HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 17Next meeting: April 21, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of March 17, 2011
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Alice Sakamoto,
Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch
Regrets: Karen Lemes
Guests: Council liaison Gary Waldeck, Residents Kjell Karlsson and Susan Mandle
Staff: None
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the March meeting were
approved .
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Santa Clara Valley Water District Grant Proposal
Staff sent Sue Welch and Susan Mandle the final copy of the grant proposal for
their comments before it was submitted to the Water District.
Mary Davey Bench
The Town has allocated $7500 for signs for the Mary Davey path on Moody Road
and a bench in honor of Mary. The Pathways Committee wasn’t able to come up
with a suitable location for a bench and asked the OSC to consider a memorial in
Byrne Preserve. The OSC’s recommendation was to plant a tree in Byrne
Preserve and to place a plaque on a rock underneath it.
Stanford/Arastradero Path
The OSC discussed those aspects of the Stanford Trail project that would affect
open space. There were two main concerns – (1) the impact of the proposed
bridge and trail improvements along Matadero Creek on an existing wildlife
corridor and (2) the aesthetic impacts of the proposed retaining wall on the current
open space vistas along the 280 corridor.
Sue pointed out that this portion of Matadero Creek is a late season water source
for wildlife when the upper creek has gone dry.
Next meeting: April 21, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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A motion was made and passed unanimously to send an e-mail to the Council
members and staff expressing the Committee’s concern and supporting the
staff recommendation to send the project back to staff for further review.
4. Ongoing Business
Hidden Villa
George received an e-mail from the Farm Manager Jason McKenny stating that he
favored moving the fence back from Adobe Creek. However, Jason also pointed
out that this has become a very sensitive issue and that he doesn’t know under the
present circumstances how to proceed.
Sudden Oak Death Blitz
Roger will forward the request for funding to the Town.
Earth Day
Nancy reported that the Town approved the expenditure of $600 for the wild cat
presentation on Earth Day. Nancy asked for help on Earth Day – literature that
could be presented to the public.
Creek Setbacks
Roger reported on a survey that the Town is undertaking. Questions on fencing
and creek setbacks will be included in the survey. Roger was concerned that the
questions were not worded well, might be confusing to residents, and could
damage future efforts to make positive changes. Council member Mordo is aware
of the OSC concerns and will solicit further input from the OSC before putting
out questions on fencing and setbacks. The survey will be conducted online.
Lehigh Cement – Quarry Expansion
Council member Garyi Waldeck reported on meetings he attended with two
agencies – the Bay Area Air Quality Board and the California Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
Gary believes that Lehigh is in compliance with air quality standards. However,
Lehigh has been served with a notice of violation for dumping pollutants into
Permanente Creek and is being required to take immediate corrective action.
Next meeting: April 21, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Planning Topics
A number of projects involving pathways and bridges next to creeks have been
forwarded by John Chau to Roger Spreen. Some of these do not show locations.
The submissions to the OSC have come as a result of the Committee’s concern
that it didn’t have an opportunity to review the proposed Stanford trail
improvement that would impact Matadero Creek. Roger briefly went through the
various projects and with OSC members’ help selected a couple that would be of
interest to the OSC.
Open Space Properties – Stirling
Roger has been in touch with Rebecca Stirling and has provided her with
information about voluntary conservation easements. Roger reported that there is
a fault that goes through this property that could result in an easement between
200 and 600 feet. Roger will try to maintain communication with Rebecca.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am. The next meeting is scheduled for April 21st.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: April 21, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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