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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Leadership Committee For Senior Services - 04/03/2003 LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE FOR SENIOR SERVICES City Hall—6th Floor Conference Room April 3, 2003 Alan Bligh called the meeting to order. Lucy Johnson conducted roll call and noted the absence of Marion Ball, Diamantina Cisneros, Hilda Rodriguez and Patricia Shufelt. No absences were excused from last month's meeting. MINUTES The meeting minutes for March were approved as submitted. Rex Amick moved and second by Apolonia Cantu. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: o Program Operations - Rex Amick reported that the subcommittee was withdrawing their recommendation to change the membership composition of the Leadership Committee for Senior Services. In addition, Mr. Amick requested that the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Senior Companion Program provide the subcommittee a monthly volunteer service hour report. Barbara Thomas reported a brief overview of the senior center Site Council Election Process. Senior centers conduct Site Council Elections every two years. The election calendar was distributed to all members. A Pre-Site Council Orientation is scheduled for April 10, 2003 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Oveal Williams Senior Center. The pre-orientation is designed to provide prospective members with an overview of the roles and responsibilities of serving as a site council member and/or officer. Beginning April 14'h through the 25`h (2 weeks) each senior center will accept nominations and the names will be placed on a ballot. Elections will be held from May 5'11 through May 9'". The new Site Council member roster will be posted on May 16, 2003. Election of officers will be conducted from May 20th through May 2P'. If necessary run off elections will be held on May 24, 2003. The Officer Installation Ceremony will be held at the Lindale Senior Center at 2:00 p.m. on May 30, 2003. Mr. Amick reported that at the last meeting Lisa Oliver requested that the committee consider a proposal to include at-large community volunteers to assist with the accreditation process. Rex Amick made a motion to approve the request and was and seconded by Anna Gonzales. The motion was passed. The subcommittee also recommended that Thomas Smith, Nutrition Coordinator visit each senior center between now and July 1, 2003 to educate the members about the proposed change in the milk contract (currently offering a 5 milk "menu" option to only 2% milk). Elsa Munoz recommended that LCSS SCANNED representatives join staff in the education campaign. Ms. Munoz stated that a formal PowerPoint presentation would be developed. A roster will be provided for members to sign up and join them in conducting the presentations at the senior centers. A fact sheet will be posted at all senior centers outlining the factors, which prompted the changes. o Program Evaluation — Lucy Johnson reported that the subcommittee held a very informative meeting. Larry Imhoff provided a general overview on statistics and the evaluation process. Members commented that they enjoyed the informative presentation. The subcommittee will be conducting evaluations on a quarterly basis. The Senior Companion Program will be evaluated first with results to be provided in July. The following programs will be evaluated as follows: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Centers and Elderly Nutrition Program. o Funding & Resource — Russell Stowers reported that the subcommittee is outlining plans for the "Court Of Enchantment Coronation Ball" fundraiser to raise monies for the 2003 Annual Holiday Dinner. The fundraiser will include: A. Two contestants(female and male) from each senior center B. Smaller senior centers will be paired with division programs C. Raise$1,000 per senior center D. Sponsorship packets will be mailed out E. The Coronation Ball will be held on June 20, 2003 1-4 pm with the presentation of the King and Queen and their court. Additional fundraising activities can be conducted at the senior centers. A recommendation to have Lillian Narvaez is designated project facilitator. Elsa Munoz will be meeting with Mr. Stowers at the next subcommittee meeting to review the process in receiving, distributing and allocating the donations. Mr. Stowers made a motion to continue the fundraising efforts for the Annual Holiday Dinner as submitted. Lucy Johnson seconded. Motion passed. o Special Events — Roland Medrano reported that a meeting was held on April 2, 2003. At the meeting, Ward Kirkpatrick distributed the special events calendar and the senior center activities calendar. Upon review of the calendars, Anna Gonzalez questioned why the subcommittee was not involved in preparing the calendars. Ms. Munoz explained that the special events calendar is a list of annual events that are held throughout the year and that the other calendar is a "menu" of regular/on-going senior center activities. Ms. Munoz also explained that the role of the committee is to look at ways to improve what is currently being offered for the senior community and enhance, expand or modify the daily activities and events based on feedback and recommendations of senior center members. The committee will be actively involved in finalizing and approving the annual calendars. Ms. Munoz stated that staff is to provide technical support +00 to the committee. Ward Kirkpatrick announced that the 2nd Annual Senior Corp Recognition is scheduled for April 25, 2003 at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and all members are invited and encouraged to attend the event. We are expecting 700 volunteers at this year's event. . Mrs. Gonzales stated that the subcommittee needs to be more directly involved in all future events. After a brief discussion and in review of the by-laws regarding the subcommittee's role, Ms. Munoz recommended that the Program Operations • Subcommittee should review the activity schedule. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS o Ms. Munoz attended the National Institute On Senior Center board meeting and signed up for the Standards and Evaluation Subcommittee, which will help with the accreditation process. She also attended the National Council On Aging Conference and will be sharing training highlights from that conference at upcoming staff meetings. o At the Advisory Council On Aging meeting held this month, Betty Lamb presented a status report on current funding levels regarding Older Americans Act funding for fiscal year '03. There are some proposed reductions and cuts in different programs. The supportive services and centers received a 1%increase; Congregate meals 2% decrease and Family Caregivers a 10% increase. Ms. Munoz reported that the division should be receiving the Final Notification of Funding that will include the total Title III funding. o Ms. Munoz provided a brief review regarding the proposed state funding cuts. These proposed cuts will impact 55,000 frail elderly Texans. Anyone interested in voicing their opinion regarding the cuts may contact Vilma Luna's Office at 854-9816. o Ms. Munoz thanked Lisa Oliver, Larry Imhoff and Ward Kirkpatrick for their hard work and dedication on the City budget. This year the division is requesting a budget proposal of $968,085 from the City's general fund. The division anticipates receiving $1,083,278 from federal funding; $261,610 from the state and $121,971 in contributions. A total of$33,684 from the reserve account must be tapped in order to meet budget demands. The total proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year '03-'04 is $2,468,628. Ms. Munoz advised that anyone interested in receiving a copy of the detailed budget might contact Connie Reschman at 880-3152. o The Planning Commission did not approve any of the SCS projects submitted for Community Development Block Grant funding. The proposals will be forwarded V to the City Council for their review. Ms. Munoz reported that the proposals submitted were for renovations to the senior centers to include security and smoke alarms and expansion projects for the Broadmoor Senior Center. o It was noted that the Senior Community Services Division is currently without Outreach Workers for the Home Delivered Meal Program. We will be submitting the vacancy notifications to Human Resources. o Elsa Munoz reported that she received a letter and a petition from the participants of the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center to support and endorse the temporary senior center supervisor Mary Ann Mondragon. The participants are very satisfied with the work and dedication they have received from Ms. Mondragon and would like to continue having her at the senior center. Ms. Munoz advised that the Human Resources Department will be forwarding the recommended candidates for the position and interviews will be conducted soon. Ms. Munoz also announced that correspondence was received from Fleet and Family Support Center on behalf of Gracie Canales and her staff for their outstanding customer service displayed throughout their workshop held at the Garden Senior Center. o Ms. Munoz introduced Vivian Benavides as the new management aide. Mrs. Benavides reported that she has extensive financial background with 19 years as a City of Corpus Christi employee. STAFF REPORTS o Ward Kirkpatrick reported that the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program received the Notice Of Grant Award for fiscal year 2003 — 2004 and it will go before Council on April 15, 2003. In addition, staff is working on the upcoming 2nd Annual Senior Corp Recognition. The program is also, preparing for a monitoring visit from the State office in May. o Larry Imhoff reported that the Senior Companion Program is in the process of completing their e-grant for submission by April 15, 2003. Staff will also be conducting a 40 hour In-Service training for new volunteers at the Garden Senior Center. o Tom Smith reported that the kitchen staff served lunch at the Latino Education Project Health Fair and is amazed with the accomplishments of the Senior Community Services Division each day. o Deborah Henry, Greenwood Senior Center Supervisor, announced that the Magnolia Senior Center from Houston, Texas would be visiting the center on April 7, 2003. The center participants will be welcoming the visitors with a breakfast and provide various activities throughout the day. o Barbara Thomas, Broadmoor Senior Center Supervisor, announced that on April 10- 16th 16th an Easter egg hunt intergenerational activity would take place with special education kids from Travis Elementary School. The center will also celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week with coffee and cookies at 9:00 a.m. on April 21, 2003. o Lillian Narvaez, Lindale Senior Center Supervisor, reported that the senior participants enjoyed an intergenerational program with the students from the Sunshine Camp from Austin, Texas. Activities included a scavenger hunt, a softball game and a cook out. o Sylvia Oliver, Oveal Williams Senior Center Supervisor, reported that on April 16t the center participants would be conducting an Easter egg hunt with the children from Brooks Chapel Day Care at 10:00 a.m. The Site Council has tentative plans for a Fish Fry on April 18`". o Sonia Garza, Northwest Senior Center Supervisor, will be hosting an Easter hat and basket contest on April 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In addition, they will host an intergenerational Easter egg hunt with children from Granny's Kountry School. On April 30th the Site Council will be hosting an Open House beginning at 9:00 a.m. o Mary Ann Mondragon, Briarwood/Ethel Eyerly Senior Center Supervisor (temp), reported that an Easter celebration would be hosted on April 17ih at the Briarwood Senior Center and April 18t at the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center. o Gracie Canales, Garden Senior Center Supervisor announced that on April 17t the participants would have an Easter Hat Contest at 11:00 a.m. In addition, on May 7th,2003 at 10:30 a.m. they will host a Flag Pole Dedication ceremony. ANNOUNCEMENTS o Helga Graham encouraged everyone to come out and vote. o Anna Gonzalez reported that the Ms. Coastal Bend Senior Pageant was very successful. o Roland Medrano reported that the Nueces County Department of Human Services has available funds and encouraged members to refer clients that may benefit from services. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Eloy Sosa proposed that the RSVP, SCP and AARP Programs assist him in initiating a partnership volunteer program (Travel Buddies) for the senior community with memory loss who use the B-Line. This effort may help with the current problem regarding cancellations and no shows. Alan Bligh requested that Ward Kirkpatrick, RSVP Coordinator research the proposal and report his findings to the committee. V v► There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned.