City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ken Irwin, City Manager
BY: Juliene Flanders, Recreation & Community Services Director MEETING DATE: May 2, 2023
ITEM NO: 5.7
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-21 to Accept grant funds in the amount of $124,333 for an Access to Technology Program to provide digital connectivity for older and disabled adults from the County of Stanislaus Community Services Agency. The City of Patterson will accept a $124,333 grant funds from the County of Stanislaus, and authorize the Finance Department to make the necessary budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2023-21 to Accept grant funds in the amount of $124,333 for an Access to Technology Program to provide digital connectivity for older and disabled adults from the County of Stanislaus Community Services Agency. The City of Patterson will accept a $124,333 grant funds from the County of Stanislaus, and authorize the Finance Department to make the necessary budget adjustments for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
BACKGROUND
The County has a need to provide long-term access to technology devices, technology literacy classes and internet connectivity to older adults and adults with disabilities to assist them with acquiring technology literacy skills and information that are beneficial in supporting their emotional well being and addressing social isolation.
ANALYSIS
The Hammon Senior Center would provide a good base of operations for this program. Older adults in the community would definitely benefit from this program. With being part of the City of Patterson, staff has reached out to our Information Technology (IT) Department, they are supportive of this program and are willing to provide guidance and direction as needed.
Currently, we provide a wide range of classes and activities to meet the needs of the older adults in the area. Since the pandemic, we have noticed an increase in the isolation of seniors in the area. Giving these individuals access to technology is one way to reduce this isolation. With many in this age group hesitant to use technology due to not being familiar with technology, but also safety concerns, a program like this should alleviate some of those fears.
Currently, the Recreation & Community Services Department offers classes in Basic Computing, Internet and Social Media. However, due to budget and space constraints, the Department is limited to the number of classes that can be offered. A program such as this would allow a more well-rounded curriculum that would benefit a much larger number of individuals.
Therefore, Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the grant revenue and approve the modification of the department budget to use for this purpose.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.