Loading...
M 12-02-02TOWN OF LOS GATOS CALIFORNIA TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY JOINT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY December 2, 2002/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 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2002, in joint regular session. MAYOR’S STATEMENT (XX.28) Mayor Decker welcomed the Council and audience and explained how she would like the tone of the Town meeting s to proceed during the year. She spoke of a community that has been able to display respect for one another, to deliberate the business of the Town in an informed manner, and to accept and act upon the decisions made at public and open meetings. She noted that all of our residents deserve our respect and the respect of each other. She asked for and said she expects that the visitors to these Council Chambers will recognize and uphold these principles of respect and courtesy for one another. The Mayor noted that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated, nor allowed to interfere with these community meetings held in the spirit of cooperative and interactive government. She reaffirmed her desire to encourage respect and dignity within these chambers. ROLL CALL Present:Randy Attaway, Steve Blanton, Steve Glickman, Joe Pirzynski, and Mayor/Chairman Sandy Decker. Absent:None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Given by all in attendance. CLOSED SESSION (XX.28) Town Attorney, Orry Korb, reported that Council had not met in Closed Session prior to this evening’s meeting. CERTIFICATION/MUNICIPAL ELECTION/NOVEMBER 5, 2002/RESOLUTION 2002-182 (01.03) Motion by Mr. Blanton, seconded by Mr. Attaway, that Council adopt Resolution 2002-182 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DECLARING ELECTION RESULTS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, 2002. Carried unanimously. PRESENTATIONS/RANDY ATTAWAY/STEVE BLANTON (00.28) Mayor Decker presented Town Commendations to both Mr. Attaway and Mr. Blanton for their twelve years of service to the Town as they served their community as active Council members. She read the commendations noting the many boards and commissions on which these Council members served during these years. Both Mr. Attaway and Mr. Blanton thanked the Town for the commendations and for the honor and the opportunity to have served in this manner. N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California OATHS OF OFFICE/CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION/NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS (XX.12) The Town Clerk presented the Certificates of Election to the new Council members who were elected November 5, 2002. Following the presentation Dianne McNutt, Joe Pirzynski and Mike Wasserman were given their Oaths of Office by the Clerk. They then took their seats as Council members. ROLL CALL/REORGANIZED COUNCIL Present:Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski, Mike Wasserman and Mayor/Chairman Sandy Decker. Absent:None. CERTIFICATION/MUNICIPAL ELECTION (01.03) Speaker, Ray Davis, noted that the figures for the election were the ones given the week before. (The desk item for this report had the latest figures from the registrar which were faxed to the Town this evening. The Mayor noted that desk items have been placed in the lobby for all those who would like to review them before the Council meetings.) SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (02.28) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, to accept and file informational report regarding currently scheduled public hearings. Carried unanimously. COUNCIL CALENDAR OF MEETINGS (03.28) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council accept the December 2002 and January 2003 Town’s Calendar of Meetings. Carried unanimously. RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL/OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2002 (04.V) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council ratify the check registers for the payroll of October 27, 2002 through November 9, 2002, paid on November 15, 2002, in the amount of $559,412.83. Carried unanimously. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/RATIFICATION/NOVEMBER 2002 (05.V) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council ratify the accompanying check registers for accounts payable invoices paid on November 15, 2002 and November 22, 2002 in the amount of $1,407,461.34. Carried unanimously. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 (07.V) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council approve the Minutes of November 18, 2002, Joint Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting as corrected. Mr. Glickman noted that on page 3 he had served on the “Los Gatos Union School Board.” Carried unanimously. WEEDS/ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS VEGETATION/RESOLUTION 2002-183 (10.33) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2002-183 entitled, RESOLUTION OF TOWN OF LOS GATOS DECLARING HAZARDOUS N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd 3 Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California VEGETATION (WEEDS) A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR ABATEMENT. Carried unanimously. FARLEY RD/AUGUSTINE AVE/SUMMARY VACATION/RESOLUTION 2002-184 (11.35) Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, that Council adopt Resolution 2002-184 entitled, RESOLUTION OF TOWN OF LOS GATOS VACATING PUBLIC RIGHT-OF- WAY AND RESERVING A PUBLIC SERVICE EASEMENT ON AUGUSTINE AVENUE PURSUANT TO DIVISION 9, PART 3, CHAPTER 4 OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE FOR SUMMARY VACATION. Carried unanimously. VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (XX.28) New Microphones and VTA Funding for Light Rail Ray Davis noted that the microphones were working very well and that he could hear discussions clearly in the audience. He also spoke of the lack of resources that the VTA is experiencing and that there will be insufficient funds to bring the Light Rail to Los Gatos. PUBLIC HEARING WOODLAND AVENUE 484/MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSION (14.15) Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider a recommendation for denial of the Planning Commission’s decision to finalize a Mobile Home Park Conversion Permit and to change the zoning designation from RMH to RM:5-12:PD to construct townhomes. The recommendation is for denial without prejudice due to lack of progress. Development Application DEV-97-007. Development Application DEV-97-008. Property Location: 484 Woodland Avenue. Property Owner: Malcolm and Margaret McNelly. Applicant: Green Valley Corporation. Staff report, Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development, spoke of the five years of study and consideration that have gone into this proposal for Mobile Home Park Conversion. He reported that the owners and applicants have now decided to refurbish the Mobile Home Park and continue its operation and have submitted a letter withdrawing the original development application. They will be working with the State Department of Housing and Community Development since Mobile Home Parks are regulated through that department. This Park will continue to maintain the affordable housing stock in Los Gatos. WILDER AVENUE 131/TREE REMOVAL REQUEST/APPEAL (15.15) Mayor Decker stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider an appeal of Planning Commission decision relating to a Tree Removal Permit TC-02-199. Property Location: 131 Wilder Avenue. Appellant: Gary Zelasko. The following people from the audience addressed this issue: Gary Zelasko, believes that this tree presents a danger to his family. He noted arborists’ reports and the need to remove this tree from his property. He spoke of the many other trees that will still be present on the site. Ray Davis, spoke about distribution of desk items for the public. (Mayor Decker noted that desk items have been left on the table in the foyer for public review before the Council convenes). He also asked when there would be a new and updated tree ordinance initiated. No one else from the audience addressed this issue. N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd 4 Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California WILDER AVENUE 131/TREE REMOVAL REQUEST/CONT. Motion by Mr. Glickman, to uphold the appeal and grant the tree removal permit, due to possible safety issues. Motion died due to lack of a second. Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Ms McNutt, to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision and deny the appeal of the tree removal permit. Carried by 4 ayes. Mr. Glickman voted no. TREASURER’S REPORT (06.02) Speaker, Ray Davis, asked that the Treasurer be the sole person responsible for the Town’s investments and that this duty not be shared with a hired consultant. Council Consensus that Council accept and file informational report submitted by the Treasurer to the Council for the month ended October 31, 2002. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE/FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 (08.28) Speaker, Ray Davis, asked that the Town hold some New England styled Town meetings Council Consensus to amend the Town Council Meeting Schedule for 2002-2003, updating it with previously held Council meetings, and adding Special Closed Session on December 10th, Study Session on December 16th, 2002 and Council Retreat on January 10 and 11, 2003. PARKING LOT LEASE/VERIZON, CA, INC/RESOLUTION 2002-185 (09.34) Ray Davis spoke in favor of placing the Skateboard Park on the Verizon Lot and the Bus Depot Lot, noting that these locations are central to downtown and should be considered in the selection process. Council Consensus that Council adopt Resolution 2002-185 entitled, RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PARKING LEASE BETWEEN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AND VERIZON CALIFORNIA, INC. Carried unanimously. DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE/PHASE 2/DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS/DESIGN (16.31) Mayor Decker noted that staff reports would be given regarding the Santa Cruz Avenue Streetscape Project and the Downtown Gateways, and time would be given for Council discussion and public input to determine direction for staff concerning design and project development. Director of Public Works, John Curtis, spoke of the timing between CalTrans’ input, the design phase, acceptance of bids and actual construction. The next phase of the streetscape would continue in the spring. Council Comments: There was some discussion concerning the drainage at the Bank of America, and the bulb out at Almendra which may constrict through traffic. Drainage may be moved to University where there is sufficient piping. Engineers will examine the alternatives. N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd 5 Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California Greg Stowers, asked that business owners be considered during Phase 2 and that some marketing strategies be allowed to offset the impacts of construction on some businesses. Margaret Smith, noted that construction continued after October 1st although it was supposed to stop at that time. She asked that construction cease close to Easter and again close to July 4 th. She asked for parking hand outs and dates that construction would be on hold, to give to patrons so they will know when to return for shopping. DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE/PHASE 2/DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS/CONT. Chris Miller, biker, asked that an easier access route be placed by Main Street for trail users to be able to get on and off the trail downtown. Council comments regarding the Gateways: 1) Designs need input from staff and public; 2) Funding available 2003-2005; 3) Discussion work shops will be needed; 4) Practicality and beauty should work together; 5) Define the purpose of a gateway or of several different gateways; 6) Welcoming and practical gateways but not in a “Hollywood” style; 7) Small town ambiance encouraged; 8) Round abouts to be explored with input from Police Department and traffic safety issues addressed; 9) Use caution before changing intersections that might lead to stacking instead of easing traffic congestion. Council agreed to develop a working group to provide input to staff throughout the process. FARMERS’ MARKET LOCATION (17.37) Mayor Decker noted that staff report would be given regarding the relocation of the Farmers’ Market. Marty Woodworth, with Community Development, spoke of the needs of the market and the public. He noted the need of the newly installed Town Plaza to mature at that site before it is ready for heavy use. The grass needs to establish itself. Speakers: Margaret Smith supported the market returning to the Plaza. Her business was affected by the move and is looking forward to the return. She does not mind sharing her bathroom facilities as it brings shoppers to her establishment. Melanie Defe, representing the Farmers’ Market, supports the return to the Town Plaza and also supports the use of porta potties to ease the burden on the surrounding businesses. Terri Hope of the LG Roasting Co, asked for porta potties as her establishment bares a heavy use of bathroom facilities since she is so close to the activities. She noted that the trash receptacles were also very heavily used in that vicinity and she would prefer that the Market remain at the Civic Center. Council Consensus to return the Farmers’ Market to the Town Plaza by February 2, 2003, noting that it is a contributor to the community, extends energy through East Main, and is appropriate on Montebello Way. COUNCIL MATTERS (18.28) Mr. Glickman announced that on December 7th, there would be a collection and drop off point for gifts for the needy at 257 Longridge Road. This is being sponsored by Sacred Heart Church. Mrs. Decker reminded everyone of the Christmas Tree Lighting in the Town Plaza this Friday night. N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd 6 Town Council Minutes December 2, 2002 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California MANAGER MATTERS (19.28) Mrs. Figone noted that the street tree lights would be on tonight for the Holiday Season. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Decker closed this evening’s meeting at 10:03 p.m. ATTEST Marian V. Cosgrove Town Clerk N:\CLK\Council Minutes\2002\M12-02-02.wpd 7