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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/04/2026 City Council Regular Meeting May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 12 City Council Minutes City of Gilroy City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, May 4, 2026 | 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 Mayor Bozzo led the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Invocation Pastor Trevor Van Laar led the Invocation. 6. Orders of the Day Mayor Bozzo moved items 9.1, 9.2 and 8.2 ahead in the agenda after item 6.1. 7. Employee Introductions None. 2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - Proclamations and Awards 1. Affordable Housing Month Proclamation Mayor Bozzo presented the Affordable Housing Month Proclamation to Gilroy's Community Development Director Sharon Goei. 2. Building Safety Month Proclamation Mayor Bozzo presented the Building Safety Month Proclamation to Gilroy's Community Development Director Sharon Goei. May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 2 of 12 City Council Minutes 3. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL 1. Gilroy Gardens Annual Presentation Hoa Le, the President and General Manager of Gilroy Gardens, provided a presentation. 2. Youth Commission Annual Presentation Members of the Youth Commission 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 6:32 P.M. Ron Kirkish - Read a letter regarding Gilroy Gardens. Ann Marie McCauley - Expressed her gratitude that council would be discussing the possible solutions for the unhoused community in Gilroy. Elizabeth R. Stone - Urged Council to move with compassion while discussing items covering the unhoused. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. 4. 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 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 May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 3 of 12 City Council Minutes 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 - No report. Council Member Marques - No report. Council Member Hilton - Reported that the VTA Policy Advisory Committee kicked off their Transit Oriented Community Grant Workshops. He also wished everyone a happy Affordable Housing Month as well as a happy Bike Month. Council Member Ramirez - Reported on attending the League of California Cities Leaders Summit in Sacramento. She also reported that she attended a Rebuilding Together event. Lastly, she congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for another successful Spice of Life Awards Gala. Council Member Cline - Congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for another successful Spice of Life Awards Gala and reported on his time in a small group communications class at Gavilan College, as he was invited out to field questions from students within the class. Mayor Bozzo - No report. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 6:46 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Approve the consent calendar. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez 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 May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 4 of 12 City Council Minutes NAYS: None ABSENT: None 1. Approve the April 20, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of Gilroy Gardens Proposed Capital Improvement Plan to Develop the Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center 3. Consent to the Appointment of Brandon Sanchez as Police Chief 6. BIDS AND PROPOSALS 1. Award Three, Three-Year On-Call Contracts for Encampment Cleanup Program Services with Two, One-Year Extension Options with an Amount Not-To- Exceed $750,000 each to San Jose Conservation Corps, Landscape Maintenance America dba California Highway Adoption Company, and FS Global Solutions Management Analyst Bryan Rodriguez provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:03 P.M. Ann Marie McCauley - Asked that Council continue to be honest with the community when it comes to the impact that precedes and follows abating homeless encampments. Jan Bernstein Chargin - Spoke opposing the City funding the abatement of homeless encampments. Vanessa Ashford - Asked questions pertaining to the contractors that are in consideration. Wes White - Advocated for the homeless and spoke against funding abatement. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Authorize the City to enter into Agreements in an amount not to exceed $750,000 each with San Jose Conservation Corps, Landscape Maintenance America dba California Highway Adoption Company, and FS Global for a Three-Year On-Call Encampment Cleanup Program Services with two one-year extension options and to authorize the City Administrator to execute the agreements and adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026–2027 adopted budgets appropriating $50,000 from the General Fund (100) in FY 2026, and $100,000 in FY 2027 for this work. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Terence Fugazzi SECONDER: Council Member Tom Cline May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 5 of 12 City Council Minutes AYES: Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: Council Member Dion Bracco ABSENT: None 9. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 1. Gilroy Homelessness Efforts Community Development Director Sharon Goei and Gilroy Police Captain Brian Dutton provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:01 P.M. Ann Marie McCauley - Provided insight on detox programs that she believes the City should consider adopting. Jan Bernstein Chargin - Provided reasoning to show homelessness is trending downward. Elizabeth R. Stone - Shared that she believes it is too hard for the unhoused to find the resources they need. Robert Aguirre - Spoke on problems facing the unhoused community. Wes White - Voiced his opinion that the systems in place to aid the homeless are not working. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Report received. 2. Receive Report and Presentation and Provide Input on Draft Santa Clara County Community Plan to End Homelessness and Gilroy Data, Progress, and Partnerships Santa Clara County Housing Authority's Housing Director, Rebecca Garcia, along with Santa Clara County's Director of Supportive Housing, KJ Kaminski, provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 8:52 P.M. Robert Aguirre - Expressed his concerns about issues surrounding the unhoused community. Elizabeth R. Stone - Spoke on the community discussion that she attended that was organized by CARAS, a local non-profit. May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 6 of 12 City Council Minutes Ron Kirkish - Expressed concerns about the proposed location being in close proximity to downtown Gilroy. Ann Marie McCauley - Shared how she believes that although drug and alcohol addiction is a part of the problem surrounding the unhoused community, it is its own separate issue that has always persisted and needs to be handled. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Report received. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2. Homeless Encampment at Sixth Street and Camino Arroyo Drive City Administrator Matt Morley provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 9:10 P.M. Ann Marie McCauley - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Jan Bernstein Chargin - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope and requested that the Ad Hoc Committee take the lead on this topic. Vanessa Ashford - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope and requested that the Ad Hoc Committee take the lead on this topic. Max Deleon - Spoke on his time spent at Camp Hope and spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Aubrey Tasby - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Robert Aguirre - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Debra Haflin - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Chris Vanni - Spoke in favor of the Camp Hope abatement. Rebecca Armendariz - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Wes White - Urged all to do better with treating everyone as equals and that there be equality and justice for all. Sally Armendariz - Spoke opposing the abatement of Camp Hope. Tristia Bauman - Provided facts supporting the success of Camp Hope. May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 7 of 12 City Council Minutes With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Allow Camp Hope to continue to operate how it is currently functioning on a month- to-month basis, barring any issues that arise with our Police Department and Quality of Life Officers and can be revised at any time the Council chooses. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Dion Bracco SECONDER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton ABSENT: None 9. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 3. Tobacco Retailer Permit Potential Density and Flavored Tobacco Restrictions Deputy Director of Community Development Bryce Atkins provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 10:29 P.M. Aleina Padilla - Shared facts regarding tobacco retailers within Gilroy and asked for fewer tobacco retailers and stronger distance requirements. Jordan Rey Hill- Shared facts regarding tobacco retailers and asked for stronger restrictions on flavored tobacco within the City. Jesse Santos - Spoke on Tobacco retailers and requested stronger protections within the City. Anastacia Ramirez - Asked council to model Gilroy's Tobacco regulations after Cupertino's regulations. Thomas Lopez Lara - Shared his concerns about how accessible Tobacco is to the youth within Gilroy's community. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Council provided direction to staff to not pursue density restrictions, add sensitive areas like youth and community centers, and to allow harsher penalties for retailers who sell illegal product from their businesses. May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 8 of 12 City Council Minutes Council voted to remain in open session after 11:00 P.M. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Conduct a Public Hearing to Approve Community Development Block Grant Citizen Participation Plan and Program Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan including Funding Allocations Community Development Director Sharon Goei provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened the public hearing at 11:02 P.M. Liz Murillo - Shared her most recent experience volunteering with Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley. Kassandra Flores - Spoke on Sourcewise's recent efforts assisting clients within the community. Deanne Everton - Spoke on Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley's recent efforts within the community. Elizabeth R. Stone - Shared comments regarding the unhoused in Gilroy. Angelica Holguin - Spoke on the recent efforts of Silicon Valley Independent Living Center within Gilroy. With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed the public hearing. Motion Approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan and Program Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan including funding allocations, direct the Community Development Director, or designee, to submit the Citizen Participation Plan and Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and further authorize the Community Development Director, or designee, to make any changes to the Citizen Participation Plan and Annual Action Plan as needed to comply with CDBG submission guidelines and adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget within the Community Development Block Grant Fund (245). RESULT: Passed MOVER: Mayor Greg Bozzo SECONDER: Council Member Zach Hilton AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 9 of 12 City Council Minutes Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: None ABSENT: None 2. Adopt a Resolution Approving Tentative Map TM 24-01 and Architectural and Site Review AS 24-07 for the Construction of 42 Townhomes Located at 95 Howson Street (APN 790-36-012) Planner Vanessa Sanchez provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened the public hearing at 11:12 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed the public hearing. Motion Determine this project is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32). RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Zach Hilton SECONDER: Council Member Tom Cline 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 Motion Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Map TM 24-01, subject to the findings and conditions outlined in the draft resolution. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Zach Hilton 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 Motion Adopt a resolution approving Architectural and Site Review Permit AS 24-07, subject to the findings and conditions provided in the draft resolution. RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Carol Marques SECONDER: Council Member Zach Hilton May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 10 of 12 City Council Minutes 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 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gilroy Calling a General Municipal Election and Adopt a Resolution Submitting a Measure Increasing the Rate of the City of Gilroy's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) City Clerk Kim Mancera and Assistant City Administrator Harjot Sangha provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 11:18 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Motion Adopt Resolution A calling a General Municipal Election for Municipal Officers, requesting the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors authorize consolidation with the Statewide General Election to be held on November 3, 2026, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10403, and requesting the services of the Registrar of Voters. 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 Motion Concur with setting the initial Transient Occupancy Tax rate at eleven percent (11%). RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Kelly Ramirez SECONDER: Council Member Carol Marques AYES: Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: Council Member Dion Bracco ABSENT: None May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 11 of 12 City Council Minutes Motion Adopt Resolution B placing a measure on the ballot increasing the rate of the City's Transient Occupancy (Hotel) Tax from nine percent (9%) to a not-to-exceed maximum rate of thirteen percent (13%). RESULT: Passed MOVER: Council Member Tom Cline SECONDER: Council Member Zach Hilton AYES: Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Terence Fugazzi, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo NAYS: Council Member Dion Bracco ABSENT: None 9. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 4. Review and Discussion of Campaign Finance Laws, Contribution Limits and Related Enforcement Assistant City Administrator Harjot Sangha provided a report and presentation. Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 11:27 P.M. With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment. Council provided direction to staff to research what other Cities are doing and bring it back to Council. 10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS No report. 11. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS No report. 12. CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS Pursuant to GC Section 54957.6 and GCC Section 17 A.11 (4) Collective Bargaining Units: AFSCME Local 101 (General & Supervisory Units) Representing Employees Affiliated with AFSCME, Local 101; Local 2805, IAFF Fire Unit Representing Gilroy Firefighters City Negotiators: Matt Morley, City Administrator; LeeAnn McPhillips, Human Resources Director/Risk Manager May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 12 of 12 City Council Minutes Anticipated lssues(s) Under Negotiation: Wages, Hours, Benefits, Working Conditions; Memorandums of Understanding: City of Gilroy and Gilroy Fire Fighters Local 2805, City of Gilroy and AFSCME, Local 101 General & Supervisory Units City Attorney Andy Faber announced the closed session item. City Attorney Andy Faber opened public comment at 11:39 P.M. With no speakers, City Attorney Andy Faber closed public comment. 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 The meeting adjourned to closed session at 11:40 P.M. 13. ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION 14. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 12:40 A.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 May 18, 2026. Kim Mancera City Clerk