HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 19Next meeting: August 16, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
Page 1 of 4
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of July 19, 2012
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch, Council liaison Gary Waldeck
Regrets: Sharen Schoendorf, Wendie Ward
Guests: Planning Commissioner Jim Abraham, MROSD Representative Yoriko
Kishimoto, Kjell Karlsson
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the June meeting were
approved as written. Previous minutes (the May meeting) failed to note that the election
for Chair was held and that Roger Spreen was re-elected to be Chair.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. New Business
Council Ad-Hoc Committee on Fencing – Gary explained the proposal –
setbacks on larger properties (2 acres or more) for new and replacement fences.
(10’ for properties between 2 and 3 acres and 20’ for properties 3 acres and more.
According to Sue’s survey of some 70 properties in these categories, only seven
properties were fully fenced.
Creek/Riparian Documents for Planning
Nancy reported that the creek document has been vetted by both Town Staff and
the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD). The SCVWD would like to
provide a link to our document on their website. The OSC moved approval of the
creek document with minor changes as to items discussed.
Jim Abraham asked about draining swimming pools – how this is to be done.
Nancy, along with Sue, Jean and George, said that this would be researched and
reported on at the next meeting.
Mount Umunhum Radar Tower - George reported that at the last MROSD
community meeting on the Tower, 80% of the audience favored retaining the
Tower. George spoke against restoring the Tower arguing that it was not
compatible with MROSD’s goals.
Next meeting: August 16, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
Page 2 of 4
There are 3 options – restoring the Tower at a cost of over a million dollars +
ongoing maintenance, tearing down the Tower at a cost of just over a half million
dollars, and leaving a portion of the Tower walls to create a public gathering
space at a cost just under a million dollars. A final decision will be made by
MROSD later in the fall.
4. Current Business
Eshner Court Fencing – Jean mentioned that the rationale for the original
conservation easement on the Eshner property was to protect the view. However,
the original owner certificate states that the easement needs to be permeable to
wildlife. So, wildlife connectivity was also an important consideration.
.
Planning Projects –
Ravensbury Avenue Project (near creek). Roger explained that this lot is highly
constrained – partly due to Loyola Creek that flows through it. The owner’s
representative set up a conference call with Roger concerning the property. Roger
concluded from the conversation that the owner is planning to make no plan
changes and will ask for a variance.
Wadhwani/Barron Creek Alteration. Roger requested a wording change in the
permit modification – Condition #14. Roger requested that the word
“landscaping” be changed to “re-vegetating” in the following sentence: “Any
new (landscaping) within 15 foot of the top of bank on the east side of the
relocated channel shall be native riparian vegetation.”
12230 Windsor Court – Four members of the OSC toured the property. The
creek, large oaks, and the sloped riparian area at the back of the property need
protection. It did not appear that the plans to remodel would in any way be
impeded by placing an open space easement over the riparian area.
Creekside Homeowner’s Workshop - There wasn’t time to discuss this.
Rest/Social areas in open space – There wasn’t time to discuss this.
Town Open Space Properties (Byrne Preserve Stewardship) – Sue Welch put
together a proposal for a stewardship agreement for Byrne Preserve. Problems to
be addressed include: invasive weeds, riparian vegetation removal by Town staff,
creek debris dumping, trail use by bikers, off-leash dogs. The proposal outlines
possible ways to accomplish management goals.
Next meeting: August 16, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
Page 3 of 4
Jim Abraham recommended that the new engineer being hired by the Town
should have property management experience. Roger recommended a meeting
with Carl. Discussion of this topic will be continued to the next OSC meeting.
5. Open Discussion - There was no time for open discussion. The next OSC meeting
will be held on August 16, 2012
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: August 16, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
Page 4 of 4