DAS Commission approves four contracts and grants, hears call to preserve remote access

The Department of Disability and Aging Services Commission voted unanimously Sept. 1 to approve four procurement and grant items on its new-business agenda, while members of the public urged the commission and city to continue remote participation options for hearings and meetings.

The commission authorized a contract with Resource Development Associates to carry out the Dignity Fund Community Needs Assessment. Melissa McGee, a program manager in the Office of Community Partnerships, said the project is slated for a draft by March 1, 2022, a final submission in April and a public hearing in April with completion by June 30, 2022. The packet lists the contract amount as $1,204,000; the packet also references a 10% contingency but the 'not to exceed' figure printed in the packet appears inconsistent and was not clarified in the meeting record.

Commissioners also approved a California Department of Aging SNAP‑Ed contract (SP 2022‑06) for $126,817 to be administered by Self Help for the Elderly, and a one‑time modification to the community services grant with Southwest Community Corporation to continue IT Bookman’s culturally tailored dinner program (additional $125,280, plus a 10% contingency; the packet lists a revised total not to exceed $1,027,022). Both items were presented by department staff and passed on unanimous roll-call votes.

On the larger area-plan contract (AP 21‑22‑06) with the California Department of Aging, Program Director Michael Zogg walked commissioners through a 98‑page packet of allocations under the Older Americans Act. Zogg said staff identified a statewide miscalculation that produced a large apparent decline in congregate nutrition funding (shown in the packet as a $467,224 decrease). He told the commission the California Department of Aging has issued preliminary guidance indicating an amendment is forthcoming that will correct the congregate nutrition figure and bring roughly $1.1 million in additional funds to the department. The commission approved the contract as submitted to allow the department to execute necessary administrative paperwork; Zogg said he will return with informational materials and full amendment details when they are available.

Public comment during the meeting included Jessica Layman of Senior and Disability Action, who praised staff and urged the commission to support continued phone and video options for public participation after the pandemic. Layman said remote access has increased participation by seniors and people with disabilities who face transportation, caregiving or health barriers, and that advocates will send a letter to city officials urging the city to retain hybrid options.

The approvals on Sept. 1 were unanimous on roll-call votes. Commissioners who moved and seconded motions were recorded on the record for each item; the meeting minutes reflect each motion and roll-call outcome. Zogg and other department staff said that amendments or additional state funding will be presented to the commission when final figures are available.

The commission adjourned with a plan to meet again in October.