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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 052307 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes May 23, 2007 PRESENT: Jack Chestnut, Peggy Cohn, Diane Henderson, Arthrell Sanders, Fred Schroeder, Florence Soltys, Jan Wassel, EXCUSED: Alice Gordon, Jerry Kruter, Mike Nelson GUESTS: Ellen Ozier-Hayes STAFF: Bob Jones, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Passmore Following a tour of the Seymour Center the meeting was called to order at the Southern Orange Human Services Center by Chair Jack Chestnut. Plans for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening were reviewed. It was announced that Arthrell Sander’s term on the Advisory Board will expire in June. Since she will be out of town on the June meeting date she will be invited to the August meeting to recognize her many years of service. The minutes of the April meeting were approved upon the motion made by Peggy Cohn and the second provided by Florence Soltys. Jerry Passmore announced that the groundbreaking for the Central Orange Senior Center will be held on Tuesday, June 19. Jack Chestnut reported on behalf of the Friends of the Seymour Center that a $5,000 anonymous donation had been received for expansion/improvement of the daily noon meal service program. He also reported that the Friends of the Senior Center for Central Orange had held a successful ‘sock hop’ the previous week. Discussion followed on the future of the community centers in northern Orange County once the Central Orange facility was constructed. Jerry Passmore mentioned that the transfer of Lisa Berley from the Recreation and Parks Department to the Department on Aging staff was an effort to more effectively coordinate the senior services provided at the Efland and Cedar Grove locations. Florence Soltys reported on behalf of the Central Orange Adult Day Health Center that program director Laura Deloye has resigned her position, effective June 6. Mr. Passmore noted that Senior Care Board Member Elaine Holmes is preparing a benefits package proposal that might help retain staff. Jan Wassel requested that information be sent to Aging Board members about the vacant position. The Day Health Center’s attendance continues to be near capacity. 2 Florence Soltys introduced Ellen Ozier-Hayes to the Board, reviewing her employment since graduation from UNC and her interest in being appointed to the Advisory Board on Aging. The Chair referred to a March 19 newspaper article citing the Advisory Board’s opposition to the construction of the IFC Men’s Shelter on the Southern Human Service Campus and a more recent article in which the Mayor of Chapel Hill called for the Shelter to be located on the County property on Homestead Road. Discussion followed on options that the Aging Board had proposed during its meeting with the IFC Director. Jack Chestnut stated that the Friends of the Seymour Center Board should take the lead in opposing the Shelter relocation to a property neighboring the Seymour Center. He offered to talk to Friends’ Board Chair Lee Pavao about strategy. Fred Schroeder asked if the Aging Board had received a response to its petition to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration of another location. Jerry Passmore agreed to follow- up with the County Manager. It was suggested that the Friends Board members attend the Town Council meetings to voice their opposition. A legislative bill summary was distributed and Jerry Passmore highlighted some of the listings. Florence Soltys urged members to contact their representatives about proposed changes to the insurance rate regulation and guardianship. Also mentioned was the proposed expansion of the mobile dentistry program, which should include Orange County. It was noted that Carol Woods has donated $20,000 to this program and space at the Northside Center has been identified for its administrative office. Jerry Passmore gave an overview of the scholarship program for Seymour Center classes. He stated that the fee schedule adopted for the Seymour Center will be comparable to the one established for the Central Orange Senior Center. Jan Wassel recommended that individuals be certified for scholarship through a single process instead of on a case-by- case basis. Fred Schroeder suggested advertising that scholarships are available and renewing eligibility annually. He inquired if there would be a cap on the amount of scholarships one individual could receive. Discussion followed on scholarship eligibility and income verification. Mr. Passmore stated that the fee/scholarship structure would be formally presented to the Board at its June 13 meeting. He also distributed a chart comparing the service charges at local fitness centers. He has talked with the manager of the Triangle Sportsplex about establishing a single service cost similar to what is being proposed for the Seymour Center. Individuals who qualify for scholarships would have their membership cards issued through the Central Orange Senior Center. Jerry Passmore reported that a committee has met to review food service for the Seymour Center. The committee is examining the following issues: expanding the hot lunch program to include a soup/salad bar, preparing meals on site, expanding hours of food service, and special diets. The committee hopes that the Seymour Center will be used as a pilot program for lunch programs across the State. They plan to meet with the current caterer at the next meeting to discuss ways to improve the quality of the existing meal service. 3 Bob Jones distributed copies of the applications currently on file with the Board of County Commissioners for Aging Board vacancies. Currently there is need for two at- large members and one representative from Hillsborough Township. All applicants will be contacted and invited to the next Board meeting. Jan Wassel urged that, during future meetings, guest speakers be limited to a specific amount of time for their presentations. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jerry M. Passmore, Secretary