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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 111208 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes November 12, 2008 PRESENT: Leo Allison, Peggy Cohn, Ann Johnson, Jerry Kruter, Steve Lackey, Haryo Marsosudiro, Fred Schroeder EXCUSED: Diane Henderson, Jan Wassel STAFF: Bob Jones, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Passmore The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Fred Schroeder at the Seymour Center. Jerry Passmore distributed the new schedules for the Triangle Transit Authority Route 420, now jointly operated by Chapel Hill Transit (CHT) and Orange Public Transportation (OPT). He noted that the larger bus used by CHT can accommodate more riders during peak hours while the OPT midday runs will make stops at the Sportsplex, the Seymour Center and the new Durham Tech-Orange County campus. The cost remains $2.00 per one-way trip, with a reduced fee ($1.00) for senior citizens. Discussion followed on the route schedule. Mr. Schroeder noted that the last opportunity to ride north from the Seymour Center is 3:35 pm. Mr. Passmore pointed out that the Aging & Disabilities Seminar on Transitional Care, funded by Duke Endowment, will be held November 13 and 14 at the Central Orange Senior Center. The issue of transitional care was identified as one of the priorities in the Master Aging Plan. Steve Lackey said that he interpreted from the invitation that the event was directed towards those who are dealing with the transitional care issues personally. Leo Allison and Haryo Marsosudiro agreed to provide a report on the seminar at the next Board meeting. The minutes of the September 10 Board meeting were approved upon the motion offered by Peggy Cohn and the second by Leo Allison. Also, the October 8 minutes were approved following a motion and second by Mr. Allison and Ms. Cohn. Jerry Kruter asked about the media announcement that federal funds for senior programs are going to be cut. Jerry Passmore responded that the Area Agency on Aging Director has assured him that this cut relates to additional funds allocated for the current fiscal year expansion and the existing budget will not be reduced. Another issue raised was the theft of a NC Division of Aging laptop that held the personal data of all seniors enrolled statewide in the Aging Resource Management System. Discussion followed on the legality of requiring that social security numbers be collected. Ann Johnson recommended that the next issue of the Senior Times include an article about protecting social security numbers and preventing identity theft. 2 Steve Lackey reported for the Friends of the Seymour Center. The Friends Board is reviewing its organizational structure under new President Bobbie Lubker. Issues recently discussed by the Board include the proposed Seymour kitchen operation and the new Senior Times format. Ann Johnson noted that the Friends Board fundraising focus has changed from lease and utilities expenses to programming. Fred Schroeder agreed that this change might be a topic for a Senior Times article. Jerry Passmore offered to write an article about the purpose and mission of the Friends organization. Mr. Schroeder suggested that an interview format with the new President might be appropriate. Leo Allison reported for the Friends of the Central Orange Senior Center. He reviewed the schedule for the upcoming move to its new facility, noting that the current location will close effective December 15. The Friends are spending $25,000-$30,000 on new equipment and furnishings. The grand opening will be held on January 29, 2009. Mr. Allison also reported that reduced membership rates are being proposed to the Board of County Commissioners by the Sportsplex staff. Single rates will be $300 and couple rates $420 annually for seniors who have completed their physical function screening at the Department on Aging. All Sportsplex activities except ice skating will be available for these rates. Mr. Allison cautioned that this reduced rate only be offered to Orange County residents, since the Sportsplex is county tax-supported. As a Sportsplex committee delegate, he will pursue this issue. Leo Allison also reported on the meetings recently held with the senior participants at the Efland and Cedar Grove community centers concerning the new Central Orange Senior Center. Effective January 1, JOCCA will discontinue meal service at these rural locations. He stressed that a transportation plan must be established for the current community centers participants to be taken to the new senior center. Jerry Passmore reported that Central Orange Adult Day Health Program is soliciting donations for its new location. It is also recruiting volunteers to assist with the expanded program made possible by the additional space. The Vice-Chair announced that, due to family health issues, he would not be able to assume the chairmanship of the Advisory Board at this time. Steve Lackey has agreed to be nominated for that office. No other nominations being made, Leo Allison made the motion that Mr. Lackey be elected Chair. Jerry Kruter provided the second. Motion carried. Fred Schroeder was elected Vice-Chair upon the motion made by Steve Lackey and the second by Leo Allison. Jerry Passmore reported on the presentation made to the Board of County Commissioners on November 6 regarding consolidation of senior services into the new Central Orange Senior Center. He stated that participants at the Northern Human Services Center seemed excited about the opportunity to attend the new senior center. Efland Community Center’s participants voiced greater concern about leaving their community and traveling to Hillsborough. Discussion followed on ways to meet the transportation needs of people who are only interested in participating in the lunch program. Leo Allison suggested that the opportunities that will be available at the new Center need to be marketed. 3 Transportation continues to be the critical component. Mr. Passmore continued that a meeting to finalize the equipment and furnishing purchases is schedule for Friday. Triangle Office Equipment is the vendor. Mr. Passmore distributed an Master Aging Plan objective statement on the food service initiative at the Seymour Center and briefed the Board members on the meetings held to date. He stated that meals will continue to be purchased by JOCCA from the current caterer until June 30, 2009. Leo Allison asked about the source of funding for the kitchen operation and was told that resources currently received by JOCCA will be redirected to the Department on Aging. Jerry Kruter recommended clarifying the objective statement by inserting the word “lunch”. When Ann Johnson suggested involving someone currently in meal preparation, Mr. Passmore responded that Triangle J graduate student intern and professional chef, Sam Thompson, has been deeply involved in the work team. The Vice-Chair asked for volunteers to serve on the Food Service Innovations Committee. Steve Lackey informed the Board that he had already been appointed to represent the Friends of Seymour. Jerry Kruter volunteered to represent the Advisory Board on the Innovations Committee that will be convened in early 2009. Haryo Marsosudiro also offered to serve. Mr. Passmore suggested Don Wilhoit as another Committee member. Peggy Cohn added that representation from the JOCCA meals program participants should also be involved. The Vice-Chair noted that Mr. Marsisudiro has expressed interest in being appointed to the Advisory Board, representing the Town of Hillsborough. Peggy Cohn made a motion that he be recommended to the Board of Commissioners for appointment. Jerry Kruter provided the second. Motion carried. Jerry Passmore distributed summaries of the MAP Annual Report for 2007-08 and Priorities for 2008-09. These documents will be reviewed at the December meeting. Ann Johnson presented a summary of the history and activities of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, established by the State General Assembly in 1993. She distributed Fact Sheets containing its legislative priorities for 2007 and 2009, noting that in recent years the STHL limits itself to five issues annually. She reviewed the history of the Older Americans Act, first enacted in 1965. She also described the process that the STHL uses in choosing issues to advocate to the State Legislature. Mr. Passmore added that advocacy is also a goal in the Master Aging Plan Update. He recommended that Ms. Johnson head a legislative workgroup to identify issues and recommend solutions to the Board of County Commissioners. The Senior Tar Heel Legislative Priorities will be among the documents reviewed to form these recommendations. A legislative forum, moderated by Commissioner Alice Gordon, will be held on February 23 to educate the community about current aging issues. Peggy Cohn moved the creation of a legislative workgroup and Steve Lackey provided the second. Motion carried. Jerry Passmore will submit a list of potential workgroup members, including older adults, Board representatives, and other interested parties, who will be appointed by the new Advisory Board Chair. The group will be convened in 4 January 2009. Their report will be presented to the Advisory Board before being submitted to the County Commissioners. Discussion returned to the MAP document of FY 2008 accomplishments and 2009 priorities. Mr. Passmore highlighted new initiatives listed: developing an aging-friendly community assessment tool, food service planning, consolidation of aging services into the new Central Orange Senior Center, and geriatric mental health. He listed the mental health trainings the Eldercare Transitions staff had recently attended and the Community Resource Connections grant award received in conjunction with Chatham County. Ann Johnson inquired about the status of the previous recommendation that the Director of Aging and Transportation Department be divided into two separate positions. Jerry Passmore responded that Orange County will not be establishing any additional departments in the near future due to cost. Ann Johnson stressed the importance of senior centers as focal points in the service delivery system in North Carolina. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jerry M. Passmore Secretary