College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting March 2, 2022 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESE ABSEN NT T 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Ann Bolduc X 3. Adele Ellis X 4. Carol Gray X 5. Mary Anne Hakes X 6. Janet Hawley X 7. Carissa Janis X 8. Bonnie McClellan X 9. Darlene Nowlin X 10. Arelis Perez X 11. Robert Thurston X Also present : Kiaisha Barber, Staff Liaison; Michael Williams, College Park Economic Development Manager; City of College Park; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Michael Williams College Park Economic Development Manager , Guest Speaker A. Guest Speaker Michael Williams shared goals to support the sustainability of local businesses and nonprofit organizations in the city. Noted points of discussion included: 1) Potential plans for affordable housing and Seniors aging in place a. The city is currently exploring open spaces and assessing affordable housing options with a focus on accessibility and ADA compliance. 2) Other upcoming development in the city to include student housing, market rate housing options and potentially senior housing. B. Committee members shared feedback about affordable housing needs for Seniors aging in place and Residents with Disabilities. 1) Ideas to establish Intergenerational Communities, renting out portions of the home, and retrofitting support for seniors aging in place. a. Economic feasibility affiliated construction efforts and associated costs b. Establishing a dialogue among the city and city landlords to collaborate to establish affordable senior housing c. Concerns about overdevelopment within College Park 1  2) Interest and opportunities to establish Accessory Dwelling Units within College Park Accessory Dwelling Units are a part of the AARP Livable Communities initiative- it consists of small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence. Woei-Nan Bair will share contact information with Michael Williams. 3) Senior Incentive Programs Partnering with local businesses to identify incentives for seniors including discounts, designated days and/or store hours for seniors 4) AARP Livability Survey Including Business Owners in the AARP Livability survey and exploring options to support the initiative 5) Meetings with Business AARP Livable Communities and Economic Development a. Mary Anne Hakes will coordinate with Michael Williams to attend a meeting with local business owners and discuss AARP Livable Communities and Economic Development aspects in College Park. b. Robert Thurston will coordinate a meeting to further discuss AARP Livable Communities and Economic Development. II. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. III. Approval of Minutes- February 2, 2022 Arelis Perez motioned to approve the minutes from February 2, 2022 as revised . Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. IV. Legislation Update A. Carol Gray provided an update about bills that are on the House floor 1) Legislation - HB1237 - Maryland General Assembly: Income Tax - Credit for Long-Term Care Premiums 2) Maryland House Bill 787: Retiree Income Tax Relief Act of 2022 B. Committee members discussed reaching out to Senate Representatives to support the bills. C. The committee will revisit strategies to distribute information to residents if the bills become law. V. City of College Park updates A. Kiaisha Barber provided an update about Youth and Family Services 1) City Staff: a. The Youth and Family Services Seniors program is in the process of hiring a new Case Manager. 2  2) Just City Press Release Harvard ‘s Mayoral institute for City Design a. Mayor Patrick Wojahn is being featured for his participation in the project’s work centered around racial equity and community change. 3) Youth and Family Services relocation is underway a. Activities will be hosted at the Methodist Church in accordance with COVID safety guidelines, a permanent office will remain at Spellman House. b. Efforts are in place to reestablish trips post COVID 4) At-home COVID test kits are available to residents at 2 test kits per household. Test Kits can be picked up YFS, Davis Hall, & City Hall. 5) Sharing data to support the reframing of YFS to increase visibility about the organization, new staff members, and the services provided throughout the community. a. Committee members shared ideas to feature the agency in the College Park Here and Now. b. YFS has upcoming plans to increase the awareness of the services, ongoing support, and accomplishments. VI. AARP Livability update A. The current focus of AARP Livable Communities includes: 1) The Virtual Community Forum is scheduled for 3/14/22. 2) The AARP Livability Kick -off event has been rescheduled for 5/13/22. IX. Direction of the Committee A. The committee revisited previously identified projects, initiatives, and priorities. 1) Alexa Technology a. Consideration to include a session to use the Alexa devices in the city’s upcoming Tech support event day. b. Donating the Alexa devices Carol Gray motioned to donate the Alexa devices . Janet Hawley seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. B. Establishing subcommittee groups to explore opportunities for events and leading additional initiatives. X. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) Robert Thurston provided an update about current goals and priorities. A. Ongoing organization efforts and structural refinement B. New Board Members 1) Janet Hawely, Volunteer Coordinator is providing onboarding and training for new volunteers 2) Carrisa Janis, is the Director of Outreach 3  C. Efforts are in progress to explore partnership opportunities with Civicus and The Do Good Institute XI. Next Meeting: April 2, 2022 , 7:00-9:00 p.m. The committee discussed inviting Raven Rodríguez, Racial Equity Officer to attend the April meeting. XII. Adjournment Arelis Perez motioned to adjourn the meeting . Janet Hawley seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:0 2 p.m. 4