HomeMy Public PortalAbout20150422 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 15-10
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
SPECIAL MEETING BEGINS AT 5:00
REGULAR MEETING BEGINS AT 7:00
A G E N D A
5:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – STUDY SESSION
ROLL CALL
1. Conservation Grazing Program Overview 2015
Staff Contact: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Receive an informational presentation on the District’s
Conservation Grazing Program.
ADJOURNMENT
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 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 the Minutes of April 8, 2015
Meeting 15-10
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Amendment to Geotechnical Investigations Agreement with Haro Kasunich and Associates
Inc. for a Total Authorized Amount of $51,990 (R-15-66)
Staff Contact: Julie Andersen, Natural Resources Department Planner II
General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to amend the existing
agreement with Haro Kasunich and Associates Inc. to increase the agreement amount by $26,990
for a total not to exceed amount of $51,990, to include additional geotechnical investigations,
design, and construction oversight associated with the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Watershed Protection Program, Driscoll Ranch Roads sediment reduction project.
4. Approval of Agreement for Legislative Consulting Services (R-15-69)
Staff Contact: Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Authorize the General Manager to execute a Consulting
Services Agreement with Public Policy Advocates, LLC, to provide California legislative and
advocacy services during Fiscal Year 2015-16 for an amount not-to-exceed $28,000.
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. Update and Preview on the Web Site Redesign (R-15-70)
Staff Contact: Cydney Bieber, Web Administrator
General Manager’s Recommendation: Receive an informational report by Web Administrator
Cydney Bieber on the District’s Web Site Redesign Project.
6. Contract Award for Landscape Architecture Services for Alma College Site Rehabilitation
Plan (R-15-68)
Staff Contact: Lisa Bankosh, Planner III
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a professional services contract with PGA
Design, Inc., for an amount of $133,775 to develop a cultural landscape rehabilitation plan
and identify partnership opportunities for the former Alma College site.
2. Authorize an additional contingency of $16,225 to cover unforeseen requirements, for a total
not-to-exceed potential contract amount of $150,000.
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 factual information; request staff to report back 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.
A. Committee Reports
B. Staff Reports
C. Director Reports
ADJOURNMENT
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, Maria Soria, Deputy District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that the foregoing agenda
for the Special and Regular Meetings of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on April 17, 2015, at the
Administrative Offices of MROSD, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos California, 94022. Agenda materials are also available on the
District’s website at http://www.openspace.org.
Signed April 17, 2015 at Los Altos, California.
R-15-47
Meeting 15-10
April 22, 2015
STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM
Conservation Grazing Program Overview 2015
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Receive an informational presentation on the District’s Conservation Grazing Program.
SUMMARY
An informational presentation will provide the Board of Directors with an overview of the
District’s FY2015-16 plan for Conservation Grazing as approved in the current Action Plan and
Budget and important program issues anticipated this fiscal year. The agenda for the
presentation is provided as Attachment 1.
DISCUSSION
History and Policy:
The District has a commitment through its Mission to protect the diversity and integrity of
natural resources for their value to the environment and people. These natural resources include
extensive grassland habitats found throughout many District preserves. In 2004, as part of the
San Mateo Coastal Annexation, the District worked with multiple stakeholders to develop the
Coastside Protection Area Service Plan (Service Plan). Through the Service Plan, the District
committed to:
- Conserve open space and agricultural land
- Encourage viable agricultural use of the land
- Preserve agricultural operations on the coast
In addition to the Service Plan, the District also developed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau which pertains to agriculture and land use
issues on District lands located within the Coastside Protection Area. In 2007, the District Board
of Directors developed a Grazing Management Policy (Attachment 2) as part of the District-wide
Natural Resource Management policies. The Grazing Management Policy states that the District
“uses conservation grazing to manage fuel for fire protection; enhance the diversity of native
plants and animals; help sustain the local agricultural economy; and foster the region's rural
heritage.” Following the development of this policy in 2007, the District began utilizing
livestock grazing as a resource management tool, beginning with grazing on Skyline Ridge.
R-15-47 Page 2
Update on Current Conservation Grazing Program
The District currently utilizes livestock grazing to manage grasslands and associated wildlife
habitat, including stockponds, on approximately 9,760 acres on four preserves -- Tunitas Creek,
Skyline Ridge, Purisima Creek Redwoods, and La Honda Creek (See map - Attachment 3). In
FY2015-16, the District plans to reestablish grazing on the 1,047 acre Mindego Hill portion of
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, bringing the total Preserve acres managed under
conservation grazing to 10,800, which is approximately one sixth of the District’s total acreage
(Attachment 4).
Conservation grazing leases and management of grazed lands provide well-known benefits to the
District including reducing wildfire fuel load, enhancing native plant diversity and abundance,
reducing invasive plant species, enhancing sensitive wildlife habitat, and fostering the
agricultural heritage of the San Mateo County coast. While the conservation grazing leases
generate some revenue for the District, the District receives far more value in the ecosystem
services and land management assistance provided by grazing tenants. One example of this is
Driscoll Ranch, where the current grazing tenant improved the distribution of livestock by
distributing water sources around the ranch for livestock and wildlife, resulting in a dramatic
improvement to the grazing of the exotic annual grasses, control of invasive weeds, and a
reduction in damage to sensitive habitats on this preserve. In October 2013 the District Board of
Directors received an informational presentation on conservation grazing management strategies
which summarized information regarding the compatibility of livestock grazing with public
recreation and the natural resource benefits derived from a well managed livestock grazing
operation.
Significant Conservation Grazing Issues:
While conservation grazing provides many benefits to District lands, it also comes with
challenges and compromises for both the grazing tenants and the District. A number of these
challenges are ongoing, but the District is working diligently to resolve or alleviate them. Some
of the key issues that will be addressed throughout 2015 include:
Drought – Exacerbated by the fourth consecutive year of drought in the region, annual forage
production and water available for livestock is far lower than average. In 2014, the San Gregorio
Water Master ordered mandatory restrictions for use of water for livestock water within the
watershed. As a result, the District has been working with grazing tenants this grazing season to
reduce stocking rates by up to 50% and shortening grazing seasons to conserve and protect
resources. The reduced stocking rates and additional water system development on these
preserves has also increased water available for wildlife, as well as livestock. The District will
continue to work closely with the water master to ensure that District water usage is in
compliance with state mandates as well as work with our ranchers to clearly communicate when
and where livestock can use the water resources. This may at times require the District to
request the rancher remove livestock from the property. Section 6(d) and 6(f) of the District
grazing leases allow for the mandatory ‘emergency reduction of grazing capacity’ in the event of
a natural event such as drought or wildfire and ‘minimum residual dry matter requirements’
established in the grazing management plan.
Predation – Over the past three grazing seasons, mountain lion predation on livestock has
impacted several grazing tenants on District preserves when mountain lions have killed
livestock, resulting in a financial burden for the grazers. In addition, coyotes killed a number of
smaller livestock animals on the Toto Ranch during 2014. The District has been working with
the grazers to implement best management practices to minimize the risk of predation on
R-15-47 Page 3
livestock and has offered financial compensation for lost livestock under the General Manager’s
authority. The District is working to develop a formal Predation Policy during FY2015-16 to
address management of predators, interactions and conflicts with the public, and impacts to
livestock grazing on District preserves.
Infrastructure Improvements – Improvements to the District’s grazing infrastsructure has been
either provided by the District in the form of capital projects or via rental credits to the rancher as
outlined in their lease (see Attachment 5 – Grazing Infrastructure Summary). Generally,
livestock grazing on District preserves has not required significant capital projects to make the
properties viable for grazing and to protect natural resources. However, to make the larger
properties that have recently entered the grazing program viable for cattle, a significant increase
in infrastructure improvements is required this fiscal year. The General Manager will be
recommending a number of Measure AA projects to improve various infrastructure elements on
the Districts grazing properties for Board consideration (see Looking Ahead, below).
Looking Ahead at Conservation Grazing on District Preserves:
Mindego Ranch Opening
In FY2015-16, the District plans to open its first preserve combining public access and grazing,
the Mindego Ranch portion of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Over the past several years,
the District has visited several sister agencies in the Bay Area, met with the San Mateo County
Farm Bureau, and met with Cuesta La Honda Guild to develop a grazing strategy for the
property that will achieve the District’s resource management objectives, protect water quality,
and provide a safe, enjoyable visitor experience in the preserve. Additionally, the District
worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife to develop a Recovery Permit for Mindego Ranch which allows for maintenance and
improvements to be made to the property which provides habitat for one of seven populations of
San Francisco garter snakes (SFGS) as well as California red-legged frogs (CRLF). The
Recovery Permit requires the use of livestock grazing to manage vegetation on the property to
enhance habitat for CRLF and SFGS. Several projects have been completed under the protection
of the Recovery Permit, including fence work and an expansive livestock water system
completed in March 2015.
Through years of research, planning, and successful conservation grazing efforts, the District is
turning the corner in conservation grazing on public lands and allowing public access on a
grazed preserve is the next big step in the District’s conservation grazing efforts. During
FY2015-16, the District will develop and install interpretive, educational signage on the property
to inform the public about safety around livestock as well as the benefits derived from grazing
livestock. The District will also install a number of self-closing pedestrian gates to allow easy
access by preserve visitors while minimizing potential impacts to the grazing operation. A
comprehensive Grazing RFP process will be conducted during the summer of 2015 to select the
most qualified, responsible grazing tenant to graze the preserve, with a focus on natural resource
management and public land grazing experience in the context of public access. The District
will work with the new tenant to ensure a smooth transition into recreational use on the grazed
preserve and set an example for future recreational opportunities on grazed preserves.
Toto Ranch and October Farm
Rangeland Management Plans will be prepared for the Toto Ranch area of Tunitas Creek Open
Space Preserve and the October Farm area of Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
during FY2015-16. These properties were both purchased from POST, and per the requirements
R-15-47 Page 4
of Coastal Service Plan the District retained the existing tenants on these properties under a year
to year lease arrangement. Completion of these Rangeland Management Plans will allow the
District to enter into long-term leases for these properties.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Natural Resources Department FY2015-16 Budget includes $523,000 for grazing related
infrastructure, including $91,000 for improvements at Mindego Ranch. Additionally, the
development of the Predation Policy has a budget of $10,000.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
The Planning and Natural Resources Committee will review the Predation Policy as it is being
developed, which is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of FY2015-16. Development of the
Rangeland Management Plans for the ranches mentioned above will also be reviewed by the
Planning and Natural Resources Committee with the Toto Ranch Rangeland Management Plan
scheduled to begin during the second quarter of this fiscal year, and the October Farm Rangeland
Management Plan scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice of this Study Session was sent to the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, District
agricultural tenants and prospective bidders, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and
Agricultural Advisory Committee, and the Resource Management Interested Parties list. Notices
were posted as required by the Brown Act.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue to implement the Conservation Grazing Program and necessary infrastructure
development projects. Additionally, the Request for Proposals to select a grazing tenant for the
Mindego Ranch area of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve will be released in May, 2015, with
a recommendation for award of lease anticipated for Board of Directors consideration in August,
2015.
Attachment(s)
1. Workshop Agenda
2. MROSD Grazing Management Policy
3. Map – District Agricultural Lands
4. Grazed Properties Summary
5. Grazing Infrastructure Summary
Prepared by:
Clayton Koopmann, Rangeland Ecologist
Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager
Contact person:
Same as above
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
330 Distel Circle – Los Altos, CA 94022
April 22, 2015 – 5:00 pm
“Informational Workshop: 2015 Update on District’s Conservation Grazing Program”
I. Introduction and Workshop Outline
II. Conservation Grazing Policy
a. Grazing Management Policy
b. Coastside Service Plan
c. MOU with San Mateo County Farm Bureau
III. Overview of Grazed District Preserves
a. Summary of Livestock Grazing on Open Space Preserves
IV. Significant Conservation Grazing Issues
a. Drought
b. Predation
c. Infrastructure
i. Summary of Infrastructure Improvements Completed to Date
ii. Additional Infrastructure Projects for 2015
V. Public Recreation & Grazing (Turning the Corner in our Conservation Grazing Program)
a. Timeline for Recreation on a Grazed Preserve
i. Mindego Ranch
b. Signs, Public Outreach and Education
c. Trail Management
d. Grazing Tenant Selection/Livestock
VI. Conclusion / Questions
Xl. GRAZING MANAGEMENT
BACKGROUND
The vegetation of the Santa Cruz Mountains is comprised of a rich and
diverse assemblage of plant species. This wealth of diversity was most
evident within the grassland ecosystems that evolved under a variety of
disturbance pressures including fire and grazing by large herds of ungu-
late animals, which are now mostly extinct. The flora that emerged has
been described as one of the most diverse and species rich ecosystems
in the United States.
The arrival of early Spanish and Anglo settlers initiated a particularly
dramatic change in species composition of California grasslands, pri-
marily as a result of tilling the grasslands for agricultural crop production,
reduction of native grazing animals and introduction of cattle herds
brought over from Europe and let loose on the new rangeland. This in-
troduction of non-native plants and animals, coupled with the concurrent
suppression of fire on the landscape as the western United States was
settled, resulted in the substantial replacement of the native grassland
vegetation with a predominately exotic, annual flora. The exotic vegeta-
tion is often more competitive, productive, and prolific than the native
plants within which it coexists, and tends to dominate and replace exist-
ing native grasses and wildflowers. Over the last 150 years, coastal
grassland areas have also experienced large-scale conversion to agricul-
ture or urban development. The remaining undeveloped grasslands face
continued development pressure and are severely impacted by exotic,
invasive organisms.
The District's open space preserves contain large acreages of grass-
lands that in many areas have been degraded due to the pressures de-
scribed above. Management of these grassland habitats is desirable to
reduce the risk of wildfire and to maintain viable native plant communi-
ties. Vegetation management using livestock grazing or other re-
source management tools can be a substitute for native grazing ani-
mals and recurring fire to achieve the District's objective of preserving,
protecting and restoring the natural environment.
The greatest diversity within
California's coastal
grasslands can be seen in
the forbs or wildflowers that
emerge in the spring
following winter rains. Sites
with adequate management
of non-native vegetation will
reward these efforts with
bountiful displays of colorful
spring wildflowers.
By some estimates, nearly
80 percent of the vegetation
cover within California
grasslands is exotic
vegetation.
District lands currently
contain approximately 5300
acres of grassland habitat.
The largest contiguous
grassland areas are within
District lands in western San
Mateo County.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Livestock ranching is a small
but vital part of the Bay
Area's agricultural economy.
As with any business that
depends on local
infrastructure and services,
livestock ranching is
increasingly threatened with
each ranch that goes out of
business. Every livestock
rancher depends on services
and supplies including
veterinary care, feed sales
and delivery, farm and ranch
infrastructure supplies, and
livestock transportation
services. As land is taken
out of ranching, all of these
services and supplies are
incrementally affected and
may cease to operate,
increasing the burden for
families and businesses that
choose to keep ranching.
Typical fencing used to
control livestock movement
is five -strand barbwire
fencing. Other fencing
types that may be used
include four -strand barbwire
for interior fencing, wood rail
fencing and temporary
electric fencing that can be
installed to seasonally
restrict livestock to target
areas or exclude livestock
from sensitive areas.
Wildlife -friendly fences
enable virtually all wild
animals to move through an
area without harm and with
minimal impediment.
In 2003, the District completed the Service Plan and accompanying Envi-
ronmental Impact Report for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area
expansion of the District's boundaries to include coastal San Mateo
County. The Service Plan recognized the unique value of the San Mateo
County coastal area and established Agricultural Policies to preserve
and encourage viable agricultural use of land. The Policies and Imple-
mentation Measures established in this Grazing Management Policy are
intended to supplement and complement the Agricultural Policies in the
Service Plan. Furthermore, these Grazing Management Policies will be
implemented in a manner that is consistent with the Service Plan.
GRAZING MANAGEMENT GOALS,
POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION
MEASURES
Goal GM- Manage District land with livestock grazing that is
protective of natural resources and that is com-
patible with public access; to maintain and en-
hance the diversity of native plant and animal
communities, manage vegetation fuel for fire pro-
tection, help sustain the local agricultural econo-
my, and preserve and foster appreciation for the
region's rural agricultural heritage.
Policy GM -1 Ensure that grazing is compatible with and supports wildlife
and wildlife habitats.
• Inventory and assess sensitive habitats to identify areas requiring
special management practices. The conservation of these areas will
take precedence over other uses and management practices that are
determined to have an adverse effect on these resources.
• Prepare site -specific grazing management plans by a certified ran-
geland manager including best management practices (BMPs) for
preserves where grazing will be utilized as a resource management
tool. The site -specific grazing management plan will be a compo-
54
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
GRAZING MANAGEMENT
nent of the agricultural production plan developed through the Use
and Management Planning process. The Use and Management
Planning process provides for public input and Board approval of
site -specific grazing management plans.
• Manage agricultural leases and easements to protect and enhance
riparian areas and to maximize the protection or enhancement of
water quality. (See WR-4)
Policy GM -2 Provide necessary infrastructure to support and improve
grazing management where appropriate.
• Utilize fencing that allows wildlife movement and fosters habitat con-
nectivity. (See WM-3:Measure 3)
• Manage access to existing water features and where needed supply
supplemental drinking water through stock ponds and water troughs
to preserve clean water for livestock, protect water quality, and en-
hance habitat for wildlife.
• Encourage and assist grazing tenants on District land to provide
range improvements to restore or conserve wildland resources and
to enhance range condition.
• Inventory and assess roads and trails on District lands to identify
significant erosion and sediment sources — abandon and where feas-
ible restore to a natural condition poorly designed or sited roads.
(See WR-4)
Policy GM -3 Monitor environmental response to grazing on District
lands.
• Monitor forage utilization and distribution by grazing animals to as-
sure appropriate amounts of residual dry matter (RDM) remain on
the ground to achieve desired resource management objectives. In
the course of RDM monitoring, evaluate and report on wildland fire
fuel levels that may result in an increased risk of wildland fire (See
WF policies).
• Monitor livestock use levels and agricultural infrastructure condi-
tion to insure conformity with lease provisions to contribute to im-
proved management.
55
Residual Dry Matter (RDM)
is a measure of the amount
of vegetation left on the
ground, typically measured
at the end of the summer or
fall. Appropriate levels of
ROM strive to minimize
thatch, which can inhibit new
plant growth, while
.maintaining adequate levels
of vegetation to prohibit soil
erosion.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Fire reduction is a great
concern for some
landowners. However, cattle
are not able to graze all land
areas effectively for fire
protection purposes, such as
steep slopes or slopes
partially vegetated with
brush. In these instances,
goats may be an effective
alternative. Goat herds can
be rented for a short period
of time and can be moved
with a goat herder and
dog(s) along with portable
fence enclosures.
• Monitor wildland conditions with an emphasis on documenting the
location, distribution and abundance of native grasses, wildflowers,
and other native flora and fauna.
• Monitor water quality in ponds, wetlands, and watercourses with
unrestricted livestock access.
• Monitor non-native vegetation response to grazing with an emphasis
on documenting the location, distribution and abundance of target,
invasive species.
• Use information collected from monitoring to annually review rangel-
and conditions and response to livestock grazing. Use adaptive re-
source management decision making framework within grazing
management plans.
Policy GM -4 Utilize different livestock species to accomplish vegetation
management objectives.
• Research the effective use of cattle, goats, sheep, and horses to
manage vegetation on District lands.
• Utilize appropriate species depending on management needs.
Policy GM -5 Preserve and foster existing and potential grazing opera-
tions to help sustain the local agricultural economy.
• Establish longer term grazing leases to promote financial viability for
the operators and efficient land stewardship for the District.
• Seek grants or other economic support for agricultural infrastructure
maintenance and improvements.
• Ensure site -specific grazing management plans are economically
feasible and practical for grazing operators.
Policy GM -6 Provide information to the public about the region's rural
agricultural heritage. (See PI -1)
• Install display boards and give presentations highlighting historical
and educational facts about ranching families and industry at appro-
priate sites.
56
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
GRAZING MANAGEMENT
Policy GM -7 Provide public access in a manner that minimizes impacts
on the grazing operation. (See PI -1)
• Grazing operators on District lands or lands under easement to the
District shall be consulted when public access is being planned and
considered for the property to minimize conflicts between the public
and the grazing operation.
• Prepare and distribute a brochure to educate visitors about etiquette
for use of open space property with livestock animals.
• Install signage where appropriate to educate the public about the re-
source benefits of grazing and to educate visitors about approaching
animals, closing gates, and other etiquette appropriate for moving
through lands with livestock animals.
Policy GM -8 Grazing operations on District lands in the Coastside Pro-
tection Area will be managed in accordance with the poli-
cies established in the Service Plan for the San Mateo
Coastal Annexation Area.
• Consult with appropriate agencies and interest groups, including the
San Mateo County Farm Bureau and San Mateo County Agricultural
Advisory Committee in the development of site -specific Use and
Management plans and agricultural production plan components in
the Coastside Protection Area.
57
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SANGREGORIO
LAHONDA
STANFORDWOODSIDE
C he s t n ut O r c h a r d21 A c r e s
Sky l in e R i d g eChristmas Tr e e F a r m52 A c r e s
B ig D i p pe r R a n ch904 A c r e s
M in d e g o R a n c h1,0 3 7 A c r e s
M c D o n a l d R a n c h2060 A c re s
D ri s c o l l R a n c h3,6 8 1 A c r e s
To t o R a n c h952 A c r e s
Tu n i tas C r e ek707 A c r e sOctober F ar m270 A c r e s
Lo b i t o s R i d g e / E l ku s U p l an d s811 A c re s
L o b i t o s R o w C ro p s7 A c r e s B l u e B r u sh260 A c r e s Purisima CreekRedwoods
El Corte deMadera Creek
Teague Hill
La Honda Creek
Thornewood
Windy Hill
RussianRidge
CoalCreek
SkylineRidge
Pescadero Creek County Park
Foothills Park(City of Palo Alto)
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
California WaterService Company
Wunderlich County Park
Huddart County Park
Hidden Villa
Audubon Society
S.M. Co. Community College
RedgateRanch
Pomponio State Beach
San GregorioState Beach Diamond H Ranch
Djerassi Resident Artists
Sam McDonald Park(S.M. Co.)
Memorial Park(S.M. Co.)
Purisima Farms
SF Youth Authority
Portola Redwoods State ParkPescadero State Beach
ArastraderoPreserve
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
P urisimaCreek
L obitasCreek
Tunitas Creek
SanGregorioCreek
PomponioCreek
El
Corte
de
Madera
Creek
SanFrancisquitoCreek
Corte
Madera
Creek
SAN MATEOCOUNTY
Midpeninsula RegionalOpen Space District
Coa sta l Ag ric ult ure a nd Graz ing Prope rtie s
April 2015
0 21Miles
I (MROSD)
While the District strives to use the best available digital data, this data does not represent a legal survey and is merely a graphic illustration of geographic features.
Management Agreement
Non MROSD Conservation or Agricultural Easement
MROSD Conservationor Agricultural Easement
MROSD Preserves
Watershed Land
Other Protected Open Spaceor Park Lands
Current Grazing Private Property
Future Grazing
Agricultural Crop
Christmas Tree Farm County Boundary
MROSD Boundary
Property Preserve Year first grazed under
District ownership
Acres Avg. Annual
Rent ($)**
Grazing Tenant
Big Dipper Skyline Ridge 2007 955 $6,900 Vince Fontana
Bluebrush Canyon Purisima Creek 2009 302 $2,400 Tom Pacheco
Lobitos Ridge Purisima Creek 2010 389 $3,000 Vince Fontana
Elkus Ranch Uplands Purisima Creek 2009 450 $3,500 Vince Fontana
October Farm Purisima Creek 2012 270 $3,300 Doug Edwards
Tunitas Creek Ranch Tunitas Creek 2008 707 $8,300 Doug Edwards
Toto Ranch Tunitas Creek 2012 952 $9,600 Erik & Doniga Markegard
Driscoll Ranch La Honda Creek 2006 3,681 $45,000 Agco Hay Co. (Renz Family)
McDonald Ranch La Honda Creek 2014 2,060 $23,500 Erik & Doniga Markegard
Mindego Ranch Russian Ridge 2015 (Proposed) 1,047 $9,600 TBD
Apple Orchard La Honda Creek 2015 (Proposed) 300 $5,500 TBD
TOTAL 11,113 $120,600
** Average annual rent was calculated using the Animal Unit Month (AUM) rate of $23.05 and based on average stocking rates under non-drought conditions.
Rent revenue has been as low as 50% below normal under drought conditions as stocking rates have been lowered to minimize any potential risk to natural
resources and water quality.
GRAZING INFRASTRUCTURE BY PRESERVE (2007-present)
BIG DIPPER (955 acres)- Vince Fontana
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $34,906 $900 $35,806
WATER SYSTEM $0
VEGETATION MGT. $2,662 $1,630 $4,292
ROADS $0
MISC. $0
ELKUS UPLAND / LOBITOS (839 acres) - Vince Fontana
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $280 $280
WATER SYSTEM $225 $225
VEGETATION MGT. $2,400 $2,400
ROADS $850 $850
MISC. $0
BLUEBRUSH CANYON (302 acres) - Tom Pacheco
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $0
WATER SYSTEM $2,040 $2,040
VEGETATION MGT. $1,080 $1,080
ROADS $1,230 $1,230
MISC. $0
TUNITAS CREEK/OCTOBER FARM (977 acres) - Doug Edwards
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $770 $770
WATER SYSTEM $17,613 $2,950 $20,563
VEGETATION MGT. $7,577 $7,577
ROADS $5,285 $5,285
MISC. $0
DRISCOLL RANCH (3,681 acres) - Allan Renz (Agco Hay Co.)
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $14,820 $14,820
WATER SYSTEM $131,526 $131,526
VEGETATION MGT. $12,135 $2,420 $14,555
ROADS $0
MISC. (stockponds) $509,280 $509,280
McDONALD RANCH (2,060 acres)– Erik and Doniga Markegard
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $183,774 $19,471 $203,245
WATER SYSTEM $5,685 $5,685
VEGETATION MGT. $11,700 $11,700
ROADS $0
MISC. $300 $300
TOTO RANCH (952 acres)– Erik and Doniga Markegard
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $6,383 $6,383
WATER SYSTEM $9,227 $398 $9,625
VEGETATION MGT. $1,950 $1,950
ROADS $100 $100
MISC. $0
MINDEGO RANCH (1,047 acres)- tbd
PAID BY DISTRICT
(CONTRACTOR)
PAID BY TENANT
(RENT CREDIT) TOTAL
FENCE / CORRALS $63,446 $63,446
WATER SYSTEM $96,529 $96,529
VEGETATION MGT. $102,051 $102,051
ROADS $0
MISC. $0
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Director Siemens called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. He announced that a closed session
had been held earlier, and no reportable action was taken.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris Larry Hassett, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt
Riffle, and Pete Siemens.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse,
Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz, Assistant General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Operations
Manager Michael Newburn, Planning Manager Jane Mark, Senior Real Property Agent Elaina Cuzick,
Support Services Program Administrator Michael Jurich, Planning Department Project Manager Gina
Coony, and Interim District Clerk Kim Marie Smith.
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved and Director Hassett seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 7-0-0
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
V. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
Planning Manager Jane Mark introduced new employee Bryan Apple, Planner I, and gave a
brief summary of his biography.
Meeting 15-08
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
2
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Revised Minutes of the February 25, 2015 and Minutes of the March 25, 2015
Board Meeting
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Purchase of the Mount Umunhum Bridges (R-15-59)
Staff Contact: Meredith Manning, Planning Department
General Manager’s Recommendation:
Authorize the General Manger to enter into a contract with Contech Engineered Solutions for
an amount not-to-exceed $53,620 to engineer, manufacture, store, and deliver three
prefabricated trail bridges. In addition, authorize a contingency of $10,000 for design and
engineering refinements, as required to adapt to field conditions, for a total not-to-exceed
contract amount of $63,620.
4. Contract Amendment for Construction Administration Services related to the Mount
Umunhum Radar Tower Interim Repair Project (R-15-60)
Staff Contact: Jane Mark, AICP, Planning Manager
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Approve a contract amendment of $12,660 to the current Board-approved contract amount
of $67,910 for Grossmann Design Group to complete full construction administration
services for the Radar Tower Interim Repair Project, resulting in a new contract amount of
$80,570.
2. Approve retaining the original contract contingency amount of $4,000, to be utilized only
if unforeseen conditions arise during project implementation that require additional
professional services, for a total not-to-exceed potential contract amount of $84,570.
Motion: Director Cyr moved and Director Hassett seconded the motion to adopt the Consent
Calendar.
VOTE: 7-0-0
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
5. Informational Presentation on San Mateo County’s Agricultural Workforce Housing
Initiative (R-15-48)
Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Horsley explained how he became interested in the
affordable housing challenges facing agricultural workers while he was working in the
Sheriff’s Office, and highlighted the work begun by Board of Supervisors to address those
problems. He reviewed the staff report about the Housing Initiative, which includes a needs
assessment for new housing, as well as a Farmworker Housing Rehabilitation (Pilot Program)
to facilitate rehabilitation and repair of farm labor housing and to replace dilapidated mobile
home units. He discussed the proposal to partner with the District as a public agency
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
3
landowner on the San Mateo coast, as well as the Public Open Space Trust and two private
farmers. He noted that the owners would pledge to use housing for low-income agricultural
workers and hold rental payments at an agreed level, and the County would monitor the
commitments of the loan. Supervisor. Horsley provided additional details: (1) Rent and any
other housing expenses have to be below 30% of the farmworker’s gross income, which is
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirement; (2) No-interest loans from the County
would be forgiven at the rate of $14,000 per year, per unit; and (3) Rent can be raised by no
more than 1% per year, if necessary.
Director Riffle asked how the farmers themselves are participating. Supervisor Horsley said
that there is a very narrow margin of profit. The farmers provide land and infrastructure, and
in return they keep the rents very low, in some cases as little as $20. He said that the vision is
to continue cattle ranching and row crops on the coast, and this will help to keep a vibrant
workforce.
Director Kishimoto asked if there was a lot of work to bring the properties up to code.
Supervisor Horsley said that most of the district housing is in good shape, although some have
been abandoned and so they will be checking to see if they are worthwhile to rehabilitate, and
one property in particular will need a lot of repairs to bring it to code.
Director Harris asked if prefabricated or modular housing is also being considered, and what
the timing of the project will be. Supervisor Horsley said that one of the private landowners
would be providing some prefabricated units. Superintendent Horsley’s Chief of Staff, Sarah
Rosenthal, said that the timing is flexible, and they hope to make it a team-building project
using volunteers from the district and the project sometime between July and October.
Senior Real Property Agent Elaina Cuzick, said this is a great opportunity to work with
Superintendent Horsley’s office on this project, because there may be some housing
opportunities that are much less expensive to renovate than going through the District’s
Request for Proposal and Public Works Contracting processes.
Director Hassett read a section from the Coastside Protection Program about preserving the
coastside agricultural lands by creating partnerships with local farmers or agricultural trusts,
and he also referred to the portion of the District’s mission statement about encouraging viable
agricultural uses through cooperative endeavors with public agencies, non-profits, and
individuals. He said that the pilot project under discussion would tie in very well with these
goals.
Director Riffle said that the District does not necessarily do housing development, and asked if
there are other organizations that could facilitate, such as providing expertise if the District
wanted to add modular housing on its property in the future. Supervisor Horsley said that they
only considered remodeling or retrofitting at this time, but they would be interested in
pursuing the idea with the District.
The Board Members agreed that it was not necessary to send this report on to the Legislative,
Funding, and Public Affairs Committee as originally recommended, and instead staff should
bring the final report back to the full Board for action.
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
4
Motion: Hanko moved and Siemens seconded the motion to:
1. Receive an informational presentation by San Mateo County Supervisor, Don Horsley on
the San Mateo County Agricultural Workforce Housing Initiative.
2. Direct staff to prepare the report on the County’s Farmworker Housing Rehabilitation Pilot
Program and bring it back to the full Board.
VOTE: 7-0-0
6. Authorization to Purchase Vehicles and Equipment (R-15-62)
Support Services Program Administrator Michael Jurich reviewed the staff report and
highlighted PowerPoint slides that detailed the proposed additions to the fleet.
Director Hassett said that in the future it would be helpful for the Board to understand the total
costs of the vehicles with all outfitting. Operations Manager Michael Newburn explained that
the new financial model breaks the cost out into capitalized and non-capitalized costs, since
some non-capitalized items can be moved on to another vehicle, but staff could combine the
costs in the future for the Board’s information.
Director Kishimoto asked why there are both departmental cars and pool cars. Mr. Newburn
explained that some positions in Administration that are field-based and need immediate
access to a vehicle, so in each division there is a primary user, but their vehicle is shared when
it is not needed. General Manager Abbors added that this helps to keep the field vehicles off
the highway, and instead the Prius is used in town.
Motion: Director Riffle moved and Director Hanko seconded the motion to adopt the
General Manager’s recommendation, as follows:
1. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with the State Department of General
Services and associated contract dealers for four patrol vehicles, one administrative
vehicle, and five maintenance vehicles, for a total cost not to exceed $505,000.
2. Authorize the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with the State Department
of General Services and associated contract dealers for one replacement chipper and tractor
with mower attachment for a total cost not to exceed $280,000.
3. Authorize the General Manger to execute a purchase contract with Cascade Fire
Equipment for two additional fire-fighting pumpers for a total cost not to exceed $36,000.
VOTE: 7-0-0
7. Proposed Partnership for the Rehabilitation, Reuse, and Maintenance of the Hawthorn
Historic Complex at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (R-15-49)
Planning Department Project Manager Gina Coony reviewed the staff report and an aerial
photographing showing the property and surrounding roads. She described the Request for
Letters of Interest (RLOI) process and how the Crevelt proposal was chosen, and highlighted
the timeline and phased partnership approach.
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
5
Director Hanko asked if the house would be opened to the public. Ms. Coony said that the
RLOI required access a minimum of two times a year for public tours.
Director Harris asked whether it was listed as a historic complex at the State or federal level.
Ms. Coony said the site and arrangement is eligible as a historic district, but the structures are
not. She said this is actually a benefit to the project, so some of the modifications can be
removed or older features returned. Later on in the project they will discuss whether to list it
as a historic district, determine who will pay for upkeep, etc.
Director Harris asked about the mission of the non-profit organization and what happens when
the rehabilitation is completed. Ms. Coony said that the main purpose is first to rehabilitate
the property and then to maintain it as a historic resource available to the public, as well as to
maintain it as a gentleman’s farm.
Planning Manager Jane Mark explained about staffing transition plan to replace Ms. Coony
when she leaves the District.
Director Kishimoto asked if the Crevelts would be funding part of this project. Ms. Coony
said that Mr. Crevelt is a general contractor and an estate manager. He will provide the
expertise and knowledge and serve as construction manager, and the rest of the costs will be
raised by the non-profit. Until the contract with Mr. Crevelt is signed, the District will be
spending a small amount in stabilization measures, rodent control, etc.
The public hearing was opened at 8:22 p.m.
Mr. Mike Bushue said that he had no objections to the proposal. He referred to the aerial
photograph that was shown, and said that he would like to have the documentation be more
specific about the acreage. He read a Section E of the grant deed for the conservation
easement about the spur off the Sweet Springs trail, and he asked the District to consider a
connection between the Sweet Springs trail going across the Hawthorne property between the
two property sites and down to Alpine Road.
Ms. Coony said the historic building complex is not visible from the trails and there should be
no conflict, but the connections to Palo Alto are more difficult because there is private
property in the way.
Ms. Yvonne Tryce said she is very interested in the nature center, and hoped that project
would be expedited. Planning Manager Jane Mark said the public access plan is 3-5 years
away, and unfortunately staff has other big projects and prior commitments before they can
begin work on that.
Mr. Richard Crevelt commended Gina Coony on the outstanding job she had done on this
project and partnership. He said his family’s intention was in line with that of the District, to
preserve the property in perpetuity for the community, get the community involved through
volunteer action, financial contributions, participation, and sharing and enjoying the complex.
They anticipate opening it much more than twice a year. They plan to restore the building to its
original condition in the late 1800s.
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
6
The public hearing was closed at 8:35 p.m.
Ms. Coony said that Mr. Crevelt will try to get as many services and materials donated as
possible, but he is not required to secure pro bono services for design, engineering, etc.
Director Siemens asked that correction be made to the staff report so it is clear that is he not
required to secure pro bono services.
Motion: Director Cyr moved and Director Hanko seconded the motion to adopt the General
Manager’s recommendation, as follows:
1. Approve the proposed phased partnership approach with Richard and Ann Crevelt
(Crevelt) for the rehabilitation, reuse, and maintenance of the Hawthorn Historic Complex
(HHC).
2. Approve issuance of a one-year permit-to-enter to Crevelt to begin initial planning, site
cleanup, and other preliminary work.
3. Approve ongoing discussions with Crevelt to further develop the terms and conditions for
a future long-term partnership.
4. Approve deferral of the second proposal for a nature center until the Public Access Plan for
the Hawthorn Property is initiated.
VOTE: 7-0-0
General Manager Steve Abbors and the Board Members thanked Ms. Coony for her service to
the district for the last 5 years.
VIII. INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Legislative Support Letters and Comment Letter – No discussion.
IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports - None
B. Staff Reports
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse reported that (1) Three employees would
participate in the Santa Clara County Leadership Academy this year; (2) Over the weekend
there was a motor vehicle fatality discovered in Sierra Azul.
General Manager Steve Abbors shared a special moment he experienced during a family
vacation in Yosemite.
Director Cyr reported that (1) He hiked Pescadero marsh and Edgewood; (2) he substituted
for Director Kishimoto at the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Water Commission, and
some of the materials provided for that meeting about their organizational structure and
delegation of authority may be useful.
April 8, 2015 Meeting 15-08
7
Director Kishimoto talked more about the Water Commission missions of supplying water,
stream restoration and flood control, and how their policies were clarified to help prevent
major fish mortality and to protect in-stream species. She suggested that the District hold a
study session about the unprecedented drought at the strategic issues meeting in September.
Director Siemens reported (1) He spent Easter day at the nature center welcoming visitors
and repairing the pond animal displays; and (2) He went to Sacramento with the General
Manager Abbors at which Mr. Abbors testified to the Committee on Local Government on
the Assembly bill to extend the manager’s contracting authority up to $50,000. He said it
reported out of committee with a 9-0 vote.
C. Director Reports - None
X. ADJOURNMENT
Director Siemens adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:55 p.m.
_____________________________
Kim Marie Smith
Interim District Clerk
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 15‐09
DATE 04‐22‐2015
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Check Date Payment Amount
69206 10487 ‐ TKO GENERAL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Unstable deck and window replacement at 20000 Skyline Blvd ‐ RR 04/15/2015 $54,726.80
Mindego Ranch Water Infrastructure ‐ RR 04/15/2015
69202 10349 ‐ SHELTON ROOFING COMPANY INC Roof replacement ‐1405 Skyline Blvd (MB)/1150 Sears Ranch Rd (LHC) 04/15/2015 $34,401.00
69146 11432 ‐ SAN MATEO COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Slender False Brome treatment ‐ Districtwide 04/08/2015 $33,957.78
69195 11500 ‐ POPULOUS, INC. Planning and Project Management ‐ BCR Stables and Preserve Plan 04/15/2015 $30,569.40
69176 11455 ‐ DITCH WITCH EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Canycom Toter: Canycom Riding Mower ‐ Skyine Area 04/15/2015 $22,444.89
69142 10094 ‐ RESTORATION DESIGN GROUP Design Work for Mt Um Summit Project ‐ SAU 04/08/2015 $21,999.75
69148 10349 ‐ SHELTON ROOFING COMPANY INC Roof replacement at 22322 Skyline Blvd ‐ SR 04/08/2015 $16,125.00
69087 10729 ‐ FIRST AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY Ashworth Property Purchase Deposit 04/06/2015 $15,000.00
69138 10932 ‐ RDO EQUIPMENT COMPANY Tractor Brush Mower Attachment 04/08/2015 $13,391.44
69158 * 10216 ‐ VALLEY OIL COMPANY Fuel for District vehicles 04/08/2015 $10,811.31
69114 11489 ‐ HARO KASUNICH & ASSOCIATES INC. La Honda Watershed Protection Program eng'g/design services ‐ LHC 04/08/2015 $10,531.25
69200 11479 ‐ ROOTID Website Development: Beta Site 04/15/2015 $9,882.00
69168 10406 ‐ BAY AREA ASPHALT & CEMENT WORK Paving at Fremont Older Ranger residence 04/15/2015 $9,626.00
69203 10447 ‐ SIMMS PLUMBING & WATER EQUIPMENT Clean kitch/bathrm sinks ‐rental residence (MB)/Solar pump at Toto 04/15/2015 $9,494.26
69169 10170 ‐ CASCADE FIRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 100 gallon Fire Pumper ‐ FFO 04/15/2015 $9,065.90
69182 11461 ‐ HEACOCK TRAILERS & TRUCK Walton Trailer 04/15/2015 $8,968.75
69100 11309 ‐ CONSERVATION COLLABORATIVE IPM and Sensitive Species Habitat Consulting ‐ District Wide 04/08/2015 $8,750.00
69095 10141 ‐ BIG CREEK LUMBER CO INC Fence, repair lumber, fence posts ‐LHC/ECdM 04/08/2015 $8,664.63
69088 * 10124 ‐ ROBERT J. DALOIA Quarterly Principal/Interest Pmt for Daloia Property April 10 2015 04/06/2015 $6,192.77
69116 10123 ‐ HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES Field Supplies 04/08/2015 $5,937.30
69090 10001 ‐ AARON'S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE Septic tank services/pump ‐ rental residences 04/08/2015 $5,665.00
69118 11367 ‐ HUMUNYA FOUNDATION OF THE AMAH MUTSUN TRIBAL BAND Grant award ‐ research culturally significant plant species (SAU) 04/08/2015 $5,500.00
69089 11459 ‐ A.C. & H. CIVIL ENGINEERS INC Civil engineer plans for Bergman deck repair ‐ RR 04/08/2015 $5,450.00
69130 10076 ‐ OFFICE TEAM Temporary Office Help ‐ GM office 04/08/2015 $5,396.32
69120 10313 ‐ JOHN SHELTON INC Drainage/plumbing materials for Silva Driveway ‐ RR/Culvert ‐ RR 04/08/2015 $4,627.84
69115 10222 ‐ HERTZ EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC Road roller ‐‐ MB, CM, SR 04/08/2015 $4,163.80
69207 11225 ‐ U.C. REGENTS District Oral History Project 04/15/2015 $4,150.00
69135 10140 ‐ PINE CONE LUMBER CO INC Tools, lumber, repair supplies ‐ SFO/RR/WH 04/08/2015 $3,523.30
69179 10187 ‐ GARDENLAND POWER EQUIPMENT Equipment maint/repairs, purchase chainsaw, helmets 04/15/2015 $3,424.70
69183 11344 ‐ HOLM BASE District outreach materials 04/15/2015 $3,193.06
69189 10064 ‐ MCB REMODELING Kitchen faucet repair/window replacement ‐ rental residences 04/15/2015 $3,100.00
69108 11153 ‐ FLOORING DISTRIBUTORS CA Carpet at 18171‐B Pheasant Road, Los Gatos 04/08/2015 $3,000.00
69165 11459 ‐ A.C. & H. CIVIL ENGINEERS INC Structural analysis of 16075 Overlook drive ‐ ES 04/15/2015 $3,000.00
69149 10302 ‐ STEVENS CREEK QUARRY INC Base Rock/Drain Rock (FO & MB) 04/08/2015 $2,924.63
69112 11464 ‐ GEOFORENSICS INC. Geotech survey ‐ ES/Overlook 04/08/2015 $2,800.00
69173 11194 ‐ CREEKSIDE CENTER FOR EARTH OBSERVATION Pilot sampling & gradient analysis report ‐ RR grasslands 04/15/2015 $2,800.00
page 1 of 4
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 15‐09
DATE 04‐22‐2015
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Check Date Payment Amount
69092 11457 ‐ ANDREINI BROTHERS INC Trench for new gas line ‐ PCR 04/08/2015 $2,750.00
69105 11420 ‐ DOUG EDWARDS Brush mowing around new water tank ‐ TC 04/08/2015 $2,750.00
69107 11151 ‐ FASTENAL COMPANY Field Supplies, Plumbing Parts, Camera, Field Tools 04/08/2015 $2,589.17
69119 10452 ‐ IFLAND SURVEY Purisima Creek Lot Line Adjustment ‐ PCR 04/08/2015 $2,495.00
69211 * 11118 ‐ WEX BANK Fuel for District vehicles 04/15/2015 $2,211.86
69153 10146 ‐ TIRES ON THE GO Tires for P94/A91 04/08/2015 $1,903.25
69205 10143 ‐ SUMMIT UNIFORMS Body armor for staff 04/15/2015 $1,737.82
69099 11318 ‐ CONFLUENCE RESTORATION Mindego Gateway Planting & Landscape Maintenance Feb 2015 ‐ RR 04/08/2015 $1,434.50
69172 11318 ‐ CONFLUENCE RESTORATION Mindego Gateway Planting & Landscape Maintenance March 2015 ‐ RR 04/15/2015 $1,434.50
69098 10021 ‐ COASTAL CHIMNEY SWEEP Chimney sweep ‐ Rental Residences MB/RR/SAR/RSA 04/08/2015 $1,245.40
69144 10324 ‐ RICH VOSS TRUCKING INC Roads and trails ‐ MB 04/08/2015 $1,241.10
69204 10370 ‐ STILES TRUCK BODY & EQUIPMENT Vehicle equipment ‐ SFO 04/15/2015 $1,209.36
69150 10152 ‐ TADCO SUPPLY Janitorial Supplies (RSACP) 04/08/2015 $1,094.00
69102 10185 ‐ COSTCO Office Supplies 04/08/2015 $1,061.76
69180 11195 ‐ GOODYEAR AUTO SERVICE CENTER P84 New Tires 04/15/2015 $994.12
69147 * 10580 ‐ SHARP BUSINESS SYSTEMS AO Copier Usage Feb 2015 04/08/2015 $956.93
69104 10540 ‐ CRAFTSMEN PRINTING Printing Services ‐ Public Affairs materials/Business Cards 04/08/2015 $898.28
69129 10160 ‐ OFFICE DEPOT CREDIT PLAN Office Supplies 04/08/2015 $878.93
69133 11129 ‐ PETERSON TRUCKS INC. Truck Repair ‐ M22 04/08/2015 $833.92
69097 10352 ‐ CMK AUTOMOTIVE INC Vehicle Maintenance/Repairs ‐ A94/A96/P94 04/08/2015 $833.31
69194 10140 ‐ PINE CONE LUMBER CO INC Lumber/joists for shed ‐SFO 04/15/2015 $788.25
69196 10265 ‐ PRIORITY 1 Amber light installation ‐M207 04/15/2015 $734.70
69186 10394 ‐ INTERSTATE TRAFFIC CONTROL PRO Retaining wall posts ‐ RR 04/15/2015 $706.32
69164 11507 ‐ 4IMPRINT, INC. Informational District material ‐ P.A. 04/15/2015 $655.33
69122 11376 ‐ LAND TRUST OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Highway 17 Wildlife Connectivity Corridor 04/08/2015 $630.00
69208 10561 ‐ ULINE Field supplies‐SFO 04/15/2015 $530.58
69131 10397 ‐ OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY Garage Door Maintenance 04/08/2015 $529.52
69175 * 10032 ‐ DEL REY BUILDING MAINTENANCE AO Janitorial Supplies/Clean Nature Center (SR) 04/15/2015 $525.51
69140 10195 ‐ REDWOOD GENERAL TIRE CO INC Vehicle maintenance and repairs ‐ SFO 04/08/2015 $509.67
69154 * 11038 ‐ TYCO INTEGRATED SECURITY LLC Alarm Service (FFO) 04/08/2015 $492.44
69128 10190 ‐ METROMOBILE COMMUNICATIONS Install Vehicle radio ‐ M207 04/08/2015 $478.38
69210 10803 ‐ VALMONT SITE PRO 1 Carsonite markers for trails ‐TH 04/15/2015 $435.04
69152 10307 ‐ THE SIGN SHOP Install logos on 2 trucks 04/08/2015 $432.25
69181 10344 ‐ GREG'S TRUCKING SERVICE INC Roads and Trails ‐RR 04/15/2015 $408.00
69085 11490 ‐ AQUATEK PLUMBING, INC Boiler Maintenance 04/06/2015 $405.00
69201 11117 ‐ SANTA CLARA COUNTY/CITIES MANAGERS' ASSOCIATION 2015 SCCCMA Membership dues 04/15/2015 $400.00
69139 * 10589 ‐ RECOLOGY SOUTH BAY Garbage Service (RSACP) Acct 9170 04/08/2015 $393.93
page 2 of 4
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 15‐09
DATE 04‐22‐2015
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Check Date Payment Amount
69145 10710 ‐ SAFE DEPOSIT BOX OPERATIONS Safety deposit box rental 04/15‐04/16 04/08/2015 $375.00
69110 10187 ‐ GARDENLAND POWER EQUIPMENT Carbide Chains (SA‐MT UM) 04/08/2015 $355.95
69086 * 10093 ‐ RENE HARDOY 03/15 Gardening services 04/06/2015 $325.00
69132 11144 ‐ PENINSULA MOTOR SPORTS Vehicle maintenance and repairs ‐SFO 04/08/2015 $304.32
69109 10168 ‐ G & K SERVICES INC Shop Towel Service (FFO & SFO) 04/08/2015 $275.68
69134 10209 ‐ PETTY CASH‐MROSD SFO/FFO Petty cash reimbursement 04/08/2015 $273.68
69096 10014 ‐ CCOI GATE & FENCE Gate Repair & Service (SAO/SA‐Bald Mtn) 04/08/2015 $266.29
69127 10247 ‐ MALONE, BRIAN Cell phone reimbursement: 2014‐2015 04/08/2015 $240.00
69125 10189 ‐ LIFE ASSIST First Aid Supplies 04/08/2015 $237.35
69101 10184 ‐ CONTINUING EDUCATION OF THE BAR Subscription Auto Update Practice Under CEQA 2d Ed RE33787 04/08/2015 $236.53
69199 10096 ‐ RON'S TRANSMISSION P78 Service / Repair 04/15/2015 $230.99
69192 10670 ‐ O'REILLY AUTO PARTS Auto Parts 04/15/2015 $228.22
69113 * 10173 ‐ GREEN WASTE Utilities ‐Monthly Garbage ‐SFO 04/08/2015 $217.59
69126 11154 ‐ LOS ALTOS POLICE FALSE ALARM REDUCTION PROGRAM AO False Alarm 04/08/2015 $215.00
69136 10090 ‐ PRO‐INSTALLERS Chimney Sweep for 1195 Skyline blvd ‐ MB 04/08/2015 $200.00
69157 11037 ‐ US HEALTHWORKS MEDICAL GROUP PC Hearing Tests ‐ H.R. 04/08/2015 $195.00
69123 10259 ‐ LENINGTON, KIRK IPM interview lunch, bridge tolls, and office supplies 04/08/2015 $194.06
69167 10183 ‐ BARRON PARK SUPPLY CO INC Plumbing Parts (RSACP) 04/15/2015 $191.61
69124 11326 ‐ LEXISNEXIS MATTHEW BENDER Subscription Online Service March 2015 04/08/2015 $183.34
69103 10348 ‐ COSTCO MEMBERSHIP Annual membership renewal 04/08/2015 $165.00
69188 11449 ‐ MARK, JANE Mileage, Cell Phone Jan‐Mar 2015 04/15/2015 $157.33
69162 11176 ‐ ZORO TOOLS Volunteer tools for resource management 04/08/2015 $143.11
69094 10275 ‐ BECKMAN, CRAIG Cell phone reimbursement ‐ Beckman 04/08/2015 $140.00
69177 11151 ‐ FASTENAL COMPANY Tools ‐ Skyline Area 04/15/2015 $127.90
69159 * 10309 ‐ VERIZON WIRELESS Cell Phone Service 04/08/2015 $125.83
69161 11360 ‐ YUNKER, CHRISTINA Mileage Reimbursement 04/08/2015 $120.96
69191 * 10664 ‐ MISSION TRAIL WASTE SYSTEMS AO Garbage 04/15/2015 $120.16
69091 * 10380 ‐ ALLIED WASTE SERVICES #925 Garbage services for 16060 Skyline Blvd ‐ ECM 04/08/2015 $116.05
69171 10385 ‐ COASTSIDE.NET Internet Services ‐SFO 04/15/2015 $109.00
69193 11144 ‐ PENINSULA MOTOR SPORTS Vehicle maintenance and repairs ‐SFO 04/15/2015 $108.95
69111 10548 ‐ GARTSIDE, ELLEN Mileage Reimbursement 04/08/2015 $103.50
69155 11137 ‐ U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Permit amendment for U.S. Fish and Wildlife service 04/08/2015 $100.00
69160 * 10527 ‐ WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Disposal (FO) 04/08/2015 $95.46
69141 10194 ‐ REED & GRAHAM INC Straw Bales for Bald Mtn.Staging Area ‐ SAU 04/08/2015 $87.00
69117 10455 ‐ HUGG, IANTHINA Mileage Reimbursement 04/08/2015 $81.20
69143 10228 ‐ RHF INC Calibrate Radar Unit 04/08/2015 $81.00
69184 10341 ‐ HOOPER, STAN Cell phone reimbursement ‐Hooper‐SFO 04/15/2015 $80.00
page 3 of 4
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 15‐09
DATE 04‐22‐2015
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name Invoice Description Check Date Payment Amount
69106 10243 ‐ DOWNING, BRENDAN Cell phone reimbursement 04/08/2015 $74.88
69151 10162 ‐ TERMINIX PROCESSING CENTER AO Pest Services 04/08/2015 $74.00
69137 10261 ‐ PROTECTION ONE Fire inspection and monitoring ‐ AO 04/08/2015 $70.18
69121 11377 ‐ JOHNSON, KRISTIN EMT Application Reimbursement 04/08/2015 $70.00
69093 10340 ‐ BARRESI, CHRIS Cell phone reimbursement 04/08/2015 $60.00
69185 10455 ‐ HUGG, IANTHINA Cell Phone reimbursement ‐ Jan‐Mar 2015 04/15/2015 $60.00
69187 10490 ‐ KOOPMANN, CLAYTON Cell phone Jan‐Mar 2015 04/15/2015 $60.00
69190 10774 ‐ MICHAEL DEMPSEY, PATRICK DEMPSEY Roads and Trails/Rock for Silva Project ‐RR 04/15/2015 $51.90
69178 10169 ‐ FOSTER BROTHERS SECURITY SYSTEMS Keys 04/15/2015 $45.68
69174 11210 ‐ DATA SAFE AO Shredding 04/15/2015 $40.00
69166 10294 ‐ AMERIGAS‐SAN JOSE SFO HVAC Propane install 04/15/2015 $39.99
69209 10165 ‐ UPS Shipping charges 04/15/2015 $23.92
69156 10165 ‐ UPS Shipping charges 04/08/2015 $23.29
69198 10256 ‐ ROBERT'S HARDWARE Field Supplies 04/15/2015 $22.06
69170 11506 ‐ CITY OF SAN JOSE Red Cross Training fees 04/15/2015 $19.00
69197 10299 ‐ RANCHO COBBLER & CLEANER Sew badge tabs on jacket 04/15/2015 $12.50
GRAND TOTAL $450,422.47
* Annual Claims
** Hawthorn Expenses
BC = Bear Creek LH = La Honda Creek PR = Pulgas Ridge SG = Saratoga Gap TC = Tunitas Creek
CC = Coal Creek LR = Long Ridge PC = Purisima Creek SA = Sierra Azul WH = Windy Hill
ECdM = El Corte de Madera LT = Los Trancos RSA = Rancho San Antonio SR= Skyline Ridge AO = Administrative Office
ES = El Sereno MR = Miramontes Ridge RV = Ravenswood SCS = Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature FFO = Foothills Field Office
FH = Foothills MB = Monte Bello RR = Russian Ridge TH = Teague Hill SFO = Skyline Field Office
FO = Fremont Older PR = Picchetti Ranch SJH = St Joseph's Hill TW = Thornewood SAO = South Area Outpost
RR/MIN = Russian Ridge ‐ Mindego Hill
page 4 of 4
R-15-66
Meeting 15-10
April 22, 2015
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Amendment to Geotechnical Investigations Agreement with Haro Kasunich and Associates Inc.
for a Total Authorized Amount of $51,990.
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to amend the existing agreement with Haro Kasunich and
Associates Inc. (HKA) to increase the agreement amount by $26,990 for a total not to exceed
amount of $51,990, to include additional geotechnical investigations, design, and construction
oversight associated with the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Watershed Protection
Program, Driscoll Ranch Roads sediment reduction project.
SUMMARY
The District currently has an agreement with HKA to perform geotechnical investigations and
construction oversight associated with three specific work sites for the Driscoll Ranch Roads
Sediment Reduction Project, which is a sub element of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
(OSP) Watershed Protection Program. The project is funded by a $231,000 Fisheries
Restoration grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and is matched
by $272,000 funded by Measure AA. The expansion of the project scope is due to additional
road work that was identified this spring plus damage to a livestock pond berm which occurred
during the December, 2014 storms that compromises access to two grant funded work sites. The
original agreement with HKA was executed under the General Manager’s authority on February
5, 2015 and the $26,990 requested for this work exceeds that authority. The granting agency,
CDFW, concurs with the recommended changes to the Grant Agreement. The additional
geotechnical investigations will lead to additional construction work, estimated at $75,000,
which will be brought before the Board later in the year and will be paid for by funds reallocated
within the FY2015-16 Natural Resources Department budget.
DISCUSSION
The existing agreement with HKA was approved by the General Manager on February 5, 2015
for $23,030 to perform geotechnical investigations and construction oversight at three specific
work sites (sites 9, 16, and 36) with an authorization of up to $1,970 for additional services as
needed for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $25,000. The contract is tied to performance
of geotechnical services required for implementation of the Measure AA and state grant funded
La Honda Creek OSP Watershed Protection Program, Driscoll Ranch Roads sediment reduction
project.
R-15-66 Page 2
The geotechnical investigations performed by HKA are focused on three work sites (sites 9, 16,
and 36) having deep road fill that will be excavated and replaced when upgrading the existing
culverts and ranch roads in order to convey storm water without delivering sediment downstream
into San Gregorio Creek. San Gregorio Creek is currently impaired due to excess sediment, and
has documented presence of protected fish species. Due to both the poor quality fill encountered
at one of the larger grant funded work sites (site 9), and a berm failure (that also serves as road
access to two additional grant funded restoration work sites), staff recommends updating the
existing grant agreement to include additional geotechnical work, design, and construction
oversight. This will allow staff to keep this time-sensitive grant funded work moving forward by
ensuring poor quality road fill is adequately re-compacted during implementation, and that
construction equipment has access to all of the grant funded work sites. Added benefits of
completing this additional work include: long term stabilization of an important Preserve access
road, stabilization of a known California red-legged frog (CRLF) breeding pond through berm
repair, reduced sediment delivery and protection of downstream restoration sites. Using the same
geotechnical firm for both additional road work and berm repair work will result in cost savings
for implementation of the project, through reduced inspections, as these can be completed by
persons already onsite to oversee the rest of the grant funded work.
The granting agency, CDFW, has been made aware of the changes to the project and they are in
agreement that that this additional work would be beneficial to completion of the overall project.
The additional road work falls within the grant proposed scope of the project and CDFW has
already reviewed and approved the addition of the berm repair to both provide access to grant
funded work sites, but also to prevent further sedimentation within the watershed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the General Manager’s recommendation will extend the project cost to a not-to-
exceed amount of $51,990, which includes the original project proposal amount of $25,000 plus
expanded scope costs of $26,990. This project was budgeted within the FY2015-16 Natural
Resources Department budget, which includes $503,000 for the Driscoll Ranch Roads Sediment
Reduction Project.
Once the geotechnical investigations and design are completed, bids will be solicited for
construction for the entire sediment reduction project. The additional scope resulting from this
contract amendment is estimated to increase construction costs by an additional $75,000 and will
be brought before the Board in June, 2015. Funds for increased construction costs will be
reallocated within the FY2015-16 Natural Resources Department budget.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
There was no Committee review for this agenda item as the original contract was approved by
the General Manager within his signing authority.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required.
R-15-66 Page 3
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Although amending the existing agreement with HKA to provide additional geotechnical
investigations, design services, and construction oversight is not considered a project under
CEQA, work resulting from the design is consistent with the Mitigated Negative Declaration and
Mitigation Monitoring Plan for Implementation of the La Honda Creek Master Plan, approved by
the Board on August 22, 2012 (see Report R-12-83).
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board authorization, the contract with HKA will be amended to include additional
geotechnical investigations, design of long term berm repair and construction oversight at the
failed pond berm within the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.
Once HKA’s design is approved, staff will solicit bids for implementation of both the grant
funded road upgrades as well as long term berm repair. Award of contract for that work is
anticipated to come before the board in June of 2015.
Attachment
1. Site Map
Responsible Department Head:
Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager
Prepared by:
Julie Andersen, Natural Resources Department Planner II
Contact person:
Julie Andersen, Natural Resources Department Planner II
16
9
55
54.2Pond Berm Failure
36
·|}þ84
La Honda Road
San
GregorioCree k
L aHondaCreek
PineTreeGulch
Bogess
Creek
HarringtonCreek
SanGregorioCreek
ElCortedeMaderaCreek
Mid p e ni ns ula Re gi ona lOpen S p a ce Dis tri ct
P ro j ec t L ocation
April, 2015
Path: G:\Projects\La_Honda_Creek\CDF_FisheriesRestorationGrant\2015_HKA_Amendment.mxd
Created By: jandersen
LA HONDA
WOODSIDE PALO ALTO
MINDEGO HILL
BIG BASINFRANKLIN POINT
0 0.950.475Miles
I
(M ROS D)
While the District strives to use the best available digital data, this data does not represent a legal survey and is merely a graphic illustration of geographic features.
Area ofDetail
La Honda CreekOpen Space Preserve
!Pr o jec t S i tes
MR OS D Pres erve
Mino r U npa ved Roa d
Sea so nal Unp aved R anch Ro ad
Mino r Paved Ro ad
Ma jo r Ro ad
!
!
!
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!
!
AGENDA ITEM 4
R-15-69
Meeting 15-10
April 22, 2015
Approval of Agreement for Legislative Consulting Services
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Public Policy
Advocates, LLC, to provide California legislative and advocacy services during Fiscal Year
2015-16 for an amount not-to-exceed $28,000.
SUMMARY
Public Policy Advocates, LLC, (PPA) through the work of Ralph Heim and associates, has
provided the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) with quality legislative
consulting services to monitor, report on, and advocate for emerging policy issues of interest to
the District since 1983. These services have enabled the District to take advantage of
opportunities as well as avert potential threats. PPA is uniquely suited to provide expertise in
this area given their familiarity with the District’s mission, range of projects, and goals, and
would directly support and assist the Board-approved Legislative and External Affairs Specialist
position when hired. Because of the District’s long- standing relationship with PPA, they have
been working with the District at a discounted rate and only last year raised fees to $28,000,
which is still well below market rate for legislative services. PPA has agreed to continue at the
same rate of $28,000 per year for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-16. Funds for this purpose are included
in the FY2015-16 Public Affairs budget.
DISCUSSION
PPA, through primarily Ralph Heim, has effectively represented the District in Sacramento
since 1983. Board members and staff recognize the extraordinary time and effort PPA dedicates
to reviewing pending legislation and calling the District’s attention to important issues, including
new bills that affect the use and management of open space lands, natural resource protection,
public employee costs, and special district governance. With continued state budget uncertainty
and the District’s particularly high demand for expert outside resources to help identify emerging
issues and legislative items that may be of keen interest to the District, it is in the District’s best
interest to retain a firm capable of strong, strategy advocacy in Sacramento that already
possesses a solid understanding of the District’s unique programs, structure, and issues of
interest, and strong connections with legislators and other key prominent people.
With the addition of a Legislative and External Affairs Specialist position as part of the FY2015-
16 Budget, PPA will extend valuable support to and work closely with this new position to more
R-15-69 Page 2
comprehensively and proactively review, evaluate, and strategize on proposed new legislation
than was previously possible. The Legislative and External Affairs Specialist will work directly
with PPA to protect District interests by identifying bills that should be tracked and monitored,
researching other local, partner, and sister agency opinions on proposed legislation, and
recommending positions of support and opposition to the General Manager.
Board Policy on Public Contract Bidding, Vendor and Professional Consultant Selection, and
Purchasing allows for sole sourcing of professional services, including legislative consulting
services, when “it is appropriate and in the best interest of the District under the specific
circumstances of the project at issue, to limit the number of consultants solicited”. Board policy
also states that “When Board approval is required, the documented basis for such action shall be
included in the report to the Board” (Section III.D.6), which justification is provided in this
report.
Since 1983, PPA has worked very effectively on the District’s behalf and has done an
outstanding job protecting the District’s legislative interests at a very reasonable cost of $28,000
per years, which continues to be well below market cost. Given the high quality work of PPA at
a continued low cost, the General Manager recommends retaining the services of PPA for the
purpose of providing legislative monitoring, consulting and lobbying services through the end of
FY2015-16 at a contract amount not-to-exceed $28,000. The fee would be paid on a monthly
basis of $2,333.34 per month and either party may terminate the agreement by providing thirty-
day written notice.
FISCAL IMPACT
The $28,000 cost has been included in the FY2015-16 Annual Budget for the Public Affairs
Department, which was adopted March 25, 2015.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was not previously reviewed by a Board Committee.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice has been provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and no environmental review is required.
NEXT STEP
Upon Board authorization, the General Manager will execute the contract with Public PPA to
utilize the consulting services through March 31, 2016. PPA has committed to attend
Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs Committee meetings via conference call to update
Committee members on legislation affecting the District with a legislative briefing to the District
Board of Directors scheduled for the fall.
R-15-69 Page 3
Prepared by:
Ana Ruiz, Assistant General Manager, AICP
Contact person:
Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
R-15-70
Meeting 15-10
April 22, 2015
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Update and Preview on the Web Site Redesign
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Receive an informational report by Web Administrator Cydney Bieber on the District’s Web Site
Redesign Project.
DISCUSSION
Cydney Bieber, the District’s Web Administrator, will provide a brief demonstration of the
newly reformatted web site, which is currently in progress and scheduled for release in early
summer. Ms. Bieber will showcase several new features along with some design changes to
make the website more functional and easier to navigate.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
The Web Site Conversion and Redesign Project was presented to the Action Plan and Budget
Committee as part of the Action Plan and Budget review for Fiscal Years 2014-15 and 2015-16.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
NEXT STEPS
The Web Administrator will continue with the conversion and beta testing of the web site. The
project is on schedule and planned for completion in the summer of 2015.
Responsible Department Head:
Ana Ruiz, Assistant General Manager
R-15-70 Page 2
Prepared by:
Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
R-15-68
Meeting 15-10
April 22, 2015
AGENDA ITEM 6
AGENDA ITEM
Contract Award for Landscape Architecture Services for Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan.
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a professional services contract with PGA
Design, Inc., for an amount of $133,775 to develop a cultural landscape rehabilitation plan
and identify partnership opportunities for the former Alma College site.
2. Authorize an additional contingency of $16,225 to cover unforeseen requirements, for a total
not-to-exceed potential contract amount of $150,000.
SUMMARY
The former Alma College site is located at a prominent future access point for Bear Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve, and as such the disposition of the site is critical to opening the
Preserve to the public. Through a Request for Proposals process, PGA Design Inc. was selected
to develop a concept plan and identify partnership opportunities for the rehabilitation of the
cultural landscape, including selective demolition and potential re-use of the site. This
information will facilitate necessary decisions regarding the site and allow overall public access
planning to continue for the larger Preserve in a timely manner.
MEASURE AA
The Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan and CEQA work is included in the Fiscal Year (FY)
2015-16 Action Plan as Measure AA Project #21-6. With the Board’s approval, this project was
moved onto the initial Five-Year Measure AA Implementation Plan from the “parking lot” list as
part of the FY2015-16 Action Plan.
BACKGROUND
The former Alma College site is an historic district currently listed on the Santa Clara County
Heritage Resource Inventory, and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. Given this status, any future use of the site must include the protection of cultural
resources, or alternatively, mitigate for the alteration and/or removal of such resources. In order
to complete an expedited yet comprehensive planning and CEQA process for Bear Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve to open the area to the public and ensure that the cultural
resources associated with the former Alma College site are adequately considered, the services of
a consultant team with expertise in cultural/historic landscapes is required.
R-15-68 Page 2
DISCUSSION
Alma College’s multi-layered history has been extensively documented, most recently in the
2010 Alma College Conditions Assessment Report (see report R-09-57). This history can be
revived and interpreted at minimal expense through restoration of certain landscape elements,
including pathways/circulation patterns, remnant shrines, fountains, and other minor site
features; vegetation management to regain the site’s former open and ordered character; and
installation of signage and other interpretive materials. In addition, the chapel and library
buildings are historically significant and retain sufficient structural and aesthetic soundness to be
re-used with substantial partnership support. Design and planning assistance from an historic
landscape architect, with support from an architectural historian and structural engineering
consultants, is needed to develop a concept for cultural landscape rehabilitation and identify
partnership opportunities for re-use of the historic structure(s).
To solicit interest from qualified professionals to assist on this project, a RFP was released on
March 2, 2015, via direct email and posting to the District website, and a pre-proposal site tour
was conducted on March 18. Six proposals were received as shown below.
Firm Location Proposal Amount
BFS Landscape Architect Monterey, CA $112,795
John Northmore Roberts and Associates Berkeley, CA $122,475
MIG Landscape Architects Berkeley, CA $127,846
PGA Design Oakland, CA $123,775
RRM Design Group San Leandro, CA $124,332
SWA Design Sausalito, CA $180,837
Based on an evaluation by a selection committee, the firm PGA Design Inc. was clearly
identified as the most qualified given their prior experience and expertise in the field of historic
landscape architecture. PGA Design Inc., who contributed to the 2010 Alma College Conditions
Assessment, also demonstrated a sound knowledge of the project’s background and setting, and
submitted a high quality proposal. In addition, the PGA team is particularly unique in that they
have included a recreation planning and economics specialist who is specifically tasked with
identifying and developing potential partnership opportunities for adaptive re-use of the former
Alma College site.
The Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan budget was estimated at $150,000. Fee proposals
were submitted separately and were considered after the initial evaluation of each firm’s
qualifications. PGA Design’s fee proposal was in the mid-range of the proposals received and
represents an excellent value given the extra services provided. Following negotiations, scope
and fee of $10,000 to cover two additional public meetings (likely to be necessary due to the
complex nature of the project) was added to the base fee, bringing the total contract amount to
$133.775.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY2015-16 Budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed professional services contract
for the Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan.
R-15-68 Page 3
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
The Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan was reviewed by the Action Plan and Budget
Committee during the FY2015-16 budget process. Subsequently, the project was discussed at
the Planning and Natural Resources (PNR) Committee on April 14, 2015. The PNR confirmed
the proposed planning approach, which includes integrating the environmental review of the
Alma College Site Rehabilitation Project into a larger Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that
will be prepared for three active projects that are underway at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space
Preserve.
Previously the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee
reviewed the Alma College Site Conditions Assessment and directed staff to seek partnership
opportunities for re-use of the site. The project was deferred by the Board in 2010 to address
other higher project priorities.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Contracting professional services to plan and design public access facilities is not considered a
project under CEQA. As discussed above, CEQA analysis of conceptual alternatives for the re-
use of the former Alma College site will be conducted as part of the Bear Creek Redwoods
Preserve EIR process.
NEXT STEPS
Development of the Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan will include periodic review by the
PNR committee, as shown below:
Task Date
PNR review of Alma College Site Rehabilitation Plan project
alternatives June 2015
Board considers approval of the BCR Preserve Plan, including
Alma College project alternatives, as the CEQA Project
Description for environmental review purposes
June 2015
Conduct CEQA Review Summer/Fall 2015
EIR Certification December 2015
Responsible Department Head:
Jane Mark, AICP, Planning Department Manager
Prepared by:
Lisa Bankosh, Planner III
Contact person:
Lisa Bankosh, Planner III