Written Communications
PRC Meeting
November 7, 2024
Written Communications
Item #4
Capital Improvement
Program Photovoltaic
Systems Design and
Installation project
From:Santosh Rao
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission; Rachelle Sander; Chad Mosley
Subject:Urgent Request to Downscope the Photovoltaic Project Due to Cost, Limited Return, and Emerging Risks
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 6:58:53 AM
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Subject: Urgent Request to Downscope the Photovoltaic Project Due to
Cost, Limited Return, and Emerging Risks
Dear Chair Stanek, Parks and Rec Commissioners, Rachelle, Chad,
I am writing with deep concerns about the photovoltaic (PV) project and
urge immediate reconsideration and downsizing of its scope. Initially
pitched as a $6 million project, it has now ballooned to a $10
million Capital Improvement Project (CIP) — a substantial and
unanticipated cost increase. This was never transparently presented to the
Council or the public, raising significant issues around fiscal responsibility
and transparency.
Furthermore, the project hinges on an uncertain $4 million grant from the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which may now be in jeopardy. With the
recent results of the November 2024 federal election, there is a real
possibility that the incoming administration will revoke or reallocate
funding previously granted by the IRA. This looming risk makes it reckless
to rely on a grant that may no longer exist, pushing the full $10 million cost
burden onto the city if the grant is rescinded.
Given the project’s projected April 15, 2026, deadline to connect to the grid
and begin accruing savings, this timeline is tight and poses an additional
risk of failing to recoup costs even if the project were completed.
Key Requests and Concerns:
1. Downscope Project to Only the Top Energy-Consuming Sites: The
energy usage breakdown clearly shows that the library is the primary
heavy user, with the Quinlan Community Center as a secondary
consideration. Installing PV systems solely at these two facilities
would focus investment where it can have a meaningful impact,
aligning with our sustainability goals while respecting fiscal
constraints.
2. Cancel PV Installations at BlackBerry Farm and Community Hall
Due to Negligible Usage: The energy usage at BlackBerry Farm
(BBF) and Community Hall is minimal and does not justify the cost of
PV installations. Proceeding at these locations offers negligible
financial returns, undermining the value of these investments.
3. Avoid Disruptive Closures and Reflected Glare at the Cupertino
Sports Center (CSC): Installing PV systems at the CSC would
require extensive construction and likely closures, inconveniencing
residents who rely on this facility. Past maintenance work has led to
closures due to liability issues, and further closures would strain
community access. Additionally, PV panels at the CSC would reflect
sunlight onto the adjacent tennis courts, impairing visibility and
negatively impacting players during serves and gameplay.
Given these issues, I strongly urge the Council to remove the Cupertino
Sports Center (CSC) from this project list entirely. Eliminating CSC from
the project would prevent unnecessary downtime, preserve community
access, and avoid the significant impact of reflected glare on the tennis
courts.
This project’s drastic cost increase, uncertain grant funding, and limited
impact at certain facilities warrant a responsible and immediate response. I
urge the Council to downscope this project to only the library and Quinlan
Community Center, where energy consumption justifies the investment.
Eliminating PV installations at BBF, Community Hall, and CSC would
bring the project in line with fiscal responsibility, community access, and
our city’s actual needs.
Thank you for your attention to these critical concerns.
Sincerely,
San Rao
From:Rhoda Fry
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission; City Clerk
Subject:FW: Public Comment 11/7/2022 Agenda Item #4 EV & Solar
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:15:48 AM
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Dear Parks and Recreation Commission,
The subject of EV has been brought up in the past at Blackberry Farm.
At the time, the Parks and Rec Department had not been informed of this.
There is a residence within Blackberry Farm that limits access to the driveway.
Consequently, EV is not a good idea there.
Additionally, please also note that our former public works director, Ralph Qualls, described
the access area to Blackberry Farm as a choke point and safety issue.
Inviting more traffic into Blackberry Farm would be adding to a known public safety problem.
WRT solar, we have no idea what the rebates will be from PG&E moving forward.
Please consider the ROIs accordingly.
Please also analyze EV and Solar separately during your meeting.
Below is my commentary to City Council when this idea came up in the past.
Regards,
Rhoda Fry
Recipient CREST public safety award
From: Rhoda Fry [xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 4:28 PM
To: 'City Clerk' <CityClerk@cupertino.org>; 'citycouncil@cupertino.org'
<citycouncil@cupertino.org>; 'manager@cupertino.org' <manager@cupertino.org>
Subject: Public Comment 11/1/2022 Agenda Item #11 EV Parking
Dear City Council,
I have 2 general comments on this item.
1. Procurement
2. Locations
1. Procurement
I think that the City needs to be completely transparent in its business dealings.
I was surprised to see that the City is proposing that this project not go out for bid.
If the City were to award this project to Chargepoint it could appear that there was some sort of
favoritism going on because former Mayor Lowenthal is a co-founder of the company. Conversely, if
it didn’t go to Chargepoint, it could appear that there had been discrimination.
There are easily 15 to 20 different EV companies.
We should be putting projects out to bid whenever possible.
And – even consider getting paid to place these stations : )
2. Locations
Given that the City Hall is about to be remodeled and we have yet to understand the details, I think
that it is premature to place an EV where it could interfere with construction. I’m also puzzled by the
Blackberry Farm location. So I phoned the Parks & Rec department and they were unaware of this
proposal. I think that Public Works needs to consult with Parks & Rec (and vice versa) so they can
share best practices. Contrary to the report, the Blackberry Farm parking lot is not open 24x7 (the
gate broke years ago). Like other parks, it officially closes 1 hour after sunset. In the off-season,
there are very few cars. Our former public works director, Ralph Qualls, described the access area as
a choke point and safety issue. My recollection of the 2006 MND was that there should not be
lighting there at night in order to protect wildlife (so that would include vehicles driving through).
You might recall that just a few years ago, a mountain lion ate a goat at McClellan Ranch, so we do
know that they frequent the area. If there is a desire to have an EV station on this side of town, the
Monta Vista Rec Center, where there is year-round programming and is more accessible, would be a
superior location.
Regards,
Rhoda Fry
From:Rhoda Fry
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:RE: Public Comment 11/7/2022 Agenda Item #4 EV & Solar
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 11:44:44 AM
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Please also include in comments for today
In addition to my previous comments –
The Blackberry Farm driveway has further limitations with opening times only during daylight
hours.
Blackberry Farm is not suitable for EV.
Also, EV create light.
And will the PV create light? Others that I have seen do.
Blackberry Farm is in a wildlife area and the City Documents state that there is to be no night
lighting.
The riparian creek habitat needs to be dark at night.
There are owls and coyotes and more on the golf course at night.
Please abide by the City’s rules and reject EV and PV at Blackberry Farm.
Thanks,
Rhoda