College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting February 3, 2021 7:00 PM Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESEN ABSENT T 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Ann Bolduc X 3. Pedro Manuel Guevara-Cordova X 4. Adele Ellis X (Arrived @ 7:35 pm) 5. Carol Gray X 6. Mary Anne Hakes X 7. Bonnie McClellan X 8. Darlene Nowlin X 9. Arelis Perez X 10. Robert Thurston X Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services; John Payne, Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. II. Approval of Agenda Arelis Perez motioned to approve the agenda . Carol Gray seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Approval of October 7, 2020 and November 4, 2020 Minutes Arelis Perez motioned to approve the minutes from November 4, 2020 and October 7, 2020 as revised . Carol Gray seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Membership The committee briefly discussed membership and meeting attendance requirements  Kiaisha Barber noted protocol to notify the Clerk’s Office of chronic absenteeism  Arelis Perez noted a candidate for membership  Mary Anne Hakes solicited interest from committee members to become a Co-Chair  Bonnie McClellan noted Brenda Douglas resigned from the committee V. Annual report update , State legislation monitoring A. Annual Report Update  Kiaisha Barber noted that annual reports were reviewed during the Council Meeting held on 1/16/21, next steps of the review process are pending. B. State Legislation Monitoring The committee briefly discussed:  Current legislation and its role in sharing information with Mayor & Council.  Maryland House Bill 255 proposing $100,000 of state funds be earmarked for grant funding for Villages  Kiaisha Barber advised a request for a letter of support from the city is eligible for review during a Mayor and Council (M &C) work session. The request along with supporting details and information can be forwarded to the Assistant City Manager by Barber.  The Committee will request a letter of support VII. Corridor Conversations & Route 1 Communities Care and Art Project update Mary Anne Hakes shared details about the Corridor Conversations Committee. Corridor Conversations is a collaborative committee of residents in the route 1 Corridor including College Park, Hyattsville, and University Park. The committee facilitates monthly outreach and information sessions highlighting local culture, community, health & wellness. Events will be promoted through the College Park Here and Now. The committee will be featured in the publication in the near future, a date is pending.  Kiaisha Barber will inquire further with the city’s Communications Director to inquire about parameters on advertising the committee and associated events on the city’s website  Bonnie McClellan shared information about Route 1 Communities Care. The organization is affiliated with Greater Riverdale Cares, raises funds, and partners with local restaurants to provide food for residents in need. The Route 1 Communities care art project –raised $4331 to provide meals for residents in need. Outreach and funding efforts are underway with community organizations to offset expenses. The Group currently spends approximately $5000+/week to provide meals for residents in need. VI. Seniors Program office space Kiaisha Barber provided an update in securing office space for the Seniors Program. Kiaisha Barber noted emerging challenges and goals to secure a space near the current Child and Family Services Office. Space has been identified at the fellowship hall of College Park United Methodist Church to host events and activities. Space for senior staff members is pending further review and discussion by mayor and council. The matter will be revisited during the next work session. VII. AARP Livability Committee update A. Kiaisha Barber shared a message on behalf of Terry Schum, Director of Planning. The city’s application for the Planning Assistance for Municipalities and Communities grant through the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission has been advanced to the Division Chief for further consideration. A scope of work is being drafted, next steps include identifying qualified consultants in March. B. Robert Thurston provided an update on behalf of the AARP Livability Subcommittee, noted points included:  Subcommittee members recently met with AARP representatives with Jennifer about completing the application process. AARP representatives present: Holz, Joy Hall Associate Directors of MD, Tammy Bresnahan, Advocacy Director.   The committee reviewed and discussed the 8 domains of livability, the livability toolkit, and the 5-year continuous improvement process. o Years 1-2- Community Action plan and needs assessment are completed o Years 3-4- Action plan Implementation o Years 4 –5- Progress monitoring and evaluation participation  The application process is between step 1 & 2 of the Action Plan pending  Information and required planning is underway, the 2-year time periods begins. once the application submitted. The subcommittee intends to have an action plan developed before the application with is submitted to maximize progress during the2-year time period.  The subcommittee has received a letter of support from Mayor Wojahn and a resolution from Mayor and Council.  The subcommittee has identified 5 of the 8 domains: Transportation, Housing, Social Participation and Inclusion, Communication and Information, Community and Health Services. Each domain will be headed by a member of the core committee and volunteers recruited from the core group listing.  Darlene Nowlin has joined the AARP subcommittee. The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled tentatively for 2/22/21.  The subcommittee is working to identify a core group individual who will work on the issues related to the domains, complete a needs assessment, etc. VIII. Committee Goals and Focus Mary Anne Hakes solicited feedback from the committee to create additional goals that align with the committee’s focus. A. Home Retrofitting for seniors  The committee discussed identifying local initiatives that retrofit seniors’ homes.  Darlene Nowlin shared information about the Safe at Home & Get a Grip initiative. Home retrofitting services including installing grab bars, railing, and other structural home aides are provided for senior residents and residents with disability.  Mary Anne Hakes solicited committee members to identify options available to local residents. Robert Thurston expressed interest. B. Warm calls for house-bound seniors  The committee discussed collaboration among Youth and Family Services and Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park to conduct warm calls.  Carol Gray suggested assessing residents’ interests in warm calls and other contact through a senior needs assessment. C. Senior Directory  Carol Gray expressed in interest in developing a Senior Directory.  Arelis Perez recommended assessing local vendors that provide senior discounts.   Mary Anne Hakes noted restrictions for committee members to solicit free or discounted products or services. IV. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) John Payne, provided an update on Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park, noted points included:  Efforts to communicate changes in available services due to COVID-19 restrictions  New volunteers have completed background checks and training V. Transportation needs & Limitations The board discussed potential solutions to mitigate transportation challenges  John Payne noted liability coverage limitations to provide transportation services.  NHN-CP volunteers providing support to residents to use online ride share services (Uber, Lift, etc.)  Kiaisha Barber noted alternate transportation services including Go-Go Grandparents. Barber also noted that the city is exploring options to provide residents with Transportation Vouchers purchased through PG County.  Arelis Perez shared information about Driving Moms and Dads transportation services. VI. COVID -19 update: vaccinations & information provided to residents The committee discussed concerns about the dissemination of information on COVID- 19 vaccines from the county. Noted suggestions & ideas include:  Implementing a survey to assess the needs of at risk senior residents who currently do not meet eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccinations  Partnership with UMD School of Public Health to provide vaccines to high risk residents who may not meet eligibility criteria for PG County’s COVID-19 vaccination  Soliciting push back against the county’s current criteria to administer COVID-19 vaccinations Bonnie McClellan motioned to request that Kiaisha Barber share concerns with the City Manager on behalf of the committee about the inconsistent availability of information in College Park related to the dissemination of COVID-19 vaccinations. Adele Ellis seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. VI. Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 3, 2021 IV. Adjournment Bonnie McClellan motioned to adjourn the meeting . Arelis Perez seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.