01-22-2002 - Summary of Actions - Regular Meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission - 12/13/01` City of West Covina
Memorandum
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SUMMARY OF MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
December 13, 2001
3:00 P.M.
AGENDA
ITEM NO. C-lc
DATE January 22, 2002
*PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
West Covina City Hall
Room 314
Meeting was called to order by Commission Chair Newlin at 3:10 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silent Prayer was led by Commission Chair Newlin.
I. ROLL CALL - Commissioners Present: Baker, Harris, Markowitz, Newlin, Taylor
Absent: Gliaudys
Staff Present: Bommarito, Carter, Hatch, Orta
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —
Regular Meeting of September 13, 2001
MOTION: It was moved by Markowitz, seconded by Baker to accept the minutes
as corrected. Motion carried 4-0
Chair Newlin requested that Public Communication on Non -Agenda Items be heard out of order.
The Commission concurred.
III. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS —
Mr. Vellore Harinath addressed the Senior Citizens Commission on the issue of the
treatment the table tennis group was receiving at the Senior Center. He stated the group
was not being treated fairly. The Commission requested that Mr. Harinath submit his
comments in writing to Vanessa Carter for follow-up.
IV. OLD BUSINESS —
A. SUB -COMMITTEE RE -STRUCTURE - Pat Bommarito briefly reviewed previous
discussions regarding the re -structuring and the completion of assignments.
DISCUSSION
The Commission concurred that the sub -committees should meet on an as -needed
basis. The following are the Commissioner's assignments to each sub -committee:
Housing Sub -Committee — Gliaudys (Chair), Markowitz, Taylor
Health & Wellness - Newlin (Chair), Baker, Harris
Community Activities - Taylor (Chair), Baker
Transportation — Gliaudys (Chair), Harris, Taylor
Support Group — Newlin (Chair), Markowitz, Baker
It was determined that the only sub -committee that currently has a standing meeting
time is the Support Group which meets on the I' Thursday of every month at 1:30
p.m.
Commissioner Newlin stated that sub -committees of the Community Services and
Senior Citizens Commission could work together on some issues. She asked if both
Commissions could hear CDBG presentations at the same time.
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Ms. Bommarito responded that both Commissions would be hearing those
presentations for senior -related projects.
Commissioner Newlin stated that the Senior Commission made certain
recommendations regarding funding of senior -related projects, but that the
Community Services Commission had the last word.
The Commission discussed the past, present, and future role of the Senior Citizens
Commission.
Mr. Hatch stated that if the sub -committees wanted to meet on a regular basis, staff
would be provided to attend the meetings and assist the sub -committee.
Commissioner Taylor reported on her observation of graffiti on a bus. She reported
her findings to Anthony Martinez and the replacement window has been ordered. She
added that anytime she observes graffiti on the buses, she calls Anthony and he
follows up on all complaints and lets her know the results. She stated that the
Commissioners could be the eyes and hears and become more involved in the
community.
Commissioner Taylor commented on the conditions of the Park & Ride located across
the street from Wicke's furniture, behind the bank.
Mr. Hatch stated Ms. Bommarito would contact Code Enforcement and notify them
of the situation for follow-up.
Mr. Hatch asked if any Commissioner had any additional concerns or questions as to
their role on the Commission.
Commissioner Markowitz asked about the regulations for on -street parking.
Ms. Bommarito suggested having staff from the Code Enforcement section address
the Commission and provide an update on codes, parking, etc.
The Commission concurred to request a presentation from Code Enforcement at a
future meeting.
Mr. Hatch requested Commission comments regarding the CDBG presentations.
Commissioner Newlin expressed concern regarding the Senior Commission making
recommendations and then those recommendations being forwarded to the
Community Services Commission for final recommendation to the City Council. She
added that she felt like the Senior Commission was a junior commission.
Commissioner Taylor concurred with Commissioner Newlin.
Commission discussion continued regarding the CDBG process.
Mr. Hatch clarified that the recommendations from both Commissions were included
on the report to the City Council for their approval and requested Commission's
suggestions on improving the process.
Commissioner Taylor stated she liked the process that was used this year. She also
discussed the issue of funding the various food banks.
Commission discussion continued regarding food banks.
Mr. Hatch stated that if the Commission would forward the names and addresses of
the various food organizations willing to donate food, staff would prepare a letter for
Commissioner Newlin's signature with the understanding that the City would not be
responsible for picking up the food. The food bank organizations would be contacted
when food was available for immediate pickup.
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Commissioner Harris stressed that the food bank organizations need to be prepared to
pick up the food as soon as available.
Commissioner Newlin requested the letter be drafted for both her and Commissioner
Harris's signature. Commissioner Harris committed to meeting with the food bank
organizations to discuss the possible food donations.
MOTION: It was moved by Markowitz, seconded by Taylor to conduct CDBG
hearings the same as this year. Motion carried 4-0.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENT OF NEW COMMISSIONER
Chair Newlin stated that the Commission had received one application for the
vacant Commission seat. The Commission concurred to appoint Mr. Harold
Sarnecki to fill the vacated seat for the remainder of its term.
VI. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS — No reports heard.
VI. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS — Previously heard.
VII. STAFF REPORTS —
A. CDBG/CIP — Ms. Bommarito reported that the application process has begun.
CDBG applications are due December 21, 2001. She added that the program
would once again have $225,000 in available funding. CIP applications are also
available.
B. FLU CLINIC — Vanessa Carter reported on the second flu clinic held on
December 4. She added that 200 flu shots were available, but only 130 were
used. A total of 630 flu shots were provided at the Senior Center this year.
C. TRANSPORTATION - Mr. Hatch reported that the Green Line has surpassed the
Red and Blue Line in total number of riders.
D. SENIOR CENTER — Ms. Carter outlined new programs being offered at the
Senior Center. The Center will have a utility presentation on Friday, December
14, from 10:00 — 11:30 a.m. She also announced that she has a new volunteer that
is concentrating on fundraising for the Center. There will be entertainment on the
December 18 and the Holiday Luncheon will be held on December 21.
Mr. Hatch commended Ms. Carter and her staff for assisting with the City
Employee Event.
E. CITY MANAGER'S WELCOME BBQ — Event was held and well attended.
F. COMMUNITY SERVICES EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT — Event will
be held on Saturday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Shadow Oak. All
Commissioners are invited.
G. OTHER — Mr. Hatch reported that the City-wide birthday event is occurring in
February. Volunteer of the Year nominations are being requested. He added that
the Housing Element would be forwarded to the Senior Commission for their
review and recommendations in January/February.
Commissioner Markowitz expressed her concern with the process of obtaining a
senior discount with Charter Communications. Ms. Bommarito responded that
she would follow-up with the Communications Department for the correct
procedure for application.
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VIII. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Commissioner Harris expressed his concern with the traffic congestion at the intersection
of Lark Ellen and Francisquito.
Commissioner Taylor expressed her desire to attend three (3) excursions planned through
the Senior Center. She added that she was informed by a Councilmember that the
Commission had a line item in the budget for senior activities. Mr. Hatch requested that
.she notify staff of what trips she was interested in and he would prepare a memorandum
for approval.
Commissioner Newlin stated she did not feel the City should pay for recreation trips.
Commissioner Taylor stated that the Senior Commission could act as a monitoring
service for the quality of the trips and the treatment of seniors while on the trips.
Mr. Hatch stated that he would place this topic as a budget item on the January Senior
Citizens Commission meeting agenda.
No further Commission reports heard.
IX. ADJOURNMENT — The Commission moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at
5:15 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission scheduled for
Thursday, January 10, 2002, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 314 of the West Covina City Hall.
Respectfull submitted,
Kelly Orta, Secretary
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