1998-03-10
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
SENIOR ADVISORY COMMISSION
March 10, 1998
Old Union Room - Bicentennial Park
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dick Johnston, Chair; Martha Greenberg, Wanda Buschman, Fran
Weiser
MEMBERS ABSENT: Linda Moore
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT: Rose Hampshire
STAFF PRESENT: Shelli Siemer and Nona Whitehead, Community Services Coordinators
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dick Johnston at 1:02 p.m.
Agenda Item No. 2, Approval of the February 10, 1998 Minutes
Martha Greenberg questioned why discussion concerning her request for a tape recorder to be
present was not noted in the minutes. Shelli Siemer noted that the minutes are not verbatim,
but that they can be amended to show that a tape recorder was discussed. Dick Johnston said
that item #10 should be amended to show that the trees are expected to grow to between 8 to
12 feet during their life in the tree farm. The #7 item referring to NETS was brought up by
Fran Weiser. No amendments were needed, but Fran did request to have transportation listed
as a discussion item on a future agenda.
Wanda Buschman moved that the minutes be accepted as amended. Fran Weiser seconded the
motion and it was passed.
Agenda Item No. 3, Administrative Comments
No Administrative Comments were made.
Agenda Item No. 4, Report: Metroport Meals on Wheels
Rose Hampshire passed out the report. Rose noted that her organization is not quite breaking
even, but that attendance patterns warrant ordering 50 meals. There are free meals given, and
other factors that affect how many meals are purchased. The City's annual contractual
agreement with Metroport Meals on Wheels helps cover the difference.
Agenda Item No. 5, Senior Activity Center Renovation Project
Shelli Siemer reported that a time line for completion of the project is in effect. It is fully
expected that regular programming can begin in May. Ms. Siemer said that several volunteers
would be needed for the next three weekends to be able to complete the project on time. There
is a volunteer recognition event being planned for the end of April. Sidewalks and paving are
still dependent on weather conditions. Shelli also reported that Keep Southlake Beautiful has
done a landscaping plan for the center.
March 10, 1998
Nona Whitehead passed out a draft of a newsletter being sent to registered voters over age 60.
Mrs. Whitehead reported that the list is neither complete nor accurate, due to difficulties with
the data input process. Dick Johnston pointed out that because some voting precincts are in
Keller, may be one reason that his name did not show up on the list of voters. The newsletter,
which will focus on the schedule of programs and activities, will be available at the Park
Building and at City Hall. Rose Hampshire suggested that a horseshoes pit might be a nice
addition to the Center. Martha Greenberg suggested that Nona contact the people working on
the Senior Living Community who have said that they have researched the numbers of seniors
living in this area. Martha also suggested that copies of the newsletter be sent to neighboring
senior centers. Publicity will be sought prior to the opening that will include information on
where to get a copy of the newsletter.
Nona Whitehead said that the tentative plans are for a soft opening the first week of May, with
an Open House Week to follow. Invitations will be sent to the various civic groups to tour the
center and refreshments will be provided. Linda Moore is helping with this project.
Agenda Item No. 6, Report: Senior Living Community
Shelli Siemer said that according to Karen Gandy, plans for the Senior Living Community had
not yet been submitted. Dick Johnston said that part of the delay was the need for further
artistic renderings. Various members expressed concern over the fact that estimated costs for
the living units were not available.
Agenda Item No. 7, Report: Northeast Tarrant County Senior Issues Committee
Martha Greenberg said that university students are compiling the data on senior needs, and
working on the final tabulations for the survey. Martha explained that it will probably be
compiled into a book of statistics, but not solutions.
Agenda Item No. 8, Report: Southlake Seniors Activities
Fran Weiser reported that Josh Weiser had several requests for pamphlets he had used at his
presentation on Fraud Against Seniors. Fran said that Fiesta Dancers will provide a special
program in the Lodge next week, and that Psychologist Linda Miller will be speaking on
March 24 about the various counseling services she can offer if there is interest in that type of
service. Southlake Seniors are planning a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for the third Tuesday
in May. Fran noted that Southlake Seniors are also urging members to keep up with the
progress of the Senior Living Community once it comes before Planning and Zoning.
Agenda Item No. 9. Report: Status of the Senior Tree Farm
Dick Johnston presented visuals for the Tree Farm. Dick reported that the City was running
irrigation lines and that funds had been secured for this year's trees. Mr. Johnston noted that
the current task is to find another site and secure funds to order good tree stock for next year.
Mr. Johnston reiterated that more help is still needed with this project.
Agenda Item No. 10. Consideration: Recommend Ordinance Change regarding age
requirements
March 10, 1998
Dick Johnson said that he had met with Kevin Hugman, Community Services Manager,
regarding this issue. Dick reported that Mr. Hugman felt that lowering the age limit could
hinder the effectiveness of the Commission. Chairman Johnston suggested that one
compromise would be to allow non-voting associate members who may have expertise, without
age restriction. Fran Weiser expressed concern about associate members who would not be
seniors, and felt that their presence could be somewhat intimidating to older seniors who may
want a little more time to think and express themselves. Discussion ensued concerning the
function of associate members. Shelli Siemer pointed out that the ordinance uses the term ad
hoc members to mean alternate members. These alternate members may vote only when
members are absent from the Commission meetings. Due to the oversight and omission of the
age requirement relative to Martha Greenberg, Fran Weiser moved that the Senior Advisory
Commission request an exception from the age requirement be granted to Martha Greenberg
for the remainder of her term. The motion was seconded by Wanda Buschman and passed by
the Commission.
Dick Johnston asked if the ordinance needed to be looked at in depth. Wanda Buschman
suggested that if it was needed, it should be postponed until after the Senior Activity Center is
open. Fran Weiser indicated that she was satisfied with the ordinance. Chairman Johnston
suggested that because of the attrition experienced this year, the commission might want to
look at having the number of ad hoc members increased. Fran Weiser moved that the Senior
Advisory Commission recommend that the number of Senior Advisory Commission ad hoc
members be increased from two (2) to (4) members. Martha Greenberg seconded the motion
and it was passed unanimously.
Agenda Item No 11, Discussion: Other Items
Fran Weiser mentioned the difficulty that seniors have with reading inadequate signage on
streets and homes. She requested that this issue be placed on the next agenda as a discussion
item. Chairman Johnston requested that the issue of signage be listed as a consider item. It
was also suggested that a representative from Public Works or Public Safety might need to be
invited to speak to the issue.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Martha Greenberg to adjourn the
meeting. Wanda Buschman seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
Approved
Dick stop, Chairperson
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March 10, 1998