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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 21Next meeting: April 18, 2013 8:50 am – Council Chambers Page 1 of 4 Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee Los Altos Hills Council Chambers Minutes of March 21, 2013 (Actions Items Printed in Bold) Present: Roger Spreen, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Sue Welch, Council liaison Gary Waldeck, Planning Commissioner Susan Mandle, Associate Member Kit Gordon Regrets: Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward Guests: Pierre Bourrlague Staff: none 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 8:50 am. The minutes of the February meeting were approved as written. 2. Introductions/Presentations/Guests: Pierre Bourrlague, representing Dana Family Trust 3. Planning Projects:  Eshner Court Conservation Easement/Fence Update Nothing new to report.  Stirling Subdivision The Stirling family has engaged a new engineering firm.  Basset Lane Subdivision Roger explained that the Dana property is on Basset Lane off of Rhus Ridge Road. A subdivision creating 2 lots is being proposed. Pierre Bourrlague, representing the Dana Family Trust, explained that this is a 2.6 acre sloped property. There is no creek or wildlife corridor involved. Roger is well acquainted with the property and stated that the proposed subdivision is not controversial and that in his opinion no action by the Open Space Committee is needed. The Committee agreed with Roger, after listening to Mr. Bourrlague’s description of the project and the intent. Next meeting: April 18, 2013 8:50 am – Council Chambers Page 2 of 4 4. Open Space Management  Edith Park Celebration – Adobe Creek Restoration The event was well attended by Gardiner Bullis students, residents, council members and Town staff.  O’Keefe Open Space Preserve – SCVWD Grant Project Susan assisted staff – meeting with Debbie Pedro and the grant writer. One of the issues was determining the cost of the creek restoration. The OSC has been requested to write a letter of support. Roger agreed to do this, and the Committee voted unanimously to support the grant proposal.  Creek Setbacks v. Open Space Easements The OSC discussed how staff treats creeks and creek setbacks. The setback, which previously protected riparian vegetation, no longer does this. However, if an open space easement is placed over the area, the rules governing open space easements apply and will provide the necessary protection. Roger will speak to Debbie Pedro about this. Nancy asked Roger to check with Debbie that the open space easement and creeks documents are being given out to developers. Kit announced the next Watershed Conference sponsored by Acterra – June 15th at 3:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the PPC. Sue will send members the website for the USGS creeks map.  Dogs on Leash George would like to request a ‘dogs on leash’ sign at the eastern end of Juan Prado Mesa Preserve.  Volunteer/Donation Projects Nothing new to report.  EPS (polystyrene ban) Staff is working with George on a plastic bag ban. The OSC agreed with George that it should not include a charge for paper bags, nor should record keeping be a requirement. George will forward the recommenda- tions to Nicole and will present the draft proposal at the April meeting. Next meeting: April 18, 2013 8:50 am – Council Chambers Page 3 of 4  Heritage Trees Subcommittee Sharon informed the OSC that the heritage tree subcommittee was adopting Menlo Park’s wording on heritage trees. Committee members also felt that slow-growing native trees, such as madrones, ought to be included.  CEQA Update Nancy passed out information about CEQA that was part of a recent report produced by Peter Philips, economics professor at the University of Utah, on the Economic and Environmental Impact of the California Environ- mental Quality Act.  Lehigh Cement Quarry Update Gary reported the latest developments. The report produced by Los Altos/Los Altos Hills was given to the Air Quality Management District. So far, there has been no agreement to accept the recommendations. However, in the report consultants outlined how much newly installed or proposed emissions controls at Lehigh could reduce emission of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, mercury and particulate matter. Kit has been asked by the Regional Water Quality Control Board for a tour of Permanente Creek to look at the diversion channel.  Wildlife Forum Nancy reported that Dr. Rodney Jackson, Founder of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, has agreed to speak on the subject of trail cameras. She will also check with Charlie Knowles to see if he would be willing to participate in the forum. 4. New Topics  Swale Drainage Issue – 11990 Page Mill Road This is the property at the corner of Central Drive and Page Mill Road. There have been drainage issues involved with this property. According to Kit here are also drainage problems from Buena Vista to Central Drive. Kit will discuss run-off issues with Richard Chiu. Next meeting: April 18, 2013 8:50 am – Council Chambers Page 4 of 4  Earth Day 2013 Budget Nancy requested $600 for the two presentations of live cats at the 2013 Earth Day Celebration on April 21st. The Committee voted to allocate funds for this and Roger will follow up with the Town. 5. Open Discussion – There was no time left for open discussion. The next Open Space meeting is scheduled on April 18, 2013. Submitted by Nancy Couperus