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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-12-12 Council on Aging SummaryCOUNCIL ON AGING Time' Place: Date: Agenda Call Meeting To. Order '-:---'- . ....... .-. 10.AM. Senior Center'-..... .. ... Tuesday, December 12th Agenda..Approval ' - .-. Minutes From Prior .Meet-in~..._. i.-:...: _' ' · - - . : -' ""~ '~':~':: ~':~ ~.:~:.~::....:~..~.~:.~i~:!.:~:....~i~.~..~!.:~::.~!i:~..~.~........~.....-I. _ ~ ~ -'-:.. i... Old' BusineSs .. ..~ · · . .. . -- .. 1. Volunteer. Of The Month ..'-._..: . 2. Board Involvement' ' · · . ® ' . New Business. 1. Holiday Meals/Guests 2. Automatic Front Doors 3. Meal Service/Cafeteria 4. Non Smoking Policy/Vintage Pointe "Ready for Change" Board Vacancy ® 6. 7. 8. PERSONS WANTING TO BE HEARD CITY OF KENAI COUNCIL ON AGING * * * MINUTES* * * December 12, 1995 ROLL: Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Al Pease, Sam Huddleston, Joanna Hollier, Roger Meeks, Lucille Billings, Georgetta Funk, Loretta Breeden, Gene Seay None Pat Porter, Sylvia Johnson, Linda Swarner, Marilyn Kebschull, Beth Spielman, Rosemary Wiese, Betty Jo Seay, Marge Pate, Betty Lou Curtis AGENDA APPROVAL: Sam Huddleston asked for discussion on the agenda. None noted, he asked for unanimous approval. MINUTES FROM PRIOR MEETING: Sam Huddleston asked for discussion of the minutes from the previous meeting. JOANNA HOLLIER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING, MOTION SECONDED BY ROGER MEEKS. MINUTES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Volunteer of the Month--Mr. Huddleston noted this had been discussed at the last meeting and a decision was made to bring it back up at this meeting. Pat Porter explained that originally when Volunteer of the Month was discussed, it was decided not to do it. Porter stated she has noticed in communications from other centers, they are featuring either a list of volunteers from the month or somehow choosing one individual to honor. Porter stated this is a way of recognizing volunteers. Porter stated in Minnesota a center publishes the names of all those who volunteer during the month. Homer puts all the names in a hat and draws one name who then gets a special parking space for the month and a story written about Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 1 them in the newsletter. Anchorage, features a volunteer in the volunteer corner. Porter stated it is a way of recognition and everybody likes that. Porter noted that the Kenai Center has so many volunteers and in a years time may have 70 people who have volunteered. How do you pick who to feature for the month? Porter asked for direction from the Board as to whether they wanted to institute a new program or leave things the same. Porter noted that changes could be made. Roger Meeks commented that volunteers could be notified and allowed to chose amongst themselves. Porter asked if he was meaning the Volunteer of the Year. Meeks stated that would be okay but he meant for each month. Loretta Breeden stated she was a volunteer and noted that she personally was not interested in recognition. Breeden noted she felt it would be enough for Porter to put in the newsletter that these people volunteered during the previous month and thank them. Sam Huddleston noted that if you had everyone in a pot and drew a name; those that were selected one time shouldn't be eligible again for a period of time because there are so many participants that it is almost necessary to eliminate them. Breeden asked Porter if it would be a problem to publish names and Porter replied no. BREEDEN MOVED THAT PORTER PUT IN THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER A NOTE THANKING THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED THE PROCEEDING MONTH AND LIST THEIR NAMES. JOANNA HOLLIER SECONDED THE MOTION. Huddleston asked for further discussion. Councilperson Swarner noted that with the suggested motion non-seniors could be listed. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 2. Board Involvement--Pat Porter noted that as things begin to change it will become more and more necessary for the Board to become more and more involved. Both politically and financially. Porter stated that one of the things that the center has had going, such as a raffle, it is very important that Board member encourage that perhaps by taking tickets to sell. Porter stated that being a Board member is more than being involved just in the meetings; it is loving the program and wanting to see the program succeed and carry on. Porter stated that she thought the Board members needed to take a day and ride around on the home-delivered meals program. This would allow the Board to see what happens, what types of clients are being delivered to. Porter noted this would give members more understanding and a love for that program and feel strongly that it is important. Porter noted that she and Mary Ellen had gone out and delivered meals one day and it was very enlightening to Mary Ellen. She had never been into these people's homes and had never seen what the true need was. Now she has more of an understanding for those people who call to say they didn't get their meal and wonder why it is late. She understands now why they are upset because they are alone and the delivery person is probably the only person they see all day. Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 2 Porter stated she felt as Board members it would be very good for them to have the same experience. Breeden stated she felt it sounded like a great idea. Porter noted that she felt that it was part of being a Board member to understand the programs that were offered at the center regardless of whether they were home delivery meals, transportation, recreation, the wellness clinic, etc. Porter noted her feeling that it was important to know about these programs on a personal level. Porter asked for feedback and stated she would like to sign them up for a day on the bus noting that it only takes about one and a half hours. Huddleston asked if any comments or questions. None noted. NEW BUSINESS: · Holiday Meals/Guests--Roger Meeks asked if Pat could enlighten the group as he had heard rumors around the center and would like clarification. Porter noted that the center tries to stay open on holidays, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Day. This is so those people who don't have a place to go and enjoy a meal can come to the center and not be home alone. Porter noted that has worked out well. But, what is happening is that seniors are beginning to bring non-seniors. Porter noted she personally did not have a problem with providing the meals but when taking the time to serve turkey and prime rib, it may be necessary to consider for non-seniors to pay a small fee. This would cover the additional cost of the meats. Porter noted that it is a pot luck and everyone brings something but the biggest cost of any meal is the main dish. Porter asked for Board feelings. Porter noted that at the last meal there were 50 people served, 12 non-seniors. Breeden asked how planning is done for amounts when unexpected guests attend. Porter noted there is a sign up sheet and that is used to prepare. Porter noted there are people who attend who are not on the list. Porter stated she understands why seniors want to bring someone else. However, there is a need to plan for the cost that is involved and that it shouldn't necessarily be a free dinner for non-seniors. Councilperson Swarner asked where the money was coming from now to buy the turkey dinner. Porter advised it comes from the senior citizens program. Swarner asked if there was a contribution from the seniors who attend. Porter stated, financially no. They bring a dish to share. Sam Huddleston stated he thought some contributed by turning in their tickets. Porter noted she did not receive the tickets. Meeks noted he could see how something like this could get out of hand. Continuing, Meeks related how something similar had happened with his union. It began with one member asking to bring an elderly neighbor and then it escalated. Meeks noted that once it got started it was hard to Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 3 stop. Finally, through word of mouth amongst members, it was brought under control. Sylvia Johnson advised that she would have to plead guilty to having three granddaughters at the Thanksgiving dinner with her. Johnson noted it was her feeling that the 1 2 non-seniors there brightened up the day. Her grandson who was 5 months old ended up with two of the elderly gentlemen. Porter noted that was not the point. The problem is who should pay. Should there be a charge for people who are non-seniors. Johnson stated she had contributed a dish for each of the members of her family. Porter stated that what brought this to her attention was a senior lady who came to her wanting to know if she could come to the center for dinner stating that she would like to bring her son and his family of four. Porter noted her first reaction was no. Porter noted then you would have one senior and five individuals who are not participating financially for that meat. Porter noted that prime rib is very expensive and that maybe the center shouldn't have prime rib and just have turkey. Porter noted that if it is okay with the Board, it is okay with her. Porter noted there needs to be a policy that she can follow. Sylvia Johnson noted that one time several years ago that one couple came to Thanksgiving and brought all their, adult children, husbands and wives. That family alone contributed ten to twelve children but they volunteered to do something to help with that dinner. Johnson noted that her granddaughters wanted to see what it was like to have Thanksgiving dinner at the Senior Center with all these elderly people. Johnson stated she had invited them as a joke and the joke was on her. Johnson noted they were thrilled to be here and share what is an important place to her and they wanted to know why it was so important. Gene Seay stated he didn't think it was a question of whether they could come or not but whether the center can afford it. Seay stated he felt they ought to be charged something. How much he didn't know stating he would need to know more about the costs involved. Johnson asked what a prime rib costs. Porter stated it is very expensive and that there are either four or six in a case and the bill was $245. Porter added that she felt that Gene was right that no one is saying you can't or shouldn't bring guests; it's that we need a policy stating how much it will cost for each guest. Loretta Breeden stated she could see everyone's point. In addition, noted that the center is supported by the community, the borough, city, volunteers, etc. Breeden stated that she didn't see anything wrong with Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 4 charging non-seniors to help belay the costs. However, it shouldn't be a money-making function. And, we should encourage people of other ages to come to the center and be with seniors. MOTION THAT SENIORS AND THEIR GUESTS ARE ASKED TO BRING A DISH FOR THE POTLUCK AND THAT THERE WILL BE A MINIMAL CHARGE OF $2.00 TO HELP BELAY THE COST OF THE MEAT. Discussion clarifying Loretta's intent with the charge and that it not include seniors. Breeden noted that was her intent. Gene Seay stated he felt that for an adult the charge $5 and $2 for a child, noting the cost to go to McDonalds. Breeden stated they are bringing food for the potluck and it is a non-money making proposition. Seay noted that everything costs. Breeden asked how much per serving of meat. Porter stated she was prepared to come and didn't have that information. Joanna Hollier stated there is a need to advertise more. Last Christmas was a disaster. The center an out of prime rib about a third of the way through. Hollier noted she didn't mind not eating prime rib but it is hard to tell everyone in the line when they have come prepared. Hollier noted that people did not sign up last Christmas. More education is needed. Gene Seay stated that if there is a policy ahead of time that people's feelings won't get hurt. (Group discussion on how much is too much.) Johnson stated that some people may not be able to come if the center charges too much, noting that some people may have 10 people and that would be $50 if charging $5. Sam Huddleston stated he believed the motion was made for $2. Swarner noted there was not a second to the motion. Huddleston asked if anyone wanted to second the motion for $2. None noted. Huddleston asked if there was another motion. Roger Meeks noted he would like to make a motion but it would be hard to segregate guests by age and thus should be a flat charge. Meeks stated that personally he didn't think $2 would be enough. MEEKS MOVED THAT GUESTS MUST REGISTER IN TIME TO PREPARE THE FOOD AND THEY MUST PAY $3 FOR EACH PERSON OTHER THAN SENIORS. MOTION SECONDED BY LORETTA BREEDEN. Huddleston noted the motion and asked for discussion. Breeden noted that Joanna had said there was a disaster but she had not been to one of these functions. Breeden noted she liked the $2 fee but would not have a problem with the $3 fee for those who came who were registered. Discussion about those who were not registered. Suggestion to put unregistered guests at the end of the line and Hollier stated it was too Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 5 chaotic and impossible to be serving food and putting people at the end of the line. Plus, it is a happy time and don't want to make people unhappy. Comment that the sign up lists don't always work. Porter noted that the center tries to remind people to sign up. Porter added that at Thanksgiving they had enough food because they took out an extra turkey. Fifty people ate two turkeys and a prime rib. Porter noted that she thinks it is fine that people bring guests but the problem needs to be addressed. The center will be suffering a 5-10% decrease in funding which may be retroactive this year, this is from the state. There will also be a decrease in the USDA money and the commodities program. Breeden asked Porter what she felt a fair price was, $2, $3, or $5. Porter stated she felt that $2 was too Iow. She stated that Gene's suggestion of $5 was okay but if you are not going to charge a different fee for children and adults, go with the in between road of $3 or $4. Al Pease noted the money that is received at the center is for seniors and he doesn't see how it can be spent for non-seniors. Huddleston asked for vote. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 1 Automatic Front Doors--Loretta Breeden stated she had asked that this be on the agenda. Breeden noted that she has sat at the front desk over the past years and has seen a lot of seniors struggling with wheel chairs, canes, walkers, not being strong enough to open the door. Breeden clarified she was talking about the automatic doors that you push a large round button to open the door. Swarner noted that they had one like that at the college. Hollier noted that the heat bill will go up because the doors close very, very slowly. Breeden noted that she knows when a disabled person is coming in because the cold runs right in. Hollier stated she jumps up and helps them. Hollier stated she was just noting that is a drawback from those doors, that they open and close very slowly. Swarner noted that Doors and Windows should be able to help with a price. Porter stated this will have to be brought to the City's attention. Swarner stated that it should be covered under disabilities and there is a list of buildings being compiled. Swarner asked that this door be put on Rachel Clark or Jack La Shot's list. 3. Meal Service/Cafeteria-Pat Porter stated that she had an individual ask to put this on the agenda and that is does the center want to go to cafeteria style service in the dining room or stay the way it is. Porter stated that when someone comes to her with a concern and they want something on the agenda, it is put on the agenda. Georgetta Funk noted that she had also been approached about this subject and there was a concern about the waste of food. That so many Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 6 people don't eat what is served and there are a lot of people who eat hardly anything. There is a feeling that with cafeteria style there would be less waste and it might be cheaper in the long run. Seay noted that he has seen a lot of people taking more than they eat. Discussion about people taking food home with them if it were cafeteria style. Rosemary Wiese stated that at most cafeterias they are served and people are asked how much of an item they want. Wiese stated she did believe it would save a lot and noted that everyone has seen the waste. Breeden asked about those who could not stand in line and it was commented that those folks could be waited on. Wiese stated there are not that many who can't get up but some people like to be served; however, she feels it is good for people to get up. Al Pease asked about the requirements regarding serving amounts for food noting that he didn't think the center could cut down that much. Swarner asked if there were guidelines to follow under USDA. Porter stated there were specific guidelines; however, you can go cafeteria style. Porter noted that Soldotna is cafeteria style. Porter noted that in a meeting recently with Lois and it was asked what the cost per meal was. Porter stated the total cost is figured a little differently. Porter stated she noted raw food costs at about $2.64 per meal. Lois did not have a cost but felt her cost was similar. Porter stated costs were similar regardless of the method of service. Breeden stated that she has eaten at the Soldotna center and it is her impression that you get almost double the amount of food at the Soldotna center, or at least one and a half times. Lucille Billings agreed but added that you can ask for smaller servings. Porter stated you can ask for smaller servings in Kenai. Suggestion to publicize that people can ask for less. Johnson commented that at the Homer center where they serve cafeteria style it takes longer to be served and there are accidents wherein people spill food. Johnson commented that the service in Kenai is excellent and added that if it's not broke why fix it. Roger Meeks asked if the center had difficulty getting servers and if not leaving the service as is. LORETTA BREEDEN MOVED THAT NO ACTION BE TAKEN ON THE MEAL SERVICE AT THIS TIME. MOTION SECONDED BY ROGER MEEKS. UNANIMOUS. Porter added that she would publicize that people could ask for less. 4. Non Smoking Policy/Vintage Pointe--Breeden asked if the Board made policy for Vintage Pointe. Porter advised yes. Sylvia Johnson stated she would like to see a non-smoking policy put in place at Vintage Pointe. Not for those already living there but as time goes on and they phase out that no more smokers be allowed in there. Johnson noted there are six or eight residents with breathing problems, Johnson stated she has allergy problems. The odor from the smoke from cigarettes comes into the hallway and at times gets in her apartment. Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 7 Johnson said she thought there were at least six smokers in apartments now. Johnson reiterated that she wanted this for new residents and this is for everyone's health. Johnson noted that when she leaves there will not be a cigarette smoke in her apartment in the woodwork, etc. Johnson said someone had said it was discriminatory and she said it discriminates against non-smokers then. Breeden asked what the law said. Porter said smoking or non-smoking has nothing to do with discrimination. Porter stated that now there are designated smoking areas and in that building it would be in their apartments. Breeden stated then they should have to have smoke eaters. Johnson stated there are rules in the apartments one being that you have to be able to vote to live there. Discussion as to why. Johnson stated it was because felons can't vote. Porter stated not a policy there. Johnson thought it was a policy when she moved in. (Lengthy discussion.) Johnson stated that she believes that cigarette smoke is detrimental to the health of the residents of Vintage Pointe even though they only smoke in their apartments. Johnson stated her request that as apartments become available that non- smokers be given priority. Seay stated that it boils down to making a no smoking policy in that building. You will have to restrict the building to non-smokers because if you have smokers in the building, people will sneak around and smoke. Breeden commented on her support of Johnson's feelings. Seay stated he agreed with the comments but he was trying to make the point that it would have to be only rented to non- smokers. Breeden commented that she felt it was a safety concern; that people might fall asleep with a cigarette. Breeden stated she would like to make a motion that there be a non-smoking policy instituted at Vintage Pointe effective one year from today. Question if this meant to kick out smokers in one year. Breeden said no that they could stop smoking in a year. Meeks stated he didn't think someone should be kicked out because they were there before the policy was instituted. Breeden stated they wouldn't be kicked out. Johnson said they would be phased out sooner or later. Meeks commented on being a non-smoker and the effects of smoke; however, noted there was already a policy of no animals. Meeks stated he knew people who would live there if they could have their animals and it was the same with smokers. Meeks stated he went along with those who felt it was wrong to jump on those who already live in the apartments. Johnson reiterated that it would not apply to those who live there now but only new residents. What she is saying is not to let anymore smokers rent there. Meeks stated he was thinking about himself because he hates smoke but where do you stop with rules. Breeden asked where do you stop with the rules of violating her health. Meeks advised he had discussed this with his wife who is very much against smoke and cannot be around it because of her health but she said she has mixed emotions about this. Meeks noted they discussed about how far you go with regulations. Johnson noted there are hotels who Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 8 have non-smoking floors and that the apartments have smokers on all floors. Meeks stated he has been in hotel rooms that were non-smoking rooms that had been smoked in. Discussion about smokers and that they will smoke regardless if it is non-smoking or not. Porter stated that if you develop a policy of non-smoking, if they then begin to smoke you can evict them. Breeden asked how you could evict someone who starts smoking but let those who are already there continue to smoke. Porter stated that would be the grandfather policy much. as like the Longevity Bonus such that some people will never get it but those who get it now will continue to get it. Porter advised that what the Board does is advisory to the council and they will be the ultimate ones to decide if they want that to happen in their building. Breeden asked if the Board could turn this over to the council. Porter stated that the Board should advise the council what they would like done. Breeden questioned why the doors didn't have to be handled differently than the smoking policy and Porter explained that this is associated with the ADA. BREEDEN MOVED THAT THE BOARD SUGGEST TO THE KENAI CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY INSTITUTE A NON-SMOKING POLICY AT VINTAGE POINTE. MOTION SECONDED BY AL PEASE. Pease stated that he felt it should be recommended to the council that Vintage Pointe be made a non-smoking area. Breeden thought that was what she had said. Motion read to group. Seay stated that leave the question as to whether it applies this instant or not and does it include those in residence now or not. Breeden said Porter said council will make the policy so it is just a recommendation. Seay questioned about the people already there and is this a policy that will be instigated with every new person or all the residents. Breeden said she understood council would make that decision. Seay said the Board needs to recommend who it should apply to. Breeden says all residents have a right to tell council what they think. Funk says it doesn't apply to everybody because her apartment doesn't smell at all. Seay says what it comes down to is these people who already live there and you tell them to stop, can you stop them. If they don't stop, what do you do. Breeden asked if the Board should take no action today. Seay said he felt the Board should decide what policy to recommend. Huddleston stated he would like to see an amendment to her recommendation--THOSE ALREADY IN THE BUILDING ARE NOT CONSIDERED A PART OF THE RECOMMENDATION. THEY WOULD RECEIVE GRANDFATHER RIGHTS. Breeden stated she would agree to the amendment. Meeks said he is against the no smoking policy but he doesn't want to kick out those who don't want to stop smoking. Breeden said she accepted the amendment. Question to Porter if she felt residents could be put out. Porter advised the group that her feelings were that at time she can smell smoke in the hallway. And, there is one apartment that smoke has damaged the wall paper on the outside. There Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 9 is some seepage of some of the smoke smells. Porter said she thinks it is wrong to tell someone who is an elderly person that they have to stop smoking in a year's period of time. That this will put an undue hardship on them, mentally and physically to even have to think about quit smoking at their age, he pressure that if they don't quit, they will lose their apartment. Porter stated that even publicly there would be a lot of negative comments. Breeden reiterated that she had gone along with the amendment to allow grandfather rights for those current residents. Porter noted that several residents of the apartments were in attendance and perhaps they should be given an opportunity to speak. Seay commented his definition of a smoker is a little white stick with fire on one end and a sucker on the other end. Rosemary Wiese stated it was her feeling that those who live there now should be excluded. In addition, she thinks that if it is going to be no smoking, it should be limited to apartments with doors closed. Meeks stated that is the way it is now. Wiese continued that once in a great while she does get a whiff of smoke from downstairs through the registers. Wiese stated she doesn't smoke but does believe that they should be able to do what we wish in our apartments. Curtis stated that she also smells food. Wiese added give the residents one place they can call home to do what they want to do and live the way they want to just so they are not breaking down the place. Wiese commented that there were other problems than smokers commenting there are many things involved when elderly are involved. Betty Lou Curtis stated she agrees with Rosemary and don't think anyone should be discriminated against. Porter asked how Betty would feel if those living there were told that nothing would change but new residents would be non-smokers. Curtis stated it would depend on what is on the list. Porter asked what list. Curtis said you can't have rules for one group of people and rules for another group. They all have to be the same; they all sign the same contract. Huddleston stated that if the new contract stated you could not smoke, would she be against that. Curtis stated she is not a smoker but she doesn't think it's right to tell somebody they can't smoke in their own apartment. Wiese stated she would be against it for the new people who came in to say that they could not smoke. She said she doesn't think it is right. Johnson ask if it wasn't right for her to try to protect her health. Wiese stated they all live in the place, they all have rights to think the way they want to. Johnson said she is sorry and that she was going to leave. Added that she has a very, very serious health problem with cigarette smoke and noticed that the three most volatile people here don't even live over there and they don't live in apartments. They live in private homes and they don't get the slop over. Johnson asked if someone let their toilet run over into the Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 10 apartments below, they have every right to do that the way the group is talking. The cigarette smoke runs all over the place. Seay stated for example his wife has a health problem and if she gets around smoke she gets asthma. So, Seay stated if they wanted to move in they would be restricted from moving in because she has asthma. So a choice if they could live here or the smokers. Seay stated there is a need to balance one person's rights against others rights. Wiese stated she believed that also. Seay stated that a philosopher once said when the second man came into the world, the first man's rights were cut in half. Everyone can't have unrestricted rights, you have to balance rights for one person against another. Huddleston stated he believed it had been discussed fully and there is a motion and a second. Breeden asked for motion to be read with amendment. Kebschull advised she didn't believe amendment was seconded. Porter stated that smoking and non-smoking policies pit groups against each other. That it is unfortunate that bad feelings come from this and she hopes that people don't take it personally. Porter stated any kind of a group decision should not be taken personally. Everyone has different opinions and that is what makes America so special. Porter added that the Board would be making a recommendation to the council and she didn't have a clue as to how they would handle the policy. Porter added that when you have smokers in apartments even though they only smoke in their apartment, they will go in and out and smoke will come out. It doesn't stay forever though, it will go away. Seay stated he felt that people needed to be considerate of others. Seay noted that because of his wife's asthma and if they lived in the building, they would have to move. Lu¢ille Billings stated she has had asthma for years and it hasn't bothered her. Motion read to the group. AL PEASE SECONDED THE AMENDMENT. Huddleston asked for a vote by hands. FIVE FOR THE MOTION, ONE OPPOSED. 5. Ready for Change--Pat Porter provided information to the Board to take with them and noted it would be on the next agenda for discussion. The information regarding making changes at senior centers. Also handed out was information from a Commission Meeting Porter had attended in Anchorage. Information was provided by State employees who provide the meals program which the center receives $1 24,000. Porter advised she will be writing a grant sometime between February and April. Porter reminded the group that there would be a 5 to 10 percent decrease in Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 11 funding, to the Kenai Center that would be $1 2,400. Also USDA funds would be cut. Porter went over some of the information o n the handout with the groups. USDA commodities will be cut. They are also looking at increased cost sharing by the clients ability to pay. After the 1 990 census money was shifted from Southeast, but it was shifted to the central area. Grantees will be encouraged to target services to residents of Iow-income senior housing projects, seek out shared transportation resources with other groups, target the frail, minorities, and those at the greatest risk for institutionalization. State office will not fund expansion of current meal sites. They are hoping to make all Title V positions be assigned to senior citizen programs. There must be more collaboration between senior services and other social services. Porter discussed possibility of combining services with the Soldotna center. Loretta Breeden commented on the Central Peninsula General Hospital wanting to expand their services to include mental health, home health, hospice, etc. Porter advised she needed to check into what this may mean to the Senior Center. Porter advised that HMO's are coming to Alaska and all hospitals are uniting into one force where you are forced to go to them and get your insurance. Porter advised that people need to be aware of this. Porter advised the group that the grant will provide funding for those groups already covered. If there is a cut, it will be equal for all participants. Porter asked the group to try to find out why people don't attend the center. The group discussed a variety of reasons from not liking the food, felt too much salt was used (Porter advised salt wasn't used), people didn't feel comfortable, etc. The discussion continued on ways that people could be made feel more welcome when they are new to the center including having someone greet them and show them a good table to sit at. 6. Board Vacancy--Porter advised that Betty Warren has resigned from the Board and one person, Arlene Infield, has turned in an application. Porter advised that more time would be given before filling the position to give others an opportunity to apply. Discussion by the group about the Board being more involved. Examples given of helping with sales for raffles and getting more politically involved with senior issues. Porter advised that she felt Huddleston as Chairman should speak for the group at council on issues the board has discussed. Breeden commented that she should be able to speak to council as a Council on Aging Minutes December 1 2, 1995 Page 12 citizen and Porter stated yes but that the Board should be represented by the Chair or a designated person. 7. Veteran Services--Huddleston advised that a senior who was a veteran died, Gerald Culver, and they would like to hold the memorial service at the center. Porter advised Mr. Culver had left her to settle his estate and all property would be given to the center. The group discussed if this it is normal for services to be held at the center. Porter advised yes. In fact seniors have held 50t~ wedding anniversaries at the center. Huddleston advised the service would be arranged with Herb Sletter (?) of the American Legion. ADJOURNMENT' GEORGETTA FUNK MOVED FOR ADJOURNMENT AND AL PEASE SECONDED THE MOTION. UNANIMOUS. Meeting adjourned at approximately noon. MarJl~ Adm /~;tfu~ Submitted' n[Kebschull nistrative Assistant Council on Aging Minutes December 12, 1995 Page 13