HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 12,2024Senior Board Meeting
December 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, Geri Wood, Soraya Brombacher, Diana Ayers, Ann Crowley, Eileen O’Neil, John Montgomery (Council Liaison), Susan White, Debbie Pedrick, Teresa George-Hung,
Toby,
Absent: Karen Kenny, George Hilderbrandt, Jennifer Sickman, Gloria Nino Monacelli, Kay Bryan
Guests: Bruce Beneke
Previous Minutes Approval:
Approval of Agenda and Minutes: A motion to approve the agenda and previous meeting minutes was made by Diana and seconded by Geri. A correction of a misspelling in the previous agenda
was noted and addressed.
Reports:
Parks & Recreation Update (Susan): Susan provided updates:
The contractor has been approved to replace the decomposed granite trail with rubber surfacing. The project is scheduled to begin January 2nd and conclude by January 24th, weather permitting.
Efforts will be made to minimize interruptions to recreational activities during this period. Public notices will be issued to inform residents of the changes.
Council Updates (John Montgomery): John reported on several council discussions:
A historical marker was installed at Poor Farm Ditch.
The council reviewed recommendations from the Recycling and Solid Waste Board, including expanding the city’s food waste recycling program and collaborating with the Sustainability Task
Force.
New Fire Chief Appointment: The council announced the appointment of James Novak as the new Fire Chief. Novak, who has served the city since 1996, was praised for his dedication and
contributions. Residents are encouraged to congratulate him.
Infrastructure and Drainage Projects: Discussions centered on the Poor Farm Ditch drainage project, water tower, and water treatment plant. The council debated engaging the county for
long-term solutions for the water treatment plant
but ultimately continued with the current section-by-section repair plan. The need for active engagement with the county in the future was acknowledged.
Traffic and Parking Concerns: John provided an update on ongoing traffic flow studies and considerations for truncating Milton Street. The council is awaiting further updates from Public
Works regarding delays in the bidding process for related projects.
Good Neighbor team:
Soraya Brombacher and Angela Mahmarian will be taking over for Mardi.
Backup Liaison from the senior center to Good Neighbor — Eileen O’Neil
Senior Board Updates (Toby Brooks): Toby Brooks reported updates on the Senior Board:
Discussions included clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Senior Board and the Good Neighbor team, emphasizing the need for formal documentation of leadership hierarchy.
Toby noted delays in delivering newsletters but announced that future editions will combine the Leisure Guide with the Hi Neighbor newsletter to streamline distribution.
APAC: no updates.
Guest: Public Works and Wastewater Treatment Plant (Bruce Beneke): Bruce addressed concerns regarding the wastewater treatment plant, clarifying its current capacity and condition. While
updates are necessary, there is no immediate risk to operations. He recommended using funds from a previously approved bond to address needed upgrades.
New Initiatives and Ideas:
Suggestions for new programs include healthy living initiatives, making West University dementia-friendly, and participating in senior-focused aging studies.
A teen volunteer program was proposed to assist seniors with social media and technology.
Upcoming events, including wellness workshops on January 16th and 30th, were announced.
Additional ideas, such as trips to the local art museum and library activities, were noted.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Diana Ayers, seconded by Candyce Beneke. The meeting ended at 3:26 p.m.
Notes by Teresa George-Hung