HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 19OSC FinalMinutes13-1219.doc 1
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
FINAL Minutes of December 19, 2013
Members Present: George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Roger Spreen, Jean Struthers, Sue Welch
Members Absent: Wendie Ward
Associate Members Present: Kit Gordon
City Council Liaison: Gary Waldeck
Planning Commissioner: Susan Mandle
Planning Director: Debbie Pedro (for CEQA discussion)
Members of Public: Bill Balson
Kjell Karlsson (LAH Traffic and Safety Committee)
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 am. Minutes of the November 14, 2013 meeting
were approved with no amendments. The agenda was approved as written.
2. Presentations from the Floor
Bill Balson, LAH resident read a statement expressing his concerns about auto-deer
collisions (Attachment A) and cited results from the recent UC Davis study, the Interstate
280 Wildlife Connectivity and Driver Safety Project.
3. Current Business
A. Review of Natoma subdivision Preliminary Map. Roger Spreen presented the draft
response (Attachment B) to the revised subdivision map (dated 10/09/13) and the
committee discussed issues including the subdivision code, role of CEQA, and response
of other advisory committees. Debbie Pedro spoke briefly clarifying that this is a
preliminary map. She described how CEQA might be applied and noted that a number of
technical reports would need to be done first. She said the last EIR done in LAH was for
the Quarry Hills subdivision. SS, AS, and SW recused themselves from the discussion for
property proximity. The OSC response will be formally approved at the January meeting.
B. Other Plan Reviews. None
C. Open Space Stewardship Proposal. Richard Chiu, LAH Director of Public Works, has
approved the RFP and it will be fielded on December 21, 2014. A pre-bid meeting with
interested vendors will be held January 7, 2014.
D. Subcommittee on Tree Cutting Policy. Karen Lemes reported that the subcommittee and
LAH resident, Heather Knight, met again this month and continue to work on the policy.
Heather Knight has contacted MROSD for information on their policy.
E. Plastic Bag Ordinance. GW reported work on this is on hold because Council is
concentrating on Westwind Barn issues.
F. Leash Law Enforcement. Lack of compliance with the leash law in Byrne Preserve
continues. Several incidents of interactions between coyotes and off-leash dogs have been
reported; none involving on-leash dogs have been reported. OSC discussed options to
address this, including ticketing by sheriff, placing additional signs near site of incidents,
distributing more educational materials to residents via newsletter, signs, or mail. GW
said cost of sheriff time to ticket leash-law violators is $55/hour with additional cost if
OSC FinalMinutes13-1219.doc 2
ticket is contested. He will discuss this option with staff and others. NC will review signs
and measures used in other preserves.
G. Coyotes in Byrne Preserve. See item F.
H. Article for Town Newsletter. The editor, Alex Atkins, make content decisions. The next
issue may include an article on owls by Tay Vanderlip. OSC will check with Alex about
options for article on ticks.
I. CEQA Update. Nothing to report.
J. Lehigh Quarry Update. Council Liaison GW reported that Portola Valley and Cupertino
have joined the amicus brief (with LAH, Los Altos, Atherton, and Breathe California)
that was filed by MROSD supporting a legal appeal challenging a February 2011
decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors that Lehigh Cement has vested
rights to mine. Lehigh has just received another citation form the RWCQB.
K. Fence Permit Report. No permits have been sent to the OSC. GC will again remind staff
about this.
L. Clean Water Grant Programs. KG reported that the SCVWD grants (Safe, Clean Water
and Natural Flood Protection) for the FY 2014 cycle will be for Water Conservation
Research projects and the deadline is January 31, 2014.
M. Creek Signs in LAH. Signs at major creek crossings would increase public awareness of
local creeks and enhance public safety in the event of floods by assuring residents know
locations of nearby creeks. OSC reviewed examples of signs and discussed options. The
committee will estimate costs and make a proposal to Council. Funds may be available
from Guadalupe-Coyote Resource Conservation District (GCRCD).
N. Sale of property at 27755 Central Drive Property. Not discussed.
O. SOD Spraying at Byrne Preserve. GC reported this work has been completed.
5. Open Discussion.
None
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 AM.
Next Meeting: Thursday, January 16, 2014
9:00 AM at Town Hall Council Chambers
Minutes approved at the meeting of January 16, 2014