M 01-03 -00TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY
JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
January 3, 2000/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 7:32 p.m.,
Monday, January 3, 2000, in joint regular session.
ROLL CALL
Present:Randy Attaway, Jan Hutchins (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), Linda Lubeck,
Joe Pirzynski, and Mayor/Chairman Steve Blanton.
Absent:None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Blanton announced that Closed Session had not been held this evening.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (01.01)
Informational report regarding currently scheduled public hearings was received and filed.
COUNTY REFERRALS (02.47)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council accept the report
concerning County Referrals:
NUMBER LOCATION APPLICATION REQUEST RECOMMENDATION
6064 14531 Arnerich Road Salem Time Extension Approval/No Conditions
7591 16360 Los Gatos Almaden Paglia Building Site Approval/No Conditions
Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins absent.
COUNCIL CALENDAR OF MEETINGS (03.10)
Informational item presenting future Town Meetings for Council and other Town Boards
and Commissions was received and filed as it appeared in the desk item this evening.
RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1999 (04.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council ratify the check
registers for the payrolls of November 14, 1999 through November 27, 1999, paid on
December 3, 1999, and November 28, 1999 through December 11, 1999, paid on
December 17, 1999, in the amount of $849,736.00. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr.
TC:D11:MM010300
Hutchins absent.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/DECEMBER 1999 (05.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council ratify the
accompanying check registers for accounts payable invoices paid on December 3, 1999,
December 10, 1999 and December 17, 1999 in the amount of $790,622.57. Carried by a
vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins absent.
TC:D11:MM010300
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 6, 1999 (06.V)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council approve the Minutes of
December 6, 1999 Town Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as submitted. Carried
by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins absent.
PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY STATUS REPORT (07.46)
Informational report regarding activity of Planning Commission and Department was
received and filed.
PERSONAL SERVICE BUSINESSES/DAY SPA USE (09.47)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council accept report from
Community Development Director regarding personal service businesses and day spa
uses. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins absent.
AMICUS BRIEF/LION'S LAIR VS. RIVERSIDE COUNTY (10.01)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council authorize the Town
Attorney to join the Town of Los Gatos in the amicus curiae brief in the case of Lion's Lair
Enterprises v. County of Riverside, California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division
Two, Case #E024277, at no cost to the Town. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins
absent.
INVESTMENT POLICY OF THE TOWN/RESOLUTION 2000-1 (11.05)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution
2000-1 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE
TOWN COUNCIL TO ACCEPT THE EXISTING INVESTMENT POLICY DATED
DECEMBER 15, 1997. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Hutchins absent.
ROBERTS ROAD 16935-16939/FINAL MAP TRACT 9225/RESOLUTION 2000-2 (12.09)
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution
2000-2 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING THE
FINAL MAP OF TRACT 9225, ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING
THE TOWN MANAGER TO SIGN THE CONTRACT. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr.
Hutchins absent.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Preferential Parking Districts:
MarLyn Rasmussen, 119 Tait, asked that Item #16 be moved forward on the agenda
tonight and be discussed before the Public Hearings. She asked that a Public Hearing be
held to re-evaluate the Preferential Parking Districts in the Downtown areas. Submitted
petition for the record.
Englewood Traffic Problems:
TC:D11:MM010300
3
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
Ginger Rowe, 16400 Englewood, asked that Item #15 be considered before Item #13.
Greg Moss, 16788 Littlefield, asked when further consideration concerning the traffic on
Englewood would be on the Council agenda. Staff referred to February 7, 1999 as the
date for consideration.
University Ave Business Park Noise and Lights:
Mary Keith Osborn, 17051 Wild Way, spoke of the noise, traffic impact, highway noise,
light intrusion, loss of trees and wild life, dumpster noise in early morning hours. She
asked that the Town review the problems that have been caused by the new commercial
building constructed in the business park.
TC:D11:MM010300
4
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
ENGLEWOOD TRAFFIC STUDY PEER REVIEW/TJKM TRANSPORTATION (15.39)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider traffic
engineer report given by Gary Kruger of TJKM Transportation Consultants.
Gary Kruger, TJKM Consultant, gave an overview of the County’s report on Englewood
traffic conditions. He noted speeding problems and the need for enforcement on this
street. He suggested posting truck restrictions for this road, adding twenty five MPH signs
and painted speed limits on the street surface.
Council Consensus to direct Town’s police department to take enforcement action in this
area for one month, and over a longer period of time explore the problems and solutions of
enforcement issues with other jurisdictions and agencies. Staff to also look into methods
of restricting truck traffic in this neighborhood.
HEARINGS
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH/APPEAL
(13.09)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to
consider appeal of the Planning Commission decision denying a request for modification to
a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Montessori School in conjunction with an existing
church on properties zoned R-1:8 and prezoned R-1:8. Project Application PRJ-99-082.
Property Location: 16548 Ferris Avenue. Property Owner: Faith Lutheran Church.
Applicant: Mariposa Montessori. Appellant: Joanne Varni (President Mariposa
Montessori).
The following people from the audience spoke to this issue:
Joanne Varni, 16566 Topping Way, reaffirmed the need for a use permit and approval
for the school. She listed the traffic safety practices that the school would encourage and
enforce: A mandatory car pool plan; Mariposa school stickers for the cars so neighbors
can track irresponsible drivers; Participation in a specified Town established traffic route.
Pat Parseghian, 16621 Ferris, opposed the proposal and asked for a traffic study on
Ferris.
Laura Ericsson, 16929 Kennedy Road, opposed the proposal and noted that the
neighbor’s concerns had not been addressed. She asked for specific traffic relief on the
corner of Ferris and Englewood.
Elaine Myers, 293 Marchmont Drive, opposed the proposal, and supported the notion that
traffic is a tremendous problem in this area notably due to the number of schools already in
this portion of Town.
Cathie Keirans, 16573 Ferris Ave, asked that the traffic study be extended to include
TC:D11:MM010300
5
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
Ferris Ave. and Spencer so that the impact of additional school use can be determined.
Dennis Yost, 16615 Ferris Ave, opposed the intensification of use on his street.
David Shade, 16615 Englewood Ave, opposes the additional noise that the school will
generate as parents access the parking lot. His home is adjacent to the lot and he would
like to see a report on this subject and what the mitigating measures might be.
Glen Shore, Council President of the Faith Lutheran Church, 245 Los Gatos Boulevard,
spoke of the community benefit of the school and the willingness of the church to share
their facilities with the children. He noted that the church would cooperate in any way with
traffic regulations and safety mitigations for both the children and the neighborhood.
HEARINGS CONTINUED
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/CONT.
Speakers continued:
Simon Patience, 16358 Englewood Ave, noted that Loma, needed to be included in the
traffic study.
Cindy Acker, 1178 Park Ave, Alameda, current Director of Mariposa School, former
Director of Casa Maria, noted that the majority of the families served previously and those
expected to be served in the future are Los Gatos residents. She addressed the traffic
safety issues and the fact that the school would take an active interest and participate in
any activities which would make the area and school safer for its children. She noted that
the school would hold itself responsible for the traffic issues and would be advocates in
setting examples for other schools in the area, and would assist the neighborhood by
demonstrating to parents methods of mitigating traffic issues in this area.
Mark Rapazzini, 16490 Ferris Ave, opposed the proposal and readdressed the traffic
concerns found on these streets.
Walt Keirans, 16573 Ferris Ave, opposed the proposal due to traffic impacts. He asked
that traffic calming methods be used in this neighborhood, and suggested that the Town
not use another agency’s traffic report for an analysis of this situation.
Beverly Christiansen, 129 Central Ave, and new resident on Kennedy, supported the
proposal and noted that the parents and school working on traffic mitigation problems
might be a traffic calming measure in itself. The school might be a reason for actions
being taken which would cause less cut through traffic and speeding.
Joanne Varni, 16566 Topping Way, addressed issues that arose tonight. She noted that
the school was specifically for Los Gatos residents; that mitigation methods for noise have
been addressed by placing the play structure in the middle of the property, planning that
higher fences be built, and that drop off and pick up take no more that ten minutes.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to close the public hearing.
Carried unanimously.
TC:D11:MM010300
6
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, to grant the appeal and accept responsibility as a Council to
provide the community services that the school represents and thus fulfill that responsibility
without eliminating the need to continue to revisit the traffic problem on Englewood and
Ferris Ave. That we not deny the school because we have been remiss in solving the
traffic problem until this point. Motion dies for lack of second.
Council Comments: That Council does not have sufficient information tonight to approve
this proposal. That Council cannot make a long term decision on the effects of a short
term solution. That the approval of this proposal must be part of a two step process. That
traffic calming measures must be in place and be working positively before Council will
address approval of the school. That one solution might be to turn Ferris into a cul-de-sac.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to uphold the Planning Commission
decision and deny the appeal. Motion withdrawn.
HEARINGS CONTINUED
FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/CONT.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to continue this issue to April 3,
2000, with direction that Town compensate traffic consultant with appropriate fees to do
comprehensive study on traffic calming in this district, which will include meeting with the
residents prior to returning to Council with solutions and the results from the Police
Department’s traffic enforcement efforts. That it is Council’s anticipation that the traffic
studies will be done within two months, and that during the third month, a solution from the
decisions of the neighbors and traffic consultant, whether temporary or not, be put in place
and a report be made to Council on April 3, 2000 concerning its efficacy. Carried
unanimously.
MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSION/WOODLAND AVENUE 484/HEARING (14.09)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to
consider request for approval of a Mobile Home Park Conversion Permit on property
zoned RMH. Development Application DEV-97-007. Applicant: Green Valley
Corporation. Property Owner: Malcolm and Margaret McNelly.
The following person from the audience spoke to this issue:
Nancy Burbank, 108 Belcrest Drive, representing the League of Women Voters, spoke in
support of affordable housing and the need to keep this resource.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
TC:D11:MM010300
7
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
Motion by Mrs. Lubeck, seconded by Mr. Hutchins, to continue this item to January 18,
2000 to allow completion of the mediation process on relocation benefits. Carried
unanimously.
HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM/RETURN TO PRE HOLIDAY TIME LIMITS (16.39)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider allowing the
three hour parking limit to expire as originally planned and return allowable parking time
limits to original, pre holiday time limits in Downtown lots and establish the three hour limit
as a seasonal parking time limit.
The following people from the audience addressed this issue:
Tom Boyce, 134 Wilder Ave, complained about business impacts on parking in his
neighborhood. Asked for 24 hour parking district.
Walter Price, 128 Wilder Ave, noted that the impacts on his street parking have greatly
increased this year over what he has experienced in the last five years. Submitted a
petition from the residents of Wilder requesting 24 hour residential parking district
Leslie Dill, 220 Wilder Ave, noted the difficulty for residents and employees during the
holiday season to obtain parking places. She asked that the parking limits return to what
they were before the holidays and explained that she was not in favor of changing the
hours on the preferential parking district.
Cathy Griffin, 122 Tait Ave, requested 24 hour parking in the Almond Grove district. She
would like the 3 hour parking in the downtown removed. She noted that the residents did
not approve the Partners in Parking Program established by the Chamber of Commerce.
She noted the many events held by St. Mary’s Church, and their constant impact on
parking in the Almond Grove.
HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM/CONT.
Speakers continued:
Tracey Hobson, 218 Wilder Ave, spoke of the many impacts from the business district on
the residents in the downtown, not only the parking but the increase in debris.
William Morgan, 218 Wilder Ave, asked for relief concerning the parking issues on his
street and the impacts from the business community.
Angela Doerner, 211 Wilder Ave, asked for 24 hour preferential parking in this
neighborhood.
Elayne Shuman, 145 Wilder Ave, elderly resident of Wilder Ave., spoke of the history of
this street and the impacts of business over the years. She stressed that the current
problems are far more severe than before and that neighbors are vying with neighbors
over the parking spaces. Asked for 24 hour parking.
Beth Zientek, 106 Tait Ave, noted the great success of St. Mary’s and the fact that seven
TC:D11:MM010300
8
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
days a week that success impacts the Almond Grove residents, and due to safety issues
resulting from the increased traffic and unavailability of parking she signed the 24 hour
preferential parking petition.
Sherri Lewis, Chamber of Commerce, thanked the residents for putting up with this
impact for a six weeks during the holidays. She stated that there were no solutions to
these problems and impacts until the parking garages are built.
Jeff Groen, 122 Tait Ave, noted that he had gathered 26 signatures in his neighborhood
for 24 hour parking and only one person declined to sign the petition.
Larry Arzie, 18000 Overlook Rd, 32 N. Santa Cruz Ave, The Porch, spoke of building a
parking structure within three years and bearing with the residential impacts until then. He
spoke of some creative parking solutions for the interim.
MarLyn Rasmussen, 119 Tait Ave, spoke of the growth in the downtown. The expansion
of businesses, the proliferation of restaurants and the success and growth of St. Mary’s.
She noted that this church is the only downtown congregation not paying into a parking
assessment district. She noted that the business community needed to address their
parking problems and not pass them on to the residential neighborhoods. Requested 24
hour preferential parking in the Almond Grove district and that the 100 block of Tait Ave.
be added to the district.
Shirley Henderson, Antiquarium, Main St. noted that St. Luke's Church has opened its
parking lot to downtown parking at any time. She asked that University Ave. parking be
allowed again during the day.
No one else from the audience addressed this issue.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to rescind the three hour parking
limit and not reinstate it until there is a better parking plan in place. Carried unanimously.
Council Consensus to hold a decision making meeting, a Regular Council Meeting on
February 28th at 7:30, at which time we will try to reach resolution to these issues. Prior to
that we would like to delegate to staff the task of arranging a preliminary meeting, with the
Parking Commission to take the lead, hopefully held in the evening hours to garner
maximum participation for anyone else: members of the business community; residents
that want to participate. This does not preclude any type of contribution that any citizen or
member of the business community wants to make apart from that. They can certainly
submit those to staff and we’ll have that be considered as well.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH/PARKING LOT LIGHTING/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
(08.09)
TC:D11:MM010300
9
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
Council Consensus to accept report on level of parking lot lighting and Conditional Use
Permit at Calvary Baptist Church and to ask staff to report on the alternative non reflective
surfaces possible for the interior of the light shields which would still provide safe lighting in
the parking lot and be non intrusive to the neighbors. Report to return to Council January
18, 2000.
TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY/OLD TOWN/UNIVERSITY AVE (17.39)
Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider traffic
engineer report given by Gary Kruger of TJKM Transportation Consultants.
The following people addressed Council:
Gary Kruger, TJKM Transportation consultant, presented the report and asked if Council
had questions.
Rev. Andrea Felsovanyi, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 20 University Ave, spoke in favor
of an additional crosswalk on University across from the church.
No one else from the audience addressed the issue.
Motion by Mr. Attaway, seconded by Mrs. Lubeck, to accept the staff report. The
maker and second rescinded their motion.
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to put in a three way stop at the
corner of Elm and University on a three month trial basis with a report back to Council at
the end of that time. Carried by a vote of 3 ayes. Mr. Attaway and Mrs. Lubeck voted no.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/JANUARY 2000 (18.10)
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, seconded by Mr. Attaway, to accept Council Committee
Appointments effective January, 2000. To remove the Solid Waste Commission of Santa
Clara County as it is a West Valley Cities’ appointment. (Mrs. Lubeck had resigned a year
or more ago and someone else from a West Valley City has been appointed to that
position.) Carried unanimously.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (19.10)
Mrs. Lubeck reported that the Land Use Section and Transportation Section of the General
Plan have been forwarded to RBF for EIR work, and the General Plan Committee will be
holding two more meetings which is noted in Desk Item #3. Hearings for the General Plan
will be held in April, 2000.
Mr. Hutchins noted that the KCAT meetings do not appear on the meeting schedule, Item
#3, but that they are held every second Monday of the month.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Hutchins, seconded by Mr. Pirzynski, to adjourn this evening's meeting
TC:D11:MM010300
10
Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000
Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California
at 10:58 p.m. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Attaway absent.
ATTEST:Marian V.
Cosgrove
Town Clerk
TC:D11:MM010300
11