06/08/2021 Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 08/10/2021
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
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:32 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Nancy Fierro Vice Chair Present
Melanie Reynisson Chair Present
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, June 3,
2021 at 11:00 AM.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner McCormack motioned to approve
the minutes. Commissioner Bozzo seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Bozzo motioned to approve the
minutes. Commissioner McCormack seconded. Motion passed 5 -0-0.
V. INTRODUCTIONS - none
VI. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS - none
VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS - absent
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - none
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Arts and Culture Commission Award for Donald "Elvis" Prieto - At the May
meeting, there was discussion and recommendation to nominate Donald
“Elvis” Prieto—a longtime Gilroy resident who recently passed away—for a
lifetime achievement award. At this meeting, it was further discussed. A
plaque would be awarded to family members to celebrate the life of Mr.
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Prieto, who made a great impact on Gilroy. Chair Reynisson motioned to
approve the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission Lifetime
Achievement Award to Donald "Elvis" Prieto. Commissioner Fierro
seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
The award will be presented at a future City Council meeting by the Arts and
Culture Commission Chair.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan: Commissioners
discussed the 2021 work plan. Items mentioned were:
Bench Plaque – Bozzo will send the corrected version of where the
newest plaques were installed.
Arts Cultural Award - completed for the year with the recognition of
Donald “Elvis” Prieto.
Art Show – Commissioner Saldana said plans are still in the works for
art show for GUSD high school students at a downtown venue in
November. More details at the next meeting.
In addition, commissioners were informed that Council had awarded them
$2,500 in grant funds to support special events based in Gilroy that focus on
arts and culture for fiscal year 2022. Lastly, the City Council priorities have
changed and need to be updated. These updates will take effect at the next
commission meeting.
XI. COMMISSION COMMENTS (Arts-Related)
Bozzo inquired about the amount of funds available for the Commission.
Henig will confirm the amounts. Funds are available for public art
ongoing improvements and for promoting arts and culture.
McCormack provided an example of a mural that was on private
property.
Fierro mentioned that she attended a free yoga class at Neon Exchange.
Reynisson informed commission about the County Office of Education
sponsorship of Youth Art Month.
XII. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMISSIONS - none
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS – Henig mentioned that Commissioner Bermudez is
no longer on the commission; there’s no meeting in July; and this is his last
meeting as the staff liaison (Baksa will return in August).
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:49 p.m.
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Adam Henig,
Recreation Division
Recording Secretary