City Council Preview: Parks and Rec. Appointments, Paving Project and Small Animal Regulation

Here's a look at a few items that will be discussed during Monday's 6 p.m. city council meeting. Additional information about each item is available in agenda packet one and two on the City of Gilroy website.

City council meetings begin at 6 p.m. in city hall, located at 7351 Rosanna Street.

Consent Calendar:

• The council will motion to adopt an ordinance that would impose registration and maintenance requirements for ground-floor windows in vacant commercial space in the Downtown Historic District and the Downtown Expansion District. A $120 registration fee and a $120 renewal fee would be imposed.

Unfinished Business:

• The council will motion to formally adopt an Elections Campaign Finance ordinance that would regulate municipal elections by setting limits on the amount of campaign contributions candidates can receive, among other things.

New Business:

• The council will motion to approve the introduction of an ordinance that would limit the number of small animals residents can own. The ordinance, titled Small Animals, would make it unlawful to obtain more than six small animals in residential areas. Small animals are defined as those with a height of less than 24 inches, and specifically includes chickens, rabbits, pigeons turkeys, pea fowl and water fowl, among other small creatures. The requirement wouldn't apply to similar enterprises that operate for a limited period of time, like circuses, carnivals, agricultural shows and the like. Pet shops and groomers would also be exempt. (Pg. 196 of agenda packet)

Other Highlights:

• The council will motion to approve a bid by O'Grady Paving, Inc. for the amount of $1,144,020. The firm would be contracted for paving the roadways along Wren Avenue and Church Street.

• The council will interview, and possibly appoint, Gilroy residents Julie Garcia and Brittany Lehman for the Parks and Recreation Commission. The appointments are for terms ending Deb. 31 2012 and 2013.

• Resident Patrick Dinsmore will be presented with a letter honorimg him for achieving the rank of "Eagle Scout."