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P&R 08-03-2023 CITY OF CUPERTINO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 10185 N Stelling Rd, Quinlan Social Room Thursday, August 3, 2023 7:00 PM APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Stanek called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Quinlan Community Center Social Room, 10185 N Stelling Rd. ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Carol Stanek, Jennifer Shearin, Sashikala Begur, Seema Swamy (7:01 p.m.), Hemant Buch Commissioners absent: None Staff present: Jessica Javier, Jenny Koverman, D’Miles Salmon, Molly James Guest speakers: Neeraj Mathur, Wendell Kerr CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS 1. Subject: McClellan Ranch Preserve Programs Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on McClellan Ranch Preserve programs. Jenny Koverman, Recreation Manager, introduced D’Miles Salmon, Recreation Coordinator, to present on the item. Presented an overview of McClellan Ranch Preserve including the Environmental Education Center, McClellan Ranch Preserve partners, Blacksmithing, Creek Tours, Nature Camp and Summer Science Fun, the Augmented Reality App, and upcoming programs. Commissioner Swamy requested clarification on non-native plants and whether there are beehive programs beyond the augmented reality. Supported the Nature Journaling program. Recreation Coordinator Salmon provided examples of invasives – tree of heaven due to rapid growth, Italian arum due to its poisonous nature, milk thistle, Italian thistle, and black mustard. Provided examples that are more benign – pepper tree and eucalyptus. Clarified that there is a Junior Beekeeping program with 4-H that encourages kids to understand more about beekeeping. Commissioner Buch requested clarification on whether the Nature Camp was an overnight camp. Recreation Coordinator Salmon clarified that it is a day camp that runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Commissioner Begur requested clarification on the changes made to the Nature Camp and how the camp distinguishes new campers from returners. Recreation Coordinator Salmon clarified that campers will usually identify themselves as returners, and staff continues to keep the material fresh throughout the weeks by incorporating different educational lessons and crafts. Vice Chair Shearin requested clarification on the Augmented Reality App and whether there were adult beekeeping programs. Recreation Coordinator Salmon noted that he will share the feedback for adult beekeeping programs with 4-H partners. Clarified that the app will be available on a mobile device, and when you walk to one of the location stations (six stations in total) it will unlock a screen with an interactive dialogue box based on geographic location. Molly James, Recreation Manager, added that it is similar to the City’s current ARTour with Cooper. Chair Stanek requested clarification on whether the blacksmithing programs were hands-on, whether there are fees for the third-grade Creek Tours and which students are prioritized, and whether there are any programs that incorporate visiting the labyrinth at McClellan Ranch Preserve. Recreation Coordinator Salmon clarified that the demonstrations are not hands-on, but the classes are hands-on with a maximum capacity of two people. Clarified that the Creek Tours are all Cupertino Unified School District (CUSD), it is free for all students, and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention program paid for the school buses. Clarified that staff has taken Preschool Adventures and the Creek Tours to the labyrinth. Commissioner Swamy requested clarification on the different types of bees (stinging vs. non-stinging) and whether education around that topic is incorporated into the beekeeping programs, and more details on the blacksmithing demonstrations. Recreation Manager James clarified that all beekeeping programs are run by 4-H and not through the City, and any feedback can be directed to the partnering agency. Recreation Coordinator Salmon clarified that the blacksmithing demonstrations vary but usually show different techniques. Chair Stanek opened public comment. Donna Austin, Cupertino resident, thanked Recreation Coordinator Salmon for all the McClellan Ranch Preserve programs. Chair Stanek closed public comment. Chair Stanek requested a follow-up on signage and maintenance for the labyrinth. Recreation Manager Koverman noted that staff are looking into the signage policy for the Corridor and can discuss with Public Works for the maintenance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Subject: June 1, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the June 1, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes. Vice Chair Shearin motioned to approve the June 1, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes as submitted. Commissioner Begur seconded. Motion carried with 4 yes and 1 abstain. POSTPONEMENTS None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Deepali Pathak, Dhruv Yadati, Sumedha Kumar (ElderAid Team) presented on the ElderAid App, showed a Youtube Video for an in-app demonstration, and requested to be added to the September Parks and Recreation Commission agenda. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 3. Subject: Cupertino Historical Society Annual Report Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on the Cupertino Historical Society annual report. Neeraj Mathur, Cupertino Historical Society and Museum (CHSM) President introduced Bill Kerr, CHSM Treasurer, and Manuel Valerio, CHSM Interim Executive Director. CHSM President Mathur presented on the CHSM Annual Report as part of their contractual agreement with the City including an annual report summary for use of City funds, fundraising activities and achievements, and future projects and programs. Chair Stanek requested clarification on the Commission’s role and City Council’s role regarding the CHSM funding. Recreation Manager Koverman clarified that Council determines the funding received, and the current contract is set for three years. Commissioner Begur requested clarification on the funding for the new projects and programs. CHSM President Mathur clarified that on the Projects & Programs – Estimated Funds presentation slide, the one-year projects and programs are those which can be completed if the funds are available within the year, and the three-year projects and programs are long-term which can continue if the funds are available. Clarified that the Annual Report Summary presentation slide represents only the City funding, not the entire budget. Commissioner Begur requested that the CHSM detailed report be shared with the Commission. Commissioner Swamy requested a prioritization list and impact section for the projects and programs. CHSM President Mathur clarified that they are currently sorting through the prioritization, and additional information on the projects and programs can be found on their website. Clarified that they are also capturing headcount numbers to help with measuring impact. Commissioner Swamy requested clarification on the Traveling Trunk Program. Donna Austin, CHSM Board Member, clarified that the trunk program volunteers visit CUSD third-grade classes and share the history of Cupertino with students. Vice Chair Shearin requested that the CHSM detailed report be shared with the Commission to see the impact of the $40,000 City funding on the total budget. CHSM Treasurer Kerr added that the total CHSM budget is an estimated $140,000. Vice Chair Shearin asked if there was anything that CHSM wanted the Commission to share with residents. CHSM President Mathur noted that sharing the mission, vision, and resources available through CHSM with parents is the most important (and their kids). Chair Stanek clarified that CHSM used to be apart of the Community Funding Grant Program application process, however, the Commission recommended that CHSM be removed and added as a line item in the budget. Chair Stanek requested that the CHSM detailed report be shared with the Commission. Commissioner Buch requested clarification on how CHSM manages and recruits volunteers for their programs. CHSM President Mathur clarified that they recently added five new board members and are actively trying to recruit more parents and kids in the community. Commissioner Buch requested to see the Museum membership budget line item, and requested clarification on whether it was a source of revenue. CHSM President Mathur clarified that it is fee-based membership that is part of Community Outreach. STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS Vice Chair Shearin reported on the Wilson Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the community garden and full-sized basketball court, Disco at Dusk intergenerational event, and the Wilson Park baseball fields. Commissioner Begur reported on the July Mayor’s Commissioners meeting led by Vice Mayor Mohan, and an inappropriate graffiti incident at the Wilson Park restrooms. Commissioner Buch reported on the Asian American Parents Association Multicultural Festival, and the Linda Vista Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA). Chair Stanek reported on the June Mayor’s Commissioners meeting, and the Summer Concert Series. Commissioner Swamy reported on the March Mayor’s Commissioners meeting. Recreation Manager Koverman, provided the Liaison’s update on the following: - On June 21, the Memorial Park Specific Plan Design Concept went to City Council and Council approved proceeding with the Memorial Park Specific Plan design process into Schematic Design with the following revisions to the Conceptual Plan: o Retain the existing softball field; o Prioritize finding a revised location for pickleball and the basketball court; o Consider options to reduce the size of the extra parking area on Anton Avenue; and o Include native plants and gardens where feasible, especially in the nature walk area, as presented by the Audubon Society - On July 6, the Creekside Park School Age Play Area (part of the Annual Playground Equipment Replacement Project) went to City Council and was approved, including the three inclusive elements selected by the Commission. - Summer Concert Series – Thursday, August 10, 17, 24, and September 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Memorial Park Amphitheatre - Shakespeare in the Park – Friday through Sunday, August 4, 5, and 6 at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Park Amphitheatre - Movies in the Park – Friday, August 11, 18, 25, and September 8 at 8 p.m. at Creekside Park COMMISSIONER ATTENDANCE AT UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant, informed the Commission of the following for the Mayor’s Commissioners Meetings – - The August meeting was canceled due to City Council’s August recess. - Starting in September, the Mayor’s Commissioners Meetings will resume in- person only format at the Quinlan Community Center Social Room. - For September’s meeting, the City Manager’s Office has requested that all Chairs attend the first in-person meeting. Commissioners to attend the upcoming Mayor’s meetings as follows: September 13 – Chair Stanek October 11 – Commissioner Swamy November 8 – Commissioner Buch December 13 – Commissioner Buch FUTURE AGENDA SETTING Commissioner Begur requested ElderAid App Team presentation. Commissioner Buch seconded. Commissioner Begur requested FY22-23 Community Funding Grant Program Summary Report. Vice Chair Shearin seconded. Commissioner Begur requested an overview of procedures for Commission meetings in-person at the Quinlan Social Room. Vice Chair Shearin seconded. ADJOURNMENT Chair Stanek adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m. to the September 7, 2023 meeting at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by, Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant Parks and Recreation Department Minutes approved at the 09.07.23 regular meeting