09/15/2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 10/20/2020
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
MINUTES
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I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Wexler called meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Pat Bentson Commissioner P
Robert Miller Commissioner P
Theresa Graham Vice Chair P
Ermelindo Puente (late) Commissioner P
Michelle Wexler Chair P
Angela Reinert Commissioner P
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. SECRETARY'S REPORT – The Parks and Recreation Commision agenda was
posted online on and posted in the City Hall kiosk on September 10, 2020.
Roll call.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting - Aug 18, 2020 6:00
PM. Commissioner Miller motioned to approve with an amendment; added
the word “with” in between (Section XI, B.) “….Commissioner Reinert is
____working Bicycle Pedestrian Commission…” Vice Chair Graham
seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0.
V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Vice Chair Graham motioned to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Bentson seconded. Motion passed 6 -0-0.
VI. INTRODUCTIONS – None.
VII. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS - none
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – none.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
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A. Memo to City Council about Restricting Tobacco Usage at all City
Parks – Edits were made to the letter drafted by the subcommittee,
comprised of Wexler and Miller. Suggested edits to the letter was
incorporated that included that the Commission recommends to Council to
have the item agendized for a future meeting. When letter is sent to Council,
commissioners requested to attach the grid (from last month’s presentation
by County Public Health), displaying all of the other Santa Clara County
cities and their progress on eliminating tobacco access in their communities.
Graham motioned to incorporate the edits and send the letter via email to
the Mayor and all members of city council. Puente seconded. Motion
passed 6-0-0.
X. OLD BUSINESS
A. Consideration of Options for Bringing Back Recreation Programs –
The subcommittee of Bentson, Reinert, and Graham informed the
Commission that they have divided up the various foundations and have
reached out to them, hoping to gather more informati on to share at the
October meeting. Bentson also heard back from three of her contacts with
the California Association of Parks and Recreation Commission Board
Members.
B. Review Parks and Recreation Commission 2020 Work Plan –
Commissioners requested to have Arbor Day be held in November, in order
for the City to retain its Tree City designation. Headley recommended
November 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Farrell Avenue Park. It will be agendized for
the next meeting. It was also announced that the Needs Assessment
consultant will present to the Commission at the October meeting; and
Henig will send applications to willing volunteers to assist with the
installation of mile markers.
XI. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Recreation Department Updates – Henig reviewed his report on pages
14-15. There was a question about the status of the public comment
regarding futsal at the previous meeting. Henig explained that without
funding, the project is unable to move forward.
B. Status of City Parks – Headley delivered his report.
XII. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Park Assignments
Pat Bentson: Wanted to know if the hopscotch ever got repainted at
Cydney Casper Park; otherwise the parks looked good
Robert Miller: Noticed the batting cage looked disheveled at Gilroy Sports
Park; Headley explained that it’s out of commission and inoperable. Noticed
broken glass at the Wayland parking lot entrance at Las Animas Veterans
Park. Noticed playground is still actively being used at parks , which violates
County’s Public Orders. Headley and his staff continue to apply caution tape
and fencing.
Theresa Graham: Wanted to know why there was no sign for Hecker Pass
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Park; Headley explained that the park has not been officially named yet.
Complaints about the restrooms at Miller Park.
Ermelindo Puente: Everything looked good especially the fields at San
Ysidro.
Michelle Wexler: Noticed a dog off-leash at Carriage Hills Park and
continued use of playground at Sunrise Park. Headley informed commission
that a medal fence has been erected at Sunrise.
Angela Reinert: Unable to visit parks due to smoke.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS - none
XIV. NEXT MONTH AGENDA ITEMS – Arbor Day and Needs Assessment
presentation.
XV. FUTURE MEETINGS October 20, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT – 7:14 p.m.
Adam Henig
Recording Secretary
Recreation Division