11/15/2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Agenda Packet
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2022
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
AGENDA
Page 1 of 3
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.
Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to conduct the
people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the
people and that City operations are open to the people's review. FOR MORE
INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE,
TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION
OF THE ORDINANCE, CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STAFF
AT cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org
PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES:
During the PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA portion of the
meeting, each person wishing to speak should prepare a presentation of not more than
three (3) minutes. Persons wishing to address the Commission are requested, but not
required, to complete a Speaker’s Card located at the entrances. Completion of this
speaker’s card is voluntary. All persons may attend this meeting and speak, regardless if
a card is completed or not. Speaker’s slips should be submitted to the Secretary
BEFORE this portion of the meeting begins. Anyone wishing to address the Commission
on any other item on this AGENDA is requested, but not required, to fill out a speaker’s
slip as well and submit it to the Secretary BEFORE the Commission takes action on the
item.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to
participate in this meeting, please contact the Recreation Division at (408) 846-0460 or
Rec@cityofgilroy.org. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to
make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meetin g. (28CFR 35.102-
35.104 ADA Title II)
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Parks and
Recreation Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public
inspection with the agenda packet in the Recreation Division at Senior Center, 7371
Page 2 of 3
Hanna Street during normal business hours. These materials are also available with the
agenda packet on the City website at www.cityofgilroy.org.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Chair: Theresa Graham 12/23 Vice Chair: Patricia Bentson 12/24
Angela Reinert 12/23 Ermelindo Puente 12/23
Eric Arredondo 12/25 Sergio Patterson 12/25
Luis Ramirez 12/22
III. FLAG SALUTE
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 18, 2022
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Bill Headley
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of the 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
Schedule
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Motion to approve the 2023 meeting schedule for the Parks &
Recreation Commission.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Review the 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Review the 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
XI. VTA BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
XII. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Staff Report
Page 3 of 3
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action:
Review report and provide comment.
XIII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
o Chair Graham - El Roble, Las Animas Veterans Park,
o Vice Chair Bentson - Cydney Casper, Christmas Hill, Rainbow
o Commissioner Arredondo - Forest Street, Los Arroyos
o Commissioner Patterson - Carriage Hills, Del Rey, Sunrise
o Commissioner Puente - Butcher, Renz, San Ysidro
o Commissioner Reinert - Uvas/Gilroy Sports Park, Hecker Pass, Village
Green
o Commissioner Ramirez - Farrell Avenue, Miller
XIV. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
Commissioners can propose an agenda item for a future meeting. To place
on an item on the agenda, it must have majority support (4) from the
commission.
XV. STAFF COMMENTS
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
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
5.A
Packet Pg. 4 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 18, 2022 6:00 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
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
5.A
Packet Pg. 5 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 18, 2022 6:00 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
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
5.A
Packet Pg. 6 Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Oct 18, 2022 6:00 PM (APPROVAL OF MINUTES)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Approval of the 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
Schedule
Meeting Date: November 15, 2022
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Motion to approve the 2023 meeting schedule for the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Executive Summary
At this time of year, the Parks and Recreation Commission adopts the upcoming
calendar year’s meeting schedule.
Historically, the Commission has gone dark (i.e., not held a meeting) on the months of
July/August and December. The commission meets on the third Tuesday of every
month and typically hosts a retreat in the early part of the calendar year. Retreats have
been held during the regular meeting date (Tuesday nights) or on a Saturday morning.
2023 Calendar – Third Tuesday of the Month
• January 17, 2023
• February 21, 2023
• March 21, 2023
• April 18, 2023
• May 16, 2023
• June 20, 2023
• July 18, 2023
9.A
Packet Pg. 7
• August 15, 2023
• September 19, 2023
• October 17, 2023
• November 21, 2023
• December 19, 2023
9.A
Packet Pg. 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Review the 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date: November 15, 2022
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Review the 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Executive Summary
On April 19, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Commission held a retreat and adopted a
new work plan, which reflects what the Commission will be working on during the
calendar year.
The Parks and Recreation Commission’s work plan should be aligned with the current
City Council priorities:
✓ Develop a Financially Resilient Organization that Relies on Local Revenues and
Resources
✓ Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure Including Streets, Facilities, and
Incorporates Green Energy Practices
✓ Promote Economic Development Activities that Create Opportunities for Quality
Employment and Increase the City's Tax Base
✓ Ensure Neighborhood Equity from City Services Including Public Safety, Streets,
Parks, and Recreation
✓ Promote Availability of Safe, Affordable Housing for all Gilroy Residents
At each monthly meeting, the Commission will review its work plan to ensure the
assignments are completed or in the process of being completed.
Attachments:
10.A
Packet Pg. 9
1. PRC 2022 Work Plan as of 11.8.22
10.A
Packet Pg. 10
Project Name Work
Lead
Commissioner/
Staff
Deliverable in 12
months
City Council
Priority Status
Host Arbor Day
Develop a community event around
Arbor Day; Tout achievements
(background on Arbor Day)Adam Host annual Arbor Day event
Improve City
Infrastructure
Sunrise Park - November 16 at
2:30 p.m.
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Participate in parks and recreation
training opportunities Pat
CPRS Mini-conference in
Morgan Hill on November 10;
Terry & Pat will attend; Pat is
attending CAPRCBM
Complete Street Tree Brochure Complete public street tree brochure Pat/Bill
Make available to public; update
street tree list
Improve City
Infrastructure
Working on next draft; Our City
Forest working with COG about
demonstration garden at CHP
Monitor City parks
Continue to provide updates and share ideas
with park staff about city’s parks;
commissioners are responsible for reporting
on their park assignments at monthly
meetings All commissioners Keep staff abreast of state of parks
Improve City
Infrastructure
Commissioners will continue to
monitor their assign parks and
report findings to City staff
Participate in Citywide Events
Meet and greet residents at special
events in the City; inform residents about
the Commission & parks and recreation Angela/Sergio Participate in 2-3+ events
Participated in Bike to W herever
Day; Tabled at Downtown Live
on July 7 and July 28. Senior
Center Luau
VTA Measure B Bicycle and
Pedestrian Education and
Encouragement Fund
Submit project ideas to VTA for
consideration of Measure B funds;
eligible projects must be focused on
pedestrian and bicycle education and
encouragement Adam
Host Bike to W herever Day 2023
and follow through on other
approved projects
Ensure Neighborhood
Equity from City
Services
Staff submitted FY23 projects to
VTA; Increase advertising and #
of participants for "Bike to
Wherever Day"
Understanding Community
Sentiment at City Parks by
obtaining User Feedback Survey users about park usage Sergio
Determine a goal for number of
residents to participate in survey
Improve City
Infrastructure
This has been put on pause.
Commissioner may do a Coffee
in the Park instead.
Not On 2022 Work Plan but Discussed
Promotion of recreational activities
GIS/Park amenities Rev. November 8, 2022
Add Mile marker (complete extension) for trail
More adult exercise equipment at city parks
Special event (reading, arts, etc.) at a city park
Coffee in the Park
10.A.a
Packet Pg. 11 Attachment: PRC 2022 Work Plan as of 11.8.22 (4042 : Review the 2022 Parks and Recreation
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Recreation Staff Report
Meeting Date: November 15, 2022
Submitted By: Adam Henig
Prepared By: Adam Henig
Recommendation:
Review report and provide comment.
Here are the latest happenings in the Recreation Division:
• Recreation staff moving on:
o Hayden Gustafson - One of our longtime recreation staff is moving on.
Over the years, Hayden taught wrestling, soccer, and supported many of
our other recreation programs including softball, special events, and
summer camps. We are going to miss him and wish him all the best.
o Carina Baksa – Recreation’s Senior Management Analyst is also leaving
the Recreation Team. She has recently received a promotion to become
the City’s Finance Manager. She’s been in Recreation for six years. We
are going to miss her too.
• 2023 Winter/Spring Activity Guide – The guide has been sent to the printers
and will be mailed to every household in Gilroy. Classes featured include the
after school program at the Gilroy Youth Center, a spring soccer league, and hip
hop dance classes for youth.
• Seniors – On October 31, the Senior Center had a Halloween party. Two days
later, the Senior Center hosted Día de Muertos, “Day of the Dead.” Participants
placed photographs of their loved ones on a makeshift alter designed by
Recreation staff.
• Annie! – Starting Friday, November 11, is the newest youth theater production,
Annie, Jr., the Musical. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. More
than 60 youth make up the cast. The show runs through Sunday, November 20
and will be held at the Gilroy High School Theater.
12.A
Packet Pg. 12
• Adaptative - The adaptive program held their first Halloween dance in three
years at the Senior Center on October 14. More than 60 participants attended
and had a great time.
• Spirits! –Sprits, the annual special event that coincides with Dia De Los
Muertos, occurred at San Ysidro Park on Saturday, October 29. It featured
games, crafts, music, and a “Trunk or Treat” event. Approximately 700 people
were in attendance.
12.A
Packet Pg. 13