I. Meeting was called to order by Chair Connie Rogers and brief introductions were made

by the attendees.

II. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

III, Treasurer, Carolyn Tognetti, gave the financial report and stated that she would

be completing the Semi-annual FPPC Form 460 due on January 31, 2018.

IV. OLD BUSINESS

A. High Speed Rail – Janet Espinosa read a letter she received from Francisco

Villalobos of Santa Clara County regarding the County’s preferences for the High

Speed Rail alignment that affects land in the county. They stated that they would

want the alignment to avoid the agricultural land in the rural unincorporated area.

Connie verified that Gilroy Growing Smarter still thought we should send a letter

to the High Speed Rail Authority recommending the Downtown Viaduct

Alignment. The unanimous consensus was that GGS should send the letter and c.c. the

City and County .

B. Great Wolf Lodge – no new activity but we are not absolutely sure they will not be back.

C. Newsletter – a GGS was sent to our 300 + members in November and was posted

on NextDoor as well.

D. Hecker Pass Agri-tourism Commercial project – this project was pulled from the

Planning Commission agenda and has not been re-scheduled. But it is sure to be

coming in the near future. GGS will be following it closely.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. New Secretary - Due to family obligations, Sandie Silva, has resigned as Secretary and the

Executive Committee, she will still be able to post our newsletter and e-mails. Dana Wolfe

volunteered to take Sandie’s position as Secretary and to serve on the Executive Board.

B. Downtown Gilroy – Carl Yordan reported that he met with Michelle Campbell and Melanie

Corona of the Downtown Association. He said that they have many challenges but he

would want to focus on economic vitality and promotions. Carl discussed the need for

increased safety and the need to hide the empty store fronts with better façade screens.

He stated that the Organization Committee is a top-level committee with the most help and

others like the Promotion Committee need more people to get involved.

Carol Marques and Linda West have also been meeting with city staff to see what can be

done about the empty buildings, façade improvements, keeping the area clean and the

implementation of Main Street USA. Carol asked the group for approval for them to

state that GGS also wants to see improvements made in the downtown. The unanimous

consensus was that Carol and Linda could state that GGS is in agreement as they

continue to meet with those involved with the downtown.

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. 20/40 General Plan - Carolyn reported that the next meeting on the General Plan is

scheduled for March 22, 2018.

Next GGS meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2018.

GGS NEWS

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