Seniors advisory committee green-lit by city council

During last month’s council meeting, several spoke during a public comments period in support of the idea in which they asked the council to schedule the issue on a future agenda. The council did just that, and seniors got their chance to further make their case at last week’s meeting. Resident Marlene Bell said nearly 100 signatures were collected in support of the commission, adding that “seniors want to be a part of a democratic process…it’s very process would be to advise our elected officials.” City officials think the commission would be a good idea, too. “I definitely support this,” Mayor Pro Tempore Wade Cowan said, noting he would like to see the commission on aging come together in a similar fashion as the Winters planning commission. Officials said the commission would likely comprise of either five or seven members appointed by city officials after an interview process. City staff would likely have to train commission members on certain bureaucratic matters, including filing necessary disclosure paperwork and guidance on the Brown Act, a state regulation that requires most matters of government business be conducted in open, public spaces. “It’s great to see members of our community get excited and asking recommendations to the council,” Mayor Bill Biasi said in support of the move. Officials will now move forward with figuring out how to reduce some paperwork requirements and consideration on how to pick future members of the commission.]]>