HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMinutes1132011West University Senior Services Board Meeting January 13, 2011
Present:Stan McCandless (Chair), John Neighbors, Mary Ryerson, Jo Lukens, Mary Lee Gray, Barbara Marvin, George Baker, Joan Johnson, Lyndon McKnight, Selby Clark, Janet Vrancken, Pieter
Vrancken. Absent: Celia Chipman, Joe Mitchell. Staff: Tim O’Connor, Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilman Steven Segal, Sara Waisanen (West University Instant News), Betty Streckfuss (Tx Silver-Haired
Legislature).
The Meeting was called to order at 2:00PM. At the invitation of the Chairman, Joan Johnson introduced Betty Streckfuss RN who made a half hour presentation on the Texas Silver Haired
Legislature (TSHL) its aims and activities. TSHL was brought into being in 1989 by a resolution passed by the 69th State Legislature. There are 110 representatives in the State. There
are 28 AAA districts and between 3 and 5
Representatives per AAA district. Harris County has 5 representatives. TSHL’s Main concerns for Seniors lie in the areas of Access & Assistance, Nutrition, Independence and Productivity.
The importance of TSHL’s work is underlined by the fact that there are currently 4 million Texans over the age of 60 and that this number will increase by 30% this year. One is eligible
to stand for appointment to TSHL if resident in the area one wishes to represent, over 60 years of age and financially able to attend meetings in Austin (cost approximately $3,000/yr).
During the Legislative Session of September 13-16 2010 the 13th TSHL passed a total of 74 resolutions which ask the 82nd Texas Legislature for specific actions to benefit older Texans.
The TSHL membership has selected the top ten priorities as those most important to older Texans. These have already been distributed to the Board. Copies of the 13th TSHL Report were
made available to the Board. The Chairman thanked Ms Streckfuss for her informative presentation.
APAC (Joan Johnson) An organization called “A Place for Mom” assists in finding the best location (retirement, assisted living and skilled nursing facility) for a loved one. A phone
conversation establishes the needs of the individual. Contact: Karen Williams, Eldercare advisor, Toll Free 877-311-6227. Harris County Community Services Department (Carmen Reyna at
713-696-1979) provides services for (mainly) low income and disabled adults. They work with seniors on Utility Costs. AAA (Area Agency on Aging) has funds available to assist seniors
with vision and hearing problems. Call 832-393-4948 to see if you qualify. APAC has many members going to the State Capitol in Austin on Tuesday Feb 8 for Senior Day. Our Senior Services
Board would be welcome to join them. APAC has two Resolutions: Resolution Regulating Pay Day Lending Institutions and Resolution Reauthorizing “Texans feed Texans” (funding for organizations
in each Texas county that provide home delivered meals to homebound persons who are elderly or have a disability. Any Board Members wishing to attend should contact Joan Johnson (Phone:
713-858-6119 or e-mail joanjohnson45@sbcglobal.net The last presentation of GET READY FOR LIFE will be on Saturday January 29, 2011 at 10:30 in St. Dominic’s Auditorium, 2401 Holcombe
Blvd.
Council (Steven Segal) The City Manager & City Secretary were evaluated. Both received 3% raises. Following re-bidding, West University Examiner was selected as the Official City Newspaper.
A Memorandum of Understanding for the West U Swim Team 2011 season (Apr-Jun) was approved. Staff were authorized to solicit bids for the concession at Colonial Park for the 2011 season.
The new owner of Edloe Deli will bid. A decision is expected by end February for the April 2 opening. Prior to Memorial Day the pool will be open at weekends in April & May. A Proclamation
was issued to Will Rhymes, the first West U Little League player to make the major leagues. A Joint Public Hearing with the Zoning & Planning Committee was held relating to loss of of
prior nonconforming status for a change in use and parking regulations for certain food service establishments. Election Information concerning the City Election on May 14 has been published:
Candidate Packets Become Available for pickup Tue Jan 18
First City Business Day to File Mon Feb 14
Last Day to File Mon Mar 14 (5PM)
Last Day for Candidate to Withdraw (and remove name) Tue Mar 22
Good Neighbor Team (Mary Lee Gray) Valentine Day cards will be addressed on February 8th. Poinsettias and umbrellas will be prepared on Thursday (Jan 20th) at 2PM
PARD (Toby Brooks) 50% of the drawings for the facility renovation are complete. These cover the kitchen, the restrooms, the flooring and the paint. HVAC has been fixed as have the ceilings
in the senior room and the tiles. The goal is to complete all work by May 1st to avoid any disruption of Election Day on May 18th.
Meeting adjourned at 3PM