Attachment 2 - October 21 Staff Report" MEETING DATE: 10/21/14
ITEM NO: Id
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2014
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: REUSE OF THE VENUE
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction and approve process for considering teen - serving reuse of The Venue.
BACKGROUND:
The Venue, located at 4 New York Avenue, is a Town -owned property located behind and
accessible only through Los Gatos High School. The long irregularly shaped parcel measures
roughly 1.7 acres and is surrounded primarily by properties owned by the High School and
CalTrans, but also the Los Gatos Youth Park and San Jose Water Company (see map,
Attachment 1). The San Jose Water Company land is leased to the Los Gatos Youth Park, a non-
profit organization serving and supporting primarily local Los Gatos Boy Scouts activities.
The property is zoned Resource Conservation and designated as Open Space in the General Plan.
Permitted uses include a single - family dwelling, agriculture, botanical conservatory, small
family daycare or a residential care facility. Uses permitted with an approved Conditional Use
Permit include public building, school, church, museum, art gallery, recreation or similar public
serving uses. A prior Conditional Use Permit allowing the provision of teen services has lapsed.
At the northern end of the property there is a building historically called The Venue which was
built and opened in 1994 and measures approximately 3,720 square feet, including a small
kitchen area appropriate for preparing snack bar type foods, as well as a small office or
apartment mezzanine. The building was built through community contributions with Town
support (e.g., provision of land, utilities, waiver of building fees, etc).
The building was constructed and operated as a teen center by a non -profit called A Place for
Teens (APT) which had a 20 year lease with the Town for $ Nyear and was responsible for all
Reviewed by:
Town Manager
Council Reports \Oct 21 \10.21.14 Reuse of V®ue.doc
Attorney
ATTACHMENT
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REUSE OF THE VENUE
OCTOBER 9, 2014
BACKGROUND (cont'd):
operations and maintenance costs. However, A Place for Teens ceased operations in June 2012
following several years of difficulty raising sufficient funds to staff and operate the facility, even
after Town financial contributions of over $200,000 and support from Los Gatos Recreation
(LGR).
The primary teen services during the final years of APT included: shared youth/adult board
leadership, an equipped music studio, lunch and after- school food service, periodic dances or
evening events, and hosting the Safe Rides program. Although usage varied year -to -year, it
appeared there were roughly 10 to 40 high school students who would regularly use the facility
after school on weekdays, often while waiting for parents to pick them up on the parents' drives
home from work.
Following the dissolution of APT, the property has remained unutilized except for occasional
summer programs by LGR. There are currently no leases or approved uses on the property. The
structure appears functional but would need improvements prior to use for both deferred
maintenance and aesthetics.
DISCUSSION:
The Town Council has two Strategic Goals relevant to consideration of this property:
• Consider the sale or lease of Town properties to create one -time or ongoing funding
• Engage with schools to explore options to address traffic and parking issues
A prior Strategic Goal, from 2013, was even more explicit:
• Develop and implement a plan for the appropriate land use ownership and utilization of
parcels behind Los Gatos High School
Since 2012, the Town Council has considered potential sale or lease of this and other Town
properties (e.g, Old Library, Fire Stations, etc) numerous times in Closed Session as provided for
in State law. The sale or lease of public property is typically considered in Closed Session to
allow meaningful negotiations; discussing property terns and negotiations in public session
significantly disadvantages public agencies and is rarely done. However, any final property
lease or sale must be considered and acted upon in public session.
Past Council direction has always considered the use of the Town's property at 4 New York
Avenue in relation to the best interests of Los Gatos teens. Given State law requirements to first
offer the property to other local public agencies, the Town entered into ongoing discussions with
the Los Gatos Union High School District (LGUHSD) to utilize the Town's properties behind
and within the high school for improvements to Los Gatos High School, the primary teen- serving
RECEIVED
MAY C'° 2012
f V & T:1Ai rr0i A /- Ir,lr
LOS GATOS YOUTH PARK, INC.
NEW YORK AVE.
Los GATOS CA 95030
RE: 4 New York Ave.
Los Gatos. CA 95030
Dear Mayor Rice and Los Gatos Town Council Members:
The purpose of this letter is to convey our interest in leasing the property located
at 4 New York Ave. We understand that the use of this property is to be
addressed in closed session in the May 7, 2012 Town Council meeting. Because
of the proximity of the property to the Los Gatos Youth Park, our ability to lease
the building would be a perfect fit for our organization. Although I am sure you
are aware of the history of the Los Gatos Youth Park, I have attached a brief
summary to this letter.
Our organization, the Los Gatos Youth Park, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt
corporation that was incorporated in 1979. Its exempt purpose is to promote
programs involving the use of the Park and Buildings for the youth principally in
Los Gatos. As you are aware, there is a significant shortage in buildings
available for ongoing youth activities. It would be our intention to expand the
youth activities that are time tested and have been so successful.
While we are unclear as to the Town's intent with regard to the property, we
wanted to inform you of our interest and ask for the opportunity to lease the
space if it is consistent with the Town's goals. If the Town decides to sell the
ATTACHMENT 2
property and even though this would probably eliminate the Youth Park for
consideration, we would like to have the opportunity investigate the possibility.
Without a doubt, there is no local youth organization that does more.Community
Service than the Scouts. I have attached a list detailing some of those activities.
We are available to answer any questions you might have concerning our
activities and operations.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Los Gatos Youth Park, Inc.
By /)/-//: � Z
Marshall Smith, Director
P.O Box 1821
Los Gatos CA 95031
(408) 888 -0001
marshall@mbmsmith.com
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REUSE OF THE VENUE
OCTOBER 9, 2014
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
institution in the Town. Previously, LGUHSD had indicated the Town's property was included
in the long -term master plan for improvements to Los Gatos High School. In August, LGUHSD
informed the Town that they would no longer be pursuing acquisition of 4 New York Avenue
from the Town.
The Los Gatos Youth Commission has adopted provision of teen services and operation of a teen
center as a priority for this academic year. The appointed five - member sub - committee has met
twice to learn the history of APT, the growth of teen use of the new library, how teen centers
operate in other communities, and to consider the best way to assess and meet teen preferences in
Los Gatos. The Youth Commission is currently developing a survey of teens regarding
operation of a teen center and potential reuse of The Venue.
The Los Gatos Youth Park has long - expressed interest in using The Venue for Youth Park and
other activities serving the teens of Los Gatos on terms similar to those provided previously to
APT (see Attachment 2). In addition, prior leadership of APT has requested that the Town
support reestablishing The Venue as a teen center in Los Gatos.
This agenda item is provided for the Council to establish intentions and a process for considering
reuse of the Town's property at 4 New York Avenue. Staff recommends consideration of the
following:
OBJECTIVE: The Town's property at 4 New York Avenue will be used to best meet the needs
of the greatest number of Los Gatos teens possible.
PROCESS:
1. The Youth Commission will identify and present to the Town Council a statement
of teen preferences for a future teen center in Los Gatos.
2. Proposals for reuse of some or all of the Town property at 4 New York Avenue
will be solicited from Los Gatos Youth Park, Los Gatos Recreation, Los Gatos
High School and any other potentially interested parties.
3. A Council ad -hoc committee will be appointed in December to work with the
Youth Commission subcommittee to evaluate proposed reuse of the Town
property and make a recommendation to the Town Council to pursue negotiations
with one or more parties for reuse of some or all of the Town's property at 4 New
York Avenue.
4. Subsequent lease negotiations will be directed by Council in Closed Session with
any negotiated lease or sale agreements to be acted upon in public session.
5. Preparation and consideration of whatever Conditional Use Permit or other land
use actions, if any, are required.
Based on Council discussion, staff will prepare a work plan and timeline to meet the Council's
direction.
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REUSE OF THE VENUE
OCTOBER 9, 2014
ALTERNATIVES:
Besides approving any or all of the process recommendation outlined above, the Council could
choose to:
A. Direct staff to convene a public forum of potentially interested participants and stake
holders, including the Youth Commission, High School, Youth Park, Police, Library,
service clubs, CASA, Community Foundation and others to brainstorm options and
preferences for reuse of 4 New York Avenue;
B. Direct staff to initiate negotiations with Youth Park for leasing of The Venue, with any
Youth Commission recommendations to be considered by the Youth Park;
C. Request Los Gatos Recreation to consider operation of the facility on behalf of the
community and teens; and/or
D. Direct staff to auction off 4 New York Avenue to the highest bidder pursuant to State
law.
CONCLUSION:
The Town property at 4 New York Avenue is a challenging parcel that can still be utilized to
meet the needs of Los Gatos teens. An open and inclusive process is recommended to encourage
the development and consideration of the best possible reuse of the Town's property.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The Council's discussion of this matter is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further
action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
It is likely that any lease or sale of all or part of 4 New York Avenue for teen services will not
provide any additional Town resources to meet other operating or capital needs of the Town.
However, it is also expected that any reuse of 4 New York Avenue will be conditioned on not
requiring any ongoing financial or operating support from the Town.
Attachments:
1. Map location of the Venue
2. Letter received May 7, 2012 from Los Gatos Youth Park
Distribution:
Youth Commission
Los Gatos High School
Los Gatos — Saratoga Recreation and Education
Los Gatos Youth Park
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LOS GATOS YOUTH PARK
The Los Gatos Youth Park was established for the purpose of preserving the area's
wildlife and the natural vegetation, and to provide a meeting place and nature park for
youth organizations. It is used primarily by Scout groups
The Los Gatos Youth Park is a nature park located at the end of New York Avenue, in
the Town of Los Gatos. The Park extends from the Forbes Mill Museum to the Los
Gatos Lodge, between Highway 17 and Los Gatos High School. It runs along the old
Los Gatos creek bottom. Vegetation is thick, with nearly every tree and shrub native to
this area.
The governing body of the Park is made up of an all- volunteer Board of Directors
Maintenance and improvements are all the result of dedicated Scouts, youth groups,
service organizations and concerned individual citizens.
Boy Scout Troop 539 moved to the property in 1951. In 1968 Boy Scout Troop 501
moved to the site which made three buildings on the site used for Scouts and other
youth activities.
In order for the area to become a park, plans were submitted and approved by he Town
Council and Park Commission. This was done in July, 1969
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, and a handicapped Troop from Chandler Tripp
School came to help get the park get started. They planted and watered trees and laid
trails. In April, 1970, Los Gatos High School students helped to clear away old iron
scraps and rubbish that been dumped in the creek bottom.
Troop 501 and 539 once a month work on the trails and care for the plantings and
buildings. Between the two Troops there has been at least 20 Eagle improvement
projects completed on the Youth Park. Although the Venue is not on the Youth Park
property a storage building was constructed for them as an Eagle project.
NEVER NEVERLAND
The first building on the property is called Never Neverland and was the American
Legion Hall, built in 1932 on the site where it now stands. When the American Legion
moved to other quarters, a Boy Scout troop moved into the building as their Scout Hut
In 1971 the Girl scouts moved into the building and named it Never Neverland as
recognition of the special place where dreams could formulate and come true.
Concerned citizens over the years have taken care of the building and added
bathrooms and a kitchen. With the help of Troops 501 and 539 a fence was built and
trees and shrubs were planted around the building. The Optimist Club agreed that year
to sponsor the building and has done so ever since.
Approximately 20,000 Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, other youth groups and Senior Citizens
has used the facilities at Neverland.
REDWOOD BUILDING
Troop 539 started in 1922 in Woodmann's Lodge, on Main Street, above the old Corner
Drug Store. In 1928 and 29, the troop met in the old Los Gatos Hgh School gym. From
1930 to 1956, they met in a cabin donated by Sewel Brown near Vasona, off
Winchester. In 1956 Highway 17 was completed and a warehouse had to be moved
from Saratoga Avenue to permit the widening of the road. The Lion's Club, the Charter
Organization for Troop 539, asked the Town Council for permission to move the
building to New York Avenue. Permits were obtained and San Jose Water Company
granted permission to move the building onto their property where it stands today. In
1962 Dr. Chuck DeFreitas obtained a structure which was located where the Penthouse
apartments are today and that structure was moved and added to the back of the 539
building that had been moved there in 1956. This continues as Troop 539's home today.
EAGLE LODGE
Boy Scout Troop 501 is the oldest Troop in Santa Clara County and in continuous
operation since it was chartered in April of 1918 by the National Council in New York.
The Troop was first sponsored by a group of individual citizens, and the meeting place
was in the carriage house on the Lyndon Farwell property.
The Rotary Club of Los Gatos has sponsored the Troop since 1924. The Rotary Club
built the building which is now Eagle Lodge in 1948. At that time it was located off wood
Road (the address was 55 Broadway), on land [eased by the Rotary Club from Mr.
Farwell. In 1968 the property was sold to build a retirement home, called Los Gatos
Meadows. The San Jose Water Company granted permission to move the building onto
their property, where it now stands.
LOS GATOS YOUTH PARK
INFORMATION
• The Youth Park is used by the following:
• Girl Scout Troop
• Cub Scout Pack with 5 Den's
o Boy Scout Troops 501 and 539
o Santa Clara Council of Boy Scouts of America for training
SOME FACTS
• The Boy Scouts do more community service than anyone else. They don't build
skyscrapers but on a daily basis just about anywhere you go in Los Gatos you
will pass and Eagle Project or something the Scouts are involved in.
• Scouts belong to the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.).
• Scouts, at the request of C.E.R.T., were trained and licensed ham radio
operators in the case of a disaster will be able to provide communications.
• An Eagle Project for C.E.R.T. was to make emergency communication signs.
The Scouts help the service clubs with their projects such as the Lobster Fest,
Crab Fest and Bandstand Boogie to name a few.
• We provide the Presentation of Colors at various community functions;
dedication of new flag poles, Grand opening of the new Town Library, memorial
services and the Town fourth of July celebration to name a few.
• The membership Santa Clara County Council in the five years from December
31, 2006 to December 31, 2011 increased by over 45 %.
• Because of the reputation of Troop 501 and 539 they are in big demand by Cub
Scouts moving up to Boy Scouts.
• The Scouting Program is a consistent stable success.
a Neither the Youth Park nor the Scouts has ever asked the Town for financial
support.
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