DATE: August 19, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Parks and Recreation Department
TITLE: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO RE-ESTABLISH THE SENIOR COMMISSION AND APPROVE ITS BYLAWS AND MEMBER APPLICATION.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to re-establish the Senior Commission and approve its bylaws and member application.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City Council originally formed the Senior Commission on April 10, 1974 and appointed five (5) commissioners. On January 23, 1985 the City Council increased the Commission to seven (7) commissioners. On October 17, 1990, City Council reorganized the Senior Commission as a committee of the Human Relations Commission, and ultimately dissolved the Commission on March 27, 1991 in an effort to streamline the City’s advisory group structure.
The City Council re-established the Senior Commission on August 15, 1997 with nine (9) regular and two (2) alternate members. Its mission was to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council, providing recommendations on senior citizen related issues in the community. The functions of the Commission were to encourage and promote senior citizen involvement and participation in City activities; provide an avenue for senior citizens to express their concerns to City officials; provide input regarding senior citizen-related problems in the community; and make recommendations to the City Council on issues pertaining to seniors in the community. The Commission appointed ad hoc committees to address areas of need, including elder abuse, housing, senior spotlight, resource guide, the Senior Expo, transportation, alternative funding, and outreach and promotions. The City Council dissolved the Senior Commission on May 18, 2011 and transferred its functions to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
On April 7, 2024, the City of Oceanside joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network. In conjunction with the City’s partnership with AARP, the San Diego Foundation provided funding for the San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity to develop a 5-year action plan what will help improve livability in Oceanside. On March 25, 2026, City Council approved the 5-year action plan and directed staff to re-establish the Senior Commission to help support the City’s work on the 5-year action plan.
Action is now requested is to approve the resolution re-establishing the Senior Commission. The Commission’s purpose would be to gather information and make recommendations to the City Council on the following matters regarding services for older adults: policies and plans for the development and operation of programs and services for the benefit of older adults within the City, including the Oceanside AARP Age Friendly Action Plan; policies and plans for developing programs and services in cooperation with other public and private agencies that would benefit older adults within the City; and any other matters that may be referred to the Commission by the City Council. The Senior Commission will allow older adults in Oceanside to feel empowered to engage and participate with local government, as well as provide City officials with the opportunity to hear and address concerns that impact the livability of older adults in Oceanside. The functions, duties, and governance structure of the Commission are identified in the attached bylaws. The application for membership is also attached. The membership application and by-laws were developed by staff after consulting with other cities with existing Senior Commissions or Commissions on Aging, and they are consistent with the application and by-laws of other City of Oceanside Commissions. The primary difference from previous Oceanside Senior Commission bylaws is that these incorporate the new Age-Friendly Community Action plan. Staff also updated the membership requirements to reflect inclusionary best practices.
Staff is recommending that the Commission have nine (9) regular voting members and two (2) alternate members. All Commission members would be residents of the City of Oceanside, and have experience, knowledge, or a demonstrated interest in issues pertaining to older adults. Commission appointments are nominated by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the majority of the Council.
The action steps identified in the Age-Friendly Community Action plan are categorized into immediate steps that could be initiated within the next year, mid-range steps that will be initiated within 1 to 3 years, and long-term steps that will be initiated within 4 to 5 years. The specific goals are part of the Council approved 5-year action plan and have actions steps that are intended to be initiated within the next year. Support of these goals and action steps will be incorporated into the Senior Commission work plan. One of the functions of the Commission will be to make recommendations to ensure that the 5-year action plan is a living document and is adjusted as necessary to meet the evolving needs and priorities of older adults in Oceanside.
National Senior Citizens Day is celebrated on August 21 and the establishment of a Senior Commission represents a fitting tribute to the importance of having a formal process for seniors to provide input on the City’s work. The Senior Commission will be supported by the Parks and Recreation Department, including administrative and senior services staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal support for the Senior Commission will be covered through the existing Parks and Recreation Department budget allocation.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Not Applicable.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Manuel Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by: Rob O’Brien, Deputy City Manager
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Senior Commission Resolution
2. Senior Commission Bylaws
3. Senior Commission Application
4. AARP Age Friendly 5-Year Action Plan