02-14-2024 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
February 14, 2024
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in the Cypress Senior Center Conference Room, 9031 Grindlay Street,
Cypress, California.
PRESENT: Commission Chair Machal, Commission Vice Chair Button, Commissioners
Croce, DeCesare, and Skorupinski
ABSENT: Commissioners Heins and Osman
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 and
Community Services Coordinator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Commission Chair Machal.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by
the Commission)
Carlos Ramirez, former Senior Citizens Commissioner, distributed flyers for senior programs in Los
Alamitos.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of January 10, 2024
It was moved by Commissioner Croce, and seconded by Commission Vice Chair Button, to approve the
minutes of the meeting of January 10, 2024.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Croce, DeCesare, Machal, Skorupinski
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Heins, Osman
2. 2024 Senior Citizens Commission Meeting Schedule
The Director presented the 2024 meeting schedule, noting the addition of the tentative joint meeting with
Council on July 8 and recommending cancellation of the October 9 meeting due to all of the events
taking place during “Celebrate Cypress” month.
It was moved by Commissioner Croce, and seconded by Commissioner Skorupinski, to approve the
Senior Citizens Commission 2024 meeting schedule.
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The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
5 COMMISSIONERS: Button, Croce, DeCesare, Machal, Skorupinski
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Heins, Osman
3. Program Summary, July 1 – December 31, 2023
Recreation Coordinator Burtle reported on transportation, presentations and screenings, and All About
That Pace.
Recreation Coordinator Corral reported on classes, nutrition programs, dining center special events,
volunteers, and Senior Center programs and events.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez reported on facility contracts.
Commission Chair Machal asked what is given out during commodities distribution.
Recreation Coordinator Corral responded shelf-stable groceries are distributed, along with fresh produce
and dairy products.
Commission Vice Chair Button reported on the differences from the last six month program summary for
the following: volunteer-led classes decreased; contract class revenue increased; taxi voucher
participant numbers increased.
Commission Chair Machal asked why the taxi voucher program participants have increased, and if any
participants abuse the program.
Recreation Coordinator Burtle responded that elimination of income requirements and increasing the
number of monthly vouchers issued each month has contributed to the rise in participants, and that staff
has not observed any participant abuse of the program.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez informed that staff receives a report from Yellow Cab, and participants
are contacted if they use the vouchers for trips outside the boundaries of Cypress. Recreation Supervisor
Gutierrez added that the taxi voucher program is also publicized in “The Progress,” which may account
for the increase in participants.
Commissioner Croce asked if the taxi waits for the participant.
Recreation Coordinator Burtle replied that the taxi does not wait, and the participants call when ready to
be picked up.
Recreation Coordinator Corral informed that the decrease in volunteers hours for classes and dining
center was due to the shutdown of the Senior Center, but the volunteers for home delivered meals and
the grocery program stayed consistent.
Commissioner DeCesare asked if there is the capability to video the presentations and post to the
website.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded there is not the capability to do so now, but staff is working
on it.
Commissioner Skorupinski asked if classes on beginning computer will be returning.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez replied staff is planning to bring those classes back.
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4. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Update
The Director provided background and information on the budget process: (1) Property taxes account
for 78% of District revenue; (2) Recreation District brings in $8.6 million dollars a year; (3) Capital
Projects appropriations of 82.3% this fiscal year due to the Arnold Cypress Park project; (4)
Maintenance and facility support largest item in the Recreation budget, accounting for 40%-45%.
The Director informed that even with the cost of the Arnold Cypress Park project, the District is still able
to offer quality programs and services, but staff is reviewing what is the best use of the department’s
resources.
Commission Chair Machal asked how much Lexington Park cost to build.
The Director responded a little over $12 million.
Commissioner DeCesare asked if the racetrack paid anything towards the construction of Lexington
Park.
The Director replied that the racetrack donated the land, but the cost of the park was paid for in full by
the Recreation District.
5. Program and Services Enhancements for the Cypress Senior Center
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez reported meeting with the ad hoc committee.
Commissioner DeCesare suggested flyers posted in the Senior Center with tips and resources for
combating loneliness and recommended forums on the subject.
Recreation Coordinator Burtle spoke of the Senior Center possibly offering a presentation on
loneliness.
Commissioner DeCesare praised the Senior Center for all the services provided to seniors, but stated
more could be done.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez spoke of reaching out to the high schools and Youth Action Committee
for volunteers to assist with teaching technology classes; that the Senior Center offers an ongoing peer
support group; and of Meals on Wheels providing support services in addition to meals.
Commissioner DeCesare asked how the Senior Center staff can be made aware of those home
delivered meal participants suffering from isolation.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez suggested letting staff know the participant name and they will contact
Meals on Wheels.
Commissioner Chair Machal asked if any social workers are on the Senior Center staff.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez responded the Senior Center does not have a social worker, but that
Meals on Wheels automatically assigns case management services when people sign up for the
program.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Three minutes per speaker, unless extended by the Commission)
None.
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STAFF REPORTS (NO ACTION OR DISCUSSION REQUIRED)
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: received six Grace Lachina nominations and thanked the
Commissioners for getting the word about the contest; Taylor Burtle officially a Recreation Coordinator;
Senior Center will be hiring two Recreation Specialists; staff exploring a new indoor sign for the Senior
Center per Commissioner DeCesare’s previous suggestion.
Recreation Coordinator Burtle: all classes and programs returned; Senior Center will be a voting center
starting February 24.
Recreation Coordinator Corral: Valentine’s Day Celebration, February 14; St. Patrick’s Day Celebration,
March 14.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Croce: Youth Action Committee meetings, congregate meal volunteering.
Commissioner DeCesare: enhancement ad hoc committee meeting.
Commission Skorupinski: “Games for Brains,” cribbage, Council meetings.
Commission Vice Chair Button: Council meetings, Sunshine Club Board meetings. Related that the
Sunshine Club asked about having a refreshment table set up in the Conference Room for their board
meetings.
Commission Chair Machal: Served pancake breakfasts with Kiwanis on opening day for Cypress Girls
Softball League. Praised Recreation Coordinator Burtle for the movie selections.
ADJOURNMENT
Commission Chair Machal adjourned the meeting of February 14, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. to the regular
meeting of March 13, 2024, to be held in the Senior Center Conference Room at 3:00 p.m.
__________________________________________
CHAIR OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
ATTEST:
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SECRETARY TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION