M 01-06-03 CivicCenterLibraryMasterPlanTOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
STUDY SESSION ON EXISTING CONDITIONS
CIVIC CENTER AND LIBRARY MASTER PLAN
January 6, 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 6:00 p.m., Monday, January
6, 2003, in study session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski,
Mike Wasserman and Mayor/Chairman Sandy Decker.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ray Davis spoke of parking in the Civic Center parking lot and the $30 ticket that will be given if
one overstays ones time. He spoke of the Library and Civic Center as establishments to serve
the public and the need for those people who stay several hours at this facility to conclude their
business.
STUDY SESSION ON EXISTING CONDITIONS OF CIVIC CENTER/ LIBRARY MASTER
PLAN
Pamela Jacobs, Assistant Town Manager, explained the Master Plan process and the series of
meeting that have been held up to now. The Service Assessment done in October was
reviewed. The Operational Plan and the Space Program which are due in March focus on how
services are provided and on where those services are provided. The Site Options and Master
Plan Concepts are the third phase and will include cost models and financing and funding
strategies.
Tonight=s study session is to make presentation, answer questions and accept feedback from
Council regarding the issues that have been raised by the Existing Conditions Analysis. The
Analysis should be considered preliminary only as it was based on visual observations and
review of existing plans. An in depth analysis needed for continued use, renovation or
expansion of these facilities would entail further study to determine the feasibility and cost of
doing so.
Consultant, from Anderson Brule Architects, Jim Allen Young, author of the Analysis,
proceeded with review and comments. He noted the following issues:
Structures do not meet current seismic code requirements, and expansions or changes in use
will require upgrades.
Mechanical systems are reaching the end of their anticipated life span and do not meet current
energy requirements.
None of the facilities meet current accessibility requirements and do not meet the current
legislated goal of providing equal levels of access to all members of the public.
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None of the major facilities has the flexibility to readily accept new technology infrastructure.
A functional parking shortfall exists during peak usage hours.
Further Comments:
The site analysis has raised issues which warrant further study regardless of expansion. The
results of further analysis can inform the prioritization of improvements according to risk. More
current engineering analysis may show it would be prudent for the continued use of these
buildings by fixing certain key systems. The purpose of this analysis and report coming
forward at this time was to keep ideas flowing along with the information that has come out with
the report Both go hand in hand in establishing the direction to proceed.
Mrs. McNutt requested further review of the parking issues associated with the Civic Center.
She asked that there be additional spaces allocated to visitors and encouragement of
employees parking down Villa Ave. She also asked that the Recreation Department and
Neighborhood Center work closely together on some of these issues.
Mr. Young suggested that the next step in the process may be to do a structural analysis of the
main complex of the Civic Center to give a base cost for safety and technical issues.
Mr. Pirzynski spoke of continuing the present course of action and see what staff =s position is
next remembering that this project was triggered by Council =s desire to enhance the library
and that the library should remain the primary target.
Mr. Glickman asked that prudence be followed in regards to cost, comparing the needs of the
Civic Center with those of a home, and the type of fiscal conservatism one might use in use in
family finances.
Council concurrence:
ABA to do the next level of analysis that will help to establish the base line that was mentioned
this evening. Throughout this process the Town has not invested in more study than is
necessary. The next prudent step for information is to establish the baseline around a life
safety threshhold positioning the Council to engage in further study to build upon that
information. Council would like to be deliberate about proceeding but does not want to rush or
overinvest in unnecessary study.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Decker closed this evening=s meeting at 6:55 p.m.
ATTEST
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
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