(The following letter was presented to the City Council)
Now that the city staff has moved into the new City Hall facilities, it seems timely to provide an accurate update on the progress of the city’s Senior Center, as a part of the new City Hall space.
The 10-member Senior Center Blue Ribbon Committee (appointed by the City Council) has been meeting regularly for several months planning for the new center. The initial 1,200 square feet area will provide many services and activities for Malibu’s senior citizens under the direction of the city’s Park and Recreation Department.
The City Council has offered to provide, by means of a retractable wall, an additional 1,200 square feet and this offer is being discussed with county and federal authorities, which disburse the Community Development Block Grant funds to be received by the city specifically for the new center.
Active seniors have been asked for their opinions on programming and activities. These opinions are being used to outline programs and determine equipment and furnishing required for the new center. The center is being funded by a federal grant, the city’s General Fund and some activity fees. It is not unusual for delays to occur due to regulatory requirements, and hopefully any technicalities will be resolved soon, so that the center can be completed.
There are several thousand seniors, age 50 and over, in Malibu, from east to west, and all of them will be able to participate as often as they choose in the varied programs at no cost (except for special outings, etc.). There will be no dues or membership fees.
The Blue Ribbon Committee meets at least monthly, and its meetings are posted and open to the public. Questions about the status of the center should be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department of the City.
Leslie Moss, Senior Center Blue Ribbon Committee Chair