June 14, 2019

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Happy Friday Gilroy!

The biennial budget has been passed and is positioned to drive the City forward with Council prioritizing customer service, economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements in a fiscally responsible manner. Much care and examination was taken to ensure that the Council’s priorities could be met on the foundation of fiscal prudence. Council examined the cost to both provide the current service levels and restore service levels that had not been recovered since the recession of 2008. Here’s a brief summary of new services you can expect with the Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021 Budgets:

Overall, the city is in a better position than it was two years ago with the new budget providing for further progress and improvements to service delivery to the community. A More Detailed Look at the Budget

City Council Happenings

June 17, 2019 City Council Agenda Highlights: The South County Regional Wastewater Authority will receive a proclamation recognizing their receipt of 1st Place Plant of the Year and Plant Operator of the Year by the California Water Environment Association. The Gilroy Downtown Business Association will present their annual report. Contracts for improvements to Monterey Road will be considered. The proposed scope and schedule for the completion of the General Plan Update, Zoning Code Update, and Infrastructure Master Plan Updates, will be presented for consideration. The Public Health Goal Report for the Gilroy drinking water system will be presented. An amendment to the Economic Development Incentive Policy with the addition of a downtown commercial corridor development incentive will be considered. A proposed Downtown Facade Improvement Pilot Program will be considered. Council will consider authorizing the Gilroy Historical Society to apply for grants through the Historic Grant Program of Santa Clara County. The appointment of an Interim Community Development Director will be considered. Council will consider entering into a non-disclosure agreement with SAIC Innovation Center, LLC to explore a possible pilot program in the City of Gilroy. A report on the proposed use of small unmanned aerial systems will be presented. Meeting Agenda and Packet

The next regular Council meeting will take place on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers located at 7351 Rosanna Street. Upcoming Boards, Committee and Co mmission Meeting s: Parks and Recreation Commission 6/18 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers Historic Heritage Committee 6/19 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers Planning Commission Special Meeting 6/20 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers

First Street Work

Crews continue to make progress as they complete water line improvements along First Street. Over the past several weeks, crews have worked at night to complete water line tie-ins while minimizing impacts to the public. Next, crews will begin work on large meter connections the week of June 17. We appreciate your patience and understanding during construction.  MONTEREY STREET FULL ROAD CLOSURE: Beginning June 17, Monterey Street, between First Street and Leavesley Road, will be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Please use alternative routes.  Next week construction of the FIRST STREET waterline is anticipated to be night work in the areas of: Howson/Monterey Streets First Street (northbound and southbound) from Santa Teresa Blvd.  Monday-Friday 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM Lane restrictions and detours will be in place. Expect delays and use alternate routes where possible. If you have any questions about the project, please call our project helpline at 408-220-6025. Additional Information

Gilroy Leadership Successfully Advocates for Caltrain Schedule Adjustments

Thanks to the involvement of Gilroy City leadership, Caltrain is updating its south county train schedule to better reflect the needs of the Gilroy community. The new schedule will include three weekday evening trains arriving in Gilroy at 5:37 PM, 6:38 PM, and 7:18 PM. These new evening times reflect extensive input received from South County Caltrain riders and may increase use of the Bay Area commuter train. Morning trains from Gilroy will remain unchanged. The Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill have been advocating for increased Caltrain service for South County commuters for several months. On March 19, 2019, the City of Gilroy sent a letter, signed by Mayor Velasco, to Caltrain requesting additional train service. A letter from the City of Morgan Hill was also sent. Continue Reading

Fireworks Safety and New Illegal Fireworks Drop Off Stations

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about firework safety and fire prevention. State-approved "Safe and Sane" fireworks may be purchased and used only in Gilroy and only between July 1, 2019 - July 4, 2019. Fireworks are prohibited in areas vulnerable to fires including Eagle Ridge, Country Estates, and Carriage Hills. A full list of prohibited areas can be found online. Residents can drop off illegal fireworks at all three Gilroy Fire Station locations with no questions asked and no penalty: Chestnut Fire Station: 7070 Chestnut St. Las Animas Fire Station: 8383 Wren Ave. Sunrise Fire Station: 880 Sunrise Dr.  To report illegal fireworks call: 408-846-0350.

Wildfire Preparedness Community Meeting - June 25, 2019

The Gilroy Fire Department will be holding a community meeting to discuss current wildfire threats, conditions, PG&E Public Safety Power Shut Offs, and things you can do to give your household a better chance of surviving a wildfire.

Party in the Park

Join us for Party in the Park on June 21, 2019. Free to attend and will include: Petting Zoo Pony Rides Live Music & DJ Arts & Crafts Raffles and More! Friday, June 21, 2019 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM San Ysidro Park 7700 Murray Avenue

Recreation Welcomes Summer Staff!

We are excited to welcome our summer staff and have been busy this week with a variety of training to prepare everyone for a great summer! This group of over 80 enthusiastic leaders will oversee and run a wide variety of summer recreation programs including swim lessons, day camps, sports and more!

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