HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 19Next meeting: June 16, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Meeting
Minutes of May 19, 2011
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Chair, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch
Regrets: None
Guests: Council member Gary Waldeck, MROSD Director, Yoriko Kishimoto, Susan
Mandle
Staff: None
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the April meeting were
approved .
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Open Space Easements
Nothing new to report concerning the development of a homeowner’s pamphlet,
which would explain open space easements.
There was discussion about the best timing for cutting down treesin order to
protect nesting birds. It was suggested that we contact the Audubon Society for
advice on the best time to cut and trim trees. Nancy will follow up with the
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. Sue said that the best time to trim oaks
was in July and August.
Roadside Clearing – There were varying opinions about the roadside clearing that
has taken place. Several members commented about the positive change from
herbicide spraying to mowing. Jean was concerned about the wildflowers that
have been destroyed by the mowing. There was agreement that notification
would be very helpful – when roadside clearing was scheduled to happen. Karen
will check with the Town and with the County to see about notification and
signage. The purpose of signage would be to inform the crews that the
homeowner was taking responsibility for clean-up and not to mow the area.
Next meeting: June 16, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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4. Current Business
SOD Blitz
Sue gave a short report on the third SOD Blitz scheduled for Saturday, May 28th.
OSC members were encouraged to attend.
Creek Issues
Sue recommended that boulders or a low split-rail fence be installed along
Matadero Creek near Baleri Ranch Road and Page Mill Road to protect the creek
from car parking and from mowing too close to the creek. Sue also recommended
similar fencing on the other side of the road to protect the creek.
Stanford/Arastradero Trail
A joint meeting of Pathways and Open Space is scheduled for Monday evening,
May 23rd, at 7 pm to discuss the Stanford/Arastradero Trail.
Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Fencing
Roger and Gary reported on the first meeting of the fencing subcommittee. One
of the first tasks was to review the Green Sheets, the foundation document of the
Town. Staff was asked to put together fencing information from neighboring
towns. Alice had provided this information to Roger who was able to pass it on to
the staff. The next committee meeting is scheduled for June 10th.
Mary Davey Memorial
Nancy passed out photos of the buckeye in Byrne Preserve, which is the proposed
location for a memorial. Sue is researching companies that could mount a plaque
on a rock. She has found one company in San Diego but hopes to find a closer
one.
Wildlife Issues
The impact of fencing on wildlife was briefly discussed and the fact that the
wildlife corridor map has never been adopted by the Town. Council liaison
Waldeck recommended that the OSC ask the Council to consider officially
adopting the wildlife corridor map. The Committee agreed that this was an
excellent idea and will put it on the agenda of the June OSC meeting.
Lehigh Cement – Quarry Expansion
Next meeting: June 16, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Council member Waldeck announced that a public forum on Lehigh Quarry was
scheduled for Monday, June 6th at Town Hall. This is a joint meeting for
residents of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. The purpose of the meeting is “to
share information on regulatory requirements and rules pertaining to the operation
of Lehigh.” Both the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Regional
Water Quality Control Board will be making presentations.
Planning Topics
13456 S. Fork Lane
Roger summarized the outcome of discussions with the Yong’s (formerly
Stegner), which resulted in an open space easement over the steep wooded area of
the property and also included a 10’ piece that connects to the Stirling property.
24202 Hillview Road
Three members of the OSC – George, Wendie, and Nancy – looked over the
property to determine if an open space easement was warranted. The property
includes a portion of Hale Creek and the rear portion of the property is heavily
vegetated with several mature oaks. Because the actual top-of-bank line was
somewhat ambiguous, it was felt that taking the easement up to the 252’
topographic level would encompass both the creek area and the significant trees
adjacent without impinging on new construction. The Committee also
recommended that the owner consider removing the ivy from the trees by cutting
the vines at ground level and a second time about 8” up.
5. Open Discussion
There was no time for additional discussion. The next meeting will be held on
June 16th.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: June 16, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: June 16, 2011
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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