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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA September 6, 2011 City of Oshkosh Community Development Department Senior Services Division Oshkosh Seniors Center 200 N. Campbell Rd. Oshkosh, WI 54902 Mark Ziemer (920) 232-5300 (920) 232-5307 FAX Director, Senior Services OSHKOSH COMMITTEE ON AGING MINUTES September 6, 2011 PRESENT: Kathy Glander, Deb Pahl, Lurton Blassingame, Claude Benedict, Ruth McGinley, Harold Singstock, Xandy Kloeckl, Corky Abraham, Jesse Fillmore, Peggy Bellin, Kimberly Bauer EXCUSED: Ann Jungwirth ABSENT: Dr. Jean Caudle STAFF: Mark Ziemer, Director of Senior Services; Kathy Snell, Administrative Assistant Meeting called to order by Harold Singstock at 8:03a.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Harold asked for a motion to approve the June 7 meeting minutes. Claude made a motion, Jesse seconded. No discussion. All were in favor, motion passed. NEW BUSINESS  Introduction of New Committee Member Harold introduced Deb Pahl the newest member of the Committee on Aging. o Mark stated he is glad to have Deb on board as she will be a great advocate for o us both at a local and state level. Deb stated she’s worked as an advocate for elderly for many years. Also on ADRC board and intends to continue as an advocate for both aging and disabled.  Sub Committee Reports Education Subcommittee o Claude reported that the committee has discussed speakers for the  November and January meetings. Corky stated that they also discussed that perhaps one meeting would be open for the public and one would be only for the COA, who in turn would pass this information on to the public. Claude stated they also discussed how to handle the annual awards.  Some felt this should be dissolved as it has been difficult to find three nominees each year. Peggy suggested 1 award be presented each year and rotate through them which would make it easier to find candidates. Kimberly suggested this be added to the next agenda in order that a vote could be conducted. Harold asked the committee to decide on speakers and make a  recommendation for the annual awards at the November meeting. Governance Subcommittee o Lurton indicated they are working on the changes for the application  form. Gave each member a copy and asked to review it for the November meeting. Also discussed was the orientation process and how we can make that  better. Harold suggested we focus on what the board is about and what it seeks to accomplish. Harold indicated he does have a few suggestions for bylaw updates and  would also like to address interviewing of associate members. Planning & Goals Subcommittee o Kathy G. handed out the meeting minutes from the subcommittee  meetings. They reviewed the “SafeWatch” program and met with Mary Krueger,  ADRC for her input and knowledge of the program. Mary will find out what other groups are doing in their communities. SENIOR SERVICES DIRECTOR COMMENTS:  Mark stated he has been working on the budget. There are a few items he is still working through but should finish that this week.  The city has reported a deficit. There are some retirements coming up and is unsure how this will affect the overall along with health benefit changes and a 0% increase in operating expenses.  The 2020 Vision meeting that is scheduled for next week is primarily to set goals for 2012. All of the committee members from the Committee on Aging, Advisory Board and Friends of the Oshkosh Seniors Center have been invited.  Mark also stated he met recently with the UW Social Work department and discussed with them the possibility of having a permanent placement here from the Masters Degree program to assist with working in conjunction with the COA in regard to surveys, analysis, focus groups, etc. OLD BUSINESS  None COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS/CONCERNS:  Harold stated that come next April he would once again like to send a letter to the City Council and would like to include the work the subcommittee have accomplished throughout the year. He feels that each committee should choose three or four projects that they can have a positive impact with and focus on these for the year.  Harold also said he felt there was opportunity within the Oshkosh community for the COA to get involved with various representatives from other agencies and work in conjunction with them.  Ruth stated the Ladies Benevolent Society is interested in the “Safe-Watch” program and does have some funding available. As we are unsure at this time where their funds could benefit the program, Mark stated perhaps we could ask them for funding for another Center item or project. Ruth stated the grant is due by November.  There was brief discussion around the Community Foundations newspaper article about a grant for isolated seniors. Mark stated he plans to attend the upcoming meeting to see if we could benefit from these funds.  Next meeting will be held on November 1 and should have a speaker.  Harold then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jesse moved to adjourn, Claude seconded. Motion carried, meeting adjourned. Respectively Submitted, Kathy Snell Administrative Assistant, Senior Services