16. Senior commission DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AN~ RECREATION
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
C U P E RT I N O 7ELEPHONE: (408) T/7-3110 • FAX: (408j 777-33fi6
Agenda Item No. MEETING DATE: February 4, 2008
SUBJECT
Appointments to the Senior Citizens Commission.
BACKGROUND ~
The City Council has interviewed candidates for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission
but has delayed appointment pending the outcome of the Commission's January 24, 2008 meetang.
At their 7anuary 24, 2008 meeting, the Senior Citizens Commission discussed whether:
"The Sertior Citizens Commission is an appropriate use of tlz.e Corrtinissione~•s' time, sta,
fJ` time and
City of Cupertino resources~in serving the needs of the senior comanunit~T. "
After some discussion and testixnony from three speakers, the Conn.znission voted 3-2 against
change, consequently, there is no recommendation. The two Commissioners that voted against
changing the Comm.ission were attending their last meeting and have not asked to be reappointed.
Two issues were raised relative to the need for the Commission: First, the City is not a social
service agency and the Commission does not provide a vehicle for working on some of the most
urgent issues ~acing seniors. Second, there is the matter of Commission overlap. Fflr example,
affordable housing is a senior issue, but the Planning Commission and Housing Commission are
most involved in housing issues.
In four yeazs, the Senior Citizens Commission has had few issues to deal with. The issues that did
result in recommendations to the Ciry Council pertained to the Case Manager position and Senior
Center fees. The Commission also reviewed the Toll Brothers Calabasas Creek Project.
~ther Senior Citizens Commission's accomplishments include:
2005 - Reviewed senior services available for Cupertino seniors
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2006 - Suggested a senior services link to the City's webpage
- Recommended a Council proclamation recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2007 - Advocated for changing the Cornmissioner's attendance policy
- Recommended a Council proclamation recognizing May 2007 as Oldez Americans Month
Arguments in favor of keeping the Comxnission intact include: Assisting the growing number of
baby boomers as they become senior citizens, and the need to have representation with other
organizations regarding Cupertino's senior population.
RECOMMENDATION
The Senior Citizens Commission has made no recommendation regarding changing the
Commission.
SUBMITTED BY: APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION
T C1TY COUNCII.:
~
. Therese Ambrosi Smiti~, Director David W. Knapp, City Manager
Parks and Recreation
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