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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 10 12 CC MIN1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïUNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CITY HALL, 14403 E. Pacific Ave. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1978 AT 7:30 P.M. AND SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BALDWIN PARK SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION The meeting was called to order in the Council Chambers at the above place at 7:30 p.m. Councilman Izett led the salute to the flag. Present: COUNCILMEN IZELL, MC NEILL AND MAYOR PRO TEM WHITE Ro11 ca11: Absent: COUNCILMAN AGUILAR AND MAYOR BLEWETT Present: CHAIRPERSON CRITES, COMMISSIONERS MURRY, SMITH, BARNATO, GREGG, ASQUITH, BRODY AND SECRETARY SOPICKI Absent: COMMISSIONER MARTINEZ FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL Also Present: CITY MANAGER SEXTON, LEE LUCAS AND CITY CLERK BALKUS 00- EXCUSE ABSENCE MAYOR BLEWETT AND COUNCILMAN AGUILAR. M/S/C: IZELL/MC NEILL. There were no objections. EXCUSE ABSENCE SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSIONER MARTINEZ. M/S/C: MURRY & SECONDED. There were no objections. 00- Chairperson Crites said Mr. James Jirsa was present because of his position with senior citizen groups. Mr. Bill Adrians, also present, is chairman of the Committee On Aging. Mayor pro tern White said the main items for discussion were transportation and the senior citizens center as well as other items. Mr. Lucas said they had labeled transportation as the Older American Transportation System. We have a van equipped with a wheelcha-ir lift. The radio is in town being fitted with crystals. The County money for maintenance and operation and staff is not here, Applications will be accepted in December for new programs. The staff has been working with the County laying the ground work for submission of the new grant. There was a temporary program proposed to use CETA staff; however the CETA program 1s frozen. CETA expanded people are only funded through October and the status of CETA regular people, until Washington takes action, is unknown. The transportation program has not been put into effect. He had discussed this with the City Manager as to how fast the program can proceed without identifying funding but at this point there is no answer. In answer to Councilman Izelt, Mr. Lucas said if CETA funds are restored and the program is for 18 months to two years then a person can be working and a trainee prepared to replace that person when they retire from the program, The question of operation administrative) money has not been identified. If administrative money is to supply materials and supplies to the program this would cover Continued) EXCUSE MAYOR BLEWETT & COUNCILMAN AGUILAR EXCUSE ABSENCE SR. CITIZEN ADV. COMMISSIONER MARTINEZ CHAIRPERSON CRITES MAYOR PRO TEM WHITE LEE LUCAS BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and October 12, 1978 Special Meeting of the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Page 2 City of Baldwin Park operation, gas and maintenance. At this time we have no CETA guidelines and we do not know what they are going to do. A seven day program will require two drivers and two dispatchers. Tickets will be handled through the Center by the present staff. In answer to Mr. Adrians, Mr. Lucas said if we had the money now we could be operational as an experimental program by the last two weeks in December. A trans- portation consortium to service a group of cities adjacent to Baldwin Park, an agency in the Pomona area, has a good program they are considering expanding into Azusa and Baldwin Park. The City would participate by teasing our vehicle to them with a contract for ours and this would be handled as one operation. An alternate would be a contract with the Yellow Cab Company for peak hours. They now have such a program in San Bernardino. One van will not handle our peak toad and the demand is not known at this time. They would lease our van and credit the City with X" number of dollars. The money received from grants would go into the opera- tion of their system within our City. An intercity program would be advantageous. Chairperson Crites said that if the program were operational now it would be used more than four hours just for the nutrition program. There is a tremendous demand for senior citizen transportation. She said the Commission was also interested in the Community Center and other needs. Mr. Gregg said it appeared we had the cart before the horse. He asked what means had been taken to see if we can get the money. Information from Washington says money is available for senior citizen priorities such as transportation. He suggested using the help of local organizations to get the program in operation. Mr. Lucas said the money the City is eligible for and have applied for comes through Los Angeles County. when applied for there was only money to fund on-going programs. They would consider funding a new pilot program. We know where to apply next years funding. Providing the application is accepted, funding will not be available until April or May 1979. He said HCDA money can be used on an identified project. Councilman McNeill said he had attended a meeting with SupervisorsHahn and Ward and Mr. Ferrara, Chairman of the Financial Committee and the Baldwin Park senior citizen transportation problem was made known. They said they would consider this City in their next budget. He suggested that the City Manager write Mr. Ferrara and state the position of the senior citizens. If necessary we should reappty for the money. If they are considering the present application they could indicate when funds will be available, about $38,000. Money was allocated to some cities but we received none. This should be followed up and he suggested using other funds to move the buses and when the grant comes through, replace the money. Mr. Lucas said the staff they had worked with said we had a grant; that it was a well-written proposal, but it included no new innovations. They do not carry applications over year to year, but they indicated they would accept new applications in December. Application wi11 be submitted after determination of a new innovative program that wi11 carry weight. Continued) BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and Special Meeting of Senior Citizens Advisory Commission City of Baldwin Park They are funding existing programs but unless an entirely different approach was presented they will not be funding any additional cities. Councilman McNeill asked that the City Manaaer check to see if any city money is available for use which can be replaced. He suggested that there be some method to determine how many people will actually utilize the bus if we had one. If usage warrants it we would probably get more buses but if the use isn't there, then time, effort and money will have been wasted. He asked for senior citizen comments on this. He also suggested discussing recommendations with Mr. Ferrara. Leo Sopicki, 3250 N. Frazier, said the money in question is 4.5 Transportation Development Act Funds. When the County Transportation Committee decides where funds will go they are working on an estimate of the amount of gas tax money they win receive. When Mayor Blewett appealed their decision, they said if they receive more funds than the estimate then the money in excess we will give Baldwin Park some preference to. Mayor Blewett did go before the Financial review subcommittee, transporation division and they voted that our application be reviewed if there were excess funds. Mayor pro tern White suggested that Mr. Lucas explore the possibility of Council men personally meeting with the committee. Councilman McNeill suggested that Mayor pro tern White arrange a luncheon with Councilman Ferrera to ascertain what would be considered innovative and Mayor pro tern White said he would follow through. He requested that copies of the application be made available. Council- man Izetl said he would meet with Pete Schabarum November 18, 1978 at Arcadia City Hail and he would present the matter. Mr. Barnato said if the City could advance the money the program could begin. In answer to Mayor pro tern White Mr. Lucas said the application submitted was based on a $35,000 to $40,000 annual cost for salaries and maintenance. Mayor pro tern White requested a report from the City Manager as to how this amount of money would effect the budget. If we're assured of the grant, possibly the City could advance some funds; if not, funding would be questionable. Chairperson Crites said the Commission questioned what percentage of City money received was intended to be expended for senior citizen uses. She requested a report. Mayor pro tern White said the Council has in the past and now would make every effort to provide transportation for senior citizens. He felt that a study at this time was not the proper approach. Mr. Brody said if the application was approved, how long would it take to get the money. Mr. Lucas again said it will depend upon the revenue the County receives as to how it is disbursed. Mr. Brody suggested that other alternatives be researched as to where we can get the money; possibly a non-profit corporation and not be limited to one approach. Continued) October 12, 1978 Page 3 BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and October 12, 1978 Special Meeting of Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Page 4 City of Baldwin Park Mayor pro tern White suggested that Chairperson Crites appoint Mr. Brody to head a committee to pursue the possibilities. It appeared there were three options government paid, self-paying by tickets, or private funding. Mr. Brody proposed that a senior citizen volunteer could be a dispatcher. Mr. Lucas said there is a legal liability factor involved. In some areas volunteers can be used but driving involves a liability. Discussion followed as to ticket sales covering the cost. Mr. Lucas said if CETA continued possibly this would supply personnel. In answer to Mayor pro tern White proposing staffing with four volunteer senior citizens and an annual cost of $10,000 to $20,000 for maintenance, etc., Mr. Sexton said this project was included in the budget but grant money was also included. His recommendation at the budget session was that when the grant was received we would proceed with the program. He said the volunteer concept was commendable but the services of volunteers for this type of program was not practical. Mayor pro tern White asked if volunteers would be dependable and available and Mrs. Crites thought that among the Commissioners and the senior citizen clubs there could be a nucleus of 8 or 10 people trained so they would not all have to work every day. Mr. Lucas said they have a very dependable Site Committee that works out of the Center dealing with the nutrition program and maybe this committee could be the basis for a total program. Mr. Bob Benbow, Covina, said there will be good support from the volunteers; that about 14 efficient dependable volunteers help run the nutrition program. He said many of the people cannot afford a 25 cent bus fare. In answer to Councilman Izett he felt any charge would eliminate the people who have the most need. In answer to Mayor pro tern White, Mr. Benbow said he felt for this program drivers should be at least 21 and that many students would help out where needed. The schools have an excellent training program for both youth and adults. Mr. Lucas said that student attendance at both high school and college presents a work scheduling problem. He said there is also a liability problem. Councilman McNeitI said he could be trained and would donate his free time to drive. He would favor starting driver training immediately and implementing the program. Mr. Brody said transport of this type involves a liability and problems in securing insurance coverage and possibly 62 years old and older would not have confidence in young drivers. Mr. Gregg said the DMV stipulated the age limits for a driver of a bus. He thought it was 30 and not over 50 years. He questioned if it would be possible to test and train someone on welfare who is in the right age bracket. Continued) BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and Special Meeting of Senior Citizens Advisory Commission City of Baldwin Park Mr. Benbow said the bus was to be available for people who want this service. He asked that age requirements be verified so it can be determined what age group to test. He said the majority of district bus drivers are female; many men on welfare want to return to the labor market. Also many women have raised their families and wish to go back to work. He felt that a small stipend would be an incentive. Chairperson Crites suggested contacting the cities of La Verne, Azusa or Bassett as she did not believe their drivers were within those age limits. Mr. Gregg referred to the senior citizen vans used by the Legal Aid Society which had been returned when funding was cut. Mayor pro tern White requested that Mr. Lucas research all the ideas proposed and possibly submit a practical operable program. If not practical we may use volunteers, or if this is not feasible then consider some type of temporary funding. He felt that with the cooperation available the project will work. 00- Mrs. Asquith asked if the City had Revenue Sharing Money which is to be used for senior citizens projects. Mayor pro tern White said if the law said money was to be used certain ways, he was sure that it is used accordingly. He said this will be researched. Mr. Lucas said that when Revenue Sharing originated one of the intents was to provide a level of social services to the community depending upon the priorities established within the Community. Mayor pro tern White invited comments on the senior citizens center. Mr. Lucas said that Housing Community Development Act third year funding is available. Plans have been drawn dealing with property adjacent to the Community Center parking lot on Palm. Other sites are being considered and he is waiting for a report from Supervisor Schabarum as to the County's intended usage of the old Health Center which is now a headquarters for their health inspectors. It is hoped they will incorporate this with the Maine County Medical Plaza. Parking is a prime consideration in selecting a site. A last alternative would be a portion of Morgan Park adjacent to the center which has been used for open space. Councilman McNeill suggested a study to better utilize the space we have and cover the area between the pool and the main building in Morgan Park. Another story could be added then everything would be in one area, possibly this could accommodate senior citizens. Also, he would like to see a handball court. In answer to Mr. Gregg, Mr. Lucas said a personal contact had been made regarding property next to the Community Center. This may work out in the future. Possibly tax benefits would be attractive to the owner. Mr. Gregg questioned if it would be possible to add a third story to the Community Center. Continued) October 12» 1978 Page 5 BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and October 12 Special Meeting of Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Page 6 City of Baldwin Park Mr. Lucas said the Morgan Park building is not built to support a second story and he did not think it would be feasible to add a story to the Community Center Building. A possible alternative would be property across from the Center, north of Palm Avenue.dependent upon deletion of a proposed street and a lot split. Chairperson Crites said much work and thought has gone into this project and Mr. Lucas has also been involved and concerned. Money has been designated and the best location would be adjacent to the Community Center. She had discussed use of the Community Center with Mr. Cunningham but she feels the senior citizens deserve a building on the ground floor level. The northeast corner of the park is a possibility with a change in the shape of the building. In answer to Councilman Izell, Mr. Sexton said the City has the use of eminent domain for governmental purposes. Mr. Lucas said Federal funds are involved. We are dealing with a relocation and we like to avoid condemnation. Councilman Izell proposed using part of the park for the building and acquiring other land for a park. Mr. Adrians said the senior citizens favored something in the vicinity of the present location. Discussion followed regarding use of the park property versus other locations. Mayor pro tern White said that of first importance to senior citizens is transportation and second the Center. We will proceed as rapidly as possible with the Center. Chairperson Crites explained other senior citizen programs including formation of the Committee on Aging, activation of the nutrition program, tours of other cities' facilities, the Vial of Life sponsored by the sheriff's department, the Carrier Alert program whereby if mail is not picked up within two days time, authorities are altered and a check is made on that person. Also in conjunction with the Committee on Aging, certain food may be provided at a reduced cost. A survey is being made as to the number of senior citizens in the City. Other supportive services are provided through service organizations and the Community Center. Mr. Adrians, Chairman of Committe on Aging, said they are investigating the food advisory service programs of other cities in order to formulate the program for this City. Effective November 1, 1978, the green decal shield will be available for placement in a bedroom window of senior citizens to alert the police so a rescue could be effected. Councilman McNeill said these were fluorescent green decals; the Lions Club provided $100 for their printing. Placement in a senior citizen'sor child's window immediately tells the police which room the person requiring assistance is in. He said decals are available at the Police Department, in Mr. Adrians' office in the Community Center, through the schools and the Lions Club. He said the Lions Club fund raiser was very successful and anyone in need of glasses should contact the Lions Club. In response to Mr. Adrians, Mayor pro tern White said passage of Proposition KK on the November 7 ballot will assist the City in correcting the housing shortage. In response to Mr. Gregg Continued) BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1978 10 12 CC MIN;¢f4ÉïAdjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council and October 12, 1978 Special Meeting of Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Page 7 City of Baldwin Park he said relief from rent increases is of concern to a11 citizens and was not applicable to only senior citizens. Certain programs are available for senior citizens. Mr. Brody said an extensive minibus program is available for this region. He will have a number to call for this service for senior citizens as well as others under medical and Medicare and on welfare. He offered to arrange for mobile medical units to be set up at various locations and dates to serve community needs. He asked that a permanent meeting place be made available for senior citizen meetings and where people can come for assistance. He estimated that the survey he is working on will show about 10,000 people in the City are over 65 years of age. Mr. Lucas recommended the third floor conference room for senior citizen meetings and said that the use of elevators can be made available. Chairperson Crites said their next meeting will be November 9, 1978. Mayor pro tern White said that he and the Council members were pledged to assist and support the senior citizens, He apologized for any delay but programs are under way. He said Council is most interested and thanked the Committee for bringing the problems to Council's attention. He promised that every effort will be made to solve the problems. 00- AT 9:40 P.M. THE MEETING ADJOURNED. M/S/C: MC NEILL/IZELL. 9:40 P.M. MEETING There were no objections. ADJOURNED THELMA L. BALKUS, CITY CLERK i APPROVED: /^^f Date of Distribution to Council: December 29, 1978 Date of Distribution to Departments: December 29, 1978 BIB] 37656-U01 1978-U02 10-U02 12-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9594-U03 DO9694-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06