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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20070725 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting 07-15 REGULAR and SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS July 25, 2007 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING I. ROLL CALL President K. Nitz called the special meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Members Present: Ken Nitz, Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Curt Riffle, Pete Siemens, L. Hassett, and Mary Davey Members Absent: None Staff Present: Craig Britton, Sue Schectman, Duncan Simmons, Michael Williams II. CLOSED SESSION K. Nitz stated that there were no reportable items from the Closed Session regarding Items 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C. REGULAR MEETING III. K. Nitz called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Additional Staff Present: Gordon Baillie, Camille Tavlian, John Maciel, Rudy Jurgensen, Matt Freeman, Meredith Manning, Sandy Sommer, Mark Capestany IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were none. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA K. Nitz noted the title correction to Agenda Item 4. Motion: J. Cyr moved to adopt the Agenda. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. Meeting 07-15 Page 2 VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR J. Cyr noted a change to the May 9, 2007 Minutes, correcting the word “fill” to “fish” on page 5 of the Minutes. M. Davey stated that she would be recusing herself from Revised Claims numbered 7195 and 7259-R. N. Hanko stated that she would voluntarily recuse herself from the Revised Claims 7195, 7259-R and 7272-R. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar, including the amended Board Minutes of May 9, 2007 Special and Regular Meeting; and Revised Claims 07-12. J. Cyr seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0 on the May 9, 2007 Board Minutes. The Revised Claims 07-12 passed 5 to 0 on Revised Claim numbers 7195 and 7259-R with two recusals, passed 6 to 0 on revised Claim number 7272-R with one recusal, and passed 7 to 0 on the remaining Revised Claims. VII. BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. 1 – Tentative Adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to Designate a Portion of an Existing Informal Trail, and Construct and Designate a New Hiking/Equestrian Trail; Determine that the Proposed Project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Based on the Finding of This Report; Amend the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to Designate the Lower 1,000-Foot Portion of the Existing Informal Trail Known as “Dennis Martin Road” as a Hiking and Equestrian Trail Open to Dogs on Leash; Amend the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to Construct a New 3,200 Foot Long Trail to Connect Dennis Martin Road to the Schilling Lake Trail, Name it the “Bridle Trail” and Designate it as a Hiking and Equestrian Trail also Open to Dogs on Leash – (Report R-07-79). M. Manning presented the staff report and stated the recommendations. She said the amendments to the Use and Management Plan provided opportunities for significant environmental improvements to the aquatic ecosystem, as well as improving trail connections and public access. She said that the Thornewood Open Space Preserve drains to Dennis Martin Creek within the San Francisquito Creek watershed, which ultimately drains to the San Francisco Bay. M. Manning said the San Francisquito Creek provides critical habitat for federally threatened steelhead trout and is listed as a water body that is polluted or stressed by sedimentation and/or siltation. The District has received grant funds for its sediment reduction plan. Meeting 07-15 Page 3 M. Manning said that there is only one designated trail leading from the only staging area to Schilling Lake and that there were no formal or designated trails to get visitors from Old La Honda Road to Schilling Lake. She said the plan’s goal was to find a suitable connection from east to west. M. Manning said that Tim Best performed a comprehensive erosion inventory. He identified 53 sites in the preserve that have erosion problems and prioritized these sites for treatment. He found that Dennis Martin Road was in poor condition with several stream crossings eroding away and over 100 feet of road damaged by landslides. M. Manning said that Operations and Planning staff identified a proposed new trail that meets the goals of the project. The proposed trail branches off two old trails, climbs at a 10-15% grade, includes switchbacks, scenic redwood forests, and ends into an oak canopy before connecting with the Schilling Lake Trail. She said the proposed new trail would bypass damaged sections of Dennis Martin Road. She said that staff proposes calling the new trail “Bridle Trail” in honor of the past land use. M. Manning showed a PowerPoint slide presentation, indicating the wash out at Dennis Martin Road, and pictures of past bridge use by pedestrians and equestrians. She said that a geotechnical study had shown that it would be too costly to build a bridge due to a large-scale deep-seated landslide within a half- mile of the San Andreas Fault, and if a bridge were to be built, it would probably need repair or replacement within 20 years. She added that much of Thornewood and the surrounding area are underlain by a series of slow-moving landslides where heavy rainfall could activate shallower slides on top of the deeper slides. She gave further explanation about the landslide situation at the preserve. M. Manning explained the reasoning for choosing the recommended trail site and alignment. She gave detailed information about how the trail may be created for streambed crossing and the type of crossing that may be available for staff to use. M. Manning said that the third phase of the project would include the reduction of sedimentation and improve drainage on Dennis Martin Road. She said that staff recommends upgrading the drainage on the existing roadbed on the lower segments. The middle segment would require more intensive work to correct the drainage and restore hydrologic function. M. Manning said that staff would apply for grant funding to implement the restoration of the drainage channels. However, she explained that equipment access for drainage improvements and restoration is very limited due to the landslides and erosion throughout the preserve. She said that a neighbor to the property has offered a connecting fire road; however, this would require crossing the stream on a bridge that is in need of repair or replacement. M. Manning stated that staff, therefore, recommended restoring this stream crossing which would leave behind a creek crossing available for hikers and allow the public to cross on foot. Meeting 07-15 Page 4 M. Manning said that, at this time, staff is recommended not allowing equestrian use; however, the issue could be addressed in the future if an equestrian easement is in place and an equestrian group would be willing to partner with the District both financially and with the construction and maintenance of the trail and stream crossing. A proposed project schedule was presented showing that the final design and permitting would be completed in 2007 and construction on the ford crossing a new Bridle Trail would be open to the public in 2008. In 2009, the drainage improvements and restoration work to the middle section of Dennis Martin Road would be started. In 2010 staff would complete work and submit final invoices under the grant deadline, which should allow time to complete the project. M. Manning stated staff would propose taking advantage of grant funds to implement major restoration work to Dennis Martin Road to reduce sedimentation to the aquatic environment. L. Hassett said that staff had done an excellent job; however, the project is a difficult one to execute. He said that the stakeholders had been heard. He commented on the improved trail area and noted that the number of visitors at this preserve is small compared to other areas. N. Hanko gave some historical information about the property. She said she was pleased to see these improvements and that she would support this item, but she would like to see the area on a tour. C. Riffle stated he likes this project and the idea that this preserve allows hikers, equestrian and others. He reiterated that he agrees that certain areas should be limited to hikers. K. Nitz asked if there were improvements on the pipeline trail. M. Manning said there were some minor improvements and that this was just a starting point for the work. He asked about dogs on this preserve to make sure they are allowed. K. Nitz said he thought the parking area only fit four to five cars and not eight cars as stated in the report. M. Manning addressed his concerns. She showed a map of the area indicating where cars could be parked. M. Freeman added more parking information. K. Nitz asked about the new trail going through five separate landslides. M. Manning reviewed the process of designing the trail. She said that she worked with members of Operations staff, who mentioned there would be no more added maintenance even with the slides. She acknowledged that slides would occur. J. Cyr asked for clarification about the new construction of Dennis Martin Trail as it attaches to the horseshoe at Old La Honda Road, which the District does not Meeting 07-15 Page 5 own. M. Manning confirmed that was correct, that the piece was on private property, but that how much of the property is on private property is still being determined. C. Riffle said he supported N. Hanko’s suggestion about a warning sign being placed at the creek for people crossing it, warning that there may be high or deeper water. M. Davey complimented staff’s work on this complicated project. Ms. Manning stated that another future consideration of high concern for staff and residents is fire. M. Manning said that staff had developed a draft Forest Management Policy for the Board to review. She explained that staff is developing a draft fuels management policy aimed more at the urban/wildland interface and fire prevention, which would come before the Board in the near future. M. Manning Mary Zvirblis, President of the Old La Honda Road Association, indicated that she would like to see signs warning of high fire threat in the area to be installed now. She indicated that the Town of Woodside Fire Marshall couldn’t use the turnaround at the Old La Honda Road roadside pullout due to the collapsing culvert in front of the District bollards, which is expected to be within the Town of Woodside right-of-way. She gave some other historical information about the parking questions, and reviewed the process the Association has been involved in over the years with this project. She complimented the numerous staff involved over the years, and included L. Hassett. K. Nitz asked for a follow-up about the fire issue and inquired how far trucks could enter the preserve. M. Manning said she walked through the preserve with the Woodside Fire Marshall, and they indicated they could get people in on foot to cover all points of the preserve. C. Britton added that there is a hydrant by the house. Regarding the lake, he said that a restoration plan is being worked on separately from this project. M. Manning agreed and gave a brief update of a report that staff is reviewing. Virginia Dare, Old La Honda Road, requested that the District develop a high water crossing warning sign across Dennis Martin Creek at the equestrian step location. She said she is an equestrian and showed on the map the loop that equestrian’s take through the preserve. She indicated her desire for the District to continue to support equestrian use. Jacob van Heckeren, Espinosa Road, Woodside, said he called the District on a weekend and heard the weekend message to call back on Monday. He said he was given a direct number for the Rangers on the weekends. He noted the signs at the base of the old trail to the western boundary of the preserve by the old “water temple” direct the public onto his land. He requested that those signs be Meeting 07-15 Page 6 changed. He added that there is temptation for people who come from Schilling Lake Trail to continue up Espinosa Road. He requested that there be signs to redirect people to go back the same way they came in instead of up the private road. Mike Bushue, member of the Equestrian Riding Club, recommended the literature state there is no horse trailer parking due to space limitation at Thornewood, although it is open to equestrian use. J. Cyr said this report and recommendation were extremely well done and represented excellent work on the part of District staff. P. Siemens said that he appreciated staff’s work on this, especially from an engineering point of view. He said this was a major accomplishment. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board approve the tentative adoption of an Amendment to the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to designate a portion of an existing informal trail, and construct and designate a new hiking/equestrian trail; Determine that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on the finding of this report; Amend the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to Designate the lower 1,000- foot portion of the existing informal trail known as “Dennis Martin Road” as a hiking and equestrian trail open to dogs on leash; Amend the Use and Management Plan for Thornewood Open Space Preserve to construct a new 3,200 foot long trail to connect Dennis Martin Road to the Schilling Lake Trail, name it the “Bridle Trail” and designate it as a hiking and equestrian trail also open to dogs on leash. M. Davey seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. B. Agenda Item No. 2 – Authorization to Contract with Timothy Best, Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), to Provide Consulting and Engineering Geologic Services at Thornewood Open Space Preserve and Amend Current Contract for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Contract for Engineering Geology Services with Timothy C. Best, CEG, in the Amount of $26,300.00 (Including 20% Contingency) at Thornewood Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to Amend the Current Contract with Timothy C. Best, CEG, in the Amount of $42,600 (Including 20% Contingency) for a Total Authorization Amount Not to Exceed $127,245.00 at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve – (Report R-07-80) M. Manning presented the staff report. She said that staff recommends entering into a contract with Timothy C. Best, CEG, to continue work on the Use and Management Plan Amendment at Thornewood Open Space Preserve. She said Meeting 07-15 Page 7 that Mr. Best has knowledge of the preserve from having completed the road and trail erosion inventory. Mr. Best’s work highlighting high priority erosion sites and the stream crossing feasibility study in the preserve make him an excellent choice for contractor for this project. M. Manning said that staff would need engineering geology assistance in support of permitting documents as well as final sign-off following construction. She added that the work Mr. Best had performed, including the road and trail inventory as part of the Watershed Protection Plan identified the high, medium and low sediment priority zones. She identified several sites that were under construction and repair. C. Riffle asked if it was normal to have a 20% contingency and stated it seemed a large amount. M. Manning said that staff is consistently underestimating by about that much (approximately 15% to 20%). She added that there is always extra, unanticipated work and by adding the contingency it saves coming back to the Board and asking for more funds. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board authorize the contract with Timothy Best, Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), to provide consulting and engineering geologic services at Thornewood Open Space Preserve and amend current contract for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract for engineering geology services with Timothy C. Best, CEG, in the amount of $26,300.00 (including 20% contingency) at Thornewood Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to amend the current contract with Timothy C. Best, CEG, in the amount of $42,600 (including 20% contingency) for a total authorization amount not to exceed $127,245.00 at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. L. Hassett seconded the motion. Discussion: C. Riffle said that staff is relying a good deal on Mr. Best and asked if there were others the District should look to for engineering assistance. M. Manning said that last year staff sent out a request for proposals for certified engineering geologists and that Mr. Best consistently came in with a lower cost to perform the work. In addition, M. Manning stated he provides “real world” solutions that are cost effective, as well as consistently upgrading his product, which saves time and cost for the District. M. Freeman added that other engineers are used on projects and named a few of these along with their projects. C. Riffle asked if the District should hire Mr. Best or someone else due to the amount of work. C. Britton said that they were in discussions about that. Meeting 07-15 Page 8 K. Nitz asked if an amount of money was not already given to the project up front and asked if those funds had been used up in phase 1, now that the District was in phase 3. M. Manning confirmed this was the case. Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0. C. Agenda Item No. 3 – Approval of Amendments to Lease Agreement with Spring Water Easement Agreements with Driscoll Ranches, LLC, San Mateo County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 078-270-010, -020, -030; 078-290-010, -020, 060; 082-140-020; 082-170-010. -040, Located in Unincorporated San Mateo County Adjacent to Highway 84 at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve; Adopt the Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of the Amendment to Lease Agreement and Spring Water Easement Agreements with Driscoll Ranches, LLC at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve – (Report R-07-81). M. Williams presented the staff report and gave some background information about the grazing lease. He pointed out the four structures that came along with the 50-year grazing lease. He reviewed the amendments to the grazing lease, adding that the residence be turned over to the District. After three years, if Driscoll does not use the property as part of the grazing operation, then another structure/residence would be turned over to the District. Driscoll, however, could decline if the residence is used as part of the grazing operation. M. Williams said the lease amendment clarifies the approval of sub-leases. Driscoll would have to get District approval for any sub-lease. He may use the residences for his employees. M. Williams reviewed the two spring-water easements that have two easement systems. He showed where the systems were located. The first system is the residence water system. He explained it is a shared system and any water not used by the two residences would be used for the grazing operation. He said there is also a well and showed where it was located. He further stated the District is looking at the feasibility of restoring the well. M. Williams described the second easement system. He showed the Driscoll event area and where the spring box is located. Historically, he explained the properties were served by this spring box. Driscoll would have full use and maintenance responsibilities for the system, but the District would have reserved rights to use it for emergency and maintenance purposes. The District could install a fire hydrant in the vicinity for safety purposes. The two conditions that were waived have been resolved with Driscoll Ranch, which would benefit the District’s operation of the property. Meeting 07-15 Page 9 M. Williams complimented and thanked S. Schectman for her patience and help with this project. He showed pictures of the residence and private property and other premises. C. Riffle asked if it was Driscoll’s responsibility to maintain the residences when he is using them. M. Williams that that it was Driscoll’s responsibility. C. Riffle asked how the use and maintenance would be shared equally. M. Williams said that if the District pays for a repair, then they would look to Driscoll to reimburse half the cost and, equally, Driscoll could expect reimbursement by the District for repair costs. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board approve the amendments to Lease Agreement with Spring Water Easement Agreements with Driscoll Ranches, LLC, San Mateo County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 078-270-010, -020, -030; 078-290-010, -020, 060; 082-140-020; 082-170-010. -040, located in Unincorporated San Mateo County adjacent to Highway 84 at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve; Adopt Resolution No. 07-18, approving and authorizing the execution of the Amendment to Lease Agreement and Spring Water Easement Agreements with Driscoll Ranches, LLC at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. J. Cyr seconded the motion. Discussion: P. Siemens asked if money was budgeted for repairing the District residence. M. Williams said that money was budgeted for this fiscal year. P. Siemens asked if the work had been done. M. Williams said that some repairs had been done and more were expected. K. Nitz asked if the well might have contamination from pesticides. M. Williams said the pesticide wells are not in the vicinity of the District residence well in question. C. Britton followed up with more information concerning P. Siemens’ question about the repairs for the District residence. He also thanked M. Williams and S. Schectman for their work on this project. Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0. D. Agenda Item No. 4 – Adoption of Revised “Board Policies Regarding Improvements on District Lands” Regarding Rental of District-Owned Structures – (Report R-07-82). M. Williams presented the staff report and said that revising this policy would update and modernize how the District assesses structures and then rents them. He said that the Administrative guidelines for the Enterprise Program are also Meeting 07-15 Page 10 being updated and renamed to Property Management. The Policy was previously amended in 1984. The Enterprise Policy dates back to 1982. He acknowledged S. Schectman and M. Capestany, the new Real Property Specialist who has a strong background in property management. M. Williams said that structures are often rented to defray the costs of removing them or the structures are designated for suitable operational use, as in the employee residency program for District uniformed staff. He said that in 1994 the Board adopted a policy for uniformed staff, and that the policy before the Board tonight does not change the policy for employee residences. L. Hassett asked if there would still be a priority for uniform staff over non- uniform staff. S. Schectman said that there would be two different employee- housing policies. She briefly reviewed the ranger residence program. She said that now other classes of employees would be eligible to occupy District residences, but it would be a managerial decision as to what is the most suitable use for a structure. C. Britton added more information. L. Hassett said he believed it was of tremendous value to have a uniformed staff in a residence, no matter which location on District land. He said he believed that the high visibility of the District truck and uniform presence is extremely valuable. C. Britton clarified that they would not, as an example, have three ranger residences in close proximity, but would look at the best geographical areas as well as those that needed District presence. S. Schectman said that department managers probably would not qualify under this policy. S. Schectman reviewed the administrative policy and the processes that would be in place in employee selection for District residences. M. Williams said that this updated policy would also open up the possibility for open space technicians to apply for District housing, as currently only District Ranger’s are eligible. He gave examples of sites that might be possibilities for utilizing technician skills. He stated it would give the District more flexibility. P. Siemens suggested a change to Attachment A, page 1 adding the words, “historic value”, after the words “liability management.” N. Hanko said she had some suggested changes to the same statement. In Policy B, under public notice, she suggested changing the word “the” to the word “any”. C. Britton said that they did not do a comprehensive review of the administrative policy, but only looked at the language being discussed in this report. N. Hanko gave further thoughts for changes, under C.2. She suggested that the second sentence have a comma after “historic,” followed by a comma, and then adding the words “educational use”. C. Britton suggested, “recreation, environmental, historic, or education.” N. Hanko referred to the last page (page 4), under section D, and asked if the Board could review and be aware of these situations. Meeting 07-15 Page 11 S. Schectman stated that she found a change she should have made under Section D to conform with Section C. She indicated she wanted to strike the term “interim or long term” as these terms are obsolete. N. Hanko reviewed Attachment B and asked if the Board could comment on it. C. Britton stated he would appreciate her thoughts. Under “Structured Improvements”, third line, she suggested adding the word “environmental education”. She then turned to Section C, asking about who decides about a structure’s removal. C. Britton said the Board would be informed about it. N. Hanko asked that the words “and grounds” be added under Rent. 1, page 3. S. Schectman said they would change it to “leased premises,” as this term covers both the structure(s) and the grounds. N. Hanko asked a question under “Tenant Selection,” inquiring if newspapers are used to advertise. S. Schectman said it is up to the Property Manager. N. Hanko praised the wording in Section 14. C. Britton said that eventually, the District could use structures to entice employee applicants, but that would come before the Board for consideration. J. Cyr said that they would need to be extremely cautious with the rental structure. K. Nitz asked if the communication lease policy would be updated and M. Williams said that would be a future report. Motion: M. Davey moved that the Board adopt the revised “Board Policies Regarding Improvements on District Lands” regarding rental of District-owned structures, as amended. J. Cyr seconded the motion. Discussion: K. Nitz clarified that the communication leases are a separate issue. C. Britton said that communication leases are looked at on a case-by-case basis and that those leases are brought before the Board for review. Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0. E. Agenda Item No. 5 – Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with the Executive Search Firm of Peckham & McKenney for Recruitment of a District General Manager in an Amount Not to Exceed $25,000.00; Assign the Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee to Work with Peckham & McKenney to Return to the Board with a Proposed Recruitment Process and Timeline for Board Review and Approval – (Report R-07-83) K. Nitz asked why this firm was chosen. P. Siemens said that any of the five firms would have been good choices, but this firm received more votes from the Committee. N. Hanko said she voted for this firm because they seemed more interested in involving the entire Board so that they would get individual thoughts and attention from each Board member. Meeting 07-15 Page 12 J. Cyr added that the Committee interviewed five firms and he agreed with P. Siemens that any of the five would have done an adequate job. He said that the proposed firm has an advantage of providing a more personal service; although a disadvantage is that they may have a smaller pool of potential candidates. The Committee felt the Board would get a slightly better service over the other candidates. P. Siemens said that the answers to specific questions were favored best by the recommended firm. He said that the Committee preferred the answers provided by Peckham & McKenney. K. Nitz asked when the process will begin. C. Britton said that, as soon as the Board approves this item, the Committee would be instructed to begin their work. C. Riffle thanked the Committee for their work so far and stated that he thinks this is some of the most important work the Board will be performing. He asked if the Committee or staff had checked any client references from recruitments performed by the firms. S. Schectman said that they had put together a list of the best firms and had called some cities to get feedback on performance. C. Riffle had one concern over one name he recognized; however he would defer to the Committee’s decision. He asked about the Placement Guarantee (page 4) and what that would mean. J. Cyr said it meant they would start over. L. Hassett asked for clarification that if the fit was not good for the person hired, the same guarantee would be in place. J. Cyr said that was correct and gave an example. M. Davey asked C. Britton what he thought. C. Britton stated he believed that Bobbi Peckham was the best. S. Schectman added the importance of timing in the selection and recruitment process. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board authorize the General Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with the executive search firm of Peckham & McKenney for recruitment of a District General Manager in an amount not to exceed $25,000.00; Assign the Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee to work with Peckham & McKenney to return to the Board with a proposed recruitment process and timeline for Board review and approval. M. Davey seconded the motion. Vote: The motion passed 7 to 0. VIII. NEW STAFF INTRODUCTION C. Britton introduced Camille Tavlian to the Board as the new Senior Administrative Assistant, Office Manager and Deputy District Clerk. C. Tavlian joins the District with Meeting 07-15 Page 13 over 15 years of public service, having supported management and Boards of local government agencies in the Bay Area, as well as Sacramento County. C. Tavlian stated she was delighted to join the District and looked forward to supporting the Board of Directors as well as District staff. The Board welcomed her to the District. IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS P. Siemens said his compensable meetings included the 7/13 Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). L. Hassett said his compensable meetings were 7/19 and the 7/23 La Honda Creek Master Plan meetings, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). He said he is a sponsor of the Driscoll Ranch Rodeo, but would be away from the event. He offered four tickets to the Rodeo and a VIP pass with premiere parking pass, and an opportunity to have a photo shoot with the Rodeo Queen. M. Davey said she could use them. L. Hassett recognized the South Skyline Association, specifically Ruth Waldhauer, for the Skyline clean up and especially the lookout area clean up. CalTrans had allowed a garbage receptacle in the area, which enabled garbage pick-up. On July 5, L. Hassett stated he drove by the look- out and saw 20 –25 Roman candles as well as other fireworks, which concerned him. It was a serious reminder of the potential danger of fire in the area. C. Riffle said his compensable meetings included the 7/19 and 7/23 La Honda Master Plan Meeting, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). He hiked Crystal Springs on Sunday, a docent led hike on the Ridge Trail and on a gravel road. He saw old growth trees. He said he was looking forward to attending his first burn and thanked G. Baillie for the invitation. N. Hanko said her compensable meetings included the 7/10 and 7/13 Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee, the LFPAC meetings on 7/20 and 7/23, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). She noted that she has been spending her time reading materials for the various committees and has not had time to do much of anything else. J. Cyr stated that his compensable meetings were the 7/13 Ad Hoc Evaluation Meeting, the LFPAC meetings on 7/20 and 7/23, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). He thanked R. Jurgensen for the talking points on the burn. He pointed out an article regarding the reduction in the use of National Parks, and an article on Eucalyptus. He said there is an article in Sunset magazine about Ridge Winery and Picchetti Winery. In the FYI’s, he noticed comments about graffiti and asked if those incidents were increasing. J. Maciel said that graffiti had increased in specific areas. J. Cyr asked about the day camp mentioned in the letter from the Santa Clara Open Space Authority and asked for more information. M. Davey said her compensable meetings included the 7/19 and 7/23 La Honda meetings, and tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). She thanked M. Freeman for helping arrange a hike along Skyline. She mentioned there was a mountain lion sighting on a piece of land opposite Foothill College. She said she had been contacted by concerned individuals in Meeting 07-15 Page 14 the area. C. Britton said that C. Roessler and M. Newburn would be attending a public meeting at Los Altos Hills Town Hall in August and would be bringing a person with a mountain lion, as well as Henry Collett to accompany them. K. Nitz said his compensable meeting was tonight’s Board meeting (7/25). C. Britton said that P. Siemens requested that he inform the Board of a service review which was performed on the District and the Open Space Authority. He indicated it was a glowing report. He mentioned he will attend the meeting on August 1. He also stated J. Maciel gave him a homeowners guide on how to live with the potential of fire from San Mateo County to hand out. He also distributed the final Audit Report to the Board. He mentioned this is the third year of a three-year agreement, and that next year there would be an RFP for a new auditor. He went to the CALJPIA annual meeting in La Palma. He said that the LFPAC members are interviewing consultants for the new District logo design. N. Hanko gave some detailed information on the logo design process. He mentioned that this was J. Maciel’s last Board meeting, due to his impending retirement. He reminded the Board of the retirement party for J. Maciel to be held next Friday. He also mentioned that the first round of interviews occurred today for the new Operation’s Manager. S. Schectman pointed out a Supreme Court decision and mentioned it wouldn’t affect the District. G. Baillie handed out FPPC Form 470 for the Board to complete. He reminded the Board of the scheduled burn at Russian Ridge following morning and indicated there would was a briefing scheduled in the morning at 9:00am for media and invited guests. J. Maciel stated it was a pleasure working for the District for almost seven years and indicated it had been a highlight of his career. The Board applauded his service and wished him well in his retirement. M. Freeman gave an update on permit streamlining. He said there is now a five-year MOU with California Fish and Game Department and there is a five-year renewal period. He also described the new reporting process. IX. ADJOURNMENT At 10:47 p.m., the Regular meeting was adjourned. Lisa Zadek Recording Secretary