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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-09-06; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: SENIOR COHISSION Date of Meeting: September 6, 1990 Place of Meeting: I The of Naeting: 1815 p.m. Carlsbad Senior Center y COMMISSIONERS To ORDER: Chairman Van called the Meeting to order at 1315 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Van, Commissioners Heard, Maggio, Ritchie and Savary. Absent: None. Staff Present: Sue Spickard, Senior Coordinator Helen Maconahan, 143 Sequoia, stated the swimming pool at the Boys and Girls Club is supposed to be closed for the winter, and she aaked whether anything could be done to try to keep it open for the eeniors who swim there in the different programs. report back to the Commission. Sue Spickard will check into this and Commissioner Ritchie stated that her husband passed away in 1985, and in his memory, it was her pleasure to donate the engraved silver tea service to the Center for the pleasure of all who participate in the programs. APPROVM, O? MINUTES: The Minutes of the Meeting held August 2, 1990, were approved as amended. MIIRACOSTA COLLEGE Sue Spickard reported that this item had been before the Commission February 1 and June 7 for discussion. The Commission took no official action, and she asked the Commission to take action on the item today. In 1981, the Senior Association approached Miracosta College and was successful in getting them to provide classes for seniors in the Carlsbad Area, for exercise and painting. In June of 1985, the City and the Association signed a contract delineating the services to be offered by each agency. This designated the City was responsible for continual provision of exercise and painting classes. has worked with MiraCosta to provide art and exercise classes and added a drama group. Staff When the new Center opened, MfraCosta was invited to bring all Art and Exercise classes they were sponsoring to the Center. All classes, except one art class at Heritage Hall, were then transferred to the new Senior Center. Van Heard Maggio Ritchie savary MINUTES MIRACOSTA COLLEGE (Continued) City staff met with the Dean of MiraCosta College, and were advised the classes offered at the Center were for seniors, but were open to all persons. MiraCosta cannot turn younger people away from such classes, but if the time arrived when the classes were predominantly young people, the classes would have to be cancelled as they are set up for seniors. These classes are from taxes paid by Oceanside and Carlsbad residents and are only provided in those two sites. Instructors for the MiraCosta classes must have a BA or BS or equivalent, State Certified, finger-printed, TB tested and extensive background references. Me. Spickard stated that the Senior Center philosophy has been that low-cost or no-cost classes be provided to seniors. MiraCosta classes are offered free to seniors and are very popular. there would be a fee charged to cover the cost of the instructors, and that could make the participation drop significantly. At the present time, MiraCosta College provides the Center with talented, licensed instructors; one million dollars in insurance for liability, and a cost to the seniors of zero. Also, there is zero cost to the City with a generation of Sl0,OOO annually to the City's General Fund. to utilize the facilities and pays the instructors $28 per hour. This is a cost the seniors would have to cover by charging a fee for each class. responsible for the administration of those programs as now done by MiraCosta. We do not register, advertise, send out flyers, hire instructors, etc., as it is all done by MiraCosta. If the City provided those classes, MiraCosta pays The Center would be Mrs. Yvonne Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, stated she was worried about the outside influence on the Senior Center, and felt care should be taken not to turn this building into an extension of MiraCosta College. That College is state- supported and must accept everyone--regardless of residence or age. She said this building was built for the seniors of Carlsbad and was their building and should not have any outeide influence. She eaid the Center was not put up as a college or a lunchroom. Mrs. Castner suggested that perhaps a subcommittee explore the possibility of a program controlled by seniors in this City and not the State. She felt that more staff should be hired to handle the programs, and that how the matter is handled now was important. She said that why the building was built should be considered, as well as who is paying the bills. Commissioner Savary stated the Senior Center was very fortunate to have a university that would contribute the way MiraCosta does. She reiterated the hportance of the one million dollar liability insurance policy provided by MiraCosta and added the college is doing a fine job and raises the skills and level of service just by participating in the Center's programs. She stated she did not approve of havinq seniors pay to come to the Center for I)roqrams. MINUTES September 6, 1990 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 COMMISSIONERS MIRACO STA COLLEGE (Continued) Commissioner Heard asked what the City's policy was with regard to other public facilities, and whether there should be some policy adopted independently in the case of the Center. He thought that perhaps the Center and the Commission could draft something that would conform with a policy already established by the City, if such a policy does exist. This could include other communities in the adjacent areas, as Mr. Heard said that with public facilities we tend to extend our boundaries to whatever program we find in the area where we want to participate. There are a lot of potential interests for the enhancement and enrichment of the lives of seniors, such as education, physical activities and artistic activities, and he felt it was a question of whether you want to draw a line for involvement in those situations at a "City limit". He recommended more study be done on the matter. Commissioner Ritchie stated the exercise class has worked very well, and she has never been aware of pressure or direction on the part of the MiraCosta instructors. The class is what the participants want as far as the hours, the type of exercise, etc. She felt this is a program that is working very well and she would hesitate to interfere in it. Me. Ritchie said MiraCosta has not intruded into this Senior Center to her knowledge, and she would encourage the continued use of MiraCosta services as long as they are willing to extend them to this Center. Mrs. Castner stated that Carlsbad seniors could not get into the exercise class because of outsiders there, and Commissioner Ritchie stated that she was not aware of that. Me. Spickard stated that none of her staff or she has received any complaints about not being able to get into the MiraCosta classes. Commissioner Ritchie stated that MiraCosta was willing to set up more sections of classes, if they were needed. Ms. Spickard stated that was correct. Me. Spickard continued, stating that staff felt a lot of valuable courses were offered by MiraCosta, but in light of some feelings, staff has decided not to pursue any addition of classes until direction has been received from this Commission on the ones already in progress. All the Commissioners asked for a copy of Me. Spickatd's report. Chairman Van concurred with the comments made by the Commisaioners. He asked how many non-seniors were enrolled in the present classes. Me. Spickard said that in Beginning Body Conditioning, 118 -- two non-seniors; Art, 70 -- seven non-seniors (due to it being summertime); Drama, 29 -- no non-seniors. Chairman Van recommended continuing with this program and at the start of the next fiscal year, review it again. \ IVIINU I ES MIRACOSTA COLLEGE (Continued) Sue Spickard explained that the Library is open to non- residents; Parks and Recreation programs are open, with a non-resident fee of $2 charged, but otherwise on a first- come, first-serve basis. Mrs. Castner stated that the brochure should read that MiraCosta is a State-supported school. The Senior Commission recommended the continuation of the present arrangement with MiraCosta College to provide the type of programs now being provided, and that the COmmiS6iOn, on an annual basis, begin to review the continuation of these programs; also not adding of any more sections of classes. UTILIZATION OF SENIOR CENTER Sue Spickard read the draft of the Guidelines for Utilization of the Carlsbad Senior Center. In reply to query, she stated the Rotary decided not to use the Center. They had not made an official request, and as there was Borne discontent expressed, they felt they, themselves, would not come to the building. Commissioner Heard asked whether there should not be some flexibility in the policy that would allow the Senior commission to invite groups from time to time; e.g., the Rotary groups. He felt it was being awfully cold and conservative to ignore a good-will gesture to people who have been very supportive in the past and will be in the future. Commissioner Ritchie said that making the Rotary Club uncomfortable was unconscionable. She said that the Rotarians helped found the first senior citizens' association in Carlsbad and have worked tirelessly for seniors since then, with the latest donation a check for $600 for another piano. She clarified that she did not belong to the Evening Rotary Club. Chairman Van said he wanted to honor the Rotarians for their help, and that was the intent in inviting them to Visit the Center. Sue Spickard suggested an addition to the draft stating groups could utilize the Center "once per fiscal year". Commissioner Heard recommended the word "applicant" in the last paragraph be changed to "application". He suggested where AARP is listed to add the words "Chapter activities" and the sentence reading "Any group not described above that desires to utilize the Senior Center during regular operating hours, must complete" should add "and submit" a Facility Use Application "to the office of the Senior Center". Commissioner Heard suggested adding the following: "Notwithstanding the other provisions of this document, the Senior Commiesion may, with a majority consent of the Commission, invite individuals or groups to visit andfor utilize the Senior Center facilities on appropriate occasions, as long as a Senior program sponsored by the Center is not interrupted or displaced. Van Heard Maggio Ritchie savary MINUTES CORRECTED COPY .- &gXRACOSTA COLLEGE (Continued) Sue Spickard explained that the Library is open to non- residents; Parks and Recreation programs are open, with a non-resident fee of $2 charged, but otherwise on a first- come, first-serve basis. Hrs. Castner stated that the brochure should read that HiraCosta is a State-supported school. The Senior Commission recomaended the continuation of the present arrangement with MiraCosta College to provide the type of programs now being provided, and that the Commission, on an annual basis, begin to review the continuation of these programs; aleo not adding of any more sections of classes. UTILI~WON OF SENIOR CENTER Sue Spickard read the draft of the Guidelines for Utilization of the Carlsbad Senior Center. In reply to query, she stated the Rotary decided not to use the Center. They had not made an official request, and as there was some discontent expressed, they felt they, themselves, would not come to the building. Commiseioner Heard asked whether there should not be some flexibility in the policy that would allow the Senior Commission to invite groups from time to time; e.g.8 the Rotary groups. He felt it was being awfully cold and conservative to ignore a good-will gesture to people who have been very supportive in the past and will be in the future. Commissioner Ritchie said that making the Rotary Club uncomforthble wae unconecionable. She said that the Rotarians helped found the first senior citizens' aseociation in Carlsbad and have worked tirelessly for seniors since then, with the latest donation a check for $600 for another piano. She clarified that she did not belong to the Evening Rotary Club; but belongs to the Hi- Noon Rotary Club. Chairman Van said he wanted to honor the Rotarians for their help, and that was the intent in inviting them to visit the Center. Sue Spickard suggested an addition to the draft stating groups could utilize the Center "once per fiscal year". Commissioner Heard recommended the word "applicant" in the last paragraph be changed to "application". where AARP is listed to add the words "Chapter activities" and the sentence reading "Any group not described above that desires to utilize the Senior Center during regular operating hours, must complete" should add "and submit" a Facility Use Application "to the office of the Senior Center". He suggested Commissioner Heard suggeeted adding the following: "Notwithstanding the other provisions of this document, the Senior Comnission may, with a majority consent of the Commission, invite individuals or groups to visit and/or utilize the Senior Center facilities on appropriate occasions, as long as a Senior program sponsored by the Van Heard Ritchie Savary mggio MINUTES September 6, 1990 SENIOR COHHISSION Page 5 y' COMMISSIONERS IZATION OF SENIOR The Senior Commieeion adopted the Draft Guidelines for Utilization of the Carlebad senior Center, with the recommendations etated previously. Chairman Van reported that the new preferential treatment for Carlebad residents policy eeems to be working smoothly. Sue Spickard continued the report, stating that the etatement had been made that a group of people were putting postoffice numbers in Carlebad in order to get into the Nutrition Program. 236 are Carlsbad residents; 46 are non-residents; and there ie one individual that used a poetoffice box addrees. She said she examined the records personally since it had been etated that there was a "group" doing this. Me. Spickard added there are a limited number of postoffice boxee in Carlsbad and there is a three-week waiting list to get one. The cost for six months ie from $14 to 19.50, and the Poetmaster could not may how many of those with poetoffice boxes are reeidents. She said that 282 people are registered; ColrPaissioner Savary felt the Comiseion ehould have a legal opinion on this, as to whether or not a postoffice box fe a real residence. Comiseioner Heard felt there was no reason to try to fix thie at this time. Hrs. Castner spoke from the audience stating that a person doe8 not live in a postoffice box--and where do they live? She maid the form says "addreas". The Senior Commission, by conseneue, asked etaff to continue the present policy with regard to residency €or the Nutrition Program and pursue a legal opinion on what constitutee a "reeidence". CO'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURN- AND D- Sue Spickard announced that Gerico'e will eponsor their annual golf tournament and dinner on September 22, 1990. This will be held at the Lama Santa Fe Executive Golf Couree, with the dinner September 23 from 3:OO p.m. until 8100 p.m., at a cost of $5. Ms. Spickard stated that prizes are needed for the golfers and the raffle prizes for the dinner. Aleo, volunteers are needed to work on the day of the dinner. The Commissioners will be needed to sell tickets, and volunteers are needed to serve the dinner. This event netted the seniors $3,463 last year as a donation from Gerico'e. Ma. Spickard reported ehe went to the caterer from last year and they will provide the same meal, which will be roast beef. She will continue to negotiate with them and design an invitation and gift for the volunteers. Chairman Van volunteered to provide music after the meal, and Me. Spickard will continue to work on entertainment for the evenino. Van Heard Naggio Ritchie Savary I MINUTES SENIOR COORDI NATOR ’ S REPORT Sue Spickard reported that the display case for the donators‘ namee has arrived and staff is working on the design and setup of the notebook. working partially, but is still a problem. An outside firm will be hired by the City to repair it. be asking the commission for recomendatione for fees to rent the building for outside groups in the evenings. The air conditioning is Me. Spickard will MS. Spickard said the specs for the minivan have been sent out and several vendors have contacted the City. The first-year anniversary for the Senior Center will be December 11. month and she asked the Commissioners to consider how they would like to celebrate this first annivereary. There will be an agenda item on this next The Hi-Noon Rotary Club has donated $600 for another piano, and the Senior Association might be willing to put some money toward thie piano, together with any money left over from the minivan purchase. Staff will be considering a condo or baby grand for the stage. Us. Spickard listed the activities that are taking place in the Center and added that it is staff‘s hope to expand those activities. She explained that the summer afternoon dance sponsored by Capital Bank of Carlsbad held August 9 was very successful. There will be more dances, with a Welcome to 1991 Dance early in January, 1991, at the Center. CHAIRHAN’S REPORT Chairman Van reported on the visits to the Center by Mayor Lewis and further reported that the new Comissioners have not yet been appointed by the Mayor. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGEN D& Commissioners were reminded to get items for the next agenda to Sue Spickard as soon as possible. By proper motion, the Meeting of September 6, 1990, was adjourned at 2:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted. r@d-w Harriett Babbitt Minutes Clerk , September 12, 1990 .. . . . .. TO: MAYOR LEWIS MAYOR PRO TEM KULCHIN COUNCILMEMBER LARSON COUNCILMEMBER MAMAUX COUNCILMEMBER PETTINE FROM: Senior Commission SUMMARY REPORT OF SEPTEMBER 6, The following is a list of the at the Commission Meeting: 1. A motion was made to 1990, SENIOR COMMISSION MEETING -. motions made and the actions taken continue the present arrangements with Hira Costa college to provide-programs for seniors at the Center. These arrangements will be reviewed annually by the COmmiss10n. The staff will advise the Commission on the numbers of classes needed and the percentage of sen$ ors attendi ng . The motion was accepted unanimously. 2. A motion was macia to accept the draft guidelines for utilization of the Carlsbad Senior Center. Incorporated into the guidelines is the proviso that the Senior Commission may invite individual organizations to vis.it and/or utilize the Center on a not-to-interfere, one- time basis. me motion was approved unanimously. Scribe .. . . - . . .. - .. ._, GUIDELINES FOR UTILIZATION OF THE CARLSBAD SENIOR CENTW The Carlsbad Senior Center operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for the primary purpose of programming services and activities for Seniors (persons 55 years of age and over). All activities taking place during those hours (M-F 8-5) must be planned and offered by the Carlsbad Senior Center. The City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Unified School District Administration may use the facility at any time for a one-time activity as long as a Senior program sponsored by the Center is not interrupted or displaced. Non-City sponsored Senior groups (hearing impaired, AARP, etc.) may be considered to utilize the Center once per fiscal year during the Center's regular hours of operation. The group must be nonprofit and complete a Facility Use Application. The activity must be open to all Seniors. The activity cannot displace or interrupt any program offered by the Senior Center. Any group not described above that desires to utilize the Senior Center during regular operating hours, must complete a Facility Use Application. The group may be considered only if it does not interrupt or displace programs offered by the Senior Center and must be authorized to utilize the facility by action of the Carlsbad Senior Commission. If an applicant is denied, the decision may be appealed in writing to the Senior Center Coordinator. The next option if the applicant is not satisfied, is to appeal to the Parks and Recreation Director, and then to the Senior Commission. The final appeal may be made to the City Council. Club tries to keep pool ,open By Dan Trotta Staff Writer 1 CARLSBAD - Bill Saylor, ! director of the Carlsbad Boys arid Girls Club, said the club is coming up with a plan to keep its pool open during the winter. In July, the club’s boardof directors voted to close the pool from October through March in order to cut costs, but the decision was met with strong opposition from swimmers who use the 3-lane, 15yard pool. Since then, Saylor said, he has attempted to find a way to keep the pool open and balance the club’s books at the same time. One plan to have a private contractor run the swim program has failed, Say- lor said. “We anticipate keeping it open on a very limited basis,” Saylor said Thursday. “A lot of it depends on whether those who rent the facility to put on classes are willing to accept our options.” Saylor said he would disclose all the details at a press confer- > See Pool, Page B-3 --*mm--- n----pL* Pool >From Page El ence within the next two weeks. He did say that those who put on class- es would likely have to pay more. Saylor did not mention higher fees for swimmers, but a recent survey of the pool’s swimmers asked them if they would be willing to pay higher fees. Today, swimmers pay $35 for 40 visits, or $1.50 per visit. Laura Bercea, a Carlsbad resi- dent who has led a protest since the pool’s closure was announced, said that she and many other swim- mers would be willing to pay more to keep it open. The Boys and Girls Club pool is one of two public pools in Carls- bad. The other is run by the city. The club pool serves more than 2,000 visits from swimmers a month during the summer months, but participation drops to as low as a third of that in December, accord- ing to Boys and Girls Club records. Programs include exercise swimming for adults, lessons for children and therapy classes for seniors. Saylor said that the Arthro Swim program for arthritis victims and a few other programs for seniors and adults will continue beyond Oct. 1, the original sched- uled closure date. Bercea said she was “very happy” that the pool likely will remain open during the winter. But said she was angry that a number of suggestions she gave to Saylor were dismissed. “Thefe’s a real spirit of uncoop erativeness,” Bercea said. “I’m not very pleased with Mr. Saylor’s per- formance.” - 9 \ \ 11 - ’