06/08/2021 Arts and Culture Commission Regular Agenda Packet
CITY OF GILROY
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
(“In partnership with City Council, the Arts & Culture Commission promotes the Arts in the
Gilroy community.”)
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 8, 2021
6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
AGENDA
1
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEETING WILL BE LIMITED.
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20
MEETING MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE ON THE CITY WEBSITE www.cityofgilroy.org.
In order to minimize the spread of the COVID 19 virus, the City will be offering telephone
and email options for public comments at this meeting. The public is encouraged to
participate in this meeting by as follows:
VIEW THE MEETING LIVE ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/GilroyCityHallMeetings
PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN ON AGENDA ITEMS BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN BY THE
ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION. COMMENTS MAY BE EMAILED PRIOR TO OR DURING THE
MEETING TO Adam Henig AT adam.henig@cityofgilroy.org AND MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE
CHAIRPERSON OPENS PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE ITEM. ADDITIONALLY, COMMENTS MAY BE
MADE BY LEAVING A VOICE MESSAGE AT (408) 846-0577, PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M. JUNE 8, 2021.
IMPORTANT: identify the Agenda Item Number or PUBLIC COMMENT in the subject line of your
email. The Clerk will read the first three minutes of each email into the public record.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Governors Order N -29-20, the City will
make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special
assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City a minimum of 2 hours prior to the
meeting at (408) 846-0215.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.
Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to conduct the
people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the
people and that City operations are open to the people's review.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT
ORDINANCE, TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A
VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE, CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT
COMMISSION STAFF AT (408) 846-0204/shawna.freels@cityofgilroy.org
PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES:
During the PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA portion of the
meeting, each person wishing to speak should prepare a presentation of not more than
2
three (3) minutes. Persons wishing to address the Commission are requested, but not
required, to complete a Speaker’s Card located at the entrances. Completion of this
speaker’s card is voluntary. All persons m ay attend this meeting and speak, regardless
if a card is completed or not. Speaker’s slips should be submitted to the Secretary
BEFORE this portion of the meeting begins. Anyone wishing to address the Commission
on any other item on this AGENDA is requested, but not required, to fill out a speaker’s
slip as well and submit it to the Secretary BEFORE the Commission takes action on the
item.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Arts & Culture
Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
with the agenda packet in the Recreation Division at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street
during normal business hours. These materials are also available with the agenda
packet on the City website at www.cityofgilroy.org
Mission Statement: “To be an advocate for cultural and artistic activities in the Gilroy
Community. To build bridges and promote communication through cultural and artistic
opportunities for all individuals, thereby improving the quality of life in our city.”
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. SECRETARY'S REPORT
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 11, 2021
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
V. INTRODUCTIONS
VI. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Arts and Culture Commission Award for Donald "Elvis" Prieto
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance
to participate in this meeting, please contact the Recreation Division at (408) 846-
0460. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title
II)
3
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Motion to approve Arts and Culture Commission Award for
Donald "Elvis" Prieto
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan (report attached)
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Review and comment on 2021 Arts and Culture Commission
Work Plan.
XI. COMMISSION COMMENTS (Arts-Related)
XII. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMISSIONS
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF GILROY
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
(“In partnership with City Council, the Arts & Culture Commission promotes the Arts in the
Gilroy community.”)
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 11, 2021
6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
1
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:31 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Nancy Fierro Vice Chair Present
Melanie Reynisson Chair Present
Nelly Bermudez Commissioner Absent
Judy Bozzo Commissioner Present
Edgar Zaldana Commissioner Absent
Camille McCormack Commissioner Present
Federico Saldana Commissioner Present
II. SECRETARY'S REPORT: The agenda was posted on Thursday, May 6,
2021 at 10:14 AM.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Commissioner McCormack motioned to
approve the minutes. Commissioner Zaldana seconded. Motion passed 6-0-
0.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Bozzo motioned to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Zaldana seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0.
V. INTRODUCTIONS - none
VI. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS- none
VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS - none
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - none
IX. NEW BUSINESS - none
X. OLD BUSINESS
3.A
Packet Pg. 4 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of May 11, 2021 6:30 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
2
A. Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan (report attached)
Commissioners discussed the 2021 work plan. Items mentioned were:
• Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”) Art Trail – Commissioner
Reynisson tested coordinates; easy to use. She reached out to
Silicon Valley Creates. She recommends small groups working on
this project.
• Bench Plaque Program – Bozzo updated commissioners about the
latest installation of plaques. All pending plaques have been installed;
No current application/requests. Bench map needs to be updated.
• Revitalize Downtown by incorporating art and culture – Identify the
parameters of what will be included in the findings; Contact city
council about funding opportunities for art/culture projects. There is a
Cal Poly college student working on project about downtown Gilroy.
• Art Cultural Award – Still need to develop criteria. Commissioner
Bozzo will work on it. Meanwhile, in light of the recent passing of
Donald Prieto, the Commission would like to present him with a
lifetime achievement award at a city council meeting. Will be on
future agenda.
• High School Art Student Show – Host in November 2021 in a
downtown venue. More details to come.
XI. STAFF REPORTS - none
XII. COMMISSION COMMENTS (Arts-Related) - none
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS - none
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:29pm
Adam Henig,
Recreation Division
Recording Secretary
3.A
Packet Pg. 5 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of May 11, 2021 6:30 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Arts and Culture Commission Award for Donald "Elvis" Prieto
Meeting Date: June 8, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Motion to approve Arts and Culture Commission Award for Donald "Elvis" Prieto
Executive Summary
At the May Arts and Culture Commission monthly meeting, there was a motion made to
approve awarding a lifetime achivement award to Donald “Elvis” Prieto. The motion
passed. However, staff notifed the commission the following day that the Commission
should not have motioned to approve the award because it was not on the agenda (a
violation of Brown Act).
Consequently, the item is agendized for this meeting.
A brief background on Mr. Prieto:
Donald “Elvis” Prieto, better known as Gilroy’s King of Rock n’ Roll, was an active and
beloved member of the community, died on May 1, 2021. He was 54.
Prieto would often impersonate Elvis at fundraisers and community events, in hopes of
raising money for local orgnaizations and bringing joy to residents. Born and raised in
Gilroy, Prieto is a graudate of Gilroy High School. He began impersonating Elvis in 1993
and quickly was lauded for his performance, earning first place at an Elvis
impersonation contest in San Jose. Prieto worked as the manager of Victoria’s Mexican
Restaurant in Gilroy and would often perform in front of customers. Prieto performed
his Elvis routine annually at the Garlic City Car Show and the Gilroy Garlic Festival as
well as far away places including Las Vegas and Reno.
9.A
Packet Pg. 6
A week after his death, the Gilroy Dispatch reported on Prieto’s impact on Gilroy on the
front page of its newspaper:
Prieto would never turn down a charitable event, Maria Cid noted, driven by his
love for his community. “Gilroy has lost an amazing community leader,” she said.
“You can feel the sadness in our town as we all try to accept that we will n ever
see our dear friend again.” Mark Turner, president/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of
Commerce, said Prieto was an “iconic figure” in Gilroy, performing at the
Chamber’s annual car show “for more years than we can remember. Like the real
Elvis, Donald was born to perform, and perform he did,” he said. “More than
being the performer he was, we knew him as a courteous member of our
community, a gentleman to all, willing to help where needed, encouraging others,
and a tremendous example of grace and humility in times of trouble.”
The Commission is asked to motion to approve recongizing Mr. Preito with an arts
achievmeent award in memoriam (official award name has not been determined). If
approved, the Commission can present the award to the Prieto family at a future City
Council meeting (July 1, 2021).
9.A
Packet Pg. 7
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan (report
attached)
Meeting Date: June 8, 2021
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Review and comment on 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan.
Executive Summary
In March, the Arts and Culture Commission held a retreat to develop their 2021 work
plan. A month later, the commission adopted their work plan, which is now an ongoing
agenda item that includes monthly updates.
The work plan should align with the current City Council priorities:
1. Ensure Financial Stability
2. Enhance Public Safety Capabilities
3. Revitalize Downtown
4. Focus on Revenue Driven Economic Development
5. Retain Stability in the City’s Workforce
6. Provide Opportunities for Meaningful Public Engagement
10.A
Packet Pg. 8
7. Ensure Neighborhoods Benefit Equally from City Services
Attachments:
1. ACC 2021 Work Plan
10.A
Packet Pg. 9
2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan
Project Name Work Lead
Commissioner
Deliverable in 12
months
City Council
Priority Status
GPS Art Trail
Assist citywide effort to incorporate public art on
a city GPS map. Melanie (with Judy)
Provide GPS coordinates for
public art projects in Gilroy Public Engagement
Commissioner Reynisson tested coordinates; very
easy to use. Reached out to SVCreates.
Recommends small group; share monthly updates
Bench Plaque Program
Continue to promote the installation of bench
plaques, which raises money for public art. Judy
Update map where it's
available and continue to
promote to community Public Engagement
All pending plaques have been installed; No
current application/requests. Map is updated
Revitalize Downtown by
incorporating art and culture
Assist with providing an artistic approach to
improve downtown Gilroy. Melanie/Nancy
Present findings to key
stakeholders.
Revitalize
Downtown
Identify the parameters of what will be included
in the findings; Funding opportunities for
art/culture projects?; College student working on
project about downtown Gilroy; Mural of Donald
Prieto
Art Cultural Award
Art Cultural Award (annual); present to City
Council.Edgar/Judy
Establish criteria and
schedule when award will be
presented Public Engagement
Develop criteria (Judy); Vote to honor Donald
"Elvis" Prieto? Melanie will look into costs of a
plaque; Award at 6/17 or 7/1 Council meeting
High School Arts Student Show
Promote art among high school aged students by
hosting a art show in downtown Gilroy in
November Federico (w/Melanie)
Host student art show in
downtown Gilroy in
November Public Engagement
Develop criteria and plan logistics for show
(location, specific date, show criteria)
Arts and Culture Commission
Social Media page
Promote art, share events and contests in Gilroy;
Advocate of arts and increased visibility Nelly Public Engagement Paused until City formulates policy
Revised May 27, 2021
10.A.a
Packet Pg. 10 Attachment: ACC 2021 Work Plan (3349 : Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan (report