SAC MIN 1994-05-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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idea to re-start the program because there is a tremendous amount of need on the part of the seniors. Funding would be needed to pay for a licensed counselor to work approximately two hours per week but the rest of the program would be handled entirely by volunteers. Currently, only four counselors handle the entire Redwood City senior population and they are unable to handle the volume of calls they are receiving and the types of calls require more expert assistance. Superintendent Hartman suggested resurrecting the Redwood City Peer Counseling Program and contacting Kaiser Hospital to see if they would be able to assist in the program. Supervisor Kucala said she would contact Delia Moonrider, do further research on this matter, and will report back to the Commission. She will also invite her to attend our May meeting. Supervisor Kucala advised the Commission that our 501 C-3 application is still progressing through the system. It is currently in Washington, D.C. for further review and she estimated it would be 2-3 months before we hear on its final status. Commissioner Lloyd said the Concerned Seniors have a 501 C-3 status and suggested using theirs if needed. Supervisor Kucala said she wants to put more emphasis on mental health programs in Redwood City since we already offer many types of physical activities for seniors. ITEM 2-PURCHASE OF NEW VEHICLES FOR SENIOR TRANSPORTATION Superintendent Hartman reminded the Commissioners that she, Supervisor Kucala and Chairperson Anthony met with the City Manager in December to discuss the City purchasing vehicles for the senior centers. At that time, the City Manager indicated that the City might be willing to pick up the costs of the maintenance and insurance (estimated at $10,000 per year) if the seniors could purchase their own vehicle. This cost would include replacement and ongoing maintenance costs for a new vehicle. She said that since that time, staff has been told that revenues are down and that each City department cannot come in with budget increases of more than 2.5%. In addition, any increases must be fully justified; if a department increases their budget in one area, they must decrease in another in order to maintain a balanced budget. Superintendent Hartman explained that the vans for the Veterans Senior Center and the Therapeutic Program are still on the Supplemental Budget list. She noted that if the budget is increased by $10,000 to purchase a van, then the department must offset this by decreasing somewhere else in its budget. This could involve eliminating another program or making cuts in several areas or programs totaling the $10,000 amount. Superintendent Hartman explained that included in the budget is a request for additional casual hours for a facility aide to work at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center in the evenings. Currently no one is on duty at the