2001-06-15
CITY OF ENCINIT AS
SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION
MINUTES
Meeting Date: June 15, 2001; 1 :00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chairperson Hartley called the meeting to order at 1 :05 p.m.
Present:
Chairperson Hartley, Vice Chairperson Vance, Commissioners
Norling, Hentz, King, Small (1: 15).
Also
Present:
Recreation Superintendent Alexander and Administrative Secretary
Dakovich.
Absent:
Commissioner Mastro
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
4. CHANGES TO AGENDA
None.
5. CLOSING AND ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of minutes of regular meeting April 20, 2001.
MSC VICE CHAIRPERSON VANCE MOVED, COMMISSIONER HENTZ SECONDED
TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 20, 2001 MEETING. MOTION
CARRIED. 6-0.
6. PRESENTATION
A. Presentation by Representative from the California Counsel on Problem
Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous.
Commissioner King introduced Joel Hookerman, member of California Counsel
on Problem Gambling, located in Palm Springs.
Joel Hookerman complimented the City and their interest in community needs.
He noted that the gambling recovery program was developed in 1935 by the
Oxford Foundation and distributed a handout to Commissioners on compulsive
gambling recovery. He advised that meetings usually last 1-1 1/2 hours and are
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attended by a variety of age groups, and emphasized the fact that an individual
must admit his need for help before help can begin.
Commissioner Hentz noted that the program provides a safe haven for people
struggling with addictive behavior.
Joel Hookerman noted the importance of the gambler's spouse and family also
receiving help and reviewed programs that are available. He also referred the
Commission to the handout and the Gambler's Anonymous 12 Step Program.
Commissioner Norling asked if a weight program was also available.
Joel Hookerman advised there are programs available for over-eaters.
Vice Chairperson Vance noted that seniors seem to have a greater opportunity
now than in the past to gamble and while many suffer from an ongoing problem,
with more opportunities and more gambling sites, there are many seniors whose
gambling problems have just started.
Joel Hookerman advised that enablers help this situation, and co-dependency
causes problem/compulsive/pathological behavior.
Chairperson Hartley asked for information on how the actual meeting is handled.
Joel Hookerman advised that at a regular meeting, the secretary has a register
of attendees by first name and last name initial. The meetings begin with the
Secretary reading the program regulations, emphasizing the importance of
complete confidentiality, reading the recovery and unity steps, and then each
person in attendance has an opportunity to speak (usually limited to 5 minutes).
Chairperson Hartley asked if the California Counsel on Problem Gambling also
headed up Gamblers Anonymous, and when the Counsel and Gamblers
Anonymous programs began.
Joel Hookerman advised that the California Counsel on Problem Gambling is an
educating/research body that receives money from various sources. He noted
that the California program began in 1985 with nation-wide counsels established
in the mid 1980's. He further advised that Gamblers Anonymous is a separate
entity that was established in 1957.
Chairperson Hartley and the Commission thanked Joel Hookerman for his
presentation.
7. OLD BUSINESS
A.
Status Report on Project C.A.R.E.
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Recreation Superintendent Alexander reviewed the April and May reports, and
noted that the Project C.A.R.E. booth at the Senior Information Fair was very
successful. She also advised that the current Project C.A.R.E. Coordinator
Joyce Munro was doing a good job, however, when the program moves to the
new Senior Center and hours are increased, was not sure if she would be able to
continue.
Commissioner Hentz asked how many volunteers are currently involved with the
program.
Recreation Superintendent Alexander advised there are currently two volunteers,
however, once the program moves to the new Senior Center additional volunteers
may be needed.
B. Status Report on Senior Facilities at Oakcrest Park.
Recreation Superintendent Alexander advised that construction was progressing,
drywall was being installed, roofing complete, parking lot curbing in place, asphalt
paving due soon. She also noted that construction is anticipated to be complete
the end of September/beginning of October, with a 60 day time frame following this
for positioning of equipment, staff training and preparation of grand opening
possibly in December. She continued that first level interviews for Center
Managers will be held the end of June, that 45-50 applications were received for
the two advertised positions and approximately 10 applicants per position were
selected for interviews.
C. Update Report on Ad Hoc Sub-Committees (Outreach Information Program,
Senior Housing Review, New Senior Center Operations Review,
Transportation Review), and Representative Reports.
Chairperson Hartley distributed list of Ad Hoc Sub-Committees and requested that
Commissioners select those Sub-Committees of interest and return list to him.
Chairperson Hartley reviewed the selection list and made Ad Hoc Sub-Committee
appointments.
Chairperson Hartley advised the Commission that previous Ad Hoc Sub
Committee goals were available and would be mailed to Commissioners along
with list of Sub-Committee appointments. He encouraged Commissioners to meet,
review goals, make any necessary revisions and return copy to Recreation
Superintendent Alexander.
D. Discussion on Evaluation of Senior Information Fair 2001.
Recreation Superintendent Alexander distributed information on the Senior
Information Fair evaluation tallies submitted by participants. She noted the Fair
was very successful, with over 400 participants and 60 exhibitors/vendors.
Commissioner King asked if this was a fund raising event for the Commission.
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Recreation Superintendent Alexander advised that the City subsidizes 50% of the
Fair costs, and any additional monies received from booth fees help support the
balance of the event's costs. She also advised that the vendor surveys indicated a
preference that the Fair be held on a Thursday, during the current hours (9:30 to
Noon). She suggested that the Fair could be held from 9:30 a.m. to Noon, with an
added lunch and music/dancing following the Fair, because it will be held in the
new Center.
THE COMMISSION CONCURRED WITH THIS IDEA.
Chairperson Hartley shared his concerns regarding the awarding of raffle prizes
and suggested one prize of $1 00 to be drawn at an announced time. Recreation
Superintendent Alexander suggested having the raffle during lunch or the dance.
Commissioner Hentz liked having multiple prizes to award at various intervals
during the Fair.
Chairperson Hartley noted that the Rotary Club provided great assistance this year
and thanked them for their efforts.
Recreation Superintendent Alexander and Commissioner Norling (Special Events)
thanked all the Commissioners for their help.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review Meeting Inquiry from City of EI Cajon Commission on Aging.
Recreation Superintendent Alexander referred to the letter received from the City
of EI Cajon Commission on Aging, suggesting quarterly meetings with other
County Senior Commissions to exchange ideas, minutes and policies. She
advised that she had responded to the letter suggesting County Senior
Commissions meet semi-annually and had not received a response. She
requested additional feedback from the Commissioners.
Vice Chairperson Vance suggested that the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson
attend meetings on a quarterly basis, with all members of various agencies
attending an annual meeting.
IN CONSENSUS, THE COMMISSION CONCURRED.
B. Review and Discussion of City Council Actions regarding New
Program/Budget Recommendations for FY 01-02 and FY 02-03.
Chairperson Hartley gave a brief overview on the report he presented to City
Council on budget and operating suggestions for a local transportation service for
seniors. He stated that City Council did not, at that time, support the Senior
Shuttle Program.
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Recreation Superintendent Alexander offered further comments on the
presentation to City Council on senior transportation and distributed additional
information on the meeting outcome. She stated that City Council did approve the
Senior Mileage Reimbursement Program, to be coordinated by the new Senior
Center staff.
Chairperson Hartley stated that City Council determined not to accept the donation
of a van from the Senior Center Foundation during the referenced meeting.
9. COMMISSIONER'S CORNER/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Commissioners
Commissioner King suggested a presentation by Scripps Hospital on their Geriatric
Program, for the July meeting.
IN CONSENSUS, THE COMMISSION CONCURRED.
Vice Chairperson Vance provided information to Recreation Superintendent
Alexander on available senior funding through the County Board of Supervisors
and noted the importance of being aware and pursuing all funding that is available
for seniors.
Chairperson Hartley advised that the Senior Community Connection in Del Mar
does not have a Senior Center, uses all volunteers and recently added a part time
transportation coordinator. This coordinator will manage transportation needs for
seniors to various events in Del Mar, using a bus leased from Aging and
Independence Services (AIS).
Commissioner Hentz advised she would be out of town on July 27 and would miss
the Commission meeting.
B. Staff
Recreation Superintendent Alexander advised that currently there were no vans
available to lease or purchase from AIS. She also advised the Commission that
the date for the next meeting is July 27, not July 20 (due to City Hall closure). The
Commission can discuss canceling the August meeting at the July 27 meeting.
Chairperson Hartley noted that recently appointed Ad Hoc Sub-Committees should
endeavor to meet, review Sub-Committee goals and be prepared to make their
reports at the July 27 meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
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