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02-05-2002 - Summary of Actions - Regular Meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission - 01/10/020 City of 'West Covina Memorandum SUMMARY OF MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION January 10, 2002 3:00 P.M. ITEM NO. C—IC ®AYE February 5, 2002 ® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER West Covina City Hall Room 314 Meeting was called.to order by Commission Chair Newlin at 3:05,p.m. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silent Prayer was led by Commission Chair Newlin. I. ROLL CALL - Commissioners Present: Gliaudys, Harris, Markowitz (arrived at 3:20), Newlin, Sarnecki, Taylor Absent: Baker Staff Present: Bommarifo, Carter, Hatch, Martinez, Orta Others Present: Steve Rodriguez, Southland Transit II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Regular Meeting of September 13, 2001 MOTION: Motion was postponed until a quorum of eligible Commissioners was present. Tom Hatch, Community Services Director, introduced newly appointed commissioner, Harold Sarnecki. III. PRESENTATION Mr. Dan Smith, Code Enhancement Supervisor, provided a brief overview of what the Code Enhancement Department is responsible for. The Department is responsible for enforcing the City's Municipal Code for •residential and commercial properties. He reported that the City has approximately 3,200 business licenses issued. They oversee the graffiti removal program, shopping cart retrieval program, and have a contract with Del Haven Community Center to remove illegal signs. Complaints are no longer accepted anonymously. Code Enhancement only has jurisdiction on private property. He further outlined the complaint follow-up procedures. Commissioner Harris inquired as to the response time once a graffiti complaint is taken. Mr. Smith responded that it normally takes approximately 48 hours. Commissioner Gliaudys inquired to the availability of a referral list for seniors to obtain to assist with home repairs, clean up, etc. Mr. Smith said the department did not. Mr. Smith further outlined the Code Enhancement procedures. He reported that they .have a 97% compliance rate. Commissioner Newlin asked if there were a maximum number of cars allowed to park on the street. Mr. Smith responded that West Covina does not have a limit to the number of cars per household allowed to park on the. street. He added that if the parking creates a traffic hazard, the Police Department should be called for enforcement. Commissioner Taylor expressed her concern with a.Park and Ride lot located on private property across from Wickes Furniture, behind the United California Bank building. She reported that the location is covered with broken tree limbs, trash, sidewalk covered with • 0 leaves, beer cans, poor lighting, etc. Mr. Smith responded that he would take the complaint information and visit the site. Anthony Martinez, Administrative Analyst II, reported'that he and Patricia Bommarito visited the site and concurred with Commissioner Taylor's findings. Commissioner Newlin expressed concern with not being able to find the listing of the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter in the telephone book, or anywhere else. Mr. Smith suggested publishing the number in the Discover. Mr. Smith explained the yard sale procedures. He added that residents do not require a permit, but may only have three (3) per calendar year. Commissioner Sarnecki asked about the parking of oversize trucks on residential streets. Mr. Smith responded that enforcement is provided through the Police Department. Commissioner Gliaudys commended Mr. Smith and his department for the fine job being performed. He suggested providing their compliance ratio, accomplishments, "how to" information, etc. to the residents of West Covina, such as article in Discover. The Commission thanked Mr. Smith for his informative presentation. IV. OLD BUSINESS — A. UPDATE ON SENIOR CENTER TABLE TENNIS — Mr. Hatch reported that Mr. Harinath addressed the City Council regarding this issue in which he presented the group's complaints in writing. Ms. Carter and Ms. Bommarito are reviewing the list of complaints and will be preparing the City's response and recommendations. Mr. Hatch suggested that the Senior Commission might want to review the usage and policies of the Senior Center. The Commission concurred. B. CDBG HEARING PROCESS — Ms. Bommarito reported that tentative meeting dates are Monday, February 11 and Wednesday, February 13. Ms. Bommarito requested the Commission's recommendation on the level of involvement at the hearings. Commissioner Taylor again suggested the forming of a coalition of food banks to address the food distribution issues. MOTION: It was moved by Taylor, seconded by Markowitz, to recommend to the Community Services Commission that the Senior Citizens Commission conduct a joint meeting with the Community Services Commission in the review of all of the CDBG application requests. Motion carried 6-0 C. UPDATE ON COMMISSIONER EXCURSION REQUESTS — Ms. Bommarito reported that the request has been forwarded to the City Manager's office for review and recommendation. This policy would not only affect the Senior Citizens Commission, but all Commissions. A report will' be brought back to the Commission for review. D. UPDATE ON FOOD DISTRIBUTOR CONTACT-- Ms. Bommarito reported that a draft letter has been prepared for Commissioner Harris's review. She requested a few moments with Commissioner Harris after the meeting to review and obtain names and addresses of food distributors. Ms. Bommarito reported that the contract with the food provider for the Senior Center would be reviewed shortly; possibly sending Request for Proposals from other food providers. Staff will update the Commission on the progress. E. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS/SENIOR DISCOUNT — Ms. Bommarito reported that Jack Keating from Communications was to report on this item to the Commission. He was unable to attend at the.last minute. She confirmed that there is a senior discount through Charter. 2 J c r Commissioner Markowitz stated that she had received the discount. She added that the process should be printed and made available to seniors at the Center. She suggested that Charter Communications provide a brief presentation at the Senior Center. V. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. Housing Sub -Committee — Gliaudys (Chair), Markowitz, Taylor B. Health & Wellness - Newlin (Chair), Baker, Harris C. Community Activities - Taylor (Chair), Baker D. Transportation — Gliaudys (Chair), Harris, Taylor E. Support Group — Newlin (Chair), Markowitz, Baker Ms. Bommarito reported that meetings would be scheduled with each sub -committee to discuss their direction: The Commission concurred to have two of the sub- committees meet with staff prior to the next two Commission meetings. Mr. Hatch suggested either the Health & Wellness or Support Group Sub -Committee review the issue of seniors requiring assistance with maintenance and repairs. Mr. Harris reported that he would research and report back at the February meeting. VI. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS — The Commission concurred to move Public Communication to the end of the agenda. VII. STAFF REPORTS — A. CIP — Ms. Bommarito reported that the deadline for new CIP request applications is January 18, 2002. Mr. Hatch requested any project ideas be forwarded to staff for research and preparation of the application. B. TRANSPORTATION — Mr. Martinez thanked those Commissioners that took part in the trip to view the Rose Floats. He added that they would plan the same trip next year with extended dates and times. He reported on the following: - Graffiti has increased on the Green Line. Fake cameras have been installed as a deterrent. There has been a decrease in the graffiti incidents. "Clean Air" stickers have been placed on all of the fixed route buses. New fixed route and dial -a -ride vehicles should arrive June 2002. It was reported that from October to December 2001, 1,092 senior citizens used the Green Line to go to the Senior Center. The highest month was October with 461 seniors. It was also reported that from July 1 to December 2001, the Green Line saw a total of 28,296 riders, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 per month. The Blue Line saw a total of 30,556 riders, with the Red Line showing 33,728 riders within the same time period. Reports on service to the various Metrolink Stations showed 4,438 riders to the Baldwin Park Station and 346 to the Covina Station. The West Covina portion of the dial -a -ride service reported 12,614.3 riders from July 1 to December, 2001 with the Los Angeles County portion reflecting 5,824 riders. Seventy-seven (77) new bus shelters will be installed in January. They will be green, punched steel with seat dividers. Commissioner Gliaudys suggested looking at the bus shelters in Montebello. He added that they also have solar powered lights. Mr. Martinez indicated he, Mr. Hatch and Public Works are researching bus shelters with a solar lighting system. He added that out of the 77 being replaced in January, staff is recommending that 40 of them have solar lighting for safety. 3 Commissioner Gliaudys suggested publishing the number of senior riders in the next edition of the Voice. Ms. Carter concurred. Commissioner Newlin inquired as to how far, in advance users need to call in for Bial- a -ride service. Steve Rodriguez, Southland Transit, responded that if the rider is registered and there is a spot available, it could be the same day. Typically, a two- day notice is recommended. Mr. Martinez added that the City has contracted with a company to steam -clean the existing bus shelters. The company will clean within 7 feet of the shelter. It is the City's intent to contract with a company to clean the shelters once a month.. C. BIG LEAGUE DREAMS — Mr. Hatch provided a brief overview of the proposed project. Future community meetings will be held on January 10, 2002, 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers; Wednesday, January 16, 2002, 7:00 p.m. at Shadow Oak Center; and.Saturday, January 19, 2002, 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. The purpose of the meetings are to present the project to the community for feedback. D. SENIOR CENTER — Ms. Carter extended an invitation to the Volunteer Breakfast on Tuesday, January 15 at 7:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. She also announced the planning of a Clergy Breakfast on March 26 at 7:30 a.m. She also announced staff changes. She reported that she is adding two new employees from the National Council of Aging to assist Bruce. She reminded the Commission of the Clutters Anonymous Program beginning on January 11, 2002. Ms. Carter also announced that registration was beginning for the Internet_ classes at the Senior Center. She reported that the Senior Dances are being wellattended and are very successful E. OTHER — Mr. Hatch announced that the City's Mobile Skate Park received an Achievement Award from the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS). He also provided a brief update on the Community Center Gym and Skate Park Projects. VIII. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS None heard. IX. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS Mr. St. James Davis spoke on behalf of Moe. He provided an update on Moe and was seeking the Senior Citizens Commission support in trying to bring Moe home. X. ADJOURNMENT — The Commission moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m. to the special meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission scheduled for Monday, February 11, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room, lst Floor ate West Covina City Hall. submitted, Kelly 'Orta, 11