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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Leadership Committee For Senior Services - 05/03/2012Leadership Committee for Senior Services Meeting Minutes LJUN 3 2012 Greenwood Senior Center Thursday, May 3, 2012 j X'$ ► The Meeting was called to order at 3:50 p.m. by Dotson Lewis, Chairperson. ► Roll Call Roll call was conducted by Pat Byrd, Secretary. Members present included: Willie Hardeman, Dotson Lewis, Ida Hobbs, Breanna Rye, Maricela Rivera, Adelfa Martinez, Billy Ray Sayles, Cindi Mutchler, Kenneth Mutchler, Vicki Garza, Hope Lopez, and Jose Villanueva. Edward Savoy was absent. ► Zavala Senior Center members in attendance Mr. Adan Chapa introduced Mrs. Regina Chapa and Mrs. Paula Garcia as members of the Zavala Senior Center. Mr. A. Chapa, spokesperson for the Zavala Senior Center Special Events Committee provided an overview of current events at the senior center. He reported the center is doing well and improving on noontime meal attendance. He stated one of the committee's goals should the center remain open is to plant a "Rose Garden" at the entrance of the center. The center is "home away from home" for many of the Zavala members so he would like for it to remain open at least 19 hours. If attendance were to rise maybe the center could open more hours. He commented on a highlight to one of their events where an Elvis impersonator "P. Lee" made the ladies day. Mr. A. Chapa announced that the Special Events Committee provided the refreshments for the meeting and hopes everyone enjoys them. Mr. A. Chapa made a public comment regarding membership fees. Will the 19 hour centers be assessed the same fee as the 40 hour centers? Mr. D. Lewis replied that on the sub- committee report that is an item that to be considered. Ms. V. Garza thanked Mr. Chapa on behalf of the LCSS committee for the refreshments. E. Munoz asked that Cynthia Carrizales, Zavala Senior Center Staff Assistant introduce the members that helped today. C. Carrizales introduced Mrs. R. Chapa and Mrs. P. Garcia as the ladies who assisted with refreshments and also help out daily with meal service at the center. C. Carrizales stated they are wonderful help at the center she could not do it without them. Their meals are made with "Love ". Mr. A. Chapa added that the Zavala members appreciate Cynthia Carrizales, Staff Assistant and MaryAnn Mondragon, Senior Center Supervisor for everything they do for the center. Mr. D. Lewis commented that even though they are a small group at Zavala they are dedicated and if membership increases then we can work on the hours. 0- Attendance Issues None lo- Other 0- Approval of Minutes Minutes from the April 5, 2012 meeting were distributed for review. A motion was made by V. Garza and it was seconded by A. Martinez to approve the minutes. The motion was unanimously approved. 0- New Business Appoint Ad Hoc Committee for Election of Officers: D. Lewis reported on the Election of Officers. New officers will assume their duties at the adjournment of today's meeting. Nominees are as follows: Billy Ray Sayles, Chairperson; Breanna Rye, Vice - Chairperson; and Ida Hobbs, Secretary. Mr. Lewis asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Mr. Sayles made a comment that based on protocol the vice - chairperson should move up to the chairperson position. If Mrs. V. Garza would like to take the chairperson position then Mr. Sayles would be okay with the decision. Mrs. V. Garza appreciated that he made the nomination, but she stated he would make an excellent chairperson and respectfully declined the position. P. Byrd made a motion that the officers be appointed by acclamation and it was seconded by V. Garza. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. D. Lewis offered his congratulations and stated it is a challenge and there are a number of things on our plate now, but since his appointment to the committee they have come a long way. He looks forward to working with the new officers. LCSS Member Vacancy: Mr. D. Lewis reported that the new business included having a vacancy for a LCSS member. He stated we pride ourselves in people that are interested in serving the community and then announced the only applicant for the LSCC vacancy, Mrs. Margaret Hawkins. He introduced Mrs. Hawkins and asked her to a brief introduction. Mrs. M. Hawkins reviewed her past experience and qualifications. She has lived in Corpus Christi for 45+ years, married a Miller Buccaneer, graduated from El Campo and Texas A &I in Kingsville and has a son. She is looking forward to working with the committee. Mr. D. Lewis stated he is a personal friend of Mrs. Hawkins. She has done some great work. She was Director of Senior Friends at Sunrise Mall. Ms. V. Garza motioned for the endorsement of Ms. M. Hawkins as the new LCSS member and seconded by Mr. B. Sayles. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. D. Lewis offered his congratulations and notified Mrs. M. Hawkins that the City Council would receive the recommendation for appointment. The recommendation will be placed on a future City Council agenda for approval and "swearing in ". Proposed Senior Center Membership Fee Policy: Mr. D. Lewis reported that this item was on last meeting's agenda and discussion was provided. There were presentations at each senior center with a lot of feedback and discussion coming from it. We went into some detail on the many things; from how to collect the fees, the amount being assessed; to what it going to be used for. The general consensus was when asking for a vote about "Would you accept the idea or not "? About 93% of people stated they would still participate but some were reluctant to do it because they had some sort of economic hardship. The largest concern was "Where is the money going to be put ?" Most of the people felt that it could be better used if it could be recommended that the money be put in the Senior Services Fund opposed to the General Fund. This proposal was discussed at length. Mr. D. Lewis reported that the informal recommendation is that the committee invites Michael Morris, Parks & Recreation Director and Troy Riggs, Assistant City Manager to meet with the committee to discuss the budget issues and explain what can be expected. The committee also needs to prepare for how we will inform the members. Cindi Mutchler asked if members had been charged in the past? Mr. D. Lewis stated that some members confuse the $1.50 suggested donation with having to pay but nutrition services are free. Any monies collected go back to the Nutrition program fund. Senior Center Rental fees go back to the general fund. If possible, any fees collected should go to benefit the seniors in a senior fund. The anticipated revenue from Membership Fees will be approximately $30,000. The LSCC committee agrees some revenue needs to be produced. Ms. B. Rye reported that there are many issues regarding the proposed $15 membership fee. A couple will be charged $30 vs. $15 and we will outline a process for distinguishing which members participate in the nutrition program service only. Mr. D. Lewis reaffirmed that a Nutrition Program participant will not get charged the fee unless they use other services. Ms. H. Lopez asked if a participant who participates four months (Winter Texan) out of the year will have to pay same rate. Mr. D. Lewis stated that it is going to be an administrative nightmare any way you do it. Ms. B. Rye stated it is economically difficult when a center is only open 19 hours and the member has an income of $600 and they do not get that many activities from the center at all. We want them to come to the center and get out of the house. She worries that it may become a deterrent fighting against what we're trying to do to boost morale for attendance. Nobody at Broadmoor wanted to pay the fee unless the fees went back into the center. Mr. D. Lewis acknowledged that certain people are at a fixed income level and we would still like for them to participate. The LCSS would have to consider this issue. Mr. B. Sayles stated that a small committee be established to give input into this so that it would address all questions posed. He added that since the Assistant City Manager and Director of Parks and Recreation would be at the next committee meeting did they have to vote on the membership fee today or could they wait to hear what was said then. Mr. B. Sayles asked if it was possible that the membership fee funds might get reverted into the Senior Services Fund. That question could get answered since we are saying everyone is unanimously in agreement if the money is coming back into the center. It would be prudent to wait to hear what will be said from City management. Mr. D. Lewis stated that a motion to table the item could be entertained. Mrs. P. Byrd made a motion to table voting on the membership fee proposal. This was seconded by Mr. B. Sayles. The motion was unanimously approved. ► Subcommittee Reports Funding and Resource/Special Events: Report by K. Mutchler Updates to the SCS Master Calendar of Events are as follows: No changes made. Harvest Moon Ball Planning — discussion on funds raised last year approximately ($12,000) and dispersing the funds. The recommendation is to keep $5000 as seed money for the 2012 event in September; $4000 for Meals on Wheels; $2700 dispersed among senior centers wish lists for what they need. Utilizing the funds raised is important to the committee. Meals for Moms Event — May 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the NESCICentral Kitchen. E. Munoz reported that this is an event to raise awareness on the meals on wheels waiting list. The campaign is similar to the Mayor's for Meals event where the. mayor and other elected officials delivered meals to clients. The media will be invited for a press conference. When a story was aired in February about the waiting list a group from the Asbury United Methodist Church contacted us with an offer to help with the MOW campaign. The women's group gave up going to eat once a week and collected the money saved. They will be donating a check next Friday for the event in the amount of $700 from that initiative. Additionally United HealthCare will present a check for $500 per quarter in support of the MOW Campaign. The Mother's Day cards are being created by students at Latchkey sites and recreation centers. LCSS members are invited to deliver cards, meals or for the check presentation. • Older Americans Month — Mr. Lewis is finalizing plans for Congressman Farenthold's to conduct a Town Hall meeting for this month. We have two tentative dates to have a central location scheduled for either 2:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. at Lindale Senior Center. • Senior Day — Friday, June 1 51 at the Corpus Christi Natatorium. E. Munoz reported that there is a $3.00 fee for the event/$6.00 for guests to help defray the cost for expenses for this day. It will be held at 3202 Cabaniss Parkway. Breanna Rye is the chairperson for this event along with Deborah Henry from Ethel Eyerly and Ninfa Chavera from Garden Senior Centers. They have been coordinating this event and are planning a full day of activities. A fitness walk, relay, swimming events, water aerobics, basketball tournament, horseshoes, chair volleyball tournament, minute to win it activity, ring toss and a fruit cup walk are planned. This event is being coordinated as an outreach initiative for seniors /baby boomers who do not know about the program. Invitees include friends from the YWCA and Collier Swimming program. The most unique thing about this year's event is that the committee has decided in order to increase participation they are going to promote a "Spirit Cup Award ". Depending on the number of members in these events the senior center will be garnering points based upon levels of participation. The senior center with the most points will have the cup to display at the center for their participation at this event. The award will travel from center to center in the years to come. E. Munoz recognized the planning committee's efforts in doing a good job in coordinating this event. LOSS members do not have to be there all day but are encouraged to enjoy the fun. This is a FUN day for our members. • Mr. D. Lewis announced he now has a column in the "Padre Moon" called Senior Moments. If anyone is interested in having anything posted or contribute to it, please call or e-mail him. • Mayor's Council on Aging — Aging Texas Well Initiative is conducting a community self assessment to gauge the "age friendliness" of our City. • Ms. Coastal Bend Senior Pageant — June 24 from 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. at Texas A &M University Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center - $10 per person. • Edge Gardens at Lindale Project — The Parks and Recreation Department received a grant from Scotts Miracle Grow to develop a Community Garden. Mrs. V. Garza reported that she is a member of the Lindale Neighborhood Association and they meet on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The gardens are open to the community. E. Munoz stated that the garden is between the Lindale Recreation Center and the Lindale Senior Center. Sixteen beds have been constructed and they will construct several more. This project is being coordinated through the Mayor's Council on Fitness in partnership with the Lindale Neighborhood Association. Everyone is invited to the ground breaking for this project on Monday, May 7, 2012 @ 11:00 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Recreation Center. The Lindale Senior Center will have two plots allocated for them. Scholarships may be available for those who cannot pay. There will be an application fee for others in the community who wish to participate. Mrs. V. Garza stated they are proud to be the first at Lindale to host a community garden. Program Operations Committee: Report by D. Lewis Mr. D. Lewis asked everyone to review the Code of Conduct policy. A few edits were made to the document. Ms. A. Martinez asked if it will be proposed to all the senior centers? She also asked if staff would also adhere to the policy. Mr. D. Lewis stated it is designed for senior center members. The Code of Conduct will be posted at the senior center and all members will be advised of the new guidelines. E. Munoz stated that staff has a set of official city policies and an ethics policy that they must abide by. Mr. D. Lewis noted that the Code of Conduct should be reviewed annually and that members should sign an acknowledgement form. Mr. B. Sayles made a motion to approve the changes and it was seconded by Ms. V. Garza to approve and distribute to the senior centers as a formal policy. The motion was unanimously approved. Program Evaluations Committee: Report by A. Martinez Ms. A. Martinez reported having received 210 comment cards for the month of April. There were 203 who indicated that they were satisfied and 7 not satisfied. Broadmoor Center did not send any cards. Members are satisfied with the food and comment that it is getting much better. Members report that the broccoli is sometimes too mushy. There is a problem with the restrooms at Garden and Lindale Senior Centers being unclean and smelly. She recommends reporting problems to the center supervisor and maintenance will stay on top of the problem. Mr. D. Lewis suggested a periodic check on restroom maintenance to insure proper cleanliness. Oveal Williams Senior Center members are happy that the food is much better and staff is very helpful and very patient. They would like the Blood Pressure checks to resume. L. Oliver stated that shortly after the meeting she will get with the respective centers because she does not get the report until the meeting(s). She will provide an action plan to remedy the issues. Mr. D. Lewis is concerned that one center did not submit comment cards. L. Oliver addressed the committee because administration has asked the question before. The center supervisor has provided members with the comment cards but the members feel that the response is faster if they call Elsa or Lisa on their cell phones to resolve the problem(s) at that time. Ms. M. Rivera suggested that administration suggest to the Broadmoor members that they have to place it in writing to have the issue(s) on record for action to be taken and it be addressed. Ms. A. Martinez stated that every comment card is read and addressed. Ms. H. Lopez asked, "Would it not be feasible to have a comment card box?" Ms. A. Martinez stated that has been tried before and it did not work. ► SCS Division Program Report Connie Reschman, Interim Nutrition Coordinator, reviewed the Program Performance report as distributed. The Program Performance Data Report for last month added new clients. In March 30 clients were added, 27 clients in April and 15 new clients so far for May for a total of 72 new clients for the Home Delivered Meal Program. There are 25 clients still pending assessments by senior center supervisors for eligibility. The report shows a slight increase from February due to new clients added on. She is currently working on April's data. In addition to that, Ms. Reschman met with Jean Fields, Program Dietician and she is getting ready to implement the new menu. Some items were added on as well as items being removed. A new menu will be ready to review at the next meeting. The steamer is still pending repairs. They have an estimate of $7,000 to repair the steamer. She is in the process of securing a second quote from another company. Ms. M. Rivera asked how the seniors qualify for the home delivered meals? Mrs. C. Reschman provided the eligibility guidelines as being based on age, need and a score on the assessment review (activities of daily living). Deliveries are provided through R &R Delivery Services. There are currently 11 routes which will probably be expanding due to the increase in clients served. L. Oliver reported that most of the events that are occurring in May have already been reported except for the Open House events that are being celebrated at each senior center in recognition of Older Americans Month. Notices will be sent to LCSS members via e-mail. The Older Americans Month Proclamation will be read on Tuesday, May 15 at 11:45 a.m. at City Council Chambers. If anyone is able to attend, you are invited to join us. Ms. Oliver reported that Ninfa Chavera, Deborah Henry, Evila Salinas and MaryAnn Mondragon will be attending the Texas Conference on Aging in South Padre Island. 0- Items to be Placed on Next Agenda • City Officials (Michael Morris and Troy Riggs) meeting with LOSS members at the next meeting. L. Oliver asked if there was flexibility in changing the date of the meeting should schedule conflicts arise for both officials to make it on the same day. Mr. D. Lewis agreed to adjust the meeting date. 0- Old Business The Strategic Plan was distributed for review. A motion by Mr. B. Sayles was made to adopt the Strategic Plan and was seconded by Mrs. P. Byrd. The motion was unanimously approved. 0- Public Comment Ms. Guzman with the Broadmoor /Lindale Senior Centers said that she and her husband split their time and attend both senior centers. She commented that she is getting a better picture of issues that are at hand. They missed the meeting where membership fees were discussed. She thanked the committee for allowing them to sit and listen. Mr. D. Lewis thanked Mr. & Mrs. Guzman for their participation and interest. Joe Cortez, Shirley and Charlotte from Northwest Senior Center were among the guests. Mr. Cortez commented that they have to adjust to the 19 hours they get at the senior center. When they start games may times they do not finish due to the hours. He commented that the center is beautiful. Mr. B. Sayles thanked the guests from Northwest Senior Center for coming. Mr. D. Lewis thanked Mr. Cortez for his participation as well. ► Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m. rd