HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 07/06/2023SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 6, 2023
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Salazar called the meeting to order at 4:OOpm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Salazar
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Robert Bolster, Joyce Platt, Nilo Salazar, Donna Salter, Steve Sherman,
and Margaret Swope
EXCUSED: Charlene Martinez, Kathrynn Penny
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Sherman seconded by Chairperson Salazar and
unanimously carried to excuse Commissioners Martinez and Penny.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Bolster made a motion to nominate Nilo Salazar as Chairperson, seconded by
Commissioner Swope. Nilo Salazar accepted the nomination, and the motion was carried
unanimously. Commissioner Salter made a motion to nominate Margaret Swope as Vice -
Chairperson seconded by Commissioner Platt. Margaret Swope accepted the nomination, and the
motion was carried unanimously.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Salter reported the Bargain Box is doing well and open Wednesday and
Saturday from 10am to 1 pm. The Assistance League is always looking for volunteers. If
interested, please visit their website. Commissioner Salter reported the next day of service is
August 13, 2023. Volunteers will fill backpacks with items for infants and expectant mothers and
have them ready to donate.
Commissioner Platt introduced herself as the new Travelers Club representative. Commissioner
Platt reported there will be a board meeting on July 20, and their general meeting will be held on
July 28 with guest speaker Mindy Cummings from Collette Tours. Commissioner Platt reported
on the following trips: On July 27, participants are heading to Cachuma Lake to visit the nature
center and learn about the Chumash native Indians. On August 22, participants will enjoy a
sunset luau in San Diego with unlimited buffet and a Hawaiian dance show. On August 6,
participants will head to Marina Del Rey and aboard the Hornblower ship. On October 11,
participants will travel south to visit Julian for a four -course tea and a tour of a restored home
where everything is tea themed. Commissioner Platt reported there are also many extended
trips available and advertised in the Connection newsletter. Commissioner Platt reported the
Traveler's Club recently joined the Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Bolster asked about the status of Wilderness Park and strongly believes the park
should open soon and has brought it to the Mayor's attention at Coffee with the Mayor. Deputy
Director of Recreation and Community Services (DDRCS) Candice Cheung informed everyone
she will speak about this during her report. Commissioner Bolster asked if there is a physical
requirement for a senior to participate in an exercise class. DDRCS Cheung responded and
said instructors are aware of participant fitness levels. Instructors can modify exercises for those
of different fitness levels. DDRCS Cheung said there is a description of the class when a person
signs up for a class. DDRCS Cheung reported all instructors will be reminded to announce
modifications if needed.
Commissioner Sherman introduced himself and is the new representative for the Men's Club.
Commissioner Sherman reported the Men's Club currently meets every Monday at the Arcadia
Community Center to play cards followed by lunch.
Chairperson Salazar asked if there was any information on senior citizens with a fixed income
who are unable to afford their rent. Chairperson Salazar is concerned about citizens not being
able to pay their rent and ending up homeless. DDRCS Cheung responded and said she will
talk to Chairperson Salazar after the meeting on the subject.
Commissioner Swope introduced herself as the representative of the Friendship Club and
reported the club is doing well. Commissioner Swope said she was happy to receive new flyers
for the Friendship Club. Commissioner Swope asked for a follow up on the inaccurate
information given about the Friendship Club at the Travelers Meeting on April 28. DDRCS
Cheung responded there was a staff person present at the meeting and there was no mention
of the Friendship Club. Commissioner Platt also stated she was present at the meeting and
there was no mention of the Senior Friendship Club.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of June 1, 2023.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Sherman seconded by Commissioner Salter and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Bolster, Platt, Salazar, Salter, Sherman, and Swope
NOES: None
ABSENT: Martinez and Penny
ABSTAIN: None
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina Hernandez
Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina Hernandez reported the lunch program meals are increasing.
The second Tuesday of each month birthdays are celebrated with cupcakes for everyone. RS
Hernandez reported the Walk & Talk program time has changed to 9am due to the heat and
invites everyone to join the program. RS Hernandez reported on July 13, Walk & Talk will visit
the Arcadia Police Department for a guided tour of the station.
b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
DDRCS Cheung reminded everyone the Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park are held
every Thursday and hopes to see everyone there. DDRCS Cheung gave an update on
Wilderness Park. Wilderness Park has been closed to the public since January 2022. The park
is very important to the Recreation Department as it is used for many City programs, summer
camps, senior day camp, and more. DDRCS Cheung informed everyone she received notice
from Public Works Services Department that due to the prolong rains it is not safe to conduct
improvements at this time. Wildreness Park will remain closed until the City is able to determine
the best course of action for cleanup. Public Works will be conducting tree inspections
throughout the park in the near future. The City has applied for Federal Emergency Relief
Funding through Cal OES and FEMA for cleanup and renovation. DDRCS Cheung said she will
continue to keep everyone informed with any updates on Wilderness Park.
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Chairper on Secretary
Nilo Salazar Gina Hernandez