SAC MIN 2017-01-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Council Member Diane Howard Diane thanked the SAC for bringing senior concerns to the Council. She is also very pleased about the partnership between the Y and the City. She encouraged the SAC to work to include seniors who don't feel included or listened to and don't use social media. She asked how SAC and the Council can make the senior community feel more included and valued than they do now. Commissioner James suggested that Council have a more positive attitude towards its audience at Council meetings and address people in a friendly manner rather than a scolding way to make people feel included and heard. Commissioner Cooperman recommended that Council acknowledge the tensions in the room and encourage tolerance. Councilmember Borgens appreciated the candor and recognized the behavior being discussed. She also stated that for the most part Council practices restraint in their comments and reactions to disrespectful people but Councilmembers are also human and sometimes emotions get the better of everyone. Diane stated that the Mayor recently made a public apology for unfortunate comments he made in previous meeting. Councilmember Aguirre commented that the Council often endures considerable disrespect and tries very hard to be civil and respectful in return. The amount of downtown development has been a difficult change for some people. Redwood City Council has been progressive in bringing new people, businesses and sustainability to the community. Alicia would like the Council and Commissions to focus on creating more affordable senior housing and a new central park to improve the community. Bruce suggested that Chairperson Draeger's explanation of how the brain functions in reaction to change might be helpful to the group. Hal explained that new information creates anxiety and fear which shuts down thinking and creates a fight or flight response. As the new information is processed and better understood it is less intimidating and more acceptable. Consequently, it is advisable to meet and discuss the new facility with concerned neighbors so they better understand what is planned. YMCA Executive Director—Julie Wesolek Julie reported that the EIR stage of the new facility development is in progress. They are working on programming, looking at both new and existing activities, blending some with membership and the spaces to house them. She asked for SAC's thoughts of what amenities and features the seniors may want from the Y. The Y has water exercise programs for seniors, enhanced fitness classes and is working with 70 Strong. The Y brings resources to the community. It is a non-profit and supports community needs. The Y partners and collaborates with many community groups. Healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility are the 3 main focuses of the Y.The new facility will provide more space and parking that people want. The Y is not only for kids. It is for adults and seniors too. The SAC can help the Y by inviting them to various meetings so people can become familiar with them. Election of Officers Vice Chairperson Cooperman announced that she is retiring from the Senior Affairs Commission because she is soon moving to Colorado. M/S:James/Turk: Nomination of Chairperson Draeger for another term as Chair and Commissioner Paley for Vice Chair. Motion passed.