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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-04-2003 SCAC MinutesCITY OF DUBLIN DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF: SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 Roll Call Committee Members Present: Bielke, Gifford, McHugh, Payton, Silvas, and Commissioner Burr Cain Pledge of Allegiance Oral Communications - None Approval of Minutes - IT WAS MOVED BY PAUL SILVAS, AND SECONDED BY MARY LOU BIELKE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 14, 2003. Written Communications – None Old Business - None New Business Transportation Program for Senior Center Events Last year the Dublin Senior Center offered approximately 24 trips using a 12-passenger rental van. This year the trips and tours budget has increased to offer three trips per month including six Trail Trekkers van trips plus an additional 18 local trips to and from the Senior Center to special events, such as the Bingo Dinner and special luncheons. In late September, the new 15 passenger handicapped accessible van for the Trips and Tours Program will begin service. The van is fully equipped with upgraded shocks, upholstery, and a raised floor. In addition to the Trips and Tours Program, a new transportation program to senior center events will be in operation enabling staff to learn the finer points of offering transportation to and from the Center. Seniors will be encouraged to access the transportation services offered through Wheels and County Connection for other transportation needs. Basically, two main routes (east and west side routes) will be designed to minimize the number of minutes that each rider will have to sit and wait in the bus. The fee for round trip transportation is set at $4. Escorts who accompany riders with limited mobility will not be charged to use this service. Reservation is on a first come, first served basis, however, no same day reservation will be accepted. The Center realizes that cancellations can be a problem but those riders who accumulate three “no shows” may be denied use of this program. A standby list will be established to accommodate the demand. Riders will be notified the day before the event of the estimated pick-up time. Riders should be ready for pick up 15 minutes before and after the estimated time. Tickets must be pre-purchased since the driver will not handle the money. Wheelchairs will subject to standard specification. Emergency forms must be submitted and kept on file before riders can make reservations. The Committee requested that it be clearly stated in the Riders Guide that reservations are non-transferable. When Staff asked the Committee if the fee seems too high or unreasonable, a Committee Member expressed concern that $4 may be a little high compared to other Senior Center transportation services. Staff stated that where many Centers utilize volunteer drivers and or receive subsidies from state or federal government, Dublin would use professional paid drivers. Our fee will be approximately $1 more than other senior centers but considerably cheaper than using a taxi service. A special ceremony for the van is tentatively scheduled on Tuesday, October 7 prior to the City Council meeting. Members of the Advisory Committee, the Foundation and the Commission will be invited to the ceremony. The Committee discussed potential barriers for using the service. The Committee also discussed subsidized funding, and identifying potential companies to underwrite the cost of providing transportation for 14 people per event. It was also suggested that individuals purchase tickets and donate them to the Center for people who can’t afford a ticket. The Rider’s Guide will be inserted in the October newsletters. Word of mouth, and having current supporters pass along this information to homebound neighbors will be one of the main ways used to advertise this program. Publicity in the local newspapers and cable releases will be another means to inform the seniors of this new program. The Committee felt that the Rider’s Guide was a well-written document. Staff acknowledged Pleasanton for their assistance. Much of the information was adopted from the Pleasanton’s Rider’s Guide. Staff recognized that there are many senior group homes in the Dublin area. However aside from the seniors in Arroyo Vista in Dublin, Dublin does not have any senior housing. The Committee asked whether or not the senior van would be used by any other groups besides the Senior Center; therefore, would there be a need to establish a policy? Staff indicated that the van would be used for senior programs only, although sometimes the van may be used for possible city special events, such as Day on the Glen and for emergency purposes. Bylaws Update Staff recommended changes to reflect the same changes made recently to the Bylaws of the Commission and other Committees. All changes will go before the Parks and Community Services Commission and City Council for final approval. Throughout the document, the Parks and Recreation Department will be changed to the Parks and Community Services Department. In addition, Staff recommended the following four changes First, the term of office will end and begin in December. Upon selection, each new Committee Member will be given an orientation to prepare them for their involvement in the Committee prior to December. It is City Council’s goal to prepare for these changes before the year ends and that the Committees are in place before January. The second change limited the number of years a Committee Member may serve to a maximum of eight years and two terms. The third change pertained to attendance. The Bylaws now states that Committee Members must attend 75% of the scheduled meetings. Staff will notify the Mayor if any members are absent three consecutive meetings. The Mayor may remove a Committee Member from the Committee due to lack of attendance. Last of all, in electing new officers, it takes only a simple majority (3) instead of requiring that all five (5) members be present at the election of officers. Since the meetings of the Advisory Committee are open to the public, any senior as well as members of the Foundation are afforded the opportunity to attend the Advisory Committee meeting. The Advisory Committee is currently made up of representatives of the Dublin Seniors who are appointed by the Mayor. Although the Foundation is not a part of the Committee, Staff could make a report to the Advisory Committee of any Foundation events and news. Currently the Foundation meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month. The Committee approved the amendments to the Bylaws as recommended by Staff. MOTION APPROVED: First by Greer Payton, and second by Mary Lou Bielke. Other Business The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 A.M. by Committee Member Silvas and seconded by Committee Member Bielke. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, Anna Hudson Recreation Coordinator