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November 17, 2020 Town Council Meeting
The agenda and reports for the November 17, 2020 Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. are available online. Among the items on the agenda, the Town Council will consider Vehicle Miles Travelled Thresholds and review the Land Use and Community Design Elements of the General Plan Update.
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://us02web.zoom.us/j/91332460172?pwd=RDZTV0o1UkZoTnJrU2o5YXVJcVVGQT09 with password: 145878. 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.
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November 19, 2020
General Plan Update Advisory Committee MeetingThe 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!
The next meeting will take place on November 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via teleconference to continue discussions of the Land Use and Community Design Elements. 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.
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Santa Clara County and Other Bay Area Counties Move to Contain Spread of COVID-19Santa Clara County and other counties throughout the Bay Area are seeing a sudden, rapid spike in COVID-19 cases and a significant increase in hospitalizations.The average number of new cases per day in Santa Clara County has more than doubled since early October. With transmission and hospitalizations on the rise, health officers in counties across the Bay Area are tightening local rules for high-risk indoor activities where the virus spreads more easily.
In Santa Clara County, Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody today announced that the County’s dramatically increasing case counts make clear that the County will be moved to the State’s Red Tier next Tuesday November 17th. Unless the current surge is quickly brought under control, the County expects to be moved to the Purple Tier in the next few weeks.
Dr. Cody and most of her colleagues around the Bay Area will be issuing local orders today requiring the closure of indoor dining and imposing limits on certain other high-risk activities. The new restrictions on activity in Santa Clara County will take effect on Tuesday, November 17th at 12:01 a.m.
Indoor dining at restaurants reopened at reduced capacity in mid-October, but as case counts continue to rise, the risks associated with indoor dining, especially because patrons must take their masks off to eat, have increased significantly. Dr. Cody and public health experts in our region and elsewhere have concluded that it is necessary to close indoor dining to help contain the spread of the virus.
“We know that eating indoors without masks is a very high-risk activity, and as we close indoor dining we also strongly urge people not to eat or gather indoors with anyone outside their own household,” Dr. Cody said. “We must come together as a community and act now to get the virus under control.”
Dr. Cody noted that wearing masks at all times, avoiding crowded environments, and moving as many activities as possible outdoors is critical to controlling the virus. In indoor environments, the risk of droplet and aerosol transmission of COVID-19 can be only partially mitigated by wearing a mask.
Health officials are especially worried about people gathering indoors with the holidays coming up and the weather getting colder. Dr. Cody and other health officers have stated they will have to consider additional closures if current trends continue.
For more information, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website.
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Recommendations for Safer Holidays & TravelHealth Officers from the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley have issued joint recommendations for staying safe during the holidays. The recommendations cover gatherings and travel, with recommended steps to reduce risk. “With cases rising around the country, and beginning to increase here in Santa Clara County as well, we all must come together and keep up our efforts to reduce transmission,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara and Director of the Public Health Department. “When people who live in different houses or apartments are together at the same time in the same space, risk of COVID-19 spreading goes up, even when the people are relatives or friends. Please celebrate safely this year and protect yourself and your family by including masks, keeping a distance, and staying outdoors.” The joint recommendations advise the public that if you gather in person, keep it small, short, stable, and outdoors. Also, nonessential travel, including holiday travel, is not recommended. Travel outside the Bay Area will increase your chance of getting infected and spreading the virus to others after your return. For those who are traveling, there are tips to help avoid catching COVID-19 or spreading it to fellow travelers. If you travel outside the Bay Area, it is strongly recommended that you self-quarantine for 14 days after your return if your activities while travelling put you at higher risk of getting COVID-19. Find Santa Clara County’s mandatory directive for gatherings, revised November 4, at https://www.sccgov.org/sites/covid19/Pages/mandatory-directives-gatherings.aspx. CELEBRATE WITHOUT GATHERING The safest way to celebrate this holiday season is virtually or with members of your household. Gathering with people outside your household – even extended family – increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays with loved ones without gathering: • Enjoy holiday traditions at home with your household • Decorate your home and/or yard • Share a virtual meal with family and friends • Host online parties and/or contests • Prepare meals using traditional recipes and deliver to family and neighbors • Attend holiday movie nights at drive-in venues • Visit holiday-themed outdoor art installations • Participate in drive-by events where everyone stays in their vehicles
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FY 2019/20 Annual ReportThe Town of Los Gatos FY 2019/20 Annual Report has been released! The Report highlights the Town’s services, work, and accomplishments throughout the last year, including the areas of community character, public safety, transportation and infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. The Town continues to work on existing Council Strategic Priorities and identify and implement new priority actions in response to these unprecedented times, while remaining strong, flexible, and resilient. Check out the report on the Town website.
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Prepare for Fire SeasonDuring 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.
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Free Flu Shots AvailableEvery 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.
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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
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Represent Los Gatos Oral History ProjectThe 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.
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Becoming an Inclusive CommunityVisit 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.
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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 October 13, 2020 Santa Clara County is in the "moderate" Orange Tier. Visit the State's COVID-19 website to view the status of activities within each County. Santa Clara County issued a Revised Risk Reduction Order that went into effect when the County moved into Tier 3 (the Orange Tier) under the State Blueprint for a Safe Economy. This Order generally allows all businesses in the County to operate if the State allows them to be open, with two main exceptions. Indoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer, and indoor gatherings are allowed at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Social Distancing Protocols still apply and may be revised and submitted through the County Public Health website. The County Health Officer urges residents to continue taking precautions, including staying home when possible, minimizing interaction with people outside one’s household, maintaining social distance, wearing face coverings, and moving as many activities outdoors as possible. For more information on this Revised Risk Reduction Order, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website. 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. There are new mandatory directives related to Dining and Gatherings as a result of the revised Order. 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. K-12 schools may be open pursuant to the County Schools Directive and State Guidelines.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. On September 8, 2020, Santa Clara County moved to the Red Tier and on October 13, 2020, the County moved to the Orange Tier. The moves were 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 gives Santa Clara County a significant credit.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.
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Santa Clara County Business DatabaseCurious 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
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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.
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CHECK for Your Safety!
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!
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COVID-19 TestingTesting 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.
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Los Gatos StrongOver 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. |
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Update to Available Town ServicesPolice 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 17th. Please visit the Town’s Building and Planning webpages for further information on this option.
Library: The lobby is now open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There is a collection available for browsing, self-checkout machines, and staff at the Circulation desk to assist. For your safety and the safety of staff, the number of people allowed in the building at a time is limited. Check in at the patio desk before entering the building. When you enter, wear a face covering (anyone over age 2), sanitize your hands, maintain a 6 foot distance from others, do not enter if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, and please note that no restrooms, seating, or in-person tech help are available at this time. Follow Facebook, Instagram, and the website for a schedule of remote storytimes and other fun activities. Other online services such as e-books and e-magazines are available. For questions, 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.
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Lifesaving Information For Emergencies (L.I.F.E.) FileEmergencies 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
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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.
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