HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 21Next meeting: February 18, 2010
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of January 21, 2009
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Jean
Struthers, Wendie Ward
Regrets: Mary Davey, Sue Welch
Guests: Sharon Schoendorf, Council Member Ginger Summit
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am. The minutes of the December meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Ongoing Business:
❑ Earth Day
Nancy reported that she had met with Kathy Evans from Parks & Recreation to
begin collaboration on this year’s Earth Day Celebration, which will be held on
April 18th. Kathy will start contacting past exhibitors.
❑ Sudden Oak Death
Sue has submitted an article on SOD for the March Town Newsletter. The next
SOD Blitz has been scheduled for May 15th.
❑ Fencing Issues
Roger reported that the spiked fence ordinance was passed by Council 5-0. Alice
and Jean suggested that we let other towns know about the new ordinance.
❑ Other Fencing Issues
Nothing new to report.
❑ Open Space Properties
Byrne Preserve – According to the December Council minutes, downed and dead
trees have been removed from Byrne Preserve and SOD spraying in the area has
been scheduled. Jean reported that she, Sue, Carl and Richard had a meeting
about the invasive weeds in Byrne Preserve. They agreed that the first order of
business was to have an assessment done by a consultant. Roger will check with
Carl on the plans for Byrne Preserve.
Next meeting: February 18, 2010
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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O’Keefe – Ginger reported on the meeting with Susan Mandle, Carl, Debbie and
Richard concerning the SCVWD grant. The Town plans to submit 2 proposals for
the Trails & Open Space grant, which allows 5 years for the completion of a
project.
• One would be for the extension of the pathway from the Evershine property
down to Robleda – costing roughly $400,000.
• The second would be for the (re)construction of two bridges on the O’Keefe
property: a pedestrian bridge where a plank now crosses Purissima Creek, and
a utility bridge at the location of the current bridge
The OSC discussed the existing bridge and passed a motion stating the
Committee’s desire to maintain the open space rural character. The OSC
understands the need for functionality but wants to maintain an aesthetically
pleasing appearance. Roger will communicate this recommendation to the
staff.
The Committee felt that the Shelterbelt proposal for creek restoration should be
part of any project, along with routine mowing of the large area of star thistle. It
might be necessary to hire a consultant to inform the Town when mowing should
occur. Jean suggested that the Town concentrate first on vinca, English Ivy, and
palm tree removal in Purissima Creek. Roger will get back to Carl concerning
these recommendation.
❑ Riparian/Water/Creek Projects & Issues – SVWD Grants
Discussed above under O’Keefe.
❑ Wildlife Habitat and Corridors
Nothing new to report
❑ Invasives
Discussed above – Byrne Preserve and O’Keefe
❑ Hidden Villa
Ginger summarized the most recent developments at Hidden Villa. 213 acres of
land are proposed for annexation. 8 ½ acres of the 40 acres along Moody Road
would be dedicated to Heifer International. Hidden Villa and MROSD are
working together on the remaining acreage along Moody Road. According to
Ginger, there appears to be excellent cooperation between Hidden Villa and Town
staff.
OPEN DISCUSSION: There was no additional time for discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for February 18th.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: February 18, 2010
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: February 18, 2010
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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