HomeMy Public PortalAbout20150211 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
Board Meeting 15-04
*Approved by the Board of Directors on February 25, 2015
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
February 11, 2015
APPROVED MINUTES*
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Siemens called the Regular Meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Board of Directors to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: Cecily Harris and Yoriko Kishimoto
Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz,
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl
Schaffner, Public Affairs Manager Shelly Lewis, Real Property Manager
Mike Williams, Planning Manager Jane Mark, Planner II Gretchen
Laustsen, Planner III Lisa Bankosh, and District Clerk Jennifer
Woodworth
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No speakers present.
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Riffle moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 5-0-0 (Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 28, 2015.
2. Approve the Claims Report
Meeting 15-04 Page 2
3. Resolution Commending and Honoring the San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District on its 75th Anniversary
General Manager’s Recommendation: Approve the resolution Commending and Honoring the
San Mateo County Resource Conservation District on its 75th Anniversary.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Hassett seconded the motion to approve the Consent
Calendar.
VOTE: 5-0-0 (Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
4. Contract Award for Design and Planning Services for Bear Creek Stables Site Plan
and Planning and Environmental Review Services for the Expedited Bear Creek Redwoods
Open Space Preserve Plan (R-15-25)
Planning Manager Jane Mark presented an overview of the expedited processes and timeline to
complete the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Plan. Ms. Mark described the process
used to select Populous, Inc. as the preferred firm to complete the Bear Creek Stables Site Plan
and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Plan. Ms. Mark explained that the Alma
College Rehabilitation would be addressed as a separate project. Finally, Ms. Mark described
the purpose, scope, budget and targeted completion dates for each of the three projects.
Planner II Gretchen Laustsen provided the staff presentation. Ms. Laustsen summarized past
public outreach, previous Planning and Natural Resources Committee direction, and the process
used to solicit and choose Populous, Inc. as the preferred consultant. Ms. Laustsen outlined the
Bear Creek Stables Site Plan schedule including opportunity for public input. Finally, Ms.
Laustsen summarized the scope of the proposed contract and General Manager’s
recommendation.
Director Riffle inquired regarding the planned outreach for Stables Site Plan and Preserve Plan.
Planner III Lisa Bankosh explained that additional meetings may be held to reach stakeholders
for the Preserve Plan in addition to meetings to discuss the Stables Site Plan.
Director Hassett inquired regarding the timeline for opening La Honda Open Space Preserve.
Ms. Mark explained the scoping and budgeting process is being worked on by staff and will be
coming before the Board as part of the FY2015-16 Action Plan.
Director Hassett inquired regarding the ongoing financial sustainability of the site for the tenant
under the site plan.
Ms. Bankosh explained Populous, Inc. has extensive experience, which includes the long-term
sustainability of the site.
Public hearing opened at 7:39 p.m.
Meeting 15-04 Page 3
Lyndall Erb, member of Bay Area Barns and Trails and Friends of Bear Creek Stables, spoke
regarding the planning process with District staff. Ms. Erb spoke in favor of more open
communication between Bear Creek Stables and District staff.
Jenny Whitman provided copies of an independent site plan paid for by Bear Creek Stables and
provided comments regarding the independent site plan.
Melany Moore spoke in support of Bear Creek Stables as a community asset and the outreach
work completed by Bear Creek Stables. Ms. Moore requested Bear Creek Stables remain open
and operating under its current tenant.
David Katinsky, Bear Creek Stables boarder and member of the Friends of Bear Creek Stables,
spoke encouraging District staff to work with the current tenant to develop the site plan.
Nancy Cole, member of the Friends of Bear Creek Stables, spoke regarding the value of Bear
Creek Stables to the community and encouraged more involvement of the Bear Creek Stables
operators by District staff in the planning process.
Pam Ashford, boarder at Bear Creek Stables, spoke regarding upgrades to Bear Creek Stables.
Ms. Ashford also spoke of community outreach conducted by Bear Creek Stables.
Gay Grant spoke regarding hers and her granddaughter’s love of Bear Creek Stables.
Karen Read inquired regarding Populous’ experience in working in rural areas and their
experience with areas that also include public access.
Katelyn Read spoke regarding her positive experiences at Bear Creek Stables.
Sophia Grant-Cownard spoke regarding her positive experiences at Bear Creek Stables and how
much she has learned about horses while volunteering there.
Kent Knop spoke regarding the positive experiences for children at Bear Creek Stables.
Erfert Fenton, Assistant Manager of Bear Creek Stables, expressed her concerns regarding the
selection of Populous, communication by District staff, and ongoing affordability of the site plan.
Corinne Goodrich spoke regarding hers and her son’s positive experiences at Bear Creek Stables.
Katja Wick spoke in favor of the many programs offered by Bear Creek Stables.
Rick Parfitt spoke in favor of creating a committee to include members of the community to
work on the process to allow for additional input by community members.
Mariquita West expressed her concerns regarding the Board of Directors and District staff
describing the lack of communication felt by Bear Creek Stables.
Carol Paral expressed her concerns regarding the cost of the proposed Populous, Inc. contract.
Kathryn Hampton spoke regarding the positive atmosphere at Bear Creek Stables and the close
relationship among its visitors, boarders, and operators.
Meeting 15-04 Page 4
Alex Anderson, member of Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers, spoke regarding the prohibition of
bikes on the preserve. Mr. Anderson requested the District open a multi-user trail to provide a
safe route from Lexington Reservoir to Summit Rd. for cyclists.
Public hearing closed at 8:15 p.m.
Director Siemens spoke regarding community input in the process and Bear Creek Stables as a
community asset.
Mr. Abbors spoke regarding meetings between District staff and Bear Creek Stables and the
District’s commitment to complete a site plan to be considered in conjunction with the site plan
provided by Bear Creek Stables. Mr. Abbors also commented on the District’s process for
choosing a consultant and the public input review process of the California Environmental
Quality Act portion of the project.
Director Hanko spoke regarding the District’s purchase of Bear Creek Stables and equestrian use
of District trails. Director Hanko also expressed her concerns regarding the proposed consultant
selection.
Director Hassett spoke in favor of the proposed consultant selection.
Director Cyr spoke in favor of the accelerated time frame for completing the project and staff’s
process to choose the proposed consultant. Director Cyr also requested the timeframe for when
the independent site plan from Friends of Bear Creek Stables will be examined in conjunction
with the District proposed site plan.
Ms. Mark explained that this will be considered as part of the planning process with the
District’s consultant.
Director Riffle spoke regarding Bear Creek Stables as an asset and its role within the Bear Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Motion: Director Hassett moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to authorize the
General Manager to enter into a professional services contract with Populous, Inc., for an amount
of $48,650 to develop site design alternatives for Bear Creek Stables, plus an additional
$150,000 to complete the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Plan and environmental
review. In addition, authorize a 15% contingency of $30,000 to cover unforeseen requirements,
for a not-to-exceed total contract amount of $228,650.
VOTE: 4-0-1 (Director Hanko abstained; Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
The Board recessed at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 8:51 p.m. with all Directors present.
5. Informational Report on the Outreach and Communication Plan for Fiscal Year
2015-16 (R-15-28)
Public Affairs Manager Shelly Lewis provided an informational presentation outlining the Public
Affairs’ Department Community Outreach Plan for 2015. Ms. Lewis described five outreach
strategies, including partnerships, Healthy Parks Initiative, community outreach, Measure AA,
Meeting 15-04 Page 5
and signage and visibility. Ms. Lewis also described several programs the District is currently
promoting to encourage new constituencies to visit District preserves. Ms. Lewis also outlined
numerous opportunities for Board member outreach to the public, local agencies, and to
legislators.
6. Proposed Purchase of the Riggs Property as an addition to Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve located at the end of Lucy Lane in unincorporated San
Mateo County (Assessor’s Parcel Number 066-320-120) (R-15-19)
Directors Hanko and Hassett provided comments in support of the acquisition of the Riggs
Property.
Real Property Manager Mike Williams provided the staff presentation summarizing the benefits
of the property related to other District lands and natural resources. Mr. Williams also described
the next steps of the purchase including proposed gate locations and use and management of the
property.
Public hearing opened at 9:24 p.m.
No speakers were present.
Public hearing closed at 9:24 p.m.
Motion: Director Hassett moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to:
1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in the staff report.
2. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the purchase of the Riggs’ property.
3. Adopt a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the property as contained in the staff
report.
4. Indicate the intention to withhold the Riggs property as public open space.
VOTE: 5-0-0 (Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
7. General Manager’s Purchasing Authority in Public Resources Code Section 5549
(R-15-24)
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse provided the staff presentation briefly
summarizing the history of Public Resources Code Section 5549. Mr. Woodhouse summarized
several administrative efficiencies and savings through staff time that would be realized if the
threshold were raised. Mr. Woodhouse explained that the Board of Directors can set a lower
purchasing authority for the General Manager through adoption of Board policy. Finally, Mr.
Woodhouse described the next steps in the process if the proposal is supported by the Board of
Directors.
Director Hanko expressed several concerns with the proposed $100,000 purchasing authority
limit and stated she would consider supporting a lower limit.
Directors Hassett and Cyr spoke in favor of raising the General Manager’s purchasing authority
in order to improve and increase District efficiency.
Meeting 15-04 Page 6
Public hearing opened at 9:53 p.m.
No speakers were present.
Public hearing closed at 9:53 p.m.
Motion: Director Hassett moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion to approve the concept
of increasing the General Manager’s purchasing authority in Public Resources Code Section
5549 from $25,000 to $100,000 in order to achieve administrative efficiencies while maintaining
competitive public contracting procedures, and direct the General Manager to work with the
District’s state legislators to introduce legislation to make this change.
VOTE: 4-1-0 (Director Hanko opposed; Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
8. Approval of Salary Adjustments and Amendments to Employment Agreements for
the Board Appointees: General Manager, General Counsel and District Controller (R-15-
26)
Human Resource Supervisor Candice Basnight presented the staff report summarizing the
proposed salary adjustments for the General Manager, General Counsel, and District Controller
as recommended by the Board Appointee Evaluation Committee.
Public hearing opened at 9:57 p.m.
No speakers were present.
Public hearing closed at 9:57 p.m.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to:
1. As a result of the Board’s evaluation of the performance of the District’s Board Appointees
for Fiscal Year 2013-14, the Board Appointee Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee recommends
the following compensation adjustments for its Board Appointees for Fiscal Year 2014-15:
Adjust the General Manager’s base salary upward to $216,323; adjust the General Counsel’s
base salary upward to $203,992; and adjust the Controller’s base salary upward to $45,153.
2. Adopt the resolutions approving the salary adjustments set out in Recommendation and
authorizing the Board President to execute the commensurate related amendments to the
Board Appointee Employment Agreements.
3. Adopt the a resolution approving adjustments to the Employer Paid Member Contributions to
the California Public Employees Retirement System
VOTE: 5-0-0 (Directors Harris and Kishimoto absent.)
VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Director Riffle reported the Action Plan and Budget Committee met three times and the
recommended budget and action plan will be brought to the Board at the next regular Board
meeting.
Meeting 15-04 Page 7
VIII. STAFF REPORTS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth introduced Acting District Clerk Kim Smith who will be
assisting the District while Ms. Woodworth is on leave.
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse reported on a training attended by all District
Rangers entitled “Fair and Impartial Policing,” to assist public safety officers to overcome
implicit and explicit bias.
Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz reported that she served as a panelist on the “Talk with
Henrietta” hosted by Henrietta Burrows regarding the health benefits of parks and open space.
General Manager reported that he, other staff members, and members of the Board attended the
State of the Valley event hosted by Joint Silicon Valley. Mr. Abbors also provided comments
regarding the FY2015-16 Action Plan and Budget, which will be presented at the next Board
meeting.
IX. DIRECTOR REPORTS
The Board submitted their compensatory forms to the District Clerk.
Director Hassett reported that he attended the Farm Bureau meeting with District staff.
Director Cyr provided comments regarding the Santa Clara Open Space Authority being
highlighted in several newspaper articles.
Director Siemens provided comments regarding the State of the Valley event and the need for
housing in the area. Director Siemens also reported he reached out to the Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors members to request meeting with District staff regarding Mt. Umunhum.
X. ADJOURNMENT
President Siemens adjourned the Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 10:15 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, CMC
District Clerk