Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 17Next meeting: October 15, 2009 8:30 am – Council Chambers Page 1 of 4 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2009 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Wendie Ward Regrets: Patty Ciesla, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch 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 July meeting were not approved – an oversight. They will be approved at the next OSC meeting. There was no meeting in August. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None 3. Ongoing Business:  Sudden Oak Death As Sue was not present, this subject will be discussed at the next meeting. Sue is planning a SOD follow-up meeting for residents in November.  Spiked Fences The OSC reviewed the spiked fence ordinance. Following up on a recommend- ation of the Environmental Design Committee, gates, along with fences, were added. Alice also informed the OSC that South Lake Tahoe could be added to the list of towns with an ordinance in place or working on one. Roger will make these additions and submit the ordinance to the Town. He will also attend the September Council meeting when the subject is brought up.  Other Fencing Issues In regard to setback, Alice pointed out a Planning Commission meeting in August 2004 where the minutes reflect a recommendation for fencing setbacks. This topic still needs further study.  Open Space Properties Nancy brought up the issue of the open space lands at Hidden Villa. Mary provided background and history of MROSD’s involvement with Hidden Villa – past and present. Mary explained that an appraisal of the lower 40 acres had been done, which showed that both under the County and Town the property would be valued at 9 million dollars. Next meeting: October 15, 2009 8:30 am – Council Chambers Page 2 of 4 The OSC discussed the traffic issues – comments by Karen Lemes – with Heifer International leasing the land for its project. There was concern by the Committee that so little was known about the current negotiations going on between the Town and Hidden Villa over the annexation. The Committee agreed that it should send a letter to the Town requesting more openness with regard to current negotiations with Hidden Villa and how the OSC could be involved in this process. The Committee voted unanimously to direct the Chair, Roger Spreen, to write a letter on behalf of the Open Space Committee to the Town. Byrne Preserve – Roger related the events that had occurred in Byrne Preserve – the mowing of a very large area in the Preserve for purple thistle control. Nancy had intervened with the Town to prevent the entire pasture area from being mowed. Richard Chiu informed Nancy that the Town had conferred with Go Native and that mowing had been recommended. Roger e-mailed Richard asking that the OSC be involved in future plans. The OSC has been assured that its input will be sought and that in future the Town will keep the OSC in the loop. Stirling – 18 acres. The OSC discussed concerns raised about possible develop- ment of this acreage. Nancy suggested that a subcommittee, including Sue and Alice, be formed to come up with some recommendations to the Town. Carl Cahill thought that it would be useful to staff to know what areas on the property needed protecting.  Riparian/Water/Creek Projects & Issues Susan Mandle and Ginger attended a Santa Clara Water District Watershed meeting. They heard about some proposals being recommended for the grant money that could become available for local projects. We have been told that the Pathways Committee is interested in constructing a bridge across Matadero Creek near Page Mill Road. Nancy said that she would check with Sue Welch to find out if the Pathways Committee is pursuing this and is planning to submit a grant application to SCVWD.  Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Nothing to report.  Town Newsletter Nothing to report OPEN DISCUSSION: There was no additional time for discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for October 15th. Submitted by Nancy Couperus Next meeting: October 15, 2009 8:30 am – Council Chambers Page 3 of 4 Next meeting: October 15, 2009 8:30 am – Council Chambers Page 4 of 4