HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 15Next meeting: May 20, 2008
9:00 am – Parks & Recreation Building
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of April 15, 2008
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Jean
Struthers, Sue Welch
Regrets: Patty Ciesla, Mary Davey, Richard Partridge
Guests: Susan Mandle, Associate Member
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am. The minutes of the March meeting were
approved.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Current Business:
Earth Day Celebration at Westwind Barn
The OSC budgeted $1200 for Earth Day expenses. Sue, Alice, and Jean
volunteered to help on the day of the event. Flyer attached.
Bringing Back the Birds
Nancy reported that approximately 85 residents attended this informational
meeting. It was very well received by the public and the speakers were
outstanding. Sue Welch suggested a follow-up meeting – Backyard Restoration
for Birds – which Kevin Bryant of the California Native Plant Society and Paul
Heiple, member of the Portola Valley Conservation Committee, have done in the
past.
Fencing
The OSC would like to develop specific items it would like incorporated into the
fence ordinance (for example, no spiked fences). Nancy suggested that a sub-
committee might be able to put together some recommendations.
O’Keefe
No news from Shelterbelt. Sue will contact them for an update.
Susan Mandle reported that the Santa Clara Valley Water District has not opened
up the process for grant funding for stream restoration. In order to secure this
funding, we need community support and we need to begin the CEQA process.
Next meeting: May 20, 2008
9:00 am – Parks & Recreation Building
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The Town would like a recommendation from the OSC on how to demarcate the
property line of the O’Keefe Preserve. One of the O’Keefe neighbors says that
residents trespass on his land because it’s unclear where the public land stops.
The OSC recommended corner wooden posts, or, if the money was available, a
split-rail fence. Roger will get back to Carl on this.
Nancy will put together a letter to the out-of-state owner of approximately 7 acres,
which abuts the O’Keefe Preserve. In addition, the letter will include the booklet
on Conservation Easements that was produced by the OSC.
Sudden Oak Death
Nothing new to report.
Byrne Preserve
Nothing new to report.
Riparian/Water/Creek Projects and Issues
Susan reported that there will be a ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday,
May 7th for the Adobe Creek Project. The time is 6 pm. Attendance by OSC
members is encouraged.
Sue Welch handed out a letter to Judy Colvin of the Department of Water
Resources concerning legislation (AB1881) addressing water conservation
practices. The Town of Los Altos Hills has requested an exemption from the part
of the legislation that applies to landscaping projects of 2500 square feet or more.
However, voluntary conservation does not appear to be working in Los Altos
Hills. LAH is using 3.5% more water than any other community getting Hetch
Hetchy water. Sue spoke to the Town Council about this. She will put together
a packet for the Council by June.
Wildlife Corridor Issues
Nothing to report.
Herbicide Reduction
Nothing new to report
OPEN DISCUSSION: Rick Ellinger, a resident who lives in the Matadero Creek
Subdivision off of Page Mill Road, informed the OSC about degradation of Matadero
Creek due to bulldozing. Committee members agreed to meet with Mr. Ellinger to look
over the part of the creek he is most concerned about.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. Next meeting – May 20th at 9 am.
Submitted by: Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: May 20, 2008
9:00 am – Parks & Recreation Building
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