09/21/2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 10/19/2021
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 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
Efren Pineda Commissioner Absent
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
Efran 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 September 16, 2021.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - Jul 13, 2021
6:00 PM – Commissioner Reinert motioned to approve. Commissioner
Puente seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Commissioner Miller motioned to approve. Vice
Chair Graham seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS - none
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
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IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review Traffic Safety Improvements and Neighborhood – Traffic
Engineer Gary Heap presented the traffic safety recommendations as
described in the staff report. Vice Chair Graham had a question about
parking enforcement, which would occur. Miller was supportive of traffic
calming efforts that Heap described. San Ysidro Nueva Vida member Jorge
Mendoza expressed gratitude for the City’s efforts and “quick action” to
improve traffic safety in and around San Ysidro Park. Chair Wexler had a
question about if any parking stalls would be lost because of the restriping.
Heap explained they would not be. Graham expressed concerns about
where a pedestrian crosswalk would be located, ensuring its safe for users.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan - Updates
included set time for Arbor Day at Gilroy Golf Course; Bentson requested
the youth scholarship letter; There was a question about marketing the
street tree program, once the new brochure is completed; Wexler informed
commissioners that the County’s sustainable tree program is looking to
engage residents with more details to come; Friends of Parks and
Recreation are applying for a 501c status. Currently in process.
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 – Observed Cydney Casper grass was noticeably
dry, likely due to the drought. Hopscotch still missing paint; At Christmas
Hill, trees look strong. Headley mentioned that the unhoused community
can be found at CHP.
o Vice Chair Graham - Hecker Pass noticed unleashed dogs at dog park;
Los Arroyos lawn is brown. Reported graffiti at Rainbow;
o Commissioner Miller - El Roble has new bounce house sign and new No
Smoking signs. There’s a branch sticking out that should be trimmed back.
o Commissioner Puente – Butcher and Forest Street looks good; Renz
needs more watering; San Ysidro fountain is loose, and benches need to be
sprayed due to debris accumulation.
o Commissioner Reinert - Village Green is dry. At Gilroy Sports Park, illegal
fireworks are occuring.
o Commissioner Pineda - absent
o Chair Wexler – Found garbage at Del Rey; otherwise, parks look good.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS – Bentson asked about the status of pickleball. Henig
mentioned that Courts 5 and 6 at Las Animas will be resurfaced next month, which
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will impact pickleball. City staff met with various stakeholders, though, at this point
there’s nothing to report.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:45 p.m.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division