LUCERNE — No longer fiscally viable, the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center lost its contract for a number of reasons that were outlined at a meeting early Thursday morning.
At 10:30 a.m. in the Lake County Courthouse, Conference Room C the Area Agency on Aging staff reported to the governing board with a recommendation to take action to terminate the contract with Lucerne Alpine Senior Center.
The California Department of Aging (CDA) conducted numerous site visits to 3985 Country Club Drive in Lucerne with the most current taking place Feb. 5.
The CDA found that the senior center remained out of compliance with state and federal standards. Food and safety issues at the center resulted in a determination that the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is a “high-risk” nutrition provider.
CDA Director Janice Hubbell informed Lucerne Center Executive Director, Bob Clifton in a letter, “Thirty days following receipt of this letter, immediate termination of the PSA 26 AAA Contract with the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center for C1 Congregate Meals, C2 Home Delivered Meals, and IIIB I&A/Outreach will take place.”
Pat Grabham from the Clearlake Oaks Senior Center and Jonathan Crooks from the Lakeport Senior Activity Center said they are prepared to do everything in their power to continue meeting the needs of seniors currently served by the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center. The two said they will divide the responsibilities to make sure no senior goes hungry.
Aside from food storage, temperature and sanitation issues, the center allegedly owes upward of $18,000 in past due bills and about $7,000 in payroll taxes, of which approximately $5,000 are allegedly past due. Other monetary discrepancies are included in the report.
Read the Record-Bee this week for follow-up information and for an in-depth account.
