HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Advisory Board - Minutes - 10/11/2000CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES: MEETING OF OCTOBER 11, 2000
Chairperson: Erik Margolis (Tel. 416-1411)
Senior Center Staff Liaison: Barbara Schoenberger (Tel. 224-6026)
City Council Liaison: Ray Martinez, Mayor (Tel. 221-6506)
Attendance: Erik Margolis Absent: June Tucker
George Kress Alyce Eckley
Darren Gunn
Dorothy Kramka Miller
Kristin Glenn
Staff Attending: Barbara Schoenberger
Marjorie McTaggart
John Roberts
Florence Williams
Blanche Yakmas
The official meeting was then called to order by Erik Margolis at 2:05 PM.
II. Guests: Randy McCrillis, City of Fort Collins, Human Rights Resources &
Education Office. Randy invited members of the SAB to the City's Multicultural
Community Retreat in Estes Park, Nov. 17-19, 2000 (subsequently, Marjorie
McTaggart was nominated to be the SAB representative to this retreat).
Man Oberoi, Human Relations Commission Liaison, City of Ft. Collins, also
attended this meeting.
Next Months (Nov. 14) guest presentation will be by Karen Gerard, Funding
Partners for Housing Solutions.
III. Correspondence: Kristin Glenn who had typed up a list of "Senior Myths"
following the SAB booth at the 2000 New West Fest in August, passed out copies
to all SAB members. These will be recycled for use again next year.
IV. The minutes of the previous board meeting of September 13, 2000 were approved
unanimously.
V. Old Business/Reports:
A. Transportation: Florence Williams reported on the Mason St. corridor
project which has now been approved by the City Council the Mulberry
St. corridor planning (eastward) was also discussed, as was the recent City
approval for a new traffic light system, using fiber optics, for Fort Collins
with $1 million from the City and $1.25 million from the US Government.
Between 50 to 60 of the busiest intersections in the City will be upgraded.
Kay Rios reported on the upcoming Dec. 7, 2000, Dial -A -Ride open house
and a planned dialogue on the future, focusing on strengths and
weaknesses of the current system. A citizens group on cross-
disabilities/transit tax is planning for a new ballot issue on transportation
productivity and coverage for either the April 2001 or November 2001
ballot.
B. Housing: Florence Williams reported that a national health care firm
would build a 44 bed assisted -living center near Oakridge Business Park
(SE Fort Collins). The center will set aside % of the rooms for low-
income seniors who have 60% or less of median income. Colorado
Medicaid covers as much as $1,440 per month for those eligible. Kay
Rios reported that the Housing Authority had reviewed several recent
applications, including VOA ($500,000) for Senior Housing which was
approved, but Habitat and additional financial assistance to the Northern
Hotel group was turned down.
C. Outreach: Erik Margolis reported that the SAB will make an Outreach
Presentation regarding concerns and needs on Oct. 18 to the Senior Center
Council, AARP, etc. from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, SAB participants will be
Erik, George Kress, John Roberts, and Blanche Yakmas.
D. Paint -A -Thou: June Tucker received a letter from Brothers'
Redevelopment Corporation who has run the Denver area Paint-A-Thon
for several years. Brothers' would be willing to assist a local organization
in the Fort Collins area for next year's planned program... a good
candidate might be Neighbor to Neighbor. June will follow up.
E. Discounted Medications: The recently signed (New West Fest) senior -
interest petitions for affordable medications will be sent to the political
parties after the 2000 general elections. Signatures continue to be
collected at the Senior Center. Marge Boehner, Poudre Health District,
will be invited by Flo to address the Senior Advisory Board at an
upcoming meeting. From 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Oct. 26, 2000, on "Cross
Currents", channel 27 will present a program "Focus on Health Care and
Prescriptions". The program will be live from City Hall.
F. Chili Cook Off: John Roberts reported on the SAB participation during
the October 7 Chili Cook -Off at the Sundance, thanking all SAB members
who assisted and/or attended. Members agreed to contribute to our entry
costs. All proceeds for the Cook -Off go to the Friends of the Senior
Center, and the totals for this fund-raiser were not yet available. Sadly,
our SAB entry entitled Young at Heartburn Chili, even though indubitably
the best chili available (thanks to Kristin's awesome natural recipe), failed
to place in the top ten. We also failed by two votes to win "People's
Choice" and did not place in the showmanship competition. The general
consensus of the SAB generally, and the SAB coordinator for the cook -off
in particular, was that we had been "screwed" so just "wait `til next year".
G. Senior Network Luncheon: George Kress reported on the success of the
Sept. 29 luncheon at the McKee Center in Loveland. Eight SAB members
had signed up to attend the event, although fewer actually attended. It was
a successful event, however, and George thanked the SAB for its
participation. The 2001 luncheon will be at the Senior Center in Ft.
Collins, and the SAB will be coordinating.
H. Celebration of Freedom (Veterans' Day, Nov. 11): Barbara Schoenberger
reported on the Nov. 11 — planned groundbreaking at 2 PM, EST, for the
WWII memorial in Washington DC. The total cost, all privately raised, is
$96 million. Veterans around the country will mark this 2:00 PM
ceremony. The Senior Center will host a Pancake Breakfast and Veterans'
gathering starting at 10:00 am. A Veterans' Day balloon release will take
place at 12:00 noon, Fort Collins time, to match the 2:00 PM national
ceremony. SAB members are urged to assist, beginning at 9:00 am on
Saturday, November 11.
I. City of Fort Collins Web -Site: June Tucker represented the SAB at focus
group dealing with City's Website.
J. Community Homecoming: The October 14 City -Wide celebration with
"Bringing It Home" theme includes the Community Parade beginning at
9:00 am. The SAB participation was to include some SAB members
riding in antique cars and some participating as parade judges.
Unfortunately, there has been no further communication nor confirmation
from the Homecoming organizers, so the SAB involvement may not
occur.
K. Other Liaison Reports:
1. Blanche reported that Jo Peddicord will provide a talk at the Senior
Center at 11:00 am on October 18, with the title being "Feel Nifty after
50". She also reported that the 2000 flu shots had been delayed; that
thyroid blood tests were now available for $24.00, and that the Aspen
Club was sponsoring the Oct. 30 Forum on Medicare information at
the Plaza Inn, East Mulberry, from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
2. Barbara reported that the Commission on the Status of Women had
once again failed to mention senior women in their report. The SAB
has asked Kristin to contact Barb Spaulding on that commission to
attend the Nov. meeting of the SAB, to listen to board concerns. The
Oct. 4 Women's Gathering at the Senior Center was a great success
with 233 attendees. On Oct. 19, AARP will hold a Senior Safety
Conference, which will deal with all issues of safety for 50+
individuals. There will be an 8:00 am registration; all seniors are
invited; lunch will be provided; Ed Sardella of Channel 9 will be the
guest speaker. Finally, the Senior Center's 2000 bake sale will be held
on Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25, 2000. All are welcome.
3. Marjorie reported that the S.O.A.P. Troupe will present their 2000
holiday performance on Friday and Saturday, December 151 and 2"a
The CSU Gerontology class will host Marjorie as their token healthy
senior on Thursday, Oct. 12a').
4. Florence reported that District Court might hold the State of Colorado
in contempt of court over its policies and assistance programs for the
mentally ill. More information on this issue will be forthcoming.
5. Kristin reported that VOA was in the midst of several staff changes.
She announced that SAB now had a new access number to City Line,
but that no new telephone calls had come in.
6. George reported that the Foundation on Aging had received a $600
grant from Wells Fargo for the Foundation's emergency fund. The
Foundation will sponsor a computer class for seniors at the Senior
Center on Oct. 27 h and 29`h.
7. Kay reported that Respite Care will conduct a Nov. 11`h dance at the
Mulberry Inn (East Mulberry) for the benefit of Caring Hearts. All are
welcome to attend.
8. Dorothy reported a significant drop in noontime Senior Center
attendance for the daily Senior Nutrition Program lunches over the
past ten years. There is just a $2.00 contribution, however, transport
costs have risen substantially, time to and from is problematic
(requiring up to one hour each way), and there are now other VOA
sites within the City, including Meals on Wheels (by PVH) and home
delivery of meals by VOA.
9. Erik reported that city Boards and Commissions work plans for 2001
are due by Nov. 30`h. He would like to convene a sub -committee
meeting of SAB members at 9:30 am (prior to the Oct. 181h outreach
presentation at the Senior Center) to draft the SAB work plan. At the
next SAB meeting, Nov. 14, 2000, the entire SAB would review and
approve the 2001-work plan, and establish a committee to write the
2000 Annual Report.
VI. No new business, aside from that previously reported above, was brought before
the SAB.
VII. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:07 PM. The next
meeting of the Senior Advisory Board will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday,
Nov. 8, 2000 at the Senior Center.
Respectfully Submitted,
John E. Roberts, Secretaries Pro-Tem, Ad -Hoc, Sub-Protestensis
OUTREACH MEETING
On October 18, as part of our outreach activities, four members of the Senior Advisory Board met at the
Senior Center with approximately 30 seniors who use the Senior Center to: (1) explain the role our Board
plays in the community, and (2) to obtain input from these seniors about the issues they want to bring to
the attention of the City Council.
Following is a summary of the issues raised in that meeting along with some of the audience's suggestions
for their resolution.
(1) Parking has become a major problem at the Center, especially when special events or meetings occur.
Solutions Proposed:
-Use Center's bus to pick up seniors from some other central parking location.
-Temporarily increase the number of handicapped parking spaces during periods of high useage
-Build additional parking spaces west of the Center
-Possibly provide parking stickers to identify people using the lot but who are not using the center.
(2)Dressing rooms for performers are needed near the stage in the Senior Center.
(3) The white and yellow lines in streets need to be made more visible, especially on streets where lanes
widen or narrow.
(4)Motorists need to properly acknowledge the white lined cross walks since many seniors need more time
crossing streets
Solutions Proposed:
-Additional education of drivers
-Post "Yield" or warning signs near such crosswalks.
(5)Bicyclists continue to be a hazard for seniors driving and walking, especially for those people with
somewhat limited vision.
(6) Bus stops need to be located on the safest side of the street so seniors do not need to cross heavy traffic
(1601 North College).
(7)Speaker systems need to added to all meeting rooms at the Senior Center.
(8) Have seniors and senior issues represented on all groups/boards making decisions that could affect
seniors such as the board dealing with the proposed Civic Center.
(9)Difficulty in scheduling facilities at the Senior Center because of high demand. Is there a priority
system for such scheduling?
(I O)Seniors needing transportation to come to the Senior Centere find that eating meals is too expensive
when the cost of Dial -A -Ride is figured in.
Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board
2001 Work Plan
16inlf:l;U WWI
• Hold special meetings in the community at least quarterly with the express purpose of
introducing the Board, answering questions and hearing concerns of seniors and
groups/ organizations with interest in senior issues.
• Be available in the community through the use of information booths and
participation in events such as:
1. Bridging the Gap- Senior Network Luncheon.
2. Fort Collins Senior Center Activities Fair.
3. Annual Chili Cook -off to benefit Friends of the Senior Center
4. New West Fest
5. Others as appropriate.
ADVOCACY
• Support attainable senior housing by working with other appropriate entities to
develop specific recommendations.
• Solicit information on existing senior programs, services and activities; provide
evaluation and support as appropriate.
• Encourage expansion and enhancement of senior transportation services.
• Take an active role in seeking solutions to health care access problems particularly
affordable prescription medications
• Monitor and support affordable leisure services for older adults.
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• Monitor, report, and initiate media information that impacts seniors such as:
1. Senior Advisory Board's website
2. Phone line for seniors on City Line
3. Articles and news releases
• Invite a variety of speakers to be present at Senior Advisory Board meetings to keep
members current on emerging issues.
0 Continue to communicate effectively with city council.
COORDINATION
• Co -host the annual Bridging the Gap- Senior Network Luncheon, drawing together
both public and private entities which provide services for seniors.
• Prepare and distribute participant listings from the Bridging the Gap- Senior Network
Luncheon.
• Maintain existing and create new liaison positions with interested key senior
agencies/ organizations.
• Collaborate with the Senior Center Council on common issues.
EDUCATION
• Hold outreach meetings at least quarterly for seniors and groups interested in senior
issues.
• Provide education to dispel myths on aging and act as a resource for the community
to provide information and education on the realities of aging.
• Provide input on senior issues to relevant organizations, agencies, boards and
commissions.
QUALITY OF LIFE
• Monitor and support the current Elder Pet Care program provider to ensure the
program meets the needs of seniors in the community.
• Monitor and work closely with private and city services to ensure our city is safe for
seniors.
• Continue the task of establishing a "Paint -A -Thou" for seniors in need.
Barbara Schoenberger fischbach publy2rocess doc Page 1
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 18, 2000
TO: John Fischbach, City Manager
FROM: Ron Phillips, Director of Transportation Services
RE: Transfort Strategic Plan Public Process — City Boards and Commissions
The Transfort Strategic Plan has been progressing over the last ten months. Although outreach to
the general public and specific neighborhoods is not yet finalized, that information will be
forthcoming soon. The following are the scheduled meetings with boards and commissions.
o Air Quality Advisory Board
o Youth Advisory Board
❑ Dial -A -Ride Advisory Board
❑ Senior Advisory Board
❑ Transportation Board
❑ Planning & Zoning Board Study Session
❑ Commission On Disabilities
October 24, 2000
November 1, 2000
November 2, 2000
November 8, 2000
November 15, 2000
December 1, 2000
December 14, 2000
cc: Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
Susanne Durkin, Transportation Planning & Parking Manager
Thomas L. Frazier, Transfort General Manager
Gary Diede, Transportation Operation & Projects Director
John Daggett, Senior Transportation Planner
WaeuA* Sead", 2000
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BAKELESS BAKE SALE
You needn't light the oven
Or get out the mixing bowls.
You needn't fry the doughnuts
Or even make the hole.
We're not asking for your cookies,
Or your Apple pie or cake.
It's a Bakeless Bake Sale we're planning;
It's your "dough" that we will take.
There's many a fund raising project
That we would like to do
And it takes a lot of money,
So we need some help from you.
Put the price of your best "goodie"
In an envelope, mail it soon and you'll find
That if you do it right away
It won't have slipped your mind.
A bake sale without baking
Is such an easy task
Your $ilver and your dollar$
Are the only thing we ask.
Suggested Donations:
Cookies $ 5.00 Cake $15.00
Pie $ 10.00 Or any amount you wish