Senior Citizens Advisory Board

City of Coral Gables 405 Biltmore Way Coral Gables, FL 33134 www.coralgables.com Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 11, 2024 4:00 PM Adult Activity Center Senior Citizens Advisory Board Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL a. Roll Call and Excusal of Absences APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES SUPERVISOR'S REPORT City of Coral Gables Page 1 Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 a. General Updates AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete began the supervisor’s report by presenting board member Julian Sevillano with his volunteer gift from the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Norma then continued to discuss the cancelation of the Mind & Melody class, with Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stating that they were unable to secure a grant to pay for the program and the participation never reached the required level that was set of 10 participants per month. Director Couceyro stated that if they manage to secure grant funding for the program the AAC will look to bring the class back. AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete then stated that Senior Week will take place on August 19th-August 23rd working with Crime Watch, a Self-Defense class, and a lecture from the Palace however the schedule has not been finalized yet. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then mentioned a conversation with the IT Director regarding some presentations regarding new computer scams. AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters then continued to discuss Fall registration opening on Monday July 22nd for residents and the month-to-month registration will continue for non-residents moving forward. Board member James “Jim” Berlin than inquired if this large of a gap is normal for the registration dates, AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete responded that we are continuing using the same rule as prior. Norma then mentioned the upcoming Saturday at the Cinema scheduled for Saturday, July 27th at 11am for a showing of “Wallstreet” sponsored by Commissioner Kirk Menendez. b. Special Events c. Administrative Updates A Saturday at the Cinema, July "Wall Street" - Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro began by discussing the on-going budget discussions stating that there may be a cut in the mileage rate leading to a cut in the budget. Director Couceyro emphasized that there should be a final decision made in the meeting scheduled for late July. Director Couceyro stated that the struggle with budget cuts is that the quality of the programs and facilities may not be at the same standard as previously. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then inquired about how the city is coping with statewide issues of property insurance, Director Couceyro stated that he has yet to hear any discussions on the subject and that he believes that it will not affect the city due to the city being a self-insured entity. NEW BUSINESS City of Coral Gables Page 2 Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 Board member Julian Sevillano then inquired about the board vacancy stating that he had a friend in mind, Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that any interested person would need to complete an application to be considered, stating that no applications have been received at this time. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then inquired about which commissioner would be appointing the new position, Director Couceyro stated that the vacancy was Commissioner Menedez’s and that he was waiting for applicants to apply for the seat. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez inquired about any statistics to analyze the enrollment statistics, AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that he had brought copies of the monthly report statistics for the board to review. Gregory then stated that participation numbers and money have continued to increase in comparison with the same month in the previous year, however the number of new memberships does not match the previous year’s numbers. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then stated that the looking at the resident versus non-resident participation there are clear trend of more participation by residents despite an increase in new non-resident memberships and it may need to be looked at as to how to reach new residents throughout the community. Board member Judith “Jude” Alexander inquired how the information of the AAC to those who may not have heard of the center before. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro responded that the department has a RecNews where they send a newsletter of the information of upcoming events and programs throughout the whole department and that the information is also shared on social media sites. Ana Lam from Coral Gables Crime Watch began by discussing the “Quincanera + ?” special event scheduled for August 9th from 12:30pm-4pm as an early kickoff to Senior Week celebrations. Ana describes that after discussions and a lack of funding for the event Ana went out looking for different sponsors and was able to receive sponsorships from Mayor Lago, Commissioner Menendez, Commissioner Regalado, Commissioner Cabrera, the Coral Gables Gardening Club etc. Ana stated that the event will be free for everyone and that they will be provided a tiara during upon entrance along with a police or fire escort to their seat. Ana then stated her hope that this event will be successful and will become the first annual Quincanera party. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired if there was a way to specifically honor those attending the event over the age of 90, AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete stated that once they register for a ticket, they will be able to pull that information and see what they will be able to do. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired as to what programs have been scheduled for senior week. AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete responded that there is a BITCOIN Lunch & Learn from the Palace, a Coral Gables Community Foundation Lecture, the Coral Gables Police Department leading a self-defense class, Bankers Life presentation, and a Coffee and Pastelitos with SHINE presentation. Norma then stated that she had yet to hear back from Baptist Health and the State Attorney’s office, stating that once the schedule is finalized there will be a flyer designed listing every event that is scheduled and their time. Ana Lam then stated that they have recently gotten bike helmets that can be fitted to the head of any individual who City of Coral Gables Page 3 Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 would need them and that she would try to coordinate with Norma so that this could be included in the Senior Week events for anyone interested in riding bikes. OLD BUSINESS Board member Judith “Jude” Alexander inquired about if there was any progress made regarding the televisions at the AAC to display promotional material. AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that he has reached out to the marketing department to develop video clips containing information on classes and programs on the television screens. DISCUSSION ITEMS Board member James “Jim” Berlin told Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro that he was the one who began the discussion about special opportunities for the board members over the age of 65 stating that his goal was discounts at the AAC. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that this conversation had been going on for some time, however the conversation was focused on discounts at the Youth Center offering the chance to receive the same price reductions as employees. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then mentioned the charter review committee to discuss issues raised by residents, asking if it is appropriate for the board to invite someone from the committee to come and meet with the board to report what is going on. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that he does not believe that they have met yet so there is currently nothing to report however the board may invite someone to come in to meet with them. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then mentioned the possibility of cancelling the August meeting as the Summer is a more difficult time to plan around. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then stated that the board can cancel the meeting stating that it often occurs in the Summertime. ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:03pm A MOTION TO CONCLUDE THE MEETING AND CANCEL THE AUGUST BOARD MEETING WAS MADE BY JULIAN SEVILLANO AND WAS SECONDED BY JUDITH “JUDE” ALEXANDER. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. NOTE City of Coral Gables Page 4