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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 15Next meeting: June 19, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 1 of 3 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Minutes of May 15, 2007 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Patty Ciesla, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Jean Struthers Regrets: Mary Davey, Barbara Mordo, Sue Welch Guests: Susan Mandle Staff: None 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. The minutes of the April 17th meeting were approved as written. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: Susan Mandle updated the OSC on developments with the Adobe Creek Watershed Collaborative. According to Susan, construction is slated to start on Adobe Creek in April 2008 and planting should be completed by December 2008. OSC members expressed appreciation to Susan for her hard work on this project. 3. Current Business:  Wildlife Corridor Project The completion of the map has been temporarily put on hold. The cartographer, Tom Haney, has had some problems with his printer and needs some additional time. A suggestion was made for the blue-colored lines indicating creeks (those found on USGS maps). A broken line could depict those creeks shown on the Santa Clara Valley Water District map and extension of creeks identified through “ground truthing.” Nancy will discuss this recommendation with Sue and Tom.  General Plan Open Space Element – Status Report The three elements – Conservation, Open Space & Recreation – were approved by the City Council on April 26th with a few minor changes. The General Plan Committee is now working on the Safety Element.  Fencing issues Alice brought up the issue of maintaining easements in town and who is monitoring them. Patty suggested working with a consultant to help develop a protocol for maintaining easements. There is a need to educate homeowners about living in Next meeting: June 19, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 2 of 3 harmony with nature – for example, leaving habitats in yards. Karen suggested that school children could learn about wildlife corridors in their neighborhood as part of their science education. OSC members suggested that we need guidelines to deal with riparian areas, highly sloped areas, native woodlands, roadsides, and internal pathways. It would also be important to find out what the fire department requirements are for these areas.  Earth Day 2007 wrap-up Nancy reported that there were between 700 and 800 attendees. The live cat presentation, as always, drew the most interest. The cost of this year’s event was approximately $1600. The signage was much more expensive, but this year’s signs can be used again next year.  O’Keefe planning Roger reported that Richard Chen from the Town had asked the OSC for advice on mowing – which areas and when this should be done. Patty and Jean offered to meet with Richard. Roger will set up this meeting at O’Keefe as soon as possible. Nancy submitted a letter and presented it to the Santa Clara Valley Water District at their budget hearing on May 3rd – requesting continuance of the Open Space Grant Progam. Board member, Greg Zlotnick, indicated that some funding might be available, and since Los Altos Hills had not received any of this funding in the past, it would be eligible. Susan Mandle explained that there will be more budget discussion about the Trails, Parks and Open Space Grant Program in June. She emphasized that we ought to be ready should the Program be continued. Susan asked if we could provide more information on what we wanted done – the length of Purissima Creek, etc. Nancy said that she would try to get Susan information on this.  Byrne Preserve planning Patty noted at the last meeting that there were dying oaks and coffee berry in Byrne Preserve that might indicate Sudden Oak Death. She put in a report to the Town but so far has not heard anything. Patty will follow up with Carl. Patty also recommended putting together a one-page summary for a Master Plan for Byrne Preserve. Roger asked if she would put together such a summary. Patty replied that she might have time in July to do this.  Water Conservation subcommittee report A demonstration showing how much water was needed for a patch of grass was put together by Sue Welch and Ray Collins for the Earth Day Celebration. Next meeting: June 19, 2007 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 3 of 3 The demonstration was an effective way of illustrating how much water is used to keep lawns green.  Herbicide Reduction No news to report.  Budget wrap-up The OSC budget has been submitted to the Town by Roger.  Town survey results The results of the town survey on land use is now available. Nancy will forward a copy to those who didn’t receive a copy. 5. Open Discussion There was agreement that we ought to invite Carl Cahill to attend the next meeting of the OSC, if he is available. The OSC would like to have some input on the criteria for selecting a replacement for Town Engineer Henry Louie who is leaving this position. Nancy reminded the OSC about “Going Batty” – the next in the series in Living With Wildlife that will be held at Hidden Villa at 6 pm on Wednesday, June 13th. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. Submitted by: Nancy Couperus The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 19th at 9:00 am.