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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 051314ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Minutes May 13, 2014 PRESENT: Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Ed Flowers, Lorenzo Mejia, Donna Prather, Jeane Suddarth, Dick White EXCUSED: Leo Allison, Heather Altman, Dan Hatley, Thelma Perkins GUESTS: Ethan, Hank Maiden STAFF: Mary Fraser, Kathie Kearns, Janice Tyler The meeting was called to order at the Seymour Center by Vice-Chair Alex Castro. The minutes of the April 8 meeting were approved as distributed following a motion made by Dick White and a second by Peggy Cohn. Mr. Castro announced the public outreach meetings for future rural bus services utilizing transit sales tax revenues. He noted that the Orange Unified Transportation Board had modified its initial implementation plan in response to feedback received from this Advisory Board. It was decided that the schedule for monthly Advisory Board meetings this summer would be determined by Google poll. In her Director’s Report Janice Tyler announced the successful launch of the Department’s new Facebook page. She noted that Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had issued a proclamation recognizing May as Older Americans Month. The Project EngAGE graduates were recognized by the Commissioners. Also at that BOCC meeting a petition was resubmitted by the Friends of Central Orange for consideration of a name change for the Central Orange Senior Center to honor retired Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore. Applications for the Mobility Manager vacant position have closed and interviews will be scheduled within the week. Ms. Tyler extended an invitation to all Advisory Board members to attend the June 5 RSVP Volunteer Recognition Dinner and announced that the BOCC had sent appreciation gifts to this Board’s members for their service to Orange County. In the New Business report Janice Tyler stated that the FY2014-15 budget review process continues with adoption by the BOCC at its June 24 meeting. She announced that Orange County’s projected allocation of Home and Community Care Block Grant funds will increase due to the larger number of 60+ residents when compared with other counties across the State. She also stated that the Department is completing the bidding process for its new Senior Lunch Program catering contract. In her MAP Update Mary Fraser reported that a temporary employee request has been submitted for paid staff support of Project EngAGE. Current plans propose a new class be recruited for Fall 2014. Additionally, the first graduating class is interested in meeting monthly for follow-up. Lorenzo Mejia asked how interested citizens can be considered for future classes. All inquiries should be emailed to Janice Tyler. Alex Castro requested a descriptive handout that could be used for recruiting potential class members. Ms. Fraser announced that the next Project EngAGE Advisory Committee meeting will be held on May 28. She also announced that Lara Balain will continue her work on the Department’s website and Resource Guide redesign this summer. Ms. Fraser continued her MAP Goal Implementation report as follows: • The LGBT group is meeting regularly; a speakers’ bureau is being developed; group coordination will be provided by a student intern. • A facilitated workshop on housing options development will be held on May 31; a student intern will inventory all Orange County planning entities (including Habitat) this summer. • The Senior Tar Heel Legislature is being asked to include universal design standardization and Homestead Exemption Act revision in its legislative agenda. • Rural transportation improvements are being implemented as a result of the transit sales tax revenues; outreach efforts are needed this summer to identify the people who can benefit from the expanded service. • Mapping the county-wide navigation and transportation routes will be postponed to Year 3. • Expansion of home-delivered meals is being evaluated by both providers (CH/Ca Meals On Wheels-32 meals/day and Orange Congregations in Mission-145 meals/day); a work group is being proposed for Year 3 with representation from both providers to standardize eligibility criteria and identify un-served geographic areas. • Faith-based groups will be invited to a workshop this summer to encourage service to older adult members. • All mental health initiatives will be postponed to Year 3 due to statewide service system reorganization. • The Long Term Care Collaborative will select the most innovative project proposal from those submitted by providers after August 1 deadline; workshops will be developed based upon suggestions made during administrators’ interviews. • Distribution of information for reporting abuse and neglect will be postponed until a future date. • Volunteer program restructuring has been included in the Department on Aging’s FY 15 proposed budget. • Complete Streets initiatives has been postponed; an increase in the number of required handicapped parking spaces should be referred to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature. Ms. Fraser concluded her report by proposing a MAP Steering Committee meeting for June and a public comment follow-up. After discussion it was agreed that the July 8 Advisory Board meeting date and time be reserved for a combination Steering Committee and public information session at a location to be determined. Committee Reports began with an update on the Music In My Mind (MIMM) project by Coordinator Ethan Lechner. More than 300 people watched the Alive Inside documentary during its showings at the Seymour Center and Carol Woods. Five long term care facilities are participating in webinar training on implementation of the MIMM project. Volunteers are being recruited and trained to help develop personalized playlists for facility and community residents. Mr. Lechner will be working on the development of policies and procedures for the iPod loan program and will facilitate a quarterly users’ group. Janice Tyler added that Orange County Recycling will donate all appropriate recycled equipment it collects to this project. Donated equipment will allow the project to expand to community residents. Announcements were made about the staffing changes at the OC Housing/Human Rights/Community Development and Carolina Villages. Janice Tyler read a report for the Friends of the Central Orange Senior Center, submitted by Leo Allison, that stated the proceeds from the Las Vegas Night fundraiser were $7,000. The Friends of COSC recently held its annual meeting where Beverly Blythe was elected president. Ms. Tyler also reported that the Friends of the Seymour Center will hold its annual meeting this week and the recent Sock Hop fundraiser was a success. The Chatham-Orange Community Resource Connection has a Coordinator vacancy. Additionally, more consumer representation is needed. Dick White offered to investigate the process for submitting items for legislative agenda consideration to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature. Committee reports were concluded with announcement that the Soltys Adult Day Health census is up. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Janice Tyler, Secretary