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West University Place
SENIORS BOARD MEETING
March 12, 2020
Presiding: Ann Crowley
The meeting was called to order at 2:0 3 p.m.
Roll call: P resent : Carlos de la Torre , Tom Brombacher , , George Baker , Judy Faulkner, Rebecca Dozier ,
Elisabeth Wilder, Susan Davis , Tom Brombacher, George Hilderbran d t. Karen Kenny, Carol O’N eill, John
Barnes, Mardi Turner , Toby Brooks and Susan White Absent : Stan McCandless , Candyce Beneke , Selby
Clark , Candace TenBrink , Joan Johnson Residents: Alida Drewes, Dick Yeh le
Minutes: The minutes of the February meeting were amended and approved.
Citizen’s Comments :
1. Concern about the need to restrict access by children to the kitchen area.
2. Concern about the need for food handlers to wear gloves.
3. Concern about a community relations budget, deemed insufficient.
4. Concern about the need for a dog park.
Council M eeting R eport: John Barnes
1. Reported updates from council meetings of January 13, 27, February 10, 24 and March 9
Topics: property ordinances, registration of apiaries, soft water purification contract,
citywide speeding study, driveway standards (to integrate with state rules), workshop on
city employee compensation level.
2. Noted Gold Medal Award to West U. P arks
Parks and Recreation: Susan White
1. New links to Parks & Recreation website
2. Mention of Fire Chief Taylor in an emergency management assessment
3. Plan for Challenge Court at Colonial Park in place of volleyball court
4. Question (Carlos) about closing of the Rec Center
APAC Report Minutes were sent to you via email.
Good Neighbor Team: Mardi Turner
1. Delivery of Gerbera daisies to home -bound seniors scheduled for April 2.
Senior Services report: Toby Brooks
1. Due to the Covid -19 field trips for the remaining of the month have been canceled and class
size had been limited to 20 in each class.
Old Business
1) Exemption for seniors to rent garage apartments (George B.). Suggestion that some seniors
would be better able to afford to stay in their homes if they could rent a room in their home or
in a garage apartment.
2) Country tax assessments deemed unfair to owners of older homes (George B ). Observed that tax
assessment rates are based on “comparable sales” in the neighborhood, but tha t sales of older
homes of $700 K and up feature remodeled kitchens, baths, etc. Home’s that lack such upgrades
are priced as if they did.
Senior Board Meeting, Minutes of March 12, 2020
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Some of the pricing valuation is based on sales prices, not just actual sales (John).
Tax assessment consulting firms offer assistance, such as Peter O’Conner & Associates.
3) Question about how to help seniors with homes needing repair, such as handrails on front steps
(George B). Harris County has a fund to provide assistance to homeowners provided financial
information i s submitted.
Adjournment : The meeting was adjourned at 3 :20 p.m.
Submitted: George Baker