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Police recovered an unregistered firearm and numerous illegal “high-capacity” magazines, as well as narcotics, during a traffic stop earlier this week, according to authorities.A Morgan Hill police officer was patrolling the area of Butterfield Boulevard and Jarvis Drive when he came across a suspicious vehicle, reads a post on the MHPD Facebook page. The social media post did not provide the date and time of the incident.When the officer made contact with the driver—identified as Richard Vallarta, 26—he became aware of Vallarta’s “evasive demeanor” and called for backup, police said.Vallarta was driving alone at the time of the stop.As more officers arrived the investigating officer found an unregistered, loaded semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine, as well as narcotics and paraphernalia indicative of methamphetamine and heroin use, plus additional high-capacity magazines.Vallarta was booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges.

Emilio Martinez was the one man Live Oak couldn’t stop Friday night, forcing the Acorns to end their storied 2016 run with a 40-14 loss to Palma.

A proposed mixed-use development that could add up to 550,000 square feet of industrial space on Butterfield Boulevard was given the informal green light from the City Council Nov. 16.The project, which also incorporates more than 380 residential apartment units, has been the subject of ongoing contention leading up to the latest council meeting.The council heard developer Mwest’s “preliminary plans” at the Nov. 16 meeting. The body insisted that the imminent formal development agreement include long-term assurances that the property owner won’t allow anymore residential rezoning or allotment requests to “creep up” on the industrially zoned parcel.Mwest owns about 52 acres on the west side of Butterfield Boulevard between Jarvis and Digital drives. Their ambitious plans for the property call for up to 10 new industrial buildings of varying sizes on the land that fronts Butterfield and Digital Drive, plus 386 “high quality rental” units on the corner of Monterey Road and Jarvis Drive to accommodate future employees.Representatives from Mwest promised the council that the developer remains committed to building the industrial part of their mixed-use project before the residential, as the council has insisted in previous discussions. The council was worried about recent updates on the project, which was first conceptualized in 2014, indicate the developer views the industrial project as being “dependent on the residential.”“The industrial is not contingent on the residential,” Mwest Project Director Kerry Williams told the council Nov. 16. “We’re moving full throttle on the industrial. These are the steps we need to make (in order) to make it business ready.”Councilmembers were also unanimously worried about Mwest or a future developer trying to push more residential on the industrial side of the project by applying for another rezoning or General Plan amendment in the future. Councilman Larry Carr summarized the council’s worries by directing city staff to include provisions in the upcoming development agreement that ensure “this (project) cannot allow for more residential at the loss of industrial.”Mwest’s residential project will be built on 19.5 acres of the site, which the council rezoned from industrial to residential in September 2015. The industrial buildings and central park would occupy 32.9 acres.The rezoning of the industrial portion (from residential) was met with stiff opposition from the Morgan Hill business community—including the Chamber of Commerce and existing nearby industrial owners—when it was under discussion in 2015. Mwest’s parcel sits within the 387.5-acre Morgan Hill Ranch Business Park.Integrated plansIf the city approves all the permits, the project known as Butterfield Technology Center would include a 4-acre “central park,” a 7.9-acre “levee park” on a city-owned detention basin and a “greenway” between the residential and industrial sites.The industrial buildings are proposed at varying sizes to accommodate anything from a small startup to a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing/industrial building.The developer’s goal is to integrate the residential, industrial and recreational/open space aspects without creating a disruptive environment for the new residents, who would ideally be employed at the industrial park, according to Anthony Cataldo, the project’s architect.Landscape architect Alma Du Solier said the central park will be open to the public and on weekends, with sports courts, playgrounds, pathways and a “multi-use green area”—all of which will “work for both residents and the industrial.”“The benefits of the industrial next to the park is during the weekends it can transform uses. The residents next door can activate that space,” Du Solier added.City staff noted the park will require a conditional use permit or a General Plan amendment from the city—depending on the proposed public access.The plan proposes extending Sutter Boulevard south into the property. This roadway extension, along with the adjacent planned 50-to-80-foot wide “greenway,” would connect “seamlessly” with the central park, Du Solier added.Council: Enough residentialThe council’s OK of the industrial aspect was a courtesy to the developer, who wanted officials to see their plans before submitting them for a formal development agreement. This is the first step toward gaining site approvals and building permits.The central park idea proved to be a sticky subject among councilmembers, chiefly because Mwest plans to take the four acres out of the industrial zoning rather than the residential.“While I think a buffer that’s smaller than that, maybe an acre (would be OK), I wouldn’t mind it coming out of the residential side, not the industrial side,” Councilman Gordon Siebert said via teleconference from Tennessee at the Nov. 16 meeting. “We are too easily led to reduce the amount of industrial land that’s going to provide jobs in the future.”Mwest has submitted an application for 386 residential allotments from the city’s Residential Development Control System current competition for units that won’t begin construction until 2019.Councilman Rich Constantine said Mwest’s plans are “progressing nicely.” He said city staff and the developer should focus their energy on making sure Mwest has permission to start supplying needed infrastructure for both the residential and industrial aspects.“This is going to give us something we really need in Morgan Hill, which is apartments,” Constantine said. “The business leaders in this community have said that’s something we really need.”

Nutcracker Ballet Story Time - South Valley Dance Arts  and BookSmart present a reading of The Nutcracker, a story about a young German girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king. This beautiful story will be told along with excerpts from the upcoming SVDA’s ballet production starting Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ann Sobrato Performing Arts Center, 401 Burnett Ave, Morgan Hill. For tickets, go to brownpapertickets.com. Come enjoy a wonderful introduction and preview with dance performances of favorite scenes on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BookSmart’s new location on 1295 East Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill. Free for the whole family. For more information go to mybooksmart.com.Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift SaleThe “Movers and Makers” bring the Third Annual Arts and Crafts Holiday Gift Sale to Moss Landing. Their mission is to bring talented artists together so they can showcase amazing art and make it available to the public for purchase. You will find original, handmade works in ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. If you’re lucky, you might even discover art made by Sea Lions. This wonderful craft fair comes together in a beautiful and intimate setting on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Nancy Russell Art Studio and Gardens on 10942 Pieri Court, Moss Landing. Find out more about the historic art studio at mlartscrafts.com. AROMAS Holiday Art FestivalFind beautiful treasures at the Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Festival and Raffle. Find gift ideas in many different mediums including woodcarvings, fused glass, gourd vessels, paintings, dried floral wreaths, quilted items and more. Talk to artists, learn a craft and take home something special. Make it a day and enjoy some cider or a cup of coffee and a cookie alongside a cozy fire. Take part in the annual raffle for a chance to win some wonderful art on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave. For more information call (831) 566-7442.GILROYMost Valuable Student ContestEvery year the Gilroy Elks Lodge, No.1567 and Elks National Foundation award Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarships to graduating seniors. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The top 20 finalists will attend a leadership weekend in April, where they will receive scholarships from $20,000-$50,000. An additional 480 finalists will receive $4,000 scholarships to support their college education. The 2017 MVS application deadline is Nov. 30. Visit enf.elks.org/mvs or call Sam Bozzo at (408) 847-4559.GILROY/ MORGAN HILLHome for the HolidaysThere are several events in South Valley for people staying close to home. The Gilroy Library will be hosting a Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids event and an International Games Day for families on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Noon and 2 p.m., respectively. They will also be hosting Family Movies Days on Monday through Wednesday, Nov 21-23 beginning at 2 p.m. Morgan Hill’s American Association of University Women will also be hosting a speaker series on Women and Culinary Arts on Tuesday, Nov 22, at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Library. Contact janetmichie1@gmail for more information. You can also find fun at the Lego Club for kids ages 2 and up on Mondays at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 26 you can go to a Family Movie Matinee at 3 p.m. Find more at sccl.org. Joe Sharino BandCome join the Joe Sharino Band and their special guest, Alison Sharino at Guglielmo Winery this Friday night. Don’t miss this intimate performance and your chance to dance to classic rock, motown and funk songs of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Tickets are in limited supply with just 45 remaining. Advanced tickets $30, with a discount of $27 each for groups of 10+. $35 at the door. Don’t miss the fun on Friday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. under the heated tents at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Buy tickets at http://Nov18.BPT.me or (800) 838-3006.HOLLISTER Lights On CelebrationJoin Hollister for their annual Lights On Celebration. Celebrate this year’s theme, The Night Before Christmas, with a full day of events in the heart of the downtown on Saturday, Nov. 26. Check out the Holiday Car Display featuring the 2016 Street Festival Winners from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Seventh Street. Get your holiday shopping started at the Holiday Boutique from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. Local nonprofits will participate in Dec-a-Tree benefiting local families in need. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. along San Benito St. Buy a keepsake a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus ($10). Spread some love, peace and hope for the holiday season. Visit downtownhollister.org.NEW ALMADENQuicksilver Holiday BoutiqueFor a great historical experience while you get in some holiday shopping, go to the Quicksilver Holiday Boutique housed in Casa Grande, home of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. The historic building, situated in what was once the gateway to the mines, will be decorated for the holidays with costumed docents and staff. Enjoy crafts and holiday goodies and pick up great gifts for family and friends on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the little town of New Almaden at 21350 Almaden Rd. for more information go to parkhere.org.THE VALLEYDowntown on IceFamily and friends are invited to skate under the beautifully lit Circle of Palms in San Jose’s ice skating wonderland. An Olympic gold medalist ice skater, Kristi Yamaguchi will help with the opening celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. Visit nearby Christmas in the Park, opening Friday, Nov. 25. The rink is at 120 S Market St, San Jose and is open daily from Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Jan. 16. There are no in-and-out privileges. General admission is $17, $15 for children under 10. Admission includes ice time and rental skates. Bring your own skates and pay $10. For hours and information, including discounts at downtownicesj.com. For parking information go to parksj.org.   

South County residents at the Nov. 16 city council meeting displayed protest signs and delivered impassioned comments about their opposition to the California High Speed Rail Authority’s plans to bring a 200-mph-plus train through Morgan Hill.The council and city staff wanted to gain additional input from the public to help in drafting a “scoping letter” to the HSRA in hopes of influencing the high-speed train’s ultimate alignment.“Tonight we talk about the questions we want to put together in a letter to the High Speed Rail Authority, (so that) regardless of what alignment (HSRA) chooses, it addresses all the issues and concerns we have in this community,” Morgan Hill Economic Development Manager Edith Ramirez said.These issues include potential impacts related to noise, safety, aesthetics and the effect on parks and recreation facilities, Ramirez added.Those in attendance added their property values and equitable compensation for their properties, if they are in the path of the final HSR alignment, count among the concerns as well.“Some of us are being asked to be devastated financially,” said Hesham Eassa, whose voice grew louder and hand gestures became more animated as he used his three-minute speaking allotment during the public hearing. “It is grossly unfair and it needs to be stopped.”The imposing proximity of the HSR—with its potential noise, visual and construction impacts—to residents’ homes or neighborhoods could result in a long-term deflation of those property values, Eassa and others worry.Some whose homes are in the right-of-way of an alignment, and are likely to be taken by the HSRA, were skeptical that they will receive fair compensation.The council already had a long list of questions about the local impact before the meeting, which they plan to deliver to the HSRA and pursue answers before the authority decides on a preferred alignment through Morgan Hill in the spring of 2017. They gained more questions to add to the list from those who spoke at the Nov. 16 meeting, and others who submitted questions and comments on the city’s website.Four alignment optionsThe HSR will carry passengers between San Francisco and San Diego in less than three hours. Stations nearest to Morgan Hill are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose. HSR officials are currently considering four possible train alignments through Morgan Hill. These are:• At grade, on a berm, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks;• Elevated, in a viaduct, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the UPRR;• Elevated in a viaduct along the west side of U.S. 101;• Elevated in a viaduct along the east side of U.S. 101.The viaducts in the elevated options would rise 30 to 60 feet above the ground.The nearest planned HSR stations are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose.The city has no authority to tell the HSRA where to align the train, but Ramirez noted, “It is our intent to influence the project by asking these questions.”The HSRA is building the rail system in sections, with Morgan Hill included in the “San Jose to Merced” section, which planners say will be operational by 2025. Crews have already begun construction on the HSR segment between Fresno and Bakersfield.In response to comments from the audience Nov. 16, councilmembers hoped the HSRA would determine its plans for the rail stretch from Gilroy to Merced, which will require passage over or through Pacheco Pass on Highway 152.“If you don’t even know how to get (over) Pacheco Pass, how do you know what you’re going to do here?” Mayor Steve Tate wondered. “We want to make sure we’re not doing things that are going to be a rail to nowhere.”Councilman Larry Carr, who lives in downtown Morgan Hill directly in the path of at least one of the HSRA’s alignment alternatives, said the city should demand the authority study all four options when they start their environmental review next year.“We do not want any of the options narrowed down,” Carr said. “We want all of them to be thoroughly reviewed and investigated.”He added he wanted to “hear more about the possibility of a tunnel or trench option” through Morgan Hill, echoing another idea expressed by members of the public.Impassioned oppositionSome members of the Nov. 16 audience displayed signs that read “NO HSR,” and many applauded after hearing a comment they agreed with. Tate asked the crowd multiple times to hold their applause.San Martin resident Connie Ludewig pleaded with the council to “include San Martin as being an advocate against HSR.” She said the train would physically divide the rural unincorporated community.Another pervading concern among residents is the cost. The HSRA has estimated the total price for the entire train system is about $65 billion, to be financed from 2008 Proposition 1A bond funds as well as federal, state, local and private funds. The HSRA has not secured all these funds, and many critics think the authority’s estimate is unrealistically low.A concern north of town is the HSR’s impact on the Charter School of Morgan Hill, located near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue. Brian Sullivan, chair of the board of CSMH, told the council Nov. 16 that three of the four alignment alternatives would displace the school.Carr responded, “We are going to have to be advocates for our schools, and that absolutely includes the Charter School.”Staff and the council urged residents to visit the city’s website to continue to provide input on the HSR project. Visit morganhill.ca.gov and search for “High Speed Rail” to reach the section devoted to the project. The council’s draft list of questions to send to the HSRA is also found on this website.

Morgan Hill Police arrested two suspects with a variety of drugs and paraphernalia at a local hotel last weekend, according to authorities.Officers contacted a known subject, Joseph Dunham, who was wanted on unrelated offenses at an unspecified hotel in Morgan Hill, reads a MHPD Facebook post. Dunham was with his girlfriend, Callie Tresemer, and another male friend.During the investigation, police determined that all three subjects were under the influence of drugs, police said. The male friend was cited on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and released from custody.Also during the investigation, officers found heroin, methamphetamine and Xanax “bars” in Dunham and Tresemer’s possession, authorities said. The two were arrested and booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of numerous narcotics charges, including possession of narcotics for sale.Anyone with information about this incident can contact MHPD at (408) 779-2101.

Live Oak got over a 10-season obstacle last week in defeating Monte Vista Christian to advance in the CCS Open Division III playoffs.

FraudA victim told police he was approached by a man outside Bank of America, 101 Vineyard Town Center, who asked him to cash a $650 check for him. The customer cashed the check and gave the man the cash. The bank later notified the victim that the check was fraudulent. The fraud was reported 5:35 p.m. Nov. 4.Animal controlA dog’s owner reported her pet was bitten by another dog at the Morgan Hill Dog Park, 225 West Edmundson Ave. The victim dog didn’t suffer any major visible injuries, but the owner planned to take the canine to the vet later for a wellness check. The incident was reported 8:09 a.m. Nov. 5.Stolen vehicleSomeone stole a dark gray 1998 pickup from an area in Morgan Hill. The theft was reported 11:57 a.m. Nov 5.A thief or thieves stole a black 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche from a location in Morgan Hill. The vehicle was later recovered in the City of Oakland. The theft was reported 7:07 p.m. Oct. 30.Petty theftA man tried to pay for items at Goodwill, 17630 Monterey Road, with a fake $100 bill. His girlfriend left the store with other merchandise without paying for it. The thieves left in a red Dodge Ram truck. The crime was reported at 11:59 a.m. Nov. 5.BurglaryA thief or thieves burglarized a home on Mission Avenida while the adult residents went to pick up their children from school. The home’s rear door was open and the residence was ransacked. Stolen were jewelry and other items. The crime was reported 3:08 p.m. Oct. 28.Someone broke into a home on Bradford Way while the homeowners were out of town. The thief or thieves entered the home through an unlocked back door. The burglary was reported 5:25 p.m. Oct. 28.A thief or thieves burglarized a home on Venetian Way. The burglar or burglars gained access to the home through an unlocked window. The crime was reported 2:12 p.m. Oct. 31.Suspicious personA witness called in a sighting of a Salinas man wanted on two warrants and on suspicion of stabbing someone. The suspect was seen in the area of Mountain Mike’s Pizza at Tennant Station. Police arrived and confirmed the suspect was the wanted man, and arrested him. The incident was reported 2:53 p.m. Oct. 29.All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Information is compiled from public records.

With planning efforts “done,” officials are in the process of acquiring properties needed for the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection project before construction can start next year.Staff from the Santa Clara Valley Water District recently updated the Morgan Hill City Council on the project that has been in the pre-planning stages since the 1950s. The nearly 14-mile long project will provide 100-year flood protection for properties from Buena Vista Avenue in Gilroy to just beyond Llagas Road in north Morgan Hill.Despite the completion of key planning and design milestones, the SCVWD still has a lot of progress to make in acquiring funding. The total construction cost of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection project is about $80 million, and the SCVWD has about $56 million.“We’re a little bit short,” Steve Ferranti of SCVWD told the council Nov. 2, although they have enough money to complete the first of two phases next year. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, voter-approved property taxes, state agencies and local sources.The project will require widening the existing creek in most sections as well as rechanneling it in others and tunneling through Nob Hill just west of downtown Morgan Hill, according to water district staff who spoke at the Nov. 2 council meeting. It will also revitalize wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities in some sections.The project consists of a total of eight sections or “reaches” to be built in two phases, starting with the southernmost reach by next summer. At the same time that work is proceeding, crews will begin digging the tunnel out of Nob Hill, which is the site of a city water tank.Ferranti said SCVWD will use earthen materials from the tunnel excavation for another project across town—the retrofitting of Anderson Dam off Cochrane Road. The dam has to be strengthened because state officials determined it is seismically unsound.“We’re obviously trying to save money and utilize (the material) for both projects,” Ferranti said.The downtown section of the project, known as “Reach 8,” includes the proposed Nob Hill tunnel and is one of the most complicated sections of the project, which will reroute Upper Llagas Creek’s flood waters through underground culverts and through the tunnel, according to SCVWD staff.This reach is part of “phase two” construction. Officials expect to begin seeking a construction contract for this phase by November 2017.SCVWD, the project sponsor, still needs dozens of private properties along the project route in order to begin construction on phase one, Ferranti told the council. Of the 149 properties needed, 82 owners have accepted offers from the SCVWD.Restoration will provide habitat, recreationAnother unique aspect of the project is the proposed restoration of Silveira Lake, which is off the west side of Monterey Road just south of Morgan Hill. This part of the project will be completed with phase one construction.The lake’s restoration will improve habitat for migratory steelhead trout and provide permanent wetlands for other wildlife, SCVWD Fisheries Biologist Melissa Moore told the council. This includes islands within the lake to protect bird species from feral cats and other non-native mammals that inhabit the area.The project will also remove about 70 acres of Himalayan blackberries, an invasive species that has grown unchecked along the creek for several years. This vegetation will be replaced with “native understory,” Moore said.The Silveira Lake design, which is “100 percent” complete, will also incorporate recreational facilities for humans, including new trails and benches.“I think it will be a very positive community attribute,” Moore said. “Aesthetically, I think it’s going to be quite lovely.”Morgan Hill officials have been lobbying for completion of the Upper Llagas Creek project ever since it was proposed in 1954. When complete, it will prevent flooding in Morgan Hill during torrential storms, particularly in the downtown where past floods have damaged businesses and residences.Upper Llagas Creek has seen major flooding during 14 major storms since 1955, including most recently in 2008, 2009 and 2011, according to SCVWD staff.

High Speed Rail, more downtown development and new plans in the industrial park are among the topics of discussion and decision on tap for the Nov. 16 Morgan Hill City Council meeting.The council will consider sending the final draft of a “scoping letter” to California High Speed Rail Authority officials. The letter will contain a list of concerns and questions regarding the HSR’s potential alignment through or around Morgan Hill, and how the construction of tracks and other facilities for the 200-mph-plus train will impact residents and businesses.The agenda item includes a public hearing, in which residents can voice their concerns to the council and city staff before the council approves the letter to HSR officials.The HSR will carry passengers from San Francisco and Los Angeles in less than three hours. Stations nearest to Morgan Hill are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose. HSR officials are currently considering four possible train alignments through Morgan Hill. These are:• At grade, on a berm, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks;• Elevated, in a viaduct, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the UPRR;• Elevated in a viaduct along the west side of U.S. 101;• Elevated in a viaduct along the east side of U.S. 101.The viaducts in the elevated options would rise 30 to 60 feet above the ground.While the city has no authority to determine the future alignment, the council hopes to influence the project developer (HSRA) to choose an option that will result in the least disturbance to residents and businesses, according to city staff.The HSRA board of directors is expected to choose its “preferred alignment” through Morgan Hill by spring 2017, according to city staff.Church/Depot realignmentCity staff want to connect Depot and Church streets where they intersect at East Dunne Avenue by contracting with a residential builder to redevelop a portion of the Community and Cultural Center parking lot.On the Nov. 16 agenda, city staff recommends the council enter an “exclusive negotiating agreement” with Brookfield Residential Properties to “negotiate for the sale, exchange or lease of the (CCC) parking lot area and the section of Depot Street between Dunne Avenue and Fifth Street, to facilitate the realignment of Depot Street, construction of new housing and the construction of replacement public parking.”Conceptual plans for the roughly three-acre site show Depot Street would be realigned with the existing traffic light at Church and East Dunne, where a main entrance to the CCC parking lot is located. This entrance would be transformed into a continuation of Church Street into Depot Street.The existing stretch of Depot Street—approximately from the southern end of the Caltrain lot to East Dunne—as well as about the southeastern half of the existing CCC parking lot, would be redeveloped with new housing, according to the city staff report.The city’s economic development staff have been “working with many housing developers to explore opportunities that could lead to redevelopment of the Hale Lumber site (on Depot Street at East Dunne) as well as the realignment of Depot Street and, most importantly, a project that would be able to replace all of the CCC parking disturbed by roadway realignment.”The conceptual plans include building a two-story parking structure with about 145 parking spaces at the northern end of the CCC parking lot.The residential portion of the project would include 56 new townhomes and a replacement of all 240 CCC parking spaces to be eliminated by the project, city staff said.The Hammond family, which owns Hale Lumber, entered into contract negotiations with Brookfield in the summer of 2016, according to city staff. Among the city’s objectives in redeveloping the site is the relocation of Hale Lumber to “a more appropriate industrial business location.”The realignment of Depot to Church Street has been “envisioned” by city planning documents—including the Downtown Specific Plan, the Infrastructure Master Plan and the General Plan 2035 update—for several years, according to the staff report which comments on the currently awkward street alignment.If the council approves the exclusive negotiations with Brookfield, city staff and the developer will “explore options and financing for the project.” If the two parties agree on favorable terms all around, they could draft a “proposal and development agreement” by January 2017, according to city staff.550K square feet of industry proposedThe council will also review the preliminary plans for an industrial project proposed by Mwest on the west side of Butterfield Boulevard near Jarvis Drive.This project would consist of about 550,000 square feet of industrial development, consisting of 10 industrial buildings on 32.9 acres; about four acres of park improvements on the north side of a proposed extension of Sutter Boulevard; a one-acre landscaped “greenway” for the joint use of residents and employees of the area; the possible use of a 7.9-acre city-owned property for recreation, currently used as a drain basin; and the extension of Sutter Boulevard between Butterfield Boulevard and Digital Drive.The property is vacant, and sits within the western portion of the 387.5-acre Morgan Hill Ranch Business Park.In September 2015, the council approved the conversion of 19.5 acres of Mwest’s property to residential, from industrial uses. This residential portion of the project has not yet been approved, but Mwest has submitted an application for 383 residential units for the site which is currently under consideration by city planning officials.The developer wanted the council to see their industrial plans before submitting a formal development proposal to city staff.Consent calendarItems on the Nov. 16 consent agenda, which consists of items considered routine and unlikely to generate discussion, include:• Authorize the purchase of five mechanical chest compression devices from Physio Control for $83,283;• Development impact fee report for fiscal year 2015-16;• Raising the single-game bingo prize limit from $250 to $500;• Forgiveness of an outstanding loan of $425,000 plus about $73,000 interest to the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara. The loan was provided to the county agency by the city’s Redevelopment Agency in 1991, to partially finance the acquisition of the San Pedro Gardens site.The council meeting will start 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at City Hall meeting chambers, 17555 Peak Ave.