HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/24 Downtown Committee Meeting MinutesCity of Gilroy
Downtown Committee Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 | 8:00 AM
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Marques at 8:03 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Fran Beaudet, Committee Member Marie Blankley (Mayor), Committee Member Dion Bracco (Council Member), Committee Member Danny Mitchell, Committee Member
Susan Jacobsen, Committee Member Richard Legends, Committee Member Carol Marques (Council Member), Chair Jeanie Rizzuto, Committee Member Rebeca Armendariz (Council Member), Committee Member
Dave Leal, Committee Member Fred Tovar(Council Member), Chair Frank Johnson, Committee Member Staff Present:
Jimmy Forbis, City Administrator Hipolito Olmos, Acting Community Development Director Victoria Valencia, Economic Development Manager
Absent Toni Bowles, Committee Member Emily McEwan-Upright, Committee Member Savannah Loganbach, Committee Member
3. Public Comment
Chair Marques opened Public Comment.
There being no speakers, Chair Marques closed Public Comment
4. Approval of the Minutes: M. Blankley motioned to approve, C.Marques
seconded. Approved.
Following the approval of the minutes, a discussion was had regarding the addition of
new members. Two names were suggested, with Toni Bowles suggested for removal.
5. Parklet Sub-Committee.
F. Tovar presented on parklet best practices. Key recommendations included the
City creating guidelines and designs, then the businesses paying for
construction, and an annual review of the policy.
Following the presentation, the committee discussed their role in deciding the
guidelines and standards, without the knowledge and expertise of building
standards. Discussion was also had regarding which department would oversee
the permit process, and what City Council’s role would be in the approval
process.
C. Marques requested a new sub-committee be formed to further research
design requirements and fees to present to city staff. A new sub-committee was
formed. R. Armendariz, D. Mitchell, and F. Tovar will bring back a more detailed
plan to the October meeting.
Public Comment:
Tom M iller spoke in favor of parklets, and recalled his experience
working with the city when he installed the parklet in front of his building
(Tempo). He recalls multiple meetings with city staff (Public Works) to
ensure the parklet was safe, comfortable, and structurally sound. He also
recommended variety in parklets as opposed to uniformity.
Terence Fugazzi recommended the city put together a cohesive outdoor
dining program, that would also include parklets. The outdoor dining
program would lay out where the city would allow parklets, and outdoor
tables and chairs.
C. Marques returned the discussion to the committee. H. Olmos read a statement
from City Attorney Andy Faber regarding AB 413, who determined AB 413 does
not apply to crosswalks.
Public Comment:
A resident spoke on businesses that could benefit from the addition of a
parklet, but mentioned the cost could be prohibitive, and businesses need
to think about an investment that may be gone in five years.
A request was made by C. Marques to add an at-large person to the sub-
committee, the motion failed.
6. Next Meeting Date
The Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 10 at 8:00 AM at the Council
Chambers.
7. Adjournment
Chair Marques adjourned the meeting at 9:00 AM