07/18/2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Agenda Packet
July 18, 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, JULY 18, 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
Adam Henig, Staff Liaison
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 July 18, 2023 | 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. FLAG SALUTE
4. SECRETARY'S REPORT
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. June 20, 2023
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
7. INTRODUCTIONS
8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Review of Commissioner Responsibilities and Role
1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action: Receive and comment on commissioner responsibilities
and role.
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.1. Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
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
12. BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ENCOURAGEMENT & EDUCATION
13. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
13.1. Bentson – Del Rey, Cydney Casper
Fugazzi – Sunrise and Carriage Hills
Graham – Hecker Pass, El Roble, Rainbow, Sports Park
Puente – San Ysidro, Renz, Butcher, Farrell Ave.
Ramirez – Miller, LAVP, Christmas Hill, Sports Park
Sasso - Los Arroyos, Forest
14. STAFF COMMENTS
15. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
16. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 4
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 20, 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
Terence Fugazzi, Commissioner
Vince Sasso, Commissioner
Absent Theresa Graham, Commissioner
3.FLAG SALUTE
4.SECRETARY'S REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda was posted online and posted in the City
Hall kiosk on June 15, 2023.
5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1.May 16, 2023
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
AYES: Vice Chair Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Puente, Chair Ramirez,
Commissioner Saso
ABSENT: Commissioner Graham
6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Pat Bentson, Vice Chair
SECONDER Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Puente, Chair
Ramirez, Commissioner Saso
ABSENT: Commissioner Graham
7.INTRODUCTIONS
None.
8.PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Morgan Hill resident Terry Nemoff discussed the need for Gilroy to build more pickleball
courts given the sport’s increased popularity in recent years.
9.NEW BUSINESS
June 20, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 2 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
9.1.Proposed 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education for Fiscal
Year 2024.
As part of the funding requirements for the 2016 VTA Measure B Education and
Encouragement Fund, the Commission needed to approve an annual list of
proposed bicycle and pedestrian projects for fiscal year 2024. Henig explained
how the projects slightly differed from the previous year. For example, the City
wants to support more than just the Bike to Wherever Day; wants to support or
create multiple events to encourage bicycle and pedestrian activities.
There were questions about the background of the program and why these two
projects were taken. Henig recommended the Commission support the proposed
projects.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Pat Bentson, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Fugazzi, Commissioner Puente,
Chair Ramirez, Commissioner Saso
ABSENT: Commissioner Graham
10.OLD BUSINESS
10.1.Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Here are the following updates to the work plan:
•Coffee in the Park – The committee, comprised of Chair Ramirez and
Commissioner Puente, met with Staff Henig to discuss the details of the
event. Since the meeting occurred one week before the scheduled date of
June 24, it was agreed upon to postpone Coffee in the Park to Saturday,
July 29. Everything else will stay the same—having a police officer
present, translator, and event format. Also, the location will be in the
Oaks/playground area.
•Participate in Citywide events – Commissioners Puente, Saso, and
Fugazzi volunteered for Bike to Wherever Day at the Commission’s booth
on the levee on May 18. Fugazzi also assisted with the May 20 creek
clean-up. Puente was involved in the County’s Public Health
Department’s public active transportation campaign.
•Study Dog Parks – The Council agreed to fund the proposed dog park
project at Third Street Park, however, a specific dollar amount was not
provided. Council agreed to allocate $100,000 for general park
improvements. The Commission has requested that it would like to be
engaged on how the monies will be spent. They are requesting the Public
Works Department provide a list of potential projects that would be
considered, including the Commission’s dog park proposal. Bentson
asked if current hazards (i.e. uneven pavement issues at Del Rey Park)
would be considered for this funding too. The Commission would like to
review the list and provide a recommendation.
•Monitor City Parks – Commissioners requested to submit a brief write-
up about a different city park each month to be featured in the city’s
June 20, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
weekly e-newsletter. Henig will discuss with the City’s Communication
Engagement Manager.
11.DEPARTMENT UPDATES
11.1.Recreation Division Updates
Henig reviewed the report enclosed in the meeting packet.
11.2.Status of City Parks
Henig provided an update about the ongoing Gilroy Sports Park playground
resurfacing project, which began on June 12.
12.BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ENCOURAGEMENT & EDUCATION
No update.
13.COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
The commissioners provided the following updates:
•Puente –
o Renz and San Ysidro Park – look good. SYP was busy
o Miller Park – Street lamp is out at park.
o Other utility issues
▪St. Mary’s Church – street light lamp is out; alley has potholes.
▪Luchessa (near Automall) – sidewalk is blocked to pedestrian
•Fugazzi
o Carriage Hills
▪Tripping hazard inside pergola
▪Playground foam is torn (needs to be addressed)
o Sunrise
▪Broken sprinklers causing leak near tennis court and southside of
park; leaving puddles
▪Noticed there’s a sidewalk tripping hazard.
o Cydney Casper
▪Tress lifting sidewalk
o Las Animas
▪Trash enclosure should be replaced with new one (it’s not in good
shape and being used for possible illegal activity)
•Saso
o Los Arroyos – walked around; looks good
o Forest – Northeast side of park the light is always on
•Bentson
o Cydney Casper – park looks good; hop scotch is faded; sidewalk tripping
hazard
o Del Rey – Fix cerement that is uneven. surrounding playground area needs
mulch
o Christmas Hill – Evidence of homeless cooking/using fire on new trail at
Glen Loma side (leads to Miller Road). Concerned it could ignite a fire.
There’s a Redwood tree that appears to be dead on Miller Road, standing on
the Ranch Site.
•Ramirez
June 20, 2023 6:00 PM
Page 4 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
o Las Animas – no update
o Sports Park – Looks good.
14.STAFF COMMENTS
Henig reminded the Commission about the Commission’s presentation to Council on
August 7.
15.FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
Fugazzi requested two items be brought up at a future Commission meeting:
1. Requesting the Commission be involved with reviewing the proposed
improvements that were recently awarded by Congress through
Representative Zoe Lofgren's office. Henig explained the grant is tied to a project
that had already been reviewed by not only the Commission, but community groups
and city staff. The original plan was submitting for funding through the Proposition
68 grant program (it was denied). Henig will provide a status update at the next
meeting.
2. Requesting to have the Parks and Recreation Commission involved with the
Downtown Committee’s Pop-up Park project on Seventh and Monterey. The
Commission has not been involved in the planning of the site. Henig explained that
it’s under the Downtown Committee’s jurisdiction (not the Commission’s).
16.ADJOURNMENT
Chair Ramirez adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
____________________AH_________________
Adam Henig, Recreation Division
Recording Secretary
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Review of Commissioner Responsibilities and Role
Meeting Date:July 18, 2023
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and comment on commissioner responsibilities and role.
BACKGROUND
With the addition of two new commissioners, staff will review the Parks and Recreation
Commissioner’s responsibilities and roles. The following topics will be covered:
•Commissioner’s role as an advisor to City Council
•Role of the staff liaison
•Expectations for a commission meeting
Staff will also review the powers and duties of the Parks and Recreation Commission as
stated in the City Charter (Article IX, Section 911).
Attachments:
1. Section 911. Parks and Recreation Commission: Established: Powers and Duties.
1
8
8
4
CITY CHARTER
ARTICLE IX, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Section 911 Parks and Recreation Commission: Established: Powers and Duties.
There shall be a Recreation and Parks Commission consisting of seven (7) members, which shall have
the power and duty to:
(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the Council and the City Administrator in all matters pertaining to
recreation and parks;
(b) Consider the provisions of the annual budget for recreation and park purposes during the process
of the preparation of the budget and make recommendations with respect thereto to the City
Administrator and the Council;
(c) Formulate and recommend to the Council and the City Administrator a recreation and parks
program for the inhabitants of the City which will contribute to the attainment of general
recreational objectives for children and adults of the City, promote and stimulate public interest
therein, and to that end, solicit to the fullest extent possible the cooperation of school authorities
and other public and private agencies interested therein;
(d) Formulate and recommend to the Council and the City Administrator policies for the acquisition,
development and improvement of parks and playgrounds and for the planning, care and removal
of trees and shrubs in all parks, playgrounds and streets;
(e) Recommend to the Council and the City Administrator as to the acceptance or rejection of offers
of donations of money, personal property or real estate to be used for recreation and park
purposes; and
(f) Perform such other duties relating to recreation and park matters as may be prescribed by the
Council not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date:July 18, 2023
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and comment on the 2023 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 is 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.
ANALYSIS
Here are latest happenings of the work plan:
•Coffee in the Park – The committee recommended postponing Coffee in the
Park to Saturday, July 29. However, staff was notified that if four or more
commissioners were planning to attend, it would need to become a special
meeting. The event will be postponed at a later date to be determined.
Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 2 July 18, 2023
•Study Dog Parks – Commission is waiting to find out how much funding will be
allocated for dog park improvements. The Commission has requested that it
would like to be engaged on how the monies will be spent. They are requesting
the Public Works Department provide a list of potential projects that would be
considered, including the Commission’s dog park proposal. The Commission
would like to review the list and provide a recommendation.
•Monitor City Parks – Commissioners requested to submit a brief write-up about
a different city park each month to be featured in the city’s weekly e-newsletter.
Henig will discuss with the City’s Communication Engagement Manager and
report back.
Attachments:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission 2023 Work Plan as of 7.7.23
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
Awaiting an update from Parks
Division
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Participate in parks and recreation
training opportunities Pat/Adam/Terry
Inform commissioners about upcoming opportunities;
participate in trainings N/A
Commissioners may be
attending Silicon Valley
Bicycle Summit in August in
Mountain View
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
Postponed; Due to nature of
event, required to become a
special meeting
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 in May. Also, participation in
park clean-ups and senior center
programs
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 July 7, 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.
•Summer Camps: We have had several summer camp offerings thus far. They
have included cooking camp, basketball camp, science camp, lego camp, chess
camp, and a traditional, CDBG-funded day camp.
•Recent Special Events:
o Senior Center Luau on June 16 –
100 seniors in attendance plus craft
class and hula dancers
o Family Fun Night at San Ysidro
Park – More than 500 people in
attendance with resource booths
and fun activities
o Senior Center July 4 Celebration
(6/30) - 100 seniors in attendance
plus craft class and hula dancers
o July 4 fireworks display –
Thousands of residents watched a professional firework display light up
the sky on the fourth of July. Fireworks were launched at Gilroy High
School.
•Aquatics Center
o Swim Lessons – Ranging in age from 6 months to adults, 443 people
(88% are residents) have registered for group swimming lessons at CHS
Aquatics Center. Lessons continue through August.
o Recreation Swim – despite the colder summer, 3,500 swimmers have
participated in recreation swim.
2
7
9
•Upcoming Special Events
o Hula Dance – For the adaptive population on Friday, July 14 at the Gilroy
Senior Center.
o Party in the Park – July 22, 2023 at San Ysidro Park.
o National Night Out – Tuesday, August 1 at the Civic Center Paseo
o Unveiling of Ted Carpenetti Room – Celebration will be held on Friday,
September 15.
•By the numbers:
o Last month, it was reported there were 942 participants enrolled in
summer programs (i.e., contract classes, summer camps, city-run
programs, volunteers). As of July 7, 1,102 participants are enrolled in a
summer program. In 2022, we had a total of 1,134 enrolled
participants. Although enrollment is slowing down, we anticipate
exceeding last year’s summer numbers.