The Calabasas City Council voted unanimously to approved a $4 million budget for the design and construction of a senior center, which is to be built behind the Civic Center, located at 100 Civic Center Way.
Jeff Rubin, community services director, presented the findings of the Senior Task Force, which was established last November, as well as the results of two workshops held in June.
"Everyone was happy we did this," Rubin said of the community workshops.
Of the 141 members of the public that participated, the majority voted in favor of the following components:
- should be vibrant, diverse and stimulating
- should be a membership fee
- should be for "active seniors"
- should include classes and exercises for active seniors
- should be a large 2-story building
- offer volunteer opportunities to give back to the community
- small cafe on site
- large lounge or living room for socializing
- large, well-equipped arts & crafts room
City Manager Tony Coroalles estimated that extra costs could amount to an additional $1 million.
During her deliberation, Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer wanted to make sure that any approved design team would have had prior experience in developing senior centers, a point that was amended into the final approval.
There was also discussion about whether or not the building design could handle a projected senior population growth and whether or not the center could accommodate seniors at all stages of life; however, in an effort to move the process forward, the council agreed these were issues that can be discussed at a future date.
A projected design start date is January of 2014, Tamuri said.
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