MINUTES
SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION
November 21, 2024; 2:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Janet Brown, Chair Brian Chwan, Community Services Superintendent Denise Barnes, Vice-Chair Maureen Richardson, Community Services Supervisor Sue Baltazar Beth Lapkowski, Administrative Assistant Kandee Beas
Steve Brio GUEST PRESENT:
Frances Noteboom Janis Heckel, Anaheim Community Foundation Victor “Vic” Real
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair Barnes called the meeting to order at 2:07 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice-Chair Barnes led the Commission in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Vice-Chair Barnes presented the minutes of the October 17, 2024, meeting. Commissioner Real made a motion for approval of the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Brio. The minutes were approved with six ayes.
4. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
(Chair Brown arrived to the meeting)
5. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION:
a. Anaheim Community Foundation – Janis Heckel, Executive Director – Janis Heckel, ACF Executive Director, reviewed the ACF Needs Assessment and referred them to the online version which has tabs for each section so they can skip to the areas they may be most interested in. She reviewed the older adult demographics which indicate that older adults are the fastest growing segment of population in Anaheim, and she reviewed some of the responses received for the Older Adult section by ZIP code. Ms. Heckel answered questions from the commissioners and stated that the fact that this survey was done by an outside agency will help the City in its efforts to acquire grants to accomplish the stated goals.
Chair Brown proposed that the commission write a letter urging City Council to look at these items and prioritize the strategic plan and a physical location for a new Senior Center. Chair Brown will work on a letter; Vice-Chair Barnes will assist her, and they will bring it to the next meeting for review/approval.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Transition of Commissioners – Brian Chwan provided the Anaheim Municipal Code related to the end of commissioners’ terms; they continue to serve until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
Senior Citizen Commission
November 21, 2024
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
a. Blue Zones, Aging & Longevity – Commissioner Real shared information about a report that stated in a survey of 1,000 older Americans, the biggest reported regrets in life were not enough savings for retirement, made mistakes in the retirement process, not making the right career choices, not prioritizing education enough, not enough insurance to cover illnesses, and not preparing for their passing. He will share it with the commission. Maureen Richardson noted that there is a link on the older adult page of the City website for Blue Zones.
b. Commission Name Change Update – Brian Chwan reported that the request has been presented to the City Clerk and we are awaiting a response.
c. Chair Brown reported that she is working with a group from Muzeo to form a committee to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Also, the City of Anaheim celebrates 150 years in 2027. The Muzeo is looking for people to join those committees.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brown adjourned the meeting at 3:26 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.