16 Staff Report - Install Historic Fire Bellfl
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: March 13, 2003
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 3/17/03
ITEM NO. b
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
TO INSTALL HISTORIC FIRE BELL
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Consider recommendation from the Historic Preservation Committee.
2. Discuss alternative sites.
3. Provide staff guidance on which site(s) should be pursued and to further research what funding
options are available.
BACKGROUND:
On November 17, 1986, Andy Kinyan donated the Historic Fire Bell to the Town as a Centennial
present subject to conditions (see Attachment 6). Two of those conditions included that a
commemorative tower be built and that the bell be sounded daily at noon and at other appropriate
occasions. A third condition required that the bell be prominently displayed.
REMARKS:
On May 20, 2002, Town Council directed the Historic Preservation Committee to evaluate possible
sites to relocate the Town Historic Fire Bell (see Attachment 1). The Committee held several
meetings to discuss the pros and cons of alternative bell sites. A special meeting was held on July
31, 2002 inviting input from the public to evaluate the sites and to request suggestions from the
public for other possible sites. The Committee also evaluated whether or not the bell tower that was
located in Plaza Park should be an important component in selecting a site. The Committee
determined, with the public's concurrence, that the bell was more important than the previously
constructed tower. Therefore, the focus was on relocating the bell with a new tower.
(Continued on Page 2)
PREPARED BY: BUD N. LORTZ,
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Reviewed by: Q Assistant Town Manager O � Attorney Clerk Finance
Community Development Revised: 3/13/03 1:53 pm
Reformatted: 5/30/02
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: HISTORIC FIRE BELL ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
March 14, 2003
1. Sites
On October 2, 2002, the Committee finalized the ranking for the possible fire bell sites as listed
below. A table identifying the pros and cons of each site is included as Attachment 2.
1st Choice: Tait Avenue Museum
2°a Choice: Forbes Mill Museum
3rd Choice: Civic Center
4th Choice: Post Office Right -of -Way
Other sites that were evaluated but subsequently dismissed included the fire stations at
Lark/Winchester and University Avenue, Oak Meadow Park, Old Town Shopping Center, a
landscape area in Parking Lot 5 adjacent to W. Main Street and 100 N. Santa Cruz Avenue. Staff
and the Committee created a table which evaluated the pros and cons of these sites (see
Attachment 3). Since one of the sites included Oak Meadow Park, the Parks Commission
considered the matter on June 4, 2002 and recommended that the bell not be located in the park.
The basis for this recommendation is that the bell would become part of the other park
attractions and would not stand out. The Committee concurred with the Parks Commission
recommendation.
2. Conceptual Plans
The Committee reviewed conceptual plans prepared by volunteer Architect, Gary Schloh, as a
possible alternative for a bell tower to be connected to the Tait Museum building (see
Attachment 4). The proposed plan would require the removal of two trees. The Parks
Superintendent has determined that the trees are not significant and can be removed. Volunteer
Builder, Tom Dodge, has prepared a preliminary cost estimate of $55,000 based on the
conceptual plans (see Attachment 5). This estimate is based on information that is currently
available and does not take into account any special construction methods and materials that may
be required in the final building plans. If the existing chiming mechanism is used, a ten foot
deep hole will have to be excavated inside the tower to accommodate the chiming rods. In
addition, continual maintenance will be required to keep the mechanism in operation. To allow
public access to the interior of the tower and to reduce maintenance costs, staff recommends the
use of a solenoid bell chiming mechanism. This mechanism electronically strikes the bell to
produce the chime. The inside of the tower can accommodate an information center. The
existing chiming mechanism will be displayed at the site.
The Town's Consulting Architect reviewed the conceptual plans discussed above and
commented that the proposed connection of the bell tower to the museum as designed, would not
meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Structures since the addition has been
designed to look like it was built the same time as the existing building. The U.S. Secretary of
the Interior is responsible for establishing professional standards and providing advice on the
preservation and protection of historic resources. The Tait Museum is located in the Broadway
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: HISTORIC FIRE BELL ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
March 14, 2003
Historic District. The Town has always disagreed with one of the aspects of the Secretary
Standards which states that additions to historic structures should not match the existing
structure. The Town strives to have additions match existing historic structures so that the
addition is compatible with the existing architecture and the neighborhood. The Consulting
Architect commented that other alternatives, which the Committee considered, were to construct
a detached tower, or to mount the bell at ground level.
3. Funding Options
Staff reviewed numerous funding options to construct the bell tower which included the
following:
Grants - Town contributions through grants are available such as Proposition 12 which provides
funding for park/cultural improvements under "Per Capita" and "Roberti-Z-Berg-Harris"
programs. These are the same grant funds that have been considered a possible source for the
Town's contribution to a skatepark. Any project would need to meet eligibility criteria.
Currently, the Town is eligible to apply for a total of $413,000 in grant funds. Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may also be available. No research has been done for
the use of CDBG funds.
Volunteers - Architectural and building services have been and could continue to be volunteered.
Fund Raisers - The museum has expressed an interest in conducting fund raisers to help cover
the cost of locating the bell at the Tait Museum. Other groups may be interested in participating
in these fund raisers.
CONCLUSION:
The Historic Preservation Committee has worked with the public who attended numerous meetings
to determine which sites would best accommodate the fire bell. Based on Council direction, staff
will pursue the site(s) chosen and will further research what funding options are available.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Attachments:
1. Excerpts from Town Council meeting minutes of May 20, 2002.
2. Pro and Con Table for ranked sites.
3. Pro and Con Table for other sites.
4. Preliminary plans for the Tait Museum site.
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: HISTORIC FIRE BELL ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
March 14, 2003
5. Preliminary Cost Estimate (one page) received February 26, 2003.
6. Resolution from Andy Kinyon (one page) dated November 17, 1986.
7. Letter from Laura Bajuk (one page) received October 15, 2002.
8. Letter from Sallie Robbins-Druian (two pages) dated August 3, 2002.
9. Letter from Douglas Sporleder (one page) received July 30, 2002.
10. Letter from Kathy Anderson (two pages) received June 11, 2002.
Distribution:
Historic Preservation Committee
John Curtis, Director of Parks & Public Works
E. Gary Schloh, 213 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Shirley Henderson, 98 W. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Lien, 196 College Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Lochner, 150 Creffield Heights, Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Spaur, 1913 Los Gatos -Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95124
Richard Fox, 211 Glen Ridge Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Richard Konrad, 86 Fairview Plaza, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Doug Sporleder, 16331 Oleander Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Robert Rice, 150 Wooded View Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Tim Musselman, 340 Penn Way, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Tom Stanton, P.O. Box 113, Holy City, CA 95033
Gene Fisher, 15405 Blackberry Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Laura Bajuk, Forbes Mill History Museum, 75 Church Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Andy Kinyon, 432 Williams Street, Murphys, CA 95247
Jeren Corsaul, 19880 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA 95033
Tom Dodge, 851 McGlincey Lane, Campbell, CA 95008
BNL:SLB:mdc
N:\DEV \CNCLRPTS\be11. wpd
Town Council Minutes May 20, 2002
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
TOWN PLAZA DESIGN/PROJECT 0107/STREET TREES/FIRE BELL LOCATION CON(PD.25)
Speakers Continued:
Richard Fox, spoke of the history of the downtown and the history of the town being centered at the
plaza park. He asked that the bell not be removed from the park location but that the new bus shelter
be replaced with an historic looking bus shelter that could incorporate the bell in it.
Gene Fisher, supports leaving the bell where it is.
Richard Konrad, Chairman of the Parks Commission, says the bell has never worked and the
maintenance department should take the responsibility to make it work. The bell is historic but the
tower is too modern.
Bob Rice, Parks Commissioner, supports the tower and the bell in the Town Plaza.
Tom Stanton, spoke of the volunteer firemen in Town, and that these men have consistently
supported the Town and worked hard at having this bell located prominently.
Doug Sporleder, spoke of prominence for the bell, and noted the many people who have helped save
the bell and locate the bell. He is concerned about loss of the bell and its parts and does not want to
see it stored where it will be forgotten.
Tim Musselman, President of the Lions Club, spoke of the support that the Lions have given to the
bell over time. He stated that he would not support the tower to be hidden in Oak Meadow Park but
stated that it should remain in a central and prominent location in the historic downtown.
Council consensus to approve the proposed Town Plaza design plan with revisions reflecting Town
Council's direction from May 14, 2002 Town Council meeting.
Council Comments:
Fifteen years ago the view of the Town Plaza Park was different than it is today. That for the current
park design the bell should be moved, and several locations were mentioned. The Civic Center would
be ideal location to place a permanent piece of artistic sculpture which could be a replacement for
sculptures which have been placed on the Civic Center lawn. The design of the sculpture is more in
keeping with the modem facade of the Civic Center buildings. Oak Meadow Park may also be a
better location because of the ability to keep the bell ringing in an area close to where the Billy Jones
whistle is used. It's a bell and 'should be used and rung regularly and the mechanism should be on
display to be seen and enjoyed. It should have an appropriate home where it can do what it was built
to do and maintenance of it should be a priority of the Town so that it can be enjoyed in what ever
location it is placed. Council found that it was a high priority to keep this bell and the grace and
elegance of the bell and structure would look lovely placed at the Civic Center as at least a temporary
solution until another option becomes apparent or leave it at the center as the best location. The Parks
Commission should be involved in the discussions along with the Historical Preservation Committee.
One Council Member asked to keep it well maintained in the downtown and to build around it and
see if after construction the Plaza might still be a viable location.
Motion by Mrs. Decker, seconded by Mr. Glickman, to relocate the bell tower expeditiously and as
quickly as possible so as to allow it to be operational, and for the community to be able to access it
and benefit from its possibilities. Carried by a vote of 4ayes. Mr Pirzynski voted no believing that
the structure should remain in the park until there is further study.
Attachment 1
N:',CLK\Council Minutes\2002\ 14105-20-02.wpd 8
Town Council Minutes May 20, 2002
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
ECONOMIC VITALITY PROGRAM (18.37)
Marty Woodworth, Redevelopment Manager, gave an overview of the program and plans for the
business community and attention to residential needs.
Council Comments that this plan allows us to be aware of the trends and the ability of the Town to
address these trends and work with them. The use of the General Plan allows Town to enhance
business dialogue and to take a pro -active stance in making the Plan a reality.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mrs. Decker, that Council approve the program, direct staff
to notice a Council public hearing to solicit additional input and to hold community meetings prior
to bringing the program document back to Council for approval. Carried unanimously.
TOWN NEWSLETTER DESIGN (19.39)
Town Manager, Debra Figone, addressed the proposed Town newsletter and noted the community's
and Commissions' input in designing and working on this concept.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council accept the proposed design of
the Town newsletter. Carried unanimously.
TOWN PLAZA DESIGN/PROJECT 0107/STREET TREES/FIRE BELL LOCATION (20.25)
John Curtis, Public Works Director, noted that there were two items to be discussed regrading the
downtown beautification program, street trees and fire bell.
STREET TREE LOCATIONS
Presentation was made by staff explaining the possible positions of the trees and their sizes and
compatiblility with the park.
Council Comments:
That the design with Iess concrete was much more to Council's liking. Council reviewed the tree
types and decided that the London Plane met most of Council's issues and requirements.
FIRE BELL LOCATION
Speakers from the audience:
John Spaur, supports the bell tower remaining in this space, and noted that grass can surround it
rather than concrete. He spoke of the simplicity of the mechanism. Mrs. Decker asked that the
mechanism be diagramed so that others can maintain it over time. Mr. Pirzynski suggested that the
tower may be relocated to the Civic Center and handled under an historic study of the Town.
John Lochner, spoke of the lack of historic items in Town other than homes consisting only of
Forbes Mill and the Fire Bell. He also noted the agreement with the owner requiring the bell to be
located in a prominent location in Town.
Shirley Henderson, asked that the Tower be relocated to the Civic Center for the purpose of having
more room for people to use the plaza park.
Mike Wasserman, spoke of the center of downtown and the oldest historic item in Town being the
old Fire Bell. Visitors to the downtown and the park may only see the bell when they visit the
downtown park center.
N:\CLK\Council Minutes12002\MM05-20-02.wpd
7
LOS GATOS PLAZA BELL RELOCATION
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Potential residential concerns
May not be enough space for ringing
mechanism
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Historic connection with first fire station
It would be in close proximity to the
residents and the Central Business District
Bell would be more visible
Would provide a draw to the museum
Bell would be more accessible
Location would allow for incorporation of
future walking tours
Reasonable proximity to plaza
People at the museum appeared to be in
favor of locating bell there
Could potentially incorporate site with
historic house tours
Would add to the fire collection at the
museum
Bell could aesthetically improve the
exterior of the building and site
SITE (in order of preference)
Tait Avenue Museum
Attachment 2
LOS GATOS PLAZA BELL RELOCATION
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Would not be visible to the general public
and is out of the way
Civic Center grounds currently contains
art work and the bell may lose its
significance among the other art
Site has no historic significance
Master Plan is proposed for site and it is
questionable how and when the bell could
be located there
Civic Center is not a pedestrian draw at
this time
May not have enough room
Would need a modern bell mechanism
Impacts handicap ramp area
Tree would need to be removed
cA
CY
It would be in close proximity to where
bell originally existed
Would be located at an historic site
Would provide a draw to the museum
Could be viewed by people on the Los
Gatos Creek Trail
Could potentially incorporate site with
historic house tours
Would be accessible to the public
INear the Plaza
SITE (in order of preference)
Forbes Mill Museum
Civic Center
Post Office (Public ROW)
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U
No pedestrian traffic
Would be lost to the community
Lacks relationship to an historic structure
The bell would be far from its original
location
Site has no historic significance
Limited foot traffic to the site
The bell would be far from its original
location
Have to drive to get there
Site has no historic significance
Site is not in the central core of the Town
The bell may get lost among the other
things in the park
The bell would be far from its original
location
PROS
Bell has tie to a fire station
There is a lot of room to accommodate the
bell and tower
Bell has tie to a fire station
There is a spot that needs improvement
that could accommodate the bell
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Fire Station at Lark and Winchester
Fire Station on University Avenue
Oak Meadow Park
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Attachment 3
1D
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It is private property
Will not be as visible
Adjacent to the bells at St. Lukes
Pedestrian safety
May loose parking spaces
Private property
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There is a bell tower
Pedestrian area
The bell would be close to its original
location
Near the Plaza
Near the Plaza
Pedestrian area
SITE
(Analyzed but not favored)
Old Town Shopping Center
Parking Lot 5 (Station Way)
100 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
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Attachment 5
/MIMTIo IN USA
VEREAL N -- Town of Los Gatos -- ve;-:ter 17, 196 CLERK
Subject: The Historic Los Gatos Fire Eell (installed 1899)
I, Andy Kinyan, a resident of 6766 McCauley Road, Linden,
California, do respectfully present the following Resolution
to the Honorable Councilmembers of the Town of Los Gatos:
WHEREAS, I, Andy Kinyon, lived in the Town of Los Gatos from
1961 to 1983, attending its elementary school and nark Twain
High School; and
WHEREAS, during my formative years I learned to love the Town,
its history and its people, and to regard Los Gatos as my
Home Town; and
WHEREAS, I know that some eighty odd years ago the residents of
the Town of Los Gatos felt the need of a Fire Bell and paid, by
public subscription, for a 2500 pound likeness of the Liberty
E•ell to be installed in the downtown area for their protection;
and
WHEREAS, that Fire Bell served them faithfully summoning the
Volunteer Fire Department in times of emergency, and tolling
each noon hour from 1899 to the mid-30s; and
WHEREAS, in 1947 it was removed from the Town and sold to a
restaurant owner who installed it in Lodi, California where it
has remained for 40 years; and
WHEREAS, itSowner has steadfastly refused to relinquish the =ell.
to all former emissaries from the Town; and
-.'WHEREAS, I, Andy Kinyon, have been able to prevail upon his
generosity and have exchanged my labor in return for the re-
possession of the Fire bell;
THEREFORE, I, Andy Kinyon, do hereby resolve, to donate the
Historic Los Gatos Fire Bell to the citizens of Los Gatos as ry
Centennial Present to the town providing that the Honorable v
M.-. gibers of the Town Council accept the bell under the following
conditions:
A. That the Town allocate from its treasury sufficient funds tci
1. dispatch a properly skilled crew to transport the Bell
safely from its Lodi location to Los Gatos;
2. build a commemorative bell tower which will insure
a safe and secure installation;
3. install the Bell, and privately donated commemorative
plaque in the aforesaid tower;
4. insure that the Bell will have on -going care and will be
kept in good working order throughout the corning years;
B. That the Council will consult with donor'Kinyon to determine
the most feasible location for the permanent installation of +�
the Historic Los Gatos Fire Bell;
C. That the Council will decree that the Fire Bell be sounded
daily at noon and on appropriate special occasions to remind
the citizens of their Los Gatos forefathers and the unforget-
able heritage of working together to preserve their community,
our Home Town.
T .E MUSEUMS of LOS GAT 1S
ART • HISTORY • NATURE
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS:
OFFICERS:
Allen C. Slutman
President
Steve Clarke
1st Vice President
Al Simon
2nd Vice President
Vonda Lee Breed
Secretary
Pat Dunning
Treasurer
DIRECTORS:
John Agg
Doug Dodd
Ted Glauser
Lucille Hogan
Bill Kalogeros
Sarah Parks
Glenn Shore
Patrick Welch
STAFF:
Laura Bajuk
Executive Director
Catherine Politopoulos
Art Curator
Jade Bradbury
Exhibit Curator
Alice McCammon
Nature Curator
Katie Bose
Chief Administrator
Wayne Nooney
Facilities Manager
Leon & Joann Milburn
Collections Managers
Penny Morimoro
Art Docent Coordinator
Earl & Anita Bell
History Docent Coordinators
October 10, 2002
Ms. Sandy Baily
Planning Department
Town of Los Gatos
PO Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Dear Sandy:
FFC hO
O C T 1 5 ``ZOO Z
TOvVN OF t-OS GATOS
`^r,?T:, E T
Thank you for including the Museums of Los Gatos in the recent Historic Preserva-
tion Committee meetings regarding the placement of the old fire bell.
Our board of directors met Tuesday evening and reviewed Gary Schloh's rendering
of the potential tower next to the Art Museum at 4 Tait Avenue - AKA the old fire-
house. Reactions were positive, and I was instructed to convey the following message,
based on this rendering:
The board of directors of the Museums of Los Gatos endorses the concept of
placing the fire bell at 4 Tait Avenue, on the Main Street elevation. We trust
that the historic nature of the building will be honored in the design, how-
ever it may evolve, and that the tower will compliment, but not overwhelm
the main building. We look forward to working together on this project.
I have also received support for the concept from local historian Bill Wulf; if the idea
progresses, he would be interesting in joining in the discussion of the history of fires
and fire -fighting in Los Gatos. I suspect we can find other interested individuals as
well with strong ties to the fire -fighting community, past and present, such as the
Sporleder and Sund families.
We look forward to working with the committee, the Planning Dept. and the Town
Council as the idea progresses.
Sincerely,
i.L
Laura Bajuk
Executive Dire' t'or
Attachment 7
Los GATOS MUSEUM ASSOCIATION • P.O. Box 19o4, Los GATos, CALIFORNIA 95031 • PI -I: 408.395.7375 • FAX: 408.395.7386
FRrM : DRUTAN
PHONE NO. : 408 353 1281 aug. 03 2002 11:18AM Pi
Regional Wines & Objects from France
32 East Main Street Los Gatos CA 95030
tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723
August 3, 2002
TO: Sandy Bally
Town of Los Gatos
Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Sallie Robbins-Druian
RE: Re -location of the Bell Tower
Dear Sandy,
My good friend Shirley Henderson has informed me of the various and heated
discussions regarding the above. 1 appreciate the passion in keeping the bell at the park,
but please consider another point of view.
As a merchant on East Main Street, I believe that any interest in our historic bell re-
located to Town Hall, will help bring people across the bridge and help to better unify our
three immediate major streets as a core downtown whole —culminating at the Town Hall.
If the summer music concerts remain on the Town Hall lawns, and the Farmers' Market
stays in the Town Hall parking lot, it seems to me that now is a great time and
opportunity to bring an important part of Los Gatos history to a public place that hss the
space to enjoy it. It will have the protection of it's location and the physical access
needed to ring in certain times of the day, such as noon —if so desired. So many towns
and villages across this country do this small but significant act of community
unification.. It would be such a joy to hear! It would be especially uplifting in these
politically and economically tough times. Let the bell be placed where it can be used and
enjoyed by the greatest number of people. For example, it can ring in the opening and
closing of the Farmer's Market. The start of the music concerts. The Fourth of July.
And September 1 t'. It could be a great opportunity for creating a new tradition, a bright,
new start for town unification that has an emotional, personal basis. The soul of the town
Attachment 8
FPr-1 : DRU I AN
PHONE NO. : 408 353 1281
Aug. 03 2002 11:19AM P2
that calls out to the people of it's neighborhoods and pulls them together. And it should
be as much of the integral part of the public art as any one of the existing sculptures.
I don't want to take away from the aspect of Park Plaza. But does everything have to be
crammed into the park just because it has historical value? Let the design of the Park
stand as is and be what it is. A public park and plaza. It should not be a place of
controversy or disagreement. It hosts many important events and brings the public
together —local residents and visitors alike. It does not denigrate the bell —or those who
have worked so hard to preserve it —by moving it to our town seat of government. In my
opinion, it better enhances it's importance and value. Can we not leave the Park as it
stands and take this opportunity to make the Town Hall lawns also a part of the town
culture and unification?
It is a shame that years ago, the Tate Museum's name was not extended to reflect it's
history as a firehouse. It would seem that then would have been the time to build the
awareness of the museum's history by including the firehouse as part of it's permanent
name, and placing the bell, on it's premises. But the museum is not the town hall or park
plaza. It is not the heartbeat of town activity. I feel that as the Town of Los Gatos moves
forward to extend the use of it's outdoor town hall location for more public and cultural
use, and in turn, creates a new awareness as a unifying seat of town activity, the Bell
Tower needs to be there as a symbol that we can immediately feel a part of —as well as
remember historically. The re -location of this historic bell will help make the Town Hall
and it's public lawns, more of a center -point of Los Gatos. With North and South Santa
Cruz Avenues, West and East Main Streets, University Avenue, and Los Gatos
Boulevard, bordering and leading to our town seat of government, there will be a more
central and convenient opportunity for more citizens and visitors to walk to Town Hall,
and enjoy this historic bell and remember what is stands for.
Sincerely yours,
&iretic-1-(4-14
E
e Robbins-Druian
SPORLEDER 'FAX NO. :4083567938
29 2002 05:56P1" P2
July 29, 2002
Historic Preservation Committee
Town of Los Gatos
110 E, Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Attn: Bud Lortz
Dear Bud,
,;!'L 3 . 2002
-� "=;TOS
'LCPMENT
Thank you for including me on the mailing list for the Los Gatos Fire Bell Site Selection
hearings and advising me of the July 31 meeting. I will be unable to attend on Wednesday
but would like to enter my advocacy for placement of the bell at the Civic Center. I feel that
in that locationthe bell would get the attention it deserves from all who enter the civic center
complex. The site would also allow ample room for the addition of the public safety
information talked to by Coucilmember Pirzynski at the May 2Gth Council discussion on the
matter.
Thanks again for letting me add my thoughts to the discussion.
Douglas ported
16331 Of ander Ave.
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
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Town Council Minutes March 17, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED
LOS GATOS BOULEVARD 15047/ZONE CHANGE/RC TO CH/HEARING CONT. (15.15)
Motion by Mrs. Decker, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council introduce the Proposed Ordinance
entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING A ZONE CHANGE
FOR APPROXIMATELY 3,250 SOUARE FEET OF PROPERTY FROM RC TO CH AND
FINDING T' AT THIS ACTION IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN.
APPLICATION Z-02-02. APN 424-07-087 & 089. Carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 2003 (06A.V)
Ray Davis asked that the minutes continue to accurately reflect the issues he is addressing.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, that Council approve the Minutes of March
3, 2003, Regular Joint Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as submitted. Carried
unanimously.
MINUTES OF MARCH 10, 2003 (06B.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, that Council approve the Minutes of March
10, 2003 Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as submitted. Carried unanimously.
TOWN ATTORNEY/AGREEMENT WITH TOWN/RESOLUTION 2003-24 (08.29)
Ray Davis spoke against the town attorney's salary increase and expressed his opinion concerning
the Town being in violation of an order of the Superior Court regarding enforcement of conditional
use permits. The Town Attorney responded that no such court order exists. Approximately two years
ago the Santa Clara Civil Grand Jury conducted an investigation resulting in several
recommendations concerning the Town's system of code enforcement. The Town responded to the
recommendations and the matter is now closed.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Wasserman, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-24
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND TOWN ATTORNEY AND AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN. Carried unanimously.
HISTORIC FIRE BELL/PERMANENT LOCATION (16.31)
Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider and discuss
recommendation from the Historic Preservation Committee for a permanent location for the Town's
historic fire bell and the funding options that are available.
Al Slutman, President of the Museums of Los Gatos, spoke in support of the recommendations of
the Historic Preservation Committee to place the Fire Bell in the new tower at the Historic Fire
Station on Tait Avenue which is now the Art Museum of Los Gatos.
N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2003UN 03-17-03.wpd
Town Council Minutes March 17, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
HISTORIC FIRE BELL/PERMANENT LOCATION CONT.
Council Consensus to work toward placing the bell tower at the Tait Ave. Museum; to use a
solenoid bell chiming mechanism; and to have staff consider funding sources along with other
prioritized town projects.
DOWNTOWN PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN (17.34)
After discussion there was Council Consensus of four members to accept Option 4: Proceed as
planned with the development of the Verizon and Bus Depot Tots; Implement the remaining zones
one by one with a period of time between each implementation for evaluation and transition; and
to include an employee permit program as each zone is implemented.
Ms McNutt preferred Option 2: Proceed as planned with the development of the Verizon and Bus
Depot lots only to create additional capacity; This alternative would delay the implementation of the
five remaining zones to a future date and would continue parking enforcement under the current
system; and could include a modified employee permit program.
ANIMAL CONTROL/JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (18.33)
Council Consensus to authorize the Town Manager to communicate Town Council position
regarding continued participation in the Joint Powers Agreement for animal control for fiscal year
2003-2004 and to modify that agreement so that there will be no commitment to a capital project in
this fiscal year.
COUNCIL MATTERS (19.28)
USA PATRIOT ACT/PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS/RESOLUTION 2003-29 (19.28)
Ray Davis asked that this resolution be brought to the people of Los Gatos for their thoughts, perhaps
on the Town's website, and to allow some time for response from our citizens.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mr Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 2003-29
entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS RELATING TO THE USA
PATRIOT ACT AND THE PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES OF LOS
GATANS. with the following amendments: Delete the 5th recital on the bottom of the Is' page;
Modify the 6th recital on the second page by removing the six bullets and by changing the words
"these acts" to "such acts."
Lexington Dam
Mayor Decker reported on the progress with the Lexington Dam and the fact that it would have
water in it for most of this year
MANAGER MATTERS (20.28)
There was no report tonight.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Decker closed this evening's meeting at 9:58 p.m.
ATTEST: Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
N:1CLK\Council Minutes\2003\M 03-17-03.wpd
6