Draft Mins 04.09.14DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 9, 2014
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April
9, 2014, at 7:00 PM.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Margaret Smith, Vice Chair Kendra Burch, Commissioner Mary Badame,
Commissioner Charles Erekson, Commissioner Joanne Talesfore
Absent: Commissioner Tom O’Donnell, Commissioner Marico Sayoc,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chair Burch led the Pledge of Allegiance. The audience was invited to participate.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 26, 2014
MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Burch to approve meeting minutes of March 26, 2014.
Seconded by Commissioner Talesfore.
VOTE: Motion passed 5-0.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Desk Item for Item 1.
REQUESTED CONTINUANCES
None.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Historic Preservation Committee Matters
Commissioner Badame
- The 4/3/14 HPC meeting considered two matters:
- 461 Monterey Avenue
- 327 University Avenue
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (AUDIENCE)
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 620 Blossom Hill Road
Architecture and Site Application: S-14-005
Conditional Use Permit Application U-14-001
APN: 529-16-041
Property Owner: Nancy R. Bowen
Applicant: Hugh Hynes
Project Planner: Erwin Ordoñez
Page 2 of 4
Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 2014
Consider a request to modify a Conditional Use Permit for an automobile dealership (Los
Gatos Luxury Cars) to allow demolition of existing showrooms and support facilities and
construction of new showrooms, support facilities, and other associated site improvements on
a property zoned CH.
Chair Smith opened the public hearing.
Erwin Ordoñez, Senior Planner, presented a staff report.
Commission members asked questions of staff.
Kendel Quale
- Commented that their current facilities do not provide their customers and manufacturers with the
level of service they require. Their proposed design is complimentary to Los Gatos with respect to
the look and charm of the Town. While they are increasing the footprint of the building, it is a
small increase. The overall look blends well with the residential neighborhood they are in and
they will ensure their lighting does not bother the neighbors.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Quale and Hugh Hynes, project architect.
Rodd Sacchi
- Commented that he owns a neighboring business on University Avenue and supports the
renovation.
Lally Narwal
- Commented that he lives adjacent to the dealership and is concerned about the lighting from the
property, which has been on later than it was before. He noted the usage of the location has
changed with used cars now being sold there. He also noted that car detailing is now happening
in the back corner, which has become noisier than before because of the use of pressure pumps.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Narwal.
Richard Begin
- Commented that the proposed design is appropriate for Los Gatos and keeps with the
progressive and sophisticated nature of Los Gatos. He believes this development will have a
significant impact on a local trend of car dealerships struggling, and this would enable the
dealership to grow and produce more revenue for the Town.
Bryan Mekechuk
- Commented that he supports the project and believes it will make the corner of Blossom Hill
Road and Los Gatos Boulevard more attractive and fitting with Los Gatos and does not believe
this project will intensify the corner too much, because there would be very little vehicle loading
and unloading.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Mekechuk.
Kendel Quale
- Commented that they want to work with their neighbors and will change the lighting immediately
to accommodate Mr. Narwal, as well as replacing the fence that backs up to Mr. Narwal’s
property with a good-looking masonry wall. They did sell some used cars to generate income for
the project but they will not have that level of inventory in the future.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Hynes and Ms. Quale.
Chair Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing and returned to th e Commission for
deliberation.
Page 3 of 4
Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 2014
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Erekson to approve Conditional Use Application U-
14-001 and Architecture and Site Application S-14-005 subject to the conditions
of approval as noted in Exhibit 3 of the staff report dated April 9, 2014. The
required findings were made as noted in Exhibit 2 of the staff report dated April 9,
2014 with the following additions and amendments: That staff is sensitive to the
issues raised by Commissioner Talesfore with respect to the Sign Permit; that
contact information for the onsite construction manager would be available at all
times during the construction project; that the project would have clear
coordination with other projects in the vicinity, and that there would be outreach
to the elementary school district; and the hours that are not allowed for off -
hauling be expanded to 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm rather than 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Seconded by Commissioner Talesfore.
Commissioner Talesfore requested that a Condition of Approval be added that step dimmers be
installed to dim the interior light to 25% at night.
Commissioner Erekson declined to add Commissioner Talesfore’s additional Condition of Approval.
Commissioner Talesfore withdrew her second of the motion.
Seconded by Chair Smith.
Commission members asked questions of Staff.
VOTE: Motion passed 5-0.
Planning Manager Joel Paulson cited the appeal rights.
NEW OTHER BUSINESS
2. Report from Director of Community Development
Planning Manager Joel Paulson
- Development Review Committee has not taken any action since the last Planning
Commission meeting.
- Town Council met 4/7/14, approved Conditional Use Permit for modification of Hult’s
restaurant; discussed Alcoholic Beverage Policy and Live Entertainment Ordinance;
created an ad hoc committee to discuss and resolve several issues from that
meeting.
- Housing Element Advisory Board will meet on 4/10/14 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- The Town has created a new combination position, Assistant Town
Manager/Community Development Director, and appointed Laurel Prevetti who will
begin on 5/5/14. Current Community Development Director Sandy Baily has been
appointed Special Projects Director. Current Senior Planner Erwin Ordoñez has been
appointed Acting Long Range Planning and Housing Manager.
Town Attorney Robert Schultz
- Time should be scheduled for the Planning Commission to go over the Brown Act
and rules and procedures. A separate workshop was tentatively set for 5/21/14 at 6
p.m.
Commission members asked questions of Staff.
3. Commission Matters
None.
Page 4 of 4
Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 2014
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
___________________________________________
Margaret Smith, Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND ATTEST:
_____________________________
Joel Paulson
Planning Manager