01 Staff Report - Parklets
PREPARED BY: Monica Renn
Economic Vitality Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 06/08/2020 ITEM NO: 1
DATE: June 5, 2020
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative
a. Provide Direction to Staff on Parklet Barrier Options for the Town’s
Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative.
b. Authorize the Town Manager to purchase the necessary resources to
implement the program up to $750,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Los Gatos Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative
a. Provide Direction to Staff on Parklet Barrier Options for the Town’s Community Vitality and
Economic Recovery Initiative.
b. Authorize the Town Manager to purchase the necessary resources to implement the
program up to $750,000.
BACKGROUND:
On May 26, 2020, the Town Council held a special meeting to discuss options for a Community
Vitality and Economic Recovery program for Los Gatos. Direction was provided to staff to
remove parking from N. Santa Cruz Avenue and provide parklets and curbside/quick turn
parking options to assist the businesses and community with access to the one another during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Council provided direction for the staff to return
with a resolution that streamlines business processes and modifies current provisions to allow
business expansion and innovation opportunities during this time as well, which was adopted at
the June 2, 2020 Town Council meeting.
DISCUSSION:
During the discussion on May 26, 2020, the Council provided staff with direction regarding the
barriers that should be used to create the parklets in downtown. This included the use of
PAGE 2 OF 3 SUBJECT: Los Gatos Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative DATE: June 5, 2020 DISCUSSION (continued):
planters or other similar type materials rather than temporary construction materials such as k-
rail as was used in 2019 during the one-way pilot on N. Santa Cruz Ave.
On June 1, 2020, an updated Public Health Order was issued by Santa Clara County Public
Health allowing outdoor dining to commence on June 5, 2020, provided businesses follow the
guidelines. In concert with this, staff has been working to identify a vendor and get a cost and
delivery schedule for the parklet planter barriers. Planters will cost $375,000 plus soil and plant
material and ongoing maintenance costs. The quickest delivery for planters is 8 to 10 weeks.
Given that the businesses will need the outdoor dining space much sooner, staff is
recommending that the Town takes the following phased approach:
1. Provide k-rail as soon as possible throughout downtown, on N. Santa Cruz Ave, Main
Street, University Avenue, and Village Lane along blocks that are primarily restaurants,
with minimal sidewalk space. Staff has been working with the business community to
identify the areas that need outdoor seating and are in the process of working on
agreements with the businesses. This plan will blend with the Council direction to use
all of the parking for parklets with the business needs for both parklets and parking.
2. As planters are ready for delivery, replace the k-rail with planters for a more visually
appealing and inviting look. Staff will provide a map on Monday as a desk item that will
demonstrate locations for k-rail in the first phase and planters in the future phase.
3. Then expand on the amount of parklet space based on the need for parking vs parklets
and the current environment for shopping and dining guidelines, reserving clusters of
curbside pickup/quick turn parking spaces.
This phased approach allows for significant amount of parklet space while meeting the Council
direction to remain flexible to the needs of business. Another benefit of this approach is the
flexibility that is built in as the parklets are formed now and adjusted in time. As the planters
come in, if areas and spaces need to be adjusted, this can be incorporated in the work already
being done and could provide additional support to the businesses as their models continue to
evolve. Phasing adds an additional $100,000 for the cost of k-rail. If this phased approach
works for the Council, the total estimated cost for both k-rail and planters, plus maintenance
would be $600,000. Staff recommends Town Manager authority for additional funds up to
$750,000 to allow for staff to be flexible to changing needs at the speed of business.
Alternatively, the Town Council could opt for just the installation of k-rail only and forego the
planters.
PAGE 3 OF 3 SUBJECT: Los Gatos Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative DATE: June 5, 2020 DISCUSSION (continued):
If keeping k-rail for the duration of the Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative is
desired, staff could address the aesthetics of the k-rail in a few different ways, as the Town
Council directs:
1. The k-rail could either be painted in solid or multiple colors.
2. Businesses could be allowed to paint or decorate the k-rail outside their business, and
any unassigned k-rail could be managed by the Town
3. Town staff could order wraps similar to those used previously with any range of designs
printed on them.
CONCLUSION:
Discuss the options provided in the staff report and provide direction to staff on parklet barrier
options for the Town’s Community Vitality and Economic Recovery Initiative.
COORDINATION:
This report has been written in coordination between the Town Manager’s and Town
Attorney’s Offices, and the Parks and Public Works, Police, and Community Development
Departments.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project has been allocated by the Council through the Capital Improvement
Program Downtown Streetscape Project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.