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Minutes 11-02-98 MINUTES OF SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE MALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1998, AT 3:30 P.M. PRESENT Betty Collins, Chairperson Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Amelia “Terry” Bennell Project Specialist Olive Field Melody Green, Recreation Elizabeth Jenkins, Alternate Director Helen Schwartzenberg Esther “Peggy” Stranahan ABSENT Mary Coma Sarah Williams 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER Chairperson Collins called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, followed by a moment of silent prayer for all the seniors in the City. Also, a special prayer was offered for Mary Coma’s husband who is critically ill. 2. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairperson Collins asked members to review the Agenda and inquired if there were any additions. There being none, Chairperson Collins asked for a motion to approve the Agenda. Motion Upon motion by Ms. Jenkins and seconded by Ms. Field, the Agenda was approved. Motion carried unanimously. MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 2 1998 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 1998 MEETING Chairperson Collins asked if there were any additions or changes to the Minutes of the October 5, 1998 meeting. On page 2, Ms. Green stated she had a correction to the October 5, 1998 minutes. Section 5.A (“Fund Raising”)Ms. Green is not the the minutes should reflect that team leader for the fund raisingSenior Advisory Board is in charge of , but that the the fund raising. Ms. Green stated she is the project team leader for the renovation and construction of Lucille & Otleys. There being no further changes or additions to the Minutes, the minutes were approved as submitted. 5. REPORT ON SENIOR CENTER Chairperson Collins stated that Ms. Green was present today to give a report on the progress of the Senior Center. An artist rendering of the new Senior Center was presented to members and Ms. Green will answer all questions after her presentation. Ms. Green stated that funding is in place for phase 1 of the construction and should be completed by spring of 1999. Therefore, it is anticipated that the grand opening of the Center will take place in March. Ms. Green informed members that the City closed on the purchase of the property last week. Ms. Green pointed out that the yellow on the schematic represents that portion of phase 1 to be completed for the spring opening, and the blue portion on the schematic represents phase 2 of construction. Ms. Green went over the changes to the building. Ms. Green stated that additional funds in the amount of $650,000/700,000 are needed to complete phase 2. Grant funding is being sought, and local, state and national legislators are being approached for assistance with funding. Ms. Green reviewed some of the improvements, which include an atrium, arts and crafts room, lobby area, office, ceramic, pottery and meeting rooms, storage areas, ADA accessible restrooms, kitchen area and a computer room. Ms. Green stated that improvements that will be made during phase 1 are activity rooms, game room and a large multi-purpose room. A question was asked if van service would be available when the Senior Center opens. Ms. Green said that van service would be coordinated with the Mae Volen Center. Ms. Green stated that Chairperson Collins has been very active in securing the funds that 2 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 2 1998 Mae Volen Center receives to service Boynton seniors. Ms. Green stated a good portion of the funds that are earmarked for Mae Volen should come to Boynton Beach for programs at the new Senior Center. Although, we will not receive all these funds, since some Boynton seniors will continue to use Mae Volen, a considerable amount of funding should be received for the Boynton senior programs. Also, Ms. Green stated that Mae Volen has indicated that they would like to continue to provide the meal nutrition program, as well as the transportation. Chairperson Collins stated that the City’s Public Work’s Department has expressed an interest in providing transportation services and Chairperson Collins would like to see the City offer the transportation. Chairperson Collins noted, however, that for at least an additional year or two, home services and day care would continue to be offered by Mae Volen. Chairperson Collins stated that she has learned that Microsoft has funded 500 senior centers with computers and software and this should be looked into further. A guest at the meeting stated she had recently moved to Boynton Beach and had been active with senior centers in the Dallas area where she previously lived. She presented a schedule of activities offered at that senior center which may be of assistance in planning activities for our new Senior Center. Chairperson Collins thanked her for bringing this to the attention of the Board and said that if there were activities’ lists from other senior centers from other states she would welcome them. Chairperson Collins stated it was anticipated that the Senior Center would be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for various activities. Chairperson Collins presented to the members the fact sheet that the City prepared for a press release on the Senior Center. A. FUND RAISING (Buttons) Chairperson Collins inquired if the seniors could have a table in the City Hall lobby and sell buttons for their fund raising. Mr. Ackermann said he would look into this request. Also, Chairperson Collins inquired if this could also be done at City Hall in the Mall. Ms. Stranahan asked Ms. Green the status of the letter that she had prepared for review by this Board at the October meeting. Ms. Stranahan stated the letter was reviewed and returned to Ms. Green and is now in final form for printing. Ms. Green will follow through on this. 3 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 2 1998 Chairperson Collins also said that buttons could be sold at Publix. It was suggested that Chairperson Collins contact the manager at Publix. Chairperson Collins asked members to check their schedules and contact her with dates that they are available to sell the pins. It was also suggested that pins could be sold at Walgreens, Walmart or Target. Chairperson Collins stated that Walmart was not in Boynton. 6. GENERAL DISCUSSION ON SENIOR CENTER Chairperson Collins stated it is important to find out what other senior centers are offering for programs to develop our own programs. Chairperson Collins stated it would be nice to have combined parties with the children on holidays, such as Halloween. Also, the Women’s Club has indicated their willingness to volunteer. Mr. Ackermann stated it would be good publicity if other age groups assist in fund raising efforts, such as the Boy Scouts doing a car wash. Also flea markets and bake sales could be held. Chairperson Collins stated that the seniors will be selling shopping bags at the GALA and asked Mr. Ackermann if he determined the City’s seal could be used on the bags. Mr. Ackermann said he would check on this. Ms. Stranahan asked if the sign for Lucille and Otleys would be taken down. Ms. Green stated that sign will be taken down and a professionally made 4 x 8 sign will be placed on Federal Highway. The sign will be two-sided so that it can be viewed from either direction on Federal Highway. Ms. Green stated the sign will read “Future Home of Boynton Senior Center, coming soon, spring 1999”. Ms. Green stated that the sign would remain until the new sign, which is being designed by the architect, has been prepared. Ms. Green stated the temporary sign should be in place in approximately two weeks. Chairperson Collins noted that the Senior Advisory Board hosted the four Board Forum last Monday and thanked everyone for participating. Chairperson Collins stated that Mayor Taylor gave a wonderful talk on the future of the City and which makes everyone proud to be a resident of the City. 7. REPORT FROM HANK ACKERMANN, City Liaison Mr. Ackermann informed members that the Ocean Avenue Bridge construction would begin by the end of November with the closing of the bridge for approximately 585 days. Anyone going to the Beach will have to use the Woolbright Bridge. 4 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 2 1998 rd Mr. Ackermann stated due to the elections on November 3, the Commission meeting th would be on Wednesday, November 4. Chairperson Collins stated that the first goal of the Senior Board was transportation and that program is doing very well. Now, the Senior Center is almost here and hopefully will be open by March. Ms. Field inquired if there is a charge for the lunches and Chairperson Collins said usually there is some kind of donation for the lunch, but the nutrition program does not charge a fee. A donation is only asked. Chairperson Collins questioned if the County provides the food distributed by Mae Volen. Ms. Green indicated that lunch would be served daily between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chairperson Collins stated that the food arrives already cooked in steam tables. The menu is published each Sunday in the newspaper. Mr. Ackermann asked for clarification on the entrance to the Senior Center and Ms. Green pointed out the entrance on the artist’s drawing. Also, Ms. Green stated that the current entrance area will be paved and shaded and will be appropriate for sitting and eating outside. Ms. Green also informed members that staff has been assigned to the Senior Center and the current budget allocates two full time staff and two part time staff. However, it is important that the Center have as many volunteers as possible. Ms. Jenkins inquired if the rose garden was included in the purchase, but was informed that garden belonged to the former owner. Ms. Stranahan inquired if the Scott’s owned the lot in front of the building and Ms. Green stated they did. Also, if the property were for sale at some future time, the City might be interested in purchasing it. Chairperson Collins informed members that 51% of the households in Boynton Beach are seniors. Someone noted that the median age for Florida is 41. Chairperson Collins noted that the Older American Act, which funds multi-purpose senior centers, was not renewed. Also, Chairperson Collins informed members that many HMO’s are cutting back. It is anticipated that representatives from the IRS and Social Security will be invited to speak to seniors to keep them updated on what’s important to seniors. Chairperson Collins stated that many seniors are frightened to seek help. 5 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 2 1998 Ms. Jenkins inquired when the volunteers would be needed. Chairperson Collins said volunteers have already signed up with RSVP and more volunteers will be needed. Chairperson Collins also stated that volunteers will be needed at the GALA and anyone wanting to volunteer can sign up now. 8. NEW BUSINESS None 9. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Collins noted that the next meeting would be December 7, 1998. There being no further business, Chairperson Collins asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion Ms. Stranahan moved that the meeting adjourn. Motion seconded by Ms. Jenkins and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) 6