Design For Downtown and Major Town GatewaysMEETING DATE: 1/21/03
ITEM NO. I C
COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA REPORT
DATE: January 16, 2003
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
CHAIR AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTO
SUBJECT: COUNCIL DIRECTION ON THE FORMATION OF A GATEWAY
WORKING GROUP AND DESIGN PROCESS FOR DOWNTOWN AND
MAJOR TOWN GATEWAYS
RECOMMENDATION:
Council direction on the formation of a Gateway Working Group and design process for Downtown
and major Town Gateways.
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting of December 2, 2002, the Council reviewed a report regarding Downtown Gateways.
The 1996 Streetscape Plan called for the construction of Gateway features at: 1) South Santa Cruz
Ave./Wood Rd., and; 2) North Santa Cruz Ave./Highway 9. In addition, the Los Gatos Blvd. Plan
that was prepared in 1997 has a section on Gateways. Goal #1 of this section states: "To establish
gateways as architectural or landscape elements which welcome people to Los Gatos and Los Gatos
Boulevard as a destination." Policy #2 states: "Gateways shall be encouraged along Los Gatos
Boulevard and at other main entrances to the Town."
At its December 2, 2002 meeting, the Council directed staff to come back with recommendations
on forming a "Working Group" to make recommendations to the Council on: 1) Downtown
Gateways, and; 2) Gateways at major entrances to the Town.
(Continued on Page 2)
PREPARED BY: Marty Woodworth
Redevelopment Manager
Reviewed by: p55 Assistant Town Manager OVTown Attorney Clerk // . Finance
Community Development Revised: 1/16/03 8:41 am
Reformatted: 5/30/02
PAGE 2
TOWN COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: GATEWAYS
January 16, 2003
DISCUSSION:
Formation of Gateway Working Group
The following are some suggestions for the composition of a Working Group to develop
recommendations for Gateways for both the Downtown and major entries to the Town. It is
recommended that not more than 10 to 15 persons be on the Group.
Town Boards and Commissions
• Arts Commission representative
• Parks Commission representative
• Planning Commission representative
• Historic Preservation Committee representative
• Transportation and Parking Commission
Other Representatives
• Downtown business and/or property owner
• Los Gatos Blvd. business or property owner
• Chamber of Commerce Board and/or staff representative
• Resident or business owner representing: 1) the east Gateway to Town (Blossom Hill Rd.
area on the east side of Town), and: 2) the north Gateway at Winchester Blvd. area and
Highway 85). (Should representatives from the Town Boards and Commissions or Other
Representatives represent one of these areas, they could serve a dual role).
• Architect and/or landscape architect
• Youth representative from Los Gatos High School
Others as the Council may desire
Council may wish to direct staff to request that each of the Town Boards and Commission listed
above submit a nomination to sit on the Working Group. Council also may wish to direct staff to
advertise and solicit applications for those from listed above under "Other Representatives." The
Council may also wish to request the Chamber of Commerce's assistance in soliciting applicants.
Interviews could be held prior to a Council Meeting by a Council Sub -committee, the full Town
Council or by staff. Council direction on the composition of the group and interview process is
needed. Staff would also request that the composition listed above be somewhat flexible in nature,
as the actual composition may need to change slightly depending on the level of interest and quality
of the applicants. Staff would not want to delay the process should the exact composition of the
Group as outlined above not be able to be achieved.
PAGE 3
TOWN COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: GATEWAYS
January 16, 2003
Staff would anticipate having nominations for the Gateway Working Group ready for review by the
Council meeting of March 3, 2003. Once the group is formed, staff would like to focus first on the
Primary Downtown Gateways with recommendations coming back to Council by Fall, 2003.
Recommendations on Secondary Downtown Gateways and Major Town Gateways are anticipated
coming back to Council near the end of 2003.
Downtown Gateway Design Direction
Primary Downtown Gateways: The 1996 Streetscape Plan identified two Gateways to the
Downtown: 1) S. Santa Cruz Ave./Wood Rd., and; 2) N. Santa Cruz Ave/Highway 9. Conceptual
designs have been completed for a "roundabout" at Wood Rd. and intersection improvements at
Highway 9. Our engineering consultant for the streetscape improvements, BKF Engineers, has in
their current contract a work item to complete conceptual designs for these gateways. These
Gateways will require traffic, civil and electrical engineering work in addition to landscape and
graphic design work. It is recommended that the Working Group meet and work with BKF to
develop more complete conceptual designs for these Gateways from which preliminary cost
estimates can be developed. In addition, the conceptual designs will serve as a basis for discussion
with CALTRANS regarding these areas.
Secondary Downtown Gateways: Although the 1996 Streetscape Plan did not specifically call out
other Gateways to the Downtown, there are three areas that may be worthy of attention by the
Working Group. The first is the Main St. bridge over Highway 17. The Working Group should look
at lighting and other improvements that may enhance its appearance as people cross the bridge. The
other two secondary Gateways that have been discussed are located at N. Santa Cruz Ave./Blossom
Hill Rd. and E. Main St./Jackson. These areas should be looked at as possibly having entryway
monuments or signage to welcome the visitor into the Downtown area.
Major Town Gateways Design Direction
The goals and policies of the Los Gatos Blvd. Plan provide some direction on establishing Gateways
on Los Gatos Blvd. and at other major entrances to the Town. The Working Group should provide
recommendations on potential locations for Gateway features both on Los Gatos Blvd. and at other
major entrances to the Town. (It should be noted that there are at least six other "major entrances"
that the Working Group will review). In addition, the Working Group should develop a conceptual
design(s) for Gateway features and preliminary cost estimates at the selected locations. These
Gateway elements may be signage or monument wall designs that would function to identify to
persons that they are entering the Town of Los Gatos.
PAGE 4
TOWN COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: GATEWAYS
January 16, 2003
Contract with Graphic Design Firm
Staff recommends that a contract with a graphic design firm be executed in order to: 1) provide
graphic design input to BKF regarding the two Primary Downtown Gateways; 2) facilitate design
concepts for the Secondary Downtown Gateways, and; 3) facilitate design concepts for the Major
Town Gateways. It is recommended that a $10,000 contract be executed with Rick Tharp, of Tharp
Did It Graphic Design. Mr. Tharp worked previously on the "Welcome" signs to Town , the
Downtown street signs, and, most recently, the banner program for Downtown and Los Gatos Blvd.
Mr. Tharp's business has been located in Los Gatos for 25 years and has an excellent understanding
of the values of the Town and designs that represent its unique character.
CONCLUSION:
Staff has provided some suggestions for the composition of a Working Group to develop
recommendations to the Town Council regarding Gateways to the Downtown and other major
entrances to the Town. As may be directed by Council, staff will solicit letters of application from
those wanting to be members of the Working Group for consideration by the Council. Interviews
will take place as so directed by the Town Council.
Once the Working Group is formed, it will work with our engineering and graphic design consultants
to develop concepts to be presented to the Council. The concepts will include preliminary cost
estimates, possible means of funding, timing and a summary of discussions with CALTRANS. It
is anticipated that it will take several months for the Working Group to develop its preliminary
recommendations. It should be noted that the Town Attorney has reviewed the formation of the
Group, and has indicated that it will be subject to the requirements of the Brown Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cost estimates for the Gateways will be developed once conceptual designs are completed. The
funds for the graphic design firm contract can be paid for 50% from RDA Funds (Redevelopment
Agency Downtown Streetscape Project #930-0233 with an available balance of approximately
$200,000) and 50% from Town Beatification Funds (Downtown Beautification Project #400-0223
with an available balance of approximately $50,000).
Funding for the construction of the Gateways may come from several sources. Funding for the
Downtown Gateways (within the Redevelopment Project Area) may be available from the existing
Certificates of Participation (COP's) issued in July 2002, depending on the scale and scope of the
recommended designs. Funding for Gateways outside of the Downtown is not currently available,
and a funding source will have to be identified through the Capital Improvement Plan process.
Town Council Minutes January 21, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
DOWNTOWN STREET IMPROVEMENTS/PROJECT 0233/N. SANTA CRUZ AVE/CONT.
Kevin Rohani, Town Engineer, spoke of storm water flooding in the downtown and ways to
alleviate the ongoing problem and implement workable solutions. The possibility of a new storm
drain down Santa Cruz would be extremely disruptive to all concerned and instead the following
solutions have been suggested: Use existing catch basins and arterial storm drain lines that are more
economical and less disruptive; Intercept storm water before it gets to Santa Cruz; Install storm drain
line on Bean Avenue to be connected to existing catch basin and storm drain line; Grays Lane will
be completed this year with storm drain line connecting to existing systems; Nicholson and Bachman
runoff to be caught at Victory Lane and the alley between Wilder and Tait.
Joe Pirzynski noted that the funding for these projects falls within the purview of the Redevelopment
Agency and must be completed with those funds. The Town is still committed to all of the
neighborhood street resurfacing projects listed in the Capital Improvements and will continue on
schedule. He asked that a communique to the Town be generated that can inform the public of our
work and how it is being funded. Town Manager, Mrs. Figone, noted that staff would follow up.
Speaker, Margaret Smith, asked that there be specific times of the year identified when construction
would not occur in the downtown. These are particularly heavy times of customer activity and occur
at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Easter, Graduation and 4th of July.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mrs Decker, that Council/Agency approve preliminary plans
for North Santa Cruz Avenue Improvements. Carried unanimously.
TOWN GATEWAYS/GATEWAY COMMITTEE FORMATION (19.31)
Diane McNutt requested some definitions of "gateway" to determine the purpose and needs of the
specific location and surrounding community before designing a distinguishing marker. She noted
that the Leadership Los Gatos group had given a very enthusiastic response to this subject and were
interested in participating. She is open to having volunteers serve but would suggest representatives
from the businesses and residents in the outlying areas also be included.
Steve Glickman asked that representatives from the auto dealers and real estate community be
included in the proposed contact list, and suggested that the Lark -Los Gatos Blvd. and Winchester -
Hwy 85 locations be added to the gateway list.
Joe Pirzynski asked that the committee revisit the Boulevard Plan and their gateway designs. He
also agreed with Ms McNutt's idea of defining the various segments of our Town with multi
identifying gateways. The meaning of "gateway" in differing sections of Town can reflect the
elements in those districts. He supported having a professional artist involved.
Sandy Decker would like artistic representation reflected in the group that is first formulated. She
asked for an opportunity to allow the community to speak, and to give two weeks to respond to, and
look for, community input.
Mike Wasserman asked that the gateways be helpful, historical, artistic, attractive, and exhibit
excellence of design, and that they appear logical and not frivolous, displaying a welcoming message
to those who are arriving in Los Gatos.
Shirley Henderson, Chair of the Beautification Committee, asked that this committee be represented
on this new group. She also supported a professional artist to take the lead.
Chris Miller, supported the formation of the Gateway Group and spoke to the inclusion of all
segments of Los Gatos in the identification program.
Council Consensus that Council/Agency approve the formation of a Gateway Working Group and
design process for downtown and major Town Gateways.
N.\CLK\Council Minutes\20031M 01-21-03.wpd
6
Minutes of the January 21, 2003
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
economical and less disruptive; Intercept storm water before it gets to Santa Cruz; Install storm
DOWNTOWN STREET IMPROVEMENTS/PROJECT 0233/N. SANTA CRUZ AVE/CONT.
Imad Baiyasi continued, drain line on Bean Avenue to be connected to existing catch basin and
storm drain line; Grays Lane will be completed this year with storm drain line connecting to existing
systems; Nicholson and Bachman runoff to be caught at Victory Lane and the alley between Wilder
and Tait.
Joe Pirzynski noted that the funding for these projects falls within the purview of the
Redevelopment Agency and must be completed with those funds. The Town is still committed to
all of the neighborhood street resurfacing projects listed in the Capital Improvements and will
continue on schedule. He asked that a communique to the Town be generated that can inform the
public of our work and how it is being funded. Town Manager, Mrs. Figone, noted that staff would
follow up.
Speaker, Margaret Smith, asked that there be specific times of the year identified when construction
would not occur in the downtown. These are particularly heavy times of customer activity and occur
at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Easter, Graduation and 4th of July.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, seconded by Mrs Decker, that Council/Agency approve preliminary
plans for North Santa Cruz Avenue Improvements. Carried unanimously.
TOWN GATEWAYS/GATEWAY COMMITTEE FORMATION (19.33)
Diane McNutt requested some definitions of "gateway" to determine the purpose and needs of the
specific location and surrounding community' before designing a distinguishing marker. She noted
that the Leadership Los Gatos group had given a very enthusiastic response to this subject and were
interested in participating. She is open to having volunteers serve but would suggest representatives
from the businesses and residents in the outlying areas also be included.
Steve Glickman asked that representatives from the auto dealers and real estate community be
included in the proposed contact list, and suggested that the Lark -Los Gatos Blvd. and Winchester -
Hwy 85 locations be added to the gateway list.
Joe Pirzynski asked that the committee revisit the Boulevard Plan and their gateway designs. He
also agreed with Ms McNutt's idea of defining the various segments of our Town with multi
identifying gateways. The meaning of "gateway" in differing sections of Town can reflect the
elements in those districts. He supported having a professional artist involved.
Sandy Decker would like artistic representation reflected in the group that is first formulated. She
asked for an opportunity to allow the community to speak, and to give two weeks to respond to, and
look for, community input.
Mike Wasserman asked that the gateways be helpful, historical, artistic, attractive, and exhibit
excellence of design, and that they appear logical and not frivolous, displaying a welcoming message
to those who are arriving in Los Gatos.
Shirley Henderson, Chair of the Beautification Committee, asked that this committee be
represented on this new group. She also supported a professional artist to take the lead.
Chris Miller, supported the formation of the Gateway Group and spoke to the inclusion of all
segments of Los Gatos in the identification program.
Council Consensus that Council/Agency approve the formation of a Gateway Working Group and
design process for downtown and major Town Gateways.
N:ICLKICounci I Minutes \2003112A 01-21-03. wpd