College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting November 6, 2024 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESENT ABSENT 1. Kathy Baer X 2. Woei-Nan Bair X Arrived at 7:15 pm 3. Betty Colonomos X 4. Adele Ellis X Arrived at 7:15 p.m. 5. Carol Gray X 6. Mary Anne Hakes X 7. Gail Lovelace X 8. Bonnie McClellan X 9. Darlene Nowlin X Arrived at 8:20 p.m. 10. Robert Thurston X 11. Heidi Weber X Also present : Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services. Janeen Miller, Age-Friendly College Park Program Lead; Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services; Christopher Connor, Resident; Lorraine E. Wilson, Resident; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary I. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the business meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. II. Approval of the Agenda Bonnie McClellan motioned to approve the November 6, 2024 agenda as written. Carol Gray seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Welcome Janeen Miller, Age-Friendly College Park Program Lead A. Committee members introduced themselves to Ms. Miller. IV. Guest Speaker, Jatinder Khokhar , Director of Public Services A. Mr. Khokhar provided an overview of services provided by the Department of Public Services including Noise Control, Animal Control, Parking Enforcement, Code Enforcement, and Public Safety. David Spaulding is the newly appointed Assistant Manager. 1  B. The Committee and Mr. Khokhar discussed city services that intersect with the College Park Livability domains. 1. Community Support and Health a. Enhancing city-wide emergency communications. Mr. Khokar invited feedback from committee members to improve efforts. b. Mr. Khokhar will confer with county personnel to inquire about opportunities for College Park residents to participate in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program sponsored by PG County.  Options to implement an emergency response component that supports senior residents with health and hospital needs in the event of evacuations and other emergencies.  Creating magnets listing emergency contact numbers c. The committee shared a request to the Mayor and Council to implement the use of electronic signage to announce local emergencies. Currently local emergencies are announced through PG county. (related to above) Mr. Khokar advised the city recently approved an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) inclusive of alternative communication methods during power outages like electronic telephones and radio communication the goal to communicate emergency information in a timely way. d. The city’s Emergency Response Plan is currently being reviewed. It was last updated 2 years ago. 1 or 2 residents from Berwyn Heights are working with Public Services. More info to come. e. Mr. Khokhar offered to invite a county representative to join a Senior Committee meeting. C. Deteriorating properties including walkways and porches. Mr. Khokhar encouraged residents to share concerns and photographs with Public Services. Code enforcement is the response to infractions. Other considerations may wish to be explored. D. Parking Survey 1. The committee briefly discussed the pending city parking a survey and opportunities to provide feedback on behalf of senior residents. 2. Committee members inquired about sharing feedback with the Mayor and City Council ahead of launching the survey. Some suggestions included offering alternatives to using QR codes to pay for parking and offering incentives for seniors including 2 hours free parking. V. Approval of October 2, 2024 Minutes Kathy Baer motioned to approve the October 2, 2024 minutes as amended. Robert Thurston seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. VI. Old Business A. College Park Day Recap 1. The Committee discussed the event, voter flyers were distributed, committee members engaged with local organizations who expressed 2  interest in partnering with the committee to help seniors use technology. 2. Mrs. Hakes will follow up with Bill Gardner to table at the Hollywood Farm Market and promote committee initiatives senior services and supports. B. City Survey 1. A random sampling of residents get the survey by mail. It is also available on the city website. Mrs. Barber will follow up with the Communications department to inquire about the survey release date. 2. Prince George's County Council Member Eric Olson featured a survey for aging people in the county through a newsletter. The survey encompasses areas that align with Age Friendly College Park domains and other committee focus areas (Communication, Transportation, Housing, Health Services, and Socialization). a. The committee discussed acquiring a copy of the survey items and the results once they are published. b. Committee members discussed the possibility to publicize the county survey through the city. Ms. Miller will inquire with the Communications department. VII. City Updates-Youth, Family and Seniors Services (YSSF) A. 50-year Anniversary Open House Reception, November 18, 2024 YSSF Office, 6:30- 8:30 p.m. 1. An anniversary celebration in honor of the department being recognized for as a state recognized Youth Service Bureau. B. Preparing for holiday support clients and residents YSSF serves as liaisons for organizations providing resources for families in need during the holiday season. The agency serves as a pass through for the Terp Toy Drive, individuals, and organizations who want to sponsor local families and individuals in need. VIII. Age Friendly College Park Update A. Janeen Miller is working to identify resources available at the Federal, State, and County level. Ms. Miller will collaborate with the Staff Liaison, Mrs. Barber and lead the Age Friendly College Park work group meetings. B. Ms. Miller shared progress, updates, and current goals. 1. Budget Initiatives a. Ms. Miller is working to identify budget initiatives to present the Staff Liaison and City Manager. The initiative will ultimately be proposed to the Mayor and City Council. Securing funding towards mailings for senior residents is one of the top budget goals. 2. Habitat for Humanity a. 2 projects have been completed, an additional 5 projects are in progress. 3  b. There is a possibility for capacity to complete 2 additional projects. 1) Efforts to secure additional funding before the end of 2024 are underway. 2) Funds have been obligated and are required to be spent by 2026. 3. City Emergency Notification System a. The city has secured a new mass emergency notification system through Civic Plus. The new system offers the city the capability to contact residents via phone and text message. b. The city defers to the county for emergency communication as noted in the emergency operations plan. The system would be used to announce city emergencies. Additional details are forthcoming from the Communications Department. 4. Home Matching Programs a. Ms. Miller is exploring programs that match homeowners and tenants with intentions to partner with the city C. Health Services The committee discussed advocacy needs for Health Services (Centers) in College Park. A Health Center located in Laurel is scheduled to relocate to College Park. IX. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) A. Committee members noted an increase in visibility and outreach throughout the community from NHN-CP. B. Volunteer recruitment continues, currently 11 volunteers are awaiting training. VII. Announcements & Other Discussion A. Route 1 Street Celebration, Fraternity Row, November 9, 2024 at11:00 a.m. B. Fraud and Scam Prevention January 10, 2025, Branchville Firehouse at10:00 a.m. The committee is partnering with YFSS. Heidi Weber will give a presentation for residents. C. Hyattsville Library Tour in conjunction with YFSS January 17, 2025 D. Riverdale Historical Holiday Preparation Program, Mya Davis E. Age friendly Restaurant Exploration 1. The committee discussed hosting gatherings at local restaurants to gather with other seniors and critique restaurants from an age friendly perspective. a. The need to refine the committee’s goal, capacity, and existing criteria. b. Opportunities to support age friendly restaurant accommodations in College Park including noise levels, wheelchairs accessibility, parking, menu options with dietary considerations, and other considerations. 4 VIII. Next Meeting and Adjournment A. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2024. B. Adjournment Kathy Baer motioned to adjourn the meeting . Carol Gray seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. 5