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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 19Next meeting: March 18, 2008 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 1 of 4 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2008 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch Regrets: Patty Ciesla, Mary Davey, Richard Partridge, Roger Spreen 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 January meeting were approved with two minor corrections. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None 3. Current Business:  Sudden Oak Death Report The Committee reviewed the SOD Report by arborist, Don Cox. The Report was informative and well written. The Committee concluded, however, that limited spraying and cutting of bays was preferable to extensive spraying and tree removal. Sue offered to create a statement for the staff and Council, which reflects the viewpoint of the OSC. Karen recommended that when a decision has been made on how to proceed the Town should put this out to bid. The Committee also recommended quarterly monitoring of the trees in Byrne Preserve.  Landscape Guidelines Sue is a member of the Subcommittee on Water Conservation and is working on a rewrite of the Landscape Guidelines. This is still in progress.  O’Keefe Open Space Preserve Sue passed out the Report from Shelterbelt on O’Keefe. Sue proposed some minor additions and some edits and asked that members of the Committee review the Report.  General Plan Update Next meeting: March 18, 2008 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 2 of 4 Nancy passed out copies of the proposed letter on the Land Use Element for the General Plan Update Committee prepared by Richard Partridge. Two minor changes were made to the letter and it was then approved unanimously. Nancy will deliver the letter to Debbie Pedro and Leslie Hopper. Roger will represent the OSC at the next meeting of the General Plan Update Committee on Wednesday, February 27th.  Byrne Preserve Master Plan/Pasture Usage Nothing new to report.  Fencing Alice presented materials on fencing regulations in other communities (Loomis and Duarte) and background on the Town’s fencing ordinance. Loomis has some very interesting ways of presenting the philosophy of their town on open space – illustrating how residents can help preserve the natural environment. Here is the link: http://loomis.ca.gov/index.php?rootPos=17 The OSC discussed some issues surrounding fencing that Loomis and Duarte are trying to address.  Water Conservation Sue passed out information on a course on water management in California being offered through UC Cooperative Extension. The course presents “an overview of water management in California, with emphasis on water supply, hydrology, drinking water quality, and ecosystem management.” Sue and Karen would like to attend. The cost of the class is $395. The OSC unanimously approved a resolution to approve an expenditure of $200 each (half the class cost) for Sue and Karen to attend the class. Nancy will send Sue and Karen the new form for committee expenditures. The OSC also strongly recommended that a Town staff member (preferably from Engineering) attend this class.  Herbicide Reduction Nothing to report.  Riparian Corridor Policy Nancy passed around the flier on “Bringing Back the Birds to Bay Area Streams” which will appear in the next Town newsletter mailing. Melissa Pitkin of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and Bob Power, Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, will be the featured speakers. This event will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd in the Town Council Chamber. Next meeting: March 18, 2008 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 3 of 4 Orr Project Nothing new to report. OPEN DISCUSSION: Karen reported on the January 25th forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Office of Liz Kniss. It was entitled “Strategies for a Sustainable Santa Clara County.” Karen said that this is one in a series of forums that are planned around the state. Nancy informed the OSC that the Crozier-Hogle property has been sold. The new owner is a local Palo Alto resident who appears to share Lois’s love of the land. According to Francie Kelly, Lois’s daughter, an historic architect will help advise on updates to the house. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. Submitted by: Nancy Couperus Next meeting: March 18, 2008 9:00 am – Kitchen Conference Room Page 4 of 4 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday March 18th at 9:00 am.