09-13-23 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
September 13, 2023
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00
p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Commissioner DeCesare.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless
extended by the Commission)
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of August 9, 2023
Commission Vice Chair Button referenced his question in the minutes about the elimination of
income requirements for the Taxi Voucher Program and asked if an income amount had been
provided by staff.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded there was not an income threshold provided.
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Button, and seconded by Commissioner Skorupinski,
to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 9, 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 COMMISSIONERS: None
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2. Senior Center Programs and Service Enhancement
The Director provided background and asked if the commissioners want to form an ad hoc
committee of up to three members to recommend program enhancements, or if they want to
hold off until the interior renovations have been completed.
Commissioner DeCesare asked if there are only two options.
The Director responded that the other option is a special meeting of the commission, but that is
usually reserved for business that has arisen and requires attention before a regularly
scheduled meeting. The Director informed this can be done at a regular meeting, but as there
is no budget associated with this project, will need to figure out how to obtain resources.
Commissioner DeCesare spoke of this being not a cost change, but a process change; that
Meals on Wheels needs to be viewed as more than a delivery program; asked if the Senior
Center staff can send sympathy cards to those participants who have lost loved ones; and
stated he would like a special meeting. Commissioner DeCesare suggested involving the
Meals on Wheels volunteers for suggestions on elevating the experience for seniors.
The Director replied that some of the volunteers delivering meals may want to engage with the
seniors, but some may not.
Commissioner Osman spoke of the positive reactions she receives from the home-delivered
meal recipients.
Commission Chair Machal indicated he is in favor of an ad hoc committee.
Commissioners Croce, DeCesare, and Osman agreed to serve on the ad hoc committee.
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Button, and seconded by Commissioner Heins, to
create an ad hoc committee consisting of Commissioners Croce, DeCesare, and Osman to
bring recommendations for program enhancements back to the commission.
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 COMMISSIONERS: None
Commission Vice Chair Button spoke of using the survey conducted by the commissioners in
2022 for potential proposals.
Commissioner DeCesare proposed having a celebration lunch when the remodeling project is
done.
3. Review of the Annual Grace Lachina Outstanding Senior Recognition Award
Nomination Process
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Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez provided background on the contest, related that there seem
to be less submissions every year, and asked if the commissioners want to continue the
contest and if they have any ideas on how to attract more nominees.
Commission Chair Machal asked about the deadline and if the recipients are recognized at the
April volunteer dinner.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded the deadline date can change and affirmed the
nominee is recognized at the volunteer dinner.
Commissioner Heins offered to reach out to the editor of the Event-News Enterprise,
suggested contacting community churches, and asked Commission Chair Machal and
Commissioner Osman to publicize the contest through the Kiwanis Club and Woman’s Club.
The Director asked if the commission would like to approve the application and select an ad
hoc committee to review the nominations.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez spoke of redoing the entry form to make more eye-catching
and interesting.
Commission Chair Machal suggested changing the criteria so it does not seem so oriented
towards the Senior Center.
Commissioner Heins asked if anyone serving seniors anywhere in the community is eligible to
be nominated.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez affirmed.
Commission Vice Chair Button suggested switching the order of “Cypress Senior Center” and
“the senior community in the City of Cypress” on #1 under the Award Criteria and on the back
of the form.
Commission Chair Machal asked if the commission should form a Grace Lachina Award ad
hoc committee at this meeting.
Commissioner Skorupinski suggested deciding that at the November meeting.
Commission Chair Machal asked if it is a violation of the Brown Act if those on the ad hoc
committee discuss the Grace Lachina contest with the other commissioners.
The Director responded that is not a violation of the Brown Act.
Commissioner Croce asked if there any volunteers in the senior housing apartments behind
the Senior Center.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded that uncertain if the senior housing utilizes
volunteers.
Commissioner Heins related the senior apartments have a bulletin board and recommended
displaying information about the contest on that.
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It was moved by Commissioner Heins, and seconded by Commissioner Croce, to approve the
recommended changes to the Grace Lachina nomination form.
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 COMMISSIONERS: None
Commissioner Heins asked the Director to provide explanation of the Brown Act.
The Director informed that all City of Cypress meetings between elected officials must be
public; majority of commission cannot discuss any business matter within their prerogative
outside of a meeting; that the Brown Act stipulates that all decisions be made and discussed at
public meetings.
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: distributed a letter for the Senior Center patrons explaining
remodeling timeline; spoke of the Senior Center being down another staff person; asked if the
commissioners would assist with door monitoring and directing people during the renovation.
Commissioner Skorupinski indicated he will inform the cribbage group there will be no cribbage
in October.
Commission Chair Machal asked if staff can send a schedule sign-up sheet for the
commissioners.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez affirmed.
Commissioner Heins reported she will be offering alternatives to her class during the closure.
The Director praised Supervisor Gutierrez and Coordinator Corral for their efforts during the
remodeling process while the Senior Center is down two positions.
Commission Vice Chair Button asked if a floor has been installed in the Multi-Use Room.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded the cement has been poured and needs 90 days
to cure, and the floor will be installed during Phase IV of the project.
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Celebrate Cypress
Recreation Coordinator Corral: Western Theme Celebration, twenty-three participants
registered for All About That Pace.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: Cypress Community Festival, spoke on changes made to
the Cypress Run/Walk: removed 10K run, added Family Dash and a Family Health and Fun
Expo on the Civic Center Green.
Recreation and Community Services Manager Kokot: State of the City, October 17. Reported
no registration required for the event.
The Director: Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, October 19, Women’s Conference, October 25.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Croce: Birthday luncheon, home delivered meals, Youth Action Committee
meeting. Suggested providing “Along the Way’ newsletters to YAC members. Offered to
volunteer on a regular basis for the meal delivery program.
Commissioner DeCesare: Home delivered meals. Spoke of wanting to initiate fundraisers
with Cypress-based companies.
Commissioner Heins: City Council meetings, teaching “Games for Brains,” home delivered
meals.
Commissioner Osman: Concerts, City Council meetings, chair yoga. Reported 25 vendors for
the Cypress Women’s Conference, and that the Cypress Woman’s Club donated check to
sponsor All About That Pace participants.
Commissioner Skorupinski: City Council meetings, Youth Action Committee meeting, “Games
for Brains,” Wednesday cribbage.
Commission Vice Chair Button: Senior Advisory Council meeting, joint meeting with City
Council, home delivered meals.
Commission Vice Chair Button read from the suggestion box: placing card tables outside of
library.
Commission Chair Machal reminded no meeting in October.
ADJOURNMENT
Commission Chair Machal adjourned the meeting of September 13, 2023, at 4:15 p.m. to the
regular meeting of November 8, 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:
_______________________________________________
SECRETARY TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION