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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Advisory Board - Minutes - 08/10/1994• SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD • Minutes Wednesday, August 10, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Senior Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Kay Rios on Wednesday, August 10, at 2:05 P. M. in the Horsetooth Room of the Senior Center, 101 Remington Street, Fort Collins. A quorum was present. ATTENDANCE Members Present Ed Johnson Marjorie McTaggart Wayne Moellenberg Yvonne Myers Mary Alice Spelt Jill Taylor Margaret Watts Guests Duane Rowe, First National Rank Kelly Legg, First National Bank Tom Frazier, Director, General Services John Daggert, Manager, Transfort Council Liaison: Gerry Horak CITIZEN PARTICIPATION No one wished to speak before the Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Excused Members Jane Davis Stan Ulrich Absent Member Jane Goodhart Staff Barbara Schoenberger, Liaison Jennifer Klink, RSVP The minutes of the July 13 meeting were approved. OLD BUSINESS Dial -A -Ride As they had agreed to do in a previous meeting, Tom Frazier, director, General Services, and John Daggert, manager, Transfort, reviewed and discussed before the Board the recommendations that the Transportation Services and the Transportation Board will present to Council. Highlights of the Transportation Services' recommendations are as follows: (1) Prioritize services, with ADA-eligible persons receiving the highest priority, if services have to be limited; (2) Work with current customers to ride fixed - route buses; (3) Transfer the funding for the SAINT Program from Dial -A -Ride to United Way to avoid conflicts in potential fare collection and to better support the SAINT Program; (4) Collect a fare of $1.50 for all Dial -A -Ride trips; (5) Shift $78,000 currently frozen in the Transfort budget to the Dial -A -Ride Program for 1994 only; and (6) Renegotiate the service contract with Care -A -Van and Shamrock Taxi to lower the cost of each trip. • Page 2, SAB Minutes, Augu>t 10, 1994 The Transportation Board, Tom continued, offered these recommendations: (1) Continue to serve ADA-eligible and non -disabled individuals over age 60, and get tough on eligibility; (2) Work with Dial -A -Ride customers to ride the fixed -route buses and 'encourage them to carpool or vanpool; (3) Move SAINT funding out of Dial -A -Ride to United ?day and keep the service free to users; (4) Charge ADA-eligible riders twice the fixed -route fare ($1.50) and charge non -disabled individuals over 60 years of age $4.00 a trip; (5) Create a contingency fund separate from Transfort to help cover the fare for those who can't afford the $1.50 or $4.00 charge per trip; (6) Renegotiate contracts with Care -A -Van and Shamrock Taxi, or rebid the contracts; and (7) Use the $78,000 in the Transfort budget for Dial -A -'tide. After Tom's presentation, the SAB members discussed the reconunend.ations made by Transfort and. the Transportation Board. The SAB agreed on the following points: (1) A $1.50 charge for an individual does not sound unreasonable and the SAB would approve it; (2) If any additional changes would have to be made, the charges should be gradual; (3) An educational component that would alert seniors about alternative modes of transportation should be instituted; and (4) l'eneral Services should be looking at alternative services, such as t�e Office on Agin,, to determine what those abenci.es plan to do about the transportation issue. Marjorie moved that Puy write a letter stating those points, and Yvonne Myers seconded. it. The motion carried. Paint -A -Thor. Duane Rowe and Kelly Legg, First National Bank, reported on the Paint-A-Thon. They stated that the bank was disappointed in the small number of applications and that most of them were from mobile homes. They added that they were able to bet 18 more applications in two days by calling agencies directly. Ed Johnson subeested that the bank should provide a criteria for selection and then let us know what they are so that the SAB could inform the applicants about them,. M.ewbers of the Board emphasized that more time is needed to organize the drive and to disperse the information throughout the community. °awe and Legg mutually agreed that representatives from both entities should meet in January to plan next year's campaign. New West Fest Kay reported that plans for New West Fest are going alon6 nicely. The SAB will operated a booth again, and she compiled a schedule for the members to "man" and "woman" the booth. Network larbara expressed a concern about Information and Referral. She felt that the issue has lost much emphasis, and she wanted to know what suggestions or ideas the Board had about the continuance of the program. She traced the history of the service from its beginning by a student in Denver with one phone number to its present state of computer networks and availability in fire departments, senior centers and libraries. The service offers only information and referral. services for seniors and has been extren;ely effective and successful. It now bets conJ,,unity support through various funds. Barb wanted to know if the SAB wished to become active in such a Page 3, SAB Minutes, *gust 10, 1994 . project again. In the past, she concluded, the SAR had been actively involved. No action was taken. S. A. G. E. Net Kay announced that the next issue of S. A. G.F. Net will be coming out in late fall and she asked for topics that should be included in the next issue. Several suggested that information about the opening of the new senior center should be included and Marjorie McTaggart stated that infor— mation about the Governor's Conference on Aging should definitely be included. Marjorie added that the Conference will be held on September 26 and 27, 1994, and the White uouse Conference on Agin.,will be held in May, 1995. As an aside, Kay announced that she had successfully completed her orals requirement for a master's de6ree. She was heartily congratulated by all members of the SA3. NEW B<<SiNESS Transportation along the Front Range The Transportation along the Front Range resort was postponed until the study had been completed. Iay stated that she would schedule a presentation at that time. At this point of the meeting, Kay relinquished the chair to Yvonne Myers, vice chair. iiay had other urgent business that required her immediate attention. Service Organizations Reports Seniors Airborne. No Seniors Airborne report was given. Office on .AKin�,. In Stan's absence, Barbara gave the Office on Agin., Advisory Council's report. She reported that Stan had attended Outreach Pro6rams in Estes Park and "ellin6ton in July. Concerns at the meetinbs were transportation, affordable housing in Estes park and not knowing where to turn for help or information. On Friday, Au6ust 5, the Office on A6in6 Advisory Council held an all —day meeting to duscuss outcomes and goals of the OOAAC. ui6hli6hts of the meeting were the showing of a videotape entitled, "A Paradigm Shift," the final draft of the Needs Assessment Study and changes, a review of the recommendations of the Outreach Proerams and how the needs of those communities can be met and a review and a discussion of the OAA's services and how they can be improved. Aspen Club. Jill Taylor reported that Steve Budner had Given a presenta- tion on the new senior center and that attendance at the last Supper Club was the largest ever. She added that the club members have a strong interest in the senior center and they want to "now whether or not the Aspen Club will conduct programs there. Site added that she will be wor'cing very closely with Pat Moore. She also mentioned that the Aspen Club will be conductin6 colorectal screenings in December and that WAyne Moelleabers will conduct his proeram on Lifelone Learnin6 Fxperiences. She concluded her report by saying that C3 will be startiab up in Page 4, SAB Meeting *gust 10, 1994 • September again and that PVH will conduct tours of the new lab and kitchen areas in August. C3, she explained in answer to a question, stood for Contiuum of Care Coalition. Senior Center Council. No report. Friends of the Senior Center. Barbara reported that the Friends of the Senior Center had discussed new incentives for the 1995 new membership drive and that they would like to sponsor the Women's Financial Infor- mation Program from February 1, to April 11, 1995, if given the opportunity. She added that Kay had announced that the Elderhaus Program at CSU will be held in 1995. Margaret Watts added that she had talked to Dennis !?ogerty at Paine Yebber about the gift catalog. Barb then completed the Friends of the Senior Center report by stating that they are in the middle of their gift catalog campaign and that their (,ranny's Kitchen is planning to be in operation for New West ow Pest. She also mentioned that'Chili Cook -Off is scheduled for October 1 at the Sundance Saloon. She hoped that the SAB will put together a team again because the Cook -Off has been a very effective fund-raiser. She concluded her report by saying that the fund-raisers for the new senior center are beginning to jell and that the gift catalog is begin- ning to be more visible in the community. Reviewing; the Council Agenda Since Peggy Sandich will no longer be able to pick up and review the Council agenda, Barbara asked for a volunteer to pick up the agenda when it first becomes available. Ed Johnson volunteered to assume that responsibility. OPEN DISCUSSION During the Open Discussion period, all the members expressed views, concerns and activities in which they were interested. ADJOITPNMENT Since there was no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned. Stan Ulrich, Secretary Approved: Kay Rios, Chairman Yvonne Myers, Vice Chair • • SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD • Minutes. Wednesday, August 10, 1994 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly meeting of the Senior Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Tay Rios on Wednesday, August 10, at 2:05 P. M. in the Rorsetooth Room of the Senior Center, 101 Remington Street, Fort Collins. A quorum was present. ATTENDANCE Members Present Ed Johnson Marjorie McTaggart Wayne Moellenberg Yvonne Myers Mary Alice Spelt Jill Taylor Margaret Watts Guests Duane Rowe, First National Rank Kelly Legg, First National Bank Tom Frazier, Director, General Services John Daggert, Manager,. Transfort Council Liaison: Gerry worak CITIZEN PARTICIPATION No one wished to speak before the Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Excused Members Jane Davis Stan Ulrich Absent Member Jane Goodhart Staff Barbara Schoenberger, Liaison Jennifer `oink, RSVP The minutes of the July 13 meeting were approved. OLD BUSINESS Dial -A -Ride As they had agreed to do in a previous meeting, Tom Frazier, director, General Services, and John Daggert, manager, Transfort, reviewed and discussed before the Board the recommendations that the Transportation Services and the transportation. Board will present to Council. Highlights of the Transportation Services' recommendations are as follows: (1) Prioritize services, with ADA-eligible persons receiving the highest priority, if services have to be limited; (2) Work with current customers to ride fixed - route buses; (3) Transfer the funding for the SAINT Program from Dial -A -Ride to United Way to avoid conflicts in potential fare collection and to better support the SAINT Program; (4) Collect a fare of $1.50 for all Dial -A -Ride trips; (5) Shift $78,000 currently frozen in the Transfort budget to the Dial -A -Ride Program for 1994 only; and (6) Renegotiate the service contract with Care -A -Van and Shamrock Taxi to lower the cost of each trip. Page 2, SAS Minutes, August l0, A94 The Transportation Board, Tom continued, offered these recommendations: (1) Continue to serve ADA-eligible and non -disabled individuals over age 60, and get tough on eligibility; (2) Work with Dial -A -Ride customers to ride the fixed -route buses and encourage them to carpool or vanpool; (3) Move SAINT funding out of Dial -A -Ride to United.Way and keep the service free to users; (4) Charge ADA-eligible riders twice the fixed -route fare ($1.50) and charge non -disabled individuals over 60 years of age $4.00 a trip; (5) Create a contingency fund separate from Transfort to help cover the fare for those who can't afford the $1.50 or $4.00 charge per trip; (6) Renegotiate contracts with Care -A -Van and Shamrock Taxi, or rebid the contracts; and (7) rise the $73,000 in the Transfort budget for Dial -A -Ride. After Ton's presentation, the SAS members discussed the recommendations made by Transfort and. the Transportation Board. The SAS agreed on the followin6 points: (1) A $1.50 charge for an individual does not sound unreasonable;and the SAR would approve it; (2) If any additional cha;iges would have to be made, the charges should be Gradual; (3) An educational component that would alert seniors about alternative modes of trans,,ortat'_on should be instituted; and (4) Ceneral Services should be looking at alternative services, such as ttie office on Agin,, to determine what those abenci.es plan to do about_ the transportation issue. Marjorie moved that Kay write a letter stating those points, and Yvonne Myers seconded it. The motion carried. Paint -A -Than. Duane Rowe and Kelly Le66, First National Bank, reported on the Paint-A-Thon. They stated that the bank was disappointed in the small number of applications and that most of theca were from mobile hoiaes. They added that they were able to vet 18 more applications in two days by calling agencies directly. Ed Johnson su.6ested that the bank should provide a criteria for selection and then Let us know what they are so that the SAB could inform the applicants about them. `!embers of the Board emphasized that more time is needed to orbanize the drive and to disperse the infor:ration throughout the community. °owe and Lee, Mutually agreed that representatives from both entities should meet in January to plan next year's campaign. New West Pest Kay reported that plans for New %'est Fast are doing along nicely. The SAB will operated a booth again, and she compiled a schedule for the members to "man" and "wornan" the booth. "etwork Tlarbara expressed a concern about Information and Referral. She felt that the issue has lost much emphasis, and she wanted to know what subaestions or ideas the Board had about the continuance of the program. She traced the history of the service from its beginning by a student. in Denver with one phone number to its present state of computer networks and availability in fire'departcent;:;, senior centers and libraries. The service offers only infurruition and referral. services for seniors and has been extreriely effective and successful. It now ,ets comizunity support through various funds. Rarb wanted to know if the SAB wished to become active in such a Page 3, SAR Minutes, Wst 10, 1994 • project again. In the past, she concluded, the SAR had been actively involved. No action was taken. S. A. G. E. Net Kay announced that the next issue of S. A. G.R. Net will.be coming out in late fall and she asked for topics that should be included in the next issue. Several suggested that information about the opening of the new senior center should be included and Marjorie McTaggart stated that infor— mation about_ the Governor's Conference on Aging should definitely be included. Marjorie added that the Conference will be held on September 26 and 27, 1994, and the White uouse Conference on Aginbwill be held in May, 1995. As an aside, Kay announced that she had successfully completed her orals requirement for a master's degree. She was heartily congratulated by all members of the SA3. NF7f 9<<STJFSS Transportation alon,, the Front Range The Transportation alon6 the Front Range report was postponed until the study had been completed. flay stated that she would schedule a presentation at that time. At this point of the meeting, Kay relinquished the chair to Yvonne Myers, vice chair. Jay had other urgent business that required her immediate attention. Service Organizations 4eoorts Seniors Airborne. No Seniors Airborne report was given. Office on Agin;,. In Stan's absence, 9arhara gave the Office on Agin6 Advisory Council's report. She reported that Stan had attended Outreach Programs in 5stes Park and "ellington in July. Concerns at the meetings were transportation, affordable housinb in Estes park and not knowing where to turn for help or information. On Friday, Au6ust 5, the Office on A6in6 Advisory Council held an all —day meeting to duscuss outcomes and goals of the OOA.AC. ui6h1i6hts of the meeting were the showing of a videotape entitled, "A Paradigm Shift," the final draft of the Needs Assessnent Study and changes, a review of the recommendations of the Outreach Pro6rams and how the needs of those communities can be met and a review and a discussion of the OAA's services and how they: can be improved.. Aspen Club. Jill Taylor reported that Steve 9udner had Given a presenta— tion on the new senior center and that attendance at the last Supper Club was the lar6est ever. She added that the club members have a strong interest in the senior center and they want to 'snow whether or not the Aspen Club will conduct programs there. Site added that she will be wor'tinb very closely with "at Moore. She also mentioned that the Aspen Club will be con,4uctin6 colorectal screeutngs in December and that WAyne '+oetlenberg will conduct his program or. Lifelong Learning Fx,,eriences. She conclu4e4 her report by saying that C3 will be startiue ur in Page 4, SAB Meeting, Augu•__ 10, 1994 September again and that PVH will conduct tours of the new lab and kitchen areas in August. Cg, she explained in answer to a question, stood for Contiuum of Care Coalition. Senior Center Council. No report. Friends of the Senior Center. Barbara reported that the Friends of the Senior Center had discussed new incentives for the 1995 new membership drive and that they would like to sponsor the Women's Financial Infor- mation Program from February 1, to April 11, 1995, if given the opportunity. She added that Kay had announced that the Elderhaus Program at CSU will be held in 1995. Margaret Putts added that she had talked to Dennis uogerty at Paine !Jebber about the gift catalog. Barb then completed the Friends of the Senior Center report by stating that they are in the middle of their gift catalog campaign and that their Cranny's Kitchen is planning to be in operation 'for New 'Jest Pest. She also mentioned thaw Chili Cook -Off is scheduled for October 1 at the Sundance Saloon. She hoped that the SAB will put together a team again because the Cook -Off has been a very effective fund-raiser. She concluded her report by saying that the fund-raisers for the new senior center are beginning to jell and that the gift catalog is begin- ning to be more visible in the community. Reviewing the Council Agenda Since Peggy Sandich will no longer be able to pick up and review the Council agenda, Barbara asked for a volunteer to pick up the agenda when it first becomes available. Ed Johnson volunteered to assume that responsibility. OPEN DISC?ISSION During the Open Discussion period, all the members expressed views, concerns and activities in which they were interested. ADJOURNMENT Since there was no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned. Stan 1I1rich, Secretary Approved: Kay Rios, Chairman Yvonne Myers, Vice Chair 0 �J August 15, 1994 TO: Ann Azari Gerry Horak Chris Kneeland Alan Apt Will Smith Bob McClusky Gina Janett FROM: Kay Rios On behalf of the Senior Advisory Board SUBJECT: Recommendations for Dial -A -Ride Service The Senior Advisory Board reviewed the recommendations which have been forwarded by Tom Frazier and John Daggett. After lengthy discussion, the Board members asked that I forward the following concerns with regard to these recommendations: 1) The Board unanimously agreed that service to seniors should be continued regardless of their status under the ADA. During all of the previous discussions, seniors were told over and over that their transportation opportunities would be maintained in its current form. They were told that no major change would occur in the "foreseeable future." But now, just a few months later, that future is upon us and the recommendation states that "Strict application of this policy would limit service to the ADA eligible only." Seniors were led to believe that services would be improved and now, it appears, they may lose the services altogether. 2) While we understand the reason to institute a fee for service, we feel that $4 is an exorbitant amount at this point, especially when a "trip" is defined as one-way. The reality is that the greatest percentage of trips would be two-way, resulting in an $8 charge to seniors. Since this has been a free service for years, the jump to $4 one-way is a very large jump. If a fee must be instituted, we would ask that seniors pay the same fee that is recommended for ADA eligible riders: $1.50. We would ask that Council consider changing the definition of a also "trip" to include two-way. (According to information supplied by Tom Frazier and John Daggett, the fees charged in other areas in the Front Range run in the $1.50 to $2 bracket.) We believe that a gradual increase would be easier on those using the service and it would provide some relief while City entities are looking into other funding alternatives. 3) We would also ask that, regardless of the final decision, that an educational component be included as part of any program. That component could offer not only information on other modes of transportation available. but also offer assistance in the use of those modes. We realize that this is a complex issue and that, since finances are involved, decisions must be made. We ask, however, that within that decision making process, you consider any reworking of the system with the needs of seniors in mind.