M 02-16-82TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 16, 1982
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town
Hall at 7:45 p.m., in regular session.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Ruth Cannon, Thomas J. Ferrito, Brent N. Ventura and Mayor Peter W.
Siemens.
ABSENT: Marlyn J. Rasmussen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE REPORT
Mayor Siemens reported on the Executive Session held after the Council meeting of
February 8 1982. Stating they had conducted an informal mid-year performance
evaluation of the Town Manager. No formal action was taken. Mayor Siemens stated
Council had held an Executive Session prior the this Council meeting at which time they
discussed the possible Rugani litigation and authorized the Town Attorney to send a
letter to Gene Rugani relating to the Council's position on his apparent non-conforming
use. Vote on this issue was unanimous. Mrs. Rasmussen was absent. Discussed
status of Pedro's lawsuit, took no final action; and discussed a personnel matter.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Mayor Siemens requested the addition of item 23a, regarding definition of retail offices.
Mr. Ventura moved item be added to agenda. Mr. Siemens seconded. Unanimously
carried.
Mr. Ventura moved for addition of item 29, regarding pending legislation on hunting of
mountain lions. Mr. Ferrito seconded. Unanimously carried.
REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF MEDIATION AMENDMENTS
The Assistant Town Manager, Nadine Levin, stated Mrs. Rasmussen is absence from
the meeting due to illness and requests that agenda items relating to amendments to
the Mediation Ordinance be continued to March 1, 1982 meeting. Mrs. Cannon request
for continuance be granted. Mr. Ferrito seconded. Unanimously carried. Mr. Ferrito
moved for continuance to March 15, 1982 meeting, due to three public hearings already
scheduled for March 1, 1982. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried. Mr.
Ferrito moved Council request a report from the Town Attorney concerning the issue of
whether the Town Ordinance needs amendment regarding the subject of pass-through
of interest charged on an unsecured loan on rental property that is sold. This report is
to be to Council at the meeting of March 1, 1982. Mr. Siemens seconded. Carried by a
vote of three ayes. Mr. Ventura abstained and Mrs. Rasmussen was absent. After
further discussion, it was consensus of Council to direct the Town Clerk to set a public
hearing on matters regarding amendment to the Mediation Ordinance for March 15,
1982. So ordered.
BID AWARD ON WHEELCHAIR RAMPS PHASE 11
The Assistant Town Manager spoke on the report regarding award of contract for this
project. Mr. Lewis, from the audience, stated this would only take care of the first three
items on the priority list of proposed handicapped access curb cuts and he would like to
see it at least take care of two additional curb cuts mid-block on N. Santa Cruz Avenue,
north of Saratoga Avenue at Magoo's Pizza. Discussion was held on additional cost of
the extra curb cuts. Mrs. Cannon moved these be considered at budget time along with
other requests. Mr. Ventura seconded. Unanimously carried. Mr. Ventura moved
Council award the contract for the Wheel Chair Ramps Phase 11 to James Griffiths, Inc.
in the amount of $8,900.00; authorize the Mayor to sign the contract on behalf of the
Town; authorize staff to issue a change order for $4,250.00 to install 8 additional
handicap ramps and 4 additional traffic island modifications; appropriate $14,200.00
from HCDA funds to cover construction costs, plus contingencies and include 2
additional curb cuts in mid-block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue north of Saratoga Avenue at
Alpha Beta and Magoo's. Mr. Ferrito seconded. Unanimously carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
a. Letter from O.L. Johns re complaint regarding bus stop in front of his business at 151
N. Santa Cruz Avenue. Mr. Ventura moved letter be referred to the Town Attorney for
response. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
b. Letter from United Veterans Council regarding Council and citizens co-sponsoring
the Memorial Day and/or Veterans Day parades. Mr. Ventura moved this
correspondence be filed and advised United Veterans Council of Town's General
Revenue Sharing and Community Events funding process. Mrs. Cannon seconded.
Unanimously carried.
c. Letter from Susan and Richard Knight, requesting Council to approve the issuance of
parking permits to allow for long term parking in the Victory and Main Street parking lot.
Mr. Ventura moved this be filed for Council consideration during discussion of the
Downtown Specific Plan. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
d. Letter from San Mateo Mayor Donna Richardson, regarding 1981 California
reapportionment plan, Proposed Senate District 11. Mr. Ventura moved this be
referred to the Town Attorney for response. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously
carried.
e. Letter from Independent Cities Ass'n of Los Angeles County requesting Council to
support the passage of Senate Constitutional Amendment 7 (SCA 7). Mr. Ventura
moved this letter be referred to the Town Attorney for recommendation. Mrs. Cannon
seconded. Unanimously carried.
RESOLUTIONS OF COMMENDATION
Mr. Ventura moved for adoption of Resolution No. 1982-46 entitled, A RESOLUTION
COMMENDING TERRENCE J. DAILY, (Mr. Daily served as a member of the Youth
Advisory Commission). Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
Mr. Ventura moved for adoption of Resolution No. 1982-47 entitled, A RESOLUTION
COMMENDING CHIEF GORDON C. PAYNE. (Chief Payne is retiring from Central Fire
District). Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
CAL ENERGY COMMISSION
Mr. Ventura moved to accept staff recommendation and refer the model ordinance to
the Planning Commission Energy Committee for consideration in conjunction with the
Energy Element. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
COUNTY REFERRALS
Discussion was held on the County Referrals of the status of 312-26-47-81P Black
Road Marcum (Tandum Computers) Educational Retreat. It was stated the Town had
sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors, stating the Town's concerns. It was
consensus of Council to approve the County Referrals.
AGREEMENT DATACOM SYSTEMS
Mr. Ventura moved for adoption of Resolution No. 1982-48 entitled, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH DATACOM SYSTEMS CORPORATION FOR
PROCESSING DELINQUENT PARKING CITATIONS. Mrs. Cannon seconded.
Unanimously carried.
LOS GATOS MEDICAL PARK STORM DRAIN EASEMENT
Mr. Ventura moved to accept staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 1982-49
entitled, ORDER VACATING A PORTION OF PUBLIC STORM DRAIN EASEMENT
WITHIN THE LANDS OF THE LOS GATOS MEDICAL PARK-LOCATED ON POLLARD
ROAD. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
TRACT 6878-REVISED FINAL MAP
Mr. Ventura moved to accept staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 1982-50
entitled, RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING FINAL AMENDED MAP
(REVISED) OF TRACT NO. 6878. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
BELOW MARKET PRICE PROGRAM
Discussion was held as to the need for modification of Resolution on particular project
regarding on-site/off site improvements, landscaping, recreational facilities and whether
those should be added to project cost or to individual unit cost. These had been
discussed at a previous meeting. After further discussion, Mrs. Cannon moved for the
adoption of Resolution No. 1982-51 entitled, TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION
SPECIFYING RULES, PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR THE TOWN'S BELOW
MARKET PRICE PROGRAM. Motion to also include that this be referred back to staff
for further study on modifications as discussed above. Mr. Ventura seconded.
Unanimously carried.
ARBOR DAY
Mr. Ventura moved for adoption of Resolution No. 1982-52 entitled, A RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING MARCH 7TH-ARBOR DAY. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously
carried.
COUNCIL HEARING SCHEDULE
Informational schedule for Council members.
PARKING PERMITS FOR PARKING DISTRICT #1 PARKING LOT
Susan Knight, from audience, asked to speak on her request regarding parking permits
being issued for Parking District No. 1 parking lot. Mayor Siemens explained that the
parking lot in question is for patrons of stores and employees should park elsewhere
and pointed out the 3 Town parking lots that have not time limits in which employees
could park all day.
MINUTES
Mr. Ventura moved minutes of Council meetings February 1 and February 8, 1982 be
approved as submitted. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT
Informational-Council received and no action taken.
COMMUNICATIONS
a. Letter from Jean Boyden resigning from the Library Board. Mr. Ventura moved
Council accept resignation with regret, direct staff to prepare a Resolution of
Commendation and instruct the Clerk to advertise for vacancy on the Library Board as
soon as possible. Mr. Ferrito seconded. Unanimously carried.
b. Letter from the Los Gatos Village Association regarding complaint of possible
building violation at 15840 Los Gatos-Almaden Road. The Assistant Manager stated
this report is for information to Council and the Building Inspector has inspected the
premises and will return to inspect in 10 days.
c. Letter from Dorothy Strong, Chairman of Los Gatos Art Association, requesting
permission to use the Town Plaza for Art In The Park Events. Mr. Ferrito moved to
grant request for June 12th and 13th, subject to application being reviewed by the
Police Department. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
d. Notices of rate adjustments from Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Mr. Ferrito moved
to oppose the portion dealing with the increase for electrical rates and reiterate our
previous position concerning the Diablo Canyon Nuclear System and staff provide
Council with informational report as to what Pacific Gas & Electric is really asking for.
Mr. Ventura seconded. Carried by a vote of three ayes. Mrs. Cannon abstained and
Mrs. Rasmussen was absent.
TREASURE'S REPORT FOR JANUARY, 1982
It was consensus of Council to note and file.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lois Gordon, representing the Committee for Responsive Government for the Recall of
Mayor Siemens and Councilman Ferrito, read a letter requesting Council to hold the
election in June, 1982 and the Committee in turn would stop the recall. Mr. Ken Steffen,
from audience, also spoke in favor of the election being held in June, 1982 in
conjunction with the already scheduled Advisory election to be held June 8, 1982.
Motion died for lack of second.
Captain Robert Schuster (Los Gatos Police Department) representing the Los Gatos
Kiwanis Club, stated he wished to extend an invitation to Council members to attend a
luncheon on Friday (February 19, 1982) at the Los Gatos Lodge, for the community
enrollment for the Town for the We-T,I.P. Program (Witness Anonymous Program).
Captain Schuster explained the program to Council.
CLAIM FOR DAMAGES (PAUL)
Mayor Siemens questioned the procedures regarding claims for damages. The Town
Attorney, Mr. Hays, explained said procedures. After some discussion, Council directed
the Attorney to come up with some alternative wording so people would be aware of
claim procedures and how they work. Mrs. Cannon moved claim for damages filed on
behalf of Eric and Diane Paul be denied and referred to the Town insurance carrier. Mr.
Ventura seconded the motion. Motion carried by 3 ayes. Mr. Ferrito had stepped out of
the room, so therefore did not vote.
AMENDMENTS TO MEDIATION ORDINANCE
These five items were continued to March 15, 1982 Council meeting and public hearing
was scheduled.
HAND GUN INITIATIVE
Mr. Ventura moved Council go on record to support purposes of this initiative (to require
registration of all hand guns). Mr. Ferrito seconded. Unanimously carried.
DEFINITION OF RETAIL & OFFICE
Mrs. Cannon moved this be referred back to the Planning Commission for a report and
recommendation on clear definition of "retail" and "office". Mr. Ventura seconded.
Unanimously carried.
OLD ORCHARD DEVELOPMENT/HARWOOD ROAD
Discussion was held regarding the Old Orchard Development Co./Harwood Avenue
Project. Bob McBain of Old Orchard Development Co., spoke to Council and asked that
he be allowed to develop property in San Jose so that the map may be recorded and
then the applicant would consent to a boundary change so that each lot would be
developed according to Los Gatos regulations. Mr. McBain stated he could comply with
Town staff recommendation 1,2, and 3, but item 4 regarding the extension of Begonia
Drive is across two other properties not owned by him. After further discussion, Mr.
Ferrito moved to instruct staff to notify San Jose That the Town of Los Gatos is ready to
accept this property (through annexation) in order that the property may be developed in
Los
gatos. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
CRIME STATISTICS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1980 AND 1981
Council questioned the high crime rate in Los Gatos compared to crime rate in
surrounding communities. Chief Johnson explained the different reporting of crimes
and the Town's high rate comes partially from the many parks that are in Los Gatos and
very popular. Susan Knight, from audience, spoke regarding Police foot patrol as
opposed to car patrol. It was consensus of Council to accept this informational report
and stated they appreciate the accurate reporting.
REGULATION HEIGHT OF FENCES & WALLS
The Director of Public Works spoke on his report regarding regulating of the height of
fences, walls, hedges and shrubs near intersections. After some discussion, Mr.
Ventura moved reading be waived for ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
REGULATING THE HEIGHT OF FENCES, WALLS, HEDGES AND SHRUBS NEAR
INTERSECTIONS. Mrs. Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried. Clerk read title.
Mrs. Cannon moved for introduction of Ordinance. Mr. Ventura seconded.
Unanimously carried.
BID AWARD FOR SIGNALIZATION N. SANTA CRUZ AND ANDREWS
Mr. Roger Donnelly, 422 San Benito Avenue, spoke in opposition of proposed
installation, stating he and the neighbors in the area feel the installation of a traffic
signal would generate more traffic through the residential area. He urged Council to
look for other possible diversions before installing signals. After further discussion, Mr.
Ventura moved no action be taken at this time as this will be discussed at the hearing of
the Downtown Specific Plan. Mr. Ferrito seconded. Carried by a vote of three ayes.
Mrs. Cannon voting no.
SPRING BALLET
The Assistant Town Manager, referred to a letter from the Cultural Resources
Commission regarding the Spring Ballet for Children which they had requested to hold
at the West Valley College Theatre and the Town objected. The Cultural Resources
Commission states now they have obtained Fisher School for said performance and
wants assurance from Council that the $1,000.00, already in the Cultural Commission's
budget, will be paid to the San Jose Dance Theatre for this performance. Mr. Ventura
moved that the money is available with the holding of the ballet in the Town. Mrs.
Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
ST PATRICK'S - DAY SHOOTER SCOOTER REQUEST
Mr. Chris Benson, 206 Loma Alta Avenue, informed Council of plans for the annual
Shooter-Scooter relay race to be held on St. Patrick's Day, in downtown Los Gatos. It
was consensus of Council that this ne referred to Council sub-committee of Mrs.
Rasmussen and Mr. Ferrito and they will schedule a meeting with parties involved and
report to Council.
BAN ON HUNTING MOUNTAIN LIONS IN THE STATE
Mr. Ventura spoke on legislation regarding the ban on hunting of mountain lions
throughout the State. He understands this ban is due to expire at the end of 1982 and
as our town is named after these same animals, he would move that Council direct staff
to send letters to Governor and Legislatures of Council's support of this bill. Mrs.
Cannon seconded. Unanimously carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Siemens declared the meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.