03-13-2024 MinutesMINUTES OF A MEETING OF
THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
March 13, 2024
The regular meeting of the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 13, 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;
Taylor Burtle, Recreation and Community Services Coordinator, Alexis Corral, Recreation and
Community Services Coordinator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was led by Commissioner Heins.
CITY MANAGER ANNUAL UPDATE
The City Manager provided updates on commissioner recruitment, Citizen’s Academy, California Voting
Rights Act lawsuit, district voting, City’s budget, housing and business development.
The City Manager praised Public Works and Recreation staff for the Senior Center renovation.
The City Manager thanked the Commissioners for their service.
Commission Chair Machal thanked the City Manager for speaking to the Commission.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by
the Commission)
Sharon, a Cypress resident, spoke of ministering to seniors who are dealing with isolation and loneliness.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Minutes – Meeting of February 14, 2024
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Button, and seconded by Commissioner Croce, to approve the
minutes of the meeting of February 14, 2024.
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
2
2. Selection of Recipient for the Annual Grace Lachina Senior Recognition Award
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez announced there were six nominations received.
Commissioner Heins announced that the Grace Lachina ad hoc committee nominated Carlos Ramirez
for the Grace Lachina Senior Recognition Award.
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez informed that Mr. Ramirez and the rest of the nominees will receive
letters of invite to the Volunteer Recognition event.
It was moved by Commission Vice Chair Button, and seconded by Commissioner Heins, to approve the
nomination of Carlos Ramirez for the Grace Lachina Senior Recognition Award.
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
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Limited to 30 minutes – three minutes per speaker, unless extended by
the Commission)
None.
STAFF REPORTS (NO ACTION OR DISCUSSION REQUIRED)
Recreation Supervisor Gutierrez: addition of two Senior Center Recreation Specialists Vanessa
Banuelos and Katherine Diaz; 2024 Spring Egg Hunt March 30; invitations sent out for Volunteer
Recognition.
Recreation Coordinator Burtle: voting at the Senior Center February 22-March 6; Senior Prom, April 5;
hosting Community Center classes until end of March.
Recreation Coordinator Corral: Super Bowl week, February 5-8; Valentine’s Day Celebration, February
14; St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, March 14; over 120 seniors and families served at today’s grocery
distribution. Informed commissioners the volunteer sign-up sheet is ready for dining center events.
The Director: Commissioner Appreciation Reception March 27; commissioner recruitment starts in
April and reminded Commissioners DeCesare and Skorupinski to reapply if they want to serve a
second term; Form 700 due to City Clerk by April 2.
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Croce: praised kitchen staff and volunteers; will be at Spring Egg Hunt for the Cypress
Police Department. Observed voters picking up volunteer applications.
Commissioner DeCesare: spoke of wanting to resume the ad hoc committee for Senior Center
enhancements.
Commissioner Heins: teaching “Games for Brains” classes; attending Alzheimer’s support group;
taught a workshop; Grace Lachina Senior Recognition Award ad hoc committee; met with Cypress P.D.
Capt. Chris Revere about doing a presentation at the Senior Center.
3
Commissioner Osman: Council meetings; Youth Action Committee meetings; met with Cypress P.D.
Capt. Chris Revere about doing a presentation at the Senior Center. Suggested self-defense classes
for seniors. Praised staff who oversee Youth Action Committee program. Thanked Recreation and
Public Works staff for the placement of the Woman’s Club memorial bench.
Commission Skorupinski: Council meetings. Spoke of speaking with Senior Center patrons interested
in self-defense classes for seniors.
Commission Vice Chair Button: meeting of the Orange County Older Adult Council on Aging at which
caregiver resources was the topic; Sunshine Club board meetings. Spoke of several people from the
club asking for brighter lighting in the walkway area of the west entry. Informed he will not be at April
meeting.
Commission Chair Machal: recommended Youth Action Committee should contact Kiwanis Club for
volunteer opportunities.
ADJOURNMENT
Commission Chair Machal adjourned the meeting of March 13, 2024, at 4:37 p.m. to the regular
meeting of April 10, 2024, 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