10/19/2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 11/16/2021
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 19, 2021
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:03 p.m.
II. SECRETARY'S REPORT – The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda
was posted online on and posted in the City Hall kiosk on October 14, 2021.
III. ROLL CALL
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 Present
IV. FLAG SALUTE
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - Sep 21, 2021
6:00 PM - Commissioner Miller motioned to approve. Commissioner Puente
seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Commissioner Reinert motioned to approve.
Commissioner Bentson seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS - none
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - none
IX. NEW BUSINESS – none
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan Updates
included October 29 Arbor Day event and emphasis on completing the
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street tree brochure. In addition, there was discussion about the Sustainable
Tree program. Henig mentioned that he met with the City Administrator and
was given the green light to move forward with the program. There were
concerns about promoting the planting of trees amid a drought, however,
Henig explained, despite the drought, the science shows that planting trees
far outweigh the drought concerns and there were ways to mitigate watering
trees through conservation. The subcommittee will meet with city staff to
discuss a timeline and project logistics.
The Friends group have made significant impact. The official name is
Friends of Gilroy Parks and Recreation Foundation. They have completed
the State of California requirement; now are awaiting the 501c3 certification.
Once the group is official, the item will no longer be part of the work plan but
a standing item where the group can provide updates to the commission.
They are currently seeking board members and are developing an
organization logo and website.
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 (Cydney Casper, Christmas Hill) – Casper look
good. Something is wrong with a water mane at Christmas Hill. Question
about Red Barn and TEEC usage. Headley responded. Also mentioned that
a private tree company was using the park to train workers. Staff will look
into it.
o Vice Chair Graham – (Farrell Avenue, Gateway, Hecker Pass, Los
Arroyos, Rainbow) – Everything looks fine.
o Commissioner Miller – (Uvas Levee, El Roble) – At Roble, noticed lots of
branches and garbage on ground due to recent high gusty winds. Water
fountain was not working and park regulation signs were missing.
o Commissioner Puente – (Butcher, Forest Street, Renz, San Ysidro) – All
of the parks look good. Noticed the grass had been aerated at San Ys idro.
o Commissioner Reinert – (Gilroy Sports Park, Village Green) – Sports Park
looked good. No nighttime activities occurring anymore. Village Green
looked dry.
o Commissioner Pineda – (Las Animas, Miller) – both parks looked good.
o Chair Wexler (Carriage Hills, Del Rey, Sunrise) – saw graffiti at Del Rey
and sent photos to staff. Notice garbage blowing around from high winds.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS - none
XIV. ADJOURNMENT – 7:32 p.m.
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Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division