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Minutes 02-02-98 MINUTES OF SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE MALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1998, AT 3:30 P.M. PRESENT Betty Collins, Chairperson Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Marilyn Brook Project Specialist Edgar Sackett Melody Green, Recreation Esther Stranahan Superintendent Olive Field, Alternate Sharon Golden, Recreation Supervisor III ABSENT Ray Eney, Vice Chairperson Mary Cannon Geraldine Graham Elizabeth Jenkins, Alternate 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Chairperson Collins called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, followed by a moment of silent prayer. Everyone remembered Mr. Eney and Ms. Graham in their prayers. 2. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the agenda. Motion Mr. Sackett moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Ms. Field seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Motion Ms. Stranahan moved to approve the minutes of the December 1, 1997 meeting as submitted. Mr. Sackett seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 5. DISCUSSION OF BUS SCHEDULE, VOLUNTEERS CALLING, ETC. Chairperson Collins advised that a senior center was discussed at the Advisory Boards Open Forum meeting on Saturday, January 31st. One of the goals of the Senior Advisory Board this year is to become more involved and see that the senior center is started. Volunteers who are interested in having a senior center are needed. She knows the Recreation Department has programs for seniors. However, there is a need for a senior center and daily programs. There are lonely seniors who want a place to meet and socialize with others their age. Mr. Ackermann advised that in the Consolidated Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program, the senior citizens center has been allocated $125,200. This is specifically for land acquisition and design. The various departments involved will be meeting to discuss this further on Wednesday. At the Advisory Boards Open Forum on Saturday, the Assistant to the City Manager, Wilfred Hawkins mentioned the possibility of having programs for seniors at an interim location until the senior center is built. Mr. Ackermann stated that it would take a couple of years to build a senior center. However, it would take less time to renovate an existing facility. Chairperson Collins pointed out that a lot of people suggested having a senior center near Target since the bus goes there. Also Barnes and Noble is now empty and is in a popular area. The board previously discussed a storefront location and having a director there everyday to coordinate programs. She was interested in having something for four hours a day at first. From the surveys that were previously taken, people would like somewhere to go to have a sandwich and a cup of coffee. They cannot go out everyday to a restaurant for lunch. Ms. Green proposed the following for a senior center and asked if this fits in with the needs of the seniors: ? The facility would include an activity room for seniors for activities such as dances; ? It would accommodate large meetings; 2 MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING ? It would have a game room, including cards; ? It would have a small social room with a sofa, books, and a television; ? It would have a Health Department approved kitchen so that meals could be prepared at the site; and ? It would be available to be rented out for special functions. Chairperson Collins advised that there already are several places to play cards. The members of the board were interested in board games such as scrabble, dominoes, checkers, chess, bingo, and tournaments. Some of the people at the Boat Club Park told her they are interested in board games; however, they do not have anyone to conduct them and they have no prizes. In addition, not enough time is allocated to them at this facility and there is no transportation to that location. Ms. Golden advised that several other groups utilize this facility. Chairperson Collins was also interested in the County providing meals at the facility at noontime. Ms. Green advised that the nutritional program would be up to the County and she suggested that this board speak to them about that. Chairperson Collins advised that the Senior Advisory Board used to have programs at the Civic Center and the Madsen Center; however, these facilities did not meet their needs. Chairperson Collins would like somebody from the Recreation Department to act as a Senior Coordinator. Ms. Green advised that this is part of Ms. Golden’s role. Ms. Golden has a number of other responsibilities; however, she will try to address some of the board’s concerns and assist with programming. If the board advises her of the type of activities they desire within the next month, Ms. Golden can help set them up. Chairperson Collins did not want to start anything unless it is well organized because there are not enough members on the board who are free to participate. She advised that many people, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who work with seniors and want to be known, call her all the time and tell her that they would like to give demonstrations or lectures for free. She hoped to have an interim location for a senior center by September. Ms. Golden inquired about the Barnes and Noble location. Ms. Green felt that location would be costly since it is in a highly commercial area. She asked if City Hall in the 3 MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Mall would be a good location for an interim facility. Chairperson Collins advised that there are no bathroom facilities or refreshments available. Ms. Green pointed out that all the restrooms in the mall are public restrooms. In addition, the Recreation Department can help with refreshments, getting a sofa, television, books, and games. She also felt this was a great location because the bus stops at the mall. Ms. Stranahan stated that the problem with the Madsen Center was that the members of the board had to cart everything there because there was no space there to store supplies. The good thing about having programs at the Civic Center was that there was a stage there. However, there were too many things going on at the Madsen Center. She added that the seniors liked the line dancing. Ms. Green suggested that in a couple of months, if City Hall in the Mall is available, that we have programs for seniors three days a week. She advised that Ms. Golden could assist with the mailing list and sending out flyers. Chairperson Collins would like to have activities during the three days that the bus comes to the mall, which is on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She stated that there are many people who do not live within the City limits who are interested in a senior center, and many of the people who need a senior center live here all year round. Ms. Green advised that Ms. Golden does all the booking for all the entertainment for the G.A.L.A. and for coordinating all the concessions for the G.A.L.A. She is also responsible for the Madsen Center and all the groups that meet at Royal Palm Clubhouse. She has a lot of different resources that she can call upon if the board wants to have a small group entertain at City Hall in the Mall. If the board would like recorded music for awhile for people to practice line dancing, there are instructors throughout the City and Ms. Golden can coordinate that effort. Most of the programs would be free; however, depending on what the seniors would like, if an instructor has to be paid, the seniors might have to be charged a nominal fee. Ms. Green also advised that a schedule could be posted in front of the mall. Chairperson Collins advised that the bus schedule is working out well. 6. ACTIVITIES FOR COMING YEAR A. SENIOR DAY 4 MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Chairperson Collins desired to have a Senior Day at the mall; however, she could not get in touch with the manager of the mall. Mr. Ackermann pointed out that the Advisory Board on Children and Youth sponsors the Youth Expo at the mall and he did not see any reason not to have a Senior Day at the Mall. He suggested that Chairperson Collins speak to the Chairperson of that board, Shanna St. John, to find out how she coordinated that. Chairperson Collins advised that Diane Grant, who publishes a small newspaper, previously tried to coordinate a senior information day in the City and has all the plans and the names of the people who would participate. Ms. Green advised that she can check on the availability of the mall and whether there is any flexibility in the bus scheduling. Ms. Golden felt a Senior Day should be held sometime during the season when the bulk of the people are here. Chairperson Collins felt it should be held in the fall in conjunction with a kick off of the interim senior center. Ms. Green encouraged Ms. Golden to attend the Senior Advisory Board meetings over the next few months. She also encouraged the members of the board to share their ideas with Ms. Golden. Senior Activities Festival Chairperson Collins distributed flyers regarding a Senior Activities Festival being held thth at the South Florida Fairgrounds on February 24 and 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She suggested that the members of this board and someone from the Recreation Department attend that festival and talk to the exhibitors to see if they would be interested in participating in our Senior Day in the mall. She advised that there are buses going from the mall to the South Florida Fairgrounds. Public Information Officer Chairperson Collins advised that people move into the City and want to know what is available. However, when they call City Hall, nobody knows to whom to refer them. Many times they give them her telephone number. She felt there should be somebody at the City who knows what is going on. She pointed out that people do not even know that RSVP has an office in City Hall. Mr. Ackermann suggested providing the 5 MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING switchboard operator with the Elder Help Line. However, Chairperson Collins pointed out that the Elder Help Line is a County agency and she was interested in referring seniors to people who know about what is going on within the City. Home Delivered Meals Chairperson Collins distributed a flyer regarding home delivered meals. She advised that these meals cost $5.00 and are delivered by a church Monday through Friday. She stated that you do no have to be poor to be eligible for this program and pointed out that some people cannot get out to shop even if they have transportation. Home Nursing Chairperson Collins advised that more money is being allocated for home nursing and Medicaid is going to provide home nursing. The people who have HMOs are going to be entitled to more health care. Wellness Checks Chairperson Collins would like the Boynton Beach Police Department to implement a program whereby the COPs check on people who live alone. Blood Pressure Checks Mr. Ackermann advised that as of last week, Bethesda stopped checking blood pressures at the mall. Chairperson Collins advised that she knows of volunteers willing to do this. At this time, Ms. Green left the meeting to check on the availability of the City Hall in the Mall facility as an interim senior center. Board Vacancies Chairperson Collins advised Mr. Eney and Ms. Graham are doing a little better. However, she did not anticipate them returning to the board. She talked to RSVP and they had two people interested in serving on this board; however, they do not reside within the City limits. She asked the members if they knew of anybody who would like to be on the board. She also asked the Recording Secretary to see if there are any Talent Bank Forms on file. 6 MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 2, 1998 SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 7. NEW BUSINESS A. G.A.L.A. Chairperson Collins reminded everyone that it was suggested that the Senior Advisory Board, the Advisory Board on Children and Youth, the Education Advisory Board, and the Community Relations Board share one booth at the G.A.L.A. this year. The thstnd G.A.L.A. is scheduled for March 20, 21, and 22. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Mr. Sackett moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m. Ms. Brook seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (One Tape) 7