M 09-18-89TOWN OF LOS GATOS CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 18, 1989
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council/Parking authority of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council
Chambers of Town Hall, 100 E. Main St., at 8:15 p.m., Monday, September 18,
1989, in regular session.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:Eric D. Carlson, Thomas J. Ferrito, Robert L. Hamilton,
Brent N. Ventura and Mayor Joanne Benjamin.
ABSENT:None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
APPOINTMENTS/YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
Applications were received from Scott Burns, Lara Blachman, Amy Erekson,
Kirsten Fish, Mary Gillespie, Melissa Greanias, Tiffany Hacket, Robin Mullery,
Kirk Nordenstrom, Caitlin Schechter, Erik Wolf and Greg Yap. Voting was held
and all applicants were appointed to fill the positions. Terms to expire June 30,
1990. Council requested re-opening the application process for this Commission
due to the fact that there were no junior high representatives, and there was a
need for additional adult representation. Mr. Ventura requested that staff
implement the same attendance policy that Youth Commission used last year.
CLOSED SESSION
Mary Jo Levinger, Town Attorney, reported that Council had met in Closed
Session following the prior Council meeting of September 5, 1989, pursuant to
Government Code section 54956.9(c) to discuss Institution of Litigation with
regard to Route 85. There is no report from that discussion.
Council met on September 12, 1989, in Closed Session pursuant to Government
Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss Pending Litigation of Kang Ming Ho vs. Los
Gatos Town Council. There is no report from that discussion. Personnel
evaluations were also discussed at that time.
Council met for Closed Session prior to this evening's meeting pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss two matters of Pending
Litigation. Oliver Hultin vs. Town of Los Gatos and Kang Ming Ho vs. Los Gatos
Town Council. There is no report from those discussions.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c), Institution of Litigation re:
Happy Acres Road (Elliott). There is no report at this time. Institution of
Litigation re: Route 85. Council authorized additional attorney's fees in the
amount of $5,000 in that matter. Institution of Litigation re: Forrester Road.
There is no report at this time other than the proposed litigation with the
Sullivan's has been concluded by settlement.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Council approved informational report regarding currently scheduled public
hearings.
COMPLETION NOTICE/PHONE SYSTEM/PAC TEL MERIDIAN
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council authorize the
Mayor to execute and the Town Clerk to record a Certificate of Acceptance and
Notice of competion of the Town's telephone system. Carried unanimously.
COMPLETION NOTICE/PROJECT 8805/DOWNTOWN LOT #3/STORM
DRAIN REALIGNMENT
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council authorize the
Mayor to execute and the Town Clerk to record a Certificate of Acceptance and
notice of Completion for Project 8805, Downtown Los Gatos Parking assessment
District, Lot #3 and Storm Drain Realignment. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr.
Hamilton and Mr. Ferrito abstained.
HANDICAP RAMP/KNOWLES DRIVE/COUNTY COURT HOUSE/WEST
VALLEY ALCOHOL UNIT
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilon, that Council approve an
informal bidding process to construct a handicap ramp in the vicinity of the
County facilities on Knowles Drive as discribed in staff report. Carried
unanimously.
CROSSWALK REMOVAL/BELWOOD GATEWAY/BLOSSOM HILL ROAD
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that the Council approve the
removal of the marked crosswalk on Blossom Hill Road at Belwood-Gateway.
Carried unanimously.
TASTE OF LOS GATOS/TOWN PLAZA/MONTEBELLO WAY
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council approve
applicant's request to hold the seventh annual "A Taste of Los Gatos" at the
Town Plaza and on Montebello Way on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8,
1989. Carried unanimously.
COMMERCIAL SPECIFIC PLAN COMMITTEE/PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTMENT
Motion by Mr. Ventura , seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to appoint Commissioners
Michael Abkin and Patrick O'Laughlin to serve on the Community Specific Plan
Committee. Carried unanimously.
ARTS COMMISSION/RESIGNATION/EMERALD HATHAWAY/RESOLUTION
1989-170
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to accept with regrets the
resignation of Emerald Hathaway from the Arts Commission and authorize the
Town Clerk to advertise a vacancy on the Arts Commission with a closing date of
November 1, 1989, and interviews to be held by the Town Council November 6,
1989, and that Council adopt Resolution 1989-170 entitled, RESOLUTION OF
THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS COMMENDING EMERALD HATHAWAY OF THE
LOS GATOS ARTS COMMISSION. Carried unanimously.
GREEN ZONE/308 E. MAIN ST/RESOLUTION 1989-171
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council adopt resolution
1989-171 entitled, RESCIND GREEN ZONE 308 EAST MAIN STREET, which
will rescind Resolution 1971-124 and return parking restrictions to two hours on
the south side of East Main Street, from Jackson Street to Alpine Avenue.
Carried unanimously.
PROJECT 8902/WERNER AND ASSOC/BLOSSOM HILL RETAINING WALL/
RESOLUTION 1989-172
Motion by Mr. Ventura,a seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council adopt
Resolution 1989-172 entitled, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE TOWN AND WERNER AND ASSOCIATES FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN OF A RETAINING WALL ON
BLOSSOM HILL ROAD AT CAMINO DEL CERRO, and authorizing the Town
Manager to sign said agreement. Carried unanimously.
BLUEBERRY HILL 138/OW: LA VEQUE/S-89-48/SEQUOIA TREE REMOVAL/
RESOLUTION 1989-173
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council adopt resolution
1989-173 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS GRANTING
THE APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION TO UPHOLD THE
DECISION OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR IN DENYING AN APPLICATION
TO REMOVE A PROTECTED SEQUOIA TREE ON PROPERTY IN THE R-
1:10,000 ZONE, which incorporates the Council findings and decision at its
meeting of September 5, 1989. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Carlson
abstained.
FARLEY ROAD 17510/OW: MOORE/AP: MC ELROY/RESIDENTIAL APPEAL/
RESOLUTION 1989-174
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council adopt Resolution
1989-174 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DENYING
APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION TO DENY REQUEST FOR
PERMISSION TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING OFFICE STRUCTURE AND TO
CONSTRUCT A THREE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT
ON PROPERTY IN THE "O" (OFFICE) ZONE, which incorporates the Council
findings and decision at its meeting of September 5, 1989. Carried unanimously.
BLOSSOM HILL 300/ROBERTS ROAD WEST VACATION/RESOLUTION
1989-175
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council adopt Resolution
1989-175 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO VACATE A PORTION
OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED AT ROBERTS ROAD (WEST)
ADJACENT TO 300 BLOSSOM HILL ROAD, FOR SUBDIVISIONS
IMPROVEMENT PURPOSES and set a public hearing for October 16, 1989.
Carried unanimously.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS/MARDI BENNETT/JOHN STEINBECK HOUSE
Mardi Bennett, 38 Alpine, requested Town Council adopt a resolution
recommending approval of nomination to the National Register of Historic Places
of the John Steinbeck House on Greenwood Lane and to place this item on the
October 2, 1989 agenda.
HEARING
HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES/ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION/RESOLUTION
ADOPTING FEE SCHEDULE
Mayor Benjamin stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public
hearing to consider introduction of ordinance regulating horse drawn carriages,
including adoption of resolution amending schedule of fees.
Ms. Levinger, Town Attorney, noted that this was a closed hearing accepted for
the limited purpose of hearing testimony on schedule of fees. Mr. Carlson
requested that fees not be discussed until issues of operation were first decided.
Lorraine West, 18 Oak Hill Way, presented her concerns to the Council as
follows:
1.Driver training
2.Vet Check list
3.More central loading zones
4.Additional lighting
5.Broader field of operation
6.Use of log books
7.Sanitation issue discussed
8.Additional breaking mechanism
9.Additional required equipment
10.Operational area for weddings
11.Permit response time of 48 hours
12.Application forms for individual permits
13.Reflective materials on horse
14.Annual physical exam of horse
15.Air temperature range
16.Work hours for horse
17.Signs for operation
18.Preferred hours of operation
Bill Burke, Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley, spoke against this enterprise
for safety and humane reasons. Could not address the Ordinance because he
had only just received his copy, but commented on the following items:
1.Horse work day 5 hours
2.5 day work week
3.32 to 85 degree air temperature range
4.Humane Society will address all requests for use of horse drawn vehicles
as they arise in relation to special occasions.
Chief Todd defined the term "Special Event" as an event that is open to the
Community in general. Mr. Ferrito asked for a more specific delineation of this
term. Ms. Levinger, Town Attorney, suggested the definition be incorporated in
Article VI, Section 29-49 of the Ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mayor Benjamin, for Council consensus of
conceptual approval of Alternative "A" and asking the Town Attorney, Police
Chief, the Town Manager and whoever else on the Town Staff that would like to
be involved, to submit a definition of "Town Wide Special Event", the key
elements being, 1) of limited duration, 2) open to the general public as opposed
to restricted to an invited few, and incorporating suggestions from Ms. West or
any one else that staff may feel apply to this alternative with the aim being that
Council will not have to define "Special Event" for each application. Mr. Carlson
amended his motion to include the Model Ordinance Safety Provisions with
modifications added by Mr. Ventura as follows: Model Ordinance Sections 11,
12, 13 be included; no operation during peak traffic hours as defined by the Town
traffic engineer; that brake system be included on the coach; reflective taping
used to protect the horse; two gallon water jug carried to dilute urine waste; flash-
light, lead rope and fire extinguisher be included on the carriages. Carried by a
vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Ferrito voted no. Mr. Hamilton voted no because he only
wishes to support Ordinance B.
Motion by Mayor Benjamin, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, for Council consensus of
conceptual approval of Alternative "B" with the inclusion of all safety concerns
delineated in the Alternative above, and the exclusion of the roads above
Glenridge as a preferential route and the addition of Broadway to the carriage
route. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Ferrito and Mr. Carlson voted no. Mr.
Carlson stated for the record that he had great concern for the safety of the
animals as evidenced by the material presented by the Humane Society and that
the concerns of the residential community had not been fully heard or dealt with
at this time.
Alternatives "A" and "B" to return to Council October 2, 1989.
COUNCIL RECESS
Mayor Benjamin declared a short recess at 9:40 p.m. The meeting was called
back to order at 9:40 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:50 p.m.
GREENRIDGE TERRACE 16070/SANTA CLARA COUNTY HEALTH/FAILING
SEPTIC/OW: FISH/HEARING
Mayor Benjamin stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public
hearing to consider Duane and Susan Fish appeal of Santa Clara County Health
Officer decision.
The following people from the audience spoke in regard to this issue:
David Oster, 1451 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek, asked for continued Council
support of the Fishes' appeal in order that they may obtain a study of the
neighbor's property in order to determine the origin of the existing groundwater
which they claim is killing their trees.
Mr. Ferrito asked that the Fishes' consider submitting a report to staff from an
expert of their choice, with qualifications listed. Staff would evaluate this testing
protocol and send it and a staff review to Mr. Esquibel.
Motion by Mr. Ferrito, seconded by Mr. Ventura, that the Council continue the
hearing for 30 days to October 16, 1989 to allow the Fishs' to proceed at their
own expense with the groundwater investigation of the site as described in the
letter dated September 9, 1989 from Lee Esquibel, County Director of
Environmental Health to the Town. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Carlson
abstained due to not hearing the tapes.
MARIA'S BERRY FARM/MAIN HOUSE AND WATER TOWER/NEW YORK
AVE SITE
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, that Council approve the
recommended action as follows:
1.Establish New York Avenue as the relocation site for Maria's Berry Farm
by minute action.
2.Waive all Town zoning application fees (i.e. Architecture and Site
Approval, Conditional Use Permit, etc.) that will be required to relocate the
structures to the New York Avenue site and established the use as a teen
center.
3.Designate the relocation of the structures as a "high priority" in order to
minimize the processing time required for consideration of the various
applications.
4.Direct staff to initiate proceedings to abandon that portion of New York
Avenue necessary to relocate Maria's Berry Farm with the required notices and
publication of the public hearing process.
5.Authorize the expenditure of $1,500 to cover the reconveyance fee for the
water company property.
6.Authorize staff to complete lease agreements with San Jose Water
Company, Los Gatos Youth Park and A Place For Teens. Once completed, they
will be presented to the Council for approval.
Carried unanimously.
TOWN CLERK/HALF-TIME STAFF/PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Motion by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mayor Benjamin, that Council review the
attached Performance Indicators, which were requested during the 1989-1990
Budget Hearings, and direct the Manager to transfer funds from the General
Fund to the Clerk's budget for the permanent half time position necessary. Mr.
Carlson commented on the performance indicators which specify time for
initiation and the benefits to the public in increased service due to the time that
will be saved in accessing information. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Ferrito
voted no and stated for the record that "while I think that the work that is outlined
is needed that it can be done with the existing staff in the Clerk's Office based
upon what I have see over the last 12 years."
MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 1989
Motion by Mr. Ferrito, seconded by Mr. Ventura,a to accept the Minutes of
August 7, 1989 as submitted. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Carlson and
Mayor Benjamin abstained.
MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 1989
Mr. Ferrito requested page 5, Kimble Ave., to reflect the reason for his no vote
which was that the architect was a client of his and he did not feel that it was
appropriate for him to vote on the issue.
Mr. Ferrito requested page 9, Main Street, third paragraph, reflect another
important point which was that the policy regarding liquor licenses in the
downtown area was based upon the expectation that there would be attrition of
downtown liquor establishments which would then allow us to issue additional
liquor licenses to new applicants.
Mr. Ferrito requested page 11, minutes of July 17, 1989, and pointed out that the
word "changed" should be "corrected" in referring to corrections made within the
minutes.
Mr. Ventura requested page 12, minutes of August 12, 1989, that the last line be
corrected to read "not support a sewer line bigger that six inches." He also
desired the Council's support on this statement as having been addressed at a
previous meeting.
Mayor Benjamin requested correction of page 10, Jo Drive, to read as a motion
to reconsider.
Motion by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mr. Ventura, to approve the minutes of
August 21, 1989 as corrected. Carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 1989
Mayor Benjamin requested correction on page 5 of the person who spoke under
Verbal Communications, Pat Rothchild, 21536 Old Mine Road.
Mr. Ferrito requested correction on page 9, Minutes of August 7, that the Becton-
Dickinson site be deleted and corrected to the Lark-Winchester site as an
inappropriate location for hazardous materials.
Mr. Ferrito requested page 10, Benches, to reflect the third point which was as
follows: That the Committee consider whether by allowing benches we are in
effect expanding the seating capacity for restaurants which could be an
intensification os use.
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to approve the minutes of
September 5, 1989 as corrected. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Carlson
abstained.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/REFERRALS TO TOWN ATTORNEY
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Carlson, to have staff set revocation
hearing for the Diner on October 8, 1989, before the Planning Commission.
Carried unanimously.
COMMERCIAL SPECIFIC PLAN COMMITTEE/COUNCILMEMBERS
APPOINTMENT
Mayor Benjamin stated that both Mr. Carlson and Mr. Ventura expressed an
interest in sitting on the Commercial Specific Plan Committee and that this
decision can wait until october 2, 1989, when interviews are held and
appointments made to the committee at which time Mr. Carlson and Mr. Ventura
will decide among themselves which one will serve as Councilmember on the
committee.
COUNTY REFERRALS
Motion by Mr. Ferrito, seconded by Mr. Ventura, to move the recommended
action on the following:
1. Aztec Ridge, 16450 & 16440, Modir, Design Review, Approval
2. Escobar Ave, 16140, Roberts, Variance, Denial
3. Tourney Road, S. End, DePalam, Design Review, Denial
4. Hicks Rd., Fee, Design Review, No Action Required
5. Diduca Way, Tavakolinori, Design Review, No Action Required
Mr. Ferrito had several comments to make on this item. He mentioned that the
Recommendation column was vague and did not correspond with the staff report.
That it might be possible for Susie Wilson to argue that reading the cover page of
the County Referrals could prove to be quite confusing. His request was that
staff consider alternative ways of addressing the recommendation column on the
cover page.
Carried unanimously.
RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/SEPTEMBER 8, 1989
Motion by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Carlson, to continue this item to
October 2, 1989. Carried unanimously.
RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/SEPTEMBER 1989
Motion by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Carlson, to continue this item to
October 2, 1989. Carried unanimously.
HANDICAP RAMP/METHODIST CHURCH
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mr. Ferrito, that Council deny the request of
the Methodist Church to obtain a handicap ramp area in front of their main
walkway entrance on Church Street and to write a letter to the Church from staff
advising them of the hazards of mid-block crossings and the liability question
which causes the Town to decline their proposal. Town should also suggest that
patrons use the handicapped access in the parking lot. Carried by a vote of 3
ayes. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Hamilton voted no.
15291 SHANNON ROAD/OW: TZANAVARAS/S-89-6/RESIDENTIAL
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mayor Benjamin, to bring back on October
2, 1989 to amend by putting in the Deed restriction preventing future subdivision,
and change the wording in "elimination of stucco as a primary material. Carried
by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Hamilton voted no. Mr. Carlson abstained.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, for adjournment at 10:50 p.m.
to Closed Session (Personnel Matters) at 7:30 p.m. on September 19, 1989.
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk