HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 17Next meeting: February 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
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Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of January 17, 2013
(Actions Items Printed in Bold)
Present: George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen
Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch, Council liaison Gary Waldeck,
Associate members Kit Gordon and Kjell Karlsson
Regrets: Roger Spreen
Guests: none
Staff: none
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 8:50 am. George Clifford stood in as Chair in Roger’s
absence. The minutes of the December meeting were approved as written.
2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: None
3. Planning Projects:
12234 Tepa Way (Adobe Creek)
Sue and Kit provided background information. The USGS map shows a
creek going through this property. The creek was re-routed in 1956 to
provide a landscape feature for a luxury home. In 1975 the SCVWD
installed an additional 2200 foot flow pipe that runs to the south end along
Tepa carrying water to Foothill College. In 2005 the Planning
Commission said that the diverted section of the creek was not a creek;
nevertheless it required a 5-foot setback. After discussion, the OSC
recommended a 25-foot setback, maintaining that this is a creek.
Sue and Kit will meet with the staff (with Roger calling in) at the
conclusion of the OSC meeting to discuss this further.
4. Open Space Management
Dogs on Leash
The Town will soon be installing the “dogs on leash” signs in open space
(mainly at trail heads). George was happy with the sign locations. An
article on this topic will appear in the next Town newsletter.
Next meeting: February 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
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Sponsored Memorials in Open Space
The OSC thought that it would be appropriate to locate a memorial plaque
at the specific site of an “improvement.” For example, a plaque in Byrne
Preserve recognizing donors to a Byrne Preserve Stewardship Fund.
OSC members were asked to bring 3 ideas for projects in open space
to the February meeting.
SCVWD Grant Proposal for O’Keefe
Gary stated that Debbie was moving forward with this. The Adobe Creek
restoration at Edith Park is pretty much completed. This project was made
possible by a matching grant from SCVWD.
Heritage Tree Subcommittee – Nothing new to report
Bike Riders on Trails
The OSC discussed bikes on trails in open space areas. Kit proposed that
a subcommittee be formed. Sue Welch will bring this topic to the
attention of the Pathway Committee and request a representative. Kjell
offered to be part of the subcommittee, along with Karen and Nancy from
the OSC.
Rest Areas in Open Space
The OSC discussed the possibility of tree stumps placed in a couple of
strategic locations for walkers who might want to stop for a rest – for
example, in the wooded area of Byrne Preserve. No specific locations
were discussed.
4. New Topics
CEQA Symposium Recap
Nancy and Sue explained their concerns about legislation that will be
proposed that will undermine the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). Nancy passed out the handout from the Symposium to members
of the OSC. Nancy and Sue agreed to work on a presentation.
Creek Care Workshop
Kit described the creekside workshop in Los Altos, which was very well
attended. She is working on putting together another workshop in
conjunction with Acterra in Los Altos Hills – perhaps at Hidden Villa.
5. Open Discussion – There was no time left for open discussion.
Submitted by Nancy Couperus
Next meeting: February 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
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Next meeting: February 21, 2013
8:50 am – Council Chambers
Page 4 of 4