HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 17Next meeting: March 17, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of February 17, 2011
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch
Regrets: None
Guests: Council liaison, Gary Waldeck, MROSD Representative, Yoriko Kishimoto,
Residents - Susan Mandle and George Clifford
Staff: None
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the February meeting were
approved .
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Santa Clara Valley Water District Grant Proposal
Roger reported on discussions with Debbie Pedro concerning a grant proposal for
the restoration of Adobe Creek at Edith Park. Karen reported that Acterra is
working on a restoration project at Redwood Grove. Although collaboration with
other groups might help to secure a grant, which Karen suggested, the deadline
for submission is too close (mid March) to make this feasible. The OSC voted
unanimous support of the Town’s grant proposal to SCVWD for restoration of
Adobe Creek at Edith Park, including authorizing the monies needed to support
the grant proposal. Roger will let the staff know of the Committee’s support.
Jean offered to donate deer grass to replace what appears to be Harding grass in
Edith Park. Roger will pass this information on to Richard Chiu.
Earth Day
Nancy explained that the OSC will be sponsoring the wild cat presentations at
Earth Day 2011 on April 17th. She asked the Committee to authorize a request
for the $600 fee for the Wild Cat Education & Conservation Fund. The OSC
voted to approve the expenditure. Nancy will send the request to the Town’s
Finance Director.
Next meeting: March 17, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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4. Ongoing Business
Hidden Villa
Although Heifer International decided not to locate its global village next to
Adobe Creek at Hidden Villa, the OSC remains concerned about the fence that at
some points runs along the top of bank of Adobe Creek and at other points within
25-35 feet of the creek bank.
The OSC would like to encourage Hidden Villa to move the existing fence closer
to the agricultural field.
Sue Welch explained that California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has new
requirements to improve natural resources, specifically in riparian areas and
wildlife corridors. The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) under
USDA sponsors a couple of programs, including the Environmental Quality
Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
that could provide funding up to 75% to improve wildlife habitat. Sue will
summarize these programs and pass the information on to Roger who can
then share it with Bill Whitmer, current president of Hidden Villa. The
Committee agreed that Roger and George would be good representatives from the
OSC to meet with Bill to discuss the fence issue. Roger agreed to contact Bill.
Sudden Oak Death
The May 28th SOD Blitz is confirmed. Sue requested funding for a postcard
mailing and meeting expenses up to $1500. The OSC approved the expenditure.
Sue will make the arrangements for both the mailing and the meeting.
Creek Setbacks
Nancy distributed Portola Valley’s creek set back ordinance to members who had
not received a copy. Susan Mandle passed out copies of the Santa Clara Valley
Water Disrrict’s 2010 Stewardship Report – Protecting and restoring creek and
bay ecosystems. Yoriko Kishimoto spoke about the Santa Clara County Habitat
Conservation Plan, which sets standards for creek setbacks. The HCP does not
include Los Altos Hills. However, it is interesting to note that the HCP calls for a
setback of 25-50 feet beyond the edge of the riparian area where riparian
vegetation exists.
Lehigh Cement – Quarry Expansion
Council member, GaryWaldeck, reported on the latest county meeting concerning
the Lehigh Cement Plant. The Board of Supervisors decided that the Plant does
Next meeting: March 17, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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have a vested right to operate on certain portions of their acreage (15-17 different
parcels).
Gary reported that a website with extensive documentation has now been created,
providing those who are interested with all existing background material –
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills are working together to come up with an
independent assessment of the health risk, if one exists. One fact that has been
revealed is that the EPA is requiring Lehigh to reduce mercury emissions by 95%.
Additional permits will be required of Lehigh – use permits for the storage area,
for both the old and new quarry and the new cement plant.
A forum to be held in April or May has also been proposed.
Open Discussiion There was a brief discussion about voluntary conservation
easements, differentiating them from open space easements, which can be
required by the Town in return for development rights. A voluntary conservation
easement was granted for the Hogle property and the OSC is hopeful that more
large property owners will consider this option.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17th.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: March 17, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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