College Park Seniors Committee

Approved: 10/02/20 College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting September 2, 2020 7:00 PM Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT Ann Bolduc X Pedro Manuel Guevara-Cordova X Mary Anne Hakes X Bonnie McClellan X Darlene Nowlin X Arelis Perez X Lynn Topp X Robert Thurston X Also present: Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; Resident; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mrs. Hakes called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. II. Approval of the September 2, 2020 Agenda Arelis Perez motioned to approve the September 2, 2020 Agenda. Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Approval of July 2020 Minutes Arelis Perez motioned to approve the July 15, 2020 minutes with clarifications of progress for NHN-CP, limitations in service provisions, and the targeted number of board members. Lynn Topp seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Update on GreenPlay Senior and Recreation Needs Assessment Study Senior programming Kiaisha Barber shared a recap of the GreenPlay Survey findings, a portion of the overall study. A High level of participation was noted, more than 500 residents 1  participated in the survey. Survey results are posted on the city’s website. Noted points included:  Overall recommendation focus on enhancing current programming final recommendation as highlights o Establishing voucher system for transportation in addition to the current services that are provided. o Increased communication about Senior Programming o Changes to the times of day that Senior Programming are offered o Focus on enhancing collaborations with Maryland Park and Planning and the University of Maryland to improve offerings; interim solutions o Acquiring vacant retail space for recreation activities  The board held additional discussion about the survey result o Transportation - needs to capture data about disparities in transportation access as a determining factor of the ability to age in place in College Park or relocate to a different community with transportation access. -Vouchers for ride sharing services (Uber, Lift, etc.)  Use of report findings: o Refine broad focus areas for the Seniors Committee for opportunities to provide education and information about wellness and Aging in place. o Establish targeted goals for the Seniors Committee after the final report is accepted by Mayor and Council. o Inform strategic planning for AARP Sustainable Communities  The final report will be discussed during the next mayor and council work session on October 10, 2020. Kiaisha Barber welcomed board members to forward comments about the report to her and their City Council Member to be reviewed during discussion of the final report. V. AARP Livable Community Update The committee discussed recommendations following Mayor and Council Worksession, noted points included:  Kiaisha Barber presented the recommendation to move forward in the application process for College Park to become an AARP Livable Community. Kiaisha Barber will prepare a Resolution of next steps for the Mayor and Council September 8, 2020 meeting. .  Establishing a subcommittee separate from the Seniors committee.  Urgency: increase the City’s current AARP Livability Score of 52%, 85% is an ideal score 2   Inquiring about progress made in nearby other AARP Livable Communities (Hyattsville, Greenbelt and Laurel)  Structure, number of core committee members An AARP Livable Community Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2020. The subcommittee will focus on exploring ways to align GreenPlay’s findings with the AARP Livable Community model and the City’s Vision. VI. Update on Neighbors Helping Neighbors/ Suggestions for support Kiaisha Barber will discuss with John Payne at a later date. VII. Meals on Wheels Update- Lynn Topp  $10,000 raised through Go Fund Me to support operational costs  Donations from a neighborhood youth who raised money hosting a bake sale  TV advertisement led to an increase of volunteers (drivers and kitchen help)  and also, an increase in donations  Increase in meal requests, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic 60 clients were served, currently 160 clients are served  Partnership with the Franciscan Center in Baltimore  The Franciscan Center has donated vegetables to Meals on Wheels, unused vegetables are donated to the food bank  CARES funding  Operational expansion and the need for additional secured space VIII. Membership  Lynn Topp announced her resignation from the Seniors Committee  Recommended member: Darlene White was contacted and has expressed interest, application submission pending  Four vacancies IX. Thought Series: Affordable Housing Bonnie McClellan shared highlights from the Affordable Housing Thought Chat, a forum Hosted by Councilmember Danielle Glaros. Panelists included represented Purple Line Coalition and Kaiser Permanente.  Focus on Affordable Housing opportunities along the Purple Line  10 key actions for housing opportunities  2 mixed income buildings  Dedication of property by churches  Affordable Senior Housing remains a priority for the committee. IV. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 7, 2020 3 V. Adjournment Mrs. McClellan. motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Perez seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. 4