R-5 Staff Report - Consider Draft Plaza Master PlanMEETING DATE: 11/18/96
ITEM NO.
COUNCIL/AGENCY AGENDA REPORT
November 13, 1996
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF Till REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FROM: TOWN MANAGER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CONSIDER DRAFT PLAZA MASTER PLAN
RECOMNtENDATION:
1. Request public input.
2. Modify as appropriate and approve the draft Plaza Master Plan.
BACKGROUND:
J
In February 1995, the Council established the Town Plaza Blue Ribbon Task Force. In October 1995, the Task Force sent
a Memo to Council suggesting ways to enhance the Plaza as the visual and physical center of Los Gatos (Attachment 1).
The Task Force recommended that a Town Plaza Master Plan be developed and approved prior to any substantial char.=e
to or use of the Plaza. On July 1, 1996, the Redevelopment Agency appropriated funding for design services to develop
a Plaza Master Plan. Downtown Streetscape Consultant Paul Rodrigues was selected to prepare the Master Plan. White
no funding has been identified or approved to implement the Plaza Master Plan, it is important to have a plan to coordinate
future improvements as funding sources are identified.
DISCUSSION:
On October 15, 1996, the Redevelopment Advisory Committee held a special meeting to review the Draft Plaza Master Plan.
The Plan incorporated the recommendations of the Plaza Blue Ribbon Task Force. Notice of the meeting was sent to
members of the Plaza Blue Ribbon Task Force, Parks Commission, Parking Commission, Chamber of Commerce,
Downtown Association, and Beautification Committee. A summary of the comments received at the meeting is included
as Attachment 2. The comments were reviewed by representatives of Planning, Building and Engineering Services, and
Parks, Forestry, and Maintenance Services. Mr. Rodrigues was directed to revise the draft Plaza Master Plan based on the
public comments. The revised draft Plaza Master Plan is shown on Attachment 3 and Mr. Rodrigues will present the revised
Plan at he meeting on November 18, 1996. Below is a list of the requested revisions:
1. Delete the building that was proposed for restrooms, storage, and public information. Add a storage room to the
interior area of the existing bus shelter along S. Santa Cruz Ave. The dimensions should be at !east 10'x4'x6'. This
should not impact the structure's overall design and will still leave enough room for bus patrons. The Town will work
with the Chamber of Commerce to find downtown businesses that will offer their restrooms to the public.
?. Reduce the width of the proposed pathways that cross the Plaza to 8'. Include a note that the pathways will be
constructed of interlocking pavers. This will reduce their attraction to skateboarders and allow water to reach tree
roots. All perimeter sidewalks shall be standard "Villa Hermosa" design. Decomposed granite pathways, as suggested
by the public, do not comply with Federal and State accessibility guidelines.
PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAN
PLANNING DIRECTOR/ DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reviewed by: Town Attorney/General Counsel
Finance Director Revised: 11/13/96
9:03 am
Reformatted: 10/23,95
ATTACHMENT 1
MEJIORAI:DUM
OFFICE OF THE \LAYOR
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From:
Subject:
Dare:
Tovc—n Council
Patrick O'La'-:i:.n. Mayor
Town ?!a`a Force 'ir.ai'^Cr-
Oc:obe: 6, 1995
The Task Force Has met several times since February. 1995 r , � �
L .,rr1..L, c sLa� ways or -
:He 'ra_=.f ^�'_ _ . sicai center of our 44'_� -•
L. �.
:ntse at•1_
, 1-=
fo.:owins
of _V:......u. ...__resz_. have o... e :L o...
L. :irtan
-"ark_ s: near _L_ ?l _ - '* _
: .l.e .�= .., . :_;� a=5:1:J:�. 1.1e ? =5t :�or: ,e_r..ate`
of -;:arkir.z spaces on Mcr::ehello a::.. :he of:He Post C:iice b....
more wade :,ould be brovided. As a .es�i:. five new scaces have been rra; -' a
no cost_ The Committee cona sidere =ca :ow. of Bias nal p rk ., alonz -
e _? of Plaza but rejected this idea. �...
N r_h 5ar :_ Cr a Ave::-e should be i:i, e tenciedl soutiw• --' This u_ ci
' e
.accor 'iish-ed. by natTo.'w: _ SOL':.-' S - t her.. ` e \ fain �r•
V... � �. .Z• ..- � :••.Yee-. II.._. �.L.. 3LvLI. wa•. .l.
allow e spa-_sior: of the park..
�.n easthou.-:d turn lase onto Main Sr -et: r_ South 5 n-a
r.:.:4:._curd e.ta: �:. � •ere
should be maintained.
:. Town Council should pursue eli r inatir_ _ne SCuh Santa Cruz. bus
� stop. II should.
pursue ch razes to the schedule wl-ich would el.=_.":re bus lavovers at: :he Dta o
Pi_e I of
ATT
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TOWN PLAZA MASTER PLAN
Public comments from the Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Meeting of October 15, 1996
Proposed Building - Location/ Design
• Proposed location obstructs foot traffic and views of the Plaza; need to consider
restaurant and pedestrian views from across the street into the Plaza
• Consider moving building closer to Post Office
• Could be an eyesore, who will maintain it?
• Structure should be multi -use with supervision. for example Chamber of Commerce
window with a person present; maybe have a key available for restroom
■ An open policy for the public to use merchants' restrooms Downtown should be
encouraged; it may increases foot traffic,' business. some merchants site no problems with
an open restroom policy
• Consider a placard for merchants in the downtown to put in front window- "Restroorn
Available"
■ Many northern California towns have well maintained public restrooms
■ Montebello Way and Main Street is a prominent intersection: proposed restroom Location
is not suitable, if Park divided into thirds - move it to another section, toward PG&E
building or Post Office
■ Consider public restroom configuration in Carmel; possibly build the restroom into the
around by partially "undergrounding" the structure?
■ Public parking lot an OK location for a restroom; restrooms are already_ available near
Plaza i.e, Coffee Roasting Company. Le Boulanger, Opera House;
■ Plaza is not a central location for public restroom in the downtown
■ Attach restroom to existing bus shelter; uni-sex?
■ Proposed building interrupts pattern of Park
Pedestrian Pathways
• Consider decomposed granite walkways within the Plaza rather than concrete
• Addition of hardscape is not suitable to the purpose of the Plaza (to provide "green" open
space); hardscape draws skateboards, rollerblades
• Cleaning sidewalks is an issue
• Perimeter sidewalks in concrete is alright; accessibility
• Decomposed granite issues: if installed properly = should be stable and wear well:
requires top dressing - mostly near sections that meet concrete. sidewalk
• Consider using Yellow/gold (buff) decomposed granite as used in Europe
• Stone pavers possible?
Use of area nearest Post Office
• Benches/seating arrangement should be spread out so as not to encourage large groups
(intimidation) like downtown experiences with benches located near corner of Elm Street
and N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
ATTACHMENT
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PARKS COMMISSION
(408) 399-5770
FAX ( 408) 354-8529
November 6, 1996
Mayor and Town Council
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95032
SUBJECT: Town Plaza Master Plan
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Crnc CENTER
110 E. MAN Sturr
P.O. Box 949
Los Gates, CA 95031
As Chair to the Parks Commission, I was asked to write a letter to you regarding the Master Plan
for the Town Plaza Park for your consideration.
At the Parks Commission Meeting of November 5, 1996, Commissioners reviewed Paul
draft of a Master Plan for the Town Plaza Park. A copy of the draft minutes that include
and comments is attached for your information.
Rodriquez'
suggestions
Thank you in advance for your consideration. We look forward to working with you to come up
with a Master Plan for the Town Plaza Park.
Sincerely,
/26611 (61-2V-4:4)
Norbert Witt,
Parks Commission Chairman
n:'sharelplaza.1
NWim1
cc: Parks Commission
ATTACHMENT 4
INCORPORATED Aucusr 10,1887
DRAFT
PARKS COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 1996
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
110 EAST MAIN STREET
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 95032
Master Plan for Town Plaza:
Chairman Wirt reported that a Blue Ribbon Task Force was created to make recommendations on
the Master Plan for the Town Plaza. Town Council allocated funds to do a study. As a result.
Rodriguez Architect firm came up with a plan. The fountain will remain in the Plaza. The curb
Iine will be moved out some on Santa Cruz Avenue. Walkways will be placed to break up the
park. Restrooms will be built.
Michael LaRocca requested feedback from the Commission on the Master Plan for the Town
Plaza.
Chairman Witt indicated that he was against additional benches being built into the planters.
Commissioner Maiten inquired as to the possibility of getting. the historic Fire Bell to work.
Michael LaRocca reported that removing, the Bell is being considered as a possibility.
Commissioner Maiten recommended that the Bell be kept and redone.
Vice Chair Wy-tmans recommended that anyway that more grass could be kept would benefit
kids, Music In The Park, and the small town atmosphere. Cutting the park up creates a
downtown, big city type of park. Commissioner Bomberger agreed.
Michael LaRocca reported that the shelter may be converted to storage for Music in the Park.
Chairman Witt made a motion to go on record as stating. that the Commission does not want any
of the grass removed out of the park, and if at all possible would like the grass increased.
Commissioner Bomberger seconded the motion. The motion was carried by the unanimous vote
of the Commission.
Chairman Witt made a motion to keep the existing benches, not install any more benches, and
that the height of the existing planters be raised. Commissioner Maiten seconded the motion.
The motion was rescinded by Chair Witt after Commissioner Maiten removed the second to the
motion.
Chairman Witt made a motion that no benches be put in the planters, and the height of all
planters be raised. Commissioner Maiten seconded the motion. The motion was carried by the
unanimous vote of the Commission.
PLAZA LAYOUT 1970 r 4 ht
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NHS DESIGNS
1184 Longfellow Avenue, Campbell, CA 05008
(405) 5611FAX (408) 3714303
Town Council
Town of Los Gatos
110 E Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95032
RE: Bell Tower
Dear Honorable Council,
Status update on efforts to bring the bell into full operation.
Bear in mind the following:
The bell and operating mechanics were designed prior to 1999.
This all volunteer effort has taken a back seat to my work.
The town has not budgeted any money for maintenance, design,
etc. as they have done for the plaza master plan.
The bell committee, John Lochner and myself, have some funding
to replace the hammer push rods and do some maintenance.
CURRENT SITUATION:
5 February 1997
Office of the
FEB S 1997
TOWN MANAGER
o Bell does not ring because the push rods are too heavy. A
perplexing problem since installation.
o A ventilating fan or caulking needs to be installed to reduce
condensation moisture during rainy periods.
o Maintenance and operations manual needs to be completed and
given to the town.
WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON:
o A cable system to replace the push rods is currently being
designed by a mechanical engineer.
o A hammer pull versus push system will be explored and if
feasible will be tested.
o A new solid state ring timer has been installed; the original
had electrical problems.
o An automatic rewind system, to reduce maintenance, will be
connected once the push rod problem is resolved.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE:
1. Design and installation of the push rod mechanism needs
completion.
2. Discussions need to take place to decide responsibility for
maintenance and operations.
3. Bell maintenance manual needs to be finished and given to the
town.
Given that the plaza master plan currently states that the bell
tower should be removed there is not any incentive to complete
design of the cable system.
A resolution should be drafted and passed making the bell tower a
permanent part of the Plaza. This would be in keeping with the
written agreement reached between the town and Andy Kenyon_
Re ptfully,
J I es • ns
n our
chit-ct
ATTACHMENT
March 17, 1997
Los Gatos, California
PLAZA MASTER PLAN/CONSIDERATION (04.23)
The following person from the audience spoke to this issue:
John Spaur, 1184 Longfellow, Campbell, spoke regarding the bell tower in the Town Plaza.
The fire bell will be 100 years old in 1999, and so represents a segment of the history of Los
Gatos. He would like to work on the operation of the bell and consult others on how to keep
it operational, but he finds it impossible to motivate others if the bell is not to be included in
the new master plan. He noted that the previous owner, Andy Kenyon, may have an agreement
to have it returned to him if it is moved from its present location.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Paul Rodrigues reviewed the plan that has been drawn up with the changes and input from
Council, staff and public. He had not been asked to consider the bell, but he is open to doing
so. He spoke of different parking concepts, and of the lawn coverage for the plaza.
Council comments:
Mr. Attaway reiterated past Council consensus of simple design, lots of open space, no
additional buildings or objects to crowd the park and take away from its simplicity. The
committee thought at the time that removing the bell tower would support those values. He
requested ample opportunity be provided for public input prior to Council's decision on the
Plaza plans.
Mrs. Benjamin is not in favor of pursuing this project before the streets, sidewalks and curbs,
and street trees are attended to in the rest of the Town. Council is not going to fund this
project at this time, and she would like to see it shelved for the future, or at such time as the
town has money for it.
Mr. Blanton would like to see this project completed so as to enhance the economic vitality
of the downtown. Would like to actively pursue the plan if funds are identified to do so.
Mr. Hutchins would like to wait for the budget hearings to identify the funding.
Mr. Attaway is in favor of new landscaping, new lawn, new irrigation, and new lights which are
all needed at this time. Other major changes could wait.
Mrs. Lubeck would like to see the plan adopted so that there would be a direction to follow
when the funds are identified for the project.
Council directed: resolution to be drawn up accepting the draft Plaza Master Plan; reconsider
leaving the bell tower in the plan; announce plan's acceptance and ask that an article be
written by the Weekly; return to Council for review on Other Joint Business, May 5, 1997.
TC:D8:RA031797
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