MINUTES
City of Santa Monica
Commission for the Senior Community

Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th Street, Santa Monica

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 – 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

 

1.      Roll Call -             

 

Present:                   Chair Seid

Vice Chair Steele

Secretary Treasurer Friedman (arrived at 1:32 pm)

Commissioners Fish

Commissioner Fox

Commissioner Greenberg

Commissioner LeBlanc

Commissioner Weintraub

Commissioner Wilson (arrived at 1:32 pm) and

Commissioner Emeritus Ross

Absent:                    Commissioner Emeritus Heinsohn

      Also Present:        Janet Hand, Staff Liaison

Robin Davidson, Human Services Administrator          

Priscilla Navarro, Staff Assistant

 

2.      Chair Seid called the meeting to order at 1:30pm.

 

3.      Pledge of Allegiance- Commissioner Greenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

4.      Minutes for January 28, 2009 were approved as written.

 

Commissioner Weintraub moved to accept minutes of January 28, 2009 as written, Commissioner Greenberg seconded. Motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

 

5.      Correspondence and Announcements-

 

Commissioner Emeritus Ross announced DTV transition deadline has changed to June 12, 2009. Ms. Ross asked to have an invitee address the Commission to make a presentation on the Older Adult Standard Index. Ms. Ross announced Los Angeles County Older Americans Month Nominee Estella Burnett and Clyde Smith passed away.

 

Commissioner Fish announced Wise & Healthy Aging’s listings in the Santa Monica Daily Press advertising movies at the Ken Edwards Center.

 

Commissioner LeBlanc expressed an interest in presenting a DVD about the Senior Economic Stability Index. Ms. LeBlanc also gave an update on the DTV transition.

 

Chair Seid reported on the City Council’s discussion of the interface between City Council’s and Boards and Commissions Liaisons.

 

Commissioner Fish reported on Disabilities Commission and Housing Commission’s meetings she attended.

 

6.      Public Comment –

     

Member of the public Marjorie Campbell spoke of issues concerning her home.

 

7.      Staff Liaison Report – 

 

Staff Liaison Hand reported:

 

§         On the update of the state’s economic plan and the City’s efforts in applying for several federal stimulus package funds

§         An update of the removal of palm trees along Palisades Park

§         The recommendation of the Marion Davies estate for state historical designation.

 

8.      New Business:

 

  1. Update on the City’s efforts to address homelessness (Human Services Administrator Stacy Rowe)

 

Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator gave an update on the City’s effort to address homelessness and reported the 2009 Santa Monica Homeless Count findings.

 

  1. Commission Comments on the Economic Update and FY2009-10 Budget Planning (Commissioner Greenberg)

 

Commissioner Greenberg commented on the FY 2009/10 City budget. He said he would like to see assistance offered to seniors struggling with the increase in the cost of living. Discussion ensued regarding the City’s utility user’s tax exemption program and discounts offered by the City and utility companies.

 

  1. Participation in the Unity Festival (Staff Liaison Hand)

 

Staff Liaison Hand announced the Unity Festival on March 8th. Commissioner Fox volunteered to staff the Commission booth.

 

  1. Participation in the Annual Boards and Commissions Dinner (Chair Seid)

 

Chair Seid announced the Annual Boards and Commissions Dinner on March 30th.

 

9. Old Business:

 

A.     Commission promotional items (Vice Chair Steele)

 

Vice Chair Steele informed the Commission that the promotional tote bags have been ordered.

 

B.     Older American Day nomination search (Commissioner Emeritus Ross)

 

Commissioner Emeritus Ross spoke about the Older American Day nomination search. Commissioner LeBlanc and Wilson will follow-up on the status of the County’s Older American Day date and annual theme.

 

C.    Redesigned Commission brochure (Staff Liaison Hand)

 

Staff Liaison Hand discussed the redesigned Commission brochure and requested feedback. Ms. Hand will present the finalized Commission brochure at the following meeting.

 

D.    Transportation Subcommittee report (Commissioner Fish)

 

In response to Commissioner Fish’s concerns stated at last month’s meeting, Staff Liaison Hand reported that more accessible parking spaces will be added to this year’s festival; however spaces cannot be saved for those manning the booths. Having shuttles available at different sites will not be possible.

 

Commissioner Fish expressed her concern the Commission was not consulted on specific Big Blue Bus projects.

 

E.     Safety and Accessibility Subcommittee report (Commissioner Weintraub)

 

Commissioner Weintraub would like to have the Police Chief speak to the Commission.

 

F.     Health, Mental Health and Fitness Subcommittee report (Commissioner Fox)

 

Commissioner Fox discussed the possibility the state government will re-distribute Proposition 63 funds and also announced the clinical services available through WISE & Healthy Aging.

G.    Outreach/Access to Services Subcommittee report (Commissioner Wilson)

 

Commissioner Wilson would like to see information about the Quick Reference guide available on the Commission brochure.

 

H.     Agenda Items for future meetings (Chair Seid)

 

            Items were discussed and added to the long range agenda

 

10. Commissioner Weintraub moved to adjourn meeting, Commissioner Wilson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 3:41 p.m.