06-20-23 Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CYPRESS
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
June 20, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission was called to order at
6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in the Cypress Community Center Garden Room.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Croce, Commission Vice Chair Burtle, Commissioners Dronkers and
Ridgeway
ABSENT: Commissioners Erbe, Jackson, and Park
Also present, Jeff Draper, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Ian Kokot, Recreation and
Community Services Manager; Ryan Morais, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor; Lauren McNeilly,
Recreation and Community Services Coordinator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of the flag was led by Commission Chair Croce.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the
Commission)
Incoming Recreation Commissioner Leo Medrano spoke of how much he is looking forward to serving on the
commission.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of May 16, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Ridgeway, and seconded by Commission Chair Croce, to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of May 16, 2023.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Burtle, Croce, Dronkers, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Erbe, Jackson, Park
2. Youth and Adult Sports Review and Update
Recreation and Community Services Coordinator McNeilly displayed a PowerPoint presentation of youth sports
leagues, summer sports camps, year-round youth sports, and drop-in programs.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked the maximum age for the youth volleyball league.
Recreation and Community Services Coordinator McNeilly responded the maximum age is 14.
The Director praised Recreation and Community Services Supervisor Morais and Coordinator McNeilly for the
success of the youth sports classes, leagues, and the Challenger Basketball League.
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3. Park Rules and Regulations
The Director provided background: revisiting park regulations is a Strategic Plan item; review of regulations
due to the different usages of the parks during covid shutdown; asked that the commissioners form an ad hoc
committee to work with staff in reviewing and revising current park rules; deadline to review and make revisions
is August 31.
The Director informed that the last through review of park regulations was in 2005, and that two changes were
made since then regarding homeless in the parks and synthetic fields.
It was moved by Commission Chair Croce, and seconded by Commission Vice Chair Burtle, to accept the
formation of an ad hoc committee consisting of Commissioners Dronkers and Ridgeway with one more
commissioner to be determined at the July meeting.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Burtle, Croce, Dronkers, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Erbe, Jackson, Park
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:
The Director: new showmobile; Concerts on the Green starting Friday, June 23; Salute to America at Cypress
College, June 30.
The Director informed that the joint meeting with Council originally slated for August 28 will now be on July 10,
and that Council will consider approving the Arnold/Cypress Park plans and specs and recognizing outgoing
commissioners at the June 26 meeting.
The Director thanked the outgoing commissioners for their service to the Recreation Department and the
community.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Commission Chair Croce expressed how much she enjoyed being on the Recreation Commission and asked
about Vanessa Banuelos’ presentation to Council at the June 12 meeting.
The Director reported of a staff person nominating Recreation Specialist Banuelos for the California Parks and
Recreation Society’s Most Valuable Part-Time Player award for her outstanding service to the Recreation
Department and for her expertise at overseeing Lexington Park.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked if the parking issue has been settled with Cypress College for pickleball players.
The Director responded that staff is still working with the college to offer free parking for pickleball players, but
that the worst case scenario would be to purchase a daily or semester parking pass.
Commission Vice Chair Burtle asked if the Pride Festival at the Civic Center Green was a City-sponsored event.
The Director responded that it was a private event held by a Cypress resident and that an open space permit
was issued for it.
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Commission Vice Chair Burtle asked estimated length of time for Arnold/Cypress Park renovation.
The Director responded that it’s expected to take 12 months.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commission Chair Croce adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. to the regular meeting of July 18, 2023, to be held
in the Cypress Community Center Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.
__________________________________________
CHAIR OF THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISSION
ATTEST:
___________________________________
SECRETARY TO THE RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION