05/18/2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 06/15/2021
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 18, 2021
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I.CALL TO ORDER – 6:01 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Pat Bentson Commissioner Present
Robert Miller Commissioner Present
Theresa Graham Vice Chair Present
Ermelindo Puente Commissioner Present
Michelle Wexler Chair Present
Angela Reinert Commissioner Present
VACANT Commissioner N/A
II. ROLL CALL
III. FLAG SALUTE
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT- The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda was
posted online on and posted in the City Hall kiosk on May 13, 2021.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Commissioner Bentson motioned to approve.
Commissioner Puente seconded. Motion passed 6 -0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Miller motioned to approve.
Commissioner Puente seconded. Motion passed 6 -0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS - none
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Emailed public
comment from John: I think a disc golf course would be a great addition to the city of Gilroy.
Disc golf is a great way to get exercise for people of all ages because it isn't strenuous. The cost of
getting started is low because all you need is one disc to play. And it's a great way for people to
spend time together while social distancing. Gavilan already has a golf course, and disc golf
baskets could easily be added near the holes. Emerald Hills in Redwood City is set up to
accommodate both golfers and disc golfers on the same course.
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IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Recommendation of Renaming the Gilroy Senior Center - In the 2020
Facility and Program Needs Assessment, it was pointed out there is a high
unmet need for an all-inclusive, indoor multi-generational community center.
In reviewing the city’s recreation facilities, it was recommended the Senior
Center be converted into a multi-generational community center. The
Commission was asked to recommend a new name for the center to reflect
the inclusion and welcoming of all ages.
Commissioner Wexler wanted to delay the vote on the grounds that the
community has not been sufficiently informed of the proposed changes that
are occurring to the existing Senior Center. Commissioner Bentson
disagreed and wanted to move forward with the recommendation to change
the name. Commissioner Miller didn’t want to delay the decision either.
Commissioner Reinert concurred with Bentson and Miller. Commissioner
Puente sided with Wexler and wanted to delay the naming. Names that
were mentioned for the renaming were: City of Gilroy Community Center or
City of Gilroy Multi-Generational Center.
Commissioner Bentson motioned to approve the name change of the Senior
Center to the City of Gilroy Community Center. Commissioner Reinert
seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-1-0 (Puente dissented).
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan –
Updates included the City received more than $3,000 in contributions from
the Gilroy Foundation towards the Youth Scholarship Fund; the Levee mile
marker project was completed; the Sustainable Tree Committee reached
out to MyCityTree. No action taken; The Friends of Gilroy Parks and
Recreation drafted a mission and vision statements. They are working on
developing bi-laws and coming up with fundraising ideas; Wexler shared an
inclusivity document.
XI. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Division Updates - Henig reviewed the report.
B. Status of City Parks (report attached) - Headley reviewed the report.
XII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
o Commissioner Bentson – A tree was knocked down at Cydney Casper;
Stop sign fixed at Christmas Hill Park.
o Vice Chair Graham – Parks were well-used, looked good. Noticed lots of
youth. Still feels there needs to be more shade at all parks.
o Commissioner Miller – Noticed tennis players at El Roble and make-shift
bike jumps appearing. Also, saw a loose tree branch.
o Commissioner Puente – At Butcher, there’s a car that has been parked in
front of the park for a while. The slide at Forest Street has a hole in it; needs
repair. The grass is dry at San Ysidro.
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o Commissioner Reinert – Soccer players utilizing fields at Gilroy Sports
Park. Someone is driving recklessly at night into the park. Staff reported that
it will inform the police.
o Chair Wexler – Noticed glass at Del Rey Park and there’s a crack swing at
Sunrise Park.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS – a new commissioner was appointed to former
commissioner Troy’s seat. Will be seated at next meeting.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – Adjourned at 7:44pm
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division