HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 20Next meeting: October 18, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of September 20, 2012
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch, Associate Member, Kit Gordon,
Council liaison Gary Waldeck
Regrets: Karen Lemes, Jean Struthers
Guests: Council Member-Elect John Harpootlian
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:40 am. The minutes of the August meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Current Business
Ad Hoc Committee on Fencing wrap-up – The OSC discussed
objections to the proposed fencing ordinance that were made at the
Planning Commission Study Session. Gary reviewed some of these –
issues of fairness, unusual configurations of properties, numbers of
exceptions.
Nancy pointed out that the 2006 fencing ordinance did not include
previous 2004 ordinance wording that permitted the Planning Director to
refer fence permit applications to the Planning Commission, when the
proposed fence could “have a significant effect upon the aesthetics or rural
character of the Town or the views from surrounding properties.” Nancy
would like to see this re-instated.
John stated that he believes the OSC has the discretion to recommend open
space areas for wildlife to pass through.
Planning docs wrap-up – Nothing new to report
Planning Projects:
Next meeting: October 18, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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Stirling Preliminary Subdivision – Nancy summarized the findings of
the subcommittee that visited the property – the need to protect the creek,
the highly-sloped vegetated areas, significant groves of mature oaks and
preserve wildlife routes, which cross the site. The preliminary subdivision
is very dense – 8 lots on 14 acres, much of which is over 30% slope. Sue
pointed out that the 12-acre Nicholson subdivision was approved for 3 lots
with 50% of the property, which is not very steep, left in open space.
Nancy presented a draft proposal of the subcommittee recommendations,
which Roger agreed to review and edit. Roger will send the final version
to Cynthia Richardson, who is overseeing this project, as well as
members of the OSC.
Dana Subdivision – Nothing to report
Byrne Preserve Stewardship Proposal – Discussion postponed to next
meeting
Dogs on Leash Signs – George gave a short presentation showing the
OSC examples of signs and sizes. Sue moved approval of a proposal for
15 “dogs on leash” signs for Byrne Preserve in response to complaints
from neighbors. The OSC unanimously approved the motion and George
will present the proposal to the Town.
Silicon Valley Watershed Summit – September 22nd OSC members
were encouraged to participate. One or two members of the Town’s
planning staff will be attending.
Rest/Social Areas – Discussion postponed to next meeting
Bike riders on trails – Discussion postponed to next meeting
Draining swimming pools – Nancy passed out information on how to
drain swimming pools when there is no sewer clean-out. She also
reported that the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention
Program would be sending the Town 50 copies of their brochure on
Draining Pools & Spas.
4. New Business
.
CA Water Board’s Storm Water Outreach Videos – Roger received an
e-mail regarding storm water from Debbie Pedro which included links to
videos. Roger will forward the e-mail to OSC members.
Next meeting: October 18, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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5. Open Discussion –
SOD – Sue reported that 2012 SOD results will be presented on Friday,
November 2nd at 7 pm at Town Hall. A treatment training workshop will be held
the following day on Saturday, November 3rd at 10 AM at Foothills Park.
Mount Umunhum – George reported on the last MROSD meeting at which he
spoke against the proposal to preserve the Tower. The MROSD board will make
its decision in October.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: October 18, 2012
8:40 am – Council Chambers
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