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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2009 SCAC MinutesPage 1 of 4 CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2009 Call to Order Chairperson Baron called the meeting to order a 9:00 a.m. Roll Call: Committee Members (CM) Present: Martin Baron, and Diane Bonetti, Al Edge, Jeanette Villegas, Delilah Vanderpool. Absent: Parks and Community Services Commission Liaison Present: Rich Guarienti Staff Present: Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Manager; Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator; Diane Guenther, Office Assistant Oral Communications - None Approval of the Minutes – THE FEBRUARY MINUTES WERE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS; COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES FOR THE 2009-2010 TERM “Be inclusive, reach out, and listen.” “Reach out to seniors in existing community group housing; established groups, social networks.” CM BONETTI MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED; CM VANDERPOOL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 5, 2009 MEETING AS AMENDED. Written Communication -None Unfinished Business - None New Business VOLUNTEER CARPOOL PROGRAM PLAN Hudson provided the Committee with an overview of the proposed program plan. Staff gathered information from five senior agencies who offered a volunteer carpool program, and general information from other transportation agencies. CM Baron asked about the success of the five programs that were surveyed. Hudson indicated that each agency’s were successful in addressing the needs of their clients, but the criteria of success and eligibility varied. For example, Senior Support provides assistance specifically to seniors 60 years and older who have no one to drive them to their doctor’s appointment. Senior Support assists seniors residing in the Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin. They shared that they currently serve 100 people and have a waiting list. On the other hand, the American Cancer Society only serves cancer patients. CM Baron noted the original target implementation date was set for April. McCreary indicated July will be the probable target date. A staff person has been budgeted fifteen hours a week to help implement the volunteer program and assist with other related projects. CM Baron asked what type of references would be requested from the volunteer drivers. Hudson responded that general, character or work references would suffice. McCreary noted that this information will be maintained by the City Personnel Department. The volunteer drivers will be chosen by the Volunteer Coordinator and Hudson through a selection process. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2009 PAGE 2 OF 4 The Committee engaged in a discussion about drivers’ licenses and DMV record checks. CM Vanderpool suggested drivers be required to have an annual physical. McCreary indicated Staff will check DMV guidelines but stated that Class B drivers are required to submit proof of having a physical every two years. CM Baron asked about the costs involved; Staff stated $10 for a DMV printout. Staff will check the possibility of having the volunteer drivers sign a Pull Form which would allow the City to conduct the DMV record check thus eliminating the cost to the volunteer. CM Villegas suggested the City cover all associated costs. The Committee discussed the future possibility of expanding the program to drive seniors to appointments, the mall or other locations. There was a short discussion about Class B driver’s license requirements. Whereas a minivan requires that a driver possess only a Class C driver’s license to transport more than one passenger. Staff noted in the past the Senior Center van was available for special events at a cost of $2 but participation in that program was very low. McCreary asked if $2 each way was a reasonable requested donation. The Committee discussed payment options by passengers and concluded that $2 was reasonable. They wanted to minimize any financial barriers for seniors. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT ON ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRATEGIES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES McCreary discussed the process for defining strategies and noted the ideas made by the Committee at the last meeting. The Sub-Committee narrowed down the ideas to four main strategies to be developed for 2009-2010. The four strategies are: Strategy #1 Expand availability of Advisory Committee Members to listen to the community about the recreational and social needs of older adults. Strategy #2 Serve as Ambassadors and expand outreach to older adults in the community. Strategy #3 Promote and support the proposed Saturday morning programs at the Senior Center. Strategy #4 Make older adults feel valued in the community. Baron suggested that each Committee Member select the area which they were passionate about, and to promote, post and advertise. Each Committee Member volunteered to take the lead one of the strategies and which goals they would like to complete over the next eight months. CM CM Baron chose Strategy #1 - Goal B. He expressed an interest in scheduling and conducting two listening posts per year to hear from older adults who may not be current patrons of the Senior Center. CM Vanderpool selected Strategy #2 - Goal A. She is very interested in conducting two meetings at different locations in the community. It was suggested that the one meeting be held at the Groves (located in east Dublin) and the other meeting at the Dublin Senior Center. She would like to help Staff determine the agenda and content of the meeting. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2009 PAGE 3 OF 4 CM Edge expressed an interest in working on Strategy #3 - Goal C. He would like to offer workshops and/or lectures on relevant and interesting topics on a quarterly basis to attract more patrons to the Senior Center on Saturdays. Guest speakers may include college professors, handyman to conduct do-it-yourself workshops, etc. CM Villegas expressed an interest in Strategy #4 - Goal B, D, and E. She indicated a passion to recognize seniors in a unique way. In Goal B, she would like to submit an article on interesting older adults. In Goal D; CM Villegas would like to promote an “Active Older Adult of the Year” program in honor of “Older Americans’ Month” in May. The purpose of this program would be to promote older adults and recognize them for their contributions to the community. In Goal E, she would like to develop the means where the community can submit letters to acknowledge an older adult in the community. Information and writings could be highlighted in the newsletter, posted at the Senior Center and viewed the City webpage. CM Bonetti stated that she would be available to help any of the Committee to accomplish their strategies. CM Baron asked each Member to report on their goals at the next Committee meeting. He also wanted the strategies be featured in the next newsletter. OTHER BUSINESS CM Edge reported on the last meeting of the Senior Center Foundation. He reported that he will be taking the lead to host a small car show on behalf of the Foundation to purse a new fundraising opportunity. CM Vanderpool suggested the Foundation sponsor a pancake breakfast. CM Edge reiterated that the electronic billboard will be privately funded, and not funded by the Foundation. McCreary stressed that the City also will not fund the billboard project or any capital improvement projects for the next 3-4 years. CM Baron requested a current Advisory Committee contact list. CM Baron requested for a copy of the 2009 Parks and Community Services Commission meeting schedule. CM Vanderpool will attend the March 16th meeting. CM Baron reported that Congressman McNearny expressed an interest in conducting a Town Hall meeting at the Dublin Senior Center on a Saturday. In response, McCreary said that Saturday programming will start in July; CM Baron noted sooner would be better. CM Baron asked the Committee Members if they would be interested in participating in the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Since three Committee Members were interested in participating in the parade, McCreary will provide a contact for an automobile and submit the application. The Committee engaged in a discussion about name tags/badges. Other Business Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 5, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 4 Respectfully submitted, __________________________________ Diane Guenther Office Assistant APPROVED: ___________________________________ Martin Baron Chairperson