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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Advisory Board - Minutes - 10/09/19969 Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board Minutes The Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 1996 at the Senior Center. I. ATTENDANCE: Yvonne Myers, Chair Members Stan Ulrich Marjorie McTaggart Jane Goodhart Charline Kellar Fran Ward Jill Taylor Blanche Yakmas Esther Stringer Absent: Ed Johnson (Excused), (W)495-1000; (H)225-3731 Guests Christina Ulrich, RSVP Kathleen Mackill, CCN Ann Azari, City Council Marian Blauer, Sr.Center Tracy Thomas, Vet/Pet Staff Barbara Schoenberger Steve Budner Kay Rios II. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Yvonne Myers called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. III. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None IV. GUEST SPEAKER: City Council Liaison Ann Azari spoke to clarify the city's view about the roles of the Senior Center Council and the Senior Advisory Board in regard to the Senior Center. The Council is seen as an on -the -scene day-to- day help to the staff and patrons of the Center, while SAB looks out for broad city-wide senior issues -- including lending an ear and giving advice when asked by those at the Senior Center. "We all serve the people of Fort Collins." Details re working together should be worked out together. V. CORRESPONDENCE: None VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of September 10, 1996 were approved unanimously (9-0) as written. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Senior Network Luncheon: Discussion of Ed's report, comments and discussion concluded that the luncheon was a success. Stir -Crazies did a great job. Participants' comments were mostly kudos. Practical suggestions for future such events included allowing more time before meal for exchange of information, booths and networking, eliminating need for changing tables. Yvonne sent "thank you's" to a number of helping hands. Next year's room reservation to be done now. 'ff.—Forum on Aging: Jill and Yvonne counted 73 attendees Speaker Brady's presentation went well and would probably go even better to a younger group. More publicity and/or invitations should be considered for future events to bring in community leaders, too. A different time of year, too. Stan said the 'flow' of people going from the breakfast into the AARP session went well, there being about same number of attendees. Yvonne gave breakdown of expenditures made from the $300.00 donation from Norwest Bank for the breakfast. C. Para -transit: Jane reported that the Commission on Disabilities is not interested in being part of a para- transit advisory group. Others are exploring possibilities of forming such a group, leaving a vacancy for a CoD member or other disabilities representative to be on it. Esther added that the CoD is planning their own advisory group on transportation. D. Seniors Airborne: Steve mentioned the next program is at the Sr. Center Oct. 18 on the political campaign. They would like comments from audience at that time. E. Embrace Aginq: Stan said that someone from this group will do a presentation at SAB's November meeting, and mentioned several conferences are planned. Would ageism be a part of them? The focus of the group is on caregivers. F. Senior Housing: Jane reported for Kay that DMA with subsidized rent has a 1-year extension; Oakbrook II is for - profit and is okay until February, 2000; Oakbrook I is okay until 1998, but as notices were not sent to residents they have an extension. There were 3 concerns re DMA, and they are not as serious as was thought. Kay and Jane are presenting a proposal for straw -bale housing options. G. Vet/Pet Committee: Dr. Tracy Thomas spoke about incorporating the Vet Pet program into her E1derPetCare non- profit mobile service pet care organization. She wishes to report quarterly and get input from SAB. There is a need to let seniors know of program. Christina added that RSVP has been unable to identify funds designated for this project, but will send the monies to Thomas from their general fund. H. Media Relations Committee: After discussion re need for more focussed information communications/publicicty Stan moved, Blanche seconded that a media committee be formed, accepting the proposed purpose and objectives. Motion carried unanimously (7-0). A committee of Blanche, Marjorie, Christina, and staffer John will organize, and report back. Marjorie will be temporary chair. More members are needed. I. Senior Center Council role: Council chair, Marian added to Ann's city view that a suggestion/complaint form has been devised, and a box is now at the Greeters Desk. J. Chili Cookoff: Esther and Blanche agreed it was successful event. Barbara said it appears to have done well financially. SAB Team won loth place for red chili; it was unknown how it fared in the green category. Special prizes were also given in non-food categories. K. Outreach Meeting: Jill felt that the Aspen Club meeting at PVH was very well received, and there was a lot of feedback. Comments from the audience had to do with traffic concerns, specifically at Shields/Raintree Dr. (need a turn arrow and timing) and Trilby Road where width, speed, and schoolchildren were of special concern; a query about how potential low-income housing dwellers at the new Shields and Harmony Road units would be acreened; and a suggestion to do similar presentations at other places around the city. L. Human Rights Ordinance: Barbara passed around copies of SAB's letter of support for the ordinance revisions (written for SAB by Marjorie). It was approved and Barbara will send it to the Commission on Human Relations with copy to City Council liaison Ann Azari. M. Coloradoan letter: Blanche and Yvonne wrote a letter to the "Coloradoan" inquiring about the 'Seniors' column. VIII. NEW BUSINESS: A. 1997 Workplan committee: Yvonne, Stan, Marjorie will work on this at the agenda meeting. Others' input invited. B. OOA Survey: Barbara asked to collect surveys for renaming the county department which is a merger of OOA and Social Services. C. Recreation fees: Steve reported that earlier in year a survey was printed in Pathways, and a focus group was held to discuss fees; specifically senior discounts. Based on information from those sources, staff recommends that SAB consider that at age 60 and above, a 20% discount be applied This would replace the present graduated discount system. Fran moved that "SAB recommend a 20% discount at age 60 for senior activities unless they (the activities) are starred in Pathways that they cannot be discounted." Stan seconded. Discussion: Low-income fees will stay in place; discount will be given upon request; staff is recommending to City Council that priority registration be given to people living within the boundaries of PR-1 school district. Motion passed: 4 ayes; 1 no; 2 abstain. (see further discussion under Service/Liaison Reports #4) D. Vote recording: Yvonne explained that when votes are taken on business held before individual boardmembers arrive or after they leave, the record should show that 'unanimous' may not mean that the business was held when all members listed under "Attendance" were present. Consensus of those present was that minutes should reflect numbers voting on a motion. Since business is not always conducted in the agenda order, the numbers may vary within the meeting. IX. SERVICE/LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Fran attended a Women's Center board meeting. 2. Blanche asked people to sign up for Bake Sale. 3. Stan explained that AARP's national committee's meeting here was one of outreach meetings held throughout the country to garner input to their national policies. 4. Stan also expressed their concern about eroding benefits for seniors, e.g. Medicare uncertainty. Possible loss of local senior fee discounts is another example. They should NOT be eliminated. Further disussion to be held at the November SAB meeting. 5. A Dial -A -Ride voucher system, which SAB supports, has not been augmented. Follow-up needed. S,� 6 4vlt'�tcz�, — /7/ — 6. Esther reported that she will get minutes of Commission on Disabilities meetings; Dial -A -Ride has a new questionaire; Friends of Sr. Center's cemetery fundraiser was a success; Barbara added info re Homecoming. 7. Christina asks that mail NOT be sent to RSVP c/o Sr. Center; Xmas tree lights fundraiser is coming up. 8. Kathleen asked that SAB minutes be sent to her. 9. Marrjorie reported that the Building Task Force has sent a letter of support to City Council for the Police Dept's need for a new, bigger facility. X.-ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourn Id at 4:4p.m. J_ gartYlecretary � Marjorie Mc aggartv e Myers, Ch i Approved: IQ, Lu JU LLvn ♦. " "" .. .vLr.11V uL141.,Il.Vu "11 /YV. QIV YIQ C1VV I.UL CuIAkI, Library, and Recreational Serv& Recreation Division City of Fort Collins OWN MEMORANDUM OT: October 30, 1996 TO: Parks and Recreation Board Members// FR: Jean Helburg, Recreation Manager,-/ RE: Discounts for Senior Citizens QQ ACTION REQUESTED: No action is required. This memorandum is informational only. Last month, the Parks and Recreation Board discussed discounts for senior citizens based on age versus ability to pay. At that meeting, a majority of the members showed support for giving, upon request of the participant, a 201Y. discount to those 65 and over. Staff's recommendation was a 20% discount to those over age 60. A couple members also requested that staff work toward eventually eliminating all discounts based on age. The issue of discounts for senior citizens was also discussed by the Senior Advisory Board at its meeting on October 9. With four members absent, the board voted 4-2-1 to support the 20% discount at age 60. The person abstaining wanted more discussion with the full board at a later meeting. This issue does not affect a deadline with City Council, since program fees are established by the requirements of the Recreation Fee Policy. It is my recommendation that members of the two boards meet together to discuss the Positions of each and to give the staff a clearer opinion concerning this issue. The Chairperson of the Senior Advisory Board will be contacting Diane Thies in the near future to discuss a procedure. 214 North Hooves Street - Fort COlUns. CO 80521 - (970) 2-11-6W - FAX (970) 416.2100 J ■ OFFICE ON AGING — The La- nmer CountK_Depaitment of Human Developnie blNceon'Aging"is so liciting input from interested groups and; individual a on the 1997 Area Plan update.;;;':_; . public hearing will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the De. partment of Social Services, Room 135a,1501 Blue Spruce. Input will beaccepted by mail or in the form of testimony at the public hearing. Written input should be sent to: Public Hearing, Office on Aging, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Col- lins, CO 80524, Information: Shelley McGraw, I 498-6601. The SAB Media Committee met on Wednesday, October 30th at the Sr. Center. Present were: Marjorie McTaggart, acting chair; Blanche Yakmas, Christina Ulrich, John Pfeiffenberger. Discussion revolved around mission and roles of committee and individual members. Some clarification is needed: Under "Duties" #2 (work with?), #3 (publicize?), and #6 (how 'encourage'?). There was an exchange of information and sources for dissemination of it, and a request for IDEAS for stories, programming, etc. for both air and print media. Both John and Christina do press releases at present and will compare lists. Senior Marketplace welcomes guest opinion pieces. Aspen Club, C3, and OOA sources should have input. Friends of Sr. Center needs support and/or new blood. RSVP newsletter (and others) could help. Committee meetings will be held "as necessary." Next meeting will be Wednesday, December 4th, 9:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. Senior Homeowners Suppiemerb Income Through Innovative Mortgage Lending; An overview BYJEFFREY O. NOOLTON ram. m; Ucrtgage Decartment. iD. t s no secret that America is graving. According to U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey almost 13 percent of the U.S. population is now 65 or older and by the year 2025 older Americans will 1 outnumber teenagers by a ' to 1 ratio. Not surprisingly, within the next two decades the 50- plus population will grow by 27 percent to 97.3 million indi- viduals nationwide. As the population ages, median income drops consid- erably upon reaching the "golden vears" and with it a need for financial readjust- ments to maintain lifestyle pat- terns. For example, the median income for 55 to 64 year -olds is 23 percent lower than those for --AWAW" NORW6Sr --�-- 4? 10=4 and :he median income of 65 to 74 year -olds is about 520,000.00, nearly 37 percent lower the median for the 55 to 64 age group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. As part of this need for financial readjustment, retirees are now lookim to an innova- tive way to supplement incomes to pay unexpected bills ranging from home repair to healthcare expenses. Home- owners over 62 can now partic- ipate in the Federal Housing Reverse Mortgages Dept. (303) 494-5575 • (800) 318-0826 Administration's Reverse Mortgage grogram. The program enables older homeowners to opportunity to receive money generated rrom home equity in the form of a reverse mortgage. No rcpav- ment is required unti'. the homeowner permanently leaves his or her home. Reverse mortgages have been in existence since the early 1960s but did not become popular until the 1970s, according to he National Cen- ter for Home Equity Conver- sion, a not -for -profit organiza- tion in Minnesota. For more information con- tact Jeffrey Moulton 303-494- 5575 or 800-318-0826