HomeMy WebLinkAboutWUSSB1.11.18West University Senior Services Board Minutes January 11, 2018 Presiding: Selby Clark presided and called the meeting to order at 2:04 Present: George Baker, Sarah Ballanfant, Ruth Becker, Candyce Beneke, Tom Brombacher, Selby Clark, Ann Crowley, Carlos de la Torre, Rebecca Dozier, Judy Faulkner, Joan Johnson, Virginia Lootens, Susan Davis Absent: Stan McCandless, John Palmer Staff: Toby Brooks, Susan White Council Liaison: Kellye Burke Minutes: Selby Clark moved to approve the minutes of December 14, 2017, as presented. Rebecca moved to approve and Sarah seconded. Motion carried.Guest: Ms. Drewes listed a number of items that were and were not being done on a variety of issues. She did not provide a written copy to be included for accuracy as requested. Sarah expressed concern that comments were offensive and asked Ms. Drewes to please stop as she was over her allotted time.Council Report: Kellye Burke provided an update on the drainage project on Bissonnett and Buffalo Speedway. The council authorized the water mains within West U boundaries to be replaced. Buffalo Speedway proposal is part of drainage study by an engineer to create a feasibility study overview, where improvements are needed and possibly re-routing. This is in the Federal grant project. The roadbed is deteriorating and if it breaks down there will be a domino effect. The study will state optimum drainage of Buffalo Speedway. City is responsible for 20% and for any increase in costs due to rise in construction costs. 20% above ground and 80% below. There was no damage to drains or retention due to Harvey. Improvements will increase the capacity to carry and move water along Buffalo Speedway. Center Point could move utility wires underground if West U would pay for this work. George Baker suggested all utilities be underground to raise property values and Kellye Burke will take the suggestion back to City Council.Parks and Recreation Report: Susan White reported the marathon breakfast will be from 7:15 - 9:15 and West U will have a station outside at the 10.5 mile mark. The Halloween Dash created a $28,650 net for the PARD Department. $3,500 will be given to the Fire Department for new helmets. Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park development included the Fire and Police Department using the house demolition as a training opportunity. Additional tree removal has been completed. There is a meeting with the architects next week for design development completion. A preliminary timeline will be awarded in April and construction between June and October, 2018. Alternates for
cover and fencing materials are part of the bidding process and will go before Council during the bid approval process. PARD is currently seeking life guards which will increase fees because guards are needed for all open pool hours. Fees did not increase for seniors.APAC : Virginia did not attend the last meeting so no report this month Good Neighbor Team : Toby reported:Jan. 16 is the soup social with 140 invitations sent followed with a reminder Jan. 18 there will be a round table discussion and Valentine cards created Activities : Spanish 101 has 14 enrolled, other classes have good number enrollees. Carlos De La Torre commented on the presentation made by Methodist Emergency Care Center on the services provided at their facility on US 59 and Kirby. The session was well attended. Participants had many questions on a subject that can be confusing for users when faced with an emergency (what is offered, when does it make sense to go to the facility, what is different from independent emergency clinics, “Doc-in-a-box”, cost and insurance coverage, 911/EMS, etc.). Carlos offered to prepare a summary that could be used to share the information with a wider audience.Old Business : Carlos suggested the Board find a way to meet goals of the Board without an extra meeting. Joan and Ann agreed a second meeting is needed to clarify role of the board and its future focus. Carlos suggested revisit items from Good Neighbor Team survey and noted accomplishments with transportation and handyman service. We should utilize results from 2016 survey to help us advocate for the seniors. The survey noted that transportation, handyman, community activities, and emergency response from the city were highest priorities of those surveyed. There are 1200 citizens over 65, 400 over 75, and 85 over 80. Of these 1200 there are many who could be available to volunteer and help others. Virginia suggested we establish a new committee to focus on services for seniors and have a side committee instead of adding more time to board meeting. Ann asked how do we get the word out about all that is offered to seniors in West U. Judy explained that everything is in Hi Neighbor newsletter and suggests we find a way to update mailing list. Toby explained the current mailing list is created from voter registration list, word of mouth and prior registrations.Meeting adjourned at 3:04. Candyce moved for adjournment and Ann seconded.