HomeMy WebLinkAboutWUSSB Minutes 4-11-2013West University Senior Services Board Meeting April 11, 2013 Present: John Neighbors (Chair), Pieter Vrancken, George Baker, Michelle Moore, Sarah Ballanfant, Janet Vrancken, Becky Arnold, Mary Ryerson, Joe Mitchell, Virginia Lootens. Absent: Stan McCandle ss, Chuck Guffey, Selby Clark. Staff: Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilwoman Joan Johnson, Councilman Dick Yehle, Candidate for Councilman Sonny Brandtner. The Meeting was called to order at 2:03PM. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented . Activities & Previews (Toby Brooks) The Newsletter has just come out. A dance will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on May 30 at (and sponsored by) The Terrace. Members are encouraged to attend and to publicize the event. A meditation Class will be held on May 18 at 1PM. An excursion was planned to the Antiques Fair at Round Top – those that attended enjoyed themselves. It was also suggested to possibly attend a concert at the Round Top Theatre, which is difficult due to scheduling needs. APAC Report (Virgini a Lootens) At the April 4 meeting of APAC, Deborah Moore, Representative from AAA reported the following AAA issues that are being addressed: the expected 8% reduction in funding resulting from the sequester will be absorbed by a 5% reduction to vendors an d contractors. The State of Texas will absorb the remaining 3%. Waiting lists are developing for some AAA programs. Several CMS programs have already been closed: Preferred Provider Plan and the Medicare Advantage Plan. AAA is raising the qualifications le vels for home services and meals. The score needed on ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) is now 25 as compared with the previous 20. The Area Plan (a 3 year plan) identifying unmet needs of the elderly in the community is being prepared. The Aging in Texas conference is to be held June 16 -19, 2013 in the Westin Galleria in Houston. “Care Connection” (1 -877 -393 -1090) is the ADRC’s (Aging & Disabilities Resource Center) point of contact for the surrounding 13 counties. It is sponsored by AAA, located at 4802 Lockwood and co -staffed by representatives from Harris County, State of Texas and Veterans’ Administration. ADRC’s goal is to provide NAVIGATION (Care Coordination), BENEFITS COUNSELLING and EDUCATION & TRAINING. ADRC has been awarded several grants for sp ecial programs: “Money Follows the Person”- options for private party residents of nursing homes; Hospital Care Transitions – prevention of hospital re -admissions with patient counseling. (Two hospitals in Katy – Memorial Hermann and Christus St. Catherine have already achieved great results with this program) Lifespan Respite – Respite Locations for short term recuperation for caregivers. Council Meeting Report (Joan Johnson) Items are reported for the Council meetings of March 25 and April 8, 2013. Amende d Election Ordinance to include new WUP Precinct 906 created as part of Federal Government Re -districting. Previously part of Precinct 87 the area is bounded by Fenwood Road to the north, Kirby Drive to the east, Pemberton Drive to the south and Annapolis Street to the west. Council has asked that the area be maintained in Precinct 87 but this does not look likely. By law (Texas Government Code 2051.044) our city is obliged to have one designated newspaper where official notices are posted. Council has des ignated Houston Community Newspapers (The Examiner) for this purpose. Prince’s Hamburgers have been selected as concessionaire for Colonial Park Pool after research by the PARD Director. Mayor Fry made a proclamation that April 2013 be “National Older Citi zens Month” and also “National Volunteer Month”. Toby Brooks made a presentation to Council and the meeting was attended by several Senior Services Board Members. Three Joint Public Hearings were held with the Zoning & Planning Commission to obtain citizen input on the following changes: Clarification of “accessory quarters” for attached & detached garages Changes in widths of curb cuts, curb returns and driveways Clearly define non -standard types of building sites and applicable fencing for such Good Neigh bor Team (Michelle Moore) 149 gift bags were distributed to qualifying seniors. The next GNT meeting will be held on Thursday April 18 with a presentation on “Staying Hydrated” PARD (Toby Brooks) The weekly work summaries have already been circulated to Bo ard Members. Previous Business (Toby Brooks) The 9 phones distributed as part of the Direct Link pilot program . (One phone ended up in a dryer). New Business (Toby Brooks & George Baker) Heavy trash disposal will take place on Saturday April 27. Additional shredding will be possible on Saturday May 4. Toby can provide information on recycling outdated medications. George alerted members to the fact that exercise records from the Rec Center can reviewed . Two Classical Concerts will be held on April 12 and 19 from 7 -9PM. The Meeting was adjourned at 2:44PM