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Joint Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Study Session AgendaTOWN OF LOS GATOS JOINT TOWN COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY STUDY SESSION AGENDA R.J. BRYANT SERVICE CENTER - 41 MILES AVENUE FEBRUARY 8, 1997 (SATURDAI9, 1997 -- 9:30 A.M. Joanne Benjamin, Mayor Linda Lubeck Vice Mayor Randy Attaway, Council Member Steven Blanton, Council Member Jan Hutchins, Council Member A. INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING COMMENTS B. PUBLIC INPUT (NO MORE THAN 15 MINUTES) AND REVENUE REPORT C. STRATEGIC PLAN (JULY 1, 1997-JUNE 30, 2002) (Attachment 1) D. TOWN COUNCIL ISSUES AND PRIORITIES 1. General Plan Advisory Committee 2. General Plan Housing Element Implementation 3. Review of Priorities for Next 6 Months 4. Reimbursing Council Members for Out of Pocket Expenses (Attachment 2) 5. Board or Commission Member Communications 6. Policies, Procedures, and Definitions of Restaurants in the Downtown 7. Amplified music (inside) (find creative solution - e.g., max db) 8. Hotels and bed and breakfasts 9. Residential and commercial mixed uses 10. Personal Communication Service Antennas 11. Reviewing Planning Commission Decisions 12. Preserving Housing Stock 13. Training, Updates 14. Economic Development 15. Community Benefit Criteria for In -Fill Projects 1:30 P.M. E. PLAZA MASTER PLAN (Meeting On -Site - Consultant/Council Agency Members) (Attachment 3) ADJOURNMENT MGR110 A:\TCAGENDA\2-8SS.WPD April 15, 19967 "Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice." TOWN OF LOS GATOS STRATEGIC PLAN JULY 1, 19967 -JUNE 30, 200+2 MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance the quality of life in Los Gatos by providing the highest quality services and facilities as efficiently as possible. To provide a working environment which promotes excellence, fosters cooperation and meets the needs of the community, council, employees, board and commission members, and volunteers. I. Introduction A. Plan Purpose • To meet the Town's needs over the next five years • To form the basis for evaluating success • To facilitate decision making • To improve communication B. Strategic Planning Defined Strategic planning is a systematic way to manage change which emphasizes consensus building while considering the environment, available resources, and possible futures. Based upon this information, action plans on critical issues are implemented, monitored, and adjusted as the situation changes. ATTACHMENT 1 MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 1 Strategic Planning: • concentrates on implementation; • focuses on selected issues; • explicitly considers resources available, both inside and outside the organization; • assesses strengths, weaknesses, and the competitive position of the community; • emphasizes results; • produces a coordinated effort; • sets realistic objectives and allocates resources to achieve them; and • is sometimes quantitative, but also stresses the importance of judgment, intuition, and creativity. Strategic planning is not a panacea. It is not intended to: • replace other types of planning; • analyze the root causes of major problems; or • be a "one-shot" effort; it is an evolving, ongoing plan of action. C. Process for Plan Development The Management Team, composed of supervisors and department heads, drafted revisions to long and short-term objectives in December, 19936. Town Boards, Commissions and Committees provided input and the Council discussed the plan during its goals workshop in January, 19967. II. Situational Analysis A. History The name Los Gatos comes from "El Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos," a ranch established in 1839 by a Mexican land grant and so named because of the large number of mountain lions in the area. In 1854, James Alexander Forbes purchased some of this land and built a flour mill. In 1860, the first hotel was opened to provide a stage stop on the toll road which had been built between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Wheat production gave way to orchards, and rapid growth ensued when the railroad reached Los Gatos in 1878. The residential subdivisions of Broadway, Bayview, Fairview, and Almond Grove were built in the 1880s. By 1887, the population had grown to 1,500 and Los Gatans voted to incorporate. MGR1 12 A:IMISCISTRATPLN.97 2 Fruit industries faded slowly during the Depression and World War II, but the postwar period brought an influx of people producing residential and commercial development. Highway 17 was constructed through the center of Town. Growth leveled off in the early '70s, leaving Los Gatos with its small-town atmosphere and pedestrian -oriented downtown. B. Community Values • Small Town Character (complete community, human scale) Because of its distance from other centers of population, Los Gatos developed as a complete community including residential, business and industrial elements. Preserving Los Gatos as a complete and well balanced community has been and remains a prominent goal for the community. From the first 100 acre town site and an 1890 population of 1,652, Los Gatos grew slowly so that by 1963 the area was 6.3 square miles, with a population of 11,750. Today Los Gatos covers approximately 12 square miles and has a population of 27,445 persons (1990). This relatively slow growth over the first 80 years resulted in a human scale community with narrow streets and small buildings. Los Gatos' boundaries encompass a wide variety of terrain, ranging from level land to steep and densely wooded hillsides. The sharp visual contrasts among these features and charming architecture create the picturesque setting. In the midst of an increasingly uniform urban complex, this setting has attracted people with a preference for the Town's distinctive, high quality natural and urban environment. • Historic Preservation The slow growth of the Town over an extended number of years has left the Town with a heritage of older, established residential areas and a downtown with many historic buildings representing the various eras in the Town's history. Protection of these historic resources which are a major part of the Town's character is an important community goal. Two museums, Tait Avenue and Forbes Mill, help preserve the Town's valued history. MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 3 • Education The Town is rich in educational and cultural resources. Los Gatos High School is housed in beautiful older buildings with expansive grounds sweeping down to Main Street. Fisher Middle School, Blossom Hill, Van Meter, and Alta Vista elementary schools are also located in Town. In addition, Leigh High School, Rolling Hills, Daves Avenue, Carlton Elementary Schools, and Union Middle School also serve Los Gatos residents. All these schools have been recognized for the high achievement of their students. Local commitment to quality education is so high that voters passed a parcel tax to enhance the educational programs. In all, six school districts serve Los Gatos children. West Valley Community College and San Jose State University are located in neighboring communities. • Openness and Accessibility of Local Government The small-town character of the community is reflected in the Town government's responsiveness to local citizens. The Town's various citizen boards, commissions and committees provide input on issues ranging from development to the arts. Community input is built into decision -making through informal neighborhood meetings as well as formal public hearings. By making personal contact with Council Members and Town staff, or by attending a Council meeting, residents can directly influence Town policies. • Preserve Neighborhoods Los Gatos has been identified as one of the world's most desirable places to live. Clear standards for historic dwellings, compatible in -fill construction and new construction appropriate to the community needs assure the continued livability of Los Gatos neighborhoods. The Town also works to protect the view of the mountain backdrop. • Public Safety Feeling secure is a major part of any community's quality of life. The Town of Los Gatos has one of the lowest crime rates in the Bay Area. The Town government works with citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. The community values law enforcement service which emphasizes problem solving. MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 4 • Urban Forest Los Gatos' trees contribute to the beautiful, natural setting of our community. Our trees make the area more attractive, soften impervious surface and buildings, provide shade in summer and remove carbon dioxide from the air. Our residents enjoy and nurture our urban forest. The Town has received the Tree City, USA award every year since 1980. • Environmental Quality In response to the community's desire for a clean environment, the Town provides a number of environmental programs including: commercial cardboard recycling, household hazardous waste collection, non -point source water protection, air quality management, congestion management, Title 24 Energy Conservation Methods, alternative vehicle fuel, and comprehensive residential curbside recycling including yard waste. • Economic Health The community has become increasingly aware of the importance of improving maintaining the strength and quality of our local economy. It has become apparent that all segments of the community must work together to support and manage our economy. The Town has many diverse business activities located in the historic downtown and throughout the community. The quality of the economy affects the Town's ability to deliver services and the value of residential property. • Tradition The Town cherishes its history and traditions through many special events: the lighting of the Christmas tree at Town Plaza, the annual holiday parade and Cotillion, the annual Strawberry Festival in June, arts and crafts fairs, and other events. • Parks Los Gatans prize the natural beauty of the area and the leisure and recreation opportunities their parks provide. The Town park system provides a mixture of neighborhood parks, play lots, regional park sites and open space areas including the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Park facilities provide areas for hiking, bicycling, walking, tennis, field activities, and family picnic areas. Most parks have playground facilities for children. MGR112 A:IMISC\STRATPLN.97 5 • Open Space Los Gatos is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and enhancing its open space. Open space provides protection for areas of particular scenic beauty and enhances the survival prospects for endangered plant and animal species. • Recreation Los Gatans value health and vigorously participate in recreation programs which are made possible through a recreation district in cooperation with local school districts. -aft agreement between thc Los Gatos -Saratoga Joint Union High School District, thc Los Gatos Union School District, and thc Saratoga Union School District. • Community Services A wide variety of community services are provided and these services are important in defining the community. Service groups, non -profits and the Town actively support a number of cultural, recreational, and human service activities providing public art, housing assistance and rehabilitation, rent mediation, museums, nutrition, health, senior citizen and youth programs. • Town services are provided by a large number of citizen volunteers. Besides general volunteers in a number of Town offices, the Police Department organizes volunteers for both its D.A.R.T. (disaster response) and Volunteers in Policing programs and the Library provides a special program through the Friends of the Library. For every paid employee there are approximately 3-5 volunteers. PLAN FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS-7/1/967-6/30/20012 Customer Service • Clarify and simplify policies and procedures • Simplify development review • Provide the public with more information on Town services and requirements • Provide computer access to Town services for residents • Maintain enhanced employee recognition program • Resolve complaints quickly • Maintain accessibility of Town elected official and senior management to the community MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 6 Social and Economic Health • Maintain environmental quality • Maintain Town's unique character • Improve Maintain fiscal strength solvency • Anticipate changing demographics • Resist Challenge State and County revenue raids • Attempt to provide essential services dropped by State and County • Encourage non -profits that serve Town residents • Support Joint Venture Silicon Valley • Encourage affordable housing • Encourage and participate in business associations' activities • Encourage the development of conference and event centers • Assist in revitalizing Old Town • Implement a strategic plan for Los Gatos Boulevard • Facilitate coordinated human services delivery • Encourage employee participation in community service organizations General Plan • Update General Plan in accordance with State law and Los Gatos' changing needs and environment • Get Ilousing Element certified Environment • Coordinate environmental programs and services • Convert to alternative -fuel vehicles, where appropriate • Support Bay to Bay Trail system • Encourage donations of public art • Enhance pedestrian and bicycle circulation throughout Town • Maintain a program to eliminate graffiti • Landscape Town medians • Maintain Strengthen planning regulations, standards and guidelines to ensure development is compatible with the natural habitat in hillside areas Productivity • Encourage efficiency improvements • Regularly assess organizational structure to meet service requirements • Streamline policies and procedures in all departments MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 7 • Computerize Records Management Tree inventory Sign inventory Land use inventory • Automate irrigation systems • Continue to manage volunteer programs effectively • Support Badgcr and Smart Vallcy projccts • Support regional efforts to develop shared digital geographic information Infrastructure • Develop funding for and carry out infrastructure improvements and maintenance (streets, sidewalks, storm drains, sanitary sewers) • Develop funding for and carry out parking facilities maintenance • Develop funding for and build one more downtown parking facility • Coordinate improvement of downtown streetscape (bike racks, benches, newsboxes, landscaping) • Develop master plan for storm drains • Develop underground utilities plan Transportation • Re-examine circulation element of General Plan • Promote construction of Vasona Corridor light rail, if funding materializes • Discourage commuter traffic on Santa Cruz/Winchester • Add Los Gatos as a stop on Santa Cruz -San Jose express bus line • Encourage the provision of express busses in the Route 85 H.O.V. lane • Promote a downtown/Los Gatos Blvd. shuttle feasibility study • Encourage use of trails and bikeways for alternate transportation Personnel • Keep and attract quality employees • Reinforce commitment to customer service • Continue employee development program • Recognize exceptional employee performance • Hold annual volunteer recognition reception MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 8 Facilities • Build new library, if funding materializes • Continue to look for opportunities to make more play fields available • Rehabilitate and renovate Civic Center (includes Neighborhood Center) • Make Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades • Expand service center • Improve police facilities • Renovate park facilities • Evaluate obtaining vehicle storage facility Intergovernmental Cooperation • Cooperate with neighboring cities to address common interests and provide services - police services - non -point source program activities - building inspection - refuse collection, recycling and yard waste collection - household hazardous waste - Community Development Block Grant Program - hillside protection • Establish cmcrgcncy services radio network • Make fuller use of Fire Department resources to provide Town services • Establish network connections with neighboring libraries computer catalogs • Monitor Manage refuse collection, recycling and yard waste collection agreements through: West Valley Rate Review Committee and cooperative W.V. Solid Waste Management program • Actively participate in League of Cities campaign to restructure state and local government PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR 7/1/97 -6/30/98 Customer Service • Continue customer service training • Continue customer satisfaction surveys • Continue to use mediation/conflict resolution services • Maintain high customer service standards • Maintain accessibility of Town elected officials and senior management to the community MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 9 Communication • Increase communication with the public • Promote understanding of department roles with volunteers and general public • Distribute line -item budget more widely • Get service clubs to fund town -wide newsletter and survey • Publicize ways to contact mayor, council and key staff through: -office hours - mailing addresses - e-mail addresses - telephone - fax • Improve graphics for Council presentations • Get volunteer to draft on-line information policy for the Town • Increase amount of Town information on-line • Provide public Internet access in the Library • Survey development review users to identify possible improvements Social and Economic Health • Implement economic development strategy • Maintain environmental quality • Maintain Town's unique character • Continue manager's visits to Town businesses • Publish wish list in the Weekly -Times • Establish donation boxes at Town facilities such as parks and trails • Promote State legislation which facilitates fiscal health • Encourage Los Gatos Community Foundation success • Obtain revenue from Deal with legal changes for landscape and lighting districts • Encourage intergovernmental provision of services - continue to provide police services for Monte Sereno • Serve as community liaison for human service agencies and art organizations • Encourage non -profits that support Town residents • Implement strategic plan for Los Gatos Blvd. • Implement streetscape and beautification plan for downtown Los Gatos • Establish a ride -along program for Parks, Forestry and Maintenance Dept. • Revitalize Old Town • Get housing element certified • Implement housing element • Identify and fund at least one housing development • Evaluate changing school district boundaries MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 10 Cost Containment • Identify advantages and disadvantages of a charter • Set up Board of Freeholders to evaluate charter • Set up citizen committee to begin general plan update • Identify impacts of new state propositions on Town budget and find ways to accommodate • Operate within annual revenues • Evaluate contracting for services, emphasizing quality of service expected • Provide contract services to other agencies • Aggressively pursue grants • Improve project management • Promote design and project management from within • Track street light outages • Reduce Town liability by improving sidewalks, tree grates, keeping better job logs, and removing safety problems • Continue ABAG safety training • Establish _o_4 __ntai._mcnt committee for: insurance, employee bcnc€tts� grtichashrg;-t.,vpynr� • Manage Simplify benefit program • Standardize MOU language with different bargaining units • Identify opportunities to reduce requirements Town -wide • Streamline development review process -reduce list of conditional use requirements -transfer additional responsibilities from Planning Commission to DRC -reduce development requirements Productivity • Computerize fleet management • Provide adequately powerful PCs and printers • Maintain PFM work assignment and reporting program • Complete installation GIS automated system • Link Sierra Information System with Town's finance system (Pentamation) • Enhance use of permit tracking system (Badger, Smart Valley) • Improve contracting and purchasing methods • Improve property ownership records • Finish CCAP grant/police automation • Obtain Town -wide aerials • Standardize time sheet reporting • Review organizational structure MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 11 Town Appearance and Amenities • Complete CIP projects • Develop trails program Standards Maintenance Map • Continue implementing Arts Commission Master Plan - Encourage public art along Los Gatos Creek Trail • Assist Downtown Association to expand sidewalk cleaning program • Landscape medians • Continue to provide holiday lights downtown Facilities • Develop facilities plan in conjunction with structural rcpairs programs • Improve employee work space • Improve inside air quality • Adopt funding plan for facilities • Continue improving lighting and signs at Civic Center • Continue implementing Structural and Maintenance Study recommendations • Improve Council chamber visual system • Upgrade Council Chamber appearance • Identify and equip an Emergency Operations Center •—improve-entergeney-eommunieatiertr system • Develop security plan for Civic Center • Enhance computer network security • Increase parking spaces downtown • Monitor and evaluate paid parking program • Build Compressed Natural Gas fueling station • Organize citizens' advisory committee to assist in prioritizing street, sidewalk and sewer improvements MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 12 Administration • Continue employee training safety workers' compensation customer service disaster preparedness • Continuc to play a larger role in intergovernmental coordination • Find ways to avoid employee burnout • Pursue Helen Putnam awards MGR112 A:\MISC\STRATPLN.97 13 COUNCIL SALARIES (SANTA CLARA COUNTY) MONETARY COMPENSATION CAR ALLOWANCE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR EXPENSES BENEFITS Campbell $463/mth $100/mth Yes Breakfast - $10 Lunch - $25 Dinner - $35 All Day Conference - $50 Yes (medical/ dental) + PERS enrollment (if they choose to) Cupertino $510.30/mth $535.80 - second term Mileage (only if its over 200 miles) Yes Medical/ dental (If they choose not to be covered by medical they can defer up to $170 into a deferred comp account) 'Gilroy $400/mth $600/mth - Mayor No Yes Medical/ dental Los Altos $300/mth No Yes (any Council related expenses - no limit) Medical/ dental, life, etc. (same as City employees) Los Altos Hills $250/mth Mileage Yes No (Match FICA contribution) Milpitas $547/mth $684/Mayor $350/mth Yes $50 telephone $90 cell phone Medical/ dental, life, etc (except Long Term Disability) Monte Sereno None (Volunteers) Mileage Yes No *CHARTER CITY MGR112 A:IMISCISALARY.TC January 7, 1997 ATTACHMENT 2 1 GOVERNMENT CODE tbsence of councilman t without permission from all regular city 2utively from the last regular meeting he ecomes vacant and shall be filled as any , if a city council meets monthly or less councilmember is absent without permis- 'etings for 70 days consecutively from the Jed, his or her office becomes vacant and ion to be subd (a); (2) amended subd (a) by substituting bsents himself without"; and (b) "or she attended, his or i section related to voter approval of council members' IF DECISIONS d lature did not intend to waive demand requirements for reimbursement to public officers of their ex- penses. Albright v South San Francisco (1975) 44 CA3d 866, 118 Cal Rptr 901. Inds to reimburse as travel expenses those costs which a icurs for the handicap related assistance of others needed cial duties if a demand for reimbursement of such costs or an ordinance of the city provides otherwise. 65 Ops F DECISIONS s r each month submitted a claim for actual and neces- sary expenses, or the implied finding that the flat amounts were actually and necessarily expended each month by the mayor and the councilmen, w the testimony of one councilman whose estimate what the flat amounts represented was destroyed b his inclusion therein of an indeterminate amount for a "car availability" allowance. Albright v South San Francisco (1975) 44 CA3d 866, 118 Cal Rptr 901. s Gov. Code, § 36514.5, providing that city coun- 1 cilmen may be reimbursed for actual and necessary r expenses incurred in the performance of official du- 3 ties. does not abrogate the applicability of Gov. Code, §§ 37201-37205, which require the filing of 1 "demands" that are to be audited in the manne ing in 1992: iditions. ' • . indicate omissions. (it Gov Cl GOVERNMENT CODE / 7 tP § 36516 prescribed by ordinance or resolution and are ac- demand. Albright v South San Francisco (1975) 44 companied by a verification of the accuracy of the CA3d 866, 118 Cal Rptr 901. § 36515. Compensation of councilman filling vacancy Collateral References: Cal Jur 3d Municipalities § 244. § 36516. Compensation of councilmen under ordinance (a) A city council may enact an ordinance providing that each member of the city council shall receive a salary, the amount of which shall be determined by the following schedule: (1) In cities up to an. ding 35,000 in population, up to and including three hundred dolla ($300) .er month; (2) In cities over 35,011 up to and including 50,000 in population, up to and including four hundred dollars ($400) per month; (3) In cities over 50,000 up to and including 75,000 in population, up to and including five hundred dollars ($500) per month. (4) In cities over 75,000 up to and including 150,000 in population, up to and including six hundred dollars ($600) per month. (5) In cities over 150,000 up to and including 250,000 in population, up to and including eight hundred dollars ($800) per month. (6) In cities over 250,000 population, up to and including one thousand dol- lars ($1,000) per month. For the purposes of this section the population shall be determined by the last preceding federal census, or a subsequent census, or estimate validated by the Department of Finance. (b) At any municipal election, the question of whether city council members shall receive compensation for services, and the amount of compensation, may be submitted to the electors. If a majority of the electors voting at the elec- tion favor it, all of the council members shall receive the compensation speci- tied in the election call. Compensation of council members may be increased beyond the amount provided in this section or decreased below the amount in the same manner. (c) Compensation of council members may be increased beyond the amount provided in this section by an ordinance or by an amendment to an ordinance but the amount of the increase may not exceed an amount equal to 5 percent for each calendar year from the operative date of the last adjustment of the salary in effect when the ordinance or amendment is enacted. No salary ordinance shall be enacted or amended which provides for automatic future cr-ases in salary. (d) Any amounts paid by a city for retirement, health and welfare, and federal social security benefits shall not be included.for purposes of determining sal - under this section provided the same benefits are available and paid by the cite for its employees. S ats 1974 ch 1378 § 2; Stats 1984 ch 100 § 2. \mendments: 1974 Amendment: .Added the last paragraph. 19g4 1mendment: t 11 Added subdivision designation (a); (2) redesignated former subds (a)—(f) to be stlbds tat substituted "three hundred dollars ($300)" for "one hundred fifty dollars ($150)" t 1 1ai'uhstituted "up to and including four hundred dollars ($400)" for "two hundred dollars (5200)insubd" n +uhd '.t't 2 i; 151 substituted "up to and including five hundred dollars ($500)" for "two hundred fifty (t: Gov CI Beginning in 1992. italics indicate changes or additions. * * • indicate omissions. 37 JNde DESIGNS 1184 Longfellow Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 5 February 1997 (408) 559-3262 FAX (408) 371-6303 Town Council Town of Los Gatos 110 E Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95032 RE: Bell Tower Dear Honorable Council, Status update on efforts to bring the bell into full operation. Bear in mind the following: The bell and operating mechanics were designed prior to 1999. This all volunteer effort has taken a back seat to my work. The town has not budgeted any money for maintenance, design, etc. as they have done for the plaza master plan. The bell committee, John Lochner and myself, have some funding to replace the hammer push rods and do some maintenance. CURRENT SITUATION: Office of the FEB Li 1997 TOWN MANAGER o Bell does not ring because the ush rods are too heavy. A perplexing problem since installation. o A ventilating fan or caulking needs to be installed to reduce condensation moisture during rainy periods. o Maintenance and operations manual needs to be completed and given to the town. WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON: o A cable system to replace the push rods is currently being designed by a mechanical engineer. o A hammer pull versus push system will be explored and if feasible will be tested. o A new solid state ring timer has been installed; the original had electrical problems. o An automatic rewind system, to reduce maintenance, will be connected once the push rod problem is resolved. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE: 1. Design and installation of the push rod mechanism needs completion. 2. Discussions need to take place to decide responsibility for maintenance and operations. 3. Bell maintenance manual needs to be finished and given to the town. Given that the plaza master plan currently states that the bell tower should be removed there is not any incentive to complete design of the cable system. A resolution should be drafted and passed making the bell tower a permanent part of the Plaza. This would be in keeping with the written agreement reached between the town and Andy Kenyon. Re-p tfully, J ns our chit=ct ATTACHMENT a