HomeMy WebLinkAboutSSMINUTES041008WEST UNIVERSITY SENIOR SERVICES BOARD MEETING MINUTES
April 10, 2008
Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Attendees: Stan McCandless, Betty Aillet, Jo Lukens, Elizabeth Young, Lyndon McKnight, Selby Clark, Mary Lee Gray,
Cathy Wright, Celia Chipman, Mary Ryerson and Maureen Graff. Absent were John Neighbors, Margy Butler, and Joan
Johnson. Staff members present were Tim O'Connor and Toby Brooks. No guests or members of Council were present.
Previous meetings minutes were approved.
Previews and Sneak Previews were reviewed.
REPORTS
APAC: The Senior Expo is still very much on the agenda. Information on the press conference will be forthcoming.
Approximately 2,000 Seniors are expected to attend. APAC is preparing to bid out their contracts (such as Meals on
Wheels). DADS is in the process of auditing APAC. Attendees had a very informative speaker on electric company
changes and discounts for Seniors. Texas Legislators have agreed to release the discount monies accumulated over the
years for the Seniors' benefit. An annual income of $13,000 or less is the qualification bench mark. The subject of heat
advisories (the lack thereof in Houston) was raised. A heat advisory would legally prohibit electric companies from
disconnecting power during the advisory and for two subsequent days. Seniors can also apply to have electrical
disconnect prohibited for medical reasons by completing the required form and obtaining a doctor's signature. New
electrical meters are in the planning stage. The meters are intended to save money for the electrical companies by
eliminating the need for meter readers and facilitating immediate electrical shutoffs in the event of non-payment, but are
desired at citizen expense. There is some confusion as to why an electrical disconnect would be expedited, but reconnect
would take several days.
COUNCIL MEETING REPORT: The increase in the homestead exemption for Seniors and the handicapped will be on
the April 28" Council agenda. Councilman Guffie will ask for an increase from the current $110,000 to $185,000 dollars.
The increase is justified to permit Seniors who do not itemize their federal income tax to receive the same 30% tax credit
that higher paid working residents receive from the federal government when filing their federal income taxes. We have
received almost twenty applications for City Secretary. The Council and City Manager have selected three highly
experienced candidates for interviewing. On Monday, Council will finalize the ban on cell phones in the school zone and
the five changes to the zoning codes. The proposed revisions to the city recreational facilities and bond issue will also be
discussed.
GOOD NEIGHBOR TEAM: The Spring deliveries were successfully made. Three new people will be helping in the
future. The next delivery will be for July 4". This year's budget will support cards for the fifty-two recently identified
Seniors (ages eighty-five through eighty-nine). Next year, GNT will ask for a budget increase that will permit deliveries
as well.
HI NEIGHBOR NEWSLETTER: The Newsletter has been sent out
ACTIVITY REPORT: A Grandparent/Grandchild Ball is in the planning stages. Activities included a visit with the
search and rescue bloodhounds from Fort Bend County, a fantastic theme meal, Baytown Theater's presentation of Little
Shop of Horrors, the Houston Craft Museum, and a visit to Wal-Mart. Shakespeare and opera classes continue increased
participation, as does Great Decisions.
PARKS & RECREATION REPORT: See attached report from Tim O'Connor. The Special Town Hall Meeting is
now scheduled for Wednesday, April 23`d, in order to present the redevelopment plans to the public. The Community
Building/Senior Center plans include interior renovations to include kitchen and bath remodeling, carpet, paint, storage
space, and to transition larger activities to the Rec. Center in order to free space for more Senior programs and rentals.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS: Two of the ID bracelets have been issued. Dump day will be May 3`d. A new bus has been
ordered to replace the bus that keeps leaking. Remember to check your water bill for your Senior discount.
NEW BUSINESS: Maureen Graff and Celia Chipman were officially sworn in as our newest Board members
ANNOUNCEMENTS: A classical concert series is coming to Colonial Park.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:47 PM.