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Minutes 01-05-15 MINUTES OF THE SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, 1021 S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5,2015, AT 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Katherine Lynch, Chair Nancy Molina, City Liaison Tony LaRiccia Jean Young Floyd Zonenstein Janet Harris ABSENT: Lillian Bruzzese Denise Chamberlain I. all to order Chair Lynch called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m. I. Pledge of Al leg lance/Si it Reflection The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by a moment of silent reflection. III. Roll all Roll call established a quorum was present. IV. Approval of Minutes of November 3, 2014 Motion Mr. Zonenstein moved to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Young seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. Approval of Agenda There were no changes made to the agenda. I. Chairperson's Remarks None. Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory or Boynton Beach, Florida January 5, 2015 I. Old Business • Continue dialogue with Mr. Majors, Ms. Shea and Ms. Molina concerning sponsorship not used totally for the Senior Center Chair Lynch commented Ms. Chamberlain requested information about sponsors and why sponsorship funds regarding parties had changed. Nancy Molina, Board Liaison, explained they have cost recovery for events and programs. Patron fees for events do not cover the entire cost. The purpose was to offset the cost. Ginny Shea, Senior Recreation Manager, agreed. Staff was working to obtain sponsors and she noted Ms. Molina recruited more. She clarified the City Manager and City Commission want events more cost efficient. Fee charges would supplement any sponsorship funds obtained. Chair Lynch understood, but explained last year they had a free party. Ms. Shea explained the City had a bad year. The Recreation and Parks budget was cut and they lost staff. She pointed out Recreation and Parks is a benefit. Dollars obtained for Senior Center sponsorships are used only for Senior Center events, but it does not pay for all items. The Senior Center is a government service and should operate more like a business. It was noted 80% of the sponsorships obtained by Ms. Molina are used for the Senior Center. The other 20% of Recreation and Park funds are for Recreation and Park special events. Ms. Molina emphasized sponsorship funds are not spent carelessly. She noted parties are not a necessary event. She assured the members that donations made to the Center are earmarked for the Center. • Lillian Bruzzese still on membership Chair Lynch advised they would call a special meeting in February and Ms. Bruzzese could be removed. She noted Ms. Bruzzese applied for the position, but does not attend due to a scheduling conflict. It was also noted Beverly Ward was no longer on the Board. • Have all members renewed membership All the members renewed their membership. • Medicare follow-up by Ms. Molina for extension time. Ms. Molina announced there would be a Medicare Seminar on January 22, 2015, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 2 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 5, 2015 • Ms. Molina on CPR class at Center and posting of certified employees Ms. Molina advised all Center staff is CPR trained. • No discount on Palm Tran Connection Chair Lynch announced discounts on Palm Tran Connection were no longer issued. • Update on wearing passes at Senior Center Chair Lynch commented she noticed many people not wearing badges at the Center. Ms. Molina explained the front desk staff scans the badges and staff also monitors this from the back of the Center. VII. New Business • Members be alert all year for senior issues Chair Lynch had asked members to bring in articles of interest for seniors. • Need meeting with Recreation Department on Holiday parade Chair Lynch conveyed she heard comments about the parade and why white schools were not represented in the parade. Ms. Shea commented all the schools are integrated and the event is open to any school that wishes to participate. Applications are available online. Many schools are sent a letter about the event. Ms. Shea clarified the schools are mostly middle and high schools because they have school bands and the parade provides practice for band competitions. In the past, schools from Broward County, West Palm, Riviera Beach, and Wellington participated. Chair Lynch inquired about putting an ad in the paper so music or band teachers may be made aware. Ms. Shea explained media releases are issued, and flyers, internet and radio advertisements are used. Staff has never done a statistical analysis of which schools participate, but each year, they receive between 45 and 85 entries. The parade is a voluntary effort on behalf of the community to participate. • Are seniors using the new equipment in our recreation and parks — update Chair Lynch noted there is exercise equipment installed at parks. She asked if it was being used by seniors. Ms. Shea responded the Fit Zone has not yet opened. All of the equipment is in except for Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park. Seventeen pieces of equipment will be installed at the Park that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and anyone else. Staff had to install synthetic surf, which was scheduled for installation by the end of the month. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the Barrier Free 5K 3 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 5, 2015 Park fundraising event on February 14 Once the turf was installed, anyone could use the park. Ms. Shea thought a field trip to the Park for seniors during the week would be beneficial. • Update from Ms. Molina on possible grant for transportation for Center. Ms. Molina explained she has not come across any transportation grants. Most of the grants that are available require matching funds. There were no funds in this year's budget and likely would not be in next year's budget. Chair Lynch hoped a grant could be found. It was noted the cost of a bus could be about $120,000. Ms. Shea explained obtaining a bus was only one aspect of transportation. Staffing and maintenance would be a consideration. Mr. Zonenstein inquired if the City could reinstate handicapped individuals having free access to the beach. The fee was now $40. Ms. Shea responded the fee had been in place for about two years. She did not think the fee would change. Mr. Zonenstein indicated he receives complaints about it and he suggested approaching the Commission about it. Ms. Shea advised she would request Mr. Majors contact him and he could address it at the next meeting. Janet Harris gave kudos to "Pachi", a staff member at the Senior Center and advised she was a perfect asset to the Center. Her greetings and demeanor was appreciated and valued. Chair Lynch agreed and noted others were also valued. Ms. Harris also commented there is a major problem with pedestrian crossings, and bicyclists. One Center member was severely injured and her bike demolished. The truck driver stopped, spoke with her, and then ran over her again. The Police Department was called and four police vehicles arrived on the scene, but no report was made because she did not remember the license plate number. The driver left the scene of an accident. Ms. Harris advised yesterday, a 53-year old was killed at a pedestrian crossing on Okeechobee by the turnpike in another hit and run. She suggested this is an issue for the elderly and thought something should be done. Ms. Harris announced on a daily basis, she is nearly hit because the walk sign says walk and she walks, but the turn light goes on at the same time and the motorists turn. There are repetitive reports of hit and run accidents with pedestrians and cyclists. She noted a woman cyclist at the Center gave up cycling because this was a problem. Ms. Shea noted there are bike lanes throughout most of the City. Palm Beach County has pedestrian crosswalks and signs, but motorists do not stop. Ms. Shea suggested when an update on the blueways and greenway plan is updated, the City and County recognize citizens are living longer and walking and cycling, and perhaps they can determine how to improve this. Ms. Harris also noted a couple in Delray Beach was killed when cutting across Ocean Avenue. A motorist hit them and the Police did not charge the motorists, just as the 4 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 5, 2015 motorist who hit the woman cyclist twice was not charged. Chair Lynch opined it was because they were not using the crosswalk. If jaywalking occurred, there are no charges. Ms. Harris disagreed and asserted if a motorist kills a pedestrian, they should be charged. Discussion followed a green light does not mean go, it means go when it is safe. Mr. LaRiccia suggested letting patrons know what the cost of a party event is and ask for a donation. He thought most patrons would anticipate paying three dollars. It was noted event goers often go to the buffet table three times. Ms. Molina resented the 2015 Senior Calendar and announced the Senior Formal is January 29 and tickets were available. Ms. Molina had a meeting with the Woman's Club and volunteers were needed. The Wine and Cheese reception would be upstairs. Patrons from other senior centers were invited. The cost was $25 for any member of a senior center and $30 for those that were not members. Vill. Next meeting: Monday, March 2, 2015, at 2 p.m. Chair Lynch announced the next meeting date and advised they will have a special meeting in February. Ms. Shea agreed to apprise Mr. Majors of the meeting. IX Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Lynch adjourned the meeting at 3:18 p.m. Catherine � Minutes Specialist 012215 5