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Approve the appointments of Cathleen Khan, Donna Harris, Linda Chandler, Cheryl Johnson, and Richard White as regular members to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for two-year terms of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026; and Approve the appointment of Sandra Stevens as an alternate to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the appointments of Cathleen Khan, Donna Harris, Linda Chandler, Cheryl Johnson, and Richard White as regular members to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for two-year terms of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026; and approve the appointment of Sandra Stevens as an alternate to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council representing Solano County for a term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 .
SUMMARY:
The Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging (N/S AAA) Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) was established as an advisory council to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging (N/S AAA). The twenty-member, 16 regular and 4 alternates, ACOA is required by the California Department of Aging and the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement between Napa and Solano Counties. The ACOA is an advisory body charged with advising the N/S AAA on matters pertaining to senior issues. The duties of the ACOA include reviewing service providers, advocating on behalf of seniors and recommending program enhancements to the N/S AAA.
The recommended six candidates, who include two new appointments and 4 reappointments, are well-suited for the Advisory Council role as noted by their backgrounds and are expected to make a positive contribution to N/S AAA ACOA.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing this agenda item are nominal and included in the N/S AAA FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
The N/S AAA ACOA consists of 16 regular members and up to four alternate members, with eight regular members and up to two alternates appointed by Napa County Board of Supervisors and eight regular members and up to two alternates appointed by Solano County Board of Supervisors.
The ACOA membership committee interviewed 10 candidates for the ACOA and recommended Ms. Khan and Ms. Stevens as Solano County appointments. The ACOA voted unanimously to recommend their appointments to the ACOA by the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
Cathleen Khan is a resident of Fairfield and retired from Solano County as an Eligibility and Benefits Specialist. Ms. Khan is currently a realtor and volunteers in the community. Ms. Khan was one of two alternates serving on ACOA and is recommended to serve a two-year term as a regular member from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026. ACOA approved this appointment recommendation at their April 2, 2024 meeting.
Sandra Stevens is a resident of Vallejo, served on the Solano County Grand Jury, mentored youth, and is the parent of an adult child with disabilities. Ms. Stevens will serve as one of two alternates (filling the alternate vacancy created by Ms. Khan’s appointment to a regular member) for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. ACOA approved this appointment recommendation at their June 4, 2024 meeting.
The full ACOA also unanimously voted on August 6, 2024 to recommend the reappointments of Ms. Chandler, Ms. Harris, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. White for second two-year terms to expire on June 30, 2026.
Both the N/S AAA Advisory Council and the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging staff recommend these individuals to be appointed. Per the ACOA bylaws, each term begins July 1 and ends on June 30, and ACOA members may serve for two (2) years from their appointment and may be reappointed for two (2) additional two (2) year terms.
The ACOA serves in a planning and advocacy capacity for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, and for other organizations designated by the Board of Supervisors, taking positions on matters about federal, State, and local policies, programs, procedures, and legislation affecting older persons. The ACOA seeks input from senior advocacy organizations, elected officials, local aging commissions, and the general public to advocate for and make formal presentations on issues of concern to seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. ACOA members work with N/S AAA staff to develop, implement, and monitor the Four-Year Area Plan and annual updates, hold public hearings, and produce the annual report by the Older Californians Act. The ACOA consists of a diverse group of adults representing different service backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and locations throughout the county. The duties of the ACOA include reviewing service providers, advocating on behalf of seniors, and recommending program enhancements.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to not appoint any one or all of the people listed and direct staff to conduct a new recruitment. This is not recommended as making additional changes at this time would create discontinuity in a group that is currently functioning at a high level.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Advisory Council on Aging provides oversight to the Napa/Solano Area Agency on Aging. The Advisory Council on Aging recommends filling these positions by the appointment of these qualified individuals.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION