(a) all buildings, premises and equipment shall be safe and suitable for the comfort and use of the senior citizen, shall be maintained in a good state of repair and sanitation, and shall conform to all applicable laws, ordinances and to the rules and regulations of all local authorities relating to the premises such as safety, fire, health, sanitation and occupancy;

(b) paid staff, as required by the needs of the center's program and services, shall be adequate in both number and competency;

(c) due consideration shall be given to the employment of senior citizens by senior citizen centers;

(d) no person shall be denied services or participation in a center program because of race, creed, sex or national origin;

(e) a system to receive voluntary contributions shall be in effect. Such contributions are to be received in a confidential manner and without coercion;

(f) except in exceptional circumstances approved by the department, the center shall operate at least five days a week, six hours per day;

(g) maintain and provide the department with program and statistical information as may be required;

(h) funds shall be accounted for and handled according to good fiscal practice;

(i) a district may withhold reimbursement from a sponsor who has contracted with such district to provide senior center services if such center is not in substantial compliance with the administrative requirements specified in subdivision (a) of this section. The department may withhold reimbursement from a district for directly operated senior citizen centers not in substantial compliance with the administrative requirements specified in subdivision (a) of this section.