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