CC 07-15-2025 Item No. 9. Staffing Budget Adjustments_Desk Item1
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DESK ITEM
Meeting: July 15, 2025
Agenda Item #9
Subject
Budget Adjustments related to the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and the
Assistant City Manager and Deputy City Manager positions in the City Manager’s Office
resulting in net savings of $62,586 for the City annually.
Recommended Action
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-___ approving Budget Modification No. 2425-399, increasing
appropriations by $291,532 for the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-___ amending the Unrepresented Employee’s Compensation
Program to eliminate the Assistant City Manager position, resulting in ongoing salary
savings of $354,118 annually in the City Manager’s Office.
Background:
Staff’s responses to questions received from councilmembers are shown in italics.
Q1: The staff report states, "The Assistant Director for the Parks Department was
defunded in 2024." The position hasn't been filled for a few years, right? What gaps in
services have been there since then?
Staff response: The Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation is an existing position in the city.
Since the vacancy of the position in 2022, the Director of Parks and Recreation is fulfilling both
her primary leadership responsibilities and duties that were assigned to the Assistant Director.
This dual role is not sustainable and poses risks to the department’s performance and capacity.
Q2: The staff report states "Staff recommends Council approve a budget allocation of
$291,532 for this position and adopt the draft Resolution". What additional services will
the city provide to justify for a position costing $291,532 a year?
Staff response: Parks and Recreation is one of the largest residents facing departments. Adding
this position will allow the department to stay on top of emerging trends and best practices in the
Parks and Recreation world. This position will be able to support city work program items, for
example the Senior Center item and research important issues to the community such as resident
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and non-resident fees and access to facilities, events, and programs. The position will also be able
to manage special projects and oversee program delivery leading to improved outcomes and greater
accountability. Filling this position will allow the director to focus on high level policy making,
ensuring stronger alignment with citywide goals, and improving responsiveness to the city
manager and council priorities.
Q3: Would all of the services currently provided by the Parks and Rec Department see a
percentage increase in order to cover the additional cost in staffing?
Staff response: New programs, events, classes, and more are emerging rapidly in parks and
recreation offerings and the Assistant Director will help to assess the needs and impacts of these
new trends on Cupertino including revenue generating opportunities. Being able to assess these
trends will mean updated, new, and improved offerings which are in-line with the wants and
needs of the Cupertino community. This position will help to ensure that new and improved
programs are thoughtfully implemented for Cupertino residents. With the Director of Parks and
Recreation currently fulfilling both roles, it has been challenging to devote time to this research
and bring forward meaningful recommendations, as well as furthering sponsorships and
community partnership opportunities.
Attachments Provided with Original Staff Report:
A – Draft Resolution Amending the Unrepresented Employee’s Compensation
Program
B – Amendments to the Unrepresented Employee’s Compensation Program – Clean
C – Amendments to the Unrepresented Employee’s Compensation Program – Redline
D – Deputy City Manager Job Description Revised July 2025 – Clean
E – Deputy City Manager Job Description Revised July 2025 – Redline
F – Draft Resolution Approving a Budget modification for Assistant Director of Parks
and Recreation
Additional Attachments Provided with Desk Item:
None