HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 12, 2024Senior Board Meeting
September 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Community Center
Presiding: Ann Crowley (Chair)
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm
Attendance:
Present: Laura Turley, Candyce Beneke, Karen Kenny, Geri Wood, Soraya Brombacher, Diana Ayers, Ann Crowley, Gloria Nino Monacelli, Eileen O’Neil, Robin Burkes, Jennifer Sickman, Kay
Bryan, Teresa George -Hung, John Montgomery (Council Liaison), Susan White, Patricia (in place of Toby)
Absent: George Hildebrandt, Debbie Pedrick,
Guests: Carlos De La Torre, Dick Yehle, Justine Markowski, John Cory Hills, Lisa Cearfoss (Rec Center), Alida Drewes, Lori Hill
Previous Minutes Approval:
Motion to approve the minutes by Diana Ayers, seconded by Geri Wood.
Updates & Action Items:
Updates on Master Facilities Plan (Phase 2) – by Justine Markowski:
Senior Spaces: Presented at the town hall meeting.
Feedback from previous meetings was reviewed, focusing on senior programming.
Incorporating a "Blue Zone" approach for spaces to support lifestyle and long-term health.
Community and senior center program spaces:
Various meeting room sizes, including large and small multipurpose rooms.
Larger storage spaces for necessary items in each room.
A retractable stage is under consideration.
Social Spaces:
Includes a flexible game room and social lounge areas.
Main social area designed like a lounge, with potential for smaller lounges.
Support Spaces: Includes restrooms, vestibules, and a family room.
Staff Spaces: Includes a break room, workroom, and storage areas.
Library Program Spaces: The library will feature various meeting spaces, including large meeting rooms, study spaces, a laptop bar, a room dedicated to radio/television/film (RTF), and
a maker space with capabilities such as laser cutting.
Children’s areas will include a play nook for toddlers and a calming room for children who may need a quiet space.
The traditional book stacks will mostly remain intact.
Support spaces will serve functional needs for librarians, and staff spaces will include storage and work areas.
Questions and Discussions:
Kay asked if the gym upstairs had been vetoed. Justine responded that there was no specific information available at the time. .Kay expressed that excluding a gym alienates seniors.
Various board members expressed support for having multiple spaces for exercise.
Susan White noted that the demographic at the Rec Center during the day is predominantly seniors.
Justine mentioned that the large multipurpose room is expected to function in a manner similar to a gym, with activities such as pickleball being a possibility.
Eileen O’Neil asked if the multipurpose rooms are contiguous to the kitchen.
Gloria inquired about the number of parking spaces.
John M. explained that considerations for parking and green space near Library Milton are still ongoing. The relocation of City Hall is being discussed, but urban planning is still under
review.
Ann raised the importance of determining whether this new building will represent an improvement over the current one.
Additional Updates:
There were discussions about the possible relocation of the Senior Center to the new building site.
Concerns were expressed regarding future planning, including bond elections and gaining public support for the project.
Community Input and Senior Center Concerns:
Alida expressed senior exclusion in the conversation, particularly regarding building acoustics and closed captioning considerations.
Eileen asked if there would be a net loss of meeting spaces. Justine assured her that both the library and senior center would have more square footage than currently exists.
Jennifer Sickman raised concerns about space dividers and acoustic issues, suggesting the possibility of shared spaces between the library and senior center. Justine agreed, adding that
the spaces should be built with proper acoustic isolation in mind.
Susan White suggested that the maker space could be used for senior activities such as 3D printing.
Geri inquired if the space between the library and senior center would be eliminated. Justine discussed green space options, noting that easy and comfortable access between the buildings
is being considered.
Gloria asked about longitudinal studies related to the update, comparing the process to Exxon studies.
Jennifer S. raised questions about water conservation and rainwater capture efforts.
John Montgomery mentioned that LEED certification is being considered, but discussions are still ongoing.
Monthly Reports:
Senior Services: Patricia reported increased participation in senior center trips and noted upcoming service activities at West U Elementary.
Parks & Rec: Susan White provided updates on Rec Center fees, noting that complimentary Colonial Pool memberships will be available for seniors who are currently 65 and older. This weekend
is the last weekend to get the free membership for seniors. She encouraged seniors to renew their memberships by September 15th.
APAC: Karen Kenny shared that Patricia has sent out the notes. Highlights include Harris County setting up a system similar to the Good Neighbor team for the county at large.
Council Liaison & Updates:
Facility Updates:
John M. discussed improvements to existing spaces, including larger storage areas. He noted that West U library is owned by the city, while Harris County will be the tenant for the new
library and will provide staff. He also mentioned the possibility of collaborative partnerships.
Discussions took place about plans for drainage improvements on the west side of the city, including property acquisitions and progress on permitting.
John M. raised concerns about project costs, bond measures, and tax implications. He encouraged public involvement in future budget discussions.
A recent Community Impact Newspaper article highlighted significant financial challenges facing the city of Bellaire, which is anticipating an 80% increase in taxes. This rise is attributed
to the failure of a waste-water facility during Hurricane Harvey and delays in addressing public safety taxes. In contrast, John M. emphasized how West University has been more fortunate,
benefiting from stronger financial management.
Residents are encouraged to participate in budget meetings and stay informed about developments. Although the tax rate has decreased over the past three years, rising property values
have continued to inflate tax bills. Looking ahead, an increase in property taxes may be necessary to fund projects, assuming no further complications arise.
Staff Changes:
Susan White announced that Toby will be retiring on January 31st. The plan is for a replacement to start by January 2nd.
Guest Questions:
Carlos inquired about the project timeline. John M. responded that west-side drainage efforts are ongoing and will last for approximately eight years, while other projects are expected
to take around four years.
Lauri expressed her disappointment about fee changes, including Colonial Park requiring a fee for seniors. She noted that she will not turn 65 until next year despite having lived at
West U for 20 years.
Closing Remarks:
Soraya discussed the centennial cookbook project that included 140 recipes and shared future plans for Sunday events.
Meeting Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Diana and seconded by Soraya.
Meeting adjourned at 3:15 pm