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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-07; Senior Commission; MinutesMINUTES Meeting of: SENIOR COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 1:15 p.m. Date of Meeting: March 7, 1991 Place of Meeting: Carlsbad Senior Center 1 COMMISSIONERS CRLL TO ORDER: Chairman Van called the Meeting to order at 1:17 p.m. ROLL CAI&: Present: Chairman Van, Commissioners Heard, Maggio, Ritchic and Savary. Absent: None. Staff Present: Sue Spickard, Senior Coordinator David Bradstreet, Parks and Recreation Keith Beverly, Senior Management Director Analyst HATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: Izma Chmiel, 3121 Vista Rica, referred to a paper that was distributed with 16 negative items about the Senior Center. She said that paper was not dated or signed. She had answers to the items, stating the exercise classes at the Center are gentle exercises and each person can do as much or as little as they can; as far as the Center being a “hang out’’r she said that made her think of a bar rather than a Senior Center. She further said the other Centers in the area do not compare with the Carlsbad Center. Another complaint was that the janitors tell the seniors what to do. She said she found them pleasant, cooperative and accommodating. The Commission and the staff are all doing a fine job and are very pleasant and dedicated. Florence Braun, 2289 Lindsay Drive, stated she would like more seminars at the Center--including anything educational. pSPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 7, 1991, were approved as presented. HIRACOSTA CLASSES: David Bradstreet summarized his report to the Senior Commission dated March 6, 1991, and attached as part of the record. The group objecting to the classes being held at the Senior Center feel they should be held at some other complex. Mr. Bradstreet presented the arguments for and against the classes being held at the Center, using transparencies to illustrate the report. In response to Commission query? Mr. Bradstreet explained that the $10,000 paid to the City by Miracosta College is based on facility use regulations. Sue Spickard, in response to Commission query, stated that the MiraCosta classes use a total of 17 hours per week of the Center available time. Commissioner Heard stated that the Commission needed the correct statistics before considering the complaints brought before them. Van Heard Maggio Ritchie Savary MINUTES \"\ March 7, 1991 Page 2 Y - COMMISSIONERS Evelyn Eagan, Acacia Avenue, spoke as a member of the exercise class, stating it was the best one she has ever attended, and that she would not be able to attend the class if it were moved. Helen Russell, Lakewood Street, read a petition with signatures from the exercise class--all of which were residents of Carlsbad--in support of the course. She said there were 56 signatures on the petition, and it was turned in to the Commission. Ernest Hughes, 131 De La Ronda, Oceanside, a member of the Self-Awareness Class of MiraCosta College, stated this was a very important part of his life. He added this was the most beautiful and best managed Senior Center he had ever seen. He added that he had volunteered to play the piano every second Wednesday of the month in appreciation for attending the classes here. He wants the classes continued. Joe Johnson asked that forms for enrolling in the classes should be available at the front desk at the Center. Chairman Van indicated that has been done. David Castner stated that he was speaking on behalf of more than 200 people who had signed a petition that requested that for all programs offered at the Senior Center, the residents of Carlsbad have priority, as they do in the Nutrition Program. He said they do not now or ever had advocated elimination of any classes. He said more programs must be offered, because at the end of 13 months of operation, the programs show little more than at the Harding Center. He indicated a chart made out by staff that gave the utilization of-all rooms except the largest room and said that copies of this chart would be available. Dr.Castner said that there is an under-utilization by 36 percent, and that does not include the MiraCosta classes. Dr. Castner said that Redevelopment money was used to build the Center and it belongs to the Redevelopment Agency. That money must be spent to enhance the lives of the people living in the Redevelopment Area. He said the salaries and upkeep are paid by the citizens of Carlsbad and they should receive priority in all programs. Dr. Castner said those citizens are at a disadvantage if they have to compete with a population that is four times Carlsbad's population. Dr. Castner stated the classes that were at Harding Street are the same classes as at this Center and asked why they were moved. They were moved because staff cannot depend on the volunteers. He requested the classes not be eliminated, but re-scheduled to the Harding Center, and stated that most of the participants in the classes have to pass by Harding Center to get to this Center. Dr. Castner said his information on the classes does not match that in the chart used by David Bradstreet. Commissioner Maggio stated this-is a new center, and must grow as all new things must. Although it is not filled to capacity now--given time, it will be. Everyone enjoys the Center and she does not know of any people that are unhappy. MINUTES March 7, 1991 Page 3 COMMISSIONERS ' Edith Rodriguez, Rosemary Avenue, spoke in favor of the MiraCosta College classes, stating the Center is the appropriate location. She stated that MiraCosta pays $10,000 to the City and provides the liability insurance, and it would not be economically possible for an equivalent opportunity. She said the constant harrassment and intimidation of staff and the volunteers must stop, as this brow-beating affects the work of staff and the volunteers. She felt this is the most aesthetically pleasing place and staff and the volunteers are very pleasant and dedicated. She had a petition signed by 106 seniors. Shar Jorgensen, Dean of Education, MiraCosta College, thanked the seniors for their support. she said she wanted to clarify the fact that enrollment in the classes does fluctuate, and although she would like to give Carlsbad residents priority, the law stipulates that classes must be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Ms. Jorgensen stated it would be very awkward for the college to cancel a class after it had been scheduled due to there being only 49 percent Carlsbad residents. She concluded, stating she was here to answer questions. Dorothy Graves, Ocean View Avenue, stated the quality of the classes and instructors and the benefits has never been in question. The question is whether or not the Senior Center is an extension of the College or not. If the Center is not an extension of the College, why are Carlsbad citizens being discriminated against and not being given first choce. She said that if the classes were scheduled at the Harding Center, there would be no restrictions as to the percentage of residents in the classes. Ms. Graves said guidelines for the Center and staff had been requested, but have never been done. she proposed a five or seven-member subcommittee, with one or two Commissioners, one staff member and the balance from interested seniors, to formulate such guidelines. Edith Sarain, spoke in favor of the MiraCosta classes being held at the Senior Center. Frank Malter, Unicornio Street, Rancho La Costa, said to leave the Center alone and the people running the Center are doing a good job. Commissioner Maggio said that it had been stated that seniors were being turned away from different programs--and she was not certain it is correct. If the people are not attending these classes, maybe they don't want to. She felt this Center was the best and wanted it to stay that way. Mary Jane Noll, Santiago Street in Carlsbad, recommended returning the college classes to Harding Street and Heritage Hall, and said that staff could get programs for citizens with priorities to all. Brie Jones, Topeka Avenue in Carlsbad, Instructor of Drama Group, said it is important to have the class here, as a lot of them are handicapped and getting up and down stairs is very difficult. She said this is a wonderful facility for her class, and although some young people do come to the class at first, they usually don't come back. M IN UTES Carol Goren, said no one was ever turned away from classes, as you could sign up in class. The roll sheet does not give anyone's address, so the evidence shown earlier is not true. Helen Russell, stated all 56 signatures on the sheet she turned in had addresses on them to certify where they live, and they all live in Carlsbad. Izma Chmiel, 3121 Rica Way, referred to the newspaper article saying the Center was being taken over by MiraCosta College. and MiraCosta pays those teachers, the insurance and the Center, and that is a gift for which the City should be grateful. She said that the young people are usually working at jobs and don't have the time or the inclination to mix with the seniors. However, if the classes are not full, others should be welcomed. As to the Center, it is beautifully managed. The only people are the teachers of three classes, Richard Sica, requested the seniors of Carlsbad be given priority in the Senior Center, as they are in the Nutrition Program. If this can't be done, those programs should be re-scheduled to the Harding Center and Heritage Hall. He also recommended a subcommittee to poll the 16,000 seniors to determine their needs and desires, and recruit volunteer teachers from that reserve of talent. Martha Gujda, 2633 Valewood, stated that when the classes were held at the Harding Center, parking was a big problem, but after they were moved to this Center, everyone was much happier. There is ample parking and everyone enjoys being here and do not want to go back to Harding or other places. She asked to not scatter the clases, as they need the teacher they have here. Yvonne Castner, 1550 Sunrise Circle, stated there is a group of elderly seniors that can't come to the Center because of the lack of classes. She listed activities she felt were needed for these people in order to make it a second home without lessons. Mrs. Castner said the Center was meant for the Carlsbad citizens who pay for it with taxes, and not for the College. Mike Kresin, 2709 York Road, thanked the vounteers and stated how much the Center is enjoyed by everyone. Bob Dunn, 4787 Via Marta, stated his dislike for subterfuge, and said if someone was unhappy about the room asignments, that was no reason to stir up so much trouble. Tessa Silva, 2378 Pi0 Pic0 Drive, a member of two MiraCosta classes, spoke about the helpful attitude of the janitors and staff at the Center. Jean Stocker, 1957 Albera Way, Oceanside, stated she didn't know what the problem was. Commissioner Heard reiterated his request that the Commission be furnished the names of the 200 people who had complained about how poorly managed the Senior Center is, particularly when the Commission has been furnished with over 200 names from two groups who are quite pleased with the Center. MINUTES March 7, 1991 Page 5 COMMISSIONERS ' Commissioner Ritchie thanked all those who made comments today and for the petitions handed to the Commission. She said she supported the MiraCosta classes and the professional instructors, at the Senior Center, and would not like to see them moved. She said that the discontent of one individual does not deserve a response. She said SANDAG had conducted a survey of the seniors and their needs, and there was no need for another one. Me. Ritchie said this Commission and staff try to do their very best to attend to the needs specified in the survey, and the Harding Center was not a suitable place to hold the exercise classes. She asked anyone with ideas for classes, seminars, etc., to bring those ideas to the Senior Coordinator. Commissioner Maggio thanked the staff and volunteers and anyone who contributes to the programs, and added that the bickering about the College needs to stop. Chairman Van said it seemed only right that the classes should be held here in the new Center, and there was an increased interest in classes after the new Center opened. He said he felt strongly that it was the right thing to bring them here. The Senior Commission recommended that all of the MiraCosta College classes be allowed to continue at the Carlsbad Senior Center because they provide free programs, liability insurance and generate revenue. Classes not meeting the requirement of 51 percent Carlsbad residents should be given one semester to bring their enrollment up to that percentage. RECESS : Chairman Van declared a Recess at 3:Ol p.m., and the Commission re-convened at 3:09 p.m., with all five Commissioners present. Keith Beverly, Parks and Recreation Department, gave an update on the status of the barbecue to be installed at the Senior Center and asked for opinions from the Commissioners on the type of equipment to be installed. The Commission consensus was to have a barbecue with a skewer that was capable of preparing multiple articles; a wooden cutting block and burners. Discussion determined that probably 200 people would be attending such a barbecue, whether it was something for the Center or for someone renting the Center. Mr. Beverly said that running water was not going to be installed, due to the added cost, and the fact that clean- up could be in the kitchen. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION The Commission accepted donations of $50.00 from Far West Savings, $37.50 from the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside and $50.00 in memory of Vera Huffaker. , Van Heard Maggio Ritchie Savary Van Heard Maggio Ritchie Savary i S P - II x x x x K K K K K , March 7, 1991 MINUTES Page 6 COMMISSIONERS \ VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: Thie item was continued. SENIOR COORDINATOR'S REPORT: This item was continued. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: This item was continued. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: This item wae continued. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Meeting of March 7, 1991, was adjourned at 3:26 p.m. Respectfully submit_ted , I Minutee Clerk March 6, 1991 TO: SENIOR COMMISSION FROM: Parks & Recreation Director MIRA COSTA COLLEGE ISSUES The issue of conducting Mira Costa College Classes in the Carlsbad Senior Center has been the subject of discussion for some time. There are some in our cornunity who resent the fact that the Senior Program offers classes conducted by Mira Costa College where Carlsbad Seniors do not have priority in participating in the scheduled classes. This group is not against the Mira Costa classes per se, but feel the public would be better served if they were conducted in facilities other than the Senior Center, (i.e., Harding, Heritage Hall, Calavera, Stagecoach, or other such complexes). The primary reason this group is advocating the relocation of the Mira Costa College programs are due to the following State Education Code requirements. 1. Registration is on a first come-first serve basis, North County wide. 2. The classes are open to all ages (displacement issue). What this means is that staff cannot guarantee that Mira Costa classes have a majority of Carlsbad Seniors; and the composition of residents cannot be determined until after the classes have begun. HISTORY In approximately 1981, the Carlsbad Senior Citizens' Association approached Mira Costa College to request the College provide classes to Seniors in Carlsbad. Since that time, Mira Costa has provided several classes (Art, Joy of Learning, Exercise, Drama) at various locations in northwest Car Is bad. In 1987, the City of Carlsbad and the C.S.C.A. signed an agreement that delineated services/programs to be provided by each agency. The Association agreed to continue to offer Bingo, a monthly Newsletter, and Fundraising. The provision of all other services/programs were to be offered through the City. Included in the City's listing of services/programs were exercise, painting, etc. .A . -2- In 1989 as the Senior program prepared to occupy its new facility, City staff approached Mira Costa College Instructors to ascertain if they were interested in moving their Senior Classes to the Senior Center. Both exercise classes, two of the three art classes, and the Drama group agreed to move to the new Center. The one other art class remained at Heritage Hall. COMHISSI ON REVIEW AND ACT1 ON On several occasions, the Senior Commission has discussed the Mira Costa College classes being conducted at the Senior Center. At their meeting September 6, 1990, the Commission voted unanimously to continue these classes and review them on an annual basis to see if they meet the resident guideline (51% Carlsbad resident). PISCaSSIO~ Mira Costa College offers two exercise classes, two art classes, and a self awareness(drama) class at the Carlsbad Senior Center. This occupies approximately 10% ( based on Jan. Feb. t March 1991) of the available time at the Senior Center, or on average 17 hours per week. These classes are advertised in the Mira Costa Class Schedule as "Free Non-Credit Courses--Senior Citizens" Mira Costa College is governed by the State Education Code which requires that registration for their classes be open to all on a first come first served basis. This means that although these classes are listed in the Senior Citizens section of the Mira Costa Catalog, all persons, non Seniors, and non Carlsbad Residents can register for these classes. Mira Costa makes efforts to offer their Senior Citizen Classes at times and locations convenient for Seniors. If a class advertised as a Senior Citizen Class became predominantly non-Seniors, Mira Costa would be required to cancel the class. 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, regardless of where the funding comes from for these programs, Mira Costa cannot limit class registration to only residents of a particular City, nor can they give residents priority. The State Education Code states that registration is open, and on a first come first served basis. Recently we surveyed the Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista Senior Centers. One of the questions was relating to the provision of classes at their Senior Center by local Community Colleges. Carlsbad and Oceanside Senior Centers both offer classes through Mira Costa( residents from both cities attend at both locations). San Marcos has classes from Palomar college, Escondido and Vista both offer classes through Adult Education as they are not in a College District. -3- Mira Costa offers more of their free non credit Senior Citizen Courses at both the Oceanside Senior Center and San Luis Rey Mission. Each of these locations have Carlsbad residents participating in the Mira Costa Classes offered there. Breakdown of participation in Mira Costa Classes at the Carlsbad Senior Center: EXERCISE Monday, Wednesday, &i Friday 8:30 - 1O:OO am 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: Monday 9:00 am - Noon Class Limit: Total Enrolled: Seniors : Non Seniors: Carlsbad Residents: Non Residents: % of Carlsbad Residents: Fall Semester 19 90 60 54 54 0 40 14 75% Fall Sene ster 199 0 60 45 45 0 32 13 71% Fall Semester 199 0 30 25 24 1 13 12 52% Winter Semester 1991 70 65 65 0 43 22 65% Winter Semester 19 9k 75 51 51 0 36 15 71% Winter Semester 19 9L 30 26 22 4 6 20 23% -4- AE€ - Tntermed iate Pa intinq Tuesday 1:OO - 4:OO pm Fall Class Limit: 30 Total Enrolled: 28 Seniors : 26 Nan Seniors: 2 Carlsbad Residents: 10 Non Residents: 18 % of Carlsbad Residents: 36% Winter s- 30 22 20 2 4 18 18% Wednesday 1:30 - 3:30 pm Fall Winter Sene ster 199 0 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% The above statistics show that 3 (2 art & drama) of the 5 classes do not meet the 51% Carlsbad resident participation guideline and may need to be relocated. 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 required), 1 million dollars in liability insurance, approximately $10,000 annually for use of the facility,andmanages all the administration required (registration, instructor recruitment,etc.). Some further consideration of the Senior Center philosophy to provide quality programs at low cost or no cost to Seniors should perhaps be made when reviewing the continuance of Mira Costa at the Center. If we begin to pay instructors, we may be setting a precedent, whereby instructors/leaders that have been offering their services for free may now desire payment. Mira Costa providing classes: Cost to Seniors = $0 cost to city = $0 Revenue to City = $10,000 t ,-: . .. -5- In addition, Mira Costa provides 1 million dollars in liability insurance. Senior Center provides classes: Instructor receives $28/hr x 36 hrs.(l 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 Revenue to City = $0 instructor, advertising, registration, etc) The issue before the Commission at this time is that should all or some of the Mira Costa classes be continued at the Carlsbad Senior Center. In reaching your decision, consideration should be given to the following: 1. Should the 51% Carlsbad Residency Guideline be used in determining the continuation of any programs conducted at the Senior Center? 2. Should all of the Mira Costa Classes be relocated to other facilities due to the State Education Code requirement? 3. Should all or some of the Mira Costa College classes be allowed to be continued at the Carlsbad Senior Center because they provide free programs, liability insurance, and they generate revenues? DAVID BRADSTREET