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02-07-2006 - Summary of Actions - Regular Meeting of Senior Citizens Commission - 01/12/06• • City of West Covina Memorandum AGENDA ITEM NO. D-ld DATE February 7, 2006 ' PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER SUMMARY OF ACTIONS SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission was called to order by Commissioner Hughes at 3:01 p.m. H. Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Hughes. Moment of Silent Reflection called for by Commissioner Hughes. III. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Staff Present: IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Casanova, Hughes, Glenn, Perryman Solis Samaniego, Lopez, Carter, Landesman, Smilowitz, Frey A. Approval of Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Community Services and Senior Citizens Commission of December 13, 2005 Motion by Casanova to approve the minutes of the Community Services and Senior Citizens Commission of December 13, 2005. Second by Hughes. Motion carried 2-0-2. Approved by Casanova and Hughes. Perryman and Glenn abstained, not present at the meeting. Solis was absent. B. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Senior Citizens Commission meeting on Thursday December 8, 2005 Motion by Casanova to approve the minutes of the regular Senior Citizens Commission on Thursday December 8, 2005. Second by Hughes. Motion carried 2-0-2. Approved by Casanova and Hughes. Perryman and Glenn abstained, not present at the meeting. Solis was absent. V. ORAL COMMUNICATION ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS Speaker Comment: Penny Schaefer introduced herself and stated she is a member of the Senior Citizens Association of West Covina. She stated she is concerned with the heating and cooling system at the Senior Center. The current system is old and beyond repair. She recommended enclosing the ceiling, energy is lost due to high ceiling. She recommended utilizing Southern California Edison for energy saving tips such as solar panels. COMMISSIONER COMMENT: Commissioner Casanova suggested reporting matter to the Maintenance Department. He agreed the heating and air conditioning is a problem Steve Samaniego stated more information would be given at next commission meeting. Speaker Comment: John Scheuplein stated he is concerned the agendas and reports are not posted in advance Senior Citizens Commission 1 and there is no response time before a commission meeting. A packet should be available at the Senior Center. Speaker Comment: Dolores Kowalski introduced herself and stated she was a former Senior Citizen's Commissioner, and a representative of the Senior Association. She stated the association does not approve of the new rules for the Senior Center and having been in the building for the past 20 years feel they should have some say. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Hughes stated the rules were distributed for review and recommendations. The goal is to make everyone happy. Commissioner Hughes welcomed Commissioner Rod Perryman and Commissioner John Glenn to the Commission. Speaker Comment: Mr. Kowalski introduced himself and stated he would like to see commissioners at center to discuss what is planned or proposed for meetings. Commissioner Hughes commented the commission wants to ensure their needs are satisfied. Marion and Vanessa are available to answer questions. Commissioner Casanova stated the heating and cooling system needed to be improved. He reported he spends much time at the Senior Center and encourages commission to do same and know what is going on. Commissioner Hughes stated his number is available if anyone would like to contact him Speaker Comment: John Scheuplein stated as a former Senior Commissioner, the senior's needs are to be heard and having the agenda packets available before meeting will allow them to know of intent of commission. Commissioner Hughes stated several packets were to be posted near the Senior Center entrance and made available to public. Steve Samaniego reported that it is policy to have copies of the agenda packet available at Senior Center, Community Services Depart, Police Department, City Clerk's Office and Library for public review. He will find out reason for not having packets at the Senior Center. Speaker Comment: Royal Brown stated that the City Clerk's office policy is to have at least 10 packets available to the public and Senior Commission should have the same policy. He reported the design of the building and air conditioning system does not work efficiently. The computer lab demands a lot of energy which draws energy from the air conditioning system The Public Works Department needs to consult an expert in air conditioning balancing. Commissioner Hughes replied the Community Services Department and report problem to the Public Works Department and forward to City Council. Steve Samaniego reported Vanessa Carter has referred this item on the CIP program list for the next budget year and will try to bring it to the attention of Council before the starting of the next budget. Vl. I OLD BUSINESS A. East Valley Health Center Presentation — Miele Arroyo Miele Arroyo gave a brief overview of the East Valley Health Center. She reported /East Valley Health Center is a non-profit community clinic and has two facilities in West Senior Citizens Commission 1 2 Covina and one in Pomona. They have been able to help individuals who are not able to pay for their healthcare. Through a program called "SPA" which is a region of 27 cities adapted by the board of supervisors. They are in the process of building a new clinic. The clinics services are available to seniors and their families in West Covina. Recently, dental services are offered. Last month, the annual patient holiday Christmas bash was held at Hurst Ranch There are also outreach services where they work with the schools. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Perryman suggested fliers be available at the Senior Center. Speaker Comment: John Scheuplein suggested the clinic schedule staff to visit the Senior Center and he thanked the clinic for all of its services. Commissioner Hughes stated the clinic provides a wonderful service especially for those that are less fortunate. He asked of the parking situation and if anything was done to address the parking concerns. Speaker Comment: Miele Arroyo replied the paperwork is with the City to construct a parking structure and monthly meetings are held with the community to address any problems. Commissioner Casanova praised the clinic for filling a gap that the public sector is unable to fill. B. Proposed West Covina Senior Center Facility Rules — Steve Samaniego Steve Samaniego reported minor incidents have led staff to develop facility rules in order to handle possible situations. The commissions concern was to ensure the seniors awareness of rules and changes that are needed. The commission's intent was a 30-day review and this date will be extended an additional 30 days to review rules. The rules are in the Voice newsletter. At the next commission meeting, the commission will make a decision on these rules based on the input they received. Steve reported he was happy to see seniors at this meeting to speak of their concerns regarding the proposed rules. The primary concern of rules is to benefit everyone by keeping a healthy and safe environment. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Casanova stated the discussion was to be of Bridge Program rules and not Senior Center facility rules. Steve Samaniego reported that Commissioner Casanova was correct and apologized. Steve Samaniego asked the commission to discuss the facility rules and then move on to the bridge rules. Commissioner Hughes stated he wanted to ensure that everyone have a copy of the bridge rules. Speaker Comment: Royal Brown stated that the proposed rules were only for the Friday afternoon group. He stated other groups play at Senior Center and each group play a different kind of bridge Commissioner Hughes reported the bridge rules would be agendized for the next meeting, Commissioner Glenn inquired of the number of bridge groups at the Senior Center. C. Proposed Senior Citizens Bridge Program Rules/Draft Proposed Ordinance Amendment — Steve Samaniego stated we are directed by Council to work with the bridge group for rules of game and put together an ordinance to allow the game to be played without being changed. Sylvia just sent copies of the whole packet to each of the committee members. He reported that he is working with Mr. Larson to set up a meeting with the committee. This issue will come back to the commission for future discussion. Steve reported that Senior Citizens Commission 3 other committee members have concerns that these rules are too restrictive. He stated that he will be working with the City Attorney to make rules less restrictive. The biggest concern is to manage the gambling component not to change the game. Sneaker Comment: John Scheuplein stated that bridge is not a game that is regulated by the State of California. Locally there is an ordinance that may be in conflict with state law. Because state law does not govern bridge group, the existing ordinance can be changed to allow rules so long as they don't exceed the money cap. There is some excitement playing small amount of money. He stated he would like to see how other games are played and how they fall under State law and may be include them in the ordinance. Speaker Comment: Dolores Kowalskii reported that bingo use to be played in the Senior Center, but the exchange of money was not allowed. Instead of money, groceries were used as prizes. She stated that it is wrong to gamble in the building. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Casanova reported staff is to enforce the regulations of the City but in this case they have been asked to look the other way. Allowing gambling can lead to other conflicts. He asked is the City supposed to arbitrate disputes or if City would receive revenue. There are reasons for these rules and regulations. He stated that the ROTC was in had started the process* to reserve a room at the Senior Center for meetings and the process was to the point where it would be agendized for the next Council meeting. Does the bridge group have the right to take over an entire wing for an entire afternoon at no cost. Speaker Comment: John Scheuplein stated if it is not regulated by the State and classified as gambling then it is not gambling. He stated the using of groceries or anything of value for bingo prizes can be construed as money. He stated if Senior Center is not careful on center room fees and what restrictions are being imposed the center may lose participants. He stated there is no comparison of ROTC renting the facility and the bride club using the center because one is a school group and one is a group of seniors. John Scheuplein stated they do not want to change the way the games are played. The ordinance that prevents gambling is very old and ordinance should not be to eliminate gambling. Commissioner Glenn reported that if gambling is against City ordinance, either change the code to allow gambling or adhere to the ordinance. The Center is for seniors and should be allowed to form a group to play bridge. The City should not instruct how to play game. If there is a dispute over prizes, that should be handled by the participants who are playing the game. These groups should be able to come and play the game and not be told how they should play and it should not be used as a fundraising tool. Commissioner Hughes concurred and stated only participants should decide on how to play the game. Sneaker Comment: Penny Schaefer stated gambling should not be allowed in the Center because it opens a whole new can of worms. D. Proposed West Covina Senior Center Facility Rules — Steve Samaniego Steve Samaniego reported the rules were in the Voice newsletter and had been mailed to senior participants. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Glenn stated some rules may be combined. He requested clarification on reserving seats. He inquired if seats could be reserved with a ticket. Sneaker Comment David Kowalski stated that there is a Senior Association and should be included on the discussion of facility rules. Senior Citizens Commission 4 Speaker Comment: Penny Schafer stated she does not like the rule, which prohibits the saving of seats. She stated the group meets on Wednesdays and would like to be able to eat together as a group. Commissioner Glenn questioned rule 18, adjustment of TV by staff. If someone is alone watching TV, are they not allowed to change the channel. Vanessa Carter reported that the TV is highly technical and adjustments have caused problems. Commissioner Glenn stated rule 19 is a courtesy and not a rule. He asked if storing personal items at the Center was a problem Vanessa Carter answered yes. She said that participants store food and personal items. It becomes a problem when items go missing. Speaker Comment John Scheuplein commented on rule 11, participants cannot take food home. Seniors who follow this rule throw away a lot of food that they would rather take home. There should not be a restriction on this unless it violates some other rule from a different agency. Number 13 shall not reserve seats - seniors like to stay in groups that they are familiar and comfortable with. Number 15 wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment shall be placed in a designated area. Some participants due to handicap need to be in certain area. In an area this big you can't have one designated area for wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment. Speaker Comment Mr. Kowalski stated most of the time everything is done properly because Vanessa takes care of everything Speaker Comment Royal Brown stated the drafted rules are sending the wrong message. There have been a series of unwritten rules that have served this Center and other senior centers fine. The rule should not be don't take food home, but the rule should be designed to prevent people from getting food poisoning. Participants should be notified when there is a danger of taking home food, not a rule saying there will be no food at all taken home. Commissioner Hughes concurred to go over the rules and stated there are too many rules. Commissioner Casanova stated there are problems with participants who are dressed inappropriately, don't bathe, have open wounds and don't wash their clothes. They may not be able to care for themselves and may not know any better. Speaker Comment John Scheuplein stated someone who is unclean or who has an unattended wound has symptoms of a medical or psychological problems. These people need to be addressed in a way that will not scare them off. Steve Samaniego reported rules are needed to address these concerns. The rules help bring this back to the program management and where it may be time to .discuss caregiving for the participants. Speaker Comment Royal Brown stated the word `objectionable' has a legal problem (Rule 2). These are all questions of hygiene, so the word objectionable is inappropriate. What needs to be done is getting the person with a problem to the proper people not accusing them of violating a rule. This can upset someone and cause a negative psychological problem The Center operations need to be adjusted to reflect these known problems and not just make arbitrary rules that are subject to wide interpretation. Senior Citizens Commission 5 E. Medicare Update — Vanessa Carter — Vanessa Carter Vanessa Carter reported that on February 10'' and 20 the Center for Healthcare will be at the Senior Center to discuss the various drug option plans for Medicare. Participants may be seen by appointment. F. Senior Volunteer Recognition Tree — Vanessa Carter Vanessa Carter reported that enough has been raised to purchase the tree and additional funds are needed for additional costs. COMMISSIONER COMMENT: Commissioner Hughes stated he hoped by next meeting they can arrange for a ceremony. G. Brown Act TrainingJ_ anuary, 26, 2006 — Steve Samaniego Steve Samaniego reported that the meeting is highly recommended for commissioners and staff who are involved in Public Hearings. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Volunteer of the Year — Commissioner Hughes nominated Willie Vogel. Motion: Commissioner Casanova motioned to accept Willie Vogel as Volunteer of the Year. Second by Commissioner Glenn. Motion carried 4-0. Hughes, Glenn, Casanova, Perryman supporting. Solis was absent. B. Commission Reorizanization — Selection of Commission Chair and Vice Chair Steve Samaniego reported the official reorganization per the ordinance is in May. The commission is currently without Chair. The Vice -Chair is currently out of town. Commissioner Comment: Commissioner Casanova suggested next commission meeting pick a Chair or appoint an interim Chair. Motion: Casanova motioned to table the discussion until the next meeting when the Vice Chair will be present. Second by Perryman. Motion carried 4-0. Hughes, Casanova, Perryman, Glenn supporting. Solis was absent. C. Senior Center Waterless Hand Sanitizer — Vanessa Carter Vanessa Carter reported that hand sanitizers have been ordered. Hand sanitizers she placed out on the front counter were taken within one hour. Commissioner Comment: Casanova reported that dispensers could be bought and bolted to the wall. Speaker Comment John Scheuplein suggested instead of hand sanitizers participants be directed to wash hands in the restroom. Steve Samaniego reported hand sanitizers are for those who are waiting in line to use before their meal. D. Donation Fund Account Balances - Vanessa Carter Vanessa Carter reported the cost of the Memorial Tree is $3064 and $3197 has been collected. Additional funds are needed to cover the shipping and freight costs. Senior Citizens Commission 6 I Steve Samaniego reported staff is creating a document that lists the amount of funding in each account. For each monthly meeting, it is anticipated to have a report indicating how the four account funds are developing, and where the money distributed. Speaker Comment Royal Brown inquired as to the donations for the Tree at the City Hall. E. Senior Center Facility Disaster Preparedness Update — Jim Rudroff Item not discussed — Speaker not in attendance. VIII. STAFF INFORMATIONAL REPORTS December 1, 2005, Senior Citizens Advisory and Support Board Minutes — Vanessa Carter Vanessa Carter referred to attached report and gave a brief overview. IX. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Individual Reports/Comments on Activities: Commissioner Casanova stated the Rose Float Parade went well and he was able to videotape well wishes to our troops overseas. The tapes are on the Internet and he received a lot of positive feedback from all over the world. Commissioner Perryman reported that he was happy to be part of the group. Commissioner Glenn reported that he was happy to be here. Commissioner Hughes stated he was happy to have the two new Commissioners and would like to have a Recognition for former Commissioners Mary Newlin and George Gliaudys. Would like the commission to be advised beforehand so a lot of people could attend the meeting where they are recognized. Steve Samaniego reported that he has directed staff to gather background information for Council.. Commissioner Hughes reported that at the MDA Christmas Party. "Tickled Pink" performed and would like them to perform at the Senior Center. He has a list of upcoming events for the MDA. On Saturday, June 3rd is the dinner dance at the Elks Lodge. Monday. June the 19th is the Golf tournament at South Hills County Club. The Independence celebration will -be on Friday, June 30th, Saturday. July 1 1 and the fireworks show will be Sunday, July 2" d. On Labor Day is the telethon and December 3`d will be the Christmas party. He is still waiting for the dates for the Police and Fire Department Tip your Waiter. Commissioner Casanova suggested a flyer be created that has the names of the commissioners as well as their contact numbers to be left at the Senior Center. Speaker Comment: Royal Brown suggested pictures of the Commissioners be placed on Senior Center with contact information and a description as to what the commission does. It should also be noted that the commission is an advisory body and not a rule making body. X. ADJOURMENT Commissioner Casanova adjourned the meeting. at 4:55 p.m The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday February 12, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. in the TV room, main hall, West Covina Senior Citizens Center, 2501 East Cortez Street, West Covina California 91791 Senior Citizens Commission 7