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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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