HomeMy Public PortalAbout20220427 - Minutes - Board of Directors (BOD)
April 27, 2022
Board Meeting 22-12
*Approved by the Board of Directors on May 25, 2022
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
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 Kersteen-Tucker called the special meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Jed Cyr, Larry Hassett, Karen Holman, Zoe Kersteen-Tucker, Yoriko
Kishimoto, and Curt Riffle
Members Absent: Pete Siemens
Staff Present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager Susanna
Chan, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan
Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington, Planning
Manager Jane Mark, Land & Facilities Manager Brandon Stewart, Real
Property Manager Mike Williams, Chief Ranger Matt Anderson
President Kersteen-Tucker 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 Kersteen-Tucker described the process and protocols for the meeting.
Director Siemens joined the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
Meeting 22-12 Page 2
1. Coastal Management Plan (R-22-53)
General Manager Ana Ruiz provided introductory comments discussing the purpose of the
Coastal Management Plan to address operational needs of the District on the Coastside and to
help the District further integrate into the Coastal community.
Real Property Manager Mike Williams reviewed the process used to develop the Coastal
Management Plan, including integration of five programs: land protection, visitor services, land
and facilities management, resources management, and project planning and delivery for public
access. Mr. Williams described the growth of the District’s lands before and after the coastal
annexation.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone highlighted the amount of coastal grazing and
agricultural lands that are preserved and managed by the District. Mr. Malone outlined the
recommendations included in the Coastal Management Plan: coastal patrol unit; full-service field
office; staff presence through employee housing; updating the financial and operational
sustainability model; and a departmental review of staffing needs. Mr. Malone provided an
overview of the staffing recommendations included in the Coastal Management Plan and the
financial implications of the staff recommendations.
Chief Ranger Matt Anderson described the various responsibilities that would be covered by the
proposed coastal patrol unit.
Land and Facilities Manager Brandon Stewart reviewed the land and facilities management
responsibilities in the Coastal Management Plan, including implementation of the Wildland Fire
Resiliency program, increased fuel load maintenance, support for existing and future
agricultural/grazing tenants, etc. Mr. Stewart described the roles and duties for each of the
proposed staffing recommendations within the Land and Facilities Department.
Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington described the role of resource management in
preserving and protecting District lands and helping to provide ecologically responsible public
access. Mr. Lenington highlighted various natural resource projects that are planned for the
coastal area, such as ecological health and biodiversity monitoring, drought response and
resiliency plan, habitat enhancement and water supply improvement plan, etc. Finally, Mr.
Lenington reviewed the staffing requests to implement the proposed projects within the Natural
Resources Department.
Planning Manager Jane Mark described the roles and responsibilities included in the project
planning and delivery process for opening areas to public access in the coastal area, including
regional trails, increasing public access at various preserves, improving multimodal access, etc.
Director Riffle inquired regarding potential opportunities to coordinate with other agencies and
organizations in the area, such as for common office space.
Mr. Malone reported there is not currently a plan for a shared office space, but this will be
explored as part of the Coastal Management Plan. Additionally, the District will continue to
coordinate with other agencies regarding various projects, such as regional trails, patrol,
emergency response, etc.
Meeting 22-12 Page 3
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding the restoration plans for the coastal area to help support
climate resilience.
Mr. Malone described the role of conservation grazing and restoration of riparian areas, such as
for the San Gregorio Creek, to support carbon storage and maintain the land.
Director Siemens suggested locating the coastal field office on the former Driscoll Event Center.
Mr. Malone stated there is not currently a resource management permit for the small office
located there. Once that permit is secured, the Event Center will be considered as an option for
the coastal field office.
Director Holman requested and received clarification regarding the responsibilities for the
proposed property management specialist position, which will support the property management
role to manage and communicate with the District’s conservation grazing tenants, and the
proposed planner position, who would work primarily on projects in the coastal areas and in the
coastal communities.
Director Hassett suggested the District reach out to realtors in the coastal communities to seek
out options for a coastal area office location.
President Kersteen-Tucker inquired if the District has considered hiring staff with specific
agricultural expertise.
Mr. Malone stated a certified rangeland manager is desired to help create rangeland management
plans in partnership with the tenants.
Public comment opened at 6:42 p.m.
Mike Ferreira commented that Half Moon Bay would be a good location for a coastal area office,
specifically the south end of the town where there is an available property.
Public comment closed at 6:45 p.m.
Director Riffle commented the coastal area is the next large area of the District that requires
extensive planning and offers many opportunities to engage with the community and San Mateo
County to prepare for additional public access there. Director Riffle spoke in support of
increasing the District’s presence and outreach in the community.
No Board action required.
ADJOURNMENT
President Kersteen-Tucker adjourned the special meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 6:48 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 22-12 Page 4
President Kersteen-Tucker called the regular meeting of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to order at 7:02 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, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administrative Services Stefan
Jaskulak, District Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer
Woodworth, Finance Manager Andrew Taylor, Capital Project Manager II
Ivana Yeung, Natural Resources Manager Kirk Lenington, Planning
Manager Jane Mark, Land & Facilities Manager Brandon Stewart, Real
Property Manager Mike Williams, Chief Ranger Matt Anderson, Planner
II Melissa Borgesi, Senior Planner Jared Hart
President Kersteen-Tucker 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 Kersteen-Tucker described the process and protocols for the meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No public comments submitted.
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 7:07 p.m.
Ms. Woodworth reported no public comments had been submitted regarding the Consent
Calendar items.
Public comment closed at 7:07 p.m.
Meeting 22-12 Page 5
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Riffle seconded the motion to approve the
Consent Calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
1. Approve the April 13, 2022 Board meeting minutes
2. Approve Claims Report
3. Teleconferenced Board Meetings Pursuant to the Brown Act and Assembly Bill 361
(R-22-50)
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt a resolution affirming findings on the continued
need for remote teleconferenced public meetings pursuant to AB 361.
4. Award of a Professional Services Contract for Biological Monitoring and Permit
Compliance associated with the Alpine Road Regional Trail Improvement Project at Coal
Creek Open Space Preserve (R-22-51)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Condor Country Consulting,
Inc. of Martinez, CA, California for a base amount of $72,677.
2. Authorize a 15% contingency of $10,902 to be reserved for unanticipated issues, bringing
the total contract to a not-to-exceed amount of $83,579.
5. Award of Contract with Timothy C. Best, CEG for trail engineering services and
preparation of construction documents for trail projects in La Honda Creek and Coal
Creek Open Space Preserves (R-22-52)
General Manager’s Recommendation:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a multi-year professional services contract
with Timothy C. Best CEG to complete the design, engineering, permitting, and construction
oversight for two trail projects, for a base contract amount not-to-exceed $74,000.
2. Authorize a 10% contingency of $7,400 to be reserved for unanticipated issues, bringing
the total not-to-exceed contract amount to $81,400.
6. Approval to extend contract with Chavan & Associates to provide Financial
Auditing Services for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 through FY2022-23, for a Not-To-Exceed
Total Amount of $53,015. (R-22-54)
Controller’s Recommendation: Appoint Chavan & Associates as the District’s financial auditor
for FY22 and FY23 and authorize the General Manager to enter into an agreement for a not-to-
exceed amount of $53,015.
BOARD BUSINESS
7. Public Hearing to Receive Public Comments on the Redwood Cabin Removal Draft
Environmental Impact Report (R-22-55)
Meeting 22-12 Page 6
Ms. Ruiz described the Board’s previous direction to move forward with the demolition of the
Redwood Cabin and the various reasons for demolition, including public safety and high cost of
ongoing maintenance.
Planner II Melissa Borgesi described the location and current conditions of the Redwood Cabin
and previous direction by the Board on the project. Ms. Borgesi reviewed the primary objectives
of the Redwood Cabin demolition, including removing physical hazards, reducing structure and
wildland fire risk, and enhancing the habitat and natural ecological functions of the surrounding
area.
Mike Parker with Ascent Environmental outlined the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) review and analysis processes. Mr. Parker described the various environmental impacts
of the project and recommended mitigation measures. Mr. Parker reviewed the three project
alternatives and the impacts and costs of each alternative.
Senior Planner Jared Hart described the process for the public hearing to receive comments on
the environmental impact report and the timeline for receiving written comments.
Public hearing opened at 7:32 p.m.
No public comments were submitted for this item.
Public hearing closed at 7:33 p.m.
Director Holman stated she submitted written comments and questions regarding the project to
staff. Director Holman inquired if public access is planned for the area in the future.
Mr. Hart stated future public access is included in the preserve master plan, but it is not currently
included in the Districts three-year action plan.
Director Holman commented air quality and greenhouse gas impacts were not further analyzed
but 60 tons of debris will be created from the demolition and will be taken to an offsite landfill,
which creates large amounts of greenhouse emissions. Director Holman stated this topic needs
further consideration. Director Holman commented the District has not been a good steward of
this structure, and there are not many similar structures.
Director Hassett commented on similar structures in the area he was aware of stating several may
be in better condition.
No Board action required.
8. Award of Contract to Granite Rock Company to complete Alpine Road Regional
Trail Improvement Project at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve (R-22-49)
Capital Project Manager II Ivana Yeung provided the staff presentation describing the project, its
location, and the project timeline. Ms. Yeung described the proposed repairs and the construction
constraints, including a short construction season, narrow work zone and access, and required
trail closures.
Meeting 22-12 Page 7
Director Holman requested and received additional information regarding the current ownership
of Alpine Road Trail and the potential transfer of ownership from San Mateo County to the
District and responsibility for ongoing maintenance costs.
Mr. Malone stated the District is interested in Alpine Road Trail and its role as part of a regional
trail, which is why it will likely be taking on the maintenance costs.
Director Hassett stated his support for keeping the trail open as much as possible, including
between construction seasons due to the high demand for use by cyclists. Director Hassett
provided comments in support of maintaining a narrow trail due to the instability of the land
there and likely higher cost of maintaining a wider trail.
Director Siemens requested and received clarification of the trail width for the various sections
of Alpine Road Trail.
Director Hassett spoke in support of outreaching to local vendors and the selection of a local
vendor.
Public comment opened at 8:27 p.m.
No public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 8:27 p.m.
Motion: Director Hassett moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to:
1. Authorize the General Manager to enter into a contract with Granite Rock Company of
San Jose, California for a base amount of $1,586,623.
2. Authorize a 15% contingency in the amount of $237,993 of to be reserved for
unanticipated issues, bringing the total contract to a not-to-exceed amount of $1,824,616.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0-0
Director Kishimoto commented on the remaining funds for the Alpine Road Measure AA
portfolio stating the funds should be reserved there to help fund any future repairs.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
No Committee reports.
B. Staff Reports
Public Affairs Manager Kori Skinner provided an update on the District’s Bayside Family
Festival on Saturday.
Ms. Ruiz reported on interviews given by staff in Spanish and Cantonese to help publicize the
event.
Meeting 22-12 Page 8
C. Director Reports
Director Kishimoto reported she attended meetings of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development Commission and Santa Clara County LAFCO on April 21, 2022.
Director Riffle reported he attended the Wild and Scenic Film Festival sponsored by the District
and Peninsula Open Space Trust.
Directors Hassett and Kersteen-Tucker reported on the District’s recent successful meeting with
the agricultural community.
Director Holman thanked staff for their efforts in organizing the Bayside Family Festival.
ADJOURNMENT
President Kersteen-Tucker adjourned the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at 8:39 p.m.
________________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk