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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 15Next meeting: October 27, 2011 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 1 of 3 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2011 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, Nancy Couperus, George Clifford, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch Regrets: None Guests: Council member Gary Waldeck, residents Sharvari Dixit, Kjell Karlsson, Susan Mandle, Staff: None 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the August meeting were approved . 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: Sharvari Dixi, representing the O’Keefe neighborhood, was introduced. 3. New Business  Mountain Lion Forum – Carl Cahill asked the OSC to sponsor a forum on mountain lions. There have been sightings of mountain lions in the Rhus Ridge area, along Sherlock and the area adjacent to MROSD lands. Some small pets (cats) have been reported to have been“taken” by a mountain lion.  O’Keefe Open Space Preserve – Sharvari Dixi, a resident of the O’Keefe neighborhood, explained their concerns to the OSC – problems with littering, teenager use/abuse of the open space area, and parking issues. Although the Sheriff had been called in, it appears that little has happened, especially since there is not an ongoing presence by the Sheriff. Gary offered to ask the Town to clean up the area, especially around the bench near the bridge. Gary will also inquire whether the Sheriff could include regular visits to the area. Karen will contact Jim McCarthy for information on local creek clean-ups. 4. Current Business  Wildlife Issues Next meeting: October 27, 2011 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 2 of 3 Ground squirrels have become an increasing problem in town. Trapping is very expensive. There are concerns about poison bait that is being used to kill the squirrels. Karen Lemes recommended SCAT – integrated pest management that is non-poisonous. At the Thursday Special Council Meeting, the wildlife corridor map will be brought before Council for adoption. The OSC would like the map declared an official town document to assist staff in identifying sensitive wildlife habitat areas.  Ad Hoc Committee on Fencing The Committee on Fencing recommended that a survey be done – to gage resident interest in possible amendments to the fencing ordinance. The Committee is working on questions for the survey.  Stanford/Arastradero Trail – Nothing new to report.  Mary Davey Memorial The wording on the plaque has been approved and the plaque/rock is going into fabrication.  Land & Creek Management Creek maintenance policy – Roger will invite Richard Chiu to attend the next open space meeting to discuss this topic. George Clifford discussed the issue of polystyrene pollution in our creeks. There is a movement to ban the use of polystyrene products. George passed out a letter from the Recycling & Waste Reduction Commission of Santa Clara County (RWRC). The RWRC is recommending that the County Board of Supervisors and City/Town Councils adopt “a policy prohibiting expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers by anyone or any group utilizing County/City facilities/parks.” George volunteered to write a letter to our Town that the OSC could review/approve at its next meeting. Watershed Conference – September 2012 – Susan Mandle and Jean Struthers volunteered to represent the OSC at the organizing meeting. Karen reported that the annual creek conference will be held on the first Saturday in November.  Lehigh Quarry – Nothing new to report Next meeting: October 27, 2011 8:40 am – Council Chambers Page 3 of 3  Open Space Easements/Conservation Easements Roger summarized the situation with Ry Smith and his neighbors – placing a conservation easement over an adjacent one-acre property very close to Rancho San Antonio (off Ravensbury). There has been a hold-up in the process, which appears to have been caused by the County.  SOD Blitz Follow-up meetings are being organized by Sue Welch – on October 7th at 7 pm at Town Hall – and on October 9th (location TBD) – a treatment training workshop. Sue is arranging for signs and making preparations for the two meetings.  Planning Projects – none discussed 5. Open Discussion There was no time for additional discussion. The next meeting will be held on October 27, 2011. Submitted by Nancy Couperus