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Minutes 11-04-13 MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2013, AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1021 S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Katherine Lynch, Chair Nancy Molina, City Liaison Denise Chamberlain Betty Ward Jean Young Tony LaRiccia, Alternate Stuart Preston, Alternate ABSENT: Lillian Bruzzese Betty Spinelli . Call to order, Pledge of Allegiance /Moment of Silent Reflection The meeting was called to order at 3:03 p.m. The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by a moment of silence for our troops. II. Roll Call Chair Lynch introduced Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director, and Mary DeGraffenreidt, Senior Recreation Manager. New member, Betty Ward, explained she works the front desk at the center on Thursday mornings and returning Board member, Denise Chamberlain was also introduced Roll call was taken. A quorum was present. Chair Lynch explained they did not have a quorum for the last meeting. She noted Mr. LaRiccia was interested in moving from an alternate to a regular member. Mr. Majors recommended Ms. Molina contact the City Clerk's office to see who submitted an application. III. Approval of Minutes This item was not addressed. IV. Approval of Agenda This item was not addressed. MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY Board BOYNTON BEACH, FL NOVEMBER 4, 2013 V. Chairperson's Remarks ➢ Introduce New Members VI. Old Business ➢ Possible Date for CAT Team Chair Lynch explained they were trying to schedule Car Fit, which is when the Police show seniors how to adjust their mirrors. This was done about four years ago and it was a success. The last time there was a problem with the day and location of the event. There must be a parking lot where people can drive in. Ms. Molina suggested the back parking lot, but Ms. Chamberlain explained the parking lot was too busy as individuals were parking there throughout the day. There are five stations needed and City Hall was suggested as a possible location. The adjustments take 15 to 20 minutes each. The program was helpful because it avoids accidents due to blind spots. It was also noted AAA handles this. Previously, the program ran from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. At the last event, about 20 individuals were helped. There was discussion about the CAT program which was when seniors fill out applications to receive a sticker for their car. If the police spot the car between certain hours of the night, they pull them over to ensure the car is not stolen. ➢ Computer Games on Memory Strengthening Chair Lynch was interested in this program and explained there is a web -based program at Lumosity.com. It is a free program. One must log on and there are exercises to improve brain function. ➢ Speakers Wally Majors and Mary DeGraffenreidt to discuss ■ Senior Olympic Games Mr. Majors explained this item was a huge undertaking and staff was already tied up for a year with different events such as the parade, the Fourth of July and others. Chair Lynch thought they could start small and grow over time. Chair Lynch thought they would start the event in Boynton and then have seniors from other municipalities to participate. The activities would be indoors and could include items like Wii bowling. Ms. Chamberlain commented when she was in China, there is equipment outside at parks for seniors. Mr. Majors explained there already is equipment at Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park by the Tennis Center for people to exercise. Additional equipment was planned. It cost over $100,000, but it was contingent on the department receiving a 2 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY Board BOYNTON BEACH, FL NOVEMBER 4, 2013 grant. There will be 12 to 17 pieces of equipment at the Park. Some of the equipment is wheelchair accessible and some accommodate other disabilities ■ Existing transportation Chair Lynch explained she is receiving many complaints about the transportation. Mr. Majors explained staff is very diligent in collecting the reports from individuals who complain because he receives copies of them. The main complaint was the fee and the transportation times. Mr. Majors advised individuals who are unhappy with the service should contact the Mae Volen Center. The City subsidizes the transportation, and many seniors come for lunch. The revenue generated from the transportation is minor compared to the cost of the lunch. Those eating for free leave by 1 p.m. and those eating after pay $3. Mr. Majors explained the fee remained the same, but it cost the City $85K a year. Mr. Majors explained this year was positive in terms of the budget and that they did not lose any staff. He has been advising staff they have to find ways to rely less on tax dollars, be creative and think outside of the box. He expressed the fees are nominal. ■ Fees for events at Senior Center Ms. Chamberlain explained they never charged fees for events except for the Fashion Show as they had developed a system for sponsoring events. She inquired, if the sponsorship monies were still being received, why there was a fee. Mr. Majors explained they have started to feel the effects of finding ways to offset the costs. Ms. Chamberlain explained when a sponsor signs up for an event, it is separate from the City. Ms. Molina explained how the sponsor package works. Ms. Chamberlain indicated the Anniversary Party was free for 14 years. The fee is now $3 for advance purchases and $5 if purchased that day. Ms. Molina commented attendance was about 25 less. Mr. Majors pointed out Recreation and Parks has about eight facilities and each supervisor is responsible to find ways to reduce their dependence on tax dollars. Ms. Molina has done well in obtaining sponsors. They also conduct a competitive analysis. Staff knows their fees are the same or better than other centers in the surrounding area and that the Senior Center is one of the best in the County. Ms. DeGraffenreidt advised although they have, at times, charged a fee, they have added items to the program and there have been other considerations. When Mae Volen did not provide lunch, there were times when they had to use funds to purchase food. At events, they have finger foods instead of cake and punch. They have brought good entertainment to the Center and there are overhead costs. Fees are not charged 3 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY Board BOYNTON BEACH, FL NOVEMBER 4, 2013 to nickel and dime the patrons. They are trying to increase the level of service. They added services and made upgrades. Discussion followed that a $3 fee is minimal. At the end of the fiscal year, the Center has not made money. Staff constantly reassesses what can be done to improve the Center. They added games and reinvested in the Center.. Ms. DeGraffenreidt explained she listens to the Board and the patrons, and addresses their concerns. Ms. Ward commented she has only been at the Center a year, but there have been physical improvements made. Chair Lynch conveyed she hears patrons say they would not come to functions because of the fee, but pointed out if a patron volunteers, they attend for free. Mr. Majors indicateded they have to be fair and he acknowledged fees can be a hardship, but he emphasized any monies generated help subsidize various items and he requested the Board share that message. Staff works very hard to deliver a service and does their best to improve it every year. He noted a knitting group at the Civic Center had to be charged $10 per year to meet once a week. A few of the participants did not return. He understood they would lose some patrons, but eventually they return. He emphasized they cannot keep relying on tax dollars. Complaints offer a chance to evaluate the matter. Discussion followed there are patrons that actually sneak into events at the Senior Center. Ms. Chamberlain suggested giving one free event to patrons and further discussion followed the issue was not the fee. It was patrons do not want to pay. Mr. Majors understood and thought Ms. Chamberlain's suggestion was excellent. It was important to plan for the future and Chair Lynch wanted to present the comments so they could be answered. Ms. Chamberlain pointed out most of the issues the Board deals with has to do with the Senior Center, but the task is to make recommendations City -wide and to advise the City Commission on issues affecting senior citizens city- wide. There are many seniors that do not know about the Center. The Leisureville Community is unaware of the Center. VII. New Business ➢ Discussion to have new Police Chief for a meeting on crime and violence associated with officers. Chair Lynch wanted to invite the new Police Chief and Fire Chief as they will assist the community and seniors. Chair Lynch agreed to invite the Chief to the next meeting and then hold a seminar. She had spoken with the Fire Department and they were interested in speaking on issues for the benefit of seniors. It would be a meet and greet and there would be no charge. ➢ Possible location for Car -Fit 4 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY Board BOYNTON BEACH, FL NOVEMBER 4, 2013 This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. ➢ Discussion of outside activities for Seniors in recreation parks This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. ➢ Discussion for meeting with speakers from areas that require volunteers and their needs. A discussion about different volunteer organizations followed. In the past, Center staff was working on volunteer opportunities for senior citizens and how to recruit volunteers. There is still a need for them and a suggestion was made to have a meet and greet and have individuals who need volunteers speak. ➢ Need a group for discussion on a new Health Care Act before March This item was not discussed. ➢ Discussion of cameras at intersections Chair Lynch indicated she would like the Police Chief to discuss this item. ➢ Senior Center Report — Nancy Molina Ms. Molina advised there were 421 new members last year. They have a new membership badge which will do away with the gym pass. If they have an icon with a dumbbell, they are approved for the gym. The member has to sign a waiver and discuss the matter with their doctor. Additionally, the member has to sign an acknowledgment indicating they know what their limitations are. If someone is a volunteer, they will have a heart on their badge. Gym members must wear proper attire. The Mae Volen Center commenced their open enrollment, so people can come and eat. They will first need a kitchen assessment. If they are approved, patrons will receive free transportation. They did not speak about snowbirds. The newsletter is on the City's website. It is in full color and it is a quarterly newsletter. They are just starting to organize trips. The first trip will be to Ft. Myers for the Murder Mystery. The next will be the Jungle Queen in Ft. Lauderdale and Naples on the Bay will be next year. The Senior Formal will be held at the Woman's Club on January 15 from 12 to 3. There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception downstairs before the party, and upstairs will be the full lunch. The ticket includes the cheese and wine, a free drink ticket and lunch. They just received the tickets so they will begin selling them and get posters out. 5 MEETING MINUTES SENIOR ADVISORY Board BOYNTON BEACH, FL NOVEMBER 4, 2013 The woodcarving club structure has changed and was open to anyone every Friday. Supplies and tools were purchased so if someone wanted to try the activity, they would not have to purchase all the tools. The fee is $2 per class. Ms. Chamberlain noted there were two individuals on the membership list that missed meetings. If individuals miss three meetings, a notice is sent that if they miss another meeting, they are off the Board. She requested the Clerk's office note this. Chair Lynch thanked Mr. Majors and Ms. DeGraffenreidt for attending the meeting and sharing information. She requested members bring in items that may be of interest to senior. Ms. Molina commented she was also trying to set up another event for veterans. Ms. Molina distributed a flyer for the 2 nd Annual 5K Barrier Free Walk/Run. VIII. Next Meeting January 6, 2014 There being no further business to discuss, Chair Lynch adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 121893 6