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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 060909 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes June 9, 2009 PRESENT: Leo Allison, Heather Altman, Haryo Marsosudiro, Thelma Perkins, Jan Wassel, Steve Yuhasz EXCUSED: Peggy Cohn, Alice Gordon, Steve Lackey, Ellen Ozier-Hayes, Fred Schroeder GUESTS: Lloyd Little, Janice Wells STAFF: Myra Austin, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Passmore The meeting was called to order at the Seymour Center by Department Director Jerry Passmore. Introductions included Janice Wells and Lloyd Little who have submitted applications to the Commissioners Clerk’s Office for appointment to the Advisory Board on Aging. Myra Austin distributed a fact sheet covering the fitness studio and wellness classes at the senior centers. She reviewed the information that supports provision of fitness activities at both locations. She outlined the coordination with the Sportsplex and UNC. She noted the availability of scholarships for those on limited income. SteveYuhasz inquired about the definition of ‘evidence-based programs’. He suggested staff submit additional information on the number of trainer hours in response to last week’s budget meeting questions. Leo Allison questioned the financial guidelines used to determine scholarships. Discussion followed on ways to capture the benefits of participation in these activities. The minutes of the May 12 meeting were approved following the motion made by Jan Wassel and the second by Leo Allison. Thelma Perkins reported for the Friends of the Seymour Center on the successful Sunday concert recently held at the Seymour center. The Concert Committee is in the process of evaluating the future of the concert series. For the Friends of Central Orange Haryo Marsosudiro reported on the recent annual meeting where officers were elected. The Friends Board is also working toward the improvement of the daily meal program by purchasing dinner plates to use, effective July 1. Leo Allison added that the Friends Board is looking at other possible purchases in the new budget year. Options include outdoor furniture and establishing a memorial wall. Jan Wassel asked what activities the Friends had used in the past to raise funds. Mr. Allison responded that the Las Vegas Night, memberships, and a contribution from the Town of Hillsborough were the main sources of revenue. Heather Altman suggested that Las Vegas night be held twice a year. Jerry Passmore reported for Central Orange Adult Day Health Program Director Alvonia Baldwin on the need to redesign the kitchen to meet Health Department requirements for a license for 29 participants. He expressed his hope that state regulations can be changed 2 to allow Day Health attendees to participate in senior center activities without staff supervision. Mr. Passmore stated the proposed cutback to two evenings per week at the Seymour Center will be offset by the Friends organization with funds to hire temporary personnel to restore current schedule. Jan Wassel commended the Friends for this offer and suggested this be advertised as an example of seniors taking responsibility for their own programs. Mr. Passmore added that this is a community center, supported by both public and private resources. He concluded by stating that, at this time, there is no proposal for reducing the permanent County workforce. Heather Altman reported for the Chatham-Orange Community Resource Connections grant. The goal is a coordinated system of access to information about services. Numerous planning meetings have been held and the service is set to launch in the Fall. This system should be seamless for older adults and those working on their behalf. Ms. Altman asked for time on the agenda later in the year to discuss the new service in greater detail. Mr. Yuhasz inquired about the lead agency for the project and Ms. Altman responded that Chatham County Council on Aging is the fiscal agent but many agencies are involved. Thelma Perkins suggested that key members of the media be identified to help inform the public about the availability of this new service. Jerry Passmore referenced the nutrition program budget that is being finalized for FY 2010. Beginning July 1 the Department on Aging will contract with an outside caterer for the provision of the noon meal due to the additional costs involved in hiring kitchen staff and preparing meals in the Seymour Center kitchen. Mr. Passmore will meet with the current caterer, Bateman Senior Meals, on Wednesday to discuss the quality of the meals to be purchased until the formal bid process can determine a new caterer. He also referenced the senior voucher program for Farmers Market purchases. Returning to the timeline, Mr. Passmore speculated that the county meals-on-wheels programs will be offered the opportunity to be included in the catering contract at a future date. He referred to the budget and noted the cut in United Way funds for the upcoming fiscal year. He also stated that the Friends of the Seymour Center have agreed to act as the conduit for the United Way funding for nutrition. In conclusion, Mr. Passmore announced that the Town of Hillsborough has agreed to continue its support of the senior lunch program in the amount of $1,300 for next fiscal year. Jan Wassel cautioned that the increased cost of utilities involved in washing dishes on site be factored into the operating budget. Both invited guests expressed interest in being recommended to the Board of County Commissioners for appointment to the Advisory Board on Aging. After their departure Jerry Passmore distributed the current list of applicants on file with the Clerk’s Office and summarized the results of his personal contact with each candidate. He also distributed a list of current board members, identifying the geographic requirement of each of the two vacancies. If Heather Altman’s appointment is designated as the Carrboro representative, there will be a need for one Chapel Hill and one at-large representative. The two individuals who attended today would meet those requirements. 3 Ms. Altman made the motion and Jan Wassel provided the second that Janice Wells and Lloyd Little be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners for the Advisory Board on Aging vacancies. Ms. Wassel reminded the Board that her term will end in one year. Jerry Passmore informed the Board that its by-laws only allow excused absences for medical reasons. Since Peggy Cohn’s absences since January have been caused by the illness of her husband, they will be recorded as excused. She is interested in being reappointed to another term on the Board and resume her responsibilities with the August meeting. Ellen Ozier-Hayes has also been absent since January for medical reasons. She also plans to return to the Board in August. The consensus was that both should be allowed to continue to serve as Advisory Board representatives. Leo Allison offered a motion that the meeting schedule be changed to the second Tuesday of the month, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Haryo Marsosudiro provided the second. Motion carried. Jan Wassel stated that she will be unable to attend the August meeting due to a work schedule conflict. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jerry M Passmore, Secretary