08-09-23 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
August 9, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in the Cypress Senior Center Conference Room, 9031 Grindlay
Street, Cypress, California.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Machal, Commission Vice Chair Button, Commissioners
Croce, DeCesare, Heins, Osman, and Skorupinski.
ABSENT: None.
Also present: Jeff Draper, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Ian Kokot, Recreation
and Community Services 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 Commissioner Croce.
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, distributed
information on constituent services provided by the Assemblymember’s office.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of July 12, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Skorupinski, and seconded by Commissioner Croce, to approve
the minutes of the meeting of July 12, 2023.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
7 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Croce, DeCesare, Heins, Machal, Osman, Skorupinski
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONER: None
2. Cypress Senior Center Program Summary of Activities, January 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023
The following Senior Center programs were reported on:
Recreation Coordinator Corral: Classes; Senior Prom.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: Dining Center Special Events; Nutrition Programs; Facilities;
Volunteers; Volunteer Recognition.
2
Recreation Specialist Burtle: Senior Center Cinemas; Community Resource Fair; Senior Center 30th
Anniversary Celebration; Transportation.
Recreation Specialist Ramsdell: Presentations and Screenings; Cypress College Health Fair.
Commission Chair Machal asked how the meal programs are doing since the retirement of
Recreation Specialist Tomlinson.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that the meal programs are doing well, spoke of
Recreation Coordinator Corral overseeing the Grocery Program, and Recreation Leaders Katherine
Diaz, Marvin Maxwell, and Armando Paraiso assuming many of the kitchen duties.
Commissioner Heins asked if the transportation programs have been impacted due to the Orange
County Transit Authority retaining Measure M2 allocations from the City pending an audit of
Cypress’ maintenance of efforts expenditures.
The Director responded the transportation programs have not been affected yet; of OCTA changing
the Cost Allocation Plan requirements; and that once the corrections are completed to the agency’s
satisfaction the City will get reimbursed for the funding not received during the suspension.
Commission Vice Chair Button asked if the numbers for the Taxi Voucher Program have increased
due to the lifting of the income requirements and why there are two different totals for volunteer
hours.
Recreation Specialist Burtle affirmed removing the income requirement has increased participation
in the Taxi Voucher Program.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that one figure is for a six month period and the other
figure is for a full year.
The Director stated that staff will be bringing the Taxi Voucher Program back to the Commission.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS (NO ACTION OR DISCUSSION REQUIRED)
Update on Senior Center Interior Improvements
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: programs have been shifted to south side of the building; new
floor in multi-use room will take longer than originally estimated; may be a delay in getting some
materials delivered; hoping to complete project by mid-January.
Recreation Manager Kokot: Community Festival, 5K Run/Walk, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, State of
the City, Women’s Conference. Accepting nominations for the naming of softball fields at
Arnold/Cypress Park. Praised the Recreation and Community Services staff.
The Director reminded of the joint meeting with Council on August 28.
3
Commission Chair Machal asked if the fields will have the names listed on plaques.
The Director responded there will be signage at the fields.
Commissioner Heins asked if dogs are allowed in the Senior Center.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that only service dogs are permitted.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Croce: Attended concerts.
Commissioner DeCesare: Meals on Wheels. Asked if there is a list of projects for the Senior
Commission and what is the group’s mission. Also inquired if it would be appropriate for
Commissioners to get together to share ideas.
The Director responded that the Commission works off of the Recreation and City’s strategic plans;
that staff brings forth items if directed by Council; and that the commission acts as an advisory
board to the Council. The Director indicated it would be appropriate if Commissioners want to get
together to share ideas but to ensure they are following the rules of the Brown Act.
Commission Vice Chair Button asked if this could be added to a future meeting agenda.
The Director affirmed, and stated that an ad hoc committee could be formed to do come up with
plans to bring back to the Commission.
Commissioner Heins: meeting with Captain Revere; Alzheimer’s support group. Suggested
having a forum with Orange County Fire Authority or scheduling a visit to the fire department for
seniors.
Commissioner Osman: meeting with Captain Revere; concerts. Announced Women’s Conference
on October 25.
Commissioner Skorupinski: concerts; cribbage, “Games for Brains.”
Commission Vice Chair Button: will be attending a Senior Citizens Advisory meeting.
Commission Chair Machal: cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for Kiwanis at the FOCCA concerts.
Announced Community Festival on October 6 and 7. Spoke of his insurance company sponsoring
the festival band. Suggested starting a garden club.
Commissioner DeCesare suggested doing some modifications to the exterior of the Senior Center
building to make more inviting.
The Director responded that the City of Cypress will be looking at that during the rebranding
process.
Commission Vice Chair Button read from the suggestion box: portable fans for exercise room.
4
ADJOURNMENT
Commission Chair Machal adjourned the meeting of August 9, 2023, at 4:15 p.m. to the regular
meeting of September 13, 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