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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2006 SCAC Approved Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE. "; MINUTES OFAUGIIST 3,2006 Call to Order Chairperson Greer Payton called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Roll Call Committee Members (CM) Present: Greer Payton, Albert Edge, Beth Wood, Barbara Gifford, and Jim McCuen Parks and Community Services Commission Liaison Present: Burr Cain Staff Present: Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Manager; Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator; Camille Centeno, Recreation Technician; and Diane Guenther, Office Assistant Oral Communications—None Approval of the Minutes THE COMMITTEE, WITH CM PA YTON ABSTAINING DUE TO ABSENCE, UNANIMO USL Y APPROVED THE JUNE 1, 2006 MEETING MINUTES. MOTION BY CM GIFFORD, SECONDED BY CM EDGE. Written Communications—None New Business LUNCH PROGRAM SURVEY Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator, briefly reviewed the survey that was conducted over a six week period from March 20th through April 28th. Hudson indicated a general review of the survey shows that approximately one-third of the respondents want lunch to be extended. Respondents were split fifty-fifty over the preference of the a-la-carte menu and the hot meal menu. Additional comments included requests for sugar-free desserts, more seafood and ethnic food, conflicting opinions on spices, and requests for water glasses. CM McCuen asked Staff to consider offering more sugar-free desserts. Staff explained that the sugar substitutes do not always bake the same as sugar. Although it is not financially feasible to offer two different desserts daily, Staff will research options to make sugar-free desserts more readily available. Staff is currently using Splenda and fruit puree as sugar alternatives when possible. CM Wood wanted to know the reason why the lunch time could not be extended until 1:00 p.m. McCreary explained that to extend the program hours would cost prohibitive with the current attendance numbers. In addition, more staff time and volunteers would be required. Hudson explained that kitchen volunteers work an average of three to four hours between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The current lunch schedule from 11:30 to 12:15 p.m. also works with the class schedules. Traditionally, the lunch program caters to seniors who come to lunch after the morning classes which end at 11:30 a.m. or prior to the afternoon classes which begin at 12:00 or 12:30 p.m. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF AUGUST 3,2006 PAGE 2 OF 3 McCreary explained that if the customers order their lunch by 12:15 p.m., they may stay in the dining area beyond 12:15 p.m. until the next class begins in the Ballroom. They are also welcome to eat their lunch on the patio. As a result of the survey Staff plans to change one of the a-la-carte lunch days to a second hot meal day. Staff will most likely select a day with lower attendance, such as Monday or Friday. Burr Cain asked how many residents from Wicklow Square come for lunch. Hudson stated that Thursdays are the most popular and approximately ten individuals from Wicklow Square attend lunch regularly. Staff is considering increasing marketing of the program and offering coupons to new customers as an incentive to try the lunch program. 2006 SPRING QUARTERLY REPORT Staff stated that attendance continued to grow during the spring quarter. Volunteer hours have increased due to the operation of the new facility. The current average is 1,000 volunteer hours per month. Staff noted that on the Senior Center Attendance Report if attendance for a class was reflected as zero during a month that those classes were not offered every month. Several new classes including advanced line dance, salsa dancing, chair Pilates and writing for self- expression have been added. CM Gifford and Edge stated they have received comments that Dublin residents are not receiving priority for the day trips and that several trips have been filled by non-residents. Camille Centeno, Recreation Technician, responded that many of the popular trips are usually repeated if a wait list is filled, so eventually most everyone can be accommodated. CM Edge requested that residents be given priority for trip registration. McCreary suggested that the item be reviewed by Staff and brought back to the Advisory Committee for review at a future meeting. Other Business CM Payton asked if there was anything new to report from the Dublin Senior Foundation or Parks and Community Services Commission. Hudson indicated the Foundation raised approximately $10,000 from the fireworks fundraiser and is looking for ideas on how to utilize the funds. Questions were raised regarding the tiles for the Foundation Donor Wall and when the project would be completed. Staff stated that the Foundation is currently working on the specifications with the City and the tiles have been changed to copper plates. CM Payton inquired about the status of the Senior Center Library. McCreary reported that two wooden book spindles have been placed in the lounge. The Center is accepting book donations. CM Wood shared that during the recent heat wave the Pleasanton Senior Center had extended its hours and she asked what the Dublin Senior Center did. McCreary stated that a press release was distributed indicating the Senior Center's hours of operation with an invitation to come stay cool and publicizing that lunch was available. As a result, an article was printed in the Valley Times. CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF AUGUST 3,2006 PAGE 3 OF 3 CM Beth Wood questioned what preparations are in place for the Senior Center to be an emergency shelter. McCreary responded that the Senior Center is identified as a shelter as part the City's emergency plan. Employees from the Parks and Community Services Department are responsible for the logistics section of the Emergency Operations Center. Although blankets and water are not kept on hand at the Senior Center, there is a plan to obtain needed items for emergency shelters. The Committee requested that Staff give a presentation at a future meeting on the emergency plan and the preparations in place for using the Senior Center as an emergency shelter. Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane Guent er Office Assistant APPROVED: Greer Payton Committee Chairperson