23 Staff Report - Town Plaza Task Forcev,-w,c7y.o/
COUNCIL AGENDA
DATE: 10/16/95
ITEM NO.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 5, 1995
TO: TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: MAYOR
SUBJECT: TOWN PLAZA TASK FORCE
A. CONSIDER REPORT FROM MAYOR O'LAUGHLIN ON THE TOWN PLAZA
TASK FORCE
B. CONSIDER DIRECTING THE TOWN MANAGER TO CONSIDER FUNDING A
PLAZA MASTER PLAN IN THE 1996-97 PROPOSED BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Accept report from Mayor O'Laughlin on the Town Plaza Task Force.
2. Direct the Town Manager to consider funding a Plaza Master Plan in the 1996-97 proposed budget.
BACKGROUND:
The Town Plaza Task Force met several times over the last few months. Members of the Task Force include:
Leonard Pacheco
Alrie Middlebrook
John Lien
Norbert Witt
Larry Arzie
Jason Farwell
Joanne Rodgers
Ann Whyte
This was a very exciting committee which had many lively discussions on Plaza issues. I enjoyed working
with this group very much and want to take this opportunity to thank them for their energy, creativity, and
persistence.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
PREPARED BY:
PATRICK O'LAUGHLIN
Mayor
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MGRO88 A:\CNCLRPTS\10-16-1
Revised: 10/5/95 3:47 pm
Attachment: Town Plaza Task Force Final Report dated October 5, 1995
Distribution: Town Plaza Task Force \
Reviewed by:`� Attorney Clerk Finance'‘Ni Treasurer
COUNCIL ACTION/ACTION DIRECTED TO:
Form: 6/21/95
MEMORANDUM
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
To:
From:
Subject:
Date:
Town Council
Patrick O'Laughlin, Mayor
Town Plaza Task Force Final Report
October 6, 1995
The Task Force has met several times since February, 1995 to study ways of enhancing the Plaza
as the visual and physical center of our community.
The members, representing a wide range of community interests, have come to consensus on the
following points:
1. The Town Plaza is a wonderful resource and serves the community very well.
Improvements to the Plam must be made carefully to maintain its function and ambiance.
2. Additional parking near the Plaza is highly desirable. The Task Force requested a review
of parking spaces on Montebello and the location of the Post Office drop boxes to see if
more space could be provided. As a result, five new spaces have been made available at
no cost. The Committee considered adding a row of diagonal parking along the eastern
edge of the Plaza but rejected this idea.
3. North Santa Cruz Avenue should be visually extended southward. This could be
accomplished by narrowing South Santa Cruz Avenue between Main and Broadway to
allow expansion of the park.
4. An eastbound turn lane onto Main Street from northbound South Santa Cruz Avenue
should be maintained.
5. Town Council should pursue eliminating the South Santa Cruz bus stop. It should also
pursue changes to the schedule which would eliminate bus layovers at the Plaza.
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TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: TOWN PLAZA TASK FORCE
OCTOBER 6, 1995
6. A master plan (including the Plaza and adjacent area) should be developed and approved
prior to any substantial change to or use of the Plaza. As part of the master plan, the
following factors should be considered:
a. Work with the existing mature landscape and general landscape layout.
b. Add visual definition to the park boundary and, where possible, extend this visual
boundary to the surrounding buildings. Establish location of large perimeter trees
for earliest planting.
c. Enhance the park's relationship to the surrounding buildings.
d. Connect the park visually with North Santa Cruz Avenue.
e. Improve seating and establish seating/street furniture design standards (i.e., trash
containers, etc).
f. Keep the total number of structures in the park to a minimum.
g. Provide seasonal color and planter box design and location.
h. A water feature is essential to the Plaza, but the fountain could be improved.
Study the feasibility of remodeling and relocating the fountain.
7. Town Council should consider authorizing $25,000 in the 1996-97 budget to fund a Plaza
master plan which would include long and short term recommendations for the Plaza.
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October 16, 1995
Los Gatos, California
HANDBILLS ON VEHICLES/PROHIBITED/ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION (22.46)
The Town Clerk read the Title of the Draft Ordinance.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council waive the reading of the Draft
Ordinance. Carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council introduce Draft Ordinance
entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING SECTION 18.10.010
TO PROHIBIT PLACEMENT OF HANDBILLS AND OTHER WRITINGS ON VEHICLES.
Carried unanimously.
TOWN SIGN CODE REQUIREMENTS/MODIFICATIONS (21.46)
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mrs. Benjamin, that Council instruct the Planning
Commission to initiate a Town Code Amendment permitting two single faced ground signs.
Carried unanimously.
TOWN PLAZA TASK FORCE (23.23)
Motion by Mrs. Benjamin, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that Council accept report from Mayor
O'Laughlin on the Town Plaza Task Force and suggest to the Town Manager to consider funding
a Plaza Master Plan in the 1996-97 proposed budget. Carried unanimously.
TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD/MEMBER SELECTION/ROTATION PROCESS (24.20)
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mrs. Benjamin, that Council ratify the new Santa Clara
County Transportation Agency Board and Alternate Member selection and rotation process and
authorize Joanne Benjamin to send the attached letter to the West Valley Mayors. Carried
unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES (25.20)
Santa Clara County Cities Assoc:
Joanne Benjamin reported that the Cities Assoc. is having their quarterly membership meeting
November 16th, the same day of the Town Employee's Recognition Dinner. They will hold the
meeting at the Hayes Mansion with a panel of five representatives from five different cities to
talk about youth issues: Active Youth Advisory Committee; Education in partnership with
school districts; and Sunnyvale's popular new teen center. This will be an interesting program
to attend if you are interested.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District:
Randy Attaway noted that he was interested in being nominated to the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District Board which has an upcoming vacancy. Mayor O'Laughlin said he would
send a letter stating that Randy has expertise and experience in the field and would be an
excellent resource on the board.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, that this evening's meeting be adjourned at
11:20 p.m. Carried unanimously.
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ATTEST:
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
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