02-08-23 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
February 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the Cypress Senior Center Conference Room, 9031 Grindlay Street,
Cypress, California.
PRESENT: Commission Vice Chair Machal, Commissioners Button, Heins, and Skorupinski.
ABSENT: Commissioners Osman, Ramirez, and Stein.
Also present: Jeff Draper, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Ian Kokot, Recreation
Manager; Shayna Gutierrez, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor; Alexis Corral, Recreation
and Community Services Coordinator; Taylor Burtle, Recreation Specialist; Travis Ramsdell,
Recreation Specialist.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Recreation Specialist Ramsdell.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by
the Commission)
Joe Pak, Senior Field Representative for Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, spoke of an upcoming
Community Meet and Greet on Saturday, February 25 in Artesia.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of January 11, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Heins, and seconded by Commissioner Skorupinski, to approve the
minutes of the meeting of January 11, 2023.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
4 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Heins, Machal, and Skorupinski
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONER: Osman, Ramirez, and Stein
2. Cypress Senior Center Program Summary of Activities, July 1 – December 31, 2022
Recreation Coordinator Corral reported on classes and nutrition programs.
Recreation Specialist Burtle reported on transportation and special events.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez reported on volunteers.
Commissioner Button inquired if over half of the Nutrition Program meals were delivered.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez affirmed that is the case.
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Commissioner Heins asked if it is always the same people for the taxi voucher program.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that staff is seeing more new participants.
Commission Vice Chair Machal spoke of observing the van dropping off just one person at the Senior
Center and asked if that was usually the case.
Recreation Specialist Burtle responded that the van delivers more than one person at a time.
Commissioner Skorupinski asked of the difference between the Nutrition Taxi Program and the Taxi
Voucher Program.
Recreation Specialist Burtle responded that participants can be taken anywhere in Orange County with
the taxi vouchers, but the Nutrition Taxi is only for trips to and from the Senior Center.
Commission Button asked what is the 664 listed for the reception desk volunteers.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that refers to the number of volunteer hours.
Commission Vice Chair Machal asked if staff is considering expansion of the Senior C.A.M.P. program.
Recreation Specialist Burtle responded staff is looking at expanding the program for the summer.
Commissioner Button suggested doing a morning and an afternoon camp.
Commission Vice Chair Machal and Commissioners Button, Heins, and Skorupinski praised staff for the
programs offered at the Senior Center.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Five minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez announced that the Senior Center 30th anniversary celebration will be
held in conjunction with the Community Resource Fair on June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and that staff
will be scheduling a meeting with the ad hoc committee.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez introduced the new Recreation Specialist Travis Ramsdell.
Recreation Specialist Ramsdell informed that he will be the main point of contact for presentations,
health screenings, and library exhibits.
Recreation Coordinator Corral: (1) Grace Lachina Award applications available until February 17; (2)
Super Bowl Week, February 6-9; (3) Valentine’s Day Lunch, February 14; (4) Swan Lake Senior Prom,
March 10; (5) City closure Monday, February 20 in observance of President’s Day.
Commissioner Heins asked of the date for the Volunteer Recognition.
Recreation Coordinator Corral responded that the event is Friday, April 21.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez informed that two Grace Lachina Award applications have been
received.
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The Director informed that Commissioners will be receiving Form 700 from the City Clerk’s office, and
the that City Manager will present an annual update at the March 8 Senior Commission meeting.
The Director reported of the City’s budget kick-off meeting February 7; that Cypress is still financially
secure; the City is going with a status-quo budget, and that Recreation and Community Services staff
will be working to develop a budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24.
Commissioner Button asked if the Senior Center renovation projects will be starting soon.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that staff is hoping to give an update at the March meeting.
The Director stated staff is working with Engineering staff on the specs, and that the project will be
going out for bids once Council approves.
The Director reported that Council is working on a date to have a joint meeting with the Commissions.
The Recreation Manager announced the dates for opening days for Cypress Girls Softball League,
Cypress Pony Baseball, and Cypress Youth Baseball.
Commissioner Button asked when renovation of Arnold/Cypress Park will start.
The Director responded that staff is working with the designer, and that the project will be going out for
bid once Council approves the plans and specifications, but anticipated start date is August or
September of this year.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Button: Sunshine Club board meeting; Youth Action Committee meeting, February 1.
Reported of the YAC members did well on their oral presentations.
Commissioner Heins: Snowy Owl Presentation, January 19; teaching “Games for Brains;” Alzheimer’s
support group.
Commissioner Skorupinski: Snowy Owl Presentation, January 19; City Council meeting, January 23;
attending “Games for Brains” classes; Wednesday cribbage. Spoke of a more civil tone at the Council
meetings.
Commission Vice Chair Machal: Will be busy assisting at Kiwanis Club pancake breakfasts opening
days at Cypress Girls Softball and Cypress Youth Baseball.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Machal to adjourn the meeting of February 8, 2023, at 3:35
p.m. to the regular meeting of March 8, 2023, to be held in the Senior Center Conference Room at 3:00
p.m.
_________________________________________
CHAIR OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
ATTEST:
_______________________________________________
SECRETARY TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
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