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Item 24 Staff Report Consider Introducing Ordinance Amending the Los Gatos Town Code Article VIII, Rental and Other Tenant/Landlord Disputes (Sections 14.80.010 - 14.80.315)COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: April 2, 1997 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FROM: TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: MEETING DATE: 4-7-97 ITEM NO CONSIDER INTRODUCING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOS GATOS TOWN CODE ARTICLE VIII, RENTAL AND OTHER TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES (SECTIONS 14.80.010 - 14.80.315) RECOMMENDATION: That Council: 1. Direct the Town Clerk, Marian Cosgove, to read the title. 2. Waive the reading. 3. Introduce the Ordinance amending the Los Gatos Town Code Article VIII, Rental and Other Tenant/Landlord Disputes (Sections 14.80.010 - 14.80.315); and, instruct the Town Clerk, Marian Cosgrove, to publish a summary no more than five (5) days prior to adoption. BACKGROUND The Rent Advisory Committee has met over a dozen times since October, 1995 to review and fine-tune the Town's Rental Dispute Ordinance. The Ordinance and accompanying Regulations provide the framework for the Town's Rent Mediation Program. A question and answer sheet is attached. DISCUSSION: The Rent Advisory Committee (RAC) recommends that the attached draft be considered for approval. The drafted revisions are intended to clarify the ordinance. RAC members agreed to avoid fixing what isn't broken. The Committee will continue to meet regularly to discuss: • practical ways of allowing increases of up to 10% in a 24 month period as opposed to allowing increases of 5% or 70% of CPI every 12 months; • pass -through of increased debt service resulting from an owner's refinancing or other increased mortgage debt; • revisions to the Regulations incorporating Ordinance clarifications and administrative corrections; and, • revisions to the Mobile Home Ordinance. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS: This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. PREPARED BY: Regina A. Fal Community S RAF:kv CSD28:A1cn treed. F Reviewed by�>orney mance Planning Revised: 4/2/97 4:45 pm Reformatted: 10/23,195 PAGE 2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: CONSIDER INTRODUCING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOS GATOS TOWN CODE ARTICLE VIII, RENTAL AND OTHER TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES (SECTIONS 14.80.010 - 14.80.315) Apri12, 1997 FISCAL IMPACT: The recommended ordinance amendments have no impact on the Rental Mediation Fund (217). ATTACHMENT: 1. Questions and Answers. 2. Red -line version of Los Gatos Town Code Article VIII, Rental and Other Tenant/Landlord Disputes Sections 14.80.010 - 14.80.315. DISTRIBUTION: I. Harryette Shuell, Information and Referral Service 2. Christine Johnson, Tri County Apartment Association ORDINANCE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOS GATOS TOWN CODE ARTICLE VIII, RENTAL AND OTHER TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES (SECTIONS 14.80.010 - 14.80.315) THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN: SECTION I Section 14.80.020 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.020. Definitions. 'rgan tion, or governrr ent, designated by the Town (b) Arbitrator. A person designated by the manager or the manager's designated representative who is trained to arbitrate hear disputes,under this article and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto- arglon, •d t < (c) Duplex. A building or group of buildings on the same premises, containing not more nor less than two dwelling (2) ielita.l units. A dwelling uiiit in a duplex that is owilei-oLi..Upied :::.......:.:...... IN nut 4 !cilia unit fui purposes of detelllulnng the nuriibei of 1 eiita.l u111ts. Lease/. ,:e . An agreement, written, oral, implied in fact, or implied in law, in which a landowner, for compensation, conveys the right to possess land to someone else for a period of time or from period to period. SECTION II Section 14.80.105 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.105. Retroactive application. (b) No landlord shall be required to refund any rent under this article; however, the mediation agreement or arbitration award Iiiedidioi may establish a reasonable rent at a decreased level, which may be effective for up to twelve (12) months from the date of the agreement or award tilediatui s dcl isiuii. SECTION III Section 14.80.110 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.110. Stay. Invocation by a tenant or landlord of conciliation under this article shall stay the rent increase u1 GviLtiult complained of, and any LUul t pluLGGdillgs based t11G1 evil, pending resolution of the dispute; provided, that if staff and a mediator determine, based on written findings, that a petition is not covered by the intent and purpose of this article, the stay shall terminate as of the date of the findings. In the case of stay, the tenant shall pay whatever rent increase is determined to be reasonable hereunder, retroactive to the date the original increase proposed by the landlord would have been effective. SECTION IV Section 14.80.205 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.205. Town service. When either party to a landlord/tenant transaction has a dispute with the other concerning rent, housing services or proposed eviction, the party may seek the services of the Town by filing a written petition for conciliation with the Town or its agent; provided, that in the case of rent disputes, twenty-five (25) percent of the units affected must join in the petition In all other cases aEnindivrdual many. submit 4 petition N Ppetitions may mint be filed iatcl than w thiin thirty (30) days after the rental increase takes effect. SECTION V Section 14.80.215 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.215. Mediation. Wi1G11 LU11L111aL1U11 11d5 IIGGi1 iC({UGJLCUQIlU 11I1GG11 rJ) Uays r1aVG F1AsseU W1L11VUL 1GSUlUL1UlI of t11G dispute. dispute % not ljeen r solved through cot caliation, either party may request mediation by applying therefor on a form provided by the uiediatul I`own's agent,. SECTION VI Section 14.80.230 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.230. Right to arbitration. When mediation has Ucm plupelly 1Gctuestec1 ally does not result in an agreement witllul twenty-Giglit (28) days afiel t11G 1Gquest, either party may demand arbitration by applying therefore *+ ........o.w.........A............. 1 on a form provided by the Tn's t g nt i11Cdiatu1. Au agicellment to al Aide ill t11e iilainie1 piuvided in this ai til.1G is deCllied to bC a pall Uf evel y lease. The mediator may also initiate arbitration if the mediator concludes that mediation is not feasible. SECTION VII Section 14.80.235 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.235. Time limit. 1 A demand for arbitration is ineffective 11111csJ 1t :IS dehvei ed to theillediatui Witlllil tllil ty-five A1LnC1 Lite iequest fu1, lllCdiatlull• onl of 1t is <received b� tit T n o its went within twenty (20) days after the date of the last mediation held which lei m.ediatio issues unrescilved SECTION VIII Section 14.80.240 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.240. Arbitration. When a party properly demands arbitration, the dispute shall be aibitlated heard or received under the regulations adopted pursuant to section 14.80.025. SECTION IX Section 14.80.305 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.305. General standards. Medtato's alld arbitl atui s 1 CNUlviiig disputes u11t1Ci this ai til.te shaft det1111C W1let 1ICI 1 eilt 1111J1 GaSGJ a1 C 1 eaSOnable uiidel all Lii Luiiistaii es, taking ilitu LulisidCI atiRll that The purpose of this article is to permit landlords a fair and reasonable return on the value of their property, while at the same time protecting tenants from arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable rent increases. The determination of reasonableness shall be made with reference to the following standards, unless the lilediatoi cm arbitrator determines that the overall standard of reasonableness requires other standards to be applied in a given case. SECTION X Section 14.80.315 of the Town code is amended to read as follows: Section 14.80.315. Other factors of reasonableness. £ p(a) hicreaslens deemed reasonable. Arent increase is reasonable' if the hearing offi er deternnes tale f'011aviiig VV llel C the cumuli t of die l)1 u1iused 1 eutal 'mu ease 1 u11Jists on. y 0f passing till uug I uiie () ut mute oftlie fulluwiug. :(1) The reni increase consists of no more than .fivc percent tS.°o) of the " ." • . existingrnonthly rent plus the pass -through ofall or some ot the amounts ofone(ij.or more ofrhe folt0:00gt (OM The fee imposed under section 14.80.245, (0) (0(3) Costs of capital improvements7iveriOdati.a.otrAmit.,basi$ and agOrtiZed.OVr:a•tteriOd•Qfoot..1egg;.11140si .460.001 Increased costs of maintenance and operation; or (0).(4-) Costs of rehabilitation-,--4v04gO4.on 4:..O000i:a.bo*over a period on not less than thiry-six (3() rnonths;andand amortized UN nu mute Lliari pett.,ent ui the iiiuuthly tent, tliey I uidiiiiuily eeiiied leasull4ble, piuvided tliat. (2)a: The ecost figures have beeii are established to the reasonable satisfaction of the hearing officer;anc1 le Lusts ul Lapllal nupluvelllellLs 11 any cue 4velageu un pi -unit basis axid ale uuu1liLed uvet a peiiud u nut Iess thati six y IN. The Lusts ui ic ba Aaiun any ale averaged Oil a pel unit asisaiidcue alllultiLed uvei nut less than (hit ty-six (3 ) ntunt IN. (3)4. Each of the costs proposed tu be passed4through to tenants; whetIiei it be Lasts uf capltld impluvements, iiii ectsed Lusts uf upet dim aiid nhuntename, Ul LAJAS • U IC Ict i Aaiun, bears a reasonable relationship to the purpose for which such cost Wet e was incurred and the value of the real property to which they ate ft is applied7crr: SECTION XI This ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on April 7, 1997, and adopted by the following vote as an ordinance of the Town of Los Gatos at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on . This ordinance takes effect thirty (30) days after it is adopted. COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SIGNED: MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA ATTEST: CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA March 31, 1997 csd28A\articlev.wpd QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT LOS GATOS Rental Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Ordinance 1. WHAT IS THE RENTAL DISPUTE MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION ORDINANCE? Attachment 2 The Ordinance establishes a process for the resolution of tenant/landlord disputes concerning rent increases, housing services or evictions. The Town, acting through professionally trained hearing officers will provide conciliation/mediation/arbitration services to eligible tenants and landlords. 2. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? WHO IS COVERED? Anyone on a property where there are 2 or more units is eligible for information regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Los Gatos Ordinance or California Civil Code by contacting the Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program at (408) 243-8565. However, only landlords and tenants of any complex of three (3) or more rental units on a parcel of land within the Town of Los Gatos are eligible for mediation and arbitration under the ordinance. There is a separate ordinance for mobile home park residents and owners. 3. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE? To permit landlords a fair and reasonable return on their investment in rental property while protecting in -place tenants from extraordinary rent increases, reinforcing California Civil Code and avoiding termination of tenant for retaliatory reasons. 4. HOW OFTEN CAN RENTS BE RAISED ON EXISTING TENANTS? Ordinarily, no more than once a year, except when regulatory fees are passed through or with written consent of all affected tenants. Anniversary dates are determined by the date of the last rent increase, and or, the move -in date. 5. WHAT ARE THE LANDLORD'S RESPONSIBILI11bS WHEN RENT IS INCREASED? The landlord must notify the tenants of their right to use the ordinance on the rent increase notice. Recommended wording is: You have the right to use the Rental Dispute Mediation & Arbitration Hearing Process. For further information contact: LOS GATOS RENT MEDIATION 1245 So. Winchester Blvd., #200 San Jose, Calif. 95128 (408) 243-8565 Failure to provide the required notice voids the rent increase. Notices reissued to correct the omission of notice of rights, may not exceed the amount of the initial rent increase notice. LGFRM7a.doc 2/97 6. WHAT LIMITATIONS DOES THE ORDINANCE PLACE ON RENT INCREASE AMOUNTS? An owner can raise rents 70% of the average annual percent of change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) OR 5% per year, whichever is greater. The CPI used is the Bay Area Index. Contact Los Gatos Rent Mediation for the current figure. 7. HOW CAN THE OWNER JUSTIFY A RENT INCREASE OVER 5% OR 70% CPI CEILING? A landlord may justify a larger rent increase based on increased expenses and economic factors. If tenants petition Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program, then owners must document their costs in the conciliation, mediation, and/or arbitration process. These costs may include expenses for regulatory fees, taxes, operating and maintenance costs, capital improvements and rehabilitation. Refinancing and resale debt service may also be passed through within limits imposed by the ordinance. Reduction in housing services and Housing Code violations may offset a proposed rent increase, or a current rent level. 8. WHAT LIMITS ARE THERE ON COSTS CLAIMED BY THE LANDLORD? Generally, costs which would be accepted for tax purposes can be claimed. There are some specific limits, however. Capital improvement costs must be amortized over at least sixty (60) months. Rehabilitation costs include repairs ordered by the Town or to repair damages caused by natural disaster and must be amortized over at least thirty-six (36) months. Debt service costs by new owners are limited to 80% of the increased costs of debt service generated by debt on no more than 70% of the appraised value of the property (based on the lender's appraised value of the property). New owner debt service costs can be passed on to each tenant no sooner than one year from the date of their last increase. Refinancing costs by existing owners are limited to that amount reinvested in the property. 9. WHAT ARE REDUCTIONS IN HOUSING SERVICES? A service reduction occurs when a tenant's service level is reduced without a corresponding reduction in rent, i.e., no heat, unusable swimming pool. Claims of service reductions must be documented by the tenant in writing. Tenants should be prepared to show that they have previously notified the owner of the requested repair or service reduction complaint and given the landlord a reasonable time to repair the reduction 10. WHAT ABOUT HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS? A Housing Code violation can result in an otherwise reasonable rental increase being reduced, disallowed, or conditioned depending on the severity of the violation. 11. CAN RENTS BE RAISED WHEN A TENANT MOVES OUT? Rents can be raised when a new tenant moves in. 12. CAN A LANDLORD EVICT A TENANT IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE RENT? No. An eviction to evade the Ordinance is illegal and can be contested by the tenant in court. If a tenant is evicted in order to raise the rent, the tenant can also file a complaint. LGFRM7a.doc 2/97 13. WHAT CAN A TENANT DO IF THE RENT IS RAISED ABOVE THE 5% OR 70% CPI WHICHEVER IS GREATER? If 25% of the affected tenants believe that a rent increase may not be within the guidelines, they can file a petition for conciliation no later than thirty (30) days after the increase takes effect. 14. HOW IS A PETITION FILED? Forms may be obtained from either the Los Gatos Town Clerk or the Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program. The completed form is then filled out and returned to the Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program. Petitions may be filed regarding disputes over rent increases, housing services, and evictions,. Petitions regarding rent increases must include at least 25% of those units affected by the rent increase. This is done by attaching the names, addresses, telephone numbers and signatures. of those joining in the request for conciliation to one petition rather than each unit filing their own petition. Make sure the person to be contacted as representative of the group fills out the front of the petition completely with the day contact telephone number noted and the name, address and telephone number of the owner. 15. HOW DOES A TENANT FIND OUT WHICH OTHER TENANTS HAVE RECEIVED A RENT INCREASE? If any tenant requests in writing the apartment numbers of all tenants receiving rent increase notices for the same month as the tenant making the request, the owner must provide the apartment numbers in writing. Failure to comply voids the rent increase notice. A reissued rent increase notice to comply with this section cannot exceed the amount of the initial rent increase notice. 16. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A PE 111ION IS FILED? You will be contacted within a week by a Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program representative. The representative will attempt to resolve the dispute through telephone or mail contacts with both parties. If conciliation is not successful, a mediation will be scheduled. Landlords will be requested to provide information on costs. At the hearing, both landlord and tenant(s) may bring an advisor or other representative. All parties must bring all appropriate documents and evidence to all hearings. 17. DOES THE TENANT PAY THE RENT INCREASE AMOUNT IN QUESTION? Filing the petition stays the rent increase "complained of' until the dispute is resolved by a voluntary mediated agreement or an arbitration award. Tenants pay only 5% or 70% CPI whichever is greater until the case is resolved. At that time, tenants pay any amount over the 5% or 70% CPI deemed to be reasonable, which was deferred during the stay. 18. WHO CONDUCTS THE MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION? Mediators and Arbitrators are individuals selected for their skills and training in resolving disputes and making impartial decisions. Mediators are assigned by a program representative. If arbitration is required, both tenant and landlord have the right to delete one name from a list of three (3) potential arbitrators. LGFRM7a.doc 2/97 19. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEDIATION? The mediator acts as a neutral third party to guide both sides towards a voluntary agreement. All parties present information in open and potentially closed caucuses. 20. WHAT IF AN AGREEMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE? When mediation has not resulted in agreement either party may request arbitration by completing forms available from the Mediator or the Los Gatos Rent Mediation Program. 21. WHAT HAPPENS DURING ARBITRATION? The arbitrator hears evidence presented by both parties. Within seventeen (17) days of the hearing, the arbitrator renders an award. This award is a legally binding decision. 22. IF THE ARBl1'KATOR DECIDED THE RENT INCREASE IS REASONABLE, BUT THE LANDLORD DOES NOT DECREASE THE RENT, WHAT HAPPENS THEN? The Town of Los Gatos may enforce this Ordinance by bringing a civil action. 23. IS THE TENANT PROTECTED FROM A LANDLORD WHO Al 11,MPTS TO EVICT THEM FOR USING THE MEDIATION PROCESS? Yes, it is unlawful for any landlord to evict a tenant in retaliation for exercising their rights granted under the Ordinance. 24. CAN A TENANT WAIVE IN ADVANCE HIS RIGHTS UNDER THIS ORDINANCE? No. It is a misdemeanor for the landlord to use a rental agreement which attempts to waive the tenant's rights. 25. WHO OVERSEES AND ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM? The program is managed by the Town of Los Gatos Community Services Department, contracts with Information and Referral Services, a non-profit agency, to administer the program. LOS GATOS RENT MEDIATION 1245 So. Winchester Blvd., #200 San Jose, Calif. 95128 (408) 243-8565 Hours 9 to 4 Monday - Friday LGFRM7a.doc 2/97 INTERNAL TRACKING DEPTMENT: AGENDA ITEM: RESO/ORD NUMBER: DATE By LIST IN BOOK ON DISC OR SHARE. FORM SENT TO DEPT. PUBLISH IF REQUIRED - Date of Publication ORDINANCES ONLY WHEN SIGNATURE AND /s/ COPY (1 EACH) returned, LIST ON SIGNATURE TRACKING & SEND TO MAYOR - MAIL TO DISTRIBUTION LIST NO.of COPIES: PROOF OF MAILING PREPARED SIGN BY CLERK/SEAL ENTER INTO ECM ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION FILE FILE IN VAULT CODIFICATION IF ORDINANCE ! c tk: d 16: tocherlordres2 April 7, 1997 Los Gatos, California GENERAL PLAN TASK FORCE CONT. Speakers continued: Maggie Creighton cont. She felt that the following questions should be asked the applicants: Can you work toward consensus?; Can you live with a true understanding of someone who has an opposite view point from yours?; Can you seek understanding? Michael Bomberger, 114 Dardenelli Lane, recommended the use of a facilitator/communicator who also has some expertise in the planning field and is experienced in the consensus building techniques. Joe Persynski, 350 Los Gatos Blvd., has had experience with facilitating. He feels an outside facilitator would generate distrust, especially with the dollar amount this process may cost. He would like to see more community involvement, and urges caution in selection of the committee. Consensus building for the good of the whole community is the goal and not the furthering of ones own agenda. No one else from the audience addressed this issue. Randy Attaway asked that staff review the applications and send each Coucilperson the applications and matrix to review and make comments which will be forwarded to the subcommittee. This would become #8 in Attachment 1, and the following items would become #9 and # 10. Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council create the Citizens General Plan Task Force; define the role of the Task Force by Attachment 1 of the staff report; accept the Goal, the Means, the Schedule, the Size and the Qualifications as defined in the staff report; and accept the Application Form as defined in Attachment 2. Additionally in Attachment 1, under Means #4 the word decisions shall be struck and "their recommendations" will be inserted. A resolution to this effect will return to Council April 21, 1997. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that staff return with RFP for discussion purposes to Council on April 21, 1997. The RFP is to seek a professional facilitator who also has experience in planning issues and facilitating and coordinating this type of Citizens General Plan Task Force. Those Council members who are absent can fax back their comments to staff. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. RENTAL DISPUTES/TENANT-LANDLORD DISPUTES/ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION (24.19) Vice Mayor Lubeck stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider Introducing Ordinance Amending the Los Gatos Town Code, Article VIII, Rental and Other Tenant/Landlord Disputes (Sections 14.80.010 - 14.80.315.) The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Sue Fish, Chair of the Rent Advisory Committee, noted that these changes were not policy changes but simply clarification concerning other parts of the Town Code, other agency regulations, and modification of language. Harriet Shuel, 15155 Blossom Hill Road, representing Information and Referral, had been administering this Ordinance since 1980. This Ordinance is a communication vehicle. Most disputes that arrive at her office are resolved through information and communication between the parties, and only 3% petition to use the process provided by the Ordinance. No one else from the audience addressed this issue. TC: D9: MM040797 7 April 7, 1997 Los Gatos, California RENTAL DISPUTES/TENANT-LANDLORD DISPUTES/ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION CONT. Senior Deputy Town Clerk read the Title of the Proposed Ordinance. Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, to waive the reading of the Proposed Ordinance. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that Council introduce Proposed Ordinance entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ARTICLE VIII. RENTAL AND OTHER TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES (SECTIONS 14.80.010 - 14.80.315.) Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. PURCHASING MANUAL/RESOLUTION 1997-25 (12.06) Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton,that Council adopt Resolution 1997-25 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ADOPTING AMENDED TOWN PURCHASING MANUAL PURSUANT TO TOWN CODE 2.50.145. AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 1994-74. This Resolution to exclude all vehicles which will continue to come to Council for approval. [On Page 22 there is a correction under Mileage Claim Reimbursement, in the Second Line after the word California, the section right below in parenthesis should move up beside the word California.] Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. Mrs. Lubeck voted no because she feels all items are listed clearly in the budget which is thoroughly discussed each year before the budget is adopted. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 1996-97 (25.10) Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Blanton, to Amend Town council Meeting Schedule for 1996-97 Fiscal Year: Replacing 1997-98 operating budget study session on April 14 with a hearing on the 1997-98 operating budget on Tuesday, May 27th.; and Cancelling april 28, 1997 council/Redevelopment Agency Study session on the Downtown Parking Improvement Plan and scheduling april 30, 1997, from 5p.m. to 8p.m., Joint Council/Planning Commission field trip by bus to review recently constructed projects. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (26.10) Jan Hutchins spoke of the Vasona Light Rail Corridor Meeting and information interesting to Los Gatos constituents. The reconfiguration of the downtown San jose is being discussed and voted on. There is a $13,000,000 difference in the redesign. If this money does not get spent there is a possibility it can go toward the Vasona Corridor extension. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, that this evening's meeting be adjourned at 9:57 p.m., to a joint Town Council and Redevelopment Agency Meeting immediately following. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mrs. Benjamin absent. TC: D9: MM040797 ATTEST: MarLyn J. Rasmussen Senior Deputy Town Clerk 8