Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District

The meeting proceedings were limited to administrative business, including the formal call to order and a review of oral communications where it was noted that no public comments were submitted.

The combined meeting addressed several critical items. The Special Meeting included a presentation and discussion regarding the Conservation Grazing Vegetation Management and Brush Reduction Program, specifically debating the efficacy of using goats or sheep for coyote brush management at different times of the year. The Regular Meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and the introduction of a new staff member, Steve Roberson. The Consent Calendar included approvals for previous board meeting minutes (February 11, 2026), claims, the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to update Board Governance Policies, and contract awards for Environmental Review and Permitting Services for the Beatty Parking and Trail Connections Project, as well as wildlife photography services. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Bear Creek Stables Long-Term Agreement with the Friends of Bear Creek Stables, involving detailed negotiations regarding mandatory volunteer requirements for boarders, insurance standards (NAHA requirements), and the inclusion of funding pledges towards fundraising goals. The Board ultimately approved the initial two-year agreement with specific amendments following director input. Informational reports covered updates on the State of the Valley Conference, the District's Careers and Conservation Fair, and recent director attendance at community events.

The Board of Directors received the Comprehensive Ecologically Sensitive Vegetation Management Report covering calendar years 2022 and 2023 for information, with no Board action required. The report summarized vegetation management activities supporting resource protection, wildfire resiliency, and public access, noting a two-year delay in presentation due to staff vacancies. Key components discussed included the management framework provided by Resource Management Policies (RMPs), ecologically sensitive management practices, and major accomplishments such as completing significant acreage for Ecosystem Resiliency and Enhanced Fire Management work. The summary also covered public notification methods, details of the Conservation Grazing Program (including Rangeland condition improvements across 2022 and 2023), and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program results. The IPM review highlighted the reliance on manual pulling over herbicide use, summarized pest control treatments, reviewed building pest control protocols (which remained non-toxic via trapping), and detailed public inquiries regarding vegetation management and herbicide use.

The Action Plan and Budget Committee meeting focused primarily on compensation matters. Key discussions involved amendments to the Classification and Compensation Plan based on an updated compensation philosophy (setting competitive salary at median plus ten percent) and comparator agencies list. Concerns were raised by staff from the Planning Department regarding the comparability of Planner positions, which they noted combine the functions of Planner and Capital Project Manager. An employee expressed concern about the proposed step assignment methodology within the new salary ranges. Ultimately, the committee voted to forward the proposed amendments to the Classification and Compensation Plan to the full Board of Directors for consideration, with requests for the Board presentation to address the classification study, particularly the Planner position, and potential future competitiveness issues.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 outlines four key goals. These goals include fostering regional environmental protection through partnerships, safeguarding the ecological and biodiversity values of open spaces and agricultural lands, enhancing public connection to these natural environments, and strengthening organizational capacity and long-term financial sustainability. Key priorities include advancing Measure AA commitments, ensuring mission clarity, responsible resource management, promoting ecological resilience, expanding public access (including ADA facilities), and promoting internal organizational effectiveness.