Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-05; Senior Commission; Minutes1 of 4 SENIOR CO M MISSION Minutes Minutes of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Place of Meeting: CALL TO ORDER Senior Commission Meeting May 5, 2022 3:00 p.m. Council Chamber Chair Rangus called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Rangus, Vice Chair Mehan, Commissioner Ross Absent: Commissioner McReynolds and Commissioner Venegas-Garcia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEANNOUNCEMENTS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ACTION: On motion Vice Chair Mehan and a second by Commissioner Ross, the minutes of the March 3, 2022, Senior Commission meeting were approved. AYES: Chair Rangus, Vice Chair Mehan, Commissioner Ross NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner McReynolds and Commissioner Venegas-Garcia PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR None PUBLIC COMMENT None DEPARTMENT REPORTS Special Projects Manager Mick Calarco presented an update of the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan to the Senior Commission. The master plan was a highly collaborative effort that started as far back as 2019, prior to COVID. Mr. Calarco shared that 2 of 4 a large part of the project will be taken from public input and what the community wants out of their parks and recreation areas. Different types of programming will be part of the Master Plan and a senior specific programing plan will be included. Mr. Calarco explained that priority rankings are being used to establish the desires of the majority of the public. This will allow the department to develop a strategic plan from the input that is received, and ultimately include the input in the master plan. Once that master plan has been put into draft form, it will be presented to the different commissions and then, along with any comments from those commissions, will be presented to City Council for approval. Mr. Calarco mentioned the location on-line where citizens can take a survey https://carlsbadparksplan.com/ and stated that a statistically reliable significant survey will be mailed out randomly to Carlsbad residents in the near future. Mr. Calarco discussed the work that goes into gaining the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation including, but not limited to, recreational programming, senior recreation programming, as well as program assessments. Vice Chair Mehan asked what is the percentage of citizens that have participated in the survey? Mr. Calarco explained that so far, the surveys that have been received were open to anyone that would like to give their feedback. The data on Carlsbad resident specific surveys is not yet available. Vice Chair Mehan also asked if an attempt to survey attendees of the Carlsbad Street Fair had been done? Mr. Calarco replied that surveying visitors at the Street Fair had not been done. Vice Chair Mehan pointed out that there would not be a meeting in July to go over some of the findings from the survey. Recreations Services Manager Mike Pacheco mentioned that a special meeting may need to be scheduled to go over the survey results. Commissioner Ross asked how it was being determined who would be receiving the surveys and if an even number of citizens from each district were being included? Mr. Calarco shared that the surveys were not broken down into districts as all residents in the city and abroad have been invited to share in this survey and offer their thoughts and feelings about the direction the city takes with its parks and recreational areas. There will be statistical data that will show the responses by zip code which will be helpful in determining the direction that is taken. Chair Rangus pointed out that past surveys have been best responded to by District 1 residents and she felt that it was important that there was a similar number of surveys coming in from all districts. 3 of 4 The commission received a report on recently completed and upcoming Senior Center activities and programs, as well as other topics of interest by Recreation Area Manager Margaret Hamer. Ms. Hamer reported on the Senior Center staff's outreach and the positive feedback that they have been receiving. She detailed the Age Friendly Action Plan outreach that they have been diligently trying to accomplish including having a presence at the Farmer's Market. She mentioned having the Chief Innovation Officer, David Graham host a presentation at the Y.E.S. (Youth Enrichment Services) community meeting. Y.E.S. is run through the Carlsbad School District and frequently partners with the Senior Center to help students meet volunteerism requirements to graduate and assist our seniors. The AARP tax-aid program has now been accomplished, and with the help of the hard-working AARP volunteers, over 582 residents were provided assistance. Ms. Hamer shared the success of the hybrid and virtual programs and announced that they will continue for the foreseeable future. The popularity of pickleball has increased dramatically and the Senior Center is now offering beginner classes, intermediate classes and has now introduced a pickleball League. Ms. Hamer presented information on the Collaborations and Excursions program which allows for groups of Seniors to travel together in a group to different events or social occasions. In April, the group visited the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden and the upcoming whale watching trip is already sold out. Concerts in the Courtyard program has been well. received by everyone and offers different talented musicians for everyone to enjoy outside in the courtyard. On April 11, Ancora played their brand of classic rock and coming up on May 9, Daniel Newheiser will bring his blend of Jazz and country rock along with his own original music. Ms. Hamer shared information regarding the upcoming celebration that will combine the annual Hot Rods and Cool Treats event with a Senior Center Open House. The dual event will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Senior Center. Chair Rangus asked if any of the other community centers had pickleball? Ms. Hamer explained that while Calavera Hills Community Center and Stagecoach Community Center both offered scheduled times for pickleball, that it seemed to be most popular at the Pine Avenue Community Center. COMMITTEE/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS CDBG Advisory Committee Chair Rangus gave a report on community development and aid for the moderate and low- 4 of 4 income households via the block grant program. The City of Carlsbad received over $527,000 for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The allocation is to be used for public services, facilities, and administration. Growth Advisory Committee Commissioner Ross shared that the Growth Advisory Committee has met twice so far. One of their major interests is to help coordinate where low-income housing will be built. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Chair Mehan explained her interest in discussing planned visits to Senior Centers of neighboring cities. She feels that it would be a good way to compare what Carlsbad is doing well and not so well, and possibly give us some ideas as to how our Senior Center can continue to improve. ACTION: On motion by Chair Rangus and a second by Vice Chair Mehan, the request to put an item regarding such visits on a future agenda was approved. AYES: Chair Rangus, Vice Chair Mehan, Commissioner Ross NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner McReynolds and Commissioner Venegas-Garcia ADJOURNMENT On motion by Vice Chair Meehan duly seconded by Commissioner Ross, the meeting was adjourned at 3:56 p.m. The next meeting of the Senior Commission will be June 2, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brian Buchholtz Minutes Clerk