P&R 01-24-2019 CITY OF CUPERTINO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Community Hall 10350 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA Thursday, January 24, 2019 7:00 PM
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tambe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Hall, at 10350
Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioners present: Meenakshi Biyani, Neesha Tambe, Carol Stanek, Judy Wilson
(arrived at 7:05pm), Helene Davis (arrived at 7:34pm)
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present: Jeff Milkes, Kevin Khuu, Gail Seeds
Guest speakers: Cindy Mendoza
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS
None
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. Citywide Parks and Recreation System Master Plan – Draft Master Plan
Jeff Milkes, Director of Recreation and Community Services, introduced Gail
Seeds, Park Improvement Manager, and Cindy Mendoza, Director of Parks and
Recreation from MIG, to present to the Commission the draft Citywide Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan, reviewing the history of the project, a general
overview of the plan, outreach efforts, feedback received so far, and asked for
feedback and comments from the Commission and the public on the draft master
plan.
The Commission received two documents, which included online comments and
written comments taken at the public workshop on January 23, which were given
to the Commission and will be uploaded as public records.
Cathy Wang, Cupertino Resident, commented on the release time and outreach
efforts for the draft plan, the decision making process, and the budget allocation
for the performing arts center.
Qin Pan, Cupertino Resident, inquired on the outreach efforts for the draft plan,
commented on the cost estimates of the large projects, and questioned survey data
taken and the foundation of the plan.
Kitty Moore, Cupertino Resident, inquired about the all-inclusive playground and
commented on the teen comments received, park availability measurements, not
counting roofs as parks, gym space on the east side, no lights on the trails and
maintain the ice rink and bowling alley.
Rhoda Fry, Cupertino Resident, supports the conservation and partnerships goals,
commented on water features at local parks and Blackberry Farm Golf Course and
watering at the golf course, Blackberry Farm pool and parking area, and opening
an entrance to Rancho San Antonio off Stevens Creek Boulevard/Permanente
Road. Submitted written comments that will be uploaded as public records.
Emily Shek, Cupertino Resident, suggested having more free and low cost
programs, activities, and exercise available to community, Teen activities, and
bringing people together and learning at low cost.
Alicia Shober, Cupertino Resident, supported providing an all-inclusive
playground.
Commissioner Stanek commented on better clarifying the purpose of the Master
Plan and the estimated cost values listed within, noting that it is an informational
document and is not a budget, blueprint or recommendation. Suggested greater
emphasis on programming in the parks to enhance community building.
Commissioner Wilson summarized the goal of the Master Plan and suggested
emphasizing the funding sources info gathered to City Council. Suggested more
emphasis on recreation opportunities at the large parks, and creative solutions for
providing park and recreation spaces due to the lack of park space in areas such
as the east side.
Chair Tambe addressed the questions and concerns asked during the public
comments:
- clarifying that the master plan is not a blueprint or decision on future projects,
but an informative study and review of suggestions from the general public
- outreach efforts and strategies done in the past several years and that the plan
includes data from various surveys results and information gathered
- the cost of facilities
- water features
- watering at the Blackberry Farm Golf Course
- all-inclusive playground study and current status of the project
Vice Chair Biyani suggested highlighting that feedback will be accepted until late
February and supported the outreach to youth and teens. Commented on the ease
to read the document and suggested highlighting that the goals listed are not set
in any particular priority. Suggested more emphasis on the expansion of the
neighborhood events and partnerships with the schools.
Commissioner Davis reiterated the goal of the master plan. Supports the
connectivity theme in the plan, including the emphasis on greater walking and
biking, having more natural features at parks and making them less static, better
programming and customer service, financial stability and safety, public-private
partnerships, historical preservation, and aquatics.
Chair Tambe suggested having emphasis on “grey” spaces, adequate parking, a
citywide shuttle service, no international sized cricket field, connectivity and
incorporating the Cupertino Loop trail into the plan, having more consistent trail
head amenities, multiuse facilities, greater diversity, relooking at the golf course,
and highlighting the benefits of greater investment in parks.
The Commission suggested stronger emphasis on adult exercise features in the
parks such as par courses and adult outdoor exercise equipment, the all-inclusive
playground, Lawrence-Mitty acquisition, a healing garden, parklets or other
small-space solutions, and off leash dog areas. Also suggested emphasizing the
role of the prioritization tools for evaluating potential projects.
2. Potential Priority Areas for the 2019 Recreation and Community Services Work
Plan, Part of the City Council Approved City Work Plan
Jeff Milkes reviewed the item from the previous meeting, updated information
learned since then, and asked for feedback from the Commissioners on potential
priorities or to postpone to next month.
Kitty Moore, Cupertino Resident, recommended waiting for more input and
direction from the current City Council and commented on the Sunday field use,
prioritization of groups, related fees, and permitting of the fields.
Chair Tambe suggested adding a citywide grey water system, finding ways to
engage with new community members, public private partnerships, such as with
Deep Cliff Golf Course and De Anza College’s V-Pak, and citywide shuttle service.
The Commission will discuss this item again in the February meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
None
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Vice Chair Biyani and Chair Tambe attended the Cupertino Spelling Bee and suggested
expanding the event next year. Vice Chair Biyani also attended the Youth & Teen
Forum. Commissioner Stanek attended the Master Plan Workshop at the Cupertino
Senior Center. Chair Tambe suggested collaborating with Whole Foods or Target to host
events in their parking lot or a local 5k My Cupertino run.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair Tambe adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Khuu, Administrative Assistant
Recreation and Community Services Department
Minutes approved at the 02.07.19 special meeting