1990-06-15 CITY OF ENCINITAS
SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION
MINUTES _
Meeting Date: June 15, 1990; 1:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chairperson Wessel called the meeting to order at 1: 00 p.m.
Present: Chairperson Wessel, Vice Chairperson Ash,
Commissioners Hartley, Rudolph, Motley, and Quinn.
Absent: Commissioner Taaff.
Also
Present: James Ellis, Recreation Superintendent, and
Jacqueline Reynolds, Office Specialist.
2 . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Tasha Easton, 155 Rosebay Dr. , Apt. #41, Encinitas, who is
disabled, told the Commission that disabled citizens have been
excluded from the Encinitas Dial-A-Ride Program. She said
that the disabled are often low income and unable to drive.
Ms. Easton gave the Commission a report on "Transportation
Services for the Elderly and Disabled" compiled by the
Coordinated Transportation Service Agency. She is requesting
that the Commission take action to include disabled people of
all ages as eligible to use the Dial-A-Ride _Program.
Commissioner Taaff arrived at 1: 15 p.m.
Beatrice Maguranyi, 802 Regal Rd, M-6, Encinitas, is concerned
that the Encinitas Dial-A-Ride Program does not include
disabled citizens. She is requesting that disabled people be
allowed to use the Dial-A-Ride Program for transportation to
doctors and the hospital.
Marion Laruso, 454 Requeza St. , #135E, Encinitas, said that
she cannot understand why disabled citizens are not allowed
to use the Dial-A-Ride Program. As a disabled citizen she is
requesting that the Commission include the disabled person
among those who are eligible to use the Dial-A-Ride
transportation program.
Elvera Marino, 454 Requeza St. #133E, Encinitas, told the
Commission that she is disabled and is dependent on cabs for
transportation. She explained that cabs are very expensive
and is requesting that disabled citizens be allowed to use the
Dial-A-Ride transportation system.
Chairperson Wessel explained to the speakers that the
Commission was unable to take action today on their request
to add disabled citizens to the Dial-A-Ride Program because
it was not an agenda item. She assured those who spoke that
they will be hearing from the Commission on this issue.
4. CLOSING AND ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDARS
A. Approval of Minutes for May 18, 1990.
Commissioner Hartley requested that all references to the
Alert Program be changed to the Gatekeeper Program.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, ASH SECONDED TO APPROVE THE
MINUTES OF MAY 18, 1990. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5A. PRESENTATION BY TOM REESE, SENIOR SENATOR AND FLORENCE SMITH,
SENIOR ASSEMBLYWOMAN DISTRICT 5 CALIFORNIA SENIOR LEGISLATURE
PERTAINING TO SERVICES PROVIDED FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Senator Reese told the Commission that the California Senior
Legislature is elected by Californians who are 60 years of age
or older and registered voters. There are over 5 million
seniors in California. The California Senior Legislation was
formed in 1980 and is the only elected body to represent the
seniors in the State of California.
Senator Reese explained that the Area Agency on Aging is
responsible for setting up the voting areas and these voting
areas are manned by volunteers. He told the Commission that
San Diego County is broken. up into 55 voting stations.
Senator Reese added that the next opportunity to vote will be
March 1991.
Senator Reese explained that Senior Legislator positions are
volunteer. The only funds available are through donations
marked by voters on the California Income Tax Form under
California Fund for Seniors. These funds are used by
Legislators for transportation and expenses when they go to
Sacramento.
Senator Reese said that last year the Senior Legislature had
133 bill proposals of which 63 passed. He explained that the
Senior Legislature has 5 committees in the Senate and 5
committees in the Assembly. Senator Reese told the Commission
that Senator Mello, who is the Majority Whip in the Senate,
is referred to as the "father of California Senior
Legislature" because he was responsible for initiating the
original idea of a senior legislature. Senator Mello has
initiated more bills relating to seniors than any other
California Senator.
Senator Reese introduced Florence Smith who is the Senior
Assemblywoman for the 5th District.
Assemblywoman Smith told the Commission that she has
represented Encinitas for four years. She emphasized the
importance of organizing and getting seniors out to vote for
issues which involve seniors. She said it is critical to make
an inter-generational tie because people need to take care of
each other.
Chairperson Wessel thanked Senator Reese and Assemblywoman
Smith for their information and asked the Commissioners if
there were any questions.
Commissioner Motley asked Senator Reese what method is most
effective in getting information to seniors concerning Senior
Legislation issues, and when and where to vote?
Senator Reese said there are several ways of getting
information out to the public. He said "The Senior World"
publication, senior nutrition centers, senior centers and
retirement homes are all good vehicles for conveying
information and soliciting the vote.
Commissioner Rudolph commented that the Senior Citizen
Commission is given 1/2 page in the Encinitas Newsletter. She
said this is another tool that can be used to get information
to the community on senior issues.
Commissioner Rudolph asked Assemblywoman Smith if anything is
being done by government to provide an inexpensive Health Plan
for seniors.
Assemblywoman Smith told the Commission the number one
priority at the Federal and State level is Health Insurance
for seniors. She added that networking through organizations
you belong to is a key tool for getting information out and
projects accomplished.
Chairperson Wessel thahked Senator Reese and Assemblywoman
Smith for taking time from their busy schedule to address the
Commission.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6A. A REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION'S
SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE
Commissioner Hartley, Chairperson for the Services
Subcommittee, gave the Commission a copy of the Final Report
of the Services Subcommittee. This report listed the type of
services available in Encinitas for seniors.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, ASH SECONDED THAT REFERENCE
TELEPHONE NUMBERS BECOME AN INTRODUCTION TO THE REFERENCE WORK
TO BE USED IN THE FINISHED BOOR AND CIRCULATED TO SENIORS IN
THE COMMUNITY. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Discussion followed.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, QUINN SECONDED THAT THE REPORT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE COMMISSION AND BECOME PART OF REFERENCE WORK
FOR SERVICES FOR SENIORS. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Discussion followed.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, RUDOLPH SECONDED THAT WHEN ALL
SUBCOMMITTEES HAVE COMPLETED THEIR ASSIGNMENTS THE COMMISSION
CONSIDER USING OUTSIDE HELP TO SURVEY, COMPILE, AND SUPPLEMENT
THE REPORT TO INCLUDE SERVICES TO ENCINITAS SENIORS AND
SENIORS WHO ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS. MOTION
CARRIED 4-3. CHAIRPERSON WESSEL, COMMISSIONERS MOTLEY AND ASH
OPPOSED.
6B. A REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION'S
ALIVE & WELL SUBCOMMITTEE
Commissioner Quinn told the Commission that the Alive and Well
Subcommittee met last week and that 1/3 of the report is
finished. He said the report will be completed and presented
at the July 20th Commission meeting.
6C. A FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON THE SENIOR CITIZEN
COMMISSION' S SURVEY OF SENIOR CENTERS IN SURROUNDING
COMMUNITIES
Commissioner Hartley gave each Commissioner a copy of the
'Summary Survey of Senior Citizen Centers' and explained how
the survey figures were obtained and how percentages were
compiled.
An important finding of the survey indicated a lack of
direction being given to the San Dieguito Senior Center by
any organized board. The survey also indicated the following
areas for development at the San Dieguito Senior Center:
-The administration of the Center
-The finances and budget
}
-The center is principally a nutrition site and the
quality of. food has been criticized .
-The constricting lease arrangement
-The administrative jurisdiction
-The lack of complete services
-The limited hours of operation
-The relative high cost per usage
-The limited percentage of seniors being served
-The lack of adequate funding/operations budget
-The inadequate size of the present facility
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, ASH SECONDED THAT THE SENIOR
CITIZEN COMMISSION BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
THE NEED FOR IMPROVED SENIOR CITIZEN FACILITIES AND ASR THAT
LONG TERM PLANS BE PUT INTO PLACE TO ESTABLISH THOSE
FACILITIES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Following the unanimous approval of the motion Chairperson
Wessel informed the Commission that she had been advised by
Jim Benson' s office that the Senior Center had not applied for
funding for the Dial-A-Ride Program. This information was
given to the Transportation Subcommittee.
Vice Chairperson Ash explained that the San Dieguito Senior
Center is not a senior center. It is the Helen Woodward
Nutrition Center operated by Family Services. She said that
the Director of the nutrition site, considers the
Dial-A-Ride Program too expensive to run through this site.
Chairperson Wessel asked Superintendent Ellis for guidance on
establishing a committee to study the feasibility of
establishing an Encinitas Senior Citizen Facility.
Superintendent Ellis said that when the Commission has
gathered all necessary information and speaks to City Council
they need to be specific as to what seniors need in a
• facility. This would include a recommendation on location
and financing.
Chairperson Wessel asked that the Services Subcommittee meet
with Superintendent Ellis and prepare an agenda item to
include a feasibility study relating to a Senior Center for
Encinitas.
Commissioner Rudolph requested permission to leave the meeting
at 3 :20 p.m.
COMMISSIONER HARTLEY MOVED, QUINN SECONDED THAT A REPORT BE
MADE BY STAFF ON THE SENIOR CENTER SURVEY AND BE DISTRIBUTED
TO THE PARTICIPATING CENTERS. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
7 . NEW BUSINESS
7A. DISCUSSION ON THE JUNE 15 1990 NORTH COUNTY SENIOR COALITION
MEETING
Vice Chairperson Ash told the Commission that the speakers at
today' s North County Senior Coalition Meeting were Barbara
Baker, San Diego Probation Office Guardian Program, and Mr.
Williams who is assigned to Superior Court of San Diego by the
Mental Health Department.
Vice Chairperson Ash said that the Guardian Program functions
as a protective service for juveniles as well as conservators
for adults. She handed out information on the Crisis Team
Speakers Group (San Diego County Mental Health Services) , and
suggested that one of their speakers be invited to speak to
the Commission.
Chairperson Wessel thanked Vice Chairperson Ash for an
informative report.
7B. TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ON THE MAY 21, 1990 "PUBLIC
FORUM ON ROUTE 36111
Commissioner Taaff told the Commission that North County
Transit District, (NCTD) , held a meeting on May 21st to
discuss new ideas dealing with the public transportation
system. NCTD has it under consideration to re-route 361 and
to coordinate train service linked with bus service to better
serve the public. Commissioner Taaff said that NCTD has a
target date of 1993 for this proposed service.
Chairperson Wessel thanked Commissioner Taaff for an excellent
report.
7C. DISCUSSION ON YUNDING PROGRAMS ENDORSED BY THE SENIOR CITIZEN
COMMISSION
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Hartley said the Commission needs to identify and
place priorities on each Budget Item for Fy 91-92 before
requesting funds from the City Council.
Commissioner Quinn said he would like to have a Senior Fund
established which would cover the Dial-A-Ride Program, the
Van, and other senior needs.
Vice Chairperson Ash asked Superintendent Ellis if it is
possible to locate grant money to cover senior programs?
Superintendent Ellis said that a process needs to be
established.
0
Commissioner Hartley said that the Commission needs to
identify senior citizen needs . which would validate the
justification for requesting funds.
8. COMMISSIONER' S CORNER
Commissioner Taaff complimented Commissioner Hartley on his
report saying that it was well organized and analyzed.
Commissioner Motley said the Oceanside Senior Center provides
in home help 3 days a week.
Commissioner Quinn told the Commission that Susan Sorenson,
who is Director of the San Dieguito Senior Center, called Mr.
Richie, (Red Richie Ford) , and requested that the next donated
van have the name changed to San Dieguito Center. The name
currently on the donated van is Encinitas Center.
Chairperson Wessel said that the Transportation Subcommittee
will discuss the request to change the name on the Van.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 4 : 00 p.m.
i The next regular meeting will be Friday, July 20, 1990 ; at
1: 00 P.M.