HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSminutes 04142011West University Senior Services Board Meeting April 14, 2011
Present: Stan McCandless (Chairman), Barbara Marvin, Joe Mitchell, Jo Lukens, Mary Lee Gray, Joan
Johnson, Selby Clark, George Baker, Janet Vrancken, Pieter Vrancken. Absent: Celia Chipman, John
Neighbors, Mary Ryerson, Lyndon McKnight. Staff: Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilman Steven Segal,
Virginia Lootens (Board Candidate), Sarah Waisanen (West U Instant News).
The Meeting was called to order at 2:03PM. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Candidate Introduction Virginia Lootens gave an outline of her previous experience as a teacher for
Houston Community College for 20 years and more recently as an Elder Law Attorney for 15 years.
Activities (Toby Brooks, ]o Lukens) The moving of activities from the Community Center to Colonial
Pool, the Recreation Center and the Scouthouse has led to a fall in attendance. Attendances to-morrow
(Friday) will be a true test of whether this fall is temporary. The Parkinson's group lunch was held in the
Scout House. The theme lunch (Swiss Chicken) was a resounding success. A display of over 50 china tea
cups added to the interest. An outing to Walmart was attended by 7 seniors and a volunteer.
APAC (George Baker) Federal Budgetary constraints are leading to a review of assistance programs:
these are usual put in place for up to 6 months but there are examples of continuing assistance for up to
20 years. APAC is looking to wean recipients who have exceeded the 6 month term from continuing
dependence but there is as yet no firm plan for achieving this.
Council Meeting Report (Councilman Steven Segal) A Memorandum of Understanding has been
approved and executed with the Baptist Church (WUBC). This provides for shared use of the lot adjacent
to City Hall and our newly acquired property on University Blvd for a 10 year term for an annual rental of
$1. The City has leased from WUBC the lot at the corner of Amherst and College also for a 10 year term
for $1 per year but WUBC has the right to withdraw this lot with one year's notice. WU residents may use
WUBC lots on Milton except on Wednesday nights and Sundays and WUBC members may use City
parking lots on Wednesday evenings and on Sundays. After much discussion and several meetings
basements were banned except for a limited basement (200 sq.feet) under the middle third of the house
and not to extend out of the building footprint. Council approved making a second recycling bin available
to residents who requested one. It is hoped this will increase recycling. The City prefers to pick up
recyclable matter from curbs rather than have residents delivering to the recycling center. Council
discussed how to strengthen the "no knock" (no solicitation) ordinance. Only four permits were issued
last year and none this year. Those distributing political & religious material are exempt. Additionally WU
exempts girl scouts, little leaguers and similar fundraising by sale of goods. Mr. Baker asked whether the
City could assist with the cost of providing a sight hole in the front door of houses.
Good Neighbor Team (Mary Lee Gray) Umbrellas and candy are being distributed to-day thanks to
Dorothy Zinc (since no locale was available).WUBC is offering to carry out yard work for seniors needing
it. There will be no meeting in April.
PARD (Toby Brooks) Renovations at the Community Center began on April 11 and are scheduled for
completion by Memorial Day. Administration and Senior Services have moved to Colonial Pool
temporarily. Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Judson Park is scheduled to commence on July 5 and take
4 weeks to complete. A baby-sitting service ("Let us Play") has been organized to permit mothers to
exercise. Grafitti at Colonial Park could not be removed with standard chemicals and water and may need
a light acid wash solution. Budget revenue for Colonial Park is $201,500 for the year. 20% of this sum
has been obtained in the first two week-ends. The chosen candidate for the Parks Crew Leader post did
not accept the City's offer. Another candidate is being interviewed. A Recreation Specialist position will be
advertized in May. Installation of bike racks at Colonial Park Pool is scheduled for completion by May 11.
A significant Eagle Scout project to refurbish all the wooden play structures at Colonial Park Pool and add
a new roof on the sand box will be completed by May 8. The project includes funding responsibility.
Software is being changed to accommodate EFT. RecTrac has been selected and after a training period
commencing in August, staff should be fully up to speed by October.
Other Business
The inauguration of Older Americans Month will be announced at the council meeting at 6:30PM April 25.
A Meeting will be held to meet all the candidates for office on April 28 at 6:30PM.
The Meeting was adjourned at 3:05PM.