M 04-03-00TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
April 3, 2000/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 7:35 p.m., Monday, April 3, 2000, in
joint regular session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Randy Attaway, Jan Hutchins , Linda Lubeck,
Joe Pirzynski and Mayor/Chairman Steve Blanton.
Absent:None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
CLOSED SESSION
Town Attorney, Orry Korb, announced that Closed Session had not been held this evening.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (01.01)
Informational report regarding currently scheduled public hearings was received and filed.
COUNCIL CALENDAR OF MEETINGS (02.10)
Informational item presenting future Town Meetings for Council and other Town Boards
and Commissions was received and filed.
RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/MARCH 2000 (03.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council ratify the check register for the
payroll of March 5, 2000 through March 18, 2000, paid on March 24, in the amount of $433,851.93.
Carried unanimously.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/MARCH 2000 (04.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council ratify the accompanying check
registers for accounts payable invoices paid on March 17, 2000, and March 24, 2000 in the amount
of $420,848.89. Carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2000 (05.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council approve the Minutes of March
20, 2000, Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as submitted. Carried unanimously.
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SANTA CLARA BAR ASSOCIATION/REIMBURSEMENT/RENTAL DISPUTES (06.19)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council approve $5,000 reimbursement
to the Santa Clara County Bar Association for rental dispute resolution services and authorize a
budget increase of $5,000. Carried unanimously.
PARKS COMMISSION/AFFIRMING APPOINTMENT/KONRAD/HWANG (07.20)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council affirm Student Parks
Commissioner Appointment for Lisa Hwang and affirm Parks Commission Appointment for
Richard Konrad. Carried unanimously.
TREE CITY U.S.A./NATIONAL ARBOR DAY/STATE FORESTERS AWARD (08.28)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Town accept and file report
designating the Town of Los Gatos “Tree City U.S.A.” Carried unanimously.
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS/RESOLUTION 2000-26 (09.28)
BENEFIT DISTRICT 1: BLACKWELL DRIVE/HILLBROOK/KENNEDY MEADOWS/SANTA
ROSA HEIGHTS/VASONA HEIGHTS AND BENEFIT DISTRICT 2: GEMINI COURT
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution 2000-
26 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ORDERING THE DISTRICT
ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE AN ANNUAL REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE 22565 AND FOLLOWING REGARDING
LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING DISTRICT ASSESSMENT #1: BLACKWELL DRIVE
BENEFIT ZONE - HILLBROOK BENEFIT ZONE - KENNEDY MEADOWS BENEFIT
ZONE - SANTA ROSA HEIGHTS BENEFITS ZONE - VASONA HEIGHTS BENEFIT
ZONE; AND LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT #2: GEMINI
COURT BENEFIT ZONE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS. Carried unanimously.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001
CONSIDER PROPOSALS FOR ALLOCATING CDBG FUNDS/RESOLUTION 2000-27 (10.19)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution 2000-27
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ALLOCATING COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS TO THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001. Carried unanimously.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Downtown Parking Issues:
Tom Boyce, 134 Wilder, Resident of Almond Grove, spoke of the meetings and cooperation among
residents, businesses and town in working out solutions to the downtown parking problems. Asked
that Tim Ware be hired by the Town to offer expertise regarding downtown parking solutions. Staff
will work on this information and return to Council with report.
Ginger Rowe, 108 N. Santa Cruz Ave., representing downtown businesses, spoke of the
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cooperation between residents and Parking Commission.
Sherri Lewis, Chamber of Commerce, spoke of consensus between the involved parties.
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VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Downtown Parking continued:
Rex Morton, 51 University Ave, Parking Commissioner, asked for Council’s support in obtaining a
consultant to outline the steps necessary to alleviate the pressures of the parking problem in the
downtown.
Local Government:
Ray Davis, resident, spoke in general about local government.
Wedgewood-La Rinconada Association:
Luis Hernandez, 180 Calle Marguerita, submitted a petition from residents, and asked Council to
limit the size of the monster homes proposed to be built in this area. He claimed they were too
imposing for the impacted canal areas, narrow road and gulf course open space.
Skateboard Park:
Philip Ericsson, 16929 Kennedy Road, asked Council to work on establishing a skateboard park in
Los Gatos.
HEARINGS
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH/APPEAL
(12.09)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to
consider appeal of the Planning Commission decision denying a request for modification to
a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Montessori School in conjunction with an existing
church on properties zoned R-1:8 and prezoned R-1:8. Project Application PRJ-99-082.
Property Location: 16548 Ferris Avenue. Property Owner: Faith Lutheran Church.
Applicant: Mariposa Montessori. Appellant: Joanne Varni (President Mariposa
Montessori).
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Joanne Varni, 16566 Topping Way, reaffirmed the need for a use permit and approval
for the school.
Pat Parseghian, 16621 Ferris, spoke of working on the traffic mitigating proposals in this
area.
Ray Davis, resident, asked Council to invite Planning Commissioners to attend Council
meetings so that they can give a verbal report concerning items being appealed.
Catherine Rose, 16460 Ferris Ave, requested the installation of traffic calming measures
to relieve the impacts on Ferris before the school is approved.
Bill Krause, 191 Kimble Ave, spoke about the need for pre-schools in Los Gatos, and the
traffic calming methods that the school can implement to aid the problems in the
neighborhood under discussion.
Gail Brady, 16387 Englewood Ave, asked that the traffic impacts be addressed and traffic
calming methods be implemented before the school is approved.
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Cathie Keirans, 16573 Ferris Ave, reaffirmed the existence of other pre-schools in Los
Gatos that are open and in operation.
Greg Motts, 16788 Littlefield Lane, discussed the larger issues of traffic calming in this
neighborhood and the options that are open for the implementation of traffic calming
measures.
Kristi Brackett, 15785 El Gato Lane, spoke in support of the Motesorri system of
education for her children.
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HEARINGS CONTINUED
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/CONT.
Speakers continued:
Ginger Rowe, 16400 Englewood Ave, asked for mitigation methods to be in place for six
months before evaluation of the problem and approval of the application takes place.
Laura Ericsson, 16929 Kennedy Road, asked that traffic calming methods be in place
before decision is made on this issue.
Kelly Salingo, 18290 Daves Ave, spoke of the limited facilities in Los Gatos for pre-
schoolers and asked Council to consider the welfare of these little people.
Jean Spinner, 16736 Chirco Drive, spoke in support of the school.
Lenore Grant, 128 Belglen Way, spoke in support of the school.
Mark Rapazzini, 16490 Ferris Ave, noted that the traffic was still a major impact to this
neighborhood and was against a school being situated in this location.
Jeff Straathof, 6417 Berwickshire Way, San Jose, noted the need for a Motessori school
in this area for families who desire this environment for their children.
Gary Kruger, Town Traffic Engineer, spoke of traffic circles working better with stop
signs rather than without signs. He noted that the maintenance department could install
some of the mitigating measures right away by painting the roads and curbs, and installing
the stop signs, direction signs and no truck signs. The traffic circles would need county
cooperation which Mr. Kruger is working on, and the phasing of the traffic lights on Los
Gatos Boulevard would need some technical and engineering thought
Carol Bailey, 16750 Loma St, spoke against the school in this neighborhood.
Laurie Prestine, 115 Vista del Campo, spoke favorably about the traffic study report.
Nigel Slinger, 16494 Ferris Ave, approved closure of Ferris for through traffic.
Joanne Varni, 16566 Topping Way, addressed issues that arose tonight. She asked
Council to consider the community issue of appropriate facilities for the care of our pre-
schoolers.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to close the public hearing.
Carried unanimously
.
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, to grant the appeal and provide a much needed pre-school for
the children within our community and continue to revisit the traffic problem existing on
Englewood and Ferris Ave. Motion dies for lack of second.
Council comments:
Mr. Attaway noted that a large portion of the area designed with traffic circles is centered
in the county, and he does not want to expend Los Gatos tax dollars in areas that are the
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responsibility of the county. He feels that the residents can approach Mr. Gage and ask
for his cooperation with the Board of Supervisors to complete the mitigation plan. He feels
the plan is incomplete and barely successful unless the county completes its portion of the
project.
Mr. Hutchins reviewed perceived obstacles to the implementation of this project and
noted that the Town can help the school achieve its goals and at the same time help
residents control the traffic problems in their neighborhood by the Town eliminating those
obstacles to implementation.
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HEARINGS CONTINUED
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/CONT.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, to grant the appeal and allow the
school to go forward with its application, and at the same time the Town will pursue the
traffic mitigation options chosen by the residents to alleviate problems with cut through
traffic, and the Town, residents, and consultant will actively pursue the County’s
cooperation with the mitigation elements which are in the County’s jurisdiction. The
findings for this motion follow. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Attaway and Mrs.
Lubeck voted no as reflected in previous record.
This motion includes the following findings made by Mr. Pirzynski for Project Application
PRJ-99-082:
∙As required by CEQA the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303
of the State Environmental Guidelines as adopted by the Town.
∙As required by the Town’s Traffic Policy the project has community benefits, which
outweigh the project’s associated traffic impacts which will be mitigated by the
increased traffic calming measures which Council has proposed.
∙As required by Town Code Section 29.20.190 for granting a Conditional Use Permit:
1.The proposed uses of the property are essential or desirable to the public convenience
as noted;
2.The proposed uses will not impair the integrity and character of the zone;
3.The proposed uses would not be detrimental to public health and safety;
4.The proposed uses of the property are in harmony with the various elements of the
general plan;
5.The California Health and Safety Code has been accommodated.
∙Exhibit “B” of the staff report delineating the 32 Conditions of Approval for the
Conditional Use Permit noting particularly Items 15, 16 & 17 which refer to the
Montessori School and the restrictions that will be put in place.
∙Including the recommended conditions of approval as they appear in the prior staff
report.
∙Information and traffic study report, were presented to Council. This information
had not been available to the Planning Commission. Council can move this item
forward without returning it to the Commission.
LARK AVENUE 16500/CLASSIC CAR WASH/RESOLUTION 2000-28 (11.09)
Consider an appeal of the decision of the Planning Commission denying a request for the sale of
wine for off site consumption at Classic Car Wash on property zoned CH. Conditional Use Permit
U-99-12. Property Location: 16500 Lark Avenue. Property Owner/Appellant: Frank Dorsa.
Applicant: Lark Avenue Car Wash.
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The following people from the audience addressed this issue:
Ray Davis, resident, opposed the proposal, and asked Council for reconsideration of this item.
Tracy McAvoy, 292 Longridge Road, spoke about the increased traffic that will be caused at this
location by allowing increased use.
Frank and Marilyn Dorsa, owners of Lark Ave. Car Wash, spoke of their original application, and
noted their efforts in serving their customers well and professionally over 35 years.
LARK AVENUE 16500/CLASSIC CAR WASH/CONT.
Speakers continued:
Ann Marie Sorcenelli, 292 Longridge Road, spoke about the excess traffic on this street corner,
and noted that this business does not need to draw more customers.
No one else from the audience spoke to this issue.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution 2000-28
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS GRANTING AN APPEAL OF A
DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR SALE OF WINE FOR OFF SITE CONSUMPTION. Carried
by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Hutchins and Mr. Pirzynski voted no for reasons reflected in prior
record.
STRATEGIC PLAN/JULY 2000 - JUNE 2005/RESOLUTION 2000-29 (13.06)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider approving
the Strategic Plan - July 1, 2000-June 30, 2005.
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council adopt Resolution 2000-29
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING THE STRATEGIC
PLAN, JULY 1, 2000 - JUNE 30, 2005. Carried unanimously.
DESIGN REVIEW ALTERNATIVES DISCUSSION/ARCHITECTURE & SITE REVIEW (14.47)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider the
effectiveness and efficiency of design review during the Architecture and Site Review
process.
Council Comments: There are opportunities for Council and staff education in planning issues and
historic review. Planning Commission annually attends conferences for education and members are
required to take architectural classes if they serve on the commission. A Town architect can serve as
a resource for the Commission and Council for discussions of mass and scale. Staff can address
ways of including interested parties in the preliminary concepts before the final designs arrive at
Council.
Greg Moss, 16788 Littlefield Lane, asked for neighborhoods to be included in the beginning stages
of projects and processes . The sooner the issues are discussed, the sooner they can be addressed
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and the sooner the project can be completed.
Ray Davis, resident, spoke about the need to follow the Town Codes and to be consistent.
Mayor Blanton asked that this item return to Council at the same time Council and Planning
Commission are holding their study session. He also requested that Council study sessions occur ½
hour before the regular scheduled Council meetings, especially on nights when a Closed Session is
not agendized.
REMOVAL OF VEGETATION IN HILLSIDE AREAS (15.46)
Council Consensus to continue this item to May 1, 2000 for staff to review materials that have
been received regarding this issue. This may be included in a study session prior to the May 1 st
meeting.
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COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE (16.10)
Council Consensus that Council amend Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Schedule
for 1999-2000 Fiscal Year setting a study session prior to a regularly scheduled Council meeting to
meet with the KCAT Board of Directors. To request that KCAT Board come forward and note their
interests and priorities for the distribution of funds. Discuss the interests of the community and
identify which events the community wants to view live. Board members to address Council and
present a budget and proposal explaining the items on which they plan to expend funds. KCAT’s
agreement says they will meet in study session with the Council. Mr. Samson asked to be present at
the meetings. Council may waive the agreement deadline requirements and chose a meeting time
convenient to all parties.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (17.10)
Mayor Blanton reported on the Mayor’s meeting. He discussed our fire safety building policy in the
hillsides. Currently it is based upon ingress and egress issues. The suggestion is that the final sign
off be from the fire department.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to adjourn this evening's meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
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