Item 16 Staff Report Consider Report on Community Forums on Town's Financial FutureDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
COUNCIL AGENDA
DATE: 10/17/94
ITEM NO. /(p
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
October 11, 1994
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN MANAGER
CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Accept Report on Community Forums
2. Open Public Hearing and receive input
3. Close the Public Hearing
4. Direct staff to further investigate and report on November 21, 1994:
a) possible expenditure reductions in overhead or costs for services
b) possible savings by contracting for services
c) utility users' tax on electric, gas or telephone
d) a more focused economic development strategy
e) financing capital projects including a conference center, street repairs, and a new library
f) a more focused lobbying strategy to oppose further State take-aways
BACKGROUND:
Staff presented revenue and expenditure projections through Fiscal Year 1999-2000 at the October 11
and November 8, 1993 financial alternatives study sessions. These projections suggested that reduction
and restructuring produced a relatively stable budget for Fiscal Year 1994-95, but problems will begin to
develop beginning in Fiscal Year 1995-96 and an annual operating deficit of close to $1 million will occur
by Fiscal Year 1999-2000, even assuming commercial development at Highways 85-17. A report
comparing revenues and expenditures of comparable cities was presented by Amy Brown, an intern with
the Town.
Council asked staff to conduct a series of community forums between July and September 1994. The
community forums, conducted at various locations, would provide the public an opportunity to learn of
the Tong -term fiscal situation and to develop alternatives. Preparation for the community forums included
the following:
PREPARED BY:
MARK LINDE
Assistant Town Manager
ML:pm
MGRO74 A:\CNCLRPTS\10-17-2
ALISA WADE rr, AMY BROWN
Intern Intern
Reviewed bye' Attorney Clerk""" Finance Treasurer
COUNCIL ACTION/ACTION DIRECTED TO:
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
► Developing a presentation outlining the financial projections, the reasons for the revenue -
expenditure gap, actions taken to date, comparisons with other communities, future alternatives
► Developing a reader survey on possible expenditure cuts for publication in the Los Gatos Weekly
Times
Conducting a review of Town presentation by three focus groups of community leaders
representing diverse interests within the community
Adjusting presentation based on focus group recommendations
Recruiting community volunteers to serve as small group facilitators in the community forums
Completing studies of the State's fiscal future and expenditure reduction options
Other actions taken before the initial community forum included:
Selecting sites and dates to assure varied geographic locations and times. The dates and times
chosen were:
Monday, July 11, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Jewish Community Center
Saturday, July 23, 2 - 4 pm - St. Mary's Catholic Church
Thursday, September 15, 7:30-9:30 pm - Leigh High School
Saturday. September 24, 2 - 4 p.m. - Rolling Hills Middle School
► Council decided to not participate in the forums so as to not influence citizen responses
Changes were made following the first two forums. An invitation was mailed to all registered voters. A
press release was distributed to local print, radio and television media. Two new forums were added.
One was held for Town employees and a second for the downtown businesses. In addition, a special
presentation was made to the Library Board.
All the forums followed the same agenda. Following introduction of all participants, the Town Manager
presented dreams and financial realities for the Town. A question and answer period followed the
presentation. Participants then broke into groups of ten. These groups, facilitated by volunteers,
discussed the dreams, possible expenditure cuts and possible revenues. Next, group recommendations
were presented to all participants and recorded on a flip chart.
Ten community volunteers helped facilitate the small group discussions. They were John Snelham, April
Maiten, Sandy Eddy, Michael Abkin, Vic Collord, Peter Siemens, Leslie Dill, Judy Howell, Dale Hill and
Joe Pirzynsky. All did an excellent job and were invaluable to the success of the process. Two unpaid
interns were also invaluable to the process. Amy Brown, a graduate student at Hayward State prepared
the initial report on revenue options and helped develop the invitation to all registered voters, the survey
published in the Weekly Times and helped at several forums. Alisa Wade, a graduate student at San
Jose State, helped facilitate all of the focus groups and forums. She recorded the information, prepared
summaries of each session and wrote the final summary below. The forums were a success thanks in
great measure to these volunteers.
The community forum process was very successful. Over 220 Los Gatans actively participated. Many
good ideas were presented. The discussion was lively and thoughtful. Staff proposes making
community forums an annual event.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
DISCUSSION:
The presentation on the Town's fiscal future was organized into four categories: dreams, revenue
sources, expenditure reductions, and economic development. Following is a summary of the six forums
and three focus groups.
FOCUS GROUPS
The focus groups served two functions: a trial run of the forum process with advice on how the
presentation could be improved and a response to the alternatives for closing the budget gap. Thirty-
four Town leaders participated in the three focus groups assuring a diversity of community opinion.
While the range of interests represented at these focus groups was diverse, many ideas and
recommendations were similar.
Dreams
Generally, there was a consensus that citizens wanted to maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in Los
Gatos. Los Gatos provides its residents a distinctive community and the Town should build on those
characteristics. Some focus group attendees wanted to create a more intense vision of the "Los Gatos
Village" with arched gateways, increased pedestrian areas, and more cultural events. The remaking of
Old Town into a cultural center was mentioned as well as providing conference facilities. Participants
suggested activities that would further the community feeling in Los Gatos, such as Town picnics and
parades.
Expenditures
Overall, most focus group participants did not look to expenditure cuts to solve fiscal difficulties. There
were only two brief comments regarding possible cuts. The vast majority of the participants felt that the
Town's budget had already been streamlined significantly.
The major issue raised regarding possible expenditure cuts was that the attendees felt that the State of
California was digging too deeply into the Town's pockets. The idea that the State should be lobbied
directly to mend its budget was heard repeatedly. Many felt that lobbying coalitions among neighboring
cities should be strengthened and that citizens should lobby against the ever increasing number of State
mandates.
Related to the idea of decreased expenditures is the idea of increased volunteerism. There were many
suggestions of how to better employ volunteers - volunteer rangers, increased youth volunteerism,
increased volunteer incentives - but there was also the reaffirmation that Los Gatos currently uses many
community volunteers.
Lastly, many were concerned that any increased cuts in maintenance levels would result in increased
expenditures in the long run. Among the focus groups, there was the realization that the longer
preventive maintenance is put off, the higher the cost of repair will be.
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Revenues
There was a greater advocacy of methods to increase revenues than to cut services. Many participants
were concerned with the equity of various forms of taxes and fees. There was some support for higher
user fees. Ideas that were mentioned included larger library fees, especially for nonresidents, playing
field user fees, and increased franchise fees. The only taxes that were specifically mentioned were the
parcel tax and the utility tax. However, there was concern that the parcel tax, which taxes all Tots at the
same rate regardless of value, was inequitable.
Economic Development
Using increased economic development for closing the budgetary gap was the most popular of the
suggested solutions. However, the participants also suggested many caveats in employing this method.
There was consensus that developing the Highway 85 - Highway 17 intersection would provide the Town
a unique opportunity. Los Gatos could create a commercial center that could encourage citizens to buy
locally while providing for increased sales tax revenues to offset the forecasted fiscal shortfall. Yet,
according to the above mentioned dreams, the focus groups felt that it was imperative to protect our
quality of life while developing the area.
There was advocacy of long term planning to assure that the short term fiscal solvency goals are
congruent with the long range environmental and aesthetic goals of the Town. Many discussed the idea
of in -filling the vacant lots left by the auto dealers. There was also support for creating an
"environmentally friendly" auto mall possibly at the 85-17 intersection. Others suggested that bike paths
could be built around the Town to alleviate increased traffic congestion.
Several suggested that the Post Office be moved so that this prime location could be used for
commercial zoning or conference facilities. Many also fancied the idea, as stated in the dreams, of
providing a cultural center for the Town and/or a conference center to draw business into the downtown
area and increase sales tax and transient occupancy tax revenue. There was a consensus that should a
long term project such as building a conference center be undertaken, the plan should be financed so
that the cost would be spread more equitably among those who would enjoy it.
PAGE 5
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
FORUMS
A total of 189 citizens attended the six forums. The following matrix presents a table of the key issues
raised. This matrix only represents a fraction of the issues discussed and is only provided to show the
leading common themes mentioned at the forums. Inclusion in this matrix does not necessarily reflect
either a pro or con stance on the issue. The specifics of the topics raised are discussed below.
Issues
Forum I
(7/11)
Staff Forum
(7/28)
Forum II
(7/23)
Forum III
(9/15)
Forum N
(9/24)
Downtown
Association
Forum
(9/27)
Development of
85/17 Interchange
X
X
X
X
X
Maintain
Aesthetics with
Development
X
X
X
X
X
Utility Tax
X
X
X
X
X
Diversify LG Retail
X
X
X
Maintain QOL
X
X
X
X
Increased Taxes
Over Service
Cuts
X
X
X
Lobby State
X
X
Old Town
X
X
Conference
Facilities
X
X
X
Targeted
Economic
Development
X
X
X
Parking Fees
X
X
X
X
Dreams
The dreams of those participating in the forums ranged from practical to utopian; from increased public
transportation options between Los Gatos, San Jose, and Santa Cruz to covering the freeway downtown
and using the added surface area for a light rail line and a park. The dreams during the forums tended
to be more imaginative than those in the focus groups.
The "dream" that had the most overwhelming consensus was to maintain the pleasant environment and
quality of life fostered by the Los Gatos community. The citizens agreed that they wanted to maintain
the status quo of services that provided enhancements to the Town. Many dreams conjured up images
of reduced auto traffic, increased pedestrian accessibility, or creating a pedestrian plaza as the hub of
activity for downtown.
Connected to the ideals of maintaining the enchantment of Los Gatos, many wished to develop a greater
level of civic pride in the Town. Cultural fairs with sister cities, more movie theaters and cultural events,
restoration of buildings that are in disrepair, and large community gatherings were all discussed.
There were also many references to the Library. At the first two forums, it was suggested that a new
library be built. Two other forums felt that a modified library would be beneficial to the Town; they did
not feel that a new library was needed. Only one forum suggested cutting the level of library service and
this suggestion was met with mixed response.
PAGE 6
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Expenditures
The following three categories of expenditures, revenues, and economic development followed very
closely those opinions expressed in the focus groups. The method of remedying fiscal problems via
service level and expenditure cuts again met with little support. As reflected in the dreams of the
citizens, many felt that the service levels provided in Los Gatos are the basis for our high quality of the
Town. Most of the participants attending the forums felt that they would rather pay increased taxes to
avoid cuts from the current service levels. The participants also felt it was important to remember that
each service provided is not directly tied to each individual, but it is the sum of the services that make
Los Gatos such a pleasant place to live.
Two areas in which levels of service were questioned were the level of police protection and the need for
a full time attorney and legal staff in a town our size. Many areas were suggested for further contracting,
including tree trimming, parking lot maintenance, sewer maintenance, and recycling.
Other areas touched on for decreasing expenditures were to consolidate the two museums, find out
whether the recycling center is needed and if it can pay for itself through fees, cut use of Christmas tree
lights downtown (although this suggestion met with dissent), review whether all aspects of crime
prevention offered in Los Gatos are necessary, bid out fire protection services beyond Central Fire
District, look for reduction in Town overhead costs and that Los Gatos should lobby the State to prevent
further cuts. One intriguing suggestion was to merge Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Monte Sereno into one
community or at least consider sharing some costs such as police and maintenance.
Revenues
The majority opinion was that citizens are willing to pay more to maintain service levels. The three taxes
discussed most often were parcel taxes, land and lighting assessment districts, and a utility tax. The
main concern with these taxes was equity. Again, most residents found that a parcel tax was the least
equitable, and thus, it was the least favorable. A few of the residents felt that a lighting assessment
would be effective if all paid into it equally. The tax found most fair and garnered the most support was
the utility user's tax. While there was some opposition to this tax, a substantial majority supported its
use. Issues were raised whether increased taxes would render the Town accessible only to those with
high incomes.
Another revenue repeated throughout the forums was parking fees. There were opinions both pro and
con for meters and lot fees. The majority conceded that if meters are essential, they should employ pay
systems that are convenient, they should offer more time for less money, and perhaps should only be
enforced for nonresidents. However, with this issue came concerns of reducing the sales downtown.
An interesting suggestion offered during the forum for the Downtown Association was that meters
should be placed on the streets and not in the lots. This would allow for quick turnover and
convenience for shoppers who were merely making a quick stop, while shoppers who planned to remain
in Los Gatos for longer periods would benefit from free parking.
Other methods of increasing revenues mentioned were to sell services to other cities, increase usage
fees with ball parks and tennis courts (however, discussion followed regarding the tradeoff of
accessibility and affordability), and to sell the land purchased for the proposed new library.
PAGE 7
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Economic Development
As in the focus groups, economic development appeared the clear winner for solving the budgetary gap.
While some viewed this method as a panacea, most saw limitations and suggested parameters. The
current projection of a one million -dollar shortfall in the budget by the year 2000 already includes an
estimated addition of one million dollars in generated sales tax revenue from the development of the
85/17 interchange.
The issue of Highway 85 and Highway 17 development was predominant over other issues.
Many of the same topics were raised as in the focus groups such as the necessity to broaden the tax
base, diversify business and commercial areas, and develop the boulevard so that it focuses on resident
serving businesses. There was the suggestion that Los Gatos Boulevard be revived to its previous
status of a quasi "auto row."
Also repeated were the warnings to avoid development that was too hasty or haphazard. Residents
warned that while the introduction of "big box" retail, such as a large Home Depot may seem attractive
in the short run, such a business is permanent and its impact may not be welcome in the end. Citizens
regularly voiced their opinion that Los Gatos Boulevard should be developed as a visually pleasing
gateway into Los Gatos. The aesthetics of the area were important to the attendees of the forums.
Participants were also wary of the environmental impact of the development. Much of the discussion
revolved around increasing pedestrian traffic, reducing the effects on traffic patterns, and creating a
mixed use "garden city" environment.
Other concerns with the development of the Los Gatos Boulevard area were that it should not detract
from the business in the downtown area. Suggestions for accomplishing this were to employ light
industry in this area and businesses that more directly served residents' needs.
One alternate economic development strategy receiving support was the building of conference
facilities in Los Gatos. Residents felt that this would provide increased sales tax and transient
occupancy tax revenues with minimal impact on density. There was, however, some opposition to the
Town purchasing the Lodge or Old Town. Another major issue raised at the last few forums was
targeted economic development. Participants felt that Los Gatos could greatly benefit from providing
incentives for, or going out and actively marketing the Town to specific desired businesses. By so
doing, the Town could successfully meet its goals of providing a broader and more diverse tax base
while ensuring the quality of commercial development.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
The community forums gave Los Gatos' residents and business owners an opportunity to learn about
the Town's financial future and to suggest alternatives for addressing the projected financial gap. Over
200 participants gave the Town good responses and many interesting ideas. The ideas receiving the
most support and warranting additional research were:
• A utility user's tax on electric, gas and telephone
• Expenditure reductions through increased contracting for services, reducing overhead expenses
including attorney services, and an evaluation of police services
• A more focused economic development strategy to recruit and retain businesses that enhance
the community
► Consideration of financing a conference center, street repairs, new library
• A more focused coordinated strategy with other cities to oppose additional State take-aways
PAGE 8
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Staff recommends returning to Council on November 21 with additional information on these six
subjects. Assessment districts, parcel tax, other direct service reductions did not receive enough
support to warrant additional investigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This report is not a project subject to CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for Fiscal Year 1994-95. Future decisions will affect the Town's operating and
capital budgets for Fiscal Year 1995-96 and beyond. Decisions requiring an election in spring 1995 will
need to be made before February to get on the ballot.
Attachments:
1. Letter from Bill Quigley received September 29, 1994
2. September 9, 1994 letter from John Hlebovy
3. Letter from Howard Theobald
4. October 28, 1993 letter from Gene R. Signor
Distribution:
Jae Abel
296 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Mike Abkin
122 El Olivar
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Norman Abrahams
208 Montclair Road
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Neil Anderson
204 Cerro Chico
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bill Arlt
117 Belwood Gateway
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Frank Arrgo
119 Anne Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Adu Bagley
15235 Karl Avenue
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
Eva Bailey
223 Danville Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Dolores Baker
44 Broadway
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dan Barth
18237 Constitution Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Jo Bartlett
166 Oak Hill Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Steve Benbow
154 Kensington Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bill & Anne Bilkiwitz
170 Lester Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Toni Blachetock
15561 Benedict Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Roberta Blake
17155 Pine Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Mary Blice
484 Woodland #43
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Jennifer Boruarda
1 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Mark Brodsky
17306 Grosvenor
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dale Bryant
Los Gatos Weekly Times
PO Box 339
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Susan Buxton
118 Robin Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
PAGE 9
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Dan & Joleen Calldear
209 Highland Terrace
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Hugh & Rachel Chisum
14530 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Beth Cilker-Smith
c/o Cilker Orchards
1631 Willow Street, #225
San Jose, CA 95125
Cal Clauer
126 Calle Larga
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Victor Collord
399 Nicholson
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Chuck & Judy Coe
202 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Paul Comey
143 Belridge Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
J.D. & Kathy Cusick
163 Eastridge Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Allen Daily
14545 Eastview Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Sandy Decker
201 Belmont Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Karen Deloumi
107 Aurora Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Jean Desch
16971 Frank Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Leslie Dill
220 Wilder Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Diane Disbrow
17 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Jeanne Drexel
325 Harding Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bob Dulci
PO Box 2346
San Jose, CA 95109
Kim Easter
207 Glenridge
Los Gatos,CA 95030
Sandy Eddy
95 Church Street
Los Gatos, CA 95032
David Egli
15883 Camino del Cerro
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Lisa Ekers
39 Reservoir
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Tom Engelman
16345 Los Gatos Blvd #23
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Messrs. Erdei
148-A Belwood Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Thomas Ferrito
9 Simons Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bruce Frank
507 Clearview Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Mariellen Furia
16310 Camellia Terrace
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Arun Gaikwad
109 Sierra Linda
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Ken Gehrkens
3 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Mike Gibbs
239 Vista de Sierra
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Cindy Godsell
116 Loma Vista Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Dave Gray
5455 Camden Avenue
San Jose, CA
Alice Hansen
17611 Foster Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Carol Hargett
Dolce Spazio
221 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Joe Hargett
29 E Main St
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Ken & Beverly Haughton
16200 Kennedy Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Ted Hebert
114 Dardanelli Lane #20
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dale Hill
150 Robin Way
Los Gatos, 95032
C. Hoffmann
105 Garden Hill Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
PAGE 10
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Ann Holley
116 Hilow Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Judy Howell
16793 Farley Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Jai Nudes
300 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Doug and Kelly Hus
53 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Egon Jensen
182 Lester Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Linda Kilduff
249 Montclair
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Kay Knapp
68 Mariposa Court
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Guizizar Kristensen
206 Gregg Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Sandy Lambie
108 Larga Vista Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Kyle Lanza
15276 Karl Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Lein
196 College Avenue
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
G. Lemons
54 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Derek Lentz
17400 Phillips Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Dr. Tod Likins
17421 Farley Rd West
Los Gatos, CA 95030-3390
Mike & April Maiten
136 Belvue Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Betty Manix
308 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Harvey Matthiesen
16945 Roberts Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
John McCarthy
149 El Altillo
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Mike & Portia Mendenhau
136 Old Orchard Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bill Meyer
15 Oak Hill Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Marion Michel
540 Roxbury Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Miles Mikasa
123 Capistrano Place
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Scott Milener
39 Reservoir
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Colleen Miller
49 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Bob Montonye
15531 Corinne Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bob Morgan
141 Gemini Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Kathy Morgan
142 Wheeler Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Rex Morton
51 University, Ste 1
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Robert Mudd
244 Mountain Road
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phil Nielsen
144 Blueberry Hill
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Arlene Okerlund
265 Barbara Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Mike Orlando
221 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Joe Papa
121 Stacia Street
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Howard & Nancy Parks
200 Jackson
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Renee Patton
326 Bella Vista Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Wes Peyton
208 Ellenwood
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Harriet Pierce
72 Mariposa
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Joe Pirzynski
350 Los Gatos Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bill Quigley
103 Belridge Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
PAGE 11
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER REPORT ON COMMUNITY FORUMS ON TOWN'S FINANCIAL FUTURE
October 11, 1994
Bill Reese
5288 Escover Lane
San Jose, CA 95118
Diane Richards
1 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Judy Richardson
LG Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1820
Los Gatos,CA 95031
Cynthia Rostankowski
333 Johnson Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Jonathan Scanlan
227 Danville Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Campbell & Joyce Scott
405 Montclair Road
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dorothy Shattuck
116 Towne Terrace #3
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Gary Shepcard
17 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Pete & Dianne Siemens
69 Ellenwood
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Gene R. Signor
16354 E. La Chiquita Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Bob Slutmau
119 Hillbrook Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
D. Smith
56 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Elizabeth Smith
17551 Vineland Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Shel Smith
14225 Lora Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Snelham
247 Old Adobe Road
Los Gatos, CA 95030
John Spaur
1184 Longfellow Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Edward Strong
115 Mary Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Ed & Betty Stahl
110 Twin Oaks
Los Gatos, CA 95032
James Sugai
241 Carlton Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Marionette Tack
329 Bachman Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Howard Theobold
125 Blossom Glen Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Robin Tole, Dist. Mgr
General Telephone Co
PO Box 68
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Barbra Toren
15933 Orange Blossom Ln
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Michael & Toni Traipani
121 Cherry Wood Court
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Frank & Roberta Treseder
408 Bella Vista
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Morris Trevithick
308 Westhill
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Carryl Walker
107 Callecita
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Judy Wallen
58 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Jacqueline Williams
206 Blossom Villa Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Norma Williams
14840 Las Flores Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
e4,14760
SEP 2 9 1994
SUGGESTION FOR THE ZONING AND USE OF LOS GATOS BLVD.
With the opening of Hiway 85, a great deal of traffic from
the East and Almaden area will be diverted from Blossom Hill
& Los Gatos -Almaden Rds. Consequently, Los Gatos Blvd. from
these two areas will have a reduced number of cars
approaching Lark Ave. In order to stimulate and increase
revenue from sales tax, it is going to be necessary to
change our thinking with regard to use of Los Gatos Blvd.
There are two large areas of Car Dealerships in San Jose that
serve parts of Cupertino,Saratoga, Campbell,West San Jose, Los
Gatos, and So San Jose (the Almaden area). The population in
these areas is approximately 350,000 to 400,00. These dealerships
are located on Stevens Creek Blvd. and Hillsdale Blvd. What better
location than Los Gatos Blvd between Burton Lane and Lark
Ave. would there be for all the car dealerships in Los
Gatos to serve these people? If both sides of Los Gatos Blvd
were to be zoned for Car Dealerships at 300feet in depth.,
a combination of Town Houses, apartment houses and single family
dwellings could occupy the remaining area. The remaining area
of Los Gatos Blvd. to Shannon Rd. could be rezoned for other businesses.
The Downtown area could then be retained for Antique
stores, boutiques, banks, indoor and outdoor restaurants, offices
for Travel,insurance Real Estate and other service related
businesses. Santa Cruz Ave from Saratoga to Main, could be
made into a walking street, with adequate parking in the
parking lots, and existing parking in the off streets.
Los Gatos then would still keep the flavor of our unique
Town.
During the Town Forum, It was suggested by some, that a
Bond issue might be a way to change or correct some of our
problems. By having a well planned Community, with a lot of
class, dignity and beauty, the additonal revenue from sales
tax, would certainly be more than the interest and debt obligation
for a Bond. The money from the Bonds could relocated the existing
dealers, and set the stage for other businesses in the areas
vacated by the dealers.
All of this will require zone changes, and a lot of
negotiating with land owners, and businessmen. It would
require on the part of our staff, to set up renderings, and
plans for the development. It would require a vote of the
people.
We are at a stage in our Town, where some serious
decisions have to be made. We do not have much land for
housing. The Sales Tax revenue has been gutted, by the lack
of car dealers. For example: A $15,000.00 car sale brings
$1,237.50 S/T. A $30,000.00 car sale brings $2475.00. It
takes a small business or a restaurant a lot of sales to equal
one of these sales.
ATTACHMENT 1
By zoning all the property from Burton Lane to Lark
Ave. Residential,except the 300 feet bordering Los
Gatos Blvd., adequate residential will be created to house
the new comers in the Town, and satisfy the greedy Federal
and State Liberals demanding housing, thus eliminating the
stacking of single dwelling units on top of one another with
down sizing of lots.
As a young boy back in 1927 when my folks moved to the
area, I had always dreamed of owning a home and living in Los
Gatos, I full filled that dream , when my wife of 49 years,
a Los Gatos Girl, and I purchased our present home 30 years
ago. You have a long life ahead of you along with many Los
Gatos residents, I sincerely hope you will make the right
decision on the zoning and handling of Los Gatos Blvd.
This program will have to be carried out in at least
three phases. The following are a few suggestions.
1. Call a meeting with all the property owners
including the largest. The Uki's and Greco's,
and outline the entire program to them. The Car
Dealers should be included in this meeting.
2. Determine, with the help of the Real Estate Board
and it's members, what the fair market value of the
Los Gatos Blvd. property is worth.
3. Prepare a proposal, complete with renderings,
changes, anticipated sales tax increases, increased
property tax revenue, from the vacating of the
present car dealerships.
4. Bond issue should cover the purchase of the entire
property to be zoned for car dealerships. This
property, could then be leased to the car dealers.
There would be no property taxes on this land, as
it would belong to the Town. Instead of the Town
losing property tax revenue, it would gain the full
amount in rental income, and a long with the
increase in sales tax revenue, the Bonds could be
retired without any burden on the taxpayers.
5. Additional property tax could be realized from the
building of homes and apartments on the rest of the
property.
6. One of the present car dealerships, could be an excellent
location for moving the Post -Office back into town,
instead of it being located in Campbell.
7. The other present car dealerships could be excellent
operational outlets for attracting firms that need
space and parking.
8. Winchester and University Ave. could be confined in
the General Plan to its present use.
These are just a few ideas that could be kicked around.
Los Gatos Blvd. could become a beautiful tree lined
street, that would be inviting for people to come and
visit out Town. If the Los Gatos Lodge, were made into
a mini convention center, people would be attracted to
our Town , and would enjoy the beauty of our Town.
Don't forget, we have one of the most beautiful
restaurants on the Peninsula. Villa Filice.
CHANE I I"E ENTERPRISES, INC.
LOS GATOS OAKS CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL
16605 LARK AVE.
LOS GATOS, CA 95030
(408) 356-9146
September 9, 1994
Mark Linder
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Los Gatos
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Deat Mr. Linder:
Although I am not able to attend the scheduled commuity forums, I would like to present my
opinion.
It would be beneficial to Town finances if my property located at 16601 and 16605 Lark
Avenue were zoned commercial. I feel that many properties located North of Lark Avenue could
be zoned commercial and thus provide a substantial income to the Town.
Sincerely,
John Hlebovy
ATTACHMENT 2
1
From
HOWARD THEOBALD
1Z5 Blossom Glen Way
Los Gatos, Ca. 95032
Mr. David W. Knapp
Town Manager
Los Gatos
P.O. Box 949
Los Gatos, Ca. 95031
Dear Mr. Knapp
Enclosed is a recent cartoon from the Los Gatos
Weekly.
YES,YES,YES! cut services. You must agree we are blessed
with services, services. It's about time the folks of
Los Gatos see what they can do for the town. It appears
to me they are always willing to take the free services,
yet pay for none of then. Take a look at our parks,
I bet if you stopped by on A Saturday/Sunday and took
a poll as to how many were tax payers in the town of
L.G. you may be fortunate to find 50%.
We have got to stop this give away service program.
I encourage you and the other officials of L.G. to
take a hard 10*rat services, those we do need and those
'.,ham ch are fringes, don't tfrills in these hard
��� � ��� u+ �= � � � �� c� we u0�'i � need
times.
God bless you real good in your difficult task.
it4Sif
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18354 E Menke Ave
Los Gawk CA 95032
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October 17, 1994
Los Gatos, California
HEARINGS CONTINUED
151/2 N SANTA CRUZ AVE/RESTAURANT/CONT.
Motion continued:
former splendor both inside and outside and to have a viable commercial use on the second
floor of that building. This motion includes the conditions which were proposed by the DRC
in the Planning Commission report. This motion is modified to set the maximum number of
seats for the total establishment at 120; maximum of 20 seats in the bar area; maximum of 32
seats in the outdoor dining area; balance of seats to be in the indoor dining area, and the total
not to exceed 120 seats. Carried unanimously.
Mr. O'Laughlin asked that staff review the process by which the Planning Commission must be
found in error if the Council reverses the Commission's decision. He noted that Council has
discretion to change policy but that the Planning Commission is appointed and not elected and
does not have the option of changing Council policy.
FINANCIAL FUTURE OF TOWN/COMMUNITY FORUMS (16.06)
Mayor Attaway stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider
report on Community Forums on Town's financial future.
David Knapp, Town Manager, gave a presentation of the findings from the forums which were
held during the last few months. The financial standing of our Town was presented and the
options for funding the present service level were reviewed.
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Ed Burke, Los Gatos Athletic Club, 200 E. Main St., stated that a Utility Tax would place an
unfair burden on his business due to his yearly $76,000 PG&E bill.
Sheldon Smith, 14225 Lora Drive, #79, corrected a statement in the report, and stressed a
cultural revenue maker. The Town would generate it's own funding in a Sister City cross cultural
event. Offered his time to discuss this concept with Council.
Dorothy Shattuck, 116 Town Terrace #3, suggested cutting expenditures. Asked that the Arts
and downtown lighting be cut. Does -not want to see revenues raised but expenditures cut. Keep
small government and let business take over the services.
Chris Wiley, 544 University Ave., spoke of the work that volunteers have done in the Town, and
the many projects underway due to the efforts of community volunteers.
Ron Denevi, 16414 Englewood Ave, spoke of the high ($80,000 yearly) PG&E bill and does not
support the financial option of a utility tax.
Bill Bilkiewicz, 170 Lester Lane, talked of the unfairness of the parcel tax.
Gorden Jones, 429 Herschner Drive, thanked Council for the patrol at the Leigh High School
area and the corner convenience store.
David Eggley, 15883 Camino del Cerro, supports the utility users tax for two years, while we
develop other sources of revenue, and supported the use of volunteers.
Ed Rather, 204 Los Gatos Boulevard, suggested turning old car lots into hotel sites. He lives on
the corner of Stacia Street and spoke of making improvements.
There were no other speakers from the audience.
TC: D6: MM 1 01794
5
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