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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 18Next meeting: April 15, 2010 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 1 of 5 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2010 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Mary Davey, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch Regrets: Guests: Council member Ginger Summit; Gary Waldeck Staff: none 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the February meeting were approved as written. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None 3. New Business ❑ Byrne Preserve Tree Report The OSC questioned whether or not this is an overly aggressive plan of tree removal and recommended that the Town have Barry Coates, or someone with similar oak experience, review the survey. The OSC also concluded that pruning was excessive, not appropriate, and not compatible with the goal of maintaining Byrne Preserve as a natural open space. The exception being – unless there is a direct hazard to public safety. Additionally, the OSC thought that the Town should concentrate on removing only those trees, which were at very high risk of falling onto a trail. Mary said that MROSD has not had a particular problem on its open space lands, even though SOD is present. It has not begun any program to remove dead oaks. Members of the OSC thought it would be worthwhile to examine the trees along Trail #1. Sue, Nancy, and Sharen agreed to walk the area to do an assessment. They will try to analyze the scoring to see if it’s reasonable. Sue Welch will look into “brush boxes” for people to clean their shoes before leaving an infested area. These are currently being used in open space areas. While their effectiveness is questioned, they do serve to make people more aware of the SOD problem. Next meeting: April 15, 2010 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 2 of 5 Roger agreed to write up the conclusions of the OSC for staff. ❑ Byrne Preserve Invasives Report Town Engineer, Richard Chiu, provided a report by “Go Natives” for the Byrne Preserve pasture. It is similar to the last report – basically, a spray program (Milestone followed by Round-up). Although Milestone is said to be non-toxic to animals, it has been banned in the UK, according to Sue. Members of the OSC questioned how the owners of the horses in Byrne would feel about herbicide use. Nancy stated that most of the horses in the Preserve currently belong to Parks & Rec or the 4-H and that they probably would not have much say in the matter. However, reducing the amount of forage for the horses in the pasture could become an issue. In the opinion of the OSC the probability of success of this herbicide program is not great – certainly if it is being considered as only a one-time application. Controlling invasives is an ongoing effort, no matter what technique is used. Karen stated that she thought the Town had made great strides in reducing herbicides and that this would be a step backwards. Members expressed disappointment that other alternatives, like hand-pulling and mowing, were not even considered in the Report. Everyone agreed that the follow-up techniques for minimizing re-infestation were impractical. They also agreed that there ought to be two requirements: (1) that fencing be required to keep horses out, and (2) that neighbors be notified about any sprayin,g if this program is going to be implemented. The OSC recommended instead a timed mowing program for those weed-infested areas of most concern (for example, along the pathway). Weed whacking in the gully area (teasel infestation) could also be helpful. The OSC recommends expert, Paul Heiple, who works for Acterra, to advise the Town on the best time to mow. Roger will advise the Town on the recommendations of the OSC. ❑ Public Safety Proposal – closing preserves at night The OSC supported Steve Garcia’s request to close open space preserves at night. ❑ Sudden Oak Death Sue has submitted a postcard to be mailed out to residents advising them about the SOD Blitz in May. An article appeared in the March newsletter on this subject. ❑ Solar Panels and Open Space Roger summarized the discussion with the owner and architect regarding the placement of solar panels on the conservation easement. The owner agreed to place the panels in the area of the tennis court instead of the hillside as proposed. Next meeting: April 15, 2010 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 3 of 5 This alternative will not require any changes to the conservation easement. At the next meeting in April Roger recommended that the Committee consider developing a policy on solar panels in easements. 3. Ongoing Business ❑ Riparian/Water/Creek Projects & Issues – SVWD Grants Nothing new to report ❑ Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Nothing new to report ❑ Invasives Discussed above ❑ Hidden Villa Nothing new to report OPEN DISCUSSION: Jean pointed out that a letter from County Fire recommended against planting natives near homes. Jean will write a letter to County Fire requesting them to rephrase the sentence to permit the planting of natives next to homes. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. Next meeting is scheduled for April 15th.. Submitted by Nancy Couperus Next meeting: April 15, 2010 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 4 of 5 Next meeting: April 15, 2010 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 5 of 5