04-16-2024 Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CYPRESS
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
April 16, 2024
The regular meeting of the Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission was called to order
at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in the Cypress Community Center Conference Room.
PRESENT: Commission Vice Chair Jackson, Commissioners Edwards, Erbe, Logovii, Medrano, and
Ridgeway
ABSENT: Commission Chair Dronkers
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 Vice Chair Jackson.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the
Commission)
Commission Vice Chair Jackson recognized Youth Action Committee members Benjamin Green and
Katelyn Nguyen.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of March 19, 2024
It was moved by Commissioner Edwards, and seconded by Commissioner Medrano, to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of March 19, 2024.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Edwards, Erbe, Jackson, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers
2. Field and Facility Rental Policies
The Director spoke of an evaluation of the Recreation policies and procedures being part of the City’s
Strategic Plan and asked the Commission to form an ad hoc committee to review and simplify the facility
use agreements.
The Director reported that Commission Chair Dronkers expressed interest in being on the ad hoc committee.
Commissioner Ridgeway asked if there were only five use agreements.
The Director affirmed.
Commission Vice Chair Jackson asked why the moonbounce fees are different on two of the facility use
agreements.
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The Director responded that as the Master Fee Schedule changes every year due to the CPI the goal is not
to put prices in the facility use agreements.
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Jackson, and seconded by Commissioner Ridgeway, to appoint
Commissioners Dronkers, Erbe, and Ridgeway to the field and facility rental policies ad hoc committee.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Edwards, Erbe, Jackson, Logovii, Medrano, and Ridgeway
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Dronkers
The Director stated the goal is to bring forward the completed policy reviews to the joint meeting with Council
on August 26.
Commissioner Erbe asked if the ad hoc committee will be given direction on what can and can’t be changed.
The Director responded that staff will advise, but other than fee-based items everything else in the facility
use agreements is open to revision.
Commissioner Edwards asked if an open space permit is required for a gathering of friends in a park.
The Director responded that it depends on the activity, but groups of 25 or more require an open space
permit.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION:
Arnold Cypress Park Update
The Director: excess dirt has been hauled away; project is about a month behind schedule, but construction
manager optimistic will finish on time; should soon see vertical formations on site; will be a construction tour
with Council, Recreation Commission, and Girls Softball by September 15.
The Director reported that the City’s Strategic Plan objectives and a review of the updated Civility Policy will
be on the May meeting agenda and that the May meeting will be at the Cypress Senior Center due to the
Community Center roofing project.
Commission Vice Chair Jackson commented of how well kept the construction site is.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Commissioner Edwards: praised the Spring Egg Hunt; looking forward to the Concerts on the Green and
Salute to America. Spoke of his son taking a drawing class through Cypress Recreation.
Commissioner Medrano: praised Commission Appreciation Reception; asked if Nature Park can be open
to the public more during the year, and if homeless people are allowed to camp overnight in Cypress parks.
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The Director informed Nature Park is open on Saturday mornings during the summer, and of the department
exploring the possibility of scheduling more programming at the site, but it would depend on staff availability
as the park cannot be open unless staffed.
The Director spoke of the March 11 Council meeting at which a member of the public stated Cypress allows
camping in City parks, and informed that even though the rules for overnight camping will be enforced per
state and federal guidelines, there will be no change in how Cypress Police implements the municipal code.
The Director also reported the City has a homeless liaison police officer.
Commission Vice Chair Jackson asked of the progress of Baroldi/Sycamore Park and praised the
Recreation and Community Services staff.
The Director responded that the City purchased the land; that a tenant is still in the home located at the site;
no plans being developed until after completion of Arnold Cypress Park, after which there will be community
outreach scheduled.
Commissioner Erbe praised the Commission Appreciation Reception, and asked if it is in the Lexington
Park facility use agreement that vendors are allowed to sell at that park.
The Director responded that state law allows mobile cart vendors to sell in public spaces with only a few
exceptions but may work with Community Development to regulate those vendors and require a business
license and health permits.
Commissioner Logovii reported how much she enjoyed the Commission Appreciation Reception.
ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Jackson, and seconded by Commissioner Logovii, to adjourn the
meeting at 6:35 p.m. to the regular meeting of May 21, 2024, to be held in the Cypress Senior 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