P&R 06-01-2017CUPERTINO
CITY OF CUPERTINO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Community Hall
10350 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA
Thursday, June 1, 2017
7:00 PM
MEETING
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Community Hall, at 10350
Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present:
Commissioners absent:
Staff present:
Carol Stanek, Judy Wilson, Helene Davis, Neesha Tambe
(arrived at 7:06pm)
Meenakshi Biyani
Christine Hanel, Gail Seeds, Mariah Dabel, Kelsey Hayes,
Kevin Khuu
APPROVAL -OF MINUTES
1. Regular Meeting of May 4, 2017 -Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the
minutes of May 4, 2017. Commissioner Stanek seconded. Motion carried 3 to 2,
with 2 absent.
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS
2. Summer Events Presentation
Christine Hanel introduced Kelsey Hayes and Mariah Dabel to present the 2017
Summer Events. Kelsey reviewed the events and invited the commissioners to the
concerts, to introduce the bands. The Commission volunteered and accepted the
idea.
Kelsey also reviewed the moL::ing 4th of July Events at Memorial Park and
Blackberry Farm, the evening fireworks show, scheduled to start at 9:30pm, the
Shakespeare in the park event, and the Cinema at Sundown movies. She ended the
presentation overviewing the upcoming festivals in 2017, which include:
Kids 'N Fun Festival -August 12th
Silicon Valley Fall Festival-September 9
Diwali Festival -September 30
Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony-November 11
Annual Tree Lighting -December 1
Breakfast with Santa -December 2
Commissioner Tambe requested a soft copy of the summer events flyer for the
commission so they can distribute it them via social media and other methods.
3. Bee Guild Presentation
Elizabeth Victor, from the Santa Clara Valley Beekeepers Guild, presented to the
Commission about an idea of establishing an apiary at the Stocklmeir Orchard.
Elizabeth reviewed the guild's goals, benefits of the apia1y, and requested that
staff could report back to the Commission in the August meeting, detailing the
possibility.
Discussion followed. Michael Stang, from the Santa Clara Valley Beekeepers
Guild, described his experience as a bee keeper of the Juniper Hotel, highlighting
the classes taught, safety of his apiary, and potential benefits for both the City and
the Bee Guild.
Assistant Director, Christine Hanel, stated that staff would still need to investigate
all aspects of the proposal, including the Citywide Master Plan, and asked the
Commission for direction on whether or not to further investigate and come back
with feedback and an update.
The Commission showed support and directed staff to research the possibility and
have this item on a future agenda. Also recommended to perform outreach and
survey the community's interest in establishing the apiary.
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
4. Citywide Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update
Gail Seeds introduced Cindy Mendoza, Senior Project Manager from MIG, to
provide an update on the Master Plan to the Commission. Cindy reviewed the
community outreach findings and the overall themes that emerged from the
survey, asking the Commission for feedback and direction on the results . Vice
Chair Tambe requested to have more research done on the racial background on
those that responded to the survey. Cindy followed up and confirmed that more
surveys and intercepts will be conducted.
Mackenzie Mossing, from the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, supported the
Master Plan goals of enhancing nature play and activity in Cupertino, but also
emphasized the need to focus on connectivity for nature itself.
Steve Terry, a resident of Hall Moon Bay, expressed support for the idea of a roller
rink in Cupertino, highlighted the benefits, and invited the Commission to see the
one Half Moon Bay.
Discussion followed. Vice Chair Tambe emphasized getting survey results that
encompassed all ages, especially youth groups, and different etlmic groups as
well. Offered to help distribute the new survey if needed.
Gail Seeds confirmed that staff is currently working with the City Attorney's
Office to find the best way to form the Advisory Group and will report back to the
Commission and will widen efforts to be as inclusive as possible with the new
survey.
In the discussion, the Commission agreed that the themes did match what they
heard from residents.
Cindy asked the Commission about things that were missing or theme that needed
more focus?
Vice Chair Tambe emphasized that age and ethnic diversity were lacking, as well
as the connectivity between the different parks and areas throughout Cupertino.
Commissioner Wilson added that partnerships were missing from the survey.
Commissioner Stanek mentioned that our parks needed to be updated and be
more visually pleasing. Chair Davis emphasized the cormectivity to nature,
.:. multigeneratio11al activities, more ope11 spaces, improved recreation programs,
and transparency to the commw1ity.
Cindy confirmed that a status report will be presented to the Commission during
the August 3 meeting.
5. 2016-2017 Commission Work Plan
The Commission reviewed the work plan. Chair Davis asked for a motion to cancel
the July meeting. Commissioner Wilson moved to cancel the meeting. Vice Chair
Tambe seconded. Motion passed 4 yes and 1 absent.
NEW BUSINESS
None
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
6. Director's Report
Christine Hanel reported to the Commission on the following:
A. July is the Parks and Rec Month and the Recreation department will have
some giveaways.
B. Blackberry Farm is now open and has been open in the past few weekends,
from 10am to 6pm. Will only be open to schools during weekdays.
C. Summer programs will begin next week, with the In-Service Training
scheduled to start everything off.
D. Two new supervisors joining the Recreation department, Jenny Koverman
and Kim Calame. Will ask them to join the August or September meeting.
Also invited the Commission to come out to the Summer Concerts and introduce
the bands.
Commissioner Stanek had travelled to South Carolina and observed a weekend long art
festival there. Highlighted the activities and the possibility of holding one in Cupertino.
Commissioner Davis attended the Leadership 95014 graduation and reviewed the
different projects. Christine invited the Commission and public audience to join the
program next year. Commissioner Davis also attended the Grassroots Ecology
Volunteer celebration on Friday.
Christine encouraged the Commission and public to volunteer with Grassroots, citing
that they have planted over 12,000 plants at McClellan Ranch and have about 4,000
volunteers from high schools and local youth groups. Also reminded everyone that the
July meeting was cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT-Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~K . Kh. )Ad~ A . evm uu, mm1strative ss1stant
Recreation and Commtmity Services Department
Minutes appro v ed at the 08.03 .17 regular meeting