HomeMy WebLinkAboutWUSSB 03-13-2014West University Senior Services Board Meeting March 13, 2014 Present: Pieter Vrancken (Chair), Stan McCandless, George Baker, Michelle Moore, Philip Bryant, Selby Clark, Janet Vrancken, Becky Arnold, John Palmer, Candyce Beneke, Mary Ryerson, Virginia Loot ens. Absent: Sarah Ballanfant, Joe Mitchell. Staff: Toby Brooks. Guests: Councilwoman Joan Johnson, Councilman Dick Yehle. The Meeting was called to order at 2:02PM. The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented. Activities & Previews (T oby Brooks) One trip had to be cancelled because of bad weather. The ice cream social attracted 14 participants. A pistol use class drew 6 all women (3 residents). An outing to a play drew a full bus. A zoo visit had 11 people. The theme meal was its usual success. An outing to the Federal Reserve building is fully booked. The proposal for a Men’s Club is seeking feedback to Patricia. APAC ( Virginia Lootens) A talk was given by Virginia Lootens on “Capacity or Incapacity, What’s your Choice”. The report fr om Deborah Moore –AAA representative highlighted the following items: a) AAA hopes to increase care -giver resources and respite programs this year; b) The AAAA conference will be in Dallas in June; c) APAC received 5,000 completed surveys regarding future needs of the elderly – including unmet needs and underserved populations; d) AAA’s budget was approved for the same amount as last year - effectively a reduction since the population has increased; e) Needs assessment is required in two areas: Income Suppor t and Navigation through existing services (helping elders find the benefits for which they are eligible); f) Currently 70% of funding is spent on nutrition services and AAA is assessing which communities are unserved. Transportation needs are the focus of APAC in the next few months. Cooperration with local hospitals is ongoing. Council (Joan Johnson) An ordinance regarding pay day loans was approved. The city of Houston approved car title loans so West University had to follow. Good Neighbor Team (Michel le Moore) Valentine’s Day cards were addressed and mailed on February 6 th . The Meeting on March 20 will assemble the spring package of goodies. PARD (Toby Brooks) Heavy Trash day is scheduled for the last Saturday in March, Three volunteers have stepped fo rward for pick -up. Members of the Good Neighbor Team and the Handymen will pick up heavy trash from seniors on the Friday prior to the Regular Heavy Trash day. Previous Business (Joan Johnson) Bids will be sought for ear looping in the Council Chamber and in two activity rooms . New Business (Various) Name Change for Senior Services (Board and Staff). It has been reported that certain residents who would be interested in taking part in the activities and Board duties are put off by the connotations of the na me. A committee was formed composed of Stan McCandless, George Baker, Becky Arnold , Michelle Moore and Virginia Lootens to propose alternatives and report back to the Board at its next meeting. (The Board was informed that 625 households in West Universit y – 11% of the total qualify for senior exemption on their property taxes). Non -Resident fees for participating in activities and excursions sponsored by West University. Stan McCandless felt that the Board needed to be better informed of whether the fees charged to non -residents made a sufficient contribution to the costs of providing the activities they enjoyed. After some discussion it was decided that Staff would investigate the extent to which non -residents took part in our activities and report back t o the Board. Vendor Donations. The Chairman read excerpts from a note received from Mr. O’Connor following the latter’s consultation with the City Attorney. There is nothing which legally prohibits the City from distributing goods and materials from vendor s . However it was felt prudent to issue disclaimers to the effect that the City does not endorse these vendors and has exercised due diligence in determining that all our event & program partners are reputable businesses in good standing with the Better Bu siness Bureau. The issue was tabled pending further discussion at a subsequent Board Meeting. The Meeting was adjourned at 3:12PM