HomeMy WebLinkAboutJoslyn Cove Communties Senior Center CITY OF PALM DESERT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
FROM: Paul Shillcock and Paul Gibson
DATE: May 11, 1989
SUBJECT: Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center
Staff has investigated the current situation of the referenced project and reviewed
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available data to ascertain the magnitude of the problem created by the alleged
mismanagement of the facility.
The following is a summary of' the findings and proposed recommendations for
consideration by the Cove Communities Public Safety Commission.
1. Audit findings - Attached is a copy of the audit findings as presented by Dennis
Godecke, CPA under contract to Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center. The
audit covers only the period from January 1988 to December 1988 and no audit is
available for prior years.
The financial report provided at the Joslyn Cove Senior Center annual meeting
indicated a bank balance (as of 4/27/89) of $136,649.98. All bills are current and
a carry-over is expected.
2. Changes made by the Board of Directors - Steps were taken immediately by the
Board of Directors of the Senior Center to change the financial procedures and
create a system of checks and balances. The Director no longer is a legal
signatory for Senior Center checks. Checks issued to pay bills now require the
signature of two Board members.
The Board also established a finance committee to examine expenditures on a
regular basis. Their first action was to eliminate multiple accounts and place all
center funds in one account. Further, the Board has requested that the auditor
make recommendations for additional controls on their procedures to protect
against any problems in the future.
A claim has been submitted to the Center's insurance carrier in the
amount of $150,000 to recover the funds lost.
3. Services provided - On May 3rd, staff made an on-site visit to determine the
quality and level of service being provided by the Senior Center. The major
programs operated by the center are socially oriented programs (bridge, lawn
bowling, painting, dancing, etc.), educational programs (spanish, organ lessons,
dance class, etc.), advisory (legal assistance, investment advice, senior support,
etc.) and health related (blood pressure testing,medicare supplemental assistance,
blood analysis, etc.). Activities are conducted all day Monday through Friday
and some special programs are offered on weekends. Participation is good and
new programs are normally well received.
JOSLYN COVE COMMUNITIES SENIOR CENTER
It was felt that the schedule of activities could be expanded and it was indicated
that the physical constraint of the existing center has prevented such action. It
is expected that when the new building is opened in July, that the choice of
activities and the services provided will be expanded.
4. Qualifications of Director - Margaret Leon has assumed the position of Director
of the Senior Center effective April 24, 1989. She comes to that position with
experience in program administration as shown in the attached abbreviated
resume. She was chosen from among ninety applicants for the position.
5. JPA - Staff reviewed the JPA as part of the overall review to determine the
extent of the role the city is allowed to assume in the administration of the
Senior Center program. In summary, the JPA provides only for an assessment of
each community for financial support for the facility and in no way indicates
any administrative responsibility or capacity held by the members of the JPA.
6. Recommendations for further action - After completion of the summarized review
of the Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center, it is the recommendation of staff
that the following actions be requested by the JPA.
a. Prior year's audits - The audit provided only examines the
period from January 1988 to December 1988. It is recommended
that an audit be completed of prior year's activity to ascertain
the total magnitude of the problem. Initially it is recommended
that calendar year 1987 be audited and further audits be
requested if similar discrepancies are discovered in 1987.
b. Internal Changes - It is the recommendation of staff that the
following additional internal changes be instituted by Joslyn
Cove Communities Senior Center.
1. Monthly Board of Director meetings should be open to the public.
2. A limit be established for funds on deposit in the center's account at
any given time. This limit should reflect only one or two months
operating funds.
3. Documentation in some form be provided that
t those signing the agency
checks have reviewed the backup information provided.
c. Financial participation by Riverside County - It is recommended
that JPA with representatives or staff initiate discussions P the
Countyof Riverside regarding g ng possible participation in the
funding of the operations of the senior center.
At the earliest possible date, the City of Palm Desert should appoint a
representative to sit on the board of directors as provided in the amended
by-laws of Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center.
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JOSLYN COVE COMMUNITIES SENIOR CENTER
It is further recommended by staff that the center's operation be reviewed
again in six months to ascertain any program changes and review the
possibility of corporate or other sponsorship of some center activities
thereby reducing the necessary City financial support. At that time,
staffing levels should also be examined.
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AUL W. SHILLCOCK PAUL GIBSON
Asst. City Manager/Econ. Developme tt Director Finance Director/Treasurer
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED 1 - DENIED
RECEIVED OTIIER -_
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VERIFIED5 :_
Original on File wi -n CiLy CIe.n' s Crfice
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