Rescheduled Senior Citizens' Commission

SENIOR CITIZENS’ COMMISSION MINUTES OF May 16, 2025 MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Ron Wehrmann, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM. ROLL CALL: Commission Members: Present: Catherine Dumke, Karen Everham, Karen McLeod, Pamela Solomon, Ron Wehrmann and Don Witt, constituting a quorum. Absent: Kevin Quasarano, Heidi Uhlig-Johnstone (Helm Life Center), and Marianne Langlois. Rita O’Farrell, the City of GPW Confidential Administrative Assistant and Event Programmer, and City Council Representative Vicki Granger were also in attendance. On April 7, 2025, Mayor Bryant appointed Marianne Langlois to serve on this Commission. Motion by Pamela Solomon, seconded by Karen Everham, to excuse Commission Members Heidi Uhlig-Johnstone, Marianne Langlois, and Kevin Quasarano from attendance at today’s meeting. Passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Pamela Solomon, seconded by Don Whitt, to approve the minutes of the Senior Citizens’ Commission meeting held on March 18, 2025. Said motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: Review of Ice Cream Social held May 16, 2025. The event was well attended, and well received by the attendees. Of the 81 registered, 71 attended. In addition, 3 who had not registered also attended. Prizes included flowers from the City’s annual flower sale and Kroger gift cards. The Helm and Sunrise each had a table and each provided a gift basket as a prize. It was suggested that, for next year, instead of, or in addition to the Kroger gift cards, gifts of admission to City classes or events be used as prizes. Wally’s ice cream (100 servings), as well as the toppings of Oreo crumbles, sprinkles, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and whipped cream, were just right. It was suggested that for next year we order 125 servings of ice cream, increase the number of Kroger gift cards to a total of 15, and, in publicity for the event, if possible, include photos of the raffle gifts. It was suggested, and agreed, that next year’s event should run from 1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. It was agreed that an information table should be set up at the event featuring the variety of GPW events. It was agreed that we should again include a presentation by Director Kosanke. It was also suggested that perhaps The Helm could make a presentation next year, in place of an entertainer. NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS: Plans for Seniors’ Picnic at Lakefront Park on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Plans for the picnic include lunch to again be provided by National Coney, ice cream by Wally’s, with the Commission to provide chips and beverages. Fees for attendance are $8.00 for residents, and $10.00 for nonresidents. Bingo, as well as a presentation by Rita O’Farrell about GPW trips and outings (she will bring flyers), are anticipated. Request for Funds for Picnic Motion by Ron Wehrmann, seconded by Karen Everham, that a request for funds in the amount of $2,000 be submitted to the City Council to cover the expenses of the September 17, 2025 Seniors’ Picnic. Said motion passed unanimously. Request for immediate certification Motion by Pamela Solomon, seconded by Karen McLeod, to recommend to the Mayor the immediate certification of the previous motion for request for funds of $2,000 to cover the expenses of the September 17, 2025 Seniors’ Picnic. Said motion passed unanimously. TREASURER’S REPORT Treasurer Ron Wehrmann presented his report to the Commission, showing a balance on hand as of April 30, 2025. PUBLIC COMMENT No members of the public were in attendance. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Karen McLeod, seconded by Karen Everham, that the meeting adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM. The next meeting of this Commission will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM at Robert E. Novitke Municipal Center - Community Center. Respectfully submitted, Catherine Dumke, Secretary