02/23/2013 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 04/16/2013Retreat Summary
City of Gilroy
Parks & Recreation Commission
Saturday, February 23, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
The Parks & Recreation Commission Retreat began at 9:00 a.m. with two ice breakers lead by
Recreation Supervisor Judy Mireles- Janisch. They were enjoyed by all.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
All Commissioners were present. Others present were Facilitator Maria De Leon and
Administrative Secretary Sondra Banks.
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Maria De Leon reviewed Section 911 of the City of Gilroy Charter that pertains to a
Parks & Recreation Commissioner's role on the Commission. Questions followed
regarding attendance, arrests, etc.
Cleaning of PRC Adopted Park (Miller Park)
Chair Berry asked if all Commissioners were cleaning the park. Commissioner Scheel
stated that she is not comfortable being in Miller Park. Commissioner Puente stated he
didn't feel the Commission should be cleaning the parks when the City pays a company a
million dollars a year to clean them.
The history of why the Commission began this project was given.
The Gilroy Police Department will be attending the PRC March meeting to present their
park patrolling schedule, etc at Miller Park in particular, and all the parks in general.
Judy Mireles- Janisch shared a recent incident at Las Animas Veterans Park.
Commissioner Puente explained his suggestion of each Commissioner overseeing a park.
It would involve the Commissioner walking the park and reporting anything that needed
to be fixed to the Parks & Landscape Division. Basically, another set of eyes to help stay
on top of maintenance. High School students may be a good resource to tap to clean the
parks as well.
Commissioner Garcia explained that her intent was to embrace the park not to stay away
from it. She wants to bring awareness to the community and assist with getting it back to
the wonderful family park it used to be; so that it has a healthy and safe environment.
This will be put on the March agenda.
A Master Plan — Neighborhood & Community Parks
Commissioner Scheel stated that she heard that this will be coming up soon and was told
the Commission should be involved. Maria De Leon stated she would definitely let the
Commission know when this is going to begin.
A neighborhood park is one that has no extra parking and no bathroom facilities. It is
close to home for those amenities.
A community park has more amenities — for use by greater numbers of people, parking
lots, and lights, e.g. Christmas Hill Park, Las Animas Veterans Park and the Sports Park,
San Ysidro Park is a hybrid — has bathroom facilities but limited parking is available.
Building the Rec Building at Sunrise Park
Commissioner Puente would like to see a Rec Building at Sunrise Park. The
Commission was informed that it is still in the Master Plan but the neighborhood hasn't
been receptive to doing much of anything at the park (e.g. baseball field).
Park Ranger for City /School Joint Venture
Commissioner Puente informed the Commission that years ago there was talk about
hiring a park ranger to patrol the parks during the day and close up the parks in the
evening; a position that was funded jointly by the City and the Gilroy Unified School
District. Discussion followed.
Staff stated that this position was in the budget and hiring was about to begin when the
cuts occurred and that position was eliminated.
Planning of October 5K FuNdraiser
Chair Berry stated she would like to chair this project again. She suggested doing the
same as last year. Commissioner Puente suggested that James Suner be approached as a
sponsor. Also, Paul Kloecker asked him to remind the Commission to apply to the
Gilroy Exchange for a grant. Sub - Committee meetings will begin in April.
Vice Chair Lehman stated she would not be able to serve on the committee as she is
being deployed to Afghanistan for a few months.
Commissioner Enriquez asked about the Commissioners being given business cards to
use when they are soliciting donations for the fundraising projects. This will be put on
the March agenda.
Sub - committee: Chair Berry, Commissioner Enriquez and Recreation Supervisor Judy
Mireles- Janisch)
Black Bear Fundraiser
All were in agreement that this fundraiser will be done again this year. $400 was raised
last year. Black Bear gave us 10% of everything that was made that day.
Exchange Social w/Morean Hill/Hollister /County Parks & Rec Commissioners
Chair Berry asked if the Commission would like to plan an event where the surrounding
Parks and Recreations got together to socialize, brainstorm, etc. The Commissioners
thought this was a wonderful idea. Agendize for March meeting.
Staff Appreciation Breakfast (Sept. 12a' or 19th)
Commissioner McHenry explained this event for the benefit of Commissioner Puente.
This will be put on agenda for March 12th.
CPRS Convention — March 5- 8.2013, San Jose Convention Center
Chair Berry reminded the Commission about this event. Maria De Leon reminded the
Commission of the City winning an award for the Christopher High School Aquatic
Facility. Staff will be attending the "Best of the Best Award" social held for all award
winners. Staff is also volunteering for the registration function at the conference. If
anyone wants to volunteer let staff know. Chair Lehman will be attending the awards
banquet on behalf of the Commission to receive the CREAM award.
Final Thoughts
Judy Mireles- Janisch informed the Commission of the special events that are scheduled
for the remainder of the year:
Kids Discover Arts 3/2
Golf Tournament 6/12
Kids Tri 7/13
Great Garlic 5K 10/26
Santa's Breakfast Dec
She also talked about proposed new programs that have been requested in the upcoming
2 -year budget.
David Stabehaer discussed what they would like to do with the additional funds that have
been requested in the new 2 -year budget: get some new drinking fountains, add towel
holders and install handicap rails in the bathrooms irrigation maintenance and repair,
Commissioner Garcia asked about the maintenance of the surfacing of the playgrounds.
David Stubchaer said formal park inspections are done monthly. Mr. Stubchaer stated
that fibar, sand and rubber matting are used and replenished once a year.
Commissioner Scheel asked if the new Landscape Company has brought with it
improvement of overall maintenance. Closer attention is being done on weeding — a
priority of the City Administrator's, Overall, the work by the new landscape company
has improved versus the former company.
Commissioner Puente wanted to know what was going on with the tree trimming at
Farrell where the City employee was killed. This will be looked into.
Commissioner Puente also asked if there was a possibility of getting the Commissioners
Parks & Recreation Commission t- shirts. Maria De Leon said she would have to look at
her budget. For now, the Commissioners have their name badges.
The Retreat adjourned at 11:29 p.m.
v.
Sondra Banks, Administrative Secretary
Recreation Department