HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 14Minutes November 1
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Council Chambers
Minutes of November 14, 2013
Members Present: Roger Spreen, George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Karen Lemes, Alice
Sakamoto, Sue Welch
Members Absent: Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward
Associate Members Present: Kit Gordon
City Council Liaison: absent
Planning Commissioner: Susan Mandle
Member of Public: Bill Balson
Jeff Peterson (Natoma subdivision)
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am. Minutes of the October meeting were approved with
no amendments. The agenda was approved as written.
2. Presentations from the Floor ---None
3. Current Business
A. Creekside Neighborhood Workshop sponsorship. KG is working with Acterra and
GreenTown Los Altos to organize a workshop to educate residents about how to care for
creeks. The free event will be held March 2, 2014 and will cover topics such as the
importance of riparian habitats, storm water management, appropriate planting along
creeks, and how actions on one property affect upstream and downstream properties.
Karen Lemes moved that the Open Space Committee be added as a sponsor to the
Creekside Neighbor Workshop. This does not involve any monetary contribution. The
vote was unanimously in favor.
B. Warning Signs for Coyotes in Byrne Preserve. Several coyote incidents have been
reported to Parks and Rec and articles appeared in the LATC and Town newsletter. OSC
has consulted Palo Alto Animal Services, California DFW. Options for signs were
discussed. AS will look at what other OS preserves are doing and report back with
suggestions for permanent signs.
C Review of Natoma subdivision Preliminary Map. Jeff Peterson, representing the
developers, presented the revised subdivision map (dated 10/09/13). The configuration
and lot layout (i.e., 9 lots on 18 acres) are not significantly changed from the earlier map
dated 7/24/12). The developers did not include OS easements requested by the OSC for
wildlife movement for the eastern and northern borders. They developers also omitted the
OS easements OSC requested for the oak grove and for the Matadero Creek feeder that
runs up the western slope. The southern and western slope easement is smaller than
requested and is missing critical areas needed for connectivity (e.g., northern border,
corner near road entrance). The developers have omitted about 20 mature oak trees that
were shown in the oak grove on the earlier map; additional trees are missing altogether
from both maps. The original road alignment was superior to the new alignment, which
will require removal of 16 oak trees instead of only five needed for the original
alignment. About 25% of the oak trees listed in the Tree Table will be removed. Neither
Minutes November 2
Matadero Creek nor the creek feeder that runs up the western slope is shown on the map.
Required emergency pullouts are not shown. The OSC will write a formal response.
D. Other Plan Reviews. None.
E. Lyme Disease. Bill Balson, a LAH resident requested time to speak to the OSC about
Lyme disease. He presented a 34-point statement that outlined his concerns and
suggested methods for Lyme disease prevention. OSC and/or another resident will write
an article for the Town newsletter about Lyme disease if the editor agrees to publish it.
F. Stinkweed Removal at Byrne Preserve. Members of the OSC removed a large stand of
stinkweed (Ditricchia) from the trailside near Adobe creek.
G. CEQA Update. Nothing to report.
H. Open Space Stewardship and Herbicide Use. The OSC approved the latest version of the
RFP, which will be returned to Richard Chiu, LAH Director of Public Works, for review
and approval. RC asked the committee to make a formal statement on herbicide use in the
preserves. After brief discussion, SW agreed to write a statement for approval at the next
meeting.
I. Fence Permit Report. No permits have been sent to the OSC. GC will remind staff about
this.
J. O’Keefe Open Space Preserve Pathways. Pathway Committee returned this item to the
OSC, which will lay out potential routes.
K. Subcommittee Report on Tree Cutting Policy. Director of Public Works, Richard Chiu,
requested that OSC develop a formal tree policy to help guide tree management in Town
OSPs. Karen Lemes reported that the subcommittee and LAH resident, Heather Knight,
met again this month and continued to work on the policy.
L. Creek Signs. KG showed creek signs that Acterra has placed at several major creek
crossings in Palo Alto and provided a list of possible locations. This will be discussed
again at the next meeting.
M. Sale of property at 27755 Central Drive Property. Not discussed.
N. Bluebird House in Byrne Preserve. Not discussed.
4. New Topics
A. Verizon Cell Tower in O’Keefe Preserve. Not discussed.
B. Clean Water Grant Programs. Not discussed.
5. Open Discussion
None
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.
Next Meeting: Thursday, December 19, 2013
9:00 AM at Town Hall Council Chambers
Respectfully submitted by Sue Welch (12/16/13)