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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Board Minutes 081412ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes August 14, 2012 PRESENT: Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Keith Cook, Ed Flowers, Donna Prather, Jeane Suddarth, Janice Wells STAFF: Myra Austin, Mary Fraser, Kathie Kearns, Janice Tyler GUESTS: Terry Buckner, Dan Hatley, Roger Waldon, Richard White, Michael Young The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Alex Castro at the Seymour Center. Ed Flowers asked to add an agenda item related to the Master Aging Plan update. The minutes of the June 12 meeting were approved as distributed following the motion made by Ed Flowers and the second by Keith Cook. In her Director’s Report Janice Tyler announced that last academic year’s UNC Capstone students had been awarded the American Planning Association NC Chapter Student Planning Award for their work with the Master Aging Plan Update process. The Award presentation will be held on September 27 in Wilmington. Alex Castro asked that an email be sent to Advisory Board members sharing the details for those who might like to attend. Ms. Tyler reported that she also presented the Master Aging Plan to the NC Aging Liaisons group, formed by Executive Order #54 to assess North Carolina’s readiness for its aging population. She will also join Orange County Commissioners’ Chair Bernadette Pelissier and Aging Board Chair Heather Altman in their presentation at the NC Association of County Commissioners Conference on August 17. Myra Austin briefed the Advisory Board on the recent transition from Senior Net Learning Center to Seymour Technology Center. The name change reflects the Seymour Center’s independence from the national Senior Net organization after 15 years. All other program aspects will remain the same. Ms. Tyler concluded her report by announcing that interviews for a new Wellness Coordinator had been completed and that the Department will be participating in the Emergency Management Department’s Disaster Preparedness Exercise on August 22. Roger Waldon of Clarion Associates presented an overview of the Southern Human Services Campus Master Plan process. The goal is a plan for the use of the 33 acre campus for the next 25 years, including buildings, parking and green space. Recommendations for the Master Plan will be made to the Board of County Commissioners at its August 21 meeting. The Chapel Hill Town Council will be briefed at its meeting on September 12. Advisory Board members raised questions about the Master Plan’s relationship to the development of Carolina North. The Chair introduced Terri Buckner from UNC-CH IT Services. She and UNC Telemedicine Manager Michael Young informed the Advisory Board about the Internet Connectivity Municipality Project which offers high speed internet access for the general public in the Chapel Hill area. These kinds of networks have unlimited possibilities for medical services, such as offering real-time conversations between physicians and homebound individuals. Ed Flowers raised the issue of access to medical records and also spoke to the need for the service beyond the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. Ms. Buckner remarked that the MAP Update does not address the use of new technologies to meet community needs. Jan Wells and Ed Flowers volunteered to work with the UNC representatives to support this project. Janice Tyler informed the Advisory Board that the Commissioners were seeking items for their upcoming legislative agenda. Based upon the MAP objectives she suggested changes to the Homestead Exemption Act. The Senior Tar Heel Legislature priorities were also reviewed. A listing of the current Advisory Board on Aging membership was distributed which included two vacancies and two out-going members. A list of current applicants for appointment was also distributed. Two applicants who were present, Daniel Hatley and Richard White, were asked to introduce themselves. Mary Fraser summarized the activities of the two Public Health summer practicum students who have been assisting Janice Tyler in interviewing all Steering Committee members to determine MAP priorities and identify roles. At its July 23 Retreat the Advisory Board members reviewed the MAP objectives that would be their responsibility. The implementation plan being developed from this process will be reviewed at the next Advisory Board meeting on September 13. Many action items have already been accomplished or are in process, such as a liaison to the Orange Unified Transportation Board (Alex Castro), and a representative on the Village Projects organization (Jan Wells). Keith Cook volunteered to serve as liaison to the Housing Advisory Board and will contact Department Director Tara Fikes. Ms. Fraser stated that the Advisory Board on Aging will be responsible for overall implementation and evaluation of the Master Aging Plan. The Vice-Chair asked member to address questions and comments about the draft implementation plan to Ms. Fraser prior to the September Board meeting. Ed Flowers raised the issue of medical transportation for individuals in the rural areas of Orange County. He questioned the practicality of sending a bus to transport one person to an out-of-county destination. Jan Wells suggested utilizing medical resources closer to home. Mary Fraser stated that the Aging Transitions Program has Friend-To-Friend volunteers who may meet that need and limited funding for taxi service. Keith Cook recommended contracting with individuals to provide the service and providing mileage reimbursement. Alex Castro suggested developing a community communication network where volunteers would be aware of the options and serve as liaison between the person in need and the resources. Following this discussion Janice Tyler stated that the incoming Capstone Team will be working on information-sharing and marketing strategies. The student orientation will be held on August 27 and Heather Altman will be representing the Advisory Board in this process. During Committee Reports Ms. Tyler informed the Advisory Board that the CRC funding from the Division of Aging will likely not be continuing. The future of its Project Manager is doubtful and this position is critical to continue the work of the 28 member organization. Ed Flowers stated that no announcement has been made about the future of Britthaven. Also, the administrator of Chapel Hill Rehabilitation (now Kindred) is leaving to take another position. Adult Care Home CAC Dan Hatley informed the Advisory Board that the Crescent Green facility has been successfully addressing its issues. However, the Stratford memory care unit is uncertain. Jeane Suddarth announced that the next meeting of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature will be in Greensboro on October 2 and 3. The Vice-Chair excused the candidates for Advisory Board appointment. Following their departure a motion was made by Keith Cook and a second by Jan Wells that Daniel Hatley and Richard White be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners for Aging Board membership. Motion carried. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Janice Tyler, Secretary