Minutes 11-05-01MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE
SENIOR CENTER, 1021 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH,
FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 AT 3:00 P.M.
Present
Betty Collins, Chairperson
Olive Field
Elizabeth Jenkins
Joan C. White
Absent
Jeanne Hasty
Christine Wilson
Mary Coma, Alternate
Lillian Bruzzese, Alternate
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Members observed a moment of silent prayer for all the needy seniors in the
City. Chairperson Collins led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
2. Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. and Chairperson Collins declared
that a quorum was present.
Nameplates were distributed. Members were instructed to bring them when
attending meetings of the Board.
3. Approval of Agenda
Ms. White moved to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Ms. Field and
unanimously carried.
4. Approval of Minutes (May 14, 2001)
The minutes were approved as distributed.
Meeting Minutes
Senior Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, FL
November 5, 2001
5. Chairman's Remarks
Chairperson Collins noted that the role of the Board needs to be re-examined
since the Senior Center is now under the control of the Recreation Department.
Fire Assessment Fee
Chairperson Collins reported that the seniors picketed the Commission Meeting
protesting the $95.00 fire assessment fee for condo owners. This would have
incurred a hardship for many seniors who live on Social Security alone.
Chairman Collins is proposing that the Board send a letter to the Mayor and
Commissioners requesting that seniors be permitted to pay the assessment
either monthly or quarterly installments instead of in. one lump sum.
She further pointed out that the requirements for an exemption are much too
stringent and intrusive and are more than what is required when seniors seek
assistance from other agencies. The fees that were eventually approved went
from the original fee of $95.00 to $70.00 for single family homes and to $58.00
for condos (multi-unit). Ms. White inquired if clubhouses would still be charged a
fee and members were not certain what happened to this aspect of the
resolution. If this were also passed it would cause maintenance fees to increase
and people would be charged an additional sum.
Chairperson Collins also questioned why fire trucks respond when a person dials
911 in an emergency, when only paramedics and/or an ambulance are needed.
Ms. Field will follow through on this.
After much discussion, it was decided that Chairperson Collins will draft a letter
to the Mayor and Commissioners requesting seniors be permitted to pay the fire
assessment fee in monthly payments. The letter will be sent to the Board
members first for their review and comments.
Shopper Hopper Service
Chairperson Collins reported that she received a notice stating that anyone
utilizing the Shopper Hopper is now limited to two cloth-type or three shopping
bags. Members felt this was too restrictive and creates a hardship for people
trying to grocery shop. Chairperson Collins noted that there are volunteers in
Leisureville that ride the bus to assist patrons with their bags when exiting the
bus. She would like to see this policy adopted in other areas of the City so that
people aren't limited to the number of bags allowed on the bus. The notice further
states that anyone carrying too many bags would not be permitted on the bus.
This policy will force seniors to grocery shop more often than they may want.
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Meeting Minutes
Senior Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, FL
November 5, 2001
Chairperson Collins inquired if seniors were still being served meals at Boynton
Bay and Ms. Jenkins stated that they were. Ms. Jenkins said that the seniors
that go to Boynton Bay did not want to come to the Senior Center. They had
been informed that they could not hold any of their other activities because of the
scheduling at the Senior Center.
Ms. Field reported that the Senior Center is doing very well.
Chairperson Collins announced that a Board Forum is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on
Saturday, November 17th at the Library. Although this Board does not participate
in the forums any more, it is open to any member that would like to attend. The
purpose of the forum is to discuss what the Boards are doing.
6. Purpose and Goals of this Board
Not addressed.
7. Discussion
See above
8. Other BUsiness
Chairperson Collins distributed tee shirts to the members that were donated by
Commissioner Fisher.
9. Adjournment
The next meeting will take place on Monday, January 7, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. at
the Senior Center.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(one tape)
(November 6, 2001)
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