Loading...
Minutes 09-12-22 Minutes of the Senior Advisory Board Regular Meeting Held at City Hall, Commission Chamber, 100 E. Ocean Avenue Boynton Beach, Florida, on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Sandra Watson, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation and Parks Director Ann Cwynar Franky Lazo, Assistant Director Danny Ferrell Brent Rolle, Board Liaison Thomas Devlin Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation Supervisor ABSENT: Judy Lyman Marcia Levine Christina Charles Jane Garcia-Deale 1. Call to Order Chair Watson called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Attendance — Introduction of New Board Member IV. Approval of Agenda 1. Additions, Deletions, Corrections 2. Adoption Chair Watson made two deletions, noting that Gerta Klein and Sherry Johnson are both ill and cannot attend the meeting for their presentations. She added presentations by RJ Ramierez, Director of CDBG, and Ricky Petty, Healthier Boynton Beach. For new business, Chair Watson added a Recall Program, and discussion of a Senior Club versus a Senior Social Society. Motion Ms. Cywnar moved to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Ferrell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, V. Approval of Minutes Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 Motion Chair Watson moved to table the minutes to the next meeting. Mr. Devlin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VI. Public Input (Comments limited to 3 minutes and 1 Turn) None VII. Unfinished Business i. Senior Advisory Board Survey Questions ii. Update on Senior Resource List Mr. Rolle emailed an updated list of resources to the members from Ms. Levine, who was not present. Accordingly, there was no report given. iii. Update on Name Tags, shirts, table cloth and banner Chair Watson stated that she was talking to an assisted living facility that may sponsor the Board for the tablecloth and banners, which she will follow-up on. Mr. Ferrell stated in reference to name tags, he received approval from the City to uses the city logo. A draft of what the nametags would look like was presented. He requested the members review the draft and approve. Mr. Ferrell moved to approve the name tags. Chair Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. Presentations to the Senior Advisory Board i. Carolos Perez, Perez Planning, LLC (Parks System Master Plan) George Gentile, 2GHO Inc, stated he is with the consulting firm hired for the Parks Master Plan gave a presentation. And explained this will help the Department be certified with CAPRA Nick Stevens, Urban Planner with Perez Planning and Design, gave a brief introduction. He explained the plan is to assess the existing conditions of parks and recreational systems, identify parks and recreation trends, needs and priorities, provide strategic and resilient recommendations for improvements of facilities, programs, services, acquisition and development and then meet requirements for the Commission of Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies certification. 2 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 Mr. Stevens advised that they use a five-step planning process and he reviewed their needs and priorities assessment process, draft project schedule, concluding in early 2023. The website was reviewed where individuals can take the survey. Mr. Devlin asked how they conducted outreach to assess needs and learned their focus group did not focus on seniors. Chair as far as information they receive from seniors, what were their top priorities. That is why they are here to ask the Board, they sought the Board's feedback. The survey is still open so complete data was not collected. Mr. Gentile explained that this is an analysis of all of the 51 facilities in Boynton Beach. It analysis the extent of the facilities and services provided and come up with a 10 year plan that would give them a vision and direction to provide rec facilities to each demographic. They want input from a variety of individuals. Mr. Devlin had taken the survey, but he thought the facilities should take seniors into consideration and that someone in a wheelchair could use an exercise path and seniors exercise and participate in activities at different parks and the pools. Mr. Ferrell conveyed that his community felt there are not many parks in the western part of Boynton, and that they would like to see a small park in the area. He commented that many seniors are in oversized wheelchairs and a complaint is that many parks do not have facilities to accommodate the oversized wheelchairs and larger doors are needed to access facilites. There is plenty of handicapped parking, but they should have wider walks and shade for the elderly to go outside in do things. Ms. Cwynar commented in reference to wheelchairs, there are larger seniors in wheelchairs and oversized, hard to get in and out of restroom, so if reimagine, put in larger doors so people needing assistance can access. Ann Cwynar stated there was talk about putting a heart walk around the perimeter of the park, which would be nice. Chair Watson stated that recreational programs for senior are lacking in providing mental and social stimulation. There are no social activities. There are some things, but there are active seniors that still work and they will come out in the evening. She noted that First Friday attracts a lot of seniors. They need to be involved and connected to one another. Mr. Devlin suggested having a senior night at the beach and/or pool once or twice a week. He would like to see vacant lots have a small facilities for neighborhood kids to come too. He liked small neighborhood parks. Chair Watson noted transportation is a big issue for seniors and handicapped accessible transportation is important. Even to get to the parks and programs, 3 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 transportation is difficult. She expressed they need handicapped accessible buses. If having activities for seniors, the activity must be something they can afford. Mr. Devlin noted he see's trolleys in Delray that provide free rides. The trolleys are covered with advertisements, which pays for the service. He thought something similar would be beneficial in Boynton. Chair Watson noted that Delray and Boca have many things for seniors to do, and golf carts are feasible. Boynton does not have an Arts Garage, or Black Box theater. She wanted items to keep seniors active in the City and those types of activities keep Boynton vibrant. Mr. Perez spoke about funding, noting that there are parking impact fees, user fees, grants. Mr. Devlin thought fees should be structured to have the least impact on seniors. He commented he pays twice for a decal for each of his vehicles registered to the same address. He thought they should pay one perhaps discounted fee instead of two as it would help those on fixed incomes Chair Watson thought that they should actively pursue grants. She favored funding a line item for senior activities and thought Recreation and Parks could work with CDBG and other funds. Chair Watson requested a presentation of trends for seniors in other communities and what cities they studied. Mr. Watson also requested a list of different funding sources. It was noted sometimes programs are pay as you go. Mr. Devlin suggested coordinating with County parks. Kacy Young thanked the Board Members for their input. ii. Gerda Klein, Boynton Beach Mental Health This item was deferred to the next meeting. iii. Ricky Petty, Healthier Boynton Beach Ricky Petty, Healthier Boynton Beach, thanked the Board for allowing him to come and speak. Healthier Boynton Beach is a health initiative funded through Palm Health Foundation. The Foundation. came up with the idea of Heathier Together which is a community driven resident initiative. They are in six different cities in Palm Beach County. Each community selected from three focus areas. Caregiving was something that just happened and the Foundation wants to educate them about resources available to them. Caregivers do not know all of the resources. The Foundation wants to 4 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 emphasize selfcare, and Mr. Petty explained that a caregiver is someone who takes care of an aging parent, a spouse caring for a spouse or a child, or caring for a disabled child. The Foundation has a steering committee and work group. Work groups focused on their topics. They offer mini grants, from $1 K to $51K, and organizations submit a proposal that impacts them and the Committee decides whether to fund. They usually select 8 groups, and in over four years have provided over $130K. They hold workshops on a variety of topics. They also have Family Care Giver Appreciation Day and November is Caregiver Appreciation Month. They have a lunch. Youth care givers are also given recognition. They partner with different organizations in support of care givers. He invited all to visit their website which is Health ierBoyntonbeach.org. Mr. Petty advised that they partner with Be Well Palm Beach County and developed a Care Givers Club and they are not limited to the 33435 zip code. They recently held a Painting with a Twist and line dancing activity. If someone from another zip code comes, they are fine. He was open to working with the Board to create that structure. There is room for programming. He is hosting a community dialogue in Delray on mental health. Chair Watson asked if there was anything Mr. Petty wanted the Board to assist or partner with and learned the Foundation is always looking for volunteers and sponsorships for the Caregivers Luncheon. Chair Watson is part of this organization and announced that it is a wonderful program. It really helps. Mr. Devlin hoped they could get partnerships and sponsors. RJ Ramierez, Community Improvement Manager— CDBG Funds RJ Ramierez, Community Improvement Manager, stated the City gets about $500K each year from Housing and Urban Development which is used for different programs to serve the local community. Some of the programs can be used for seniors. The funds help non-profits with programs for rental assistance with the Boynton Beach Faith Based Community Development Corporation CDC and for those impacted by Covid. Funds have been used for senior meals, caregiving and other services. Mr. Ramierez advised that on August 16th CC approved the emergency rehabilitation program for seniors that need help with repairs for Air conditioners, water heaters, or handicapped ramps or accessibility. Roofs, impact windows and repairs can go up to $25K and this program will operate in partnership with Boynton CDC. The City also approved $500K Will do a city-wide program for rental assistance for low-income seniors, they will buy a few units for those seniors that are low income and pay rents. Mr. Ramierez explained that if they have an open application period for programs to be funded through CDBG, the City Commission approves funding and then programs are put in place. 5 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 Mr. Ramierez also elaborated on the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program that provides purchasing assistance that do not have funds for a down payment, and it is based on income. There are also funds for minor emergency repairs and another program for rehabilitation that can fund up to $97K if house is needed. Funds can also be used for transportation. Chair Watson if they come up with programs for social they can apply for funds to cover transportation. Mr. Ramierez explained that applications are open to all non-profits, of how they can assist seniors. Most seniors would qualify and he will ensure the City's Marketing Department and other organizations will publicize it so all will be aware. It was noted the Board would have to partner with a non-profit organization. Franky Lazo, Assistant Director, stated the Board can partner with a non-profit who will spearhead it. Mr. Devlin suggested contacting Palm Tran. Mr. Devlin asked if they could get assistance for only one or two items. Minor repairs can go up to $25K.for seniors aged 62 and older based on gross annual income. It is free money and there is no soft second mortgage. Most seniors will qualify and the program will be advertised. iv. Sherry Johnson, Boynton Beach Faith Based CDC This item was deferred to the next meeting. IX. New Business i. Faith Based Thanksgiving Food Basket Goal (Sherry & Dan Ferrell) Mr. Ferrell stated that he would speak with Sherry Johnson who is out, but she made him aware of a Thanksgiving food program they hold distributing food baskets. She wanted to get this out in the community to see if they can collect food to distribute this year. They are looking for 250 baskets with dry good with a gift card. Of the 250 baskets, 180 baskets go just for the senior citizens in their program. He will meet with her again to go over the logistics and when it needs to be turned in and provide further information in the future. He thought the members could ask their neighbors and try to obtain gift cards and present it to the CDC as a group as the Board's donation to the group for their thanksgiving baskets. They would need collection sites. Mr. Devlin thought it should be done as individuals and not as a Board. Mr. Lazo stated that the City has a campaign with United Way and they just set up donation boxes at the recreation centers, which United Way picks it up. He thought it may be easier to go through the non-profit. Chair Watson requested Finance set up an account for the Board. Mr. Ferrell stated that he will have additional information at the next meeting. 6 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 ii. Attending upcoming events: Senior Center Open House (Week of September 26) Fall Festival at Centennial Park (October 15) Senior Center Health Fair at Ezell Hester Center (October 18) Healthier Boynton Beach Caregivers Luncheon at Benvenuto's (Nov 15) Chair Watson stated that if they get name tags, the members could attend the above events. Mr. Devlin asked if the Healthier Boynton Beach Caregivers luncheon was for the members to attend to familiarize the public with the Board or obtain sponsors. Mr. Ferrell will speak with Mr. Petty, but he thought it was more to be representative of the Board. Chair Watson requested the members put these events on their calendar to attend. Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation Manager, stated that she is in charge of the Senior Center and thanked the Board for their efforts. They are working on a program to get seniors out and about. Ms. DeGraffenreidt stated that they will try to work with staff that have CDL licenses to transport seniors to outdoor events as in 2022/2023, they want to get seniors moving. Ms. DeGraffenreidt commented that she is going to network and share ideas with Delray senior club. Ms. DeGraffenreidt stated that they will work with the Mae Volen Center and they will look into senior trips. Longer trips use charter buses and local trips use City buses or vans. Mr. Lazo announced that earlier in the day today, (September 12th) they closed the Harvey Oyer Boat Ramp for two months and that today was also the last day to vote for the Pioneer Canal Park competition. The top three winners will receive $75K to make upgrades and park improvements there. Today was also the last day to take the online survey for the master plan. iii. Proposal for Presentation to the Commission for funding Chair Watson stated that she had a proposal to make to the Commission for funding, which she will discuss. . X. Next Meeting...................... October 3, 2022 Agenda items would be due by Wednesday September 21St XI. Adjournment Motion Mr. Devlin moved to adjourn. Ms. Cwynar seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 Meeting Minutes Senior Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 12, 2022 unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 4:03 P.M. (Lakalm�— Jjuvut Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 8