09-10-03 Minutes - GPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 HELD IN THE
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER, 110 EAST MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA.
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The meeting was called to order at 5:35 pm by Chair Mike Burke.
ATTENDANCE
Members Present: Mike Burke, Phil Micciche, Joe Pirzynski, Mark Weiner, Jo Zientek., Josh
Bacigalupi, Lee Quintana
Members Absent: Sandy Decker, Mark Sgarlato
Staff Present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Suzanne Davis,
Associate Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ITEM 1: ADVANCED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM
Bud Lortz discussed the Advanced Planning work program for the current fiscal year. It was
noted that the Hillside Development Standards & Guidelines and the Housing Element are
nearing completion, and that the next highest priority is the Commercial Design Guidelines. He
provided a summary of the issues/concerns associated with this project and asked that the
Committee provide feedback on other issues that staff should take a look at. In addition there
are two options for preparation of the design guidelines. One is to have staff with the assistance
of the Consulting Architect, Cannon Design Group. The question for the GPC is whether to
forward a recommendation to the Town Council to use the Cannon Design Group or if we should
go through an RFP process which would take about three months. The Council indicated that
they would like to see a draft document in six months, so timing is important.
Phil Micciche asked what the project would cost. Bud Lortz answered $15 to 20,000.
Mark Weiner asked what the longevity of the new guidelines would be. Bud Lortz said that as
an example the C-2 commercial guidelines were done in 1997 and the Town is still working with
them.
Josh Bacigalupi liked the use of Cannon Design Group for consistency.
Mike Burke noted that there are some very good homegrown architects in the Town. While he
thinks there is good reason to go with the Town Architect, he wondered if there is room for peer
review. Bud Lortz said that the draft document will be circulated to local architects for review.
They would also be provided to others such as business and property owners in a community
outreach effort.
Lee Quintana clarified that the guidelines will be tailored for certain areas such as the C-1 versus
Downtown versus auto dealerships. She likes the idea of going with the Cannon Design Group
assisting the in-house staff team. She asked about the scope in regards to colors and materials
and signs as those are important aspects of commercial buildings. She also asked about energy
conservation policies. Bud Lortz commented that energy conservation is a broad issue, but it
needs to be looked at from both residential and commercial perspectives. As we prepare the
scope of work we will have to take a good hard look at that. He noted that when an architecture
and site application comes through the process and is conditioned, the building plans must match
and the project is finaled if in compliance. Once that has occurred the property owner can make
changes such as changing the building color (a permit is not required). The hillside is the only
area where exterior color is regulated beyond that. That is something that can be looked at for
commercial areas. Signs is another difficult item. Staff will be preparing a scope of work and
will return to the Committee with a draft.
Mike Burke asked if C-2 zone standards should be incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance. Bud
Lortz explained that standards are usually in the form of a supporting document. Zoning criteria
such as height and setbacks is very specific. The ordinance takes precedence and the standards
are secondary.
Mike Burke asked if the Zoning Ordinance can reference the standards as it does for the
Telecommunications Ordinance.
Lee Quintana suggested an over the counter approval process for smaller items such as fences.
Bud Lortz noted that most people do not make drastic changes to their property following an
approval.
Joe Pirzynski asked if due to current workload if there is sufficient capacity for staff to handle
this project. Bud Lortz said yes, that Cannon Design Group will work as an extension of staff,
and staff will oversee the process and review the administrative draft. Staff will do oversight of
the contract, assist in preparation of the draft and review the document before releasing it to the
public.
Joe Pirzynski said he is comfortable going with Cannon Design Group. The Council really does
want to move this forward. He will be supporting that recommendation. He said we need to be
cautious in placing binding rules on individuals. People for the most part are not doing things in
the Downtown that do not fit in. He suggested developing a pallette of colors that can b e used
by applicants. Bud Lortz noted that taking a proactive approach and educating people really
helps.
Joe Pirzynski agreed and said that we don’t want to be too restrictive. If there are values in the
commercial standards, a link with the Zoning Ordinance can be looked at. However, one of the
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of September 10, 2003
Page 3 of 4
things in the Downtown is an eclectic mix and it adds character.
Mike Burke said that the important thing is to decide if the Cannon Design Group is appropriate.
There was consensus on this.
Joe Pirzynski suggested adding the review by local architects and community members. The
Committee agreed with this approach.
Bud Lortz said we need to look at everything we have and decide what components of existing
documents to keep. There will probably be sections that apply to specific areas such as the
Downtown and Los Gatos Blvd.
Joe Pirzynski suggested having the Los Gatos Boulevard Standards in front of the Committee.
Bud Lortz said that staff intends to return to the Committee with a scope of work within the next
few weeks.
Mike Burke asked if a sub-committee might be appropriate since nine members providing input
might be too cumbersome.
Joe Pirzynski said as long as the Committee looks at conceptual ideas and bigger picture items, it
is fine to have the whole group involved. There was consensus on this.
Lee Quintana asked that it be noted that energy conservation be broad in the scoping.
ITEM 2: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Phil Micciche made a motion to approve the minutes of May 14, 2003 as corrected, and the
minutes of August 27, 2003 as submitted. Joe Pirzynski seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously. Josh Bacigalupi and Lee Quintana abstained on the August 27, 2003 minutes as
did not attend that meeting.
ITEM 3: MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE
Mark Weiner questioned whether it is necessary to have bi-monthly meetings that are short as
opposed to one meeting that makes more efficient use of the entire meeting time.
Phil Micciche said that the meetings are scheduled and hopefully adequate notice can be
provided if a meeting is cancelled.
It was decided that the agenda will be e-mailed to Committee members so they are aware that a
meeting is scheduled and what items are scheduled to be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of September 10, 2003
Page 4 of 4
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm by Chair Mike Burke. The next regular meeting of the
General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2003.
Prepared By:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
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