CC 04-15-2025 Item No. 14 Future aenda items requested by Council_Written CommunicationCC 04-15-2025
Item No. 14
Review future agenda
items requested by City
Councilmembers
Written Communications
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Agenda Item Request: Minor Modification to Muni Code for Parking
Date:Monday, April 14, 2025 11:15:30 AM
Please add this to the written communication for Item 14 TBD list to provide context of
the agenda request.
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2025 10:34 PM
To: Floy Andrews <fandrews@awattorneys.com>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>;
Valenzuela, Neil <Neil.Valenzuela@shf.sccgov.org>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <CityClerk@cupertino.gov>; Kitty Moore
<KMoore@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: Agenda Item Request: Minor Modification to Muni Code for Parking
Adding Vice Mayor, with whom I have discussed some of this.
I looked into the Muni Code for 72-hour parking restriction in Saratoga and Los Altos,
who are also under the same Sheriff's Office:
Los Altos's version: "For the purposes of this section, a vehicle or trailer shall be
considered to have been parked or left standing for seventy-two (72) or more
consecutive hours if it has not been moved at least one thousand (1,000) feet
during such seventy-two (72) hour period."
Saratoga's version: "A vehicle shall be considered to have been parked or left
standing for seventy-two or more consecutive hours if it has remained inoperable
or has not been moved and remained at least one mile from its original parked
location for at least twenty-four hours during the seventy-two-hour period."
I found Fremont's version is similar to Mountain View's version:
Fremont's version: "any vehicle that has been parked in the same location for 72
hours move at least 1,000 feet from its current location and may not return to
the same parking spot for at least 24 hours" (adopted Nov. 2024)
Fremont on restriction near residential streets: "Additionally, oversized vehicles,
including any attached trailers, vehicles, or loads which exceed 22 feet in length,
and/or 6 feet in width and 7 feet in height, are no longer allowed to park on any
public street within 100 feet of a residential property line. The ordinance allows for
limited exemptions of loading/unloading, emergency vehicles and commercial
deliveries. If the oversized vehicle is not moved within 24 hours after receiving a
warning notice, the vehicle could receive a citation and will be at risk for getting
towed. " (adopted Nov. 2024)
I realize that restrictions on oversized vehicles are more complicated since we need to
consider exemptions to allow construction vehicles etc and we need to define over-
sized vehicles. So, in the first version, I would just consider the minor modification on
parking violation, which would not require a study session.
For restrictions on oversized vehicles, we would likely need a study session first to get
public and council input, which could be considered as a part of the FY 2025-27 Work
Program.
===========
Los Altos Muni Code
https://library.municode.com/ca/los_altos/codes/code_of_ordinances?
nodeId=TIT8VETR_CH8.20STSTPA
8.20.090 - Parking for more than 72 hours.
No person who owns or has possession, custody, or control of any vehicle or trailer shall
park such vehicle or trailer upon any street, alley, or public place continuously for more
than a consecutive period of seventy-two (72) hours. For the purposes of this section, a
vehicle or trailer shall be considered to have been parked or left standing for seventy-two
(72) or more consecutive hours if it has not been moved at least one thousand (1,000)
feet during such seventy-two (72) hour period.
(Prior code § 3-2.913)
8.20.100 - Removal of vehicles parked more than 72 hours.
Any regularly employed and salaried officer of the police department may remove, or
cause to be removed, any vehicle which has been parked or left standing upon a street,
highway, or public parking lot for seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours.
(Prior code § 3-2.914)
Saratoga Muni Code
https://library.municode.com/ca/saratoga/codes/code_of_ordinances?
nodeId=CH9MOVETR_ART9-25PAREAPALHI
9-25.030 - Parking of certain oversize vehicles on residential streets.
(a) No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any commercial
vehicle recreational vehicle, boat or trailer, shall park or leave standing such vehicle
upon any street in a residential district or abutting any property or area within a
residential district for a period of seventy-two consecutive hours or more. A vehicle shall
be considered to have been parked or left standing for seventy-two or more consecutive
hours if it has remained inoperable or has not been moved and remained at least one
mile from its original parked location for at least twenty-four hours during the
seventy-two-hour period.
(b) Unattached boats and trailers shall not park or stand upon any public street.
(c) For the purposes of this section:
(1) Trailer means a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for industrial,
professional, or commercial purposes, for carrying property on its own structure,
and for being drawn by a motor vehicle.
(2) Commercial vehicle shall have the meaning set forth in section 9-10.040;
(3) Recreational vehicle means any vehicle used for recreation and designed for
human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, and not
including passenger vehicles.
(Ord. No. 394, § 1(Att. A), 12-7-2022)
9-25.040 - Application of other laws.
The provisions of this Article are in addition to other parking regulations which are or may
be imposed by the laws of the State and the provisions of this Code and shall not relieve
any person from the duty to observe other and more restrictive provisions of the Vehicle
Code or this Code.
9-25.050 - Enforcement of Article.
It shall be the duty of all policemen and Community Service Officers appointed for such
purpose and all deputies of the County Sheriff performing police services in the City to
enforce the regulations set forth in this Article.
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2025 1:37 PM
To: Floy Andrews <fandrews@awattorneys.com>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>;
Valenzuela, Neil <Neil.Valenzuela@shf.sccgov.org>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <CityClerk@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: Agenda Item Request: Minor Modification to Muni Code for Parking
Adding Captain Neil.
Captain,
What do you think about a potential change in parking regulation to require a vehicle to move
by 1000 feet after 72 hours? And not return to the same spot within. 24 hours.
This mirrors the regulation in Mountain View.
In terms of implementation, I suppose that this would be complaints based like other Muni
code enforcement. So, there is no need to track every parked vehicle. Only a few ones where a
complaint is submitted for violating this code.
Thank you.
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Floy Andrews <fandrews@awattorneys.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2025 1:26 PM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <CityClerk@cupertino.gov>
Subject: RE: Agenda Item Request: Minor Modification to Muni Code for Parking
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.
Thank you for this information, Mayor. I appreciate the research!
From a legal perspective, I believe an updated like this could be implemented in short order.
Curious whether we would need to loop in the County Sheriff’s department? I assume the County
Sheriff is the entity that enforces the parking ordinance. I think we should take a quick look at
whatever MOU or other agreement the City has with the County.
I would be inclined to mirror Mountain View’s version. I like its simplicity.
Best,
Floy
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 7:34 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Floy Andrews <fandrews@awattorneys.com>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <CityClerk@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Agenda Item Request: Minor Modification to Muni Code for Parking
*** EXTERNAL SENDER ***
I learned that the cities around us have revised their Muni Code to address the issue of
RV parking and we are lacking behind.
I would like to propose a minor modification to the Muni Code for parking to address the
issue that a vehicle could occupy the same section of a public street 24x7 as long as
they move the vehicle by 6 inches. This is against the original intent of the Muni Code
11.24.130.
I have included relevant Muni Code sections from Mountain VIew and Sunnyvale, in
addition to Cupertino's Muni Code below.
We could consider the two options:
Mountain View's version: Any vehicle must be moved at least one thousand (1000)
feet (approximately two-tenths (2/10) of a mile) from its current location and may
not return to the same parking spot for at least twenty-four (24) hours after its
departure.
Sunnyvale's version: Pushing or moving a vehicle a short distance will not be
considered compliance with this section. Additionally, successive acts of parking
shall be presumed to be a single act of parking within the meaning of this section
when the vehicle is moved merely for the purpose of avoiding the parking
limitations prescribed by this section.
I hope that such minor modification could be considered in a timely manner.
Thank you.
Liang
============
Current Cupertino Muni Code
11.24.130 Prohibited for More than Seventy-Two Hours.
No person who owns or has in his possession, custody, or control any vehicle or trailer
shall park such vehicle or trailer upon any public street or alley for more than a
consecutive period of seventy-two hours.
(Ord. 843, § 6, 1977)
Mountain View Muni Code:
SEC. 19.72. - Seventy-Two (72) hour parking limit—Twenty-Four (24) hour no return.
- Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing in the same location or parking spot
for seventy-two (72) consecutive hours must be moved at least one thousand (1000)
feet (approximately two-tenths (2/10) of a mile) from its current location and may
not return to the same parking spot for at least twenty-four (24) hours after its
departure.
Sunnyvale Muni Code
§ 10.16.120
Use of streets or public parking facilities for storage of vehicles prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any
vehicle, including a boat or trailer, to park or leave such vehicle upon any street, alley, or
public parking facility for a period of seventy-two consecutive hours or more. The intent
of this section is to limit parking of vehicles, boats and trailers to seventy-two
consecutive hours. A vehicle or trailer shall be considered to have been parked or left
standing for seventy-two or more consecutive hours if it has remained inoperable or has
not been moved. An inoperable vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be moved under its own
power or a vehicle which cannot operate legally and safely on the highways of the state.
Pushing or moving a vehicle a short distance or attempting to rub away the tire
marking will not be considered compliance with this section. Additionally,
successive acts of parking shall be presumed to be a single act of parking within the
meaning of this section when the vehicle is moved merely for the purpose of avoiding
the parking limitations prescribed by this section.
(Ord. 2435-93 § 1; Ord. 2633-00 § 1; Ord. 2925-10 § 1)
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2025 8:05 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Tom Chin <TomC@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; Serena Tu <SerenaT@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: RV parking resources
Yes. Please direct me to county resources.
Below is a question on city code enforcement:
"California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22651(k) and Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) 11.24.130 state
that vehicles cannot be parked in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 hours. "
But they can move by 6 inches every day and still park in generally the same space?
Or they have to move by at least the length of the vehicle so that the same "space" is not
occupied by the same vehicle?"
Thanks. Appreciate your attention on this issue of high interest from the community .
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2025 5:58 PM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>; Tom Chin <TomC@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; Serena Tu <SerenaT@cupertino.gov>
Subject: RE: RV parking resources
Mayor Chao, we can assist in directing your questions to the County planning office.
Please advice,
Pamela
Pamela Wu
City Manager
City Manager's Office
PamelaW@cupertino.gov
(408)777-1322
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2025 10:04 AM
To: Tom Chin <TomC@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; Serena Tu
<SerenaT@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: RV parking resources
Where are legal RV parking places within Santa Clara County? Other RV parking
resources?
Has the Santa Clara County adopted any RV ordinance? Or surrounding cities, like
Sunnyvale? (in case the information is readily available to staff)
If we do not wish RVs to occupy our streets, I hope to know where they can park legally
with and without RV facilities.
"California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22651(k) and Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) 11.24.130
state that vehicles cannot be parked in the same spot on a public street for more than 72
hours. "
But they can move by 6 inches every day and still park in generally the same space?
Or they have to move by at least the length of the vehicle so that the same "space" is not
occupied by the same vehicle?
Thanks for the information,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Tom Chin <TomC@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 8:52 AM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Tina Kapoor <TinaK@cupertino.gov>; Serena Tu
<SerenaT@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: RV parking resources
Good morning Mayor Chao,
I have provided answers to your questions regarding RVs below:
Mary Avenue is not specifically designated for RV Parking.
The Rotating Safe Car Park (RSCP) program cannot accommodate RVs at this time. The
RSCP provides parking spaces for passenger vehicles on private property. The risk of
an RV breaking down or discharging grey or black water is very high. The private
property owners are not likely to accept the risk.
California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22651(k) and Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC)
11.24.130 state that vehicles cannot be parked in the same spot on a public street for
more than 72 hours. CVC 22651 (k) and CMC 11.24.130 aim to prevent abandoned
vehicles from being stored on the street. Neither the CVC nor the CMC specifically
prevents RVs from parking on public streets, and unless posted otherwise, all legally
parked vehicles can be on public streets. Neither the CVC nor the CMC specify the
distance a vehicle must travel to have been considered "moved."
While mostly complaint-based, Code Enforcement regularly patrols areas of the city
known to have RVs parked to enforce the 72-hour and street sweeping rules. Of all the
parking citations issued by Code Enforcement, violations for CVC 22651 (k) and street
sweeping are the most common. In FY 24, approximately 280 citations or warnings
were issued.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Thank you,
Tom
Tom Chin
Emergency Manager
City Manager's Office
TomC@cupertino.gov
(408) 777-1310
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2025 11:10 AM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Tom Chin <TomC@cupertino.gov>
Subject: RV parking resources
Given the high interest in RV Parking issue right now, I hope to understand what
resources there are for RV parking in Cupertino and surrounding areas or the County.
I heard that Mary Ave is a designated RV parking site?
Does the rotating Safe Parking program accommodate RVs?
I think it's important to reasonably accommodate RV parking to support RV dwellers.
But they do not have the right to occupy the public street 24-7 as their own private
parking space.
Thus, I’d like to know what’s the practice in terms of issuing fines when muni codes for
street parking or street cleaning are violated.
Thanks,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Upcoming Council study session on student housing and some questions on the decision to purchase
Date:Monday, April 14, 2025 11:05:10 AM
Please add this to the written communication for Item 14 TBD list to provide context for
Item 12 "Study session on multi-family apartments converting to student housing"
Here is the motion from the draft Minutes of the April 2 Council meeting:
MOTION: Chao moved and Moore seconded to add the following item to a future
agenda: A study session on the multifamily apartment conversion to student
housing issue, and whether the City can do it; include existing proposed bills on
student housing and comparisons to municipal codes on student housing in other
jurisdictions, such as San Francisco and Berkeley; and consider a potential
ordinance for student housing, so the City has control of its use and impact. The
motion passed with the following vote: Ayes: Chao, Moore, Fruen, Mohan, and
Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Lee Lambert <lambertlee@fhda.edu>
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2025 2:32 PM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Carla Maitland <maitlandcarla@fhda.edu>; Omar Torres <torresomar@fhda.edu>; Kristina
Whalen <whalenkristina@fhda.edu>; Peter Landsberger <landsbergerpeter@fhda.edu>; Pearl Cheng
<chengpearl@fhda.edu>; Laura Casas <casaslaura@fhda.edu>; Terry Godfrey
<godfreyterry@fhda.edu>; Alexander Gvatua <gvatuaalexander@fhda.edu>
Subject: Re: Upcoming Council study session on student housing and some questions on the
decision to purchase
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recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thank you, Mayor Chao.
The Foothill-De Anza Community College District appreciates the opportunity to
participate in the study session and will await the meeting date.
Sincerely,
Lee
Lee D. Lambert
Chancellor and CEO
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4599
650.949.6100
650.941.1638 (fax)
Executive Assistant: Carla Maitland
maitlandcarla@fhda.edu
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain
confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended
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alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended
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attachments is strictly prohibited.
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 10:05 AM
To: Lee Lambert <lambertlee@fhda.edu>; Omar Torres <torresomar@fhda.edu>; Kristina Whalen
<whalenkristina@fhda.edu>; Carla Maitland <maitlandcarla@fhda.edu>; Pearl Cheng
<chengpearl@fhda.edu>; Laura Casas <casaslaura@fhda.edu>; Terry Godfrey
<godfreyterry@fhda.edu>; Alexander Gvatua <gvatuaalexander@fhda.edu>; Peter Landsberger
<landsbergerpeter@fhda.edu>
Subject: Fw: Upcoming Council study session on student housing and some questions on the
decision to purchase
(Resending to add President Walen)
Dear Chancellor Lambert, President Torres, President Whalen and FHDA Community
College Board Members,
I hope to keep you informed of the Council's decision to agendize a study session on the
conversion of multifamily housing to student housing and its impact to Cupertino.
More details is in the enclosed email sent to some FHDA staff members who have
reached out to set up a meeting with the City of Cupertino.
I realized later that this email should have been addressed to you directly as the leaders
of the Foothill-De Anza Community Colleges.
Warmly,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 9:37 AM
To: Serena Tu <SerenaT@cupertino.gov>; Carla Maitland <maitlandcarla@fhda.edu>; Nathaly
Aguilar <aguilarnathaly@fhda.edu>
Cc: Marisa Spatafore <spataforemarisa@fhda.edu>; Ellen Kamei <kameiellen@fhda.edu>; Pamela
Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Kitty Moore <KMoore@cupertino.gov>; Floy Andrews
<fandrews@awattorneys.com>; Christopher Dela Rosa <delarosachristopher@fhda.edu>
Subject: Upcoming Council study session on student housing and some questions on the decision to
purchase
(Fixed typo for FHDA and changed the subject line. Added Vice Chancellor Christopher
Dela Rosa)
Dear FHDA Friends,
Last night (April 2), the City Council unanimously voted to schedule a study session on
the potential impacts of converting multifamily housing—such as McClellan Terrace—
into student housing. We will be examining the effects on the City’s affordable housing
stock in comparable price ranges, as well as parking and public safety concerns
associated with changing the use from 94 family units to housing for 332 unrelated
young adults.
For me, the decision to agendize the study session is out of the great concern of the loss
of affordable housing stock in the price range as McClellan Terrace. As indicated by the
research done in the attached email by Rhoda Fry,
Terrace rents are more affordable than others in the area.
Terrace is the only large complex that is in the Monta Vista tri-school area.
As mentioned by a member of the public at the April 2 City Council meeting, this is a
housing justice issue: converting McClellan Terrace to student housing would deprive 94
families of access to high-performing schools like Lincoln Elementary, Kennedy Middle,
and Monta Vista High. There are no other nearby units in a similar price range, which
runs counter to the goal of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing included in the Housing
Element we recently adopted.
I would like to understand more about the Foothill-De Anza College Board’s decision-
making process in choosing to purchase an older apartment complex rather than
constructing on-campus student dormitories. If available, it would be extremely helpful
if you could share any comparative studies or cost analyses your team has conducted.
Some questions that come to mind include:
1. Has FHDA considered building on-campus student dormitories?
Why was this option not pursued?
2. Has FHDA considered the ongoing maintenance costs for 94 individual 50-
year-old apartments—each with its own kitchen and bathrooms—when occupied
by 332 young adults, who might not maintain it responsibly as common tenants?
3. How do these costs compare to maintaining a typical student dormitory, which
often features a shared kitchen per building and one or two large shared
bathrooms per floor?
In particular, has FHDA considered the potential efficiencies of newly
constructed dormitories with state-of-the-art facilities for technology
access?
4. Which option is more affordable for students—purchasing older apartment
units or constructing new dormitories on campus?
5. Has FHDA estimated the additional public safety costs associated with
maintaining off-campus student housing?
Would FHDA cover these costs, or is there an expectation that the City of
Cupertino would bear them?
Based on the experiences in other cities, like Berkeley, there are additional
public safety issues for student housing, compared with housing for family
units, as you must know.
As Mayor of Cupertino, I must carefully evaluate the impact that off-campus student
housing will have on our City. I appreciate any information you can share, and I look
forward to discussing these issues further.
I hope FHDA fully utilizes the 120-day due diligence period to thoroughly evaluate these
options and questions, ensuring that purchasing McClellan Terrace for off-campus
student housing is both socially responsible and fiscally sound.
Warm regards,
Liang
Mayor, City of Cupertino
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From:Liang Chao
To:City Clerk
Cc:Kitty Moore
Subject:Fw: Agenda Item Request - consider Finch Property for potential purchase or other partnership with CUSD
Date:Monday, April 14, 2025 11:00:17 AM
Please add this to the Written Communication for the Agenda 14 TBD list to provide
some context to the agenda item request for the potential purchase of the Finch
Property.
Thanks,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Jerry Liu <liu_jerry@cusdk8.org>
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 2:19 PM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Stacy McAfee-Yao <yao_stacy@cusdk8.org>; Kitty Moore <kmoore@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu
<PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; Floy Andrews <fandrews@awattorneys.com>; Nancy Mak
<mak_nancy@cusdk8.org>; jew_chris@cusdk8.org <jew_chris@cusdk8.org>
Subject: Re: Agenda Item Request - consider Finch Property for potential purchase or other
partnership with CUSD
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Hi Liang,
Thanks for the thread to pull everyone together. A couple of notes to add context to your
summary:
1. On the observation that CUSD is interested in selling Finch, I just want to add the full
context that we're interested in a property exchange to exchange the Finch asset into another
real estate investment that generates a revenue stream. Similar to our Montebello property
exchange last year, this will likely involve multiple transactions with multiple parties, and
we've engaged with a real estate firm to help with this. Any transaction we'd have with the
City regarding Finch would be just one part of the exchange and the City wouldn't be involved
in other parts of this exchange.
2. Superintendent Yao will be back in town on April 19. I'm staying a few extra days after the
student delegation events and will be back on April 22.
I think we are on the same page - not seeing any differences in understanding. We can use the
Friday time to discuss perhaps what information the City needs from the District to have a
productive discussion during your May 6 council meeting?
Thanks,
Jerry
On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 4:18 PM Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when
opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Added Floy Andrews, our new City Attorney. Chris Jew, CUSD's CTO. Nancy Mak,
CUSD's Executive Assistant.
Thank you, Jerry, for the discussion yesterday to clarify that CUSD is indeed
interested in selling the Finch Property at market value, but the property has not
been assessed yet.
While CUSD is interested in investing the income from the sell in other revenue
generating options, the sell of the Finch Property could be done independent from any
revenue-generating option CUSD might pursue.
That's my understanding from Jerry. I hope to confirm that we are on the
same page.
I initially was very confused since Pamela has told me in very concern language
repeatedly that "CUSD does want to sell" since January 2025. Back in August 2024
Cupertino City staff has told CUSD that "Cupertino has no money".
Then in October 2024, Pamela has told CUSD that Cupertino City has no interest in
purchasing since she stated:
"The City was asked if there is any plan to lease or purchase the Finch property. I
informed CUSD that the City has no plan to either lease or purchase the Finch
property. This is not part of the current CIP project and the City was in no
financial condition to make any further purchase.”
Then, finally in March 2025, I realized that I need to proactively reach out to CUSD to
ensure that we communicate effectively.
Thus, I hope to clarify some things here so that we are on the same page.
The current uncommitted balance of the parkland dedication fee is about $13M,
according to the info memo February 13, 2025 - Parkland Dedication Fees(PDF,
243KB). There is about $22M potential parkland fees from already entitled
projects and another $20M from current pending projects.
The City Council was never consulted back in August 2024 or October 2024 to
weigh in on any interest to consider an option to purchase or lease the Finch
Property. No information was given to the Council, and no input was sought from
the Council at that time.
There has been community interest in keeping the Finch Property to serve the
public interest, either through the City or through the school district.
Vice Mayor Kitty Moore and Mayor Chao do have a strong interest to look into the
possibility of purchasing the Finch Property or partnering with CUSD in some way
so that the Finch Property benefits the community.
However, the Council does need more information in order to decide whether
the purchase or any other option is reasonable for the City's best interest.
Jerry did say that CUSD wishes to have some resolution on the Finch Property in the
next few months. But I am not certain whether you have a hard deadline for any
decision.
I would propose to agendize an item in open session for the May 6 Council meeting so
that the Council could decide on whether the Council intends to consider the
purchase of the Finch Property, likely with the parkland dedication fee.
The agenda for the May 6 meeting would be published by April 29. It would be
helpful if the agenda packet includes
the info memo on the current and projected parkland dedication fee.
The property information about the Finch Property and any public
information, any improvement or environment cleanup done so far.
Any information on potential assessed value of the property or similar
property (if the information is public)
Any information from CUSD on their intention with the Finch Property and
any other partnership options besides selling the property might be
helpful.
I suppose as a part of the May 6 agenda, the Council might designate a city staff
to be the negotiator or get a consultant to negotiate with CUSD. Then, there will
more discussions in closed sessions with any due diligence report and
assessment report. (For this portion, I would rely on the city staff to guide us on
any legal requirement.)
I know that both Jerry and Stacy are leaving on April 12 for Taiwan to join their student
delegation in Hsinchu and won't be back until April 24.
And the entire week of April 13 is CUSD holiday where the office is closed.
If we are all on the same page with what I've written above, it seems we don't really
need a meeting where Kitty or I or Jerry need to attend.
It seems as long as the staff can coordinate to get sufficient information for the
upcoming May 6 council meeting, that is fine.
Therefore, I have added Chris Jew since he might be able to provide whatever
information needed even if Stacy might be away.
Regards,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Jerry Liu <liu_jerry@cusdk8.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 10:15 AM
To: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Cc: Stacy McAfee-Yao <yao_stacy@cusdk8.org>; Kitty Moore <kmoore@cupertino.gov>;
Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Re: Agenda Item Request - consider Finch Property for potential purchase or other
partnership with CUSD
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless
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Hi Liang,
Your idea of having a discussion among two council members and two board members and
staff sounds appropriate for the 2x2 meetings that has been set up. I would suggest we
agendize Finch for the next meeting and also move up the schedule as one just occurred a
few weeks ago and these tend to be only a few times a year.
The district has held multiple public meetings discussing our property plans. The last major
discussion was during our board advance in January. The slides are at
preview.png
CUSD Board Advance Jan. 23, 2025
PDF Document · 14.1 MB
and the property section starts on slide 81. I’m also including the two slides on Finch here:
The meetings are recorded and available for viewing but the gist of the recommendation is
that we exchange our real estate holdings from an illiquid form to one that generates
ongoing revenue. Identifying new revenue sources is an increasingly urgent issue as our
current multi-year budget projection shows us not able to maintain the traditionally 6%
reserve, and we just this month issued layoff notices to some of our staff.
The CUSD board has reviewed the Finch options multiple times and asked many questions
since last summer so I think at this point we should be able to provide any information that
the city council needs. I would invite you to send your questions to Stacy as soon as
possible. I do think the district needs to move forward on this decision soon, given our
budget gaps and the uncertainty around education funding in this climate.
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry Liu
Governing Board Member
Cupertino Union School District
Liu_Jerry@cusdk8.org
865-377-9548 (86-JERRY-LIU)
WeChat, WhatsApp: jerryjliu
On Mar 26, 2025, at 5:12 AM, Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise
caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown
senders.
We hope to start an informal discussion about the Finch Property to get
some basic information and understand CUSD's plan between two
councilmembers and two board members, and of course relevant staff
members.
What do you think?
My sense is that there is a desire in the community to keep the Finch
Property for public use, rather than seeing it developed into private use,
such as for housing. However, I think the Council needs more information
before deliberating on the issue, both on the property, on CUSD's plan and
on our plans with the current and future Park Impact Fees or other funds.
Regards,
Liang
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 6:50 PM
To: Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>, Floy Andrews
<fandrews@awattorneys.com>
Cc: Kitty Moore <KMoore@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Agenda Item Request - consider Finch Property for
potential purchase or other partnership with CUSD
Finch Property was included in one of the proposed FY 2025-27
Work Program for evaluating city properties.
I am told that CUSD would likely make decisions about Finch
Property in a few months so the City of Cupertino should make
a decision on our interest.
Therefore, I hope to add this to the Council agenda for
consideration.
Ideally, the agenda item should include the following
information:
Information about the Finch Property itself.
Any communication about the Finch Property from
CUSD.
The info memo on the current balance and estimated
future parkland impact fee.
I wonder whether it might be more efficient to conduct a
special joint meeting with CUSD Board since the
communication with the CUSD Superintendent and their board
members have been inconsistent. Thus, it might be best to
have a joint meeting.
Thank you,
Liang
Image removed by sender.
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
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From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Jerry Liu <liu_jerry@cusdk8.org>; Stacy McAfee-Yao
<yao_stacy@cusdk8.org>
Subject: Parkland dedication fees: current balance and projected
income
As I have said a few times, the Cupertino City Council has not
agendized the item for Finch Property to have any discussion.
Whether the city has funding in the general fund is not relevant
since any funding for any parkland purchase would likely come
from parkland dedication fees.
Personally, I do not have a position on that until I have more
data on the current and projected parkland dedication fees and
until receive public input and had a council discussion.
Thus, we have asked for an info memo on the current balance
and projected parkland dedication fees.
02 - February 13, 2025 - Parkland Dedication Fees(PDF, 243KB)
From that memo, the current uncommitted balance of the
parkland dedication fee is about $13M.
"The Park Dedication Fund began Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 with
an opening fund balance of $19,046,081, as reported in the FY
2023-24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Accounting
for budgeted revenues of $478,000 and expenditures of
$5,940,456, the available balance to date is $13,583,625."
There is about $22M potential parkland fees from already
entitled projects and another $20M from current pending
projects.
However, the recent trend is that the developers are requesting
the city to waive parkland impact fees.
For example, Vallco Property Owners received about $70M in
fee waivers (Traffic Impact fee) in a settlement.
The report also goes on to estimate a total of $140M in
parkland impact fees from the 3,237 new units from the current
2025-2031 Housing Element, provided all of the planned new
units are entitled and built. But the performance depends on
the market condition for the builders and their investors.
Liang
Image removed by sender.
Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
LChao@cupertino.gov
408-777-3192
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--
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Jerry Liu
Board President
Cupertino Union School District
liu_jerry@cusdk8.org
86-JERRY-LIU (865 377 9548)