HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 061108 1
ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
June 11, 2008
PRESENT: Jack Chestnut, Peggy Cohn, Alice Gordon, Diane Henderson, Mary Ann
Peter, Miriam Settle
EXCUSED: Ellen Ozier-Hayes, Jerry Kruter, Fred Schroeder, Jan Wassel
STAFF: Bob Jones, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Passmore
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jack Chestnut at the Seymour Center.
Jerry Passmore introduced Miriam Settle as an applicant to the Advisory Board on Aging.
She was recently involved in the development of the Aging and Disabilities Resource
Connection (ADRC) application for Orange and Chatham Counties.
Jerry Passmore distributed the invitation designed by Diane Henderson for the May 16
Legislative Update Forum at the Seymour Center. He reviewed the sponsor list and the
agenda. Detailed information packets will be handed out at the Forum. Peggy Cohn
requested that packets be made available for persons who cannot attend. Plans are
underway to repeat the Forum in the Fall.
Mr. Passmore distributed copies of the ADRC application and commended Kate Barrett
for writing the initial draft. Jack Chestnut announced that the Eno Haven Senior Housing
development is planning to receive Orange County housing bond support. The adjacent
charter school officials have expressed concern about the placement of senior income-
based rental housing at that location. Jerry Passmore pointed out that this development is
consistent with the goals of the Master Aging Plan (MAP) for northern Orange County.
Mr. Chestnut expressed his hope that a northern Orange HUD 202 complex would also
be developed.
In Jan Wassel’s absence Mr. Passmore reported on the UNC-Greensboro-Aging is Good
Business Conference in April. This year’s theme was Silver Technologies. He suggested
that videos he viewed on communicating with homebound individuals via computer and
adaptive devices may be scheduled for a future Board meeting. Miriam Settle cautioned
that new technologies are not always the best solution for older adults due the access and
cost constraints.
Commissioner Alice Gordon expressed her appreciation to outgoing members Jack
Chestnut and Mary Ann Peter for their service on the Advisory Board on Aging. She
stated that she had mentioned the cut in OPT temporary driver funds at the recent
County Commissioner budget work session after being informed by the Aging Board
Chair. Jerry Passmore added that OPT could operate more efficiently by utilizing a
flexible temporary driver pool to respond to the work flow than by filling the 1.5
2
permanent driver positions currently vacant. Many of these employees are retired
individuals who are not interested in benefits. Discussion followed on the use of
temporary personnel county-wide and the need for a category of temporary personnel
who are not interested in benefits. A motion was made by Peggy Cohn that the Chair
send a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking for funding for a flexible
driver pool, using money budgeted for the 1.5 fte vacant driver positions. Mary Ann
Peter provided the second. Motion carried. Jerry Passmore raised the great need for a
seasonal temporary position to coordinate the VITA Tax Service due to the growth in the
volunteer program. Ms. Cohn asked about plans for continuing service to the Friend-To-
Friend Program recipients after it is discontinued June 30 due to temporary personnel
funding reductions. Mr. Passmore will pursue this issue with Eldercare Transitions
Supervisor Kate Barrett.
Following clarification statements made regarding the Older Americans Month
Proclamation and the IFC kitchen, the May 14 minutes were approved upon the motion
made by Peggy Cohn and the second by Diane Henderson.
Jack Chestnut reported on behalf of the Friends of the Seymour Center. He stated that
the artwork donated by Jean Parrish was dedicated during the First Anniversary
Celebration held on May 28. Peggy Cohn asked about plans for signage for the facility.
Jerry Passmore responded that a canvas banner has be ordered to use until the permanent
sign can be erected. Mr. Chestnut stated that both Friends organizations are being asked
to support the new staffing plan that has an Evening Facility Manager rotate between the
Seymour and Central Orange Senior Centers. The Central Orange Friends are developing
their furnishing/equipment list for the new facility. Mr. Chestnut also reported that the
Central Orange Adult Day Health Center currently averages 10 participants daily. New
Program Manager Alvonia Baldwin has scheduled her first staff meeting for June 26.
Mr. Passmore informed that Board that construction of the new Central Orange Senior
Center is on schedule with the move planned for December. The lease of the current
program space runs through December 31. He and Senior Centers Administrator Janice
Tyler had their first walk-through of the building the previous day. He also plans to mail
a MAP Update with the first year’s work plan priorities and objectives in the near future.
Jerry Passmore presented outgoing Board members Jack Chestnut and Mary Ann Peter
with plaques recognizing their years of dedicated service to the Advisory Board on
Aging. Bob Jones distributed a list of Board vacancies and an updated applicants listing.
Peggy Cohn made a motion that Miriam Settle, Steve Lackey, and Don Willhoit be
recommended for appointment. Diane Henderson provided the second. Motion carried.
New officers will be elected at the August meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry M. Passmore, Secretary
3