HomeMy WebLinkAboutWUSSB 030818West University Senior Services Board Minutes March 8, 2018 Presiding: Candyce Beneke presided and called the meeting to order at 2:07 pm Present: Candyce Beneke, Ruth Becker, Rebecca Dozier, Joan Johnson Carlos De La Torre, Sarah Ballanfant, Tom Brombacher, John Palmer, Susan Davis, Judy Faulkner, Absent: Selby Clark, Joan Johnson, John Palmer, Virginia Lootens, Stan McCandless Staff: Toby Brooks, Susan White Council Liaison : none, Kellye Burke was absent Minutes: February minutes were unanimously approved Citizen Comments: Ms Drewes commented that she thinks the Feb. minutes were disrespectful of seniors. She expressed concerns about the allocation of city funds and that none were designated for seniors. She also said she thinks the Alert system is too expensive and ADT is more efficient. She did not submit her comments in writing as requested.City Council: Kellye Burke was absent so no report Parks and Recreation Report: Susan While provided the following report:JEH Park - The City Manager and PARD Director met with architects to finalize the construction and bid documents. At the highest level of design, which includes the porch cover and masonry wall, the construction cost estimate is just under $500K. Please keep in mind that this total is for actual construction costs, and does not include funds that have already been expended or committed for design costs, demolition, tree work, survey, geotechnical and concrete testing. The bid documents are being prepared with two alternates for Council’s consideration. The first alternate is to change the masonry fence to a double-sided cedar fence and the other is to remove the porch structure above the columns. I can’t stress enough that these are only estimates . The city will receive firm construction costs once the city receives the actual bids. With the current project schedule, we hope to go to the Friends Board with the funding request at the May 9 meeting, and then to Council on May 14 for approval. · Fee Committee: Ann Crowley reported that one focus of the meeting was to create a fee schedule that made more sense and to organize the categories which currently are cumbersome. The Committee is currently gathering information and reviewing the pricing and choice of classes as well as create easier variables and options for payment
including rental charges. Toby explained fees for programs is based on a minimum attendance which cover costs, lunch for staff and the driver.. The smaller bus and classes are kept at lowest realistic cost. The fee schedule is within an ordinance. · Programming Committee meeting on Feb. 21. One of the items they are addressing is a comprehensive programming and vendor review, which is a 2017-2019 Council goal and an update on the Colonial Park Concession RFP was provided. - Tennis - The Tennis Committee met on 3/6 to review all of the feedback received and discuss concerns. Major updates included that a household may reserve any court, for any length of time but no more than 2 hours in any one reservation, for a total 3.5 hours in a 72 hour timeframe. Staff is confirming that the software is capable of tracking these parameters. Once we have confirmed the desired functionality, a trial period of 3-4 months will be put in place to work out any kinks. - Field Use Policy is being developed. This will help staff address issues with rogue instructors and adult teams trying to utilize the Rec Center fields and property. APAC: no report, Virginia was absent Good Neighbor: Toby reported the deliveries for next week include: large print puzzle book, a grabber, cosmetics including oral hygiene, cards and stamps. Delivery is set for next Thursday for delivery before Easter Activities and Previews: Taste of the Town had a full bus to Peli Peli for Taste of the Town. The Garden Club went to Arbor Gate in Tomball, ate lunch and listened to a presentation.Old Business: Arbor Day will be held at the Rec Center on March 24 with Judy, Sarah, and Ann are taking the lead on organizing and planning for a booth to promote activities and events at the Senior Center.Guest Speaker: Dr. Altshuler spoke about the effects of isolation and loneliness and the results of a recent study. The variables are 1. Voluntary vs, mandatory retirement 2. Health of individual and their spouse, and 3. Financial stability and adequacy. Exercise and socialization are the two key equalizing factors to counter the negative effects of isolation and loneliness. He also pointed out that West U. is uniquely equipped to deal with both issues very successfully with the wide offering of programs and a well equipped Recreation Center. Carlos suggested the Board focus its efforts on what services are being provided and that they address the isolation and loneliness issues of our seniors. George requested a personal trainer for seniors be added to the services at the Rec Center. Ann noted that the Senior Center offers an umbrella of activities and suggested that these be brought to everyone’s attention who attends Dr. Altshuler’s presentation to the community.Meeting adjourned at 3:17