M 03-15-99TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
March 15, 1999/Minutes
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council/Parking Authority/Redevelopment Agency of the Town of Los
Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 110 East Main Street, at
7:30 p.m., Monday, March 15, 1999, in joint regular session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Randy Attaway, Steven Blanton, Linda Lubeck,
Joe Pirzynski, and Mayor/Chairman Jan Hutchins.
Absent:None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
CLOSED SESSION
Town Attorney, Orry Korb, announced that Council had met in Closed Session
this evening, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b), to discuss
Anticipated Litigation with Significant Exposure to Litigation, regarding Tort Claim
of RBC San Jose/St. Mary's. There was no reportable action.
ARTS COMMISSION/APPOINTMENTS (000.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that one application had been received from Erma
Schloh, for two vacancies on the Arts Commission. Mrs. Schloh was not present
for the interview and will be advised as to Council's next interview schedule.
BOARD OF APPEALS/APPOINTMENT/GARY KOHLSAAT (XX.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that one application had been received from Gary
Kohlsaat for the two vacancies on the Board of Appeals. Voting was held and
Mr. Kohlsaat was appointed to a term expiring 1/1/2001.
GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE/APPOINTMENT/SUZANNE MULLER (XXX.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that five applications had been received from Mark
Millen, Suzanne Muller, Christina Perry, Morris Trevithick and Chris Wiley for one
vacancy on the General Plan Committee. Voting was held and Ms Muller was
appointed for term expiring January 31, 2003.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE/APPOINTMENT/SANDRA FOSTER
(XXY.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that one application had been received from Sandra
Foster for one vacancy on the Historic Preservation Committee. Voting was held
and Ms Foster was appointed to a term expiring 8/1/2002.
PARKING COMMISSION/APPOINTMENT (XYY.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that no applications had been received for one
vacancy on the Parking Commission. This vacancy will be readvertised.
PARKS COMMISSION/APPOINTMENT/JUDITH HOWELL (YXX.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that one application had been received from Judith
Howell for two vacancies on the Parks Commission. Voting was held and Ms
Howell was reappointed to term ending 4/1/2003.
PLANNING COMMISSION/APPOINTMENT/KATHRYN MORGAN (YYX.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that two applications had been received from
Kathryn Morgan and Suzanne Muller for one vacancy on the Planning
Commission. Voting was held and Ms Morgan was appointed for term expiring
January 31, 2000.
REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE/APPOINTMENT (YYY.20)
Mayor Hutchins announced that no applications had been received for one
vacancy on the Redevelopment Advisory Committee. This vacancy will be
readvertised.
BOARD OF APPEALS/COMMENDATION/MIKE GRABILL (YXY.20)
Mayor Hutchins presented a Commendation from the Town of Los Gatos to Mike
Grabill honoring him for his time and effort while serving on the Board of Appeals.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (01.01)
Informational report regarding currently scheduled public hearings was received
and filed.
PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY STATUS
REPORT (02.47)
Informational report regarding activity of Planning Commission and Department
was received and filed.
RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/FEBRUARY 1999 (03.V)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council ratify the
check registers for the payroll of February 7 through February 20, 1999 paid on
February 26, 1999, in the amount of $376,245.25. Carried unanimously.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/FEBRUARY 1999 (04.V)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council ratify the
accompanying check registers for accounts payable invoices paid on February
26, and March 5, 1999 in the amount of $215,421.06. Carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 1999 (05a.V)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council approve the
Council Study Session Minutes of February 22, 1999 as submitted. Carried
unanimously.
MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 1999 (05b.V)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council approve the
Minutes of March 1, 1999 as submitted. Carried unanimously.
TREASURER'S REPORT (06.V)
Informational report submitted by the Treasurer to the Council for the month
ended January 31, 1998, was received and filed.
ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT (07.40)
Informational report regarding annual traffic safety report was received and filed.
LECTERN FOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS (08.28)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to authorize decrease in
account 3110-69508 and increase in account 3110-77000 for fixed asset
purchase of lectern for Council Chambers. Carried unanimously.
PARKS AND PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS/RESOLUTION 1999-34
(09.28)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-34 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
APPROVING A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT OF $35,000 FOR PLAN CHECK
CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH KUTZMANN & ASSOCIATES, INC. and
decrease salary account 5040-51000 by $30,900 and benefits account 5040-
52000 by $4,100 due to current vacancies and increase expense budget account
5040-61012 by $35,000. Carried unanimously.
TOWN SEAL/JUSTRITE ELECTRIC SEAL PRESS (10.01)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to approve request for
purchase of new Town Seal from Shelly Rubber Stamp & Sign, Inc., for a
JustRite Electric Seal Press and increase Fixed Asset Budget 1111-77558 and
reduce General Supplies 1111-60549 by the amount of $2,500. Carried
unanimously.
POLICE DEPARTMENT RENOVATION/PRJ 9817/RESOLUTION 1999-27 (11.35)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-27 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ACCEPTING WORK OF CALIFORNIA BUILDING SPECIALTIES - PROJECT
9817 - POLICE DEPARTMENT RENOVATION AND AUTHORIZING THE
TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND
NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RECORDING BY THE TOWN CLERK. Carried
unanimously.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL/KNOWLES AND CAPRI/PRJ 9916/RESOLUTION 1999-28 (12.35)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-28 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH ROSENDIN
ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT 9916 - SIGNAL AT
KNOWLES AND CAPRI, as the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of
$93,500. Carried unanimously.
RECREATION CENTER/ROOF REPLACEMENT/PRJ 9920/RESOLUTION 1999-29
(13.35)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-29 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ACCEPTING WORK OF PACIFIC WEATHER SHIELD, INC. - PROJECT 9920 -
RECREATION CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE
TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND
NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RECORDING BY THE TOWN CLERK. Carried
unanimously.
CONCRETE STREET RECONSTRUCTION/PRJ 9938/RESOLUTION 1999-30 (14.35)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-30 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH RIDGELINE
CONCRETE CORPORATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF - PROJECT 9938
- CONCRETE STREET RECONSTRUCTION, awarding contract to lowest
responsible bidder in the amount of $43,120 and authorizing transfer of funds in
the amount of $49,620 from the Santa Cruz/Bachman Street intersection Project
9922, account 4420-85394, to the Concrete Street Reconstruction Project 9938,
account 4420-85397. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Attaway abstained due to
a possible conflict of interest.
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE/LETTERS OF AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION 1999-31
(15A.20)
COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA/CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-31 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS TO
EXECUTE A LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SANTA
CLARA AND THE CITY OF MONTE SERENO FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF
EXPENSES, and authorize Revenue Budget increase 210-45099 to reimburse
expenses and increase Fund Balance. Carried unanimously.
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION 1999-32 (15B.20)
HOPE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR COLLECTION SERVICE
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-32 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND AGREEMENT
WITH HOPE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR COLLECTION SERVICES.
Carried unanimously.
JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM SUBGRANT
AWARD
FUNDS EXPENDED BY SANTA CLARA COUNTY/RESOLUTION 1999-33 (16.09)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Resolution 1999-33 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
WAIVING RIGHT TO JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM SUBGRANT AWARD, AND AUTHORIZING THE FUNDS
TO BE EXPENDED BY THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA. Carried
unanimously.
MILES AVENUE 17/TOWN SURPLUS LAND/HOUSING PROJECT/ORDINANCE
2059 (17.47)
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt
Ordinance 2059 entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FROM RM:5-12:LHP TO RM:5-12 FOR
351.72 SQUARE FEET OF TOWN SURPLUS PROPERTY LOCATED AT 71
MILES AVENUE, which was introduced at the Council meeting of February 16,
1999. Carried unanimously.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Homeless in Los Gatos:
Judith Boyes, 12-A Montgomery Street, spoke of the Town forming a mentoring
program to help with facilities and jobs for the homeless in our community.
Mayor Hutchins suggested that Ms Boyes speak to Regina Falkner, Community
Services Director, about the possibilities for securing help and support for this
segment of our population.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS CONT.
Street tree maintenance:
Virginia Cherf, 174 Old Adobe Road, spoke of a liquid amber street tree which
is ruining her driveway. She asked that the Town address this issue and
maintain its trees. Town will investigate and report back to Council.
HEARINGS
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 31/OLD TOWN PROJECT/APPEAL (18.09)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public
hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to approve
of a modification to a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant on property zoned
C-2:PD:LHP. Project Application: PRJ-98-163. Property Location: 31 University
Avenue. Property Owner: SRI Old Town LLC. Applicant: Steamer's Seafood -
Grillhouse. Appellant: Stacy J. Stewart.
Council noted that individually they had met with Mr. Matulich and
representatives from Old Town.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue of outdoor dining at
this location:
Stacy Stewart, 213 Edelen Avenue, spoke concerning the many changes in the
Old Town designs and the need to keep the open arcade accessible to the
public. She favors outdoor ambiance but does not want the outdoor dining to
interfere with the public use of the arcade. She requested that at least one year
of observation be given to the functional use of the original plan by both business
and public before deciding to change or modify the plan.
Paul Matulich, owner of Steamer's, spoke of the outdoor concept of Steamer's
Restaurant and the request for an area to accommodate six tables in one third of
the walkway area. He believes that an attractive usage of the walkway will
increase pedestrian activity. He spoke of an improved walkway patio, with trees,
lights and terra cotta planters and the removal of the proposed metal umbrellas.
John Matthems, Pacific Grove, Interior Architect for Steamers, spoke of the
beautification and care this section would receive and how it would improve a
straight alley way. He asked for the opportunity to enhance the complete
walkway with areas to linger and enjoy the open passageway.
Randy Reedy, 19 N. Santa Cruz, noted that Steamer's had believed that the
outdoor seating would be available to them and would not create a problem.
Their understanding was that they simply had to meet all the appropriate
requirements for this use. He spoke of this local business continuing
successfully in Los Gatos in comparison to the many corporate entities that have
come to Town recently.
Dave Flick, 130 Stacia, noted that dining is people and spoke of the ambiance
created by that communal activity. A barrier and walls does not add to that
ambiance. He believes that this issue had not arisen before and wonders how it
can be appealed to the Council at this stage.
Ahard Pushani, 697 North Santa Cruz, did not understand how the outdoor
seating can be considered as indoor seating. It was explained that the applicant
had asked to have his outdoor seating be allocated to indoor seating.
HEARINGS CONTINUED
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 31/OLD TOWN PROJECT CONT.
Speakers continued:
Suzanne Frazer, 16 Lyndon Ave, supports the outdoor seating.
Stacy Stewart, 213 Edelen Avenue, does not oppose the refurbishing of Old
Town, but objects to the location and execution of the outdoor seating proposal.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, to close the public hearing.
Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to uphold the Planning
Commission's decision and deny the appeal on the conditional use permit.
Carried unanimously.
Council Consensus to ask the Planning Commission to consider the following
items: 1) Types of non permanent barriers that could be used; 2) Moveable
planter boxes that are not permanently affixed; 3) Location of the outdoor dining
area; 4) An unobtrusive arrangement be considered; 5) Coordination with the
rest of the plaza and buildings; 6) Review the applied proposal in one year.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 50/OLD TOWN PROJECT/APPEAL (19.09)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public
hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to approve
of a modifications to the West Elevation of a Commercial Building on property
zoned C-2:PD:LHP. Project Application: PRJ-99-001. Property Location: 50
University Avenue. Property Owner/Applicant: SRI Old Town LLC. Appellant:
Stacy J. Stewart.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Stacy Stewart, 213 Edelen Avenue, spoke of the changes from the approved
design. She noted that the walk way seems to be smaller than what was in the
original design and a service alley was not what was intended. An open, inviting,
window shopping, strolling kind of environment to welcome visitors had been
what was originally planned.
Jack Heinemann, Federal Realty Investment Trust, 18504 Viburnum Way, Only,
MD, spoke of the time involved in addressing the concerns of the Town and in
trying to complete the project.
Lewis Albernese, 1990 The Alameda, San Jose, project architect, addressed
the concerns of the appellant and Council. He noted the changes and spoke of
the tenant needs and how these changes allowed the tenant to deliver and store
stock.
Ahard Pushani, 697 North Santa Cruz, local architect, questioned the changes
to the project, and asked for the original design to be implemented.
Tim Fondella, 302 Almendra, asked that the original design be applied and that
the tenants change requests be rejected.
Margaret Smith, 40 North Santa Cruz Ave, spoke about the operational issues.
She asked that consideration of the delivery truck problem be addressed and
sanctions be enforced and that trash pick up in Lot 6 be addressed.
HEARINGS CONTINUED
UNIVERSITY AVENUE 50/OLD TOWN PROJECT/CONT.
Speakers continued:
Ed Storm, 20725 Valley Green Drive, Cupertino, spoke of the many meetings
the owners and architects attended and how they have worked with the Town in
trying to meet all of its concerns.
Stacy Stewart, 213 Edelen Avenue, readdressed her issue of completing this
project as proposed.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to close the public hearing.
Carried unanimously.
Council Comments:
Council should have this project return to its original plans; remove the vent
boxes; remove the false walls; have a study session with two Council members
to reassess the problems. The original plans were good, the building was
attractive and the requests of tenants should not cause alterations to the original
design of the building. The original plan incorporating real windows and doors in
the rear elevation of the building was designed to encourage an attractive
pedestrian walk way and not a delivery zone acceding to the wishes of the
tenants. The access of this building to Parking Lot 6 must continue to be
pedestrian friendly and open to the public like the other shops in this locale. Mr.
Attaway and Mrs. Lubeck will serve on the study session.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to reopen the public
hearing and continue this item to a study session on March 29, 1999 at 6:00
p.m., to discuss the proposed changes, and to report back to Council at the
regular meeting of April 5, 1999 at 7:30 p.m., at which time the hearing will be
continued. Carried unanimously. (There will be no further notices to the public
concerning this item.)
DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN (20.39)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider
report on land dedications; consider report on financing options; consider
referring Downtown Specific Plan amendments to the Planning Commission;
consider subterranean parking; consider adopting a resolution amending the
Watry agreement; and consider accepting $10,000 donation from business
interest.
A)LAND DEDICATION
Staff recommended accepting the report on land dedication for downtown
parking.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Rex Morton, 51 University Avenue, Ste I, Parking Commissioner, explained the
reasoning behind preferring the 2C option over the 2A due to the desire to have
the lot completed by October of 2000. Option 2A would still be the primary
selection if there was a firm assurance that it could be completed by October of
2000. If there was a firm expectation that undergrounding a level could occur,
the Commission could approve a longer time line in lieu of obtaining twice as
many parking spaces.
DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN/CONT.
A)LAND DEDICATION CONT.
Speakers continued:
Bert Millen, 301 Santa Cruz Ave, all the property owners that are involved in
the land dedication for the proposed structure on Lot 2 had signed petitions of
interest and commitment to the proposals being offered. They would prefer three
levels and would like to explore the possibilities of subterranean levels.
Bill Bacchi, 236 N. Santa Cruz Ave., read a letter to Council signed by the
property owners within Lot 2 stating that they were in support of building three
levels on the site which would provide over 200 new spaces. This make the
project cost effective. The construction impact is the same for three levels as it is
for two levels. The accommodations of three levels will ease the parking impacts
in the neighborhoods. Discussions with property owners included the support of
both Lots 2 and 13. They commit their dedication to raising funds for both lots as
a community effort.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Council consensus to accept and file report on land dedications.
B)FINANCING OPTIONS
Staff recommended accepting report on financing options for downtown parking.
Council Comments:
Randy Attaway noted that he favored the assessment district and believed that
parking concerns were not the sole responsibility of the taxpayers. He feels that
ease of parking is a benefit for both residential and business communities and
they should jointly participate in this program. He would like some more time to
weigh the options of below grade structures which could produce twice the
parking spaces for half the cost.
Steve Blanton reminded everyone that he is in favor of paid parking to assist in
the financing of the parking structures and their maintenance.
Linda Lubeck noted the time needed to discuss the options and come to a
decision by April 19th as to which lot would be the first to be built, leaving all
options open for discussion regarding financing for both lots as a single parking
program. She spoke of the possibility of multiple funding sources; of beginning
one lot and continuing on to the second lot while still working out the complete
funding package for the total proposal; interim paid parking was mentioned; a
special benefit district accruing benefits to individual properties; modification of
time lines to allow decisions and projects to remained linked; specifying the
construction of two lots within the project definitions to allow the process to
continue and not eliminate any funding options.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Sue Farwell, 121 Laurel Ave, as a Parking Commissioner supports the options
worked on for the downtown parking but she states for the record that she cannot
support below level parking if there is a water problem. The pumping and
reverse pond are an ongoing maintenance problem that she does not feel the
Town can afford or should accept. She therefore discards Option 2A at 4.1ML as
being outside the Town's budget of 3.5ML which would build Lot 13H at 240
parking spaces. Lot 2C will only produce 198 spaces.
Randy Reedy, 19 N. Santa Cruz Ave, noted that the property owners at Lot 13
are prepared to grant the easements; the cost of the lot is manageable;
undergrounding is a more assured possibility; and the number of spaces is cost
effective.
DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN/CONT.
B)FINANCING OPTIONS CONT.
Speakers continued:
Margaret Smith, owner of Domus, 40 N. Santa Cruz, spoke of the Chamber of
Commerce meeting planned for March 18th and the survey that was sent to the
business community regarding parking in the downtown. Validated valet parking
was suggested as an interim parking solution as the lots are being built and
parking needs are being assessed.
Ginger Rowe, 108 N. Santa Cruz Ave, asked for clarification of number of
spaces in the parking lots. Lot 4 has 320 spaces. This lot backs up to her
business and is full during the week. She compared the options of 118 vs 206 in
Lot 2 proposals and noted they were barely sufficient compared to the 320 in Lot
4.
Larry Arzie, 18000 Overlook Road, made a comment on use of lots.
Shirley Henderson, 98 W. Main, spoke in favor of Lot 13.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Council consensus to accept and file report on financing options.
C)REFER DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Council consensus to refer Downtown Specific Plan amendment to the
Planning Commission.
D)SUBTERRANEAN PARKING
1)Consider adopting a resolution amending the Watry
agreement.
Council Comments:
Town should begin the process of borings in the two lots so the
information can be before Council by April 19th. Multiple borings in
both lots are preferred. Council needs information in order to make
an informed decision on which designs to choose for the parking
structures. Design, resources, and timing are essential issues in
the decision making. Borings will go no further than is necessary to
establish information for proposed structures relating to
environmental issues, bearing pressure, and water density.
2)Consider accepting $10,000 donation from business interest.
The following person addressed this issue:
Bert Millen, 301 N. Santa Cruz, speaking for the Chamber of
Commerce and business donators, said that they would be
delighted if the Town used $5,000 for each lot toward the borings.
He noted that the estimates they had received quoted $7,500 for
each lot, to drill, run an analysis and environmental review, and fast
track the procedure.
Council consensus that this donation demonstrates a cooperative
private-public partnership. Council asked staff for a report on the
options: What is needed to facilitate the process; How much will it
cost for the options of borings to one level or two levels at one or
both sites; What is the funding source; What approvals are
necessary; What liability issues may be relevant; What is the time
line and is there a possibility of delay over litigious action; and
continued this subject to April 5, 1999.
POLITICAL SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY/WAIVER OF FEES (21.10)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider
request to waive Town fees for removal of political signs in the public right of
way. Appellant: Donna Courtright.
Council consensus to notify the appellant and continue this item to April 5, 1999.
COLLEGE AVE & MAIN/THREE WAY STOP SIGN (22.39)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider
report regarding 3-way stop sign at College Avenue and Main Street.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Dave Flick, 130 Stacia, supported the stop signs at College and Main. If they
cause backups and problems they can be removed. There is a great deal of
increased pedestrian traffic in this location and a need for traffic control. The
speed of traffic coming across the bridge on an angle creates perception
problems for pedestrians trying to cross the street
Sister Niki Thomas, 200 Prospect Ave., noted that Casa Maria was closing as
of May 1999. 190 cars will not be coming and going on the road each day due to
this closure.
Art Bonner, 79 Reservoir Road, spoke of the limited access to the hill and how
all of the roads merge at College and Pageant. He submitted a petition signed
by residents opposing the one way proposal on Pageant Ave.
Tom Spillsbury, 85 Reservoir Road, supported stop sign at College and Main.
Shirley Henderson, 264 Los Gatos Blvd, lives by the three way stop on Loma
Alta and Los Gatos Blvd. and noted that she has never seen more than four cars
queued at that stop.
Dot Perry, 161 Prospect Ave., spoke in favor of the stop sign.
Joel Kass, 227 Jones Road, spoke of the many vehicles accessing the hill and
the need for the exit routes to remain free and clear in case of an emergency.
Terry Hope, 212 Bella Vista, favored the stop sign at College and asked for
consideration of another cross walk near College to cross Main.
Janet Canning, 115 Euclid Ave, opposes the one way streets but favors the
stop sign.
Dave Flick, 130 Stacia, spoke of one exit on Pageant from College and the need
for restriping the stop area on Cleland.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to continue the meeting
past midnight. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins voted no.
COLLEGE AVE & MAIN/THREE WAY STOP SIGN/CONT.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to place a three way stop
for a trial period of six months at the corner of College and Main, and review the
activity and appropriateness of the sign during that time. (For the record Mrs.
Lubeck noted that she had changed her mind about the stop sign and would
rather see a traffic light at this location and also lights at Pleasant and Loma
Alta.) (Mr. Pirzynski believes the Pleasant and Loma Alta stops do work and that
stopping traffic with this method addresses other needs of the town.) Added to
the motion is a trial cross walk and that the issue of one way traffic on Pageant
and Villa is dropped at this time. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Lubeck voted
no.
Scott Baker, Director of Public Works, noted that a report would return to
Council from the traffic engineer with a design for the stop signs and with the
placement of stop bars, stop ahead signs, and all associated actions which will
provide the Council and the community with design immunity. This will entail
another hearing and public comment and review process. This hearing should
be set for April 19, 1999.
MAIN STREET W 223/LYNDON CARRIAGE HOUSE CUPOLA (23.09)
Mayor Hutchins stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider
request to relocate the J.W. Lyndon Carriage House cupola from Oak Meadow
Park to the Farwell Building at 223 West Main Street.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Sue Farwell, 121 Laurel Ave, asked that this question be considered by Council.
She noted that she did not expect a commitment or decision tonight but would
ask that the subject come under discussion.
Paul DuBois, 121 Altura Vista, representing the Los Gatos Community
Foundation, spoke of the cupola on a bandstand in Oak Meadow Park to be used
as a performing arts area in the park. The historic information about the cupola
would be retained on a plaque and the community would have the benefit of the
structure in a recreational area where everyone would have use of it.
Shirley Henderson, 264 Los Gatos Blvd, supported the thought of putting the
cupola on the new Farwell building.
Terry Hope, 212 Bella Vista, she noted that the $250,000 needed to place the
cupola on the bandstand would take too long before the cupola would deteriorate
and be vandalized. She supports the cupola in the downtown on the Farwell
building silhouetted against the hillside where it once stood.
Adu Bagley, 15235 Karl Ave, spoke of the volunteer work that the Los Gatos
Community Foundation has put into saving and preserving this historic
architectural element. She spoke of the grant money that was received for this
project and the hours of the Town's staff time that has been incorporated in the
renovation of the cupola.
MAIN STREET W 223/LYNDON CARRIAGE HOUSE CUPOLA CONT.
Speakers continued:
Randy Reedy, 19 N. Santa Cruz, noted that the Farwell family had donated
Parking Lot 13 to the town for free years ago and felt that this location was
appropriate for the placement of the cupola.
Don Callahan, 142 Massol Ave, representing the Community Foundation, felt
that the nostalgic value of the cupola placed on a bandstand in Oak Meadow
Park would benefit the community for more than having it on a building downtown
where it will be on view but not park of a structure that everyone can access.
Emma Vargo, 15400 Winchester Blvd, noted that the saving of the cupola is
probably the main reason that the Los Gatos Community Foundation exists
today. It took many dedicated people to establish a mechanism that would allow
for the raising of funds to save this landmark.
Joe Farwell, 121 Laurel Ave, spoke about the cupola originating a block away
from the suggested location and noted that it was an historical element
associated with this portion of the downtown, and it would be extremely visible to
everyone as they stroll through downtown and the plaza.
Sue Farwell spoke again about the cupola sitting on this lot during the late
sixties while a permanent location was examined. She asked that it be put to a
permanent use now rather than waiting for some time in the future to place it in
the park. She fears it may again deteriorate before it can be permanently placed.
The family is willing to pay back the grant money.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Council consensus to open this question to public discussion and to ask for a
report on the cost, value and the possibility of refunding the grant.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hutchins adjourned this evening's meeting at 12:43 P.M.
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk