Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 16Text meeting: August 20, 2009 8:30 am —Council Clhambers Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2009 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, .Jean Struthers, Sue Welch Regrets: Patty Ciesla, Mary Davey Guests: Susan Mandle, Associate Member; Ginger Summit, Council Member Staff: none 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am. The minutes of the .June meeting were approved as written.. The election of officers tools place, The current positions — Chair and Secretary (Roger and Nancy, respectively) -- will remain the same, Z. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None 3, Ongoing Business: ❑ Sudden Oak ]Death Sue reported that it takes at least 8 weeks to culture the bay leaves that were collected and do DNA testing of the samples. Sue will call in mid-August to find out about the follow-up meeting in October. This meeting, according to Sue, may be more valuable than the first meeting because management options will be the main focus. u Spiked Fences The spiked fence ordinance was forwarded to staff for their response. Roger reported that this item will be placed on the September I W" Council meeting agenda under "Reports from Committees" and that staff didn't have any particular problem with the ordinance.. ❑ Other Fencing Issues The Committee will gather, more information on what other communities have done regarding property -line fencing. Nancy passed out Saratoga"s revised wording for fencing hillside properties that Alice obtained from the Saratoga Planning Department.. Page 1 Next meeting: August 20, 2009 8:30 am — Council Chambers ❑ Open Space Properties 28008 Laura Court — Roger reported that the main concern with this property is the creek. Roger has recommended to staff that the existing fence that runs along the top of the creek bank be removed, as it is close to the bank and is not open fencing. 27575 Purissima Road — This property has Deer Creek running through it. Roger directed a letter to staff, again pointing out the high priority of creels protection., Hogle Conservation Easement — Nancy received an e-mail from Francie Kelly Hog] e, who expressed concern about what was happening to the main house, Her father told her that he had heard "that the Glassmans tore down the house save the front door." Nancy followed up with an e-mail to Debbie Pedro. Debbie assured Nancy that an historic architect was involved with the remodel and small addition that had been permitted under the conservation easement and that the terms of the easement were being adhered to. ❑ Riparian/Water/Creels Projects & Issues Susan Mandle explained in greater, detail the goals of the SCV WD grant. Susan does not think that a large project, as was discussed in the last meeting, will qualify. A smaller, more specific project is more likely to qualify, Ginger and Susan will discuss this further to explore the possibilities. ❑ Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Nancy passed out DVD's to members — "Designing Roads with Wildlife in Mind" She reported on an urban wildlife conference she recently attended. The issue of wildlife road passage structures was a major topic, as roads are a leading source of wildlife mortality. Over a billion dollars of damage is reported annually, according to the insurance industry — mainly deer -vehicle collisions. Cal Trans has added a new goal of habitat connectivity to their mission and is sponsoring and funding "The California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project." One of the services that Cal Trans can provide is the cleaning out of sediment from culverts to allow for wildlife passage. State legislation is requiring California Fish & Game to identify wildlife corridors throughout the state. © Town Newsletter Page 2 Next meeting: August 20, 2009 8:30 am — Council Chambers The OSC will submit an article on what to do if you find a wild animal. Alice and Sue provided agency contact information, and Roger offered to format the information to make it more user --friendly. OPEN DISCUSSION: There was some discussion about the proposed Hidden Villa annexation. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Submitted by Nancy Couperus Next meeting — August 20th at 5:30 am. Page .3