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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-2009 SCAC MinutesCITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 Call to Order Chairperson CM Baron called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Roll Call: Committee Members (CM) Present: Martin Baron, Delilah Vanderpool, Al Edge and Diane Bonetti Parks and Community Services Commission Liaison Present: Rich Guarienti Staff Present: Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services; Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator; and Diane Guenther, Office Assistant Oral Communications Audience member Michael Irish introduced himself. Approval of the Minutes – THE AUGUST 6, 2009, MINUTES WERE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS; OVERVIEW OF SATURDAY MORNING PROGRAMS PAGE 2 PARAGRAPH 4 “Guarienti commented, in addition to attracting working seniors there is also the need to attract working seniors who are now caring for their grandchildren during the week.” UNDER OTHER BUSINESS PAGE 3 INSERT “CM Baron suggested using the white board arrow in the lobby to direct patrons to the Committee meeting.” CM VANDERPOOL MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 6, 2009 MINUTES AS AMENDED; CM BONETTI SECONDED THE MOTION. THE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 6, 2009 MEETING AS AMENDED WITH CM EDGE ABSTAINING. Written Communication – None Unfinished Business – None New Business OVERVIEW OF THE SENIOR SUPPORT PROGRAM Hudson introduced Jennifer Cullen of Senior Support to the Advisory Committee. Cullen provided the Advisory Committee with an overview of Senior Support programs and the transportation program she manages. The Senior Transportation Program is designed to meet the needs of seniors who have an urgent medical appointment and have exhausted all other options to obtain a ride (i.e. paratransit, Wheels, friends etc). The program is supplemental to existing public and paratransit. She presented an overview of how to qualify for the program, criteria for volunteer drivers and how the transportation functions. Cullen stated there are approximately 30 volunteer drivers in the program. For first time participants Cullen is the driver so she can determine participant needs and if the program is appropriate for them. CM Edge asked if Senior Support had referrals to similar agencies in other areas. Cullen indicated the closest program is in Fremont. Hudson replied that every area has an Area Agency on Aging that could be contacted about programs in other cities or counties. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 2 OF 4 CM Baron noted that he has been involved with Senior Support. He feels the Advisory Committee is a springboard for integrating other programs and that it is important we connect, include seniors who are not active, and reach out to those who cannot play, explore, connect. McCreary asked Cullen if the Senior Center starts referring more people to the program would Senior Support have the capacity to handle the increase. Cullen stated she is in need of more volunteers for the Dublin area. If there are seniors who cannot use paratransit Senior Support will assist them to get to their appointments. CM Baron asked what the Advisory Committee can do to form a cooperative effort with Senior Support. McCreary responded that the Senior Center could refer volunteers who might be interested in driving for a transportation program. CM Baron asked if there should be a formal meeting on a regular basis between the organizations to maintain communication. McCreary indicated this could occur at the staff level. Hudson commented that Staff and volunteers have been trained to refer the public to Senior Support and their Services. McCreary noted that the City can always offer space at the Senior Center for Senior Support to promote their services. Hudson commented that Senior Support uses a well rounded approach to assist seniors live independently in their homes. It is the case manager who can identify what types of services the seniors will need to maintain safety and independence in their homes. Guarienti commented that transportation is extremely important. He mentioned that ACTIA money is available to senior transportation programs. He asked Cullen if there is any reimbursement for auto expenses for the volunteer drivers. She stated there is no reimbursement. Instead she offers a special luncheon recognizing miles driven and where volunteer’s mileage could also be used as a possible tax write off. Guarienti noted that the Trail Trekkers accept a voluntary contribution from the riders. Cullen indicated that since most of their participants are very low income, many cannot afford to make any donations. Whereas, some participants who are financially stable, donate monies to Senior Support. Hudson also gave the Advisory Committee a brief description of Senior Center Without Walls that provides recreation via telephone. She also noted the Alameda County Library brings books to homebound seniors. SENIOR CENTER BUDGET OVERVEIW McCreary gave an overview of the 2009-2010 budget as outlined in the Staff report. CM Baron asked if the City had given any thought to solar power. McCreary stated the City is working with Honeywell to discuss such alternatives. Guarienti noted that there seemed to be a significant increase in the family services budget. McCreary stated that the Department reorganized some program areas in response to the Strategic Plan. This resulted in more programs in the Family Services area. POTENTIAL USES FOR ONLINE VIDEO STREAMING AT THE SENIOR CENTER CM Baron asked that “conferencing” be stricken from the statement and replaced with “streaming.” CM Baron provided the Committee with a computer demonstration of the Skype program. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 3 OF 4 CM Edge asked what would be the benefit to seniors. CM Baron stated that a temporarily homebound senior could connect with a group or activity; the senior would need a computer, some type of video device and internet access. CM Edge indicated that current senior patrons would use the program at this time. Guarienti suggested filming events or classes and then posting them on YouTube with links on the Senior Center webpage. He also indicated that seniors may not have computers at home with cameras. CM Baron suggested that we may be overlooking that adult children of seniors may use the program to show the senior family member what is available. CM Baron made a motion to “Adopt video streaming technology such as Skype as a resource tool for homebound patrons. Over the next few months explore the feasibility of acquiring the necessary technology to utilize video streaming.” CM Vanderpool seconded the motion and Committee unanimously approved. Other Business CM Bonetti reported the Foundation reimbursed Hudson for vinyl tablecloths and this will help cut down on dry cleaning expenses. The Foundation’s fireworks sales totaled $5,225; one of their booths was in a bad location and the Foundation was not able to make any profit from those sales. They have decided if they receive a poor location again next year they will not take it. CM Edge commented he felt that volunteer support was down this year. CM Bonetti indicated that the Foundation needs recruit more volunteers next year. Guarienti stated the Parks and Community Services meeting was cancelled last month. He did inform the Advisory Committee that the City Council had engaged in a discussion about the modifications to the bylaws and did endorse the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee and Parks and Community Services Commission. Guarienti noted Dublin 101 begins on September 17. Committee Members each provided a brief report on their strategies. Strategy #1: Expand availability of Advisory Committee Members to listen to the community about the recreational and social needs of older adults. CM Baron stated that video streaming is being considered by Staff. He is waiting on an answer about participating in Day on the Glen. CM Baron will still be submitting an application to Safeway for another “listening post” if the Advisory Committee still agrees. Hudson commented she thought theCommittee would go to the Groves with a mini information fair which would also tie in with strategy #2. Strategy #2 – Serve as Ambassadors and expand outreach to older adults in the community. CM Vanderpool announced that she put flyers at the Senior Center and the Groves inviting people to the Advisory Committee meeting. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 4 CM Vanderpool has taken over Senior Spotlight from former Committee Member Villagas. Vanderpool suggested the possibility that Staff take over the Senior Spotlight since it appeared that other volunteers and Staff are already doing most of the work. Hudson commented that this was not intended to be a Staff project. There was discussion that possibly the new Committee Member could possibly assist with this project. Strategy #3 – Promote and support the proposed Saturday morning programs at the Senior Center. CM Edge suggested holding a pancake breakfast for November and he will meet with Hudson. Strategy 4: Making old adults feel valued in the Community. No report. CM Baron asked the following be placed on next month’s agenda: What is the role of Committee Members for the specific strategies adopted by the Committee? Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m. Respectfully submitted, __________________________________ Diane Guenther Office Assistant APPROVED: ___________________________________ Martin Baron Chairperson