M 09-10-90TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
September 10, 1990
Minutes
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council/Parking Authority of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers
of the Town Hall, 100 East Main Street, at 5:04 p.m., Monday, September 10, 1990, in
special session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Joanne Benjamin, Robert L. Hamilton,
Brent N. Ventura and Mayor Thomas J. Ferrito.
Absent:Eric D. Carlson.
WILDER AVE 145/SCHUMAN/EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE/DEMOLITION PERMIT
Mayor Ferrito stated that this was the time and place duly noted for Council to consider
request for approval to demolish a pre-1900 single-family residence significantly damaged by
the earthquake on property in the Almond Grove Historic District. Property located in the R-
1D-LHP Zone. Property: 145 Wilder Ave. Owner: Elayne C. Schuman.
Motion by Mrs. Benjamin, seconded by Mr. Ventura, that Council approve Architecture
and Site Application ES-90-78 as recommended by the Earthquake Demolition Committee
and make the findings as required by Sections 3.65.025 and 3.65.040 of the Zoning
Ordinance for the demolition of an historic structure and the granting of a Demolition Permit.
Also noted was a letter from the State Office of Historic Preservation, stating that this house
could be considered for demolition. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Carlson absent.
MAIN ST W. 131/SCOTT/EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE/DEMOLITION PERMIT
Mayor Ferrito stated that this was the time and place duly noted for Council to consider
appeal of the Director of Building Services and Planning Director's denial of plans to
demolish an historical commercial building due to earthquake damage. The property is in
the C-2 Zone. Owner: Philip L. Scott.
The following people from the audience wished to address this issue:
Ernest Miller, 301 Oak Meadow Drive, Attorney representing Dr. Scott, spoke in favor of
demolition and reconstruction, explaining the economic significance to the owner in
attempting to salvage the structure. An economic analysis was submitted to the Council.
The matter of obtaining earthquake insurance on a retrofitted building was also discussed.
James Miller, representing Dr. Scott, expressed his opinion that the building should be
demolished and submitted a letter and petition to that effect.
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There was no one else who wished to address this issue.
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mrs. Benjamin, to deny this appeal. Carried by a
vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Hamilton voted no. Mr. Carlson absent.
Council Members comments regarding their vote on this item follow:
Mrs. Benjamin, reiterated Council's policy of demolished buildings being rebuilt to look
exactly as they had been originally built or precisely as they appeared immediately before
the earthquake. She mentioned that Santa Cruz is now having difficulty getting funding for
their demolished downtown area. An empty lot does not guarantee funding for
reconstruction.
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September 10, 1990
Los Gatos, California
MAIN STREET CONT.
Mr. Ventura, stated Council's policy of looking at the good of the entire community,
although sympathetic to an individual's economic situation, the general welfare of the
community needs to be considered first. This is one of three most important commercial
buildings in Los Gatos and has been assessed by the State Office of Historic Preservation
as salvageable. The appeal of downtown Los Gatos is not artificial in its genuineness and
authenticity.
Mr. Hamilton, addressed the economic feasibility of the retrofit and the possibility of not
finding suitable renters for the downtown area. Also supported the plans for the project as it
had been submitted as a substantial copy of the original.
Mayor Ferrito, supports the motion because no acceptable replacement structure has been
proposed that is acceptable to the Earthquake Review Committee. The Building is also of
historic value and a key to the proposed National Historic Register district.
MAIN ST W. 131/SCOTT/EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE/SHORING PLAN FUNDING
Mayor Ferrito stated that this was the time and place duly noted for Council to consider
approval of funding for shoring plan and covered pedestrian walkway under order of Director
of Building Services. Owner: Philip L. Scott.
Scott Baker, Director of Building Services, addressed the shoring plan for stabilization and
safety while negotiations continue on the refurbishing of the property.
Motion by Mr. Ventura, seconded by Mrs. Benjamin, that Council approve funding to
shore the south wall and provide covered pedestrian ways as per option #2 as submitted by
the VSL Corporation for $28,879. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Carlson absent
LOS GATOS BOULEVARD 227/FROMM/EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE/DEMOLITION PERMIT
Mayor Ferrito stated that this was the time and place duly noted for Council to consider
approval of funding to save architecturally significant features and demolish a single family
residence as per urgency Ordinance #1824 - Mitigation of a structural hazard at 227 Los
Gatos Boulevard. Owner: Harry and June Fromm.
Motion by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Mrs. Benjamin, that Council approve funding for
Alternate #1: Remove and save architecturally significant features and demolish the
structure as proposed by Calhoun Brothers for $11,800 in staff report. Carried by a vote of 3
ayes. Mr. Carlson absent. Mr. Ventura abstained due to his deep desire to see this home
saved.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ferrito adjourned the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
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September 10, 1990
Los Gatos, California
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
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