October 15, 2026 — Planning, Legislative, and Communications Committee meeting

Agenda

Respectful Dialogue: 

The Commission on Aging encourages a respectful dialogue that supports freedom of speech and values diversity of opinion. The Commission, staff, and members of the public are expected to be civil and courteous, and to refrain from questioning the character or motives of others participating in the meeting. The County requests that speakers not use threatening, profane, or abusive language which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the Commission meeting. Members of the public may comment on any item on the agenda during Commission consideration of the item. The Commission Chair will invite public comment following discussion and voting items and prior to final Commission deliberations. Each speaker will be allotted time for comment as set by the Commission Chair (generally 2 minutes). 

Meeting Agenda: 

1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of September 2026 Minutes
4. Open Time for Public Expression on Matters not on the Agenda
   (2 minutes per person)
5. Discussion, Voting
   • Community Resource Guide (30 minutes)
     • AI Presentation (Hawkeye)
     • Voting: AI Recommendation to County
     • Distribution Update: Assistance to County
   • Legislative (25 mins)
     • Education
     • County Legislative Platform Process
     • CSL
   • FY 2024-2028 Area Plan Needs Assessment Process (Dowling) (15 mins)
   • Meeting Schedule (10 mins)
   • MCCOA Retreat (10 mins)
6. Reports
   1. Chair’s Report, Peter Rubens (5 mins)
   2. Vice-Chair Report, Lee Notowich (5 mins)
   3. Staff Report (5 mins)
7. Commissioner General Announcements
   (1 minute per Commissioner)
8. Business Items for the Next Agenda
9. Adjournment

Agenda File

Minutes

Planning, Legislative and Communications Committee Meeting Minutes

October 15, 2026, 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm 

Minutes Summary

RECORDER: Amy Dietz, Staff, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

LOCATION: 10 N. San Pedro Rd., Room 1018, San Rafael 

PRESENT: Committee members: Diane Doodha (online, Just Cause), Lauren Elkin, Lee Notowich, and Peter Rubens

Other: Diana Lopez, Fred Silverman, Camille Jolly, Karen Hawkey, Suzanne Sadowsky Teri Dowling

EXCUSED:             ABSENT:

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 12:22 pm.

Approval of Agenda:

Motion Doodah, Seconded Elkin, approved 4-0.

Approval Sept. 2026 Minutes:

Motion Doodah, Seconded Elkin, approved 4-0. 

Open Time for Public Expression:

• Sadowsky: There is a Health Fair today in San Geronimo. 
• Dowling: Just returned from visiting the Buck Institute and a presentation from Dr. Ashley Webb.
• Elkin: All commissioners will be receiving Retreat Packet today.

Discussion/ Voting

• Legislative
  • CSL
    • Swearing in of Fred Silverman and Diana Lopez will be Oct. 22. in Sacramento, followed by a two day conference.
    • The CSL will be working on ten proposals to the Ca. Legislature.
    • The Bylaws in which the two members of the CSL are voting members of the PLC have not yet been voted on by the BOS. 
    • Diana Lopez asked what the expectation is of CSL members at the PLC and the MCCOA. She asked that they meet with Chair Elkin in the coming week. 
    • Vice-Chair Notowich asked that the CSL members provide expertise on what advocacy efforts the MCCOA work on and how, including letters.
    • Put HR-1 impacts on the agenda for next month. 
  • County Legislative Platform Process and Legislation
    • County Executive’s Office puts out a platform annually.
    • Draft should come out soon. Commissions are asked to provide their input. 
    • Members to send interest to Notowich to provide edits when it comes out, will then bring to the PLC for approval. 
  • Lifecycle of a Bill document reviewed
• Meeting time/ date
  • Thurs. following the MCCOA meeting from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.
  • Motion Doodah, Seconded Notowich, approved 4-0.
  • Chair Rubens will send calendar dates to Secretary.
• Community Resource Guide
  • Community member Karen Hawkeye shared AI Robot Tool, Grace that was a telephonic representation of the MCRG.
    • She was asked to take the phone number down.
  • Diane Doodah made a motion that: The PLC was energized by a presentation of a telephonic AI voice agent focused on the Marin County Resource Guide. We recommend the AAA examine the implementation and utilization of this technology. 
    • Notowich Seconded. Voted 4-0.

Meeting adjourned 2:30

Minutes File

Accessibility information

Disability accommodations

For disability accommodations please phone 888-413-9462 (Voice), CA Relay 711, or email at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.