03-08-23 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
March 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in the Cypress Senior Center Conference Room, 9031 Grindlay Street,
Cypress, California.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Osman, Commission Vice Chair Machal, Commissioners
Button, Heins, Ramirez, Stein, and Skorupinski.
ABSENT: None.
Also present: Jeff Draper, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Ian Kokot, Recreation
Manager; Shayna Gutierrez, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Commissioner Ramirez.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless
extended by the Commission)
The City Clerk spoke of Form 700 due by April 3 and commissioner recruitment in April.
CITY MANAGER ANNUAL UPDATE
The City Manager provided updates on the City’s budget, the Strategic Plan, upcoming retail and
restaurant openings, a Citizens Academy in late spring, and a commissioner’s reception in March.
Commission Chair Osman spoke of her positive experience participating in the Citizens Academy.
Commissioner Stein asked if anything will be done to mitigate traffic congestion on Katella Avenue.
The City Manager responded that traffic will need to be evaluated when the race course gets developed
and whoever develops that site will have to pay for any traffic control measures.
Commissioner Skorupinski spoke of the diversity of businesses in Cypress and asked how much sales
tax the business parks generate.
The City Manager replied that the business parks are a net revenue generator and provide indirect
revenue to Cypress.
Commissioner Button asked when the utility pole will be removed at Cerritos Avenue and of how the
commissioners can become involved in the budgetary process.
The City Manager spoke of the difficulty in dealing with Edison on the removal of the utility pole, that the
Recreation and Community Services Director will work with the commission as he develops the
department’s budget, and urged commissioners to attend Council workshops.
Commissioner Heins asked what steps Cypress is taking in dealing with the homeless issue.
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The City Manager responded that several Orange County cities have banded together to open up
homeless shelters; that there is a dedicated homeless liaison officer in the police department, and that
the community faith-based organizations do not distribute food on a regular basis.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by
the Commission)
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of February 8, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Ramirez, and seconded by Commissioner Stein, to approve the
minutes of the meeting of February 8, 2023.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
7 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Heins, Osman, Machal, Ramirez, Skorupinski, and
Stein
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONER: None
2. Selection of Recipient for the Annual Grace Lachina Outstanding Senior Recognition Award
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Machal, and seconded by Commissioner Skorupinski, to
accept the joint nomination of John and Carolyn Roper to receive the Grace Lachina Outstanding
Senior Recognition Award at the Volunteer Recognition on April 21.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
7 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Heins, Osman, Machal, Ramirez, Skorupinski, and
Stein
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONER: None
3. Senior Center 30th Anniversary Recognition
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez provided details of the 30th anniversary recognition on June 16: the
event will be held in conjunction with the Resource Fair; the south side of the building will be used for
the recognition; a Cypress historian will be presenting; event will be about promoting and showcasing
the Senior Center.
Commission Vice Chair Machal announced that Kiwanis will be doing a pancake breakfast for the
recognition.
Commissioner Heins inquired how many attended last year’s Resource Fair.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded about 200-300.
Commissioner Stein asked how the event will be promoted.
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Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that information will be in The Progress, in the Along the
Way, in the activity guide, the City’s website, social media, and disseminated to Ovation senior housing.
Commissioner Ramirez suggested posting information in the “OC Breeze” and “Orange County
Register.”
Commissioner Skorupinski suggested reaching out to Costco for possible food donations for the event.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez asked the commissioners for their assistance with the anniversary
recognition.
4. Senior Citizens Commission Meeting Schedule
The Recreation Manager asked the commission to approve the 2023 commission meeting schedule,
noting the special joint meeting with Council on July 10 and the cancellation of the December 13
meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Button, and seconded by Commissioner Heins, to accept the 2023
Senior Citizens Commission meeting schedule as presented.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
7 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Heins, Osman, Machal, Ramirez, Skorupinski, and
Stein
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONER: None
5. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget Update
The Director presented an overview of the City’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget process, explaining the
deficit is due to the Arnold/Cypress Park redesign.
Commissioner Stein asked who fills the deficit gap.
The Director explained the District has $12 million in reserve.
Commissioner Ramirez asked how staff and facility needs are projected.
The Director informed that staff needs are determined by the supervisors in the early part of the budget
process and facility needs will be determined by trends, which may present an opportunity for rebranding
of the Senior Center.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Five minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: Senior Prom, March 10; St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, March 16;
Pharmacy Brown Bag Medication Review, March 29; Volunteer Recognition, April 21.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez distributed a sign-up sheet for the commissioners for upcoming
events.
Recreation Manager: Spring Egg Hunt, April 8, Oak Knoll Park.
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The Director: Commissioner reception, March 29, Community Center.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Button: Volunteered at the Valentine’s Day luncheon.
Commissioner Heins: Teaching “Games for Brains;” Alzheimer’s support group.
Commission Vice Chair Machal: Volunteered at the Valentine’s Day luncheon; attended Rep. Michelle
Steel’s office opening in Cypress.
Commission Chair Osman: Youth Action Committee March meeting; chair yoga at the Senior Center.
Commissioner Ramirez: volunteered for congregant meals; turned in his Form 700.
Commissioner Skorupinski: February 27 City Council meeting; “Games for Brains;” Wednesday
cribbage.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commission Chair Osman to adjourn the meeting of March 8, 2023, at 4:55 p.m. to the
regular meeting of April 12, 2023, to be held in the Senior Center Conference Room at 3:00 p.m.
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CHAIR OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
ATTEST:
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SECRETARY TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION