Senior Citizens' Commission

SENIOR CITIZENS’ COMMISSION MINUTES OF MARCH 18, 2025 MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Ron Wehrmann, Treasurer, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. ROLL CALL: Commission Members: Present: Catherine Dumke, Karen Everham, Karen McLeod, Pamela Solomon, Heidi Uhlig- Johnstone (Helm Life Center), Ron Wehrmann, and Don Witt, constituting a quorum. Absent: Kevin Quasarano Rita O’Farrell, the City of GPW Confidential Administrative Assistant and Event Programmer, and City Council Representative Vicki Granger were also in attendance. Grosse Pointe Woods resident Marianne Langlois was also present. GPW Mayor Art Bryant joined the meeting shortly after it was called to order. It was noted that, with Janet Weber’s recent resignation from the Commission, there is a vacancy on the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Heidi Uhlig-Johnstone, seconded by Karen McLeod, to approve the minutes of the Senior Citizens’ Commission meeting held on November 19, 2024. Said motion passed unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The following slate was proposed, and it was moved by Karen McLeod, seconded by Pamela Solomon, that the following slate be elected: Chair: Heidi Uhlig-Johnstone Treasurer: Ronald Wehrmann Secretary: Catherine Dumke Said motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: Holiday Social, Friday, December 6, 2024 A general discussion followed regarding this Commission’s participation in the Holiday Social. There was a consensus among the Commission members that the event had been a success. Mention was made of the good food, entertainment, presentation by Director Kosanke on scams, and assistance by Council members in handing out prizes. Suggestions to be considered for next year’s event included  alternative to photo booth; perhaps an individual photographer  expand number of tables for prizes  provide list of raffle prizes  provide chart of table locations NEW BUSINESS A. Treasurer’s Report Wehrmann, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s Report as of February 28, 2025, which included the expenses and receipts regarding the Senior Holiday Social. B. Budget Request Following a discussion of anticipated expenses and a review of expenditures in prior years, it was moved by Karen Everham, seconded by Pamela Cole, that a budget request for $3,500, plus an additional $1,000 from the Commission’s carry forward account (#213-000-674.320), for a total of $4,500, be submitted to the City Council for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. Plans for Friday, May 16, 2025, Ice Cream Social, 1:00 PM  In light of the number of “no shows” at last year’s event, the idea of charging a fee at registration (perhaps $5 for residents) for this event was again considered, with the conclusion being that no fee should be charged.  It was also suggested the Commission meeting following the Ice Cream Social event be set at 2:30 PM.  Commission Members discussed the idea that, in lieu of entertainment this year, that Mayor Bryant could discuss the City’s plans and events celebrating its 75th Anniversary, including opening of the time capsule and suggestions for items to include in the new one.  Voluntary cash donation site  The Helm would again have a table at the event  Rita O’Farrell would contact other possible table sponsors  Wally’s Frozen Custard would provide the ice cream (same number of cups and flavors) (reminder to begin removing ice cream from the cooler at about 12:45 PM)  It is requested that, on the day of the event, Commission Members arrive at 12:45 PM to assist with set up. PUBLIC COMMENT No members of the public were in attendance. REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE CERTIFICATION Motion by Karen Everham, seconded by Karen McLeod, to recommend to the Mayor the immediate certification of the previous motion for a budget request totaling $4,500 be submitted to the City Council for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Said motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Ron Wehrmann, seconded by Don Witt, that the meeting adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:35 PM. The next meeting of this Commission will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2:30 PM, at Robert E. Novitke Municipal Center-Community Center – Lake Room. Respectfully submitted, Catherine Dumke, Secretary