EDC 11-10-2009
City of Cupertino
Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
November 10, 2009
1.CALL TO ORDER
At 3:39 p.m. Kelly Kline called the meeting to order in Conference Room A at City Hall.
2.ROLE CALL
City Staff: K. Kline, A. Shrivastava, C. Atwood, Ralph Qualls
Chamber: Bob Adams, Josh Hogan
City Council- Kris Wang
Planning Commission: Marty Miller
Guests: Jennifer Li, Vicky Tsai
Introductions were made around the table.
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Carol Atwood moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on August 11, 2009.
Bob Adams seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
4.ORAL COMMUNICATIONS-
None
5.NEW BUSINESS
A.Mandarin Business Class Report
Kelly Kline started off by recapping the Mandarin Business Class held on October 7,
2009. She reported that the Chamber, SCORE, the City of Cupertino, and NOVA were all
partners in making this class available. 60 people attended the class which reinforced that
Cupertino is a business-friendly city.
Vicky Tsai then briefly went over the presentation. She said that the World Journal
reported this class as the first Mandarin Business Class in the South Bay. TV Channel 26
(KTSF) was inspired by the World Journal’s article, and asked to interview Vicky. It was
the first time they interviewed a small business owner.
Kelly then reported that according to the surveys, 95% of the attendees thought that the
class was “very helpful” and 92% thought that the instructor and the content were
“excellent”. Mike Gilbert from SCORE said that he had never seen such high rankings.
AABC is currently looking into future classes, and plans to hold another one on February
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24, 2010 at the Community Hall. They’re considering conducting the class in different
languages, partnering with Milpitas, and bringing in a panel consisting of small business
owners who are willing to share their experience.
B.Creating a Green Building Ordinance.
Aarti reported that the Planning Commission is refining a process for the Green Building
Ordinance. The process is expected to take roughly 8 months. A consultant will be
needed, and the commission is also considering the establishment of a task force. The
City Council will review the proposed process in January. Cupertino’s Green Building
Ordinance will follow those of the other cities in our region in order to maintain
consistency. The project will start soon after the consultant is hired, and should end
sometime in September 2010.
C.Economic Development Manager Report
Kelly first mentioned eight grand openings in Cupertino. Then, she talked about the
businesses that are under construction. Aqui will finish construction in late February
2010 and open thereafter; Learning Game has just received its final building permit;
Wingstop will open in early January. Kelly then shared recent articles to the committee
pertaining to Cupertino Square.
She then talked about the two symantec buildings on Torre, the new ownership group at
Torre Plaza, and the leasing efforts at Cupertino Gateway on Tantau. The Mervyns site is
now actively leasing, the recent city tour for block leaders was successful, the E-
newsletter currently has over 900 subscribers, and there are office renovations taking
place at Results Way. The Cupertino Restaurant Association is currently working on a
concierge tour with Cupertino’s four hotels.
6.OLD BUSINESS
A.Cupertino Square Update
See Economic Development Manager Report
B.Cupertino Restaurant Association Update
See Economic Development Manager Report
C.City Updates
Aarti said that there have been no major changes to the Housing Element, and it
will be finalized soon. She also reported that the City Council approved the Sign
Ordinance, and there will now be more flexibility and creativity in the ordinance.
Repetitive issues that have come up in the past have now been addressed in the
new ordinance. Kelly mentioned that there have been two positive articles in the
Courier about the ordinance changes. Aarti then told the committee that Measure
B passed with an impressive 75% vote (needed 50%).
7.CURRENT DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Aarti Shrivastava talked about the new Development Activity Report, and highlighted the
Rosebowl project construction and “Main Street” marketing efforts. She then addressed
the rest of the report including the Las Palmas project, which will have half of its units
finalized in the next couple of weeks. Kelly added that Apple’s rezoning item will be
heard by the City Council on November 30th.
8.MISCELLANEOUS COMMITTEE UPDATES
Bob Adams reported that the Diwali Festival had a great turnout and was also successful
financially. He talked about the T.G.I. Friday mixer, and mentioned that the next mixer
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will be on December 3 at the Flint Center. The date has not been finalized for when the
new Chamber Board will be sworn in.
9.FUTURE ITEMS/CALENDAR
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The next Economic Development Committee Meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2010
in Conference Room A at 3:30 p.m. This will be confirmed after new Council and
Planning commission members of the EDC are appointed.
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Kelly mentioned that the Council Swearing In Ceremony will be on December 1, 2009.
Ralph passed out Brochures for the Mary Avenue Bridge, which cost $14.8 Million to
build.
10.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
___________________________
Kelly Kline
Economic Development Manager