06/15/2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 07/19/2021
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 15, 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 Absent
Robert Miller Commissioner Absent
Theresa Graham Vice Chair Present
Ermelindo Puente Commissioner Absent
Michelle Wexler Chair Present
Angela Reinert Commissioner Present
Efren Pineda Commissioner Present
II. ROLL CALL
Chair: Michelle Wexler 12/21 Vice Chair: Theresa Graham 12/23
Angela Reinert 12/23 Patricia Bentson 12/24
Robert Miller 12/21 Ermelindo Puente 12/23
Efren Pineda 12/22
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 June 10, 2021.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - May 18, 2021
6:00 PM - Commissioner Reinert motioned to approve. Vice Chair Graham
seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Graham motioned to approve. Chair Wexler
seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS
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A. Efren Pineda – Efren was recently appointed and introduced himself to the
commission
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Bruce Serpa
discussed playing pickleball at Gilroy parks. Since there are a limited number of
available courts and there’s between 20-40 residents playing every day at Las
Animas, Serpa is proposing painting pickleball lines on the tennis courts at
Sunrise Park. The players have offered to cover the entire cost of the court
lining.
Commissioner Reinert inquired about who will be responsible for the
maintenance of the lining. Serpa said his group would be. Graham asked how
much it would cost to build a new court, dedicated to pickleb all. Serpa said he
received an estimate of $80,000. Also, Serpa was asked if he had reached out
to the current Sunrise players; he had not. Headley suggested contacting the
surrounding neighborhood since it is a “change” to the park, and they should
have an opportunity to voice their opinion. Henig added that neighbors should
have an opportunity to speak at a meeting before the Commission votes to
motion to support or not to recommend to Council.
Wexler motioned to approve to put this item on a future agenda. Graham
seconded. Motion passed 4-0-0.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Proposal to Change Parks and Recreation Commission Regular
Meeting Date from July 20, 2021 to July 13, 2021. – City staff proposed
changing the next Parks and Recreation Commission’s meeting date from
Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Meeting would begin at
the regular time, 6:00 p.m. Graham motioned to approve. Reinert seconded.
Motion passed 4-0-0.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan –
Updates included that the council adopted new priorities and will be
reflected in future work plans; the newest commissioner, Pineda, needs to
be assigned parks; inquiry if mile marker can be extended with the advent of
the new trail; mapping is still in progress; the Friends of Parks and
Recreation committee attended a meeting to learn more about what it takes
to create and manage a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for a city’s
parks and recreation needs. Recommendations included finding a specific
focus, start small, identify key movers and shakers, and understand that
people primary give money for two reasons: to be recognized or to
remember a loved one. First project will be to raise funds for a shade
structure.
XI. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Division Updates Henig reviewed the report. Henig was asked
if commissions would be able to have in-person meetings. Council is
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planning to start them in September. Henig said Commissions will have the
option (if approved by them) to meet in-person after Council does.
B. Status of City Parks (report attached) Headley reviewed the report.
XII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
o Vice Chair Graham – Noticed a drip at Los Arroyos; other parks look good
o Commissioner Miller (comments were sent in advance): noticed sign on
levee by Thomas Bridge is hung in the wrong direction; wants to know why
no smoking signs have not been installed yet; writing on signs are too small
and it “looks like a legal document designed to prevent a lawsuit, rather than
informing people, as most won't stop to read all of these regulations.”
o Commissioner Reinert - Gilroy Sports Park – informed staff that unsafe
driving remains a concern.
o Chair Wexler – Heard there is glass found at Del Rey, but has not seen it
herself. Great seeing parks filled with families and residents utilizing it in a
positive way.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS – reminder that August is dark.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:20 p.m.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division