06/20/2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Agenda Packet
June 20, 2023 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 2 Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023 | 6:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
7351 ROSANNA STREET, GILROY, CA 95020
Chair: Luis Ramirez Vice Chair: Patricia Bentson
Commissioners: Terence Fugazzi, Theresa Graham, Ermelindo Puente, Vince Sasso
Daryl Jordan and Adam Henig, Staff Liaisons
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make
reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you
need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the
City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at (408) 846-0204 or
cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org to help ensure that reasonable arrangements can
be made.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission
after distribution of the agenda packet are available with the agenda packet on the City website at
www.cityofgilroy.org subject to Staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE
Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.
Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to conduct the
people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the
people and that City operations are open to the people's review.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE, TO
RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE,
CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STAFF AT (408) 846-0204
PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES:
During the PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA portion of the meeting, each
person wishing to speak should prepare a presentation of not more than three (3) minutes. Persons
wishing to address the Commission are requested, but not required, to complete a Speaker’s Card
located at the entrances. Completion of this speaker’s card is voluntary. All persons may attend this
meeting and speak, regardless if a card is completed or not. Speaker’s slips should be submitted to
the Secretary BEFORE this portion of the meeting begins. Anyone wishing to address the
Commission on any other item on this AGENDA is requested, but not required, to fill out a
speaker’s slip as well and submit it to the Secretary BEFORE the Commission takes action on the
item.
The agenda for this regular meeting is as follows:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 2 June 20, 2023 | 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. FLAG SALUTE
4. SECRETARY'S REPORT
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. May 16, 2023
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
7. INTRODUCTIONS
8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Proposed 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education for Fiscal
Year 2024.
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action: Motion to approve 2016 VTA Measure B
Encouragement and Education projects for fiscal year 2024
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.1. Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action: Receive and comment on the 2023 Parks and
Recreation Commission Work Plan.
11. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
11.1. Recreation Division Updates
11.2. Status of City Parks
12. BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ENCOURAGEMENT & EDUCATION
13. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
14. STAFF COMMENTS
14.1. Parks and Recreation Commission Presentation to City Council, August 7,
2023 at 6:00 p.m.
15. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
16. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 4
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)
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 2 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Former Commissioner Angela Reinert was presented with a certificate of appreciation for
her public service on the commission, 2020-2022.
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
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
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
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
May 16, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 4 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
14. STAFF COMMENTS
14.1. Park Concessionaire – Update
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
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Proposed 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and
Education for Fiscal Year 2024.
Meeting Date:June 20, 2023
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to approve 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education projects for fiscal
year 2024
BACKGROUND
As part of the funding requirements for the 2016 VTA Measure B Education and
Encouragement Fund, the Commission needs to approve a list of proposed bicycle and
pedestrian projects for the upcoming fiscal year (FY24). Last year, the Commission
adopted the following projects: Bike to Wherever Day 2023 (BTWD) and GIS Bike and
Pedestrian Route Map. Staff is recommending similar projects but with a slight change.
The City plans to continue to promote bicycle encouragement and education activities
throughout the year, however, the City wants to support more than just the Bike to
Wherever Day annual event. Instead, the City wants to support or create multiple events
to encourage bicycle and pedestrian activities as well as educational opportunities. In
addition, the City plans to continue to pursue a contract with a GIS consultant to complete
the bicycle and pedestrian mapping.
Staff recommends the Commission approve the proposed projects.
Attachments:
1. 2016MB_BikePed_EE_ProgramofProjects_FY24 - GILROY
1
2016 Measure B Bicycle & Pedestrian Education & Encouragement Program of Projects
City of Gilroy
Fiscal Year: July 1, 2023– June 30, 2024
Project Title Project Activities
Description
Project
Locations
Frequency Project Goals*Proposed Evaluation
Metrics*
Support Bicycle
& Pedestrian
Community
Education &
Engagement
Activities
This project will allow the
City to support more than
just the Bike to Wherever
Day annual event, and
instead can support or
create multiple events to
encourage bicycle and
pedestrian activities, as well
as educational opportunities.
Citywide Variable, no
less than
annually
Support or create two additional
events in addition to the Bike to
Wherever Day in Fiscal Year 2024.
•Number of
bicycle and
pedestrian
community
events or
activities
supported.
GIS Bike and
Pedestrian Route
Map
Create a GIS interactive city
map showing trails, parks,
amenities, fix it stations,
etc. This GIS Map is for
residents and is part of
encouraging them to
walk/ride and educating
them on the benefits and
features of our bike/ped
system
Online Ongoing •Hire a consultant
•Assess current GIS
progress
•Develop a plan of what
needs to be completed
and a timeline for project
completion
• Published GIS
Map to the
internet
• Number of
visits to the
Route Map
website
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date:June 20, 2023
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and comment on the Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
BACKGROUND
On February 7, 2023, the Parks and Recreation Commission held a retreat and developed
a new work plan, which will reflect on what the Commission will be working on during the
calendar year. The work plan was formally adopted on March 28, 2023.
The Commission’s work plan should be aligned with the current City Council priorities:
•Develop a Financially Resilient Organization that Relies on Local Revenues and
Resources
•Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure Including Streets, Facilities, and
Incorporates Green Energy Practices
•Promote Economic Development Activities that Create Opportunities for Quality
Employment and Increase the City's Tax Base
•Ensure Neighborhood Equity from City Services Including Public Safety, Streets,
Parks, and Recreation
•Promote Availability of Safe, Affordable Housing for all Gilroy Residents
At each monthly meeting, the Commission will review its work plan to ensure the
assignments are completed or in the process of being completed.
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 2 June 20, 2023
ANALYSIS
At the most recent meeting, the following was discussed related to the current 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 canceled.
The Saturday event is scheduled for June 24 at 10:00 am. Henig has
arranged for a translator and police officer to be present.
•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 supported 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) 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 were
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
o One 46-inch 4-person picnic table with umbrella insert = $2,000
o Concrete pad to provide foundation for additional seating =
$24,000
Although the project was supported by City Council, there was not a dollar
amount determined yet. Staff will inform the Commission what it will be.
Attachments:
1.Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CURRENT WORK PLAN
Project Name Work
Lead
Commissioner/
Staff Deliverable in 12 months
City Council
Priority Status
Host Arbor Day
Develop a community event around
Arbor Day; Tout achievements
(background on Arbor Day)Commissioners & Adam Identify park to host and celebrate Arbor Day event.
Improve City
infrastructure;
Neighborhood Equity
Tree City USA designation was
approved for 2022. 42nd year for
Gilroy
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Participate in parks and recreation
training opportunities Pat/Adam/Terry
Inform commissioners about upcoming opportunities;
participate in trainings N/A
Luis and Pat participated in
NAPF workshop.
Coffee in the Park
Meet with park users and discuss ways
to improve the safety and usage of the
park. Commissioners share feedback Luis & Ermelindo
1) Select date and park (LAVP) 2) Develop plan for
the event 3) Contact neighbors 4) Gather feedback 5)
Report to Council; For event, use post-in notes to
address resident concerns, have Spanish interpreter
& PD representative, and coffee/deserts
Ensure neighborhood
equity
Host on 6/24; Quality of Life
police officer present; publicize
event;
Monitor City parks
Share observations about parks at
monthly meetings; commissioners are
responsible for reporting on their park
assignments at monthly meetings; utilize
checklist Commissioners
Commissioners have been assigned two or more
parks to report on at each meeting
Maintain and Improve
City infrastructure
Assignments have been updated
to reflect newly appointed
commissioners
Participate in Citywide Events
Meet and greet residents at special
events in the City; inform residents about
the Commission & parks and recreation Commissioners
Downtown Live; Breakfast with Santa (December);
Senior Center; creek clean-up N/A
Ermelindo, Terence, and Vince
participated in Bike to Wherever
Day 2023.
VTA Measure B Bicycle and
Pedestrian Education and
Encouragement Fund
Submit project ideas to VTA for
consideration of Measure B funds;
eligible projects must be focused on
pedestrian and bicycle education and
encouragement Adam
PRC will participate hosting an energizer station at
Bike to Wherever Day on May 18 at Christmas Hill
Park Levee N/A
City of Gilroy Recreation hosted
energizer station at Bike to
Wherever Day 2023
Study Dog Parks
Commission will review the City’s two
current dog parks and consider options
for a future one.
Luis, Terry, Terence,
Ermelindo
Look into the problems with the current dog parks at
Las Animas and Hecker Pass parks. Identify potential
solutions and cost estimates. Gather feedback from
users.
Maintain and Improve
City infrastructure
Committee recommended 4 items
(trees, bench, picnic bench, concrete
pad) for budget input to Council. Was
approved but no dollar amount
known yet.
Update "Gift and Sponsorship
Policy"
Commission will review and make
recommended changes to the current
Gift and Sponsorship Policy. Adam
Update current policy and, once finalized, recommend
it to City Council Develop financially No update
Items Discussed but not adopted Revised June 13, 2023
• Increase participation in recreation programs
• Expand youth scholarship program
• Partner with schools
• Paint footprints around playground structure
• Identify playgrounds that need shade structure
• Volunteer with the Adaptive Program
2
7
9
City of Gilroy Recreation Division
7171 Hanna Street | (408) 846-0460
Rec@cityofgilroy.org | www.cityofgilroy.org/recreation
The following updates are from the Recreation Division.
•Bike to Wherever Day – On May 18, fifty residents stopped by the Energizer
Station hosted by the Parks and Recreation Commission to celebrate Bike to
Wherever Day. Thank you to Ermelindo, Terrence, Eugene, and Vince for
tabling.
•Other Special events –
o May 19 – The Gilroy Senior Center hosted the annual Resource Fair.
More than 35 organizations were present to answer questions and pass out
resource material for senior residents.
o May 20 – At the annual creek clean-up at Christmas Hill Park, more than
hundred pounds of garbage and recycle material were picked up including
a mattress and car tires.
2
7
9
•The Christopher High School Aquatics
Center is open for recreation swim.
Opening day was Saturday, May 27. The
pool is now open for recreation swim
Tuesday through Sunday from 12-5pm.
Swim lessons are available too.
•Summer Camps – The busiest season for
Recreation was launched the week after
GUSD had its last day of school. Cooking,
science, chess, soccer and basketball camps are a few of the offerings that
are available to Gilroy's youth. The City’s summer camp program will be held
at Gilroy Prep’s Cesar Chavez Gym began June 19. The week long session
has themes, field trips, crafts, and lots of fun.
•By the numbers:
o There are 942 participants currently enrolled in summer programs.
o Senior Nutritional Meal program attendance from January 1 to June 1:
▪2022: 235 people attending for a total of 7,010 days
▪2023: 394 people attending for a total of 13,056 days
•Upcoming Special Events
o June 30 – Fourth of July Celebration at the Senior Center
o July 4 – 4th of July Fireworks Display at Gilroy High School
o July 22 – Party in the Park at San Ysidro Park
o August 1 – National Night Out hosted by the Gilroy Police Department at
the Paseo.
2
7
9
City of Gilroy Parks Update
Over the next few weeks, the playground surfaces at the Gilroy Sports Park will be getting an update
as crews will be working to replace the rubberized surface located underneath the play structures
and picnic areas.
To accommodate this work, the playgrounds, picnic tables, and benches located within the
playground area at the Sports Park will be closed starting June 12, 2023.
The work is anticipated to take approximately two weeks, with plans to re-open the playground area
on June 24, 2023.
All park visitors are asked to avoid the work areas to allow for crews to work and for the new
surfaces to cure properly.