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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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