HomeMy Public PortalAbout20190925 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 19-25
Rev. 1/3/19
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Regular Meeting starts at 7:00 PM*
A G E N D A
7:00 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The Board President will invite public comment on items not on the agenda. Each speaker will
ordinarily be limited to three minutes; however, the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow
action by the Board of Directors on items not on the agenda. If you wish to address the Board, please
complete a speaker card and give it to the District Clerk. Individuals are limited to one appearance
during this section.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
1. Approve September 11, 2019 Minutes
2. Claims Report
3. Award of Contract for Transportation Consulting Services for the Rancho San Antonio
Multimodal Access Study Project at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve (R-19-125)
Staff Contact: Leialani Hufana, Planner II, Planning Department
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a one-year contract with IBI Group to provide
transportation consulting services for the Rancho San Antonio Multimodal Access Study for a
total contract amount of $56,000.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $5,600, to be expended only if necessary, to cover additional
unanticipated related tasks, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $61,600.
Meeting 19-25
3. Authorize an allowance of $5,930 for an optional task to participate in a public open house for
the public to learn about and provide feedback on the project and transportation alternatives.
4. Written Responses to Cathy Del Masso and Udi Fishman
Staff Contact: Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Approve the written responses to Cathy Del Masso and Udi
Fishman
BOARD BUSINESS
The President will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by
the Board of Directors. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately, you
may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates.
5. Fiscal Year 2018-19 Annual Year End Report (R-19-126)
Staff Contact: Ana Ruiz, General Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: No Board action required.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
• Bear Creek Stables Design Development Contract
• Santa Cruz Mountains Climate Resilience Project
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS – Reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief reports or
announcements concerning activities of District Directors and staff; opportunity to refer public or Board
questions to staff for information; request staff to report to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or
direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. Items in this category are for discussion and direction to
staff only. No final policy action will be taken by the Board.
Committee Reports
Staff Reports
Director Reports
ADJOURNMENT
*Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,
please contact the District Clerk at (650) 691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the
District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed
to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection at the District’s
Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California 94022.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that
the foregoing agenda for the regular meetings of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for
review on September 19, 2019, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos California,
94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s web site at
http://www.openspace.org.
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
September 11, 2019
Board Meeting 19-24
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
DRAFT MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
President Siemens called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 5:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Pete Siemens, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Engineering and Construction Manager Jay Lin, Senior
Capital Project Manager Scott Reeves, and Senior Capital Manager
Tanisha Werner
1. Administrative Office Project – Design Development Update (R-19-122)
Engineering and Construction Manager Jay Lin provided an overview of the project to date.
Senior Capitol Project Manager Scott Reeves described the recommendations included in the
arborist report including trees proposed for removal, due to the poor health of the trees, to
maintain public safety, and to provide for ADA access. Mr. Reeves displayed renderings of
potential public benches, interpretive panels, and concrete designs.
The Board members provided comments regarding various design elements, including public
benches, bicycle racks, etc.
Meeting 19-24 Page 2
The Board members provided comments related to the potential removal of trees on the property,
including long-term maintenance costs, use of pavers rather than asphalt in the parking lot, and
irrigation to improve the health of the trees.
Eric Skiba, project manager with Noll & Tam Architects, displayed various design options for
exterior signage.
The Board members provided feedback on the three sign design options.
General Manager Ana Ruiz suggested a combination of options 1 and 3.
The Board directed the project team to return with various modified options at the October 9,
2019 meeting.
Amy Watson, project architect with Noll & Tam Architects, provided an overview of various
interior design concepts and displayed potential materials for use in the design elements.
The Board members provided input and comments on the various proposed design elements.
Director Holman suggested including additional interpretive elements related to the Native
American, agricultural, and Rancho history of the area. Additionally, art could be incorporated
into the space, potentially through sponsorships.
Director Hassett suggested use of etched or frosted glass for the Boardroom divider in order
reduce distractions during public meetings.
Director Kersteen-Tucker suggested use of materials that have a rustic feel through use of
reclaimed materials.
President Siemens spoke in support of only using the District’s mission statement as a quote on
the wall. He suggested using smaller quotes on plaques on the wall. President Siemens spoke in
support of using a photograph of a District preserve on the elevator shaft. Finally, President
Siemens suggested including colors throughout the building and less white space.
Ms. Watson reviewed the proposed options for the design and materials to be used for the
Boardroom.
The Board members provided comments on the proposed design of the Boardrooms, including
the height of the dais, window shading, and location of the projection screen.
The Board continued the special meeting until after the Board Business and Informational
reports at 7:00 p.m.
The Board reconvened the special meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Mr. Lin provided an overview of the next steps on the project, including providing a cost
estimate, Board approval of the design development plan prior to construction documents, and
further discussion of reclaimed wood.
Meeting 19-24 Page 3
Public comments opened at 8:02 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 8:02 p.m.
No Board action required.
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting into closed session at 8:02 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
President Siemens called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Pete Siemens, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager Brian
Malone, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services
Stefan Jaskulak, and District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager
Jennifer Woodworth
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Tom Ridgen provided comments in support of the District allowing residents to use Blackberry
Hill Road as a fire escape route.
Udi Fishman provided comments in support of the District allowing Blackberry Hill Road to be
used as a fire escape route. The road is graded but needs clearing. Mr. Fishman requested the
District allow the road to be studied to determine the extent of work that needs to be done.
Cathy Del Masso provided comments in support of the District allowing residents to use
Blackberry Hill Road as a fire escape route.
Lynn Waters provided comments in support of the District allowing residents to use Blackberry
Hill Road as a fire escape route. Ms. Waters also spoke about the dry vegetation in the area and
illegal use of the area for parking along the dry grass.
Norm Picker provided comments regarding dog waste in Pulgas Ridge and requested the District
take action to address the issue.
Meeting 19-24 Page 4
Kelly Abreu provided comments regarding dog waste at District preserves. Additionally, Mr.
Abreu spoke regarding communication among park districts to address parking at District
preserves, including installation of wheel stops and expanding parking lots.
Greg Schaffer spoke regarding trail closures in the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve and
spoke in favor of repairing landslides along District trails prior to the winter season.
The Board by consensus referred the issue of using Blackberry Hill Road as a fire escape route to
staff for further study.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:42 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comment closed at 7:42 p.m.
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Kersteen-Tucker seconded the motion to approve
the Consent Calendar.
VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Approve August 28, 2019 Minutes
2. Claims Report
3. Contract Award for Budget Management Software to Questica Ltd. (R-19-121)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to enter into a three-year
contract with Questica Ltd. for an amount not to exceed $127,350 for budget software acquisition,
professional implementation services, and two years of software maintenance.
4. Proposed Agreement to exchange interests in real property between Frederick
Holley and Maud Gleason (Holley-Gleason) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District (District). District to receive a public trail easement along a portion of Kennedy
Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (portion of Santa Clara APN 537-15-028) in
exchange for a solar panel easement conveyed to Holley-Gleason at Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve (portion of Santa Clara APN 537-15-027). Pursuant to Public Resources
Code section 5540.5, a unanimous vote of all seven Board members is required. (R-19-110)
Meeting 19-24 Page 5
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as set out in the report.
2. By a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, adopt a resolution authorizing the agreement
to exchange interest in real property between the District and Holley-Gleason.
3. Amend the Use and Management Plan to include the exchanged interest in real property.
4. Withhold dedication of the Exchange Property as public open space at this time.
5. Proposed Agreement to exchange interests in real property between Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District).
District to receive a public roadway easement for a portion of Mt. Umunhum Road and a
public trail easement for a portion of Woods Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
(portion of Santa Clara APN 583-24-004) in exchange for an easement for an existing gas
line to be conveyed to PG&E at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (portion of San Mateo
County APN 050-470-090). Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 5540.5, a
unanimous vote of all seven Board members is required. (R-19-109)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as set out in the report.
2. By a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, adopt a resolution authorizing the agreement
to exchange interest in real property between the District and PG&E.
3. Amend the Use and Management Plan to include the exchanged interest in real property.
4. Withhold dedication of the Exchange Property as public open space at this time.
6. Bear Creek Road Culvert Replacement Funding Agreement between the County of
Santa Clara and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(R-19-123)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the General Manager to
execute a Funding Agreement with the County of Santa Clara for the Briggs Creek Culvert
Replacement underlying Bear Creek Road.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
• Highway 17 Trail Connections -- Summary of Comments from July 9, 2019 Public
Workshop in Los Gatos
• Pescadero-Butano Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load Regulations for Sediment
Impairment
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
No committee reports.
B. Staff Reports
Meeting 19-24 Page 6
Assistant General Manager Susanna Chan reported that she will be attending a workshop of the
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors workshop to provide comments on the Stanford
General Use Permit application.
Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan Jaskulak reported the District
has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (FY
2018) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Popular Annual Financial Report.
General Manager Ana Ruiz reported on the recent Oljon Trail ribbon-cutting event and that the
District is sharing information with East Bay Regional Park District regarding historic structures.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
Director Kersteen-Tucker reported she attended meeting of the San Mateo County Farm Bureau.
Director Riffle commented on the use of e-bike in open space throughout the region and
cautioned the Board that the District needs to think carefully as it works to regulate e-bikes.
Director Kishimoto reported she and Director Kersteen-Tucker will be attending an upcoming
meeting of the Santa Cruz Mountain Stewardship Network Spotlight on Stewardship tour.
Director Holman reported her attendance at a meeting of the Bay Restoration Authority.
President Siemens reported that he attended a meeting of the Santa Clara County Special
District’s Association.
The Board reconvened the special meeting at 7:57 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
President Siemens called the closed session of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
order at 8:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Pete Siemens, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: None
Public comments opened at 8:15 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 8:15 p.m.
Meeting 19-24 Page 7
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. Government Code
Section 54957(b)(1)
Title of Employee: Controller
General Counsel
General Manager
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency designated representatives: Board of Directors Unrepresented Employees: Controller
General Counsel
General Manager
ADJOURNMENT
President Siemens reported the Board met in closed session, and no reportable action was taken.
President Siemens adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 10:40 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
page 1 of 2
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING # 19-25
MEETING DATE: September 25, 2019 Fiscal Year to date EFT:49.07%
Payment
Number
Payment
Type
Payment
Date
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Payment
Amount
1208 EFT 09/13/2019 11780 - TERRY J MARTIN ASSOCIATES Construction Documents, Permitting, Bidding - New SAO 23,230.00
1192 EFT 09/13/2019 *10214 - Delta Dental September 2019 - Dental Premium 16,227.42
1197 EFT 09/13/2019 12088 - GSL FINE LITHOGRAPHERS Brochures- Trails/Sierra Azul/Mt Um 11,356.71
1194 EFT 09/13/2019 11748 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY CONSULTING Consulting and lobbying: July/Aug 2019 7,500.00
1199 EFT 09/13/2019 *10419 - LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY MPOSD-BL-490450 LTD/AD&D/Life 2019-09 7,398.60
80558 Check 09/13/2019 11822 - Streamlink Software Amplifund Software Subscription 8/18/19 - 8/17/20 7,152.00
80542 Check 09/13/2019 11379 - CALTRANS Hwy 17 Wildlife Crossing CalTrans Co-Op Agreement 5,462.39
80541 Check 09/13/2019 11772 - AHERN RENTALS, INC.KU-17 Excavator, #203615, Oljon/Drum roller for roadwork 5,015.19
80556 Check 09/13/2019 11303 - Santa Clara County FireSafe Council Grant to Support FireSafe Council's Wildfire Prevention Services 5,000.00
80553 Check 09/13/2019 10932 - RDO EQUIPMENT COMPANY Mowing Tractor- Rental 3,764.75
1203 EFT 09/13/2019 10211 - PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATES 2019 Monthly Fee - Legislative Advocacy Services for SEPT 2,916.66
1187 EFT 09/13/2019 11799 - AZTEC LEASING, INC.Printer/Copier leases - 6 machines - 8/1/19 through 8/31/19 2,326.07
80549 Check 09/13/2019 12092 - Longevity Fire Sprinklers LLC.240 Cristich - Sprinkler System Design 2,000.00
1186 EFT 09/13/2019 10128 - AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION Site Lease - Coyote Creek 1,990.25
80548 Check 09/13/2019 10058 - LIEBERT CASSIDY WHITMORE HR Legal Consulting - MI244-00001 1,914.50
80559 Check 09/13/2019 11961 - Telepath Corporation Equipment repair/installation 1,778.86
1210 EFT 09/13/2019 10213 - VISION SERVICE PLAN-CA Vision Premium 00 106067 0010 Sept 2019 1,401.54
1198 EFT 09/13/2019 10222 - HERC RENTALS, INC.BCR Tractor Loader Rental 1,366.87
1200 EFT 09/13/2019 10791 - LSA Associates, Inc.Alpine Road & LHC Creek Loop Trail CEQA/Permitting 1,207.25
80557 Check 09/13/2019 *10580 - SHARP BUSINESS SYSTEMS Sharp Copies - Printer Costs 6/28/19-7/31/19 1,098.80
1202 EFT 09/13/2019 12020 - Panorama Environmental, Inc.CEQA: Prescribed Fire Program Development 1,062.50
80560 Check 09/13/2019 10146 - TIRES ON THE GO New tires for T37/A98 847.48
80561 Check 09/13/2019 *11987 - WEST VALLEY SANITATION DISTRICT Trash fees 7/1/2019 - 7/30/2020 807.79
80546 Check 09/13/2019 *11551 - GREEN TEAM OF SAN JOSE Garbage Service (RSACP)775.97
80544 Check 09/13/2019 12094 - City and County of San Francisco License and Consent Initial Fee - Bay Trail Connection 750.00
1189 EFT 09/13/2019 11483 - Cartwright Design Studio Design of 4 postcard templates with mail merge 722.50
1205 EFT 09/13/2019 10302 - STEVENS CREEK QUARRY INC Drainage and Base rock (FOOSP)713.14
1188 EFT 09/13/2019 10723 - Callander Associates Ravenswood Bay Trail Connection Design & Construction Mgmt 707.08
80555 Check 09/13/2019 *10136 - SAN JOSE WATER COMPANY Water Service (RSACP)684.34
1185 EFT 09/13/2019 10082 - Advantage Anaheim Ravenswood Bay Trail Mailer - qty 885 680.98
80543 Check 09/13/2019 10014 - CCOI GATE & FENCE Gate Service (SAO/SA-Mt. Um)600.00
80545 Check 09/13/2019 *11530 - COASTSIDE.NET Skyline Broadband 9/1/2019 - 9/30/2019 550.00
1207 EFT 09/13/2019 10152 - Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies (RSA&CP)534.92
1191 EFT 09/13/2019 11013 - Confidence UST Services, Inc.Fuel Tank Vapor Recovery Test (FFO)495.00
1195 EFT 09/13/2019 11151 - FASTENAL COMPANY Personal Protective Equipment for field staff 463.26
1190 EFT 09/13/2019 10352 - CMK AUTOMOTIVE INC A-95/104/100 Oil Service 352.37
80554 Check 09/13/2019 11526 - REPUBLIC SERVICES Monthly Garbage Service - 16060 Skyline 282.62
1204 EFT 09/13/2019 *11042 - SANTA CLARA COUNTY-OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF Live scan Service - July 2019 276.00
1209 EFT 09/13/2019 11596 - Toshiba America Business Solutions Plotter printer costs 05/15/2019-06/14/2019 230.43
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) for accounts payable disbursements to reduce
check printing and mailing, increase payment security, and ensure quicker receipt
by vendors
page 2 of 2
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING # 19-25
MEETING DATE: September 25, 2019 Fiscal Year to date EFT:49.07%
Payment
Number
Payment
Type
Payment
Date
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Payment
Amount
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) for accounts payable disbursements to reduce
check printing and mailing, increase payment security, and ensure quicker receipt
by vendors
1196 EFT 09/13/2019 10187 - GARDENLAND POWER EQUIPMENT Valve-fuel shut off fire pumpers/generator/welder spark plugs 220.00
80550 Check 09/13/2019 10649 - LOS GATOS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rental of Fireside Room on 9/25/19 for District Meeting 205.00
80547 Check 09/13/2019 10421 - ID PLUS INC L&F Staff Name Badges 157.00
80551 Check 09/13/2019 *10664 - MISSION TRAIL WASTE SYSTEMS AO Garbage Service 136.10
1193 EFT 09/13/2019 11966 - Doniga Markegard Reimbursement for Drinking Water 107.00
1211 EFT 09/13/2019 12081 - Wolff, Elena Mileage Reimbursement 7/2/19-7/30/19 101.85
1201 EFT 09/13/2019 11617 - MIG, INC.ADA Plan Review - PCR restroom 57.50
1206 EFT 09/13/2019 10107 - SUNNYVALE FORD P123 HVAC Diagnosis 38.06
80552 Check 09/13/2019 10134 - RAYNE OF SAN JOSE Water Service (FOOSP)29.24
Grand Total 122,695.99$
*Annual Claims
**Hawthorn Expenses
A### = Administrative Office Vehicle HR = Human Resources P### = Patrol Vehicle SCNT = Stevens Creek Nature Trail
AO2, AO3, AO4 = Leased Office Space IPM = Invasive Plant Maintenance PCR = Purisima Creek Redwoods SCS = Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Area
BCR = Bear Creek Redwoods ISM = Invasive Species Management PIC= Picchetti Ranch SFO = Skyline Field Office
CAO = Coastal Area Office LH = La Honda Creek PR = Pulgas Ridge SG = Saratoga Gap
CC = Coal Creek LR = Long Ridge RR = Russian Ridge SJH = Saint Joseph's Hill
DHF = Dear Hollow Farm LT = Los Trancos RR/MIN = Russian Ridge - Mindego Hill SR= Skyline Ridge
ECdM = El Corte de Madera M### = Maintenance Vehicle RSA = Rancho San Antonio T### = Tractor or Trailer
ES = El Sereno MB = Monte Bello RV = Ravenswood TC = Tunitas Creek
FFO = Foothills Field Office MR = Miramontes Ridge SA = Sierra Azul TH = Teague Hill
FOOSP = Fremont Older Open Space Pres.OSP = Open Space Preserve SAO = South Area Outpost TW = Thornewood
GP = General Preserve SAU = Mount Umunhum WH = Windy Hill
Abbreviations
Rev. 1/3/18
R-19-125
Meeting 19-25
September 25, 2019
AGENDA ITEM 3
Award of Contract for Transportation Consulting Services for the Rancho San Antonio
Multimodal Access Study Project at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a one-year contract with IBI Group to provide
transportation consulting services for the Rancho San Antonio Multimodal Access Study for
a total contract amount of $56,000.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $5,600, to be expended only if necessary, to cover
additional unanticipated related tasks, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $61,600.
3. Authorize an allowance of $5,930 for an optional task to participate in a public open house
for the public to learn about and provide feedback on the project and transportation
alternatives.
SUMMARY
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) developed a scope of work for a
Parking and Transportation Demand Analysis of Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
(Preserve) and Rancho San Antonio County Park (Park). The purpose of this analysis is to
evaluate existing parking and access to the Preserve and Park, clarify the underlying causes for
the parking and access challenges, and identify strategies for reducing parking issues. The
analysis will expand upon a suite of recommendations developed by District staff for managing
parking demand and improving multimodal access. The analysis will also provide a basis for
future efforts as part of a Phase II effort to promote greener transportation options, improve the
visitor experience, reduce congestion, and minimize parking impacts to adjacent communities.
The Board of Directors (Board) approved the scope of work at the June 26, 2019 regular meeting
(R-19-86).
Based on the results of a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on July 22, 2019, the General
Manager recommends awarding a contract to IBI Group for a base contract amount of $56,000,
authorizing a 10% contingency of $5,600, and authorizing an allowance of $5,930 for an
optional task to participate in a public open house. This task will only be authorized if warranted
based on Planning and Natural Resources Committee (PNR) feedback and General Manager
direction. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 adopted budget includes $56,000 for the project; an
adjustment from other project savings may occur as part of the quarterly budget amendment
process if the contingency or optional task allowance is needed.
R-19-125 Page 2
DISCUSSION
Background
The Park is located approximately three-quarters of a mile northwest of the Interstate
280/Foothill Boulevard interchange in western Santa Clara County. The Park serves as a high
demand access point to the District’s Preserve, which abuts the Park along its northwest, west
and southwest boundaries. The Park and Preserve are located under two separate jurisdictions –
Santa Clara County and the District, respectively. Since July 1, 2002, the District has been
managing, patrolling, and maintaining the Park under a multi-year Management Agreement. The
current agreement expires on June 30, 2020 with an option for a five-year extension, which the
General Manager will bring to the Board for approval later this fiscal year.
In 1991, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department (County Parks) completed the
Rancho San Antonio Park Master Plan and Initial Study (IS). The IS considered future
developments and population growth that would potentially increase Preserve and Park
visitation. The IS identified a likely deficit in parking spaces on average peak weekday and
weekend periods if there were no future increase to the on-site parking supply.
The current Multimodal Access Study evolved in response to ongoing parking challenges facing
visitors accessing the Preserve by car. In 2017, approximately 700,000 people visited the
Preserve and Park. Parking demand is so high during peak and weekend visiting hours that
visitors often wait in their cars to secure a parking space. This detracts from the overall visitor
experience and can lead to visitor frustration and at times conflicts.
Due to the high parking demand, nearby residents experience parking overflow in their
neighborhoods. In 2016, in response to these concerns, the City of Cupertino eliminated public
curbside parking on weekends and holidays along neighborhood streets closest to the Preserve
and Park, and established preferential parking zones for residents only. In a separate action, the
Los Altos Hills City Council closed Mora Drive to public parking, a popular neighborhood
access point to the Preserve. While these actions have addressed resident concerns, the parking
restrictions have decreased the available public curbside parking, exacerbating the parking
challenges and visitor experience at the Preserve.
Multimodal Study - Phase I: Parking and Transportation Demand Analysis
On June 26, 2019, the Board approved the scope of work for a Multimodal Study – Phase I:
Parking and Transportation Analysis (R-19-86), which includes: conducting a parking and
transportation demand analysis to evaluate existing parking and access conditions; understanding
more about how visitors access the Preserve; and identifying strategies for encouraging other
modes of travel and reducing overall parking demand.
In response to Board member suggestions, staff included an optional task in the scope of work
for the consultant to support District staff in hosting a public open house. This public open house
would provide an opportunity for the public to learn about and provide feedback on the project
and transportation alternatives. This task will only be authorized if warranted based on Planning
and Natural Resources Committee feedback and General Manager direction.
Consultant Selection
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on July 22, 2019 and posted on the District website
and BidSync to solicit interest from qualified professionals with expertise in transportation
consulting services. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting was held on August 2, 2019 attended by
R-19-125 Page 3
six people from five firms. The deadline for submission was August 19, 2019. A total of three
proposals were received as shown below:
Firms Location Proposed Fee*
TJKM Pleasanton, CA $55,140
Elite Transportation Group, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA $56,000
IBI Group San Jose, CA $56,000
*Excludes optional task to support District staff in hosting a public meeting.
Upon review of the proposals and consultant qualifications, the District ranked IBI Group as the
most qualified and best suited for the project at a fair and reasonable price. IBI Group has
experience working on similar parking and multimodal access studies. They also submitted a
detailed methodology for identifying and evaluating multimodal access solutions. Examples of
relevant projects completed by IBI Group include: Yosemite Mariposa Grove Shuttle Study,
Laguna Beach Downtown Specific Plan Area Parking Actual Demand Study, and VTA Blossom
Hill & Tamien Transit-oriented Development Station Access Studies.
Short-term, immediate, low-cost measures
Staff identified a variety of short-, medium-, and long-term measures to address parking and
congestion issues at Rancho San Antonio and presented them to the Board at the June 26
meeting. The Board approved the implementation of the short-term measures over the next two
fiscal years. Staff has developed a schedule for implementing these measures. Within the next
six months, staff will be installing new bicycle racks, installing new signage at St. Joseph’s
Avenue and within the Preserve, and initiating an educational campaign to promote bicycling
and walking to the Preserve. Staff will provide a memo to the Board in six months to report on
short-term measures accomplishments.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY2019-20 adopted budget includes $56,000 for the Rancho San Antonio Multimodal
Access Study project (VP11-001). If necessary, an adjustment from other project savings may
occur as part of the quarterly budget amendment process to cover use of contingency or optional
task allowance funds. The current project budget includes sufficient funds to initiate the contract.
Rancho San Antonio
Multimodal Access Study
(VP11-001)
Prior Year
Actuals
FY2019-20
Adopted
FY2020-21
Projected
Estimated
Future
Years
TOTAL
VP11-001 Budget $0 $56,000 $0 $0 $56,000
Spent-to-Date (as of 8/27/19): $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Encumbrances: $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
IBI Group Contract
(including 10% contingency): $0 ($61,600) $0 $0 ($61,600)
Allowance: $0 ($5,930) $0 $0 ($5,930)
Budget Remaining (Proposed): $0 ($11,530) $0 $0 ($11,530)
The recommended action is not funded by Measure AA.
R-19-125 Page 4
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act and to the District’s interested parties
list for this project.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Retention of professional consultants will not result in a direct physical change to the
environment [CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2)] and does not constitute Board approval of
the proposed project or related proposed project elements. Additional CEQA review for specific
actions recommended in the Multimodal Access Study, if warranted, would be conducted prior
to project implementation.
NEXT STEPS
Following Board approval, the General Manager will direct staff to enter into a contract with IBI
Group to provide transportation consulting services in support of the Rancho San Antonio
Multimodal Access Study project. The table below provides a tentative project schedule for
completion of the study, including presentation of the draft report to the PNR and presentation of
the final report to the Board.
Milestones Tentative Schedule
Parking and Multimodal Access Study Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
Implementation of Board-approved short-term measures Fall 2019 – ongoing
Stakeholder and public outreach and coordination Early 2020 - ongoing
Presentation of Draft Report to Planning and Natural Resources
Committee Spring 2020
Presentation of Final Report to Board Summer 2020
Responsible Department Head:
Jane Mark, AICP, Planning Department
Prepared by:
Leialani Hufana, Planner II, Planning Department
,,
Board of Directors
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Los Altos, CA
September 11, 2019
Subject: Fire escape for Blackberry Hill Road residents
Dear Board Members,
The Blackberry Hill Road neighborhood recently met with
representatives from the Santa Clara County fire department.
We didn't talk about what to do if there is a fire. We talked
about what to do when there is a fire. It was a tad terrifying.
Our homes are on a hillside comprised largely of flammable
brush, much of it in the Midpeninsula Open Space, and only
accessible via a road that is too narrow in spots for a fire
engine and a car to pass.
We were advised to come up with another way out.
As it turns out, an old dirt road on Midpeninsula property
might do the trick but it's overgrown now so we aren't sure.
It would be very much appreciated if you could please scout
this road to see if it can become our fire escape route. This
just might save some lives.
Respectfully,
c__4 04~~~
Cathy Del Masso
Los Gatos, CA 95030
September 25, 2019
Cathy Del Masso
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Fire Escape for Blackberry Hill Residents
Dear Cathy Del Masso,
Thank you for your letter and appearing before the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen)
Board of Directors (Board) on September 11, 2019. As you were made aware at the meeting, the Board
has directed the General Manager to assign staff to perform an initial analysis of your request. More
specifically, staff will be looking at the feasibility of opening an escape route from the end of Blackberry
Hill Road to the Kennedy Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Staff will shortly contact you directly to discuss potential options. One known viable and recommended
option at this time is for the private property owners to work on Blackberry Hill Road to provide better
clearance and pullouts for vehicle passage where feasible. Additionally, homeowners are advised to clear
vegetation around their homes and harden their houses against fire. Midpen provides Defensible Space
Permits for homeowners to complete the recommended 100 feet of clearance for structures that abut
Midpen lands. Regarding road maintenance and road brushing, the responsibility is typically set forth in
a road agreement or, in the absence of an agreement, financial responsibility for road maintenance is
based on proportional use of the road. Staff is available to work with you and your neighbors if you are
interested in pursuing additional vegetation clearance through the approximately one-half mile of
Blackberry Hill Road through Midpen property.
We appreciate the community coming together to seek opportunities to enhance wildfire safety in the
wildland-urban interface. We look forward to our continued discussions.
Sincerely,
Pete Siemens
Board President
From:
To: we ; er ; General Information
Subject: Full Board of Directors and District Clerk - Board Contact Form
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2019 11:03:20 PM
EXTERNAL
Name *
Select a Choice :.
Email
Udi Fishman
Full Board of Directors and District Clerk
Location: (i.e. City, Address or District Los Gatos
Ward)
Daytime Phone Number (if you wish to
be contacted by phone)
Comments:
September 12, 2019
Dear Board Members,
We would like to thank you for listening at yesterday's board meeting to our grave concerns for our
safety in the case of wild fire in our neighborhood. Thank you for considering our proposal to scout
and clear the existing dirt road across Midpen land as an emergency escape route for our residents.
As discussed in the meeting, the road leads from our neighborhood to Kennedy Road. It was the first
access to the top of the hill from Los Gatos, but it fell into disuse after the development of
Blackberry Hill Road, and subsequently became overgrown. It is a great advantage that a new road or
path does not need to be constructed.
The neighbors on Blackberry Hill Road are willing to share with the cost of clearing and maintaining
this emergency escape route.
We look forward to hearing your response.
Respectfully,
Udi Fishman and the neighbors at the top of Blackberry Hill
September 25, 2019
Udi Fishman
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Consideration of Blackberry Hill Escape Route
Dear Mr. Udi Fishman,
Thank you for your letter and appearing before the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen)
Board of Directors (Board) on September 11, 2019. As you were made aware at the meeting, the Board
has directed the General Manager to assign staff to perform an initial analysis of your request. More
specifically, staff will be looking at the feasibility of opening an escape route from the end of Blackberry
Hill Road to the Kennedy Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
Staff will shortly contact you directly to discuss potential options. One known viable and recommended
option at this time is for the private property owners to work on Blackberry Hill Road to provide better
clearance and pullouts for vehicle passage where feasible. Additionally, homeowners are advised to clear
vegetation around their homes and harden their houses against fire. Midpen provides Defensible Space
Permits for homeowners to complete the recommended 100 feet of clearance for structures that abut
Midpen lands. Regarding road maintenance and road brushing, the responsibility is typically set forth in
a road agreement or, in the absence of an agreement, financial responsibility for road maintenance is
based on proportional use of the road. Staff is available to work with you and your neighbors if you are
interested in pursuing additional vegetation clearance through the approximately one-half mile of
Blackberry Hill Road through Midpen property.
We appreciate the community coming together to seek opportunities to enhance wildfire safety in the
wildland-urban interface. We look forward to our continued discussions.
Sincerely,
Pete Siemens
Board President
R-19-126
Meeting 19-25
September 25, 2019
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Fiscal Year 2018-19 Annual Year End Report
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
No Board action required.
SUMMARY
Over the course of the last fiscal year, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District)
has accomplished major milestones and made considerable progress on the 107 Key Action Plan
Projects. Of this total, 94 projects were approved as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19
Capital Improvement and Action Plan by the Board of Directors (Board) in June 2018, and 13
were subsequently added and approved during the fiscal year. More specifically, the District
fully completed or made progress on 95 Key Action Plan Projects, or 89% of the 107 total
projects. A significant Vision Plan and Measure AA-funded project completed last fiscal year
was the opening of western Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve for public access. A
comprehensive list of notable accomplishments is captured in the FY2018-19 Major
Accomplishments Report (refer to Attachment 1). In addition, the Year-End Action Plan Review
provides a status update for each key project at the end of FY2018-19 and, if applicable, the
reason(s) for any variance from the anticipated schedule (refer to Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
Major Accomplishments Report:
A comprehensive list of the major accomplishments for FY2018-19 is included as Attachment 1.
Accomplishments are captured in five categories:
(1) Land Acquisition and Preservation;
(2) Natural Resources Protection and Restoration;
(3) Public Access, Education, and Outreach;
(4) General/District-Wide Support of Mission; and,
(5) Awards/Grants/Recognition.
The list includes major and notable projects and milestones that were completed or underway as
part of the FY2018-19 Action Plan, as well as unanticipated projects initiated during the fiscal
year. Highlights of the major accomplishments are provided below.
R-19-126 Page 2
• Opened western Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve for public access in June 2019,
with major actions, including:
New parking lot, vault toilet restroom, ADA pathway around Upper Lake, new bridge
installation, 6 miles of new and improved trails, and two interpretive signs for the new
Alma College parking area and Upper Lake area.
Completed the design, content and web development of “Layers of History” online
story map at www.openspace.org/bcrstory, educating the public on the area’s rich
history, which reached over 800 users in two months.
Engaged and trained docents to provide interpretive walks on first two opening
weekends.
Celebrated completion of the Phase I public access improvements and progress on
natural resources restoration projects with partner ribbon-cutting and tours, media
outreach, and public educational outreach during the first two opening weekends.
Hired consultant for the design, engineering, and permitting of a new multiuse trail,
and feasibility study of new Phase II trails.
Made further progress on the Bear Creek Stables repair project.
• Continued efforts to open additional areas of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to the
public, including:
Formed a 13-member Board-appointed Public Access Working Group for the La
Honda Creek Parking and Trailhead Access Feasibility Study.
Began the assessment and repair design for the White Barn and Redwood Cabin.
Submitted permits with San Mateo County for the Phase II Loop Trails; moved trail
design to 90% and completed rare plant survey and wetland delineations.
• Constructed two new pedestrian bridges on the Stevens Creek Nature Trail in Monte Bello
Preserve for all weather trail use during the winter.
• Secured $1,530,234 in grant funds, including $1,055,328 from the California Natural
Resources Agency for the Ravenswood Bay Trail and $149,906 from the Santa Clara Valley
Water District for a new trail connection to Priest Rock Trail at Sierra Azul Preserve.
• Completed the demolition of dilapidated structures and restoration of the Twin Creeks area
of Sierra Azul Preserve to restore riparian habitat and protect water quality.
• Adopted the Climate Action Plan to reduce administrative greenhouse gas emissions and
achieved a 14% reduction of total emissions from 2016 baseline levels.
• Purchased, exchanged, or received open space land gifts totaling 433.59 acres valued at
$2.925 million dollars, including two major acquisitions:
Purchase of 190-acre Woodruff Redwoods property in La Honda Creek Preserve,
preserving old growth redwood habitat and protecting salmonid habitat.
Transfer of 240-acre Giusti property with recorded lot line adjustments – finishing the
land purchases needed to complete the Purisima-to-the-Sea Regional Trail corridor
R-19-126 Page 3
Year-End Action Plan Review:
The FY2018-19 Action Plan, for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, was adopted by the
Board at its Regular meeting on June 13, 2018 (R-18-63). Of the 107 Key Action Plan Projects,
the District made considerable progress on 95 Key Action Plan Projects, or 89% of the total
project list as shown in Table 1 below. Of these, the District completed the projected scope of
work for 57 Key Projects, or 53%, as of June 30, 2019. A total of 38 Key Projects, or 36%,
remain in progress, and the remaining 12 projects, or 11%, were deferred to FY2019-20 or
beyond.
Compared to prior years, the District is significantly increasing the percentage of completed
action plan items, while making progress on most of the action plan projects. The District made
progress on 89% of the total projects undertaken in FY2018-19, compared to 95% in FY2017-18,
and 89% in FY2016-17.
Table 1 – Year-End Action Plan Project Status
Project
Status
FY2018-19 FY2017-18 FY2016-17
Total Total (%) Total Total (%) Total Total (%)
Complete 57 53% 56 43% 60 46%
In Progress 38 36% 68 52% 55 43%
Deferred 12 11% 7 5% 14 11%
Total 107 100% 131 100% 129 100%
A total of 107 key action plan projects were adopted last fiscal year; 94 by the Board at the time
the Budget and Action Plan was adopted and an additional 13 were approved by the Board
during the fiscal year. Many of the projects added during the fiscal year were related to land
acquisition. Others include completing the Harkins Bridge Replacement; beginning the La
Honda Creek Redwood Cabin Stabilization and Assessment project; collaborating on the San
Mateo County Vegetation Map; initiating the La Honda Creek Parking and Trails Feasibility
Study (former Red Barn); and contributing to the Tunitas Creek Beach and Cowell-Purisima
Trail Improvements. Attachment 2 includes details on these important project additions.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Annual Accomplishments report and FY2018-19 Action Plan Year-End review have no
fiscal impact on the FY2019-20 budget.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
There was no prior Board Committee review for this agenda item.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
R-19-126 Page 4
Attachments:
1. Fiscal Year 2018-19 Major Accomplishments
2. Year-End Review of Fiscal Year 2018-19 Action Plan Key Projects
Responsible Department Head:
Ana María Ruiz, General Manager
Prepared by:
Carmen Narayanan, Budget & Analysis Manager
Contact Person:
Ana María Ruiz, General Manager
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Fiscal Year 2018-19
Major Accomplishments
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 2
FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Mission Statement:
To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity;
protect and restore the natural environment;
and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment.
Coastside Protection Mission Statement:
To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional
significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage
viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive
public enjoyment and education.
The following accomplishments highlight Midpen’s focused efforts on a balanced mission — land
acquisition and preservation; natural resources protection and restoration; public access,
education and outreach; and for the Coastside, supporting local agriculture.
These extensive and varied accomplishments include major projects to open new preserve areas
to the public, including Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. They also show extensive progress on
resource restoration priorities; education and outreach to diverse visitors; collaborative
partnerships with other organizations; and the ongoing operational requirements of maintaining
nearly 65,000 acres of protected public open space.
On the San Mateo County Coast, accomplishments also include improving agricultural
infrastructure to continue conservation grazing in the coastal uplands while preserving the
coast’s rural character. In addition to completing projects on the land, Midpen has also placed
significant effort in strengthening the administrative and organizational systems that are
necessary to support our mission, now and into the future.
Fiscal Year 2018-19 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) was another busy, productive and rewarding
year!
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 3
LAND ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION
Purchased, exchanged or received gifts of 433.59 acres of open space lands valued at $2.925
million dollars, including:
• Purchase of 190-acre Woodruff Redwoods property in La Honda Creek Preserve --
advances land conservation opportunities in Measure AA Portfolio 8 to Preserve
Upper San Gregorio Creek Watershed and in Portfolio 15 for Redwood Forest
Protection and Salmon Fisheries Conservation.
• Transfer of 240-acre Giusti property with recorded lot line adjustments -- finishes the
Purisima-to-the-Sea Regional Trail corridor at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
(escrow closed July 3, 2019).
• Purchase of 1.87-acre Haight/Peery property in El Sereno Preserve -- remedies the
lack of a trail easement for the Aquinas Trail, which crosses this property.
• New trail easement from Caltrans and a memorandum of understanding with City of
East Palo Alto -- both improve access at Ravenswood Preserve.
• Purchase of 1.04-acre Cogliandro property in Sierra Azul Preserve -- remedies lack of
a trail easement for the Limekiln Trail, which crosses this property.
• New 0.68-acre road and right of way easement in Saratoga Gap Preserve -- for patrol
and maintenance access.
NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
Continued natural resources protection and restoration projects in Bear Creek Redwoods
Preserve, including:
• Completed 2nd (final) year of cultural resource evaluations for 19 sites within the
preserve. Completed final report and monitored parking lot and trail construction to
ensure there was no impact to archeological resources.
• Began 2nd year of targeted invasive species removal in riparian areas, which is
partially funded by a five-year grant from the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
• Received a landmark alteration permit to implement site cleanup and structures
rehabilitation consistent with the Alma College Cultural Landscape Plan.
• Completed construction documents and began the permitting process to improve
drainage flow from Mud Lake to Briggs Creek.
• Completed the characterization of a historic landfill and developed remedial actions.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 4
Completed 2nd year of a stream gauge and sediment study at El Corte de Madera Creek
Preserve to assess the effectiveness of erosion reduction projects under the preserve wide
Watershed Protection Program.
Monitored sensitive species populations to assess success of habitat restoration projects in
La Honda Creek Preserve.
Completed numerous natural resource protection and restoration projects in Sierra Azul
Preserve, including:
• Year 7 of coordinated monitoring to reduce mercury within the Guadalupe River
watershed.
• Assessment and operations plan for the Cherry Springs water system.
• Site cleanup and demolition of structures to support land preservation and
restoration to improve runoff into two perennial creeks.
Continued work to control invasive slender false brome plant at Thornewood, El Corte de
Madera, La Honda Creek and other preserves. Continued our partnership with the San
Mateo County Resource Conservation District to conduct outreach and treatment on
adjacent private properties.
Continued the Highway 17 Wildlife and Regional Trail Crossings project, identifying and
analyzing additional crossing alternatives in response to partner, stakeholder and public
comments. Drafted the project study report and received Caltrans initial comments. Held
meetings with project partners and stakeholders (Caltrans, San Jose Water Company,
Committee for Green Foothills, National Wildlife Federation and a 2nd public meeting to
receive input on the alternative wildlife crossings.
Provided support related to natural resource protection and restoration, including:
• Compiled database of existing archaeological resources and began developing
curation strategies to protect these resources. Supported numerous projects,
advising, scoping and reviewing technical reports related to archaeological resources.
• Made progress on the San Mateo County Vegetation Map; completed orthophoto
acquisition and quality control on imagery and started in-the-field quality check.
• Completed preliminary analysis, mapping, overview and draft report outline for the
Water Quality Monitoring Program.
• Completed review of records to identify 50 potential wells throughout Midpen lands
that need to be investigated and decommissioned.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 5
• Completed monitoring of 13 ponds, streams, springs and other regulated aquatic
sites where water is diverted for consumptive use. Completed annual report on use
to the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Developed and implemented 5th year of Invasive Pest Management (IPM) Program
activities to improve native habitats by removing invasive nonnative plants.
• Provided annual training for staff and contractors on pesticide safety, the IPM
Program and best management practices.
• Implemented seven new invasive species management projects, adding 6.25 acres to
the 1,245 acres under active invasive species management.
• Continued phytophthora research with Oregon State University regarding soil
pathogens at restoration sites to protect native vegetation from the fungal disease.
• Continued our sudden oak death research partnership with UC Berkeley and U.S.
Forest Service to study distribution, spread and treatment methodologies for forest
disease pathogen.
• Continued 2nd year of federally endangered Marbled Murrelet surveys to understand
the scale and extent of the current population and completed protocol level nesting
surveys at La Honda Creek and Purisima Creek Redwoods preserves, resulting in
evidence of only one potential nest at Purisima Creek Redwoods.
• Provided ongoing support (permitting, CEQA compliance, preconstruction surveys,
construction monitoring) for priority Measure AA projects.
• Managed 13 on-call biological consultants to support districtwide projects.
• Actively participated in the Wildlife Society and attended the Western Section
Wildlife Society Conference.
• Collaborated with outside researchers to study rare plants and perform bird counts at
multiple preserves.
• Completed a 2nd Greenhouse Gas Inventory of Midpen administrative operations in
support of the Climate Action Plan, adopted October 2018, to reduce in-house
operational carbon emissions.
Completed numerous resource agency permit streamlining efforts, including:
• Began Endangered Species Act programmatic permitting project with consultant to
develop programmatic permit with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to cover routine
maintenance activities. Held kickoff meeting with agency staff to discuss the
approach and eligible activities.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 6
• Maintained strong relationships with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California
Department of Fish and Wildlife to support protected species recovery work.
• Began programmatic permitting renewal with the Regional Water Quality Control
Board for routine maintenance project.
Completed Midpen conservation grazing program projects, including:
• Completed 2nd year of adjudication compliance monitoring and actions to improve
water use and management at San Gregorio Creek.
• Completed installation of fencing along riparian areas to keep cattle out of a creek at
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve.
• Selected a design-build firm to improve ponds at Mindego Hill to support endangered
species habitat and livestock use under Midpen’s conservation grazing program at
Russian Ridge Preserve. Began project survey, assessment, design and permitting
process.
• Initiated the policy development process for the Agricultural Policy by reviewing
agricultural practices, guidelines and holding a policies study session. Met with
stakeholders to discuss initial feedback and process to develop new policy language.
• Developed wildlife and livestock protection policy objectives and met with partners
and stakeholders to review and contribute to policy development.
PUBLIC ACCESS, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Opened Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve to the public in June 2019, improvements included:
• New parking lot, vault toilet restroom, ADA pathway around Upper Lake, new bridge
installation, and 6 miles of new and improved trails. Completed design, fabrication
and installation of two interpretive signs for the new Alma College parking area and
Upper Lake area.
• Worked with GIS, Visitor Services, and Public Affairs to complete design, content and
web development of “Layers of History” online story map at
www.openspace.org/bcrstory, educating the public on the area’s rich history, which
reached over 800 users in two months.
• Engaged and trained docents to provide interpretive walks on first two opening
weekends.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 7
• Celebrated completion of the Phase I public access improvements and progress on
natural resources restoration projects with partner ribbon-cutting and tours, media
outreach and public educational outreach during the first two opening weekends.
• Hired consultant for the design, engineering, and permitting of a new multiuse trail,
and to complete the feasibility study of new Phase II trails.
• Bear Creek Stables:
Continued engagement with Santa Clara County staff on proposed repairs and
site improvements. Facilitated site meeting with planning and fire marshal
staff to discuss the type of repair and maintenance work that would be
permissible under the existing legal, non-conforming use. Met with the county
planning director and department staff to discuss proposed repair and
maintenance option and clarification on threshold of allowed repairs to
existing structures under legal, non-conforming use.
Completed a fundraising pre-feasibility assessment to understand the
potential for private fundraising contributions to help fund the stables repairs.
Received Board approval to proceed with the Deferred Maintenance Repair
Option for the stables.
Released a Request for Letters of Interest to gauge interest from prospective
stables managers in managing the stables under a long-term lease.
Began a conditions assessment of Alpine Trail in Coal Creek Preserve to develop
recommendations and alternatives/cost analysis for repairs. Entered into a memorandum of
understanding with San Mateo County to allow Midpen to make repairs on the county road
easement and potentially take over management in the long term to ensure that Alpine Trail
remains as an important regional trails link.
Completed new section of Oljon Trail to provide a new loop trail opportunity from the
parking lot and completed most restoration of an eroded, unsustainable section of the
Steam Donkey Trail, with poor access off Skyline Boulevard, at El Corte de Madera Preserve.
Continued efforts to open additional areas of La Honda Creek Preserve to the public,
including:
• Formed a new 13-member Board-appointed Public Access Working Group for the La
Honda Creek Parking and Trailhead Access Feasibility Study to review and forward
public access options for the central area of La Honda Creek.
• Began the assessment and repair design for the White Barn and Redwood Cabin.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 8
• Submitted permits with San Mateo County for the Phase II Loop Trails; trail design at
90% and rare plant survey and wetland delineations are complete.
Completed design and contractor bidding process for site cleanup and removal of dilapidated
structures to support expanded public access in Monte Bello Preserve.
Constructed two new pedestrian bridges on the Stevens Creek Nature Trail in Monte Bello
Preserve; removed a failing old bridge and restored the construction area. These bridges will
allow the use of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail throughout the winter.
Received Board approval for a Multimodal Access Study scope of work to conduct Parking
and Transportation Demand Analysis at Rancho San Antonio Preserve to inform future
options for improving parking issues, promoting greener modes of transport, and reducing
parking impacts to adjacent communities to improve the preserve visitor experience. Also
received Board approval to implement interim short-term measures for improving parking
over the next 2 years.
Installed a new vault restroom with ADA access ramp in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
as an improved visitor amenity.
Continued major actions to close a 0.6-mile gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail at
Ravenswood Preserve and assist the City of East Palo Alto in developing the adjacent Cooley
Landing Park, including:
• Provided technical assistance to the City of East Palo Alto on the final design and
bidding for Phases IV and V of the Cooley Landing Vision Plan, which Midpen is
partially funding with a $1.25 million Measure AA contribution. These new
improvements include motion-activated roadway lighting, a freestanding restroom,
an outdoor classroom area, a path around the Education Center to complete a trail
loop through the site, secondary unpaved trails, and a new entry sign.
• Completed the third year of plant restoration work with Grassroots Ecology.
• Completed construction documents for the Ravenswood Bay Trail design and
implementation; obtained Caltrans and PG&E permits, solicited construction bids and
awarded a contract to Graniterock.
Completed Phase II plant restoration and sign installation at the Mount Umunhum Summit at
Sierra Azul Preserve.
Awarded a professional services contract for site surveys, traffic/hazardous material
assessments, and environmental and biological services to inform the design of the Beatty
Property Parking Area and Trail Connections at Sierra Azul Preserve. Completed topographic
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 9
surveys; initiated traffic counts, line of sight analyses, Phase I environmental assessments
and a conceptual-level design.
Partnered with City of Saratoga to fund the design of the Saratoga-to-Sea Trail. City
completed the engineering design and environmental review, and initiated permitting. Also,
extended the funding partnership agreement to co-fund the trail construction. This
partnership project fulfills Midpen’s goal for a regional trail connecting Saratoga to the
existing Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail and local trail systems.
Completed multiple districtwide actions in support of public access goals, including:
• Hosted annual spring event with docent-led public tours of the historic Woodhills
home in Fremont Older Preserve for 120 participants.
• Produced and published quarterly outdoor activities schedules that are included in
the Quarterly Open Space Views newsletter, to promote naturalist-led docent hikes
and rides.
• Outdoor Activity Docents provided over 285 guided interpretive activities for public
enrichment (serving approximately 2,500 participants).
• Developed and began executing an implementation plan for the Board-approved
Docent and Volunteer Program Structure Study, which was prepared to enhance the
beneficial impacts of Midpen’s docent and volunteer programs.
• Docents contributed 4,560 hours in interpretation and education.
• Hosted a series of 10 hikes for the public in partnership with Latino Outdoors at eight
different preserves, reaching 285 participants.
• Researched options for online reservation and payment of camping and other permit
fees to improve calendaring and payment systems for users.
• Hosted informational booths at 28 community outreach events, providing
information about Midpen preserves and programs to the public.
• Sent out 20 press releases on Midpen projects and activities resulting in dozens of
stories in various local media outlets to continue informing the public of recent
events.
• Hosted approximately 130 park district representatives from across the country on a
tour of Mt. Umunhum and Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve as part of the Special
Parks District Forum to share information and lessons learned with other park and
open space agencies.
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 10
• Expanded ongoing partnerships with local volunteer-based organizations, including
the Student Conservation Association, Village Harvest, Grassroots Ecology, Morgan
Autism Center and Golden Hour to increase public participation in natural resource
management and trail stewardship activities.
• Managed operation of and programming at the Daniels Nature Center in Skyline
Ridge Preserve, including coordination and scheduling of Nature Center host docents,
serving 3,400+ visitors (including 1,000 children) between April and November.
• Volunteers contributed 17,500 hours of natural resource management and trail
patrol activities, supporting Midpen’s land stewardship and public outreach goals.
• Trail Patrol volunteers completed over 2,600 patrols, enhancing the visitor
experience by providing preserve information and providing trail condition and
violation reports to ranger staff.
• ARMS (Advanced Resource Management Stewards) volunteers contributed over 600
hours at their assigned resource management project sites, helping to restore native
habitat across Midpen preserves.
• Planned, scheduled, and coordinated environmental education programming with
outdoor education leader docents and local schools, including: 20 Spaces & Species
field trips for 3rd–5th grades (approximately 440 students), and five Redwood
Ecology & Climate Change high school field learning excursions (in partnership with
Save the Redwoods League; approximately 170 students). An additional 1,100
students participated in field trips to Monte Bello, Los Trancos and Windy Hill
preserves in partnership with Environmental Volunteers.
• Hosted the Annual Volunteer Recognition Event at Windy Hill Preserve to honor and
thank our volunteers and docents for their hard work in support of Midpen’s mission,
which was attended by over 220 volunteers, the Board of Directors, and staff.
• Launched a visitor services request form to process and provide public requests for
staff or docent led interpretive/educational activities and general outreach
presentations.
• Six rangers completed Certified Interpretive Guide Training to enhance interpretation
skills for activities and presentations. Two rangers also received Certified Interpretive
Guide Trainer certifications to increase internal capacity for interpretive training in
coordination with Interpretation & Education program staff.
• Continued monitoring visitor use data collection, generated and provided reports to
various stakeholders, and installed additional counters at Bear Creek Redwoods
Preserve parking lot and Alma trail.
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• Regraded multiple roads and trails for improved drainage.
• Cleared downed trees and repaired numerous roads and trails.
• Explored opportunities with regional partners to expand trail connectivity on the
Peninsula.
• Advocated for the passage of key legislative actions in support of Midpen’s mission,
including working with the state legislative delegation to secure $2 million in state
funding for the acquisition of coastal open space lands, and successfully extend a $10
million state budget allocation to protect Upper Guadalupe Creek and Los Gatos
Creek watershed lands.
• Held an annual Legislative delegation visit in Sacramento to discuss key Midpen
projects and legislative items of interest with legislators and their aides.
• Developed a Strategic Communications Plan focused on increasing public awareness
of Midpen’s mission; plan will be updated annually to remain consistent with the
annual Board-adopted strategic goals and objectives.
• Issued 2,634 permits for a variety of activities, including research work, public use of
the backpack campground, and group hiking events.
• Actively participated in the National Association for Interpretation and Midpeninsula
Environmental Educators Alliance to engage in professional best practices,
networking, and partnership development to inform and improve Midpen’s
interpretive and educational programs.
• Standardized the information and look for all Midpen signboards.
Received Board approval for standardized, Midpen-branded partner
recognition signboards; first signboard was installed in June 2018 for the Bear
Creek Redwoods Preserve opening.
Collaborated with partner agencies (Caltrans, Santa Clara County Parks, Santa Clara Valley
Water District, Bay Area Ridge Trail) to identify opportunities for a public trail crossing at
Highway 17 to close a major gap in the regional trail system; ground-truthed multiple
potential crossings and trail alignment options with Santa Clara County Parks.
• Developed preliminary trail design and completed a Trail Connections Report that
was shared with partner agencies (Caltrans, San Jose Water Co, Santa Clara Co Parks)
and the public; presented the trail connection options at a July 9, 2019 public
informational meeting to seek public input.
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Completed a site feasibility parking study for a potential parking area at the Hawthorns
Property addition of Windy Hill Preserve. Completed a cultural resources field survey and
assessment report.
Explored a potential partnership proposal to rehabilitate and reuse the Hawthorns historic
complex at Windy Hill Preserve. Consulted with Town of Portola Valley on proposed land use
entitlements and permitting approach.
Developed a preliminary scope with key milestones and schedule for use in seeking grant
funding to support the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail connection and parking area project.
GENERAL/DISTRICTWIDE SUPPORT OF MISSION
Received Board approval of Midpen’s Climate Action Plan to meet the adopted Climate
Change Goals of 20% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions from 2016 levels by
2022, 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Began implementation of the plan by changing fuel
tanks to renewable diesel, purchasing 100% renewable electricity for offices, acquiring
electric bikes and UTV for field staff, and purchasing carbon offsets for business flights.
Completed the 2018 GHG emissions inventory. Held initial talks on carbon sequestration pilot
project with San Mateo Resources Conservation District.
Continued work to prevent and prepare for wildland fires in response to the increasing fire
threat in California:
• The Board adopted a new objective to increase work with fire agencies and
surrounding communities to strengthen the prevention of, preparation for, and
response to wildland fires.
• Cleared vegetation for fire safety and public access along roads and trails and
maintained defensible space/fire clearance around Midpen-owned structures.
• Mowed staging areas and landing zones for emergency helicopter operations.
• Formed an internal Wildland Fire Coordination Team to improve preparation for and
response to wildland fires.
• During annual mowing along priority fire access roads, increased width of mowing
along road shoulders compared to past years to improve fire safety. Began
development of the Wildland Fire Resiliency Program including prioritizing and
planning for additional fuel management activities, monitoring, development of
wildland fire preplans, and use of prescribed fire as a management tool.
• Published Rancho San Antonio Preserve Fire Preplan map as an agency resource.
ATTACHMENT 1
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• Posted directional signs along two neighborhood evacuation routes through
Thornewood and Long Ridge preserves.
• Adopted more conservative procedures on mowing limitations based on
temperature, humidity and wind factors to reduce risk of fire ignition during
maintenance activities.
• Expanded fuel reduction work in Windy Hill and Pulgas Ridge preserves.
• Regraded and improved Loma Prieta Ridge Road for improved access.
• Initiated a three-year contract with Santa Clara County Fire Safe and began
permitting process to remove fire-prone eucalyptus trees and improve fire safety at
Los Trancos Preserve.
Continued implementation of critical Financial and Operational Sustainability Model Study
recommendations to enhance Midpen’s delivery of Measure AA and Vision Plan projects,
including:
• Held second internal Leadership Academy with 16 graduates, several of whom have
promoted since completing the program.
• Launched the Work Order & Asset Management System (CityWorks), enabling staff to
efficiently schedule, plan, manage, monitor and track maintenance activities. Overlaid
with Midpen’s GIS database, the new system tracks work history, staff hours,
inspections and statuses for facilities, property management, crew, special projects,
vehicles/equipment and the ADA transition plan. CityWorks is mobile-enabled,
allowing field crews to manage work orders in the field.
• Launched Project Central, a SharePoint solution that provides a unified platform for
project management, status tracking, and documentation. Project Central is proving
critical in monitoring and managing Midpen MAA and Action Plan projects.
Completed majority of fiber-optics project, upgrading firewalls to allow for higher bandwidth
connections, and installing fiber-optics between the Administrative Office and the new South
Area Field Office and the Foothills Field Office.
Increased data security through testing internal vulnerability to cyberattacks and providing
targeted cybersecurity training.
Transformed asset data collection in the Land & Facilities Department through deployment
of 40 iPad mobile devices for in-field data collection, retrieval, and analysis.
Ongoing work to bring new Midpen office facilities on line for improved administrative
functions and delivery of projects and services:
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• Selected architect consultant team, Noll & Tam, to design the Administrative Office
reconfiguration project. Worked closely with the Board and public to select and
approve a schematic design layout and budget. Began design development and
environmental review phase of the project. Once complete, the AO project will house
a majority of staff to save money on office rental and provide project delivery
efficiency.
• Continued the design and began the permitting process for the South Area Field
Office, which will improve response and travel times for patrol and maintenance of
south area preserves.
Participated in regional networks and relationship building with state agencies to maintain
open lines of communication with grant funders for future grant funding opportunities.
Received Board approval of the ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan Update, which
incorporated comments from the public and San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities.
Held ADA trainings for docents, volunteers and all staff. Completed repairs to the Cordilleras
easy access trail and removal of block stiles that impeded access into preserves.
Initiated the development of a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan.
Launched over 35 Enterprise GIS web maps and applications to provide critical GIS data to all
staff, support interdepartmental collaboration, and streamline asset mapping. This work
facilitated the creation of multiple districtwide data inventories: fuel reduction lines,
phytophthora sample sites, cover boards, wildlife cameras, conservation easement photo
sites, utility assets, bridges, culverts and more.
Regraded the tread surface, installed base rock, and improved drainages along an important
access road at Monte Bello Preserve.
Completed repairs to multiple Midpen-owned residences, some of which house rangers and
maintenance staff who provide onsite, after-hours monitoring of the preserves.
Facilitated staff meeting with San Mateo County Planning and Development Director and
staff on streamlined permitting for Midpen projects that are covered under resource agency
permitting. Discussed Master Permit approach, process and timeline.
Completed numerous projects that support local agriculture, including:
• Began repairs and replacement of water systems at Big Dipper Ranch, Stevens
Canyon Ranch, Silva residence and Toto Ranch in support of Midpen’s conservation
grazing program.
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• Installed new waterline, water tank, and trough at La Honda Creek Preserve
(adjacent to the Sears Ranch staging area) to ensure the continued viability of an
employee residence, which provides onsite vigilance, and the grazing operations.
• Completed asphalt work to improve the Tunitas Ranch driveway at Tunitas Creek
Preserve to continue facilitating the onsite grazing operation.
AWARDS/GRANTS/RECOGNITION
Completed three successful grant applications totaling $1,530,234:
• $1,355,328 for the Ravenswood Bay Trail at Ravenswood Preserve, which includes a
$300,000 gift from Facebook and $1,055,328 from the California Natural Resources
Agency.
• $149,906 from the Santa Clara Valley Water District for the Beatty trail connection to
Priest Rock Trail at Sierra Azul Preserve.
• $25,000 anonymous grant in support of Midpen’s mission.
Successfully launched a revised Grantmaking Program under three funding priorities and
received 21 proposals requesting over $750,000. The Program will distribute $248,104 to
seven organizations over the next three years.
Received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance
Officers Association for the third year in a row. Also received the Operating Budget –
Excellence Award from California Society of Municipal Finance Officers for the first time
(Operating Budget – Meritorious Award was received the year prior).
Applied for the Outstanding Financial Reporting Award from both the Government Finance
Officers Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers for the
Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR, second year) and Popular Annual Financial
Report (PAFR, first year).
Received the Technology Innovation: Leadership award from Special Districts West.
Received an award for Innovation in Green Community Planning from the Northern Section
of American Planning Association for Midpen’s Climate Action Plan. Midpen is among the
first few regional open space agencies in the country to adopt a Climate Action Plan and set
formal goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Received the Integrated Pest Management Achievement Award from the State of California.
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Received the Community Partnership Award from the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter
School (SJCC+CC) for our ongoing partnership work in providing life-changing, outdoor
conservation experiences and skills training to SJCC+CS members.
FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDITS
Top (L to R): Russian Ridge Preserve by Bob Mazawa; Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve by Mike Kahn/Midpen; Rancho
San Antonio Preserve by Hongyan Liu
Bottom (L to R): Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve by Alisha Laborico; Russian Ridge Preserve by David Henry; Sierra
Azul Preserve by Xun Li
ATTACHMENT 1
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Land Acquisition and Preservation
1 Lot Line Adjustment and Property Transfer -
Purisima Uplands
Complete MAA03-001 Giusti Upland Parcel Transfer includes: execution of a lot line adjustments approval
from San Mateo County, negotiate Transfer Agreement with property owner, and
secure Subordination Agreement with owner’s lender.
2 Purisima Uplands Site Clean up and Soil
Remediation Assessment
Complete MAA03-002 Obtain cost estimate for removal of oil tank and facilities, site restoration and any
required site remediation, including demolition.
3 Twin Creeks Land Conservation Complete MAA23-007 Site clean-up and demolition of structures.
4 Miramontes Ridge Land Conservation Complete VP01-001 Johnston Ranch Uplands: evaluate road, trail access and connections.The City and District will collaborate on shared expanded parking and trailhead at the
City’s Johnston house property with a local trail loop and regional trail connection from
the Johnston Uplands property to Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park and Miramontes
Ridge Open Space Preserve.
5 La Honda Creek Upper Area Land
Conservation
Complete VP05-001 Meet with property owner to discuss a public trail (fee or easement), formalize
prescriptive patrol use, proposed water improvements to shared water system, and
potential grazing license.
Negotiations on reciprocal access and waterline easements and grazing license are
ongoing. Draft easements and license have been sent to property owner for review.
6 Upper San Gregorio Land Conservation Complete VP08-001 Appraise and purchase property above Mindego Creek and Woodruff Creek in Upper
San Gregorio Creek Watershed (Supports MAA08-001 Folger Property).
Purchased 190-acre Woodruff Redwoods property as an addition to La Honda Creek
OSP.
7 Cloverdale Ranch Land Opportunity Complete VP13-001 Conduct preliminary site assessment.Existing conditions reports have been collected and collated. Staff property tours and
additional site assessments are underway. Initiated Community Outreach &
Engagement Plan with POST and Public Affairs.
8 El Sereno Trails, Wildlife Corridors and Land
Conservation
Complete VP19-001 Negotiate and secure fee and/or trail easements with private property owners.
Complete pre-planning, site assessment, trail alignment assessment, technical studies
and preliminary trail design.
Purchased 1.87-acre Haight/Peery property, including a portion of the Acquinos Trail as
an addition to El Sereno OSP.
9 Mt. Umunhum Land Purchases Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
20111 N/A Completed replacement camera was installed on McQueen property. Reimbursement
payment to McQueen for camera relocation was made in November.
10 Haight-Perry LV Land Acquisition Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
MAA19-003 N/A Purchased 1.87-acre property under General Manager's authority as addition to El
Sereno OSP.
11 Low Value Land Acquisition - Kennedy-
Limekiln
Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
VP53-001 N/A Purchased 1.04-acre Cogliandro Property in Sierra Azul on May 3, 2019. Limekiln Trail
crosses this property with no trail easement.
12 Long Ridge Property Addition - BSA Deferred MAA15-003 N/A (this opportunity came up in FY2018/19 and was not part of the adopted CIAP)Appraisal and offer made. Offer was rejected. Boy Scouts not interested in the price offered
by District.
13 El Corte de Madera Land Conservation Deferred VP04-001 Pursue purchase, exchange and gift opportunities (fee and/or easement) with
conservation partners to connect El Corte de Madera Preserve with Upper La Honda
Creek Preserve.
Trail easement acquisition not moving forward since property owner is not interested in
granting a trail easement at this time.
14 Sierra Azul Rancho de Guadalupe Land
Conservation
Deferred VP24-001 Pursue new land purchase opportunities as they become available (Reynolds Road
property).
Opportunity stalled as property owner is no longer interested in selling property at this time.
15 Lower San Gregorio Creek Watershed Land
Conservation
Deferred VP39-001 Pursue partnerships to protect water resources and agricultural lands in the Lower San
Gregorio watershed, including survey and identification of riparian corridor, and
drafting of a conservation easement for the riparian area with water rights counsel.
Waiting on POST to apply for NRCS grant. Deal terms have been discussed.
16 Cal-Water Land Exchange, Teague Hill
Preserve
In Progress 20125 Identify trail easement lands and consult with San Mateo County Parks.Waiting on Cal Water to approve letter of intent. As of June 2019 deal terms have been
verbally agreed to.
17 Sierra Azul Cathedral Oaks Land
Conservation
In Progress MAA22-002 Coordinate with partner agencies, complete data collection, and transfer remaining
property interests.
Waiting on Santa Clara County to schedule delinquent tax sale of property.
18 Redwood Forest Land Opportunity In Progress VP15-001 Pursue purchase opportunity in Oil Creek.District and property owner’s negotiation on Oil Creek property stalled due to large gap in
value of property.
19 Sierra Azul Loma Prieta Land Conservation In Progress VP25-001 Pursue land purchase opportunity in upper Herbert Creek and along Loma Prieta
Ridgeline.
Real Property remains in discussions and monitoring land opportunities along Loma Prieta
Ridge and in the Herbert Creek Watershed.
20 Watershed Protection Opportunity -
Numerous Open Space Preserves
In Progress VP25-002 Conduct watershed assessment (including conservation forestry) and outline purchase
and protection of the Los Gatos Creek watershed, and pursue purchase.
Discussions are ongoing to arrive at a potential negotiated land purchase agreement.
21 Irish Ridge Connection In Progress (Added
Mid-Year)
VP32-001 N/A The terms of a potential deal have been negotiated and agreed to. Field staff has also walked
and approved a potential trail connection. Waiting on San Mateo County to amend PAD
zoning to implement a lot-line adjustment.
22 Holley Easement Exchange In Progress (Added
Mid-Year)
VP53-002 N/A Deal terms were reached and documents drafted. Approved by the Board in FY2019-20, on
September 11, 2019.
**
Page 1 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Natural Resource Protection and Restoration
23 Water Rights Assessments, Monitoring, and
Reporting
Complete 31403 Facilitate regular monitoring and annual reporting of the District’s water rights, and
assess new water rights.
24 Badger/Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment Complete 80054 Issue RFPQ for badger/burrowing owl assessment and begin fieldwork.
25 Brush Encroachment on Rangeland Complete 80055 Provide a literature search on the most effective methods of safely removing brush
encroachment on high native biodiversity areas. Provide a long-term plan for both Toto
Ranch and rangeland areas of Purisima Creek Redwoods.
26 Cherry Springs Lake Infrastructure Operations
Plan
Complete 80056 Develop operational plan for Cherry Springs water system.
27 Climate Action Plan Complete 80057 Complete District’s Climate Action Plan and begin implementation. Improve ongoing
inventory and monitoring of the District’s GHG emissions. Hire consultant to advise on
resource vulnerability to climate change impacts and assess opportunities to improve
landscape resilience and carbon sequestration.
28 Groundwater Well Decommissioning Complete 80059 Initiate process to locate, assess, and estimate costs for decommissioning all
abandoned wells in the District.
29 Marbled Murrelet Recovery Planning Complete 80060 Conduct nesting surveys at La Honda Creek and Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space
Preserves.
30 Prescribed Fire Program Development Complete 80003-10 Develop RFPQ for CEQA consultant and fire ecologist. Secure approval of a project
description.
31 Endangered Species Act Programmatic
Permitting
Complete 80034-44 Begin programmatic permitting with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and renewal of
Regional Water Quality Control Board routine maintenance agreement. Finish
assessment of state and federal permitting evaluation to determine cost and value of
federal Habitat Conservation Plan and state Natural Community Conservation Plan.
32 Purisima Creek Fence Construction, Purisima
Creek Redwoods
Complete MAA03-003 Construct cattle fencing along both sides of Purisima Creek and install gates at key
access points.
33 Russian Ridge Mindego Pond Improvement Complete MAA09-003 Select Design-Build firm and award contract. Firm scope includes development of
project designs, plans, specifications, and permitting documents.
34 Wildlife Corridor: Highway 17 Crossing Complete MAA20-001 Oversee consultant preparation of Caltrans project study report. Continue to work with
partners and stakeholders.
35 Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan: Invasive
Weed Treatment and Restoration
Complete MAA21-007 Implement third year of targeted weed treatments at Bear Creek Redwoods to restore
native habitats along roads and trails. Project is expected to require five years of
treatment before habitats are restored to maintenance levels. Develop RFPQ for the
final two years of invasive work.
36 Bear Creek Redwoods Landfill
Characterization and Remediation
Complete MAA21-010 Develop RFP, hire consultant, conduct sampling, complete landfill characterization, and
prepare final report with recommendations and cost estimates.
37 Hendrys Creek Property Land Restoration Complete MAA22-001 Complete construction and earthmoving work with permitting oversight and biological
monitoring.
38 El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed
Protection Plan Sediment Science
Complete VP04-002 Complete first year of sediment and stream monitoring and data collection.
39 San Gregorio Creek Adjudication Compliance Complete VP39-002 Identify and begin implementation of priority water resources actions in the San
Gregorio watershed.
40 Districtwide Pond Assessment Deferred 80058 Issue RFPQ, develop schedule and begin surveys.Natural Resources staff capacity was redirected to support other departments in
implementing higher priority projects. Project has been deferred beyond FY2019-20.
41 Russian Ridge Grazing Infrastructure Deferred MAA09-001 Complete installation of new water line and two water troughs to open the south
pasture.
Project has been deferred until after FY2019-20 pending completion of CEQA and
amendment to the Rangeland Management Plan (which are underway in current fiscal year).
42 San Mateo County Vegetation Map In Progress (Added
Mid-Year)
80063 N/A Partner agencies contacted the District to participate in multiagency project to develop a fine-
scale vegetation map and share costs among agencies. Completed orthophoto acquisition,
quality control on imagery, and started in the field quality check. Project will continue in
FY2019-20.
Page 2 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Natural Resource Protection and Restoration
43 Los Trancos - Page Mill Eucalyptus Removal In Progress 61008 Submit and complete the required permits and begin tree removal.The District has an agreement with Santa Clara County Fire Safe (SCCFS) to manage this
project. Staff are working with SCCFS to start the permitting and public outreach for this
project. SCCFS has committed to making progress in FY2019-20.
44 Toto Ranch Resources Plan In Progress 80061 Develop draft action plan to assess property and identify sensitive habitats,
management actions, and habitat enhancement opportunities for rare species
protection. The resources plan will inform the Rangeland Management Plan.
Began surveys for rare plants and habitats as well as assessments of ponds and other aquatic
habitats. Work was delayed due to extended negotiations with tenant regarding final
prescriptions and components of the Rangeland Management Plan.
45 Water Quality Monitoring Program In Progress 80062 Create a list of water quality issues and constituents of concerns. Review current and
upcoming water quality regulations affecting the District’s lands and watersheds.
Gather and analyze water quality programs in similar agencies. Conduct limited
stakeholder interviews with field and office staff involved in water quality, and bring in
outside technical experts to help advise.
Review of other similar agencies, stakeholder interviews, and outside technical experts
continued to FY2019-20 due to limited staff capacity. Project has been moved from the CIAP
into operating to better describe the ongoing programmatic work.
46 Upper La Honda Creek Grazing Infrastructure In Progress MAA05-002 Clean and repair existing springbox and connect water line to a cattle trough in Pasture
3 of McDonald Ranch. Construct livestock fence on the south side of La Honda Creek.
Includes on-call bio consultant for preconstruction bio training and biological
monitoring.
Project is on hold pending agreement with neighbor and is expected to continue in FY2019-
20. Final agreement will affect location of facilities.
47 Bear Creek Redwoods - Ponds Restoration
and Water Rights
In Progress MAA21-008 Complete Mud Lake (Phase I of ponds assessment), including local, state, and federal
permitting, along with developing and releasing a Request for Bids to complete the
project.
Permitting and contract amendment to construct project were completed in August 2019 due
to permitting delays.
48 Restoration Forestry Demonstration Project In Progress VP15-002 Working with Registered Professional Forester, conduct technical studies to support
restoration forestry pilot project and initiate plans to restore degraded forest land.
Schedule was delayed due to increased staff time allocated to Bear Creek Redwoods
Archaeological Resources Surveys and Monitoring to meet schedule to open preserve for
public access, and characterization of the landfill site to develop remediation plans and
schedule to avoid impacting the future opening of Phase II trails.
Public Access, Education, and Outreach
49 Co-Host Special Park Districts Forum Complete 40008 Organize and guide tours of various preserves.
50 Develop District Strategic Communications
Plan
Complete 40009 Identify and hire consultant for project, and develop strategic communication plan and
implementation plan.
51 Harkins Bridge Replacement Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
MAA03-004 N/A The bridge was anchored which was final component needed to complete the project
(finished in June 2018).
52 La Honda Creek Parking Feasibility Study
(former Red Barn)
Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
VP05-002 N/A In June 2018, following input from the public, the Board directed staff to help form a
citizens advisory committee to help assess alternate sites for a parking area and
trailhead in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. In FY2019, staff successfully formed
the La Honda Public Access Working Group and issued an RFP for professional
facilitation services to help develop process and procedures for the new committee.
This project is included in the FY2019-20 CIAP.
53 Tunitas Creek Beach and Cowell-Purisima
Trail Improvements
Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
VP30-001 N/A In September 2018, the Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Mateo County requested a
contribution of $500,000 to support the natural resource restoration, public access
improvements, and management of Tunitas Creek Beach, and long-term management
of the nearby Cowell-Purisima Trail, which is a segment of the California Coastal Trail.
This opportunity was not known at time of initial action plan and budget development.
54 La Honda Creek Redwood Cabin Stabilization
and Assessment
In Progress (Added
Mid-Year)
MAA05-009 N/A Received Board authorization to proceed with the structures assessment and development of
various preservation options for the structure in April 2019. Options will be presented to the
Board in FY2019-20 to determine next steps.
55 Demolition & Restoration - Lobner/Lysons In Progress (Added
Mid-Year)
MAA17-002 N/A Due to the presence of bats in the structures, the construction activity window is limited to
September - November. Completed design and contractor bidding process. Project continues
in FY2019-20.
Page 3 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Public Access, Education, and Outreach
56 Cooley Landing Interpretative Facilities
Design and Implementation
Complete MAA02-001 Work with the City of East Palo Alto to implement the remaining site improvements
related to Cooley Landing Park. Continue to coordinate reimbursement of eligible
expenses incurred by the City. Continue to provide technical assistance. Per the City,
construction will begin summer 2018 and must be completed by June 30, 2019 to meet
requirements of the City’s $5M Prop 84 Statewide Park Development and Community
Revitalization Program Round 2 grant. Grassroots Ecology will complete habitat
restoration work (Year 3 of 3) currently funded by MAA funds.
57 El Corte de Madera Oljon Trail
Implementation
Complete MAA04-004 Construct Oljon Trail and retire Steam Donkey Trail.
58 La Honda Creek White Barn Structural
Rehabilitation
Complete MAA05-008 Proceed to design and assess availability of Skyline crew to perform the work.
Construction for the white barn will be contracted through public bidding process if
Skyline crew doesn’t have availability.
59 Rancho San Antonio - Deer Hollow Farm -
White Barn Rehabilitation
Complete MAA11-002 Select consultant to provide construction documents on the barn repairs and begin
permitting process.
60 Stevens Creek Nature Trail Bridges, Monte
Bello
Complete MAA17-004 Perform required demolition and construction of two bridges with a minor trail
alignment.
61 Bay Area Ridge Trail: Highway 17 Crossing Complete MAA20-002 Pre-planning, trail scouting, initial coordination with Caltrans.
62 Bear Creek Redwoods Public Access Complete MAA21-005 The scope of the project includes the new parking lot, installation of new vault toilets
(restrooms), an accessible pathway around the adjacent pond, and improvements to
the existing patrol road on the west side of the preserve including a new retaining wall.
63 Bear Creek Redwoods - Webb Creek Bridge Complete MAA21-009 This project will be completed in FY2018-19. The existing bridge will be removed and
replaced with a new steel girder bridge that will be able to safely carry patrol vehicles
and preserve visitors.
64 Mt. Umunhum Summit Restoration, Parking
and Landing Zone
Complete MAA23-004 Purchase and install native plants in phase II of Mt. Umunhum Summit. Install signage
at summit.
65 Saratoga-to-Sea Regional Trail Connection Complete VP18-001 Project schedule and scope dependent on the City of Saratoga. Scope of work
anticipated to include engineering design consultant selection and design
development.
66 Highway 17 Area Regional Trail Connections Complete VP20-001 Continue pre-planning, site assessment, trail alignment assessment, technical studies,
preliminary trail design and outreach to regional partners and stakeholders in
identifying the north to south and east to west trail connections for the regional trail
crossing.
67 Purisima Uplands Parking Area and Trail
Connections
Deferred MAA03-005 Pending acquisition of land rights, initiate a feasibility analysis in collaboration with
POST to study staging area alternatives to facilitate the Purisima-to-the-Sea regional
trail connection and perform preliminary field reconnaissance for potential trail
alignment depending on location of proposed parking area. The District to provide
technical assistance to POST and San Mateo County during preliminary discussions
about environmental review, initiate cultural resource and biological assessments and
perform baseline biological surveys within areas of future restoration work.
Project deferred and placed on hold pending negotiations with property owner on potential
parking area location and completion of the Purisima Uplands property transfer.
68 La Honda Creek Red Barn Parking Area and
Easy Access Trail
Deferred MAA05-005 Pending Board approval of a project description, complete the environmental review,
conduct additional public outreach, conduct additional technical studies and secure
Board approval of the site plans.
On June 12, 2018, the Board of Directors directed the General Manager to hold off further
work on the project in order to form a citizens working group to evaluate alternative parking
options that meet Board-directed project goals (goals include: providing access to the central
area of the preserve).
Page 4 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Public Access, Education, and Outreach
69 Upper La Honda Creek Phase II Trail
Connections
Deferred MAA05-007 Project includes pre-planning for opportunities and constraints, data collection and
technical studies, and preliminary trail design.
Project put on hold pending outcomes of the La Honda Parking and Trailhead Feasibility Study
to identify trail connections alignment from lower La Honda to central La Honda. FY2019-20
scope amended to prepare a summary of conceptual trail routes and combine with Lower La
Honda Phase II Trails.
70 Hawthorns Public Access Site Plan and CEQA Deferred MAA06-002 Complete feasibility and parking demand studies; present project goals to PNR
Committee on site. If feasible and confirmed by PNR, contract design team to develop
schematic plans for the Alpine Road Trail widening, a parking lot, and interior loop trail.
Continue to gather public input and initiate CEQA.
Due to two Planner III vacancies, project has been deferred pending recruitment and
onboarding of new planners (one Planner III vacancy remains to be filled - projected for early
2020).
71 Ravenswood Bay Trail Design and
Implementation
In Progress MAA02-002 Complete construction documents and all permitting (building and resource agencies).Construction documents completed; regulatory permits (USACE, BCDC, RWQCB) were issued
early FY2019-20. This scope was completed as of August 2019.
**
72 Lower La Honda Creek Phase II Loop Trails In Progress MAA07-011 Complete engineering geological assessment, plans, and specifications for the two
retaining walls, bridges, and any other required structures. Submit for grading and
CDFW permits.
Original conceptual trail alignment has been modified to minimize potential impacts to
natural resources. New proposed trail alignment no longer requires bridges (therefore no
geotechnical investigation is needed) nor CDFW permits as originally anticipated.
73 Alpine Road Regional Trail, Coal Creek In Progress MAA10-001 Secure a permit-to-enter with San Mateo County to further develop design documents
and seek cost sharing agreement. Initiate the necessary studies to prepare CEQA
document. Once the CEQA process has commenced, staff will prepare the regulatory
permit applications.
CEQA and permitting studies did not progress as far as anticipated due to the need to
complete a wetland delineation (spatial data provided to the District at the end of FY18-19).
Project continues in FY2019-20.
74 Bear Creek Redwoods Water System In Progress MAA21-003 Coordinate with stables design team to develop water demands and provide
construction documents.
The scope of the MAA21-003 BCR Water System project is contingent upon the scope of the
MAA21-004 BCR Stable Site Plan project, which changed in April 2019 per Board direction, to
pursue a new Deferred Maintenance Repair scope that addresses necessary repairs while
reducing total project costs (refer also to line item No. 75 below).
75 Bear Creek Stables Site Plan Implementation In Progress MAA21-004 Development of construction documents is expected to continue through summer
2019. Project schedule and FY2018-19 scope may change based on Board feedback,
based on review scheduled for early summer 2018.
To address the funding deficit of approximately $6 million, the Board directed staff to
evaluate further an option with Santa Clara County that focuses on deferred maintenance
repairs for the stables and complies with the existing non-conforming use status of the
property. The Board consequently approved a new repair scope for the project on April 25,
2019. A new schedule has been prepared to implement the new project scope.
76 Bear Creek Redwoods - Alma College Cultural
Landscape Rehabilitation Project
In Progress MAA21-006 If project scope is confirmed by the Planning and Natural Resources Committee in
FY2017-18 Q4, complete construction documents and obtain demolition/landmark
alteration permit from Santa Clara County; release RFB and award contract; complete
hazardous materials abatement, demolition, and stabilization of the chapel and old
library. Initiate site work.
Project schedule shifted primarily due to County's Landmark Alteration Permit delays and to
relocate existing bats (a necessary step to initiate on-the-ground work). The Landmark
Alteration Permit delayed the project by 3-4 months. Bat relocation takes 6-9 months after
construction of bat structures to allow bats to acclimate to new structures before excluding
bats from buildings to be demolished. The project continues in FY2019-20.
77 Beatty Parking Area and Trail Connections In Progress MAA22-004 Planning analysis, including consultant selection, site surveys and existing conditions,
data collection and technical studies (cultural resources, traffic, biological,
geotechnical, etc.) to support development of a concept design, environmental review
and preliminary permitting. Pending completion of environmental review, design
development and preliminary permitting would be initiated.
Environmental review, design development and preliminary permitting were not initiated due
to a new project planning and delivery approach using inhouse design staff to bring design
work to 60% that leverages inhouse expertise and saves on consultant costs. Project
continues in FY2019-20. Award of contract for environmental review was approved by the
Board in August 2019.
78 Rancho San Antonio (RSA) Multimodal Access
Study
In Progress VP11-001 Pre-planning analysis and studies, stakeholder engagement.The RFP for the parking and transportation demand analysis was delayed due to a change in
the project manager and related project onboarding. The Board approved the Multimodal
Transportation Study scope and implementation of short term measures in June 2019. Award
of contract for the Multimodal Transportation Study is scheduled for September 25, 2019.
79 Alma College Loop Trail, Bear Creek
Redwoods OSP
In Progress VP21-001 Hire a consultant design team to complete an update to the 2010 Road and Trail
Inventory. Other technical studies will be completed. Preliminary designs will be
completed for trail and associated structures.
This and other separate BCR Phase II trail projects were merged into MAA21-011 BCR Phase II
Trail Improvements to streamline work while developing vendor contracts, grant agreements,
and other administrative tasks. Consultant contract was awarded in May 2019. This project
continues in FY2019-20.
Page 5 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Public Access, Education, and Outreach
80 Briggs Creek Trail, Bear Creek Redwoods OSP In Progress VP21-002 Hire a consultant design team to complete an update to the 2010 Road and Trail
Inventory. Other technical studies will be completed. Preliminary designs will be
completed for trail and associated structures.
This and other separate BCR Phase II trail projects were merged into MAA21-011 BCR Phase
II Trail Improvements to streamline work while developing vendor contracts, grant
agreements, and other administrative tasks. Consultant contract awarded in May 2019. This
project continues in FY2019-20.
81 Multi-Use Trail, Bear Creek Redwoods OSP In Progress VP21-003 Staff will hire a consultant design team to complete an update to the 2010 Road and
Trail Inventory. Other technical studies will be completed. A feasibility studies will be
completed to determine if the reuse potential for the historic trestle bridge over Briggs
Creek. Sections of the preliminary alignment will be identified. Staff will initiate
discussions with CalTrans and the County regarding the additional traffic controls at
the HWY 17 interchange and Summit Road.
This and other separate BCR Phase II trail projects were merged into MAA21-011 BCR Phase
II Trail Improvements to streamline work while developing vendor contracts, grant
agreements, and other administrative tasks. Consultant contract awarded in May 2019. This
project continues in FY2019-20.
82 Public Loop Trail Connecting to Stables, Bear
Creek Redwoods OSP
In Progress VP21-004 Hire a consultant design team to complete an update to the 2010 Road and Trail
Inventory. Other technical studies will be completed. Preliminary designs will be
completed for trail and associated structures.
This and other separate BCR Phase II trail projects were merged into MAA21-011 BCR Phase
II Trail Improvements to streamline work while developing vendor contracts, grant
agreements, and other administrative tasks. Consultant contract awarded in May 2019. This
project continues in FY2019-20.
83 Purisima Creek Redwoods Bridge 1 Redecking In Progress VP33-001 Includes biological awareness training and biological monitoring.Limited construction season due to Marbled Murrelet, an endangered species. Scheduled for
completion in Fall of 2019.
84 Cooley Landing Park Business and Operation
Plan
In Progress VP38-001 Partner with City of East Palo Alto to develop a business and operating plan for Cooley
Landing Park.
Awaiting for City of East Palo Alto capacity to move forward with the project. Discussions
with the City planned for fall/winter of 2019.
Infrastructure (Vehicles, Equipment, Facilities) and Other
85 Administrative Office (AO) Facility Complete 31202 Select an architectural/engineering team to further the programming, begin
conceptual design, and initiate environmental review.
86 ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan
Update
Complete 31401 Development of Self-evaluation and Transition Plan update, public presentations of
Draft Plan, staff trainings, and presentation of Final Plan for Board review for approval.
87 Purisima Creek Restroom Replacement Complete 35003 This project will begin and end in FY2018-19. The scope of work includes permitting,
pre-construction surveying for sensitive species, consultant civil engineering services,
environmental review, demolition of existing restroom building and vault, installation
of the new restroom and vault, and construction of an ADA compliant concrete ramp
for restroom access. Scope includes tree removal (three) from the restroom location
and on-site biological training.
88 Sierra Azul Ranger Residence Complete 35004 Conduct feasibility studies of various sites.
89 Work Order & Asset Management System Complete 51701 Implement work order and asset management system.
90 Real Property Database Complete 51703 Identify requirements and evaluate solutions in order to select a real property
database.
91 Monte Bello Site Driveway Improvements Complete 61003 Complete driveway improvements. Biomonitoring to be performed.
92 Tunitas Creek – Tunitas Ranch Driveway
Improvements
Complete 61004 Complete asphalt improvements to entry driveway; biomonitoring to be performed.
93 La Honda Creek Point of Diversion 17 Water
Line Replacement
Complete 61007 Complete construction of new water line. Biomonitoring to be performed.
94 ADA Barrier Removal Complete (Added
Mid-Year)
31901 N/A Project added after completion of the ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan Update
to begin implementation of the plan. Completed temporary repairs to the Cordilleras
easy access trail and initiated removal of block stiles that impede access into preserves.
Page 6 of 7
YEAR-END REVIEW OF FY2018-19 ACTION PLAN KEY PROJECTS ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name FY2018-19
Scope Status
Project
Number FY2018-19 Adopted Project Scope Reason for Project Scope Variances or Delays Additional Comments
Infrastructure (Vehicles, Equipment, Facilities) and Other
95 Vehicle and Machinery/Equipment Purchases Complete Vehicles &
Machinery
Five patrol vehicles and one maintenance vehicle that have reached their end of life
and will be replaced and sold at auction. Two additional maintenance vehicles will be
purchased in FY19 to support increased operations in the field and upcoming MAA and
capital projects: 1) one flat bed dump truck to support increased work for small roads
and material transport, and 2) one dump truck to support special projects crews.
Additionally, five new machinery/equipment purchases will be purchased to support
crews and increased work: 1) two equipment transport trailers needed to transport
large equipment; one for each field office, 2) one small excavator for Foothills Field
Office, 3) one landscape tractor, and 4) one mid-size excavator for Skyline Field Office.
One new transport truck will be added to the AO fleet to support ongoing project
delivery.
96 Driscoll Water Line Installation (Pasture 1), La
Honda
Complete VP07-001 Tenant to complete installation of new water line, storage tank, and water trough.
Biomonitoring to be performed.
97 Mt. Umunhum - Radar Tower 2nd
Assessment
Complete VP23-001 Select engineering consultant develop a Basis of Design summarizing long-term “Seal
and Retain” work items and estimates construction costs.
98 Tunitas Creek -Toto Ranch Driveway
Improvements
Deferred 61001 Complete driveway improvements. Biomonitoring to be performed.Deferred due to limited staff capacity and an unexpected requirement for a archaeological
assessment for Star Hill Road (a result of CEQA for the Toto Ranch Rangeland Management
Plan).
The archaeological assessment request impacted the schedule for final drawings/specs
for the driveway.
99 4150 Sears Ranch Road Water and Driveway Deferred 61005 Complete road specification and drawings, permitting, and bidding of Phase I.Deferred due to limited staff capacity and a number of unforeseen large property
management projects occurring in FY2018-19.
Unforeseen large property management projects included a new heating system at
Thornewood residence, replacement of 510 feet of water line at the La Honda ranger
residence, and structural repairs at the Sherrill house.
100 South Area Field Office In Progress 31601 Architectural/Engineering team will finish construction document and permitting.
Construction may begin in Q4.
Permitting and construction delayed due to construction estimates coming in higher than
anticipated, requiring additional staff time to work with the consultant to value engineer and
reduce the total estimated project cost. Project continues in FY2019-20.
101 District Wide Fiber Optics In Progress 51702 Install fiber-optic connections to all offices to improve network bandwidth and quality
of service.
Project schedule shifted due to unanticipated permit delays. Project slated to be completed in
early FY2019-20.
102 Russian Ridge - Quam Residence Driveway
Improvement
In Progress 61002 Completion of Phase I improvements.
Phase I – improvements adjacent to the Bergman residence and inholding to RR10
Project delayed pending Board review of repair costs based on bids received to confirm next
steps, including whether to proceed with the driveway repairs. This project continues in
FY2019-20.
103 Big Dipper Ranch Spring Work, Skyline Ridge In Progress 61006 This project will locate both springs and associated water lines, clean and
repair/replace as required, as well as assess the water system collection basin and
make necessary repairs. Biomonitoring to be performed.
Project rescoped to include road improvements. Completed repairs to one spring box and
replaced water lines. Second spring box will be repaired in early FY 2019-20.
104 Russian Ridge - Bergman Residences
Reconstruction
In Progress 61009 Complete renovations at Main, Old, Guest, and Carriage House at 20000 Skyline Blvd
after warranting structures with San Mateo County. Biomonitoring to be performed.
The County required removal (demolition) of pre-existing non-permitted additions of the Old,
Guest, and Carriage houses. Due to staff resource availability, the Main and Old house
renovations were deferred to FY2019-20. Board awarded a contract for the Main and Old
house in August 2019 and work is underway.
105 Toto Ranch Well Drilling and Construction,
Tunitas Creek
In Progress 61010 Locate and drill a well. Biomonitoring to be performed.Project delayed while staff resolved potential historic road concerns and resolved CEQA
questions before submitting for permits. This project continues in FY2019-20.
106 Hawthorns Historic Complex Partnership and
Lease
In Progress VP06-001 Allow potential partners to perform assessments and consult with the Town of Portola
Valley. The District to perform architectural review of proposal.
Entered into a license agreement with the potential partner to begin site assessments.
Potential partner also began consultations with the Town that raised concerns regarding
project viability. Further discussions with the Town are scheduled for October 2019.
107 Agricultural Workforce Housing - La Honda
Creek
In Progress VP07-002 Select Design Build team to provide construction document and permitting, and begin
construction. Work with San Mateo County to secure forgivable agricultural workforce
housing loan.
The project scope changed. Rather than designing and constructing a new housing structure,
the Board directed the repairs to an existing house and its designation as agricultural
workforce housing. Project continues in FY2019-20.
**Project scope has been completed as of the date of this report.
Page 7 of 7
DATE: September 25, 2019
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
THROUGH: Ana M. Ruiz, General Manager
FROM: Gretchen Laustsen, Planner III
SUBJECT: Bear Creek Stables Design Development Contract
_____________________________________________________________________________
At the April 25, 2019 public Board meeting on the Bear Creek Stables project, staff presented
various site improvement and repair options with cost estimates for the project. The Board
directed staff to move forward with the Deferred Maintenance Repairs (Repair Project) for the
near-term, while retaining the Preserve Plan Site Design (Site Design) as a long-term vision (R-
19-53). Consistent with Board direction, staff negotiated a revised fee and scope, and
administratively amended the existing contract with John Northmore Roberts & Associates
(JNRA) to implement the Repair Project. This new scope of work includes design development
and engineering, coordination with the water system design team, development of construction
plans, and construction administration to implement the Repair Project.
The consultant team is highly qualified to complete this new scope as they are familiar with the
project site and have completed a detailed site assessment, including a topographic survey and
geotechnical/geological assessments. Using the previously completed work, they will update and
advance the existing concept plans for the Repair Project. This work includes designing the
Repair Plan to facilitate as much as possible a potential future implementation of the long-term
Site Design improvements at a later date.
The Board’s original spending authorization included a base contract amount with JNRA of
$770,173, with an additional $75,000 for unforeseen geotechnical assessments, and a $77,000
contingency, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $922,190. The newly amended contract
with the revised scope, which accounts for all prior expenditures to date, remains within the
original amount authorized by the Board in March 2017 (R-17-42). See details below.
Tables 1 and 2: Contract Accounting
Original Contract Amended Contract
Base contract $770,173 Prior expenditures $266,495.69
Geotech allowance $75,000 Amended base contract for
revised Repair Project scope
$621,775
Contingency $77,000 Remaining contingency $33,919.31
Total $922,190 Total $922,190
Staff will return to the Board of Directors twice in the Fall 2019. At an upcoming October Board
study session, staff will present potential fundraising options for the Stables project. At a second
Board presentation in November, staff will provide an update on the Repair Project, including an
update on coordination with the County of Santa Clara, permitting requirements, and the revised
project schedule.
DATE: September 25, 2019
MEMO TO: Board of Directors
THROUGH: Ana Ruiz, General Manager
FROM: Hayley Edmonston, Management Analyst I
Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: Santa Cruz Mountains Climate Resilience Project
SUMMARY
The District launched the Santa Cruz Mountains Climate Resilience Project in June 2019 in
partnership with the Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network (Network). This operating
project is titled Climate Resiliency Planning in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Capital Improvement
and Action Plan within the Natural Resources Department workplan. The project will bring
together land managers in the region to assess the vulnerability of select natural resources to the
effects of climate change and develop land management strategies to increase resilience through
spatial analysis and workshops. The project is being managed by the District and jointly funded
by the District and Sempervirens Fund.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Network has contracted with climate change planning consultant EcoAdapt to conduct a
vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning exercise to better understand and manage
natural resources for climate change impacts in the Santa Cruz Mountains region. The scope of
work includes the tasks listed below.
1. Project scoping
The project scoping meeting was held in June 2019 with a dozen staff from the District
and the Network. Attendees received an introduction to the project and provided input on
key scoping decisions: the geographic boundary of the project, 10 habitats to be analyzed,
10 species to be analyzed, and the timeframe for analysis.
2. Spatial analysis
EcoAdapt has sub-contracted with Pepperwood Preserve’s Terrestrial Biodiversity and
Climate Change Collaborative (TBC3) to conduct spatial analysis of climate change
impacts in the Santa Cruz Mountains. TBC3 produces among the most sophisticated
climate change modeling in the Bay Area, and will use downscaled spatial climate data to
assess projected changes to temperatures, hydrology, vegetation, and species (where
possible) across the region. Deliverables: GIS data, print-ready maps, report summarizing
climate projections, and impacts for the region.
2
3. Vulnerability assessment
EcoAdapt will convene one full-day workshop with District staff in October 2019 to
gather qualitative information on climate vulnerability of selected habitats and species.
Using workshop findings and a review of scientific literature, EcoAdapt will assess the
vulnerability of selected resources. Deliverables: vulnerability briefs for 10 habitats and
10 species.
4. Adaptation planning
EcoAdapt will convene one full-day workshop with District staff and one full-day
workshop with Network staff in spring 2020. These workshops will review spatial
analysis and vulnerability assessment findings and use scenario planning to generate
actionable land management strategies to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience.
The District workshop will be a deeper dive into site- or project-specific adaptation
planning. Deliverables: adaptation briefs for 10 habitats and 10 species, report
summarizing Network workshop proceedings.
BOARD INVOLVEMENT
If interested, up to three Board members (due to Brown Act/quorum considerations) may attend
the District adaptation planning workshop in spring 2020. After the project concludes in summer
2020, staff will share an informational presentation with the full Board of Directors on projected
climate impacts and land management strategies to increase resilience.
COST
The total cost for EcoAdapt’s contract is $75,000. The District contributed $49,999 (paid in
August 2019) and Sempervirens Fund contributed $25,001. The District’s contribution will pay
for two District staff workshops and a portion of the spatial analysis, vulnerability assessment,
and adaptation planning deliverables described above. The District contributed a greater share of
funding than Sempervirens Fund because some tasks will only serve the District and not the
larger Network. The District will manage the project and will contribute the most input on
scoping decisions and deliverables. The District was initially planning to conduct the project
independently; however, staff have determined that significant benefits can be achieved by
partnering with the Network both for the opportunity to cost share with Sempervirens Fund and
to expand the reach of land management decision-making to address climate change impacts at a
regional landscape scale.
VALUE OF PARTNERSHIP
The District and the Network each saw a need for regional analysis and planning for climate
change impacts on natural resources and have been discussing the project since 2017. Each entity
was initially planning to conduct this type of project independently, and came together to achieve
economies of scale. The District and the Network worked together to develop the scope of work
for the project to provide value to both groups.
Because climate change impacts and resulting land management approaches are regional in
nature, the District will benefit from going through this process in collaboration with agency
partners in the Network. By leading the funding and management of this project, the District is
providing a valuable contribution to partners that otherwise would not have the capacity or
resources to allocate towards in such a robust and proactive manner.