HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMINUTES021408WEST UNIVERSITY SENIOR SERVICES BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 14, 2008
Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Attendees: John Neighbors, Stan McCandless, Betty Aillet, Jo Lukens, Elizabeth Young, Lyndon McKnight, Selby Clark,
Mary Lee Gray, Cathy Wright, Celia Chipman, and Margy Butler. Absent were Mary Ryerson and Joan Johnson. Staff
member present was Tim O'Connor. Guests present were Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, Alton Seward, and Village
News Reporter, Kate Bolen. City Council member present was Councilman Chuck Guffie.
Previous meetings minutes were approved.
Previews and Sneak Previews were reviewed.
REPORTS
APAC: The new Director of AAA will be Deborah Moore. A report on the Rides Program introduced the Rides Plus
Program that will provide an attendant to assist riders. This will be a two year trial program. The Senior Expo still has
sponsorships and booth opportunities available. Councilman Guffie was asked to approach our Mayor about attending the
Expo, since our City is a significant participant in the Expo.
COUNCIL MEETING REPORT: Council has agreed to take on the need for the City to increase tax relief for Seniors.
An increase from $110,000 to $250,000 would save approximately $500 a year. This would necessitate a 3% increase for
other citizens. A square footage assessment for the relief was deemed illegal by City attorneys. It was noted that citizens
sixty-five and older can defer property taxes until the sale of the homestead, at 8% interest. It was also noted that Seniors
get $8.00 per month off their water bills (if they apply) and that this reduction is retroactive. The new street lights are in
place on University and Buffalo Speedway. An increase in the franchise tax on gas and electricity was approved by
necessity, and will be passed along to residents. The City of Houston is in control of this matter. We need to hire a new
City Secretary, as Kay Holloway has resigned. Gayle Shultz is the acting Secretary. The Marlowe house was demolished
at a cost to the City of $7,000 plus the $400,000 sales price.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TEAM: The "Keeping in Touch" calling program is still in trial stages. Valentine cards were
addressed. On March 17", they will meet to prepare Spring gift bags for delivery on March 18".
HI NEIGHBOR NEWSLETTER: No report. It was suggested that the Newsletter notify citizens that the AARP tax
preparation assistance will not take place this year due to a lack of participation last year.
ACTIVITY REPORT: Participation continues to be on the rise, in particular for Shakespeare and Opera. Noted activities
were the Jersey Boys, the Bastrop trip, the Sweetheart Theme meal, the Shiner trip, Turn of the Screw, and the Brownie
Troop party for Seniors.
PARKS & RECREATION REPORT: The subcommittee will make recommendations to Council about how to utilize
our existing facilities. The report submitted by Tim O'Connor was "interim" only. It was suggested that Tim's very
thorough reports be included in the agenda/minutes mail out, so that the Board has time to digest it and prepare questions
for the next meeting. A bond vote is scheduled for November 8", if Council so approves, and a June l't deadline has been
set to begin "rolling out" information to the public.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: Interest has been shown in applying for ID bracelets, regardless of age. Rotary is going to
underwrite any bracelets above and beyond what they have already covered. Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, Alton
Seward was asked to enlighten the Board as to the need for fire trucks and sirens to accompany ambulances/police in non-
emergency situations. There are apparently some State regulations involved, and Assistant Chief Seward was asked to
assist the Board in understanding how to educate citizens in communicating with dispatchers to differentiate between
emergency and non-emergency situations.
NEW BUSINESS: Heartfelt appreciation for the contributions, character and personality of Joe Graff were expressed by
all. He will be sorely missed. The Board gave the nod to approaching Maureen Graff to assume Joe's position on the Board.
It was also suggested (and enthusiastically agreed upon) that we institute a memorial plaque for past Board members. Tim
said that his department would provide this plaque, and Betty Aillet was asked to research for those whose names should be
first to be engraved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Kim Rottet will be leaving us as of March 7" to accept a teaching position at Texas A&M in
Corpus Christi. Her job performance was praised, and she will be greatly missed. The new Seniors' bus is leaking and has
been returned to the manufacturer for repairs.
Meeting Adjourned at 3:05 PM