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HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2008-12-09 - WOMEN'S COMMISSIONCITY OF LYNWOOD LYNWOOD WOMEN'S COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING December 09, 2008 10:00 AM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ~- ~~- ~G V~k~ DEC 0 42008 AGENDA CITY OF LYNWOQD CITY CLERK OFFICE Margaret Araujo, Chairperson~~~~ ~~L Sylvia Herron Gloria Jaimes Olga Real MartinaLR/~d~riqu~ez ~~ ~S' Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Vice Chairperson Call to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call IV. Certification of Agenda Posting V. Minutes Approval for November 11, 2008 Regular Meeting VI. Christmas Gift Baskets VII. Plans for 2009 Events VIII. Information on a performance -Flowers Aren't Enough (DVD) IX. Board Orals X. Public Orals' limited to two minutes per speaker Adjournment: Motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January13, 2009 at 10 AM in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262. City of Lynwood Lynwood Women's Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:00 A.M. City Hall Council Chambers Call to Order: Vice Chairperson Rodriquez called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Real led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Chairperson Margaret Araujo -Present Commissioner Gloria Jaimes -Present Commissioner Sylvia Herron -Present Commissioner Olga Real -Present Commissioner Martina Rodriquez -Present Attendee Laura Alderete, Staff Liaison Serena Coulson-Johnson, Minutes Clerk Certification of Agenda Posting: Agenda was duly posted. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Rodriquez. She called for a motion to approve the October 14 minutes. A motioned was made by Commissioner Jaimes and seconded by Commissioner Real. Vice Chairperson Rodriquez asked for the approval of the minutes Commissioner Real, Commissioner Jaimes and Vice Chairperson Rodriquez approved by saying eye. Commissioner Herron abstained, since she was absent at the October 14 meeting. De-Brief on Women's Power Half Hour Event: Commissioner Real stated that the event went well and that approximately 40 people attended. She stated this was the first "Women's Power Half Hour" event and hopes the next event will be better and that more people will attend. Commissioner Real stated that the speaker was very good and that Commissioner Jaime did a good job in translating. Commissioner Real stated that the speaker should finish the presentation before anyone interrupts with questions. She also stated to let the speaker know ahead of time, how many minutes they have to speak. Commissioner Jaimes stated that the event was excellent. She stated that it was a good audience, lot of information was given, and the food was good. Commissioner Jaimes hopes that at the next event more people will attend and that everyone should be more respectful toward the speaker. Vice Chairperson Rodriquez stated that the Commissioners should lead. She stated the topic was supposed to be about nutrition and it was taken into another direction. She stated that when different illnesses were mentioned, she felt it was off topic. She stated as leaders, the Commissioners should direct the people back to the topic when they get off message. She also stated that the speaker should've been given in advance the time allowed for her to speak. She stated that we scheduled one (1) hour for the event and we went over the time allowed. Commissioner Real stated, that is why we should let the speaker know how long she is expected to speak. Vice Chairperson stated that this was the first time and they will learn from this experience. Commissioner Jaimes stated that they went over time because she had to translate for some of the guest. She stated that it would be better if the Commissioners could borrow the translation machine. Ms. Alderete stated that she is not really sure where this conversation is coming from. She asked that if the guest speaker offended because she did not finish her presentation. Ms. Alderete stated that it was made clear that the guest speaker was scheduled to present her presentation within a 30 minute time frame and 30 minutes were to be for questions and answers. Ms. Alderete stated that the Commissioners and staff did a good job with this event. She stated that since this was our first "Women's Power Half Hour" event, it went wel! and new people came out which was great. Commissioner Rodriquez commended Commissioner Jaimes for her hard work on this event. Commissioner Rodriquez stated that Commissioner Jaimes got the donation for the food and also the guest speaker. Commissioner Herron stated that she could not attend the event "Women's Power Half Hour," because she had a really bad cold. She suggested given cards to the people when they first come in the door and let them know to fill it out after the speaker has finished speaking. She suggested having a designated person to collect the cards and put the same type of questions in a file and another in a different file, this way you will have each type of questions in its on file. Ms. Alderete stated that Chairperson Araujo mentioned to her that is would be a good idea for all of the Commissioners to go before City Council and invite them to the next session to let them know how successful the first "Women's Power Half Hour" event went. She stated that this is just to give the Council an idea of what the Women's Commission is doing. She will talk more about this to see how the Commission would like to handle this. She asked the Commissioners if they would like to present this as a group so she could add this to the agenda or at public orals. Commissioner Herron stated that when the Commission had something presented to the City Council, the Commission would send the liaison to present it to Council. She stated that one of the previous liaisons, Carol De Jesus would present the plans and information to the Council on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Herron stated that it would take too long if all the Commissioners went before the Council. Ms. Alderete stated that if all the Commissioners went before the Council, to have one member speak on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Herron mentioned that previous City Council would have the department heads also present in the 2 Commissioners stead one month to the next. Vice Chairperson asked Ms. Alderete if she could make a small presentation of what took place regarding the event or if they could invite the Council to their next "Women' Power Half Hour? Chairperson Araujo came in at 10:23 a.m. Vice Chairperson Rodriquez turned the meeting over to Chairperson Araujo. Chairperson Araujo explained to the Commissioners why she was late. Ms. Alderete suggested that since three of the Commissioners are new members of the Women's Commission she thought that it would be a good idea for them to go before the City Council. She also mentioned to Chairperson Araujo that she would be more than happy to put together information and a power point of photos and bullet points of the events to be presenting for next year to the City Council. Ms. Alderete stated that she believes the message will be received better if the Commission presented their ideas themselves to City Council verses the liaison. Ms. Alderete mentioned that she reports back to the Assistant City Manager on the programs that the Women's Commission is working on. The Assistant City Manager will then take it to the City Manager and the City Manger will carry it on to Council. Chairperson Arajuo stated to Ms. Alderete, so the Commissioners will make a presentation to City Council, and you will make sure that it's included on the agenda? Ms. Alderete answered yes. Ms. Alderete asked if the presentation would be an agenda item or if the Commissioners will present it at public orals? Chairperson Araujo suggested placing the presentation on the agenda. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion to place the presentation as an agenda item or at Public Orals. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion and stated that Ms. Alderete will get back to the Commission letting them know if the presentation will be during Public Orals or an agenda item. A motion was made by Commissioner Rodriquez and seconded by Commissioner Real. Chairperson Araujo asked that Ms. Alderete to proceed to see how the presentation will be presented. Chairperson Arajuo asked if there was something that she missed. Chairperson Rodriquez stated the de-briefing of the event "Women' Power Half Hour". Chairperson Araujo stated that she thought the Women's Power Half Hour was a good idea and that it was a successful event. She stated that more people attended than expected, and that the presentation was well presented. She stated that Commissioner Jaimes was put on the spot by having to translate the presentation. She stated that it is a little difficult when you don't have the information before hand you have to think about what is being said. She suggested next time to have something prepared so if someone has to translate they will have the information they need ahead of time. She stated that the food was good, she thanked the Commissioners that helped put the event together and that she is looking forward to the next "Women's Power Half Hour" event. Chairperson Araujo also stated that she is looking forward to presenting the presentation before the City Council when they get the approval on how it will be presented. 3 Plans for 2009 Event: Was tabled for December 9, 2008 meeting Ms. Alderete stated that she wanted some clarification on when the Commissioners are to do each "Women's Power Half Hour" event. She asked if the event would be monthly or quarterly. She stated that by knowing this information she can better plan starting January and the staff can do the calendar. She stated that staff is getting ready to prepare the calendar with all the events that are coming up. She stated that she is trying to get an idea from the Commissioners whether they want to do the event monthly or quarterly so she can add these events to the City calendar. Ms. Alderete stated that if the Commissioners plan events quarterly they have a lot of topics to discuss. She stated that in between the Women's Power Half Hour the Commissioners can do other things. She also stated that the Chairperson Araujo mentioned to her about Emergency Preparedness and that Chairperson Araujo could explain to the Commissioners regarding what to do in case of an emergency. Ms. Alderete gave information to the Commissioners regarding the Great Shake Out that will take place on this Thursday at 10:00 am. She stated that a lot of people statewide are going to participate in the earthquake drill, so wherever you, your family or your staff is you can participate in the drill. Ms. Alderete went on and to explained in detail to the Commission. She also stated that the City is trying to create awareness because here in Lynwood we have not experienced a big earthquake. Chairperson Araujo stated that she spoke to Marisa the manager of the Senior Center regarding her project. She stated that it was mentioned in a previous meeting about each of the Commissioners doing a project and her project is the Earthquake Kits for the seniors. She suggested asking seniors to bring items to go into the bag to help make the kits. She stated that when the Commissioners go to the Senior Center, those who would like to participate will have a bag with a name tag on it. She stated that the bags will be put into a storage bin at the Senior Center. Commission Herron asked Chairperson Araujo if this is something that is being done by the Senior Advisory Council. Chairperson Araujo answered no, and stated that this is a Women's Commission project. Ms. Alderete stated that this is just an idea right now. Chairperson Araujo stated that this was talked about last month a comment was made regarding this. Commissioner Herron stated that she was not present at last months meeting. Ms. Alderete stated that she would encourage everyone to come up with ideas for a project. She stated that Chairperson Araujo had an idea that would help the seniors. Chairperson Araujo stated that this is just an idea and stated that she did ask the members about everyone having a project. She stated, because we had a discussion about Commissioner Jaimes having the project or event we just completed "Women's Power Half Hour". Chairperson Arajuo stated and regarding the senior event, we discussed this at the Women's Power Half Hour event. Commissioner Herron stated that if it was discussed at the `Women's Power Half Hour event that is why she did not know about the project for the seniors. Chairperson Araujo stated this is the project that she would like to do and that she would like the support of the Commissioners. She stated that when she talked to other Senior Centers most of them had already done this project. She stated that at the retreat it was mentioned that the Commission wanted to start helping the community. 4 Chairperson Araujo stated that she would like to see what different items would cost just in case some seniors could not afford to purchase any items. She stated that this information will be for the seniors to let them know what to do and where to call in case of an emergency. Chairperson Araujo stated that she hopes to do it before Thanksgiving. She stated, because December is a very busy month for the City and that this is a late notice. Chairperson Araujo also stated that maybe they could get this done on Thursday with the Great Shake Out. She stated that over 4 million people will be participating on that day that is why she thought this would be a good day to do this project for the seniors. Chairperson Araujo stated that they will start at 10:00 a.m., because most of the seniors will be arriving at the Senior Center around that time. Commissioner Jaimes stated, that is a good month to do this project, because we do not know when an earthquake will occur. Commissioner Rodriquez asked what type of items will be purchased to put in the earthquake kits for the senior's. Chairperson Araujo stated that she will give Marisa a list to pass out to the seniors so they will know what type of items to purchase. She stated that they can get little items like crackers, and some of the item she will purchase herself. Chairperson Araujo stated that she will need the Commissioners help and she will try and get sponsors. Commissioner Rodriquez asked how many seniors are we preparing kits for. Chairperson Araujo stated that about 20 to 25. She stated that if the Commissioners know of anyone who will donate items to please let her know. Commissioner Jaimes stated that this is the entire Commissions project, if you asked use to help we are suppose to do it because we are a team. Commission Real asked, what time should we be at the Senior Center to do the project? Chairperson Araujo stated around 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Herron stated that she will be glad to help, but if it starts at 10:00 a.m. they will have to be at the Senior Center around 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. in order to get everything organized. Commissioner Herron asked if Marisa knows that the Commissioners are planning to do this project. She stated that we can not just walk in and say we are going to do this project, because we have to get Marisa approval on this. Ms. Alderete stated that we just wanted to get the Women's Commissions approval on this first. She stated that she will work with Marisa today and let her know what the Commissioners are planning to do. She stated that she is having her staff create a brochure with a list of items that the seniors will need when an earthquake occur. Chairperson Araujo stated that she mentioned this to Marisa already regarding the plans for the project. She stated that Marisa is the one that suggested having different items like crackers, tuna and bottle water etc. Commissioner Real asked if there will be a speaker. Chairperson Araujo stated that they will not have a speaker, there will be a demonstration by Ms. Alderete and she will talk about the Great Shake Out and we will give out information. Ms. Alderete stated that this project will not be like the Women's Power Half Hour event. Chairperson Araujo stated that she will not purchase anything until we are sure the project will take place. Commissioner Herron asked, do you think we have enough time to do this project? She stated that maybe we could put this off until January. She stated that she wish they had more time to work on the project, because two days is a short notice. 5 Chairperson Araujo stated that they talked about doing this project last month at the Women's Power Half Hour event. Chairperson Araujo stated that so many people will be involved with the Great Shake Out. She stated since the City is already involved she thought this would be the best time to do this project. She also stated that if this is successful, next year or after Christmas the Commissioners can discuss whether to do this again. Commissioner Herron asked will the Commissioner get a call to let them know if they will be doing this project are not. Ms. Alderete answered yes. Commissioner Herron stated that she never received fliers to pass out for the previous event. Ms. Alderete stated that the fliers were approved at the October 14 meeting before the event. Chairperson Araujo stated that it was good that they did not pass out fliers, because they had planned for 20 to 25 people and there were about 40 to 45 people in attendance. Commissioner Herron stated that it was suggested to plan for 50 to 75 people at the previous meeting. She stated that it was in the minutes because she checked to make sure. Chairperson Arajuo stated that this was there first Women's Power Half Hour and that more people would like to participate. She stated that for the next event they will be more prepared. Ms. Alderete stated that this is a great program to start with, and she sees this as a first step to start awareness. She stated that the Commissioners mentioned that in January they will get the word out and carry out the next step. Commissioner Herron asked what items would you like for each Commissioner to purchase if we get the approval to do the project. Chairperson Araujo stated to purchase what ever items each person would like to purchase. Commissioner Real suggested making Thanksgiving Baskets. Chairperson Araujo stated that Thanksgiving Baskets is not on the agenda. Chairperson Araujo stated that she is going to try to see if she can get 200 bags and she also will try to get someone to donate back packs and bigger bags. Commissioner Herron stated that small back packs can be purchase for kids at the 99 cent store. Chairperson Araujo stated that if they write a letter to the 99 cent store, maybe they will donate the bags. Chairperson Araujo stated that they need their calendar so they can plan their events. Ms. Alderete showed the Commissioners a calendar and she stated that she had mentioned to them that this is the calendar that staff put together every year. She stated, that is why she asked if you wanted to have the Women's Power Half Hour every month. She stated that this is the calendar that she hopes will keep the Commissioners up to date on what is going on in the City. She also stated that staff will bring the calendar for 2009 for the December meeting.. Commissioner Herron stated that she thought every three months would be good and they could have small projects between the Women's Power Half Hour if they like. Chairperson Araujo stated that she did not get a calendar. Commissioner Herron stated that staff gave the calendars out at the previous meeting. Commissioner Rodriquez stated that they could have their agenda for the year on the calendar. Ms. Alderete stated that she will have the calendar with the most popular topics that was decided on at their retreat. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion to have their Women's Power Half Hour quarterly. Motioned by Commissioner Rodriquez and seconded by Commissioner Jaimes. Chairperson 6 Araujo asked for a motion to have small projects in between the quarterly Women's Power Half Hour events. Motioned by Commissioner Herron and seconded by Commissioner Real. Chairperson Araujo stated to put the item Plans for 2009 on the December agenda. Ms. Alderete stated that we just discussed that item, so in the December's meeting they will just confirm. Board Orals: Commissioner Herron stated that she did not attend the November meeting and the October Women's Power Half Hour event. She stated that the comments she heard were that the event went well and that the guests enjoyed the event. She stated that the guest she spoke with thought that it would be nice if the Women's Commission had more short programs. She stated that the guest also enjoyed the guest speaker. Commissioner Real stated that she has already made her comments regarding the Women's Power Half Hour event. :She stated that they should share ideas and do something for Thanksgiving. Commissioner Jaimes had no comments and Commissioner Rodriquez had no comment. Chairperson Araujo stated that there was a discussion regarding gift baskets for Thanksgiving. She stated that they have items for Thanksgiving, because she purchased a lot of items herself. Chairperson Araujo asked who are we going to do gift baskets for, the seniors or four (4) schools, and next year four (4) more schools or just the middle schools. Chairperson Araujo stated that she heard from the Senior Advisory Board that the seniors are not getting as many turkeys as they thought they would this year. She stated that the Commissioners need to decide on what group they would like to make gift baskets for. She stated that the seniors are going to Paramount on December 20 for Thanksgiving dinner that Paramount is having. Commissioner Herron stated that this item it not on the agenda and it should not be discussed in this meeting. She stated that the agenda said Plans for 2009 not 2008. Ms. Alderete stated that we are just getting ideas, we are not making decisions. Chairperson Araujo stated that she said that everyone can say what they have to say in board orals. She stated that they will come back to that item. Commissioner Jaimes stated that if the Commissioners make Thanksgiving baskets, she suggested to give baskets to people that attended the workshops. She stated that she can go to Food 4 Less and Superior Supper Warehouse and request donations. She stated that the donations of turkeys be from the Commission. Chairperson Araujo stated that the Commission will need a letter when requesting donations. She stated that there will not be another meeting until December. She asked the Commissioners if they would like to do gift baskets individually are together as a group. She stated that it is up to the Commissioners because it is not on the agenda. Chairperson Araujo suggested putting this item on the December agenda and going back and ratify it. She stated that this item was discussed at this meeting, and can be voted on in the December meeting. Commissioner Herron stated that this has to be done within a time frame, because there is a time limit on ratification. Commissioner Jaimes asked if this item could be voted on in this meeting, and add an addendum. Commission Herron stated she thinks that we can add an addendum only if it is an emergency. 7 Ms. Alderete suggested carrying this item forward to the next meeting for Christmas, because it is also a holiday. She stated this way turkey and all the trimmings can be donated, and also you need to plan how you are going to distribute the baskets. Ms. Alderete suggested maybe adopting a family or families for Christmas and present the baskets to them. She stated that the Senior Advisory Board may do something for the seniors. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion to place the item for gift baskets for Christmas on the December agenda for discussion. Motioned by Commissioned by Real and seconded by Commissioner Jaimes. All Commissioners agreed. Chairperson stated there will be no gift baskets for Thanksgiving. Public Orals: Ms. Caldron stated that this was a very nice meeting and a lot was accomplished. Ms. Caldron announced that the Search program will be doing their final class on Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 pm. She stated that they are looking for someone to participate, so the students can exercise what they have learned in the class. She stated that they have different scenarios to be addressed, and that the Search program covers mostly working outside in the community. She stated such as: (1) How do you take care of your neighborhood? (2). How do you come to the community and help? She invited the Women's Commission to come out and participate. She stated that it is a 12 week class and she and Mr. Caldron has taken the class twice. Mr. Caldron asked what provisions are being made for the seniors who come into the Senior Center with a walker and their legs are disabled. He stated that those seniors can not drop and cover. Chairperson Araujo explained to the Commissioners that when the School District put together baskets they notified each department of the School District regarding donating baskets. She stated that each school they contacted was asked if they had needy families and they would give to those families. Chairperson Araujo also stated that if the Commissioners asked different department in the City to put a basket together and donate the baskets to a needy family would be great. She also suggested having people come in and judge the baskets. Commissioner Herron stated that she thought the PTA took care of things like that. Chairperson Araujo stated that Lynwood does not have a PTA in the School District anymore. It was stated that the School District does still have the PTA. Commissioner Herron asked if Well Fair is under the PTA. Chairperson Araujo stated that it is not called Well Fair anymore it is called Community Aid. Ms. Alderete announced that the Commissioners & Block Watch Christmas dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 since the UUT passed. Commissioner made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion by Commissioner Herron and seconded by Commissioner Real and approved. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m. 8