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M 09-20-99TOWN OF LOS GATOS CALIFORNIA TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY September 20, 1999/Minutes TOWN COUNCIL The Town Council/Parking Authority/Redevelopment Agency of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 110 East Main Street, at 7:30 p.m., Monday, September 20, 1999, in joint regular session. ROLL CALL Present:Randy Attaway, Steven Blanton, Linda Lubeck, Joe Pirzynski, and Mayor/Chairman Jan Hutchins. Absent:None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Given by all in attendance. CLOSED SESSION Town Attorney, Orry Korb, announced that Council had met in Closed Session prior to this evening's meeting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, regarding Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Town Manager). No action was taken. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6, Council met to discuss Labor Relations. Town Negotiator (Lead): Gary Rogers, Personnel Manager; Employee, Town Manager and Town. No action was taken. PRESENTATION/MICHELE BRAUCHT/FINANCE (00.10) Mayor Hutchins presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting issued by the Government Finance Officers Association to Los Gatos Finance Director, Michele Braucht. PRESENTATION/REGINA FALKNER/WASTE MANAGEMENT (00.10) Mayor Hutchins presented a Certificate of Achievement issued by the California Integrated Waste Management Board to Los Gatos Community Services Director, Regina Falkner. WILD LIFE CENTER OF SILICON VALLEY/FUNDING (22.28) Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mr. Blanton, to approve funding the Wild Life Center of Silicon Valley's funding request for $3,949.50. Carried unanimously. SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (01.01) Informational report regarding currently scheduled public hearings was received and filed. COUNTY REFERRALS (02B.47) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council accept the report concerning County Referrals: NUMBER LOCATION APPLICANT REQUEST RECOMMENDATION 7073 16531 Englewood Ave Cannon Building Site Approval/One Condition Carried unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY STATUS REPORT (03.47) Informational report regarding activity of Planning Commission and Department was received and filed. RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1999 (04.V) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council ratify the check registers for the payroll of August 22 through September 4, 1999 paid on September 10, 1999 in the amount of $376,510.74. Carried unanimously. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/SEPTEMBER 1999 (05.V) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council ratify the accompanying check registers for accounts payable invoices paid on September 3, and September 10, 1999, in the amount of $357,211.21. Carried unanimously. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 (06.V) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council approve the Minutes of September 7, 1999 Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as submitted. Carried unanimously. TREASURER'S REPORT (07.V) Informational report submitted by the Treasurer to the Council for the month ended July 31, 1999, was received and filed. NATURAL GAS COMPRESSION STATION/PROJECT 9921/RESOLUTION 1999-144 (09.28) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999-144 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS ACCEPTING WORK OF NATURAL FUELS CORPORATION - PROJECT 9921 - SKID MOUNTED NATURAL GAS COMPRESSION STATION AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RECORDING BY TOWN CLERK. Carried unanimously. VASONA LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR/WINCHESTER EXTENSION/RESOLUTION 1999- 145 (11.40) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999-145 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS SUPPORTING THE FINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE VASONA LIGHT RAIL CORRIDOR WINCHESTER EXTENSION. Carried unanimously. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE/BEIN & FROST CONSULTANTS/RESOLUTION 1999-146 (12.47) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999-146 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE SECOND AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT BEIN, WILLIAM FROST AND ASSOCIATES FOR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE CONSULTANT SERVICES. Carried unanimously. WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES/REVISED CONTRACT (13.47) This item has been removed from the agenda. TOWN ATTORNEY/LETTER OF AGREEMENT (14.10) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999- entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND TOWN ATTORNEY. Carried unanimously. STORM DRAIN PROJECTS/FUNDING (15.37) This item has been removed from the agenda. GLEN RIDGE AVENUE 133/RESIDENTIAL REMODEL/RESOLUTION 1999-148 (16.09) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999- entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING A REQUEST FOR ARCHITECTURE AND SITE APPROVAL TO EXCEED THE FAR FOR A PRE-1941 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ON PROPERTY ZONED R-1:8, which confirms Council action of September 7, 1999. Carried unanimously. BLOSSOM HILL ROAD 14734/SKY LANE 14725/PLANNED DEV/ORDINANCE 2067 (17.09) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Ordinance 2067 entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING THE BOUNDARIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF ORDINANCE 2047 EFFECTING A ZONE CHANGE FROM RC TO HR-1:PD AT 14734 BLOSSOM HILL ROAD; AND REZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 3,000 SQUARE FEET FROM HR-1:PD TO HR-5 AT 14725 SKY LANE, which was introduced at the Council meeting of September 7, 1999. Carried unanimously. RENTAL & OTHER TENANT-LANDLORD DISPUTE PROGRAM/ORDINANCE 2068 (18.44) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Ordinance 2068 entitled, ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING THE LOS GATOS TOWN CODE ARTICLE VII, RENTAL, AND OTHER TENANT/LANDLORD DISPUTES (SECTIONS 14.80.045 - 14.80.240), which was introduced at the Council meeting of September 7, 1999. Carried unanimously. SIDEWALK & GUTTER RECONSTRUCTION/PROJECT 00-01/RESOLUTION 1999- 149 (19.35) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, that Council adopt Resolution 1999-149 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT 0001 - ANNUAL SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER RECONSTRUCTION. Carried unanimously. VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS Massage Therapy: Andrew Fanelli, 15110 Shannon Road, asked that Council reconsider its policy on issuing business licenses to massage practitioners. Mayor Hutchins asked that this issue be agendized and come under consideration at a future Council meeting. Garbage Compactor: Larry Arzie, Los Gatos Porch, 32 North Santa Cruz, discussed the garbage enclosure in Station Way behind the new portion of Old Town. He would like a better understanding of how the facility will be operated, what the contracts will require and expect, and whether the Town will have some control over the requirements, restrictions and the fees associated with its operation. The Mayor requested that staff study this issue and return to Council with a report. TRAFFIC STUDIES/TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT (20.40) Council consensus that after due consideration to accept the Traffic Engineer's report and direct staff to proceed with the following traffic studies: A. Downtown operational study and evaluation of State Route 17 ramp closure. B. Old Town traffic study C. Evaluation of stop signs at Bachman/Santa Cruz and College /Main D. Evaluate existing traffic calming policy E. Peer review of County traffic study re: Englewood Avenue DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN (21.40) Council considered various downtown parking issues and made several decisions by consensus. The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Dianne McNutt, 25 Jackson Street, representing the Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the efforts involved in identifying funding sources for the proposed parking structures. She noted three separate issues: 1) The special needs assessment district spoke of identifying the owners of properties in the downtown district and asking them to commit to a new district at an assessment of 1 cent a square foot of property for a period of twenty years. The response to that request was 45.5% in favor so far. The assumption is that 60% would be in favor when more specifics were presented to them. 2) The raising of revenue was also addressed under paid for parking programs. The market research study identified parking as the most critical issue in the downtown according to Los Gatos residents. 3) Interim parking solutions were identified which could be implemented immediately. Daytime parking on University. Employee parking on Miles with additional lighting and patrol on Miles. Map identifying parking locations in the downtown. Valet parking on select public lots on key weekends of the holiday season. Shuttle service from outlying parking areas. Employee parking permits for car pooling efforts. Dianne presented a Summary of Parking Solution Action Items from the Chamber to the Council and asked that they be addressed, approved and initiated tonight. Edelen Parking District: (Items 2 and C) Bill Errico, 236 University Ave., as a resident, business owner in Los Gatos and member of the Chamber, he related that he agreed with the Action Items with the one exception of parking in the Edelen parking district. Philip Rhodes, 230 University, opposed the change in the Edelen parking district and asked that the 24 hour parking restriction remain in effect. Judy Holcome, 210 Edelen, opposed change in Edelen parking and asked that preferential parking for residents remain in effect especially during the time that Old Town parking is still restricted and there is additional impact from holiday shoppers. Stacy Stewart, 123 Edelen, asked about notification to the neighborhood when there are contemplated changes to the established preferential parking district. Jackie Wilson, 239 Edelen, opposed changes in Edelen parking district and reminded Council that this is a residential district with family visitations and service deliveries and added residential activities during the holiday season. Rex Morton, 51 University, representing the Parking Commission, noted that the Almond Grove Preferential Parking District had agreed to share its parking during the day and believes that the Edelen district could also share in the daylight hours. DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONT. Speakers continued: Edelen Parking District: Randy Chan, 118 Edelen, Parking Commission representative, noted the many empty spaces in this district during the day that could be utilized. Asked for a steeper employee parking fee which would encourage employees to park elsewhere, but which would give some the opportunity to use the empty spaces during the daytime up until 5:30 p.m. Employee parking is stationary parking which would not generate traffic circling the district searching for parking spaces. Larry Arzie, 32 N. Santa Cruz, noted that there are 900 employees in downtown Los Gatos. He asked that this proposal be put in effect for the 4 month Holiday Season. Sandy Decker, 45 Glen Ridge, asked when Steamer's would be demolished and that area would become viable parking for 45 vehicles. Staff noted that this would occur within two to three weeks around mid October. Margaret Smith, 40 N. Santa Cruz, asked that this issue involving the preferential parking district not hold Council up in making decisions on the other issues before them. She also asked if there was a restriction concerning preferential parking districts, and if owners of parking passes were allowed to sell their passes to others. Council Consensus to not pursue the question of altering the Edelen Preferential Parking District at this time. It could be brought up later with a full detailed report and analysis with the neighborhood's input when Council asks for it and assigns staff resources to the issue. Item "C" in the staff report is not approved but the issue can return to Council after Old Town is completed and Council has had time to access its effect on the area. Temporary Holiday Signs Directing to Public Parking (Item 9) Council Consensus: In the last fiscal year Council did approve the purchase of parking directional signs which will more clearly direct vehicles to downtown parking locations. Staff will place temporary or permanent official town signage identifying and directing to town parking locations. Business owners may discuss with staff ideas for this signage which will be in place by October 15, 1999. Increased Lighting and Patrolling along Miles Ave (Item 5) Council Comments: Staff reported on the increased lighting that town has installed along Miles since the last Holiday Season. It was noted that the trail gates need to be left unlocked and the trail needs to be patrolled in the evenings. Old Town had once made a commitment to send its employees to Miles if the trail was well lighted. It was suggested that Old Town needs to protect its leases and maintain parking and security for its employees, and could be asked to participate in the efforts to make Miles Ave a safe and convenient area for employees to park. The storage area at Miles was also considered for employee parking, but not to be pursued until there is strong support demonstrated for the use of Miles Ave parking as it now exists. Council Consensus: Staff report to Council on the light meter readings on Miles Ave, and how that reading compares to other parking lots in town. That the report contain the cost of patrolling that area and whether it is feasible to have Community Service vehicles patrol Miles Ave using volunteer employees for this service. DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONT. Special Need Assessment District for Downtown Commercial Property Owners: (Item 2 & A) Council Comments: There is a need to acquire an assured 60% of the downtown property owners' commitment to the new assessment before Council is willing to bring in consultants to establish the new district. The business community must go just a little further for Council's comfort level. Council wants to present a proposal that will be an assured success. Council Consensus: For staff to return to Council within a month with a fairly firm estimation of the cost of the proposal for contracting engineers, bonding company and law firm to establish an assessment district. That the business community continue with its assignment, so that before town lets the contracts and makes the financial decision, the town has assurance that it has the support of 60% of the property owners. Investigate Pay for Parking Options: (Item 3 & A) Council Comments: View the parking options as a cooperative venture where town pays for portion, property owners pay for portion, and the users pay for a portion. Enumerate the matrix of possibilities and methodologies for providing paid parking. Based on 50 cents per hour, what type of funds would be provided toward purchasing a second structure. When Council arrives at considering an assessment district, will it have all the figures from the various funding mechanisms available for determining what options to pursue. Mr. Blanton and Mrs Lubeck were contemplating this action. Mr. Pirzynski and Mr. Hutchins were willing to review the studies. Mr. Attaway was adamantly against any form of pay for parking believing it will erode the character and charm of Los Gatos and lead to economic and property blight in the downtown area. Larry Arzie, N. Santa Cruz Ave, noted that business owners are committing to two structures being built within a year of each other, if this is not the case, many of those who have already committed will be withdrawing their commitment. One lot can not service both ends of town, and business owners have an equity problem with only one or the other being built. Time Limit Change/Municipal Lots/3 Hours During Holiday Season: (Item 1 & B) Council Comments: Consistency eliminates confusion. If you enter Los Gatos lots the parking time limit will be the same wherever you are. The trial period is for evaluation to see how well this option works, town does not necessarily have to return to the past time limits after the four month trial period. Council Consensus: That Council include Lots 1 through 7 in a consistent 3 hour parking limit plan for Los Gatos Municipal Downtown Parking Lots, and return this item in resolution form for adoption on the next Council Consent Calendar. This parking limit plan will return in four months to Council for evaluation and consideration of keeping the time limits in these lots consistent. DOWNTOWN PARKING IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONT. Downtown Parking Maps funded at $5,000 and ready for distribution by 11/1/99: (Item 6) Council Comments: Why do we need a better map if we have approved better signage. The idea is to help visitors find a good parking location. A black and white parking page would be sufficient to help employees find parking. This map could be published in the papers, on the web site, placed in the library and distributed at the farmers' market. Council Consensus to place this item on the agenda for further consideration. Car Pool Spaces in Lot 3 by October 1, 1999: (Item 4) Council Comments: The idea is to encourage employees to park outside the downtown core and give an incentive to have fewer employees parking downtown. Council will consider this proposal if the Chamber can present the details of a program and the commitment of at least ten downtown businesses who will participate in the program. Valet Parking Program for Holiday Season: (Item 7) Council Consensus: To place on the next agenda for consideration of Town hiring valet company to use specified Town owned parking lots during certain times of the holiday season. This program to be considered as a cooperative partnership with downtown businesses. Shuttle Service Program to the Downtown for Holiday Season: (Item 8) Council Consensus: Council considered the idea for making additional parking available by either transporting shoppers or employees to the downtown from out lying parking areas. Council will consider a proposal from the Chamber which would identify type of shuttle, cost of program, and times of operation. If the program can prove successful there may be a possibility to present the program to the Mobile Source Committee of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and request a grant. Town may be willing to partner the program if the Chamber of Commerce can demonstrate its usefulness and benefit to the community. Fast Track Design and Engineering of Parking Structures: (Item 10) Council Comment: That the business community must be somewhat flexible. If the construction begins and is not going to be complete on time, the business community must be willing to cooperate and work with a safe but temporary and incomplete lot that can be stripped and used during the holiday season. It could then be completed after the shopping rush. Restriping Plan for Station Way: (Item E) Council Comments: Staff reviewed the beautification plans for this lot. One plan was for a quick fix that would not disrupt the holiday season. The other options were more long term and required user input, and contract agreements. It was suggested that the Parking Commission work with staff and the business representatives to establish a solution to the many questions involved in upgrading this parking lot. In the mean time the lot will be given a quick fix that will allow the lot to remain in its present configuration and which will not disrupt the holiday season. All interested parties to be given a period of rest and recuperation from the upheaval of the Old Town construction. Council Consensus: Staff will return to Council October 4, 1999 with a plan showing no loss of parking spaces. COUNTY REFERRALS (02.47) Marc Whyte, 16376 Camellia Terrace, asked Council to reconsider denial of a variance. NUMBER LOCATION APPLICANT REQUEST RECOMMENDATION 7513 16376 Camellia Terrace Marc Whyte Variance Denial Council Consensus to accept staff recommendation for denial of application for property located at 16376 Camellia Terrace. RESTAURANT POLICIES FOR THE TOWN (08.47) Discussion concerning language of intent as opposed to codified language in the Town Code. It is statement of purpose expressing how the codified language in the code should be considered by staff, applicants and others. Council Consensus to address this section of the code, prepare an amended ordinance, send the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review, and return this item to Council. PLANNING COMMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (10.47) Council Consensus: Council has reviewed the policy after six months and would like it to remain as it is without any changes. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (23.10) Mayor Hutchins reported on the League of Cities Association. All Councilmembers will be at that meeting except the Mayor. There will be a Walk Against Domestic Violence which the Council is invited to participate in. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hutchins adjourned this evening's meeting at 10:55 p.m. ATTEST: MarLyn J. Rasmussen Deputy Town Clerk