03-19-2024 Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CYPRESS
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
March 19, 2024
The regular meeting of the Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission was called to order
at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the Cypress Community Center Arts and Crafts Room.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Dronkers, Commissioners Edwards, Erbe, Medrano, and Ridgeway
ABSENT: Commission Vice Chair Jackson, Commissioner Logovii
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 Commission Chair Dronkers.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the
Commission)
Commission Chair Dronkers recognized Youth Action Committee members Shriyars Ghosh, Jibin Joseph,
Yuri Jung, Vihan Revagad.
CITY MANAGER ANNUAL UPDATE
The City Manager provided updates on commissioner recruitment, Citizen’s Academy, district voting, City’s
budget, business development, State-mandated Housing Element, Myra Street pump project, Arnold
Cypress Park Project, Strategic Plan.
The City Manager thanked the Commissioners for their service.
Commission Chair Dronkers thanked the City Manager for speaking to the Commission.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of February 20, 2024
It was moved by Commissioner Edwards, and seconded by Commissioner Ridgeway, to approve the
minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2024.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers, Edwards, Erbe, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Jackson, Logovii
2. Halloween Decorating Contest
The Director advised that the Commission can select members to serve on an ad hoc committee if they
want to proceed with a Halloween Decorating contest.
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Commissioner Erbe suggested presenting to the winners of the contest VIP passes to the City’s Salute to
America as an incentive for people to enter.
It was moved by Commissioner Erbe, and seconded by Commissioner Ridgeway, to approve the selection
of Commissioners Edwards, Jackson, and Logovii to serve on the Halloween Decorating Contest ad hoc
committee.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers, Edwards, Erbe, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Jackson, Logovii
3. Review the Recreation and Community Services Strategic Plan
The Director provided background on the Recreation’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan and reported that the
department has accomplished 12 out of the 18 goals: training and development opportunities for employees;
partnerships; increasing volunteers; updating fees; grant opportunities; RCS Foundation support; working
with the Youth Action Committee for updated social media and technology approaches; joint meetings
between Council and Commissions; evaluating and enhancing Senior Center programs.
Commissioner Edwards asked if the community high schools are aware that Recreation and Community
Services offers community service hours.
The Director responded that some schools are ending those service hours requirements.
Commissioner Medrano asked if the Strategic Planning meetings are open to the public.
The Director affirmed the meetings are opened to the public.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
Commissioner Ridgeway asked the Youth Action Committee why they were attending the meeting.
Youth Action Committee members reported it is a requirement of the program for each to attend a
Recreation Commission meeting and a Council meeting.
STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:
Arnold Cypress Park Update
The Director reported contractors working on grading the site.
Commissioner Edwards asked if there is contingency funding for the contract.
The Director affirmed there is.
The Director: Form 700 due April 2; commissioner recruitment in April, reminded that those completing a
first term will need to reapply; Commissioner Appreciation Reception, March 27.
Recreation Manager Kokot: 2024 Spring Egg Hunt, March 30.
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OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Commissioner Erbe related of a conversation in Oak Knoll Park with a landscaper who complimented
Cypress and asked about a timeline for Veterans Park pavilion.
The Director responded that project will be presented to Council at the March 25 meeting.
Commissioner Edwards spoke of looking forward to the Egg Hunt.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked if a group needed a permit for a gathering in a Cypress park.
The Director responded if it’s an organized group, it would require an open space permit.
Commissioner Dronkers asked about Recreation offering aquatics classes through Cypress College.
The Director informed that it was publicized in the quarterly activity guide, but that it was Cypress College’s
program and no Recreation staff taught them.
ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Commissioner Edwards, and seconded by Commissioner Medrano, to adjourn the meeting
at 7:24 p.m. to the regular meeting of April 16, 2024, 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