HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMINUTES101107WEST UNIVERSITY SENIOR SERVICES BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 11, 2007
Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Attendees: Stan McCandless, John Neighbors, Mary Lee Gray, Betty Aillet, Elizabeth Young, Jo Lukens, Lyndon
McKnight, Cathy Wright, Joe Graf, Selby Clark, Mary Ryerson, and Joan Johnson. Absent were Maureen Beck and Craft
Hughes Staff member present was Kim Rottet. Guests present were Mayor Bob Kelly and Village News Reporter, Kate
Bolen. City Council present was Councilman Chuck Guffie. Board Members not previously sworn into office were done
so by Mayor Kelly.
Previous meetings minutes were approved.
Previews and Sneak Previews were reviewed.
REPORTS
APAC: RFQ has been moved back to March and will then proceed quickly and intensely. The Aging Agenda Domains
(areas) need volunteers. There are committees that study the various bids and training is provided. There was a talk on the
Triad Salt Council of Precinct 2. This is a group of law enforcement personnel that deals with issues that affect Seniors.
The Better Business Bureau has published a list of helpful numbers for Seniors (and others) that encompass such needs as
dealing with credit bureaus in the event of an identity theft, to name one of many. Funding for Thanksgiving meal delivery
is low. This is a private sector funding issue. A new book on dealing with Alzheimer's is being distributed. The AARP is
hosting a fair on November 30" that addresses scams and fraud. The details of a fair for caregivers are not yet available.
COUNCIL MEETING REPORT: The City Manager is authorized to negotiate the purchase of the corner lot on Sewanee
intended for a neighborhood park. The City budget is in the process of being approved. The lower tax rate approved will
net out for many homeowners, due to increased appraisals. The lowering was made possible by increased development in
the City.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TEAM: The last meeting was an orientation for new members, of which there are eight, although
not all were able to attend. GNT is focusing on the areas they need to address for the future. Better contact with frailer
citizens is needed. About one hundred and forty Seniors have been identified. Voter records need to be culled once again
for those now ninety and over that may have yet to be identified. Thanksgiving cards will be signed at the next meeting.
The Poinsettias for Christmas have been ordered.
HI NEIGHBOR NEWSLETTER: One activity remains to be tied down prior to the Newsletter going to the printer
ACTIVITY REPORT: Activities included a visit to the Lighthouse for the Blind, Wal-Mart and MacDonald's, a Spirit of
Texas boat ride on Clear Lake, a Texas Repertory Theater performance, a performance at the temporary theater in Baytown,
a Christian Community Service Center discussion on their activities and offerings, and the Opera in the Heights. Both the
in-house and field trip activities are well attended.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: Police Chief, Ken Walker, is still seeking a manufacturer for the ID bracelets. Stan, John and
Toby attended a Parks Board meeting and offered a presentation and discussion on the purposes, functions and goals of
Senior Services. The presentation was well received and the necessity for both Boards to work together was illuminated
and agreed upon. Ongoing parking problems at the Community Center were the focus of some Board discussion.
NEW BUSINESS: Mayor and City Council present were asked it would be appropriate to reconsider the over sixty-five
exemption at this time. They were also asked to consider increasing Senior Service's budget by about $24,000, which is the
"cost of living" increase Senior Services is dealing with at this time. It was also suggested that the City consider adopting
measures similar to Houston's, in which developers are required to provide land and/or funds toward our City parks and
green spaces.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Meeting Adjourned at 2:45 PM