Supervisor Iseri informed the Commission that the City received a donation of $11,500 to benefit the Senior Center. Discussion was held on ways to show appreciation to benevolent donors, such as, a plaque on a rock, or a leaf on the Memorial Tree. In a separate but related discussion, Commissioner Brown suggested that staff send a Thank You card on behalf of the Commission to the Board of Trustees and their staff at Mount San Antonio College (Mt. Sac) for their donation of computers to the Senior Center.

Motion by Glenn, and seconded by Taylor for staff to research the guidelines to see if plaque rocks could be placed at the Senior Center like they are at the City Hall. Motion carried 5-0.

A discussion was held on the details of Senior Center Chef Bruce Glaspy’s retirement party.

Motion by Brown, and seconded by Perryman to request additional funding for Bruce Glaspy’s retirement party, and to seek City Manager/City Council approval to serve 225 meals at the event. Motion carried 5-0.

Director McNeill stated that staff including Supervisor Iseri will be at budget preparation meetings during most of the month of February, and that Coordinator Landesman would be the acting Supervisor in his place.

Senior Administrative Assistant Headley stated that recipient Huber was delighted to be chosen for the Volunteer of the Year award. Director McNeill presented the Commission a Certificate to sign for Mr. Huber’s award, and stated that the Certificate will be presented to Mr. Huber at the 85^th West Covina Birthday Celebration at 6:00 p.m. at South Hills Country Club on February 21^st.

Management Analyst McDonald spoke of the Action Plan recommendations. Discussion on various aspects of the Action Plan took place, the four percent increase, the Special Commission on Art, graffiti, and monies left over from Shadow Oak.

Commissioner Taylor requested we ask Housing Program Coordinator Barbara Banks from the Community Development Commission of the City of West Covina to come and give a presentation to seniors on the different housing programs the City offers.

Director McNeill stated that staff would like the Commission to consider the suggestion to add selections of Art to the Senior Center, and advise their reaction and opinions. She offered three ways to accomplish this endeavor; 1) by creating a sub-committee, 2) by asking members of the Senior Center, the Association, or the Advisory Board, and 3) by bringing a selection to the Commission to choose.

Director McNeill stated that considering the tight budget, the Commission might consider selections printed on canvas with the Community Services Department’s new poster-printer, or using local vendors that can advertise for purchase, thereby, having no cost accrued to the Senior Center budget.

The Commission discussed the topic and recommended that staff work with the Senior Association and the Art Association for input.

Supervisor Iseri stated that all the computers were now replaced in the Senior Center Computer Room, and he assured Commissioner Brown who was concerned about the ergonomics, that the desks would be modified to fit the computers securely.

Director McNeill reported on the status of volunteerism in the City of West Covina, which previously had been requested by Commissioner Brown. Director McNeill announced the result of her research was that the City of West Covina has a healthy number of 63 volunteers. She also noted that overall volunteerism is down across the nation, but for the municipalities that have experienced an increase, they report that volunteerism is a core element to their goals.

Commissioner Brown indicated that the research was inadequate based on his expectation. Staff communicated that the efforts were made to achieve the outcome that was originally requested. Commissioner Taylor asked to go on record stating her gratitude for the hard work staff has accomplished on this research.

Director McNeill informed the Commission that Gary Lawson, President and CEO of the West Covina Chamber of Commerce was persuaded to delay his retirement and stay on with the Chamber of Commerce after all

Chair Glenn wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked staff for their diligent work on the extra handicap parking stalls at the Senior Center.

Commissioner Brown reminded everyone to come to the polls.

Commissioner Hughes reported that the MDA holiday event was very successful.