These were just a few of the items on the agenda that day. Although the Jan. 24 retreat was primarily intended as a discussion about the state of the town, the council took decisive steps toward solving several pressing problems.

Following a community outcry over the lack of skateboarding space and soccer fields two weeks ago, the council made this issue a priority. Members directed staff to conduct a feasibility study for using the town-owned Miles Avenue property as a potential skateboard site. The council also asked to review the status of playing fields identified in a 1993 study and to begin a dialogue between local schools and soccer groups about using the same fields.

Skateboarders are pleased with the plans. "It's a step in the right direction because they are looking for ways to solve the problem rather than saying that we can't do it right now," said Donovan Dresti, a professional skateboarder who lives in Los Gatos.

The council is also looking for more Los Gatos youths to be involved in the town, deciding to establish a youth commission in the community. The commission is expected to have 10 to 15 open seats, and members will be recruited from Los Gatos schools.

The economy was another big issue for council members, both on a state and a local level. The council hoped to develop an aggressive marketing plan in the next year, drawing more people to Los Gatos. Sales tax is an important source of revenue in the town, but this figure remains low as the local retail sector recovers from the downturn.

"We need to get the word out," said Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman. Part of the marketing plan includes an expanded relationship with the businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, but Wasserman said the council wants to promote the whole town.

The final word on the town's budget, however, comes from the state.

"We don't even know what the news is going to be," said Mayor Steve Glickman. "We don't know what the state is going to take from us."

Still, Glickman said that local officials are ready with different case scenarios should Sacramento take more or less from the town. In the meantime, the council decided to work on ways to ease the burden on residents but still maintain a comfortable level of service throughout the town.

"If I'm an average citizen in Los Gatos, my quality of life is important," he said.

Other issues discussed at the retreat included a technology roundtable to advise the town on technology trends and possible opportunities as well as strengthening the communication between the council and the planning commission.