HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 18Next meeting: July 16, 2009
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of June 18, 2009
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Richard Partridge, Alice
Sakamoto
Regrets: Patty Ciesla, Karen Lemes, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch
Guests: Susan Mandle, Associate Member
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am. The minutes of the May meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Ongoing Business:
Sudden Oak Death
Nothing new to report.
Earth Day
Nothing new to report.
Fencing Issues
The OSC reviewed the proposed spiked fence ordinance (attached) and with two
minor edits unanimously approved the document. Roger will send the proposed
ordinance to Debbie Pedro along with photos of wrought iron fences with
spikes, ones with protective rail, and the Los Angeles Times article.
The OSC further considered the problem of property-line fences, which are
fragmenting wildlife habitats and adversely impacting deer movement. As a
result of property-line fencing, deer are often being channeled into adjacent
properties where they are not wanted and onto roads where they endanger
themselves and motorists.
Justifications for a proposed draft ordinance include:
(1) The aesthetics of the Town are being affected as more and more perimeter
fences are being built – creating a grid-locked appearance. The walling off of
homes and neighborhoods is destroying the open, rural character, which is part of
the natural beauty of our hillside community.
Next meeting: July 16, 2009
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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(2) The OSC supports flow-through spaces for wildlife, while still allowing for
home security. The guideline is to fence in what needs to be protected, while
avoiding fencing in natural habitat that the animals need.
Furthermore, support for an ordinance that addresses the issue of property-line
fencing that fragments and isolates wildlife is found in the Conservation Element
of the General Plan.
Goal 3 – Maintain and enhance the integrity of wildlife habitat.
Program 3.3. Assess the potential for development patterns to fragment and
isolate significant wildlife habitats.
The following ordinance is proposed in response to the above:
You cannot cause to be enclosed with fencing an area exceeding twice the Maximum Development
Area (MDA).
Open Space Operating/Management Plan
Nothing new to report.
Riparian/Water/Creek Projects & Issues
Susan Mandle reported that the Santa Clara Valley Water District has reinstated
their Grant Program – Clean, Safe Creeks. Grant proposals are due in March of
next year. There are two separate categories: Planning ($200,000) and
Implementation ($1 to 2 million). The OSC discussed possible projects:
O’Keefe, Byrne Preserve, and Upper Adobe Creek Watershed (including Byrne
Preserve and Hidden Villa).
Mary Davey said that she would contact Council member Ginger Summit to
discuss the possibility of the latter.
Edith Park
No news to report.
Invasives
No news to report.
OPEN DISCUSSION: There was no time left for open discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.
Next meeting – July 16 at 8:30 am.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: July 16, 2009
8:30 am – Council Chambers
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