2006-07-06 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

Home

20. DISCUSSION /ACTION ON FIRE COMMISSION RESPONSE TO THE COMMISSION'S LETTER DATED APRIL 10, 2006 Motion and Vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to file the response, Ms. Provalenko seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. 10. DISCUSSION /ACTION ON OFFICE OF AGING RESPONSE TO THE COMMISSION'S LETTER DATED APRIL 10, 2006 Ms. Garson told the commissioners that as they review the responses, they need to be conscious about how much time is left in terms of revisiting. It would be good if they could finish talking to everyone by the end of the year and then work intensively on compiling their report. They need to determine if it is clear what the responses are telling them, and if so, they can make a recommendations without having to call a representative in to talk to, as long as they felt comfortable. Ms. Nicholson said that there was nothing in Aging's response from which to cull a recommendation. Ms. Garson stated that she is not very familiar with them but knows they receive quite a few grants, and the services they provide the community are great. Ms. Nicholson remarked that Aging seemed almost entrepreneurial compared to other departments. Motion and Vote: Ms. Nicholson moved to file the Office of Aging report, Ms. Stremski seconded the motion, and all members voted aye. Ms. Provalenko mentioned that she just learned Aging got the Sun Sun Lau grant. Mr. Sakaguchi asked whether Aging would have gotten the grant to do this if there were not a Commission on Aging. Ms. Stremski said it depends on who heads the department and that Alan Parker really hustles. Also, there are many services which are done on a volunteer basis. Ms. Nicholson said that Aging has a vision, and they pursue fulfilling it. Some other departments might not have a vision, or they purely provide services in a way that is totally different from Aging. Ms. Provalenko said that Aging is different from other departments, as its work force is comprised of volunteers. This could not be done with other departments, such as Planning, where education and other qualifications are needed. The Chair said issues that Aging deals with are repetitive, in the sense that they are not changing. Everybody is going to go through the same process, so there are not as many variables to deal with. Mr. Sakaguchi asked what makes Aging more entrepreneurial or successful than other departments, and Ms. Stremski said it has many seniors who volunteer their time and talents. 12