HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Advisory Board - Minutes - 03/10/2021
1
City of Fort Collins
Senior Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday March 10, 2021
Virtual Meeting on Zoom
Fort Collins, Colorado
Mission: The Senior Advisory Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Fort Collins City Council
on programs and policies that help aging citizens live full and interesting lives and continue to
contribute, participate, and share in the life of the community.
I. Call to Order: 11:30 am
II. Guest introductions See presenter’s in section V. During section V, Carol Roberts from
NAMI joined the meeting.
III. Public Participation: Chloe Beers, 10th grade student at Compass Community Collaborative
School said that she will be returning on April 14th to highlight her school’s project for
communicating with socially isolated older adults.
IV. Administrative Items
a. Attendance: Myles Crane, Sarah Schilz, Alicia Durand, Suzanne King, David Kovac
Alan Kress, Nancy Luttropp, Greg Wells, and Ashley Ruffer
Excused absence: Deanna O’Connell
b. Approval of Minutes - Motion: David Kovach Second: Nancy Luttropp
c. Correspondence: None
V. New Business:
First Presentation Topic: Mobility Access: Alex Gordon and Cory Schmitt
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO)
Discussed coordinated plan to work with the Greeley Urbanized Area, the Fort Collins
Transportation Management Area and Regional transportation planning agency. Goal is to
be a central hub of NoCo mobility option for older adults, individuals with disabilities and
love income persons. Researching and acknowledging gaps and working towards becoming
the solution. Opened the floor for questions and feedback.
Myles Crane suggested that the NFRMPO publish information within the City of Fort
Collins, w/ Recreation. Suzanne King suggested doing advertising around town. David
Kovach referred to locations of busses not having stop points. Greg Wells inquired about
next steps. Alex Gordon stated CDOT has a strategic 10 year plan, hoping to prioritize
transportation needs in our community. Myles Crane pointed out gap in transportation
between Fort Collins to Denver. Alicia Durand brought up the gap in Wellington and lack of
waiting accommodations for older adults.
2
Second Presentation Topic: COVID-related and other Mental Health Crises: FCPS Mental
Health Response Team (MHRT)
FCPS Officers Annie Hill (12 years as a FC officer registered psychotherapist) and Chris
Bland (2 years as a FC officer) Lt. Dan Murphy-Special Operations Group (32 years with
FC) Behavioral Health Clinicians Lesley Craig and Stephanie Booco, and Community
Paramedic, Julie Bower.
MHRT’s mission is to provide professional, compassionate, and comprehensive services
through police/mental health collaboration through on-scene assessment and follow up
aligned with the agency's de-escalation philosophy. Averaging 30-40 referrals per month,
successful communication within the community. Prevention and engagement services
include the Familiar Faces Program (FFP) and Readmission Avoidance. Education and Early
Intervention through Hospice Revocation Avoidance and Community Immunization Clinics.
MHRT can be engaged by calling 911 or calling the non-emergent line. Opened the floor for
questions and feedback.
Nancy asked if the responding officers are armed. Officers who are health providers are not
Armed. Nancy Luttropp followed up to ask what happens when you cannot deescalate. Most
of the time, effective listening resolves the issues. Officers can provide 911 services if
needed. Public guest Carol Roberts stated that NAMI is very excited to hear this program is a
success. Myles Crane inquired about community members with hearing/vision disabilities
and Spanish language speakers. The team has resources to handle each individual situation.
www.thevitalsapp.com can provide the team with prior knowledge of an individual’s ability.
Myles Crane asked how assisted living facilities can benefit from this program. Team is
communicating proactively with facilities. Nancy Luttropp asked what the priority needs are
in the program. Resources needed include additional professional staff including data entry.
As well as City Council’s support for these additional resources. David Kovach cited a
personal experience with Officer Bland and inquired how officer complaints are handled. Lt.
Dan provided an explanation.
VI Ongoing initiatives
a. SAB New Member Bio: Ashley (Alan) Kress - Physical Therapist in FC, married with an
8 month old, graduated 2014 from UCA. He currently provides services through Covell
Health Care and Rehab in Fort Collins as well as Charter Home Health in Loveland.
His work frequently entails one-on-one visits in homes. He looks forward to continuing
to assist older adults and help communicate information regarding resources.
b. Volunteers of America and Office on Aging Advisory Council are seeking board
members.
c. Senior Center Update (Staff Liaison) Wellness and Retirement Expo will be a drive
through on April 7th.
d. Our Climate Future – discussion tabled to April 14th meeting.
UPCOMING EVENTS and OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Empowering Caregivers Through Technology - April 27, 2021
IX. Adjournment at 1:12. pm.