habitat for the bats that currently occupy the building. Staff is working continually with the consultants to insure achieving these goals. Notification of this construction will be posted on the District's website, and signs will be installed on site at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to inform the public of the activities of the project. Funding The approved budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 included$63,000 to complete the historic and engineering studies for the barn as well as the roofing and the painting. However, due to the increased complexity of the project, which now includes specific materials to maintain the historic integrity of the building and preservation of the pallid bat habitat, a budget augmentation is needed to complete all the recommended work. Item Cost I. Contract with Historic Architect $7,100.00 11. Contract with Central Coast Bat Consultants $9,000.00 111. Contract for Re-Roofing $44,933.00 IV. Contingency for Anticipated Roof Structure Repairs $9,000.00 V. Anticipated Costs for Lead Based Paint Encapsulation $15,000.00 SUBTOTAL $85,033.00 VI. Retention of Bid Guarantee from Previous Roof Contractor - $3,245.00 TOTAL $81,788.00 Total Anticipated Increase from Original Budget of$63,000.00 $18,788.00 There are sufficient funds in the Planning Department budget to cover the cost of this contract due to under expenditures on other projects. CEOA COMPLIANCE At your meeting on October 24, 2001,you determined that this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)under Sections 15301, 15330, and 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines(see Report R-0 I-119). Prepared by: Sumudu Welaratna, Planning Technician Contact person: John Cahill, Open Space Planner II li Regional Open 5 ice 1 R-02-21 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Execute a Contract with Nancy Elizabeth Stoltz for G ant Application Preparation Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,700 for the Seismic Upgrade the Wine uilding at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Nancy Elizabeth Stoltz in an amount not to exceed $5,700 to prepare a grant application to the California Heritage Fund Grant Program for the seismic upgrade of the winery building at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION At your January 16, 2002 meeting, you adopted a resolution approving the application to the California Heritage Fund Grant Program for the seismic upgrade of the winery building at Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve (see Report R-02-06). This work at Picchetti Ranch is a key project in the 2001/2002 Work Program, and the Planning Department budget includes $2,500 to fund the preparation of a grant application. Due to the complexity of the California Heritage Fund's application and the supporting documents required, the assistance of an historic preservation professional is necessary. Staff recently requested qualifications and proposals from various architects with expertise in architecture and historic preservation for work needed to be done on the Red Barn and the ranch house at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Of those architects who responded,Nancy Elizabeth Stoltz was determined by staff to be best suited for these projects because of her extensive experience working on building assessments, providing historic research and documentation, and preparing grants. Therefore, the District executed contracts with Ms. Stoltz to assist with both the Red Barn and the ranch house (see Report R-01-98). Staff has been very pleased with Ms. Stoltz's cooperative attitude, pragmatic approach, and professional work products, and therefore recommends that she be hired to prepare the grant application for the seismic upgrade to the winery building at Picchetti Ranch. Ms. Stoltz has submitted a fee proposal of$5,700 for the preparation of this grant application. Because the cumulative contract total for her work to date is $21,560 ($7,100 for the Red Barn project and $14,640 for the La Honda Creek ranch house), Board approval of this contract is required. There are sufficient funds in the Planning Department budget to cover the cost of this contract due to under expenditures on other projects. CEOA COMPLIANCE At your January 16, 2002 meeting, you determined that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment and that it is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) under Sections 15301 and 15331. Prepared by: Cathy Woodbury, ASLA/AICP,Planning Manager Contact person: Same as above 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 Regional Open s ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R 02-24 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Appoint Macias, Gini and Company as the District's Auditor for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 for Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 CONTROLLER'S RECOMMENDATION Appoint Macias, Gini and Company as the District's auditors for fiscal year 2002-2003 and authorize the General Manager to execute the engagement letter agreement in the amount of $15,555. DISCUSSION Last fiscal year, Macias, Gini and Company(MGC) completed its second year as the District's auditor under a three-year agreement. MGC's audit services were excellent in both years and I recommend that the District continue to retain MGC in fiscal year 2002-2003. By prior agreement, GMC's audit fee for fiscal year 2001-2002 would be$15,555, up $755 or 5%,from last year. Prepared by: Michael Foster, Controller Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager f 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 '^:• ® E I 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 � $ MEr. . , r Regional Open 5 ice 1 R-02-23 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 8 AGENDA ITEM Ratify the District Representative's Approval of Change Orders in the Amount of$7,500 with T. K. O. Engineering and Construction for a Total Contract Amount of$5 , 00 for Emergency Slope Stabilization at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve and Authorize Is ce of a Notice of Completion GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIO 1. Ratify the District Representative's approval of change orders in the amount of$7,500 with T. K. O. Engineering and Construction, Inc., for a total contract amount of$52,500 for the emergency slope stabilization at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. 2. Authorize issuance of a Notice of Completion for this project. DISCUSSION At your September 26, 2001 meeting, you approved a settlement in the amount of$130,000 of the District's claim for damages resulting from the overturn of a gasoline tanker truck on the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve in October 1998 (see Report R-01-111). Although the petroleum contamination was successfully removed to the satisfaction of San Mateo County and the Regional Water Quality Control Board,the original contractor, Augeas, repeatedly failed to properly perform necessary remediation tasks and, without any authorization, dumped a considerable quantity of road base material onto the damaged slope area. Due to the then pending expiration of the three year statute of limitations in which to commence litigation for the harm, District staff and AIG Insurance Services retained the geo- technical firm of Cotton, Shires &Associates to prepare plans to restore the slope to its natural contour. Based upon those plans, staff was able to negotiate the settlement with over$100,000 for unrestricted District use in restoring the hillside without further involvement of Augeas. At your October 10, 2001 meeting, you authorized the General Manager to contract with Soil Stability, Inc. in an amount not to exceed$75,000 (see Report R-0I-117). Unforeseen at that time was the inability of Soil Stability, Inc. to provide the necessary performance bonds. Therefore, at your November 14, 2001 meeting, you authorized the General Manager to contract with T. K. O. General Engineering and Construction, Inc. (T.K.O.) in an amount not to exceed$45,000 for the emergency work(see Report R-01- 126). The difference in amounts between the two authorization requests reflects the uncertainty of the two contractors as to the most efficient and cost-effective method of removing the base rock material. Soil Stability anticipated an entirely manual lifting operation of the material up the slope. T. K. O. was willing to explore the possibility of using a boom lift truck. Under the General Manager's authority, T. K. O. did preliminary stabilization work and submitted the necessary project documents for approval to the California Department of Transportation for a limited closure of the highway(Skyline Boulevard)above the project location. After Board authorization a contract was prepared and executed, a Notice to Proceed was issued, and work on the project commenced in late November. The scope of work set forth in the plans prepared by Cotton, Shires &Associates for the purposes of settlement estimated the quantity of base rock material to be removed as 24 to 38 cubic yards, and that a total of 22 cubic yards of native soil would be necessary for the restoration with 10 cubic yards already available on-site. At the direction of the Engineer 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 l IJFREE6T Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,led Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-02-23 Page 2 and the oversight of the District Representative,John Cahill,all deleterious(road base and organic) materials were removed from the site with a substantial quantity of the road base material salvaged and stockpiled for future District uses. However,the total volume of material removed was nearly 60 cubic yards. This resulted from discovery of a large pocket of road base,the scope of which was not fully detected in the original engineering reconnaissance of the site. The plans estimated a depth of 18 to 24 inches of material at this location when, in fact,parts were in excess of six feet deep. Additionally,the native soil found on-site was determined to be unsuitable due to the engineered compaction requirements. Thus,approximately 40 cubic yards of imported material was utilized to achieve the proper contour of the hillside necessary to prevent erosion during the wet season. Based upon these changes,T. K. O. submitted invoices in the amount of$7,500 showing the additional labor,material,and equipment costs required to accomplish the work as directed by the District Representative and the consulting engineer. The District Representative has reviewed these charges and found them reasonable and justified in light of the overall settlement,the emergency circumstances of the work and the greater than anticipated volume of material removed and imported soil. With these change orders,the total project cost is$52,500. The construction portion of the project involving T. K. O. is now complete. Monitoring of the site will continue over the coming year by staff and the consulting engineer. Staff was pleased with the performance of T. K. O. in light of the difficult site and unanticipated quantities of materials involved. Issuance of a Notice of Completion is now appropriate. Ten percent(10%)of the contract amount of$52,500 will be withheld for 35 days following issuance of the Notice of Completion to allow staff to finalize their review of the payroll records and subcontractor payments as required by the contract. FINANCIAL SUMMARY Received in Settlement: $130,000 Paid out: T. K. O. Engineering and Construction,Inc. $52,500 Cotton, Shires &Associates 500 (authorized-only$13,855.55 invoiced so far) ($73.000) Remaining settlement funds (damage to trees,appraisal, staff costs,future monitoring expenses): ULM CEQA COMPLIANCE At your November 14, 2001 meeting,you determined that this project was exempt from CEQA under Section 15269(c)of the Guidelines as specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency(see Report R-01-126). The actions herein authorized complete that project and therefore no further CEQA determination is necessary. Prepared by: Duncan M. Simmons,Attorney John Cahill, Open Space Planner 11 Contact Person: John Cahill, Open Space Planner H Regional Open .'' ice Ao— MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 2-16 Mee ting 02-02 REVISED January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 9 AGENDA ITEM Ratify Change Orders in the Amount of$7,289 for the Paving and Repair Contract with Bay Area Asphalt and Cement Works for the Driveway at Thomewo Open Sp e Preserve and Approve a Notice of Completion for the Project GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Ratify change orders in the amount of$7,289 for the paving and repair contract wit ay Area Asphalt and Cement Works of San Jose for a total contract amount not to exceed $43,962 for the driveway at Thornewood Open Space Preserve. 2. Approve a Notice of Completion for the project. DISCUSSION In the fall of 2000, staff evaluated the condition of the entry driveway to Thornewood Open Space Preserve off State Highway 84, and recommended initial repairs and a subsequent maintenance program. This driveway serves the District's tenant,James Stienmetz; the life-estate tenant, Francois Richard; and the District's public parking lot. The proposed repairs included the removal and replacement of approximately 2,000 square feet of asphalt and a 2-inch asphalt overlay covering the entire driveway from State Highway 84 to the large gate below the Richard life-estate parcel. These repairs were intended to add stability to the structure of the driveway,improve the smoothness of the surface, and provide a serviceable driveway in good repair At your July 25, 2001 meeting,you authorized staff to solicit bids for the driveway repairs based upon the recommendations of Eccles Engineering(see Report R-01-83). Unit prices for various items, including equipment and labor by the hour, were also required as part of the Bid Proposal to determine the cost of additional work that might be needed on the project and that was not included within the original scope of work. At your November 14, 2001 meeting, you awarded a contract to Bay Area Asphalt and Cement Works, of San Jose in the amount of$36,673 ($31,673, plus a$5,000 contingency), for paving and repairs to the driveway at the Thornewood Open Space Preserve (see Report R-01-132). An earlier court decision resulting from a petition by Mr. Richard stated that 75 percent of the cost of repair and maintenance is to be borne by the District, and 25 percent is to be borne by Mr. Richard. It was mutually agreed that the District and Mr. Richard would equally share any costs for work not included within the scope of the initial contract provided that such work was appropriate and desirable. After weather-related delays,the work commenced on December 10, 2001, with this section of the preserve closed to visitors. During the course of work it became evident that some additional repairs were needed to ensure the structural stability of the driveway. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions,the necessity of the additional repairs, and the need to proceed with the work in a cost-effective and timely manner,staff approved the following change orders in the field. 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 ®�`EE" 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 R-02-16 REVISED Page 2 Change Order No.I —Mr. Richard's Driveway. At the request of Mr. Richard, and with the concurrence of the General Manager, an approximate 3,000 square-foot section of the driveway leading to the Richard life estate was paved with a 2-inch asphalt overlay. Although this section was in relatively good condition, all parties agreed that an overlay at this time would likely increase the longevity of the pavement. (Cost share: District 50% and Richard 50%) Change Order No. 2- Increased Quantities. Additional areas of failed asphalt were removed and replaced, which increased the area from 2,500 square feet to 4,900 square feet. The area requiring a 2- inch overlay was increased from 15,000 square feet(based on an estimated average driveway width of 9 feet)to 17,600 square feet(due to the driveway's actual average width of 10 feet). (Cost share: District 75%and Richard 25%) Change Order No. 3-Leveling Course. Asphalt was added to fill low spots in the existing paving prior to the 2-inch overlay in prescribed areas of the driveway, totaling 2,000 square feet. (Cost share: District 75%and Richard 25%) Change Order No. 4 - Driveway Aprons. The finished 2-inch asphalt overlay included two additional areas of paving, a 500-square foot apron connecting the main driveway to the District's parking lot, and an 800-square foot apron connecting the main driveway to State Highway 84. (Cost share: District 75% and Richard 25%) The cost of the additional asphalt replacement, 2-inch overlay and leveling course was established by the quantity of material measured-in-place and the unit prices submitted with the base bid. Staff negotiated with the contractor to decrease some of the unit costs while still maintaining an engineered treatment of the entire driveway. The table below shows the itemized cost of the base bid and each change order with the proportionate cost to the District and Mr. Richard. Unit District Richard Item Quantity Cost Total Cost Payment Payment $27.504.75 $9,168.25 Base Bid without contingency $31,673.00 23754.7 211a.25 Change Order No. I (Add) Mr. Richard's Driveway 3,000 s.f. $1.25/s.f. $3,750.00 $1,875.00 $1,875.00 Change Order No. 2(Add) Increased Quantities $5,014.00 $3,760.50 $1,253.50 Change Order No. 3(Add) Leveling Course 2,000 s.f. $0.95/s.f. $1,900.00 $1,425.00 $475.00 Change Order No. 4(Add) Driveway Aprons 1,300 s.f. $1.25/s.f. $1,625.00 $1218.75 $406.25 S35,784.00 su"478.00 TOTAL $43,962.00 32,034.00 11,928.00 Total Increase in Cost $12,289.00 $8,729.25 $4,009.75 Less 4pproved contingency -$5,000.00 Total Change Order Request $7,289.00 , The repairs and paving continued for four days and was completed just hours ahead of the next rainstorm on December 14,2001. Field staff from the Skyline Ranger Office, with the assistance of the California Conservation Corps, installed road-base aggregate along the shoulders of some of the new pavement, R-02-16 REVISED Page 3 which provides a finished appearance. Both staff and Mr. Richard were pleased with the completed job and the performance of the contractor,Bay Area Asphalt and Cement Works. Given the urgent nature of the project—i.e. complete the driveway improvements before potential damage by winter storms—staff is asking the Board to approve the increase in the contract amount from $36,673 to $43,962 to pay the costs of the base contract and all change orders. Of this contract amount,Mr. Richard is obligated to pay$14,178-$11,928 and the District's net cost would total P5,784$32,034. Due to the circumstances of this project, it was staff's best professional opinion that these additional change orders be completed in the field. Staff is,therefore,requesting your retroactive ratification of this cost increase. These types of change orders are generally handled by the contract contingency amount,but due to unforeseen circumstances, the approved contingency amount was insufficient for these change orders. Funding At your March 28, 2001 meeting,you approved the fiscal year 2001-2002 budget(see Report R-0 1-45), which included$30,000 in the Roads and Trails budget for improvements to the paved driveway at Thornewood Open Space Preserve. -The District's total expenditures for the project are $32,470.39, which includes the District's $32,034 portion of the paving contract as well as $436.39 in incidental expenses for such items as newspaper advertising and graphic reproductions. -The additional $5,784 is available in the Planning Department's budget from under expenditures on other road and trail projects this fiscal year. Notice of Completion The District has retained the payments to Bay Area Asphalt and Cement Works for the repair and paving project, which have been withheld in accordance with the contract specifications. A check for the retained amount will be issued in 35 days. This allows adequate time to review evidence of payrolls, material bills and other indebtedness connected with the project and ensure that they have been paid. Prepared by: John Cahill, Open Space Planner 11 Contact Person: Same as above Regional Open S-*ice 1 rw��^►�� `1r11� MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-02-25 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 AGENDA ITEM 10 AGENDA ITEM Approve Contract with the Concern Employee Assistance Program - - GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION - Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Concern Employee Assis nee Program to provide employee assistance services for calendar year 2002 at a cost not to exceed $11,900. BACKGROUND The District began offering an employee assistance program (EAP) in December 1992, and has been with Concern as the provider during this time period. The EAP provides confidential counseling sessions for employees (up to eight per year per incident), a 24-hour hotline, referral services to such resources as legal or financial aid, elder care, parenting, on-site management consultations and on-site training in various topics such as diversity, time management, stress reduction and more. DISCUSSION In previous years, the fee structure for Concern was based upon the number of open and closed cases, so we did not know in advance how much the total annual premium might be. In calendar year 2001, the total billing will be approximately $12,400. For 2002, the District negotiated a flat annual rate of$11,900, payable quarterly, with a 30-day termination clause (should the District not want to continue utilizing their services). I Prepared by: Sally Thielfoldt, Administration and Human Resources Manager Contact person: Same as above 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 •General Manager:L.Craig Britton Claims No. 01-25 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 3071 1,100.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 3072 47.44 Accents&Artech Laminating Machine Repairs 3073 1,177.42 Ace Fire Equipment&SVC CO., Inc. Fire Extinguisher Servicing 3074 658.80 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 3075 145.78 ADT Security Services Alarm Service 3076 89.37 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 3077 75.78 Allied Drapery Service, Inc. Nature Center-Window Blinds 3078 58.00 American Red Cross CPR Manikin Rental 3079 500.00 Appraisal Research Corporation Appraisal Services 3080 63.95 AT&T Telephone Service 3081 238.96 A T&T Wireless Cell Phones 3082 447.61 Avaya Financial Services Telephone Lease 3083 1,408.35 Barg Coffin Lewis&Trapp Legal Fees 3084 33,023.70 Bay Area Asphalt&Cement Works Thornewood Driveway Surfacing 3085 655.12 Beck's Shoes, Inc. Uniform Boots 3086 122.49 Browning-Ferris Industries Garbage Service 3087 82.05 California Water Service Company Water Service 3088 4,919.83 Cambria Corporation Database Improvement Project 3089 1,053.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services 3090 556.33 Carolina Biological Supply Company Nature Center-Microscopes&Bulbs 3091 129.80 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Fire Shirts-"Open Space" Logo 3092 428.19 Cole Supply Co., Inc. Janitorial Supplies 3093 5.94 CSK Auto, Inc. Fuel Cap 3094 248.31 Forestry Suppliers, inc. Tree Planting Supplies 3095 60.00 Foundation For Global Community Training-G. Baillie 3096 320.00 Gilpin Geosciences, Inc. Water System Review-Letter Comments 3097 4,821.40 Garcia Well&Pump Company Smith House-Water Pump&Installation 3098 204.18 GreenWaste SRO Garbage Service 3099 19.38 Hyster Sales Company Equipment Manual 3100 85.90 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Checks 3101 2,670.00 Killroy Pest Control, Inc. Fumigation Services-13130 Skyline Blvd. 3102 13.09 Kinko's Printing Services 3103 280.80 Langley Hill Quarry Road Repair Materials 3104 545.78 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service 3105 5,014.01 Locus Technologies Legal Services-Guadeloupe River Watershed 3106 208.40 MCI Long Distance Telephone Service 3107 173.71 Paul McKowan Reimbursement-Volunteer Supplies 3108 146.41 Minton's Lumber&Supply Field Supplies 3109 211.68 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Antennas 3110 103.36 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Seat 3111 4295.91 North American Title Company Title&Escrow Fees 3112 175,000.00 North American Title Company Richmond Acquisition 3113 118.22 Northern Energy Propane Service 3114 334.75 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 3115 10,867.99 Peninsula Communications 2 Mountain Top Repeaters 3116 1,195.68 Pine Cone Lumber Co., Inc. Purisima House Repairs-Materials 3117 255.64 Pitney Bowes Credit Corp Postage Machine Lease 3118 202.87 Pivot Interiors Office Furniture Repairs Page 1 Claims No. 01-25 Meeting 02-02 January 30, 2002 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 3119 43.03 Portola Valley Feed Straw-Trail Restoration-Los Trancos OSP 3120 66.06 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name Tags&Engraving Services 3121 36.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Services 3122 165.00 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Baserock Delivery Fees 3123 271.79 Roy's Repair Services Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 3124 61.31 David Sanguinetti Reimbursement-Computer Software 3125 496.37 San Jose Water Company Water Services-RSACP Water 3126 17.22 Santa Clara County Schools Service Fund Public Schools Directory 3127 458.86 Shell Credit Card Center Fuel 3128 232.74 John Shelton, Inc. Field Supplies 3129 1,100.00 Sideman&Bancroft LLP Legal Services 3130 790.00 *1 Duncan Simmons Reimbursement-Bar Dues&Course Fees 3131 162.95 Skyline County Water District Water Services 3132 100.00 Sandy Sommer Reimbursement-AICP Assoc. Dues 3133 243.22 Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc. Baserock-RSA 3134 496.87 Summit Uniforms Uniforms 3135 417.93 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 3136 53.54 *2 Togos Local Business Meeting Expense 3137 58,345.05 2M Associates Coastal Annexation Consulting Services 3138 8.51 *3 UPS Parcel Post Mailing Services 3139 195.96 West Coast Aggregates, Inc. Baserock 3140 630.19 West Group Payment Center Legal Books 3141 266.00 Western Trail Builders Assoc. Treasurer Training-M. Newburn&C. Beckman 3142 274.50 Michael Williams Reimbursement-IRWA Membership Dues 3143 200.00 Woodside&Portola Private Patrol Lower Windy Hill Patrol Services 3144 152.41 Xpedite Systems, Inc. Fax Broadcast Services 3145R 2,275.00 UC Berkeley Extension 3/CEQA Update-4/Enviromental Review 3146R 233.31 Petty Cash Local Business Meeting Expense, Film& Developing, Volunteer Supplies, Office Supplies and Private Vehicle Expense Total is 90% of Initial Project Amount-Approved Nov. 14th Board Meeting *1 Urgent Check Issued January 17, 2002 *2 Urgent Check Issued January 23, 2002 *3 Urgent Check Issued January 22, 2002 Total 322,179.33 Page 2 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: Board of Directors From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Date: January 25, 2002 Re: FYI's 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone.650-691-1200 Fax.650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@operkspace.org • Web site. www.openspace.org Regional Open �, ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: C. Britton, General Manager From: M.Williams Real Property Representative Date: January 25, 2002 Subject: McKannay Property Addition to Mt. Umumhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve The second and final escrow closed for the subject transaction on January 10, 2002 and title to and possession of this 162.06-acre parcel passed to the District. (A 50% interest in the property closed escrow on December 14, 2001). I am not aware of any use and management concerns that were not addressed in the staff report to the Board. In accordance with the public notification policy, and since there were no public and/or adjoining owner comments which might require amendment to the use and management recommendations, close of escrow marks the final adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendation as tentatively approved by the Board of Directors at their meeting of October 24,2001. DEDICATION/ACQUISITION CHART INFORMATION Ownership Status: Preserve/Area County/A.P.N. Grantor Acres (Fee, Easement, Board Approval Lease, Mgmt Date/Res. No. Agmt.) Sierra Azul Santa Clara Richard H. 162.06 Fee October 24, 2001 Mt. Umumhum 562-21-012 McKannay 01-26 562-22-002 Trust December 12, 2001 562-23-002 01-31 Mgmt. Status: Dedication Closing Date (Open, Closed, CMU, Date/ Status: Type Purchase Price GIS Code or Other) (Intended Withheld) 12/14/0150% Closed Withheld Cash $1,560,000 Interest Financing $590,000 1/10/02 10 Year Notes Remaining 50% Ownership Interest Misc. Notes: *Administration - Single Family Residence, Two Storage Buildings need to be added to insurance coverage $250,000. *Accounting - See attached Note payment Schedule. * Operations -A survey of the boundary along the northwest ridgeline of this property and the adjacent Balaban Property is being pursued to resolve the potential encroachment of a swimming pond on the ridgeline. The Acquisition Department and the property owner will share the costs. * Operations/Planning - Removal and disposal of two 1,000 gallon underground storage tanks is estimated at $13,700 (see attached proposal from All Chemical Disposal); $10,000 is held in escrow towards this removal cost. Costs in excess of this amount should be budgeted for this upcoming year. This project should proceed as soon as possible. cc: Board of Directors Administration Accounting Operations Planning MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Become involved in your open space as an... Community Outreach Volunfeer Community Outreach Volunteers represent the Midpeninsula The District/Volunteer Partnership Regional Open Space District as ambassadors at various fairs and festivals. The District and its volunteers form a valuable partnership in which both Disseminating information,answering questions and representing the Dis- work together to further the mission of the District. In this partnership: trict and our mission are the key functions of this position. The DISTRICT will... Community Outreach Volunteers work in shifts and must commit ...orient you to the Open Space District's unique mission, to a minimum of 4 hours/month. Fairs and festivals take place on the ...recognize and benefit from your skills and interests. weekends between May and Early September. Some moderate set-up and ...provide training and tools for you to be successful. take-down of displays is required. ...value your input and expertise. ...communicate effectively and efficiently with you. The VOLUNTEER will... Position Description ...have a desire to further the District's mission. ..be willing and open to learn. Job Title:Community Outreach Volunteer ...share the same vision as the District. ...add to the District's collective talents. Purpose of the Position:A Community Outreach Volunteer acts as an ...follow the established guidelines for volunteering at the District. ambassador for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at Fairs and Festivals. This position is responsible for the dissemination of District information,the answering of questions from the public and establishing positive public relations through education about the District's mission. w4 Know How:A Community Outreach Volunteer must be knowledgeable about the District and its mission and goals. Previous volunteer experience with the District is desirable. r id Training and Supervision to be Provided 1' i • Community Outreach Volunteer Training will be held May 16,2002, from 1:O0pm to 9:30pm. Training is held at the District Offices, located at 330 Distel Cr.,Los Altos. • Supervision provided by the District's Volunteer Programs a 4 Coordinator. • "• """" "` ••4 •a .,,.kx,3r.a ,.•+► • Responsibilities/Activities • Distribute information,answer questions and represent the District at weekend fairs&festivals. • Attend all necessary training and meetings. • Commit to a minimum of 4 hours per month between May and Early For more information or to be involved with the District's September,2002. community programs and/or volunteer team you can contact: Benefits to Being an Outdoor Education Leader include: Carl M.Oosterman;Community Programs Supervisor O Opportunity to learn and expand your personal knowledge. Paul McKowan;Volunteer Programs Coordinator O Educate the public about the District's unique mission. Renee Fitzsimons;Docent Programs Coordinator O Increase the public knowledge about open space and its benefits. (650)691-1200 Or email:mrosd@openspace.org MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Become involved in your open space as an... Outdoor Education Leader Outdoor Education Leaders work with a small group of school chil- The District/Volunteer Partnership dren grades 3rd-6th,aiding their discovery of nature,hiking and enjoying The District and its volunteers form a valuable partnership in which both open space,and leading fun and exciting activities that educate them on work together to further the mission of the District. In this partnership: their natural surroundings. Outdoor Education Leaders accomplish this by using the award-winning Spares&Species outdoor education program. The DISTRICT will... ...orient you to the Open Space District's unique mission. Outdoor Education Leaders must be available a minimum of two ...recognize and benefit from your skills and interests. weekdays per month from 8:30am-3:OOpm. The Spares&Species program ...provide training and tools for you to be successful. takes place at the Daniels Nature(enter located on the Skyline Ridge Open ...value your input and expertise. Space Preserve The District provides all the necessary Training. ...communicate effectively and efficiently with you. The VOLUNTEER will... Position Description ...have a desire to further the District's mission. JO1) Tine:Outdoor Education Leader ..be willing and open to learn. ...share the some vision as the District. ..add to the District's collective talents. Purpose of the Position:An Outdoor Education Leader works with a ,..follow the established guidelines for volunteering at the District. team to teach students,grades 3rd—6th,about their natural world,pro vides opportunities for experiential learning,and fosters a fun atmosphere for discovery and exploration. Know How:An Outdoor Education leader must enjoy working with chil- dren,hove a desire to share nature and can encourage appreciation and stewardship of open space. Previous experience working with youth is helpful. Outdoor Education Leaders must be able to complete a moderatek hike of approximately 1 mile. Training and Supervision to be Provided • Outdoor Education Leader training will be held February 13—April 17,2002. Training is once a week on Wednesdays from 1:00-4:30pm v • Training is held bath at the District office and the Daniels Nature Cen- ter. • Supervision provided by the District's Docent Programs Coordinator. Responsibilities/Activities • Lead a small group of students using the District's Outdoor Education Spates&Species Program Information: curriculum Spares&Species. location:Daniels Nature(enter(Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve) • Attend all necessary trainings and meetings. Day&Time:Weekdays 9:30am-1:30pm • Commit to a minimum of two weekdays(8:30am-3:OOpm)per month Seasons:Spring(March—June)&Fall(Sept—Nov) during the spring and fall. For more information or to be involved with the District's Benefits to Being an Outdoor Education leader include:O volunteer team you can contact:Opportunity to learn and expand your personal knowledge.O Inspiring youth about their environment. ;Renee Fitzsimons; Programs Coordinator Docent nt nt 1200 O Assisting in the preservation of and education about open space. 0 Ability to be active outdoors. Or email:docent@openspace.org Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: Board of Directors From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Date: January 30, 2002 Re: FYI's 330 l3istel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone.650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 * E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site. wwwopenspaceorg Regional Open .' ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT January 28, 2002 Ms. Sandy 011iges NASA Ames Research Center Mail Stop 218-1 Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 RE: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for NASA Ames Development Plan (NADP) Dear Ms. 011iges: Thank you for providing the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) with an opportunity to review and comment on the DEIS for the NASA Ames Development Plan. The District is a public agency that was formed by the voters in 1972, pursuant to the State of California Public Resources Code section 5500 et seq., to preserve, protect and enhance open space lands in Santa Clara County. Subsequently, parts of San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties were also annexed and included within the District boundary. The District now manages over 47,000 acres in 27 preserves, including the Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area—a 54- acre neighboring preserve that lies at the north end of the project area. As an immediate neighbor of the NASA Ames Research Center lands, the District is keenly interested in any future development plans that pertain to them,particularly since they provide important public access to the bay, scenic value, and bayland habitat unique to the San Francisco Region. After reviewing NASA's environmental document, the District hereby submits the following questions and recommendations regarding the assessment and mitigation for impacts on aesthetics, biological resources, recreation, and hydrology. Two issues are of paramount importance and must be addressed at the onset. First, as a contiguous landowner to the project area, the District should have been actively consulted as the NADP was developed. This lack of a diligent effort to involve the District, as required by 40 Code of Federal Regulations 1506.6(a) and (b)(3)(vi), is documented on page I-2, where cooperating agency contacts are listed. This unexplained lack of contact with the District is f particular o rttcular concern because of the second issue: p p the ro'ect s reliance on continued use ofStevens he District's Ste Creek Shoreline Nature Stud p J Y Area, formerly known as Crittenden Marsh, as a component of NASA's storm waters stem. p Y Portions of the area known as the "Stormwater Retention Pond" (SWRP), including the preserve, are contaminated and are included within Moffett Field Superfund Site 25. This contamination was only recently brought to the attention of the District, and on August 31, 2001, 25, in response to District concerns, the Navy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)withdrew the proposal for the clean up and restoration of Site 25. In that context, the District has made clear its desire to restore Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area to historic, tidal functionality. Previously, the District provided NASA with a copy of Stevens Creek: A Plan of Opportunities (1980), a collaborative vision of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the City of Mountain View, and the District for the future of this area. The District remains strongly committed to that restoration and enhancement of its preserve. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 , Phone:650-691-1200 (�7 I Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org +Web site:www.openspace.org BFNEEST Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz +Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton I Ms. Sandy 011iges January 28, 2002 Page 2 The District anticipates that the Navy will re-examine and revise the cleanup plan for Site 25 in light of the District's intended use of its lands. In view of this considerable uncertainty over the future configuration and operation of the storm water system, the District is of the view that this document is inherently inadequate in its discussion of all issues relating to the SWRP. At a minimum, a realistic set of alternatives for storm water management under each of the build-out scenarios should be presented and should address the District's goal of the restoration of tidality to the preserve. The only indication of the possible loss-of-use to District lands is found in the discussion on page 13: "Alternatives 1 through 5 conflict with this plan because they all include a pumping station in the northwest corner of the SWRP, to pump stormwater to Stevens Creek when necessary to prevent flooding. This is an existing incompatible use. Implementation of Alternatives 2 through 5 would not cause any additional incompatibility. If the MROSD implements its plan to breach the existing eastern dike along Stevens Creek, and to construct a new eastside levee east of their refuge, then NASA would relocate its stormwater pump." This is hardly adequate to address the complexities of the very real possibility of a material change in the use of the preserve. Currently, NASA has only a verbal license to operate its stormwater facilities, including the pumping system, within the Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area; there is no certainty that such use will be allowed to continue, irrespective of eventual restoration of tidal flow to the area. Additional comments relative to this particular shortcoming of the DEIS are also presented in the Hydrology section of our comments following these preliminary observations. Aesthetics Based on the information provided in the DEIS, the visual character of the Bay View area would change dramatically under Alternatives 2, 4, and 5. At present, the Bay View area is almost entirely undeveloped, offering expansive views of the Ames Research Center from surrounding recreational lands, including the District's Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study and the northern portion of the Stevens Creek Trail corridor. Under Alternative 2, there would be approximately 121,000 square meters (1.3 million square feet) of new development concentrated on approximately 14 hectares (34 acres). Alternative 4 proposes a more extensive development of 250,830 square meters (2.7 million square feet) on approximately 28.03 hectares (68.83 acres) of land. Alternative 5 proposes 92,900 square meters (1.0 million square feet) of new development on approximately 9.28 hectares (22.92 acres) of land. Unfortunately, there are no current design guidelines, height restrictions, or setback requirements for the Bay View area. This lack of information impedes a thorough understanding of the potential impact on the existing aesthetic, visual, and ecological resources of the area. If and when such information becomes available, public review of a supplemental or subsequent EIS is needed to fully evaluate the potential visual impact on recreational users of the Stevens Creek Trail and the surrounding baylands. The Stevens Creek Trail corridor, a linear strip of undeveloped, recreational land located immediately west of the Ames Research Center, could be adversely affected by the new development proposed in Alternative 2 if the buildings are two or more stories high. These I Ms. Sandy 011iges January 28, 2002 Page 3 building could significantly block the existing open space views from the Stevens Creek Trail across the Ames Research Center, and as these views are one of the trail's main attractions, such an impact is of major concern to the District. This issue should also be addressed in a supplemental or subsequent EIS, once design and construction information is known, to better analyze the potential impact on the trail and to address adequate mitigation measures. Biological Resources The DEIS proposes the designation of habitat preserves for burrowing owls within the Ames Research Park Area of Moffett Field. In the environmental document, NASA explains the importance of preserving land for the burrowing owls as a protective measure to reduce the potential biological impact on this species due to the proposed development at Moffett Field. Given the scarcity of suitable habitat for a species dependent on flat, grassland areas for its survival, habitat protection and preservation is of particular importance. Unfortunately, the preserve proposed for the Ames Research Park Area is currently laden with roadways, pathways, and other obstacles that prevent the site, as it currently exists, from providing optimal habitat. Thus, the roadways and other obstacles should be removed, and the area restored a more natural state in order to improve its habitat value, thereby minimizing to the greatest extent possible the potential negative impact on the burrowing owl. The District is also concerned about potential short-term impacts to resident burrowing owls due to temporary construction activities. In the DEIS, mitigation measure BIO-1 la is included to address the potential short-term disturbances as follows: "Construction near owl habitat would be scheduled outside of breeding season, which typically runs from February 1 to August 31, as much as possible." Given that NASA Ames Research Center supports the largest sub-population of burrowing owls in the San Francisco Bay Area, construction near owl habitat should be scheduled fully outside the breeding season in order to minimize the potential impact on individual owls and on the owl population as a whole. The phrase, "as much as possible," does not guarantee that the impact on the burrowing owls would be significantly or sufficiently minimized. Therefore, to ensure adequate protection for the owls from the potential impacts of noise and ground vibration, not to mention the collapse of their burrows due to the use of heavy construction equipment, the District recommends deleting the phrase, "as much as possible," from the mitigation measure The District recommends incorporating the following mitigation measure to further minimize the potential impact on burrowing-owl habitat from long-term disturbances associated with the proposed development: Mitigation Measure BIO-1 lb:*In order to prevent long-term disturbances from increases in population associated with implementation of the NADP, NASA would: — Restrict construction of roads, trails, pathways, and other development from occurring within the designated burrowing owl Preserves to retain a long-term sustainable burrowing owl habitat. In the Bay View Area, development alternatives 2, 4, and S include a belt of open space land to surround the proposed new facilities. According to DEIS maps, the open space buffer is i Ms. Sandy 011iges January 28, 2002 Page 4 expected to be approximately 50 feet wide. Just north of this location are large wetland areas known as the Eastern and Western Diked Marshes. These wetlands are of particular interest as sightings of the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail, as well as the threatened western snowy plover, have been documented in the vicinity. The DEIS discusses the uncertainty of how much of an upland edge constitutes enough of a buffer zone to protect the salt marsh harvest mouse from the disturbance of humans and non-native predators such as cats, both domesticated and feral. However, according to the DEIS, USFWS Endangered Species biologists recommend a buffer of 100 feet. In light of this inconsistency between the DEIS and USFW, the District requests a more careful analysis of the appropriate size of the open space buffer zone. It would seem that the open and low-lying nature of the Bay View Area would require a much wider buffer zone than the proposed 50 feet. This is particularly true if future development nearby should include housing, a land use that would undoubtedly increase the level of human disturbance and the number of non-native predators. Moreover, a wider buffer zone would provide greater vegetation cover for native species, thus offering them more protection from non-native predators. Therefore, the District strongly urges NASA to widen the open space buffer to a minimum of 100 feet in accordance with the USFS recommendation. Under Section 4.9, the DEIS states that"because construction vehicles are unlikely to need to drive on the roads surrounding the coastal salt marsh, the potential for take of salt marsh harvest mice . . is considered extremely low." Although the likelihood for construction vehicles to drive near the salt marsh is considered low, adequate protection of the salt marsh harvest mouse is important. In order to protect the salt marsh harvest mouse from potential injury or death caused by vehicular traffic, construction vehicles should be prohibited from utilizing the roads surrounding the coastal salt marsh. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 should therefore be revised as follows: "Mitigation Measure BIO-1: To minimize the potential for injury or death caused by construction vehicles to western burrowing owls in all four planning areas, and to salt marsh harvest mice in the Bay View area, the following components would be implemented: Construction traffic would be routed on roads farthest from areas where these special-status species occur and prohibited from using roads surrounding the coastal salt marsh." Recreation According to the DEIS, Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 would not supply enough new recreational space to meet the demands generated by new employees and residents. To address this potential impact, the DEIS provides mitigation measure REC-1, which states that, "NASA and/or its partners would develop additional active recreation areas on- or off-site to meet recreation demands generated by new employees and residents." Unfortunately, this measure is too vague to explain how the project would meet future recreational demands. Mitigation Measure REC-1 should explain, in much greater detail, how and where new recreation areas would be developed. Furthermore, Mitigation Measure REC-I should account for the fact that Highways 237 and 101 both function as barriers potentially preventing future workers and residents of Moffett Field from utilizing recreational areas located beyond these freeways unless a safe and convenient access connection is provided. Given this finding, it seems appropriate to include the Bay Trail extension through Moffett Field as a viable addition to existing recreational facilities. Ms. Sandy 011iges January 28, 2002 Page 5 This trail extension would provide a desirable connection between the northern segment of the Bay Trail through Mountain View Shoreline Park and the southern segment of the trail through the Sunnyvale Baylands Park. The Bay Trail extension through Moffett Field would not only provide increased recreational opportunities within ARC, but also provide links to recreational sites in neighboring cities. For these reasons, the District recommends including the following mitigation measure: Mitigation Measure REC-IA: To provide additional active recreation areas to meet recreation demands generated by new employees and residents, the following component would be implemented: — Collaborate with Bay Trail advocates to determine an appropriate location for the Bay Trail extension through Moffett Field lands and simultaneously construct and open the Bay Trail extension to public use with the scheduled start of construction in the Bay View area. H d�gv The DEIS states that in the past the Bay View Area and northern ARC have experienced general flooding due to a combination of inadequate storm drain system capacity and low ground elevations relative to the water level of the Storm Water Retention Pond (SWRP). The remainder of the western drainage area has also experienced localized flooding due to inadequate system capacity. According to the DEIS, several storm drain studies have been conducted over the past 20 years, and all of them agree that major renovation and rehabilitation of the western drainage system should take place. To help address the potential for future flooding, the DEIS notes that the site would be filled prior to construction to raise its elevation above the flooding level, thereby avoiding any potential flood impact. However,the DEIS does not describe what indirect impact, if any, would result from this mitigation measure, particularly on the existing storm water management system. Given that the planned development, particularly in the Bay View Area, will result in a significant loss of permeable surface, the DEIS also does not adequately address the extent of the potential impact of the proposed development on the storm drain system due to the increase in surface runoff. The DEIS notes that the western drainage system discharges into the SWRP located north of the Bay View Area. The SWRP has no outfall, so during most of the year water is removed by evaporation only. During the wet season of some years, when flow into the SWRP exceeds the storage capacity, temporary pumps are moved onto the levee on the western edge of the SWRP where water is pumped directly into Stevens Creek. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District owns the western portion of the SWRP, including the levee where the pumps are installed. By stating that the pumps installed on District property are "temporary", we assume that they will be put there"legally" and removed during low rainfall years. Please be aware that the installation or removal of any NASA facility or structure on or off District lands requires approval from our Board of Directors and a signed agreement etw en the District and NASA. A. Under baseline conditions, new development located at the southern end of the NASA Research Park would create conflicts with the existing storm water collection system. The DEIS states that a new storm drain system would be constructed to accommodate the new site layout. The quantity of storm runoff would not increase significantly as a result of the baseline development. However, the existing storm drain that serves NASA Research Park cannot accommodate the Ms. Sandy 011iges January 28, 2002 Page 6 existing storm runoff. Therefore, a new system is proposed to divert storm water around the Ames Campus. With the new drainage system, the DEIS states that runoff from the NASA Research Park would be intercepted prior to entering Shenandoah Plaza by a 1070-mm(42-inch) main located in Wescoat Road and directed east toward the airfield. The interceptor is expected to extend east past the West Parallel in the airfield and then run north along the western edge of the airfield, eventually discharging into a new settling basin adjacent to the existing settling basin north of Ames Campus. The District is concerned that even with the proposed infrastructure improvements, the Bay View Area would receive high quantities of runoff that would exceed its current capacity. There is legitimate concern that increasing the amount of runoff discharging into the storm water detention basin would increase the potential for future flooding since the current capacity of the SWRP is already unable to hold the amount of runoff during periods of high rainfall. Increased flooding can then indirectly impact nearby sensitive habitats, including that of the burrowing owl. Additionally, since the SWRP is located partly on District land, NASA has no rights to increase the runoff onto the District preserve. Lastly, please note that the Executive Summary neglects to discuss the potential impacts of the project to storm water management services, which may be significant given past onsite flooding when heavy rains surpassed the allowable capacity of the current system. Development proposed for the Bay View Area would cover a significant amount of existing permeable surface at Moffett Field, increasing the amount of surface runoff and taxing the future capacity of the storm water system at ARC. We strongly recommend that the draft environmental document be withdrawn and revised to adequately address the issues discussed above. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance, and please be sure to involve the District as an active participant in any future discussions of the NASA Ames Research Center development plans. District costs and District interests are directly affected by this proposed plan. Sincerely, L. Craig Bn`� n General Manager LCB: ar:ds cc: MROSD Board of Directors I Regional Open ' ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT January 28, 2002 Mr. Art Tamayo Engineering Field Division Southwest Naval Facilities Engineering Command 1230 Columbia Street, Suite 1100, Code 06CT.AT San Diego, CA 92101 RE: Moffett Federal Airfield Proposed Plan for No Further Action Sites Dear Mr. Tamayo: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(the District), I would like to submit the following comments regarding the Moffett Federal Airfield Proposed Plan for No Further Action Sites,dated December 2001. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District owns and manages approximately 47,000 acres of open space land on the San Francisco Peninsula, including two baylands preserves of which one, Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area, containing approximately 54 acres,abuts Moffett Federal Airfield to the northwest. As an agency with a mission to actively preserve,protect,and restore the natural environment, we place great importance on the environmental clean-up efforts taking place at Moffett Field. According to the circulating fact sheet, three levels of human exposure were considered to assess the potential for human risk based on the levels of contamination in each of the four studied sites. For Site 23,known as Golf Course Fill Area 3,there were three exposure levels used: residential, occupational, and recreational. Considering that this site is located on recreational,golf course land,residential development is unlikely,but is nonetheless worthy of consideration in the event that the land is converted into housing in the future. However, the sites known as Weapons Storage Bunkers,HHRA Exposure Area 4090 and HHRA Exposure Area 4158, do not provide the same level of human-exposure information. Given the recent preparation of the NASA Development Plan for Moffett Field, and the possibility of additional future development on these lands, all project sites should be assessed for possible human health-exposure risks in residential, occupational, and recreational settings. The District recommends a comprehensive exposure assessment that includes the three exposure risks for the sites known as Weapons Storage Bunkers,HHRA Exposure Area 4090 and HHRA Exposure Area 4158. Even though there currently may be a very low probability that the existing uses of these sites will change, all possible human-exposure scenarios should be considered in the event that these existing land uses are indeed changed in the future We strongly recommend that the environmental investigations for the four sites proposed for No Further Action be revised and expanded to address the issues discussed above before the Record of Decision is made. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. Si erely, L. C on General Manager 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 a I Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,led Cyr, Deane Little,Nanette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open . _ ace ------------------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Memorandum Date: January 29, 2002 " To: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager John Escobar, Assistant General Manage John Maciel, Operations Manager Subject: Letter of Commendation - Operations Program Review We would like to take this opportunity to recognize your hard and successful work on the Operations Program Review. Your commitment to this project, from its very start in 1997 to the project's completion this past month, has been nothing short of remarkable. In 1997, you drafted the Request for Proposal and worked diligently with the staff and Board in finalizing the RFP and selecting the most qualified consultant. In 1998 you were instrumental in providing support and information to the team of consultants in the early phases of the project and assisting in critical review of the first drafts of the consultant's report late in the year. In 1999, you worked to get the first consultant recommendations adopted by the Board and begin work with the Ad Hoc Committee and field staff to refine other recommendations into the Operations Program Review Action Plan. The Board and staff recognized the effort you put in to keeping the staff informed of the Committee's progress to insure their timely feedback on every element of the plan as the Committee worked through the consultant's recommendations. In this past year, you have been instrumental in bringing closure to this project, drafting the final action plan, summarizing progress on the myriad of projects, and presenting the final report to the Board of Directors. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire District staff we commend and thank you for your commitment to excellence and your years of work on the Operations Program Review. c: Board of Directors oser nne—iFile-- - 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 *zrg OFpEEpT Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton t l I �M�t � W