P&R 01-04-2018 (2)_revised 8/10/23
CITY OF CUPERTINO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Community Hall
10350 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA
Thursday, January 4, 2018
7:00 PM
MEETING
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 in the Community Hall, at 10350 Torre
Ave, Cupertino, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Helene Davis, Meenakshi Biyani, Carol Stanek, Judy Wilson,
Neesha Tambe (arrived at 8:08pm)
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present: Jeff Milkes, Kevin Khuu, Gail Seeds, Molly James
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Meeting of December 7, 2017 – Commissioner Stanek motioned to
approve the minutes of December 7, 2017. Commissioner Wilson seconded.
Approved with 4 Yes and 1 absent.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS
2. Blackberry Farm Presentation
Molly James, Recreation Coordinator of Blackberry Farm, presented to the
Commission an overview of the 2017 Blackberry Farm Season. Reviewed the
special events that occurred, such as the Pooch Plunge and Jr. Lifeguarding
program, and highlighted future events for 2018.
3. Property Acquisition at 10301 Byrne Avenue
Gail Seeds, Park Improvement Manager of Cupertino, updated the Commission
on the acquisition and briefed them on the history of the entrance to Blackberry
Farm.
Dave McLeroy, Cupertino resident and neighbor of the property, expressed
concern about the City’s plans for the property. Was against the idea of a bus
drop off location, but supported widening the road and adding a walkway to the
entrance of Blackberry Farm.
Blanche Scarbrough, Cupertino resident and neighbor of the property, didn’t
support a bus drop off idea for the property.
Sigurd Wehrner, Cupertino resident and neighbor of the property, also opposed
having a bus stop station at the property. Asked for the neighbors to get
advanced notification for any future discussion or meetings.
The property will be noted in both the Citywide Master Plan and Stevens Creek
Corridor Master Plan. Commissioner Stanek emphasized that the potential BBF
entrance improvement idea also includes bike access as well.
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sameer Raheja, from the Jollyman Dog Group, requested the Commission to add
in a future agenda to discuss off leash dog use at Jollyman park, with the goal of
having a trial period. Cited City of Mountain View, San Carlos, Redwood City,
and Menlo Park as examples.
Tony Alexander, from the Jollyman Dog Group and a Cupertino resident, also
recommended having an off leash policy at the parks and cited Mountain View
and Portland as cities that have it offered.
Deepa Majenrekar, from the Jollyman Dog Group, supported having off leash dog
use at the local parks and read a comment by Mary Roth, a Cupertino resident,
who’s in favor of having the policy.
Raj Avasawala, from the Jollyman Dog Group, also supported the off leash dog
use at Jollyman park. Cited that the current Mary Avenue dog park is too small
for large dogs, has poor ground coverage, and not enough seating for dog owners
or restrooms.
John Shelchuk, from the Jollyman Dog Group, voiced that there isn’t equal access
for dog owners at the local parks, having off leash dog use will build community
relations, and the dog owners would be stewards of the park.
Michael O’mara, from American Legion Post 642, asked for permission to put up
a banner at Memorial Park, during the annual Veteran’s Day event, to promote the
Wreaths Across America event on December 16th. Another member, Dennis
Whittaker, had submitted a request to the Recreation department, but was denied.
Director Jeff Milkes asked for an email so he can follow up on the request.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
4. Citywide Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update
Gail Seeds, Park Improvement Manager of Cupertino, updated the Commission
on the Citywide Parks and Recreation System Master Plan. Presented data
requests and numbers that were requested from the previous meetings.
Mentioned Public Works Department will present the cricket feasibility study
results with the Commission on February 1. Also in February, will have a study
for the Commission and City Council to get feedback on potential major projects.
Discussion followed. Regarding afterschool enrichment, will ask Assistant
Director Christine Hanel to come back to the Commission next month to answer
questions. Commissioner Biyani recommended to expand the program to middle
schools. Commissioner Wilson suggested that staff work with the YMCA and
schools to ensure that programs aren’t being duplicated or competing with each
other.
The Commission asked questions about the advisory group and its overall
diversity. Discussion followed. Commissioner Stanek suggested having targeted
sessions to cover age or ethnic groups that are not covered. Director Milkes
confirmed that for the formation of the group, it was requirement that members
were self selected by the various participating organizations.
5. 2017-2018 Commission Work Plan
The Commission reviewed the work plan. Asked to have Christine Hanel to come
to the next meeting to discuss the afterschool enrichment program and also the off
leash dog use to a future agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
None
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
6. Director’s Report
Jeff Milkes reported to the Commission on the following:
- Cupertino has achieved its Age Friendly designation.
- Walked the corridor and authorized 7 benches to be repositioned.
- 30 to 40 people attended the Movie in the Park at Creekside Park.
Commissioner Stanek attended the December Mayor’s Meeting and reported
that the Library Commission had seen growth and circulation in their ebooks
and online resources. Are doing an awareness campaign that online courses are
available at Lynda.com. Biggest concern is that programming space is limited.
From the Planning Commission, wanted to work with Recreation over park side
trails and the parcel next to Linda Vista, wanted to have more community
meetings regarding Valco, and also to rename themselves to the Planning and
Transportation Commission. Bicyle and Pedestrian Commission had just
completed the Pedestrian Master Plan and wanted to consolidate that plan with
the Bicycle Master Plan. Wants to add pathfinder signs for City Hall and other
landmarks throughout Cupertino. For the Public Safety Commission, is
transitioning to another alert system, burglaries are down, and trying to increase
attendance for their public safety programs. Sustainability Commission is
focusing on education and changed the 3 Rs to 5 Rs, now to include Refuse,
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. Mayor Paul will host the State of the City on
January 31st, with 2 addresses, one in the afternoon about volunteerism and an
evening address regarding community issues. Asked the Commissioners if they
attend, to bring forth what the Commission wants from the Mayor and Council.
Vice Chair Tambe traveled to Europe and Los Angels recently and heard good
news about the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Commissioner Biyani reported that on
January 22nd, there will be a Regnart Creek Trail Community Meeting. Will send
out a flyer.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Khuu, Administrative Assistant
Recreation and Community Services Department
Minutes approved at the 02.01.18 regular meeting