October 6, 2020 Town Council Meeting

The agenda and reports for the October 6, 2020 Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. are available online. Among the items on the agenda, the Town Council will consider proposed amendments to the Town Code regarding outdoor lighting regulations, consider updates to the Town Below Market Price (BMP) Housing Ordinance and BMP Guidelines, and provide direction to modify the Town's pilot parklet program and economic recovery initiatives.

This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29- 20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID- 19 pandemic. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on television and/or online. In accordance with Executive Order N-29- 20, the public may only view the meeting on television and/or online and not in the Council Chamber.

If you are not interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you can view the live stream of the meeting on television (Comcast Channel 15) and/or online on the Town-branded YouTube page.

If you are interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you must join the Zoom webinar at https://zoom.us/j/93842247125 with password: 151211. To join by phone, dial (636) 651-0008 or (877) 336-1839 (US Toll Free) using Conference Code 969184.

During the meeting:

When the Mayor announces the item for which you wish to speak, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. If you are participating by phone on the Zoom app, press *9 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand. If you are participating by calling in, press #2 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand.
When called to speak, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes, or such other time as the Mayor may decide, consistent with the time limit for speakers at a Council meeting.

If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may email to PublicComment@losgatosca.gov with the subject line “Public Comment Item #__ ” (insert the item number relevant to your comment) or “Verbal Communications – Non Agenda Item.” Comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. All comments received will become part of the record. The Mayor has the option to modify this action on items based on comments received.

For more information on this agenda or about Town Council meetings, please call 408-354-6832 or send an email to the Town Manager's office.

Apply to Serve on a Town Board,
Commission, or Committee

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the community and get more involved with local government? The Town has adult volunteer opportunities available on its various Boards and Commissions.

Adult Commissioner opportunities:

¨ Arts and Culture Commission
¨ Building Board of Appeals
¨ Community Health & Senior Services Commission
¨ Complete Streets & Transportation Commission
¨ General Plan Committee
¨ Historic Preservation Committee
¨ Library Board
¨ Parks Commission
¨ Personnel Board
¨ Planning Commission
¨ Sales Tax Oversight Committee

The deadline to apply is Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

For details and to apply online, visit: https://www.losgatosca.gov/385/Application-Process

For questions, contact the Clerk Department at (408) 354-6834 or email Clerk@losgatosca.gov.

This Halloween... Don't Get Tricked by COVID-19!

Traditional trick-or-treating is not recommended during the pandemic, so Halloween will look a little different this year. Los Gatos streets will not be closed for trick-or-treating, and we can celebrate safely at home. Here are some ideas for Halloween 2020 festivities:

Get cozy, grab the popcorn, and have a scary or Halloween-themed movie marathon
Have a candy scavenger hunt around the house
Compete in a pumpkin carving contest with those you live with
Hold a virtual costume contest with friends and family
Play a household game of spooky-themed trivia
Bake and decorate festive cookies or other treats

General Plan Update

The Town is updating its General Plan, the document that will guide the Town for the next 20 years. Be a part of planning our future!

Agendas, meeting summaries, teleconference links, and other materials are available on the General Plan update website by clicking PARTICIPATE.

The Town also invites interested residents and businesses to get involved online through the website www.losgatos2040.com and EngagementHQ.

Free Flu Shots Available

Every person aged 6 months and older needs the flu vaccine, every year. This is especially true this year, with COVID-19 also circulating widely in Santa Clara County.

Free flu shots are available every Saturday at the Santa Clara County Fairground Expo Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through mid-December. The car entrance for general parking is located at Gate D, 2542 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA 95111. The pedestrian entrance and disabled parking is located at Gate B, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111.

No appointment is required and all are welcome regardless of immigration status. Shots are available for everyone aged 3 years and older. Children ages 3 - 17 years must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. Younger children should get a shot from their regular pediatrician.

For more information, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website.

Prepare for Fire Season

During Shelter in Place, you can actively prepare for the upcoming fire season and reduce your wildfire risk!

Time spent staying at home is the perfect opportunity to start creating defensible space around your house by: trimming brush and removing weeds and low hanging tree limbs, organizing your Firewise community in creative non-gathering ways, or hardening your home.

While many wildfire preparation activities can be done safely under Shelter in Place orders, residents should strictly adhere to all County and State guidelines. Additionally, when doing work, be aware of preventing injuries that would require care from the already strained medical system.

For details, please visit: https://sccfiresafe.org/prepare/shelter-in-yard/.

Below are additional steps you can take to be personally prepared for wildfire season:

Don’t be a source of ignition! Cease any risky activities like using outdoor machinery, barbecuing, improperly towing chains etc., as one less spark, one less wildfire!
Pack your GO Bag Now.
Agree on an Evacuation Plan for your family including pets. Where will you meet and how will you get there?
Be ready to leave immediately if an order is issued.
Sign up for emergency alerts with AlertSCC and Nixle.

Visit the Town's Be Wildfire Ready webpage for more information on how to be prepared and what you can do to help protect your home.

SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Program)

The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is pleased to introduce a new program to assist our community members with special needs. The Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) is voluntary and confidential. It is designed to provide First Responders with important information when responding to calls that involve individuals who may have a memory disorder, hearing impairment, autism, or other needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.losgatosca.gov/2583/SNAP

Represent Los Gatos Oral History Project

The Local History Room of the Los Gatos Library holds a collection of historically valuable documents that help tell the story of the Town of Los Gatos. However, the stories of Black, Indigenous, and people of color are underrepresented in this collection. We acknowledge that without the voices of the BIPOC community, it is not possible to paint a complete picture of the history of our Town. We are launching the Represent Los Gatos Oral History Project to fill these gaps in our collection and to allow you to share your own stories, however you would like them to be told. To learn more and to share your story, please visit the Represent Los Gatos webpage.

Becoming an Inclusive Community

Visit the Town's webpage, Becoming an Inclusive Community to find information about the Town's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, including related Town Council actions, advance promotion of future workshops, an overview of Police Department community policing, and a dedicated email for comments and inquiries regarding these important issues.

If you have concerns, experiences, questions, or ideas regarding how Los Gatos can be more welcoming for all, please let us know by sending an email to Community@losgatosca.gov.

Voting Is Now Easier Than Ever in Santa Clara County!

Our county will be using an exciting new voting model that makes it easier than ever to cast a ballot.

It is called the Voter’s Choice Act, and it emphasizes convenience for the modern voter. Everyone will get a ballot mailed to them automatically and that they can return in the free postage-paid envelope provided by mail, which is by far the most popular way to vote. Any voter can also place their completed ballot in one of 98 conveniently located drop-boxes. The Registrar of Voters Office will also be open for early voting beginning on October 5th through Election Day. Voters who prefer to vote in person can still do so at any of the more than 100 Vote Centers that will be open throughout Santa Clara County starting October 31st. Remember, now it is Election Day everyday between October 5th and November 3rd!

The Vote Centers will offer sanitary, in-person options for a full spectrum of services, from language and accessibility assistance to voting in person. There are electronic poll books to keep track of who has voted, and even voter registration updates all the way up through Election Day.

Take advantage of the extra time and convenience of receiving your ballot 29 days before the election with a free postage paid return envelope, no stamp, no problem! Vote safe, vote from home.

Be heard by November 3rd.

Visit sccvote.org/voterschoice or call 866-430-VOTE (8683) for more information.

California Blueprint for a Safer Economy

On August 28, 2020, Governor Newsom announced the Blueprint for a Safe Economy, which uses a Color Tier System to slow the spread of COVID-19. The colors (purple, red, orange, and yellow) reflect the number of new COVID-19 cases and how the disease is spreading locally. They also provide a framework for a safe progression of opening more businesses and activities.

As of September 8, 2020 Santa Clara County has moved from the most restrictive Purple Tier to the second most restrictive Red Tier. Visit the State's COVID-19 website to view the status of activities within each County.

Under the Red Tier, a number of additional sectors can open under the State Order. This includes the operation of personal care services such as nail salons and massage parlors with modifications, gyms and fitness centers at 10% capacity, indoor malls at an increased capacity of 50%, indoor museums at 25% capacity, and if Santa Clara County remains in the Red Tier for 14 days, K-12 schools may reopen pursuant to the County Schools Directive and State Guidelines.

The County Health Officer’s local Risk Reduction Order and related directives remain in effect and include directives that all businesses in Santa Clara County must follow as they resume indoor operations. See the Santa Clara County Health website for information on the local Risk Reduction Order and all related directives. All businesses must have a Social Distancing Protocol on file with the County and displayed.

Hair salons and barbershops were previously allowed to open indoors with reduced capacity as of August 31st. Indoor dining, indoor movie theaters, and indoor gatherings remain prohibited in Santa Clara County under the local Risk Reduction Order. Other activities that the County had previously allowed but the State had prohibited can now resume.

Santa Clara County was originally placed in the most restrictive Purple Tier along with most other counties when the State switched from the monitoring list system to its current color-coded tier framework on August 28. The move to the Red Tier was based on daily case rates and test positivity. The State framework gives counties credit toward their case rate if they test more people than the state average. Using this calculation, the high number of tests performed in our area gave Santa Clara County a significant credit, allowing the County to move to the Red Tier.

State reopening metrics are based on cases per 100,000 residents and positive COVID-19 test results per 100,000 tests. Each County must meet the following requirements in order to advance to the next colored tier:

21 day mandatory wait time between moves, and
meet metrics for the next tier for two straight weeks

Counties are only permitted to advance one tier at a time. If a County’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will move backwards and be assigned a more restrictive tier. The State will calculate seven-day averages every Tuesday; the averages will be based on data from a full week earlier to provide counties time to report up-to-date information.

Please remember that when there are discrepancies between State and County guidelines, the stricter Order controls.

Santa Clara County Business Database

Curious about which businesses are COVID-19 prepared? You can now search the Santa Clara County business database to see which businesses are following Social Distancing Protocols. Search by name, type or location: https://sdp.sccgov.org/.

Businesses must require the following for employees and customers:
-Face coverings (exceptions for medical reasons)
-Social distancing
-Handwashing or provide hand sanitizer stations

Concerns About Not Following County COVID 19 Guidelines

If you have concerns about a business, school, or healthcare provider not following Santa Clara County COVID-19 Guidelines, visit the County Health website to report a concern.

Outdoor Dining Guidelines &

CHECK for Your Safety!

As we make outdoor dining plans, it's important to remember that COVID-19 is still present. Visit downtown Los Gatos to see how some of our local businesses are expanding into temporary parklets on Santa Cruz and Main, and keep in mind that going out to eat has changed and may feel a little strange. We must take extra precautions to protect workers, restaurant owners, and other customers to ensure that everyone can enjoy this new way of dining. Plan ahead to protect yourself and others by following these County guidelines:

Only dine with people you live with, in groups of 6 or fewer.
Call ahead so restaurants can prepare seating.
Wear a face covering when you are not eating or drinking.

For more information on what to expect when dining out, watch Santa Clara County's segment on outdoor dining.

Additionally, Santa Clara County requires ALL businesses to post and implement a Social Distancing Protocol. The “COVID-19 Prepared” Checkmark Sign and Visitor Information Sheet should be posted at the business entrance. The Social Distancing Protocol provides important information about hand-washing, hand-sanitizing, cleaning, social distancing, signage, training, control measures, how to report a complaint, and other safety measures. For more information, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website. Remember when you enter a business to CHECK for your safety!

COVID-19 Testing

Testing for COVID-19 is accessible and widely available in Santa Clara County. Testing is 100% covered by health insurance, safe, confidential, and free. Testing does not affect immigration status, require a doctor’s note, or require insurance.

If you are in the following groups, County Public Health highly encourages you to get tested once a month: healthcare workers, first responders, other frontline workers, anyone who is notified that they were exposed to someone who was confirmed to have COVID-19, anyone who is 60 years of age and older, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.

The County has a handy interactive map that makes it easy to find a testing location nearest to where you live or work.

Los Gatos Strong

Over the years, the Town’s conservative budgeting practices have resulted in healthy reserves and frequent annual budgetary surplus. Those reserves and surpluses are now paying the Town huge dividends.

On May 26, 2020, the Town Council reallocated $1,900,000 in prior surpluses reserved for downtown streetscape revitalization toward COVID-19 economic stimulus recovery efforts. Visit downtown restaurants and shops to see how some of our local businesses are expanding into temporary parklets on Santa Cruz and Main. This is one of the single largest economic recovery packages ever proposed in the Town’s history.

In addition, on June 2, 2020, the Town Council approved a balanced Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 with no reductions to service, despite significant revenue and other economic impacts from sheltering-in-place.

Los Gatos Farmers' Market

As you may know, Farmers’ Markets are exempt from the Shelter in Place order issued by the County, as they are places the community can acquire food. The Los Gatos Market staff, farmers and producers are dedicated to adhering to health and safety standards, and providing safe and reliable access to nutritious foods. Here are some of the additional measures being taken to keep everyone healthy and safe at the market during COVID-19:

Update to Available Town Services

Police Department: Fully operational. Non-essential functions are postponed until further notice. Personnel are utilizing remote means to handle non-life threatening calls when appropriate. For more information, visit the Department website.

Community Development Department: Temporarily closed to the public. No in-person counter services are currently available.  Inspections that can be completed via video are being scheduled and other on-site inspection services are evaluated on a case by case basis. Limited staff resources are available to perform work on permits remotely.  Electronic permit submittal, resubmittal, and limited issuance started on April 17^th. Please visit the Town’s Building and Planning webpages for further information on this option.

Library: Although the building is temporarily closed to the public, patio pick-up is available Monday through Saturday.  Laptops and printers are also available for use outside. Follow Facebook, Instagram, and the website for a schedule of remote storytimes and other fun activities. Online services such as e-books and e-magazines are available. If you need to open an account, email library@losgatosca.gov.

Parks and Public Works Department:  Parks and trails are open with physical distancing of at least six feet. Park restrooms are available and cleaned once a day. Playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields, and BBQ areas are open with physical distancing and other requirements as posted. Park reservations are being accepted.  Routine maintenance of streets and parks continues at reduced levels. Selected construction projects and support for urgent work for utility companies exempt from the County Order continue. Email any concerns to ppw@losgatosca.gov.

Economic Vitality Department: Resources for small businesses, employers, and employees are available here and on the Town website. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce is also a good source of information for businesses and the community. Any questions can be emailed to Monica Renn at mrenn@losgatosca.gov.

Finance Department: Business license services are available remotely via email at businesslicense@losgatosca.gov.

Clerk Department: Requests for public records are being processed, but time limits to respond have been suspended. We appreciate the importance of your request and will do our best to respond within 10 days, but responses may be delayed until such time the order is suspended and Town Hall opens fully for all services.

Los Gatos Parks and Trails

You can help keep Los Gatos parks and trails open by following these simple guidelines:

Stay close to home and avoid crowded areas.
Share the trail and yield to others to maintain a safe distance.
Choose less frequented parks and trails.
Do not park in a crowded parking lot or use a crowded trail.
Hike single file to maximize distance when passing others.
Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in.
Look for nearby nature to enjoy, look for the hidden nature in your own neighborhood.
Do not hold social gatherings (do not mix with other households) at parks or anywhere.

Lifesaving Information For Emergencies (L.I.F.E.) File

Emergencies can happen when we least expect them to and many of the requests for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) happen within the home. The Town of Los Gatos is partnering with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to promote their new L.I.F.E. file program. The L.I.F.E. File is a simple tool individuals and families may use to assist emergency responders during a medical emergency. First Responders rely heavily upon the patient, and/or the patient’s family members, to provide information used to help in the treatment and care of the patient. However, there are times when the patient is unable to provide this information and family members may not be present or available to assist First Responders during a medical emergency. The L.I.F.E. File information includes past pertinent medical history, allergies to medications, medications currently prescribed to the patient, advanced medical directives and any additional information. The L.I.F.E. File pouch is a vinyl magnetic pouch that is placed in an easily seen location on the front or side of the refrigerator.

You may pick up L.I.F.E. Files from Town Hall and local fire stations. If you, or anyone you know, would like additional information on the L.I.F.E. File program please contact Jackie Rose, Community Outreach Coordinator at JRose@losgatosca.gov

Notify Me!

How can we help you if we can't reach you? While you have signed up to receive these weekly "What's New" emails, many of your neighbors may have remained in the dark because they did not receive current information from the Town. In addition to emergency communications, you may sign up for Town notifications regarding infrastructure projects in your neighborhood, Town events, meetings, and other topics of community interest.

Please encourage your friends and neighbors in Los Gatos to sign up for Town communications through "Notify Me" at: www.losgatosca.gov/notifyme. Type your email address in the box and select "sign in." From there, you can subscribe to the topics you wish and you are able to unsubscribe at any time. If you need help, call the Town Manager's Office at (408) 354-6832 during business hours.

Follow the Town on Social Media!

The Town of Los Gatos has various social media outlets to follow. Below are a few of the links, and you can also find us on NextDoor!

Town Facebook
Police Department Facebook
Parks and Public Works Facebook
Library Facebook
Town Twitter
Police Department Twitter
Parks and Public Works Twitter
Town Instagram
Police Department Instagram
Library Instagram