Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11-07; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: SENIOR COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 1:15 p.m. Date of Meeting: November 7, 1991 - Place of Meeting: Carlsbad Senior Center COMMISSIONERS Cw. TO ORDER: Chairman Van called the Meeting to order at 1:17 p.m. ROLL Cq : Present: Chairman Van, Commissioners Chmiel, Heard, Maggio and Zink. Absent: None. Staff Present: Sue Spickard, Senior Coordinator Keith Beverly, Sr. Management Analyst, Parks and Recreation Dept. MATTERS FROM THE PUBL IC: Yvonne Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, stated she is a senior in Carlsbad and has no voice in the Senior Center. The Center was built for the seniors and they have no voice. She said she visited other centers before this one was built, and took pictures and they have art work displayed on their walls. Mrs. Castner said this Commission did not want anything displayed on the walls. paintings can be displayed in the art room. This Center was to enrich the lives of the people living in this area and Mrs. Castner stated they don't need classes and don't need a degree. They have now said the Mrs. Castner asked that decaf coffee be available for people in the Senior Center. She said that the children from Pine Street School will now be allowed to use this auditorium three times a year, but will have to sit on the floor. Dorothy Graves, 6538 Ocean View, asked who represented the seniors on the Senior Commission. She said the Commission represents the City and the seniors should be represented on the Commission. Chairman Van explained that the Senior Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. No Commissioners are appointed until there is a full Council present, and they serve for two complete terms. Any person who is a resident of Carlsbad can serve as a Commissioner on any of the City Commissions or Boards. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Regular Meeting held October 3, 1991, were approved as presented. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Commissioner Heard was elected Chairperson for the coming year. Commissioner Chniel was elected Vice Chairperson. Van Chmiel Heard Maggio Zink MINUTES November 7, 1991 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 2 COMMISSIONERS MIRA COSTA COLLEGE: Sue Spickard gave the staff report, stating that coccerns had been before the Commission on several occasions, and last March the Commission decided to review the matter and discuss the MiraCosta classes after a semester of classes and analyze Carlsbad residents' participation. There are presently five classes here at the Center; two exercise, two art and one drama. These classes are all advertised in the senior section of MiraCosta College's schedule. MiraCosta College registration must be open on a first-come, first-served basis, and all persons, non-seniors and non- Carlsbad residents, ccn register. Mrs. Spickard stated that MiraCosta makes an effort to offir times and locations that are predominently for seniors. If the class becomes predominantly non-seniorsi MiraCosta would be forced to cancel that class. These typsk of free non-credit senior citizen classes are offered in Carlsbad and Oceaneide. Me. Spickard used transparencies to show the enrollment figures for the present MiraCosta classes. The two classes that are not 51 percent Carlsbad residents at this time are not filled to capacity and the percentage of Carlsbad residents in those classes ha0 increased during the last semester. Us. Spickard emphasized that no one is being turned away from any classes. In addition to providing five free classes, MiraCosta provides qualified instructore with a BA and two years of paid experience and one million dollars in liability insurance. There is approximataly Sl0,OOO in revenue received from MiraCosta College for these classes, which are free to seniors and free to the City. If the Senior Center had to provide similar types of classes, the seniors would have to pay apprcximately $16.81) per semester. The cost to the City is unknown and there would be no revenue to the City. Ms. Spickard stated that staff recmunende3 the Commission make a commitment tc continuing or not continuing MircCosta classes for a minimum of one year beginning in January. Further, staff recommended the Conunisaion give staff clear, concise direction as to what of classes and tne nunbar of classes to be offered. Ms. Spickard said that since February of 1990, MiraCosta classes have been discussed by the Commission, and a lot of time has been spent in preparing reports and statistics and reviewing those. MiraCosta College has expressed scme concern that every semester their classes are put on the lina. They have to advertise in advance and MiraCclsta has provided valuable services that are well-attended and enjoyed by many seniors in Carlsbad. Their programs take 17 of the 120 hours 3 week for programs st the Center. That is 14 percent of tho program time. There are many athsr programs offered in the Center and the Center was occupied approximately 75 percent of the time during the past year, Kith that percentage increased at this time. MINUTES November 7, 1991 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 3 - COMMISSIONERS Y MIRACOSTA COLLEGE: (Continued) Yvonne Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, stated that MiraCosta College is here and their programs are here and the seniors are worked around them. She said this Center was not built for money-making and the seniors do not have a voice in what goes on here. She said the seniors should be able to come into this auditorium to sit down, and it was locked. Mrs. Castner said that this is not a college and don’t have to worry about teachers’ pay. She said there is a lot of talent among the seniors and the talent of the 16,000 seniors should be tapped. She aaid the members of staff are not from Carlsbad and they should Le, as ehould everyone who runs the City. Mrs. Castner said the ClaSSeS are free to others, but the Carlsbad residents pay to run this building. Mrs. Castner said that in June the commission said this Center was not for the Pine Street school children, but the college is a school. Joe Johnson, 3300 Belle Lane, stated he agreed with what Me. Spickard said, and everyone has been through this matter about the MiraCosta College classes before. Pages and pages of evidence were presented that showed that things are operated as well as they can be here at the Center and to the satisfaction of the majority--if not all. He said he thought there were 30,000 seniors, and only one or two voices against what is being clone. Elaine ROSS, 1740 Gascony Road, a member of the second exercise class, stated that class is so crowded that sometimes they have to use the stage. She said it was unconscionable to deprive the seniors of the opportunity to consider their health and well-being by depriving them of their classes by MiraCosta. Susan Langello, 2296 Morgan, a member of the drama class, stated she loved it here at the Centar and would like to be in the exercise class if there were room. She said the drama class is the best thing that ever happened to her. There are 21 citizens from Carlsbad in that class and the number is increasing and she stated she wanted it to remain here at the Center. Patricia Dresselhaus, 2359 Pi0 Pico, retired as a Professor after 29 years at MiraCosta, and is a member of the exercise class. She commended the College for doing its function as a community college and serving the needs of the citizens. She also commended this Commission and the City Council for providing all these classes. She added that she would like to see more classes. The Center is a privilege and not a right and should be appreciated as a privilege, and these classes should continue. Ms. Dresselhaus concluded by asking if people would want a President of the United States to have to be a resident of Washington, D.C., only. Commissioner Zink stated that MiraCosta College was not holding these classes for money-making, but for our seniors, to keep their bodies and mental attitudes in good shape. She said she did not know what ehe would do without the exercise class. MINUTES November 7, 1991 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 4 v COMMISSIONERS MIRACOSTA COLLEGE: (C ont inuea 1 Commissioner Chmiel stated that she felt she represented the seniors. Commissioner Heard stated that he would like to reiterate that he is a senior and resident of Carlsbad and has participated in the volunteer programe for over ten years and one of the specifications in appointing people to this Commission is that they be a senior and a resident of Carlsbad. He said he has been on this Commission for four years and half of that time MiraCosta has consumed a great deal of the time of this Commission. The Commission hae adopted a procedure for annual review of the extent of Carlsbad residents' participation in MiraCosta classes. In the almost two years here, he said he found their programs operated quite satisfactorily within the bounds of the guidelines adopted. Experience has shown that the people in charge of the programs here and in charge of services and programs of MiraCosta are executing their responsibilitiee very professionally and in a trustworthy manner. Commissioner Heard stated he had arrived at a conclusion in view of the record there is on the monitoring of what is going on in the classes by MiraCosta and the recognition of what has been done with regard to this program. Commissioner Heard stated that Ms. Spickard indicated there are a lot of other programs here at the Center, and aone is burdened with these monitoring processes. Commissioner Heard continued, stating that it is time to put the MiraCosta classes on a stable footing, eliminating the requirement that the Commission monitor and oversee whether or not they are within the guidelines. The Senior Commission agreed to enter into an understanding with MiraCosta College that their programs will be offered at the Carlsbad Senior Center without regard to periodic assessment. Commissioner Maggio stated that this matter needed to be put to rest. Everyone knows what MiraCosta is doing here and there is no such thing as anyone being turned away. This issue is closed. Chairman Van concurred with commissioner Heard and stated the Center has a competent staff and Sue Spickard came to the City with experience and was chosen from 72 applicants. It is difficult for her to have people say she is incapable. He said if anyone does not like the Commission and staff, they should go to the City Council regarding the Commissioners and to the City Manager with regard to staff. RECESS : Chairman Van declared a Recess at 2:05 p.m., and the Commission re-convened at 2:12 p.m., with all Members present. BARBECUE : Keith Beverly stated that the comments and concerns have been given to the architect for the barbecue and the changes are being made. The plans and specifications are being prepared at this time. van Chmiel Heard Maggio Zink November 7, 1991 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 5 COMMISSIONERS OERICO * S : Sue Spickard reported that the tally was in on the Garico's golf tournament and dinner, and $4,867 was raised to benefit the Senior Center. This was an increase of $1,629 over last year. dinner the way they did this year, and this was accompliehed. Me. Spickard asked for a consensus from the Commissioners on a recommendation to nominate the owners of Gerico's for the Carlsbad Journal's acknowledging people in the community who have done an outstanding job in volunteering help for the community. These gentlemen have.raised over $15,000 for the Carlsbad Senior Center and they do all the work. She would like to nominate them as Citizens of the Week. The owners wanted to raise mbre money by doing the By consensus, the Senior Commissioil recommended staff nominate the owners of Gerico's for the Citizeria OP the Week award by the Carlsbad Journal. Me. Spickard stated that many items have been purchased for the Center through the donations of caring citizens; for example, the new baby grand piano. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS: Sue Spickard asked the Commission to accept $4,067 from Gerico's; $140 by Mr. and Mrs. Miidncr for the home meal program. The Senior Commission accepted a $4,867 donation from Gerico's; and $140 by Mr. and Mrs. Mildner to be used for the home meal program. VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: Sue Spickard stated they are ready for the party NovemSer 15, 1991, at the Raintree Restaurant. The format for the party is very similar to previous years, with a social hour, dinner and dancing. SUGGESTION COMMITTEE: Chairman Van reported on a recent meeting of the Committee, stating only three suggestions were received. One suggestion was for a ping-pong table. The committee has found a suitable location for the table, but felt there should be interest in having a table. He asked anyone interested in ping-pong to contact: Sue Spickard. Another suggestion was for horseshoes, and there is no land available for that. The last suggestion was for walks and hikes on the trails. Sue Spickard szid a walking club had been considered, but there already were two in the City. She felt this was a good idea, but vould have to check the liability. Sue Spickard reported that there was a Mystery Trip in October, and it was filled to capacity. The trip was to the Cabaret in Fullerton. This was a fun time! Van Chmiel Heard Maggio Zink \ \ MINUTES November 7l 1991 SENIOR COMMISSION Page 6 - Me. Spickard reported that the monthly dances are getting very popular and she reported on the clasees in progrees at this time and new ones that have started. November and December will be busy times at the Center and attendance at the Center io increaeing. CBASRwR"8 REP OR2 I Chairman Van reported on a recent Association Meeting. She stated that the skateboard issue had been heard by Council and mentioned that there has been damage here at the Center by skateboarders. He said the Mayor formed a Tamk Force of citizens and Council Member Larson and the Mayor to work on the problem. Chairman Van aeked for the names of any couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary or anyone 100 years old. ITEbfS FOR NEXT AOENDq: Chairman Van aeked for a report on the total money on hand and on the volunteer party. By proper motion, the Meeting of November 7, 1993, was adjourned at 2:33 p.m., to the Raintree Restaurant, Friday, November 15, 1991, 5:30 p.m., for the Volunteer Recognition party. Respgctfully submitted, Minutes Clerk November 13, 1991 TO: MAYOR LEWIS MAYOR PRO TEM KULCHIN COUNCILMEMBER LARSON COUNCILMEMBER NYGAARD COUNCILMEMBER STANTON FROM: Senior Commission SUMMARY REPORT OF NOVEMBER 7, 1991, COMMISSION MEETING Myra Zink was introduced and welcomed as the new Senior Commissioner. 1. Election of Officer3 George Heard was elected chairperson and lzma Chmiel was elected vice-chairperson. 2. Mira Costa Colleae Commission voted unanimously to continue Mira Costa classes without being monitored--other than the same assessment process used for all Senior Center activities. 3. AcceDtance of Donations The Commission voted unanimously to accept donations of $4,867 for the Senior Trust Fund raised through Gerico’s fund raising event; and $140 donation from Mr. & Mrs. Mildner for Home Meals. IZMA CHMIEL Scribe C: City Manager Assistant City Manager Parks & Recreation Director Department Heads September 23, 1991 TO: SENIOR COMMISSION FROM: Senior Center Coordinator WIRA COSTA COLLEGE CLASSES BACKGROUND Mira Costa College has been offering classes in Carlsbad since approximately 1981. The provision of Mira Costa Classes at the Carlsbad Senior Center became a concern for some Seniors in mid 1990. This was shortly after the Senior Program moved to their new facility at 799 Pine Avenue. The primary concerns being expressed are that Mira Costa must adhere to the State Education Code which requires that enrollment be open to persons of all ages, and open to all North County residents. COMMISSION REVIEW AN D ACTION On several occasions the Senior Commission has discussedthe provision of classes by Mira Costa College. At their meeting September 6, 1990, the Commission voted unanimously to continue with the classes and review their residency composition on an annual basis. Due to the ongoing concerns being raised over Mira Costa classes, in March 1991 the Commission reviewed and discussed the concerns in detail. They voted unanimously to continue these classes, with the provision that those not meeting the 51% Carlsbad resident guideline be given one semester to bring their residency enrollment up before the Commission would review them again. Mira Costa College offers five (5) classes at the Carlsbad Senior Center: Two (2) exercise classes, IIBody Conditioning for Seniors;l* two (2) art classes, "Beginning Painting and Drawing,Il and IIIntermediate Painting;Il and, one drama class, Itself Awareness thru Dramatic Interactiontq. These classes are all advertised in the "Free Non-Credit Coursesll - Senior Citizen section of the Mira Costa Class Schedule. The State Education Code requires that all Mira Costa class registrations be open and on a first come-first served basis. Although these are advertised as Senior Citizen classes, all persons, non Seniors and non Carlsbad residents can register for the classes. However, Mira Costa makes efforts to offer these classes at times and locations convenient for Seniors. If a Senior Citizen class was attended by predominantly non Seniors, Mira Costa would be required to cancel the class. -2- Free non credit classes are offered only in Carlsbad and Oceanside as funding for these programs is generated through Carlsbad and Oceanside property taxes. However, due to the requirements of the State Education Code, registration must be on a first come-first serve basis and open to all regardless of residency. Carlsbad and Oceanside Senior Centers, and the San Luis Rey Mission all offer these types of classes. The Oceanside Senior Center and Mission locations offer many more classes than does the Carlsbad Senior Center. Residents from throughout North County attend classes at all three locations. The San Marcos Senior Center has classes through Palomar College. Escondido and Vista Senior Centers are not located in a College District so they utilize Adult Education. Registration Statistics for Mira Costa classes offered at the Carlsbad Senior Center as of September 20, 1991 are: EXERCISE Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 - 1O:OO am Fall Winter Fall Semester 1990 Semester 1991 Semester 1991 Class Limit: Total enrolled: Seniors : Non Seniors: Carlsbad Residents: Non Residents: % of Carlsbad Residents: EXERCISE; Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 1O:OO - 11:30 am Class Limit: Total Enrolled: Seniors : Non Seniors: Carlsbad Residents: Non Residents: % of Carlsbad Residents: 60 54 54 0 40 14 75% 70 70 65 70 65 70 0 0 43 49 22 21 65% 70% Fall Winter Semester 1990 Semester 1991 60 45 45 0 32 13 71% 75 51 51 0 36 15 71% Fall Semester 19 9 1 70 72 72 0 45 27 62% -3- - Beginnina Paintinq Monday 9:00 am - Noon Class Limit: Total Enrolled: Seniors : Non Seniors: Carlsbad Residents: Non Residents: % of Carlsbad Residents: Fall Semester 1990 30 25 24 1 13 12 52% Fall Winter Semester 1991 Semester 1991 30 26 22 4 6 20 23% 30 22 22 0 6 16 27% ART Intermediate Paintinq Tuesday 1:OO - 4:OO pm Fall Winter Semester 1990 Semester 1991 Semester 1991 Fall Class Limit: 30 30 30 Total Enrolled: 28 22 12 Seniors : 26 20 12 Non Seniors: 2 2 0 Carlsbad Residents: 10 4 3 Non Residents: 18 18 9 % of Carlsbad Residents: 36% 18% 25% SELF AWARENESS THROUGH DRAMA TIC INTERACTION Wednesday 1:30 - 3:30 pm Fall Winter Fall Semester 1990 Semester 1991 Semester 1991 Class Limit: Total Enrolled: Seniors : Non Seniors: Carlsbad Residents: Non Residents: % of Carlsbad Residents: 30 35 32 3 10 25 29% 30 30 30 0 13 17 43% 30 23 23 0 19 4 83% -4- These statistics indicate that 2 of the 5 classes do not meet the resident participation goal of 51%. However, the 2 (two) classes which are below the 51% goal have increased the percentage of Carlsbad residents over the winter semester, and they are not filled to capacity, therefore no one would be turned away from the class. In addition to providing the Carlsbad Senior Center with five free classes, Mira Costa provides qualified instructors (B.A. and two years of paid experience), $1 million in liability insurance, approximately $10,000 annually for use of the facility, and Mira Costa manages all administration required (registration, instructor recruitment, etc.). FISCAJi IMPACT MIRA COSTA PROVIDING CLASSES: $0 $0 $10,000 approx. - Cost to Seniors - Cost to city - Revenue to City - - - Mira Costa also provides $1 million in liability insurance. SENIOR CENTER PROVIDING CLASSES: Instructor is paid $28/hr X 36 hrs. (1 semester) = $1,008 $1,008 (instructor fee) - 60 participants = $16.80/senior Cost to Seniors = $16.80 (based on 100% enrollment) Cost to City = $ unknown (recruitment, contracting with the instructor, advertising, registration, etc.) Revenue to City = $0 RECOMMEN DATION Staff recommends that the Senior Commission make a commitment to continuing or not continuing Mira Costa Classes for a minimum of a one-year period, beginning January 1992. Staff further recommends that if the Commission wishes to continue the provision of classes by Mira Costa at the Senior Center, staff be given specific direction on the number and types of classes. -5- CONCLUSION Since February 1990, the provision of Mira Costa Classes has been discussed by this Commission. Much time has been spent on the gathering of statistics, the preparation of reports, and reviewing the issue. The Commission should be advised that Mira Costa has expressed concern over their lack of assurances whether their classes will be allowed to continue at the Carlsbad Senior Center. This does pose a problem as Mira Costa must advertise their programs and locations well in advance. Mira Costa College provides a valuable service which has been attended and enjoyed by many seniors in the Carlsbad area since 1981. They presently utilize 17 of the 120 hours available weekly for Senior Center programming (14%). A& SUSAN SCHULTZ SPICKARD c: \mc3