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M 05-29-96TOWN OF LOS GATOS CALIFORNIA TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY May 29, 1996 Minutes TOWN COUNCIL The Town Council/Parking Authority of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 110 East Main Street, at 6:07 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 1996, in regular session. ROLL CALL Present:Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton, Linda Lubeck, Patrick O'Laughlin and Mayor Randy Attaway. Absent:None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Given by all in attendance. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Attaway announced that there had been no Closed Session meeting this evening. UNIVERSITY AVE 742/THE RIDING COMPANY/RESIDENTIAL PD (01.09) Mayor Attaway stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider, accept and file report from the Planning Commission denying application for a General Plan Amendment from light industrial to medium density residential, 5-12 units per net acre; and a change in zone from LM to R- M:5-12:PD to permit the construction of a 23 unit detached residential planned development with three below market priced units for a total of 26 residential units on a 3.1 acre lot. Property located at 742 University Avenue. Property Owner: Donald Fitzgerald. Applicant: The Riding Company. Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council accept the report and file the April 24, 1996 Planning Commission minutes. Carried unanimously. PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING PRELIMINARY OPERATING BUDGET FOR 1996-1997 (02.06) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND COMMUNITY GRANTS ALLOCATIONS FOR 1996-1997 (02C.14) Town Manager, David Knapp, gave an overview of the budget and budget development process of the Town. He emphasised that the Town's budget is balanced and that the Town does not and is not allowed to run a deficit. Forecasts of the Town's revenues were shown on charts and TC:D8:MM052996 May 29, 1996 Los Gatos, California PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Continued Overview by Manager: visual aid materials. In addition, a two-page Budget-in-Brief was made available to those present. Drops in revenues created by the earthquake, loss of car dealerships and State take aways have reduced the Town's revenues by approximately 1.8 million dollars per year. Mr. Knapp reviewed the various funds and projects as they relate to present and future budgets. Departments' equipment replacement funds were related to the departments' needs, and Mr. Knapp addressed the many budget cuts which have been necessary over the last few years. Councilmember Lubeck gave a brief overview of where the revenues are generated and then where these funds are funnelled within the Town to meet the most current and pressing needs. She noted that the Town's reserves are presently at approximately $15,000,000. Mr. Knapp noted that Education Reimbursement and Training is an asset to the Town as well as to the employee's. Employee benefits were compared to neighboring cities and the total employee benefit package was addressed by Town Assistant Manager, Jim Piper. The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Tamara Lopez, 225A Wilder Ave., spoke for the DARE Program in the elementary schools and asked that the school resource officer be retained for this purpose. Eleanor Vora, 110 Lansberry Court, representing the Senior Program at the Live Oak Nutrition Center in Los Gatos, noted the many elderly that are served by this program daily. Celine Chan, 1 Almaden Blvd., 10th floor, San Jose, representing the Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program for Seniors, asked for Council's continued support. J.D. Vanderlaan, 17830 Bruce Ave., spoke of eliminating the assistant manager's position during the budget cuts. Susan Burnett, 85 Ellenwood, addressed the enforcement of curfew in Town and the need for additional supervision on the new creek trail. Marilyn Rumelhart, Neighborhood Center, representing the Family Services of Santa Clara Valley, spoke of the continued need for additional human services funding and grants. Meg Ryan, spoke of Family Services, and the need to check on seniors well being so that they may continue to live independently on their own Rebecca Maiten, 136 Belvue, young lady spoke in support of the Park Ranger Program. Michelle Chennault, 18610 Blythswood Drive, spoke in support of the High School Resource Officer and the need to continue this service. Vicki Thorburn, 16145 Lilac Lane, representing CASA Program, spoke in support of the Police Department. Cindy McCowan, 750 Curtner Ave., spoke in support of Second Harvest Food Bank and the Brown Bag Program. Kathy Cusick, 163 Eastridge Drive, spoke in support of the Library staying open and the need for a full book budget. TC:D8:MM052996 May 29, 1996 Los Gatos, California PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Speakers Continued: Craig Heimbichner, 20 High School Court, spoke of the need to continue the full funding of the Police Department, noting that the high school has additional needs with young people and the increase of gang activity. Pat Lake, 208 E. Main St., representing Teen Counseling Center of the West Valley, noted the continued need for funding for this program which helps young people. Lisa Rauch, 208 E. Main St., spoke in strong support of the Health Place, which aids the home bound frail and elderly. Maxine Hybarger, 5991 Post Oak Circle, spoke in support of Live Oak Day Care, and noted that all people in the community should be working on a safer neighborhood with the police and that funding should go to the community services programs. Lita Freidlander, representing Live Oak Adult Day Care Program, asked for Council's continued support in these difficult times. Late Goodwin, Bear Creek Way, spoke in support of Teen Counseling which she has found very helpful for herself and other teens. Sue Donnelly, 422 San Benito Ave., spoke for continued support of A Place for Teens in the community grant funding program. Gary Ehlert, 71 Broadway, spoke of Economic Development in Downtown Los Gatos, and the need to develop a profit source for the Town. Michael Maiten, 136 Belvue Drive, spoke strongly for continued support of the ranger program. Donna Dominico, representing Ombudsman Program, asked for continued support for elderly in institutions. Gwennie Balcomb, 195 Stacia Street, employee of Los Gatos High, requested continued Police Department support, noting the needs of the young people at the school. Dorothy Shattuck, 116 Towne Terrace #3, suggested taking drastic cuts in all Town services and reducing programs so as to balance the budget. Donald Worn, 95 Wadsworth Ave., spoke of cutting the assistant manager position and reducing police patrols. He suggested that the Town be patrolled by one officer downtown and one officer in the rest of the community. He spoke against selling our services to other agencies, and submitted a letter for the record. Lynnette Vega, Box 205, La Honda, representing Live Oak Nutrition Center and other senior programs asked for continued support. Barbara Schneider, 101 Olive St., speaking for the Youth Science Institute, asked for Council's continued support of this program. Ann Whyte, 220 Prospect Ave., spoke in support of the Police Department and asked Council to continue the support of that department. Christy Filice, 837 Cherrystone Drive, spoke in support of A Place for Teens. Christina Cordes, 23281 Mt. Charlie Road, addressed the programs at A Place for Teens. Helene Zimnicki-Felix, 16365 W. La Chiquita Ave., spoke of the community good the Art Docent Program supplies. TC:D8:MM052996 May 29, 1996 Los Gatos, California PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Speakers Continued: Jack Neal, 126 College Ave., spoke about the Community Services Commission's recommendations concerning the budget requests of the Town's service agencies. Chris Whiley, also addressed the Community Services Commission's recommendations. Pete Tiernan, Forbes Mill Museum Association President, spoke in support of the Forbes Mill Museum and its programs. Carol Ann Weber, suggested and supported ways of reducing the current budget. Jenny Niklaus, spoke in support of the Teen Counseling Center and Mental Health Services. Ted Simonson, Principal of Los Gatos High, spoke in support of the Police Department and also in support of the KCAT Channel which is supported jointly by the Town and School District. Rebecca Herr, 228 Massol Ave., spoke in support of many community service groups for seniors and young people and asked that Council support these programs in this budget. Mary Alice Blice, 484 Woodland Ave. #43, spoke strongly in favor of retaining the Community Services Program. Can not imagine this service being removed. Dale Hill, 150 Robin Way, asked that the Library not be closed on Fridays. Diane Carlson, supports the KCAT Channel, spoke of the history of this service, asked for continued support and submitted background information for the record. Hale Chase, Andover Drive, spoke in favor of all the current services. Chris Oggerino, 1610 Hyde Drive, supports the Police Department and the community safety issues. Jack Parsons, 15880 Blossom Hill Road, asked for continued support for the Photographic Guild of Los Gatos. Pete Papposich, 520 University Ave., spoke in support of the Police Department. Barbara Wales, 101 Casa Grande, supported cutting Community Services and increasing the Clerk's salary. Robert Wales, 101 Casa Grande, supported essential services for the Town before the resources are expended on the Community Services for seniors and youth. Kamy Rahimi, 103 Belgatos Lane, asked for continued service for Belgatos Park including safety and maintenance for the trail. Spoke of negotiating with other agencies and increasing the Town's revenues for supplying services. Bill York, 203 Palmer Drive, spoke of safety in the various community environments and the need for continued Police Department support. Asked that Council raise revenue with parking fees downtown. Bill Quigley, 103 Belridge Drive, asked that the Police Department be eliminated and that we contract with the County Sheriff's Department for a savings of $1.5 million. He asked that labor contracts and administration be looked at for savings. He submitted a letter for the record concerning budget reductions. Norman Stoner, 129 Cardinal Lane, representing the Los Gatos Community Concert Association, asked for continued funding to help introduce young people to cultural events. TC:D8:MM052996 May 29, 1996 Los Gatos, California PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Speakers Continued: Egon Jensen, 182 Lester Lane, submitted a ten page document for the record with suggestions for this year's police budget. John Mortensen, spoke in support of the utility tax, and the need to keep the services and quality of life in our Town. People still choose Los Gatos as an ideal place to live, and would like to see the people of this Town support its needs with an additional $100 a year tax. Peter Henrichsen, 287 Garden Hill Drive, supports the Police Department and safety services. He spoke about the Dart services given to the Town. Dave Gray, Park Ranger, gave examples of revenues which could be raised at the park to support the program and park maintenance. Judy Howell, 16793 Farley Road, Park Commissioner, asked that the budget be observed proportionately, comparing Human Services to the Police Department. Chris Benson, asked that community services be kept and to not cut those services the community has become used to. John Hannegan, 440 San Benito, CB Hannegans, spoke in support of the Los Gatos Police Department, lends his support to all the good work done. Motion by Mrs. Benjamin, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that Council close this public hearing. Carried unanimously. COUNCIL RECESS Mayor Attaway announced a short recess at 9:30 PM. Meeting reconvened at 9:40 PM. PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Council Comments: Mrs. Benjamin spoke of: (1) the reason for first initiating the Ranger Program, finding it less costly than hiring police officers to do this duty. (2) Asked if savings could be found in mailed noticing and that this noticing be done in the local paper in a larger ad; (3) supports KCAT funding. Mr. Blanton asked: (1) that competitive bids be used for more purchases; (2) that funding the ranger program through charges at the park be addressed; (3) he suggested cutting the community services department; (4) supports KCAT cuts; (5) supports Live Oak Adult Day Care; (6) asked for increasing Clerk's salary; (7) suggested moving Code Enforcement to police department; (8) asked to streamline tree ordinance. Mr. O'Laughlin (1) is in favor of keeping the school resource person, (2) but would like to see KCAT funding reduced. Mayor Attaway (1) asked that the legalities of the KCAT agreement be examined in light of the Town cutting its funding, and if KCAT closes, that the Town review the inventory before disbanding. TC:D8:MM052996 May 29, 1996 Los Gatos, California PRELIMINARY 1996-97 OPERATING BUDGET INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/HEARING CONT. Speakers Continued: Mrs. Lubeck (1) does not want to see the equipment replacement fund touched; (2) she does not want the community services department deleted; (3) the ranger program can be eliminated and the service performed by a police officer; (4) KCAT could be funded at 1/2 the amount saving $32,000; (5) Restore 3-5K to the community services grants; (6) establish economic development program in Planning Department; (7) cut $20,000 from the Plaza funds; (8) traffic control officers cut in half. Council Consensus: - Eliminate Legal Secretary position in the Town Attorney's Office - Reduce medical benefits costs in the Town Council budget - Cut 1/2 the support to KCAT cable television - Replace a Senior Planner position with an entry level Planner position - Close the Library on Friday and reopen Thursday mornings - Close the Library the week before Christmas - Reduce funding for the Arts program - Reduce funding for Human Services programs - Eliminate a Police Records Clerk position - Eliminate a Police Detective position - Eliminate a Park Ranger position and address again when increasing our fees - Town Manager and Assistant Manager are separate functions and Council supports them as such - Delay the Plaza Master Plan (see Redevelopment Agency Minutes of 5/29/96 where possible funding may be provided by the Agency) ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. O'Laughlin, that this evening's meeting be adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Carried unanimously. ATTEST: Marian V. Cosgrove Town Clerk TC:D8:MM052996