Several Joslyn Center members urged the Palm Desert City Council on Oct. 23 to review the Cove Community Senior Association’s governance after the board removed the center’s executive director.
One member told council members and staff that seniors were informed the city manager said the Cove board “had no way, no say in how the money allocated to the center is spent,” raising concerns about oversight.
Other speakers described unsuccessful attempts to obtain information about the director’s firing and said they were asked to leave when they pressed the board for answers. Rumors that the board had hired security for meetings further alarmed members, many of whom said the situation has eroded trust in leadership. As a result, some announced plans to circulate a petition of no confidence.
Echoing those concerns, Suzanne Conner asked for greater transparency, including advance notice of board meetings and opportunities for members to speak. She urged that two active Joslyn Center members be added as voting board members and that current board members be required to live within the three cities that help fund the center.
Conner also requested that, if a new director is hired, active center members be included in the hiring committee.
Council members and staff listened to the public comments but took no action because the issue was not on the agenda. Mayor Jan Harnik reminded speakers that the Brown Act limits responses to non-agenda items and prevents substantive discussion during public comment.
In closing, the group asked the council to review the structure and oversight of the Cove Community Senior Association, confirm rules on how city funds may be used, and consider adding member representation to the board. Several speakers emphasized that public funds should support programs—not legal expenses.