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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board minutes 051209 1 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes May 12, 2009 PRESENT: Leo Allison, Heather Altman, Steve Lackey, Haryo Marsosudiro, Fred Schroeder, Steve Yuhasz EXCUSED: Alice Gordon STAFF: Bob Jones, Kathie Kearns, Jerry Passmore The meeting was called to order at the Central Orange Senior Center by Chair Steve Lackey. Jerry Passmore announced the upcoming Alzheimer’s Project movie series to be held at the Seymour Center in June. He also mentioned Aging Transitions’ newly- formed early dementia support group. He distributed the Older Americans Month Proclamation that was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at its May 5 meeting. Heather Altman requested two revisions to the minutes of the April 14 meeting: correction of Sabrina Lea’s name and clarification that Ms. Lea met with the Community Resource Connections team at Carol Woods. Fred Schroeder moved adoption of the minutes as corrected. Leo Allison provided the second. Motion carried. Tote bags were given on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners to all Advisory Board members present in appreciation of their volunteer service to Orange County. Heather Altman announced that UNC Hospitals will celebrate Older Americans Month with a reception on May 20 in the Florence Soltys Resource Room. She also announced the Coalition for Continuity of Care in the Geriatric Community will meet this Friday from 10:00-11:30 at the Seymour Center. In Thelma Perkins absence, the Chair reported that the Friends of the Seymour Center have made application for continuation of Town of Chapel Hill funding. The Friends’ annual meeting will be held in June. The annual solicitation letter is being prepared. Haryo Marsosudiro reported for the Friends of the Senior Center for Central Orange that the Board had met earlier in the day to review by-laws and adopt a slate of officers for the Annual Meeting on Friday. The Friends reviewed plans for the upcoming transfer of the food service program, including changing from disposable dinnerware effective July 1. Jerry Passmore announced that seniors registered with the lunch program will receive a $21.00 voucher for use at their local farmers market. Friends Board member Beverly Blythe is investigating the possibility that local farmers market vendors donate their surplus produce to the low income seniors who participate in the senior center lunch program. Heather Altman reported that the Carol Woods food service manager has some kitchen items to donate. 2 Steve Yuhasz asked for the sources of funding for both Friends organizations. He also asked about attendance at the Central Orange Senior Center by Mebane residents. Jerry Passmore reported for Central Orange Adult Day Health program manager Alvonia Baldwin. He relayed his continuing effort to resolve the dilemma with the kitchen design and its effect on the maximum number of persons licensed to participate. He is awaiting a response from County Building Project Manager Jeff Thompson. Fred Schroeder asked if action by the Board would be helpful. An updated Aging Legislative Issues listing was distributed. Steve Yuhasz referenced the Homestead Exemption Act. Discussion followed on options for tax relief for older adults. Jerry Passmore informed the Board that the County Commissioners will hold a budget work session this evening. He mentioned that there is a moratorium on new positions. No additional budget cuts have been required beyond the original 10% reduction. Mr. Yuhasz stated that the Commissioners haven’t seen the Manager’s recommended budget reflecting the 10% reductions. He cautioned that more cuts may be necessary. Mr. Passmore summarized the Home and Community Care Block Grant proposal that will be reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners at their next meeting. He referred to the recent consolidation of three congregate meal sites into the Central Orange Senior Center, saving administrative costs. The $109,000 of Block Grant funds for Congregate Nutrition will be transferred from JOCCA to the Department on Aging at the beginning of the new fiscal year. The Department of Social Services will continue to receive funds for in-home services. The Department on Aging is funded to provide several Older Americans Act services. The assessment and service delivery process utilized by the Eldercare/Aging Transitions staff and how it differs from the traditional DSS service model was reviewed. The Chair emphasized that the main change in next fiscal year’s proposed allocation of Block Grant funds is the transfer of the nutrition program from JOCCA to the Department on Aging. A concern was raised about the total of the Block Grant exhibit being incorrect. Jerry Passmore will check with the Assistant County Manager staff who prepared the information. Mr. Yuhasz asked for clarification of the distinction between the in-home services provided by Social Services and the Department on Aging. He also asked about the clientele who participate in Senior Care’s adult day health program. A motion to support the Block Grant application once the allocation figures were verified was made by Heather Altman and seconded by Haryo Marsosudiro. Motion carried. Jerry Passmore distributed and reviewed a revised timeline for transfer of the food service program from JOCCA to the Department on Aging. He emphasized that the Department’s administration of the program will result in more funds available for the purchase of food and a more environmentally-friendly presentation of the meals. He added that plans for the future include providing meals for the County Meals-On-Wheels non-profit programs. 3 Bob Jones referred to the April meeting’s discussion of leave-of-absences for Advisory Board members. The Board of County Commissioners’ Clerk recommended that Peggy Cohn submit her resignation and apply for re-appointment at a later date. The Chair added that Ellen Ozier-Hayes and Jan Wassel have also missed several meeting. Mr. Jones suggested that new member Heather Altman could serve the Carrboro representative, replacing outgoing member Jerry Kruter. Steve Yuhasz asked that absent members be sent written correspondence further explaining the attendance policy. Jerry Passmore stated that the current meeting schedule will be followed through June and reassessed after the summer break. Heather Altman offered to announce the Aging Board vacancies at the Friday Coalition meeting. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jerry M Passmore Secretary