12/03/2019 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 01/21/2020
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 3, 2019
6:00 p.m.
Recreation Conference Room
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
order by Chair Bentson at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Patricia Bentson, Vice Chair Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner Terrie
Berry, Commissioner Theresa Graham, Commissioner Marcos Gonzalez,
Commissioner Michelle Wexler, and Commissioner Robert Miller.
Staff present: Recreation Manager Adam Henig, and Parks Supervisor Bill
Headley.
III. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Gonzalez led the pledge of allegiance.
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT
The packet was posted on the City's website on November 26, 2019 at 4:49
p.m.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Commissioner Berry; seconded by Vice Chair Puente
and carried with a vote to approve the October 15, 2019 minutes with a vote
of 7-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Berry; seconded by Commissioner
Graham and carried with a vote to approve the agenda as written with a
vote 7-0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS
None.
VIII. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
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Chair Bentson presented Commissioner Berry with a Certificate of
Appreciation for her 10 years of service to the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
Berry thanked the commissioners and staff for their support, friendship, and
professionalism.
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
X. NEW BUSINESS
None.
XI. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
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Recreational Manager Henig referred the commissioners to packet page
#13 and reviewed the 2019 work plan.
Henig shared that a representative from the State’s Grant Office met staff
for a tour of San Ysidro Park, as a follow-up for the Proposition 68
application submittal. The state representative explained the application
process is competitive since there were a significantly more requests than
grant funds allocated. Nonetheless, the state representative offered positive
feedback about the city’s application.
Headley stated he hopes to have the directional signage to San Ysidro Park
completed by the end of the fiscal year. The delay is a result of recent park
staff departures.
Commissioner Gonzalez stated it has been a challenge to receive
responses for donations to benefit the youth scholarship fund. He stated it
would be a great idea to start fundraising efforts in the month of January, for
instance, by writing letters to local car dealerships on behalf of all of the
commissioners. Graham suggested they promote the commission’s
fundraising efforts in the recreational activity guide. Berry reached out to
Pier 49 and the Aquarium for donations but since there was no nonprofit
status to use, the commission was ineligible. Henig will send the
commissioners information about how other city commissions have created
a foundation to augment their fundraising efforts for parks and recreation
programs. Wexler asked how much does the youth scholarship program
grant to families in a year; Henig stated $18,000 to -$20,000 is provided.
Gonzalez, Graham, Miller, and Puente will be present at the Breakfast with
Santa event manning the raffle table.
There was discussion amongst commissioners to attend citywide events,
and highlighting their accomplishments.
Wexler stated the County of Santa Clara is working on health prevention
measures so there may be ways to frame this, healthcare provider
HealthNet is looking into servicing the underprivileged; the first step is to
assess the needs of the community, recreation facilities, and city council.
The report is expected to be completed by August.
Henig stated the city hired a consultant to lead a Community Meeting
scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2019.
B. Fiscal Year 2020 Training Budget Expenditures
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Henig stated there is $755 left in the training budget for any future proposed
expenditures. At the last meeting, the commissioners approved Bentson to
attend the annual California Parks and Recreation Society conference for
one day at a cost of $245.
XII. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Department Updates
Henig referred commissioner to packet pages 16-17. Henig stated the
Recreation Department is actively working on a recreational software launch
in late March. The Neighborhood Holiday Posada event will be held on
December 14, 2019 from 3-7p.m.
B. Status of City Parks
Headley referred commissioners to packet pages 19 - 20 and provided an
update on the list of items and Park Capital Projects, and Incident Reports.
Headley hopes the commissioners will choose Farrell Avenue Park for their
2020 Arbor Day. Headley also went over the list of maintenance highlights.
XIII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
Pat Bentson:
• Christmas Hill Park -
• Cydney Casper- One of the nets is coming apart; still not resolved the
hopscotch markings
• Del Rey Park - water logged. Headley stated the farmers market will be held
at Del Rey Park.
Terrie Berry:
• Carriage Hills Park, Los Arroyos Park, and Sunrise Park-Nothing to report.
She attended the fundraiser for bicycles (well-attended). Attended the
Senior Center Scam Stopper held in partnership with Assemblymember
Robert Rivas.
Marcos Gonzalez:
• Las Animas Veterans Park- Nothing to report.
Theresa Graham:
• Miller Park-Noticed large number of homeless population hanging their
clothes on a tree line.
• Rainbow Park-Stated the rubber is still cracked; would like to see shade at
the park sites.
Ermelindo Puente:
• Butcher Park-Noticed lots of cars parked by the park.
• Forest Street Park, Renz Park and San Ysidro Park- Nothing to report.
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Michelle Wexler:
• Hecker Pass Park-Witnessed children climbing on the pergolas.
Robert Miller:
• El Roble Park -He noticed tire marks were left on the grass by a
maintenance truck.
• Gilroy Sports Park - A water fountain located by baseball dugouts isn’t
working.
XIV. General Planning Advisory Committee
Chair Bentson stated the next General Plan Advisory Commission Meeting
is scheduled for Dec 12, 2019.
XV. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
XVI. NEXT MONTH AGENDA ITEMS
The next regular meeting is scheduled January 21, 2020; the deadline for
agenda items is January 14, 2020.
XVII. FUTURE MEETINGS January 21, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
The next regular Parks and Recreation meeting will be January 21, 2020 at
6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Bentson adjourned the meeting at 7:58 pm.
Zinnia Navarro
Recording Secretary
Recreation Department