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Council forms ad hoc committee to advance Gilroy Ice Center talks with Sharks organization
Summary
The council created a three-member ad hoc committee to engage with the Sharks organization and community stakeholders on the proposed Gilroy Ice Center; the panel will include Council Members Fugazi, Klein and Hilton after a 4-3 vote.
The Gilroy City Council voted 4-3 on Aug. 18 to form an ad hoc committee to work with the Sharks organization and provide recommendations to the full council on the proposed Gilroy Ice Center project.
Council members said the committee is intended to keep momentum on the project and provide a focused forum for discussions with the Sharks and local partners. "When I ran for city council, one of the platforms I ran on was economic development," Council Member Ramirez said during the discussion, describing prior outreach to Sharks leadership and other stakeholders. Multiple members of the business community also urged council action during public comment.
The committee membership: Council Members Fugazi, Klein and Hilton were appointed. The motion passed 4-3; Council Members Braco, Marks and Ramirez voted no. The mayor declined to serve, and several council members explained they offered to take part because of prior work with the project or relationships with local stakeholders.
Why it matters: supporters and business leaders told the council the Ice Center could be an economic catalyst, producing ancillary development such as hotels, restaurants and event-driven spending. Chamber of Commerce CEO Michelle Carlin told the council the project could spur broader Monterey Road revitalization and suggested the chamber and other local organizations should participate in discussions.
Next steps: staff said the mayor traditionally appoints members with council approval and that staff will work with the ad hoc members to set meetings and agendas. The committee will provide periodic updates and recommendations to the full council.
