September 16, 2025 Town Council Meeting

The agenda and reports for the September 16, 2025 Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. are available online.  Among the items on the agenda, the Town Council will consider:

• A Request for Approval to Modify Planned Development Ordinance 1281 to Increase the Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Lot Coverage for Property Located at 130 Vasona Oaks Drive;
• A Fourth Amendment with HdL Companies for Business License Discovery and Compliance Audit Services, Sales and Use Tax Management and Audit Services, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Audit Services and a Resolution Granting a Waiver of Business License Late Fee Penalties for Businesses Undergoing the Business License Discovery and Compliance Audit Process;
• Wildfire and Emergency Management Initiatives Update and the Updated Emergency Operations Plan; and
• A Resolution to Modify Town Council Policy 1-08: “Transportation Impact Policy” to Update the Project List, Modify Charges for Affordable Housing and Allow for Charges on Accessory Dwelling Units in Excess of 750 Square Feet.

This is a hybrid meeting and will be held in-person at the Town Council Chambers at 110 E. Main Street and virtually through the Zoom webinar application.

The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on KCAT-15 television and/or online at www.LosGatosCA.gov/TownYouTube.  

The Town welcomes public participation. For instructions regarding how to participate in the meeting, including the Zoom link, please see the meeting agenda.  For additional details on providing comments, please visit the Town Public Guide to Town Council Meetings webpage. 

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.

Upcoming Board, Commission and Committee Meetings

To view upcoming Town Board, Commission, and Committee meeting agendas, visit the Town's Agendas and Minutes webpage. Next week's scheduled meetings include:

• September 17, 2025 Arts and Culture Commission Meeting at 4:00 p.m.
• September 18, 2025 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission at 5:00 p.m.

Town Community Grant Applications for Non-Profit Organizations Now Open

Are you a local non-profit with a project that could have a meaningful impact on the community?

The Town’s community grant applications for non-profit organizations are now open! Apply by October 3, 2025.

Non-profit organizations serving the Town of Los Gatos are invited to apply. For eligibility and to view the application, visit the Town website at www.LosGatosCA.gov/318.

Request for Proposals: Environmental Consulting Services

The Town of Los Gatos has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to provide Environmental Services for the Community Development Department. Proposals are due October 3, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. 

To learn more, visit www.losgatosca.gov/rfp.

Reminder from the Town: Proper Battery Disposal Matters!

Improperly disposing of batteries in garbage or recycling bins can create serious safety hazards. Batteries contain chemicals and may spark fires when damaged or exposed to heat or pressure, turning a truckload of waste into a “hot load.”

A “hot load” is when hazardous materials like batteries cause fires or dangerous reactions in collection vehicles, landfills, recycling centers, or processing facilities.

Why it matters:

• Hot loads can cause fires.
• They put workers and the public at risk.
• They damage equipment and property.
• They disrupt waste and recycling services.

How you can help:

• NEVER put batteries (including lithium-ion, alkaline, or rechargeable) in garbage or recycling bins.
• Use designated battery recycling programs, like West Valley Recycles fluorescent yellow bags.
• If unsure, contact West Valley Recycles for guidance or to request a battery bag delivery.

Have questions about safe battery disposal or need help finding a drop-off location? Contact West Valley Collection & Recycling at (408) 283-9250 or Customerservice4025@wasteconnections.com.

Take the Library Survey

Library friends! September is Library Survey season!

Once a year, the Los Gatos Library asks you to help them shape collections, services and programming by taking a customer survey. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. The Library reads, considers and appreciates your thoughtful feedback.

Take the Library Survey now!

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and in partnership with Santa Clara County Fire Department, the Town is reminding the Los Gatos community to stay safe and prepared for emergency.

Throughout the month, the Town will share tips and resources to help prepare for disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and power outages.

Disasters can strike unexpectedly. Being prepared not only helps you protect yourself and loved ones, but it also increases the resiliency of the entire community to rebound after a major event. Preparedness Month is a great reminder to:

• Review emergency plans
• Restock or refresh emergency supply kits
• Talk with your household about what to do in case of an emergency

By taking steps now, help ensure that the entire community is safer, stronger, and ready to face any challenge. 

Visit www.LosGatosCA.gov/EmergencyPreparedness and www.sccfd.org for more preparedness information and resources.

Changes to West Valley Stormwater Authority Name on Property Tax Bills

If you own property in Los Gatos, you will notice a small change on your property tax bill. Earlier this year, the West Valley Clean Water Authority changed its name to the West Valley Stormwater Authority to better reflect its mission of protecting local creeks and waterways from stormwater pollution. 

The stormwater property fee itself has not changed, and in fact, has not increased since it was first established in 1994. The only change is to how it appears on the property tax bill. 

The entry on the property tax bill now reads:

Agency Name: West Valley Stormwater Authority:
SA Number: 1050
Description: Stormwater Srvc Charge

Previously, the entry read:
Agency Name: WV Clean Water Authority
SA Number: 1010
Description: Storm Sewer 

For more information about West Vally Stormwater Authority, visit their website at www.cleancreeks.org.

E-Bike Safety

With the start of the new school year, the Town would like to remind the community about bike and e-bike safety!

The Los Gatos Youth Commission's Traffic Safety Ad Hoc has provided four guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of all vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians in Los Gatos:

1. Adhere to all laws: Know the difference between e-bike classifications and their unique regulations. Do not carry passengers on your bike without an extra seat. It is illegal to drive your e-bike on sidewalks. Wear a helmet if you are under 17.
2. Know the risk: Because of the size and power of an e-bike, injuries tend to be more severe. There were 225 e-bike injuries, in California in 2022, 4 of which were fatal. Acting responsibly and carefully with an e-bike protects you and those around you.
3. Find the right bike: Consider your use of a bike - is it for recreation, exercising or a commute? Where will it drive? An e-bike has great power and more capabilities than a bike, but this comes with greater danger, expense, and responsibility.
4. Follow the rules of the road: Follow all the same lights/signs as cars. Never weave in and out of traffic. Always use the bike lane - if none is present, match the speed and flow of traffic.

For more information, visit the Town’s E-Bike Webpage. 

West Valley Community Services Park-It Market Available at the Los Library Twice a Month

The Town of Los Gatos is pleased to announce a partnership with West Valley Community Services to offer the “Park-It Market” mobile food program every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Los Gatos Library from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.

Services include free access to food for community members experiencing food insecurity.

For more information and to register, visit the West Valley Community Services website.

Water Fountain on Southeast Side of East Main Street Bridge Temporarily Unavailable July though September

The water fountain on the southeast side of the East Main Street Bridge is temporarily unavailable in order to provide adequate work area for CalTrans to complete work on the East Main Street Bridge Project.

Wildfire Preparedness in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Wildfire season is here—are you ready? #PrepareForEmergencyLG

Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) are at higher risk from fast-moving fires. Now is the time to take action around your property:

• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space by following Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) guidelines for clearing vegetation and reducing wildfire risks.
• Remove debris from roofs and gutters.
• Trim tree limbs at least 10 feet away from structures and other trees.
• Store firewood and combustibles at least 30 feet from your home.

Important Safety Note:

Avoid using yard equipment (mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws) during hot, dry, or windy conditions. These tools can spark fires. If you must clear vegetation, plan to work early in the morning, and have a water source or extinguisher nearby.

Not sure where to start?

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council offers free HIZ evaluations to help you identify specific actions to reduce your risk. Visit their website for more info at Santa Clara County Fire Safe page.

Concerned about overgrown vegetation on nearby properties?

Report potential hazards to the County Weed Abatement Program at Santa Clara County Weed Abatement page.

For more information about wildfire preparedness, visit the Town website at Los Gatos Wildfire Prep page.

Stay informed. Sign up for AlertSCC alerts at www.AlertSCC.org.

Plaza Park Fountains Temporarily Out of Service for Repairs

The fountain at Town Plaza Park is currently out of service while staff works to repair the ultraviolet (UV) water treatment system.

The UV system keeps the public safe when they come in contact with the water so the fountain cannot be operated without this system. Currently, the Town anticipates the repair to begin at the end of September; however, this timeline is subject to the availability of specialized parts. The Town will continue to provide updates as they become available. 

Thank you for your patience while the repairs are made.

Caltrans Bay Area - Highway 17 Bridges Safety Upgrades in Los Gatos

Caltrans is improving safety and infrastructure in Los Gatos. In April, construction crews began the process for essential upgrades to two bridges in Los Gatos: Main Street Overcrossing Bridge and Santa Cruz Undercrossing Bridge. These improvements include new sidewalks and upgraded bridge rails designed to meet modern safety standards, protect travelers, and enhance the long-term durability of these structures. Benefits include improved pedestrian and driver safety and stronger, more reliable bridge structures. It will result in a safer travel experience for the Los Gatos community and its visitors.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

• Project Duration: April 2025 - January 2026.
• Daytime Work: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Intermittent daytime closures may also occur.  Some construction noise is expected during both day and night work hours. 
• Overnight Work: Monday–Friday, 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. Nighttime work will vary on lane closures but will start approximately at the timeframe provided. 
• Parking and Sidewalk Restrictions: Limited parking on the Main Street Overcrossing during construction. Construction activities on the Main Street Bridge will occur on one side at a time. 
• Main Street Bridge to take 3-4 months per side, with a tentative completion date of January 2026.

We appreciate your patience while Caltrans completes the work.

If you have a question or want to share a concern, please call the Caltrans Project Hotline at (510) 286-0319 or email SR17projects@dot.ca.gov

The Town is hiring!

The Town is hiring for various positions including: 

• Police Officer 
• Police Trainee
• Senior Transportation Planner (Temporary/Hourly)

For more information on both of these positions and to apply, visit the Town's employment webpage. 

Senate Bill 330 Development Applications

Senate Bill 330 expands or amends Sate legislation, including the Permit Streamlining Act and Housing Accountability Act, with the broad goals of facilitating increased production of new residential units, protecting existing units, and providing for an expedited review and approval process for housing development projects through submittal of a “preliminary application.”

Sign Up for AlertSCC

AlertSCC is Santa Clara County's official Emergency Alert System.

Why sign up for AlertSCC?

• Stay ahead of emergencies and protect yourself and your loved ones. 
• Receive vital alerts directly to your device ensuring you're informed and prepared when it matters most. 
• Your information in AlertSCC is confidential and secure, used only for alerting purposes.

How are alerts received?

• AlertSCC is free for everyone and easy to set up.
• Alerts are sent directly to your mobile device, landline, and/or email.
• You can decide how you want to receive alerts and set up alerts for loved ones. 

Types of alerts include fire, earthquake, severe weather, public safety, and instructions during a disaster. 

Visit www.AlertSCC.org to sign up! 

County of Santa Clara Launches 

988 Phone Number Dedicated to 

Crisis Mental Health Services

Santa Clara County has launched a lifeline phone number for people to call in times of mental health or substance use crisis, with teams of trained counselors available 24/7 to offer support by phone or in-person, depending on the nature of the situation.

The lifeline – reached by dialing 9-8-8 – is the result of a push to make similar crisis and suicide prevention services available across the country starting July 16, 2022. The County of Santa Clara’s 988 operation includes an array of mental health services designed to de-escalate crisis situations.

The County’s new lifeline is designed to provide support for those experiencing emotional or mental health distress, including thoughts of suicide, fearfulness, or other mental health or substance use crises. Loved ones and others can also call 988 if they are concerned for someone else.
  
The lifeline will also serve as a connection point for County Behavioral Health Services and community-based organizations. The various onsite mobile response teams are made up of crisis clinicians and peer outreach specialists; services that both involve or do not involve law enforcement are available. The goals of 988 are de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to continued services.

County Behavioral Health Services staff are thoroughly trained on the new system, and the 988 line went live in a soft launch in May. The service is free, anonymous, and confidential, with no information shared unless in-person dispatch is required. Language interpretation is available in more than 200 languages. Calls to 988 are routed by area code; if the phone used does not have a 408, 650 or 669 area code, the Santa Clara County service can be accessed by calling 1-800-704-0900 and pressing 1. The same 800 number can be used for non-emergency calls to County Behavioral Health Services regarding general mental health and substance use treatment services information and referrals.

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 the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department 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.

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 or email engage@losgatosca.gov with subject "Sign Me Up."