10/18/2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 11/15/2022
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 2022
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
Page 1 of 3
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Theresa Graham Chair Present
Pat Bentson Vice Chair Present
Ermelindo Puente Commissioner Present
Angela Reinert Commissioner Absent
Eric Arredondo Commissioner Present
Sergio Patterson Commissioner Absent
Luis Ramirez Commissioner Present
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 October 13, 2022
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - Sep 20, 2022
6:00 PM - Vice Chair Bentson motioned to approve. Commissioner Puente
seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Vice Chair Bentson motioned to approve.
Commissioner Arredondo seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS
A. Luis Ramirez – Commissioner Ramirez introduced himself to the Commission.
He’s a 30-year resident of Gilroy. He is passionate about parks and recreation.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Page 2 of 3
1. Terrence Fugazi –Fugazi spoke about the state of dog parks in Gilroy. Referred
to it as “appalling.” He went on that there’s no shade, no water inside the fenced
area, and the splitting up of the park to separate big dog s from smaller ones was
designed poorly. Would like it addressed at a future meeting.
2. Rosie Bowers –Bowers also spoke about dog parks in Gilroy. She and other
dog owners go to Morgan Hill’s park because the amenities are better.
Commissioner Ramirez asked why she visited the park in Morgan Hill. Bowers
responded that there is more shade, benches to sit on, and there’s an accessible
water spigot for the dogs. Graham and Bentson also asked questions.
3. Trudi Souza –Souza requested to restore the dog park comm ittee, which was
last established in 2008. Also, she’s requesting the City create a new dog park at
Christmas Hill Park on the Ranch Site, near the equestrian track.
4. Araceli Vaquera – Vaquera requested that the closure of Las Animas Veterans
Park be changed from 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This could decrease the number
of fights, fireworks, doughnuts in the parking lot, and loiterers. It’s not fair to those
who live near the park and are forced listen to the noise, she contended.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan – The
following updates from the work plan are:
• Host Arbor Day - Arbor Day will be at Sunrise Park in November.
Time and date have not been confirmed;
• Training - Bentson and Graham will attend the California Parks &
Recreation Society “mini-conference” in Morgan Hill in November.
• Street Tree Brochure - Working on next draft; Our City Forest is
working with the City to create a demonstration garden at Christmas
Hill Park on the Ranch site.
• Park Survey - This has been put on pause. Commissioner may do
an in-person “Coffee in the Park” instead.
XI. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory
Committee update – no update
XII. DIVISION UPDATES
A. Recreation Staff Report - Henig reported on the Recreation Division. See
staff report. Commissioner Ramirez offered to assist leading the Monday
morning walking group at the senior center
B. Parks Staff Report – Deputy Public Works Director Matt Jones reported on
the Parks Division. See staff report.
XIII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
Page 3 of 3
o Chair Graham - Pleased to see a flag at Las Animas was replaced. Miller
looks good.
o Vice Chair Bentson –The gate at Christmas Hill was open when driving
through at midnight; should be closed. Hop scotch at Casper needs
updating. Noticed dead turf at Del Rey.
o Commissioner Arredondo - Forest looks fine. Miller looks good. o
Commissioner Patterson - Absent
o Commissioner Puente – Renz needs more watering; Butcher, the trees
need water; Forest is in good shape; Noticed homeless at San Ysidro, but
park looks good.
o Commissioner Reinert – Absent
*Commissioner Ramirez wants to take Farrell Avenue.
XIV. STAFF COMMENTS – Henig asked for future initiated agenda items.
Arrendondo requested that two items should be added to the future meeting
agendas: Park hours of operation and a discussion about dog parks. Both items
had the majority of support and will be added to future meeting agendas.
XV. ADJOURNMENT - 8:12 p.m.
AH
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division