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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 14Next meeting: May 12, 2006 2 PM Town Hall Page 1 of 4 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Minutes of April 14, 2006 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Patty Ciesla, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Barbara Mordo, Alice Sakamoto, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch Guests: Bob Lefkowits, Councilman Mike O’Malley Staff: None 1. Call to Order: Roger Spreen called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None 3. New Business: Code Enforcement Violations related to Open Space Issues: Nancy expressed concern about code enforcement issues – whether or not staff should be given more enforcement tools for code violations. She cited past violations with regard to pathways, open space, recommendations by Environ- mental Design. Carl Cahill had mentioned to Councilman Mordo that he knew a consultant who specialized in this area. Councilman O’Malley stated that we have a part-time enforcement officer who responds to 25-30 complaints a week. He believes that most complaints were being taken care of and that there are not a sufficient number of cases to warrant the hiring of a consultant. Roger stated that monitoring and awareness were our best deterrents. Bob Lefkowits expressed interest in finding out how residents can effectively report violations. Bob is interested to know who is responsible for verifying that there actually is a violation and who is responsible for red-tagging. Bob offered to interview Carl and Steve to learn more about the process. Mary suggested that after the committee has this information it could be written up and included as an article in the Town’s newsletter. Vineyards – General Discussion There was discussion about the increasing number of vineyards in town and the ancillary damage – erosion and chemicals in the environment. Nancy volunteered to find out what neighboring towns are doing. Sue pointed out that we’re not trying to stop the planting of vineyards but that we would like to Next meeting: May 12, 2006 2 PM Town Hall Page 2 of 4 recommend environmentally sensitive methods. Bob suggested that we present the information as “guidelines.” Mary Davey will check with MROSD on what the District recommends. Mike O’Malley suggested making up a flyer with pros and cons. Council Resolution in Support of Santa Clara County Open Space Initiative – Mary summarized the main points of the Santa Clara County Initiative. Nancy passed out a Draft Resolution. The OSC unanimously supported putting the draft resolution before the Town Council at its next scheduled meeting. 4. Follow-up actions from previous meeting:  Next year’s budget The OSC wants to include removal of invasive weeds (particularly along Matadero Creek and on the O’Keefe open space lands) as part of restoration. Mary noted that the Conservation Corps does restoration for Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District. Roger explained that last year’s budget ended up being reviewed upwards from $15 K to $25,800. The OSC approved Roger’s request of $25K for the upcoming year’s budget. Roger will prepare a budget.  Remaining fiscal year expenses The following items were approved by the OSC for funding this year: * Membership renewal in the Land Trust Alliance * Expenditures already approved for plantings (by Acterra) * Wildlife survey – small additional expenses for consultant’s time * Resource materials – up to $1500 for GPS Monitoring unit and books (Sue Welch will research the GPS unit)  Earth Day Planning Nancy passed out Earth Day fliers. She stated that 32 different environmental, conservation, recycling organizations, school groups and Town Committees would be participating this year. She asked for help from the Open Space Committee. Bob Lefkowits, Alice and Roger volunteered to help. Mary and Sue will be present representing the groups that they are associated with. Barbara and Patty will be out of town and Jean will be at the native plant show. The Earth Day Celebration is sponsored by the LAH Open Space Committee.  Matadero Creek Open Space Easement According to Bob there have been no changes on the Open Space Easement on Matadero Creek Lane. Next meeting: May 12, 2006 2 PM Town Hall Page 3 of 4 5. Ongoing  Wildlife Corridor Project Subcommittee Roger summarized what had been accomplished so far with the wildlife study. He will make a presentation to the Town Council on April 27th on behalf of the Wildlife Subcommittee. Roger will emphasize that the corridor map is preliminary – it is still being worked on. Mike suggested that the Council might direct the Open Space Committee to work with the Pathways Committee since we likely will want to convert existing pathway easements (those not slated to become pathways) into wildlife corridors.  Herbicide reduction subcommittee update Roger reported that nothing further has happened with the herbicide resolution. It is on hold for the time being. Sue Welch is very interested in this subject but cannot give it her full attention at this time. Sue will be attending a Grasslands Conference which will provide an opportunity to discuss this issue with repre- sentatives from Cal Trans.  Byrne Preserve Master Plan/ Restoration Roger said that he would call Patty to find out the status of the plantings. Sue said that Shari Lubin would like to get something in writing that would be more formal. There doesn’t seem to have been any follow-up. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM. Submitted by: Nancy Couperus Next meeting: May 12, 2006 2 PM Town Hall Page 4 of 4