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September 17, 2024 Town Council Meeting
The agenda and reports for the September 17, 2024 Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. are available online. Among the items on the agenda, the Town Council will consider: - A Resolution of Necessity to authorize acquisition of private property through eminent domain for the Shannon Road Capital Improvement Project;
- Direction on the Downtown Restroom Feasibility Study;
- Direction on a potential Senior Services Coordinator and any necessary expenditure budget adjustments;
- A Commission Events Policy and revised Town Council Policy 5-03 “Commission Budgets;” and
- A resolution to renew an ordinance approving a Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use Policy Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
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.
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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 18, 2024 Arts and Culture Commission at 4:00 p.m.
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September 20, 2024 Screen on the Green
We wish upon a star that you can join us on September 20, 2024 for the Town's Screen on the Green event! This is a free, outdoor, family movie night at Oak Meadow Park.
Children's activities will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the Mayor will provide welcoming remarks at 6:45 p.m. The Pixar short "Boundin'," presented by the Town DEI Commission, will play at 7:00 p.m., with the feature film, Disney's "Wish," beginning at 7:15 p.m. Bring your low back chairs, blankets, flashlights and beverages. Grab takeout food from a wonderful Town restaurant. Billy Jones Railroad Snack Shack will be open for your favorite movie snacks. Guests 21+ may bring their own beer and wine to enjoy at the Oak Meadow Park, when accompanied by a meal. For more information, visit www.LosGatosCA.gov/SOG. We can't wait to see all the amazing stars in the Los Gatos community!
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September 20 Overnight Highway 9 Closure
Eastbound Highway 9 (between Highway 17 and University Avenue) and the southbound Highway 17 on-ramp from eastbound Highway 9 will be closed beginning on Friday, September 20, 2024 at midnight and will reopen on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.
Traffic on Highway 9 will be detoured onto University Avenue, Los Gatos Boulevard, and Blossom Hill Road. Please expect delays and use alternate routes if possible.
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Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Report
The Town of Los Gatos Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Report is now available!
This report highlights the work and accomplishments of the Town during the last fiscal year, including but not limited to: community development, public safety, transportation and infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. The Report concludes with a look ahead of efforts underway during the current fiscal year.
Access it on the Town website.
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Shannon Road Pedestrian and Bikeway Improvement Project
The Town of Los Gatos has contracted Sposeto Engineering for the Shannon Road Pedestrian and Bikeway Improvement Project, beginning September 2024.
The project will add curb, gutter, sidewalk, planter strips and bike lanes on Shannon Road between Los Gatos Blvd and East La Chiquita Avenue. Phase 1: North side of Shannon Road (Cherry Blossom Lane to Los Gatos Blvd) begins with demolition and concrete work. PG&E will also be on-site relocating utility poles. After Phase 1 is complete, work will begin immediately on Phase 2. In Phase 2 similar work will be performed on the south side of Shannon Road. This project is part of Public Works Department’s efforts to improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians. We appreciate your patience during construction and encourage you to stay informed by visiting the project website.
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September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
The Town and the Santa Clara County Fire Department are partnering to make sure Los Gatos is prepared. This month, County Fire and the Town will be sharing tips and resources on social media regarding how to prepare for disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. Emergencies can happen at any time. By being prepared, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to review your emergency plans, update your emergency kits, and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. For more information, visit www.sccfd.org/education-and-preparedness-overview/emergency-preparedness/.
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Trail Construction on Los Gatos Creek Trail at HWY 9
Construction along the Los Gatos Creek Trail near Highway 9, as part of the Town’s Los Gatos Creek Trailhead Connector to Highway 9 Project, is progressing well. Active construction is ongoing on both sides of Highway 9, with completion anticipated later this year. Current work includes: - Construction of bridge abutments on both sides of the creek has been completed.
- Completion of approximately 50% of the retaining wall on the south side of Highway 9.
- Excavation and shoring operations on the north side of Highway 9 are ongoing, along with the retaining wall construction for the access ramp from Highway 9 to the existing trail.
- Fabrication of the new bridge over Los Gatos Creek that will be placed south of Highway 9 began in August, with expected delivery of the bridge in September.
The trail will generally remain open during construction, but there may be occasional short delays to ensure safe access. Trail users are advised to exercise caution and anticipate potential delays when traveling through the construction area.
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Annual Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Repair Project: August Through October
The Town of Los Gatos has contracted O’Grady Paving for the annual street repair and resurfacing project, beginning in August 2024.
The project will start with pavement repairs on streets identified for seal treatment in September, followed by grinding and resurfacing of streets slated for this year's improvements, scheduled for October. This project is part of Public Works Department’s efforts to make roadways within the community safer and more attractive. We appreciate your patience during construction and encourage you to stay informed about road closures and updates. For more information regarding the Town’s pavement program and to see if your street is on the list, please visit: https://www.losgatosca.gov/2244/Pavement-Management-Program.
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Hwy 17 Overnight Lane Closures
CalTrans will perform overnight lane closures on northbound Hwy 17 Monday through Friday between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. from Redwood Estates to Idylwild Road. The nightly lane closures will begin August 26 and last through mid October 2024.
The closures are needed to allow construction crews to safely perform work on concrete barriers. All work is weather dependent. Please drive with caution through the construction zone, leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
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The Town is hiring!
The Town is hiring for various positions including: - Code Compliance Officer (Temporary/Hourly/Unbenefited)
- Maintenance Assistant (Temporary/Hourly/Unbenefited)
- Police Communication Dispatcher
- Police Officer
For more information on both of these positions and to apply, visit the Town website at www.losgatosca.gov/1696/Employment.
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15495 Los Gatos Blvd. Formal Development Application Received Under Senate Bill 330
The Community Development Department has received a formal development application for 15495 Los Gatos Blvd requesting approval for demolition of existing commercial structures, construction of a multi-family residential development (238 Units), a Conditional Use Permit for a mixed-use development, and site improvements requiring a Grading Permit under Senate Bill (SB) 330. All plans and application information concerning this matter are available for public review online by property address at the following link: www.LosGatosCA.gov/15495LGB. If you have questions or want to provide comments, please email them to Planning@losgatosca.gov. NOTE: The materials received at this time are the initial application submittal and may change over time as the Town conducts the required technical review. Depending on the applicable regulations, that review may be limited exclusively to the Town’s Objective Standards. Visit https://www.losgatosca.gov/objectivestandards to learn more about Objective Standards.
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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.” Information regarding the Town's Senate Bill 330 development process, as well as a comprehensive list of the Senate Bill 330 preliminary and formal development applications that the Town has received are available for public review online at the following link: www.LosGatosCA.gov/SB330. Persons with questions or wishing to provide public comments on a specific project may email them to Planning@losgatosca.gov.
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Curious About Proposed Development Projects in Los Gatos?
Check out the following resources on the Town website:
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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!
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Fire Season Is Year Round!
Now is the time to actively prepare for fire season and reduce your wildfire risk!
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.
For details, please visit the Santa Clara County Fire Department's website.
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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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.
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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.
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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."
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