HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 11.9.23West University Place
SENIORS BOARD MEETING
November 9, 2023
Presiding: Ann Crowley (Chair)
The meeting is called to order at 2:00 PM
Roll Call:
Present: Ann Crowley, George Hildebrandt, Soraya Brombacher, Diana Ayers, Candyce Beneke, John Montgomery (Council Liaison), Toby Brooks, Susan White, Toby Brooks, Teresa George-Hung,
Geri Wood, Robin Burks, Laura Turley, Kay Bryan, Jennifer Sickman, and Eileen O’Neil.
Absent: Karen Kenny, Debbie Pedrick, Gloria Nino Monacelli
Guests: John Barnes, Carlos De La Torre, Alida Drewes
Actions Items:
Approve minutes:
George Hildebrandt’s name needs to be corrected.
The motion to approve George Hildebrandt was seconded by Diana Ayers.
Citizen Comments:
Carlos De La Torre—
Discussed defining a strong mission statement and the board's pivotal role, as previously emphasized by former Liaison Shannon Carol.
Emphasized the board's responsibility in shaping a clear and impactful mission statement aligned with organizational goals and values.
Alida Drews –
Emphasized the importance of maintaining eye contact while speaking and urged for accurate, unaltered meeting minutes.
Advocated for a dog park to ensure safe dog walks for seniors, highlighting the need for a more productive senior community.
Proposed establishing a genuine senior center and a visitation center, along with suggesting an increase in senior exemptions and reductions in rising fees.
Emphasized the importance of transparent, accurate meeting minutes.
Welcoming the New Board By Chair Ann Crowley
Discussed rules for new board
Watch tone when speaking
Respect air-time and keep conversations brief.
Keep on task –stay focused in meetings
Mission and Vision:
Discuss and explain the Mission and Vision of the Senior Board.
Who is considered a senior in WU — anyone ages 50 and older
APAC — Karen Kenny
APAC serves all of Harris County, making it a big operation.
Her reports are sent via email before the meeting.
Ageism
Discussion on Ageism from the informational distributed by Ann Crowley, and its impacts on a vastly changing and diverse Senior population.
Introduction of all Participating Members:
Diana Ayers — second term on board. Worked with the EPA. Currently in real estate.
John Montgomery — Council Liaison assuming the role previously held by Shannon Carol. Second term as mayor pro-temp and looks forward to helping and working with the Senior Board.
Geri Wood — first term. Long-time resident. Professor Emeritus UT Nursing.
Robin Burks —private practice as a psychologist. First term. Long-time resident.
Laura Turley — First Term. But has been on the parks board 2 times. Retired lawyer like to give back to the community and focus on tangible results.
George Hildebrandt —Third term on board. Retired geophysicist from Chevron. Long-time resident.
Teresa – second term on board. Background in Home Health. Resident for 10 years.
Soraya Brombacher -- worked in oil and gas for 40 years in marketing, loves Canva, and long time resident since 1988.
Eileen O’Neill -- Longtime resident and a retired litigation paralegal. Really enjoys the senior center engagement, so wanted to give back to Seniors. Also teaches stretch and looks
forward to the ongoing success of the Senior Board.
Jennifer Sifton – Retired from HP. My biggest passion is mentoring public school students.
Kay Bryan-- IT administrator and energy administrator. Yoga teacher sub.
Candyce Beneke --6 terms. Been an attorney for over 20 years. Involved in therapy work with a dog, assisting children at Memorial Hermann, and actively contributing to various committees
within the Houston Bar. 26-year resident in WU.
Ann Crowley – second term as chair. Been a resident since the 1980s.
Susan White is the Parks and Recreation Director and has been working here since 1994.
Senior Services is one of the five branches of Parks and Recreation
Toby -- senior services manager in charge of multiple aspects of senior services.
Parks & Rec Updates
Edloe pathway updates. It’s a third of a mile and 99.8% done.
Weir park —In the process of working with the architects. Subcommittee which will include Senior Board members.
Financial sustainability website — Susan will email that. Audio recordings from the council meetings
The only fee changes are to rental fees. No other fees changes.
Cost recovery — we are narrow on the design.
Please note important dates: Centennial Logo & tree lighting Monday December 4th
Jan 14th — Mayor’s marathon breakfast.
Senior Service Staff (Toby)
Shared information regarding the newsletter.
Volunteer luncheon is next Tuesday.
Soraya — centennial board. Next year is our 100th year in WU
January — Founders Day event and encouraging sponsorship.
Kay Bryan — inquired about the plans for the new Senior Center
Council Liaison (John Montgomery):
A brief discussion on the facilities' master plan
September was a busy month.
The council focused on budgeting.
Discussed decreases in tax rates and increased property taxes
Board Interviews
Drainage plans — two projects. Phased project for the installation of drainage.
Discussed improvement of waterlines that are old in cast iron.
Expecting to drill another well.
Cost of living adjustment for employees — 5% for those making less than 50k, 4 % for those up to a 100k, and those over 100k at 3.5 %
Deductible reductions for United healthcare plans — 3rd option for employees where employees pay little or nothing if they go to a Kelsey Seybold, a narrow provider -waiting to approve
the third option
The City of WestU intends to maintain autonomy and control over its affairs without external influence or intervention from the State of Texas.
Homework for members before next meeting:
Check out WU’s social media online – Instagram & Facebook
Think about attending a Council meeting, Parks & Rec meeting, Citizen Academy, etc.
Adjournment: (3:15 pm)
Motion to adjourn meeting— Candyce Beneke and seconded by Soraya Brombacher
Submitted by Teresa George-Hung