16 Staff Report - Sign Replacement Program Central Business DistrictDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
January 8, 1998
MEETING DATE: 1/20/98
ITEM NO. \Cp
CONSIDER SIGN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
(CBD).
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Consider Sian Replacement Program for the Central Rtivi' v(CED).
2. Dircct staff to draft a Resoluuuu feimaiizing the Sign Replacement Program for adoption.
PUP
The purpose of a sign replacement program for the Central Business District (CBD) is to simplify and complete the overall
appearance of the right-of-way. With implementation of the Streetscape Plan through planter construction, pedestrian scale
light installation, and new street furniture, the downtown needs the finishing touch of a unified sign program. Signs currently
posted in the CBD right-of-way are redundant, inconsistent, and not always helpful to visitors experiencing downtown Los
Gatos.
13ACKGROUND:
The Downtown Streetscape Plan was adopted in May 1996. The "Lighting and Furnishings Plan" in the Improvement
Guidelines (dated 2/26/96) outlines a sign program for the downtown; recommendations in this report were derived from
that program. In addition, Engineering and Planning staff surveyed the downtown before drafting the sign replacement
program. Photographs were taken during the survey that will be presented in slide format at the hearing.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. The steps below must be taken to simplify and reduce existing signs in the downtown:
a. Reduce the amount of parking regulation signs.
"Two Hour" and "30 Minute" parking space signs are posted on electroliers and individual posts. The frequency
of these signs is nearly one per two on -street parking spaces. Retain signs on electroliers, remove signs on
individual posts, and paint curbs where appropriate. For example, apply standard Town treatment for 30 Minute
parking spaces by painting the curb white and lettering "30 Minutes" on the curb. A Memo from the Police
Department concerning this matter is included as Attachment 4.
PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAN j
PLANNING D c• CT
Reviewed by:
Reformatted: 10/23/9 5
Attorney
Finance Revised: 1/8/98 12:07 pm
EXPd
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CBD Sign Replacement Program
January 26, 1998
b. Remove confusing and misplaced signs.
An example of a confusing sign is located on east bound Main Street near the Plaza that points to public
parking. This sign points to Lot 6, but east bound motorists can not turn left into the lot due to chatter bars in
the median. Also, remove standard no U-turn signs that are posted on electroliers at nearly every intersection.
With Streetscape Plan improvements, such as the corner bulb -outs at Bachman Avenue, the U-turns will
become impossible to complete.
2. The following replacement signs are proposed:
a. Street name signs
Exisiing sireei nacre signs are inconsistent in coior, shape and letter type. Proposed street name signs woulri
be consistent on all three counts and highlight our "Historic Downtown" as shown in Attachment 2. The
proposed logo is the well known cupola from the La Canada Building. (The Farwell family has released
permission to the Town for use of the cupola, but a photo ready copy of the graphic has not yet been obtained.)
Street name signs will be reflective with a white background and green text. Burgundy background is
recommended in the Streetscape Plan. Staff concluded that the cost and labor intensive expenses associated
with a custom color are unreasonable. Also, the custom color sign plates are more difficult to replace in kind.
Type will be "Monterey" style as designated by the sign manufacturer, using capital and lower case letters.
This combination will be unlike any other street name signs in Town, thereby distinguishing the Downtown.
Signs will be posted on street signal posts and/or stop sign posts. Locations are indicated on the Sign Location
Map, Attachment 1.
b. Public Parking Directional Signs
One format is proposed: a round sign with the very simple and identifiable capital "P" and an arrow pointing
toward the parking lot. In keeping with the street name signs, the background will be white with reflective
green text. Locations are shown on Attachment 1. All existing Parking Lot signs would be removed. A
directional sign is also proposed for pedestrian orientation to public parking lots (Attachment 5). These would
be posted on electroliers or street name sign posts, where pedestrian connections to parking lots occur.
3. The following new signs are proposed to further distinguish and define the downtown:
a. Locator Signs
Erect ground signs showing "You are here" on a base map of the CBD. The signs are proposed to be located
in the public parking lots and the Town Plaza (see Attachment 1). The sign face will measure approximately
six square feet, stand three feet high and be set at an angle. The map will show land marks such as the Town
Plaza, Post Office, Town Service Center and Civic Center; address ranges will also be shown. As part of the
locator sign element, a sign with the Parking Lot Number will be posted at public parking lot entrances.
b. Welcome Signs
Erect three monument signs in the medians at the main entrances to downtown: S. Santa Cruz Avenue at Wood
Road, eastbound Los Gatos -Saratoga Road at Tait and westbound Los Gatos -Saratoga Road before University
Avenue. The signs will be a maximum three feet high as to not obstruct the traffic view area and have text on
both sides; one side to read"Welcome" and one side to read "Thank you for visiting" . Sign material will be
determined based upon criteria for durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. Two alternatives are included
as Attachment 3. The graphic may be a recognizable symbol for the downtown.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CBD Sign Replacement Program
January 8, 1998
CONCLUSION:
Signs in the CBD right-of-way are currently functional, yet many are inconsistently designed, confusingly located and
redundantly posted. The proposed sign replacement program will serve to unify the sign designs, clarify locations, and
simplify where signs are posted. Sign improvements will provide the finishing touch to the overall Downtown Streetscape
Plan implementation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cnct elf replacement cianc may he calc-.nlataii nnce the C UnC:1 det, ,:-I ..1 : L L ..1J L t _ __ d T.
r--- - - - - - - - ., u..ai o•baa.3 .,uv.uu v�, replaced.
inc LUThI Ui
star time to remove old signs may be projected once the Council approves the removal of unnecessary and superfluous signs.
If the Council approves this program, it will be included in the 1998-2003 Capital Improvement Program
Attachments:
1. Proposed Downtown Sign Location Map
2. Proposed Street Name Sign
3. Proposed Welcome Signs (Two alternatives)
4. Memo from Police Department, received October 22, 1997
5. Pedestrian Oriented Parking Lot Sign
Distribution:
Shirley Henderson, 264 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Ellen Graff, 805 Lilac Way, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Richard Lang, 809 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030
Randal Mackley, 205 Belgatos Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Lee Quintana, 5 Palm Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Morris Trevithick, 55 Church St. #1203, Los Gatos, CA 95030
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TO: LEE BOWMAN
PSG DIRECTOR
FROM: LARRY J. TODD
CHIEF OF POLICE
POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 8,1998
SUBJECT: SIGN REPLACEMENT FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
I h a to Council ,. , r g and traffic
1 have revicwcd I�u �, V... recommendations w L,Vl11tt11 VU!lCCrIlLLL� the removal U! GCrfa7n parking
regulation .ciartc in the ( ventral I3uusinec.c District T concur �.'.if�' +},e majority o f your recorn d t
V-"------ "-Q- - ,..v majority ate) �v a...v V.....�,1yuu�1vL1J,
but I do have some concerns.
Reduce the amount of parking regulation signs (Recommendation la.)
While I would agree that there is no need to maintain one parking regulation sign for every two spaces,
I do not concur with the removal of signs designating loading zones, red zones, or temporary parking
zones. The goal of the parking program is to gain voluntary compliance with parking regulations,
ensuring that all visitors to the Central Business District have an opportunity to park and conduct
business. While drivers are, of course, required to park in conformance with the curb markings, the
gradual fading of paint, inclement weather, and night time parking sometimes reduce the visibility of
the markings. The placement of signs drawing attention to green zones, yellow zones, etc., assists
motorists in complying with the regulations.
I believe that painting all 30 minute zones white, with the words "30 minutes" stenciled on the curb
does not conform with the Vehicle Code, nor with Town Code. For example, a white curb restricts
parking to purposes of loading/unloading passengers, or the deposit of mail into an adjacent mailbox.
Town Code Section 15.40.110 limits white zone parking to 10 minutes. Likewise, green, yellow, red
and blue each have a special significance. Town Code conforms to the Vehicle Code; to vary from the
provisions of the Vehicle Code would be both illegal and confusing to motorists.
Remove confusing and misplaced signs (Recommendation lb)
Section 22102 of the Vehicle Code permits U-turns at intersections in a business district unless a sign
prohibiting such turn in placed at the intersection. While Streetscape Plan improvements provide for
the installation of "bulb -outs", I do not concur that U-turns will be impossible to execute, but rather will
merely require a series of turning and backing movements to complete the tum. Experience has taught
many police officers that some people will try to make U-turns even in situations that would require
difficult maneuvering. In addition, the bulb -outs will not deter motorcyclists or bicyclists from making
U-turns. Unless there are regulatory signs, officers will not be able to prevent motorists from making
1
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U-tums at intersections, even if the turns impede the flow of traffic.
I agree that the present signage in the Central Business District can be confusing to some. My staff and
I will be pleased to work with the Planning Department to address issues concerning the placement of
traffic and parking regulatory signs so that confusion is reduced.
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L. V. odd
Chief of Police
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Attachment 4
Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
WILDER AVENUE 131/TREE REMOVAL REQUEST/CONT.
Motion by Mr. Glickman, to uphold the appeal and grant the tree removal permit, due to possible
safety issues. Motion died due to lack of a second.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Ms McNutt, to uphold the Planning Commission's decision
and deny the appeal of the tree removal permit. Carried by 4 ayes. Mr. Glickman voted no.
TREASURER'S REPORT (06.02)
Speaker, Ray Davis, asked that the Treasurer be the sole person responsible for the Town's
investments and that this duty not be shared with a hired consultant.
Council Consensus that Council accept and file informational report submitted by the Treasurer to
the Council for the month ended October 31, 2002.
COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE/FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 (08.28)
Speaker, Ray Davis, asked that the Town hold some New England styled Town meetings
Council Consensus to amend the Town Council Meeting Schedule for 2002-2003, updating it with
previously held Council meetings, and adding Special Closed Session on December loth, Study
Session on December 16th, 2002 and Council Retreat on January 10 and 11, 2003.
PARKING LOT LEASE/VERIZON, CA, INC/RESOLUTION 2002-185 (09.34)
Ray Davis spoke in favor of placing the Skateboard Park on the Verizon Lot and the Bus Depot Lot,
noting that these locations are central to downtown and should be considered in the selection process.
Council Consensus that Council adopt Resolution 2002-185 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE
TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PARKING LEASE
BETWEEN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND VERIZON CALIFORNIA, INC. Carried
unanimously.
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE/PHASE 2/DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS/DESIGN (16.31)
Mayor Decker noted that staff reports would be given regarding the Santa Cruz Avenue Streetscape
Project and the Downtown Gateways, and time would be given for Council discussion and public
input to determine direction for staff concerning design and project development.
Director of Public Works, John Curtis, spoke of the timing between CalTrans' input, the design
phase, acceptance of bids and actual construction. The next phase of the streetscape would continue
in the spring.
Council Comments:
There was some discussion concerning the drainage at the Bank of America, and the bulb out at
Almendra which may constrict through traffic. Drainage may be moved to University where there
is sufficient piping. Engineers will examine the alternatives.
Greg Stowers, asked that business owners be considered during Phase 2 and that some marketing
strategies be allowed to offset the impacts of construction on some businesses.
Margaret Smith, noted that construction continued after October•1 St although it was supposed to stop
at that time. She asked that construction cease close to Easter and again close to July 4` . She asked
for parking hand outs and dates that construction would be on hold, to give to patrons so they will
know when to return for shopping.
N:\CLK\Council Minutes1200211412-02-02.wpd
4
Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE/PHASE 2/DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS/CONT.
Chris Miller, biker, asked that an easier access route be placed by Main Street for trail users to be
able to get on and off the trail downtown.
Council comments regarding the Gateways: 1) Designs need input from staff and public; 2)
Funding available 2003-2005; 3) Discussion work shops will be needed; 4) Practicality and beauty
should work together; 5) Define the purpose of a gateway or of several different gateways; 6)
Welcoming and practical gateways but not in a "Hollywood" style; 7) Small town ambiance
encouraged; 8) Round abouts to be explored with input from Police Department and traffic safety
issues addressed; 9) Use caution before changing intersections that might lead to stacking instead
of easing traffic congestion. Council agreed to develop a working group to provide input to staff
throughout the process.
FARMERS' MARKET LOCATION (17.37)
Mayor Decker noted that staff report would be given regarding the relocation of the Farmers' Market.
Marty Woodworth, with Community Development, spoke of the needs of the market and the public.
He noted the need of the newly installed Town Plaza to mature at that site before it is ready for heavy
use. The grass needs to establish itself.
Speakers:
Margaret Smith supported the market returning to the Plaza. Her business was affected by the move
and is looking forward to the return. She does not mind sharing her bathroom facilities as it brings
shoppers to her establishment.
Melanie Defe, representing the Farmers' Market, supports the return to the Town Plaza and also
supports the use of porta potties to ease the burden on the surrounding businesses.
Terri Hope of the LG Roasting Co, asked for porta potties as her establishment bares a heavy use
of bathroom facilities since she is so close to the activities. She noted that the trash receptacles were
also very heavily used in that vicinity and she would prefer that the Market remain at the Civic
Center.
Council Consensus to return the Fanners' Market to the Town Plaza by February 2, 2003, noting that
it is a contributor to the community, extends energy through East Main, and is appropriate on
Montebello Way.
COUNCIL MATTERS (18.28)
Mr. Glickman announced that on December 7t'', there would be a collection and drop off point for
gifts for the needy at 257 Longridge Road. This is being sponsored by Sacred Heart Church.
Mrs. Decker reminded everyone of the Christmas Tree Lighting in the Town Plaza this Friday night.
MANAGER MATTERS (19.28)
Mrs. Figone noted that the street tree lights would be on tonight for the Holiday Season.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Decker closed this evening's meeting at 10:03 p.m.
ATTEST
Marian V. Cosgrove
Town Clerk
N:\CLK1Council Minutes120021M I2-02-02.wpd 5
GATEWAYS DESIGN WORKING GRO
APPLICATION
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY AND RETURN BY JUNE 1
2003 TO:
Marty Woodworth
Redevelopment Manager
Town of Los Gatos
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, CA 95031
e-mail: mwoodworth(iritown.los-gatos.ca.us
fax: (408) 354-7593
Questions regarding the Working Group can be directed to Marty Woodworth at (408) 354-6812.
Name: N,R2 FA CO
Address: 5-0 1' ri tom/ �PF� i
Phone: Home: i g69 Work:
E-Mail Address: I F t' ' aG, C n, wry
Do . `fi live in the Town of Los Gatos? ye",
Do you work in the Town of Los Gatos?
Please indicate briefly why you would be interested in serving on the Gateways Design Working
Group:
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Page 1 of 2
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