01-14-04 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, JANUARY 14, 2004 HELD IN THE TOWN
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER, 110 EAST MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA.
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The meeting called to order at 5:30 pm by Vice Chair Phil Micciche. New members Mayor
Steve Glickman, Council member Diane McNutt and Community Services Commission
representative Barry Bakken were welcomed.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Josh Bacigalupi, Barry Bakken, Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Mark
Sgarlato, Phil Micciche, Lee Quintana, Mark Weiner
Excused Absences: Mike Burke
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Suzanne Davis, Associate
Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ITEM 1 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Bud Lortz said that the scope of work and work schedule were sent out for review and no
comments have been received. He clarified that the existing Town documents for commercial
areas will be incorporated into one cohesive document.
There were no additional comments from the Committee on the scope of work or schedule.
Bud Lortz explained that the issue of sustainability and green building and how that topic relates
to the Commercial Design Guidelines. This topic may need to be a stand alone document due to
its complexity and the need for a consultant and additional budget. The Council has been
interested in moving the Commercial Design Guidelines quickly and to address the issue of
screening of rooftop equipment. The need to address auto dealerships is also important.
Phil Micciche asked about the pros and cons of the two methods. Bud Lortz said that creating a
separate document for sustainability/green building is more costly and would require an RFP
process to hire a consultant and is complex.
Lee Quintana would like to include criteria for commercial and work on sustainability in the
Commercial Design Guidelines.
Josh Bacigalupi said he is concerned that it would get lost if separated. As much as we want the
green issues to be addressed, a consultant could take both residential and commercial into
account at one time and would be more complete.
Phil Micciche noted that it would be as effective to have a separate document.
Lee Quintana said by including it, it would be implemented earlier.
Mark Sgarlato noted that double work would be done if bifurcated.
Diane McNutt asked for clarification of the solar panel issue as that is important to Council that
it be addressed. Bud Lortz said that we will look at rooftop screening inclusive of solar panels,
recognizing how they operate, what they look like, and how they fit with the building. Cell
antennas and other passive equipment have also been an issue.
Diane McNutt pointed out that this is driving the concern about expediting the Commercial
Design Guidelines.
Lee Quintana asked if the Council decides there should be two separate documents, could the
Commercial Design Guidelines at least address things like insulation and windows so that the
most basic things are incorporated into the document. Bud Lortz said that we can discuss
including some of those concepts with the Consulting Architect.
Steve Glickman asked whether, assuming that the green building criteria is well enough
understood that if it can be addressed in a separate document, it would be faster to prepare the
guidelines. Bud Lortz said that there are different options for evaluating solar panels, perhaps
using a percentage of panels that could be visible. One problem is funding. A document could
cost $40 to 50,000.
Barry Bakken asked for clarification on the solar issue. Bud Lortz said that perspectives vary
depending on who you talk to. The green building presenter said that it is more cost effective to
take other steps to save energy before using solar panels.
Josh Bacigalupi asked about Title 24 implications. Bud Lortz noted that the state passed Title
24 standards in the 70's to reduce energy consumption. Title 24 regulates HVAC systems and
window glazing. One way of dealing with it is to require an applicant to increase Title 24
requirements by a certain percentage, such as 10%, so they can accomplish it through a variety of
measures.
Lee Quintana said the use of performance standards is one approach. She feels that 10% is not
high enough. Bud Lortz said that when he uses a figure, it is only as an example. It is
important to consider the cost when applying standards.
Diane McNutt asked if there is an opportunity to get a grant to prepare sustainability guidelines.
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of January 14, 2004
Page 3 of 4
Lee Quintana suggested PG&E.
Josh Bacigalupi said that it would be easier to have two separate documents becaus e sometimes
people don’t have the budget to do a lot of expensive options. Title 24 compliance is applied to
every project. Architects are used to applying a document and referring to another that is
referenced for other topics.
Steve Glickman said that one of the incentives for someone who is building to look at green is to
save money through a decrease in their energy bills, rebates from the state, etc. The Town
might want to look at this from a more regional perspective. If it is a good thing to encourage
use of non fossil fuel alternatives, we may want to include use of green as a motivation.
Phil Micciche said that energy is an issue that we need to face. If energy is that important, we
need to require things even if it is a cost to an applicant.
Mark Sgarlato said that one thing he likes is green building provides a rational rating system that
can be measured.
Steve Glickman said using a percentage increase goal is one option. Another option is to require
some minimal things.
Lee Quintana said using a performance standard is a good way to go and can give options to
reach the goal.
Mark Weiner said that some flexibility is good.
Lee Quintana asked if the Alameda County material can be obtained for the Committee.
Barry Bakken asked if the Town gets any recognition for using green building techniques. He
likes the idea of a point system. Its obviously important and while there may not be a direct
benefit (outside recognition) it is still a positive
Committee Consensus was to recommend a separate document for sustainability and green
building. Two Committee members preferred an integrated document.
Steve Glickman asked that there be an opportunity for at least a cross reference.
Meeting schedule:
The regular meeting schedule was provided to the Committee.
Staff would like at least a two hour time block for meetings with the Consulting Architect in
attendance. The Committee decided to start the January 28 meeting at 5:00 pm. The Planning
Commission meeting can start late if necessary.
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of January 14, 2004
Page 4 of 4
Mark Weiner asked that the agenda And any attachments be emailed in advance as we were
doing late last year.
ITEM 2 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Bud Lortz advised the Committee that there is a Zoning Ordinance amendment that will be
coming forward. Courtside Club is proposing a parking lot on the old Elks Club property at
Newell Avenue & Winchester Blvd. The Newell neighborhood does not want a General Plan or
zone change as the residents feel it opens the door for a commercial proj ect in the future. As
such, the applicant (Courtside) is requesting that the Code be amended to allow parking lots in
R-1 zones when on an arterial. The use of a narrow definition would limit the areas where other
parking lots could potentially be proposed. The other item to be worked on in the immediate
future is the Personal Service Businesses regulations.
ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Steve Glickman made a motion to approve the minutes of December 10, 2003 as presented. The
motion was seconded by Mark Weiner and passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm by Phil Micciche. The next regular meeting of the
General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 5:00 pm.
Prepared By:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
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