TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PARKING COMMISSION MEETING
LOS GATOS CIVIC CENTER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
110 EAST MAIN STREET
MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 1995

ROLL CALL

Rex Morton, Steve Zientek, Bill Meyer, Ted Hebert, Ed Stahl, Kurt Lemons, Jennifer Borgardt

William Bacchi

Scott Baker, Lee Bowman, Mike Yorks

INTRODUCTION

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Rex Morton called the meeting to order at 7:30 A. M. Rex Morton asked for a motion to approve the February 2, 1995 minutes. Kurt Lemons moved to approve the minutes and Ted Hebert seconded the motion. (Passed 6-0). Steve Zientek arrived late.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Scott Baker reported that he was unable to contact Green Valley Disposal Company. Scott hopes to meet with Phil Couchee and report back to the Parking Commission on April 6, 1995. Rex Morton discussed sending an information packet to the participants, as well as a recommendation to Council.

Ted Hebert discussed the updated draft of the "Long Term Parking Plan" for the Central Business District which was also distributed at the Town Council/Parking Commission Study Session on February 25, 1995. The plan is outlined as follows:

Section 1 .... Introduction
Section 2 .... Parking Lot Resource and Occupancy Rates
Section 3 .... In-Lieu Fee Parking Program
Section 4 .... Central Business District Parking Meter Revenue
Section 5 .... Parking Lot 9 Metering


The sub-committee, comprised of Commissioners Ted Hebert, Jennifer Borgardt, and Steve Zientek have been meeting on a regular basis to discuss the "In-Lieu Fees Program," (money deposited in a special fund used only for parking). Ted discussed finalizing the report by April 1, 1995. The price of an individual parking space would be based upon the cost of the Grays Lane parking structure, times an economy factor, at an estimated amount of $11,000/space. Ted spoke about adding north of Saratoga Avenue to the plan (not expanded, but not in compliance). A fee for surface lot construction was also discussed.

DOWNTOWN PARKING CONTROL AND REVENUE POTENTIAL/DEVELOPMENT OF LOTS 6 AND 13

The group discussed the following items with reference to revenue potential: Increase of business license tax, convenient parking meter options, bonds, assessment districts, parking surveys, and the new ownership and economic revival of Old Town. Rex Morton spoke about publishing a comprehensive report on parking. Rex stated that the public and the Central Business District needs to know that "parking is a priority." Rex spoke about the importance of communications between the merchants and the Council regarding the benefit of various revenue potentials. Rex also referenced Bill Meyer's report, entitled "The Dream" regarding parking structure financing. Rex Morton discussed the development of Parking Lot 6 (adjacent to the sunken lot) and Parking Lot 13 (behind the La Canada Building). Ted Hebert suggested a Saturday walk through of all the parking lots.

At the February 2, 1995 Parking Commission meeting, Scott Baker asked for a list of verbal questions, as well as written supplemental application questions for the Council interview process. Rex read his list of questions to the group. Scott Baker also prepared a list of questions and a Parking Commission Job Description. Rex Morton agendized this item for a more comprehensive review and discussion at the April 6, 1995 Parking Commission meeting.

Special Events "Skating in the Park" and the impact on parking was discussed by the group. Scott Baker reported that the Special Events Task Force has been meeting on a regular basis. Scott spoke about donations ($40,000 received/$100,000 needed) for the "Skating in the Park" event proposed everyday from mid-November to January 1, 1996. At the February 2, 1995 Parking Commission meeting Mike Yorks stated that the Police Department would be assessing pedestrian and traffic safety concerns and the impacts of parking if Montebello Way is closed. Rex Morton discussed the "shuttle concept" from the various church parking lots.

OTHER ITEMS

The Parking Commission discussed the following items discussed at the Town Council/ Parking Commission Study Session: In-lieu fees, budget shortfalls - (no funding for parking), paid parking and new parking structures - (some interest), and special events parking.

Rex Morton inquired about the plans for Old Town. Lee Bowman discussed the following items with reference to the sale and new ownership of Old Town: Application and permit process, upgrade of buildings and parking areas, proposed relocation of Steamer's Restaurant next to St. Luke's Church, additional parking (east side of building), elimination of amphitheater, ground floor retail, restoration of school building (Historic Preservation Committee involvement), and various other building modifications.

The Parking Commission discussed William Bacchi's offer to fund a parking structure at Parking Lot 2. Mark Linder is preparing a report to Council for consideration at the March 6, 1995 meeting. The Council report will be faxed and/or mailed to the Parking Commission when available. Rex Morton encouraged the Parking Commission to attend this Council meeting. Lee Bowman stated that Paul Dorsa was also interested in making a parking contribution. Mr. Bacchi addressed the Parking Commission and discussed this parking program opportunity as well as other items, i.e. revenue problems, the earthquake, cost analysis, more parking/net gain, and the importance of the Parking Commission.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 A. M.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for April 6, 1995 at 7:30 A. M. in the Council Chambers. Scott Baker will be absent at this meeting.

---

Back To: [ Information For Residents ] [ Town Plaza ]
This page is hosted by The WEBworks * Copyright 1994, All Rights Reserved

Chris Gjerde, 5/1/95