HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMinutes010809WEST UNIVERSITY SENIOR SERVICES BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 8, 2009
Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Attendees were John Neighbors, Cathy Wright, Joan Johnson, Selby Clark, Mary Lee Gray, Elizabeth Young, Celia
Chipman, Maureen Beck, Pieter Vrancken, and Janet Vrancken. Absent were Stan McCandless, Jo Lukens, Maureen
Graf, Mary Ryerson, and Lyndon McKnight Councilman present was Chuck Guffie. Staff members present were Tim
O'Connor and Toby Brooks. Guest present was Former Councilman Steven Segal.
Previous meetings minutes were approved, with the addition of "Former" to guest Councilman Yehle. Previews and
Sneak Previews were reviewed.
REPORTS
APAC: FEMA was present to address after-catastrophe concerns, including claim fraud and claim verification. Their
representative emphasized not to hesitate to file an appeal if an original claim is denied. FEMA knows they had problems
with original inspectors, and will send out a new one if appealed. Their maximum benefit is $28,800. FEMA is secondary
coverage, so if your own insurance company has paid more than that, FEMA cannot pay any more. One problem that is
hitting Seniors is that if they receive the full $28,800 payout, but can't rebuild/buy a new house/trailer for that amount, and
instead move into an apartment, they now have cash assets that will make them ineligible for government subsidized
Senior programs, like meals and health care. AAA is still reviewing contracts for 2009 service providers. New insurance
requirements for government contractors have gone into effect, and some providers that cannot afford the insurance
premiums are saying they will have to withdraw their bids, unless some accommodations can be made. An emergency
response alert button will be available countywide through AAA. MOMS, a Kansas company, is a new vendor that is
preparing "fresh" meals to be delivered by UPS. They are for new people that can't get meals delivered by JCC or
Interfaith Ministries, or other providers because of waiting lists, but need meals because they just came home from the
hospital, or have another temporary need (up to 90 days). Right now it is a pilot program, and UPS drivers carry 10 meals
at a time into the kitchen. So far it is going really well, and at the same price as current local providers. AAA is
coordinating Senior Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 29th. AAA is also coordinating a
resolution instructing City, County and State to revise regulations for Senior habitats to provide backup generators for
elevators, respirators, etc., or to make arrangements to evacuate seniors in an emergency.
COUNCIL MEETING REPORT: Council has approved the construction manager, Tellepsen Engineers, selected from
seven applicants, and has also approved the contractors for the asbestos and lead abatement at the Rec Center. Tellepsen
is a well known and respected Houston firm, and builds all of the YMCAs located here. Demolition of the Rec Center
should commence at the end of January. Funds for the project have also been released for the start of construction.
Considerable discussion is underway about the location of the pool, as to whether it will be north or south of the new
building. With the 2009 Chevron Houston Marathon coming up, planning is underway for the Mayor's Breakfast near
City Hall, which will be held on January 18". The City will host the February 19" Harris County Mayors and Councils
dinner at the Hotel Za Za. Streetlight Project Phase B is scheduled to begin on January 5". Center Point plans to have
four installation crews working in the City. The first area to be completed is bound by Buffalo Speedway, University,
Kirby and Bissonnet (with the exceptions of Annapolis, Charlotte, Lake and Fordham, which are streets with conflicts
with aerial utility lines.). Estimated completion for this is three to four weeks.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TEAM: Orientation for both old and new volunteers will take place at the next meeting, and
Maureen Beck will speak on the objectives of the GNT. Policies, procedures and the budget will also be presented at the
meeting. Plans for the new year will be discussed. Approximately 160 poinsettias were delivered. Cards asking for
feedback from recipients will be included in future deliveries.
HI NEIGHBOR NEWSLETTER: No report
ACTIVITY REPORT: Activities were very subdued over the holidays. A couple of plays were attended, and the
holiday luncheon went well. Our van is being fitted with a GPS, and instruction on its usage will follow.
PARKS & RECREATION REPORT: Refer to the handout for November and December actions, presented to the
Board by Tim O'Connor. Tim reviewed all the issues addressed on that report.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: The Geriatric Committee will meet January 22°a
NEW BUSINESS: Workers are needed for the 2010 census agendas. Compensation will be between $12 and $20 per
hour.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None Meeting Adjourned at 2:51 PM