HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 12Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Building
FINAL Minutes of Regular Meeting April 12, 2018
Members Present: George Clifford, Richard Contreras, Nancy Couperus, Alice
Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Peter Brown
Members Absent: Kit Gordon, Sue Welch
Associates Present: Karen Lemes
Council Liaison Present: Roger Spreen
Members of Public Present: Kjell Karlssen, George Offen, visitor from Woodside; Ben
Heng, interested in helping committee
1. Call to order
Nancy Couperus called the meeting to order at 9:00am
a.Roll Call: Quorum was present
b.Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: Minutes from the March meeting were
not submitted
c.Announcements: none
1A. Stinkwort
George Offen, of the Woodside Environment: Open Space, Sustainability, Conservation
Committee attended to learn what our town is doing about the invasion of stinkwort
(Dittrichea graveolens). They have observed that it is heading to Woodside by migrating
along the feeder roads to that city. It's not heavy yet, but they want to counteract it before
it gets worse. It is present in horse pasture areas and along highway 280, especially at the
Page Mill intersection. They recognize that it's worse than other invasives. The fire
district is not involved yet, but they might be able to help.
Last year LAH contracted a firm to spray Garlon on problem areas reported by committee
members.
We want the town to start earlier and expand to Italian Thistles, among others.
2. Planning
Should the committee approve recommendations before the author submits to staff?
No.
a. Fence permit reviews
i. 27299 Ursula Lane
George submitted recommendations to Suzanne: Because of the nature of the
fence, it will block wildlife from going north-south across the property and
restrict it to the creek area.
ii. 12810 Deer Creek Lane
Perimeter fence requested; there is a large open space easement. Chain link
fence at the back to be removed. The committee wants a "wildlife friendly"
fence - three rail right at creek.
Fence Plans
An informal subcommittee on fences was formed to review the fence ordinance and make
new recommendations: Alice, Nancy, Kjell.
The Town is using Trackit for planning now. Four new applications were received, to be
investigated by members, who will report to Kit.
3. New Business
a. Earthquake speaker Professor Kiremidjian
: May 1,
b. Earth Day Flyer Edits
Add introduction:
"In the spirit of Earth Day, here are some recommended ideas courtesy of the
Open Space Committee."
Swap order of sections:
1.Value of Oaks
2.Native Plants
3.Creeks and Riparian Habitats
4.Open Space Easements (preserve native vegetation)
5.Protect Soil
6.Fences
7.Herbicides
8.Rodent Management (last sentence first; Using rodenticides
9.Coyotes
Picture - take out title
Changes were approved by the committee.
Alice displayed creek flyer for earth day and "What to do if you find a fawn?"
c. Sod Blitz Saturday May 12 10:00-11:00 am Woodside Town Hall
4. Continuing Business
d. Off-leash dogs in open spaces: The sheriff does minimal enforcement. and mainly
on pathways and entrances in 6-hour blocks; we should try to get 3 hour enforcement
and signs citing leash ordinance.
i. Landscape Recommendations Guide is done; to be given to Suzanne
j. Arundo has been removed at Moody Road