08/18/2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 09/15/2020
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 18, 2020
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
DRAFT MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER – at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Michelle Wexler, Vice Chair Theresa Graham, Commissioner Angela
Reinert, Commissioner Patricia Bentson, Commissioner Robert Miller, and
Commissioner Ermelindo Puente.
III. FLAG SALUTE
IV. SECRETARY'S REPORT
The agenda was posted on the City's website on Thursday, August 13,
2020 at 4:08 p.m.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made to approve the June 16, 2020 meeting minutes by Vice
Chair Graham; seconded by Commissioner Bentson and carried with a vote
of 6-0-0.
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve the agenda was made Bentson; seconded by
Commissioner Miller and carried with a vote of 6 -0-0.
VII. INTRODUCTIONS
Recreation Manager announced there was a public comment (resident
Miguel Gutierrez and a guest presenter (Santa Clara County Anti -Tobacco
Program Manager Nicole Coxe)/
VIII. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
None
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Resident Miguel Gutierrez discussed the potential for the City to construct or
renovate a futsal court, which is a mini -version of soccer. He identified El Roble’s
existing tennis court, which is in poor shape, as a potential site. However, a lighted
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area would be ideal since many participants are unable to play until nighttime.
Other sites discussed were San Ysidro and Las Animas Veterans parks. Costs are
estimated to be about $25,000. Chair Wexler proposed having it included on a
future meeting agenda.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Tobacco-Free Communities – Public Health Program Manager Nicole
Coxe made a presentation to the commission about how the city of Gilroy
can do more to address tobacco prevention such as reducing overall usage
and addressing user disparities among ethnic groups. County has funding
available for cities to develop anti -tobacco policies.
XI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Bringing Back Recreation Programs – Commissioners discussed various
options listed on the staff report on packet page 20. Commissioner
Reinert inquired about the City collaborating with YMCA Mt. Madonna on
offering more recreation activities. Henig asked Reinert to have YCMA
staff get in contact with him. Commissioners expressed interest in
exploring the formation of a parks and recreation foundation. A
subcommittee was formed (Bentson, Reinert, and Graham) and will
report back to the commission at the next meeting.
B. Work Plan – Henig noted that the presentation of the needs assessment
report would be delayed until mid-to-late fall. Following the earlier anti -
tobacco presentation, there was continued discussion on this work plan
item. Commissioners Wexler, Graham, and Miller have formed a
committee to draft a memo for the commission to motion to recommend
for City Council to have the City adopt more stringent measures
regarding tobacco prevention, specifically eliminating designated
smoking areas at city parks. Commissioner Reinert is working Bicycle
Pedestrian Commissioner Zach Hilton and Community Development
staff to update the City’s GIS map.
XII. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Department Updates
Henig highlighted an in-person after school program at a park; the six-week
long summer Youth Center program; and ongoing food distribution
programs at various city facilities.
B. Status of City Parks
Parks Supervisor, Bill Headley referred commissioners to packet pa ges 27-
42. There was significant discussion about the roping of the baseball
diamonds at Christmas Hill and Las Animas Veterans park due to organized
group playing on the field in violation of the County’s public health orders.
XIII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
Pat Bentson:
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Cydney Casper, and Del Rey Park, and Los Arroyos Park: Minimal usage
because of recent heat wave.
Theresa Graham:
Hecker Pass Park: Nothing to report
Miller Park: Homeless still an issue.
Rainbow Park: everything looks good.
Ermelindo Puente:
Forest Street Park, Renz Park, Butcher Park: Looks fine.
SanYsidro Park: New grass lawn installed. Lots of pot smoking occurring at
picnic table areas. Water fountain is wobbly
Michelle Wexler:
Carriage Hills Park, and Sunrise Park: Noticed the caution tape around the
playground is not being abided by. Still an issue.
.
Robert Miller:
Uvas Creek/Gilroy Sports Park: None.
El Roble Park: None
Las Animas Veterans Park: Recommended social di stancing signage at
Oaks Picnic area. Lots of staff attention at bathroom because of recent
vandalism.
Angela Reinert:
Christmas Hill ParkChristmas Hill Park Ranch Site, and Christmas Hill
Levee Trail: everything looks fine.
XIV. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
XV. NEXT MONTH AGENDA ITEMS
No new items mentioned.
XVI. FUTURE MEETINGS September 15, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Wexler adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Department
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