HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMINUTES051007WEST UNIVERSITY SENIOR SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
May 10, 2007
Meeting called to order at 2:03 PM.
Attendees: John Neighbors, Stan McCandless, Carolyn Sacchi, Mary Lee Gray, Elizabeth Young, Jo
Lukens, Mary Ryerson, and Betty Aillet. Absent were Cathy Wright, Joe Graf, Craft Hughes, Lyndon
McKnight, Joan Johnson and Maureen Beck. Staff member present was Toby Brooks. Council member
present was Steven Segal.
Previous meetings minutes were sent to Board members with agenda and approved.
Previews and Sneak Previews were reviewed
REPORTS
APAC: United Way was represented at this meeting and let APAC know that senior-related issues were
one of their main focuses at this time. The Gatekeeper program assimilates information and resources
and provides referral thereof. Public workers are being trained to handle Senior issues. A new pilot
program with Althizmers will utilize grant money for people with Althizmers that are also in
Gatekeepers. Social workers will be involved with evaluation and follow up. Charlene Hunter James
the Director of Harris County AAA has announced her retirement. Houston is restructuring the layout
of Triple A. There is no affordable housing for Seniors in Harris County. There are 26% of people age
55 and up that have lost all their teeth.
COUNCIL MEETING REPORT: On second reading, Council approved an ordinance to limit the
height of porches extending into the front setback. If the front setback is 20', the maximum height of
the porch is 20'. There were Parks meetings and a Town Hall meeting held May 2°d and 3`d to discuss
parks options, etc. Our consultant is assimilating the input and will make recommendations to Council.
Council approved an additional $30,000 for the employee health insurance program after a 30% increase
was announced, with a 10% increase estimate budgeted. Employee premiums will remain the same this
year, but deductibles increased May 1" and the co-pay increased from $10 to $25. Council approved the
sale of the old fire truck (purchased a new one) at the bid of $1,626.26 by the Lone Star Fire Museum in
Galveston. The acceptance conditions included maintaining the truck (which would be available for
selected events in West University). Council reviewed a lease between the City, HISD and Tri-Sports
regarding the use of elementary school fields. Council requested additional information and this matter
will return at a later date. Council changed the date of the second regular meeting in May to May 21st
since the regular date (May 28u') is Memorial Day.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TEAM: Next meeting is next Thursday. Ideas for July 4th gifts were discussed.
GNT is working on updating its Seniors list to see who needs to be removed and who needs to be added.
There are 5-6 new GNT members. Volunteers are still calling Seniors to checkup on them.
HI NEIGHBOR NEWSLETTER: No report.
ACTIVITY REPORT: Activities included a Sock Hop Theme Meal, Health Museum, Houston Fire
Museum, Methodist Church luncheon. the Tuesday Musical Group performance, Hammond & Ardener,
Baytown Senior Stroll, and Huntsville/Conroe/Outlet Mall trip.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Senior Service's new car is here. It awaits plates, striping and the radio. It was
suggested that the new Council be taken for a ride on the "bumpy" bus.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Don't forget to vote Saturday on the Homestead Exemption amendment. Our
Seniors need this.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:46 PM