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CC 11-19-2024 Item No. 12 Award a contract to Lifetime Activities for Sports Center_Written Communications (2)CC 11-19-2024 Item No. 12 Award a contract to Lifetime Activities Inc. for Sports Center Written Communications From:Kelly Chen To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to pull agenda item 12 from Consent calendar for further review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:27:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.  Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Kelly Chen Cupertino Sports Center member From:Tony Nhieu To:City Clerk Subject:Pickleball ball courts Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 6:58:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I heard they your considering changing courts 9 and 10 to pickleball courts. I’m a tennis player at the center and it’s hard enough to book courts nowadays. I’m totally against such a move. It may be worth considering raising the rates so that it limits the number of people that actually use the courts a lot. Too much competition as people from all over come even if they live far away. Rgds, Tony From:dasineni karunakar To:City Clerk Subject:Proposed conversion of CSC Tennis courts 9 and 10 to pickle ball courts Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:36:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Dear City Council Members, I came to know that there is a proposal to convert CSC courts 9 and 10 to pickle ball courts. I've been playing tennis at CSC for about 5-6 years, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a tennis court reservation. I only try to play 2-3 days a week, and try to reserve at 8am a week earlier, but I'm rarely able to get a court. Our sports center is oversubscribed, and unless we limit the number of members, it won't be possible to reserve courts. I joined as member just to tennis courts and don't use any other facilities, and I believe there are lot of other members like me. Request you to kindly reconsider this, and avoid this proposed conversion. Thank you. Sincerely, Karunakar Dasineni From:LeeSee Loh To:City Council; City Clerk Subject:Leave Tennis courts alone at CSC Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:42:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I am concerned about Agenda item 12 for tomorrow’s meeting. This mainly concerns the 10-year renewal contract for Lifetime Tennis at Cupertino Sports Center. I strongly oppose Lifetime’s proposal of taking away Courts 9 and 10 from tennis members and converting the courts for pickle ball play. We often have difficulty reserving courts for tennis, especially when Lifetime monopolizes many courts for kids’ camps. Currently, there are already courts for pickle ball play at CSC and many more at Memorial Park. Tennis players are increasingly being pushed to give up courts for pickle ball. As a long time CSC member, it would certainly make it more difficult for me to play and be part of a warm and wonderful community. I also urge council members to postpone this agenda item till the new council takes office. And please reconsider giving Lifetime Tennis a 10- year contract and also open it up to other vendors. Thank you for your consideration. Lee See Loh From:brant55 To:City Clerk Subject:Cupertino Sports Center Conversions Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:46:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To the council, I have been a member of the sports club for a number of years. I play 3 to 4 times a week. Getting courts has become much harder due to the increased numbers of players. Changing any of the courts to pickleball will just make it more difficult. Not to mention the noise of the pickleballs is a large distraction to those playing tennis near them. Converting the courts to pickleball is more likely to have the tennis players leave and join other clubs. I know that that is the choice that I would probably make. So please don't consider converting those tennis courts. Regards, Brant Armstrong From:Eugene Jivotovski To:City Clerk Subject:Proposed conversion of tennis courts at Cupertino Sports Center Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 8:06:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Cupertino City Council, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposal to convert courts 9 and 10 of the Cupertino Sports Center into pickleball courts. While I recognize the growing popularity of pickleball and the need for facilities to accommodate its players, this conversion would have significant negative consequences for Cupertino’s tennis community. The Cupertino Sports Center is already a highly sought-after venue for tennis players, with court reservations being increasingly difficult to secure. Reducing the number of tennis courts would exacerbate this issue, leaving tennis players with even fewer opportunities to play. Many players already face limited availability, particularly during peak hours and weekends. The proposed conversion would further limit access, making it challenging for residents to enjoy tennis—a sport that has long been a staple in our community. Additionally, Cupertino is home to numerous tennis teams that participate in local, regional, and even national tournaments. These teams rely on access to the courts for regular practice sessions. Reducing the number of courts would not only hinder their ability to prepare adequately for competitions but also risk diminishing the city's reputation as a stronghold for tennis enthusiasts and competitors. The lack of court availability could deter aspiring players and reduce participation in organized tennis programs. Rather than converting existing tennis courts, I urge the Council to explore alternative solutions for expanding pickleball facilities. For example: Repurposing underutilized areas in other parks for dedicated pickleball courts. Investing in standalone pickleball facilities to meet the demand without compromising existing tennis resources. These approaches would balance the needs of both tennis and pickleball players while preserving the Cupertino Sports Center’s ability to serve its long-standing tennis community. I strongly urge the Council to reconsider this proposal and to seek solutions that address the interests of all residents without compromising the accessibility and quality of our city’s tennis facilities. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Eugene Jivotovski, proud member of Cupertino Tennis Center for the past 10 years. Phone#: 510-709-8600 View this email in your browser Dear Members, At the Tuesday 11/19/2024 Cupertino City Council meeting, the city is proposing to convert courts 9 and 10 to pickleball. This affects every tennis player at CSC so make yourself heard if you are against this proposal, either by writing an email to the city clerk (cityclerk@cupertino.gov) or better yet, attend the meeting. From:shivajit mohapatra To:City Clerk Subject:Nov 19, 2024 Cupertino City Council Meeting: Pickleball on cts 9,10 Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 8:25:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear city council members, Humbly request to not covert tennis courts 9 & 10 for pickleball. Tennis courts are extremely hard to reserve these days and removing two more courts will make it very hard on tennis members. Will appreciate your consideration for keep courts 9 & 10 for tennis. Thank you - shivajit Begin forwarded message: From: Cupertino Tennis Club <communications@cupertinotennisclub.org> Date: November 18, 2024 at 6:36:59 PM PST To: piyushlakhawat@gmail.com Subject: Nov 19, 2024 Cupertino City Council Meeting: Pickleball on cts 9,10 Reply-To: Cupertino Tennis Club <communications@cupertinotennisclub.org>  Please contact Santosh Rao (santo_a_rao@yahoo.com) more information. Dave Babicz CTC President Copyright © 2024 Cupertino Tennis Club, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a 2022 CTC Member Our mailing address is: Cupertino Tennis Club 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, Ca 95014 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From:maryam sanaei To:City Clerk Subject:opposition to the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at CSC to pickleball at the Cupertino City Council Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 8:37:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To City Clerk of Cuppertino I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 to pickleball at the Cupertino City Council meeting on Tuesday, 11/19/2024. As a tennis player at CSC, I believe this decision would have a significant negative impact on the tennis community. Currently, we are already facing a shortage of available tennis courts, and players often compete to reserve a spot. Removing two courts would only exacerbate this issue, further limiting access and availability for tennis players, many of whom are already struggling to find open courts during peak times. I urge the city to reconsider this proposal, as it would further diminish the already limited resources available to tennis players at CSC. I would like to use this email to voice my concerns and hope others will do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Maryam Sanaei Mobile: 434 446 8418 e-mail: mm.sanaei@gmail.com P Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email? This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is private, confidential and may also be legally privileged. It may not be copied or disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee, nor may it be copied in any way. If you have received this e-mail in error please contact the sender immediately and then delete the message and any attachment(s). From:Piyush Lakhawat To:City Clerk Subject:On the topic of pickleball conversion for Ct 9 and 10 at CSC Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 8:50:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Hope you are having a nice week. I came across a city proposal today about converting two tennis courts (9 and 10) into pickleball courts at Cupertino sports center. I am a member there for last several years and know many of the long time men as well. I can tell with high confidence that tennis courts are the most extensively used and booked facility at CSC. They are always booked and the members enjoy them throughly. Converting 2 courts to pickleball will hugely diminish member experience which include many adults, kids and elderly in the Cupertino community. We understand that there is interest in pickleball but not to the degree to convert the existing tennis courts. There are already pickleball courts at CSC which have high availability compared to tennis courts (am sure this can verified with the booking data). I am confident big majority of the members will echo the same sentiment. We would all request to please keep the tennis courts as they are until there is at least a comparable or more demand for pickleball. Thank you! Best, Piyush From:della O To:City Clerk Subject:Converting ct9,10 to Pickerball Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 8:55:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To whoever it may concern, The city has the proposal of converting court 9,10 to Pickerball court. There are already pickle ball courts on the other side , why they would want to convert The tennis courts on the main site, it will be very noisy, will affect the tennis players Nearby. Besides, do you ever understand how hard for the tennis players to get the courts to play in the morning? The pickle ball courts on the other site seems empty most of the time, please let the tennis courts on the main site remain as it is. Thank you for your consideration. Della Ong Sent from my iPad From:Amanda Kao To:City Clerk Subject:against proposal to place pickle ball courts on courts 9 & 10 Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 9:02:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am a member of the Cupertino Sports Club (CSC), and I am against converting courts 9 and 10 to pickle ball courts. Why does pickle ball need more courts, and why are they taking them away from tennis? Tennis is a sport that is growing and the tennis courts at CSC are always in high demand, especially during peak hours. It is already almost impossible to reserve a court during prime time. Pickle ball courts have already been established at near by Memorial Park, and there already are pickle ball courts at CSC on the other side of the main club. Pickle ball is stealing tennis courts everywhere, and no one is happy! Tennis is being diminished, pickle ball wants more, and neighborhoods are tired of the noise. This is not a sustainable solution. These are two growing sports that can't share existing facilities. Find a better solution for pickle ball. Find them their own facilities. Sincerely, Amanda Kao CSC member From:Steve Lai To:City Clerk Subject:CSC tennis courts Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 9:16:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To whom it may concern: I have been a member of the Cupertino Sports Center for the past 5 years. I have enjoyed the club playing tennis with the local community. Tennis courts are always very high in demand and it is difficult to reserve a tennis court during daytime and evening hours on weekdays and weekends. If Courts 9 and 10 are switched to pickleball, this will greatly impact court availability for tennis and limit the members’ ability to enjoy playing tennis at the club. I am wondering if the other courts on the other side of the club, Ct 16 or 17, can possibly be used as an option. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Steve Lai From:Ronald Leung To:Rachelle Sander; City Clerk; Pamela Wu; City Council Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:12:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I have been a resident in the South bay since 2001. I work a full time IT job with 3 kids, and playing tennis at CSC is one of the few moments during the busy week where I can relax a bit and enjoy myself with all the other wonderful CSC members. It is already difficult to get tennis courts during the weeknights, and I really would not want to lose more courts to pickleball. I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College, and already as part of the CSC area, and pickle ball can be played in tennis courts without any more modifications. The football field sized area on the east side of Memorial park could easily accommodate multiple pickleball courts and still have a sizeable amount of field left for other use. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Ronald Leung From:Google Mail To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:15:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. Sincerely, Rocky Chen (CSC member) Sent from my iPad From:Robert Young To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:23:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24 meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are already oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. Conversion of courts to pickleball will only exasperate this problem. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. (as well as the multi-use and court 14) 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Robert Young From:Claudia Chang To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:26:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders Please pull Agenda item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/2024 meeting. Please allow the newly elected council to take the time to research and discuss this thoroughly. As a Cupertino resident and member of the CSC, I strongly object to the conversion of tennis courts 9 and 10 at the CSC to pickle ball courts. 1. The CSC is heavily used by tennis players as evidenced by the difficulty of reserving courts. Removing two courts will greatly impact the tennis players as all courts at prime time are usually reserved within seconds after 8:00am. 2. Pickle ball will change the environment of the CSC with the noise level. If the full eight pickleball courts are filled with players, it will be very noisy, not only with the sound of hitting the ball but with the potentially 32 people on the two tennis courts simultaneously. No one will want to book the courts nearby due to the noise level. 3. Pickleball facilities nearby already exist, at Memorial Park, De Anza College and Sunnyvale Tennis Center. There is no need to greatly affect the many tennis players to accommodate the pickleball players. 4. Parking will be affected. Parking on certain days are already near maximum capacity. Unlike Sunnyvale Tennis Center, or other locations, there are no areas to accommodate overflow parking. The only viable but not optimal option would be to park at Whole Foods, which is not close and perhaps not legal. Changing two courts to pickleball could potentially add another 32 cars to the parking lot, and there definitely isn’t enough parking slots to accommodate this. 5. The residents of Cupertino are very fortunate to have these tennis courts for enjoyment and exercise. We have a nice community of tennis players. Please do not disrupt this space because you feel you need to accommodate everyone. Please consider other locations in the city to expand the pickleball courts, Concerns with Lifetime’s Contract Renewal 1. Please consider a shorter time-frame for the contract. It is hard to predict future needs, agreeing to a ten-year contract may affect us in the long term. 2. Court maintenance could be improved. Many times the courts are dirty with leaves, spider webs on the chairs and benches, and the nets that need repair don’t get repaired quickly. 3. Please keep the reservation system as is, we have all adapted to using the reservation system. There is no need to change it yet again. Recommendations: Do not convert courts 9 and 10 to pickleball courts. Limit contract to 5 years or fewer. Audit Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. Explicitly specify all capital improvements to CSC and limit those to the users of the CSC, focusing on tennis court improvements. I am very concerned that yet again, we have to fight to keep the CSC for tennis players. Perhaps only tennis players can understand how adding two pickleball courts in the midst of tennis courts will be very disruptive. I understand that pickleball is an increasingly popular sport but the nationwide trend seems to be to accommodate the growing sport by taking away from the tennis players. Please be creative and find another solution. Thank you for considering, Claudia Lee Cupertino Resident From:Jinwoo Lee To:City Clerk Subject:CSC pickle ball court change for court 9,10 Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:40:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I would like to share my opinion regarding the recent news that the plan of changing CSC ct #9, 10 to pickle ball. As a member of CSC I am not easily able to book a tennis court due to lots of members i. the CSC. so if this change really happens then there are so many tennis lovers will need to find other opportunity due to the lack of courts. Therefore I would like to ask to reconsider the discussion of changing the courts. Please understand the current situation. Thanks, Jinwoo From:Bin Wan To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:59:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Bin Wan From:Sally C To:City Clerk Subject:NO on cupertino sports center court 9, 10 to pickle ball courts Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 11:32:49 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi, Both my husband and I are members of cupertino sports center. We play tennis, sometime we also play pickle ball too if we could not get tennis court. It’s extremely difficult to book a tennis court in the sports center because tennis is very popular. My husband had to wake up 7:30am everyday to prep for tennis court booking. By 8am 10 seconds, all tennis courts 7 days from the booking day would be booked for before 11am and after 5 pm playing time. This is true in all 7 days a week. It’s by luck if my husband can get a court so he had to try every morning to maybe get 2 courts in a week for our playing. I see some people playing pickle ball at nights but not always. The pickle ball courts are empty during the day vs. more people are playing tennis during the day. So why is the city even consider to convert more tennis courts to pickle ball courts?! Pickle ball playing makes a lot of noise. It’d definitely bother the tennis playing. We pay memberships to join the center so we don’t have to use public courts with no reservation. But it’s already very difficult to get the tennis courts of the time we like to play. So PLEASE DO NOT convert any tennis courts to pickle ball courts. Thanks for your attention. -Sally & Chuck Chu of Cupertino residents since 1989 From:reiji.h@gmail.com To:City Council Cc:City Clerk; Pamela Wu; Rachelle Sander Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:51:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24 meeting and, demand this underhanded method of court appropriation without the consent of the actual users of the sports facilities. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. During the attempt by certain members of the city council earlier in the year to convert CSC into a mixed-use facility, we’ve provided cost/revenue breakdown of similar facilities and their monetization potentials. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: • Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. • Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Reiji Hirayama From:Santosh Rao To:City Council; Pamela Wu; Rachelle Sander; City Clerk Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:46:32 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands 1. Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. 2. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. 3. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. 4. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. 5. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. 6. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. 7. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations 1. Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. 2. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. 3. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. 4. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill- conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, San Rao Cupertino resident, Cupertino voter, CSC member and daily CSC user, 40+ year tennis player From:Tarun Bhagwan To:City Council; Pamela Wu; Rachelle Sander; City Clerk Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:59:36 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Tarun bhagwan Cupertino resident and CSC member 4083988186 Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone From:Srinivas Ketavarapu To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Opposition for CSC contract with Lifetime and Opposition to tennis court conversion Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:12:31 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Srinivas Ketavarapu Cupertino resident and CSC member From:Rajeev Kelkar To:Rachelle Sander; itycouncil@cupertino.gov; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:23:07 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands 1. Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. 2. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. 3. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. 4. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. 5. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. 6. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. 7. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations 1. Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. 2. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. 3. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. 4. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill- conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Rajeev Kelkar From:Rajeev Kelkar To:City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:48:04 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands 1. Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. 2. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. 3. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. 4. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. 5. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. 6. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. 7. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations 1. Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. 2. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. 3. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. 4. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill- conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Rajeev Kelkar From:Chen, Karen A To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Agenda 12 Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 8:54:52 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I ask the City Council to please pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball As a long time Cupertino resident and member of the Cupertino Sports Center, I am very much against the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino, generally young kids who blast music on the courts.. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, NOTICE: This email message and/or its attachments may contain information that is confidential or restricted. It is intended only for the individuals named as recipients in the message. If you are NOT an authorized recipient, you are prohibited from using, delivering, distributing, printing, copying, or disclosing the message or content to others and must delete the message from your computer. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by return email. From:Jane Babicz To:City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 9:09:33 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Hello All, The city is proposing a number of changes to CSC including handing over court reservations to lifetime and converting courts 9 and 10 to pickleball. The Cupertino Tennis Center board is against the conversion of tennis courts 9 and 10 to pickleball. Courts are hard enough to reserve for our members and this change will make matters worse. And for some members the noise will deter them from playing tennis. We realize that pickleball is a growing sport. The CTC board is not opposed to pickleball courts across the parking lot where less-desirable courts 14-18 are. This mitigates noise concerns for members. We are fine with Lifetime getting an extension and handling court reservations. Dave Babicz CTC President From:Anand Maddur To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 9:12:34 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Anand Maddur (Member at CSC) From:Greg & Pam Siu To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Voting "NO" on proposal for Converting CSC Courts 9 & 10 to Pickleball Courts Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:17:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Pamela Siu From:madhumita.datta@yahoo.com To:City Clerk Subject:Please do not convert Tennis courts at Cupertino Sports Center into Pickleball courts Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:45:23 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council members, We have been made aware that there is a proposal to convert courts 9 and 10 of Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) into pickleball courts. As a long time member of the CSC and a regular user of the tennis courts, I wholeheartedly oppose this proposal. It is already very hard to reserve tennis courts because of too much competition in court booking. The demand for tennis courts is unquestionable. Now two fewer courts would make it impossible to book courts. Proximity to the tennis center is why I continue to live in Cupertino even after my son has graduated from Monta Vista High School and moved to Texas for college. Being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis three years back, tennis has been an integral part of my wellness routine while I manage the autoimmune disease. Pickleball does not need the same level of fitness as tennis, and it will not be an adequate substitute for me in maintaining my mobility. Also, the noisiness of pickleball in the middle of tennis courts would be a huge nuisance. Hope my email is considered during the November 19 meeting. Best regards, Mita 1118 November Drive, Cupertino, CA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Madhumita Datta, Ph. 301-560-0924 (home), 650-919-4287 (mobile) From:Wei-Ken Seto To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Cc:Santosh Rao Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:48:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Wei-Ken Seto CSC Member From:Eric Tsai To:City Clerk Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Conversion of Tennis Courts to Pickleball at Cupertino Sports Center Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:59:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Cupertino City Council Members, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed conversion of Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center from tennis to pickleball. While I appreciate efforts to accommodate different recreational interests, I strongly believe this change is not suitable for our community, and I would like to share a few reasons for my objection. 1. Court Availability and Demand: The Sports Center already faces significant challenges with court availability during prime time for tennis players. Reducing the number of tennis courts will exacerbate this issue, making it even more difficult for members to secure courts and enjoy the sport. 2. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significantly more noise due to the hard paddles and plastic balls used in the game. This could disrupt the peaceful environment valued by many Sports Center users and nearby residents. 3. Dedicated Facilities Exist: Unlike tennis, which requires full-sized courts and proper surfaces, pickleball can often be played in multi-use spaces or on converted courts in other public parks. There may be more appropriate locations within Cupertino to add pickleball facilities without reducing existing tennis courts. 4. Impact on Membership Value: Tennis is a primary draw for many Sports Center members. Reducing the number of tennis courts may diminish the perceived value of membership for those who primarily joined for access to tennis facilities. 5. Potential Overcrowding: Converting tennis courts to pickleball courts will likely attract an influx of new users. Without careful management, this could lead to overcrowding and scheduling conflicts, diminishing the overall user experience for all Sports Center patrons. I kindly request the Council to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative solutions to accommodate pickleball players without sacrificing the needs of tennis enthusiasts. Community input is crucial in decisions like this, and I encourage further engagement with Sports Center members to identify the most equitable path forward. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to discuss my concerns further or provide additional feedback if needed. Sincerely, Eric Tsai Member of the Cupertino Tennis Club. From:a dou To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:CSC courts 9, 10 or any CSC courts must NOT be converted to pickleball. Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:05:02 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. “ i am a cupertino resident and an active member of Cupertino sports center, i am strongly against using court 9 and 10 as pickleball courts , there are many active tennis players in CSC and there is a large community of tennis players , and there are existing pickleball courts in use today at CSC, please do not convert existing tennis court to pickleball. Thank you for your attention ! Amy Si Dou From:Sargon Isaac To:City Clerk Subject:Save our Tennis Courts Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:13:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands 1. Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. 2. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. 3. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. 4. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. 5. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. 6. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. 7. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations 1. Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. 2. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. 3. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. 4. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill- conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Sargon Inc Sargon John Isaac 408-202-1860 From:Cindy Jeung To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Cc:Santosh Rao Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calenda for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:34:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24 meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Cindy Jeung From:Holly To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Pickle Ball Courts Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:43:19 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Cupertino City Council, I/Holly Yip have been a proud Cupertino Tennis Center member for over a decade. NO, we do not want tennis courts 9 and 10 covered to pickle ball. It is difficult getting courts as is. And as a USTA captain during the rainy season, without courts 9 and 10 would be detrimental to our matches and the playing USTA season. Thank you for listening, Holly 408.655.1477 From:George Mattinger To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:55:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. PLEASE INCLUDE THIS EMAIL AS PART OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE MEETING AGENDA ITEM. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24 meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College and on several Cupertino Tennis Center courts including the basketball area and courts 17 and 18. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, George Mattinger Cupertino Resident since 1998 From:Shrinivas Venkatraman To:City Clerk Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:12:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Shrinivas Venkatraman From:Vignesh Kalyanaraman To:City Clerk Subject:Fwd: Nov 19, 2024 Cupertino City Council Meeting: Pickleball on cts 9,10 Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:15:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello This is Vignesh here, we are a long time member of Cupertino Sports center. Wanted to raise my thought and say, that please Do not convert tennis courts to pickleball. Reasons There are tons of other pickleball courts which are not even full CSC is one of the rare places that is a tennis heaven Members fully occupy the tennis courts alongwith Junior development - vital for the future of the beautiful game Appreciate all your help Regards Vignesh ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Piyush Lakhawat <piyushlakhawat@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 8:16 PM Subject: Fwd: Nov 19, 2024 Cupertino City Council Meeting: Pickleball on cts 9,10 To: Vignesh Kalyanaraman <vig.kalyanaraman@gmail.com>, Sridhar Balijepalli <sridhar1986@gmail.com>, shivajit mohapatra <shivajit.mohapatra@gmail.com> Begin forwarded message: From: Cupertino Tennis Club <communications@cupertinotennisclub.org> Date: November 18, 2024 at 6:36:59 PM PST To: piyushlakhawat@gmail.com Subject: Nov 19, 2024 Cupertino City Council Meeting: Pickleball on cts 9,10 Reply-To: Cupertino Tennis Club <communications@cupertinotennisclub.org>  View this email in your browser Dear Members, At the Tuesday 11/19/2024 Cupertino City Council meeting, the city is proposing to convert courts 9 and 10 to pickleball. This affects every tennis player at CSC so make yourself heard if you are against this proposal, either by writing an email to the city clerk (cityclerk@cupertino.gov) or better yet, attend the meeting. Please contact Santosh Rao (santo_a_rao@yahoo.com) more information. Dave Babicz CTC President Copyright © 2024 Cupertino Tennis Club, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a 2022 CTC Member Our mailing address is: Cupertino Tennis Club 21111 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, Ca 95014 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From:Ravi Shankar To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:04:01 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Ravi Shankar Cupertino resident since 1994 From:dongmei cao To:City Clerk Cc:Santosh Rao Subject:No converting CSC Tennis Courts 9 and 10 to pickleball courts!! Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:12:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Clerk, We are all very angered to learn that the City Council once again is eyeing Cupertino Sports Center's tennis courts. We, pass-holders of this Club, ask that you reconsider the following: Rationale: $24M contract under CONSENT!!! Seriously!?!? Buried in this contract are CIP projects that have NOT BEEN put on the Work Plan, or been discussed or been approved! They are being slipped in as part of a 20 page, 10-year contract! Buried in this contract is an implied approval to convert Tennis Courts #9 and #10 to pickleball courts WITHOUT any public discussion or input! Pickleball courts are LOUD and invasive to the neighbors. This is a change in use with NO PUBLIC INPUT! It’s a change in use at a place where the tennis courts are highly utilized! You don’t see the tennis courts unused! Buried in this contract is the mention of installing new neighbor-friendly LED lights for Tennis Courts #16 and #17. There is no CIP project for this change. There is no design guidelines for this change. It goes beyond the City Work Plan! Financial Reporting – should include by the class reporting yet what is listed is “gross revenues”. “Contractor’s right to give private lessons on any court” – there is no mention of the city’s compensation when this is done nor the city’s ability to reject this use since it is the contractor’s responsibility to schedule the courts! There is NO YEARLY REVIEW/EVALUATION on the contractor’s performance! No metrics to measure their success. PLEASE PULL ITEM #12 and discuss this contract. At the very least Remove the CIP projects Reduce the length of time of the contract.Consider the alternative proposal. Respectfully, Dongmei Cao From:Anthony Brittis To:City Clerk Subject:Cupertino Sports Center - DO NOT support converting two courts to pickleball Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:15:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi, My name is Anthony Brittis. I have lived in Cupertino for 25 years and have been a Cupertino Sports Center member for over 30 years. I use the facility for tennis and workout equipment. I do not support the conversion of Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. Tennis court supply at CSC is a premium and it is difficult to book courts during prime time. Losing these courts will just make the problem worse. I will most likely not renew my CSC membership and opt to join Bay Club if the tennis court situation becomes worse. Anthony Brittis From:Derek Chen To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Cc:Karen Chen Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:22:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc. for the operation of the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC). I urge the Council to reject this proposal during the upcoming City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, as it presents several significant concerns that could negatively impact the CSC, the local tennis community, and the City’s fiscal responsibility. Key Concerns and Recommendations: 1. Protect Tennis Courts - Do Not Convert Courts 9 and 10 to Pickleball: Converting these courts into pickleball courts would permanently reduce the number of tennis courts available to residents, directly impacting the local tennis community. Tennis courts at CSC must be preserved for their intended use. 2. Retain City Control of Court Reservations: Allowing Lifetime Activities to control court reservations compromises fairness, transparency, and access for Cupertino residents. The City must maintain oversight of the reservation system to ensure equitable access for all users. 3. Reject the 10-Year Commitment with Lifetime Activities: A 10-year agreement with a for-profit entity is a long-term commitment that could prioritize revenue over community needs and quality. Lifetime's past performance in other cities, such as Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, has been disappointing, with deteriorating facilities and programs. I recommend a shorter contract (5 years or less) to ensure regular performance assessments and greater flexibility. 4. Issue Separate RFPs for Different Services: Bundling all services under one vendor dilutes accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs for tennis instruction and pro shop services, and another for other sports like pickleball and basketball. This would allow the City to choose specialized vendors who can provide higher-quality programming and service. 5. Eliminate Unnecessary Provisions from the Contract: The inclusion of providing office space to Lifetime is an unwarranted provision that does not benefit the community. It should be removed, as it adds no value to Cupertino residents. 6. Gorin Tennis Academy as a Strong Alternative: Gorin Tennis Academy is a proven, reputable tennis-focused organization that would be a superior vendor for tennis instruction at CSC. Gorin has a track record of developing competitive players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. Lifetime, in contrast, has failed to produce successful tennis players and has employed instructors with questionable qualifications. 7. Reconsider the $500,000 in Proposed “Capital Improvements”: The proposed funding for pickleball court construction at the expense of tennis facilities reflects misguided priorities. These improvements do not align with the needs of the primary users of CSC, the tennis community. Additionally, the proposed addition of lighting on courts 14–18 appears designed to benefit Lifetime’s revenue-generating activities rather than meet the needs of CSC members. Recommended Actions: Remove Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This matter requires full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council members have taken office. Ensure the Item is Addressed Early in the Agenda: If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be placed at the beginning of the agenda to allow for adequate public input. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP Process: Separate the RFP into distinct contracts to allow for specialized vendors and greater accountability. Limit Any Future Contract to 5 Years or Less: This would provide the City with flexibility and the opportunity to assess vendor performance regularly. Lifetime’s History of Mismanagement: Lifetime’s track record in other cities raises serious concerns about its ability to effectively manage the Cupertino Sports Center. Reports of deteriorating facilities, unqualified instructors, and a lack of competitive tennis development are troubling. Cupertino deserves better than a vendor focused on profits over the well-being of its residents. Conclusion: I urge the City Council to reject this 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and take a more thoughtful, resident-focused approach to managing the Cupertino Sports Center. This includes preserving tennis courts, retaining control over court reservations, and reconsidering the RFP process to ensure specialized and accountable vendors. Additionally, any future contract should be limited to five years, with performance reviews to protect the best interests of Cupertino’s residents. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I trust that you will prioritize the community’s needs and make the best decision for Cupertino’s future. Sincerely, Derek Chen 19711 Drake Drive 408-504-9467 From:Prabhu To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Request to Pull Agenda Item 12 from Consent Calendar for Further Review Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 1:35:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Mohan, Cupertino City Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Parks & Rec Director Sanders, I urge the City Council to pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar for the 11/19/24 meeting and, if possible, to continue the item to a future date when the newly elected council is in session. Agenda Item 12 proposes substantial changes that should not be approved without thorough discussion. Key Objection: Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball I strongly oppose the proposal to convert Courts 9 and 10 at the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC) from tennis to pickleball. 1. Historic Use: These courts have served tennis players for over 30 years. 2. High Demand: Courts are oversubscribed, with bookings filling up within seconds of opening each week. 3. Noise Concerns: Pickleball generates significant noise, disrupting nearby tennis activities. 4. Existing Facilities: Pickleball facilities are already available at Memorial Park and De Anza College. 5. Out-of-Town Usage: A majority of pickleball players at CSC come from outside Cupertino. Concerns with Lifetime's Contract Renewal A 10-year contract renewal for Lifetime is excessive and should be reconsidered. Contracts should be limited to five years or fewer to ensure better terms and vendor accountability. Performance Issues with Lifetime: 1. Court Maintenance: Courts are not cleaned bi-weekly as required by the current contract. Logs and photographic evidence of compliance should be audited. 2. Reservations: The city should retain control of court reservations instead of outsourcing to Lifetime, whose service quality is subpar in other cities like Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. 3. Tennis Instruction: Lifetime’s programs have failed to produce players of high school junior varsity or varsity-level competency, unlike Gorin Tennis Academy, which has a proven record of excellence. 4. Capital Improvements: The promised $500,000 lacks clear details and member input, with pickleball courts being an unwanted proposal. 5. Past Damage: Court 12 was damaged by Lifetime’s improper use for non-tennis activities (e.g., hosting ping pong). 6. Revenue Sharing: A 10%-12% revenue share is insufficient. The city could achieve higher returns by exploring alternative vendors like Gorin or directly managing some services. Recommendations: 1. Retain Tennis Courts: Do not convert Courts 9 and 10 from tennis to pickleball. 2. Revisit Vendor Options: Consider Gorin Tennis Academy for superior tennis instruction and revenue potential. 3. Shorter Contract Term: Limit any contract to five years or fewer. 4. Audit Performance: Evaluate Lifetime’s compliance with maintenance and service standards before renewal. 5. Transparent Improvements: Explicitly specify all Capital improvements to CSC and limit these to be relevant and specific to the needs of CSC users with a focus on tennis court improvements. Given these significant concerns, I respectfully request the Council to: Pull Agenda Item 12 from the consent calendar. Direct staff to continue the item to a later date for comprehensive review and reconsideration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Prabhu Kuttiyam A Cupertino Resident and a Cupertino Sports Center Member From:michel pedreno To:City Clerk Subject:Pickelball @ Cupertino Sport Center Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 2:20:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi, I'm not a resident of Cupertino but live near by in West San Jose and have been a member of the Cupertino Sports Center since moving back to CA about a decade ago. I have just heard from members of the center that there will be a proposal to change tennis courts 9 and 10 at the center to pickeball courts. I would like to register my opposition to this proposal and instead ask that the City Council consider an alternate to keep the pickle ball courts on opposite sides of the Sport center. The Sport center has tennis courts on opposite corners and my suggestion is to maintain the separation that they have already set. Thank you, Michel ======================================================================== We’ve heard quite enough, Of experts and their dealings, Why face the facts, When you can just feel the feelings? Let’s lead this world a merry dance, Let’s give stupidity a chance - Neil Tennant From:Joan Hu To:City Clerk Subject:Oppose converting tennis courts to pickleball courts at CSC Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 2:27:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom it may concern, I’ve been an active member of Cupertino Sports Center for 15+ years. As an avid tennis player, I’ve noticed that it’s getting increasingly harder to reserve a court during prime times of 9-11am and 5-8pm. I heard that there is a proposal to convert two of the tennis courts to pickleball courts. This would be a terrible blow to all the tennis players as there are limited courts currently and many times several of them are blocked off for lessons during certain time of the year. I’m sure this will affect CSC tennis membership enrollment. Please do not support converting tennis courts into pickleball courts. Thank you, Joanne Hu From:Prashanth Guduru To:Rachelle Sander; City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk Subject:Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 2:29:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 11/19/24 city council meeting. Mayor Sheila Mohan, Members of the Cupertino City Council, City Manager Pamela Wu, Director of Parks and Recreation Rachelle Sanders, City of Cupertino, Subject: Opposition to Awarding the 10-Year Contract for Cupertino Sports Center to Lifetime Activities Dear Mayor Mohan, Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Director Sanders, I write to strongly oppose the proposed 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities, Inc., and to urge you to reject this agreement at the November 19, 2024, City Council meeting. The terms of this contract raise significant concerns about its impact on the Cupertino Sports Center (CSC), the local tennis community, and fiscal responsibility. Key Issues and Demands Courts 9 and 10 Must Not Be Converted to Pickleball: Converting these courts would permanently reduce the availability of tennis courts, disproportionately affecting tennis players who rely on these facilities. CSC should prioritize preserving tennis courts for their intended use. Court Reservations Should Remain Under City Control: Outsourcing reservations to Lifetime undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access for residents. The City must retain control of the reservation system to safeguard fairness and reliability. Reject the 10-Year Contract with Lifetime: A decade-long commitment to a for-profit entity prioritizing revenue over quality is shortsighted. Lifetime’s poor track record in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara has led to deteriorated facilities and programming. A shorter contract (5 years or less) allows the City to regularly assess vendor performance and safeguard community interests. Split the RFP into Separate Contracts: The current RFP bundles multiple services under one vendor, diluting accountability and expertise. The City should issue separate RFPs to: Hire a tennis-focused vendor for instruction and pro shop services, ensuring the quality of tennis programs remains the priority. Engage specialized vendors or subcontractors for other sports like pickleball, basketball, and chess, allowing greater flexibility and higher-quality programming. Remove Unnecessary and Unrelated Items from the Contract: Providing CSC office space to Lifetime is unwarranted and does not serve the community's interests. These provisions add no value to Cupertino residents and should be eliminated. Gorin Tennis Academy Is a Superior Vendor: Gorin Tennis Academy, with proven expertise in tennis instruction and player development, offers a better alternative. Gorin has successfully produced high school and collegiate-level players and operates effectively at De Anza and West Valley Colleges. In contrast, Lifetime has failed to develop competitive tennis players at either college tennis level or high school level and has employed instructors with insufficient qualifications. Oppose the $500,000 "Capital Improvements": The proposed improvements prioritize pickleball court creation at the expense of tennis courts. These changes reflect misplaced priorities and do not align with CSC’s core users’ needs. Any addition of lights on outer courts 14 - 18 helps lifetime grow its revenue with nighttime tennis lessons and does nothing for CSC members playing tennis. Process Recommendations Pull Agenda Item 12 from the Consent Calendar: This item demands full public discussion and should be deferred to a later meeting, ideally after the newly elected council majority assumes office. If the item proceeds on November 19, it should be addressed early in the agenda to encourage public participation. Direct Staff to Reassess the RFP: Split the RFP into multiple contracts, allowing the City to select vendors specialized in their respective sports. This approach ensures higher quality and greater accountability for tennis and other programs. Reject Lifetime’s Proposal in Its Current Form: Any future contract should exclude unrelated provisions, such as providing office space to Lifetime, and prioritize resident-focused outcomes. Retain City Oversight of Court Reservations: The City must continue managing court reservations to ensure transparency and equitable access for all users. Lifetime's History of Mismanagement Lifetime’s poor track record demonstrates its unsuitability for this role. Residents in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have repeatedly reported substandard facilities and programming under Lifetime’s management. Instructors often lack qualifications, and there is no evidence of Lifetime producing competitive tennis players. Cupertino should not entrust CSC to a vendor that prioritizes profits over quality and community service. Conclusion I urge the Council to reject the 10-year contract with Lifetime Activities and to pursue a better course of action: Preserve tennis courts and reject pickleball conversions at CSC. Retain control of court reservations under City management. Reassess the RFP process to allow specialized vendors to serve residents’ needs effectively. Limit any contract to 5 years or less, with performance reviews to protect Cupertino’s interests. Please protect the interests of Cupertino residents by rejecting this ill-conceived proposal and prioritizing transparency, accountability, and quality in CSC’s future operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Prashanth Guduru From:Rhoda Fry To:City Council; City Clerk Subject:RE: 11/19/24 City Council #12 Lifetime Activities - please include under written communications Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 3:49:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, Dear City Clerk, please include under written communications 11/19/24 City Council #12 Lifetime Activities I am appalled that such a large contract would be put under the consent calendar. This is an inappropriate use of the consent calendar. The City Manager should never have allowed it. And the City Mayor should have stopped it. This is not okay. Furthermore, given the change in use in our parks and rec facilities that are being proposed, this should have been brought to the parks and rec commission for vetting prior to being brought to council. I am dismayed by the City making it very difficult for the public to be engaged in how are public facilities are used and how our public funds are allocated. Thanks, Rhoda Fry