HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 18Next meeting: March 18, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of February 18, 2010
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch
Regrets: Jean Struthers
Guests: None
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the January meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
❑Hogle Property – Solar Panels
The new owners of 2000 Old Page Mill Road (formerly Lois Hogle’s property)
have asked the Town for permission to install solar panels on the hillside below
the tea house/swimming pool, which would cover an area of 16’ x 25’ – a total of
1500 square feet. The Associate Planner, Cynthia Richardson, does not believe
that the conservation easement permits this. Cynthia asked the OSC for an
opinion, since the Committee was so intimately involved in securing the
conservation easement.
The OSC agreed with the Town that the conservation easement prescribes no
structures, therefore precluding solar panels on such a large scale. The
Committee thought that there were alternative ways to use solar without creating a
blemish in such a visually and environmentally sensitive area. Although the goal
is laudable, the precedent of altering the intent of the conservation easement
should not be allowed. The Committee voted unanimously to uphold the
easement, and Roger agreed to write up the conclusions of the OSC for staff.
❑Eastbrook subdivision
Roger reviewed the plans for the Eastbrook subdivision. There is apparently
some opposition from neighbors. The OSC has already submitted its thoughts on
the location of the open space easement and the importance of providing a link
between the creek and the open space area. There was nothing more that the
Committee thought it should comment on.
Next meeting: March 18, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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4. Ongoing Business
❑ Earth Day (April 18)
Nancy reported that Kathy Evans seemed to be moving along with contacting the
exhibitors. The Town has decided to celebrate the re-opening of Westwind Barn
on Earth Day. A short ceremony, which will highlight the green technologies
employed in the seismic retrofit, will be held before the first Wildcat Presentation.
❑ Sudden Oak Death
Sue has submitted an article for the Town newsletter that announces the May 15th
SOD Blitz. She will also put a postcard together for a town-wide mailing in
advance of the event.
❑ Fencing Issues
The spiked fence amendment has been officially adopted by the City Council.
❑ Riparian/Water/Creek Projects & Issues – SVWD Grants
Nothing new to report
❑ Wildlife Habitat and Corridors
Nothing new to report
❑ Invasives
Town Engineer, Richard Chiu, has met with Go Natives on their proposal to deal
with invasives in Byrne Preserve. According to Roger, the City is considering a
contract proposal.
❑ Hidden Villa
Negotiations are on-going. Mary Davey reported that she is optimistic about the
current negotiations and that she believes that the annexation process will
succeed.
OPEN DISCUSSION: There was no additional time for discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for March 18th.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: March 18, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: March 18, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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