Addendum1 wM �F
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 15, 2015
MEETING DATE: 06/16/15
ITEM NO: 15
ADDENDUM
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LES WHITE, INTERIM TOWN MANAG I ��.
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION
A. EXTEND THE WATER CONSERVATION URGENCY ORDINANCE FOR
TEN MONTHS, FIFTEEN DAYS
B. REVIEW OPTIONS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON WATER USE
REDUCTION IN TOWN PARKS
REMARKS:
After the initial Staff Report was distributed on June 11, 2015, staff received inquiries from
Council which are addressed below.
Also provided in Attachment 8 is public communication, which was received after the Staff
Report was distributed.
Q: Is there a fire hazard from dead grass at Bachman Park?
A: From staffs perspective, the grass will be short enough to not present a fire hazard.
Q: How do our (watering) zones affect the trees? Are the trees on different water valves so they
receive enough moisture regardless of the zone in which they lie?
A: Established trees are seldom on our water systems. Once trees are a couple of years old, they
are self - sufficient. When trees are adjacent to turf, they will get some of their water from
irrigation as one source. The lack of turf water is not expected to have any detrimental effect on
the trees.
Q: I did not see Plaza Park discussed/explained. What are the numbers for that park?
A: Plaza Park was discussed during the staff presentation on May 5, 2015. The plan that staff
has put in place will allow for high use areas to continue to receive higher levels of water. Plaza
Park was adjusted to remove the fountain from use and the lawn is receiving less water, and
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager C16rown Attorney Finance
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION
JUNE 15, 2015
REMARKS (cont'd):
although the entire park is a category 3, the grass will be kept mostly green. This is based on the
heavy use at the park throughout the year, including activities that are hard on the turf such as
Jazz in the Plazz and the foot traffic generated during the farmers market.
Q: Council set aside $65,000 on May 5 for water expenses. Can the $51,200 for recycled water
use for the twice a week watering of five parks come out of that set aside?
A: Yes. Staff does not recommend this option as it is an inefficient and comparatively
expensive solution, as identified in the staff memorandum.
Q: Regarding the matrix comparing regulatory schemes of water agencies with Los
Gatos: Numbers 23 and 24 limiting watering days and duration shows LG as "escalates." What
are the regulations imposed/suggested by SJWC and SCVWD, if any?
A: SJ Water currently mandates two days a week, aligned with the current escalation level for
the permanent Los Gatos ordinance as proposed for the June 2, 2015 Council meeting. SJWC
cannot issue citations and therefore manages restrictions through rates. The SCVWD cannot
mandate, but recommends two days per week.
Q: Los Gatos' proposed ordinance contains penalty provisions. Do either SJWC or SCVWD
impose penalties - if so, what?
A: Neither SJWC or SCVWD have the legal standing to issue citations and SCVWD has no
enforcement ability. SJWC provides penalties through rates to residential customers, as
described in the June 2, 2015 staff report. The SJWC rate structure has been approved by the
PUC and takes effect on June 15. This provides for additional charges of $3.56 per unit of water
used above the monthly allocation and $7.13 per unit of water used above the 2013 monthly
average (see chart on page 3 of the May 25, 2015 Water Conservation Report). By adopting an
ordinance, either urgency or permanent, the Town can become the enforcement entity through
the issuance of citations. SJWC does not have a rate structure for properties other than single
family residential, therefore all enforcement activities would fall to the Town through citations.
Attachments 1 -3 (Previously received with Staff Report on May 28, 2015):
1. Staff report from May 5, 2015 Council meeting including Attachments and Addendum
2. Draft Urgency Ordinance Adopted at the May 5, 2015 Council Meeting
3. Draft Ordinance adding Town Code Chapter 27 Article VI
Attachment 4 (Previously received with Desk Item on June 2.2015):
4. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015.
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION
JUNE 15, 2015
REMARKS (cont'd):
Attachments 5 -6 (Previously received with Staff Report on June 11, 2015):
5. Multi Jurisdiction Conservation Requirements
6. Los Gatos Park Irrigation Maps
7. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 11, 2015.
Attachment received with this Addendum:
8. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Monday, June 15, 2015.
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RECEIVED
; ' 12 201
DATE: 6/12/2015 � -'C� V Z ,
T0-. MJENSON, MAYOR OF LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: SARA WALKER /SAVE BACHMAN RESIDENTS GROUP
ACTIONS NEEDED BY BACHM.AN PARK AREA RESIDENTS:
1) immediately remove Bachman Turf area from Zone 1 plan for no water.
Zone 2 acceptable.
2) Save the existing lawn root system by reestablishing 2x week water for
landscape consisted with SCV WD recommendations either with sprinklers or
reeveled water immediately to prevent loss of the lawn /trees and park
infrastructure.
3) The residents wish the town to establish a plan for the towns use of recycled
water to help keep landscapes green and reduce potable water use. We
suggest you develop a working relationship with South Bay Recycling. Please
obtain recycled water by all available means for Los Gatos Town at this time, and
try to establish a system in the future for residents as well as the town to be
able to use recycled water similar to that of San Ramon/ Contraeosta and
Alameda Counties.
4) Ear mark funds to cover Bachman Park water needs from: general fund
surplus, the $65,000 drought line item, or the $225,000 Bachman Park
improvement fund to keep the grass /roots of the zone one section of the Park
from dying immediately and make effort to repair the damage already
caused by Council action.
5) Work with residents by mail, and public meetings at locations and at times
chosen by the residents to get input and select priorities for the Parks
management and improvement at Bachman Park.
6) Meet compliance only with State Water regulations, do not to exceed the
mandate without public input.
7) Allow a committee of residents chosen by residents to meet with Park Dept
regarding Planning any future changes.
8) Support heavy use of recycled water which will increase the water in our
aquifers and notable water available for drinking.
ATTACHMENT $
RECEIVED
DATE: JUNE 12, 2015 f
JUN 12 2015
TO: MJENSEN, MAYOR F LOS GATOS &-\Cl -1, dayt t
FROM: SARA WALKER, BACHMAN PARK TOW COUNCIL
TO CESSATION F WATER TO HE V THERPARK NTS GROUP OPPOSED
BACHMAN PARK TALKING POINTS
1) NO PUBLIC INPUT TO AREAS THAT WERE SELECTED FOR NO
WATER WHICH HAS LED TO DAMAGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE
2) PARKS DEPARTMENT REPORT MADE ERRONEOUS STATEMENTS
AS IF FACT REGARDING, THIS '% PARK IS "A LITTLE USED
AREA", " COULD BE CHANGED TO DROUGHT TOLERANT
PLANTS WITHOUT AFFECTING USE OR FUNCTION OF THE
PARK". WITHOUT SURVEY OF RESIDENTS NEEDS/USES. MY
CONTACT WITH 100 RESIDENTS INDICATES THEY WANT IT TO
REMAIN TURF NOT "DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS"
3) PARKS MISLED COUNCIL THAT 30% REDUCTION WAS
REQUIRED, WHEN ONLY 25% IS NOW MANDATED BY THE
STATE.
4) SINCE WE HAD ALREADY EXCEEDED THE STATES THEN 20 %, BY
GOING TO 25% IN OUR TOWN PARKS AS OF Dec 2014 TOWN
CHART, THERE WAS NOT "URGENCY" TO INCREASE
CONSERVATION IN THE PARK WATER, AND NO REASON TO
TURN OFF THE WATER WITHOUT PUBLIC INPUT.
5) OTHER ERRONEOUS STATEMENTS " SUGGESTED POSSIBLE
FUTURE CHANGES TO THE TOWN PLAZA AND CENTER FOR
ARTIFICIAL TURF WOULD BE UNACCEPATABLE TO THE TOWN
IMAGE WITH NO INPUT FROM THE TOWN CITIZENS.
6)
ua",# iv rAx rum NM TLEV WA'L'E BUT OUR PARK
DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIED PRIORITY FOR "LO FLOW TOILETS"
OVER SAVING TIIE PARK INFRASTRUCTURE,.
7) THE TOWN URGENCY ORDINANCE CONCEALED THE PARK
DID NOT INFORM RESIDENT OF THIS PLAN OR A 2ND PLANNED SET
OF CHANGES FOR THE PARK IN THE FALL WHICH HAVE BUDGET
OF $225.000 FOR WHICH THE RESIDENTS WANT CONTROL OF THE
CHOICES.
8) THE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER IS NOT EQUITABLE TO THE
BACHMANT PARK RESIDENTS. THE TOWN REPORT INDICATES
THE PLAZA AND TOWN CENTER WILL CONTINUE TO GET 3X WK
WATER ,'% OF BACHMAN NONE.
9) SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER AND SAN JOSE WATER LIMIT
RESIDENTIAL WATER TO 2 DAYS WK.
10) THE TOWN CONTINUES TO USE POTABLE WATER ALL ITS
STREET MEDIANS 2 X WEEK WHILE DESTROYING PUBLIC PARK
LAND.
11)
AND IMPROVING THE LIGHTING IDENTIFIED. All residents surveyed
and who signed the Petitions ( 70 -100) are not concerned with the park path or
improving the lighting. The park closes at 7pm or dusk and does not need more
lighting. The Parks Department and Council are secretive about the plants
chi. Residents want the funds if needed to keep the lawn green and to
repair damage to the lawns, improve the watering system to the lawns.
12) The Parks report and approved 5/5/2015 emergency ordinace and chart
to 2014 was 25 %. This is all that is required by the governor 2015 numbers
should be 25% less than 2013. NO FURTHER WATER REDUCTION
FROM THE PARKS WAS REQUIRED. SHUTTING DOWN THE PARK
WITHOUT NEED USURPED RESIDENTS RIGHTS. Perhaps the other
water to centers of streets would need to be decreased, but not parks.
13) THE ACTUAL WATER REDUCTION TO BACHMAN PARK FOR THE
MONTH OF MAY OF 2015 WAS 66% ,ACTUAL NUMBERS FROM THE
San Jose Water Conservation manager was 336 units May 2014, 112 units May
2015. 66% percent reduction was unnecessary. THIS IS FAR BEYOND
THE 25% LEVEL THE GOVERNOR AND TOWN AUTHORIZED. This
is in addition to 15% the previous year.
14) RECYCLED WATER IS AVAILABLE THROUGH SOUTH BAY
RECYCLING TO MUNICIPALITIES AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE.
The water is cheap $1013880 gallons. IT CAN BE PICKED UP BY
TANKER TRUCK FOR ABOUT $340 a load. Total cost for 2x wk for 10
week is $7000, for 20 week $14,000 for licensed bonded company like BAY
AREA WATER TRUCKS.
El
15) THE COST COULD BE OFFSET BY by taking 115 of the Drought
mitigation fund ($65,000) approved by council or funds from the Capital
improvement Fund for the Bachman Park ($225,000), GENERAL FUND
SAVINGS.
16) THE DESCISION TO LET THE TURF GO DRY HAS CAUSED AN
ENVIRONMENT INPACT FIRE DANGER IN A DENSELY POPULATED
AREA CLOSE TO TOWN.
17) TREES MAY DIE/THE DE CISION TO LET THE TURF DIE. MAY
18)
rr,r,i yr Kii,miuEivt.E,�, i+uKI- HEl{1N(i FUZE DANGER. Example:
The town of Saratoga just bad to condemn their Heritage Oak in the town plaza
because due to cessation of water the sap did not flow and it became infested
with Beatles. This could have been prevented by keeping a low amount of
water to the tree.
SLOPE AND POTENTIAL LAND SLIDE HAS BEEN DONE. This is a
sloped area subject to ground slide when saturated. Erosion will occur without
proper drainage another cost.
years to establish roots than it would to maintain the lawn.
for the first 5
20) PEOPLE CANNOT WALK, PLAY OR SIT ON DROUGHT TOLERANT
PLANTS,
21)
22)
23)
24)
THE PROPERTY VALUES. A Green environment is promoted by the Town
General Plan and advertised on the Parks and Public Works and Town Web site.
vF 1 tiE t;l(EEN LANDSCAPE. Use includes visual appreciation not
sports.
25) RESIDENTS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMMEDIATE AFFECT
AND LOSS OF PROPERTY VALUES, ESPECIALLY WITH NO PLAN
TO REPLACE THE TURF AND LACK OF INCLUSION IN PARK DEPT.
PLANS. ( This in the long run affects the tax collected for town projects)
26) MANY OF THE RESIDENTS MOVED TO THE AREA TO BE
ADJACENT TO THIS PARK, AND PUT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS
OF DOLLARS INTO PROPERTY IMPROVEMNTS WHICH BENFIT
THE TOWN
27) RESIDENTS ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE MISMANAGEMENT OF
TAX DOLLARS ALREADY PAID TO MAINTAIN PARKS AND
INFRASTRUCTURE. THEY WANT THE TURF
REPAIRED/MAINTAINED AND NOT REPLACED WITH ITEMS
THEY DID NOT REQUEST. (LIGHTING/ PAVING)
28) WATER USE AT THE PART{ COULD BE MADE MORE EFFICIENT:
IMPROVE COVERAGE ZONES, USE WATER RETENTION
FERTILIZERS, PROPER AERATION, USE OF RECYCLED WATER( from
tanker truck directly or by hose, or from a holding tank on the park) OR
INSTALLATION OF A RUN OFF WATER CATCH SYSTEM FROM THE
CREEK
a,�l
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