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Minutes 11-05-07 MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2007 AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Denise Chamberlain, Chair Bernice Begleiter Lillian Bruzzese Susan Collins Rose Love Virginia O'Connell Steve Lulkin, City Liaison Absent: Robert L. James, Sr. Elizabeth Jenkins Betty Spinelli, Alternate 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:14 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call Chair Chamberlain noted the members present. 4. Approval of Agenda Ms. Bruzzese moved approval of the agenda. Ms. Collins seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 5. Approval of Minutes Ms. Collins moved approval of the mnutes of May 7, 2007. Ms Bruzzese seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 6. Chairperson's Remarks a. Renewal of Members (4) Chairperson Chamberlain advised the terms of Ms. Love, Ms. O'Connell, Ms. Jenkins and Mr. James would expire in December 2007. If they wished to retain their membership on the board, their applications were required to be received by the City Clerk's office no later than December 2007. She suggested the easiest method would be to drop off the applications at the City Clerk's office. b. Reminder about Attendance Policy Chair Chamberlain advised she had discussed this issue at a previous meeting. She noted the City's policy required termination of a membership in the event of three absences. She pointed out she telephoned members at least a week in advance of a meeting. If members were not at home to receive her telephone call, she requested they contact her to let her know whether they would be attending the meeting. This was very important because, if a quorum was not present, the meeting could not be conducted. She pointed out when she was ill, she telephoned all members to advise she would be unable to attend the September 2007 meeting, which was cancelled. 7. Old Business a. Report from Sue Collins (Tax on Social Security Benefits) Chair Chamberlain advised Ms. Collins volunteered to look into the monitoring of legislation with regard to Social Security benefits. Chair Chamberlain also contacted the Area Agency on Aging, and they indicated they would provide any information obtained with respect to this issue. Ms. Collins explained she was looking into this issue as she had heard the Social Security cap was going to go up to 100%. Currently, it could go as high as 85% if certain conditions existed. She telephoned the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, AARP, and the office of U.S. Representative Robert Wexler. At present, there were no plans for the tax to go to 100%. However, there were two pieces of legislation currently on the floor. One eliminated taxation on Social Security benefits entirely, and the other, which was co-sponsored by Representative Wexler, reverted to the pre-1993 level, dropping the 85% taxation down to a maximum of 50%. Ms. Collins prepared a letter to the City Manager on behalf of the board. She read the letter, adding the board was requesting the City Commission consider including its 2 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 concerns about Social Security on the list of items the Palm Beach Delegation monitored for the City of Boynton Beach. She indicated the board favored the proposed legislation which would eliminate the taxation entirely or drop the 85% down to a maximum of 50%. The letter also indicated the individual members of the board would be following up on the proposed legislation with their particular legislators, but believed the assistance of the Palm Beach delegation would be extremely helpful. Motion Ms. Bruzzese moved that the board send the letter to Mr. Bressner. Ms. Love seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Chair Chamberlain indicated she would sign the letter and provide it to the City Manager. b. New Senior Center Mission Statement (Mr. Lulkin) Chair Chamberlain noted, at the May 2007 meeting, Mr. Lulkin requested the board to explore ideas for a revised mission statement for the Senior Center. It was recommended in the accreditation report the board revise its mission statement to reference the inclusion of seniors and the community for whom services were provided. Mr. Lulkin would share his suggestions and the board, under New Business, would either make corrections or approve the statement. He suggested the following language: "In a partnership with our seniors and community organizations, we exist to provide social, educational, medical and recreational programs to enhance the stability, keep it independent, and the well-being of our senior community." He commented he would rework the last part of the sentence, beginning with "...to enhance...". Mr. Lulkin indicated he would have the language retyped and provide it to the board for comments. He requested the members provide their comments prior to the January 7, 2008 meeting. Chair Chamberlain suggested those members who frequently visit the Center could hand in their comments, while the others could mail in their comments. Corrections or deletions, if any, could be made at the January 7, 2008 meeting. 8. New Business a. Additions or deletions to new Mission Statement Additions or deletions would be made at the January 7, 2008 meeting. 3 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 b. Discuss "Community for a Lifetime" Mr. Lulkin advised this issue was discussed at a Conference on Aging which he had attended in August 2007. The initiative was created by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and 160 cities in Florida had been designated a "Community for a Lifetime." Nine cities were in Palm Beach County and included Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Hypoluxo, Jupiter, Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, Palm Springs, Royal Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. The "Community for a Lifetime" coalition assessed municipalities to determine the services provided, with the intent of providing community-based services that would attract retirees to a municipality. Services provided would include health services, recreation opportunities, transportation, shopping, and handicapped-accessible streets, sidewalks and facilities. In order to create a "Community for Lifetime" in the City of Boynton Beach, the first step would be for the board to make a recommendation to the City Commission in support of the initiative. This could entail a presentation by the board before the City Commission as well. It would then be necessary for the City to adopt a resolution with respect thereto. Thereafter, a committee would be established and would consist of residents in the community. The process of becoming a "Community for a Lifetime" would be ongoing and would require a needs assessment survey. Chair Chamberlain added she accessed the Internet, which provided extensive information relating to Kent County, Michigan, and its goals and priorities, including health, independence and engagement relating to its aging population. Engagement ensured access of diverse opportunities for retired seniors. This initiative was not only in Florida, but was nationwide. The site could be accessed by Googling CCFL or Creating "Community for a Lifetime. " Motion Ms. Bruzzese moved the board send a letter to the City Commission recommending the "Community for a Lifetime" program be adopted. Ms. Collins seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Chair Chamberlain indicated she would work with Ms. Collins to prepare a letter. The program would be undertaken by the City of Boynton Beach, if approved by the City Commission, and would be based upon the initiative created by the Florida Department of Elders. Once a resolution had been adopted, the Department of Elders would assist the City in setting up the program. 4 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 c. Letter request of support to apply for a State Grant (Mr. Lulkin) Mr. Lulkin advised the State had allocated $9.1M to senior centers. To that end, the board would be applying for a grant which would provide funds to deal with safety issues at the City's Senior Center such as the following: · Replace the current shutters with hurricane shutters · Remodel bathrooms to accommodate the handicapped . Provide for automatic flushers for toilets · Replace the front awning and install an awning for the back entrance . Apply for security cameras throughout the building . Install a public address system . Replace the air-conditioning unit Mr. Lulkin circulated the grant for the board's review. The cost for the renovations would likely be under $100,000. The State requested a letter of support from the board to accompany the grant application. Debbie Majors provided direction as to the manner in which to prepare the letter of support. The letter would be required by November 13, 2007, and the grants would be issued in January 2008. If the City had already created a "Community for a Lifetime," the City would have received five points. Motion Ms. O'Connell moved that the board submit a letter to the Department of Elder Affairs in support of the grant application. Ms. Begleiter seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Chair Chamberlain and Ms. Collins would collaborate on the preparation of the letter, and Mr. Lulkin would obtain additional information relating to the preparation thereof. d. New intellectual programs at Senior Center and possible additions Mr. Lulkin advised of new programs instituted at the Senior Center. Staff had conducted a survey, and these surveys were still being collected. Approximately seven programs were offered. The creation of the intellectual programs was also recommended by the accreditation board. Programs suggested include poetry, writing, current events, and a travelogue. He anticipated the surveys would be received within the next week and would be reviewed by staff to determine areas of interest. Staff anticipated the 5 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 suggested assembling a group to relate their stories of their traveling adventures and experiences in Florida. Mr. Lulkin added staff also sought videos relating to different countries, and was exploring other programs, including music appreciation. Possibilities suggested by board members included Carnival cruises, and for seniors to record their experiences for family members. Mr. Lulkin advised a social worker would be present at the Center once a week for half a day. e. Senior Center Report Staff observed an increase in registration since October 1, 2007, and nearly 400 people had registered. Last year, 1,169 people registered at the Center. He reported on the following events: · The anniversary party had an impressive turnout and included Ms. United States 2006. · The Center held a Columbus Day pizza lunch, sponsored by a mortgage company and attended by approximately 100 people. . Free flu shots were provided by A Plus Home Health for individuals enrolled in Medicare Part B. · This week the Area Agency on Aging would provide free flu shots for people without insurance coverage. · Staff was putting together a 2008 Medicare Changes Fair to include such providers as Humana, Well Care, Care Plus, Aetna, Amerigroup, Citrus Home Health Insurance and SHINE (Serving Health Needs of Elders). The event would be co-sponsored by Medicare Home Health and would be held November 28, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Refreshments would be served and door prizes offered every hour. Flyers for the event were in the approval process. · A Halloween party was held last week, and approximately 90 people attended. An ice cream social followed. · A holiday party will be forthcoming on December 13, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., and would include entertainment, door prizes and refreshments. Chair Chamberlain announced the Senior Center personnel were diminished by one employee. There remained one recreation specialist, and a part-time employee. Mr. Lulkin was hoping for the approval of a part-time secretarial position. 9. Adjournment Next Meeting - January 7, 2008 at Senior Center - 3:00 p.m. 6 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 5, 2007 Motion There was no further business to discuss. Ms. Bruzzese moved to adjourn. Ms. O'Connell seconded the motion that passed unanimously. It;,.~. ..~ \"_~LJ~"'~ Steplianie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 110907 110907 7