Senior Services Committee

CITY OF VERONA SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 11, 2020 VERONA SENIOR CENTER MINUTES 1. The meeting of the Senior Services Committee was called to order by Katie Kohl at 5:45 p.m. 2. Roll Call: On roll call: Charlotte Jerney, Katie Kohl, and Christine Posey were present. Also present: Stephanie Ehle, Senior Center Director; Jim Zelem, President of the Friends of Verona Senior Center; and Ellen Clark, City Clerk. 3. Public Comment: None 4. Approval of the minutes from the January 14, 2020 Senior Services Committee meeting. Motion by Jerney, seconded by Posey, to approve the minutes from the January 14, 2020 Senior Services Committee meeting. Motion carried 3-0. 5. Director’s Report:  Ehle reported that there have been some inquiries about facility rentals. People seem to think the fees are fair.  Ehle met with Police Chief Coughlin and City Administrator Sayre regarding security concerns at the Senior Center. Lieutenant Dresser also physically looked at the property and took information back to the Police Department. The solution will likely be a combination of keys, and possibly one key fob. Kohl will follow up with Lt. Dresser.  The Center is looking at different food options in an attempt to provide clients with more variety for lunch. Ehle has met with Epic, and is pursuing other catering options, as well. Lunch items are currently purchased from Dane County Consolidated Foods, and Staff is finding that the variety and quality of the food is not as good as they would like. Ehle stated the center used to charge a flat amount for the meal, but there is now a “pay as you’re able” charge in place. Meals on Wheels receives payment through suggested donation amounts, versus sending a bill every month. The Center receives some reimbursement from Care Wisconsin for people that are receiving free meals. The Center averages five in-house meals, and thirty Meals on Wheels daily. Lunch and Learn sessions will begin this month to bring some entertainment to the lunch hour, as well. 6. Budget Discussion: Posey asked Zelem if he had any specific questions regarding the budget. Zelem replied he would like to understand the relationship between Senior Center expenses that fall under the City’s budget, and expenses for which the Friends of the Senior Center may be responsible or wish to pick up. For instance, if Staff needs a new computer, should the Friends purchase it, or should the cost come from the City budget. Posey replied that is really determined as things come up. This year’s budget was based on the previous year’s budget, as well as any additional needs or expenses. No department  received any extras from the budget this year. The goal was to not raise taxes on Verona residents, and the budget process went forward in all departments based on what was necessary to keep taxes as close to the same rate as last year. The things that are seen as needs, such as Staff, utilities, and food, will have priority and are the City’s responsibility. The Board should inform Stephanie as they identify items throughout the year that they believe would benefit the Center. Stephanie can, in turn, request that those things be considered in the budget process. The bottom line is the Finance Committee and Common Council have to do their best to ensure that the City as a whole is in good financial shape. The City sometimes needs the help of the Friends of the Senior Center Board to fill the gaps. The City is thankful for the Board’s support. Zelem asked the reason for the committee’s concern at the last meeting about the number of City, versus non-City, residents using the center. Kohl replied that, as Alderpersons, they want to ensure that the people they represent and serve are receiving appropriate service from their tax dollars. Jerney replied they are also interested in which programs are being used the most by people from various areas. Structuring the demographics is helpful in knowing how best to serve the community. Posey explained how the Senior Center information system works, and stated that it puts together a good picture of what is happening at the Center. 7. Building Security Update: This item was discussed in the Director’s Report. 8. Staffing Updates: Ehle has created an intern job opportunity. The emphasis of the position will be to help the Senior Center and Human Resources Coordinator Mitch Weckerly with employee wellness items. Ehle likes to pull interns from U.W. – Stevens Point and U.W. – Lacrosse. This would probably be a summer or fall internship. Internships give students real world experience, and help them build a resume. 9. Reports on Programs and Case Management: Programs Ehle stated Staff is pushing forward with some new programs, and thinking outside the box. Ehle reported on upcoming programs, including: oral care as it relates to heart health; four- week qigong classes; line dancing; blogging; tax preparation assistance from AARP volunteers; meditation; and a “Turning Points of American History course. Staff is also studying program resources in an attempt to cut the budget and better apply programming money. Case Management Ehle reported there have been no requests for Helping Hands or caregivers. The new outreach format continues, and clients are adjusting well. A guest speaker from the Dane County Veterans Administration will be meeting with the Vets Group, and funds are available to help support a Vets trip. The Caregivers Group is going well, with new members joining every month. The Triad schedule for the next three months includes stress  management; a personal safety demo class at Wisconsin Martial Arts and Fitness; and a prescription drug presentation. A Safety Fair is scheduled for June. 10. Other Business: None 11. Adjournment: Motion by Jerney, seconded by Posey, to adjourn at 6:21 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.