TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents between the City of Long Beach and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging to accept funding in the amount of $100,000, effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 for the development of a Regional Senior Services Collaboration; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $100,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
It is imperative that cities plan and prepare to meet the challenge that the aging population presents. According to the 2000 Census, there are 54,239 persons aged 60 years old and over living in Long Beach (nearly 12 percent of the total population). The fastest growing segment of the population is persons 85 years and over, and people continue to live longer.
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services was awarded a one-year $100,000 grant from the Administration on Aging to address this concern. The project will involve the five cities in the 37th Congressional District. The project encompasses three months of planning and recruiting stakeholders from each of the communities and nine months to implement a Regional Senior Services Collaboration (RSSC).
The goal of the RSSC is to develop and engage senior services and stakeholder organizations from local aging networks, public, private, community and faith-based sectors in the region. They will plan, assess, advocate, and develop strategies and identify resources for meeting the needs of the growing senior population in the 37th District.
The previously completed Long Beach Strategic Plan for Older Adults will serve as a basic roadmap, providing action steps, activities and examples of efficient implementation for the RSSC. Utilizing the Strategic Plan will save time and resources by avoiding duplication of previous efforts.
The project’s objectives include establishing a Planning Task Force of 12 -15 volunteer members from the region to assess, collect data, educate the community and evaluate the effectiveness of the RSSC. The expected outcomes will be to build, connect and strengthen inter-agency and inter-jurisdictional relationships for addressing needs and gaps in senior services. The RSSC will provide awareness and educational opportunities through guest speakers, informational pieces, and a regional senior resources directory.
The RSSC will enhance the agencies’ abilities to serve seniors, families, and caregivers. It will also enable them to access current information and data regarding senior issues, services and resources. This project will assist with the regional coordination and evaluation of existing programs, and will work toward inclusion of senior interests in local and regional planning.
This matter has been reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on July 15, 2010 and by Budget Officer Victoria Bell on July 16, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 10, 2010 to begin the project, as the budget period began July 1, 2010.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the grant is $100,000. An appropriations increase of this same amount is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE), and is included in the recommendation. There is a City match of $36,877 associated with this grant, which will be funded through the existing Health Fund (SR 130) expenses. There is no impact to the General Fund. There will be 2.0 FTE contractual positions created with these funds.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS, DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER