HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 8-30 ADVISORY BOARD OF THE OSHKOSH SENIORS CENTER
MEETING MINUTES, August 30, 2016
PRESENT: Bob Cornel, Xandy Kloeckl, Bruce Abraham, Sandy Noe, Gary Konrad, Bob Kolinski, Mary
Wiedenmeier
Excused: Diane King, Vicki Leichtfuss, Ann Marie Kosek
STAFF: Mark Ziemer, Bobbie Luft
Guest: Jim Meyer, Anne Schaefer
Cynthia called the meeting to order at 3:31 pm.
Approval of July 26, 2016 Minutes: Changes to 3rd bullet under Fund Raising Report, Bob asked Why; Anne
Marie stated it wasn’t bringing as much money. Gary moved to accept the minutes with changes to the
3rd bullet under Fund Raising Report. Bob K seconded. Minutes approved with corrections.
Discussion Topics:
• Jim Meyer, Instructor for StaySmart program explained the program and that it would be running
its 3rd session. The program is for 50 years old and older, it’s based after a VA program. The class
runs 8 months, cost is $75, returning members pay $40. It has proven to be a successful program
with weight loss and participants have gone off of medication. The sessions retain 90% of the
participants. He stated his two concerns for the coming before the board: 1. The Center needs
more money from the City and needs to raise more funding. 2. He would like to see seniors
promoted more. He explained he was not in favor of changing the name as being a senior is a
privilege, he also encouraged the budget to be brought forth the all participants at the Seniors
Center. Cynthia explained the fund raising arm of the Seniors Center is the Friends of the Seniors
Center (FOSC) and offered Mr. Meyer a position on the board. Bruce stated he too would like to
see the revenues and expenses in the newsletter quarterly and the participants need to know the
revenue streams. Bob C. stated that the budgets run approximately three months behind, there
for the numbers would not be current. He stated is disappointment in the lack of attendance
from council members at various functions.
• Anne Schaefer, Marketing/Fund Development Coordinator explained her role with Parks,
Neighborhood Association and the Seniors Center. She has been with the City for four months
and reports to Ray Maurer, Parks Director. She has been promoting events this summer and
working on social media. Food Truck Friday results were outstanding with over 1,000 attendees.
She is working with the name change process, working on a grant for $20,000 from the Oshkosh
Area Community Foundation for flooring and exercise equipment, marketing, putting together a
sponsorship program and mapping out the process for recruiting volunteers. She stated that she
would be attending the UWO Volunteer fair. Bob C. stated his concern for how she would
distribute her time between all departments. Anne assured the time allowed was clearly defined;
(3) days Seniors Center, (1) day Parks and (1) day Neighborhood Association. Mark stated how
impressed he was with Anne’s work and time management. Bob K. questioned the details of the
sponsorship program. Anne explained it will be based on how other Senior Center work with their
sponsors. She stated we have 4,000 participants that come here annually and some come as
much as 15 times per year. The funding needs to come to the Center without endorsement or
biases from the Center. Corporate sponsorship has been used in the past and will be welcomed
in the future. Cynthia named a few sponsorships from the past. Ray Maurer explained the City’s
donation policy and explained how Park’s Department promotes a sponsor. He said the he has
been working with the Finance Department regarding a sponsorship policy. Cynthia stated that
her Neighborhood Association was doing a challenge to raise money for the Sea, Sand and Sailor
Land playground in Menominee Park.
• Mark provided members with 2nd quarter budget reports. He explained that the 231 budget was
13.4% to the good due to savings from empty positions. He stated the patio, sidewalk and signs
was included in the land improvements. Ray explained the projection is a short fall of $4,000 for
the year. Gary questioned if the FOSC will continue their support to the Center. Mark stated that
he had requested $80,000 for this year and they will support $50,000 and $50,000 for the 2017
budget. Staff is working on creative program ideas to help offset that shortfall along with other
avenues. Bruce questioned if going to the County and requesting more was an option. Mark
meets annually with them. Ray suggested the Advisory Board put together a memo from them
showing their support for the Center. Personal contacts are encouraged. Bruce moved to create
a memo encouraging more funding to support the Seniors Center by the middle of next week.
Gary seconded. Motion to create a memo carried. Anne will put the memo together. Cynthia
stressed the importance of reaching out to Council Members with concerns. Discussion of
requirements took place. Anne will put it out on Facebook.
Information Reports/questions or concerns:
• Bruce announced October 17 at the Convention Center will hold the Senior Expo. The Seniors
Center will share a table with the FOSC.
Governance Report:
• Bob stated the Governance had not met for 3 months. He introduced Bruce Abraham and Vicki
Leichtfuss as new members to the committee. The by-laws were looking at potential changes.
Recruitment of two board members is needed and after this year there will be a need for two
additional members.
Committee on Aging Report:
• Xandy announced that the Committee on Aging would be meeting at City Hall, the first Tuesday
of the month at 8 am. She stated that once established future meetings would be televised. The
location change is due to the fact that the COA represents the aging community and not only for
the Senior Center. Julie Hert is now Chair, Judy Richie, Vice-Chair and Xandy as Secretary. Lurton
Blassingame will be the representative for the meetings held by the Mayor.
Fund Raising Report:
• Sandy stated that they were not contacted as of yet regarding the results of Food Truck Friday.
Comments were the turnout was great, beer was warm and there was a need for more food
trucks. Mary stated April 28th would be the future date for the Murder Mystery Dinner at the
Convention Center. Sandy explained the levels of sponsorship were $500- $1,000 and the
sponsorship had doubled from the previous year.
• Bruce stated he would like to see an appreciation event held for sponsors with a band and perhaps
at the Leach. Ray explained that at the Concert Series on Tuesday nights would be a good place
to set up for sponsors, could have a band tailored for age and provide a meal ticket. Anne will
explore this idea.
Friends Report: No Report as both members were excused from the meeting.
Health Report:
• Bob and Liz announced how impressed they were with Jane the Program Supervisor.
OCS Manager Report:
• Steve McBrair filled the vacancy for the Building Attendant position
• Thanks to everyone that volunteered at the Farmer’s Market
• Landscape of the parking lot looks great
• Approval for “general instructor” position
• Fox Valley Tech College will be having an adjustment in rates do to drop in classes about 1/3, part
of this is included in the $60,000 of revenue loss
• Title 5 position will be starting at the front desk-strong candidate—Currently have a Title 5 doing
housekeeping
• September 15th from 9-2 will be Octoberfest of the Fox
• Thanks to Jim Meyer for his StaySmart program
• September will start the Barre Classes, with an instructor from Richards School of the Dance
Discuss Name Change Process:
• Anne explained how the process will continue including surveys to determine if a name change is
appropriate and then will continue from there depending the outcome.
Mary moved to adjourn at 5:10 pm. Bruces seconded. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Bobbie Luft