HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9 2024Senior Board Minutes
May 9,2024
Call to Order 2:02 pm
Attendance: Present—Ann Crowley, Candyce Beneke, Debbie Pedrick, Eileen O’Neil
George Hildebrandt, Geri Wood, Gloria Nino Monacelli, Jennifer Sickman, Karen Kenny,
Kay Bryan, Laura Turley, Robin Burks, Soraya Brombacher
Absent—Diana Ayers, Teresa George-Hung
Guests: Carlos de la Torre, Dick Yehle, John Barnes, Tyra Hunter
Minutes from April 11—Motion to approve Karen Kenny, 2nd Eileen O’Neil
Minutes approved.
New Business: Laura Turley our representative on the fees committee made a presentation regarding proposed fees for 2025. Proposed changes—eliminate the free membership for 75 + retaining
it for those who already receive it
Maintain 50% discount for seniors 65+
The “waiver” will be limited and based clearly on economic hardship. Income level $41 K and lower. When started there were concerns about stigma and privacy so ‘no questions asked’ was
the process. Currently combining all “free memberships” is 551 people which equates to $148,770 and at 50% 74,385.
Candyce Beneke mentioned that back at the time of the bond for the rec center the no cost idea was floated.
Ann noted that comparing the census #s from 2010 and 2020 showed quite a stark increase in both the 65+ and 75+ categories, even though the city population only increased by about 100
people total.
2010
65 and over 8.1 % 1197 persons
75 and over 2.7 %. 399 persons
2020
65 and over 15.8% 2364 persons
75 and over 5.9% 887 persons
Attitudes about seniors and their interest in exercise and wellness have changed as well.
Rec Center Budget $2.2 million 10% from membership the rest from programming
Colonial Park $541K 60% from membership, other rentals
Jennifer Sickman said it is important to remember the median income of $220K really is not what many seniors make. She suggested looking at an annual fee system in the future that would
be billed on a monthly basis to include use of all facilities. Could be on the water bill.
This would stabilize the income stream as well as make it very convenient for residents.
Susan White said they are looking at possible one fee for all –annual membership even for the senior building. Current software would not support it but may be able to in the future.
Eileen O’Neill mentioned Silver Sneakers & health plan options.
Susan White asked everyone to look over the docs Laura Turley provided us and to forward on any questions or comments one might have to Susan so she can pass on to Parks and Rec Fee
Committee.
John Montgomery—council update- began with notice that May 5-11 is public service recognition week.
Smart Water Irrigation systems are being installed on all city property except medians with no electrical. $118K with a grant covering have. Will significantly reduce consumption.
Capital improvement plans—council agreement on needs, now where to get $300 million?
Bond market, grants, rainy day fund
May 14 Townhall on Urban Planning Space—550 responses to online survey
Community Bldg. 6:30 pm
Debbie Pedrick –purpose of our outreach is to get knowledge out about Senior services and encourage participation. Circulated new list asked everyone to take names.
Eileen O’Neill—passed a list of people to contact regarding the centennial memory cookbook.
Soraya Brombacher asked everyone to get their own in and try to finish by June 1. Reminder special memories and photos also
Centennial event—well attended 800+ people—drone light show, band spectacular! Kudos to Bianca Cuccerre
Kay Bryan—Baseball tickets—might work better if people bought their own and WU just provided transport Upcoming—Poker June 27, Bowling Aug 19, Pickleball sooo popular really need more
options. Asked if WU ever did its own census. –has not.
Toby Brooks—activities busy, new newsletter out, last meal 82 people, trips to Synagogue & Mounted Patrol Trying to get water aerobics going again.
Susan White—Weir park running a bit behind due to weather delays. Looking to finish later in June. Everyone will be invited to grand opening.
Mardi Turner—Hurricane preparedness for GNT delivery June 20
Karen & Geri---Sent info out to everyone. Older Americans Act needs to be funded.
Guests—Carlos spoke about the need for seniors to be able to participate in survey & concern that cost centering should not be the priority. Engagement is important.
---Tyra Hunter introduced herself to board. She is with Care Partners, a non profit offering care and services for dementia patients and their families—3838 Aberdeen Way.
(Former Sheltering Arms location, is no part of Baker Ripley) She provided info and Toby has all her contact information.
Meeting Adjourned Motion Eileen O’Neil, 2nd Laura Turley
3:16 pm