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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Advisory Board - Minutes - 03/09/1994FORT COLLINS SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD Minutes of the Wednesday, March 9, 1994 Meeting CALL TO ORDER The March meeting of the Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board was called to order by Stan Ulrich, secretary, at 2:02 P. M. in the Horsetooth Room of the Senior Center on March 9, 1994. ATTENDANCE Attendance was as follows: Members Ed Johnson Kathleen Jones Margaret Watts Larry Heglund Jill Taylor Stan Ulrich Kay Rios Staff Members Barbara Schoenberger Jennifer Klink Barry Carroll Guests A. J. Bitman, Dial —A —Ride Dr. Pat McElwee, PVH Carolyn Hermes, Transfort Yetta Rollin The following members were excused: Wayne Moellenberg, Peggy Santich and Yvonne Myers. MINUTES Before approval, changes were made to the minutes of the February 9 meeting. Under Correspondence, the sentence Marjorie McTaggart was nominated was amended to read as follows: "Marjorie McTaggart had been nominated in 1993." On Page 2, under New Senior Center, Budner was amended to read "White." On Page 5, vending machine in Kay Rios' report was replaced with "venders' permits." Threatened with the prospect that the next person who made a change in the minutes would be the new secretary, no one offered any more changes, and the minutes were approved as amended. CORRESPONDENCE Senior Chuckwaeon Barbara Schoenberger read an invitation from Senior Chuckwagon to attend a high tea at The Worthington on March 28, 1994 from 2:30 to 4:00 P. M. Reservations should be made by calling 498-6800. Colorado Senior Lobby Barbara also passed around the latest issue of the Colorado Senior Lobby and said if anyone wanted a copy or an excerpt from it she would make a copy after the meeting. Citv Council Letter to Mariorie McTaggard The third piece of correspondence was a letter to Marjorie McTaggart from City Council. The letter stated that the proposed changes to the Green River ordinance item had been changed from the February 15 Council meeting agenda to the March 15 agenda so that it would have a higher spot on the Page 2, SAB Minutes, March 9, 1994 agenda. Proposed changes were included with the letter. National Council on Aging The last item of correspondence was a mailing from the National Council on Aging. Enclosures dealt with health care issues and services provided by senior centers. OLD BUSINESS Dial -A -Ride Because the presenters who had been scheduled to speak had to leave immediately after their presentations, the Dial -A -Ride and PVH presentations were moved to the top of Old Business. Dial -A -Ride was first. A. J. Bittman, Dial -A -Ride, and Carolyn Harmes, Transfort, explained what the new program was and how it operates. Basically, Mr. Bittman stated, all persons over age 60 and all persons with physical disabilities are eligible to ride. All a qualified person needs to do is dial 224-6066 and make reservations for a ride anywhere within the Fort Collins urban area. One day advance notice is required, but the purpose for the travel is not restricted. At the present time, there is no fee for the service, but Council will discuss that issue at a future meeting. The service was started on Monday, March 7, and everything seems to be oper- ating smoothly. Hours of operation are from 6:30 A. M. until 6:30 P. M., Monday through Saturday. Privatization of PVH Dr. Hugh Pat McElwee, consultant in gastrointestinal diseases, P. C., PVH, spoke next about the effects of privatization on the lives of laypersons. The purpose for the move, Dr. McElwee stated, was to create a healthy commun- ity and that was the reason the Board decided to change the structural operation of the hospital. With emphasis on health care reform and with the industrial trends as they are today, hospitals and other health care provi- ders have been asked to form partnership networks to smooth out the delivery of health care. Because PVH is a public entity, the Colorado Constitution limits the use of public funds, and PVH', therefore,is at a disadvantage when dealing with other health care providers. In the past, PVH lost about $2.5 million because it was not able to go into partnership with other businesses. Under the re -organizational plan, Dr. McElwee stated, PVH would appoint another board to undertake the governance of the hospital and the present District Board would have the responsibility for the stewardship of the tax - base money. The new board would consist of eleven members: three ex-officio voting members and eight others appointed by a "Blue Ribbon" panel composed of Art Bavoso, Chuck Mabry, Tom Gleason and Wayne Schrader. During the question and answer period that followed Dr. McElwee's presentation, Dr. McElwee re-emphasized that the new restructuring will give PVH much more flexibility in dealing with health care providers and other health care entities, and this would make PVH much more competitive. He also assured a questioner that the hospital would not refuse medical aid to the indigent. because that would be a part of the lease agreement with the district. The district, Dr. McElwee further explained, would still own -the land on which the hospital stands and PVH would lease the land and buildings from the district. The rent would be applied to retirement of the public bonded indebtedness that was accrued in building the hospital. The lease would be Page 3, SAB Minutes,erch 9, 1994 • granted by the present Board, which is elected by the public. In conclusion, Dr. McElwee stated that the greatest advantage of privatization would be that PVH would have the freedom to enter into partnerships with other health care entities and to provide the best possible health care for the people of Larimer County. Kay Rios arrived during Dr. McElwee's presentation and assumed the chair of the Senior Advisory Board. After the special presentations, Kay went back to the first item under Old Business. Natural Resources Environmental Action Award Kay explained that the Advisory Board of Natural Resources is making changes in the annual Action Award this year, and it has asked the help of the Senior Advisory Board. Kay passed around an application if a member wished to nominate a person for the award. Outreach Meetings Kay reported that she had "sort of" met with Los Ancianos as part of an Outreach Program. She was at a disadvantage, she said, because her inter- preter was gone and she is not fluent in Spanish. She felt her appear- ance was a success, however, because Los Ancianos did show an interest in continuing their relationship with the SAB, and they definitely would be interested in participating in the Network luncheon. Jill reported that the Outreach meeting scheduled for Cliff Barber's class in April is set, and it will take the place of our regularly scheduled April meeting. All members of the SAB should be in Mr. Barber's class before 3:10 P. M. in the Gifford Building. Since parking will be a problem, Kay stated that she would get visitors' passes for those who plan to attend. For the next few minutes, Kay went over materials that will be covered in the class and assigned presenters for each topic. Network Luncheon Kay reported that she had had lunch in the' -activities room of Parkwood Estates to check out the facilities. The Network, she stated, would have to provide its own food since the kitchen facilities would be in use to feed the residents. Some concern about the size of the room and catering problems was voiced by several members, and the Network Committee was instructed to look at other possibilities. The Columbus Club Room was suggested as a possibility. Retirement Brochure According to the printer, the retirement brochure should be finished by the end of the month. The reason for the delay, Kay explained, is that the brochure has a low priority and other more urgent materials are printed ahead of it. Kay said she would call the printer again about March 20 to check on its progress. New Senior Center The progress of the new senior center is going according to plan, Ed Page 4, SAB Meeting, ML h 9, 1994 i_ Johnson reported, and some walls have already been erected. The steel was supposed to be delivered that morning, and construction will take about ten days after the steel arrives. The weather has impeded progress, Ed said, but the delays because of the weather can easily be made up. The end date is October 22, 1994. Ed further reported that the lighting around the pool area will be improved from the originally planned 30 foot-candles to the 42 or 45 level. The request to provide assist bars in all restroom stalls had been approved by Steve White, and Steve is now getting estimates for the additional supplies needed. Human Relations Award Barbara reminded the members of the SAB that the Human Relations Award nominations are due on March 18. After a brief discussion, the SAB nomi- nated Marjorie McTaggart, just as the minutes of the previous meeting had stated. Paint-A-Thon Reporting for Yvonne, Barbara stated that the person in charge of the Paint-A-Thon at the First Interstate Bank is currently preoccupied with many other activities, and she doesn't plan to get involved in the Paint- A-Thon until after June 1. Yvonne's recommendation is that the SAB should authorize Yvonne to try to make contact with Mrs. Coupens by phone and then follow up with a letter if necessary. Time is important because the event will need to be publicized in senior newsletters, applications will have to be filled out and teams will need to be organized. Ed Johnson moved that Yvonne should try one more time to contact the person in charge and Kathleen Jones seconded the motion. The motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Service Reoorts 1. Office on Aging Advisory Council. Stan Ulrich reported that some Office on Aging Advisory Council committee assignments had been made. Cheryl Powell will be the chair of the Nutrition Committee, and Laurie Cure will be the chair of the Transportation Committee. Shelley McGraw handed out flyers about the Dial -A -Ride Program and talked about Senior Days at the Capitol that is sponsored by the Colorado Senior Lobby. Shelley also informed the Council about the Boardwalk Program,.which is offered by the Continuing Education Program at CSU. It is specifically geared toward boards and advisory groups and she urged some of the members to attend if possible. Elizabeth Kelly reported that two PCHB's closed within the past few months. She also announced that a volunteer will be working with her for the next five or six weeks to conduct a survey of all long term care facilities and the availibility of Spanish-speeking staff members. Lastly, Kelly mentioned that the Institute of Medicine is studying the Ombudsman Program nationwide and that a representative of the Institute will be coming to Larimer County on March 16, to spend some time with her and the Ombudsman Program. Lyn Thor reported that Linda Ellis, program coordinator for Senior Chuckwagon,has enrolled in a three-year program of Volunteer Management Training at CSU and that the Senior Chuckwagon staff had decided to Page 5, SAB Minutedlarch 9, 1994 host high teas for the site volunteers. Lyn also mentioned that the Counseling Committee is still addressing the I & R issue. Finally, Stan reported, Shelley McGraw informed the Council that the Office on Aging will be working on its four-year plan and that the Council needs to look at the long-range goals and the mission statement because those two items will be the first things considered in the planning process. 2. Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Barry Carroll reported that many changes have taken place in RSVP. First of all, Jennifer Klink replaced Sally Gilmore. Candy Johnson is the new director of the - Cheyenne -Laramie RSVP, and her position is still unfilled at the present time. The final change, Barry reported, is that she has become the new Development Officer and her job will be to look for new ways to expand the program and to work on public relations. Jennifer added that the VIDA Program is going well, but she hasn't had much information about the Vet -Pet Program. She ended the RSVP report with the announcement that the RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon will be held on May 18, at the University Park Holiday Inn from 11:30 A. M. until 1:30 P. M. 3. Senior Center Council. Larry Heglund reported that the Art and Sculpture Committee of the Senior Center Council went to Loveland to visit studios and look at various types of artwork. While in Loveland, they received information from the National Sculpture Guild which offered pieces that ranged from $30,000 to $45,000 in price. Larry added that Bob Everitt had already donated $15,000 toward the purchase of an art object. Larry then polled the members to see if they would prefer one large sculpture in front of the building or several smaller art objects inside the building. The straw poll indicated that a majority of the members would prefer one large sculpture in front of the building, but with many reservations. 4. Friends of the Senior Center. The Friends of the Senior Center, Barbara announced, will meet on the fourth Thursday in March at 1:30 P. M. and will discuss such items as the membership drive, the member- ship packet, a newsletter, the gift catalog and fund-raising projects. Barbara added that the gift catalog should be back from the printer soon, and Gail Reeder will be in charge of its distribution. Gail will welcome any help that she can get, Barbara emphasized. She concluded her report by saying that the Friends are sponsoring a performance by the SOAP troupe on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 1994 and a garage sale on June 10 and 11 on the parking lot of the Northside Center. 5. Seniors Airborne. Kay reported that she will co -host the Seniors Airborne program on Friday, March 18, because Bill Weddell is vaca- tioning in the sun. She will be interviewing Carol Clock and M'Liss Anderson from the Health Care Access Coalition. When Bill returns, Kay added, he will want to meet with his committee to decide future directions for the show. Bill feels that the show is not getting enough listenership. Someone suggested that perhaps a billboard could be used for advertising purposes. 6. Aspen Club. The Aspen Club had just completed a program on long term care on March 8, Jill Taylor reported, and a program on incontinence Page 6, SAB Minutes, Ma._n 9, 1994 will be offered on March 11. She is also working with RSVP and Team Fort Collins on alcohol abuse and aging problems. The Healthy'Seaior Expo '94 will be held in the mall on May 12, Jill added, and all members of the SAB are invited to attend. Booths will be available for non- profit and for -profit organizations. She ended her report by announcing that she will be leaving on a jet plane for San Francisco on March 17, to attend a four -day conference there. Before•goinK to the Open Discussion part of the agenda, Kay announced that Councilman Gerry Horak will be the liaison person to the Senior Advisory Board. He will be replacing Bob Winokur. OPEN DISCUSSION Stan Ulrich. Stan started the Show and Tell activity by stating that he had attended an AARP State Legislative Committee meeting, two Capitol City Task Force meetings, Senior Days at the Capitol, an AARP Officers'. Training session, a SAB Executive Committee meeting, the Office on Aging Advisory Council meeting, a meeting of Friends of the Senior Center and a City Council meeting. In addition, he wrote the minutes for the last meeting of the SAB and provided the program for the last AARP general meeting. He also attended several Senate and House hearings on bills. Jill Taylor. Jill stated that she will be attending the League of Women's town meeting in the City Council chambers on Wednesday, March 9. Larry Heglund. Larry had no report. Ed Johnson. Ed said that he had attended Steve's Breakfast Club every Monday morning to check on the progress of the new Senior Center. He also thanked the Senior Center for providing refreshments for the meetings. Barry Carroll. Barry stated that she is on the Community Learning Center Team which is looking at various ways in which the present Fort Collins High School building can be used when the new building is completed. Right now, the committee is looking at uses for inter -generational activities. Kathleen Jones. Kathleen said that she and Margaret Watts will be attending an elderhostel in April and then they will visit Williamsburg, Virginia, in May. She.added that her term on the SAB will terminate in July, and she expressed the hope that she will be able to attend the meetings in an emeritus status. Margaret Watts. Margaret stated that Kathleen had spoken for both of them and she had nothing to add. Barbara Schoenberger. Barbara shared with the group that she had read a book, "Apples of the Mummy's Eye," and she recommended that all the SAB should read it. She also reminded the board members about upcoming events, notably'the performance by SOAP, sponsored by the Sneior Center. Tickets are $3.00 for seniors and students and $4.00 for all others. The Senior Center will also be sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day party on March 17, at the Senior Center, and the cost will be $5.00 for dinner and entertainment. The'Senior Center is also cooperating with the CSU Office of Community Service to build birdhouses that will be sold by CSU students. The proceeds Page 7, LAB Minutes*arch 9, 1994 E will be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor and The Mission. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, from 11:00 A. M. until 1:30 P. M. Lunch will be furnished and transportation will be provided for seniors. Regis- tration forms can be picked up at the Senior Center or by calling 221-6645. The last fund-raising scheduled at the present time, Barbara continued, will be a garage sale at the Northside Center in June. Donations for ... the sale will be gladly accepted by the Senior Center from now until the day of the sale. In closing, Barbara announced that Congresswoman Pat Schroeder will be hosting a health care meeting in Denver on March 14, and the featured speaker will be Hillary Rodham Clinton. Marjorie McTaggart. Marjorie stated that she had written an article for the Fort Collins Coloradoan, but that she will not be able to continue that activity in the future. She suggested that Yvonne Myers could possibly take over that chore. She added that the SAB needs more writers, and someone suggested that perhaps Barry would be able to help out. Marjorie added that Prime Time Plus also needs more writers. Since there was no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 4:33 P. M. Kay Rios Chair, Senior Advisory Board Approved: Stan Ulrich Secretary