08-15-23 Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CYPRESS
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
August 15, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission was called to order at
6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, in the Cypress Community Center Conference Room.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Dronkers, Commission Vice Chair Jackson, Commissioners Edwards,
Erbe, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
ABSENT: None
Also present, Jeff Draper, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Ian Kokot, Recreation and
Community Services Manager.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of the flag was led by Commissioner Edwards.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the
Commission)
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of July 18, 2023
Commission Erbe noted that she was referred to as “Commission Chair Erbe” under “Approve Minutes – Meeting
of June 20, 2023.”
It was moved by Commissioner Ridgeway, and seconded by Commissioner Erbe, to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of July 18, 2023, as amended.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers, Edwards, Erbe, Jackson, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
2. Arnold Cypress Park Naming
The Director provided background; reported on the nominations so far received; and asked the Commission to
decide if they want to hold a public forum on the field naming at the September 19 meeting or schedule a special
meeting between October 10-13.
Commissioner Jackson asked if the regular October meeting will be cancelled if no public meeting scheduled
that month.
The Director affirmed.
It was moved by Commissioner Ridgeway, and seconded by Commissioner Medrano, to schedule the public
meeting for the naming of Arnold Cypress Park fields during the regular meeting on September 19.
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The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers, Edwards, Erbe, Jackson, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
The Director informed the public meeting will be promoted; that a list and summaries of the nominees will be
complied and provided to the Commission as an agenda report; and that the Commission will discuss and
recommend four names.
DEFERRED BUSINESS
5. Park Rules and Regulations
The Director thanked Commission Chair Dronkers, Commission Vice Chair Jackson, and Commissioner
Ridgeway for serving on the ad hoc committee, and informed that the recommendations will be submitted to City
Council.
Commission Chair Dronkers related about the process of the ad hoc committee in updating the park regulations.
Commissioner Erbe commented that the ad hoc committee was very thorough and asked if there can be more
input.
The Director responded that there is still opportunity to make changes.
Commissioner Erbe commented that there are no park hours listed in the regulations.
Commissioner Edwards commented that there is nothing about overnight usage.
The Director pointed out Section e of the park regulations where it refers to remaining in a City park during the
hours the park is deemed closed, and discussed the signage posted in all of the parks that states overnight
camping or lodging is prohibited.
In addition to the ad hoc committee’s recommendations the following changes were also recommended: (1)
adding “motorized vehicles,” Section u; adding “feeding of wildlife,” Section t; adding “household furnishings,”
Section s.
It was moved by Commissioner Ridgeway, and seconded by Commissioner Jackson, to approve the
recommendations to the park regulations.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers, Edwards, Erbe, Jackson, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
The Director thanked the ad hoc committee and thanked the Commissioners for their suggestions.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
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STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:
Manager Kokot: (1) Saturday, August 26 last date for Nature Center walks; (2) Cypress Pony Baseball will no
longer be offering a 13-14 year old division, but that Cypress Youth Baseball will be taking over those age division
leagues.
Commission Chair Dronkers asked if there would be any ramifications for this.
Manager Kokot responded there could be impacts to the fields.
The Director informed that Cypress Pony Baseball’s main focus will be their championship league programs.
Commission Chair Dronkers asked if this will need to be voted on by the ACUAF groups.
The Director responded that staff will be accepting this as there is not a process in place at this time if one group
is willing to take over another group’s disbanded program.
The Director: (3) City Council meetings resume August 28; (4) City may be purchasing adjacent property to
Baroldi/Sycamore Park in order to expand that site, and that item will go before Council at the August 28 meeting.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked how the property purchase would be paid.
The Director responded it will be paid for through future capital project park funds.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Commissioner Erbe asked about the Arnold Cypress park pickleball courts, and spoke of hearing that October
1 is the date the park will close for renovations.
The Director responded there is not yet a definite date for the park closure.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked about parking at Cypress College and if there will be permanent nets on the
pickleball courts.
The Director responded that staff is still working with the college on parking, and does not know if there will be
permanent nets.
Commission Chair Dronkers asked if this is the appropriate part of the meeting for the Commissioners to be
asking questions.
The Director responded that there is usually no discussion or questions taken for non-agenda items.
Commission Vice Chair Jackson thanked Recreation Manager Kokot for answering her emails.
Commissioner Edwards praised the concerts and congratulated staff on their success.
ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Commissioner Erbe, and seconded by Commissioner Ridgeway, to adjourn the meeting at 6:51
p.m. to the regular meeting of September 19, 2023, to be held in the Cypress Community Center Garden Room
at 6:00 p.m.
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__________________________________________
CHAIR OF THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISSION
ATTEST:
___________________________________
SECRETARY TO THE RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION