HomeMy Public PortalAbout20211208 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
December 8, 2021
Board Meeting 21-33
*Approved by the Board of Directors on December 15, 2021
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
The Board of Directors conducted this meeting in accordance with California Government Code
section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33. All Board
members and staff participated via teleconference.
APPROVED MINUTES*
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT – STUDY SESSION
President Riffle called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
order at 5:02 p.m.
President Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government Code
section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33, allowing
Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a meeting
where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The public
has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to this meeting
through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting agenda,
which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District website.
President Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Curt Riffle and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Financial Officer Stefan Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to
the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Natural Resources Manager
Kirk Lenington, Management Analyst I Sophie Christel
1. Science Advisory Panel Findings on the Topic of Recreation, Part II: Impacts of
Open Space Recreation and Use Management Frameworks (R-21-158)
Meeting 21-33 Page 2
Management Analyst I Sophie Christel described the role and function of the District’s Science
Advisory Panel (SAP) and explained the research question being studied by the SAP to better
understand the visitation and recreational use benefits and tradeoffs to fulfilling the District’s
mission to protect natural resources and provide public access. Ms. Christel introduced Stephanie
Panlasigui and Sean Baumgarten with the San Francisco Estuary Institute.
Mr. Baumgarten outlined benefits to human health for visitors to open space, which can also lead
to pro-environmental behavior by those individuals.
Ms. Panlasigui highlighted tradeoffs associated with recreational impacts, including habitat
fragmentation for wildlife; negative impacts on wildlife, vegetation, soil, and water; and higher
use levels may lead to visitor conflict and degradation of experience. Ms. Panlasigui reviewed
management recommendations to protect against negative impacts of recreation, many of which
are already used by the District. Ms. Panlasigui stated the SAP recommends the District adopt a
visitor use management framework, which can standardize the decision-making process, build a
defensible justification for decisions, supports adaptive management, and provides transparency
about management decisions.
Ms. Christel described potential next steps that may be taken to address the impact of recreation
on its preserves, including the Rancho San Antonio multimodal access study and proposed uses
and opportunities at Cloverdale Ranch.
Director Kishimoto commented on the importance of the information provided and the potential
application of the visitor use management framework to the Board’s future decision regarding e-
bikes on District preserves.
Director Hassett stated staff should bring forth the best science-based proposals and
recommendations for District projects independent of the sometimes difficult decisions that
affect public access to an area.
Director Holman requested and received additional information and clarification regarding the
impact of visitors on each other’s experiences and also on wildlife and their habitats. Director
Holman spoke in support of engaging with preserve visitors to partner with them to be
environmental stewards rather than just recreational users.
President Riffle inquired how the SAP report will assist the District in making decisions
regarding future recreational access decisions, such as for e-bikes.
General Manager Ana Ruiz commented on the District’s need to balance science, natural
resources on District properties, requests by the public to access preserves, partnerships, etc.
when determining how to manage the District preserves and the level of public access allowed.
Ms. Christel spoke in support of adaptive management principles resulting from the SAP report
and stated the District can use these principles to appropriately respond to the proposed uses of
and resulting impacts on District preserves.
Public comment opened at 6:22 p.m.
Meeting 21-33 Page 3
Shani Kleinhaus stated she is interested in seeing how the tools provided in the report will be
used to protect natural resources and stated adaptive management requires monitoring to ensure
sensitive areas are protected. Ms. Kleinhaus spoke against allowing any motorized vehicles in
District preserves, included e-bikes and stated science should be the guide when making
decisions regarding the preserves.
Giulianna Pendleton commented on seeing e-bikes on trails and stated these take away from the
natural atmosphere of the trails and the public’s connection to nature.
Mike Ferreira spoke in favor of selecting a science-based recommendation when making
determinations related to District preserves.
Public comment closed at 6:27 p.m.
Director Siemens commented on the need for the District to study the impacts of the public and
dogs on District preserves on the wildlife living there.
Director Kishimoto spoke in favor or protecting microscopic wildlife that live in the soil.
No Board action required.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 6:43 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
President Riffle called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Budget & Analysis Manager Rafaela Duran, Grants Program
Manager Deborah Hirst, Senior Capital Project Manager Tanisha Werner,
Public Affairs Specialist Leigh Ann Gessner, IT Program Administrator
Owen Sterzl, Real Property Manager Mike Williams
President Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with Government Code
section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33, allowing
Meeting 21-33 Page 4
Board members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a meeting
where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The public
has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to this meeting
through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting agenda,
which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District website.
President Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Craig Gleason spoke in support of narrow trails on District lands stating they provide a better
user experience and can create connections to larger trail systems. Additionally, Mr. Gleason
spoke in support of the District’s efforts to protect newts in the Lexington Reservoir area.
Mary Buxton spoke in support of the District’s efforts to research, collaborate, and support the
work to protect newts near Lexington Reservoir and thanked the District for its commitment.
Dashiell Leeds recounted seeing newts in the Lexington Reservoir area as a child and
encouraged the District to take efforts to protect the newts.
Merav Vonshak, leader of the citizen scientist group documenting newt mortality along Alma
Bridge Road, stated up to 25% of newts killed on the road often disappear and are not counted
meaning the study undercounts the amount of new mortality. Additionally, Ms. Vonshak asked
the District to expedite a solution to protect the newts along Alma Bridge Road.
Shani Kleinhaus commented on the large amount of the community that is interested in
protecting the newts and asked the District to support the newts through advocacy and funding
support.
Staci Wolny commented that the newt study likely underestimates the amount of newt mortality
and expressed concern regarding the likelihood of newt extirpation in the near future.
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Tom Angsten provided comments in support of allowing class 1 e-bikes in the El Corte de
Madera Open space Preserve stating they create no additional impact over standard bikes and
allow older riders to enjoy the preserves.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Cyr moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to adopt the agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public comment opened at 7:18 p.m.
Ms. Woodworth reported no comments had been submitted for the Consent Calendar.
Meeting 21-33 Page 5
Public comment closed at 7:18 p.m.
Motion: Director Hassett moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to approve the
Consent Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Claims Report
2. Annual Dedication Report of Certain Lands of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District (R-21-159)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Accept the annual report on the status of dedicated interests in lands of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District held for public open space purposes.
2. Adopt a Resolution dedicating interests in certain District lands for public open space
purposes.
3. Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Financial Report (R-21-163)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Review and accept the Fiscal Year 2020-21 (FY21) Annual Financial Report.
2. Adopt a resolution approving the transfer of a total of $7.0 million from the General Fund
Unassigned Fund balance consisting of: $3.5 million to the Committed for Infrastructure
Fund; $1.75 million to the Committed for Future Acquisitions and Capital Projects Fund; and
$1.75 million to the Committed for Capital Maintenance Fund.
4. Award of contract with Balance Hydrologics for sediment-source inventory and
water-quality plan development services in the Pescadero-Butano and San Gregorio
Watersheds (R-21-160)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement with Balance Hydrologics of
Berkeley, CA, to provide sediment-source inventory and water-quality plan development
services in the Pescadero-Butano and San Gregorio Watersheds for a base contract amount of
$203,681.
2. Authorize a 15% contingency of $30,552 to cover unforeseen tasks beyond the current scope
for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $234,233.
5. Award of Contract to Ecast Engineering Inc., for the reconstruction of a spring box
and waterline at the Stevens Canyon Ranch Property in Saratoga Gap Open Space
Preserve. (R-21-161)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Ecast Engineering Inc., to
complete water infrastructure work for a base contract amount of $119,046.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $11,905 to be reserved for unanticipated issues, bringing the
total not-to-exceed contract amount to $130,951.
Meeting 21-33 Page 6
BOARD BUSINESS
6. Update on items of mutual interest related to Lehigh Hanson Heidelberg Cement
and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (R-21-162)
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone commented on Rancho San Antonio Open Space
Preserve and the neighboring Lehigh Quarry. Mr. Malone reviewed the history of the
relationship between the two entities, including the ongoing requirement for the Board to meet
with Quarry representatives annually to discuss and address concerns between the two.
Senior Resource Management Specialist Aaron Hébert described the District’s concerns with
Lehigh Quarry’s proposed 2019 reclamation plan, including the lowering of the ridgeline
between the quarry and Rancho San Antonio, protection of undeveloped/unmined parcels west of
the quarry, etc. Mr. Hébert provided an update on the monitoring of the ridgeline easement,
which includes an agreement between the District and Santa Clara County to assign the authority
to monitor the easement to the District.
Erika Guerra former employee with Lehigh Hanson introduced Carol Lowry, General Counsel,
and Greg Ronczka, Vice-President for Environment and Sustainability, with Lehigh Quarry who
will be taking over Lehigh Quarry’s work with the District.
Ms. Lowry described the history and current management of the Lehigh quarry.
Mr. Ronczka provided and update on the plans for Lehigh quarry, stating the cement kiln is idle
and will remain that way. Additionally, the reclamation plan amendment will be revised in
response to a zoning decision made by Santa Clara County, community input, sustainability
priorities, geological changes, etc. Mr. Ronczka commented on Lehigh’s commitments to
operate safely and in compliance with applicable laws and permits, listen to and consider
comments and concerns from the community, etc. Finally, revisions to the reclamation plan
amendment are developing and will be shared with the District and the public.
Director Siemens inquired regarding plans to address dust created by the quarry that reaches and
coats District vehicles and buildings.
Mr. Ronczka stated the quarry monitors and manages its dust production consistent with its
operating plan.
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding the quarry’s plans for the ridgeline and how it will be
address in the reclamation plan amendment.
Mr. Ronczka stated geotechnical, landslide, and structural studies will be required to drive what
is required and possible on the ridgeline.
Director Kishimoto spoke in support of an extension of the Quarry Trail.
President Riffle stated members of the public and surrounding communities are interested in
whether the West Materials Storage Area will be removed, as stated in the 2012 reclamation
plan. President Riffle inquired how the quarry plans to solicit feedback from the public.
Meeting 21-33 Page 7
Ms. Lowry reported Ms. Guerra shared the viewpoints of the various stakeholders with the new
management team, and Ms. Lowry stated they will continue to seek and consider feedback.
Director Siemens requested and received an update on dust from the quarry on District vehicles
and buildings at Rancho San Antonio, which continues to impact District facilities.
Director Kishimoto inquired if the quarry plans to focus more on sustainability and
environmental quality over profitability.
Mr. Ronckza stated additional information needs to be gathered and evaluated regarding
selenium on the site, options for recontouring the landscape, etc.
Public comment opened at 8:13 p.m.
Shani Kleinhaus stated the Santa Clara Audubon Society supported Santa Clara County’s
decision to deny the reclamation plan amendment and urged the District to prevent lowering of
the ridgeline easement and work to ensure quarry activities are not allowed to degrade the
ecological integrity of the region.
Brian Schmidt with Green Foothills thanked the District and its staff for its work on this project.
Mr. Schmidt stated Lehigh is currently in violation of the easement and stated Green Foothills
opposes the proposed 2019 reclamation plan amendment. Mr. Schmidt stated he hopes the
District will oppose any expansion of the quarry’s operations.
Rhoda Fry expressed concern regarding the quarry’s ability to fill the quarry pit with onsite
material, potential negative impacts on community health, and the threat of landslides to nearby
homes and schools. Ms. Fry expressed concern regarding potential manmade errors in
construction and resulting damage and potential damage to the environment.
Lynette Eng requested additional information regarding remediation of the landslide area and
expressed concern regarding potential flooding of homes downstream from the quarry.
Gary Latshaw with Bay Area for a Clean Environment provided comments regarding the level of
resources needed to restore the quarry area. Mr. Latshaw expressed concern regarding the
emission levels of mercury by the quarry.
Ms. Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Giulianna Pendleton provided comments in support of the District’s partnership with Santa Clara
County to enforce the ridgeline easement. Ms. Pendleton stated it is time for the quarry to begin
the reclamation process and agreed with the District’s concerns regarding the proposals to lower
the easement, using construction fill to reclaim the area, etc.
Public comment closed at 8:29 p.m.
Ms. Lowry addressed the comments regarding the remediation of the landslide area stating it is
an area of concern to be addressed.
No Board action required.
Meeting 21-33 Page 8
The Board recessed the meeting to the end of the meeting of the Financing Authority at 8:33
p.m.
The Board reconvened the regular meeting at 8:43 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA
• Dog Waste Receptacle Update
• Alma Bridge Road-Related Newt Mortality Study Results and Update on Beatty Parking
Lot and Trails Project
Director Kersteen-Tucker thanked the members of the public who submitted comments and for
their devotion to this issue.
Ms. Woodworth read the submitted comments into the record.
Tom Miller expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
LB Nelson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Thomas Westphal thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and
asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Wendy McLaughlin asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir.
Trish Mulvey asked the Board to implement solutions to reduce newt mortality near Lexington
Reservoir.
Steve McHenry spoke in support of measures to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and nearby
locations.
Satomi Fujikawa thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and
asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Seeling Cheung thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and
asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Suzanne Morrone asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir.
Shiv Shah expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and suggested various solutions to protect newts cross safely.
Meeting 21-33 Page 9
Robert Hall thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and asked
the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there.
Rose Grymes expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Mindy Trask expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Mario Guzman expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Marian Franco expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Deborah St. Julien expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma
Bridge Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir.
Glyn Williams expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Michelle Nelson thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and
asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the County
and other partners.
Mary McDevitt urged the Board to take action to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road.
Barb Francis thanked the District for working to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road and asked
the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the County and
other partners.
Kalman Pelhos recounted his experiences seeing newts cross trails on the mid- and lower
peninsula and expressed concerns at the population decline. Mr. Pelhos asked the Board to
implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Hsiao-in Wang provided comments in support of protecting newts near Lexington Reservoir.
Cynthia Alderson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Jean Dresden asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with
the County and other partners.
Meeting 21-33 Page 10
Howard Higley suggested the District seek solutions to protect newts crossing Alma Bridge
Road, such as culvert modification/addition, at grade structures, etc. to reduce newt mortality.
Gail Bower asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with
the County and other partners.
Juan Estrada expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Emily Renzel thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area
and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Luci Evanston expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Dave Poeschel expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road.
Don Bartlett encouraged the Board to close Alma Bridge Road during the height of the
salamander crossing event, similar to the City of Berkeley.
Carolyn Straub expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and suggested the District implement solutions to protect the newts.
Charles Smith expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and suggested solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Betty DeLuco expressed concern regarding the impact of the public on newt mortality on Alma
Bridge Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir.
Pamela Bond expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
April Modesti expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Pat Lang expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Connie Cunningham provided comments in support the public being good stewards of the earth.
Ms. Cunningham expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Meeting 21-33 Page 11
Road and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Neela S. expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Bomi Framroze expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
MaryJane Wilder thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area
and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Deb Kramer thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area and
expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality. Ms. Kramer asked the Board to
implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Carol Fitting provided comments in support of protecting newts and stated wildlife must be
protected from human encroachment.
Marilyn Waterman thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road
area and expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality. Ms. Waterman asked the
Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the County and other
partners.
Gladwyn d’Souza expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Giulianna Pendleton recounted seeing dead newts along Alma Bridge Road and provided
comments in support of protecting newts in the area.
Bob Hirt provided comments in support of budgeting funds to protect newts crossing Alma
Bridge Road.
Clysta Seney recounted seeing newts crossing trails on District lands and in the Santa Cruz
mountains. Ms. Seney asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by
working with the County and other partners.
Douglas Croft expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Clinton Bauder urged the Board to take action to protect newts on Alma Bridge Road.
Meeting 21-33 Page 12
Damon Tighe expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road stating the roadstrikes are destabilizing the newt population and asked the Board to
implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Gary Campanella thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road
area and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population.
Laureen Sabella recounted owning a newt as a child and expressed concern regarding the high
levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road.
Robin Agarwal expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road stating they may soon be extinct. Ms. Argawal asked the Board to prioritize budget funding
to protect the newt population.
Samina Shetty expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Mrs. Arzeno thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area and
expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality in the area. Mrs. Arzeno asked the
Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the County and other
partners.
Sherry Stack recounted her experience witnessing the decline of the newt population at Sanborn
Park and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Mackenzie Mossing expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma
Bridge Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect
the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Mary Lindsay asked the District to take measures to save newts in the Alma Bridge Road and
Lexington Reservoir area and implement solutions to protect the newt population.
Nina Orellana thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area
and expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality in the area. Ms. Orellana
asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the County
and other partners.
Tiffany Yap thanked the District, its partners, and community scientists for their work to
complete the newt study. Ms. Yap encouraged the District to prioritize effective measures to
minimize the impacts of the public on the newt population, such as temporary road closures.
Tobie Pederson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Meeting 21-33 Page 13
Bruce England expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Joe Jurczak urged the District to take immediate action to protect the newt migration.
Oscar Mace expressed concern regarding the decline of amphibian species and urged the District
to take measures to protect the newt population.
Kira Od thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area and
encouraged the District to take additional measures to protect the newt population.
Joe McKenna expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Ian Recchio expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the newt
population near Lexington Reservoir.
Siena McKim expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Marisa A expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the newt
population near Lexington Reservoir.
Carolyn Piotroski provided comments in support of taking actions to protect newts in the Alma
Bridge Road area and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population
near Lexington Reservoir.
Lissette Arellano expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Sara Stinson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
James Maughn stated the District needs to take measures to mitigate the newt roadkill on Alma
Bridge Road.
Katherine Raspet expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Meeting 21-33 Page 14
Chris MacIntosh expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Chloe Van Loon expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road. Ms. Van Loon provided solutions on how to assist the animals crossing the road without
harm. Additionally, Ms. Van Loon asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population
by working with the County and other partners.
David Boyer expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Elizabeth DeJarnatt expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma
Bridge Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir.
Gary Bailey expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road
and asked the Board to help the newts, so they are not eliminated.
Howard Cohen thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area
and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population.
Jennifer Brandt expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Jeanine Lee thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area and
asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population.
Karan Gathani has helped document thousands of dead newts on Alma Bridge Road and
expressed her frustration at seeinlg thousands of newts’ lives lost every year. Ms. Gathani urged
the Board to act quickly to implement mitigation measures to prevent additional newt deaths.
Karen Henderson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population there by working with the
County and other partners.
Kevin Ma urged expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population near Lexington
Reservoir.
Lisa Karpinski recounted her joy witnessing the annual mid-winter migration of the pacific newt
at Wunderlich and Sanborn Park. Ms. Karpinski expressed her concern regarding the high levels
of newt mortality on Alma Bridge Road and asked the Board to prioritize budget funding to
protect the newt population there.
Meeting 21-33 Page 15
Linda Ruthruff expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population when the newts
move between water and the upland area without needing to cross the road.
Lia Von Damm recounted her daily drives on Alma Bridge Road stating she has seen the decline
and devastation of the newt population due to the increase traffic on Alma Bridge. Ms. Von
Damm urged the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population.
Michelle Hudson expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Monica Richards expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road. Ms. Richards suggests seasonal road closures at night would help alleviate the problem.
Michelle Waters asked the District to take measures to save newts in the Alma Bridge Road and
Lexington Reservoir area and implement solutions to protect the newt population.
Nabeel Al-Shamma thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road
area and expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality in the area. Mr. Al-
Shamma asked the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Patricia Larenas thanked the District for working to protect newts in the Alma Bridge Road area
and expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality in the area. Ms. Larenas asked
the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Sarah Ross mentions she is with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 60444 and expressed her excitement
finding a newt on her first camping troop camping trip. Ms. Ross expressed concern regarding
the level of newt mortality and suggested installing a newt crossing or signs to warn people about
the newts.
Andrea Wuenschel requested the Board to prioritize protecting the newt population near
Lexington Reservoir because the newts have an important ecological role in freshwater and
woodland habitats. Ms. Wuenschel stated road infrastructure changes should be implemented to
protect the newts and allow safe crossing.
Thomas Carlino expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Susan Steinbrecher expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma
Bridge Road and urged the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population in the
Lexington Reservoir area.
Marian Fricano expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and asked the Board to prioritize budgeting funds to implement solutions to protect the
newt population near Lexington Reservoir.
Meeting 21-33 Page 16
Christina Nielsen expressed concern regarding the high levels of newt mortality on Alma Bridge
Road and urged the Board to implement solutions to protect the newt population in the
Lexington Reservoir area.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
Director Kersteen-Tucker reported the Planning and Natural Resources Committee met on
November 16, 2021 to discuss the vision and goals for the Hawthorns property.
B. Staff Reports
No staff reports.
C. Director Reports
Director Kishimoto reported she attended a Santa Clara County LAFCO meeting.
Director Siemens reported he attended a meeting of the Santa Clara County Special District’s
Association and thanked staff for the tour he took of the new administrative building.
Director Holman expressed concern regarding the stress the drought has placed on the redwood
trees located at the new administrative building.
Ms. Ruiz stated staff has asked the contractor to increase the water being provided to the trees on
site.
President Riffle reported he and staff recently met with San Mateo County Supervisor Horsley.
ADJOURNMENT
President Riffle adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District at 10:02 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
FINANCING AUTHORITY
President Riffle called the meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing
Authority to order at 8:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Karen Holman, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, Pete Siemens, and Santa
Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian
Members Absent: None
Meeting 21-33 Page 17
Staff Present: Executive Director Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson,
Financing Authority Secretary Jennifer Woodworth, Controller Mike
Foster, Finance Manager Andrew Taylor, Chief Financial Officer Stefan
Jaskulak
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to adopt the
agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0-0
FINANCING AUTHORITY BUSINESS
1. Acceptance of the Annual Financial Report of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Financing Authority for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021 (R-21-168)
Controller Mike Foster provided the staff presentation describing the purpose of the Financing
Authority reported the Financing Authority’s debt was fully paid off in 2021.
Director Siemens inquired if the Financing Authority would be needed following the end of the
Measure AA funding.
Mr. Foster stated that since the District can now issue 30-year general obligation bonds, he does
not view an ongoing need for the Financing Authority.
General Counsel Hilary Stevenson stated the Financing Authority will need to meet again before
it is dissolved because the last of its debt was paid off in the current fiscal year. District staff will
bring additional information regarding potential dissolution at that time.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Holman seconded the motion to accept the
Annual Financial Report.
VOTE: 5-0-0
President Riffle adjourned the meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Financing Authority at 8:43 p.m. back to the regular meeting.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk