01/16/2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Agenda Packet
January 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
7351 ROSANNA STREET, GILROY, CA 95020
Chair: Luis Ramirez Vice Chair: Patricia Bentson
Commissioners:, Doc Davis, Theresa Graham, Salvatore Bozzo
Staff: Public Works Interim Director Karl Bjarke and Recreation Manager Adam Henig
Mission Statement
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Gilroy is committed to enhancing the quality of life for
its citizens by promoting planning, acquisition, development, and sustainability of parks, trails, cultural,
historical and other recreational areas. The commission embraces wellness and recreation, park safety, and
inclusiveness for all ages and abilities because Parks Make Life Better.
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
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 3 January 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM
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:
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.FLAG SALUTE
4.SECRETARY'S REPORT
5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. November 21, 2023
6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
7.INTRODUCTIONS
7.1. Proclamation for former commissioner Ermelindo Puente
7.2. New Commissioner Salvatore Bozzo
8.PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
9 PRESENTATION
Miller Red Barn Presentation
10.NEW BUSINESS
10.1. Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission
1.Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action: Motion and vote for the selection of commission Chair and
Vice-chair of Parks and Recreation Commission.
10.2. Selection of a Parks and Recreation Commission Retreat Date
1.Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2.Public Comment
3.Possible Action: Motion to approve a retreat date to discuss the FY24 and
FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 3 January 16, 2024 | 6:00 PM
11. OLD BUSINESS
11.1. Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan. Discuss and
Adopt FY24 and FY25 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. Discuss and, if time permits, adopt
the new work plan that will cover fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
12. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
12.1. Recreation Division Updates
12.2. Status of City Parks
13. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
14. STAFF COMMENTS
15. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
16. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 5
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by the chair at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Ermelindo Puente, Commissioner
Luis Ramirez, Chair
Theresa Graham, Commissioner
Vince Sasso, Commissioner
Pat Bentson, Vice Chair
Doc Davis, Commissioner
Absent None
Staff Present: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager; Bryce Atkins, Assistant to Senior
Administrator; Karl Bjarke, Interim Public Works Director; John Souza, Parks Supervisor
3. FLAG SALUTE – Chair Ramirez led the flag salute.
4. SECRETARY'S REPORT
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1. October 17, 2023
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Theresa Graham, Commissioner
SECONDER Dale Davis, Voting Member
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner
Saso, Commissioner Davis
ABSENT: Commissioner Puente
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Graham. Davis seconded.
Motion passed 5-0-1.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Dale Davis, Voting Member
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner
Saso, Commissioner Davis
November 21, 2023 6:00 PM
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Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Ramirez. Davis seconded. Motion passed 5-0-
1.
ABSENT: Commissioner Puente
7. INTRODUCTIONS
None.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1. Pickleball Court Option Analysis and Recommendation Project
Introduction and Scoping
Staff Atkins was following up from a previous discussion about pickleball that
occurred at the September 17 meeting. Atkins wanted the Commission to
explore the topic deeper. The purpose of this meeting’s discussion was to serve
as an introduction for a future analysis of potential locations for outdoor
pickleball. Atkins is expecting this to occur over multiple meetings with a kickoff
occurring in early 2024. Site visits can be expected. Upon being provided the
pros/cons for each potential site, he is asking for the Commission to rank their
preferential locations and make a recommendation to City Council.
Ramirez asked if there will be funding available once a decision has been made
by Council. Atkins said not at the present time, but the analysis will allow the City
to apply for grants since a location will already be identified. Graham inquired
about getting an outside expert’s opinion. Atkins said he would look into it.
Bentson asked if a committee would be formed. Atkins suggested that if there
were a committee, it could be made up of commissioners whose park
assignments coincide with the potential locations.
9.2. Approval of the 2024 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule
Henig discussed the proposed schedule for 2024 Parks & Recreation
Commission. Ramirez preferred to hold the retreat in January and on a date
separate from the regular meeting. The commission also wants to continue the
tradition of going dark for one meeting during the summer and in December.
Ramirez motioned that the following 2024 will be the Commission’s meeting
dates, as listed in the staff report: January 16, February 20, March 19, April 16,
May 21, June 18, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19. The
Commission will not meet on July 16 and December 17. Also, the Commission
would like to discuss a retreat date at their January 2024 meeting. Motion
passed 5-0-1.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
November 21, 2023 6:00 PM
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Regular Meeting Minutes
SECONDER Pat Bentson, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez,
Commissioner Saso, Commissioner Davis
ABSENT: Commissioner Puente
9.3. Measure B Education and Encouragement - Bicycle and Pedestrian GIS
RFP Scope of Work Review
Atkins informed the Commission about the staff’s recommended use of Santa
Clara County’s Measure B 2016 funds for bicycle and pedestrian education and
encouragement activities. Staff is recommending using the bulk of the fund to
contract a GIS consultant to map the City’s bicycle and pedestrian pathways,
which would create a digital database for residents and visitors to utilize. The
information would also be linked with Apple, Google, and other GPS navigation
systems, enhancing the use of city park and bicycle pathways. Since the funds
are restrictive, staff did verify that it could be used for this project.
Ramirez asked about the cost of a consultant. Atkins believes it would be about
the amount that is available in the fund, which is approximately $246,000. Atkins
would not spend all the funds since a small portion of it is still used for other
events and activities. There is a deadline, so the funds need to be utilized soon.
Ramirez made a motion to support staff’s recommendation to move forward with
contracting a consultant for this project using Measure B funds. Bentson
seconded. Motion passed 5-0-1.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Pat Bentson, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez,
Commissioner Saso, Commissioner Davis
ABSENT: Commissioner Puente
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.1. Donation and Fundraising Policy
The proposed donation and fundraising policy was originally introduced at the
October 17 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Since then, staff has
received input from the city attorney’s office and the finance department. Their
changes were relatively small, according to Atkins.
There was a question about the current naming policy. Atkins explained that the
current policy would supersede this new proposed donation policy if they were to
come into conflict.
Ramirez made a motion to recommend the donation and fundraising policy to
City Council. Bentson seconded. Motion passed 5-0-1.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Luis Ramirez, Chair
SECONDER Pat Bentson, Commissioner
November 21, 2023 6:00 PM
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AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez,
Commissioner Saso, Commissioner Davis
ABSENT: Commissioner Puente
10.2. Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Commission Staff Liaison Henig reviewed updates to the Commission Work
Plan:
• Arbor Day – The trees will be donated by Google with the assistance of
Greg Bozzo’s landscape company. Those trees will be used for the
December 6 Arbor Day event. Prep work will begin next week.
• Citywide Events – Staff is seeking commissioner support at Breakfast
with Santa at the Senior Center on Saturday, December 9.
Commissioners will assist in the kitchen and are expected to arrive at 7:00
am.
• Dog Park Committee – The committee presented a draft of the one-page
memo that will ultimately be submitted to the Public Works Director. The
following changes were made to the memo:
o Las Animas was misspelled.
o Replace “improving exterior façade” with “more inviting
appearance”
o Remove small/large dog park fence split.
o Replace “five point” with “multi-point.”
o Combine “Enforcement of dog owner behavior” with “improved
signage”
11. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
11.1. Recreation Division Updates - Henig presented his report about the Recreation
Division as explained in the meeting packet.
11.2. Status of City Parks – John Sousa provided the following update:
• Christmas Hill Park - Seeding Ranch Site; Mulberry picnic area’s
restrooms were vandalized and are temporarily closed. Garbage cans at
the park were vandalized too.
• Hecker Dog Park – Half of the turf at the Dog park is getting seeded.
• San Ysidro Park – field will be seeded
• Sports Park – Field will be seeded
• Identifying needed repairs in preparation for the storm. During the most
recent storm, trees fell.
Public Works Interim Director Karl Bjarke reported that there are two
contracts that will be taken to Council in December: a) Bathroom replacement
at Christmas Hill b) Upgrade lighting at San Ysidro Park
12. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
• Saso – Forest & Los Arroyos parks look good.
November 21, 2023 6:00 PM
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• Bentson – Graffiti was removed at Casper. At Del Rey, there’s a sidewalk lift near
the school. Also, power washing is needed for the table with checkers board.
• Ramirez – At Las Animas, the grass looks good. Noticed that graffiti is on the trash
can in the parking lot at Mantelli (westside). Water fountain on baseball field is
leaking. Christmas Hill Park looks good despite the vandalism.
• Graham – At Sports Park, noticed the sidewalk is clean from sap; in the middle of
A4 field there are some bare spots. There is an RV parked at the Sports Park. At
Rainbow, lots of people are there in the afternoon. Park staff is very polite.
• Davis – Christmas Hill Park is thriving. Lots of people there and enjoying
themselves.
13. STAFF COMMENTS – none
14. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
Ramirez is requesting additional funding sources to support Parks and Recreation.
15. ADJOURNMENT – meeting adjourned at 7:23pm.
___________________AH__________________
Adam Henig, Recording Secretary
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair of Parks and Recreation
Commission
Meeting Date:January 16, 2024
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Motion and vote for the selection of commission Chair and Vice-chair of Parks and
Recreation Commission.
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of the calendar year, the Parks and Recreation Commission will motion
to select a chair and vice-chair to serve for a one-year term. The chair’s main function is
to preside over the commission meeting and approve the agenda prior to posting. If the
chair is not present at the meeting, the vice-chair will be the presiding officer. The new
chair will take over duties following this meeting.
In 2023, the chair was Luis Ramierz and Vice Chair was Pat Bentson.
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Selection of a Parks and Recreation Commission Special
Meeting Retreat Date
Meeting Date:January 16, 2024
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to approve a retreat date to discuss the FY24 and FY25 Parks and
Recreation Commission Work Plan.
BACKGROUND
In years past, the Commission has hosted a retreat to discuss the upcoming year’s work
plan. The retreat has taken place either at a meeting, following a regular meeting or has
occurred on a non-meeting day such as on a Saturday morning. When the latter occurred,
the Commission would host a breakfast potluck. The Commission will brainstorm ideas
and narrow down the list to a doable work plan. Some of the items will be recurring such
as park assignments and hosting Arbor Day.
ANALYSIS
If the Commission is able to develop and adopt a new work plan during this regular
meeting, then hosting a retreat would no longer be necessary.
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work
Plan. Discuss and Adopt FY24 and FY25 Work Plan
Meeting Date:January 16, 2024
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and comment on the 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Discuss and, if time permits, adopt the new work plan that will cover fiscal years 2024
and 2025.
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.
In addition, for this meeting, the Commission can discuss its new work plan, which will
cover (the remainder of) fiscal year 2024 and 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).
Review of 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan and Preview FY24 and FY25 Work Plan
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 2 January 16, 2024
ANALYSIS
Here are latest updates to the work plan:
•Arbor Day – Arbor Day was celebrated on Wednesday, December 6 at Hecker
Pass Dog Park. Approximately 25 people were in attendance.
•Participate in Citywide Events – Five commissioners participated at Breakfast
with Santa at the Gilroy Senior Center on Saturday, December 9.
•Study Dog Parks – The commission finalized a one-page memo identifying
suggested improvement to the two existing dog parks (Hecker Pass and Las
Animas) as well as recommendations for a future dog park. The memo was
submitted to the current interim Public Works Director and will be forwarded to
the permanent director when they begin.
If the Commission has time to develop a new work plan for fiscal years 2024 and 2025
and is able to come to a consensus, they can adopt it.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This agenda report was included in the publicly posted agenda for this meeting.
Attachments:
1. PRC 2023 Work Plan as of 1.3.24
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 & Staff Identify park to host and celebrate Arbor Day event.
Improve City
infrastructure;
Neighborhood Equity
COMPLETED: Hecker Pass
Park on December 6.
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Participate in parks and recreation
training opportunities Pat/Terry
Inform commissioners about upcoming opportunities;
participate in trainings N/A
COMPLETED: Chair and Staff
attended 2023 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
COMPLETED: 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
COMPLETED: Commissioners
supported the Breakfast with
Santa event on December 9
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 Staff
PRC will participate hosting an energizer station at
Bike to Wherever Day on May 18 at Christmas Hill
Park Levee N/A
COMPLETED: City of Gilroy
Recreation hosted energizer
station at Bike to Wherever Day
2023; Chair & Staff attended
SVBC 2023 Summit
Study Dog Parks
Commission will review the City’s two
current dog parks and consider options
for a future one.Doc, Terry, 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
COMPLETED: Commissioners
submit a one-page memo
highlights current and future dog
park needs.
Update "Gift and Sponsorship
Policy"
Commission will review and make
recommended changes to the current
Gift and Sponsorship Policy.Staff
Update current policy and, once finalized,
recommend it to City Council Develop financially No update
Items Discussed but not adopted Revised January 3, 2024
· 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
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9
City of Gilroy Recreation Division
7171 Hanna Street | (408) 846-0460
Rec@cityofgilroy.org | www.cityofgilroy.org/recreation
The following updates since the previous commissioner meeting are from the
Recreation Division.
•Arbor Day – Community members attended the annual Arbor Day event held at
Hecker Pass Park’s Dog Park. Hosting
Arbor Day is part of the requirements for
the City to maintain its Tree City USA
designation.
•Holiday Posada (December 8) – Over 700
people and 25 social service agencies
attended the annual at Holiday Posada at
San Ysidro Park. Hundreds of gifts were given away to youth participants.
•Breakfast with Santa (December 9) – thanks to the support of the Parks &
Recreation Commission, we were able to
feed, greet, and entertain 200 attendees.
•Adaptive Holiday Dance (December
15) – Nearly 70 participants with special
needs attended the annual holiday dance
at the Senior Center. Participants danced
the night away and had a merry time!
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9
•Digital Assistance (week of January 2) –
The Gilroy Youth Commission provided
digital assistance at the Senior Center during
the first week in January. More than 20
seniors were served.
•Tax Time – AARP will be providing no cost
tax services to eligible seniors at the Senior
Center starting in February.
•Soccer League – the spring soccer league for youth will begin in March. Games
will be hosted at Christmas Hill Park.