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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/03/2025 City Council Regular Meeting Page 1 of 8 City of Gilroy City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM 1. OPENING 1.1. Call to Order 1.2. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Ramirez. 1.3. Invocation The invocation was led by Pastor MacPhail. 1.4 City Clerk's Report on Posting the Agenda Acting City Clerk Atkins announced that the agenda was posted on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:54 A.M. 1.5. Roll Call Attendance Attendee Name Present Greg Bozzo, Mayor Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Council Member Absent Zach Hilton, Council Member 1.6. Orders of the Day Mayor Bozzo announced that item 10.1 would be heard at a time certain at or after 7:00 P.M. 1.7. Employee Introductions None. 2. CLOSED SESSION 2.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION. Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) and Paragraph (3) of Subdivision (e) of Government Code Section 54956.9 and Gilroy City Code Section 17A.11 (3) (b), based upon receipt of a written communication from Shenkman & Hughes, PC (available for inspection upon request at the office of the City Clerk). One case as defendant. Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 2 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes There being no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. Council entered closed session at 6:05 P.M. Motion: ENTER Closed Session RESULT: Pass AYES: Mayor Bozzo, Council Member Bracco, Council Member Cline, Council Member Fugazzi, Council Member Marques, Council Member Ramirez 18. ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION Council returned to open session at 6:25 P.M. Assistant City Attorney Houston stated that no reportable action was taken. 2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - Proclamations and Awards 2.1. Presentation of Retirement Proclamation to Scott Barron The proclamation was presented to Scott Barron. 3. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL 3.1. PUBLIC COMMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA BUT WITHIN THE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL This part of the meeting allows public address on non-agenda topics within the Council's jurisdiction. To speak, complete a Speaker's Card from the entrances and give it to the City Clerk. Speaking time ranges from 1-3 minutes based on the Mayor's discretion. Extended discussions or actions on non-agenda items are restricted by law. For Council action, the topic may be listed on a future agenda. Email written comments on non-agenda topics to publiccomments@cityofgilroy.org or mail them to City Hall, 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, CA 95020, by 1:00 p.m. on the meeting day. These comments, available at City Hall, will be shared with the Council and included in the meeting record. Late submissions will be shared as soon as possible. A 10-page limit applies to hard-copy materials, but electronic submissions are unlimited. Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. Ann Marie McCauley – Commented on the need to engage with community organizations and communities representing diverse people groups. Jack Daley – Commented on Measure C; recommended that the City look at a larger, combined fourth fire station with a police substation in the same building; and disappointment with the Gourmet Alley project result. March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 3 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Ron Kirkish – Commented thanking the City Administrator about the Union Pacific Railroad cleanup near the RV park and that the City did a good job. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. 4. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS Council Member Bracco – No report. Council Member Fugazzi – No report. Council Member Marques – No report. Council Member Ramirez – No report. Council Member Cline – No report. Mayor Bozzo – No report. 5. COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE (Informational Only) None. 6. FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED AGENDA ITEMS None. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. There being no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. 7.1. Approval of a Notice of Acceptance of Completion for the FY25 Annual CDBG Sidewalk/Curb Ramp Project No. 25-PW-291 and Approval of a Final Contract Amount of $172,003.00 7.2. Claim of Virginia Ferree (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim) Motion: APPROVE RESULT: Pass MOVER: Tom Cline, Council Member SECONDER: Greg Bozzo, Mayor AYES: Mayor Bozzo, Council Member Bracco, Council Member Cline, Council Member Fugazzi, Council Member Marques, Council Member Ramirez Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. There being no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. 8. BIDS AND PROPOSALS None. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10.1. Special Event Ordinance Update March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 4 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes This item was moved up before Item No. 9.1 for the Public Hearing to be at a time certain. Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. Jeff Orth - Commented that the City wants to be a destination location, and suggested components that lead to that type of designation and how the Gilroy Downtown Business Association contributes to this effort with community events; thanked the Council and City Administrator for the support of events via waiving of fees and stated his hope that such support will continue. Jay Sanchez - Commented that he is also with the GDBA; mentioned similar events with the City of Campbell and concerns with public safety and street closures; the need to see vibrancy of downtown to attract businesses; and recommendation to avoid a grant program due to the possibility of favoritism but keep it free. Susan Mester - Commented that she wondered how the numbers of attendees translate into revenue; that the cost of fees to have special events for a nonprofit is a large sum; and encourages the City to continue waiving fees for nonprofits. Sally Armendariz - Commented that she is one of the coordinators for the annual Gilroy Tamal Festival, that it is one of the largest festivals, and that the thousands of visitors brings tens of thousands of dollars to the downtown businesses, including sales tax; that CARAS supports the effort to streamline the permit process and waive fees; that City staff have always been very helpful with the festival; and that there is no fee to attend the event. Maria Aguilar - Commented about boarded up buildings in the downtown and the bad impression it gives to visitors that come to special events. Melanie Reynisson - Commented that she represents the GDBA and that they are in favor of the waiving of fees; that they have done 13 events per year and waiving the fee helps to afford it; and that they are in favor of the zones that are being proposed for streamlining the process and safety. There being no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9.1. Hold the First Public Hearing Regarding the City's Transition from an At- Large to a District-Based Election System for the Purpose of Receiving Public Input on the Potential Contours of the New Districts and Hearing the Demographer's Presentation on the Transition Process and the Drawing of District Maps for the November 2026 and 2028 Elections Mayor Bozzo opened the Public Hearing at 7:53 P.M. Louie Andrade – Commented to urge the Council to adhere to the California Voting Rights Act to create districts that are fair, equitable and representative of the various communities, and that the community of northwest Gilroy, identified March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 5 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes by north of First Street and west of Wren may be considered a community of interest based on schools in the area, and how homes were built in a period of time, manner, and layout distinguished from other development areas; that these are tangible elements for consideration as opposed to race, political or religious aspects. Michelle Pelayo Osorio – Commented that she supports the communities of interest; that she is in the San Ysidro neighborhood; that there is not a lot of representation of her area; that the Council should consider creating an ad hoc committee regarding the mapping; and to have an open and transparent process. Joanne Fierro – Commented that a lot of her questions were answered tonight; that she is nervous but hopeful that the process will be taken on in an optimistic way; is a senior resident; and when traveling to other areas of town can see changes in density and lack of parking. Sally Casas – Commented that she encourages the City to create workshops to get to know constituents and training with the translation so everyone is a part of this decision; that preserving communities of interest is important to economic development; and being transparent and concentrating on voters will enhance representation. Kathy Chavez Napoli – Commented that public hearings should provide more ability to ask questions and be done in a less formal way, so it is more of a workshop and more than three minutes; that it is important to preserve communities of interest so votes are not diluted; discussed how the redistricting in Morgan Hill is destroying some communities of interest; and thanked Council. Joseph Robinson – Commented that he was gratified with the presentation in that it identified the possible ways some may circumnavigate the intent, and how to remedy it; provided some possible ideas for district boundary items; and that the Council should embrace the process with optimism and in a way that dignifies the city. Lorena Tariba – Commented that she urges the Council to have a process that is a deliberate, full and inclusive process for the hearings; that we have to include every voice and encourage voices of those that feel they cannot meaningfully say what they need to say; to spread the locations for the hearings throughout the communities for easy access; applauds the City for interpretation services and would like to see translation of materials; and that the AI interpretation does not work well. Alberto Lustre – Commented that most of his life was on the east side of Gilroy; that it is great that the City is going to districts and that it makes sense along with the other cities; that he encourages the City to make the process fair and with respect; to think about how to count the unhoused; and the need for workshops. Sally Armendariz – Commented about the history of City elections, that most elected candidates since 2000 lived on the west side of town; provided some of March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 6 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes the differences in development between east and west Gilroy; that the east side does not have real representation, and the communities of interest on the east side and differences with the west side are important to be recognized. Ron Kirkish – Commented that he is concerned that Sacramento created the act along racial lines and the assumption that every city is racist and have to prove that it is not doesn’t seem right; that he has spoken to lots of residents and everyone prefers six districts and an at-large mayor. Maria Aguilar – Commented that she hopes the next meetings are an open forum around 2 P.M. on a Saturday with open time for discussion; that weekday evenings are hard for many families to attend; asked if there would be an opportunity for questions and response on the website. Daniella Gonzalez-Arellano – Commented that she thanks Council for pursuing better representation and that she has seen the division as a resident; that there has been favoritism for one side or another of town; that a lot of great points have been raised; and that she likes the idea of workshops being held at schools and parks. Yvonne Martinez Beltran – Commented that she is excited for Gilroy, that she is a current Morgan Hill council member, and that districting is a challenge; that there is much at stake; that it will diversify the Council and better represent the community; that it will open up opportunities for more to serve; and that it makes it more important to have more engagement of the communities and the considerations needed when considering the community. There being no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed the Public Hearing at 8:15 P.M. A break was called at 8:19 P.M. and the Council reconvened at 8:33 P.M. 11. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 11.1. Create a Pilot Below Market Rate (BMR) Preservation Program and Adopt a Resolution Amending FY 2024-25 Budget to Appropriate Program Budget Adjustments Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. Ron Kirkish - Commented that the City is not using real estate agents nor lending institutions and operating in-house, which is concerning that it is using taxpayer’s money and if this is a wise use. Ann Marie McCauley – Commented that she knows homeless senior citizens and knows that this would matter to one person she knows, and that it is worth trying if it helps one time to save someone from homelessness. There being no additional speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. Motion: APPROVE creation of a pilot Below Market Rate Preservation March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 7 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Program, become a partner agency in the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing’s BMR Partnership Program, and authorize staff to execute the necessary steps to preserve the affordability of BMR homes as outlined in the report, including entering into loan agreements with and repaying Santa Clara County and executing necessary documents as appropriate. RESULT: Pass MOVER: Kelly Ramirez, Council Member SECONDER: Dion Bracco, Council Member AYES: Mayor Bozzo, Council Member Bracco, Council Member Cline, Council Member Marques, Council Member Ramirez NAYS: Council Member Fugazzi Motion: ADOPT Resolution No. 2025-10, A Resolution Amending the FY2024-25 Budget to Appropriate Pilot BMR Preservation Program Budget Adjustments. RESULT: Pass MOVER: Dion Bracco, Council Member SECONDER: Tom Cline, Council Member AYES: Mayor Bozzo, Council Member Bracco, Council Member Cline, Council Member Marques, Council Member Ramirez NAYS: Council Member Fugazzi 11.2. Presentation on Elected Officials' Roles in Emergency Management Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. There being no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. 12. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS 12.1. Santa Teresa Fire Station Update 12.2. Demonstration and Update Regarding the Service Request Software SeeClickFix 12.3. Demonstration and Update on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Encouragement GIS Map 13. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS 14. CLOSED SESSION 14.1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to GC Sec. 54956.8 and GC Sec.17A.8(a)(2) 13.1.1. Property: 140 5th Street (APN 799- 070- 23) Negotiators: Jimmy Forbis, City Administrator and Victoria Valencia, Economic Development Manager Other Party to Negotiations: Advantage Peak, LLC March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 8 of 8 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Under Negotiations: Price and Terms of Lease 14.2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 and Gilroy City Code Section 17A.8(a)(4) Name/Title: Jimmy Forbis, City Administrator Mayor Bozzo opened Public Comment. There being no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed Public Comment. Council entered closed session at 9:37 P.M. Motion: REMAIN in Closed Session RESULT: Pass AYES: Mayor Bozzo, Council Member Bracco, Council Member Cline, Council Member Fugazzi, Council Member Marques, Council Member Ramirez 15. ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION Report of any action taken in Closed Session and vote or abstention of each Council Member if required by Government Code Section 54957.1 and GCC Section 17A.13(b); Public Report of the vote to continue in closed session if required under GCC Section 17A.11(5). The City Council came out of Closed Session at 10:05 P.M. Assistant City Attorney Houston stated that there was no reportable action. 16. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:06 P.M. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gilroy on March 17, 2025. /s/Bryce Atkins Acting City Clerk