05/16/2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 06/20/2023
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City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by Chair Ramirez at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
Luis Ramirez, Chair
Pat Bentson, Vice Chair
Theresa Graham, Commissioner
Terence Fugazzi, Commissioner
Vince Sasso, Commissioner
Absent None
3. FLAG SALUTE
4. SECRETARY'S REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda was posted online and posted in the City
Hall kiosk on May 11, 2023.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. April 18, 2023
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Pat Bentson, Vice Chair
SECONDER Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
AYES: Vice Chair Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Graham, Commissioner
Puente, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner Saso
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Pat Bentson, Vice Chair
SECONDER Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
AYES: Vice Chair Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Graham, Commissioner
Puente, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner Saso
7. INTRODUCTIONS
7.1. Angela Reinert, outgoing Parks & Recreation Commissioner (2020-2022)
Former Commissioner Angela Reinert was presented with a certificate of appreciation for
her public service on the commission, 2020-2022.
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
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Regular Meeting Minutes
8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Appointment of a Representative to the Sourcewise Advisory Council with
a Term Ending June 30, 2026.
The candidates, Dyanne Hofstad and Carmel Trela, were introduced. Commissioners
Ramirez, Fugazzi, Puente, Bentson, and Graham asked questions such as describing
their professional background; what is their motivation for serving on the advisory
council; and their experience with Gilroy’s senior population. Both candidates were
asked the same questions and each responded to them.
Chair Ramirez motioned to support Hofstad. Puente seconded. Motion passed
unanimously to recommend Hofstad to Council, who will make the final decision on the
appointment.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
AYES: Vice Chair Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Graham,
Commissioner Puente, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner Saso
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.1. Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Here are the following updates to the work plan:
• Training opportunities: Bentson and Ramirez participated in the
Volunteer Leader Roundtable workshop offered through the National
Association of Park Foundations.
• Coffee in the Park: The Thursday evening event has been rescheduled
for June 22. The Saturday event will remain in the same (6/24 at 11am).
Henig spoke with Gilroy PD and they will be able to provide an officer.
• Participate in Citywide Events: Bentson participated in the Day of the
Child event on April 29. Puente assisted Santa Clara County Public
Health with their active transportation grant.
• VTA Measure B – Fugazzi, Puente, and Sasso have offered to assist
tabling at the annual Bike to Wherever Day event on May 18 at the levee
at Christmas Hill Park.
• Study dog parks: The dog park committee (Fugazzi, Graham, and
Puente) met and made recommendations to the Council for budget
consideration. A memo was drafted by Henig that was based on their
recommendations and was submitted to the City Administrator. The
recommendations included the following:
o Three 20-foot-tall specimen trees ($6k each) = $18,000
o Three 6-foot long, steel seat cast bench ($2k each) = $6,000
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
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Regular Meeting Minutes
o One 46-inch 4-person picnic table with umbrella insert = $2,000
o Concrete pad to provide foundation for additional seating =
$24,000
11. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
11.1. Recreation Division Updates
Henig reviewed the report enclosed in the meeting packet.
11.2. Status of City Parks
Henig reviewed the parks and recreation-related Capital Improvement Projects
that were included in the City’s proposed budget that will likely be approved.
12. BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ENCOURAGEMENT & EDUCATION
Bernosky is preparing for the Bike to Wherever Day event at Gilroy Gardens.
13. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
Bentson –
• Del Rey – uneven cement issues along the walkway along Calle Del Rey
• Cydney Casper – looks good; lots of activity; hopscotch printed.
Fugazzi
• Carriage Hills – Good shape. Rubber surface at playground is worn;
chipped paint; tripping hazard by pergola
• Sunrise – noticed a sprinkler problem by the tennis courts; inquired if a
poop can be installed near the poop bags for dog owners
• Recommended a recycle can be installed at every park
Graham
• Hecker Pass – well maintained; plants need more water.
• El Roble – Looks fine
• Rainbow – noticed a leak; trees on Mantelli look like they were torched
• Sports Park – impressive
Puente
• El Roble – motorcycle riders on grass
• Butcher, Miller, Renz – look good
• Las Animas – flag was replaced but light is still out. Graffiti
• Christmas Hill Park – camping/homeless near Milas area
Sasso
• Forest – looks nice; noticed exposed wires
• Los Arroyos – clean
14. STAFF COMMENTS
14.1. Park Concessionaire – Update
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
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Henig informed Commission that this topic is tabled until Council approves new
ordinance.
15. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
16. ADJOURNMENT
Ramirez adjourned meeting at 7:16 p.m.
________________________AH_____________
Adam Henig, Recreation Division
Recording Secretary