08-11-04 Minutes - GPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE OF THE
TOWN OF LOS GATOS, AUGUST 11, 2004 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 5:15 p.m. by Chairman Phil Micciche.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Diane McNutt, Morris Trevithick, Mark Sgarlato, Phil Micciche,
Mark Weiner, Mike Burke, Steve Glickman, Barry Bakken
Members absent: Josh Bacigalupi
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Randy Tsuda, Assistant
Director of Community Development; Larry Cannon, Consulting Architect
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ITEM 1 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Committee held a roundtable discussion on issues, questions, and clarifications they would
like to see in the draft Commercial Design Guidelines.
General Comments:
Diane McNutt suggested that the Introduction and Purpose sections contain language expressing
the key relationship between the Town’s image (or brand) and economic vitality. One of the
goals of the document is to balance the needs of residential and commercial areas. This is
particularly important as most of the Town’s commercial areas abut residential neighborhoods.
Diane McNutt questioned if the Guidelines should refer to specific businesses by name. By
avoiding reference to a specific business, the document remains timeless. Mike Burke noted
that the document is more user-friendly by using business names, where necessary.
Morris Trevithick asked that Larry Cannon clarify the two following sections:
· Page 7: “Provide a greater degree of project review and approval certainty.”
· Page 20: Section 3.3.1 should be clarified to explain “layering and hierarchy of
structure.”
Steve Glickman requested the section on solar panels be reworded to state the Town’s preference
is that panels be hidden from view. If they cannot be hidden, then the panels must be integrated
in the architectural form of the building.
Bud Lortz informed the Committee that staff will have a retail economist review the draft
Commercial Design Guidelines.
Auto Dealerships:
Bud Lortz and Diane McNutt provided a recap of the previous General Plan Committee meeting
with the auto dealers.
Bud Lortz reiterated one of the goals of the Commercial Design Guidelines is to clarify the
Town’s requirements and expectations when the dealers elect to remodel their facilities.
Dealerships will relocate to other locations if necessary to expand or remodel as required by car
manufacturers. He noted that other communities are also reviewing their development standards
for car dealerships.
Barry Bakken stated it is important to encourage the dealers to reinvest in their sites as a means
to keep them in Town.
Mike Burke said the Town should do what it can to keep the dealerships. He suggested that
branding and some degree of corporate architecture might be acceptable in the case of the
dealerships. He also suggested a sign on Highway 17 to direct drivers to the Los Gatos auto
dealers.
Diane McNutt noted the draft outline encourages the car showrooms be located close to the
street. Her impression is the dealers preferred to have the showrooms located toward the back
of the lot, to allow the display of vehicles along the street.
Bud Lortz stated that staff will send the revised draft Guidelines to the dealers for their review.
360 Degree Architecture/Location of Retail Buildings:
The Committee discussed the need for “full 360 degree architecture” as stated in the outline.
The Committee noted there are several examples of buildings in Town that have well-designed
front elevations and lack any interest and detailing on the rear elevation. The consensus was
that rear elevations should maintain the architectural integrity of the overall building, particularly
when visible to the public or to adjoining neighborhoods.
Larry Cannon asked if the Committee had a strong preference on the location of retail buildings
along Los Gatos Boulevard–should parking be located in front or behind the buildings? The
Committee did not have a preference, but noted that parking areas behind buildings can create
issues of security, noise, and lighting upon adjoining residential areas.
Mike Burke encouraged that shopping centers provide off-street pedestrian linkages to abutting
centers to make it convenient for people to walk between centers.
Steve Glickman discussed the importance of integrating retail centers along Los Gatos Boulevard
with the adjoining residential neighborhoods. He encouraged direct pedestrian access to the rear
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of August 11, 2004
Page 3 of 3
or side of retail centers.
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Diane McNutt moved to approve meeting minutes of June 9, 2004. Steve Glickman seconded
and the motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Phil Micciche. The next regular meeting of
the General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 5:30 p.m.
Prepared by:
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Randy Tsuda, Assistant Director of
Community Development.
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