HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 26Next meeting: September 16, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of August 26, 2010
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch
Regrets: Jean Struthers
Guests: John Radford
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the July meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: Roger introduced Council candidate, John
Radford. He summarized the goals of the OSC for John and invited comments. John
passed out a survey he recently conducted showing that “preserving our environment,
open space, pathways and scenic beauty” was at the top of the list with 57% support from
respondents.
3. Old Business
❑ Byrne Preserve
Nancy reported that the Town just completed removal of SOD infected trees in
Byrne Preserve that were considered dangerous. This was a joint project with
the Los Altos Hills County Fire District.
❑ Byrne Preserve Invasives
Sue said that she had not heard from Paul Heiple and recommended that we ask
the Town to hire a consultant to do a survey of the non-native plants in Byrne
Preserve. We need to create an overall plan for management.
❑ Edith Park
Nothing new to report. Sue has not yet reached Susan Mandle to discuss our
recommendation for a demarcation fence.
❑ Sudden Oak Death – nothing new to report
Next meeting: September 16, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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❑ Solar Panels and Open Space – nothing new to report
4.. Ongoing Business
❑ Planning – Stirling Property – 28030 Natoma Road (18 acres)
Roger presented a memo that he had prepared-- based on Alice’s work analyzing
this 18-acre property, which contains a significant wildlife corridor and sensitive
riparian habitat. The OSC voted unanimously to accept the memo and Roger
will forward it to the staff.
❑ Invasives
Discussed above – Byrne Preserve
❑ Hidden Villa
Karen Lemes reported on Heifer’s pre-application request to the County Planning
Department. A staff report indicated a willingness on the part of the County to
consider allowing Heifer International to encroach 100 ft into the creek setback.
Current county rules require a 150 ft setback. The OSC agreed that a 50 ft
setback was inadequate to protect this pristine riparian area. (Creeks are critical
to preserving our wildlife and protecting the landscape.) The OSC voted to send a
memo to the Town Council asking Council to voice its objection to allowing
Heifer to encroach 100 ft into the creek setback. Members of the OSC will put
the documents together as soon as possible.
New Business:
Septic Systems
Karen Lemes just returned from Hawaii where she learned about new
technologies that have been developed for septic systems. As a number of homes in Los
Altos Hills rely on septic systems, Karen suggested that we consider sponsoring a forum
on this subject. Mary Davey said that this has also been discussed by MROSD and that
she believes that she may be able to identify experts on this subject for a forum. Mary
will look into getting names of possible speakers.
OPEN DISCUSSION: There was no remaining time for discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for September 16th.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: September 16, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: September 16, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
Page 4 of 4