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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/2025 City Council Regular Meeting December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 11 City Council Minutes City of Gilroy City Council Minutes Monday, December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM 1. OPENING 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bozzo at 6:00 PM. 2. Roll Call Attendance Attendee Name Present Council Member Dion Bracco Council Member Tom Cline Council Member Terence Fugazzi Council Member Zach Hilton Council Member Carol Marques Council Member Kelly Ramirez Mayor Greg Bozzo 3. City Clerk's Report on Posting the Agenda City Clerk Kim Mancera reported on the Posting of the Agenda. 4. Pledge of Allegiance 5. Invocation Pastor Trevor Van Laar with Gilroy Presbyterian Church led the invocation. 6. Orders of the Day None. 7. Employee Introductions Community Development Director Sharon Goei introduced Code Enforcement Officer Juan Becerra. Human Resources Director/Risk Manager LeeAnn McPhillips introduced Human Resources and Risk Management Technician Alyssa Remily, Equipment Mechanic Diego Amador-Zepeda, and Senior Facilities Maintenance Specialist Luis Silveira. 2. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL 1. Presentation of the 2025 City of Gilroy Highlights Video Communications and Engagement Manager Rachelle Bedell provided a presentation. 2. Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) For South County Presentation December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 2 of 11 City Council Minutes Assistant District Attorney James Gibbons-Shapiro provided a presentation. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA BUT WITHIN THE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 6:23 P.M Keana Gandarilla - commented that she is part of the Santa Clara Family Health Plan Resident Advisory Group and mentioned the opening of the South County Community Resource Center. She thanked the City Council and the City of Gilroy for their vision. Patty Pena - commented that she is happy to be a part of the Resident Advisory Group and thanked the City Council and the City of Gilroy for their support and partnership. She invited the City Council to the ribbon-cutting. Araceli De La Cruz - commented on the South County Community Resource Center and Santa Clara Family Health Plan. Lucy Navarro - commented on the South County Community Resource Center and Santa Clara Family Health Plan. Terry Hernandez - commented that she would like to thank the City Council. She mentioned that the South County Community Resource Center will also offer some youth enrichment programs, which is an important resource for our community in Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. Greg Felios - commented on the Christmas Parade in Gilroy and Morgan Hill being on the same day. He mentioned that he liked the highlight video and asked everyone to thank city workers throughout the year. He reminded everyone that there is one more election for the County Assessor. Ron Kirkish - commented on overdose deaths throughout the Country, specifically California. Amos - commented on an incident and tragedy that happened to his family and a seven-year curse that he believes is on the Gilroy Garlic Festival. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. 3. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS 1. Council Member Bracco – Downtown Committee, Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority, Santa Clara Water Commission, Santa Clara Valley Water Joint Water Resources Committee, SCRWA Council Member Fugazzi – Santa Clara Water Commission (alternate), Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority Board (alternate), SCRWA, Visit December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 3 of 11 City Council Minutes Gilroy California Welcome Center, VTA Mobility Partnership Committee Council Member Marques – ABAG, Downtown Committee, Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority (alternate), Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency Governing Board, Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency Implementation Board, SCRWA (alternate) Council Member Hilton – CalTrain Policy Group, Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 Advisory Board (alternate), Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority JPA Board, South County Youth Task Force Policy Team, VTA Policy Advisory Committee Council Member Ramirez – ABAG (alternate), Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors (alternate), Gilroy Sister Cities, Gilroy Youth Task Force (alternate), SCRWA, Santa Clara Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee Council Member Cline – CalTrain Policy Group (alternate), Gilroy Sister Cities (alternate), Gilroy Youth Task Force, Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 Advisory Board, Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority JPA Board (alternate), Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority Board, Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center (alternate), VTA Mobility Partnership Committee, VTA Policy Advisory Committee (alternate) Mayor Bozzo – Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors, Santa Clara Valley Water Joint Water Resources Committee, South County Youth Task Force Policy Team, VTA Board of Directors (alternate), Santa Clara Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (alternate) Council Member Bracco - No report. Council Member Fugazzi - Reported from Visit Gilroy that they have a successful new website and well-received branding. They have added tourism-related marketing pieces and are in the process of replacing the City kiosk map. They also have a new online calendar. He personally thanked every staff member for their hard work this year. He thanked the City Council members and the Mayor for making his first year enjoyable. He thanked the residents and encouraged them to stay involved and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Council Member Marques - Reported that at the Habitat meeting in November, they discussed the agency's ad hoc proposal for the annual Executive Officer's compensation package and review. She thanked the holiday parade committee for their hard work on the parade. She mentioned the window decorating contest and judged based on how much hard work and time they spent on their windows. She wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Council Member Hilton - Reported from the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Policy Advisory Committee that they recommended adoption of the 2025 Congestion Management Program. At the last South County Task Force (SCYTF) Policy Team December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 4 of 11 City Council Minutes meeting, he provided updates on the joint use agreements between the City of Gilroy and Gilroy Unified School District, with a focus on free, safe spaces for youth to have after school and on the weekends. He wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Council Member Ramirez - Reported that she attended the Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors retreat. Council Member Cline - Thanked the holiday parade committee and the volunteers for making the parade happen. He wished the community and everyone a Merry Christmas. Mayor Bozzo - Thanked the holiday parade committee and staff for the parade work. Gilroy Gardens had a day-long retreat. Thanked Kelly Ramirez for her involvement in the League of California Cities and congratulated her for being appointed to the Housing Community and Economic Development Policy Committee for 2026. He also thanked and acknowledged our Supervisor of District 1, Sylvia Arenas. He has been able to collaborate on many items, including funding grants for South County. In total, Gilroy has received over $750,000 and South County over $1 million. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 6:47 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Approve the consent calendar. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Tom Cline SECONDER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 1. Approve the minutes of the November 17, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting 2. Approve Notice of Acceptance of Completion, and Reduction of the Faithful Performance and Payment Security Bonds for Property Improvement Agreement No. 2020-01, Town Center Multifamily Tract 10472 3. Approve Notice of Acceptance of Completion, and Reduction of the Faithful Performance and Payment Security Bonds for Property Improvement Agreement No. 2020-02, Nebbiolo Malvasia The Glen Tract 10520 4. Acceptance of the Annual Development Impact Fee Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 as Required under Government Code 66000 December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 5 of 11 City Council Minutes 5. Approval of a Contract Amendment to the Tree Maintenance Contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc in the Amount of $69,319 for Hecker Pass Tree Pruning 6. Adopt a FY26 and FY27 Budget Amendment Resolution to the Police Department BSCC Title II Grant Fund for $290,225 and Approve a First Amendment To Agreement for Services of $116,617.50 with Youth Alliance for the South County Restorative Justice Youth Diversion Program from January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026 7. Award a Contract to Youth Alliance for $130,105.14 for South County Youth Task Force (SCYTF) School-Based Youth Services 8. Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with Cal-West Lighting & Signal Maintenance, Inc. for Streetlight and Traffic Signal Maintenance Services, and Adopt a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment for the Signal/ Street Light Maintenance Project (Project No. 800340) 9. Receive Report Regarding Upcoming 2026 Commission Vacancies per Maddy Act 10. Authorization for Council Member Travel to the League of California Cities 2026 Mayors and Council Members Academy 11. Adopt an Ordinance to Amend Board and Commission Terms and Appointment Process 12. Authorize the Surplus of Sixteen Vehicles/Equipment and Authorize the Disposal of the Surplus by Auction 13. Claim of Antonio Garcia (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim) 14. Claim of Stephanie Moretto (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim) 15. Claim of Jeff Scherck (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim) 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Consider Extending the Urgency Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Issuance of Tobacco Retailer Permits for a Period of Ten (10) Months and Fifteen (15) Days within the Downtown Specific Plan Area Mayor Bozzo opened the public hearing at 7:00 P.M. Ann Marie McCauley - commented on the ordinance and thanked the City Council for taking action. Gary Walton - commented on the ordinance and agrees that it should be city-wide. December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 6 of 11 City Council Minutes Ron Kirkish - commented on smoke shops selling drugs and cigarettes. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. City Council directed staff to come back with a City-Wide ordinance on January 5, 2026. Motion Determine the action is exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15262, Section 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3), and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, adopt an extension of the Urgency Interim Ordinance established to prohibit the issuance or approval of an new Tobacco Retailer Permit for an additional ten (10) months and fifteen (15) days within the Gilroy Downtown Specific Plan Area and review, approve and issue the 10-day report as required by Government Code Section 65858(d) for the extension of the temporary moratorium. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Carol Marques SECONDER: Council Member Terence Fugazzi AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 6. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 1. Commemorative Flag Application Review for Calendar Year 2026 Deputy Director for Community Development Bryce Atkins provided a report. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:21 P.M. Jan Guffey - commented on the statistics of how adults identify and her support of the Pride Flag being flown every year. Alicia - commented by asking City Council to raise the Pride Flag in Gilroy. Edwin Salazar - commented as a student of Gilroy High School and the results of a school survey that he sent out regarding raising the Pride Flag. Ann Marie McCauley - commented on the flag-raising policy and her support of raising the Pride Flag. Gisel - commented on her experience as a new resident to California, Gilroy in specific, and the fear of not being accepted. December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 7 of 11 City Council Minutes Terry Hernandez - commented that her non-profit helped to organize the Pride Flag to be raised last year and asked the City Council to raise the flag this year. Augustine Alvarez - commented on the LGBTQ+ youth that have lost their lives and asked the City Council to raise the Pride Flag in Gilroy. Ron Kirkish - commented on his opinion to not fly the Pride Flag on the same flagpole as the American Flag. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Approve the Commemorative Flag Flying Application for the Progressive Pride Flag. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Zach Hilton SECONDER: Council Member Carol Marques AYES: Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline ABSENT: None 2. Consideration of options and recommendations for meeting State-mandated stormwater trash capture requirements. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:16 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Prepare and advertise a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the fabrication and installation of 73 connector pipe screens (a type of certified full trash capture system) to meet the City's December 2026. 30-percent MS4 trash capture mandate and in conjunction with the bid award, return to City Council with a budget amendment to add the Connector Pipe Screen Project into the FY 26 Capital Budget with funding from Stormwater Management Fund (422). RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Dion Bracco SECONDER: Council Member Zach Hilton AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None City Council directed staff that they would like a parallel path. As staff is looking into the Hydro Separators, they would also like to concurrently begin pursing track two. December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 8 of 11 City Council Minutes Council recessed at 8:20 P.M. and reconvened at 8:30 P.M. 3. Mayoral Appointments of Council Members to Serve in Regional Representative Seats and Seats on Local Boards and Committees City Clerk Kim Mancera provided a report . Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:33 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Approve representative seat assignments as determined by Mayor Bozzo per California Government Code Section 40605. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Terence Fugazzi SECONDER: Council Member Carol Marques AYES: None NAYS: None ABSENT: None 4. Appointment of Council Member Zach Hilton to the position of Mayor Pro Tempore for 2026 City Clerk Kim Mancera provided a report. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:35 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Appoint Council Member Zach Hilton to the position of Mayor Pro Tempore for 2026. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Tom Cline SECONDER: Council Member Dion Bracco AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 5. Consent the Appointment of Scot Smithee (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as the Interim Police Chief Following Successful Completion of all Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Hiring Requirements and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Appointment and Employment Agreement Interim City Administrator Brad Kilger provided a report. December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 9 of 11 City Council Minutes Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:38 P.M. Ron Kirkish - commented on his support for Scot Smithee as Interim Police Chief. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Consent the City Administrator's recommendation to appoint Scot Smithee (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as Interim Police Chief effective upon successful completion of all Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Hiring Requirements and adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Gilroy approving the appointment of Scot Smithee (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as Interim Police Chief pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and authorizing the City Administrator to execute the employment agreement to include setting the employment start date following successful completion of all POST hiring requirements. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Dion Bracco SECONDER: Council Member Carol Marques AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 6. Consent the Appointment of Karl Bjarke (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as the Interim Utilities Director Effective December 23, 2025 and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Appointment and Employment Agreement Interim City Administrator Brad Kilger provided a report. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:40 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Consent the City Administrator's recommendation to appoint Karl Bjarke (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as Interim Utilities Director effective December 23, 2025 and adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Gilroy approving the appointment of Karl Bjarke (CalPERS Retired Annuitant) as Interim Utilities Director effective December 23, 2025 pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and authorizing the City Administrator to execute the employment agreement. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez SECONDER: Council Member Tom Cline AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 10 of 11 City Council Minutes Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 7. Consent the Appointment of LeeAnn McPhillips (CalPERS Retired Annuitant as of December 31, 2025) as the Interim Administrative Services & Human Resources Director/Risk Manager Effective December 31, 2025 and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Appointment and Employment Agreement and Waiving the 180-Day Wait Period for Post-Retirement Employment interim City Administrator Brad Kilger provided a report. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:43 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Consent the City Administrator's recommendation to appoint LeeAnn McPhillips (CalPERS Retired Annuitant as of December 31, 2025) as Interim Administrative Services & Human Resources Director/Risk Manager effective December 31, 2025 and adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Gilroy approving the appointment of LeeAnn McPhillips (CalPERS Retired Annuitant as of December 31, 2025) as Interim Administrative Services & Human Resources Director/Risk Manager effective December 31, 2025 and waiving the 180-day wait period for post- retirement employment pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and Section 7522.56 authorizing the City Administrator to execute the employment agreement. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Dion Bracco SECONDER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS Interim City Administrator Brad Kilger mentioned that the Youth Commission has put on two events in the last couple of weeks. One was the Intergenerational Dance, and the other was the Youth Commission helping the seniors with their technology issues. He thanked the Youth Commission, Recreation, the YMCA, and several other groups that helped collaborate on these events. 8. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS December 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM Page 11 of 11 City Council Minutes City Attorney Andy Faber commended the City Clerk on her work on SB 707. 9. CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Andy Faber announced the closed session item. City Attorney Andy Faber opened public comment at 8:46 P.M. With no speakers, City Attorney Andy Faber closed public comment. 1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 and Gilroy City Code Section 17A.8 Property: APN 808-58-004 Negotiators: Brad Kilger, Interim City Administrator, John Doughty, Director Public Works Other Party to Negotiations: John Filice, Glen Loma Negotiations: Price and Term of Payment for Sale and/or Lease 10. ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION City Attorney Andy Faber announced that the only reportable action was a vote to remain in closed session. Motion Remain in closed session. RESULT: Passed MOVER: None SECONDER: None AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 11. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 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 January 5, 2026. Kim Mancera City Clerk