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Addendum.Item #1 - Strategic Priorities Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov TOWN OF LOS GATOS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: 01/24/2023 ITEM NO: 1 ADDENDUM DATE: January 23, 2023 TO: Mayor and Town Council FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager SUBJECT: Affirm and/or Refine Existing Strategic Priorities and Determine the Priorities for New Ordinances. RECOMMENDATION: Attachment 5 contains Council Member comments and Attachment 6 contains public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2023. Attachments received with the Staff Report: 1. 2022-2024 Strategic Priorities 2. Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Implementation Programs 2020-2025, Annual, and Ongoing 3. Ordinance List 4. Public Comments received prior to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 Attachments received with this Addendum: 5. Council Member Comments 6. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2023 This Page Intentionally Left Blank From: Rob Moore <RMoore@losgatosca.gov> Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:25 PM To: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Wendy Wood <WWood@losgatosca.gov>; Janette Judd <jjudd@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Strategic Priorities Addendum Hi Laurel, Please correct me if any of this is not the correct procedure. I would like to include the two attached documents as an addendum to for Tuesday’s Strategic Priority Special Meeting. The first is a document outlining my proposed refinements as well as direction on existing strategic priorities. The second is a scan of my mark up of the 2022-2024 Strategic Priorities to make my proposed changes as clear as possible. Thank you very much! Take care, Rob Rob Moore Councilmember, Los Gatos Town Council ATTACHMENT 5 Strategic Priorities Refinements Addendum Proposed by Rob Moore Language changes:  Change “Transportation Demand Management” to: o “Traffic Calming”  Change “Community Where Older Adults Thrive & Senior Road Map” to: o “Community Where Older Adults Thrive & Support Implementation of Senior Road Map”  Change “Affordable Housing” to: o “Affordable Housing Partnerships/ Homeless Support”  Delete “Semi-Permanent Parklets”  Delete “Dittos Lane Affordable Housing”  Delete “Objective Standards” Refinements/ Direction Below is additional elaboration/ direction on existing strategic priorities and on proposed refinements:  Traffic Calming o The reason for this change is to move the emphasis from traffic demand management closer to the idea of “complete streets.” This better aligns our strategic priorities with the 2040 General Plan (ex. Complete Streets and Reduce Vehicle Speeds as outlined in 5.3 MOB-4) and addresses growing community concerns related to traffic safety. o Given the recent traffic fatality on Blossom Hill Road and other concerns with speeding throughout all areas of Los Gatos, the Town should be investing in traffic calming efforts. These could include roads diets, slow streets, and/ or greater enforcement.  Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements o Among other important Bike and Ped improvements, staff should seek out improvements and upgrades to streetlight and sidewalk infrastructure, especially in historically underinvested parts of the town. Neighborhoods in Los Gatos that were annexed relatively recently from Santa Clara County often have no sidewalks and few streetlights, despite having just as much need for these important safety features.  Sell or Lease Certain Town Properties o The Town should be very intentional when it comes to the use of Town-owned properties. The Town owns few properties and a significant portion of land in Los Gatos has been built on. o As such, the Town should explore options and partnerships for using the parcel of Town-owned land located at 224 W. Main for affordable housing. The facilitation and creation of affordable housing is a major goal of our draft Housing Element and our 2040 General Plan as a whole. Space is often the greatest constraint, so Town-owned property should be seriously considered for use as affordable housing.  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts: o Town staff are currently working hard to complete a town Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan which should be finished in Summer 2023, as identified in the staff report. Completion of this report, then implementation of tangible actions, should be a top DEI priority. o These actions include those already identified in the 2040 General Plan like the creation of a Social and Racial Justice Commission and in-person diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings for staff and Council.  Community Where Older Adults Thrive and Support Implementation of Senior Road Map: o First, the grammar and verbiage in this bullet is a little confusing. I’d be interested to hear from other Councilmembers who have been intimately involved with senior issues what changes to this language make the most sense. o With the Senior Road Map nearing completion, the emphasis on this item should be shifted to support the actions identified in the completed report. o Additionally, the Town should continue to explore ways to empower existing senior service providers and ensure the highest level of care and services for our older adults in Los Gatos.  Affordable Housing Partnerships/ Homeless Support o This language change will help clarify Council’s intentions when it comes to affordable housing and supporting disadvantaged community members. o The creation of affordable housing is an important priority for many groups and community members including the Los Gatos Community Alliance, the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition, and local faith groups. As such, Town staff should proactively reach out to various organizations in the community like nonprofit housing developers, housing advocacy groups, philanthropic housing funders, and the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing to create partnerships in order to facilitate affordable housing development in Los Gatos. o The Town should also explore options to provide greater support to our residents who are experiencing homelessness. As of now, there are few options and resources provided by the Town to help these vulnerable community members. The Los Gatos faith community is interested in being a partner to accomplish this, as are local nonprofits who experts at supporting those experiencing homelessness. Town staff should explore housing options (both permanent housing and temporary housing, such as an extreme weather shelter) as well as best practices for providing services under serious resource constraints. Other direction:  Empowering commissions: o Once we get to budget setting, I would like to devote a few thousand dollars to each “project oriented” commission. This will give them a greater ability to work on the projects they have identified as important for the year. We have already allocated $1,500 per year for this purpose to the Arts and Culture Commission. This should be expanded to include commissions like Complete Streets, Parks, etc. This Page Intentionally Left Blank ATTACHMENT 6 From: Jan English-Lueck Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 11:30 AM To: Town Manager <Manager@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Maria Ristow <MRistow@losgatosca.gov>; Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>; Matthew Hudes <MHudes@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Moore <RMoore@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Rennie <RRennie@losgatosca.gov>; Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>; Arn Andrews <aandrews@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Advocating a shift in financing NUMU through reduced rent EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council The Honorable Mayor Ristow, Vice Mayor Badame, and Council Members Hudes, Moore, and Rennie 110 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95030 January 20, 2023 Dear Mayor Ristow, Vice Mayor Badame, and Council Members Hudes, Moore, and Rennie, I am a faculty member at San Jose State University, an anthropologist of Silicon Valley, and a longtime collaborator with New Museum Los Gatos, NUMU. My colleagues, such as the late Pat Dunning, and I have worked with the Forbes Mill History Museum of Los Gatos since the early 2000s. As you know their collections moved to NUMU. In 2017, I worked with them on the exhibit Cement Prairie, capturing the stories of Native American relocated to the Bay Area. I am working with them now on their collaboration with the Muwekma Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area and Mosaic America. I am writing today to encourage you to treat NUMU | New Museum Los Gatos as an integral part of its strategic priorities by removing rent payments from NUMU’s lease with the Town of Los Gatos. The institution is a vital part of the region’s ecosystem of museums. They are a leader in museum studies and they amplify the voices of artists not usually recognized. They take the time to learn about the communities with which they work, such as our region’s Native Americans. I have watched them mentor dozens of San Jose State University students over the years, and hope they will be in a strong position to mentor them in the future. I’m aware that NUMU is asking the Town to reduce rent for 106 E. Main Street to $1 per year to support NUMU’s ongoing responsibility to maintain and steward the Town of Los Gatos’ history collection and provide art, history, and cultural educational services to the Los Gatos community. What would Los Gatos be without NUMU? I fully support this arrangement and hope that the Town can financially prioritize NUMU for years to come. Thank you, Dr. Jan English-Lueck Anthropology Department San Jose State University -- Dr. Jan English-Lueck (she, her, hers) Author, Cultures@SiliconValley 2nd edition Professor of Anthropology San Jose State University San Jose CA 95192-0113 (email to arrange phone or Zoom calls) From: jaimin desai Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 2:37 PM To: Council <Council@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [Strategic Priorities] BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5th grade). Over the years there have been many serious accidents on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023-2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable in more life-changing accidents. Thank you. Jaimin Ketan Desai From:Cindy Walker To:Town Manager Subject:Town Traffic Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:35:31 AM EXTERNAL SENDER 1. Enforce sound ordinance for vehicles. Too many modifications to muffler systems w sports cars racing around town making loud and disturbing sounds. 2. More crosswalks on Arterial Streets and Speed Flashing Light monitors. 3. Reduce speed limits around town to 30mph and 25mph within a mile of schools. 4. 25mph around curves. On all Arterial Streets. Cheers, Cindy ‍♀ Sent from my iPhone From:Sweta Desai To:Council Subject:[Strategic Priorities] BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 7:06:29 AM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. We arelocated at the intersection of Westhill Dr and Belgatos road and merging onto Blossom Hill Road from Belgatos Road is nearly our only accessible routine. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributedto an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5thgrade). Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you. Sweta Desai. From:Debbie Sy To:Town Manager Subject:Traffic safety at Harwood Rd. & Belhaven Dr. Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 8:27:55 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Manager at Town of Los Gatos, Thank you for soliciting input from Los Gatos residents about traffic safety in the town. It is wonderful that the town is being proactive in preventing accidents. I live on Belhaven Dr. and find that drivers frequently do not stop at the stop sign when theygo down Harwood Dr. (at the intersection of Harwood Rd. and Belhaven Dr). Even if I am stopped first at the Belhaven stop sign, they don’t always stop when driving down Harwood.One day, my neighbor posted her son at the intersection to tally how many people actually made stops at the intersection. Only about 50% of the drives stopped at the sign! There is also a dip at Harwood which makes it difficult to see how fast a car is movingbecause it creates a blind spot for drivers stopped at the Belhaven stop sign. Combined with people not stopping at the sign, it’s an accident waiting to happen. I would love to see a speed bump at the stop sign on Harwood Dr. for drivers driving downhillat the intersection of Harwood & Belhaven. Please keep the many hikers, cyclists, dog walkers, drivers, and children walking to school in my area safe. Thank you for yourconsideration. Sincerely, Debbie Sy From:steve scurryn To:Town Manager Subject:Traffic Safety observation Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:31:40 AM EXTERNAL SENDER As a VanMeter parent, I’ve always been very concerned with kids (and some adults) bicycling the wrong way down south-bound Los Gatos Blvd. in front of the Old Adobe barbershop in the mornings. As parents in cars are exiting Van Meter after drop-off, they are looking over their left shoulders to look for a break in a traffic & not expecting there to be a child in a bike going the other way in the bike lane. But lots of kids headed to VM and Fisher that live on the West-side of LGB don’t want to take the time to cross LGB. I hope that’s clear — thanks for all you do! Steve Curry From: Patricia Baker Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2023 2:50 PM To: Maria Ristow <MRistow@losgatosca.gov>; Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>; Matthew Hudes <MHudes@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Rennie <RRennie@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Moore <RMoore@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>; aandrews@losgatosca.go Subject: Support for LGS Recreation Proposal for 55 Plus Programming and Services EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Mayor Ristow and Council Members, As a member of the 55Plus group I am requesting your support of the LGS Recreation 55 Plus Program and therefore the seniors of Los Gatos in the upcoming budget cycle. While I understand our town faces many challenges and claims on its resources. Please consider financially supporting the 55 Plus program. I have appreciated the support I have received from the 55 Plus Program. It is the go to resource for services and programs for my age group. Sincerely, Patricia Baker From: Patricia Baker Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2023 3:07 PM To: Maria Ristow <MRistow@losgatosca.gov>; Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>; Matthew Hudes <MHudes@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Rennie <RRennie@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Moore <RMoore@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>; aandrews@losgatos.gov Subject: RE: Support for Designating an Overnight Warming Center in Los Gatos for Homeless EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Mayor and Town Council, While rarely in the front lines of service to the homeless, I have over the years supported those who do work directly with the homeless in Los Gatos. I have been impressed with the resources available from our faith communities to assist those in need as well as with members of the Los Gatos police who work in this area. As the new budget process gets into full gear, please prioritize our homeless residents. Specifically, designation an overnight warming center is critical in the winter months. Thank you. Sincerely, Patricia Baker From:Debbie Sy To:Council Subject:[Strategic Priorities] BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 3:39:21 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributedto an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5thgrade). Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you. Debbie Sy From:Erica Engin To:Council Subject:Strategic Priority - BHR- Help us keep our community safe Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 4:41:03 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5th grade). Our children cross Blossom at Harwood and Leigh to attend local schools. There have been efforts to address Blossom traffic near the Blossom Hill elementary and we would like to see the same consideration for our growing family filled community. Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023-2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable in more life-changing accidents. Thank you Erica Engin Sent from my iPhone From:Sriram Narayanan To:Council Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:02:48 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard totraffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, butalso for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5th grade). Over the years there have been many serious accidents on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road,in particular, the stretch between the intersections of Leigh Ave and Harwood Rd. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you. Sincerely, Sriram Narayanan Resident of Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood From:Sriram Narayanan To:Council Subject:Los Gatos resident: Road safety on Blossom Hill Road Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:05:40 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Resending with the subject line this time... Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard totraffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, butalso for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5th grade). Over the years there have been many serious accidents on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road,in particular, the stretch between the intersections of Leigh Ave and Harwood Rd. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you. Sincerely, Sriram Narayanan Resident of Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood Download full resolution images Available until Feb 20, 2023 From:Blake To:Town Manager Subject:[Traffic Safety] Belwood-Belgatos Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:17:10 PM Attachments:PastedGraphic-1.png EXTERNAL SENDER Town Manager Prevetti, Thank you for reaching out to the town citizens for input on traffic safety. In addition to the traffic safety issues along Blossom Hill Road that were highlighted previously in the Verbal Comment time of the 1/17 Town Council meeting, I do have fiveobservations for my immediate neighborhood I thought would share for your visibility. 1. Excessive speed along Belgatos Rd. This is a 0.3 mile stretch of uninterrupted straight road without stop signs or any speed mitigation. The northbound direction is also adownhill slope (-3%) On weekdays most of the traffic is going to and from Mulberry School by parents dropping their kids off as part of their commute. On weekends wehave many visitors to the park (see item 5). 2. J-walking. The location of crosswalks (Leigh and Harwood) is simply not convenientfor school kids or pedestrians traveling to our park. The existing traffic pattern on BHR lends itself to an increase in J-walking.3. Crosswalks at the corner of Belgatos & Belvue are almost always overlooked by motorists. Relating to item (1) above, cars are also typically traveling above the speedlimit. I live here at the corner of this intersection and make this frequent observation. 4. The stop sign at Belwood Gateway and Harwood is frequently ignored, especially bymotorists on Harwood — and particularly by those traveling downhill in the northbound direction.5. Parking at the Belgatos park is limited. My observation is that the park became more popular during the pandemic. As such, parking always spills out onto the surroundingstreets on weekends. Parking capacity is maybe only ~35% of peak demand. The PDF attached contains information on the five items discussed above, as well as the previously-communicated item regarding Blossom Hill Road. Thank you for your concern! Best,Blake Thornberry Jan. 21st, 2023 Traffic Safety Observations Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood Los Gatos, CA Belwood-Belgatos Traffic | Additional Observations Mulberry School & Playground Belgatos Park & Playground My Home, 199 Belvue Excessive speed very common. 0.3 mile stretch straight stretch (-3% grade) of residential road without a stop sign. Lots of traffic connecting to Belgatos Park and Mulberry School. 1 2 3 4 5 1 J-walking. School kids crossing to/from School (Leigh, Noddin, Union). Hikers and recreational users of the Belgatos Park 2 Disregard for cross-walks. Cars driving fast up and down the street often disregard cross-walks, imperiling pedestrians. 3 Running of stop sign. Cars in the North-South direction frequently run the stop sign. Cars traveling northbound are coming down a hill and usually at high speed. 4 Limited parking. The park has become more popular of the years and weekend traffic almost always spills out onto surrounding streets. 5 Traffic Safety with regard to the Belwood-Belgatos interface w/ Blossom Hill Road has been shared previously and is not included here. Belgatos-Belwood Traffic | Additional Observations Excessive speed very common. 0.3 mile stretch straight stretch (-3% grade) of residential road without a stop sign. Lots of traffic connecting to Belgatos Park and Mulberry School. 1 1 •Four primary access points from the neighborhood to BHR: (1) Westhill, (2) Belgatos, (3) Belwood Gateway, & (4) Harwood •Three-of-four access points have zero traffic controls against BHR traffic, affecting the majority of the neighborhood •BHR is a 4-lane cross-traffic road with no turning lane or demarcated shoulder for bikes / parking •Only the Harwood point of access has stoplight controls, but it not convenient for the majority of the neighborhood (1) Westhill •No BHR traffic controls •4-lane cross traffic •No BHR turn lane •No BHR bike lane or demarcated shoulder (2) Belgatos •No BHR traffic controls •4-lane cross traffic •No BHR turn lane •No BHR bike lane or demarcated shoulder (3) Belwood Gateway •No BHR traffic controls •4-lane cross traffic •No BHR turn lane •No BHR bike lane or demarcated shoulder (4) Harwood •Stoplight traffic controls •4-lane cross traffic •Yielded left turn onto BHR •No BHR bike lane or demarcated shoulder BHR & Belwood Traffic Safety | Traffic Flow Westhill Mulberry School & Playground Belgatos Park & Playground Belgatos Belwood Gtwy Harwood 1 2 Excess Speed •two lanes of traffic lends itself to higher rates of speed and aggressive passing behavior from motorists Cross Traffic •two lanes of traffic in both directions leads to task saturation in the motorists turning onto BHR •complexity of light traffic increases 3 No Turning Lane •(A) There is no turning lane to aid motorists in making a left turn on to BHR •(B) Motorists taking a left from BHR to Belgatos risk being rear-ended 4 Limited Line-of-Sight •vegetation and parked cars obstruct view of oncoming traffic from the left. •concurrent left/right turning (two cars turning at once) limits visibility for both cars 1 4 3A 5 23B 5 Poor or Non-existent Shoulder Markings •Bicyclists face multiple hazards: Navigating parked cars without being struck from behind Impulsive drivers turning from Belgatos who are trying to execute a stressful turn BHR & Belwood Traffic Safety | Safety Hazards From:Diane Michaelis To:Council Subject:Blossom Hill Rd. - Belgatos Rd. Traffic safety Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:18:15 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Los Gatos Town Council, As a resident of the Belwood-Belgatos neighborhood, I strongly support making traffic safety on Blossom Hill Rd at Belgatos Rd a strategic priority. Entering and exiting Belgatos Rd from or onto Blossom Hill Rd is extremely dangerous and as recently witnessed, deadly. Please consider improving traffic safety in our town for us, the residents, as well as for the families dropping off and picking up their young children at the school and for the families visiting Belgatos Park. Thank you for your help. Diane Michaelis From:Jamie Butcher To:Council Subject:Blossom Hill/Belgatos Safety Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 5:21:57 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Los Gatos Town Council, My name is Jamie Butcher and I am a member of the Los Gatos Community, a mother of 3 school aged children, and the parent coordinator for traffic and safety at Noddin Elementary School in the Union School District. I am writing to express my concern with the regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along this particular section of Blossom Hill Road is sadly not new since the deadly accident a few Sundays ago. The speeding has long presented an elevated risk of serious injury and death and is in need of your immediate attention. In the past couple of years there have been lengthy conversations of how to keep our students and families in the Belwood-Belgatos neighborhood safe, especially since returning to in-person school back in the 2021-2022 school year. Aside from the concern for the Blossom Hill/Harwood intersection, the amount of speeding and red-light running that occurs on a daily bases from Leigh to Harwood is out of control. At the beginning of year, I spoke to Police Sergeant Greg Borromeo and discussed some options for traffic safety. We were able to get two crossing guards and a change in our light at Harwood and Blossom Hill to help aid the students walking/biking to school and every once in awhile had LGPD ticketing. However, that does not help with the speeding that occurs and the families that drive, kids that bike, or students that walk to school from other exits of the neighborhood. In addition, the amount of traffic we have coming from Mulberry School, Bright Horizons preschool and our beautiful Belgatos Park and trails adds to the need of additional traffic safety. I have come to realize that I just will not risk turning left from Belgatos Road onto Blossom Hill. Families have instructed their teenagers to not make that left. How can we change that to make this safer for the drivers, our children, our bikers so we do not have another devastating injury or death in our community? Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life will continue to be the daily norm. Please help make traffic improvements on Blossom Hill Road a strategic priority. Thank you, Jamie Butcher Belhaven Drive From:Kat To:Town Manager Subject:Main Street @ College Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 9:30:36 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Hello, I live at E Main St in town for over 10 years now. I am writing in hopes that someone will actually do something about the dangerous intersection at the corner of Main Street andCollege Ave. Those of us that live at E Main St park behind the building and the alleyway is our access. This is a 4 way stop but most people don’t realize it because it is so poorlymarked. It’s always been an issue but since the parklets were installed it is seriously dangerous. I have almost been hit over a dozen times, leaving and turning into the alleyway.The best part is also having people look at me like I’m doing something wrong just trying to get to my home, it is not a pleasant experience. Is it possible to have the sign be in the centerof the intersection instead off to the side where no one can see it? I would really appreciate it if someone could look into a safer solution for all of us. Thank you. Kari Trevino -- Warm regards, Kat's Flower Affair KARI ANNE TREVINO (KAT) FLORAL DESIGN / OWNER DESIGNER LOS GATOS, CA From:Linda Higgins To:Council Cc:Mark ICE Husband Higgins Subject:Belgatos Traffic Date:Saturday, January 21, 2023 11:34:23 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos Belwood community,We are writing to express our fears inregard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. We have lived in Belwood for 36 years and the number of times we have left via BelgatosRoad and/or Belwood Gateway to Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for familiesvisiting Belgatos park and the many who attend the former Mulberry school on Belgatos Rd. Over the years there have been many serious accidents on Blossom Hill Road between Union and Camden. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred at Belgatos and Blossom Hill Road onJanuary 8th is just the latest. The death of a beautiful 19 year old young man is beyond tragic. This needs to stop. It could have been any one of us who live in our beautiful Belwoodneighborhood or our families or friends who visit. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood- Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. What will it taketo either put a traffic light, stop sign or speed bumps on this section of Blossom Hill road? Between the speed of drivers and the side shows that occur, something needs to change. Please make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a priority. The time taken toimplement these improvements will sadly be measurable in more life-changing accidents. You are the change agents, so please make this right. Thank you. Linda and Mark Higgins From:m.rhine To:Town Manager Subject:Traffic and Safety Observations Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 8:05:36 AM EXTERNAL SENDER Hello, As a resident of Los Gatos for over 30 years, my biggest traffic concern is the safety of exiting Belgatos Road onto Blossom Hill Road. The recent fatality confirmed the danger of this intersection. Another intersection which I repeatedly see people UN-intentionally running red lights, iswhere Oka Road meets Lark Avenue. Drivers on Lark, coming east, don't stop. It's super scary coming out of Oka Road and seeing drivers unknowingly (?) drive right thruthe intersection, when they have a red light. I've seen this many times; they aren't trying to be sneaky or run the red light, they just drive-through. Thank you, Molly Rhine Los Gatos Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device From: Yanowsky, Mark Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 10:42 AM To: Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>; Matthew Hudes <MHudes@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Moore <RMoore@losgatosca.gov>; Rob Rennie <RRennie@losgatosca.gov>; Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>; Arn Andrews <aandrews@losgatosca.gov>; Maria Ristow <MRistow@losgatosca.gov>; Council <Council@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Michèle Jubilee Subject: letter of support for NUMU EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council The Honorable Mayor Ristow, Vice Mayor Badame, and Council Members Hudes, Moore, and Rennie 110 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95030 January 22, 2023 Dear Mayor Ristow, Vice Mayor Badame, and Council Members Hudes, Moore, and Rennie, As a Los Gatos HIgh School art teacher for 2 years, I am writing today to encourage you to treat NUMU (New Museum Los Gatos) as an integral part of its strategic priorities by removing rent payments from NUMU’s lease with the Town of Los Gatos. I’ve been a teacher for 29 years, and when I arrived at LGHS I was pretty overwhelmed by the amount and depth of art culture here in Los Gatos. This is a vibrant community, and the amount that art is celebrated here is special. It’s a draw for the town. A highlight of my first year teaching here was my experience with NUMU’s youth art program called ArtNow. The amount of esteem my students felt in NUMU’s commitment to celebrating them as artists and their hard work was powerful. NUMU creates an event that truly treats the students like the real artists they are. The amount of detailed and nuanced planning in their approach to teen artists is like nothing I’ve seen. It is a treasure the town of Los Gatos can be proud of and support financially with enthusiasm. The impact on students is very powerful. I would love to see this continue into the future. I’m aware that NUMU is asking the Town to reduce rent for 106 E. Main Street to $1 per year to support NUMU’s ongoing responsibility to maintain and steward the Town of Los Gatos’ history collection and provide art, history, and cultural educational services to the Los Gatos community. I fully support this arrangement, and hope that the Town can financially prioritize NUMU for years to come. Thank you, Mark -- Mark Yanowsky Art Teacher Art 2,3,4 Graphic Design 1 From:Jessica Ertell To:Council Subject:Blossom Hill Rd. Traffic Concern Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 10:47:22 AM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, I am a resident of the Belwood community and would like to express my trafficconcerns on Blossom Hill Rd. The tragic accident that recently happend a couple ofweeks ago really impacted our community. Now leaving the community, I havesecond thoughts on making the left hand turn on to Blossom Hill, and choose totake a longer route just to have some sort of security by taking the traffic light onHarwood. This road between Union and Camden, is treated as a freeway, withspeeding cars and red light runners. My daughter who is currently at Noddin Elementry, asks when will she get to walk toschool by herself, and because of this street being so unsafe, I can't think of when Iwould feel comfortable. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priorityfor 2023-2025. Thank you. Jessica Ertell From:Sharad Gandhi To:Council Subject:[Strategic Priorities] BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:03:25 AM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributedto an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5thgrade). Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and theBelwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023-2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly bemeasurable in more life-changing accidents. Thank you. Sharad Gandhi From:Sriram Narayanan To:Town Manager Subject:Traffic safety: strategic priority -- Blossom Hill Road (Belwood/Belgatos neighborhood) Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:09:50 AM Attachments:BHR - Improvement - Narrow right lane.pdf BHR - Improvement - Add turn lane.pdf BHR - Improvement - Post Speed Radars.pdf EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Town Council Manager, As a long term resident of the Belwood neighborhood, I'm deeply concerned about the lack oftraffic controls on Blossom hill road between intersections of Leigh Avenue and Harwood Road. Recently, we have seen a rash of serious accidents that have led to loss of life andserious injury. To prevent such incidents from recurring, I have three suggestions for improving road safety on Blossom Hill Road. I've limited my suggestions to those I believeLos Gatos can implement autonomously, and so I've limited them to the Eastbound section of Blossom Hill Road; as I understand, the Westbound half may fall under SJC jurisdiction, andmay require additional cooperation between the two cities. 1. Paint shoulder lines on the eastbound right hand shoulder. The shoulder line will help aid drivers turning left from the neighborhood onto blossom hill road. The resulting narrower lineswill also help reduce the speeds on BHR by preventing the illusion of it being a wide open highway. Please see attached a diagram of this idea (BHR improvement - narrow right lane). 2. Provide center turn lane to aid drivers turning left into and out of the neighborhood. Seeattached drawing (BHR -- add turn lane). 3. Post speed limit signs WITH radar indicator of "Your Speed". These signs will serve a reminder to the drivers and help reduce speeds on Blossom Hill Road. Please see the drawing(BHR - post speed radars) in attachment. Thank you Sincerely, Dr. Sriram Narayanan Belwood/Los Gatos ResidentConcerned parent 1/22/23, 10:08Google Maps Page 1 of 1https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2361872,-121.9166107,132m/data=!3m1!1e3 Imagery ©2023 Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2023 Google 20 ft Add a turn lane to aid left turns 1/22/23, 09:58Google Maps Page 1 of 1https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2360739,-121.9162622,132m/data=!3m1!1e3 Imagery ©2023 Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2023 Google 20 ft Extend shoulder line to make right line narrower 1/22/23, 11:02Google Maps Page 1 of 1https://www.google.com/maps/@37.2361191,-121.9166301,132m/data=!3m1!1e3 Imagery ©2023 AMBAG, CNES / Airbus, Maxar Technologies, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA/FPAC/GEO, Map data ©2023 100 ft Post speed radars From:Srividya Vemulakonda To:Council Subject:[Strategic Priorities] BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:38:56 AM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, We are new Los Gatos Town residents and Happy to call this home. However, I am writing to express our concern regarding traffic and road safety. We are in the Belwood community and have witnessed speeding and reckless driving onBlossom Hill Road near the Belgatos Community. This neighborhood is home to many families with young children and includes a school(daycare through 5th grade), and a park thatopens up to many hiking trails. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern contributes to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting ourbeautiful park, hiking trails, playground, and school.. We became aware that over the years there have been many serious accidents on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you. Srividya Vemulakonda From:Sue Jamieson To:Council Subject:Blossom Hill Traffic Mitigation Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 12:33:02 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributedto an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5thgrade). Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the daily norm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023- 2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements will sadly be measurable inmore life-changing accidents. Thank you and kind regards, Sue Jamieson Los Gatos CA 95032 From:Liz Linehan To:Council Subject:BHR - Belgatos road safety Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 5:07:33 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community I am writing to express my concern with regard to traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos Neighborhood. The dangerous condition of the traffic pattern along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of serious injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for families visiting our beautiful park, playground, and school (daycare through 5th grade). Over the years there have been many serious accident on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the deadly accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. The main issue that effects me daily are cars parked near the junction BelwoodGateway and Blossom Hill preventing clear visibilty to make a left or right turn. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, risk to life and limb will continue to be the dailynorm. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023-2025. Until then, the time taken to implement these improvements willsadly be measurable in more life-changing accidents. Thank you. Liz Linehan From:Edward Lozowicki To:Clerk Cc:Maria Ristow; Mary Badame; Matthew Hudes; Rob Rennie; Rob Moore Subject:Special Council Meeting, January 24, 2023 Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 8:21:12 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Town Clerk, Please include the below e-mail as a supplement to the Council's Packet for the January 24Special Meeting.Thank you, Ed Lozowicki Dear Council Members, I am writing about the Public Safety component of the Strategic Plan to be discussed at theCouncil’s upcoming Special Meeting. My wife and I have lived in the Town for over 40 years and our children wentto school here. I am a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church. The Society’s mission is tohelp the poor and needy. The Society partners with volunteers at St. Mary’s, United Methodist (UMC), and St.Luke's churches to help the homeless neighbors in the Town. For example UMC volunteers provide showers and St.Vincent de Paul volunteers provides laundry vouchers and cleanliness supplies for them. Several of these homeless neighbors are physically or mentally disabled and struggle to survive. In conversationwith several of these folks at UMC during the storms, I learned they lost their tents, sleeping bags, clothing andother possessions, or had them soaked, in the storms. The impact was exacerbated by the very cold nights weexperienced. When we met these folks were visibly shaken, muddy and shivering. Their health and safety was andis at risk. Where could they go to get warmth and shelter from the storms and cold? There are no warming centers in theTown. The nearest warming centers at Camden Community Center and Seven Trees Community Center were at ornear capacity. I am asking the Council to arrange a day and/or night warming center for these neighbors during severe weatheremergencies. I believe that the churches would partner with the Town to establish a warming center. It should be astrategic priority as a matter of public heath and safety. Sincerely, Ed Lozowicki From:Shelby Roshan To:Council Subject:BHR-Belgatos Traffic Safety Date:Sunday, January 22, 2023 10:44:12 PM EXTERNAL SENDER Dear Los Gatos Town Council, As a member of the Los Gatos community of Belgatos, I am writing to let you know of my concern about traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-BelgatosNeighborhood. The dangerous traffic along Blossom Hill Road has long contributed to an elevated risk of severe injury or death — not just for residents of the neighborhood, but also for familiesvisiting Belgatos park, the playground, and Mulberry school (daycare through 5th grade). Over the years there have been many serious accidents on this stretch of Blossom Hill Road. Sadly, the fatal accident that occurred on January 8th is just the latest. Unless something is done to improve traffic safety along Blossom Hill Road and the Belwood-Belgatos community, there will continue to be even more unfortunate accidents and/ or deaths. The traffic moves much too fast on Blossom Hil and its nearly impossible to turn outof the neighborhood on Belgatos Drive due to cars parked on the main street blocking the view of oncoming traffic. This is dangerous and unforgiving. Please help to make traffic improvement on Blossom Hill Road a Strategic Priority for 2023-2025. Thank you for your support. Shelby Roshan Pejman Roshan , Los Gtatos From:Chris Tanimoto Jr. To:Council; Town Manager Cc: Subject:Another Vehicle Accident Fatality Waiting To Happen On Blossom Hill Road and Belgatos Neighborhood Roads Date:Monday, January 23, 2023 8:04:58 AM Attachments:Town Council Ltr.docx EXTERNAL SENDER To: Town of Los Gatos Council And Town Manager Please refer to the attached letter: Thank you, Chris Tanimoto January 23, 2023 To: Town of Los Gatos Council and Town Manager Re: Another Vehicle Accident Fatality Waiting To Happen On Blossom Hill and the Belgatos Neighborhood Roads Dear Council Members and Town Manager: I am Chris Tanimoto who resides on Westhill Dr. near Leigh Ave. for the past 17 years. Since 2006, I have seen traffic increase dramatically in recent years. From my perspective, the one lane to two lanes on both sides of Blossom Hill Road driving towards Leigh Ave. encourages speeding way over the designated 35 MPH speed limit. This recent fatality is a wake-up call that is waiting to happen, again! I have to admit that there is no simple solution along this stretch of road because it involves the City of San Jose, lack of bicycle lanes, a school zone at Harwood & private grade school on Belgatos Road, businesses, and residences. In addition, the Town is projecting a $10 million plus budget deficit. Having stated the aforementioned, there are two proposals that I would like to present that could be cost effective, and could have an immediate impact as follows: Speed Limit Signage: Paint a 35 Mile Speed Limit on the pavement where the one lane becomes two lanes on both sides of Blossom Hill Road and also place a flashing 35 MPH Speed Limit Sign on both sides of Blossom Hill Road(Los Gatos jurisdiction). Please note that currently there is no signage of any type in this location and also there is only one Flashing 35 MPH Speed Limit sign just before Belgatos Road. Further down where the businesses are located, there is a 25 MPH Non-Flashing sign indicating a school zone only when children are present to Harwood Road. After Harwood Road, it becomes the City of San Jose jurisdiction. There needs to be an updated analysis to determine what type of signage will help reduce the speeding and at the very least, on the Los Gatos side of the road. Of course, it would be appreciated if the City of San Jose would do the same. Page Two: No Parking Vehicles Over 6 Ft. High: Instead of pursuing “red curb” restrictions to assist those drivers making a left turn out of Belgatos; this ordinance would still allow residents to park vehicles under the height limitation; which is better than restricting all vehicles. Enforcement will not be available so the residents will have to report violations, similar to the Leaf Blower Ordinance. I acknowledge that this proposal may be more than simple; however, it deserves being addressed now rather than later. Thank you, Chris Tanimoto