HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 18Next meeting: May 16, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 1 of 3
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of April 18, 2013
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch, Council liaison Gary Waldeck, Associate
Member Kit Gordon
Regrets: Karen Lemes, Jean Struthers
Guests: none
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:50 am. The minutes of the March meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests:
3. Planning Projects:
Fremont Hills Country Club
Additional lighting around the tennis court is being requested by Fremont
Hills Country Club. The OSC suggested erecting story poles with lights
attached at the top to determine whether neighbors will be affected.
Middle Fork Lane
Roger explained that there have been only minor changes made to the
project. The Committee expressed concerns about the oak trees and a
requested grading exception.
4. Open Space Management
Byrne Preserve Stewardship Proposal
Sue passed out a proposal for a stewardship agreement for Byrne,
O’Keefe, and Juan Prado Mesa Preserves. She is hoping to find partners
who could share some of the costs (the Pathways Committee, LAH
County Fire District, etc.). Sue will continue to pursue this.
Next meeting: May 16, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 2 of 3
O’Keefe Open Space Preserve – SCVWD Grant Project
Nothing new to report.
5. Current Business
Forum: Shooting Wildlife in Los Altos Hills
The OSC voted unanimously to provide an honorarium of $300 to Dr.
Rodney Jackson and his non-profit organization The Snow Leopard
Conservancy. Dr. Jackson lives in Sonoma and will be the main presenter
at the Forum. The OSC also voted to ask for a reimbursement of $80 for
the graphic artist who designed the flyer for the event. Roger will see if
it’s possible for the Town to send out a postcard announcing both the
Wildlife Forum and the SOD Workshop.
Alice brought a trail camera to the meeting and showed members photos
taken with the camera of animals seen in her area of town.
Plastic Bag Ordinance
George explained some of the complications encountered with the plastic
ban ordinance during staff review and suggested that the OSC hold off on
recommending an ordinance. Gary thought it might be possible to require
developers at the time they apply for a business license to agree to a ban.
Gary will look into this.
Heritage Tree Subcommittee
Sharen explained that the ad hoc committee was reluctant to use Menlo
Park’s definition of a heritage tree based on circumference. The
committee has recommended the following minor definition change to the
existing ordinance: Heritage oak means any tree of the genus quercus and
slow-growing native trees (e.g. madrone) including, but not limited to . . . .
CEQA Update
A number of CEQA bills will soon be considered by the State legislature.
Nancy will keep members informed.
Earth Day at Westwind Barn
The OSC will plan on attending Earth Day. Kit Gordon suggested
combining with Water Conservation. Nancy and Sue will provide
materials on rodenticides and their impact on our wildlife.
Next meeting: May 16, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 3 of 3
6. New Topics
Request to Amend OSC Charges
According to staff, it is necessary for the Open Space Committee to amend
OSC charges and duties to include review of fence permits. The OSC
unanimously agreed that the charter of the Open Space Committee should
be amended to include review of fence permits. Roger will follow
through with staff.
7. Open Discussion – There was no time left for open discussion.
The next Open Space meeting is scheduled on May 16, 2013.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus