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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 17Next meeting: May 15, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 1 of 3 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Minutes of April 17, 2007 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Patty Ciesla, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch Regrets: Mary Davey, Barbara Mordo Guests: Susan Mandle Staff: Debbie Pedro 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am. The minutes of the March 20th meeting were approved as written. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: Debbie Pedro, Planning Director, expressed interest in the OSC’s recommendations for the O’Keefe Open Space Preserve. 3. Current Business:  Wildlife Corridor Project Sue and Nancy will have one last meeting with Tom Haney from Live Oak Associates to include a legend on the final map and the creeks not shown on the map. Roger suggested that the OSC put together a statement for the Council and Planning Commission which states that the corridor/connectivity map put together by wildlife experts is meant to be used as a planning tool to aid staff in knowing where the naturally sensitive wildlife areas are. This could help expedite planning and development by showing which areas are sensitive and which are not. Currently all new development and remodels have to be reviewed by staff. Roger wants to underscore that the existence of the map does not change any fencing regulations.  General Plan Open Space Element – Status Report The updated General Plan elements – Conservation, Open Space and Recreation – will go before the City Council on April 26th.  Fencing issues Discussed under Wildlife Corridor Project.  Morrison subdivision update Next meeting: May 15, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 2 of 3 Leslie Hopper has informed us that the heritage oaks on the Morrison property have been place within the open space easement.  Recreation issues – O’Keefe parcel plans Debbie Pedro, Planning Director, provided Committee members with a description of the O’Keefe property. Roger explained the OSC recommendations for the property – low impact use, getting rid of invasive species, natural paths, possibly a native plant garden. This would require some capital outlays and maintenance. Roger also mentioned Craig Murray’s interest in the property for a vegetable garden. Roger agreed to contact Craig to find out what his minimum requirements were. Susan Mandle reported on the SCVWD and the Trails, Parks and Open Space Grants. The District has not determined yet whether or not to continue this program. If it does, Los Altos Hills would have an opportunity to receive funding because it hasn’t received any in the past from this source. Sometime in early May SCVWD will be making a decision and Susan will keep us apprised. She added that a project would be subject to CEQA. If money does become available, there would be a three-month period between the time it is available and the beginning of the grant process. Action items that need to be taken: • Getting to Breene and Craig, the leads on the new Recreation Facilities Committee • Pushing forward with the grant process if it is continued • Requesting budgeted dollars for planning • Getting more information from Craig Murray with details  Byrne Preserve issues Patty noted that oak trees have died suddenly in Byrne Preserve. She noted that coffee berry has also been affected. Patty will request staff to get an arborist to confirm that this is Sudden Oak Death. Coast live oaks and Tan Oaks have been dying off in Portola Valley and Woodside from Sudden Oak Death.  Water Conservation subcommittee report Three members of the OSC are participating in the ad hoc committee, although Karen has been unable to attend meetings because of her work schedule. An exhibit showing water usage for lawns for Earth Day is being considered by the group. Next meeting: May 15, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 3 of 3  Herbicide Reduction Susan Mandle reported that some of her neighbors complained to Town about the dying vegetation due to the spraying this year. Nancy was forwarded a letter from Henry Louie which stated that as of November 2007 no more spraying was being planned. Roger will contact Henry and ask for clarification. Nancy will forward the communication from Hentry to the rest of the Committee. New Business  Budget Roger asked for Committee input on the upcoming year’s budget for the OSC. Members agreed that $8,000 for O’Keefe made sense, that invasive weed removal in high value open space areas, such as Matadero Creek, was important, that staff education and training and continuing the Living with Wildlife series were important items that should be funded. A Byrne Preserve Master Plan study, while expensive, should also be included. Roger will submit the budget to the Town on our behalf.  Earth Day 2007 preparations Nancy asked for help from the OSC on Earth Day – staffing the OSC table, etc. Several members volunteered their help. 5. Open Discussion Hidden Villa and the OSC will be collaborating on another in the series on Living with Wildlife. Bats will be the topic, and Hidden Villa will be hosting this event. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. Submitted by: Nancy Couperus The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 15th at 9:00 am.