M 10-20-03TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
October 20, 2003/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 7:08 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2003,
in joint regular session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski,
Mike Wasserman and Mayor/Chairman Sandy Decker.
Absent:None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
CLOSED SESSION (XX.28)
Town Attorney, Orry Korb, reported that Council had not met in Closed Session this evening.
ART SELECTION PANEL OPENING (00.12)
Mayor Decker announced that no applications had been received for one opening on the Art
Selection Panel. The Clerk will re-advertise this position.
PRESENTATION/PARKS COMMISSION/ANDREW RICHTER (00.12)
Mayor Decker presented a Commendation from the Town and the Parks Commission to Andrew
Richter for his service on this commission. She noted his work on the descriptions of the parks
which are found throughout the Town. Mr. Richter was present to receive his Commendation from
the Mayor.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT (XX.28)
Mayor Decker welcomed the Council and audience and explained how she would like the tone of
the Town meetings to proceed during the year. She spoke of a community that has been able to
display respect for one another, to deliberate the business of the Town in an informed manner, and
to accept and act upon the decisions made at public and open meetings. She noted that all of our
residents deserve our respect and the respect of each other. She asked for and said she expects that
the visitors to these Council Chambers will recognize and uphold these principles of respect and
courtesy for one another. The Mayor noted that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated, nor
allowed to interfere with these community meetings held in the spirit of cooperative and interactive
government. She reaffirmed her desire to encourage respect and dignity within these chambers.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (01.28)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council accept and file informational
report regarding currently scheduled public hearings. Carried unanimously.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2003 (02.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council ratify the check register for
payroll of September 14, 2003 through September 27, 2003 paid on October 3, 2003 in the amount
of $547,382.64. Carried unanimously.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2003 (03.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council ratify the accompanying check
registers for accounts payable invoices paid on September 26, 2003 and October 3, 2003 in the
amount of $698,266.95. Carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2003 (04.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council accept staff informational item
noting that the Minutes of October 6, 2003, Joint Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting
have been removed from the agenda. Carried unanimously.
CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE/MILLER-VAN EATON/RESOLUTION 2003-118 (05.35)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-118
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING AN AMENDMENT
TO THE AGREEMENT WITH MILLER AND VAN EATON FOR CABLE TELEVISION
FRANCHISE RENEWAL CONSULTANT SERVICES. Carried unanimously.
LIBRARY INFORMATION SYSTEMS/MAINTENANCE/DYNIX/RESOLUTION 2003-119 (06.42)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-119
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING MAINTENANCE
AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT
BETWEEN TOWN AND DYNIX, INC. (FORMERLY EPIXTECH, INC.) FOR LIBRARY
INTEGRATED COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE. Carried
unanimously.
MAIN STREET 210/HOTEL LOS GATOS/HOURS OF OPERATION/RESOLUTION 2003-121
(08.15)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-121
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING A
RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO AMEND A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO MODIFY RESTAURANT HOURS OF OPERATION,
POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS,
AND OPERATION OF A SPA ON PROPERTY ZONED C-1:PD. Carried unanimously.
MAIN STREET E. 32/THE FRENCH CELLAR/WINE TASTING/RESOLUTION 2003-122 (09.15)
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-122
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING A REQUEST TO
MODIFY A PERMIT TO ALLOW WINE TASTING WITH EXISTING RETAIL WINE
SALES ON PROPERTY ZONED C-2. Carried unanimously.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
EXAMINATION OF SALES AND USE TAX RECORDS/RESOLUTION 2003-123 (10.09)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-123
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION
OF THE STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION’S SALES AND USE TAX RECORDS FOR
THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS BY THE TOWN’S SALES TAX CONSULTANT AND TOWN
STAFF DESIGNATED BY THE TOWN MANAGER. Carried unanimously.
WINCHESTER BOULEVARD 14561/TRACT 9521/FINAL MAP/RESOLUTION 2003-124 (11.15)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-124
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING THE FINAL MAP
OF TRACT 9521, ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. Carried
unanimously.
ENGINEERING TRAFFIC SURVEY/ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS/ORDINANCE 2119 (12.41)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Ordinance 2119 entitled,
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING SECTION 15-30.235 OF THE
LOS GATOS TOWN CODE FOR ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN
STREETS, which was introduced at the regular Council meeting of September15, 2003. Carried
unanimously.
AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ORDINANCE 2120
(13.27)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Ordinance 2120 entitled,
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING
AND ADOPTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR THE CENTRAL LOS GATOS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA, AND MAKING
CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT LAW OF
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, which was introduced at the regular Council meeting of October
6, 2003. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Ms McNutt and Mrs. Decker abstained due to conflict of
interest.
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2003 (14.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that the Council/Agency approve the
Minutes of October 6, 2003, Joint Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Study Session on the
Parking Management Plan as submitted. Carried unanimously.
PROJECT 0108/STREETSCAPE/NORTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE/PHASE I
BEAN TO BACHMAN INTERSECTION/RESOLUTIONS 2003-125 & 2003-27RD (15.24&31)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council/Agency adopt Resolutions
2003-125 & 2003-27RD entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL &
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ACCEPTING WORK OF
ROBERT A. BOTHMAN, INC. FOR PROJECT 0108 - NORTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE
STREETSCAPE PROJECT - PHASE I (BEAN TO BACHMAN INTERSECTION ) AND
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGE/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RECORDING
BY THE TOWN CLERK/SECRETARY. Carried unanimously.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (XX.28)
School Traffic Safety Issues:
Ray Davis requested quick action in the installing of electronic signs, intersection striping, and
safety railings at Blossom Hill School and other schools that may have a need for traffic safety
devises.
OTHER BUSINESS
WIFI INTERNET ACCESS/AT TOWN PLAZA/OPERA HOUSE DONATION (18.35)
Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider acceptance of the
donation of Wifi Internet Access for the Town Plaza.
The following people from the audience addressed this issue:
Wayne Leventhal of the Opera House, Marie Tallman General Manager of the Toll House and a
representative of Firetide, (a Los Gatos-based company) explaining the availability of this service to
the community and noting that the equipment would be hidden in the roof of the bus shelter and not
detract from the park ambiance. People in the park and environs between the Opera House and the
Toll House would have access to the service. The donation from Mr. Leventhal will benefit the
community and the business executives visiting both establishments. This is a service being
provided in other communities and will offer the same amenity in our downtown.
No one else from the audience addressed this item.
Motion by Mrs. Decker, seconded by Ms McNutt, that Council accept the donation of Wifi Internet
Access for the Town Plaza from Brian Leventhal of the Opera House. Carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS & GUIDELINES/ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
(19.38)
(A.)Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider
introducing ordinance amending the Town Code to revise the definition of “Lot Area”, and the adoption of
Hillside Development Standards & Guidelines. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos. File A-03-3.
Mayor Decker opened the public hearing but there was no one from the audience to address this
issue and the hearing was subsequently closed.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Ms McNutt, that Council make the required finding that the
Town Code Amendment is consistent with the General Plan and the Hillside Specific Plan.
Carried unanimously.
The Town Clerk read the Title of the Proposed Ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Ms McNutt, that Council waive the reading of the Proposed
Ordinance. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Ms McNutt, that Council introduce Proposed Ordinance
entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING TOWN CODE
SECTION 29.10.020 – DEFINITION OF “LOT AREA.” Carried unanimously.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS & GUIDELINES/CONTINUED (19.38)
(B.)Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider the
adoption of Hillside Development Standards & Guidelines. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.
Part 1: House size regulations
Council and Staff Comments:
Proposed standards allow for a home greater than 6000 square feet if it is not visible from the
established valley viewing platforms, and is limited to no more than 6000 square feet if the home is
visible. The applicant may request greater square footage but the burden of justification for a larger
structure is placed on the applicant. The 6000 square foot figure is not intended as a guarantee that
a structure of that size will be automatically granted, but as a cap not to be exceeded. Actual
allowable square footage is to be considered in relation to visibility, topography and environmental
impact. Criteria for standard could take into consideration the percentage of the structure that is
visible rather than holding a maximum square footage as the standard. Considerations would then
be related to impact and not size.
Part 2: Exclusions to floor area
Council and Staff Comments:
Considerations for size of allowable garage space based on formula used in flatland standards,
which entitles garage space as an exception to FAR. Concern that if accessory structures are not
included in floor area, applicants may attempt to incorporate as many structures as possible, which
would further impact the land. Cellars should be encouraged and not included in floor area. Table 3
on page 31 provides for allowable square footage of accessory buildings without limiting the size or
type of structure, but not considered as included in FAR. Each application is unique and requires a
standard and guideline that can minimize and streamline the process. Concern is for overall impact
of accessory buildings.
Part 3: Requirement of sustainable design features for homes larger than 3,500 square feet.
Council and Staff Comments:
The standards as proposed, with the change of “shall” to “should”, are appropriate to the sensitive
nature of hillside structures. The specific impact of hillside homes in the area regarding power
supply, water access and runoff have greater potential significance as compared to those in the
flatland. Issues of energy efficiency are more in common with those of flatland construction and
could be included in Townwide standards.
Part 4: Ability to approve a home of 5,000 square feet or less at DRC level
Council and Staff Comments:
Current zoning ordinance provide for the DRC to approve all hillside homes, regardless of size,
however this has not been done because the Planning Commission and Council have requested right
of decision until new Hillside Standards are adopted. The concept is to evolve the DRC to a public
decision-making body. Present issue is the concern of adequate notice. Intent is to expand noticing
to thirty homes and to include those properties in the DRC process. The 500 foot noticing scheme
may not include any neighboring properties due to the large size of many lots and using an
expanding notice radius to include thirty homes makes sense. Planning Commission should review
only those applications which are complex and difficult, and allow the DRC to deal with those
which are straight-forward in nature. Noticing should include nature of project and channels
available for communication with staff. Story poles are required for all proposed projects.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS & GUIDELINES/CONTINUED (19.38)
Part 5: Standards versus Guidelines
Council and Staff Comments:
The “shalls” that have been recommended to be changed to “shoulds” address constrictive and often
untenable requirements, and are not always in the best interest of the minimum environmental
impact and fire protective measures.Changing the language gives the DRC more latitude in making
recommendations and granting approvals. This allows for flexibility in those projects that may not
be able to fully comply with the standards due to limitations of topography and specific fire
protection issues. Exceptions address those issues which are specific to the nature of a particular
property. The desire is to be able to address most exceptions at the DRC level, and reduce the need
of review by the Planning Commission or Town Council. Need to reintroduce language to place the
burden of proof upon the applicant to show that there are compelling reasons for granting the
exeption.
Part 6: County Properties
Council Comments:
Language as proposed by staff is appropriate.
Part 7: Visual Aids
Council Comments:
Story poles will continue to be required, and any other means of visual aid to help in understanding
and defining the intentions of the applicant are encouraged.
Part 8: Application of HDS&G
Council and Staff Comments:
Projects currently in the planning process and which have been deemed complete but not considered
by the Planning Commission should be exempt from the new Hillside Standards.
The following people from the audience addressed this issue:
Catherine Schmidt thanked the Council and Mayor Decker for the attention given to protecting the
Hillsides.
Suzanne Cochran stated the need to include the outbuildings in the total square footage
considerations. She stated concerns about grading issues in relation to the “should” and “shall”
language. Asked where reservoir project falls in relation to the proposed standards.
No one else from the audience addressed this subject.
Council Comments:
Council made several suggestions to further clarify specific issues addressed within the Hillside
Standards and Guidelines. There was consensus for the creation of an ad hoc committee composed
of Staff and Planning Commissioners to review changes and suggestions. The revised Hillside
Standards and Guidelines will be forwarded to Council for final consideration.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
PULLED ITEM FROM CONSENT
WEDGEWOOD AVENUE 17251/CARPORT CANOPIES/RESOLUTION 2003-120 (07.15)
Motion by Mr. Wasserman, seconded by Mrs. Decker, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-120
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DENYING AN APPEAL OF A
DECISION FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING A VARIANCE REQUEST
TO LEGALIZE TWO CANOPY CARPORTS WITHIN THE FRONT SETBACK AND TO
REDUCE THE REQUIRED VEHICLE BACK UP AREA ON PROPERTY ZONED R-1:8,
and that the Medalies have until November 30, 2003 to remove their canopy carports. Carried
unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
SANTA CRUZ AVENUE 15½/LOS GATOS BAR & GRILL/CUP REVIEW (20.15)
Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider accepting report on
review of Conditional Use Permit U-02-16. Los Gatos Bar and Grill. Property Location: 15½ N.
Santa Cruz Avenue. Property Owner: Chris Hygelund, Agent. Applicant: JCS /group, LLC.
Jason Farwell, Owner of the Bar & Grill, spoke of the measures taken to alleviate some of the
noise problems at this location. He spoke of sending notices to neighbors and asked that improved
lighting in the lot be considered. He believes the noise in the parking lot comes from several late
night establishments in this general vicinity.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, that Council accept report of review of
Conditional Use Permit U-02-16, Los Gatos Bar and Grill. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, to defer the sound attenuation noise
barrier. Motion fails with a vote of 3 noes to the motion makers’ 2 ayes.
Council Comments & Consensus including the implementation of condition 18:
*Noise barrier be installed within 60 days.
*Staff to meet with Pizza My Heart, Mountain Charley’s, and the Los Gatos Bar & Grill to
discuss outstanding issues.
*Security guard and doorman to expand their activities on the common upper deck.
*Meet with the bars in the vicinity to discuss their general and inclusive generation of
neighborhood disturbance problems and ways and means to arrive at a joint solution to these issues.
ANNUAL REPORT/FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003 (21.09)
Motion by Mrs. Decker, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council accept the Fiscal Year 2002-2003
Annual Report which Town Code requires the Town Manger to provide after the close of the fiscal
year. Council also noted that the presentation to the community was excellent. Carried
unanimously.
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Town Council Minutes October 20, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
COUNCIL MATTERS (22.28 & 36)
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority:
Alana Forest, Police Captain, spoke of the options now available to Council. She will prepare
report for Council for the meeting of November 3, 2003 with options to providing animal control
for the Town. Council will need to take a position on remaining in the JPA, or withdrawing. The
Town can make a fourteen thousand dollar deposit now and have the ability to withdraw that deposit
by December 14, 2003.
Council Consensus to make a fourteen thousand dollar $14,000.00 deposit with the JPA for an
animal shelter, with the understanding that a report delineating the costs for construction,
maintenance, and client fees will be available at the next regular Council meeting.
Santa Clara Cities Association:
Joe Pirzynski announced that he had been elected President of the Santa Clara County Cities
Association for the coming year.
MANAGER MATTERS (23.28)
There were no reports given this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Decker closed this evening’s meeting at 11:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
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