P&R 05-18-2022 (Special)CITY OF CUPERTINO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Teleconference Special Meeting
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
7:00 PM
MINUTES
Chair Xu called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. via remote teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Carol Stanek, Xiangchen (Minna) Xu, Gopal Kumarappan,
Sashikala Begur (7:06 p.m.)
Commissioners absent: Seema Swamy
Staff present: Molly James, Jenny Koverman, Jessica Javier, Kevin Khuu,
Branton Curt, Lisa Cameli, Susan Michael, Matt Morley,
Andre Duurvoort, Rachelle Sander
Guest speakers: Jeff Danner, Chris Mitchell, Taylor Peterson, Alicia Fennell,
Andrea Martin
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lisa Warren, Cupertino resident, thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for
allowing zoom fitness classes to continue and suggested that the department keeps
them. Lisa requested consideration of a discussion surrounding the name of Lawrence-
Mitty Park.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
NEW BUSINESS
1.Subject: Update on Fiscal Year 2021-22 City Work Program Item Blackberry Farm
Golf Course Needs Assessment
Recommended Action: Receive the report from National Golf Foundation Consulting
(NGF) for the option to complete minor repairs and improvements to the golf course
and the report from Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) for converting the golf course
to natural habitat. Provide input and feedback on next steps regarding public outreach.
Written Communications for this item included an email to the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Molly James, Recreation Manager, introduced Lisa Cameli, Project Manager, to present
on the item. Lisa provided a project background, reviewed the two feasibility studies
conducted for the future use of Blackberry Farm Golf Course, and next steps including
public outreach.
Susan Moore, Cupertino resident, suggested including something on the survey about
water usage estimates for both options. Added when talking about Stevens Creek Trail,
suggested to put “/McClellan” since they are all part of the Corridor.
Connie Cunningham, Cupertino resident, supported the restoration approach for
natural habitat. Connie also supported the addition of water information to the survey.
Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant, read out loud a written communication from
George Maxe, First Tee - Silicon Valley, in support of preserving the Golf Course.
Commissioners provided feedback on the draft survey and agreed upon the following.
The Commission supports not including registration for eligibility, however, would like
for staff to seek out tracking and security measures and follow up over email with the
Commissioners. Also supports collecting age for demographic.
Vice Chair Begur requested to add a question regarding where someone plays – do you
play at Deep Cliff Golf Course, Blackberry Farm Golf Course, or both, which do you
prefer, and how often. Commissioner Stanek and Kumarappan supported the addition.
The Commission recommended adding the detailed cost estimate chart to reflect the
water usage difference along with the link to the full report.
Commissioner Stanek raised concerns regarding the language of “minor repairs”
throughout the survey. Commissioner Kumarappan suggested changing the language
to “necessary repairs.” The Commission supported the change.
Commissioner Stanek recommended adding in “accessible natural habitat” to the
question where participants are asked which recreational opportunities would you like
to see prioritized. Chair Xu added that the survey should include that natural habitat is
open to all for free.
Commissioner Stanek requested an additional two questions:
- If the necessary improvements are made to Blackberry Farm Golf Course, how
often would you use it?
- If it is moved to a natural habitat, how often will you use it or visit?
Chair Xu and Vice Chair Begur supported the two questions.
Commissioner Stanek raised concerns about accessibility to the survey and whether a
paper version can be made available.
Commissioners supported hosting an open house where the public is invited to tour the
Blackberry Farm Golf Course.
Commission Kumarappan requested that staff share the survey once it is finalized and
before it goes live.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
2. Subject: Monthly Update Reports.
Recommended Action: Receive monthly update reports from the Director of Parks and
Recreation and commissioners.
Molly James, Recreation Manager, provided the Director’s update on the following:
- Council will consider extending the resolution authorizing continued remote
teleconference meetings of the legislative bodies for the period May 19, 2022
through June 18, 2022 pursuant to the Brown Act at tomorrow night’s meeting.
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meetings will be virtual until further
notice.
- The Poet Laureate Recruitment is live and accepting applications online or at the
Quinlan Community Center. Recruitment is scheduled to close on June 1 at 5
p.m.
- Community Meeting planned for Monday, June 6 to discuss Blackberry Farm
Golf Course.
- Special Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Bike/Ped
planned for Monday, June 13 to discuss the Lawrence-Mitty Park.
Commissioner Stanek reported on the Library Expansion, Cherry Blossom Festival,
Creekside Labyrinth, City Work Program, and the Sunnyvale Fair Oak Park opening.
Commissioner Kumarappan had attended the May Mayor’s meeting and reported on
the following:
- Technology, Information and Communication Commission
o Currently pilots going on for adaptive signal and intelligent cameras for
traffic regulation and safety needs, and pollution deduction.
o New proposals for 2023 – license plate recognition, cyber security
outreach, and chatbot.
Chair Xu shared information with Commissioners from Vice Mayor Chao about hybrid
meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Xu adjourned the meeting at 9:47 p.m. to the June 2, 2022, meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant
Parks and Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the June 2, 2022 regular meeting