Senior Services Commission

Approved Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Senior Services Commission Village of Northbrook Cook County, Illinois July 12, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Wax Terrace Room. Present were Chairman Wax, Members Stern, Ganitopoulos, Pesman, Forde, Abrams, and Louis. Also present were Liaison Kaup and Realty and Mortgage representatives Crane and Rider. Review and Approval of Minutes from May 24, 2012 Meeting A motion was made to accept the minutes by L. Ganitopoulos with corrections. With changes noted, this was seconded by M. Abrams. On voice vote, motion carried. New Business 1) Cable TV discussion Cheryl Fayne-dePersio, Village Communications Manager, reported that cable installations have caused issues at Crestwood Place over the past few years. Lines become crossed as cable installers use phone lines for neighboring units, which leave some units without the necessary lines later on. One possible solution she suggested is to have cable installed in every unit at a cost of $37.00 per month to be added to the rent. Right now, about half the units pay for Comcast cable at a higher rate. Chairman Wax said it should be left up to the residents. Member Pesman agreed that a referendum is a good idea. Member Abrams said that seniors are averse to change, and that this may be a financial burden some may not want. Manager Crane said the problem is both with Comcast and AT&T. Member Stern commented that it is not a good idea to force a rent increase for this service. Hugh Rider of Realty and Mortgage mentioned that you cannot have only one provider. He will work on researching the issue with Cheryl before next meeting, and come back with a recommendation. Chairman’s Report Chairman Wax reported that Dan Kaup, staff liaison to the Commission has accepted a position with the Village of Brookfield, Illinois, and will no longer work for the Village of Northbrook. Member Stern made a motion, seconded by Member Pesman, for the Commission to thank Dan for his years of service. The motion was approved. Chairman Wax reported that there are currently two vacancies on the Commission, and both will be filled by President Frum. Mort also stated that President Frum has commented that she would like to see the Commission spend more time on improving services to Northbrook seniors. Manager’s Report Crestwood Manager Crane reported that the building is nearly fully occupied, and that the walk-in shower replacement for this year began on July 9. Minutes of a Regular Senior Housing Commission Meeting July 12, 2012 Budget and Finance Committee 1) Review of April and May 2012 Financial Report Chairman Wax thanked Realty and Mortgage for such a positive fiscal improvement for the operation of the Crestwood Place facility over the past few years. He noted that last fiscal year, the Fund was $92,000 under budget, which resulted in a 58% Fund balance reserve. Chairman Wax asked why the debt service is under budget, and liaison Kaup mentioned that the annual interest and principle payment was over estimated. It should have been budgeted at $62,450 rather than $72,000. A Motion to accept financials was made by Member Forde, and was seconded by Member Ganitopoulos. On voice vote, the motion passed. Old Business 1) Village to Village Survey Member Louis reported that the Village to Village survey response was strong, with 451 responses. She reported that 22.4% of Northbrook residents are 65 years or older, and many responded that they would like to stay in their homes. The Subcommittee for the study will put together a white paper that will be reviewed by the Commission prior to it being sent to the Board of Trustees. She also stated that she hopes the project is completed by October. 2) Unit C-107 Chairman Wax began the conversation by stating that there will be no vote on this item tonight, as it is not explicitly mentioned on the agenda. Member Pesman stated that she thinks the unit is very suitable for rental by a senior on a fixed income. She feels it is in good repair. Member Forde stated that he would recommend that it be rented out with a walk-in shower unit. Hugh Rider of R and M agreed that it is a very rentable unit. Member Stern asked to know what the actual cost of renovating the unit will be, as well as the return on investment. Member Louis stated that a senior would not be able to climb out of the window in an emergency. Member Ganitopoulos also has safety concerns. Member Louis then gave a brief history of the unit and why it was taken off the rent role. Taking a straw poll, the Commissioners decided 5-2 that Realty and Mortgage should prepare a lean line item budget for costs to upgrade the unit so the Commission can vote next meeting on whether the unit will be rented. Also, a letter from Fire Prevention Bureau Director Kevin Frangiamore will be included explaining that the unit is safe to occupy. R and M will include a letter on the marketability of the unit and a contingency for where the files that are now stored in the unit will be moved. Next Regular Meeting Date: September 13, 2012 Adjourn On a motion made by Member Forde, and seconded by Member Louis, the meeting was adjourned at 2 Minutes of a Regular Senior Housing Commission Meeting July 12, 2012 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Dan Kaup, Liaison 3