HomeMy WebLinkAboutAging Advisory Board Minutes 051016ORANGE COUNTY
ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING
Minutes
May 6, 2016
PRESENT: Mary Altpeter, Alex Castro, Peggy Cohn, Keith Cook, Teri Driscoll, Winston Liao,
Lorenzo Mejia, Yvonne Mendenhall, Donna Prather, Dick White
EXCUSED: Ed Flowers
STAFF: Mary Fraser, Kathie Kearns, Yvette Missri, Cherie Rosemond, Janice Tyler
The meeting was called to order by Chair Alex Castro. The agenda was modified to begin with
the recognition of those organizations that completed the Dementia Friendly Business training:
Animal Hospital of Carrboro
Cameron’s Gift Shop
Carrboro Family Pharmacy
Chapel Hill YMCA
Fidelity Bank of Chapel Hill
Law Office of Jeffrey G. Marsocci
Maitland Law Firm
Walgreens Pharmacies at Environ Way
Lorenzo Mejia presented a certificate of completion to those representatives present. He
recognized MSW Intern Stephanie Miller’s work in the DFB training initiative. Recipients offered
illustrations of the benefits of the training. The Chair suggested that a recognition of Project
EngAGE graduates’ work in Orange County should also be developed and asked Board members
to contact him if interested in working with him. Mary Altpeter added that such recognition
should include the Board of County Commissioners.
Special Presentation and Comments
An overview of the Orange County’s Affordable Housing Plan was presented by Audrey
Spencer-Horsley, Director of the Housing, Human Rights and Community Development
Department. Lorenzo Mejia asked for the amount considered a fair and affordable rent for
seniors. Mary Fraser inquired about the status of Section 8 Housing. Janice Tyler asked how
larger cities implement rent control. Alex Castro inquired about affordable housing availability
in rural areas where resources (grocery stores, public transportation) are less plentiful. Cheri
Rosemond requested that the Department on Aging be included in the development of future
public housing. Discussion followed on Homestead Exemption and housing options such as
HUD and Habitat.
Following this presentation the minutes of the April 12 meeting were approved upon the
motion offered by Peggy Cohn and second by Keith Cook.
Director’s Report
Janice Tyler announced that the Older Americans Month Proclamation had been approved by
the Board of County Commissioners. The Seymour Center generator has been installed and
tested. Advisory Board members commented on Dr. Bill Thomas’ Age of Disruption Tour on
April 21. Today is the NC Coalition on Aging’s Legislative Advocacy Day. The first-ever
Volunteer Connect 55+ Recruitment Fair was a success with more than 50 attendees.
The Soltys Adult Day Health Program has been experiencing a revenue shortfall due to
declining participation and lagging reimbursement from the VA. Discussion followed on the
Senior Care Board’s fundraising efforts and options for more secure future funding.
New Business
Bids will be accepted through May 24 by the OC Purchasing Office for the Senior Lunch
Program’s catering contract. The contract will be for one year with the option to renew for an
additional year.
Continuing Projects
A summary of the County Manager’s recommended FY16-17 budget for the Department on
Aging was distributed. Janice Tyler reviewed the proposed increases and stated that the
Manager Annual Recommended Operating Budget & Capital Investment Plan can be found on
the Orange County website.
The Project Engage and Senior Resource Team updates were reviewed by Yvette Missri.
Master Aging Plan Updates
The Department has secured one summer intern from the UNC School of Public Health. Three
other summer workers will contract for MAP-related activities.
At its first meeting the 2017-22 MAP Leadership Team decided to join the AARP Age-Friendly
Community Network and adopt its planning process for the next MAP Update. Mary Fraser
summarized the eight issue domains identified in the AARP process. The next Leadership Team
meeting will be held on May 16.
Committee Progress Reports if needed:
The Long Term Care Learning Collaborative will hold its Direct Care Worker Awards on May 26
at the Passmore Center. Forty-two individuals have been nominated. Commissioner
Bernadette Pelissier will represent the BOCC at the ceremony and inform the County
Commissioners of this recognition event at its next meeting.
The Senior Tar Heel Legislature will meet in early June and Dick White will report to the
Advisory Board on June 14. The attached Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
report was distributed. Both Friends organizations will hold annual membership meetings this
month. Janice Tyler distributed Board of County Commissioners appreciation gifts to all
Advisory Board on Aging members present. There being no further business the meeting was
adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Tyler, Secretary
Date: May 4, 2016
The OCNHCAC had a meeting on May 3, 2016.
Carolyn Pennington, Regional Ombudsman, attended out meeting. She is working with us until Triangle
J completes their search for a new Ombudsman.
We approved site visit reports from Carol Woods and Carolina Point.
All 2nd quarter site visits are to be completed by June 30, 2016. Report of: Orange County Nursing
Home Community Advisory Committee
We have two vacancies on our committee.
We do not have a meeting in June. Our next meeting will be on July 5, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the Seymour
Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Teri Driscoll, Chair