Montpelier Senior Activity Center Advisory Council

MSAC Advisory Board Meeting Minutes November 13, 2014 1:00 – 4:00 pm A. Called to order by Chair, Tina Muncy at 1:10 pm. Present: Chair, Tina Muncy; Board Members: Whit Dall, Jane Osgatharp, Susan Torchia, Janet Ressler, Fran Krushenick, Liz Dodd, Sylvia Kingsbury, and Sue Stukey; FR Committee member, Scott Hess; MSAC Director, Janna Clar; Assistant City Manager, City of Montpelier, Jessie Baker. We were later joined by City Manager, Bill Fraser. B. Minutes of meeting on November 4 were accepted. (#1: Muncy, #2. Dall) C. Comments from Members 1. Some pushback from neighboring townsfolk regarding requests for increased financial support, particularly in towns which have their own Senior Centers. We acknowledge the need to educate all towns re: the need for cooperation to provide all services needed. 2. Confusion noted regarding Swimming/Water Aerobics programs at First in Fitness. Suggested that swimmers could get together to clarify schedule and expectations. Susan Torchia, Fran Krushenick and Sylvia Kingsbury agreed to help plan such a gathering. D. Responses to Director’s Notes: 1. Board voted to go ahead with Design of three projects: (see later note for vote) a. More substantial Soundproofing in downstairs community room. b. Sound absorption solution for second floor Activity Room/ c. A new audio-visual system for first floor community room. 2. Board approved use of smaller amounts of money for: a. A new and complete set of dishes with service for 100 b. new and modernized cash register set up with credit card capability. c. Three used computers for public computer lab. 3. Concerns raised re: Security during evening hours and when closing up building at night. Dan and Janna will discuss this. E. Discussion with Bill Fraser and Jessie Baker regarding City Budget updates/policies 1. Things are tight; Operating Costs “level funded” for past three years, leaving little “wiggle room”. All departments to create “flat funded” scenario. 2. Council Budget meeting on December 10, 2014; followed by public opinion gatherings. 3. City is considering its response to MSAC doing its own fundraising. City concerned that MSAC could become too dependent on fundraising to the detriment of Services. Suggest FR for Specific Purposes only. 4. Discussion regarding possible Integration of some City Departments under “Community Services” (MSAC, Recreation Dept, Parks and Cemetery Association.) Idea has been discussed for years. a. No decisions yet. b. Results need to be collaborative, and sustainable with benefits for all.  5. New Investment Plan for City (Jackman Fund?) (Friends of the MSAC?) a. Have no policy for Donated Funds/Bequests b. Council will decide how to proceed in developing a policy. H. Discussion Regarding Subsidizing Swimming at MSAC 1. Corry Fund has covered subsidies in the past, why not now? Funds already budgeted elsewhere. 2. Discussed MSAC Budget: Class fees/Support from City/Fund Raising/Expenses/Cost of Swimming a. Motion to Increase Fees for Swimming to $40/$75 for coming year. # 1: Whit Dall #2: Liz Dodd Motion passed: 5 yes, 3 no 3. Agreed there is a need to educate members regarding the availability of scholarships. I. Discussion of other Class Fees 1. Motion to increase class fees for FY 16 to $30/$40 as listed in Director’s Notes for longer Art and Humanities Classes. Passed: 7 yes, 1 no 2. Vote for raising those fees for current year. (#1? #2?) 2 yes, 6 no (Failed.) J. Vote on Facility Improvement, listed in Director’s Notes, p. 2: (#1 Susan Torchia, #2 Whit Dall) Passed: Unanimously K. Discussion of Fundraising planned for next meeting. 1. Need a clear overall policy on Fundraising; Including a “needs” statement. “How we’re using money raised to support programming.” Need $15,000 this year and next. L. Discussion of presence at City Council Meeting regarding disposition of Jackman Bequest and creating a 501.c.3 organization. Jane O. and Scott Hess will confer regarding presence at Council Meeting on November 19 at 6:30 pm. M. Reminder that we will need to nominate candidates to fill coming vacancies on MSAC board. Tina will be stepping down in June, and there will be 6 vacancies, plus five seats which will be filled by current Board members who will continue to fill out their terms. Will need 4 folks for 3 year terms, 1 for a 2 year term and 1 for a one year term. Meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM Next meeting on: January 8, 2015 1:30 PM Notes submitted by Secretary, Sue Stukey 11/17/14