Day 1999.10.20CA

Director Celestre introduced Mayor Fleming, Vice Mayor Wood, Council member Slade, Council member Clancy, Council member Augustine, City Manager Thompson, Assistant City Manager Van Kirk, Recreation Manager Fox and Coordinator Greene.

Mayor Fleming congratulated the new Commission members on their recent appointment to the newly-formed Commission on Aging and spoke briefly about their duties and responsibilities as Commissioners.

The floor was opened to nominations for officers for the coming year. Nominations and results for Chair are as follows: Commissioner Locke nominated Commissioner Willson, which was seconded by Commissioner Carlson. Commissioner Willson nominated Commissioner Locke, which was seconded by Commissioner Carlson. A vote was taken and Commissioner Locke was elected Chair.

Nominations and results for Vice-Chair are as follows: Commissioner Carlson nominated Commissioner Willson, which was seconded by Commissioner Hull. There being no further nominations, Commissioner Willson was elected Vice-Chair.

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Hull, seconded by Commissioner Carlson “ to hold the regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers” . Motion carried.

A random draw was held to establish each Commissioner’ s term of office. The results are as follows: Commissioner Porter – 2 years; Commissioner Locke – 1 year; Commissioner Hull – 2 years; Commissioner Staples – 2 years; Commissioner Willson – 2 years; Commissioner Carlson – 1 year; and Commissioner Abbott – 1 year. A motion was made by Commissioner Hull, seconded by Commissioner Staples “ to establish the terms of office as determined by the drawing” . Motion carried.

Director Celestre introduced Deputy City Attorney Melinda Stewart. The purpose of asking Ms. Stewart to address the new Commissioners was to familiarize them with the Brown Act, which governs public meetings such as the Commission on Aging. She focused on several main points such as agenda requirements, posting, handling of public comments, closed sessions and “ serial meetings” as well as giving some background on the Brown Act itself. She also provided each Commissioner with some written materials.

Director Celestre asked that former Senior Advisory Committee members Locke, Carlson and Willson update the Commissioners on the work in progress by the former Senior Advisory Committee and compare it to the issues that are felt to be pertinent at this time. Director Celestre explained that the newly-formed Commission on Aging is more of a policy-making body versus the Senior Advisory Committee, which was a hands-on working body. She also encouraged a brainstorming session among the new Commission members as to the reasons that led each of them to apply for appointment to this Commission and what accomplishments each member envisions for the future. Director Celestre offered any assistance needed in order for the Commission on Aging to move forward and be a productive group.

Chair Locke expanded on issues facing seniors. She talked about some of the projects that the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee was involved in during the last few months of its existence. She expressed concern for the transportation problem facing seniors in the community. While the “ Ride With Pride” program was granted “ non-profit status” , she emphasized the on-going need for help in getting this program off the ground and the need to apply for grant money that is available for senior programs. Commissioner Carlson pointed out that care giving and day care for Alzheimer’ s patients are two areas of concern that should be addressed by the Commission on Aging. Director Celestre assured Commissioner Carlson grant-writing resources would be made available.

Commissioner Porter felt that elder abuse, Alzheimer’ s, health care and affordable housing for seniors are other areas that should be addressed by the Commission on Aging.

Director Celestre commented on the success of the Senior Resource Directory and noted that as soon as the new publication is released, it will be available to all the Commissioners.

Commissioner Porter passed along information on non-profit organizations pertaining to planning and service areas. The telephone number for Robin Crown, Director of the Area Agency on Aging, is (707)644-6612. His office is located in Vallejo. The telephone number for Paul Kraintz, Director of the Association of Nutrition Directors, is (925)313-6717. His address is 597 Center Ave., Suite 200, Martinez, CA 94553.

Director Celestre provided a list of individuals as well as organizations to the Commission, which will be invited to the first Senior Roundtable meeting in November. She asked that the Commissioners peruse the list for any additions they wish to make to this list. After some discussion, it was suggested that representatives from organizations such as Kaiser and NorthBay Hospice, the Intergenerational Subcommittee, and Advocates for Seniors be added to the list as well as water fitness advocate, Michelle Eaton.

Director Celestre provided a brief history of several aquatics issues. The pool’ s water temperature and the cleanliness of the pool and locker rooms are problems that are currently being addressed. She pointed out that a refurbishing project is just getting underway through the City’ s Public Works Department.

Recreation Manager Fox elaborated further on the Community Center Pool issues. In regard to the water aerobics class, she expressed concern that the aerobics students may be viewing the class as therapeutic rather than strictly aerobic. Director Celestre stressed the importance that the water aerobics program be viewed as “ aerobic” only, and not as therapy for ailments such as arthritis. Recreation Manager Fox stated the various ways in which improvements are being made and the importance of keeping the lines of communication open with the students who participate in the classes.

Director Celestre congratulated all the newly-installed Commissioners and expressed excitement about embarking in a new direction with the senior citizens of the community. She believes that in this “ Year of the Senior” , she welcomed the opportunity to work with the Commissioners to make Vacaville a model city.

Several of the Commissioners expressed their pride in being a member of the Commission on Aging. Those who were not members of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee were impressed with the previous Committee’ s accomplishments.

Assistant City Manager Van Kirk congratulated all the new Commissioners and thanked them for their services. He proposed the possibility of a Channel 8 presentation on the newly-formed Commission on Aging for publicity purposes.