Item 27 Staff Report Leadership Los GatosMEETING DATE: 7/16/01
ITEM NO.
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: July 16, 2001
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA FIGONE, TOWN MANAGE
SUBJECT: LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS
RECOMMENDATION:
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Provide feedback and direction to Town staff regarding the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce's
proposed program outline for the Leadership Los Gatos program.
BACKGROUND:
On Monday, May 7, 2001, the Town Council approved the concept of creating a Leadership Los
Gatos program in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce to expand the Town's leadership
pool. This collaboration would not only encourage the exploration of ideas and exchange of
resources, but it would facilitate the "growth" of future leaders for Los Gatos and the region. The
Town of Los Gatos was considered an ideal candidate for this type of program given its commitment
to incorporating community input into the decision making process, and the Town's existing level
of resident participation. Moreover, the development of such a program would aid the Town's
efforts to fill vacancies for its 23 Commissions/Boards/Committees, and more importantly, it would
provide assistance with the many complex and challenging issues facing the Town, ranging from
parking to land use issues.
DISCUSSION:
Following Town Council direction, Town staff has obtained a proposal from the Los Gatos Chamber
of Commerce which outlines a number of program recommendations. Below is a brief overview of
the Chamber's recommendations, which addresses the program's mission and objectives, structure
PREPARED BY: JENNY HARUYAMA, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST
N:IMGRVHaruyamakStalf Reports\ cadershiptasgatos2.wpd
Reviewed by: Ott Attorney Finance Revised: 7/11/01 10:33 AM
Reformatted: 7/14/99
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TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS
July 16, 2001
and content, candidate requirements, tuition fee, selection process and recruitment issues. The
Chamber anticipates launching the Leadership Los Gatos program in early October 2001.
Candidates would be required to apply by mid September 2001.
Program Mission and Objectives. The mission of Leadership Los Gatos is to provide current and
future leaders of Los Gatos with knowledge and information regarding local government and an
opportunity to acquire leadership skills that will enable them to participate more fully in the
community. The objectives of Leadership Los Gatos include familiarizing participants with local
government as well as other public and non-profit agencies in the community; exploring a wide
spectrum of community needs and concerns; teaching public policy decision making processes; and
building leadership and communication skills in preparation for commission, committee, board,
and/or council positions.
Program Structure and Content. The 2001 Leadership Los Gatos program would consist of 10
one-half day sessions and include presentations and discussion topics such as:
• Introduction to Town Government
• Community Tour
• Business and Industry
• Effective Communication
• Public Education
• Public Safety
Public Infrastructure
Ethical Decision -Making
• Media Relations
• Regional Government
Program Participant Requirements. Participants would be required to attend at least one Town
Council meeting in its entirety, participate in a police ride -a -long and complete at least one outside
reading assignment on the subject of leadership. Optional opportunities for participants may include
attending a Town Commission, Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors or other public
or non-profit board/agency meeting. Participants may also volunteer for a Town or Chamber
sponsored event.
Candidate Requirements. Candidates must be a resident or property owner in Los Gatos, or work
in the Town of Los Gatos. Candidates must complete an Leadership Los Gatos application and
provide supplemental information regarding their current employment, community involvement and
interest in Leadership Los Gatos.
Candidate Selection Process. It is recommended that a Candidate Selection Committee be formed
to evaluate, interview and select potential program participants. The Leadership Los Gatos Planning
Committee, made up of the Mayor, Town Manager and a Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
representative would identify appropriate Candidate Selection Committee members from different
segments of the community. Given that one of the goals of the program is to develop new leaders
in the community, it is suggested that existing Town Commissioners, Boardmembers and
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TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS
July 16, 2001
Councilmembers be considered ineligible to participate in Leadership Los Gatos.
Tuition Fee. Participants would be asked to pay a tuition fee of $250 for the Leadership Los Gatos
program. The Chamber of Commerce anticipates that will be able to minimize tuition expenses for
participants as program expenses will be covered through sponsorships, donations and fundraising
efforts. The Chamber will also be investigating the possibility of making program scholarships
available to participants who cannot afford the tuition fee.
Program Recruitment. The Chamber of Commerce anticipates that it would begin recruitment for
the Leadership Los Gatos program in August 2001. Ideally, the potential candidates for this new
program will be individuals who have not traditionally been involved in local government, yet
demonstrate an interest in becoming more involved in their community. Efforts will be made to
attract both traditional and non-traditional groups, such as local businesses, churches, parents, non-
profit organizations, schools and seniors. Information concerning the leadership program will be
available to the public at all Town facilities and will be posted on the Town of Los Gatos and Los
Gatos Chamber of Commerce web site. As opportunities arise, the Leadership Los Gatos program
will be announced in Town and Chamber publications, and advertisements may be sought in local
newspapers.
CONCLUSION
Should Town Council approve the Chamber's Leadership Los Gatos proposal, Town staff will
continue to work with the Chamber to further develop and enhance the content of the program, and
assist with any implementation needs. The final detailed program outline will be provided to Town
Council as an information item once complete.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this program has been included in the adopted FY 2001-2003 budget.
Attachment 1: Leadership Los Gatos Program Overview
Distribution:
Town Department Heads
Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
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Leadership Los Gatos
Mission Statement
The mission of Leadership Los Gatos is to develop leaders for the future of our community, to
provide participants with knowledge and information on local government, and to help
participants acquire leadership skills to order to more fully participate in their community.
Leadership Los Gatos is a program sponsored by the Town of Los Gatos in cooperation with the
Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce. This program is for people of all backgrounds and
interests who wish to become more involved in the Los Gatos community.
Objectives
Leadership Los Gatos will:
• Familiarize participants with local government and other institutions and organizations in the
community
• Introduce participants to a wide spectrum of community needs and concerns
• Teach participants about the process for public policy decision -making
• Build leadership and communication skills
• Prepare participants for positions on Town commissions and committees, neighborhood
associations, school boards, nonprofit organization boards, Town Council, and other leadership
roles in the community
At the conclusion of Leadership Los Gatos, participants will:
• Understand how Town government operates
• Understand how various institutions and formal and informal organizations interrelate in Los
Gatos and the region
• Have added to their leadership and communication skill set
• Expanded their connections with other people in the community
• Be more confident and informed participants in community life
• Be ready to assume leadership roles within the Town
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ATTACHMENT 1
Leadership Los Gatos
To engage, educate and develop Los Gatos citizens
for leadership roles in the community
Session 1
ORIENTATION
October
Opening Reception
Welcome by Mayor, Council
members, Town Manager
Goals and overview of the
program
Keynote address on "What is
Leadership"
Novitiate Winery
Session 2
INTRODUCTION TO TOWN
GOVERNMENT
October
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Part 1: History of Los Gatos
(l hr)
Part 2: Tour of Town Hall and
overview of Town government
(3 hrs.)
Presentation by Town Mayor
and/or Town Manager and
department heads
Role of council and staff
Review of commissions
Town Hall
Session 3
COMMUNITY TOUR
November
8 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Part 1: Tour of Community
Hospital (1.5 hrs)
Part 2: Tour of Los Gatos --
neighborhoods, boundaries,
museums and parks (3 hrs
including box lunch at last park)
Community Hospital
Bus and park picnic areas
Session 4
& INDUSTRY
Friday, December 6
1:30-5:30 p.m.
BUSINESS
Part 1: Business and economic
development
Contribution of business to
General Fund
Tollhouse Hotel
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Economic development in Los
Gatos
Review of retail areas and large
businesses in Los Gatos
Part 2: Tree lighting ceremony
and downtown open house
Plaza Park
Session 5
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
January _
8 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Getting involved in the
community
Review of the grassroots process
How to apply for a commission
or be appointed to a non-profit
Board
Presentation and communication
skills workshop
La Rinconada
Session 6
EDUCATION
February
8 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Key issues and challenges facing
leaders of:
K-8 public schools
9-12 public schools
School
Session 7
PUBLIC SAFETY
March
time tbd
Tour of Police Department and
Fire Station
Presentations by Police
Department and Fire Station
Leaders
911 Overview
Police Dept. and Fire Station
Session 8
INFRASTRUCTURE
April
8 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Learning about infrastructure of
a community — solid waste,
water, sewer (including visits to
recycling sort line, landfill, water
treatment plant)
Public Works — Miles Ave.
+ Bus trip
Session 9
TWO ISSUES OF
LEADERSHIP
May
8 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Part 1: Working with the media
(2 hours)
How to use it, what is "news"
and how to get your info in the
paper
Writing news releases & PSAs
Location tbd
(possibly includes tour)
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How to become a media contact
How to be an informed citizen
Part 2: Ethical decision -making
(2 hours)
Session 10
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT
June
8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Part 1: Presentation on regional
government (county, Bay Area„
state)
Part 2: Graduation ceremony and
luncheon
History Club
Additional Required Assignments:
• Attend minimum of one Town Council meeting, start to finish
• Participate in a police ride -along
• Complete at least one outside reading assignment on the subject of leadership (bibliography
will be provided)
Additional Optional Opportunities:
• Attend a meeting of at least one Town commission (a schedule will be provided)
• Attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce
• Volunteer for a Town or Chamber sponsored event
Participant Requirements
1. Participants must be a resident or property owner in Los Gatos, or work in a Los Gatos
business.
2. Attend a minimum of 8 of the 10 sessions
3. Complete some or all of the out -of -class activities including optional reading assignments on
leadership and/or participation in other leadership training programs
4. Actively participate in class sessions
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Participants who meet these requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion from the
Town of Los Gatos, special acknowledgement at the graduation ceremony and in a news release
sent to local media, a graduation gift, recognition in the Chamber of Commerce and Town -
published newsletters.
Tuition Fees
Participants pay a tuition fee of $250 for this 10-session program. Many employers will often
sponsor their employees in this community development program. Scholarships are also
available.
Information & Applications
To obtain an application, contact:
Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
349 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408-354-9300
www.losgatosweb.com
For more information, contact program coordinators:
Phil Johnson at 408-355-6050
or Diane McNutt at 408-354-1242
phil@infogain.com mcnuttco @aol.com
Leadership Los Gatos
Application for 2001-02 Program Deadline is Sept. 14, 2001
Name
Address
City CA
zip code
Daytime Phone
Evening Phone
6/30/01 draft • page 5
Email Address
WORK INFORMATION
Position
Employer
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Please describe your current and past involvement in the Los Gatos community.
Why are you interested in Leadership Los Gatos?
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Town Council Minutes July 16, 2001
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
LEADERSHIP LOS GATOS (27.28)
Mayor Pirzynski announced that this was the time and place so noted for Council to consider report and
comments regarding the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce's proposed program outline for the
Leadership Los Gatos Program.
Speakers:
Diane McNutt spoke of being eager to move ahead with the program. She has spent time with the staff
and is anticipating distributing the brochures. The mission is to involve more people in their
community. There are many avenues for participants to explore and they will be working with a diverse
group of people.
Mr. Glickman asked that the start up date be changed from September 14`h to October 14th since school
based organizations do not begin until later. He also suggested that the start date could be September
14th and the close date October 14`h so that schools could at least have the opportunity to participate.
Mrs. Decker believes the program is too aggressive and that the fee for the course will cause a backlash
She asked that more thought be put into the plan and wait to implement in the spring.
Diane McNutt noted that the cost only covered the basics and this is very inexpensive for a leadership
program. There is a scholarship program and she feels comfortable starting now or next year.
Mr. Pirzynski looks forward to filling the seats on the Town's Boards and Commissions.
Mr. Blanton feels that the program will be extremely valuable to the Town.
Mr. Attaway believes the concept will work and be a benefit for all organizations throughout the Town.
Mike Abkin believes the program is needed throughout the community and wants to see it succeed.
Ray Davis, resident, thinks that the Chamber is a public enemy and will fill the openings with real
estate agents and developers.
COUNCIL MATTERS (28.28)
Mayor Pirzynski announced that this was the time and place so noted for Council to consider concept
of a Los Gatos Film Festival community event.
Manager Figone spoke of the concept of having a partnership hosting of a Los Gatos Film Festival for
the community. The timing could be early fall or in the spring when the weather is guaranteed to be
nice for an outdoor showing of family orientated films in Oak Meadow Park. Over the weekend there
would be showings of free films in the theater. The Town might fund some sponsorship of the event
after review by the Attorney but in any event the Town must stay engaged with the project to further
this community event along.
Mrs. Decker suggested the new amphitheater at Old Town as a potential site for this event. She noted
that the Town has already planned for Montalvo and Shakespeare events at Oak Meadow and that this
event in the spring might flow easily with the others at that location. She also noted that Academy
Award winner Dan Jinks, for American Beauty, is returning to Town for his High School reunion and
this might be an opportunity to tap his resources for this event.
Mr. Attaway asked that this be developed slowly and carefully getting input from commissions, and
thinking it through so that it will become a success within the confines of our Town.
Mr. Pirzynski and Mr. Blanton supported a high quality event and suggested that spring time would
be better that fall in order to develop a good program.
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