HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSminutes 09082011West University Senior Services Board Meeting September 8, 2011
Present: John Neighbors (Chairman), Stan McCandless, Barbara Marvin, Virginia Lootens, Mary Ryerson, Lyndon
McKnight, Selby Clark, George Baker, Chuck Guffey, and Joe Mitchell. Absent: Janet Vrancken, Pieter Vrancken,
Sarah Ballanfant. Staff: Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilwoman Joan Johnson and Councilman Dick Yehle.
The Meeting was called to order at 1:58PM. The Minutes were approved. It was informed official swearing in will
take place at the next Senior Board Meeting, in October.
Activities (Toby Brooks) Evening programs begin this week, all well received: mediation had 9, evening line
dance 21 and evening tai chi 8. All other programs besides the precinct trips are doing really well.
APAC (Virginia Lootens) Two meetings were attended by Virginia during our summer break, one in August and
September. Continued concern about budget cuts and ability to serve, will work on off the 2000 Consensus and
not the 2011, since the 2010 census shows increasing numbers of at-risk populations in urban centers of the State,
there was concern about the manner in which the reduced funds would be allotted. A new dental program is in
effect, with waitlist of at least 800, as Medicare does not cover dental care. Dr. Dwayne Broussard gave a very
informative talk on the dangers of heat exhaustion for the elderly. Update on the HoME project was given noting
that a substantial sum had been raised, but that more is needed ($10,000.00). A donor has offered to make an
additional $2,500.00 donation if the $15,000.00 can be raised. All contractor and vendor renewals were
completed. Applications for funding will be handled differently, allowing AAA to designate primary and secondary
vendors, based on their competitive rates and ability to provide services. The Grandparents Caregivers Expo will
be held Sept. 9, 2011 from 10 -2 pm, at Depelchin Children's Home. Open enrollment for Medicare plans begins
October 15, 2011 and ends December 7, 2011. Esther Steinberg and Sarah Ward gave a very informative talk on
Mental Health America, an organization of advocacy, education and training on the issues of mental health on the
elderly population. A referral helpline is available, as well as pro bono in-home counseling for qualified seniors.
The organization delivers presentations to the community on Mental Health and Aging. Contact person is Karen
George, 713-523-8963, x231. Marla Turner presented information on the "Complete Street" coalition, which
supports safety and coordination issues for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on our streets. APAC will be one of
the members of the coalition which will sponsor a national representative of the program to be presented in the fall
of 2011. Timothy Stewart reported that the HoME Project has not met its goal of $17,500.00 for meals at
Thanksgiving for needy elders. A JCC-HoME donation letter was given to each attendee with the request of at least
3 donations to the program.
Council Meeting Report (Joan Johnson)
At our June 13"' Council Meeting, Susan Sample, was appointed Mayor Pro Tem; Joan Johnson confirmed as
Liaison to Senior Services Board. Lot at corner of Amherst and College (owned by the Baptist Church) and leased to
WUP for $1 per year. WUP intended to turn this land into an additional parking lot for the City, neighbors
objected and council decided City Hall lot provided the necessary parking. Council approved approximately $1.2
Million to upgrade or replace equipment at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. This facility was reconstructed in
1960 and the equipment has outlived it useful life. Funds for this replacement are in the budget. The Recycling
and Solid Waste Reduction Board provided Council with information on Automated Recycling and Garbage Pick Up.
This will be an ongoing discussion and no decisions will be made until there is further study of the economics and
acceptance by residents. There will be opportunities for resident input in the future. Toby Brooks will arrange with
Dave Beach to get samples of the garbage receptacles. A developer wanted to create a cull de sac off of Mercer
that could accommodate 4 homes rather than the current 2 home lots. The Zoning & Planning Commission
proposed an Ordinance that required all residential building site abut a City Street. Hearing was held and Council
approved. Council approved the Zoning and Planning Commission recommended Ordinance that provided
standards for constructing Basements in WUP. The Sentinel Club provided funding to WUP to purchase audio/visual
components for the new Training Room/Emergency Management Center. It was questioned on the status of our
water supply, well within the voluntary restrictions. Only 50% of the city's water supply comes from city of
Houston. Budget workshop scheduled for September 24th
Good Neighbor (Toby Brooks) Next meeting scheduled next week at the Police Department for a tour, and
Dorothy Zink has resigned as the chairperson. Becky Arnold will be taking the lead, with assistance from Michelle
Moore and Celest Mead.
PARD (Toby Brooks) Several art shows will take place at the West U Recreation Center, information could be
found in the Activity Guide, possibly art showcases for West U Residents'to be done in the Community Building,
still in the works with the committee.
Other Business George Baker volunteered to get in touch with Suicide Prevention Venter to get more information.
The Meeting adjourned at 2:55PM