HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 21Next meeting: March 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 1 of 4
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of February 21, 2013
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: Roger Spreen, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch, Council liaison Gary Waldeck,
Regrets: George Clifford, Associate member Kit Gordon
Guests: none
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:50 am. The minutes of the January meeting were
approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Planning Projects:
Eshner Court Conservation Easement/Fence Update
Nancy recapped the latest development, as it related to the perimeter
fencing in the conservation easement along Altamont Road. Apparently,
the chain link fence has existed on the property since the seventies when
the subdivision was approved, and, as such, is a legal non-conforming use.
Mr. Pearson, the owner of the property on Silent Hills has rights over the
whole of the easement, even though Mr. York is the legal owner of the
property. This is a very complicated arrangement, which the Town’s
attorney has thoroughly researched. Planning staff has provided the OSC
with documentation substantiating the existence of the fence and shared
the information with Nancy and Sue.
4. Open Space Management
Creek Setbacks and Open Space Easements
The planning staff it appears has taken the position that creek setbacks do
not provide protection for riparian vegetation – that in order to provide this
protection it is necessary to impose an open space easement. According to
the General Plan Program 1.2 of the Conservation Element: “Continue to
require open space easements along creeks and riparian corridors to ensure
that these areas remain in their natural condition.”
Next meeting: March 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 2 of 4
Roger will confirm with Debbie that the above is the case. The
question was raised about the Town not adhering to the Guidelines and
Standards for Land Use Near Streams – 3B of the Guidelines (attached).
1.B (Native Plant Removal) and 1.C (Planting)
Tepa Way – Adobe Creek diversion – The restriction that was ultimately
imposed would prevent any structures within the creek setback.
Dogs on Leash
George provided Roger with a summary of actions taken recently by the
Town. Dogs on leash signs have been posted at the agreed-upon locations
in open space areas. Nancy noted that the signs in Byrne Preserve are
being ignored. A suggestion was made to ask for the help of the Sheriff to
enforce the ordinance.
Sponsored Memorials in Open Space
Nothing new to report. There was consensus at the previous meeting that
in general these should be discouraged.
Volunteer/Donation Projects
The following projects were proposed by members of the OSC:
Byrne Preserve Stewardship - $50,000 annually (Acterra would develop
and carry out a restoration plan)
Care of Heritage Oaks in Open Space – replanting oaks in open space
Native Wildflower Planting – in open space and riparian areas
Care of Creeks – to prevent erosion; restoration projects
EPS (polystyrene ban)
Debbie Pedro is preparing ordinance language for the banning of plastic
bags.
Heritage Tree Subcommittee
Sharen summarized the meeting of the subcommittee (Neela, Jean,
George, Sharon). The subcommittee looked at how to designate heritage
trees – by owner request, on Town property, and along public roads. At
its next meeting on Tuesday, March 12, the subcommittee will discuss the
process for nomination of heritage trees. The OSC supports the goals of
the subcommittee. It favors including the care of heritage trees in open
space as a Town project.
Next meeting: March 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 3 of 4
Bike Riders on Trails
Nothing new to report.
CEQA Update
Nancy and Sue recapped developments in Sacramento regarding CEQA
legislation. Sue produced a power point presentation for the Town
Council. Roger will provide a brief summary at the Council meeting.
4. New Topics
Adobe Creek at Edith Park Restoration Celebration (2/26)
A flyer for this event was distributed to members. OSC members were
encouraged to attend the afternoon event.
Wildlife Forum (spring)
Nancy suggested holding a wildlife forum in spring. One of the ideas that
caught everyone’s interest was “shooting wildlife in Los Altos Hills” –
camera traps and how to use them. Nancy will contact Charlie Knowles
to see if he might be interested in participating in such a forum.
5. Open Discussion – There was no time left for open discussion.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: March 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 4 of 4