M09-15-081
MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING
AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Monday, September 15, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Barbara Spector, Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman, Council
Member Steve Glickman, Council Member Diane McNutt, and Council Member
Joe Pirzynski.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - LED BY FUTURE LEADER
The following 8th graders led the Pledge of Allegiance:
Melissa Heng from Fisher Middle School, Kylie Palacio from Hyde Middle
School, Paige Kettenberg from Union Middle School, Gabrielle Whetstone
from Bernal Middle School, Emily San Juan from Fisher Middle School,
Stephanie Probst from St. Martin of Tours, Tori Walker from Fisher Middle
School, Kylie Von Richter from The Kings Academy, Kayla Knapp from Fisher
Middle School. The audience was invited to participate .
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no Closed Session scheduled for this meeting.
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PRESENTATIONS
Commendation – Arts Commission/Music in the Park Committee
Mayor Barbara Spector
Presented commendations to members of the Arts Commission for their
volunteer time to the community and the success of the 2008 Musi c in the
Park Event. Valerie Hopkins, Jonathan Knowles, Tricia Capri, Mary
Curtis, Marianne Hamilton, David Stonesifer, Jade Bradbury,
Penelope Oneill, and Mika Storz were present to accept their
commendations.
Valerie Hopkins was acknowledged by the commission for her leadership
on Music in the Park.
TOWN COUNCIL
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Ratify payroll for the month of August 2008.
2. Ratify accounts payable for the month of August 2008.
3. Accept Treasurer’s Report of July 2008.
4. Approve Council Study Session minutes of August 25, 2008.
5. Accept Staff Recommendation on County Referrals.
a. Projects outside urban service area: None
b. Projects inside urban service area: 15841 Loma Vista Avenue
c. Status of previous applications: None
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Consent Items - Continued
6. Adopt resolution denying an appeal of a Planning Commission
decision approving a request to construct a new single family
residence and to convert an existing pre-1941 residence to an
accessory structure on property zoned R-1:8. Architecture and Site
Application S-07-211 APN 510-42-052. Property location: 18 Palm
Avenue. Property owner: Rick & Nicki Oderio. Applicant: David
Zicovich. Appellants: Paul & Lee Quintana. RESOLUTION 2008- 101
7. Adopt resolution making determinations and approving the
reorganization of territory designated Hilow Road No. 3 containing
approximately 1.12 acres located at 16362 Hilow Road (APN: 532-04-
082). File #AN08-02. RESOLUTION 2008- 102
8. PPW Job No. 06-08A Retaining Wall Construction along Los Gatos
Creek Trail - Project 411-815-0301 Adopt resolution accepting work of
Casey Construction and authorizing the Town Manager to execute
Certificate of Acceptance and Notice of Completion for recording by
the Clerk Administrator. RESOLUTION 2008- 103
9. PPW Job No. 07-17 - Fiscal Year 08-09 - Curb, Butter, and Sidewalk
Replacement Project 411-813-9921.
a. Adopt resolution declaring Golden Bay Construction to be the lowest
responsible bidder on the project and award a construction contract
in the amount of $165,585.00. RESOLUTION 2008- 104
b. Authorize staff to execute future change orders to the construction
contract as necessary up to an amount of $16,000.00.
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Consent Items – Continued
10. PPW Job No. 07-10 - Fiscal Year 08-09 Retaining Wall Replacement at
University Avenue and Wooded View Drive Project 411-815-9930.
a. Adopt resolution declaring Casey Construction to be the lowest
responsible bidder on the project and award a construction contract
in the amount of $169,679.00. RESOLUTION 2008-105
b. Authorize staff to execute future change orders to the construction
contract as necessary up to an amount of $16,000.00.
11. PPW Job No. 07-21 - Surface and Base Repair, Manhole, and Valve
Adjustment Grade Project 411-811-9901.
a. Adopt resolution declaring Joseph J. Albanese, Inc. to be the lowest
responsible bidder on the project and award a construction contract
in the amount of $204,045.00. RESOLUTION 2008-106
b. Authorize staff to execute future change orders to the construction
contract as necessary up to an amount of $20,000.00.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
12. Ratify accounts payable for the month of August 2008.
TOWN COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
13. Approve Council/Agency minutes of September 2, 2008.
14. Accept notice indicating that Town/Redevelopment Agency Conflict of
Interest Code does not require biennial amendment.
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Consent Items – Continued
Mr. Davis pulled Consent Item #4.
Council Member Mike Wasserman recused himself from item #6 due to the
location of his residence and his association with the developer.
Mayor Barbara Spector stated that the pulled Consent Items would be heard
after Other Business.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Steve Glickman to adopt
Consent Items #1-3 and #5-14.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
Consent Item #6 carried 4/0. Council Member Mike
Wasserman recused himself.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Davis received 2 warnings for disrupting the meeting.
Mr. Davis
Commented on preserving the values of Los Gatos.
Commented about a lawsuit that Sara Cole filed against the Town.
Commented that he thinks the area where Sara Cole parked at Blossom
Hill Park is an “attractive nuisance.”
Ms. Dallas
Commented about the Residential Design Guidelines and that it would be
a good idea to have an Architect on the Town Council.
Mr. Winter
Commented about the Town’s response time to address street and weed
issues.
Commented on the lack of communication about the blighted property on
Calle Marguerita.
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Verbal Communications – Continued
Mr. Larson, Town Manager
Commented on the Safe Routes to School grant for sidewalks along
Blossom Hill Road between Cherry Blossom and Short Road.
Mr. Korb
Commented about the status of the property at Calle Marguerita and
clarified the next steps.
Closed Verbal Communications
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. Update and merge the pre-1941 Design Guidelines and the Residential
Development Standards for all single family and two family dwellings
in all zones except the Resource Conservation and the Hillside
Residential Zones; introduce ordinances amending zoning code
consistent with design guidelines (continued from 8/4/08) (STAFF
RECOMMENDS CONTINUANCE TO 10/6/08) Zoning Ordinance
Amendment A-08-01 Applicant: Town of Los Gatos Historic District
Designation Applications HD-08-01, HD-08-02, HD-08-03 and and D-08-
04.
Open/Closed Public Hearing
MOTION: Motion by Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman to continue the
update and merge of the pre-1941 Design Guidelines and
the Residential Development Standards for all single family
and two family dwellings in all zones except the Resource
Conservation and the Hillside Residential Zones; introduce
ordinances amending zoning code consistent with design
guidelines. Zoning Ordinance Amendment A-08-01
Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.Historic District Designation
Applications HD-08-01, HD-08-02, HD-08-03 and and D-08-
04 to October 6, 2008.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
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Public Hearings - Continued
16. Appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying Architecture and
Site for a new residence, pool, tennis court and accessory structures
within an approved Planned Development on property zoned HR-2
1/2:PD. Architecture and Site Application S-08-55 APNS 537-29-007 &
008 Property Location: Kennedy Road @ Forrester Road
Applicant/Appellant: Rob DeSantis.
Staff report made by Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development.
Mr. Larson, Town Manager
Clarified that the decision before Council is an appeal of the Planning
Commission decision denying the Architecture and Site for the property on
Kennedy at Forrester.
Mayor Barbara Spector called for a recess at 7:35 p.m. Meeting resumed at
7:40 p.m.
Mr. Larson, Town Manager and Mr. Korb, Town Attorney
Clarified Council actions related to the Architecture and Site process.
Council Comments
Requested clarification about the letter from Mr. Hare who represents
Friends of the Hillside.
Questioned the tree removal permit process.
Questioned if there is any new information before Council that was not
discussed at the last Planning Commission meeting.
Requested clarification about the Mitigated Declaration as stated on
Attachment #5.
Mr. Korb
Commented that staff does not concur with the contents of the letter
submitted by Mr. Hare and that the matter is under litigation and cannot
not be discussed.
Commented that the Planned Development previously approved is final as
to the elements of the project it addressed. The issues concerning the
security wall, landscaping, and outdoor lighting raised by the Planning
Commission were not resolved by the Planned Development and can be
addressed in the context of the Architecture and Site review.
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Public Hearing Item #16 – Continued
Open Public Hearing
Mr. DeSantis, Applicant/Appellant
Commented that the application is consistent with the Planned
Development process.
Commented that the Planned Development would not allow any further
development on the property.
Commented that he has worked with the Town, community, and neighbors
to mitigate impacts to the hillside.
Commented that the Architecture and Site elements are in compliance
with the Planned Development as approved.
Commented that the plan includes an organized traffic plan for the off haul
of dirt.
Council Comments
Questioned why the applicant feels that the denial was outside the sc ope
of the Planned Development.
Questioned the location of the security fencing.
Mr. DeSantis
Commented that the Planned Development included a security fence and
landscape plan.
Clarified his ideas for the location of the security fence.
Commented on creating a secure site for his children.
Mr. Sagari
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Little
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Pillari
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Dreger
Commented against the proposed project and the disregard for the
hillside.
Mr. Ardizzone
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Questioned the decision of the Planning Commission.
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Public Hearing Item #16 – Continued
Mr. McNeill
Commented on the Planned Development process and that the security
plans, landscape design, and outdoor lighting should be reviewed.
Mr. Davis
Commented that the community can speak on any issue relating to the
project.
Commented about the Hillside Specific Plan.
Commented about the procedures for Architecture and Site review.
Mr. Devine
Questioned if a study was completed to assess pesticide run-off into Ross
Creek.
Mr. Hare
Commented against the proposed project.
Commented that all conditions must be complied before grading permits
are issued.
Commented on policies relating to water run-off issues at the location.
Mr. Zubrycky
Commented on supporting the proposed project and that copper roofs are
allowed.
Mr. Grounds
Commented that Planning Commissioner Michael Kane did not disclose
that he attended the Friends of the Hillside meetin gs and accepted
campaign contributions from the group.
Ms. Makdissy
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Del Fiugo
Commented against the proposed project.
Questioned if all appropriate studies have been completed.
Mr. Omanoff
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Culp
Commented that Planning Commissioners should discuss potential
conflict of interest issues.
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
Mr. Sexton
Commented against the proposed project.
Read a written statement by Richard Donnelly which stated that he was
against the proposed project.
Mr. Donnelly
Commented against the proposed project and would like to see the
hillsides protected.
Ms. Donnelly
Commented against the proposed project.
Commented that the applicant should follow the rules and guidelines in the
General Plan and Hillside Standards and Guidelines.
Mr. Ferrito
Commented against the proposed project.
Mr. Blakeney
Commented about the Architecture and Site design process and that he
supports the proposed project.
Expressed concerns about Michael Kane attending the Friends of the
Hillsides meeting and that he accepted contributions from the group.
Mr. Faraone
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Commented that a majority of the neighbors support the project.
Ms. Weber
Commented that the neighborhood supports the project and that it will be
a great asset to the town.
Stated that the neighbors would much rather have one home verses a
sub-division.
Mr. Cruz
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Ms. Chadwick
Commented that she has never seen any story poles at the location.
Suggested that the proposed plans should adhere to the Hillside
Standards and Guidelines.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
Mr. Spinner
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Commented that coyotes are intense and that the applicant needs a
security fence to keep coyotes out.
Ms. Rasekhi
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Suggested adding sidewalks along Kennedy Road.
Mr. Quintana
Commented against the proposed project.
Questioned the location of the security fence.
Questioned environmental reports relating to the wildlife issues.
Mr. Carroll
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Weissman
Commented that future subdivisions would not be permitted on the
property.
Commented about Conditions of Approval for the 1978 subdivision that
was approved at the site.
Commented that the proposed security fence is located within 150 feet of
the property line, which is prohibited.
Mr. Goguen
Commented about a group called Concerned Citizens for Kennedy Road.
Commented on supporting the proposed project and requested that
sidewalks be constructed along Kennedy Road from Los Gatos Road to
Stoneybrook.
Mr. Morley
Commented on supporting the proposed project.
Mr. Konrad
Commented against the proposed project and that the project should
follow the Hillside Standards and Guidelines.
Commented on the commitment to sustainability.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
Ms. Quintana
Commented that the proposed project should follow the Hillside Standards
and Guidelines.
Commented that the Architecture and Site Plan is incomplete.
Commented that there was new information presented as part of the
Architecture and Site plan.
Ms. Moreton
Commented on the lack of environmental surveys pertaining to wildlife.
Commented on the outdoor lights affecting the animals.
Suggested a deed restriction to limit future lighting and fencing.
Ms. Middlebrook
Commented on sustainable development and watershed management for
the property.
Commented that there is information on landscape options which could
accommodate the requirements for the proposed project.
Questioned if there is a watershed management plan.
Mr. DeSantis, Applicant/Appellant
Commented that there are many options relating to hydrology, lighting,
fences, and the 73 Conditions of Approval which will be addressed as the
project evolves.
Commented on irrigation for the proposed project.
Suggested that he has the legal right to subdivide the property.
Commented that many studies were conducted on the proposed project.
Closed Public Hearing
Mayor Barbara Spector called for a recess at 9:31 p.m. Meeting resumed at
9:40 p.m.
Mr. Larson, Town Manager
Clarified the process for granting or denying an appeal.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
Council Discussion
Questioned the status of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
Questioned when the list of plants for the landscape plan would be
presented to Community Development.
Questioned if the landscape plan needs to be approved as part of the
Architecture and Site Plan.
Questioned if the request made by the Planning Commission about the
landscape plan is inconsistent with the Planned Develo pment.
Mr. Lortz
Clarified the process for a storm water plan and commented that the plant
species for exterior vegetation would be submitted prior to a building
permit.
Commented that there are two grading permit approvals under the
Planned Development.
Commented that a draft Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan has been
submitted to Community Development for review prior to Water Q uality
Control Board approval.
Commented that the Storm Water Prevention Plan would need to be
completed before any stripping of the earth is permitted.
Clarified that the request by the Planning Commission for a landscape
plan may have been pre-mature.
Commented that it is rare to have a detailed landscape plan at
Architecture and Site level.
Council Discussion
Requested clarification on the process for upholding the appeal and
related the next steps.
Mr. Larson
Clarified the process for upholding an appeal.
Mr. Korb, Town Attorney
Clarified the process for granting an appeal.
Council Discussion
Commented that the applicant and the Planning Commission should work
to address outstanding issues.
Commented on the Planned Development process.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
MOTION: Motion by Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman to deny the
appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying
Architecture and Site for a new residence, pool, tennis court
and accessory structures within an approved Planned
Development on property zoned HR-2 1/2:PD. Architecture
and Site Application S-08-55 and that the remaining items
which include the security fence and a more detailed
landscape plan be remanded to the Planning Commission
for review.
Seconded by Mayor Barbara Spector.
VOTE: The motion failed 2/3. Mayor Barbara Spector and Vice
Mayor Mike Wasserman voted yes.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Steve Glickman to grant an
appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying
Architecture and Site for a new residence, pool, tennis court
and accessory structures within an approved Planned
Development on property zoned HR-2 1/2:PD. Architecture
and Site Application S-08-55 on the basis that there was
error or abuse of discretion on the part of the Planning
Commission.
Motion failed due to lack of second.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Diane McNutt to grant an
appeal of a Planning Commission decision denying
Architecture and Site for a new residence, pool, tennis court
and accessory structures within an approved Planned
Development on property zoned HR-2 1/2:PD. Architecture
and Site Application S-08-55 on the basis of an issue of
policy which Planning Commission did not have discretion to
modify or address, but is vested in the Council for
modification or decision.
Seconded by Council Member Joe Pirzynski.
VOTE: Motion passed 3/2. Mayor Barbara Spector and Vice
Mayor Mike Wasserman voted no.
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Public Hearing Item #16 - Continued
Mr. Larson
Commented on the next steps for the Architecture and Site plan process.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Joe Pirzynski to make the
required findings and considerations at stated in Attachment
1 of the staff report and move to approve the Architecture
and Site application: S-08-55 subject to conditions in Exhibit
2 and as shown in the development plans (Attachment 3)
and fencing, lighting and landscape design plans
(Attachment 4 and 5).
Seconded by Council Member Diane McNutt.
Council Discussion
Commented on the prior approval of the Planned Development and
specifics noted for the Architecture and Site plan process.
Commented that the project meets the Hillside Standards and Guidelines.
Expressed concerns about ethics and for recusing oneself from an issue.
VOTE: Motion passed 3/2. Mayor Barbara Spector and Vice
Mayor Mike Wasserman voted no.
OTHER BUSINESS
There is no Other Business scheduled for this meeting.
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
4. Approve Council Study Session minutes of August 25, 2008.
Mr. Davis
Commented that there was not adequate or appropriate noticing for the
August 25, 2008 Study Session on the North Forty.
Commented that the public was not present to comment on the need for
recreation/sports facilities.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Joe Pirzynski to approve
Council Study Session minutes of August 25, 2008.
Seconded by Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman.
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Pulled Consent Item #4 – Continued
Council Discussion
Commented that 15 to 20 people from the community attended the study
session and the issues and concerns regarding recreation/sports facilities
were discussed.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
COUNCIL/TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
17. Council Matters
There were no Council Matters for this meeting.
18. Manager Matters
Mr. Larson, Town Manager
Commented that besides the regular noticing for the North Forty Study
Session it was announced at two prior Town Council meetings and
covered by the local media.
Commented on the latest updates for the State Budget and the impact to
the Town's redevelopment funds.
Council Comments
Questioned the impacts on the Library project if redevelopment funds
were taken by the State.
Mr. Larson
Clarified that the State may approve a one-time take of up to $600,000
from redevelopment funds from the Town.
Gave an update on Kennedy Road traffic calming issues and commented
that Todd Capurso, Director of Parks and Public Works would be
participating in a neighborhood walk to school on September 16, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT
Attest:
/s/Jackie D. Rose, Clerk Administrator
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