110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of the Joint Special Meeting
Town Council and Planning Commission
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a special meeting in person and via teleconference.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT APPROXIMATELY 5:18 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Matthew Hudes, Vice Mayor Rob Moore, Council Member Mary Badame, Council Member Rob Rennie, Council Member Maria Ristow, Commissioner Rob Stump, Commissioner Steven Raspe, Commissioner Joe Sordi, Commissioner Susan Burnett, Commissioner Jeffrey Barnett, Vice Chair Kendra Burch, Chair Emily Thomas.
Absent: None.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (ONLY ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA)
Carin Yamamoto
- Inquired about the consultant’s presentation.
Member of the Public
- Commented on various concerns.
PRESENTATION
i. Overview of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Gabreille Whelan, Town Attorney, introduced the consultants.
Akoni Danielsen and Shannon George, David J. Powers and Associates, gave a presentation on CEQA, including the following key concepts: discretion, project descriptions, baselines, thresholds, how to address local issues not covered by CEQA, mitigation, levels of environmental review (decision tree, scope of analysis, how to determine what is needed, substantial evidence, initial study versus EIR, and risk management), common exemptions, tiering (guidelines), public review period (public comment), findings, statement of overriding consideration, approvals, role of the Council, and cumulative analysis.
The Town Council and the Planning Commission asked questions and provided comments related to CEQA.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:55 p.m.
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SUBJECT: Minutes of the Special Town Council Meeting of October 21, 2025 DATE: November 4, 2025
Respectfully Submitted:
___________________________
/s/ Jenna De Long, Deputy Town Clerk