01-10-2024 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
January 10, 2024
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Commission Vice Chair Button.
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
presenting a certificate to the Grace Lachina award recipient and presenting a forum at the Senior
Center on senior scams.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of November 8, 2023
Commission Vice Chair Button asked if staff knew by how much the taxi vouchers had increased.
Supervisor Gutierrez responded that information would be presented in the program summary at a
future meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Osman, and seconded by Commissioner Croce, to approve the
minutes of the meeting of November 8, 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. Annual Grace Lachina Outstanding Senior Recognition Award Program
Supervisor Gutierrez informed that two nominations have been received; thanked the
commissioners for helping to get the word out about the contest; and of scheduling a meeting with
the ad hoc committee once all the nominations have been received.
Commissioner Heins spoke of people not being aware of the contest, and suggested
commissioners speak to the participants of the volunteer-led classes to urge them to nominate
their teachers.
Commissioner Heins suggested sending letters to those nominees not chosen to receive the award
to let them know that their services to seniors within the community are appreciated.
The Director responded that staff can do a letter that all of the Commissioners can sign, and that
staff will send a list of classes and class times to the Commission.
Commission Chair Machal asked if this requires a vote from the Commissioners.
The Director responded that it does not, that this will be a matter of Commission preference.
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
Supervisor Gutierrez: classes, programs, and services will officially resume in the Senior Center
on January 16, and that some book shelves in the library were removed so the room may be
utilized for programming purposes.
Commission Vice Chair Button asked if lunches are still served in the south end of the center.
Supervisor Gutierrez responded that the lunch program has been moved back to the Multi-Use
Room and continues to serve lunch to participants.
The Director: fencing now up around Arnold Cypress Park, and that the renovation project will take
about a year.
The Director announced Recreation Specialist Taylor Burtle has been hired as the new Recreation
Coordinator for the Senior Center.
Supervisor Gutierrez announced the following staff changes: Coordinator Corral will be overseeing
the nutrition and volunteer programs, “Along the Way” newsletter and the registration software
system; Coordinator Burtle will be overseeing sponsorship and transportation programs, facility
operations, facility rentals, and classes.
Supervisor Gutierrez informed the Senior Center will be hiring two Recreation Specialists, and
thanked the Commissioners for attending the volunteer holiday party.
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Recreation Coordinator Corral: hot lunch service for congregate meal participants starting back
January 16; North Orange Continuing Education classes returning January 12 with three new
classes being offered; will be new volunteer sign-up sheet for Commissioners; asked if any
Commissioners can assist with meal deliveries.
Commissioner Skorupinski asked if the ceramics class will be still be at the Senior Center.
Recreation Coordinator Corral responded the class is no longer on the schedule, but that it is
offered at other locations.
Recreation Specialist Burtle: distributed “Sponsorship Opportunities” overview and application;
explained of potential three tiers for sponsors, but not limited to that number or dollar amount;
sponsorships can include special event lunches, ads in newsletter, vendor table, logos; money will
go towards new programming, upgraded entertainment, and catered food for special event lunch
programs.
Commission Chair Machal spoke of contacting Optum Medical Group, United Healthcare, and
Costco for potential sponsorships and asked if any outreach is being done.
Recreation Specialist Burtle affirmed potential sponsors are being contacted, and reported he will
be reaching out to Costco.
Commissioner Heins suggested reaching out to the Lexington Junior High band director for
potential entertainment.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Croce: lunch program volunteering; volunteer holiday party; Holiday Sing; Youth
Action Committee meeting. Asked if patrons in their 90s are acknowledged.
Supervisor Gutierrez responded the Senior Center has a birthday celebration lunch once a month
and that staff can look into doing something special for those 90 years of age and older.
Commissioner DeCesare: volunteer holiday party; assisted in kitchen. Praised the volunteers who
work in the kitchen. Suggested an ad hoc committee to come up with ideas on interfacing with
those seniors who face isolation and loneliness.
Commissioner Heins: teaching “Games for Brains” classes. Spoke of many seniors experiencing
loneliness and isolation. Will not be at the February and March meetings.
Commissioner Osman: City Council meetings; volunteer holiday party; Council on Aging meeting;
kindness bag deliveries. Reported the Cypress Woman’s Club helped six families during the
holidays through the Adopt-A-Family program and thanked Supervisor Gutierrez for her
assistance. Spoke of Gloria Livingston’s passing.
Commissioner Skorupinski: November Council on Aging meeting; kindness bag and meal
deliveries; volunteer holiday party. Participated in the Recreation and Community Services
Commission’s Holiday Decorating Contest.
Commission Vice Chair Button: volunteer holiday party; City Council meetings. Announced the
Sunshine Club will be resuming meetings. Will not be at the April meeting.
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Commission Chair Machal: Holiday Sing; Youth Action Committee meeting. Praised the Holiday
Sing, spoke of how well the event was attended, and that Kiwanis gave out 848 hot dogs.
The Director stated that the ad hoc committee for programs and services enhancement can be
placed back on the February agenda.
Commission Chair Machal asked if the ad hoc committee can meet before the February meeting.
The Director affirmed.
Supervisor Gutierrez responded that she will email the ad hoc committee members to help them
set a meeting date.
ADJOURNMENT
Commission Chair Machal adjourned the meeting of January 10, 2024, at 4:07 p.m. to the regular
meeting of February 14, 2024, 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