June 8, 2026 — Commission on Aging meeting

Agenda File

Minutes

Commission on Aging - General Meeting Minutes

Monday, June 8, 2026 – 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Draft – For review at July meeting

Minutes Summary

RECORDER: Mandy Reyes, Staff, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

LOCATION: Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority - 1600 Los Gamos Rd., Ste. 335, San Rafael

PRESENT: Alexovich, Brown, Clemmons, Denton Cohen, Doodha, Elkin, Gould, Holtz, López, Ng, Notowich, Phegan, Rubens, Sadowsky, Smith, Winer

EXCUSED: Bortel      ABSENT: Barry, Binkley

Call to Order and Roll Call:        

Chair Denton Cohen called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

Motion/Seconded/Carried (M/S/C) – Doodha/Elkins/16-0

Approval of May 11, 2026 Minutes, as Amended 

On page 3, the Board of Supervisor (BOS) presentation was moved to June 23.

M/S/C – Ng/Phegan/16-0

Open Time for Public Expression on Matters not on the Agenda

• Jordan Thomas – shared a concept he has discussed with Camille Jolly and Kristi Denton Cohen for a documentary-style web series. The proposed series would highlight the goals and initiatives of the Marin County Commission on Aging (MCCOA), including the Master Plan for Aging, through the experiences and stories of Marin County residents.
• Bob Holtz – The new commissioner representing Fairfax introduced himself and shared background information about his experience and interests.

Commission Operations

• Brown Act Teleconferencing Rules effective July 1, 2026 (Jolly) – A summary of upcoming changes to the Brown Act teleconferencing rules was presented.
• Office of the County Executive (OCE) Boards and Commissions Governance Initiative (Cottrell) – The County Clerk is implementing several structural and administrative improvements that are expected to benefit commissions and staff.
• New bylaws and a bylaws template are being developed.
• New agenda and meeting minutes templates are being introduced.
• The Board of Supervisors has paused appointments to all supervisor-appointed boards and commissions through mid-September. As a result, Commissioners López and Rubens have been asked to continue serving during the transition period.
• Commissioner orientation and onboarding processes will be standardized.
• Staff will attend two informational meetings over the summer to learn more about the changes, and training will be provided for commissioners at a later date.

Discussion, Voting

• Voting: New teleconferencing rules effective July 1, 2026 - Since the Board of Supervisors adopted the new rules, the Commission does not need to vote on them.
• Voting: A motion was made to hold a commission meeting as scheduled on July 13, 2026. M/S/C – López/Elkin/12 yes; 2 no; 3 abstain
• Discussion: 2026 Retreat Dates and Topics – Commissioner Elkin reported that the retreat will begin with an icebreaker and focus on two to three topics. The topics and dates of the retreat are still being determined.
• Voting: Equity and Inclusion Strategy – A motion was made and approved to incorporate the Equity and Inclusion Strategy into the work of the commission's committees. M/S/C – Doodha/Notowich/16 yes; 0 no; 0 abstain
• Voting: Communication and Collaboration Framework - This was not discussed or voted on.

Commissioner General Announcements

• Commissioner Clemmons – discussed her needs for help from the commission for the Senior Fair. Requested the commission dress for the theme, “Not Our First Rodeo.” 
• Commissioner Sadowsky – LITA will present at the next San Geronimo Valley Elders Advisory Council meeting on Wednesday, June 18 at 2pm. Fire Chief Weber has been invited to attend a special meeting to discuss the need for health services in the San Geronimo Valley.
• Commissioner Notowich – District 2 held a listening session. Appreciation was extended to the commissioners who attended and the staff members who helped facilitate the event. The meeting minutes have been shared with attendees, and the goal is to continue having 2-4 listening sessions per year.
• Commissioner Gould – The Housing and Transportation Committee will have its next meeting on June 18 at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will include a CPUC Equity Program focus group to gather input on energy efficiency programs for underserved communities. Commissioners were encouraged to attend and asked to RSVP to Sylvia Barry.
• Commissioner Doodha – Ross Age Friendly is hosting an event at St. John’s Church at 9a.m. on June 9, and community participation is encouraged.
• Commissioner Brown – Brown met with Supervisor Rodoni and discussed the Resolution on Aging and Ageism. They reported Supervisor Rodoni suggested the Commission discuss the matter directly with the Board of Supervisors to determine next steps for the resolution.

Committee/Reports & Chairs

Equity and Inclusion: Commissioner Ng

• No report.

Health/Nutrition: Commissioner Brown

• The May meeting featured a presentation by Long-Term Care Ombudsman Dan Steckline on assisted living and memory care facilities. The committee also discussed continuing its work on addressing social isolation among older adults and identifying next steps.
• At the committee’s June 15 meeting, Marin County Parks and Recreation staff will preview the early design of an inclusive playground and outdoor classroom at McInnis Park and seek older adult input. 
• The issue of social isolation will continue to be a focus for the committee in the new Commission year.

Housing/Transportation: Commissioner Smith

• No report.

Planning, Legislation, and Communications (PLC): Commissioner Rubens/López

• The committee will continue monitoring legislation affecting older adults, with attention to ageism-related issues.

Chair and Officers’ Reports

Chair – Kristi Denton Cohen

• There will be a June luncheon for Pride at Vivalon on June 25. 
• The AAA Council of California discussed H.R. 1 and its potential impact on Area Agencies on Aging at its May meeting. 
• The Board of Supervisors presentation is scheduled for June 23. 

Vice Chair - Kay Winer

• No report.

Secretary – Rhea Brown

• No report.

Aging and Adult Services (AAS) Report and Announcements

Jenay Cottrell, Director

• The AAA recognized outgoing officers for their service and met with incoming officers to discuss collaboration between staff and commissioners.
• Staff provided an update on potential impacts of H.R. 1, including anticipated reductions in CalFresh and Adult Protective Services funding and increased demand for services. 
• An update was provided on the new Marin City Annex, which will expand access to information, assistance, and public benefits services in southern Marin.
• A report was given on ethics training compliance, and it was noted who has completed the training so far. 
• The Master Plan for Aging was on the Board of Supervisors’ calendar but has been postponed.
• The AAA is participating in the upcoming USAging conference, where staff will present on the Area Plan and on Home Match services.

Camille Jolly, Program Manager

• Staff recognized June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and reported that Older Americans Act funding for elder abuse prevention was used to support the Scam Jam program.
• An update was provided on the Resource Guide, with over 4,000 of 15,000 copies already distributed through community partners and outreach efforts. 
• Commissioners were encouraged to participate in AAA activities, including Request for Proposal (RFP), review panels, hiring processes, and program monitoring.
• Staff reported on upcoming contract renewals, an RFP for nutrition services, ongoing efforts to secure a Friday congregate meal site, and staffing during summer vacations and conference attendance.

Commissioner Reports (Commissioners appointed by the Cities and Towns)

• Questions/comments on reports submitted prior to the meeting – none.
• Commissioner Ng (San Anselmo) - The Town Council adopted a resolution declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and will fly the Pride flag at Town Hall throughout June. Live on the Avenue, held Fridays and Saturdays, will return from June 20 through September 12.

New Business Items for the Next Agenda: 

• None

Adjournment: 3:50 p.m.               

M/S/C – Elkin/Phegan16-0.

Next meeting date: Monday, July 13, 2026

Minutes File

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