HomeMy Public PortalAbout20160113 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 16-01
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
5:00 PM
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. Discussion and Approval of a Selection Process for the Measure AA Bond Oversight
Committee (R-16-02)
Staff Contact: Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Discuss possible options for interviewing and selecting the members of the Measure AA
Bond Oversight Committee
2. Approve a procedure outlining the interview and appointment process for the Measure AA
Bond Oversight Committee.
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,
Meeting 16-01
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 Board Meeting Minutes:
November 18, 2015
December 9, 2015
December 16, 2015
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Joint Resolution Expressing Appreciation and Gratitude for “The Ladies of Grandview”
(R-16-07)
Staff Contact: Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the joint resolution between Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District and the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District in
commending “The Ladies of Grandview.”
4. Amend the District’s Classification and Compensation Plan to add the Legislative and
External Affairs Specialist Classification (R-16-03)
Staff Contact: Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution adding the new classification of
Legislative and External Affairs Specialist to the District’s Classification and Compensation Plan.
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. Election of the Calendar Year 2016 Officers for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Board of Directors (R-16-01)
Staff Contact: Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk
General Manager’s Recommendation: Elect Officers of the Board of Directors for Calendar Year
2016.
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
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL
1. CLOSED SESSION: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title of Employees: General Counsel
General Manager
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, Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that
the foregoing agenda for the special meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for
review on January 8, 2016, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos California,
94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s web site at
http://www.openspace.org.
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
R-16-02
Meeting 16-01
January 13, 2016
STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM
Discussion and Approval of a Selection Process for the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Discuss possible options for interviewing and selecting the members of the Measure AA
Bond Oversight Committee
2. Approve a procedure outlining the interview and appointment process for the Measure AA
Bond Oversight Committee.
SUMMARY
Measure AA requires formation of a bond oversight committee to review bond expenditures to
verify conformity with the adopted expenditure plan. On August 12, 2015, the Board of
Directors adopted a resolution approving the bylaws for the Measure AA Bond Oversight
Committee’s (Committee) and deferred final decision on the selection and appointment process
until the close of the recruitment period. Staff is returning with several alternatives for
interviewing and appointing Committee members.
DISCUSSION
Background
On June 3, 2014, the voters of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District passed Measure
AA authorizing the issuance of up to $300 million in general obligation bonds (Ordinance 14-
02). Section 3 of the Expenditure Plan attached to Measure AA includes the following language:
An Independent Citizen Oversight Committee [Measure AA Bond Oversight
Committee] will be formed to verify expenditures of bond proceeds. The
Independent Citizen Oversight Committee will consist of seven at-large members,
all of whom shall be District residents. The Citizen Oversight Committee will be
selected by the Board and interviewed and approved in open session, and will be
subject to the conflict of interest constraints of the California Political Reform
Act.
The responsibilities of the Committee include:
• Review Plan expenditures on an annual basis to verify conformity with the
Expenditure Plan.
R-16-02 Page 2
• Review District’s Annual General Obligation Bond Audit and Annual
Accountability Report and present the Committee’s findings to the Board
at a public meeting.
• Review any proposed amendments to the Expenditure Plan.
The Committee’s bylaws defining its roles and responsibilities were approved by the Board on
August 12, 2015, and the Committee members’ terms will start on July 1, 2016, approximately
four months prior to the completion of the audit of the first year’s expenditures. At a study
session on September 24, 2014, the Board decided to defer approval of a selection and
appointment process until the close of the application period on December 11, 2015.
Discussion
Measure AA requires Committee members to be selected by the Board and interviewed and
approved in open session. Following a robust recruitment campaign, 29 applications were
received. In the schedule previously approved by the Board, the appointments are to be approved
at the March 23, 2016 Board meeting and oaths of office administered on April 13, 2016 to the
newly appointed Committee members. In order to meet the timeline, the Board may choose
among several options for interviewing and appointing the Committee members.
Interviews and appointments by full Board of Directors (Option A)
In this alternative, all eligible applicants would be interviewed by the full Board of Directors
during one or more special meetings. Prior to forwarding the applications to the Board for
review, the applications would be pre-screened by staff to assure applicants meet the minimum
eligibility qualifications, as defined in Measure AA of being 18 years or older and a resident
living within the District’s boundaries. The interview would consist of several predetermined
questions and would last approximately 10 minutes per applicant. If the entire group of 29 was to
be interviewed, a minimum of 5 hours would be required just to complete the interviews.
Following the interview process, the Board will formally vote on the applicants at a regular
Board meeting either by ballot or by separate votes on each applicant. The appointments would
be by a majority vote, requiring at least four affirmative votes. In order to facilitate the
appointment of seven Committee members, each Board member could be allotted seven
affirmative votes for the first round of appointments. The candidates receiving the most
affirmative votes and at least four affirmative votes will be appointed. In the event of a tie or if
seven Committee members are not chosen after the first vote, then Board members would be
allotted the same number of votes as remaining Committee vacancies for each subsequent round
of voting. Should a tie between the candidates receiving the most affirmative votes occur, the
affected applicants will be voted on again. If a tie still remains, and the affected applicants each
have received at least four affirmative votes, the Board President would ask the General Counsel
to draw the name of the person to be appointed.
While this method provides every eligible applicant an opportunity to be interviewed by the full
Board and to receive an individual up-or-down vote, it would be very time consuming and
cumbersome. When a large number of applications are received, the interview process would
most likely require several special Board meetings and the appointment process during the
regular meeting could be lengthy. Also the formal interview by the full Board may be
intimidating to some applicants, and the vote procedure may be embarrassing to those who
receive fewer or no affirmative votes.
R-16-02 Page 3
Board Ad Hoc Committee (Option B)
The Board may choose to appoint an ad hoc committee of its members to interview and make
recommendations on Committee member appointments. Applications could be screened by the
members of the ad hoc committee who would then select the applicants to be interviewed. The
ad hoc committee would interview the applicants at an open and publicly noticed meeting.
Following completion of the interview process, the ad hoc committee would make a
recommendation to the Board of Directors of a slate of seven nominees to serve on the
Committee. The ad hoc committee’s recommendations would then require a motion and
approval by at least four affirmative votes by the Board of Directors at a regular meeting.
This method provides a streamlined process by which applications would be screened, selected
applicants would be interviewed by the Board ad hoc committee, nominations would be made by
the ad hoc committee, and appointments would be made by the full Board by motion adopted by
at least four affirmative votes.
Nominations by Individual Board members (Option C)
Under this method, nominations are made by each Board member, to be submitted to the full
Board for appointment by motion adopted by at least four affirmative votes. As with the methods
described above, applications would be pre-screened by staff to assure applicants meet the
minimum eligibility qualifications. All applications for available Committee seats would be
forwarded to the full Board. Each of the Board members would review the applications,
interview selected applicants in an open and publicly noticed meeting, and nominate one
applicant. All nominations would be presented to the full Board for appointment by motion
adopted by at least four affirmative votes.
Nominations by individual Board members provides an alternative process by which applications
are screened, selected applicants are interviewed, and nominations are made by each Board
member, for appointment by the full Board of Directors.
As described above, all interviews would be open to the public and properly noticed according to
state law. The primary differences in the three options are the size of the interview panel for the
applicants and the process for nominating candidates for approval by four affirmative votes of
the Board of Directors. Upon approval of a selection and appointment process by the Board, the
District Clerk will contact applicants to schedule interviews based on the process chosen.
Selection Criteria
In addition to the selection process, the Board may choose to approve additional selection criteria
by which to inform their selection of Committee members. At the September 24, 2014 study
session, the Board approved two selection criteria:
• Board preference that at least one member of the Committee will have a financial
background.
• Committee will reflect the diversity and geographics of the District as much as possible.
Criteria used by other agencies include:
• Attendance or participation at past or current District Board, Committee, Citizens’
Advisory Committee meetings or District outreach workshops (Vision Plan)
• Participation in civic organizations or other nonprofit organizations
• Preference for experience in municipal finance and budgeting
• Knowledge of the District
R-16-02 Page 4
• Participation in other bond oversight or similar committees
FISCAL IMPACT
Any alternative chosen by the Board will require some level of additional staff time to support
the Committee interview process, including necessary supplies and materials. These costs will
be identified and incorporated into the annual District Budget for approval by the Board.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
Due to the important nature of the Bond Oversight Committee and the short timeline for
interviewing and appointing Committee members, this report was brought to the full Board
without prior Committee review to allow all Board members to weigh in.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Notice was also provided to the
current applicants for the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
NEXT STEPS
Following approval of a Committee member selection process, District staff will contact
applicants to schedule interviews and arrange Board or Committee meetings as necessary.
Attachments
1. Alternative Methods of Making Appointments to the Measure AA Bond Oversight
Committee
2. Measure AA Oversight Committee Bylaws
Responsible Department Head:
Steve Abbors, General Manager
Prepared by:
Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk
ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO THE MEASURE AA BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Attachment 1
Option General Procedure Applications screened by Interviews
conducted by
Nominations
made by
Appointment
made by
Vote Process (during a regular Board
meeting)
A Full Board of Directors interviews all
applicants in a special meeting(s)
Full Board votes on every applicant
during a regular Board meeting
Pre-screened by staff for
minimum eligibility
requirements
Full Board of
Directors
n/a Board of Directors Vote on every applicant; four affirmative
votes appoints a candidate unless tied;
repeat the process for ties; random
drawing to break second tie.
For each round of voting, each Board
member has the same number of alotted
votes as number of current vacancies on
the Committee
B Board Ad Hoc Committee interviews
and nominates applicants in ad hoc
committee meeting(s)
Full Board votes on ad hoc committee's
nominees during regular Board
meeting
Pre-screened by staff for
minimum eligibility
requirements
Screened by ad hoc
committee to select those
to be interviewed
Board ad hoc
committee
Board ad hoc
committee
Board of Directors Board appoints ad hoc committee's slate of
nominees by motion and adopted by at
least four affirmative votes
C Each Board member interviews chosen
applicants and nominates one
applicant for one seat on the
Committee
Full Board votes on nominees during
regular Board meeting
Pre-screened by staff for
minimum eligibility
requirements
Screened by Board
members
Individual Board
members
Individual Board
members
Board of Directors Board appoints each Board member's
nominee by motion and adopted by at
least four affirmative votes
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF THE ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF MAKING
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MEASURE AA BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
INTERVIEWS AND APPOINTMENTS BY FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Option A)
Advantages Disadvantages
• All eligible applicants have the opportunity
to be interviewed and voted on
• Some candidates may be intimidated by an
interview panel with seven Board
members
• All Board members may participate in
interviews
• Several special meetings may be required
to interview all candidates (at least 5 hours
for the 29 current applicants)
• Lengthy appointment process where some
candidates may feel embarrassed or think
they are unqualified if they do not receive
any votes from Board members
BOARD AD HOC COMMITTEE (Option B)
Advantages Disadvantages
• Efficient use of Board member and staff
time as fewer Board meetings will be
required to interview and appoint
committee members
• Some candidates may not have the
opportunity to be interviewed
• Ad hoc committee members would screen
applications
• Only the ad hoc committee members
would have the opportunity to interview
eligible applicants
NOMINATIONS BY INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS (Option C)
Advantages Disadvantages
• Streamlined process maximizing efficient
use of staff and Board member time
• Some candidates may not have the
opportunity to be interviewed
• Interview process more comfortable for
candidates as it would be a one on one
interview setup
• Some candidates may be requested to be
interviewed by several Board members
• All Board members may participate in
interviews
• Possible appearance of “insider politics”
since each Board member will be
nominating one Committee member
• Greater chance that Committee members
will reflect the geographics of the District
because each Board member will likely
seek to nominate a Committee member to
best represent their Ward
•
Attachment 1
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Board Policy Manual
Measure AA Oversight
Committee Bylaws
Policy 1.10
Chapter 1 – Administration & Government
Effective Date: 8/12/15 Revised Date: N/A
Prior Versions: N/A
Attachments: Bond Oversight Committee Application
Board Policy 1.10 Page 1 of 3
Purpose: The Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee (Committee) is appointed by the Board
of Directors (Board) for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) in order to
promote transparency, and ensure oversight and accountability for all funds collected and
allocated under Measure AA.
Committee Responsibilities: The Committee has the following three responsibilities for each of
the years the Measure AA general obligation tax is collected or revenues expended:
• Review Plan expenditures on an annual basis to verify conformity with the Expenditure
Plan.
• Review the District’s Annual Audit and Annual Accountability report and present
the Committee’s findings to the Board at a public meeting.
• Review any proposed amendments to the Expenditure Plan.
The Committee Chair shall report the Committee’s findings at a public meeting of the Board of
Directors.
The Committee shall not have authority to recommend, advise, or direct any such matters that
may fall under its responsibility to review. The Committee is not advisory to the Board of
Directors and has no power to determine how General Fund monies are spent. The Board of
Directors retains its authority to make such decisions and determinations.
Committee Composition: The Committee shall consist of seven members, who are residents of
the District.
• All members must be at least 18 years of age and reside within the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District.
• Committee members may not be current District employees, District Board members, or
any vendor, contractor, or consultant with active contracts or agreements with the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
• If at any time during his/her term, a Committee member becomes aware of a potential
conflict of interest by a potential contract for services or other possible financial interest
in or with the District, the Committee member must notify both the staff contact and
the District Counsel immediately for legal review of the issue.
• If at any time during his/her term, a Committee member ceases to maintain his/her
principal place of residence within the District’s boundaries, then such person shall
Attachment 2
Board Policy 1.10 Page 2 of 3
become ineligible to continue to serve as a member of the Committee and said position
shall be declared vacant by the Board of Directors.
Committee Operations:
Quorum and voting: A majority of the Committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
business. The Committee shall make decisions only by an affirmative vote of at least a majority
of all members of the Committee.
Attendance: Members will actively support Committee activities and regularly attend
meetings. Accordingly, more than three absences during an 18-month period may be cause for
removal from the Committee by the Board of Directors.
Record: The Committee shall maintain a record of its meetings. Minutes of all meetings
consisting of actions taken and the time and place of each meeting shall be kept on file at the
District’s administrative office. District staff will prepare the minutes for each Committee
meeting with the assistance of the Committee Chair. A member roster and record of
Committee member attendance shall be maintained by the District Clerk.
Location of meetings: The Committee shall meet in the Board Room, 330 Distel Circle, Los
Altos, CA, at a time convenient to Committee members and the public or at some other
location designated by the Committee within the boundaries of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District, which is available to members of the public and complies with state and
federal laws regarding accessibility.
Termination: A member’s term shall terminate on the occurrence of any of the following:
• The member voluntarily resigns by written notice to the Committee Chair or District
staff.
• The member fails to continue to meet the qualifications for membership, including
attendance and residency requirements.
Committee Lifespan: The Committee shall sunset (cease to exist) once it has reviewed and
reported on all audit reports covering the 30 years of Measure AA revenue collection. No
Board action is required to terminate the Committee.
Committee Member Terms of Office: The seven seats on the Committee will have the
following staggered terms of office:
Member Seats First Term Second Term
Appointment Expiration Appointment Expiration
1, 3, 5, 7 July 2016 December 2020 January 2020 December 2024
2, 4, 6 July 2016 December 2018 January 2018 December 2022
Each of the seats will be for four year terms, with the exception of seats 2, 4 and 6 during the
first term only. The first term for seats 1, 3, 5, and 7 will serve from July 2016 to December
Attachment 2
Board Policy 1.10 Page 3 of 3
2020, and seats 2, 4, and 6 will serve from July 2016 to December 2018. All subsequent terms
will be for four years running from January through December.
Committee Meeting Schedule: The Committee shall meet at least once annually. The District’s
fiscal year currently ends on June 30 of each year with the Annual Financial Audit Report
typically being provided in October each year. Consequently, the Committee shall meet each
fall to review the Annual Financial Audit Report to verify that District expenditures conform to
the Expenditure Plan. The exact meeting schedule will be dependent on the budget
preparation schedule and available meeting dates for Committee members, which may vary
from year to year.
When necessary the Committee shall meet to discuss any proposed amendments to the
Expenditure Plan. These meetings may occur without regard to the budget cycle. All meetings
of the Committee will be public and noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Committee Organization and use of Existing District Practices: The Committee shall follow all
relevant existing District practices in terms of organization and conduct. Specifically, that the
Committee:
• Shall choose a Chair and Vice-Chair at the first regular meeting of each year
• Shall operate in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act
• Shall comply with all state and local mandated conflict of interest/economic interest
disclosure requirements
• Shall receive no compensation for his/her service on the Committee
• Shall comply with all applicable District policies and procedures
In the event of any conflict between these bylaws and the Expenditure Plan or other provisions
of law, the Expenditure Plan or law shall prevail.
Recruitment: The General Manager’s Office shall make efforts to fill Committee vacancies as
soon as practical. Upon notification of a vacancy, whether planned or unplanned, staff shall
inform the Board of the status of recruitment efforts to fill the vacancy.
Appointments: Appointments of Committee members shall be placed on the agenda at a
Board of Directors meeting.
Attachment 2
Board Policy 1.10(a) Bond Oversight Committee Application
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
APPLICATION FOR MEASURE AA BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Please print or type
Name:
Home Address:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Email Address: Cell Phone:
Why do you want to serve on the Measure AA Bond Oversight Committee?
Do you have any training, expertise or experience that you would like the Board to consider as they
review your application for the Bond Oversight Committee?
If you have served on other oversight committees or advisory boards/commissions please list and
briefly describe your role:
Please provide two references including name, address, phone number, and relationship:
Please submit your application by email or mail to: Bond Oversight Committee
c/o Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
jwoodworth@openspace.org
Attachment 2
Board Policy 1.10(a) Bond Oversight Committee Application
Applicant Requirements:
I am 18 years of age or older.
I am a resident living within the boundaries of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
I am not an elected official or a public employee of any agency that oversees or benefits from the
proceeds of the Measure AA parcel tax or have any economic interest in any Measure AA-funded
projects or programs.
I have no economic interest (no contracts, no payments, etc) in the District.
MORE ABOUT THE MEASURE AA BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
The Committee is appointed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Board of Directors
pursuant to Measure AA to ensure accountability, transparency, and public oversight of all funds collected
and allocated under Measure AA.
The Expenditure Plan approved as part of Measure AA defines the Committee’s roles and responsibilities
as follows:
• Review Plan expenditures on an annual basis to verify conformity with the Expenditure Plan.
• Review District’s Annual Audit and Annual Accountability report and present the Committee’s
findings to the Board at a public meeting.
• Review any proposed amendments to the Expenditure Plan.
The Committee does not oversee any other District financial information nor does itset policy or provide
input or direction on projects, budgets, work plans, or financial matters pertaining to other District funds.
All actions, including decision about selecting projects for funding, will be made by the Board in public
meetings.
Attachment 2
Board Meeting 15-30
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-President Kishimoto called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 5:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Yoriko Kishimoto, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: Cecily Harris and Pete Siemens
Staff Present: Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz, Assistant General Manager Kevin
Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl Schaffner, District Clerk Jennifer
Woodworth
Don Weden, Retired Principal Planner with the Santa Clara County Planning Department
provided a presentation entitled “Change, Growth and Planning: Open Space Challenges of
Santa Clara County 3.0”
Mr. Weden described several of the driving forces in Santa Clara County’s physical
development, including major demographic, economic, environmental, and geographic forces.
As Santa Clara County becomes more urban, its population is projected to grow by about
300,000 people by approximately 2030 and to be accommodated within existing urban areas.
Additionally, the 65 and older age group will make up 2/3 of the growth which will bring many
challenges, including pressures for changes in our automobile-dependent land use patterns and
the need for a wider array of housing and mobility choices. Maintaining our quality of life, while
adapting to these major changes will require responsible, visionary local land use planning – and
community attitudes that support well-planned, appropriately-located, higher-density new
development.
Meeting 15-30 Page 2
Vice-President Kishimoto adjourned the special meeting at 7:06 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING – BOARD MEETING
Vice-President Kishimoto called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 7:13 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Yoriko Kishimoto,
and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: Pete Siemens
Staff Present: General Manager Steve Abbors, Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz,
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl
Schaffner, Planning Manager Jane Mark, Senior Planner Meredith
Manning, Capital Project Manager Aaron Hébert, Senior Planner Tina
Hugg, District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Randee McQueen spoke regarding the safety and security of her property related to the opening
of Mt. Umunhum to the public, especially related to the timeline of opening the Mt. Umunhum
Summit. Ms. McQueen also spoke regarding the rising number of trespassers on the property.
Scott McQueen spoke regarding current security at Mt. Umunhum and his expectation that when
the Mt. Umunhum Summit is opened to the public additional security will be needed, especially
to limit the number of trespassers on the site.
Director Siemens arrived at 7:19 p.m.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Cyr seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve the revised October 22, 2015 and November 4, 2015 Board Meeting
Minutes.
2. Approve Claims Report
Motion: Director Cyr moved and Director Harris seconded the motion to adopt the Consent
Calendar.
VOTE: 7-0-0
Meeting 15-30 Page 3
BOARD BUSINESS
3. Contract Amendment with Restoration Design Group for Final Design
Development, Production of Construction Documents, Interpretation Design, and Initial
Grading Oversight for the Mount Umunhum Summit Project and Construction Oversight
for the Guadalupe Creek Overlook (R-15-160)
Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz provided comments regarding Measure AA funding of
improvements at Mt. Umunhum.
Senior Planner Meredith Manning presented the staff report describing current progress at the
Mt. Umunhum Summit and work being completed by District staff.
Directors Kishimoto and Harris inquired about the gate access points which visitors will pass
through to reach the summit and whether they can be closed for various reasons, including
inclement weather.
Ms. Manning described the various gates providing access to the summit and explained that the
gates could be closed in inclement weather or other public safety concerns.
Director Harris inquired regarding the amount of the contract amendment and why the District
does not enter into separate contracts for the various phases of a project.
Ms. Manning explained the project budgeting process is currently being looked at and may be
amended at a future date.
Public comment opened at 7:52 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comment closed at 7:52 p.m.
Motion: Director Riffle moved and Director Hassett seconded the motion to amend a contract
with Restoration Design Group for an additional $605,000 to complete final design development,
interpretive design, production of construction documents, and oversight for the initial phase of
grading for the Mount Umunhum Summit Project, plus construction oversight for Guadalupe
Creek Overlook at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; the contract includes a 12% contingency of
$65,000 for unforeseen requirements, for a not-to-exceed total contract amount of $979,595.
VOTE: 7-0-0
Director Riffle requested additional information regarding security measures to discourage
trespassing.
Mr. Abbors stated staff will be dedicated to the preserve and additional security measures will be
discussed in the coming months prior to the opening of the summit to the public.
4. Presentation of Staff Facilities Opportunities and Constraints Analysis Report (R-
15-156)
Meeting 15-30 Page 4
Capital Project Manager Aaron Hébert reviewed the goals for the facilities analysis and ongoing
project as agreed upon by the former ad hoc Facilities Committee and current Planning and
Natural Resources Committee.
Senior Planner Tina Hugg reviewed several factors that affect the District’s ability to provide
workspace for staff in the coming years, including increasing staff levels to implement the
Financial and Operational Sustainability Mode and Measure AA project list and the high cost of
living in the Bay Area. Ms. Hugg also discussed possible changes to the District’s workspace
model including increased teleconferencing and videoconferencing, satellite offices, and
telecommuting. Mr. Hébert explained that he and Ms. Hugg toured the administrative and field
offices utilized by nearby organizations similar to the District and stated that other agencies are
coping with similar struggles. Ms. Hugg provided information regarding the cost of housing in
the District and the distribution of staff residences.
Ms. Hugg outlined constraints and opportunities of several options for the Administrative Office,
including rebuilding on the current site, purchase and remodel of another building, and satellite
administrative offices. Mr. Hébert presented analysis of the District’s three field offices, Skyline,
Foothills, and South Area Outpost, including short and long term options for improvements at
each office. Mr. Hébert described constraints associated with the field offices, such as their
locations relative to current District growth, current size of offices, and the topography of
potential building sites. Finally, Mr. Hébert requested Board feedback related to the previously
discussed goals approved by the Facilities Ad Hoc Committee and Planning and Natural
Resources Committee.
Director Kishimoto suggested the cost effectiveness of sustainable design options should be
evaluated based on a lifecycle analysis of the facility.
Director Hassett recommended creation of a “quick response team” which could be authorized to
look at real estate opportunities as they arise. Director Hassett suggested the team could be made
up of the General Manager, Real Property department staff, and a couple of Board members.
Director Hassett spoke in favor of the plans for the South Area Outpost and for a potential
coastal office at the Driscoll Event Center.
Director Harris expressed her concerns regarding the goals as agreed upon by the Planning and
Natural Resources Committee and requested more time be spent discussing the goals.
Director Kishimoto also expressed concerns that the process is moving too quickly and requested
staff to return to the Board with an update later in the process once more information is known.
Director Cyr provided comments regarding the recommendation from similar agencies to not
move forward in an ad hoc fashion but to maximize efficiency by moving forward with a long
term plan in mind. Also the Board and staff should move forward now with the Immediate High
Priority Actions, especially related to the Administrative Office and South Area Outpost.
General Manager Abbors explained that staff researched the reports that went to the previous
Facilities Ad Hoc Committee where staff was directed to take a comprehensive view at District
facilities. Staff needs confirmation that the current Board is still interested in the comprehensive
point of view for District facilities.
Meeting 15-30 Page 5
Public comment opened at 9:45 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comment closed at 9:45 p.m.
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to confirm the Planning
and Natural Resources Committee’s proposed goals of staff facility planning with the following
amendments:
1. Utilize forward looking and imaginative approaches for evaluating and designing each
facility, for example hotelling of staff, videoconferencing, and telecommuting
2. Build in
.
sufficient flexible
3. Optimize staff deployment per FOSM recommendations and how departments and staff
will work in the future.
capacity for the duration of a facility’s expected lifetime (30
years).
4. Strive to locate within proximity to public transportation or major thoroughfares.
5. Seek flexible and adaptable options to meet evolving needs.
6. Pursue sustainable design and construction options that are cost-effective and that are
evaluated through a lifecycle analysis
7. Consider how new facilities could minimize cost-of-living impacts by their location,
especially if they were near transportation corridors.
.
8. Improve the outward facing or public facilities, so visitors have a more welcoming
experience when visiting our facilities.
9. Minimize relocation disruption to staff by thoughtful transition planning.
VOTE: 7-0-0
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to confirm the
Immediate High Priority Actions as recommended in the Staff Facilities Opportunities and
Constraints Analysis Report.
VOTE: 7-0-0
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
No Committee reports.
B. Staff Reports
No staff reports.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
Meeting 15-30 Page 6
Director Hassett invited the Board of Directors to attend the South Skyline Association Holiday
Party on December 13th
.
Director Kishimoto reported she and Director Hanko will be presenting at the Palo Alto City
Council on November 30th
.
Director Riffle reported he recently presented at the Los Altos City Council Meeting.
Director Harris reported she recently presented at the Half Moon Bay City Council meeting and
will be presenting the Redwood City Council meeting in December.
Director Siemens reported he presented at the Los Gatos Town Council meeting and met with
the Saratoga City Council and California Senator Jim Beall this evening.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District into closed session at 9:58 p.m.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Government Code Section
54956.8)
Property: Portions of the following properties identified as Santa Clara County Assessor
Parcel Numbers 562-04-014, 562-08-012, and 562-22-017
Agency Negotiator: Allen Ishibashi, Senior Real Property Agent
Negotiating Party: Scott McQueen and Michael Rossetta
Under Negotiation: Terms of real property transactions
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The Board of Directors returned to open session at 11:00 p.m. President Siemens reported the
Board met in closed session, and no reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District into closed session at 11:00 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
Board Meeting 15-31
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
President Siemens called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Yoriko Kishimoto,
Curt Riffle and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz, Assistant General Manager Kevin
Woodhouse, Assistant General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Planning
Manager Jane Mark, Senior Planner Meredith Manning, District Clerk
Jennifer Woodworth
1. Interpretive Design Development Options for the Mount Umunhum Summit Project
(R-15-166)
Senior Planner Meredith Manning presented the staff report describing the three design options
for the Interpretive Concept Plan summarizing the elements of each option, including signboards,
interpretive signs, embedded objects, etc. Ms. Manning outlined the costs for each of the options
including estimated costs and a 20% contract contingency.
Leslie Stone with Leslie Stone Associates, Inc. displayed example photographs of sign boards,
interpretive signs, and embedded elements similar to those proposed for the Mount Umunhum
Summit Project. Ms. Stone described the costs of various building materials and the durability of
those materials.
Meeting 15-31 Page 2
Director Harris inquired if the standards for the proposed interpretive elements will create a
District standard for other District preserves.
Ms. Manning commented on the unique nature of the Mt. Umunhum site and its high visibility to
the public, explaining that many of the interpretive elements may be unique to the site. However,
the interpretive elements chosen for Mt. Umunhum will most likely, by default, create a design
standard for interpretive elements throughout the District’s preserves. The Board may decide to
set policy regarding interpretive element design standards at a future date.
Director Hanko inquired regarding shrubbery she saw on Mt. Umunhum following the District’s
acquisitions that were frequented by the hummingbirds that live there.
Director Cyr expressed his opinion that a balance must be struck between providing interpretive
elements for and preserving the natural characteristics of the location.
Director Hassett expressed his desire to include the flagpole interpretive element in the final
approved concept plan. Director Hassett expressed his opinion that the interpretive elements
should also focus on the viewshed of the location and recognition of the sacredness of the site to
the Amah Mutsun tribe. He expressed his desire that any embedded objects be related to the
military history of the site.
Director Riffle inquired regarding interpretive elements that incorporate technology.
Ms. Manning stated that several technological elements, such as walking tours guided by cell
phone, are planned as part of the long term interpretive plan; however, they are not a part of the
first phase to be completed prior to the planned October 2016 summit opening.
Director Riffle inquired regarding whether the design elements could be altered depending on the
Board’s decision regarding the Radar Tower final disposition.
Ms. Manning explained the interpretive elements in proximity of the Radar Tower will be
removable since a final decision related to the Radar Tower has not yet been made.
Director Siemens expressed his support for limiting the number of interpretive signs on the site
and minimal use of embedded objects at the site.
Public comments opened at 5:56 p.m.
Basim Jaber spoke in favor of including an additional sign near the former Air Force Base
housing to further tell the history of the site.
Valentin Lopez, Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band spoke favorably of staff’s ongoing
consultation with him regarding the cultural history of the site and related interpretive elements.
Public comments closed at 5:59 p.m.
Director Kishimoto stated her support for including embedded options at a future time.
Meeting 15-31 Page 3
Motion: Director Hassett moved and Director Cyr seconded the motion to Approve the Mid-
Level Option for Fabrication, Installation, and Installation Oversight of the Interpretive Elements
of the Mount Umunhum Summit Project at a cost not-to-exceed $212,000. Additionally, staff is
directed to proceed with the Preferred Option, which will form the basis for a Request for Bids
package for fabrication.
Director Siemens stated his support for using the best quality materials for the interpretive
elements to increase durability.
Director Harris expressed her opinion that often signs are more temporary based on the content
of the signs and the desire to update the information.
VOTE: 7-0-0
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting at 6:08 p.m.
CONVENE TO CLOSED SESSION
President Siemens called the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District to order at 6:08 p.m.
Public comments opened at 6:09 p.m.
Scott McQueen expressed his concerns regarding comments in a recent San Jose Mercury News
article related to District staff negotiations with property owners. Mr. McQueen also expressed
concerns regarding the planned October 2016 opening of the Mt. Umunhum Summit to the
public. Finally, Mr. McQueen shared his concerns related to trespassers on his property sharing a
specific example of a mountain biker who trespassed over several properties to reach Hicks
Road.
Public comments closed at 6:12 p.m.
The Board convened into closed session at 6:12 p.m.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: Portions of the following properties identified as Santa Clara County Assessor Parcel
Numbers 562-04-014, 562-08-011, 562-08-012, and 562-22-017
Agency Negotiator: Allen Ishibashi, Senior Real Property Agent
Negotiating Party: Scott McQueen and Michael Rossetta
Under Negotiation: Terms of real property transactions
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
The Board of Directors returned to open session at 6:58 p.m. President Siemens reported the
Board met in closed session, and no reportable action was taken.
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 6:58 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting 15-31 Page 4
REGULAR MEETING – BOARD MEETING
President Siemens called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 7:00 p.m.
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 Ana Ruiz,
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl
Schaffner, Planning Manager Jane Mark, Real Property Manager Mike
Williams, Senior Real Property Agent Allen Ishibashi, District Clerk
Jennifer Woodworth
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no comments from the public.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Hassett seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Director Hanko requested Agenda Item 4 be removed from the Consent Calendar.
1. Approve the November 17, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes.
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Communication Site Lease at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (R-15-169)
General Manager’s Recommendations
1. Determine that the recommend action is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act, as set forth in the staff report.
:
2. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the approval of a Communication Site Lease at Pulgas Ridge
Open Space Preserve with GTE Mobilnet of California Limited Partnership, d/b/a Verizon
Wireless.
4. Annual Dedication of Certain District Lands and Dedication Status Report (R-15-
158)
Agenda Item 4 was heard after the Consent Calendar.
Meeting 15-31 Page 5
Director Hanko provided comments regarding the lands being dedicated as permanent open
space.
Motion: Director Hanko moved and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to adopt a
resolution dedicating interests in certain specified District lands for public open space purposes.
VOTE: 7-0-0
Motion: Director Cyr moved and Director Harris seconded the motion to adopt the Consent
Calendar with the exception of Agenda Item 4.
VOTE: 7-0-0
BOARD BUSINESS
5. Resolution Approving an Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report for
the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project and Related
Minor Project Modifications (R-15-165)
Senior Planner Meredith Manning presented the staff report describing the proposed addendum
to the 2012 approved Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The modifications to the project
triggering the addendum include installation of gates and fencing and obtaining an easement to
provide access to Mount Thayer to provide additional security and patrol for the site. Ms.
Manning described the locations of the proposed gates and fencing. Ms. Manning explained that
the proposed minor modifications do not change the conclusions of the certified EIR.
District consultant Senior Environmental Planner Mike Parker from Ascent Environmental
commented on the review of the minor modifications proposed for the addendum to the 2012
Final EIR. Mr. Parker stated that the modifications would not alter any of the conclusions of the
certified EIR and do not result in any new or substantially more severe environmental effects
than were evaluated in the original documents.
Director Riffle inquired as to the purpose of the new elements to be included in the EIR
Addendum.
Ms. Manning explained the importance of including the new project elements to secure Mount
Umunhum Road further down the road to best patrol and secure the area.
Public comment opened at 7:20 p.m.
No member of the public spoke regarding this matter.
Public comment closed at 7:20 p.m.
Motion: Director Riffle moved and Director Cyr seconded the motion to adopt a resolution
approving an addendum to the certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Mount
Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project in Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve and related minor project modifications.
Meeting 15-31 Page 6
VOTE: 7-0-0
6. Consideration of approving a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District declaring the acquisition of certain real
property rights necessary for the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and the Mount
Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project (“Project”), and
authorizing the acquisition thereof and the transfer of funds therefore (Portion of Santa
Clara County Assessor Parcel Numbers: 562-04-014, 562-08-012 and 562-08-011, owned by
Mount Umunhum Limited Partnership). (R-15-167)
7. Consideration of approving a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District declaring the acquisition of certain real
property rights necessary for the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and the Mount
Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project (“Project”), and
authorizing the acquisition thereof and the transfer of funds therefore (Portion of Santa
Clara County Assessor Parcel Number: 562-22-017, owned by Michael and Leonard
Rossetta). (R-15-168)
Agenda items 6 and 7 were heard together.
General Manager Steve Abbors provided comments regarding the history of the project, efforts
taken by District staff to mitigate property owner and neighbor security concerns, and funding of
the restoration of Mt. Umunhum by District constituents, federal government, and the voters
most recently through the approval of Measure AA.
Senior Real Property Agent Allen Ishibashi presented the staff report summarizing the history of
Mt. Umunhum, including the District’s acquisition of the former Almaden Air Force Station and
easement over the full length of Mt. Umunhum Road, District purchase of approximately 70% of
Mt. Umunhum Road, and demolition of numerous buildings at the former Air Force Station. Mr.
Ishibashi provided the current timeline estimates for completing the Summit Project, including
completion of the Mt. Umunhum Trail, public access to the Summit, and completion of
restoration, design, and interpretive elements.
Mr. Ishibashi outlined the negotiation timelines with Mr. Rossetta (Rossetta) and Mr. McQueen
of Mt. Umunhum Limited Partnership, LLC (McQueen) starting in 2010 and 2012, respectively.
Mr. Ishibashi described the proposed terms of the formal offer to Mr. Rossetta, including the fair
market appraisal of the Mt. Umunhum Road public access and drainage easements and resolve a
clouded title issue related to 19-acres of land of which the ownership is unclear. Mr. Ishibashi
addressed several of Mr. Rossetta’s concerns, namely preserving driveway access and additional
security to prevent against trespassing.
Mr. Ishibashi described the proposed terms of the District’s formal offer to McQueen, , including
the fair market appraisal of public access and drainage easements, a fee strip going through the
District property, and a patrol and maintenance easement to Mount Thayer. Mr. Ishibashi
described proposed District actions to address Mr. McQueen’s concerns of trespassers accessing
his property which included additional gates and fencing placed at locations identified by
McQueen.
Meeting 15-31 Page 7
Mr. Ishibashi described numerous District actions since 2008 to address property owner and
adjoining neighbor security concerns, including hiring of an additional District ranger to patrol
the area, hiring of a private security firm to protect the former Almaden Air Force Station, and
citing of individuals who violated closed area rules. Additional security measures are being
proposed, such as building another gate on Mt. Umunhum Road at the intersection of Hicks
Road, hiring of additional rangers to patrol the area, a new ranger residence on the recently
purchased Meyer property.
Mr. Ishibashi summarized the road design guidelines proposed for Mt. Umunhum Road,
including building retaining walls to protect against debris falling into the road, replacing guard
rails, and repaving and restriping the road. Finally, Mr. Ishibashi summarized the findings and
determinations before the Board for consideration related to the Rosetta property and McQueen
property.
Director Riffle inquired regarding District staff plans to work with neighbors.
Mr. Ishibashi stated that staff is interested in learning as much as possible from those who live on
the mountain to help address their concerns. District staff wants to develop a positive working
relationship with them, mitigate their concerns, and receive feedback. Staff has proposed holding
community meetings with the neighbors both before and after the Mt. Umunhum Summit is
opened to the public.
Director Hassett inquired regarding title insurance for the boundary dispute for the 19-acre
Rosetta land overlap.
Todd Amspoker, District’s Special Counsel, explained that due to the complexity of the issue,
staff has determined the most fair and cost-efficient solution is to negotiate purchase of the 19-
acre property. Mr. Ishibashi also stated the title insurance has been paid out.
Director Kishimoto inquired about use of security cameras and equipment by the District and
private property owner.
Mr. Ishibashi explained that the District has offered to pay Mr. McQueen to relocate his
equipment 30 feet from the center line of the road. The Board of Directors may determine policy
at a later date to allow for security cameras on District lands.
Director Riffle inquired about if individuals currently trespassing on the property will become
legitimate visitors once the public is allowed access to the site and Mt. Umunhum Road.
Mr. Ishibashi acknowledged that being true, and further explained once Mt. Umunhum Summit
is opened to public access in 2016, members of the public using the road will be allowed to be on
the property within the easements only.
Public hearing opened at 8:30 p.m.
Norm Matteoni spoke regarding his clients’ inability to respond to the District’s September 28,
2015 formal offer, namely Mr. Rossetta’s and his family members’ ongoing health issues. Due to
these issues, Mr. Matteoni stated that Mr. Rossetta had been unable to adequately address and
respond to the District’s offer, such as request an appraisal and traffic study. Mr. Matteoni stated
Meeting 15-31 Page 8
Mr. Rossetta’s belief that he is entitled to the full designs for the road repaving, drainage plans,
and gate and fence installation in order to satisfactorily examine those plans. Mr. Matteoni
addressed the disputed 19-acre overlap property stating that the Woods Trail is only blocked for
one day a year and not for long periods of time. Mr. Rossetta is amenable to allowing individuals
to cross the upper corner of his property to access the Woods Trail. Finally, Mr. Matteoni
requested the Board’s action be delayed until January or February to address Mr. Rossetta’s
concerns.
Kirsten Powell, representing Mt. Umunhum Limited Partnership and the McQueen family spoke
regarding the District’s desire to prevent the McQueen family from securing and protecting their
property by requesting removal of their gates, security equipment, and signage. Ms. Powell
stated the McQueen family objects to the finding that removal of the security equipment is
necessary to securing public access. Ms. Powell stated that the McQueen family would prefer to
enter into a license agreement with the District similar to the license agreement with San Jose
Water for access to Mt. Thayer. Ms. Powell commented that the timeline for the October 2016
opening the Summit to public access is much sooner than the original 2021 timeline provided by
the District, which she said was altered without speaking with the McQueen family. Finally, Ms.
Powell stated the proposed Resolution of Necessity is not the course of action with the least
private injury.
Gary Vielbaum spoke regarding many trails have been illegally cut through his property on Mt.
Thayer. Mr. Vielbaum also expressed his concern that individuals could trespass on his property
where he enjoys recreational shooting.
John Hlebo expressed his concerns regarding trespassers that often enter at night. Mr. Hlebo also
expressed his concerns related to increased traffic and safety matters, including potential fire or
emergency health incidents. Mr. Hlebo thanked District staff for being thorough in notifying
neighbors regarding updates to the project.
Charlie Krenz, member of the Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers, spoke in favor of vehicular
access to the summit and moving forward with the project as soon as possible. Mr. Krenz spoke
in favor of the proposed security fencing to prevent a majority of trespassers accessing areas that
are off limits.
Susan Kelso, Mountain View resident and volunteer with the Bay Area Ridge Trail, spoke in
favor of the public reaching the Mt Umunhum Summit. Ms. Kelso stated that opening Mt.
Umunhum Road will allow for those physically unable to hike to still be able to reach the
summit.
Valentin Lopez spoke of the sacredness of Mt. Umunhum to the Ohlone people and having
access to Mt. Umunhum will allow the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to return to their sacred area
and pray.
Dave Leeson, resident and landowner on Mt. Umunhum, thanked the Board of Directors and
District staff for reaching out to landowners in the area but expressed his concern that trespassing
will continue. A trespasser set a fire in the area in 1985, so site security is necessary to the
protection of those that live there. Mr. Leeson expressed his belief that alternatives should be
considered and Board action should be deferred.
Meeting 15-31 Page 9
Jennifer Hlebo stated that the District should act as good neighbors and stated that the current
action before the Board is moving forward too fast. Ms. Hlebo stated that securing the mountain
should be the District’s top priority and stated she has seen illegally parked cars blocking the
gates and have not been ticketed. Ms. Hlebo stated her concerns that the District has not been
maintaining the road in the past, which should be a priority.
Basim Jaber stated 1,600 trespassers have been documented by the McQueen family’s security
cameras. Mr. Jaber also spoke about the damage that only one trespasser can do.
Public hearing closed at 9:08 p.m.
Director Riffle requested clarification regarding the property owners’ ability to secure and
protect their property.
The Board recessed at 9:12 pm and reconvened at 9:34 p.m. with all directors present.
Mr. Ishibashi responded to numerous comments received from the property owners and members
of the public.
Design documents will be sent to Mr. Rosetta for his review. The documents are being
developed as it is common for the design plans to not be at 100% at this stage of the project.
The 60-foot width of the easement is based on the recommendation of the road engineer to allow
for drainage. Additionally, the District will have non-exclusive right to the road, so the property
owners may use the easement as long as it does not interfere with the use of the road.
The need for acquisition of the 19-acre overlap will allow for the title to be cleared as well
protect public access to the Woods Trail.
The relocation of security equipment and gate removal is necessary to maintain the right of way
and will not prevent the property owners from securing their propert y. The gate design has been
discussed several times with the property owners, including onsite meetings with the McQueen
representatives where the gate and fence locations were determined.
The road easement is necessary to allow for certainty of access that a license will not because the
license would require 24 hour notice before entering the property, which will prevent rangers
from citing trespassers which would be need to done immediately upon witnessing a trespasser.
The proposed gate at Hicks Road is meant to discourage and reduce the number of trespassers,
especially at night.
In order to maintain Mt. Umunhum Road, the District plans to spend $3-$4 million to upgrade
and improve the road once easement rights are secured. The District will maintain the road in
perpetuity without requiring property owners to pay for maintenance.
Mr. Amspoker responded to written objections submitted by Ms. Powell including the adequacy
of the notice and the ability of the Board of Directors as a legislative body to make findings
stating they had no legal merit. Mr. Amspoker also stated District provided the complete
Meeting 15-31 Page 10
appraisal and rationale for the appraisal to both property owners as part of the District’s offer to
the property owners.
Director Riffle provided comments regarding the voters’ desire for the District to provide public
access to District lands, including the Mt. Umunhum Summit.
Director Hassett provided comments regarding his experience as a property owner when the
District purchased Skyline Ranch and the subsequent decrease of trespassers following the
District’s purchase. He also provided comments on the District acting as a good neighbor,
including patrol, fence maintenance, trail alignment away from neighboring properties, etc.
Director Kishimoto provided comments regarding opening Mt. Umunhum to the public.
Motion: Director Hanko moved and Director Hassett seconded the motion to approve Resolution
15-60.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
Motion: Director Hassett moved and Director Riffle seconded the motion to approve Resolution
15-61.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
The Action Plan and Budget Committee met on November 30, 2015 and reviewed the draft
revisions to the purchasing policy and Controller’s midyear report. Both items will be going to
the full Board of Directors on December 16, 2015.
B. Staff Reports
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported that nineteen applications to serve on the Measure
AA Bond Oversight Committee have been received, and the application deadline is on December
11, 2015.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
Director Riffle reported he recently presented at the Mountain View and Los Altos City Council
meetings.
President Siemens reported he recently presented to the Santa Clara Chapter of the California
Special District’s Association.
Meeting 15-31 Page 11
ADJOURNMENT
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District into closed session at 10:14 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
Board Meeting 15-32
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
FINANCING AUTHORITY
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
President Siemens called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
to order at 7:01 p.m.
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 Ana Ruiz,
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl
Schaffner, Assistant General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, and District Clerk
Jennifer Woodworth
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No speakers present.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Meeting 15-32 Page 2
1. Approve Claims Report
2. Preserve Entry Sign Replacement Project and Award of Purchasing Contract (R-
15-173)
Director Harris inquired regarding a recent Action Plan project regarding directional signs along
major roads and highways in the area.
Operations Manager Michael Newburn explained that staff is currently looking into the process
for installing directional signs.
General Manager Steve Abbors reported staff has had discussions with county and transportation
agencies to determine the process for installing directional signs and signs along major roadways
managed by other agencies.
General Manager’s Recommendation
: Authorize the General Manger to enter into contract with
The Sign Shop for an amount not-to-exceed $100,000 to manufacture, store, and deliver twelve
redwood sandblasted preserve entry signs to replace existing outdated signs.
Public comments opened at 7:12 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 7:12 p.m.
Motion: Director Harris moved and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to adopt the
Consent Calendar.
VOTE: 7-0-0
BOARD BUSINESS
3. Revisions to Board Policy 3.03 - Public Contract Bidding, Vendor and Professional
Consultant Selection, and Purchasing (R-15-172)
Administrative Services Manager Kate Drayson presented the staff report describing proposed
changes to Board Policy 3.03 - Public Contract Bidding, Vendor and Professional Consultant
Selection, and Purchasing as a result of the Financial and Operational Sustainability Model and
approval of Assembly Bill 495, which increased the General Manager’s signature authority. Ms.
Drayson outlined specific proposed changes to Board Policy 3.03 and explained additional
revisions were made to the policy to clarify policy language and streamline the purchasing
process.
Director Kishimoto expressed her support for posting written solicitations of quotes on the
District’s website to increase openness and the probability of additional vendors submitting
proposals or bids.
Assistant General Manager Kevin Woodhouse reported staff has researched the matter and seeks
to balance efficiency, transparency, and fairness in the bidding process. Following completion of
Meeting 15-32 Page 3
their research, staff plans to include additional information and procedures in the Administrative
Procedure, including possible creation of a pre-qualification list on the District website to be
used by staff when soliciting proposals and bids.
Assistant General Counsel Hilary Stevenson described the differences between the District’s pre-
qualification and on-call professional services lists.
Directors Siemens expressed interest in placing information on the District’s main web page to
encourage interested vendors to contact District staff if they are interested in doing business with
the District.
Director Kishimoto suggested posting an annual summary of quotes solicited for District
projects.
Mr. Abbors reported staff will report back to the Board of Directors regarding the final approved
Administrative Procedure related to implementing the proposed Board policy changes.
Public comments opened at 7:41 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 7:41 p.m.
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Hanko seconded the motion to approve the
proposed changes to Board Policy 3.03 - Public Contract Bidding, Vendor and Professional
Consultant Selection, and Purchasing. Direct staff return in three months with an informational
report related to the administrative implementation of the Board’s policy.
VOTE: 7-0-0
Director Riffle provided comments regarding the Board’s involvement in administrative
procedure as opposed to setting policy.
4. Fiscal Year 2015-16 Midyear Controller’s Report (R-15-171)
Controller Mike Foster presented the unaudited and summarized financial statements for the
District current for Fiscal Year 2015 -16 through September 30, 2015, including balance sheet,
revenues and spending for the first six months of the fiscal year as compared to the previous
fiscal year, and actual revenue and spending as compared to the adopted budget.
Public comments opened at 8:03 p.m.
No speakers present.
Public comments closed at 8:03 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Meeting 15-32 Page 4
No Committee Reports.
B. Staff Reports
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported 29 applications have been received for the Measure
AA Bond Oversight Committee.
General Manager reported the District will be purchasing a table of tickets to the Santa Clara
County State of the Valley event in February.
C. Director Reports
The Board members submitted their compensatory reports.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:06 p.m., the Board adjourned the special Board meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Board of Directors and convened the Special Meeting of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Financing Authority, with Directors Cyr, Hassett, Riffle and
Siemens and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian present.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FINANCING AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
Chairperson Siemens called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 8:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Curt Riffle, Pete Siemens, and Joseph Simitian
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Executive Director Steve Abbors, General Counsel Sheryl Schaffner,
Controller Mike Foster, and Secretary Jennifer Woodworth
AUTHORITY BUSINESS
1. Acceptance of the Controller’s Annual Financial Report of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Financing Authority (R-15-170)
Controller Mike Foster presented the Annual Financial Report of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District Financing Authority. Mr. Foster reported on the status of the bonds issued
by the Financing Authority and planned refinancing of the bonds in future years.
Public hearing opened at 8:16 p.m.
No speakers were present.
Meeting 15-32 Page 5
Public hearing closed at 8:16 p.m.
Motion: Supervisor Simitian moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to accept the
Annual Financial Report of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority.
VOTE: 5-0-0
ADJOURNMENT
President Siemens adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Financing Authority at 8:16 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
page 1 of 2
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 16-01
DATE 01-13-2016
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name
Invoice Description
Check Date Payment
Amount
71154 *10215 - CALPERS-FISCAL SERVICES DIVISION Monthly Health Insurance for employees 01/04/2016 148,820.46
71067 11597 - CAL WEST CONSTRUCTION GENERAL BUILDING INC.Guadalupe Creek Overlook Construction 12/23/2015 76,433.33
71166 10720 - CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW - REC Annual Payment for Deer Hollow Farm Partnership Support 01/06/2016 75,000.00
71112 10665 - PAVEMENT ENGINEERING INC Mt Um Road Repair Design Work 11/01-11/30/15 12/23/2015 44,422.50
71030 *10845 - CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW-FINANCE Quarterly Dispatch Services - City of Mountain View 12/16/2015 39,741.25
71080 10540 - CRAFTSMEN PRINTING Printing of Annual Report and ECM, LT, PIC, SJH, SA brochures 12/23/2015 30,329.73
71059 11369 - BANK OF THE WEST COMMERCIAL CARD USA $358.98 Truck supplies, tie-downs, cargo net, cargo bar 12/17/2015 25,250.89
$22.71 Office Supplies 12/17/2015
$856.44 Field Supplies, CA IPC Conference Hotel 12/17/2015
$87.91 Protective Equipment Case 12/17/2015
$2906.16 Equip, Tools, Supplies, Safety Signs 12/17/2015
$382.46 AO Kitchen Supplies 12/17/2015
$326.47 Website Services Monthly Fees 12/17/2015
$5306.93 Gas Range and Windows for Rental Properties 12/17/2015
$23.11 Chlorine for Water System - SFO 12/17/2015
$386.02 Trail cameras, Propane SFO 12/17/2015
$227.54 Docent recognition expenses; snake food 12/17/2015
$200.71 Volunteer Supplies, Snacks, Tools 12/17/2015
$984.96 Event food, Linen cleaning, office supplies 12/17/2015
$58.97 County Planning Fee, Driscoll Event Center - LHC 12/17/2015
$89.27 Plumbing Supplies (RSACP)12/17/2015
$382.66 - Pesticide/Tool Handles 12/17/2015
$137.63 Software Services 12/17/2015
$3058.24 Planning Fees (FO canopy net), Permit (AO Remodel), Off. Supp.12/17/2015
$341.67 Kitchen supplies, Radio supplies 12/17/2015
$180.97 Plumbing Supplies - RSA 12/17/2015
$100.33 Dropbox Cloud Services 12/17/2015
$2073.95 Grench Dedication Event Catering, Legislative Luncheon Catering 12/17/2015
$23.00 Funding presentation, Parking for BAOSC meeting 12/17/2015
$368.50 Building Materials, Plumbing Supplies (SAO)12/17/2015
$143.44 - Food for Staff Recognition 12/17/2015
$7.64 Thermometer (FFO)12/17/2015
$490.67 Plumbing Parts, Field Supplies (SAO)12/17/2015
$107.71 Interview panel lunch 12/17/2015
$139.15 Office & Vehicle Supplies (SAO)12/17/2015
$252.26 - Ranger Uniform 12/17/2015
(-80.71) return of training vid, webinar, cpr supplies 12/17/2015
$295.84 Weed Synopsium registration and books for staff 12/17/2015
$271.25 State Bar of CA Online CLE 12/17/2015
$1365.80 BOC recruitment ads, Closed Session & Board Retreat meals 12/17/2015
$2844.32 Conf. Phone, Printer Supplies, IT Hardware 12/17/2015
$123.85 Recruiting & office supplies 12/17/2015
$274.00 Law Forum; Fred Pryor Seminar 12/17/2015
$9.99 Monthly subscription - Volunteerspot 12/17/2015
$265.00 IRWA course registration fee 12/17/2015
($-144.91) Deposit refund, ofc supplies, Retreat food 12/17/2015
71060 10578 - OLD REPUBLIC TITLE CO Purchase deposit Cunha Property 12/17/2015 25,000.00
71201 10487 - TKO GENERAL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Sears Ranch Road Repairs Site 14 - LHC 01/06/2016 24,750.00
page 2 of 2
CLAIMS REPORT
MEETING 16-01
DATE 01-13-2016
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Check
Number
Notes Vendor No. and Name
Invoice Description
Check Date Payment
Amount
71202 10487 - TKO GENERAL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Sears Ranch Road Repairs Site 8 - LHC 01/06/2016 24,750.00
71140 *11152 - WELLINGTON PARK INVESTORS AO2, AO3, AO4 Rent - January 12/23/2015 24,589.00
71026 10606 - ASCENT ENVIRONMENTAL INC Mt Um EIR Addendum Consulting - SAU 12/16/2015 24,460.00
71165 11148 - BALANCE HYDROLOGICS, INC.BCR Water Resources Inventory 01/06/2016 22,890.80
71092 11502 - HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC.Driscoll Ranch Roads Construction - LHC 12/23/2015 13,380.75
71187 11519 - PRICE, POSTEL & PARMA LLP Mt.Um Road/Trail access property rights - SAU 01/06/2016 12,271.67
71022 *11230 - SANTA CLARA COUNTY-C/O UNITED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVI Monthly Dental Insurance for employees 12/11/2015 12,217.26
71053 10468 - TANNERHECHT ARCHITECTURE, INC.AO Alterations and Concept Feasibility Study 12/16/2015 11,661.90
71106 10031 - MILLS DESIGN Graphic Design Services: Newsletters and assorted projects 12/23/2015 10,550.00
71046 11574 - R.E. PATTERSON AND ASSOCIATES Emergency Operations Plan Consultant 12/16/2015 8,988.33
71082 10463 - DELL BUSINESS CREDIT Microsoft Software Purchases 12/23/2015 8,908.55
71074 11583 - CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY DBA BOBCAT COMPANY Purchase one Bobcat SGX60 Stump Grinder Attachment 12/23/2015 7,560.73
71189 11293 - RANDAZZO ENTERPRISES, INC Retainage Release - Demolition at LHC 01/06/2016 7,046.00
71086 11354 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES Stevens Creek Bridge Design and CEQA - MB 12/23/2015 7,005.75
71116 11500 - POPULOUS, INC.Madonna Creek Stable Plan Development - MR 12/23/2015 6,750.00
71124 11432 - SAN MATEO COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Slender False Brome Contract Work - District Wide 12/23/2015 6,465.84
71036 11593 - H.T. HARVEY & ASSOCIATES Bat Surveys at Alma College - BCR 12/16/2015 6,405.43
71180 11462 - MANAGEMENT PARTNERS MROSD Executive Recruitment Search 01/06/2016 6,262.79
71028 10433 - CALIFORNIA SPECIAL DISTRICTS ASSOCIATION 2016 Membership Dues 12/16/2015 6,089.00
71114 **10180 - PG & E Electricity service installation at Alpine Rd(Hawthorn) tenant residence - WH 12/23/2015 6,048.38
71185 10079 - PAGE & TURNBULL Alma College Planning Consulting - BCR 01/06/2016 5,839.55
71133 10112 - TIMOTHY C. BEST Design of Oljon Trail Phase 3-4 - ECdM 12/23/2015 5,715.00
71157 10419 - THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Monthly AD&D, LIFE, LTD Insurance for Employees 01/04/2016 5,673.01
71094 10452 - IFLAND SURVEY Surveying services for Meyers (SAU) and Zion (MR) properties 12/23/2015 5,470.00
71108 10775 - NEW WORLD SYSTEMS HR Module Implementation Consultant 12/23/2015 5,068.03
71033 10540 - CRAFTSMEN PRINTING Postage for Views newsletter Nov 2015 12/16/2015 5,026.82
71099 11326 - LEXISNEXIS MATTHEW BENDER Legal References - Deerings Code, Real Estate Law 12/23/2015 4,850.88
71129 10590 - STALLINGS PAINTING CO Interior painting for INE Property tenant residence - MB 12/23/2015 4,640.00
R-16-07
Meeting 16-01
January 13, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Joint Resolution Expressing Appreciation and Gratitude for “The Ladies of Grandview”
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the joint resolution between Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the San
Mateo County Resource Conservation District in commending “The Ladies of Grandview.”
SUMMARY
The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts awarded The Ladies of
Grandview its 2015 Volunteer of the Year award. Staff is seeking the adoption of a joint
resolution expressing appreciation and gratitude for “The Ladies of Grandview” for their work in
combating the state listed noxious weed, Slender False Brome.
MEASURE AA
This is not a Measure AA project.
DISCUSSION
Over the past six (6) years, Louise Addis, Linda Schweizer, and Kathi Olsen, representatives of
the Grandview Neighborhood Association, collectively nicknamed “The Ladies of Grandview”
have assisted the two Districts in the preservation and restoration of the Santa Cruz Mountains’
redwood forests.
Protection measures include conducting outreach about Slender False Brome, a State of
California Class A noxious weed, at neighborhood meetings and to individual neighbors,
forming a volunteer brigade aged 7 to 83 to hand-remove the noxious weed, and helping the
District’s reach and work with multiple property owners. In addition, “The Ladies of
Grandview” have joined the Preserve Partners volunteer program at Thornewood Open Space
Preserve to hand-weed Slender False Brome in ecological sensitive areas within the Preserve.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact of the recommended action.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was not previously reviewed by a committee.
R-16-07 Page 2
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 San Mateo County Resource Conservation District will be awarding the “Ladies of
Grandview” with their award and resolution at their January 21, 2016 meeting.
Attachment
1. Joint Resolution of the Board Of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District and the Board Of Directors of the San Mateo County Resource Conservation
District Expressing Appreciation and Gratitude For “The Ladies of Grandview”
Responsible Department Head:
Kirk Lenington, Natural Resources
Prepared by:
Coty Sifuentes-Winter, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Natural Resources
Resolutions/2016/16-01_SMCRCD_Ladies of Grandview 1
RESOLUTION 16-01
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AND THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY RESOURCE
CONSERVATION DISTRICT EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND
GRATITUDE FOR “THE LADIES OF GRANDVIEW”
WHEREAS, the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) is a Special
District organized under Division 9 of the California Public Resources Code that serves as a
focal point for local conservation efforts and is accountable to our community for conservation
of natural resources;
WHEREAS, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) is a Special
District created in 1972 by voter initiative Measure R that preserves and protects a regional
greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity;
WHEREAS, Slender False Brome is a invasive perennial bunchgrass in which the State
of California has listed it as a Class A noxious weed and that the Districts have been partnering
to treat this species, requiring community support and engagement;
WHEREAS, Louise Addis, Linda Schweizer, and Kathi Olsen, representatives of the
Grandview Neighborhood Association, collectively nicknamed “The Ladies of Grandview,”
have been exceptional community partners in this effort for over six years;
WHEREAS, The Ladies of Grandview have been efficient and persistent, creating a
local culture that encourages the preservation and restoration of the Santa Cruz Mountains’
redwood forest by conducting outreach about the noxious weed at neighborhood meetings and to
individual neighbors, forming a volunteer brigade aged 7 to 83 to hand-remove the noxious
weed, and helping the Districts reach and work with multiple property owners; and
WHEREAS the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts awarded The
Ladies of Grandview its 2015 Volunteer of the Year award;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District hereby commend and
thank The Ladies of Grandview for their efforts to treat Slender False Brome, protecting the
native redwood forest ecosystem in their neighborhood, and on neighboring open space
preserves.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District on _____, 2016, at a regular meeting thereof, by the following vote:
Resolutions/2016/16-01_SMCRCD_Ladies of Grandview 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Secretary
Board of Directors
President
Board of Directors
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
General Counsel
I, the District Clerk of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, hereby certify
that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by the above vote at a meeting thereof duly
held and called on the above day.
District Clerk
ADOPTED at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District on January 21, 2015.
_____________________________________ ___________________
Resource Conservation District Director Date
R-16-03
Meeting 16-01
January 13, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
Amend the District’s Classification and Compensation Plan to add the Legislative and External
Affairs Specialist Classification
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution adding the new classification of Legislative and External Affairs Specialist to
the District’s Classification and Compensation Plan.
SUMMARY
The Board of Directors (Board) approved funding for new positions in the Fiscal Year (FY)
2015-16 budget on March 25, 2015. Most of the new positions are being added to increase the
delivery of key projects funded through the passage of Measure AA and are consistent with the
recommendations of the Financial and Operational Sustainability Model (FOSM) Study. The
budget for a new position of Legislative and External Affairs Specialist was approved by the
Board in the FY2015-16 Budget. The General Manager recommends approval of the class
specification and salary range for this position. If the class specification and salary range are
approved by the Board, the recruitment will proceed for this new permanent position.
DISCUSSION
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) annually adopts an Action Plan and
Budget which details all the projects and key initiatives the District will pursue and dedicates
related staff and financial resources. Recognizing an aggressive Measure AA projects-focused
workload on top of continuing ongoing programs and services, and anticipating priority
recommendations from the FOSM Study, the Board approved nine new positions, including the
Legislative and External Affairs Specialist, in the FY2015-16 budget. Most of these position
recruitments have been completed or are in process. Earlier in FY2015-16 Public Affairs initially
recruited for a contingent position to serve as the Legislative and External Affairs Specialist in
the interim while the class specification and salary range were developed and brought to the
Board for approval. However, that recruitment was not successful.
The responsibilities of the Public Affairs Department have expanded with the Board’s strategic
direction of project delivery, partnership development and community engagement. In the past
few years, it has become challenging for the existing department staff to provide the necessary
support to the General Manager in reviewing legislation and recommending strategies, engaging
in regional issues with partners, and reviewing grant opportunities.
R-16-03 Page 2
Each legislative cycle, nearly a hundred bills are presented by the District’s Sacramento lobbyists
for consideration. Many of these proposed laws have the potential to impact the District and
require thorough review, and response where appropriate. A dedicated staff member will
thoroughly research and make recommendations to the General Manager on legislative,
governmental and policy measures pertinent to the District as well as preparing these
recommendations for Board and Committee consideration as appropriate.
In addition, the District is often presented with grant opportunities, which could provide millions
of dollars in additional revenue. Currently these are forwarded to Department Managers who
may not have the capacity to carefully analyze each opportunity to determine if it is worth
pursuing. With the increased workload for each department, a dedicated legislative staff member
would review grant opportunities and make recommendations to help support other departments.
Along with leading the District’s legislative and governmental affairs program, this position
would act as a key support position to the General Manager and Board of Directors in
establishing and/or strengthening relationships with partner agencies regarding issues of mutual
concern. This position would also coordinate the Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs
Committee meetings and provide oversight to future District advisory committees. This position
is will not function as a lobbyist. The District will continue to contract with lobbying firms to
track legislation and represent the District in Sacramento and Washington DC.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
This report was not sent to Committee as this position was previously discussed by the full Board
in open session. The Action Plan and Budget Committee did review the budget recommendations
that included funding authorization for this classification.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended salary range for the Legislative and External Affairs Specialist (based on
recent market data) is range 38, with an annual salary of $86,004 to $107,412.
The cost of this new classification was budgeted in the FY2015-16 budget. If approved, the
classification would go into effect on January 14, 2016.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice was provided pursuant to the Brown Act. No additional notice is necessary.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
No compliance is required as this action is not a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
NEXT STEP
If approved, the new classification would take effect January 14, 2016. A job announcement for
the recruitment of this position will be released as soon as possible, with anticipated filling of the
position in early 2016.
R-16-03 Page 3
Attachment:
1. Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Amending the Classification & Compensation Plan by Adding a
New Classification Specification for the Legislative/ External Affairs Specialist
Responsible Manager:
Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
Prepared by:
Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
Attachment 1
Resolutions/2016/16-__Amend CCP_Leg/Ext Afrs Spec 1
RESOLUTION NO. 16-__
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AMENDING
THE CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION PLAN BY ADDING A
NEW CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE/
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
WHEREAS, the General Manager has proposed an amendment to the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District Classification and Compensation Plan to add the new job
classifications of Legislative/ External Affairs Specialist, and to add the classification
specification and salary range therefore; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors having considered such proposals and
recommendations;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District does hereby resolve as follows:
1. The Classification and Compensation Plan of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District shall be amended by adding the new job classification title of
Legislative/External Affairs Specialist and by adding the classification specification
and salary range to read as set forth in the attached exhibits hereto.
2. Except as herein modified, the Classification and Compensation Plan, Resolution No.
15-18, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect.
3. This resolution shall be effective January 14, 2016.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District on _____, 2016, at a regular meeting thereof, by the following vote:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Secretary
Board of Directors
President
Board of Directors
Attachment 1
Resolutions/2016/16-__Amend CCP_Leg/Ext Afrs Spec 2
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
General Counsel
I, the District Clerk of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, hereby certify
that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District by the above vote at a meeting thereof duly
held and called on the above day.
District Clerk
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
LEGISLATIVE/EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, plans, develops, implements, and administers the District’s legislative agenda
and activities; researches, analyzes, and explains local, state and federal legislation and policymaking
activities to determine impact on the District and understand and maintain compliance with lobbying rules;
cultivates and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with intergovernmental and
regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex
professional assistance to the Public Affairs Manager, Board of Directors and the General Manager in
areas of expertise; represents the District before a variety of groups, agencies, organizations and the
public; coordinates the District’s efforts to track and identify grant funding sources for District programs;
performs related duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Public Affairs Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over
staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-position classification that plans, develops, and assists the District in cultivating and
maintaining strategic relationships with federal, state and local officials and other opinion leaders critical
to accomplishing the District’s mission and strategic goals. Incumbents serve as subject matter expert in
researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, issues, regulations, and
policies that impact the District’s programs and projects. Successful performance of the work requires the
frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of departmental and District
activities, and extensive staff, public, and organizational contact. This class is distinguished from other
Public Information specialist classes in that it performs complex professional duties that require advanced
knowledge and specialization in the District’s legislative agenda to support its mission and growth of a
preserve system in the San Francisco Bay area.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job.
Leads the formulation, strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of the District’s
legislative program agenda, projects, and activities.
Plans, develops, and implements professional-level legislative activities; prepares detailed analyses
and explanation of legislative proposals that promote the District’s mission and strategic goals related
to open space policy, funding, and operation.
Interprets federal, state and local legislation, policies, laws, codes and regulations; conducts a variety
of analytical and operational studies regarding legislative and policy activities; monitors effectiveness,
evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, and assists with the implementation of procedural,
policy, and/or operational changes after approval; prepares comprehensive technical records and reports.
Establishes and maintains liaison, communication, and cooperation with a wide range of federal, state,
and local officials, government associations, coalitions, and other opinion leaders and external
Exhibit A
Legislative/External Affairs Specialist
Page 2 of 4
committees critical to accomplishing District’s goals; presents policies, political action, and the
District’s position to elected officials on issues affecting open space at the regional, state, and federal
levels.
Monitors, tracks, and analyzes legislation affecting District programs, projects, and activities;
communicates information and develops status reports for the Board and General Manager; represents
the District’s position regarding legislation to special interest groups and local, State, and Federal
agencies, legislators, and lobbyists;
Actively identifies emerging issues and policy trends that may impact the District, and helps
determine the strategy to represent the District’s interests in the appropriate arenas.
Researches, writes, and edits various publications and outreach and advocacy materials, including
press releases, media alerts, photos, internal communications, online communications, social media,
brochures, and other materials in support of District initiatives.
Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and other
special reports as assigned.
Tracks and identifies grant funding opportunities; evaluates funding opportunities relative to District
policies and vision; assists in preparing proposals, budgets, and interpreting funding agency
regulations and requirements.
Serve as a District representative by developing and delivering messaging and presentations related to
government relations, legislation, and general issues regarding the District as needed.
Coordinates and manages future advisory committees.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations
in the field of government relations and legislation that may impact the District.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of government relations and legislative program goal setting, development,
implementation, and evaluation.
Legislative practices, processes and operations, including lobbying rules, of government at local,
state, and federal levels.
Principles, practices, concepts, and methods of state and federal legislation research, development,
analysis, and evaluation.
Methods, techniques, and procedures of effective state and federal legislative advocacy.
Principles, practices, and processes of policy development.
Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and
preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Methods and techniques of public speaking.
Basic principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures related to
assigned area of responsibility.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to
government relations and legislative programs.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies,
community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative
organizations.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,
vendors, contractors, and District staff.
Exhibit A
Legislative/External Affairs Specialist
Page 3 of 4
Ability to:
Plan, research, organize, coordinate, and implement comprehensive government relations and
legislative, as well as communications and public outreach programs services suited to the needs of
the community and the District.
Perform responsible and difficult legislative research, development, analysis, and evaluation
involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
Build consensus and coalitions and lead a diverse group toward common goals.
Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical and legal information and data in an effective
manner.
Develop effective legislative outreach strategies and campaigns; work effectively with diverse groups
of different ages and various socio-economic backgrounds; listen to and discuss problems and
complaints tactfully.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures,
laws, and regulations.
Ensure compliance with lobbying rules.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare
effective staff reports.
Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies,
community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in
meetings with individuals.
Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient
services.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software
applications programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal
guidelines.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is
qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in
business administration, public administration, government, legal, or political sciences, or a related field
and three (3) years of experience in legislative research, analysis, evaluation, and advocacy at the state
and/or federal level or a related field.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a
computer, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed
materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and
over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and
walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve
data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this
Exhibit A
Legislative/External Affairs Specialist
Page 4 of 4
classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve
and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and
objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions,
and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
EFFECTIVE: January 2016
REVISED: N/A
FLSA: Exempt
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Time
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Base
Seasonal Open Space Technician 18.946 23.654 3,284 4,100 39,408 49,200 Part-time
Seasonal Ranger Aide 18.946 23.654 3,284 4,100 39,408 49,200 Part-time
Seasonal Ranger 24.179 30.190 4,191 5,233 50,292 62,796 Part-time
Farm Maintenance Worker 26.019 32.492 4,510 5,632 54,120 67,584 Full-time
Open Space Technician*26.019 32.492 4,510 5,632 54,120 67,584 Full-time
Administrative Assistant 26.660 33.283 4,621 5,769 55,452 69,228 Full-time
Accounting Technician 27.981 34.944 4,850 6,057 58,200 72,684 Full-time
Human Resources Technician 27.981 34.944 4,850 6,057 58,200 72,684 Full-time
Lead Open Space Technician*28.690 35.827 4,973 6,210 59,676 74,520 Full-time
GIS Technician 28.690 35.827 4,973 6,210 59,676 74,520 Full-time
Volunteer Program Lead 28.690 35.827 4,973 6,210 59,676 74,520 Full-time
Risk Management Coordinator 29.383 36.698 5,093 6,361 61,116 76,332 Full-time
Senior Administrative Assistant 29.383 36.698 5,093 6,361 61,116 76,332 Full-time
Ranger 30.121 37.615 5,221 6,520 62,652 78,240 Full-time
Public Affairs Program Coordinator 30.121 37.615 5,221 6,520 62,652 78,240 Full-time
Information Technology Technician 30.121 37.615 5,221 6,520 62,652 78,240 Full-time
Senior Finance & Accounting Technician 30.854 38.533 5,348 6,679 64,176 80,148 Full-time
Equipment Mechanic/Operator 31.627 39.496 5,482 6,846 65,784 82,152 Full-time
Lead Ranger 31.627 39.496 5,482 6,846 65,784 82,152 Full-time
Executive Assistant 31.627 39.496 5,482 6,846 65,784 82,152 Full-time
Real Property Specialist I 32.400 40.454 5,616 7,012 67,392 84,144 Full-time
Planner I 33.208 41.463 5,756 7,187 69,072 86,244 Full-time
Resource Management Specialist I 34.021 42.479 5,897 7,363 70,764 88,356 Full-time
Docent Program Manager 34.021 42.479 5,897 7,363 70,764 88,356 Full-time
Volunteer Program Manager 34.021 42.479 5,897 7,363 70,764 88,356 Full-time
Planner II 34.869 43.540 6,044 7,547 72,528 90,564 Full-time
Management Analyst I 34.869 43.540 6,044 7,547 72,528 90,564 Full-time
Accountant 34.869 43.540 6,044 7,547 72,528 90,564 Full-time
Public Affairs Specialist 36.606 45.721 6,345 7,925 76,140 95,100 Full-time
Community Outreach Specialist 36.606 45.721 6,345 7,925 76,140 95,100 Full-time
Resource Management Specialist II 37.500 46.835 6,500 8,118 78,000 97,416 Full-time
Real Property Specialist II 38.435 48.000 6,662 8,320 79,944 99,840 Full-time
Management Analyst II 38.435 48.000 6,662 8,320 79,944 99,840 Full-time
Supervising Ranger 38.435 48.000 6,662 8,320 79,944 99,840 Full-time
31
31
34
33
33
35
35
35
31
25
25
27
27
27
28
30
29
30
30
26
25
6
19
19
20
22
22
23
23
23
24
24
6
16
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District - CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION PLAN
Fiscal Year 2015/2016 - Effective 01/14/2016
Last revised: 8/26/15, 7/22/2015, 7/01/2015, 2/12/2015, 1/19/2015, 7/01/2014, 09/14/2015
Classification Title Step Hourly Range $Monthly Range $Annual Range $
Range #
Exhibit B
Time
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum BaseClassification Title Step Hourly Range $Monthly Range $Annual Range $
Range #
Maintenance, Construction & Resource
Supervisor 38.435 48.000 6,662 8,320 79,944 99,840 Full-time
Website Administrator 39.381 49.177 6,826 8,524 81,912 102,288 Full-time
Information Technology Administrator 39.381 49.177 6,826 8,524 81,912 102,288 Full-time
Legislative/External Affairs Specialist 41.348 51.640 7,167 8,951 86,004 107,412 Full-time
Planner III 42.381 52.921 7,346 9,173 88,152 110,076 Full-time
Resource Management Specialist III 42.381 52.921 7,346 9,173 88,152 110,076 Full-time
GIS Administrator 43.413 54.219 7,525 9,398 90,300 112,776 Full-time
Senior Real Property Specialist 43.413 54.219 7,525 9,398 90,300 112,776 Full-time
Senior Accountant 44.498 55.575 7,713 9,633 92,556 115,596 Full-time
Senior Management Analyst 44.498 55.575 7,713 9,633 92,556 115,596 Full-time
District Clerk 44.498 55.575 7,713 9,633 92,556 115,596 Full-time
Media Communications Supervisor 45.583 56.925 7,901 9,867 94,812 118,404 Full-time
Senior Resource Mgmt Specialist 46.725 58.356 8,099 10,115 97,188 121,380 Full-time
Area Superintendent 46.725 58.356 8,099 10,115 97,188 121,380 Full-time
Human Resources Supervisor 46.725 58.356 8,099 10,115 97,188 121,380 Full-time
Senior Planner 46.725 58.356 8,099 10,115 97,188 121,380 Full-time
Assistant General Counsel I 50.256 62.769 8,711 10,880 104,532 130,560 Full-time
Assistant General Counsel II 52.771 65.902 9,147 11,423 109,764 137,076 Full-time
Information Systems & Technology Manager 52.771 65.902 9,147 11,423 109,764 137,076 Full-time
Administrative Services Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Engineering & Construction Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Natural Resources Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Operations Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Planning Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Public Affairs Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Real Property Manager 56.792 70.927 9,844 12,294 118,128 147,528 Full-time
Assistant General Manager 69.035 86.215 11,966 14,944 143,592 179,328 Full-time
Chief Financial Officer/Director of
Administrative Services 69.035 86.215 11,966 14,944 143,592 179,328 Full-time
* OST will receive an additional 1% stipend for Class A or B license; Lead OST 1% for Class A.
Board Appointee Group Compensation
Hourly
Salary
Monthly
Salary
Annual
Salary
Effective
Date Last Revised
General Manager $113.361 $19,649 $235,792 4/1/2015 8/26/2015
Controller - Part-time position $86.833 $15,051 $180,612 4/1/2015 8/12/2015
General Counsel $101.996 $17,679 $212,152 4/1/2015 8/12/2015
59
51
59
48
51
51
51
51
51
48
51
38
46
39
40
40
41
41
41
42
43
43
43
43
39
36
35
36
R-16-01
Meeting 16-01
January 13, 2016
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Election of the Calendar Year 2016 Officers for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Board of Directors
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Elect Officers of the Board of Directors for Calendar Year 2016.
SUMMARY
Pursuant to the Board Policy Manual Policy 1.06 (Board Officers), the Board is required to elect
new Officers for the calendar year at its first regular meeting in January. The election will be
held by signed ballot and counted by the District Clerk. After the election, the ballots will be
available for public inspection.
DISCUSSION
The policy lists the order of officers to be elected as follows: President, Vice-President,
Treasurer, and Secretary. Each Board Officer will be elected by a separate vote starting with a
call for nominations from the Board. Following the close of nominations, election of each Board
Officer will proceed by signed ballot and counted by the District Clerk. The Director receiving a
majority of the vote of the members of the Board will be elected. Each of the four Board
Officers will be elected using this procedure. After the election, the ballots will be available to
the public for inspection.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no unbudgeted fiscal impacts for this item.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
Board Committee review of this agenda item is not required.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice was provided pursuant to the Brown Act. No additional notice is necessary.
R-16-01 Page 2
CEQA COMPLIANCE
No compliance is required as this action is not a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
NEXT STEPS
Following the election of Board officers, staff will prepare a new roster for posting.
Responsible Department Manager:
Steve Abbors, General Manager
Prepared by:
Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk
DATE: January 13, 2016
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Kevin Woodhouse, Assistant General Manager
THROUGH: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager
SUBJECT: Update re: Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
_____________________________________________________________________________
The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network wrapped up 2015 with the following significant
developments:
1. All 19 Network agencies/participants have signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
The final MOU is provided as Attachment 1.
2. The Network has successfully secured another round of grant funding to continue its
efforts. Funding from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, the Stephen Bechtel Fund, and
the Resources Legacy Fund, will enable the hiring of a Network Manager position for
multiple years, fund a case study to document the model work of the Network in
coordinating stewardship across a large region, and help launch Network priority
initiatives. Attachment 2 is a press release (released on January 7th) announcing the
Network Manager position, the funding, and the background and purpose of the Network.
3. The Network has launched a web presence to provide information about the purpose of
the Network: http://www.scmsn.net/ Attachment 3 is the homepage for the site.
4. Numerous other Network actions are underway, such as finalizing bylaws, developing a
Story Map of Santa Cruz Mountains stewardship projects, identifying current stewardship
projects that could benefit from increased collaboration between Network participants,
and identifying strategies to build awareness and public information about landscape-
level stewardship.
I will continue to provide updates as Network momentum builds throughout the year.
September(30,(2015(
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
Preamble
The mission of the Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network is to help cultivate a resilient,
vibrant region where human and natural systems thrive for generations to come.
The Santa Cruz Mountains region has a long history as a place of significant cultural, biological, and
environmental diversity which supports many native plant and animal species found nowhere else on
Earth. Those who love and value this important region share a rare opportunity and responsibility to
protect this unique ecological and cultural heritage and the ways of life it sustains.
The Santa Cruz Mountains region, as we define it, extends from the San Francisco Bay area, south to the
Pajaro River and is bounded to the east by the Santa Clara Valley and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The region is comprised of a diverse array of ecosystems which include diverse natural features ranging
from ridge tops to alluvial fans, old growth forests, saltwater lagoons, marshes, mudflats, and intertidal
zones. Ownership and land use varies from park and open space preserves to privately held timber and
agricultural lands interspersed with both rural and urban communities.
Good land stewardship occurs on both public and private lands, “preserved” and “working” lands. The act
of stewardship toward land is based on the concept that landowners and land managers take good care
of the land for its own sake and for the future, and not only for short-term personal gain. Effective
stewardship of a large landscape or region requires an approach that promotes a wide range of beneficial
uses or values, including but not limited to ecological, recreational, aesthetic, spiritual, cultural, and
economic.
The Network will help coordinate stewardship efforts at the landscape and local scales. Some of the
specific priority areas we agree are critical include:
• Enhancing Water Quality and Watershed Health
• Managing Invasive Plant and Animal Species
• Maintaining Biodiversity and Endangered Species
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Monitoring, Research and Education
• Access to Public Lands
• Strong Human Communities and Citizen Engagement
September(30,(2015(
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding establishes the Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network, a
region-wide and cross-sector collaboration of independent individuals and organizations who are
committed to practicing effective stewardship on their own lands and coordinating their efforts with other
land stewards to enhance stewardship on a regional level.
Stewardship Network participants agree that effective land stewardship on a regional level is
characterized by:
• Emulating or enhancing natural ecosystem functions
• An active, varied, “mosaic” approach that promotes a wide variety of conservation benefits,
including the generation of responsibly produced resources and livelihoods from working lands.
• Experimenting with a range of stewardship practices as appropriate
• Consistent monitoring and evaluation, adjusting land practices to improve results
• Co-operative efforts and the sharing of critical information
• Identifying and communicating the acceptable and unacceptable thresholds of threat or hazard
from activities or events such as fire, and the consequences of action versus inaction
• Responsible and responsive regulation that does not unduly hamper stewardship efforts
• The availability of sufficient resources to achieve long-term goals
Accordingly, participants agree that their primary objectives for forming and joining the
Stewardship Network are to:
• Build trust and strengthen relationships within and across sectors and jurisdictional boundaries
• Value diverse perspectives and approaches to stewardship, exploring together what constitutes
best current and future stewardship practices
• Sense and respond to emergent challenges
• Identify critical obstacles that hamper stewardship efforts and develop strategies for improving
effectiveness
• Collaborate where individual and regional stewardship goals converge
• Leverage existing activities and resources and avoid duplication of stewardship efforts
• Share information in order to enhance knowledge and promote best practices that support long
term sustainability
• Inform other landowners, the public at large, potential project funders, regulators, and legislators
about the importance and value of effective stewardship for enhancing the health of the Santa
Cruz Mountain region
• Recognize and support landowners and private businesses who are advancing stewardship goals
and are using best practices
• Ensure adequate resourcing for long term stewardship efforts
• Educate and recruit future stewards of the land
The Undersigned, while not legally bound, share the intention to support the primary objectives of the
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network as outlined above. Participating members of the
Stewardship Network sign on behalf of their organization as an authorized representative, while also
affirming and retaining the independence and autonomy of their organization, its mission, its authority,
and its goals. Any participant may withdraw from this MOU at any time by providing written notice to the
other participants within 30 days prior to their intended withdrawal.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 534F3804-F722-4445-AEDC-3CAE2F01BE15
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Organization California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Name __ A-TR"-f.icrht-a_r_d+S_a_m_p_s_o_n _______ Title Forester II Signed_ti:(J1!,:7-·tr-~t---JJ,~j;J...:t.-__ __. __________ ,Date 11/18/2015
0-. t· uc santa cru2 Natural Reserves rgamza ron _________________________ _
Gage Dayton Administrative Director Name ________________ Title _________ _
10/18/2015
Date. ____ _
Organization _________________________ _
Name ________________ Title. _________ _
Signed. _____________________ Date ____ _
organization San Lorenzo Valley Water District
~meJen Michelsen Environmental Prg. Mgr. Title _________ _
10/21/2015
Date ____ _
A I jL f / t! ,--:-i Organization_..:.-.;..-'-r-'-~t~c=1."'-'f;',___,'-"v-'-J(~u.""-· _._r"""'' '='v__r_:_f....-6.~· ""'=d"---L-('--r=vJ::::_:__ __________ _
Date
September 30, 2015
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network Seeks Network Manager
San Cruz, California, January 5, 2016. The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network has
announced that it is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Network Manager to coordinate the
network’s activities.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network was formed in 2015 as an inclusive, region-
wide collaboration of 19 large landowners in the Santa Cruz Mountain region that extends from
south of San Francisco to the Salinas Valley, east to the Santa Clara Valley, and west to the
Pacific Ocean. The Network includes individuals and organizations representing local, state, and
federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, private landowners, and
community and tribal groups, nearly all of whom either own or are responsible for managing
both protected and working lands throughout the region. The network is committed to working
together to balance both ecological and economic goals to foster a resilient, vibrant regional
ecosystem where human and natural systems thrive for generations to come.
The Network Manager’s primary responsibilities will be to cultivate collaboration between
network members and to act as the network’s organizational coordinator. The Network Manager
will be responsible for connecting network members with each other and with other important
contacts in the region, identifying and advancing opportunities for collaboration and information
sharing between member organizations, helping to secure more resources for land stewardship,
and educating the public about the importance of caring for land throughout the region. The
Network Manager will work closely with the network’s leadership team and report to the entire
network.
“The position requires the exercise of several skill sets that are actually quite different in
practice,” said Kellyx Nelson, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Resource
Conservation District (RCD) and member of the network’s selection committee for the position.
“On the one hand, the Network Manager must be a skillful facilitator who is capable of bringing
people together and building consensus among sometimes divergent points of view. On the other
hand, the same person must also have the capabilities of an effective office manager, who can
manage the logistics of overseeing a diverse group of organizations and individuals, including
budgeting and planning, as well as handling all aspects of internal and external communications.
Finding this range of skills in a single individual may be challenging, but we are optimistic that
there is someone out there with these capabilities who is attracted to this unique opportunity to
work at the cutting edge of large landscape conservation.”
The Network Manager position requires a two-year minimum commitment to ensure the
continuity of the network as it evolves. Annual contract renewal thereafter will depend on
additional funding. Initially, the Network Manager position will be funded in part by a grant
awarded to the Stewardship Network in December 2015 by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and
the Stephen Bechtel Fund. The grant will also fund a case study to document the model for
coordinating stewardship across a large region that the network is pioneering. The Stewardship
Network and Network Manager position will also be supported by a grant awarded in November
2015 by the Resources Legacy Fund. The San Mateo County RCD will serve as the grant
administrator for the Bechtel grant, and provide an office and administrative support for the
Network Manager.
With the need for financial support for land stewardship increasing throughout the region and the
effects of climate change becoming more evident, the members of the Stewardship Network have
come together to coordinate activities, resources, and information in an attempt to leverage their
collective capabilities and identify opportunities for greater efficiency among their stewardship
efforts. Based on an understanding that the region's ecosystems function without regard to
property boundaries, network members’ intention is to work together to enhance water quality
and watershed health, maintain biodiversity and endangered species, manage invasive plant and
animal species, support climate change adaptation, provide access to public lands, monitor
resources and conduct research, educate the public, and build citizen engagement and strong
human communities throughout the Santa Cruz Mountain region.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network was formed during a series of multi-day
meetings in March, June, and September 2015. During the meetings, participants identified
common interests and established agreements that would provide a basis for sharing information
and resources to achieve common objectives in land stewardship. The Stewardship Network was
founded on the agreement that effective stewardship of the region requires the promotion of a
wide range of beneficial uses of the land, including ecological, economic, recreational, aesthetic,
cultural, and spiritual.
The model of collaborative, large landscape stewardship that the network is developing is
currently advocated by conservation scientists, practitioners, and policy makers as one of the
most promising strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change and other potentially
negative impacts to the natural environment. Impact networks like the Stewardship Network
have proven to be powerful organizing mechanisms for addressing systems-level challenges that
are too complex to be effectively addressed by any single stakeholder.
The Network Manager position includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as PTO, a
401K, and a flexible workplace. The San Mateo Resource Conservation District is an equal
opportunity employer. Candidates reflecting the social diversity of California are strongly
encouraged to apply.
Individuals interested in applying for the Network Manager position with the Santa Cruz
Mountains Stewardship Network should visit scmsn.net/apply for more information about the
Network Manager position and instructions on how to apply. For additional questions about the
Stewardship Network or the Network Manager position, contact David Ehrlichman at
dce2020@convergeforimpact.com.
Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
Home /Contact /Apply For The Network Manager PositionNetwork/Stewardship /
The Santa Cruz Mountains region has a long history as a place of significant cultural, biological, and environmental
diversity which supports many native plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The region is
comprised of a diverse array of ecosystems which include diverse natural features ranging from ridge tops to
alluvial fans, old growth forests, saltwater lagoons, marshes, mudflats, and intertidal zones.
Those who love and value this important region share a rare opportunity and responsibility to protect this
unique ecological and cultural heritage and the ways of life it sustains.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network is a region-wide and cross-sector collaboration of independent
individuals and organizations who are committed to working together to balance both ecological and economic
goals to foster a resilient, vibrant regional ecosystem where human and natural systems thrive for generations to
come.
About The Network
Learn more about the purpose and
primary objectives of the Network.
About the Network ›
What Is Stewardship?
Learn what effective stewardship
looks like on the ground.
What is Stewardship? ›
Network Members
The Stewardship Network is
comprised of 19 organizations
including local, state, and federal
agencies, nonprofits, academia,
business, community, and tribal
groups.
Network Members ›
Page 1 of 2Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network
1/8/2016http://www.scmsn.net/