HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19Next meeting: May 17, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of April 19, 2012
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Nancy Couperus, George Clifford, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch, Council liaison
Gary Waldeck
Regrets: none
Guests: Associate Member, 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 as amended. (Susan Mandle was not in attendance at the March meeting.)
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Annual Report to Council - Roger plans to make a short presentation at the
next Council meeting about the Open Space Committee and its accomplishments
over this past year. This presentation will occur at the May 17th meeting.
Earth Day Preparations – The OSC will be represented at Earth Day. In
addition to some materials on local wildlife, Sue will provide materials on Sudden
Oak Death – including the announcement for the next SOD workshop.
4. Current Business
Ad Hoc Committee on Fencing
The fencing subcommittee initiated a neighbor notification process (a 10-day
Courtesy Notice) which is now being used by the Town to inform neighbors when
a fence application has been requested.
The Committee is looking into setbacks on side and rear yards for properties over
2 acres, as is the practice in Portola Valley. Sue Welch is researching properties
over 2 acres to determine how many of these properties currently have perimeter
fencing.
Next meeting: May 17, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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A recommendation has also been made to have the OSC review fence
applications.
Land & Creek Management
The ad hoc subcommittee is now at work on the Riparian Corridor document.
The Wildlife Management document, which was approved at the March meeting,
is being reviewed by Staff.
.
Stanford/Arastradero Trail –
Sue and Roger met with Eileen (Pathways Committee) and Richard Chiu to
consider a 2-foot open split rail demarcation fence along a stretch of Matadero
Creek off of Page Mill Road. Sue did not think this would be a problem, as it
would not funnel people into the creek trail, a concern of the neighbors.
However, the Santa Clara Valley Water District does have jurisdiction over this
area and will need to be contacted for approval.
Mary Davey Memorial
Preparations for the event were discussed and help from Committee members was
solicited. The dedication will take place at 10:30 am on Earth Day, April 22, with
representatives from all the local environmental organizations in attendance – in
addition to family members and friends.
Open Space Easements and Conservation Easements
Nothing new to report.
SOD
Preparations are being made by Sue Welch for the May 26th workshop. The costs
for the workshop, new signage, etc. were approved by the OSC. Sue informed the
OSC that a new collection method has been recommended and will be explained
at the workshop. Members recommended that there be publicity about the
upcoming workshop in the Town Crier, if possible, and that an e-mail
announcement be sent out from Hills 2000.
Planning Projects – Silent Hills and Eshner
Sue provided some background information on the Eshner subdivision. The
house being built on Silent Hills is not in the conservation easement. However,
Sue discovered at County Records the Owner Statement for the Eshner
Next meeting: May 17, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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subdivision:
“We also hereby dedicate a Human Habitation Setback line and a Conservation
Easement as shown on said map within said subdivision to be kept free from
buildings and structures of any kind. Only removal of brush for fire protection;
temporary grazing of animals; cultivation of ornamental or fruit bearing trees or
vines; construction of ornamental garden structures which have received approval
from the Site Development Committee; and open-style fences, which will allow
migration of local wildlife within the Conservation Easement.”
Council member Waldeck said that he would pass this information along to
the Planning Department.
5. Open Discussion
There was no time for open discussion.
The next OSC meeting will be held on May 17, 2012.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: May 17, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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