ST 05-31-00TOWN COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PLANNING COMMISSION
JOINT STUDY SESSION AGENDA
110 EAST MAIN STREET
COUNCIL CHAMBERS (DOWNSTAIRS)
MAY 31 (WEDNESDAY), 2000 - 6:00 P.M.
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
The Town Council/Parking Authority/Redevelopment Agency and the Planning Commission of the Town
of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 110 East Main Street, at 6:00 P.M.,
Wednesday, May 31, 2000, in joint regular session.
ATTENDANCE
Present:Mayor/Chairman Steve Blanton; Council members: Randy Attaway, Jan Hutchins,
Linda Lubeck and Joe Pirzynski; Town Manager David Knapp; Town Staff: Orry Korb, Paul Curtis;
Planning Commission Members: Laura Natchison, Suzzane Muler, Lee Quintana, and Len Pachaico.
NUMBER OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Council met with the Planning Commission to discuss the size and make up of the
Commission. They addressed downsizing the Commission from 7 to 5. After some
discussion it was considered that the size of the Commission was not causing the problems,
but the length of the meeting and the tendency to meander when considering the issues.
* 9 member Commission was considered unwieldy
* 5 member Commission was not sufficient representation of the Community
* 7 member Commission was considered appropriate for the extra hours and time that are
now being required to do the Commission’s work
* What causes the increased work loads?
* What causes the late hours of the meetings?
* What causes the continuances?
* Must each Commissioner speak at length to each project?
* How does the Commission think that some of these issues can be answered?
LENGTH OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
Council discussed the length of the Planning Commission meeting and suggested methods
to move the meetings along and come to more timely decisions. The following concerns
were addressed, and another meeting of the Planning Commission to discuss these issues
was suggested.
* Work on the process–How much work can be done before the Planning Commission so
that the Commission can deal with just the significant aspects?–More interaction and work
should go into the project before it reaches Commission–What can we do to assist an
individual who is bringing forward a project?–How can that person gain input from the
process before it reaches the Commission?–Commission take testimony–Offer a motion–
Have discussion arise from that motion.
* The more facilitation the longer the process to meet all of the Town’s expectations.
* If Commission acts as adjudicators the process can move along more quickly.
* If item has been postponed let it be among the first to be heard at the next meeting.
* Do not repeat issue or question, just discuss new information
* Redefine the roll of the Commission
* Adjourn late meetings to the next night in order to finish the agenda
* Commission to hold a work session and delineate rules and procedures for its actions
* Address the issues and proceed with determining the action. Do not facilitate.
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* Frame questions to applicants so they may answer with yes or no.
* Limit overly detailed design questions.
* Avoid confrontation with the applicants.
* Limit applicants’ presentation time to six minutes.
* Limit audience presentation to 1 to 2 minutes.
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Town of Los Gatos May 31, 2000
Study Session Los Gatos, California
* Schedule a reasonable number of agenda items.
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Town of Los Gatos May 31, 2000
Study Session Los Gatos, California
CONTINUED DISCUSSION:
* Schedule confrontational items on agendas that have enough time for them.
* Keep to Planning issues that are within the context of the Zoning Ordinance and the
General Plan.
* Each Planning Commissioner should have just one minute to conclude.
* Preliminary committees should do most of the facilitation before the project arrives at the
Commission.
The following people addressed this issue and shared their ideas on improving this
procedure:
James McIlvain, 15331 Francis Oaks Way, presented an analysis of the Planning
Commission meetings. He noted that 1/3 of the applications were approved; 1/4 were
continued; and 1/3 were sent for redesign. Rely more on the staff to set the guidelines and
rules.
Peggy Dallas, 17681 Foster Road, asked that the process be reviewed as to how the
project meets the Town’s design standards. If there are issues, send the project back to the
Architectural Standards Committee.
Sandy Decker, 45 Glen Ridge, spoke of the need for the Conceptual Design committee to
begin the process. Commission to work on new policy for moving projects along through
committees to get sufficient in put in the process before the item arrives at the Commission.
Mike Abkin, 122 El Olivar, ask that projects be reviewed projects through committees
before arriving at Planning Commission.
Kelly Blough, 233 Belmont Avenue, would like to see the calendars divided so as to review
residential items at one time and commercial projects at another time. Establish a time line
for projects so applicants can plan around it.
Mark Tersini, 1623 Bearden Drive, suggested a Design Review Committee comprised of 2
architects, 2 commissioners and staff that directly answer the technical issues.
Cheri LeRoy, Wooded View, an applicant who was on the agenda last week, and who was
continued, came forward to take issue with the present system.
Ray Davis, resident, spoke of competing interests, and asked that the Commission keep 7
members.
LENGTH OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS CONT.
Consensus to study this issue further and in the mean time allow the Planning Commission
to work on the problems and see if it can stream line its meetings and cover all items placed
on its agenda.
PRESENTATION/COMMENDATION/SANDY DECKER
Mayor Blanton presented a commendation from the Planning Commission to Sandy Decker
thanking her for her years of service to the Town while serving on the Commission. Mrs.
Decker was present to receive her commendation and thanked Town for the opportunity to
have served.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Blanton adjourned the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
ATTEST:
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Town of Los Gatos May 31, 2000
Study Session Los Gatos, California
Marian V. Cosgrove, Town Clerk
ST053100.JT
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