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Minutes 04-01-96 MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1996, AT 4:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Collins, Chairwoman Beth Bailey, Public Information Raymond Eney Officer Geraldine Graham Jacob Rose (Arrived Late) Edgar Sackett Esther "Peggy" Stranahan Mary Toth James McMahon, Alternate Marion Moore, Alternate 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman Collins called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, a moment of silent prayer was observed. 3. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Mr. Rose was not yet present. 4. AGENDA APPROVAL Mr. Sackett moved to accept the agenda as printed. Ms. Toth seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 1996 Mr. Eney moved to accept the minutes of the March 4, 1996 meeting as submitted without corrections. Ms. Stranahan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 6. REPORT OF G.A.L.A. PARTICIPATION Chairwoman Collins thanked everyone who assisted during the G.A.L.A. She reported that Andy Haines made the booth that was used by the Senior Advisory Board. Mr. Haines was unable to manage removing the booth, and left it in the City's trust. The booth was lost. Chairwoman Collins talked with groups of people who signed up to support a senior center. Flyers and bus schedules were disseminated. 1 7. UPDATE ON SENIOR CENTER - Peggy Stranahan Ms. Stranahan reported that participation has slowed somewhat as a result of the upcoming holidays and the fact that many people are beginning to head north for the summer. Geraldine Carr contacted her today and is still interested in participating in this effort. She has offered to try to either get a program for the center or solicit donations to cover the cost of the refreshments. Ms. Stranahan advised that there are a number of women who have come to the center from the very beginning. They are very willing and able to work. She believes that in time, they will be able to handle the preparations without her help. It is important to try to get other people to help. Ms. Stranahan does not feel the Madsen Center is up to standards as far as cleanliness is concerned. Everyone involved in the senior center activities has used great care to make sure the kitchen is left in better shape at the end of the day than when they begin the day. She pointed out that the refrigerator is filthy. She does not know who is supposed to maintain this facility, but she wants it known that the senior group double checks everything before leaving the facility to make sure everything is in order. Ms. Stranahan offered to go over to the Madsen Center at a time it is not in use to clean the refrigerator. Chairwoman Collins feels there should not be competition between the Recreation and the senior center. Activities should be planned for the senior center. The senior center wants to work with the Recreation Department. Ms. Bailey reported that Debbie Majors handles a lot of the activity scheduling. The polka dancing requires instruments, a piano and a microphone. This is the reason that activity was unable to be brought over to the Madsen Center. However, the senior group is welcome to go over to the Civic Center to join in the activity. Chairwoman Collins suggested that the senior center be included in any activities that are scheduled for Thursdays. The knitting and crocheting are good because others can play board games, and bingo. Chairwoman Collins feels it might be advantageous for the senior center to move to the Civic Center. However, Ms. Stranahan recalled that the Civic Center was not available every Thursday. Ms. Bailey suggested that the Recreation Department be requested to schedule their senior events on Thursdays next year. Chairwoman Collins reminded the members that "Polka Charlie" will be at the senior center on April 18th, and the Eye Mobile Unit will be there on April 11th. Ms. Bailey asked the members to submit receipts when they purchase items for the senior center. The members will be reimbursed for these items. Mr. Rose arrived for the meeting. Chairwoman Collins explained that some of the people who attend the senior center have offered donations to cover the cost of the refreshments. Mr. Eney offered to act as 2 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 1, 1996 treasurer, and Ms. Bailey will investigate to see whether or not donations can be accepted and where the money will be deposited. Chairwoman Collins suggested having a senior fund. Chairwoman Collins and Ms. Stranahan went to the Congregational Church last Thursday for their pot luck supper. They were asked to speak about the senior center and what is going on in the City. At the end of the affair, many of the people in attendance approached them to offer help with the senior center. Chairwoman Collins suggested that a pot luck luncheon be held on April 25. This will be the last day for the senior center until the fall. By cutting off the activities at the end of April, the board members will have an opportunity to work with Recreation to plan for the fall and arrange for publicity. The senior center will then reopen in September after Labor Day. Ms. Bailey recommended trying to get the Cast-Off Square Dance group for the April 25 farewell. Ms. Bailey will attempt to get a four-drawer filing cabinet set up in the Madsen Center for use as storage by the senior center. 8. COORDINATION WITH RECREATION DEPARTMENT No one from the Recreation Department was able to attend; however, Ms. Bailey covered this issue earlier in the meeting. 9. PUBLICITY Chairwoman Collins requested that the senior center activities for April 11, April 18, and the finale on April 25, be given publicity. Ms. Bailey offered to put together an article to send to the Boynton Times each week to make sure the events are covered. 10. OTHER BUSINESS A. VISIONS WORKSHOP Chairwoman Collins advised that she was invited to the Visions Assembly, but is unable to attend. She would like to send a letter from the board because this board began as the result of a task force which was established. It is important to look at what is here in the City now in order to plan for the future. Chairwoman Collins feels proper consideration was not given to the transportation issue when the bus system was implemented. There are no bus shelters, and many people must walk more than one mile to get from their residence to a bus stop. A walk of such great 3 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 1, 1996 length is impossible for seniors. A walk of one-half mile is too great for many seniors. More planning was necessary when the system was put in place. Although the bus system exists for use by all age groups, it is utilized mostly by seniors. In many areas, people cannot use the buses because the stops are too far from where they live. Mr. McMahon suggested that since Palm Tran is going to take over a large piece of this business, the City should divert the current buses to condo usage. Ms. Stranahan recommended assigning a bus to a community for one shopping day. Chairwoman Collins would like to see if at least one of the buses could be used five days per week by communities that sign up for usage. People could pay $1, but the bus would take them right to the door for shopping at Publix or Winn-Dixie. Chairwoman Collins will prepare a letter to the City Manager and Mayor with a recommendation from the board relative to this issue. Mr. Rose recommended that the Finance Director be contacted to make sure that the collection of donations toward a senior center is in keeping with City Codes. Ms. Bailey will research this issue. B. SUMMER SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS There was a consensus of the board to dispense with board meetings for the months of June, July, and August. The next Senior Advisory Board meeting will be held on the second Monday of September. 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 4:53 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (One Tape) 4