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06 Staff Report - FY 2007-08 Annual Reportiow" of MEETING DATE: 10/06/08 ITEM NO: s GA~oS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: ACCEPT FY 2007-08 ANNUAL REPORT RECOMMENDATION: Accept FY 2007-08 Annual Report. BACKGROUND: Town Code requires the Town Manager to submit to the Town Council a report on the finances and administrative activities of the Town at the end of the fiscal year. Detailed information on the Town's finances for last fiscal year will be provided in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) presented to Council in early 2009. Prior to FY 2002-2003, staff provided a report to Council regarding activities and accomplishments in memorandum form. Beginning in FY 2002-2003, the annual report has been produced in newsletter format and delivered to Los Gatos households. DISCUSSION: Attached is a copy of the annual report for FY 2007-08. The newsletter version will be available for Council and mailed to all Los Gatos addresses later in the week of October 6"' following the Council meeting. Additional copies of the Annual Report will be available for distribution throughout the year. ENVIRONMENTAL. ASSESSMENT: Is not a project defiled under CEQA, and no further action is required. pb, PREPARED BY: PAMELA S..IACOBS Assistant Town Manager Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager W Town Attorney Clerk Administrator Finance Community Development PAGE 2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: ACCEPT FY 2007-08 ANNUAL REPORT September 30, 2008 FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for producing the incremental cost for printing the Fiscal Year 2007-08 Annual Report are available in the Town Manager's budget. Attachment: FY 2007-08 Annual Report SMALL TOWN SERVICE • COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP FUTURE FOCUS TOWN.OF LOS GATOS A. FY 2007/2008 We are pleased to present to you the Town of L iscal 2 G a 1 a e fey projects Launched os atos F r 007 Ye 08 Annu l R port It covers the period from July 2007 through On a daily basis, Town employees provide a wide range of services to June 2008, and highlights the activities and the residents and businesses. From paving the streets to patrolling the accomplish mentsoftheTown. organization in neighborhoods to cleaning the parks, the Town strives to make meeting the needs of:this special community. Los Gatos a safe, attractive and enjoyable place to live, work and visit. While the Town provides these services routinely, your local government In past issues of the Annual Report, we have also undertakes majorprojects to enhance the community. FY TawnCoun[il highlighted particular types ofactivities togive 2007/08 marked the beginning of three very important such Barbara Spector the community more in-depth insight into its local projects for LosGatos:anewpoliceoperationsbuilding,anew Mayor' government. Previous highlights have included library, and the General Plan Update. Mike Wasserman volunteer opportunities, communication methods, Vice Mayor This Annual Report outlines the initial steps taken on these and maintenance and improvements to three projects during the past fiscal year. While the police sieve Glickman publicly-owned physical assets in the Town. operations building will be completed in 2009, the otherNv Diane McNutt " wilts an multiple ears. All of the witlbavefar- P Y projects Joe Pirzynski This year, We are featuring several significant reaching positive impacts into the future, projectsthatwere launched during FY 07108. See the right-hand column on this page for an The police operations building will enable the Police Department to better servethe community by providing a facilitywith sufficient spare and overview of these efforts: advanced technology. The location on Los Gatos Boulevard will also The articles in this Annual Report are Categorized expand police presence on the east side of Town. Police headquarters by service area, and include Community Programs will remain at Town Hall. andOutreach; Community Developmentr Another project that will benefit the community is the planning for a new Housing and. Planning; Parks and Open Space; library adjacent to Town Hall. The existing library has been serving the public Transportation and Infrastructure; Public Safety; since thel980s,when LosGatoepopulationwasabout 9,000.Thenewlibrary ' will offer quiet reading areas, children s story time space, computer stations, and Awards and Recognition. In addition, you'll and much more. find the Fiscal Overview for FY 2008/09 on the back page. We invite you to.read the report, share Third, the Town launched the General Plan Update designed to bring our community General Plan up to date and to add goals and policies in three it with your friends and neighbors, and give us focus areas: the environment; senior and youth services; and community your feedback and ideas. recreation, Town residents and businesses will have many opportunities to Greg !-arson, Town Manager participate in updating this blueprint for Los Gatos' future. ..manager@LosGat6s.Ca.gov Read about these exciting new projects and more in this year'sAnnuul Report. c~ 0 B B (Z) c--r n =md 7bwn of Las Caton Annual Repart KsralYear 2LV712008 Library Services Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) Installed In Spring 2008, the Library completed the installation also RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system far the management and securityof circulating collections. Approximately 135,000 items were tagged, much of the wark completed by Library volunteers. Customers have enthusiastically embraced the new technology, finding the self-service too] very efficient and easy to use when checking out library materials. Library Programs During FY2007108, the Library and the Friends of the Library continued to present outstanding programs for all ages. Thousands of children andadults attended storyllmes, puppet shows, author presentations, book club meetings for children and adults, and many other educational and enjoyable sessions. Friday Fortuns The Friends of the Library continued their series of popular Friday Forums. NadiaTarai, founderand Executive Director of the Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology, presented the first Friends of the Library Friday Parma for 2007108. Her talk was Illustrated with photographs of Afghantslans endangered culture. Additional forums included Bo Caldwell, Siiican Valley beads feature author ofUisloat LauriofmyFather; Dr. David Lynch, author of Reld Guide to theSanAndmasFaalC and local columnist. Leigh Wormers, who recounted his life as ajournalisl in his latest book,SilicanVatley.•A 100 YearRenarssance The music of teenharpist Mary Kate Kane was featured at the Friends December holiday program. Three generations of Ms. Kane's tamilyperformed as aquinlet. Publication of Los Gatos r_.=~•rfi Generations Los Calos Cenerations by Library Director Peggy Conawaywas published in October 2007. The book contains more than 200 historical photographs taken ever a period of approximately 100 years and tsavailable for check-out atthe Library. Copies maybe purchased at the Library, - the Museums of Los Gains, at lncal bookstores and through online book retailers. Proceed's benefit the Town's history project and the Friends of the Library. New Library On Its Way In October2007, the Town Council gave the go-ahead to begin planning for a new library lobe built adjacent to Town Hall. The Town's existing 14,004 square loot librarywas built is the 1960s when Los Galos' population was about 9,000. With apopulation today of about 30,000 and the high levels of usage (over 209,000 visits per year and growing), the current library is under serving the community. - AcluarN, the interest In building anew thrary dales back to the early 1980s when the Town Council discussed the space needs of the Library and the Police Department, as well as the possibilities for obtaining a site to build a new Library. In the laic 1980s, properties on Villa Ave. and Fiesta Way were acquired with expansion of the Civic Center and Library in mind. The Civic Center Master Plan, adopted by the Council in June 2007, identified expanded police and library facilities as thetop Priorities. ` - - - [n April 2008, the Towa hired Noll & Tam Architects to provide conceptual design services for [he new library. No new lazes will be levied to pay for the new librar};rather, RedevelopmestAguicy funds and existing reserves are [lie financing sources. - - - - - The new librarywill be a two-story huifding of about 30,000 sq. ft., similar to other communities of Los Gatos' sire. The building will provide adequate room for the libraryerslleclions, as well as a technology room group studyareas, quiet reading areas, an expanded children's section, designated space for teens, a storytelling area, and protected wait cages for the Town`s history collection. Stay tuned for Opportunities to provide input into be conceptual and then the final design. And mark your calendars to attend a grand opening in the Fall of 20111 0 U A~ C/) Special Events Los Gatos celebrated its small town style this year with a series of Iree hometown community events. Residents enjoyed art exhibits, outdoor concerts, movies, games and old fashioned family fun at these community celebrations sponsored by the Town of Los Gatos this year: Music in the Park This extremely popular concert series began In 1988and brings a diverse program for music lovers of all ages. The summer's concerts included musical selections suchas rack, operaand swing. Music in the Park Iswell attended and continues to grow in popularity each summer. All of the production costs are paid for by private donations from local businesses and residents. The Arts Commission is proud of this local sponsorship base and extends its warm thanks to all of the concert sponsors- Second Chance Week - Donation Drive Second ChaaceWeek was held 0clober IS-19 by the Community Services Department. This annual event is a grassroots campaign to promote public awareness on wasto diversion through reuse, repair and recycling. Over 3,500 pounds of donaledgoods and more than 100 pairs of eyeglasses were collected during the week. The event broughtoutmanygenerousand thoughtful donors. Community members commented that they were proud to he a part of a community that continuously organizes this type of eventto benefit our local non-probts providing to Ihosein need. Donated items were distributed to [nnlgsfan, ERC LifebuiNers, Next Door Solutions to DomeslicVialence and St. Lukas Pantry Program. Donated eyeglasses were given to the Las Gatos Irons Clubs "Lions in Sight" program, who then gives the refurbished glasses topeople in lhirdwodd countries. Los Gatos Celebrates the 9th of July 2008 The eighth annual "Los Gains Celebrates the 4th of July" event remained true to its theme of old-fashioned family fun and entertainment. Sponsored by the Tlawn, local businesses and community groups, this ail-day event included food, games, food, music and more 1 The event concluded with a twilight Music in the Parkeancert and dancing under the stars. It is estimated that3,500 people attended throughout the day. Community Garage Sale The annual Community Garage Sale is a joint effort between the Town of Los Gatos, City of Monte Sereno and County of Santa Clara. As a part of cur "green" of forts, this event is organized to encourage community members to resale, recycle or donate unwanted goods reducing the amount solid waste heading to the landfill. In fact, because of this and other waste diversion and recycling programs, the Town has met and exceeded the slate mandate to divert at least fifty percent of its waste from the Iandfiil.This year's successful eventwas held on Saturday, May 17 with more than 225 homes and service clubs participating. Screen on the Green Oak Meadmv Park became a large outdoor theatre far this €on-Filled family event. Screen on the Green was bald in Septemberand families were inviled to join us far an evening of entertainment under the stars. Featured on a 25' "inflatable screenwas ashort film from the Los Gatos auecats Film Cestival [allowed byour feature presentation, Disney's Thefncredrbles. Sister City Listowel Visits Los Gatos Over the past several years, the Town's Sister City, Lislowel, Ireland has visited Los Gatos to celebrate the cultural, economic and soc'ml connections between the two communities. In Spring 2008, delegates from LiEtowef and Re lee, known for the successfulTrafee Technology Institute, came to Los Gatos and enjoyed a guided walking tourof dmvntown Lou Gatos and local events. Led by Jimmy Dennihan, Irish Parliament Representative, the international visitors met with several local businesses to promote Irish expansion opportunities and better understand the Town's business attraction and retention strategies. Town Launches New Community Outreach Program The Town has. adnched an innovative outreach program to welcome flew residents to the Los Gatos community. la May 2008, Me Los GatosAilonte Serena Police Department began to send uniformed police volunteers from its Volunteers in Policing program to the homes of new residents and personally welcome them to the community. Residents receive a packet containing welume.letlers from the Town Manager and Chiaf of Police, followed by information aboutTown services, local businesses, home securityandcrime prevention. Also included are police pins, stickers, and badges. tar children and gift certificates from local merchants. The Town realNed thatwhen a newresident enters the comm+mily, Jt creates an opportunity to introduce them to the high qualityservicesprovided bvtheTown. The Police Departmeat's initial effort to test this program resulted in favorable feedback.Peopie were impressed thalsomeone would take the time to personally introduce them to the Department and Town services. The Town also believes that this program helps residents to feel comfortable in calling the Police Department when they see something suspicious The Community Outreach program allows the Town's police volunteers to participate In the Tam's goal of conneelingwith the community in avery visible and supportive way.Voluuteers receive great satisfaction in representing the Town tohew residents.The new outreach effort also enhances the many services already provided by the Volunteer in Policing program including vacation home checks, conununity patrol, and special event slafftog. The programwas made possible through acollaborative partnership between local reallors, title companies and the. . Police Department. Reallors make prospective buyers aware of the serviceand title companies provide information regarding recent home safes. Alter the close of escrow, the Town contacts newresidents and follows up with a personal visit to [heir home. Community DUvun1irnlopment, Housing, and Planning Noteworthy Projects Los Gatos is a truly special place andresidents want to protect theircommunity from the increasing development pressures of the region. Accordingly, the Town evaluates all proposed new planning permits In light of their overall community benefit. The Town General Plan guides Town staff and decision makers in this process and discusses issues suchas scale of development, historic preservaUen, density and intensity, population growth, congestion, open space, views of the hills, the type of businesses locatedin town, protection of the various neighborhoods, and community design. This year, a number of noteworthy projects were considered and/or approved. Below are brief descriptions of each: Adoption of Hew Building Codes In December 2007,the Town adopted the California Buildingand Fire Code which became effective January 1,2008.1ownstafl continues to work with architects, engineers, contractors, and residents to ensure a smooth transition and that construction work is completed in a trimmer that adequatelyaddresses life, health, and safety issues. S"'iorflousing Solutions Senior Housing Solutions I SHS), formerly called Project Match provides affordable housing to very low income seniors with annual incomes of less than 512,000. last year, the Town awarded $832,700 toSHS to purchase and rehabilitate ahome in Los Gatos for very low income senior housing. A home was purchased at 185 Anne Way and will undergo an interior remodel. This project will create a housing opportunity far five very low income seniors. New Office Buildings Approved In Summer 2008, the ]own approved two well designed, high quality office projects in Tans: 15720 -15738 Winchester Boulevard Located on the east side of Winchester Boulevard at the intersection of Daves Avenue, the 15729 -15738 Winchester Boulevard project will be a 15,510 square foot, three story office building. The structure will have a Mediterranean architectural style with plasterwalls and a Lila roof. CmWruclion is scheduled to begin in 2099. 14481 National Avenue / 14830 Los Gatos Boulevard The 14431 National Avenue/ 14830 Los Gatos Boulevard development is a 20,fi90 square Foot, three story medical office building, located at the northern gateway to the Town from South Bascom Avenue and Highway85.The project is bounded by Los Gatos Boulevard to the west, Samaritan Drive 1o the north, and National Avenue to the east. Like the Winchester Boulevard office building project, the building will have a Mediterranean architeetural style and construction is scheduled to begin in 2009. Residential Design Guidelines Geer the past three years, the Town has been working to develop revised Residential nesign Guidelines (RDG)-The revised guidelines comprehensive regulations to assist property owners and developers through the development review process. The updated RUG will be considered by the Council in Fall 2008. Town ofLos Gatos Annual Report Fiscal Yeor?(1U717008 Community Development, Housing, and Planning Economic Vitality Program Markets Los. Gatos Each year, the Town coordinates seasonal marketing campaigns to bi ildvisilor awareness through destination markelingelforls and to encourage Los Gatos residents to shop locally. This approach helps to ensure avi[a] marketplace that provides goods and services for the community and revenue to support park, library, public safety, at reetmaintenance, and other municipal serAces.Over the past year, the Town focused on two key marketing efforts: Summer.Marketing Commercial Highlights Los Gatos Working in partnership with Caracas] Cable, the Town developed a summer advertising commercial that highlighted Los Gatos shops, restaurants, hotels, and wineTieS. The commercial was aired during the momhs of July, August, and September on CNNMararaglfews, Food Network, HOY (Home and Garden Television), and thc.T}atwf Chavmel. Designed to reach residents and regional visitors, the, commercial was broadcast mover MI.000 hauseholds throughput Santa Clara County and parts of San Mateo County. Los Gatos Hosts Travel Writers' Press Trip Los Gatos continues to be acompeII ng travel destination thanks to the regional, national, and world-wide notoriety of local wineries;YastauranIs, retailers, and boutiques. In May 2008, the Town and Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Los Gatos Travel Writer Press Rip, attracting 12 travel journalists From Califurnia. The travel writers enioped tours of local restaurants, hotels, wineries, and spas which will be featured in various publications and magazines in the coming months. Los Gatos Goes Green The Los Gatos Town Council made climate protection atop priority when it voted to pasea resolution adopting the Local Governments forSustatnabflfty (known as ICLEI - International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP).TkeCCP is an innovative campaign that helps local government and communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment The Tawn will seek to meet five milestones to reduce both greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout thecommuntty. The five milestones are: a Conduct agreenhouse gas emissions inveninryand forecast to determine the source and quantity of greenhouse gas emissions in the jurisdiction. an Establish a greenhouse gas emissions redectloa target. ■ Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions which,when implemented, will meet the local greenhouse gas reduction target ■ Implement the action plan. ■ Monitor and report progress. Ongoing climate protection activities will continue to be a priority throughout the process of development of the emissions study and goal setting. Some notable environmental accomplishments include: Sustainable Buildings On tune 2nd, 2008, the Los Gatos Town Council passed a resolution to adopt the following three sustainable building policy recommendations made by the Santa Clara County Cities Association's Green Building Collaborative: ■ Adopt the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system for municipal and commercial buildings and Build-it-Greens GreenPoint Rated system for residential buildings as the official green building standards for the'thwn of Los Gatos. ■ Require the submittal of a completed LEED or GreenPoint Rated checklist to the Town as part of a planning application for construction projects. as Adopt a policy for achieving LEED Silver certification or better for all new municipal construction and renovation projects over 5,000 square feet. General `Plan Update Both systems award points for many of the same variables. Rated areas include energy efficiency, indoor air quality, seater conservation and material selection. These policies reduce Los Gatos' environmental "footprint" and further the Town's ability to "promote a sustainable community by protecting environmental needs without compromising the abilltyol future generations to meet their needs;' an integral part of Los Gatos' General Plan. For more information on theLP.ED ralingsystem,visitvvww.usgbc.arg. For information on the GreenPoint system, visit www.builditgreen.org. Hybrid Vehicles The Rove purchased a Ford Bscape hybrid for use by the Building Department. As new vehicles are purchased, replacement with an alternative fuel vehicle is considered whenever possible and practical. The Town also has a large fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles that use the Towns CNG station. CNGvehicles have extremely low CO2 emissions and CNG fuel costs are InwecThe Cityof Saratoga also uses the Town's fuel station for their CNG trucks. Bachman Park lrrlgatiou IDiproveruent The lawn area at Bachmann Parkwas renovated to replace the outdated irrigation system. The new iffigalion systerrwas designedwi[h input from the SantaChraValley Water DistriCLand includes water saving devices to irrigate the lawn in a much more efficient manner. The farmer irrigation system's efficiency rating was 5%. The new systemwill he closer to 10096 efficient. The Town will review water usage and irrigation at other parks and facilities to make improvements whenever possible. Climate Protection activities have become a part of doing business today. Going "green" means moving toward environmentally sustainable practices whenever possible and seeking to use resources in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way. The Town evaluates every opportunity to make choices that have the leasI impact la the climate. The Tawnlaunched! the General Plan Update process inFY2007/08.This effort is intended to be a fine-timing oflhe existing General Plan,.providing an opportunity to refine ecisting policies and idenlifyouldated information and new issues. State law also requires that the Housing E I Boom I be up laled bylannary 2069. [it May 2008, a Genera[ Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPUAC) was. established to advise.the Council an the General Plan Update process. The GPUAC is comprised of Lwo Caunc!I Members, three Planning Commissioners, nine: members of the Genera[ Plan Cnmmiltee. and tea re5hlents appointed by the Council. Topics identified by the Council forreview as pule I tteUpdale inchtde Recreation. Parks and Open Space, Sustainabiiityand Green Building, andthetYeeds of Youth Bud Seniors. The firstcommunity meelingwill be held on NownuberI to seek public input an these General Plan Update items. You can vi[mvthe General Plait on the Towsi s website www.LosGatosCa.gov/generalplan. Information about the General Plan Update process can be obtained by subscribing to the Town electronic mailing list www.Lo&Gato.qCa.gov/nntifyme, Additional information about the GPUAC can be found at www.LosGatosCa.gav/GPUAC. 4 Town ofLas CalasAnnual Report Fiscal Year 201 M008 Business Vitality Los Gatos commercialand retail districts continued to perform well last fiscal year. Office and Research and Development (R&D) parks held steadyover the yeaFiNith a92% occupancy rate. Neighborhood centers and businesses along Los Gatos Boulevard maintained high accupancy rates 019196, with all neighborhood commercial centers experiencing few tenant changes. Downtown continued to he one of the strongest retail marketplaces in the Bay Area, providingcuslomers with a unique shopping environment. Although several downtown retailers, such as Sharper Image and Bakers Square were lostdue to corporate changes, downtown welcomed many new businesses: ■ AnteDFrench Name Furnishings ■ Aldo's Deli ■ AzueaBon[ique ■ Baby-Coo Organic Baby Clothing ■ Bells and Whistle Toy Store ■ Bianco Home Decor r Bugs&ButterliyPhotography ■ Chicago Steak & Fish ■ CID-ClnMaeBar ■ Pleming-Jenkins Winery ■ Hobee's Restaurant ■ Jay de Cocoa ■ Karma Boutique ■ Modern Mhd ■ Nicks on East Main ■ Photograph ■ Purple Onion Cafe ■ Shoe Fetish as Tea River The Town continues to manitar all commercial and retail trends, identifying opportunities for business retention and attraction to ensure an economically vibrant community. E-Commerce Las Gatos continues to move forward with technology enhancements to better serve the community. Online payments for selected building and planning permits, park reservations, and business licenses and renewals are expected to be available by the end of the calendar year.Addittoual e-government services, such as customer request tracking will be explored to improve service delivery. The Tmvrr also upgraded its financial and human resources information database system. The database offers a centralized payment processing system, enabling the Town to accept credit cards at all of ils facilities Including Town Hall, Neighborhood Center, Library, and Service Centar.The newsystem provides real-time access to fiscal, purchasing and budgeting information and an employee center tomanage personnel information. Parks and Open SPfianue Parks Improvements Los Gatos parks area valued amenity in the community. The frequent use o[ our parks, combined with the effects of winter and hot summer days require ongoing matntenaace. During the year, many enhancements were made to parka nd recreational facilities: Restroorn Rentodeling The.Balzer Field restroom was remodeled in FY 2807!96. The remodel project included adding a new rou[ and expanding the restioom facilities. The storage area at Balzer Field was also expanded. Park Irrigation Installation Anew irrigation system was installed in Bachman Park. The system features. upgradedvahes, pipes, and related irrigation components. tnstallathm of the new system will provide better coverage of the turf areaand reduce water usage. 'lW Enhancements Damaged turf was replaced at Oak Meadow Park hyapplying new topsoil, grading, and seeding the entire tuff area. Additionally, extensive efforts were made toaddress the gofer and mole holes that have affected the turf. The new turf will enable local soccer teams to use the area [or soccer practice. Playlot Improvements Playground structures that were damagedas a result of winter storms were replaced atHowes PlaylaLThe new playground provided new .and much improved structures- yacromnPa'k Torun of Las Cabs Annual Report Fiscal Year2007l2008 lfaursPloylot Transportation and Infrastructure Highway 9 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety improvements The Town of Los Gatos, City of 5araloga, and Monte Serene received a $1S million Congestion Miligalinn and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to implement a phased plan to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular salety on Highway 9 in all three comm mines. Completed in FY 2007103. the first phase of this multi-jurisdictional eflortinvolved restriping and resigning bicycle lanas, installing I[ghted crosswalks, widening roads, and modifying storm drains. Noteworthy safety improvement in Los Gatos included: ■ Widening of the southern side of Highway9 from Masao] Avenue to [he Town limits including reconstruction of curb, gutter, and driveways ■ Modifying the median at hiassol Avenue to improve Highway 9 northbound traffic ■ Installing alighted crosswalk at Masso) Avenue ■ Restriping and resigning a bicycle lane on both sides of Highway 9 from Highway 17 lathe Town limits The second phase is currently under design and will Involve pedestrian improvements throughout the Highway 9 corridor. Road Improvements In FY 2007103, Elm Street, a highly traveled street in dmvnlown was reconstructed by removing all sections of failed base and concrete surfacing. After preparing and constructing the newbase, the street was resurfaced with asphalt and striped, significantly improving the roadway- Building Purchased for Police Operations Tearfulness critical operational space needs, the Town purchased the Yerizon building located at 15990 Los Gatos Boulevard to use as a police services building. The new Operations Police Services buildingwill provide thePolice Department approximately .12,010 sqKare feet of additional space. Operational services, including patrol, investigations. property and evidence, and . emergency preparedness will he provided at the new facility. The Police Department will continue to have a presence a[ the Civic Center, handing customer service inquiries, parking citations, and other administrative responsibilities. It is anticipated that . construction will begin In early2009, with occupancy in Fall 2909. Los Gatos Prepared Campaign D [it October 2007. aih in socondannual Los Gatos Prepay i Los G iATOs Prepared ampthquak.TheeLoiii nal campaign Oc hor 17, 90 L nma camp ai a'sgn Iocieseused 89 cldng e. The educaduca Prm n ~ ~ how to h e t fo le families lies how to he self-sufficient for at bast 72-hmlrs after a€[et a an ■M ~ ~ ~ ~ 1~~ ~ earthquake and 2-4 weeks in the eventof amajor health crisis. Los OatoslManteSerena Police Department staffand Cammnnity communication plans, audpreparednessLips were provided Emergency Response Team (CERT)volunteers staffedopen to residents and businesses. Open ltousevisitorswere also hotel es at [our commercial locations throughout town Including encourage to sign up for free CERTtraining courses to learn North Santa Cruz Avenue Safeway downtown, Pollard Road about disaster psychology, lightswrchandrescue. fire, safely and Safeway in west Los Gatos, Union Avenue Safeway in east Los basic firstaid. Gatos, and Las Gatos Boulevard Ace Hardware. Preparedness Information about Las Gatos Prepared Campaign can he found on materials, including emergency supply checklists, [amity the Town websitewww,tosgatosprepared.org On the Horizon Community Sports InJune 2007, the Town Council look several actions aimed at enhancing local sports facilities available for the commuaityand .yonth. The actions included expanding the time that Oak Meadow Park can be used for organized soccer practice, preparing Maslor Plans for Dalzar Field and Blossom Hill Park (the Town's Iwo parks with sports facilities), and creating ao ad hoc . - interagency task force to identify and secure land for commurdlyand youth sports lacilities. All of these actions will get Underway in FY2008l69. Multi-Year Projects In this Annual Report, you've read about three major projects launched in FY 2007108: the new police operations facility, the new library and the General Plan Update. All of these projects span more than one fiscal year, so you will hear more about them in FY 2008/09. For the. police facility, look for a grand opening. A conceptual design, leading to the preparation of a final design, will be the key stepson TotanofLos GaImAnnrraNleport the library project.Youllalso hear about many opportunities toweigh inongoals andpolicies fortheGeneral Plan Update. Track the F7scafYor,200T/2008 progress of these and many other Tmvnprojects and issues on the Towrswebsilewww.LosGatosCa.gov, Community and Business Recognition 28th Year Tree City. USA Award Los Gatos received the distinguished Tree City USA Award for the 28th coaseculiveyear, an achievemenI forth a entire community lobe proud of. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the NalionalArhor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of Stale Pore stersandtheU.S.PurestService. To become a Tree City USA, acommunity must have thefollowing: atree board ordepartment, - - aUeecareordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program; and an Arbor Day observance. Tie Town continues to meet Lhese r quirem ts nd observes Nati nal Arbor Da amtait with a tree lantin cer mo e en , a y y o p g e ny. q, NorCal Solar Energy Association City Solar Award The Town of Los Gatos received 2nd place from the NorCal Solar Energy Association for the sumher of solar projects iustalled in a medium-sized city. The Tmvn hada total of 149 solar installations for the year measured The innovative solar recognition program, called the City Solar Awards (CSAs),recognizes cities for the amount of solar photovoltaic (P1) technology! natal Iad on homes, businesses and municipal buildings. The CSAs raise pub I icawareness about the benefits of War tochnologyand develop a spirit of friendlycompelitiun behveeo municipalities that encourage the c€eaLion of specificsolar goals. Tlre awards are based on Lite total amount of grid Aied PVinstallations on all buildings. Budget Recognition and Awards ■ The Town received [he Govern men I Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award forFlical Year 2007/08. In order to earn this award, the Town budget must berated as proficient in four guidoline calogories, designed to assess how well the budget serves as a policy dacumen , a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications guide. ■ The Certifle ate of Achievement for Excellence In Finaactal Reporting was awarded toTown of Los Gatos by the Gavernmeni Pinance Officers Association of the United Stales and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR);The Certificate of Achievemeut is the highest form of recognition in the area tgavernmenlal, accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents asignificant accomplishment bya govetmnenl agency and its management. TheTowri s -financial report wasjudgedbyan impartial panel which determined that the report demonstrated a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial sloryand tootivate potential users and usergroups to read the CAFR, is The Town was one of 19 California cities to receives Capital Budgeting Excellence award in FY2007108 from the California Society o[Municipal Finance Officers. To rceeite this award, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) most be judged by the Society lu be an excellent multi-year capital financing plan; a capital operations, scheduling, and capital asset priorilies guide; and an effective public communications tool. Community & Business Recognition Awards Every year the Town Council recogjahmsindividuals. businesses, andargani2ationswhotouch thecommunity inaneslracrdimryway. ? ~ This year, the Town of Los Gatos recognized [lie following for their ouistanding commuaitycontributions: - # 4 Los Gatos High School: Former Principal, Ted Simonson and Former Vice Principals AI Slmons and Patty Hughes were honored for their distinguished service In education and commitment to the success of Los Gatos youth. Los Gatos History Cluban honor of its I101h Anniversary, the flisloryClubwas recognized forits charitable supportto the community N 1 Ervie Smith: Former Executive Director of the Vadey Foundation and Los Gatos resident was recognized for her local leadership role in raising funds for integral community programs. A Place for Teens/Safe Miles: Student volunteers forA Place for Teens.a}auth community center and Safe Rides,a Driving Under the fnfiuence Prevention program, were recognized for their service to the community. Mary Ann Cook, George Sakkeslad, and Leigh Welmers:These individuals were recognized (or their unique professional contributions to the communily. . TownaiLos Onto Annnal Report Fiscal Year200112008 Fiscal Perspective A Fiscal Perspective for FY 2008109 On June 2, 2008, the Town adopted the FY 2009109 Oparating, Capita], and Redevelopment Agency budgets for the Town. Based on sound fiscal and budgeting practices which incorporate a five-year financial forecast, these budgets establish loading policies for key services such as public safety, streets and parks, library, and community service programs. The FY2008/09 budget is a "status quo" budget that projects low to flat growth in most major revenue categories. Within this fiscal context, the Town was able to maintain service levels established In the prior year, addressing priority areas, such_as street and park maintenance, the General Plan Update process, and public safety, including the provision of a School Resource Officer at the high school to be funded joinBywith the School nistrlct. The adopted FY 2008/09 balanced budget provides a limited window for the Town to continue to explore proactive budgetary solutions including potential cost sharing opportunities, alternative service delivery options, and revenue enhancement. However, these budget balancing strategies alone may not be sufficient to alleviate ongoing fiscal challenges that are predicted For More Information 10 occur beginning in FY2010111, Town of Las Gains Civic Center The following sections provide an overview of Town revenue sources and how they support Town services. 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 General Fund Sources Mallfng Address: The Genera] Fund supports hasicTown operations and expenses. General Fond sources include various tax revenues, such as P.O. BOx949 property tax, sales tax, hotel occupancy tax, and business license tax, as well as interest earnings, intergovernmental revenues, Los Cates, CA 95031 and fees charged for development services, permits, and fines and forfeitures. Telephone (408) 354-6832 Los Gatos is heavily dependent upon local economy-based revenues, with General Fund Sources Fax (408) 399-5786 safes and use tax as Ike Town's primary revenue source. This revenue FY 2008/2009 Email.inanager@LoaGatosCa.gov has experienced moderate growth the last lewyean, versus the high ($32.5 Million) growth rates of the past. Regardless of the level of sales tax revenue, it is Wobsite, www.LosGatosca.gov important to note that the Town receives only 1 cent of the 8.25 cents of safes tax per dollar of sales generated in the Town. Property tax receipts, which include Stale vehicle license property tax "backfills" that replaced the loss of vehicle license ices, are the second Mist Other Sources(13,600,000€ largest source of General Fund revenues. Properly and sales tax combined account for nearly 30% of General Fund revenues. However, far every 51 of Fees torTown Services ($;600,000) propertylaxpaid byproperlyowners in the Town, only 9.5cents returns llcenses&Permits(12 300 eo0) , , to the Town to pay for local services. Interest and hotel occupancy lax revenues are economically-sensitive: revenues which continue to perform o-°--; - vehlde ucem.Tax (5z.zoa,oWl . s; poorly. ` Franchise Fees (JUDDM) General Fund Uses Inter-O01,3ao,oo01 Most of Town services are supported by the General Fund, with approximately 40% of its resources allocated to provide public safety, and O-pancyr.($1,200,000) another 10% dedicated to provide parks and public works services. Intergovernmental t$50gooo) The chart to the right shows FY 2008109 planned expenditures of 532.5 million by service area. However, because of continuing economic Fines & Forfeitures (1400,000) uncertainty and state budget problems which pose the possibility of additional unanticipated future state property tax `takes;'future budget a z 4 6 3 1 adjustments may occur over the next fiscal year. General Fund Uses FY 200812009 Future Outlook ($32.5 Million) Sound fiscal practices and prior budgetary actions have positioned the Town well in times of economy uncertainty. This approach enabled the Town to capture operational savings for strategic use such as investing in capital projects like street resurfacing and park improvements and maintaining Parks & Puh1FC Works (S6.00.000) library hours, police response times, and senior services during challenging economic periods. Cammunity0evelopment(53,900,000) The national, state, and local economic situation will make it difficult for the Town to maintain a balanced budgetand current service levels in future _ hmn-on years. This challenge is further compounded by the loss of economically dependent revenue as consumers and businesses adjust their spending Adminis raGvese ulcer (52500.000) patterns and by the rise in energy, infrastructure, and labor and beneltt costs (which comprise approximately 70% of Town opurgling costs). Given the projected economic climate, the Council continues to place a high priority an exploring proactive budget solutions, which include eommunityservices ($3,900,000) improving the Town's economic vitalityand protecting revenues. while the administration explores ways to better use resources. seances(54o0,000) 15 O Thoun oflas GaImArrrraal Report Fiscal Year 2067/1008