Staff Report.Minutes 040621 Regular
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/20/2021 ITEM NO: 3
DRAFT
Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
April 6, 2021
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a regular meeting via Teleconference via
COVID-19 Shelter in Place Guidelines on April 6, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Marico Sayoc, Vice Mayor Rob Rennie, Council Member Mary
Badame, Council Member Matthew Hudes, Council Member Maria Ristow. (All Participating
Remotely.)
Absent: None
PRESENTATIONS i. Los Gatos Poetry Month Proclamation and Poetry Reading by new Poet Laureate
- Poet Laureate Jen Siraganian read an original poem.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Robert Schultz, Town Attorney, stated Council met in Closed Session as duly noted on the
agenda and there is no report.
COUNCIL/TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Manager Matters
- Announced Youth Commission recruitment is open with applications due by 4:00 p.m. on
April 30, 2021.
- Announced free COVID-19 testing will be held at the Adult Recreation Center on April 19;
appointments are strongly recommended and will be available beginning April 12.
Council Matters - Council Member Badame stated she attended two General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
meetings with Council Member Ristow; a Stop Asian Hate Rally with Mayor Sayoc, Council
Member Ristow, and Vice Mayor Rennie; and met with residents. - Council Member Hudes stated he attended a meeting of the League of California Cities
Peninsula Division meeting, Homelessness Roundtable, and Mayors and Council Members
Roundtable, and met with representatives of Harmonie Park and Grosvenor regarding the
North 40 Phase II.
PAGE 2 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Council Matters - continued - Council Member Ristow stated in addition to the items already mentioned, she attended
the Council Policy Committee meeting with Mayor Sayoc; met with community member
Kevin Arroyo, representatives of Harmonie Park and Grosvenor, and State and local
representatives from the U.S. Humane Society; and conducted bicyclist and pedestrian
counts for a Town grant. - Vice Mayor Rennie stated he attended the Stop Asian Hate Rally; League of California Cities
Homelessness Roundtable; Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Legislative
Committee and Mobile Source Committee meetings; two Turnout4Transit meetings; Green
Foothills Community Night virtual event; Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority (SVCEA) Risk
Oversight Committee Special meeting, New Member Orientation, Finance and
Administration Committee, and Legislative Committee meetings; Valley Transportation
Authority (VTA) Special Board Meeting; Community Health and Senior Services Commission
(CHSSC) meeting as a liaison; and West Valley Mayors and Managers meeting. - Mayor Sayoc stated that in addition to the items mentioned above, she has been appointed
to the Santa Clara County Hate Crime Task Force.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approve Draft Minutes of the March 16, 2021 Joint Town Council and the Complete Streets
and Transportation Commission Meeting.
2. Approve Draft Minutes of the March 16, 2021 Town Council Meeting.
3. Adopt the Proposed Town Council Policy: Travel and Expense Policy for Elected Town
Officials as Recommended by the Council Policy Committee.
4. Appoint Jen Siraganian to the Honorary Position of Town Poet Laureate for a Term
Beginning April 2021 and Concluding December 2023.
5. Consider a Request for Approval for a Zone Change from R-1D:LHP (Single-Family
Residential Downtown with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) to C-2:LHP
(Central Business District with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) and a General
Plan Amendment to Change the Land Use Designation from Medium Density Residential to
Central Business District, for Property Located at 4 Tait Avenue. APN: 510- 44-054. Zone
Change Application Z-20-002 and General Plan Amendment Application GP-20-001.
Property Owner: Town of Los Gatos. Applicant: Jim Foley.
6. Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Certificate of Acceptance and Notice of
Completion for the Public Right-of-Way Improvements Completed by Davidon Homes for
the Highlands of Los Gatos on 15700 Shady Lane and Authorize the Town Clerk to Submit
for Recordation.
7. Approve an Amendment to the Classification Plan to Create a Flexibly Staffed Parking
Control Officer Job Series.
8. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Parcel Map for 20 Dittos Lane and Accepting Easement
Dedications. RESOLUTION 2021-005
9. Adopt the Proposed Council Policy Committee Enabling Resolution as Recommended by the
Council Policy Committee. RESOLUTION 2021-006
PAGE 3 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Consent Items – continued
10. Authorize the Town Manager to Issue a Request for Proposals to Hire a Consultant to Assist
with the Town's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work Plan.
11. Adopt a Resolution Denouncing Hatred and Violence Toward Diverse Los Gatos
Communities. RESOLUTION 2021-007
Council Member Hudes pulled item 9.
Vice Mayor Rennie pulled item 10.
Cyndi Sheehan pulled item 11.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Badame to approve consent items 1-8. Seconded by
Council Member Hudes.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Item 5 passed 4/1, Council Member Ristow recused.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
Catherine Somers, Chamber of Commerce
- Requested the Town waive all special events fees to implement Picnic in the Park events
and consider closing N. Santa Cruz Avenue on Thursday evenings May through September
from 4 to 8 p.m. for a new event “Celebrate Home” and requested assistance from the
Town with the funding and street closure.
John Lochner
- Requested Council consider supporting installation of a ferris wheel at Oak Meadow Park at
no cost to the Town.
OTHER BUSINESS
12. Discussion with District Attorney Jeff Rosen and Community Leaders to Encourage
Reporting of Hate Incidents and Crimes and Standing in Solidarity with Others.
Jeff Rosen, District Attorney, gave a presentation on the differences between hate crimes and
hate incidents.
Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager, and Pete Decena, Police Chief, presented the staff report.
Kristi Grasty, Rabbi Melanie Aron, and Kareen Syed, panelists, commented on how to be
upstanders and an ally.
PAGE 4 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Other Business Item #12 – Continued
Opened Public Comment.
Germaine Talesfore Gulan
- Commented on her experience of being harassed.
Maria Wong
- Shared her experience of being harassed due to her political ideology.
Alicia Cinema Stereo (Spargo)
- Shared the experience of a family that was verbally harassed based on race and the
experience of a person that was yelled at for wearing a mask. Commented there should be
consequences for hate speech and making others feel unsafe.
Louis LP
- Requested the Town refrain from setting rules and requested the individuals in the
community to do the right thing.
Cyndi Sheehan
- Requested the Town protect the citizens no matter the characteristics of the individuals and
shared her experience of being harassed.
Chris Novak
- Commented on concerns regarding groupthink and encouraged the Town to seek many
viewpoints.
Kaye
- Commented on her experience of being discriminated against because of her political
ideology.
Jeff Suzuki
- Commented on the disheartening comments of the previous speakers and concerns of
people of color feeling unsafe. stated resources are needed in the community to respond to
the hate incidents and hate crimes, and asked Council and staff to ask themselves if the
resources are enough.
Yvette
- Commented that hate crimes due to race were being prioritized over hate crimes due to
other characteristics.
PAGE 5 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Other Business Item #12 – Continued
Sanaz
- Commented on concerns that a political divide among community members and the
potential for escalation.
Marsha Palitz-Elliott
- Commented on the coming together of stakeholders to increase understanding and finding
comfort in being in our community and requested the Town sponsor training opportunities.
Keith
- Commented on his experience of driving through a political rally and being harassed.
Catherine Somers, Chamber of Commerce
- Commented on the path of the discussion and how many different groups feel
discriminated against and marginalized.
Dalila, Act for America
- Inquired about the source of the hate crime and incident statistics and commented
regarding political divide among the community members.
Lynley Kerr Hogan
- Commented on her experience of being discriminated against and harassed.
Recessed at 9:14 p.m. and resumed at 9:22 p.m.
Eric West
- Commented on wanting to not lose his freedoms and shared his experience of being
discriminated against.
Joseph
- Requested the Town renounce racism and hate of any group.
Amy Nishide
- Commented that masks are being made political and expressed concerns that systemic
racism may be confused with prejudice and discrimination.
Vida Sabouri
- Commented concerning the influence on the children and teenagers in the community and
requested the community consider tolerating each other.
Closed Public Comment.
PAGE 6 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Other Business Item #12 – Continued
Mayor Sayoc thanked the panelists and the community for participating in the discussion.
13. Provide Direction for the Potential Uses of the American Rescue Plan Act Funds Earmarked
for Los Gatos.
Arn Andrews, Assistant Town Manager, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Catherine Somers, Chamber of Commerce
- Requested the Council consider allocating funds toward waving rent for the Los Gatos
Recreation Center and NUMU, non-profit partners, parklet program, and events.
Ami Davis, NUMU
- Thanked the Town for forgiving rent for the last year; requested continued rent forgiveness
through fiscal year 2022 to assist in continued recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Sue Farwell
- Requested the Town accelerate the Dixon Parking Plan, implement the employee parking
program, parking shuttle, and allocate funds towards parklets installed prior to the
pandemic.
Jim Foley
- Requested the Town consider allocating funds to the parklet program by reimbursing
business owners for previously constructed parklets and funding future parklets.
Lee Fagot
- Requested the Town allocate all the funds for the rent relief for non-profits listed in the
staff report and additional senior services.
Jan Schwartz, NUMU
- Thanked the Town for forgiving rent for the last year. Requested continued rent forgiveness
through fiscal year 2022 to assist in continued recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Nancy Rollett, LGS Recreation
- Thanked the Town for forgiving rent for the last year. Requested continued rent forgiveness
through fiscal year 2022 to assist in continued recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Closed Public Comment.
PAGE 7 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Other Business Item #13 – Continued
Council discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to utilize approximately $3.2 million to replace
lost revenue sufficient to balance the FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22 budgets.
Seconded by Council Member Badame.
VOTE: Motion passed 4/1, Council Member Hudes opposed.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to utilize $250,000 to provide additional support
to the parklet grant program of $20,000 per business and to return to Council for
further discussion on a loan program at a future date. Seconded by Mayor Sayoc.
VOTE: Motion passed 4/1, Council Member Hudes opposed.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to utilize $360,000 to provide a 100% waiver of
rent and utilities for the Town of Los Gatos lessees New Museum of Los Gatos
(NUMU), Friends of the Library, Billy Jones Railroad, Soccer and Little Leagues, and
Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Education and Recreation (LGS Rec) for FY 2021/22.
Seconded by Council Member Hudes.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to utilize $50,000 for continued Conditional Use
Permit subsidies of fifty percent. Seconded by Council Member Hudes.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Sayoc recused herself from discussion and vote on allocation for non-profits due to
conflict of interest with CASSY and left the meeting.
Council discussed item two of the staff report.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to utilize $60,000 to provide additional $15,000
grants to West Valley Community Services, Counseling and Support Services for
Youth (CASSY), Next Door Solutions, and Live Oak Senior Nutrition. Seconded by
Council Member Hudes.
VOTE: Motion passed 4/1, Mayor Sayoc recused.
Mayor Sayoc rejoined the meeting.
PAGE 8 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
Other Business Item #13 – Continued
The Council directed staff to return to Council at a future date with information on potentially
eligible storm drainage projects, a loan program for parklets, and an additional grant for Los
Gatos Recreation.
9. Adopt the Proposed Council Policy Committee Enabling Resolution as Recommended by the
Council Policy Committee. RESOLUTION 2021-006
Shelley Neis, Town Clerk, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Marcia Jensen
- Commented on the purpose, scope, and effectiveness of the Policy Committee and
requested Council adopt the resolution.
Lee Fagot
- Requested Council add to the resolution a formal process of developing the Policy
Committee workplan to be approved by Council to ensure alignment with Council priorities
and ensure outreach to determine the needs of the community.
Closed Public Comment.
Council discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Hudes to extend the meeting time until 12:30 a.m.
Seconded by Council Member Ristow.
VOTE: Motion passed 4/1, Vice Mayor Rennie opposed.
MOTION: Motion by Mayor Sayoc to adopt the proposed Council Policy Committee
enabling resolution as recommended by the Council Policy Committee with
language change to clarify the Committee as an advisory, recommending body to
the Town Council.
Seconded by Council Member Ristow.
VOTE: Motion passed 3/2, Council Members Hudes and Badame opposed.
PAGE 9 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
10. Authorize the Town Manager to Issue a Request for Proposals to Hire a Consultant to Assist
with the Town's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work Plan.
Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Lee Quintana
- Commented that the item should go back to the Policy Committee rather than involving an
independent committee and that she had raised her hand before public comment was
closed on item nine and she was disappointed that she was not allowed to speak.
Catherine Somers, Chamber
- Commented in favor of the item and requested Council have the vendor include the
Chamber to create a stronger narrative of JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion).
Alicia Cinema Stereo (Spargo)
- Commented in favor of the item and requested Council have the vendor include the
Chamber to create a stronger narrative of JEDI.
David Weissman
- Commented that he had raised his hand to speak on item nine before public comment was
closed and he was very disappointed that he was not allowed to speak.
Closed Public Comment.
Council discussed the item.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Badame to authorize the Town Manager to issue a
request for proposals to hire a consultant to assist with the Town's Justice,
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work Plan with the amendment to bring the item
back to Council for further consideration. Seconded by Council Member Ristow.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to extend the meeting time until 12:40 a.m.
Seconded by Council Member Hudes.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
PAGE 10 OF 10 SUBJECT: Draft Minutes of the Town Council Meeting of April 6, 2021 DATE: April 13, 2021
11. Adopt a Resolution Denouncing Hatred and Violence Toward Diverse Los Gatos
Communities. RESOLUTION 2021-007
No staff report was given due to technical difficulties.
Opened Public Comment.
No one spoke.
Closed Public Comment.
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Ristow to adopt a resolution denouncing hatred and
violence toward diverse Los Gatos communities. Seconded by Council Member
Badame.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted:
_____________________________________
Jenna De Long, Deputy Clerk