HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 15Next meeting: August 19, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of July 15, 2010
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch
Regrets: Wendie Ward
Guests: Council member Ginger Summit
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the June meeting were not
available.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Byrne Preserve SOD Tree Removal
Sue expressed concern about the disposal of SOD/high-risk trees in Byrne
Preserve. She cited an example on Matadero Creek where town workers had
disposed of large branches in the creek and along the bank. The OSC agreed that
the Town needed to be informed and a request made for removal of debris from
riparian areas.
Two other concerns arose from the discussion of Byrne Preserve – the need to
clear the pathway of thistles from the main gate near Altamont to the top of the
hill for hikers, equestrians, etc. and the need to clear poison oak from the paths in
Byrne Preserve.
Roger and Sue will try to meet with Richard Chiu to discuss these three
items.
Byrne Preserve Invasives
Sue has not heard from Paul Heiple, but she will start mapping the area.
Edith Park
The OSC discussed the need for a demarcation fence in order to keep the
landscaping crew from removing native plants in the creek area. The fence would
Next meeting: August 19, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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be low and is not intended to keep people out. The OSC thought that Susan
Mandle could advise the Committee if this is feasible, as neighboring properties
could be affected. The OSC voted to approve a motion for Sue to contact Susan
about this possibility.
Sudden Oak Death
Nothing to report.
Solar Panels and Open Space
Nothing to report.
3. Ongoing Business
Planning – Stirling Property – 28030 Natoma Road (18 acres)
City Manager Carl Cahill had suggested that it would be helpful to staff if the
OSC could prepare a statement explaining what it would like to see happen in
regard to an open space easement and wildlife corridor on the Stirling property
when it comes up for development.
Alice provided background on the history of the property and the wire mesh fence
that cut off an important wildlife corridor. She also prepared a list of proposals,
which was distributed to OSC members.
Mary suggested that there ought to be some conditions for sale that involved re-
opening an area for wildlife to pass through. Other OSC members suggested
fencing setbacks at the time of subdivision. In some parts of Town, 5-foot
setbacks have been required (i.e. La Cresta area).
The primary goal would be to maintain the historic flow of wildlife in an area
which is geographically surrounded by creeks. By so doing, wildlife will be kept
out of individual properties and channeled into open space areas where there will
be fewer human/animal conflicts.
Sue reminded members that fencing is not allowed in open space easements. The
OSC agreed that Matadero Creek and adjacent steep areas must be protected with
an open space easement and that there should be no blockage of access from the
creek to the upper areas of the property.
A motion was made for Alice to incorporate some of these recommendations into
her list. Alice will forward the revised list to Roger who will send it on to
Carl.
Next meeting: August 19, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Invasives
Discussed above – Byrne Preserve
Hidden Villa
A pre-application for the Heifer project has been put before the County Planning
Department. Karen is keeping on top of this.
OPEN DISCUSSION: Mary reported on the Coyote Valley wildlife corridor study
being done by DeAnza college students. The Coyote Valley is rich in wildlife. It
provides a very important corridor for wildlife moving back and forth between the Diablo
Range in the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains in the west. It is located just south of
San Jose.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for August 19.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: August 19, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: August 19, 2010
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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