Introduced Legislation 2023-2024 Session
Gilroy City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance Amendment to add Bicycle Parking
(Supported by- GilroyBPAC, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition) I introduced this legislation in January 2020 (https://youtu.be/_8njb0P_RKQ?t=750), and will be asking the Council at our January 25, 2021 meeting to place it on the agenda now, rather than have it rolled into the overall Zoning Ordinance Amendment which is taking place over the course of a year. The City of Gilroy does not require bicycle parking in multi-family residential developments and the California Green Building Code states that it is voluntary unless that jurisdiction requires it by ordinance. Some developers have been willing to place it on site, but there are no standards on placement and objective designs established. That has left us with pockets of multi-family residential developments with no bike parking, and sub-standard parking. Since our Gilroy BPAC discovered this, we have had at least three multi-family residential developments that are not required to place bike parking, and several commercial developments that are required to meet the minimum standards required by the California Green Building Code. Read my blog post here. https://zachhiltonca.blogspot.com/2020/03/gilroys-bike-parking-ordinance.html Request denied at January 25, 2021 meeting by Council. It will be introduced during upcoming Zoning Code Amendment early in 2023. https://youtu.be/p6vrc3ecf9k?t=5015
City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance-Section 41 Performance Standards-Noise
We will continue to develop more residential units that are mixed use and near existing commercial and industrial developments. There are objective standards that we can put in place to make it clear what noises are allowed and what noises are limited in “Commercial and Industrial Noise Impacting Residentially Zoned Properties”. I am proposing two separate changes to the code. I will be introducing a “City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance Performance Standards-Noise Amendment” under future council-initiated agenda items at our August 2, 2021 meeting. Language will be included in the Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance code changes in late 2023.
Gilroy City Code Chapter 19B Smoking Pollution Control (Smoking Prohibited)
(Supported by- Santa Clara County Public Health, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Breath California, Tobacco Free Coalition of Santa Clara County) November 15, 2021-Frequent and recurring exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can cause health problems such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as worsen a chronic illness. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable to exposure of SHS, yet they are the least able to avoid it. The only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places. Smoke travels through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical outlets, ventilation systems, and plumbing. Opening windows and using fans does not remove SHS. Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems cannot eliminate exposure to SHS.
Santa Clara County Public Health Tobacco prevention unit is able to provide support such as development of an outreach/stakeholder plan, reports, ordinance language, and other technical assistance. They have free signage for the older multifamily residential properties. This ordinance, like with our recent smoke free parks ordinance, will follow the path of education and encouragement. I will be introducing a “Gilroy City Code Chapter 19B Smoking Pollution Control, adding in 19B.2 Smoking Prohibited-outdoor dining and multi-family residential” Request denied at November 15, 2021 meeting. We can introduce again. https://youtu.be/Tx2cD7ggPjc?t=2259 Presentation from Santa Clara County Public Health (Tobacco Prevention) May 16, 2022- https://youtu.be/z_oURH6tuJ0?t=627 and Public comment letters- http://bit.ly/3NuS1IN then I reintroduced for a future agenda item and it was approved here- https://youtu.be/FZc0D5XUxeE Item brought forward October 3, 2022 and Council moved forward requesting staff prepare by ordinance no-smoking in Public Events, Multi-Family Housing, and Multi-Family Housing Common Areas. Item brought forward January 23, 2023 for further recommendations https://youtu.be/-Y4Whgt6eig. Coming back February 6, 2023. https://youtu.be/2Uc6w6JBSdU Tobacco prevention legislation banning smoking in Multi-Family Residential (2+ Units) and Public Events was approved February 6, 2023.
City Purchasing Policy to Include Wage Theft
Under Section 7 Special Policies and Programs we already refer to the California Department of Industrial Relations under the prevailing wage section of contracts and they are the agency who oversees wage theft claims. My office did a public records request with that agency and found that between January 2011 and December 2021 there were 957 claims filed where the primary business is out of Gilroy. Section 7 is where we hold the purchasing process to a higher standard and insert our own policies like the 5% local preference for Gilroy based businesses, Minority, Disabled and Woman Owned Business Policy Statement and Environmentally Preferable Products are already in place.
Having a policy statement under Section 7 regarding wage theft would further enhance our commitment to responsible contractors and protection of workers. By requiring an additional completed and signed form required of the project owner, contractor, and subcontractors that certifies compliance with wage theft protection laws and that there are no unpaid wage theft judgments. Introduced on March 6 and approved on April 3.
Transit first priority policies are used by cities to improve the travel speed, reliability and overall appeal of public transit and make public transit operations more cost-effective, deriving more public value per dollar spent on transit service. VTA shared San Jose’s policy with Member Agencies and inquired if other cities are interested in their own policy or potentially a countywide policy. San Jose’s recently adopted Transit First Policy is an example of how cities can structure transit priority policies. https://www.vta.org/cdt/role-local-government-transit-first-policies-home-page/transit-first-policy
Travel speeds for public transit that operate at street level are generally in decline across the United States. Average VTA bus travel speeds have declined by about 20 percent (14.1 to 11.6 miles per hour) over the past three decades. That has resulted in service that is less useful for riders, has worsening on-time reliability and is less cost-effective for VTA to operate. When travel speeds decline, VTA must add additional buses to routes, which raises the operating cost. Three decades of adding buses to slowing routes amounts to a $70 million inefficiency that VTA bears annually. Growth and the resulting travel demand combined with heavy reliance upon automobiles for travel is causing congestion that slows down public transit, decreases ridership and generates less community value per public dollar spent. Reversing these trends can be initiated by cities through street design and traffic signal policy. Introduced March 13, 2023 https://youtu.be/_xpnySpGO7g. Updates on funding January 22, 2024 https://youtu.be/4RRdP1u5STI
March 28, 2023- Budget Recommendations Memo for FY 24 & FY25 I look forward to working with my council colleagues, committee/commission members, staff, and the public with our shared goal of achieving a budget that serves the needs of all Gilroy residents, supports the future and aging city infrastructure, and funds the vibrant city that we are.
City Council Legislative Work Plan Approved June 2023-
I am proud to have authored or supported the following items on our Legislative Work Plan for FY24 & FY25. These items won't require a request for future agenda item at a meeting.
Moving Gilroy Forward 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 annual city vision statement. Full statements for both can be found in the home section.
- Climate Action Benchmarks
- Review the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
- In-Lieu Fees vs Allocations & Nexus Studies associated with them in order to have them applicable. Examples are in-lieu fees for off-street parking in Downtown Gilroy and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
- Downtown Parking Management
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Policy
- Safe Parking Policy
- Transit First Policy
- Plan for a Community Center/Youth Center
Introduced Legislation 2021-2022 Session
Voting Record Archives Before 2024
Gilroy City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance Amendment to add Bicycle Parking
(Supported by- GilroyBPAC, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition) I introduced this legislation in January 2020, and will be asking the Council at our January 25, 2021 meeting to place it on the agenda now, rather than have it rolled into the overall Zoning Ordinance Amendment which is taking place over the course of a year. The City of Gilroy does not require bicycle parking in multi-family residential developments and the California Green Building Code states that it is voluntary unless that jurisdiction requires it by ordinance. Some developers have been willing to place it on site, but there are no standards on placement and objective designs established. That has left us with pockets of multi-family residential developments with no bike parking, and sub-standard parking. Since our Gilroy BPAC discovered this, we have had at least three multi-family residential developments that are not required to place bike parking, and several commercial developments that are required to meet the minimum standards required by the California Green Building Code. Read my blog post here. https://zachhiltonca.blogspot.com/2020/03/gilroys-bike-parking-ordinance.html Request denied at January 25, 2021 meeting by Council. It will be introduced during upcoming Zoning Code Amendment later in 2022. https://youtu.be/p6vrc3ecf9k?t=5015
2020-2025 Community Plan to End Homelessness
(Supported by- Destination Home, SV@Home) On January 13, 2021 our Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee (HNRC) received the presentation of this plan and unanimously approved a motion to recommend City Council endorse the 2020- 2025 Community Plan to End Homelessness. January 25, 2021- I am requesting to place the “2020-2025 Community Plan to End Homelessness” with possible action to endorse the plan by City Council Resolution on an agenda, before March 2021. Destination Home (https://destinationhomesv.org/end-homelessness/) will be the presenter and is prepared to support staff with a report and resolution. This is also a request from the County’s Unhoused Task Force which Council Member Bracco was a part of approving this plan. That Task Force will be reconvening in April 2021. Request denied at January 25, 2021 meeting by Council https://youtu.be/p6vrc3ecf9k?t=5435. Discussion brought up at Strategic Planning Session and I continued to push this item forward. https://youtu.be/YwaJ2wun5ao?t=20753 April 19th meeting it was agreed to bring this item back with the formal recommendations from the City Council Ad Hoc Committee. Recent media- Gilroy Life OpEd, City Council endorsed the plan by resolution on August 2, 2021.
Transforming Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery
(Supported by- Gilroy BPAC) February 22, 2021- I am requesting to place the “Slow Streets Program” with possible action to adopt this National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) program which reduces traffic volume and speed on low volume streets to a minimum so that people can walk, bike, and run safely during COVID-19 on a future agenda. City Engineering uses NACTO street guidelines for designing our roadways and ensuring complete streets. We are actively embracing, advancing ideas, and projects that promote the concept of free- range people in the City of Gilroy. We advocate for building and planning that considers future generations as well as current residents who don’t own cars. Advancing mobility options reflects what we are teaching the youth in our community through Safe Routes to School and why we are nationally recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists, as well as recognized by the World Health Organization as an Age-Friendly Community. The City of Gilroy is a Complete Streets community by resolution. We have a funding source through Measure B E&E that can provide funding for programs, staff time, and incentives. Request approved and will be coming back on the April 5, 2021 agenda. https://youtu.be/JaUi4AmDfR0?t=1965 April 19th this item was presented by Staff. I won’t be pushing for a slow streets program at this time because of our Public Works Engineering senior staffing shortage, Public Works Streets staffing shortages, and the risk of CIP projects not being managed or completed. I highly suggest to the public that wants this, that they use the special event/block party permit process for their streets to close. Keep in touch with my office and we can introduce this item later. https://youtu.be/7B2PFOsZAtU?t=13075
City Code Chapter 16 Offenses-Miscellaneous Amendment to add Safe Storage of Firearms
(Supported by- Moms Demand Action, Silicon Valley Alliance for Gun Safety, Santa Clara County Public Health Department, Santa Clara County Chapter Brady United to Prevent Gun Violence ) September 12, 2022- I am requesting to place the “City Code Chapter 16 Offenses-Miscellaneous Amendment to add Safe Storage of Firearms” with possible action to adopt by ordinance with a goal of reducing gun violence and improving gun safety for everyone on a future agenda. A safe storage ordinance would state that all firearms in homes be safely stored in a locked container or disabled with a locking device to prevent discharge unless it is being carried on the authorized individual’s person. Cities and towns across California are adopting safe storage ordinances due to deficiencies in the current California Penal Code 25100 which fails to define what “safe storage” is, while also failing to apply it to all homes (it only applies to homes where one might “reasonably expect” a child to enter). This has led to many small child unintentional deaths and teen gun suicides from unsecured firearms. It has also allowed easy access to stealing unsecured firearms in home burglaries (where guns then become crime guns) and it also increases the chances for school mass shootings. March 15th, 2021 Public Comment https://youtu.be/zBMAnd1rUuE?t=368 Request denied at the March 15, 2021 meeting. https://youtu.be/zBMAnd1rUuE?t=7177 Introduced on September 12, 2022 and denied. We will try again after the November 2022 elections https://youtu.be/p3yBg-Po2c8. Recent media- Gilroy Dispatch OpEd · Gilroy Life Editorial · Morgan Hill Life Editorial · San Jose Spotlight SCC BOS Article · Mountain View Voice Article · Santa Clara County Releases Cost of Gun Violence Report · SF Chronicle SJ Mercury OpEd
March 29, 2021- Budget Recommendations Memo for FY 22 & FY23 I look forward to working with my council colleagues, committee/commission members, staff, and the public with our shared goal of achieving a budget that serves the needs of all Gilroy residents, supports the future and aging city infrastructure, and funds the vibrant city that we are.
City Facilities Flag Flying Policy/Resolution on June Pride LGBTQ+ Month & Pride Flag
(Supported by- BAYMEC, Senator John Laird, Assembly Member Rivas, Congress Member Zoe Lofgren, Congress Member Jimmy Panetta) March 1, 2021- Co-authored legislation to create a policy on raising of flags at city facilities, resolution to declare June as LQBTQ+ Pride Month, and raising of the LGBTQ+ Pride month for June. Developed a template letter of support on raising of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Coordinated letters of support from State Senator John Laird, Assembly Member Robert Rivas, and BAYMEC. May 3, 2021 meeting. Direct staff to fly the LGBTQ Pride flag at the City's Civic Center during the month of June approved. https://youtu.be/WcANqMNa3fg?t=5333 May 17, 2021 City Facilities Flag Flying Policy- "City facilities and flagpoles are under the exclusive control of the City and are not public forums for the free expression of the views of the public." Definition of a Commemorative Flag "shall mean a flag that identifies with a specific date, historical event, cause, nation, or group of people, whereby the City honors or commemorates the date, event, cause, nation ,or group of people by flying the flag." https://youtu.be/pUIGpVtF2Io?t=6403 (https://www.cityofgilroy.org/DocumentCenter/View/12594/Resolution-No-2022-09-_-Amending-Flag-Flying-Policy-_-Adopted-02_07_2022pdf) Revisited on February 7, 2022-https://youtu.be/IhgERTk5bcM?t=7446 and again on May 2, 2021-https://youtu.be/0VskZa4sZw0?t=8458 May 2022- Worked with a coalition on drafting a resolution and letter of support for Gilroy Unified School District to declare by Resolution June as LGBTQ+ month and develop a flag flying policy to raise the Pride Flag in 2023. Worked with coalition to have Morgan Hill Unified School District to raise the Pride Flag at all school sites for 2022, and that was approved.
City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance-Section 41 Performance Standards-Noise
We will continue to develop more residential units that are mixed use and near existing commercial and industrial developments. There are objective standards that we can put in place to make it clear what noises are allowed and what noises are limited in “Commercial and Industrial Noise Impacting Residentially Zoned Properties”. I am proposing two separate changes to the code. I will be introducing a “City Code Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance Performance Standards-Noise Amendment” under future council-initiated agenda items at our August 2, 2021 meeting. Language will be included in the Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance code changes in 2022.
Gilroy City Code Chapter 19B Smoking Pollution Control (Smoking Prohibited)
(Supported by- Santa Clara County Public Health, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Breath California, Tobacco Free Coalition of Santa Clara County) November 15, 2021-Frequent and recurring exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can cause health problems such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as worsen a chronic illness. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable to exposure of SHS, yet they are the least able to avoid it. The only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places. Smoke travels through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical outlets, ventilation systems, and plumbing. Opening windows and using fans does not remove SHS. Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems cannot eliminate exposure to SHS.
Santa Clara County Public Health Tobacco prevention unit is able to provide support such as development of an outreach/stakeholder plan, reports, ordinance language, and other technical assistance. They have free signage for the older multifamily residential properties. This ordinance, like with our recent smoke free parks ordinance, will follow the path of education and encouragement. I will be introducing a “Gilroy City Code Chapter 19B Smoking Pollution Control, adding in 19B.2 Smoking Prohibited-outdoor dining and multi-family residential” Request denied at November 15, 2021 meeting. We can introduce again. https://youtu.be/Tx2cD7ggPjc?t=2259 Presentation from Santa Clara County Public Health (Tobacco Prevention) May 16, 2022- https://youtu.be/z_oURH6tuJ0?t=627 and Public comment letters- https://bit.ly/3G1vihU then I reintroduced for a future agenda item and it was approved here- https://youtu.be/FZc0D5XUxeE Item brought forward October 3 and Council moved forward requesting staff prepare by ordinance no-smoking in Public Events, Multi-Family Housing, and Multi-Family Housing Common Areas. https://youtu.be/2Uc6w6JBSdU
I am requesting to place the “Complete Streets Policy” on a future agenda with possible action to make minor language changes. Since the bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure duties were transferred from the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission to the Planning Commission, we need to update this language in the Complete Streets Policy.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and other agencies that are a critical source of funding road and transportation projects, requiring a public citizen review board (BPAC) or a citizen review board with equivalent qualifications (i.e., Transportation Committee or Complete Streets Committee) to review projects and make recommendations to City Council.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)- Resolution 4108 (1) Each County and City are required to have a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) or equivalent body review and prioritize TDA Article 3 bicycle and pedestrian projects and to participate in the development and review of comprehensive bicycle pedestrian, or active transportation plans. BPACs should be composed of both bicyclists and pedestrians.
A city BPAC shall be composed of at least 3 members who live or work in the city. More members may be added as desired. They will be appointed by the City Council. The City or Town Manager will designate staff to provide administrative and technical support to the Committee. Request approved May 2, 2022. https://youtu.be/0VskZa4sZw0?t=1442 adopted on May 16, 2022.
Affordable Housing Month Resolution-
(Supported by- SV@Home) May 2, 2022- I am requesting to place the “Affordable Housing Month Resolution” on a future agenda with possible action to declare the month of May as Affordable Housing Month.
Affordable Housing Month will be celebrated across our region by government and non-profit organizations. A resolution declaring the month of May as Affordable Housing Month will highlight one of our City Council goals and show the region that we are committed to promoting the availability of safe and affordable housing for all Gilroy residents. Millions of dollars have been provided to our residents and community-based organizations from non-profits such as Destination Home. This resolution will reaffirm our commitment to the Community Plan to End Homelessness. Request approved May 2, 2022 https://youtu.be/0VskZa4sZw0?t=1619 Adopted resolution on May 16, 2022 https://youtu.be/z_oURH6tuJ0?t=3446
(Supported by- Destination Home, SV@Home) May 2, 2022 Modular Transitional Housing- I am requesting to place an informational item on a future agenda for what’s known as the “Challenge Grant from Santa Clara County”. It’s grant funding available for modular units to be used for transitional housing on city owned properties. There will be another round of Project HomeKey funding that can be used in conjunction with this grant. With the traditional shelter model phasing out for future developments, the modular transitional housing concept has full time wrap-around services for the residents and provides needed privacy for families experiencing homelessness.
California has a housing supply and affordability crisis of historic proportions. The consequences of failing to effectively and aggressively confront this crisis are hurting millions of Californians, robbing future generations of the chance to call California home, stifling economic opportunities for workers and businesses, worsening poverty and homelessness, and undermining the state's environmental and climate objectives. The City of Gilroy has endorsed the Community Plan to End Homelessness 2020-2025 and supporting creative solutions like modular homes in conjunction with supportive services is one way that we can immediately address the current needs for shelter. Request approved May 16, 2022 https://youtu.be/0_pJSPKfUjM
(Supported by- Destination Home, SV@Home) May 2, 2022 Modular Transitional Housing- I am requesting to place an informational item on a future agenda for what’s known as the “Challenge Grant from Santa Clara County”. It’s grant funding available for modular units to be used for transitional housing on city owned properties. There will be another round of Project HomeKey funding that can be used in conjunction with this grant. With the traditional shelter model phasing out for future developments, the modular transitional housing concept has full time wrap-around services for the residents and provides needed privacy for families experiencing homelessness.
California has a housing supply and affordability crisis of historic proportions. The consequences of failing to effectively and aggressively confront this crisis are hurting millions of Californians, robbing future generations of the chance to call California home, stifling economic opportunities for workers and businesses, worsening poverty and homelessness, and undermining the state's environmental and climate objectives. The City of Gilroy has endorsed the Community Plan to End Homelessness 2020-2025 and supporting creative solutions like modular homes in conjunction with supportive services is one way that we can immediately address the current needs for shelter. Request approved May 16, 2022 and will be brought forward in 2023. https://youtu.be/0_pJSPKfUjM April 3, 2023 the city reported that they don't have the funding or staff capacity to develop this program. However they remain supportive for other agencies to provide these facilities and have established programs and policies in our Housing Element 2023-2031 to support.
City Council Legislative Work Plan Approved June 2021-
I am proud to have added the following items to our Legislative Work Plan for FY22 & FY23. These items won't require a request for future agenda item at a meeting. More detail on these items can be found in my Moving Gilroy Forward 2021 & 2022 annual city vision statement. Full statements for both can be found in the home section.
- In-Lieu Fees and Nexus Studies associated with them in order to have them applicable. Examples are in-lieu fees for off-street parking in Downtown Gilroy and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
- Parking Management
- Unhoused Community Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Community Plan to End Homelessness, form relationships with Office of Supportive Housing and Destination Home
- Climate Action Benchmarks
- REACH Codes
- Access to Technology focus for our public works department.
- Safe Parking Policy
- RV Towing Policy