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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/21/2004 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 199, 2004, AMENDING ITEM NUMBER: 14 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: December 21, 2004 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Jean Helburg Steve Budner SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 199, 2004, Amending Section 2-398 of the City Code Relating to the Functions of the Senior Advisory Board. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Senior Advisory Board (SAB) is asking that Section 2-398 of the City Code regarding the Board's functions be amended to better describe the role the Board serves. The Board is concerned that the current description of its functions implies duties and responsibilities that the Board is not equipped to perform. The Board's recommended changes have been approved by staff in the City Attorney's office and the Recreation Division. BACKGROUND The Senior Advisory Board and the City Attorney recently reviewed the City's bylaws to determine if any updates or changes were needed. In the course of its review, the SAB discussed its purposes and functions as described in Section 2-398 of the City Code and concluded that the Code did not accurately describe the SAB's role. The proposed changes to the Board's functions in Section 2-398 and the Board's reasons therefore are as follows: 1. To serve as a enardinatin supporting agency for all senior citizen services and activities in Fort Collins; Comment by Board: The Code should be clear that the Board's work is confined to those services and activities that impact Fort Collins because that is where the Board is responsible. Additionally, the Board understands the scope of its work should not be limited to activities that are offered by the City government but should deal with all issues facing older adults in the community. The word December 21, 2004 -2. Item No. 14 "coordinating"has been changed to"supporting"because the Board believes that coordinating would require a central resource (office, phone, and staff) that the Board doesn't have. 2. To assess, publicize and support present senior citizen services and activities in the community; Comment by Board: The Board suggests that the word "assess" be eliminated because the Board does not have the criteria or tools to do assessments. If Council expects the Board to do so,then the Board would like to know what tools would be made available to them in order to do an appropriate job of judging. 3. To investigate and evainate mquests make recommendations regarding new senior citizen services and activities; Comment by Board: Concern was expressed that there was no formal system for evaluation. This might mean that the Board would base an evaluation on liking or disliking a proposal rather than on measurable criteria. The Board believes its only charge is to advise City Council. The Board is also unsure where "requests" would come from and to whom they would be directed. The Board does not believe that it has the credentials to evaluate services. The Board is, however, prepared to express opinions based on members' knowledge of needs, trends, etc. when asked by others to do so. 4. To pian, initiate, deveiop and encourage new senior citizen programs as need is indicated and, when appropriate, to participate in the planning and development of such programs if asked to do so; Comment by Board: Relates to #3. The Board does not have the ability to actually develop and implement programs and services, although the Board believes it can encourage, advocate for and make suggestions regarding new programs. 5. To provide encourage and support widespread opportunities for more meaningful and useful participation of senior citizens in community activities and programs; Comment by Board: Again as indicated above. 6. To establish and maintain communication with local, state and federal national groups and government agencies concerning senior citizens; Comment by Board: Changing"federal"to"national"and including groups as well as government agencies better reflects the types of organizations with whom the Board communicates and cooperates. 7. and 8. No changes requested by the Board. ORDINANCE NO, 199, 2004 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING SECTION 2-398 OF THE CITY CODE RELATING TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS , in May, 2004, the Senior Advisory Board ("SAB"), with the assistance of the City Attorney' s Office, began reviewing the SAB bylaws to determine if any updates or changes were needed; and WHEREAS, in the course of its review, the SAB discussed its purposes and functions as described in Section 2-398 of the City Code and concluded that the Code did not accurately describe the SAB ' s role, as the wording used in Section 2-398 implies duties and functions that seem beyond the scope of what an advisory board can accomplish with its limited time and resources ; and WHEREAS , the SAB is proposing changes to Section 2-398 of the City Code, and recommends that the City Council adopt the Code amendments set forth herein; and WHEREAS , it is in the best interests of the City to amend the SAB ' s functions and duties as proposed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that Section 2-398 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 2-398. Functions. The board shall have the following functions : ( 1 ) To serve as a supporting agency for all senior citizen services and activities in Fort Collins ; (2) To assess, publicize and support present senior citizen services and activities in the community; (3 ) To investigate and evaluatc requests for make recommendations regarding new senior citizen services and activities ; (4) To plan, initiate, develop and encourage new senior citizen programs as need is indicated and, when appropriate, to participate in the planning and development of such programs if asked to do so ; (5 ) To provide encourageand support widespread opportunities for more meaningful and useful participation of senior citizens in community activities and programs ; (6) To establish and maintain communication with local, state and federal national groups and government agencies concerning senior citizens ; (7) To advocate policies and practices within the community that respect and consider the needs and interests of senior citizens ; (8) To work to dispel stereotypes about aging through education and awareness activities . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 21 st day of December, A.D. 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the 4th day of January, A.D . 2005 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 4th day of January, A.D . 2005 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk