HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 12
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
9:00 AM, February 12, 2020
Los Altos Hills Town Hall, Heritage House
Committee Members and Associates Present: Richard Contreras (Chair), Peter Brown, Nancy
Couperus (Founder), Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Kit Gordon, Kjell Karlsson
(Associate)
Committee Members Absent: Alice Sakamoto (Associate), George Clifford (Vice Chair),
Karen Lemes (Associate), Sharen Schoendorf (Associate), Sue Welch
Council Liaison Present: George Tyson
1. Call to Order and Acceptance of Minutes
a. Roll Call. RC called the meeting to order at 9:06 am
b. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes. PB moved to accept the minutes from November 13.
RC seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor of approval (RC, PB, WW,
KG, JS). PB moved to accept the minutes from January 8. RC seconded and the
vote was unanimously in favor of approval (RC, PB, WW, KG, JS).
c. Announcements. GT stated that at the Council’s goal setting meeting, they discussed
reducing the number of committees. No rational for reduction was stated. NC
recommended the Council reinstate an annual meeting of committee chairs. KG
requested to invite planning staff to the next OSC meeting to obtain feedback on
committee reports to staff. GT discussed his continued work to underground utilities for
fire safety.
2. Planning
a. 27408 Deer Springs Way (KG, GC). The developer applied for a permit for a new
multistory residence with pool, green roof and many large windows. RC moved and PB
seconded the acceptance of the report and these Open Space Committee
recommendations. The vote was unanimously in favor (RC, PB, WW, KG, JS).
i. Request the developer dedicate an open space easement on the lower, steep
portion of the property at approximately the 770-elevation line.
ii. Require removal of stinkwort from this property before September 15 of each
year during construction as a condition of approval (COA).
iii. Request the developer install bird-safe windows to reduce number of bird strikes.
Most glass manufacturers offer bird-safe glass options. See Audubon for more
information.
b. 10350 West Loyola (KG, RC). New hardscaping is planned on this parcel. RC moved
and PB seconded the acceptance of the report and these Open Space Committee
recommendations. The vote was unanimously in favor (RC, PB, WW, KG, JS).
i. Preserve existing oak trees.
ii. Remove spikes from fence.
iii. Remove ivy from perimeter fence. Ivy harbors rats.
c. 25136 La Loma Drive (RC, WW). The property was reviewed for landscape and
privacy screening. The existing landscaping plan does not include many native plants.
KG moved and PB seconded the acceptance of the report and these Open Space
Committee recommendations. The vote was unanimously in favor (RC, PB, WW,
KG, JS).
i. The Open Space Committee recommends the developer include more native
plants in the landscape plan to enhance wildlife habitat.
d. Fence Permit Reviews: RC will remind Keren to notify OSC on all fence permits. This
protocol had been approved but is not currently being followed.
3. New & Continuing Business
a. The March OSC meeting will be moved up one week to March 4. KG will prepare the
agenda.
b. Native Plants for Landscaping Screening – no action taken.
c. Presentation on Native Plants. JS will try to locate a speaker. JS with help from SW &
KG will draft a letter to staff regarding adapting Portola Valley’s website information on
native plants.
d. Fence Ordinance. PB will request input from Planning Commission on proposed
changes to fence ordinance before going to Council.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 am
Attachment A OSC Review 27408 Deer Springs Way
Attachment B OSC Review 10350 West Loyola
Attachment C OSC Review 25136 La Loma Drive
Minutes submitted by Kit Gordon