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Gilroy names three‑member ad hoc committee to advance ice‑center talks with Sharks organization
Summary
On Aug. 18 the Gilroy City Council voted 4-3 to form an ad hoc committee to work with the Sharks organization on the proposed ICE Centre and to provide updates and recommendations to council. Members appointed: council members Klein, Fugazi and Hilton; Mayor Bozzo declined a seat.
The Gilroy City Council on Aug. 18 approved creation of an ad hoc committee to continue discussions with the Sharks organization on the proposed ICE Centre and to report recommendations back to council. The motion passed 4-3; council members Klein, Fugazi and Hilton were appointed to the committee.
Councilmember Klein briefly reviewed the history of earlier partnerships and multi‑organization coordination dating to 2020, noting work by the Chamber, the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation and other local groups. “We have a once in a generation opportunity… we really can’t sink back,” Klein said, urging continued progress.
Several council members said they would serve if chosen; Mayor Greg Bozzo declined to join, saying he had other mayoral commitments but expressed confidence in the members selected. Public commenters urged the council to prioritize the project: Michelle Carlin, president and CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, said the project could have “great economic impact” and asked that the chamber and other local organizations be at the table. A member of the public with foster‑care experience thanked the council for a separate proclamation but also urged momentum on economic projects.
Why it matters: the ICE Centre project is positioned as a major economic development initiative for Gilroy with potential secondary benefits for hotels, restaurants and downtown revitalization. The ad hoc committee’s role is to continue negotiations with the Sharks organization, provide council updates and help coordinate local stakeholders.
Vote and membership: the motion to form the ad hoc and appoint council members Fugazi, Klein and Hilton passed 4-3. The roll call was: Klein (yes), Fugazi (yes), Hilton (yes), Bozzo (yes), Bracco (no), Marks (no), Ramirez (no). The mayor explained that although he was asked to serve he would decline due to competing responsibilities.
Next steps: the newly formed committee will begin meetings with staff and Sharks representatives; staff said it would place updates on future agendas as appropriate. Council did not specify term limits or an end date for the ad hoc, and staff indicated they would return with administrative details as needed.
Ending: Council created the ad hoc committee to advance negotiations and stakeholder engagement for the ICE Centre project; public commenters urged timely action and broad stakeholder involvement.
