09/14/2021 Arts and Culture Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 10/12/2021
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
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Judy Bozzo Commissioner Present
Nancy Fierro Vice-Chair Present
Melanie Reynisson Chair Present
Camille McCormack Commissioner Present
Federico Saldana Commissioner Present
Edgar Zaldana Commissioner Present
Lisa Carter Commissioner Present
II. SECRETARY'S REPORT
Then agenda was posted on Friday, September 10, 2021
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Bozzo motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner
Zaldana seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
A. Arts and Culture Commission - Regular Meeting - Aug 10, 2021 6:30
PM
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Reynisson motioned to approve the agenda with an
amendment to move the Student Representative Comments ahead of item
V, Introductions. Commissioner Carter seconded.
Motion passed 7-0-0.
V. INTRODUCTIONS
New commissioner, Lisa Carter, was introduced.
VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS
PJ Crocker, a Christopher High School student, is the producer for the
drama department. He discussed that aside from the marching band
performing at sporting events,
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there is no art-music or theater related in-person events occurring at school.
Commissioner Fierro recommends the art/theater groups use outside
venues such as a city park to hold their events.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
none
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review 2021 Arts and Culture Commission Work Plan (report attached)
1. Staff Report: Carina Baksa, Management Analyst
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Review and comment on 2021 Arts and Culture Commission
Work Plan.
Commissioners discussed the 2021 work plan. Items mentioned were:
• GPS Art Trail - Reynisson has begun taking photographs of public art in
North Gilroy. Bozzo wants to collaborate with Reynisson more on this task.
• Bench Plaque - Bozzo received an inquiry for another bench, but it’s in a
location where there is no insert, which would require additional funds for
installation. Bozzo has conducted an inventory of available benches to find
out which do not have the proper insert for seamless installation. There are
3 such benches.
• Revitalize Downtown - Reynisson is working with SV Creates to
brainstorm ideas to bring more culture and art to the downtown, in hopes it
will help revitalize the downtown business district. Reynisson would like to
use the grant that was awarded by the Council to spur groups into hosting
events in downtown Gilroy. Carter would like to become part of the
downtown revitalization group.
• Arts Cultural Award - At last night’s city council meeting, Reynisson
presented the lifetime community service award to the family of Donald
“Elvis” Prieto. It was a “fantastic moment,” Zaldana said. It showed “how
much the community cared” about Mr. Prieto, he went on.
• Art Show - The art show has been put on pause, according to
Commissioner Saldana. There are many “road-blocks” due to Covid and
GUSD restrictions. Hoping to offer an art show in the spring. Carter inquired
about having it online. Saldana said that some students do not have access
to a computer and would be unable to participate. Fierro suggested they
open it up to all youth.
IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS (Arts-Related)
• Bozzo inquired about the concrete planter boxes that were recently
modified with public art. Wants to know if those boxes are public property. If
so, why didn’t it go through the ACC? City staff will look into it.
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• Saldana mentioned a fundraising opportunity for his high school art
classroom.
X. STAFF COMMENTS
none
XI. ADJOURNMENT
7:35 p.m.
Carina Baksa,
Recreation Division
Recording Secretary