Month 1999.12 December.


Day 1999.12.08CA


COMMISSION ON AGING
MINUTES –  REGULAR MEETING –  December 8, 1999
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1:30 P.M.

ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Commission on Aging was called to order by Chair Locke at 1:30 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:    Commissioners Evelyn Abbott, Laura Carlson Dorothy Locke, Garland Porter, Thomas Staples, Peggy Willson

MEMBERS ABSENT:    Laura Carlson

STAFF PRESENT:    Community Services Director Linda Celestre, Recreation Manager Donna Fox, Recreation Supervisor Mike Christensen, Senior Center Coordinator Suzanne Greene

STAFF ABSENT:    None

ITEM 2 - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ITEM 3 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES –  November 10, 1999

A motion was made by Commissioner Porter, seconded by Commissioner Hull, “ to approve the minutes as presented” .

ITEM 4 - APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Commissioner Porter, seconded by Commissioner Hull, “ to approve the agenda as presented” .  Motion carried.

ITEM 5 –  PUBLIC COMMENTS –  None

ITEM 6 –  CORRESPONDENCE –  None

ITEM 7 - OLD BUSINESS –  None

ITEM 8a –  DISCUSSION ABOUT ROLE OF COMMISSIONER ON AGING AND GOALS FOR “ SENIOR ROUNDTABLE”

Director Celestre introduced Assistant City Manager David Van Kirk, who led a discussion concerning the role of the Senior Roundtable and its relationship to the Commission on Aging.  There was emphasis on developing the mission statement and goals for the Senior Roundtable.  He identified three areas of focus and proposed that these guidelines be used as a starting point for the Senior Roundtable.  They are: 1. Identify the vision for the seniors of the community; 2. Discussion of the utilization of current programs and the planning of new programs; 3. Consolidation of specialized services.  He stated that once the foundation is laid for the Senior Roundtable, goals and objectives can be identified.  It was stressed that anyone who has an interest in senior issues is invited and encouraged to attend the Senior Roundtable meetings.  The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2000, 9:00 a.m. in Conference Room A&B at City Hall.  Assemblywoman Helen Thompson has been invited to speak.

There was a suggestion by Chair Locke that the former Senior Citizens Advisory Committee’ s mission statement could be adapted for the Commission on Aging.

After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that it is critical for the Commission on Aging to identify the services that each agency and/or organization can offer our senior population.  Commissioner Staples asked about Area Agency on Aging Director Robin Crown’ s involvement with the Senior Roundtable and the Commission on Aging.  Recreation Supervisor Christensen pointed out that the Area Agency on Aging is responsible for federal funding which is routed to regional offices throughout the State and Mr. Crown should be invited to be a member of the Senior Roundtable.

Commissioner Porter recommended the following topics for the Senior Roundtable’ s first meeting.  They included the establishment of an estimated calendar of events for 2000, the creation of a Senior Roundtable logo, development of a volunteer drive-up program, a friendly visitors program and a senior neighborhood program.

Commissioner Staples also suggested that the Commission on Aging address senior housing and transportation issues.

Council member Augustine suggested that the Commission on Aging not limit themselves to a few select issues or goals, but keep an open mind to all issues that affect the seniors in the community.

Council member Clancy proposed that the Commission on Aging adopt a “ take charge attitude”  and strive to control its own destiny.  She stated that Vacaville has the potential to become a model city in areas of senior issues in Solano County.  She also emphasized the need to protect seniors against elder abuse.

ITEM 8b –  UPDATE ON SENIOR RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Chair Locke reported that the Senior Resource Directories will be delivered to the Ulatis Community Center on December 9.  Recreation Supervisor Christensen will help coordinate distribution and Senior Legislator Art Marquez has offered to deliver some of the directories to various locations within the County.

ITEM 8c –  SENIOR SANTA PROGRAM

Senior Center coordinator Greene gave a brief description of the Senior Santa Program, which provides Christmas presents to homeless and homebound seniors.  Money and gift donations will be accepted, and through the help of volunteers, the gifts will be wrapped and distributed.  The gift wrapping party is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, Ulatis Community Center at 6:00 p.m.  Anyone who wishes to become a sponsor for this program is asked to contact Suzanne Greene at 449-6134.

ITEM 8d –  OPEN DISCUSSION AMONG COMMISSIONERS REGARDING ISSUES OF INTEREST, AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Chair Locke led a discussion regarding vitally-needed senior programs such as transportation, adult daycare, and respite care along with the identification of future agenda items.

Vice Chair Willson expressed a desire that the water aerobics fitness program continues.  She felt that having a fitness program available, is a good way to help keep seniors active and healthy.

Recreation Manager Fox provided the Commissioners with an update of the Water Aerobics Program offered by the Community Services Department.  There has been some discussion about water aerobics vs. water therapy and the temperature needed to meet the needs of various groups.  Millennium Sportsclub on Brown’ s Valley Road has expressed interest in accommodating the water aerobics program at their facility and is apparently open to a partnership arrangement.  The commission on Aging will be updated as decisions are made.

Commissioner Porter asked Senior Legislator Art Marquez, who was in the audience, to say a few words to the commissioners.  Mr. Marquez provided a newsletter to all the commissioners and agreed to return at a later date to work on upcoming senior issues.  He commended the staff for their efforts and noted that Vacaville is a great place to live.

ITEM 9 –  STAFF REPORTS

Senior Center coordinator Greene shared the commission on Aging’ s first success story.  A gentleman, who had been in the audience at the first Commission on Aging meeting, heard that there was a need for an additional computer class.  Starting in January, 2000, he will be the new computer instructor and will be teaching another computer class for seniors on Monday afternoons.  Coordinator Green also invited everyone to a sing-a-long with Jimmy Price on Thursday, December 16, 12:30 p.m. at the Three Oaks Community Center.  Refreshments will be served.

Recreation Supervisor Christensen suggested an additional topic for the Senior Roundtable with regard to the Intergenerational program.  He proposed the idea of combining the diverse interests and skills of the seniors and youth to establish a successful collaboration.  Under the auspices of the Senior Roundtable, he feels that bringing people with professional experience into the program, such as the Neighborhood Center Coordinator, and the team of teenagers that help in some of the trailer parks, will contribute to the growing success of the Intergenerational program.

ITEM 10 –  DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Community Services Director Celestre asked the Commission on Aging members if there is any interest in relocating the Commission on Aging meeting to the McBride Senior Center once the expansion is completed.  Chair Locke suggested using the McBride Senior Center occasionally, but as a rule, she feels that the City Council Chambers would better serve everyone, especially those who don’ t wish to utilize the Senior Center.  She also felt more advertising is needed to get the word out about the Commission on Aging meetings.

ITEM 11 –  COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Hull commented that she would miss everyone, as this was her last meeting.

Commissioner Porter suggested an invitation be extended to Gail Zick, of the Solano Affordable Housing Foundation, to speak to the Commission on Aging regarding affordable housing for seniors.  He, again, expressed pride in being a member of the Commission on Aging.

ITEM 12 –  ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:43 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,


Yvonne Callan
Recording Secretary