SUBJECT
Title
Senior Advisory Commission Work Plan & Goals FY2020/21
Report
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Senior Advisory Commission develops a Work Plan & Goals to focus discussion and Commission effort throughout the year. The City of Santa Clara competed a Senior Needs Assessment in 2017. The Plan is created by considering the eight (8) domains of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly City, discussing current trends relating to the senior population, and prioritizing community needs given limitations of available resources. The eight (8) domains of the Age-Friendly City include: Economics and Employment; Community; Housing; Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Transportation and Streets; Health, Wellness, and Nutrition; Social and Civic Engagement; and, Access to Community Resources and Information. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission did not meet March through August 2020. The Commission would like to continue with the Work Plan & Goals from FY 2019/20 and may adjust them to be meet the current population needs.
DISCUSSION
The Commission will review the FY2019/20 Work Plan & Goals summarized below.
Goal 1. Foster an Age-Friendly Community
a) Hold four (4) regular Senior Advisory Commission meetings at the three (3) Santa Clara Library sites and one (1) at City Hall.
• This goal was on track being met throughout the year.
Goal 2. Advocate for Affordable, Convenient, and Safe Transportation and Streets
a) Evaluate the feasibility (strengths, weakness, opportunities and challenges) of various transportation options including a shuttle service in Santa Clara.
• This Goal was currently under way with the committee providing the Commission with a handout discussing the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why) regarding transportation feasibility. The committee was encouraged to research what transportation resources are currently available to seniors in Santa Clara, as well as look into what does/doesn’t work with the current offerings. It was suggested that the committee hold community meetings to gather input from the community.
b) Delegate one (1) Commission member to attend City’s Pedestrian Master Plan Committee meetings.
• The City made 3 presentations to the Commission asking for assistance by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) with the development of the plan. This initial discussion outlined the process, outreach plan, and timeline for developing this plan. A base map was used for the plan, showing major destinations in Santa Clara Please, and asking the Commission for input on particular locations, corridors, or areas that the plan should focus on.
• The City along with Alta Planning & Design came to the November 2018 Senior Advisory meeting to introduce the project to the Commission. In addition, feedback was solicited from the Commission about the existing pedestrian environment and how it could be improved.
• In June 2019, the methodology and process used to develop project recommendations was presented to the Commission. In addition, the project recommendations were shown to the Commission for initial feedback.
Goal 3. Develop Opportunities to Promote Health, Wellness, and Nutrition
a) Develop information and offer education to community and staff on how to become a Dementia Friend through DementiafriendsUSA.org.
• This goal was underway as the committee placed an article in the Senior Center February Newsletter on becoming a Dementia Friend, as well as having the Front Desk staff becoming a Dementia Friend.
b) Educate older adults on trending health topics through quarterly Senior Center Newsletter articles and bi-annual education presentations.
• This goal was underway as the committee placed an article in the Senior Center March Newsletter interviewing a Senior Advisory Commissioner regarding how she stays active as an older adult.
Goal 4. Provide Access to Community Resources and Information
a) Host “Be Strong, Live Long” Health & Wellness Fair - May 29, 2020
• This goal was met with the Health & Wellness Fair scheduled for Friday, May 29. With 50 Exhibitors committed and excited for another successful event, Senior Center staff decided to make the event virtual.
b) Increase Elder Fraud Prevention awareness through educational workshops three (3) times a year.
• This goal was currently under way with the “Don’t Get Caught” Elder Fraud Prevention workshop held on March 4 from 10am - 11:30 am. This workshop presented by the Santa Clara Police Department was a success with 21 participants.
c) Delegate one (1) representative to attend the City’s ADA Committee meeting.
• This goal was being met throughout the year with Chair Toledo attending meetings when held.
At the October 26, 2020 Senior Advisory Commission meeting, the Commission will discuss and potentially identify its Work Plan & Goals for FY2020/21.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Senior Advisory Commission’s agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Jennifer Herb, Recreation Supervisor
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation