05 Desk Item with Attachment
PREPARED BY: Matt Morley
Parks and Public Works Director
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Finance Director and Town Attorney
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 09/15/2020
ITEM NO: 5
DESK ITEM
DATE: September 15, 2020
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Consider the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Proposal to Install Light
Displays in Various Locations at an Estimated Cost to the Town of
Approximately $150,000
REMARKS:
Attachment 2 contains public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, September 10,
2020, and 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
In addition, the following question was received from a Councilmember.
If the Council were to approve this request, what workplace activities/priorities would have to
be deferred in order for PPW staff to complete this project?
Staff Response: The amount of work involved is hard to determine without a complete and
detailed scope. The Chamber of Commerce estimated 80 hours; however, this could extend to
200 hours or more, depending on the amount of work required to assemble and install the
lighting, time needed to coordinate with private building owners, etc.
Staff has several high priority capital projects in progress, including vegetation management
and development of the annual paving and sidewalk projects that limit the resources available
for development and implementation of a plan for this project.
With respect to implementing the installation with Town staff, the Department would need to
prioritize typical day to day work to only address basic maintenance. Other maintenance items
would be delayed to make resources available for the lighting project. Examples of these
maintenance tasks include vegetation pruning in parks, clean-up of roadways, and similar issues
that are less time sensitive and could impact the overall appearance of the Town. Additionally,
some work that is in response to unforeseen community requests or needs would be
challenging to address. For example, weather could impact the work priorities should we
experience an early winter requiring staff resources to conduct storm activities.
PAGE 2 OF 2
SUBJECT: Roadside Vegetation Management
DATE: August 27, 2020
REMARKS (continued):
Nevertheless, staff understands that the Council may see great value in the project and will
work to make it successful if the Council provides that direction.
Attachment Previously Received with Staff Report:
1. Chamber Proposal
Attachment Received with this Desk Item:
2. Public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, and 11:00
a.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020
From: Alex Hult
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2020 5:48 PM
To: Council <Council@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Yes to the the lights!
Los Gatos in Lights - I support it. Because one, the Chamber does not joke around - they have
researched and asked business people what they should do - this is the best ides that has come
out of many months of reasearch.
It is safe - as safe as you can get - outdoors, 6ft physical distancing, masks!
It will provide another experience for people and that is what people are craving. These
spectacular light displays will draw people into town - to shop, dine and play.
Los Gatos ‘ outdoor dining scene was a win for many. What is next?
Vote yes for the lights and let’s lift the spirits of everyone who visits!
I also want to give you a virtual high five. LG leadership handled the c19 situation very well and
acted fast implementing the parklets. Now many other cities are looking at us and trying to
copy what we did. You guys should all be proud of yourself. I actually think this is something
you should promote in a social media campaign. How biz friendly LG is and that we are open for
business. In 6-12 months that will come in handy as I predict many many stores will close and
sit empty and attracting tenants will be critical for our downtown
Alex Hult
Flights Restaurants - Founder/President/CEO Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce - Past President
ATTACHMENT 2
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