1989-07-21 CITY OF ENCINITAS
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
MINUTES
Meeting Date: July 21, 1989
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
-Chairperson William Quinn called the meeting to order at 1: 00
p.m.
Present: Chairperson Quinn, vice Chairperson Wessel,
Commissioners Hartley, Motley, Searle and Whigam.
Absent: Commissioner Rudolph.
Also
Present: Mayor Omsted, Mayor of Encinitas; James Ellis,
Recreation Superintendent and Jacqueline Reynolds,
Office Specialist.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3 . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Omsted welcomed the Commissioners into the newly formed
Senior Citizen Commission and requested that the Commission
provide for City Council information and lists of services
that are needed by senior citizens. Mayor Omsted stated that
when this information and lists are given to Council with
comments from the Senior Citizen Commission it is her
intention to have a work-shop for City Council members so that
Council can stay up to speed with the information that the
Commission produces for City Council. Mayor Omsted encouraged
constant communication to ensure that Council will understand
the information that the Commission produces for Council.
4. CLOSING AND ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDARS
A. Approval of Minutes of June 16, 1989.
COMMISSIONER MOTLEY MOVED, SEARLE SECONDED TO APPROVE
MINUTES OF JUNE 16, 1989- MOTION CARRIED. 6-0.
B. Approval of Minutes of July 6, 1989 .
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY REQUESTED THAT THE MINUTES -BE
CHANGED FROM "SHOULD BE THE SENIOR CENTER'S TO READ "THE
FOCUS OF THE COMMISSION SHOULD NOT BE THE SENIOR CENTER"
ON PAGE 2, ITEM SA-5.
COMMISSIONER WESSEL MOVED, WHIGAM SECONDED TO APPROVE
THE CORRECTED MINUTES OF JULY 6, 1989 . MOTION CARRIED.
6-0.
S. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5A. Dial-A-Ride
Commissioner Wessel, Chairperson for the Dial-A-Ride and Van
subcommittee, requested that the subcommittee title be changed
to Transportation. This change allows the committee
responsibility for all transportation issues. The Commission
agreed and Wessel will remain chairperson for this committee.
Chairperson Wessel handed out copies on available
transportation for seniors.
Commissioner Wessel asked Superintendent Ellis to summarize
the information available on the Dial-A-Ride program.
Superintendent Ellis explained that staff was asked to look
into a portion of the Dial-A-Ride Program and clarify the use
of TDA funds. Superintendent Ellis explained that there are
two types of Transit Development Act Funds, Article 4 . 0 and
Article 4 .5. Transportation that is to be subsidized by
T.D.A. must be available for wheelchair access and the
handicapped. All TDA Funds are administered by North County
Transit Board.
Commissioner Quinn, explained that Dial-A-Ride can be handled
on a coupon basis with the City subsidizing the program, such
as Solana Beach and Del Mar. This program is monitored
through the City Managers office.
Commissioner Wessel explained that North County Seniors in
Action (NCSA) have a Dial-A-Ride taxi program that utilizes
Bill ' s Taxi Service where Senior Citizens can ride for free
for medical purposes.
Commission Quinn allowed the following citizens from Seacrest
Village who had arrived late to voice their concerns about the
Dial-A-Ride program.
Julius Schatsky, 211 Saxony Rd. , #166, Encinitas, stated that
he feels a Dial-A-Ride program is needed for senior citizens.
Jack Ross, 211 Saxony Rd. , Encinitas, told the Commission that
he had been involved with transportation for senior citizens
for 15 years. Ross stated that the number one need for senior
citizens is transportation and that the program should be
inexpensive and easy to use.
Rose Domnitz, 211 Saxony Rd. , Encinitas, asked the Commission
to establish a Dial-A-Ride program for senior citizens.
COMMISSIONER QUINN MOVED, WHIGAM SECONDED THAT WE ACCEPT DIAL-
A-RIDE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS OF ENCINITAS.
Discussion followed:
Commissioner Hartley questioned that we may need to get more
information and organize it before we go to City Council.
Commissioner Whigam explained that Life-line was complicated
expensive and that it was necessary to make reservations for
this transportation service. Whigam stated that there is a
need for Dial-A-Ride because it would provide immediate
transportation service for senior citizens.
Commissioner Hartley requested clarification of services
provided by Life-line and Dial-A-Ride and how it would be
administered.
Superintendent Ellis explained that North County Transit Board
that covers all the transportation in this area including the
bus system. Life-line is a contracted service primarily for
medical needs. Since Dial-A-Ride Taxi voucher is not
wheelchair equipped it is not funded by NCTB. It is funded
by each city. In Encinitas Bill ' s Cab Company would be
willing to take this program using coupons for this service:
Commissioner Hartley asked that perhaps the Commission should
be responsible for setting standards for Dial-A-Ride if the
City is going to be responsible for administering this
program.
Superintendent Ellis explained that if the Commission
recommended Dial-A-Ride to Council and Council approves this
program it would then go out for bid as a written contract.
Commission Quinn stated that Solana Beach' s Dial-A-Ride uses
a coupon book and is subsidized by the City. The book sells
for $5. 00 and is sold at several places. Bill's Cab Co. has
three cabs available at all times which would supplement the
senior citizen van service.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION BY COMMISSION MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN BY
COMMISSIONER QUINN BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WORDED PROPERLY.
COMMISSIONER MOTLEY MOVED, HARTLEY SECONDED, THAT THE
COMMISSION ACCEPT AND PRESENT COMMISSIONER WESSEL'S REPORT ON
TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN NORTH COUNTY WITH THE
RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT A PILOT DIAL-A-
RIDE PROGRAM WITH $3,000 INITIAL FUNDING. MOTION CARRIED.
6-0.
5B-1.VAN TRANSPORTATION
Commissioner Quinn reported on the status of the van that Red
Richie Ford wishes to donate to the City for use by the senior
citizens. Insurance has become a problem proving more
expensive than first anticipated. The van program will need
to be subsidized by the City with $3 ,700.
Commissioner Wessel cautioned that everything presented to
the Council must be worded correctly and clearly. She also
suggested that a letter is needed from Family Services
Association of San Diego County, who is the controller of the
San Dieguito Senior Center in Encinitas, itemizing why this
money is needed and how it will be allotted.
Commissioner Whigam expressed concern that San Dieguito Senior
Center would not be able to support the expense of operating
the proposed van.
Commissioner Hartley requested a. letter from Red Richie
stating exactly what he is giving to the Senior Center.
Commissioner Wessel stated that when the Commission goes to
the City Council with a proposal an itemized list must be
be included. With the proposed van it is necessary to
included a clarification of who will be responsible for
driving the van and who will be responsible for all van
expenses. Commissioner Wessel also questioned why the City
was involved with this gift to.the San Dieguito Senior Center.
Commissioner Quinn responded that he had suggested to Red
Richie that he might like to donate a van to the City for use
by senior citizens.
Commissioner Hartley stated that we are asking the City to
fund the operation of the van so that the Senior Center can
• accept the van.
Commission Wessel requested that Superintendent Ellis would
advise how the Commission should proceed with this issue.
Superintendent Ellis suggested that the subcommittee rethink
this project.
Commissioner Wessel restated what questions have to be
answered: 1) How much money will be requested from City
Council, 2) itemization of how money is to be spent, listing
insurance, tax, license and gas, 3) a letter from Red Richie
with all conditions and services, 4) request that Mr.
Carmichael of Family Services combine letters of 7/14/89 and
7/19/89 and clarify intent and 5) a 12 month contract from Red
Richie.
r
COMMISSIONER WESSEL MOVED THAT TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN WESSEL
AND CHAIRMAN QUINN WILL REQUEST A LETTER FROM MR. CARMICHAEL
AS SO DISCUSSED AT THE COMMISSION MEETING OF 7/21/89 AND ASR
SUPERINTENDENT ELLIS TO HELP PREPARE FURTHER DOCUMENTATION SO
AS TO APPROACH COMMISSION.
Commissioner Hartley asked Superintendent Ellis if Commission
will have to continue this discussion at the next Commission
meeting.
Superintendent Ellis explained that the subcommittee will
have more information after they meet. This information can
then be presented as a report at the next Commission meeting.
Commissioners discussed what would happen in the event that
several Commissioners were on vacation and unavailable for a
_ Commission Meeting.
Superintendent Ellis explained that for the Commission to hold
a meeting a quorum of four people present is needed. Ellis
cautioned that it is important that everyone is not gone at
the same time.
COMMISSIONER WESSEL WITHDREW THE MOTION THAT TRANSPORTATION
CHAIRPERSON WESSEL AND CHAIRPERSON QUINN WILL REQUEST A LETTER
FROM MR. CARMICHAEL, in order for the sub-committee to gather
for information on the Van.
Commissioner Hartley suggested that the subcommittee' s should
aim at having all reports finished ten days prior to
Commission Meetings. Commissioners agreed that this was
appropriate.
The Commission is referring the Van study to Chairpersons
Wessel and Quinn.
SB-2 .METHOD OF FINDING SENIORS IN CITY
TABLED BECAUSE OF COMMISSIONER RUDOLPHS ABSENCE.
SB-3 .ESTABLISHING A LIST OF SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS
Commissioner Hartley asked if everyone had gotten a copy of
this report. The report was mailed to the Commissioners as
part of the agenda packet for July 21st Commission meeting.
Hartley then read his report which included listing
categories of services available for seniors. These
categories included: Recreation & Fitness, Health, Nutrition,
Housing, Transportation, Legal, Financial & Family Service,
Counseling, Community Involvement, Education and Employment,
Protective Services and Referral & Outreach.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY RECOMMENDED, SEARLE SECONDED THAT
"DIRECTIONS", a publication of United Way,.-BE PURCHASED AS THE
FIRST BOOR FOR A SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION RESOURCE LIBRARY
AND KEPT IN STAFF OFFICE.
Commissioner Wessel asked how to pay for this $58 .
publication.
IT WAS AGREED BY THE COMMISSION THAT THE BOOK SHOULD BE
PURCHASED.
Superintendent Ellis will research how this publication will
be paid.
COMMISSIONER WESSEL RECOMMENDED THAT COMMISSIONER HARTLEY'S
LIST OF CATEGORIES OF SERVICES BE COMBINED AND ASSIGNED TO
PRESENT SUBCOMMITTEES.
IT WAS AGREED BY THE COMMISSION.
Commissioner Motley would like to see the Commission publicize
meetings using flyers so that more senior citizens would come
to the Commission meetings and state what it is that they
want.
Commissioner Wessel asked Superintendent Ellis if a flyer
could be printed inviting citizens to Senior Citizen
Commission Meetings.
Superintendent Ellis suggested that the Commission should stay
focused and not get too many projects going at once.
5B-4.ESTABLISHING A LIST OF HOUSING FOR SENIORS
Commissioner Motley summarized her report on Housing for
Seniors and suggested a hot-line be established for housing
• needs.
Commissioner Quinn stated that in some cities churches provide
a phone information service listing available housing in the
area.
Superintendent Ellis stepped up to the easel and suggested to
the Commission that the subcommittees had as their purpose,
1) to make a list, 2) decide how this list will be used and
3) define what is the problem. He further suggested that the
subcommittees should be focused and that the task is to get
the information for a possible solution.
Commissioner Hartley asked why this information was needed.
i
Superintendent Ellis emphasized that the assignment of the
siub=committee is to establish a list of housing. The
Commission needs to stay focused on completing the list then
we can move on to making a recommendation. We need to narrow
down. what we are doing in a step by step manner. This will
prevent the Commission from being spread too thin.
Commissioner Motley agreed that we need to get information
first.
Commissioner Quinn also stated that Mayor Omsted would like
to see a list of what has been done in each category that the
Commission has been working on.
6. NEW BUSINESS
None-
7 . COMMISSIONERS CORNER
Commissioner Hartley commented that the Commission shall
continue building lists.
Commissioner Searle suggested that perhaps the Commission
should try to complete some of these projects before starting
other projects.
Commissioner Wessel handed out copies of "Process to
Decision" .
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4: 00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Friday, August 18, . 1989 ; at
1: 00 P.M.
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