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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-2015 Senior Center Commission<%> The Center IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER Agenda Thursday March 19, 2015 4 p.m. — 5:30 p.m. Room 202 Time 4-4:15 p.m. 1. Introductions—Honohan 2. Minutes (January 22, 2015 and February 13, 2015) 3. Public Discussion 4. Commission Assignments—Honohan ✓ Commission Visits Board of Supervisors—???? Call in advance to be placed on the agenda 1. Thursday March 26 and April 2 at 9 a.m. City Council—???? All meeting dates are tentative and should be checked prior to attending 1. Monday, March 23 and April 7 at 7 p.m. --???? 4:15 —4:20 p.m. S. Steering Council Report —Mitchell 4:20-4:40 p.m. 6. New Horizons Band Update—Honohan 4:30 — 5 p.m. 7. Discussion of Response to Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations - Kopping 5 — 5:15 p.m. 8. Operational Overview—Kopping ✓ Staff Reports 5:15 — 5:30 p.m. 9. Commission Discussion—Honohan Meeting Packets: 1. Agenda: Thursday, March 19, 2015 2. Minutes: Senior Center Commission, Thursday, February 19, 2015 3. Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Report to the City Council (without attachments) 4. Staff Reports Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION February 19, 2015 ROOM 202, IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER Members Present: Jay Honohan, Chuck Felling, Kathy Mitchell, Mark Holbrook, Margaret Reese, Cheryl Clamon, Jack Hobbs Members Absent: Staff Present: Linda Kopping, Kristin Kromray, Michelle Buhman, Craig Buhman Others Present: Andy Davis RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Honohan at 4:00 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 22, 2015 MEETING: Felling noted a spelling correction of Eric Goers name on page 2. Motion: To accept the minutes from the January 22, 2015 meeting as amended. Motion carried on a vote of 7/0. Mitchell/Reese APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 13, 2015 MEETING: Felling noted a word change on page 4 from 'owes" to 'owns". Motion: To accept the minutes from the February 13, 2015 meeting as amended. Motion carried on a vote of 7/0. Mitchell/Reese PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS: Honohan will attend a City Council meeting in March. 1 Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 STEERING COUNCIL REPORT: Mitchell reported that the Steering Council met on February 12th. The membership committee reported that the group of the month would highlight Kristy Cameron's classes. A newcomer's breakfast will be held on February 23'd Kromray added that the Annual Meeting will be held on April 23'd and that all Commissioners are invited. Mitchell continued that the Outreach Committee has had or will have a number of presentations including ones at the Coralville Rec Center pot luck, a meeting with sorority house mothers, a bereavement group at Lensing Funeral Home, and a retiree conference. The Program Committee discussed evaluation forms for classes. There will be a meeting for instructors to meet other instructors on February 27th. NEW HORIZONS BAND UPDATE: Honohan reported that the joint meeting with the Friends of the New Horizons Band, Steering Council and Senior Center Commission on the 13th was well attended. Honohan stated there were many questions and concerns raised and he hopes the meeting cleared up the majority of these concerns. All parties agreed that Honohan could use the independent contractor agreement signed by the Friends of the Iowa City New Horizons Band (FNHB) as a framework and flush out issues discussed during the meeting to prepare a revised agreement for consideration. Since the meeting he has been working with Kopping, Eric Goers and Geoff Fruin to draft the revised agreement and hopes to have a copy to Jean Hill of the FNHB within a day or two. Honohan asked for a volunteer to work with him and Kopping when negotiating the contract with the FNHB. Kathy Mitchell volunteered. Kopping noted at the meeting on the 13th there seemed to be a belief that no tax dollars had been spent the NHB. She stated while funds to buy music and equipment were paid with band participation fees, there are many additional costs associated with any program. These costs include such things as staff time for programming, accounting support, and space usage. This fact does not seem to be completely understood and she would like to convey the information in a way that did not appear to be defensive. She said there have been many negative things said about the Senior Center and staff regarding the issues with the NHB. Further, it seems that there is a perception that the Senior Center has been actively working against the NHB. She hopes that all of these things can be clarified and resolved. Felling identified a couple of things that struck him as important during the 13th meeting. He said the music librarians were concerned about the music and who 2 Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 would take care of it. Felling noted that they could still continue to be volunteers in this capacity. The other item that stuck out to him was when a band member mentioned that he was concerned that if another group was allowed to use band equipment and the possibility that it could become damaged. Felling noted that the Senior Center has been a good custodian of the band equipment for 20 years and does not see why that would change in the future. Holbrook stated he was surprised by the urgency with which the concern over music not being available was. He said it seemed unlikely that two groups would need music at the exact same time and that steps could be taken to ensure this was not an issue. Further if another senior center group needed to use the music and as long as it was returned in good condition, he did not understand why this would be an issue. Mitchell noted that she was surprised by this as well. She noted that she was part of a different performance group at the Senior Center and that she has always been impressed with Michelle's ability to coordinate all of the various equipment and space needs that occur at the Senior Center and she does not see why the coordination of the music would be different. Kopping noted that she hopes that everyone can move forward on this issue and get back to a place where there is a positive working relationship again. STATUS OF SENIOR CENTER ALCOHOL POLICY: Honohan noted that the alcohol committee has not had a chance to meet. He is hoping that they will be able to meet sometime in the coming month. OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW: Kopping reported that she has been asked by Geoff Fruin to come up with a plan for addressing each of the each of the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee. Kopping noted that she has been looking into fundraising. She recently met with a financial consultant, Linda Wastyn about developing a strategic plan for fundraising. Wastyn submitted a formal proposal for $8000. The proposal includes a series of focus groups with members, non-members and city leaders, and creating a closed ended survey that would be distributed on the website and via paper copies. The information gained would provide the foundation for a fundraising plan and marketing goals. She would then work with staff and anyone hired to work on implementing the fundraising and marketing plan. Kopping reviewed Wastyn's credentials and also noted that she will be contacting her references. Kopping reported that she also will be attending local fundraisings seminars and has been participating in webinars to increase her knowledge in the area of fundraising. She said that in the near future she would be asking for a committee 3 Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 to help work on the other areas of the Ad Hoc recommendations. Holbrook noted that he would be willing to be on this committee. Honohan wanted clarification that the $8000 would be only for fundraising and marketing plan and that implementation would be separate. Kopping said that that is the true. He questioned if that was good use of the money. Reese noted fundraising and marketing are part of an overall plan for resource development. She said that there is a lot of work that goes into this and that $8000 is extremely reasonable for doing all the work necessary to develop a plan of this nature. The Commission discussed the importance of growing the Friends of the Center's endowment because of its annual contribution to the operational budget as well as receiving donations directly to the operational budget. Kopping indicated that she would like Friends of the Center to pay an appropriate proportion of the fee for the consultant given the fact that the strategic plan would include both the operational budget and endowment. Honohan indicated he would call a meeting of Friends of the Center to discuss this. Motion: To approve the proposal of Wastyn and Associates. Hobbs/Holbrook 7/0. Kopping inquired about the spring class registration. Kromray answered that it began the day before and registration had been busy. Holbrook asked how the online registration was going. Kromray answered that it was going well but that the hardest part was when a member logged on for the first time. Honohan asked if there were instructions on how to do this. Kromray answered that yes, there are instructions on the Senior Center website homepage. She stated that if any member has any issues with logging in or using the registration site that they can contact her directly for assistance. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Motion: To elect the following officers: Chair: Jay Honohan. Felling/Clamon 7/0. Vice Chair: Mark Holbrook. Mitchell/Reese 7/0. Secretary: Kathy Mitchell. Holbrook/Reese. 7/0. Mitchell agreed to continue being the Steering Council liaison. Honohan reported that the City Council had approved the Ad Hoc Committee report. He said that overall the report and its reception was favorable to the Senior Center. The one issue that was highlighted was the need for the Senior Center to continue raising non -tax funds. 4 Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 ADJOURNMENT: Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 7/0. Holbrook/Reese Preliminary Minutes February 19, 2014 Senior Center Commission Attendance Record Year2015 Name Term Expires 2/6 2/20 3/3 3/20 5/15 6/19 7/17 10/23 11/20 1/22/15 2/13/15 2/19/15 X X X Chuck Felling 12/31/15 X X X X X X X X X X X Rose Hanson 12/31/14 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X Jack Hobbs 12/31/16 X O/E X X X X X X X X X X Mark Holbrook 12/31/14 X X O/E X X X X X X X X X Jay Honohan 12/31/16 X X X X X X X X X X X X Kathy Mitchell 12/31/15 X X X X X X X X X X O/E X Margaret Reese 12/31/15 O/E X X X X O/E X X X Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting -- = Not a member 03/18/2015 10:49 OF IOWA CITY 1 (CITY KKromray YEAR TO DATE REPORT IP glytdbud FOR 2015 99 JOURNAL DETAIL 2015 1 TO 2015 9 ACCOUNTS FOR: ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT 10570100 Senior Center Administrations APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL HNC/REQ BUDGET USED 336110 Johnson County -70,000 0 -70,000 -59,224.00 .00 -10,776.00 84.6% 346400 Lessons -4,680 0 -4,680 -418.00 .00 -4,262.00 8.9% 346600 Membership Fees -50,000 0 -50,000 -40,303.00 .00 -9,697.00 80.6% 348900 Charges for Services 0 0 0 -84.50 .00 84.50 100.0% 356200 Permit Parking -17,050 0 -17,050 -19,470.00 .00 2,420.00 114.2% 362100 Contrib & Donations -51,000 0 -51,000 -11,779.94 .00 -39,220.06 23.1% 363910 Misc Sale of Merchandise -7,736 0 -7,736 -4,455.48 .00 -3,280.35 57.6% 369100 Reimb of Expenses 0 0 0 -1,716.75 .00 1,716.75 100.0% 382200 Building/Room Rental -400 0 -400 -560.00 .00 160.00 140.0% 382400 Locker Rentals -1,224 0 -1,224 -1,104.00 .00 -120.25 90.2% 384200 Vending Machine Commission -322 0 -322 -212.55 .00 -109.04 66.1% TOTAL Senior Center Administrations -202,412 0 -202,412 -139,328.22 .00 -63,083.45 68.8% TOTAL REVENUES -202,412 0 -202,412 -139,328.22 .00 -63,083.45 Current membership as of 3/18/2015 = 1618 AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL Approved November 24, 2014 Executive Summary Committee's Approach The Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee was established pursuant to the terms of Resolution No. 14- 37 on February 18ih, 2014. The committee met regularly to accomplish the three tasks charged by the City Council. Public comment was received at all meetings and a special meeting was held on November 12, 2014 to hear public input specific to die committee's initial draft report to the City Council. This final report reflects all changes made subsequent to the November 12"' public input meeting. 11. Charge 1: Evaluation of Senior Center The committee was directed to evaluate the current vision, mission and programming of the Senior Center. This task was accomplished with input from Senior Center staff and members of the public, as well through a review of existing reports and related documents concerning the Senior Center. The committee found that the Senior Center's programs "promote active oging of a corsistentlp high level". The committee agreed with the National Council on Aging's assessment that the "Senior Center txeets, all nine standcoWs of national avicellence, Including program development and lnnplemenra!/on." The committee recognized the Senior Center's collaboration with agencies that provide service to seniors. The committee evaluated opportunities for improvement, which included "a review of fees and other wars to asstst !it the f und/ng of the Center should be encourager.." Notably, the committee fell that scholarships for low-income participants should be continued and encouraged. Finally, the committee recognized that "efforts are being made to increase ethnic, racial, economic, and other hyes of diversitt ." The committee acknowledged the difficulty in measuring ion-nnentber use of the Senior Center. However, the committee encourages staff to "consider vans to collect data to demonstrate cosmnmifi-[ride, nadti-generational parlicipntion in activities and events." 111. Charge 2: Financial S Physical Resources The committee spent considerable time attempting to [understand the existing and expected future resources of the City. It is noted that property tax reform and a declining trend of federal assistance will likely result in increased financial pressures on the community. In order to better understand the needs of the senior population, the committee heard from City staff members from multiple departments and committee members reviewed agencies providing servieo to seniors in the community. Time and resource constraints did not allow for a more formal approach to gauge the needs or the senior population. A professional survey should be considered by the City Council. Summarized recommendations from the committee related to this charge are outlined below: • The City should continue to work of goals to identify and utilize revenue sources; • The City should assess opportunities to generate revenue through rentals; • The City should consider the needs of low-income seniors as a high priority when allocating federal, state and local funds to external agencies: • The City should seek additional funds from other cities in Johnson County and the Board of Supervisors whose residents utilize the Ccnte; • The City should assess opportunities to share space, funding strategies and other resources with relevant community agcucies; REPORT PAGE 1 • The City should encourage all agencies that serve seniors, irrespective of whether that is their primary mission, to apply for any available finds that serve low-income seniors; • The City should commission a professional survey to better understand the needs of seniors; • The City should maintain[ the Center in its current location; and • The City should take steps to enhance accessibility to and within the Center. IV. Charge 3: Obstacles to Serving the Senior Population The filial charge of the committee was to identify tiny obstacles, including facility considerations, which may be hindering the City's ability to serve the senior population and to make recommendations thatwould minimize or elmminate such obstacles. The committee's recommendations are summarized below: A. Obstacle: Transportation. Recommendation: Transportation -related issues -- especially in light of the reduced funding to SEATS -- are problematic for certain segments of tine senior population. The City should assess the transportation -related issues in more detail. R. Obstacle: Difficulties with expansion of diversity. Recomtttendatiow The Senior Center Commission, the Steering Council, and the Center staff should continue to explore ways to add the current diversity of participants at the Center, and to make sure the diversity reflects that of the community at large. C. Obstacle: Gaps in services for seniors. Recommendation: The City and agencies that serve older adults should engage in it dialogue with appropriate organizations to better understand any gaps in services. The dialogue should include tine continued identification of possible areas of collaboration between the City and various agencies. D. Obstacle: Barriers to access The Center. Recommendation: Assess the challenges with accessing The Center (e.g. time allotted to cross streets at tine corner of Linn and Washington; timely snow and ice removal in the winter; slippery paint on crosswalks; public bus stop in front of ADA entrance on R'ashingtom St.), L. Obstacle: Lack of community awareness of the inclusivity of The Center programs. Recommendations: Increase emphasis on the availability of multi-gencrational programming that benefits everyone in the community, not just seniors. F. Obstacle: Lack of downtown affordable housing for low and middle-ineaue seniors. Recommendation: Explore ways to increase downtown affordable housing and universal design for low and middle -income seniors. G. Obstacle: Decrease in funding. Recommendation: Avenues should be explored to increase contributions from other cities in Johnson County and from the Board of Supervisors. H. Obstacle: Lackof articulated vision for how to stake Iowa City age friendly. Recommendation: The City Council should establish an exploratory committee to consider the WHO (World Health Organization) approach to age friendly cities. REPORT PAGE 2 Ad floc Senior Services Committee I. Establishment of the Committee The Ad Hoe Senior Services Committee ('Committee') was established by the Iowa City City Council ("Council') on tho 18" day of February, 2014. II. CommitteeMembers Joe Younker -Chair 5/1/2014 12/1/2014 Mercedes Bern-Klug 5/1/2014 1214/2014 Ellen Cannon 5/112014 12/1t2014 Jane Dolrmraon -- -- -- 5/1/2014 121V2014 ------------- ___ . hick Dobyns-Council Member -- ---- - - 5/1/2014 ---------------- 12/1/2014 Jay H. flonohan 5/1/2014 I2'1/2014 Hiram Richard Webber 5/1/2014 12/1/2014 III. Enabling Resolution and Committee Charge Pursuant to the terms of Resolution No. 14-37 ("Resolution'), a copy of which is attached to this Repot as E-d ibit A, Council has charged the Committee with three tasks: .4. To evaluate the current vision, mission, toad programing, and recent accomplishments of the Senior Center, as derailed in the 2013 Annual Report (Exhibit B). Further, andto review the current demagrcaphics of the participants served by the Senior Center Survey of hfembers, Former Members, as irell cis other mailable data resources from the Senior C:ealer, and determine n•hether segments of tJre senior population cure rrat accessing araihrble ser•yices..9 sunancaly of this committee eyahiation and its final relaledflndtngs shall be hichWed hr the final written report to the On, Council, B. To make recommendations to the Ci0, Comicil on how Iowa Cih• should ase carrent•inancial and pl;rsica! resoutrces to meet the needs oflou a Cih'senlors. These i econrnreadeelions slumricl consider the Citv's arse of existing resources and the vision• mission, andprogramming requited to more q&cliveh- serve the growing senior popidalion In the conrnumity in accordance with the inclusive mad sustainable values expressed in the City's Strategic Plan. Such recommendations shall Include commentat y regarding the speck segments of the senior population that their intend to serve. C. To identify arty obstacles, Includingfacilih' considerations, which may be hindering the City's abilih• to ser•re the senior population rind to make recommendations that would minimize or eiimrnale such obstacles. REPORT PAGE 3 IN'. Meetings Conducted The Ad Hoc Committee Chair Joseph Younker, vice chair Jane Dolumarm, members Mercedes Bem- Klug, Ellen Cannon, Richard Dobyas, Jay Honolran, and Rick Webber, staffMarian Karr and Geoff Frain, convened on May 5, 2014. The committee adopted a meeting format as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Consider motion to adopt consent calendar as presented or amended a) rnintiles b1 correspondence 3. Discussion by the committee on selected items 4. Reports from contact members re local agencies 5. Public discussion (items not on the agenda) Public comment at the meetings was extensive relating to the Committee's responsibilities, the Center, and other local agencies providing services to seniors. Charge 1: Evaluation of the Center I. Description of the Center In 1981, the City completed the rehabilitation of the old Post Office building at 28 S. Lian, Iowa City, Iowa. The original mail workroom is now the assembly room that hosts a variety of informative and entertaining programs as well as the site for the senior dining program. A mezzanine tloor was added to make more efficient use of the vertical space above the assembly room. The building has a variety of offices, meeting and exercise rooms. II. Key Considerations A copy of the full evaluation is attached to this report identified as Exhibit C. The following, however, provides an overview of (lie Center's areas of excellence, opportunities for improvement, and items for further review. A. .Areas of'ercellence 4• The Center is the primary, central resource for quality programs and services that promote optimal aging for seniors in Qtc Iowa City conununity, lire Center's programs promote active aging at a consistently high level. The Committee agrees with the report completed by the National Council of the Aging National Institute of Senior Centers, the Center accomplishes its Vision' and Mission: ' 'To be the community's primary resource for the highest quality programs, services, and opportunities that promote optimal aging." "To promote optimal aging among older adults by offering programs and services that promote wellness, social Interaction, community engagement, and intellectual growth,' REPORT PAGE 4 •'r The Center is the only nationally accredited senior center in the state of Iowa (Exhibit D). The Committee agrees with the National Council on Aging's assessment that the Senior Center meets all nine standards of national excellence, including program development and implementation, In addition, results from the 2013 survey (Exhibit E) and the comments from members during the Committee meetings indicate high satisfaction with the center. The Center is a strong community asset supporting thousands ofpersons a year to learn new skills, make friends, share interests, and engage more fully in the community. The Committee recognizes the Center leadership for using financial and other resources well as it works toward fulfilling its mission of promoting optimal aging in our community. In 2013, 360 unique classes were offered at the Center (Program Guide available on Center website). Volunteers donated 24,400 hours towards the operation. Persons benefited from services offered by other agencies at the Center, including Visiting Nurses Association, AARP Tax Aid, Elder Services Agency, volunteer lawyers, counseling, SMPP, Honoring Your Wishes, and English language learners' (ELL) classes. The Center Staff is responsible for coordinating these programs, organizing registration and appointments, in addition to organizing volunteers. Currently the Center has 1592 members. Membership dues are $33 for a single Iowa City resident. Non -Iowa City fees are higher. Scholarship fees are S10 for low-income seniors. In addition to the members, many older adults and younger people benefit from programs, •S The Center staff consists of the, coordinator, program and commmunity outreach specialists, au operations assistant, two maintenance workers and three part time staff assisted by the Senior Cotter Commission, the Steering Committee, and senior volunteers. The current level of stalling does not permit providing activities and services for people experiencing advanced dementia or other cognitive hupainnents requiring supervision and assistance. However, the Center does serve seniors who have disabilities and limited cognitive impairment. B. Uppornanties for improvement The fees for participants in the Center are reasonable, but considering future budget constraints, a review of fees and other ways to assist in the funding of tine Center should be considered. Scholarships for low-income participants should be continued and encouraged. The current level of diversity in the participants at the Center continues to ben concern of the Senior Center Commission, the Steering Council, and staff. Efforts are being made to increase diversity. C. Data gaps and identificotlon of»taners for ftn thw revrerr/shrdr :• The Senior Center Commission, Steering Council (composed of volunteers), and staff are continuing their efforts to increase diversity at tine Center. Methods of supplementing and improving these efforts should be revie,ed, REPORT PAGE 5 Tlie Senior Center Conunissiou, Steering Council (composed of vohmteeis), and staff should evaluate membership fees and other ways to assist in funding the operational budget. 4• The Committee considered asking the staff to collect demographic characteristics and usage information of nonmembers who participate in activities at the Center, but decided against doing so because of the burden on the staff and the discomfort that some participants may feel in disclosing personal information, Center staff should consider ways to collect data to demonstrate cone n inity-wide, multi -generational participation on activities and events. (Exhibit F — Senior Center Strategic Plan Booklet) Charge 2: Physical and Financial Resources I. Understanding of City Financials In order to better understand the City's financial position, the Committee sought information on existing resources as well as expected financial trends in the coming years. Specifically, the Committee reviewed information on bow the City funds the Center and supports non-profit agencies through the Aid to Agencies and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. Tlie Commnittee also reviewed previous correspondence from staff to the Council concerning the projected impacts of the 2013 property tax reforin legislation and heard directly on that issue from Finance Director, Denis Boekenstedt, Finally, the Committee reviewed funding trends in the CDBG and HUME federal grant programs, 'I lie Committee reviewed the FY 13, FY 14 and FY 15 Center budgets. At the time of review, only the FY 13 budget reflected actual revenues and expenditures. The Center operates with expenditures of 5778,491 (FY 13) and revenues of 5209,724 (FY 13). This means the General Fund contributed 5568,766 un FY 13. While FY 14 and FY 15 budgets were not closed out, it appears from the Committee's review and staff cormnents that the General Fund contribution tends to be in the 70-75% of expenditures range. Similar to other City operations, the vast majority of expenditures are personnel related. Approximately 1%of the City's General Fund is allocated to the Center. The Committee also reviewed the FY 13-15 allocations for the City's Aid to Agencies and CDBG programs. As the Council understands, there is a prioritization process that guides the allocation of these funds. Over die last three years the City's contributions have ranged from approximately 5375,000 to $400,000. Of those funds the FY 15 allocation included 535,000 to two senior service providers. The committee recognizes that other agencies that received finds likely serve some seniors, albeit not exclusively, CDBG funds are regularly used to support housing projects. While some types of senior housing are eligible for CDBG funds, the Committee noted that the last senior housing projects to receive lbmds were in 1999, 2000 and 2001. REPORT PAGE 6 Looking ahead, the Committee recognizes that property tax reform will put significant pressure on the General Fluid, which contributes both to the Center and the Aid to Agencies program. Simitarly, a ten year review of CDBG and HOME- grants to the City clearly show a downward trend of those fundutg sources. Both federal grant programs have been reduced by several hundred thousand dollars over the last ten years. The political climate in Washington D.C. does not give City staff any reason to believe this trend will reverse in the coming years, These financial pressures will impact the City's ability to find all programs, notjust ones that serve seniors. II. Overview of Process to Determine Needs of the Senior Population Determining file needs of the City's senior population is a very difficult task to accomplish in a short period of time. The Committee approached this task in two ways. First, the Committee heard From City staff with the Senior Center, as well as with the Library, Parks and Recreation and Transportation Services departments. - Secondly, the committee attempted to identify several of the largest non-profit service providers in the area to gain a better understanding of their operations, finances and general challenges. Individually, Committee members met with the following agencies and then shared their findings with the Committee as a whole: o Elder Services - o Heritage Agency On Aging (HAAA) o Johnson County Livable. Communities o Sheller House o Pathways o Consultation of Religious Communities o Iowa City Free Medical Clinic o MECCA o Johnson County Mental Health o Visiting Nurse Association (N NA) • Compeer o Iowa City Hospice o SEATS Paratrausit o Hispanic Community Given the time constraints on the Committee, we feel Ibis approach was the best method for deteivtinhtg the needs of the senior population. However, we recognize this was all informal approach and thus any conclusions should be treated as such. Additionally, although the agencies surveyed by the Committee all provide services to seniors in a general sense, the agencies are designed to serve various target populations. For example, some agencies (eq , Elder Services) are designed to target certain segments of the senior population. Other agencies (e.g.. Iowa City Free Medical Clinic) provide services to seniors as part of servicing a larger target population, If the Council wishes for a more scientific approach to determining the needs of seniors, it will likely need to utilize professional assistance with a survey methodology. REPORT PAGE 7 III. General Findings of Needs of the Senior Population 'Hire are many agencies and organizations in the Johnson County area that seek to serve older adults exclusively or include older adults in their target population, as listed in the Johnson County Livable Community web site. The web site includes 90 agencies and residential options (e.g., including nursing homes and assisted living). Of these, 22 are governmental, 30 are for - profit, and 56 arc non-profit. Forty providers do not charge; However, 36 are able to bill Medicare and Medicaid for services. Seventy-five are paid through private pay and private insurance. Both the City and non-profit organizations are challenged to meet the needs of seniors with existing limited financial resources. Based upon the information collected through this process, the following themes were identified. I. The Committee recognizes that with the growing senior population, it will be increasingly challenging to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse senior population, especially for seniors with limited financial resources, (Exhibit G) 2, The Committee reeognizes the demand for programs and servicos that promote overall wellness and independence and prevent or delay lltc onset of chronic diseases will increase, 3. Available finding fi•onn both Federal and City may decrease for both Clio Center and the non-profit agencies. Avenues should be explored to increase contributions from other cities in Johnson County and from the Board of Supervisors. IN'. Recommendations Regarding Financial Resources 1) The City's General Fund funds the majority (approximately 70.75%) of the Center's budget. City Staff expects that property tax reform will put significant pressure oil the General Fund in the coming years. The Committee recommends that the Center Commission and Staff, and the City Staff, continue to work om gods to identify and utilize revenue sources, including reconsideration of the fees for nor14owa City residents. 2} In connection with Recommendation No. 1, the Center should assess opportunities to generate revenue through the rental of nnecting/gathering space. 3) The Committee understands that the City is in the process of assessing how it prioritizes the distribution of certain federal, state, and local funds among various social service agencies. Through that the process, the City should identify the needs of low-income seniors — especially needs relating to issues concerning food and supportive services that allow people to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible (e,g., Pathways Adult Day Health Center R Elder Services) —as being in the highest prioritization category. 4) The Senior Center Commission and Center Staff, in coordination with the City, should seek increased funding from Johnson County. 5) City Staff and Center Staff ihould continue to assess opportunities to share space, funding strategies, and other resources with relevant community social service agencies to increase efficiencies and leverage various finding opportunities. REPORT -PACE 8 6) Agencies and organizations that serve older adults should be encouraged to apply for AID TO AGENCY funds for their specific proergws that address current areas of high priority as decided by the City Council, including in particular programs serving older adults 0na1 address: substance abuse, emotional health services, employment training, housing services for persons experiencing homelessness, and transportation. 7) The City commission a professional survey to collect unbiased, representative information regarding gaps in services and barriers to access for seniors on which to base subsequent recommendations. 8) Many seniors face barriers to participating in social networks in our community because of physical conditions, cognitive impairment, emotional challenges, language and'or poverty. To aid these seniors, the Committee proposes that the City Council initiate a program "Cull Participation Awards" for the next three years of four grants of $10,000 each to coon profits for programs to enhance social programing for these seniors. 11. Recommendations Regarding Physical Resources 1) Maintain the current location of the Center. 2) The Center should take steps to increase the accessibility of its building. Steps to consider include, but are not limited to: a) a general informal assessment of ADA compliance; b) requesting a public bits stop be added in front the ADA accessible entrance on Washington Street; c) and increase signage in the Tower Place parking ramp to assist visitors in locating the Center's skyway. Charge 3: Obstacles and Recommendations Charge 3 tasks the Committee with "identiMing) any obstacles, including facility considerations, which may be hindering dre City's ability to serve the senior population and to make recormnendations that would minimize or eliminate such obstacles." The Committee has identified the follownng obstacles and recommendations. A. Obstacle: Transportation. Recommendation: Transportation -related issues —especially in light of the reduced funding to SEATS —are problematic for certain segments of the senior population. The City should assess the transportation -related issues in more detail. B. Obstacle: DifTieulties with expansion of diversity, Recommendation: The Senior Center Connuission, the Steering Council. and the Center staff should continue to explore ways to add the current diversity of participants at the Center, and to make sure the diversity reflects that of the community at large. REPORT PAGE 9 C. Obstacle: Gaps in services for seniors. Recommendation: The City and agencies that serve older adults should engage in a dialogue with appropriate organizations to better understand any gaps in services, The dialogue should include the continued identification of possible areas of collaboration between the City and various agencies. D. Obstacle: Barriers to access Tlne Center. Recommendatiou: Assess the challenges with accessing The Center (e.g. time allotted to cross streets at the corner of Linn and Washington; tinily snow and ice removal in the winter; slippery paint on crosswalks; public bus stop in front of ADA entrance or Washington St.). E, Obstacle: Lack of community awareness of the inclusivity of The Center programs. Recommendations: Increase emphasis on the availability of multi -generational programming that benefits everyone in the convmmity, not just seniors. F. Obstacle: Lack of downtown affordable housing for low and middle -intone seniors. Recommendation: Explore ways to increase downtown affordable housing and universal design for low and middle -income seniors, G. Obstacle: Decrease in funding. Recommendation: Avenues should be explored to increase contributions from other cities in Johnson County and From the Board of Supervisors. H. Obstacle: Lack of articulated vision for how to make Iowa City age friendly. Recommendation: The City Council should establish an exploratory committee to consider the WHO (World Health Organization) approach to age friendly cities. REPORT PAGE: 10 Conclusion The Ad Hoc Senior Somices Committee completed its charge to: 1) evaluate the Senior Center 2) review current and projected financial and physical resources to meet the needs of seniors 3) identify obstacles and make recommendations to minimize or elhuinate such obstacles The Committee concluded that to meet the needs of the current and growing senior population and to be in accordance with the inclusive values of the City of Iowa City, the City should continue to support the Senior Center in its current location and through on -going financial support. The City should continue to support other organizations that also meet the needs of seniors, especially through programs that mect basic needs and reduce isolation. Further study should be done to allow seniors to self -identify additional needs, Finally, various obstacles should be addressed to improve the quality of life of sonions. By supporting the needs of seniors, the City of Iowa City will continue to be a place where people want to live, retire, grow older, and contribute to the well-being of the community and continue to be recognized as a `Best City for Successful Aging". REPORT PAGE 11 Handed out at 3/19/15 meeting IOSYA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER Memorandum To: Senior Center Commission From: Craig Buhman, Maintenance Worker III Re: Facility Report Date: 19 March, 2015 A pre -construction meeting for the Senior Center Alarm Panel Replacement project will be held on Friday, March 27`h. The firm HITECH was awarded the contract. The project should run for 6 weeks once underway. The damaged coils on the Senior Center chiller have been scheduled for removal during the week of the 23`d. Replacement coils will be installed as part of this process. The process is somewhat weather dependent but we are scheduling the work at this time so that chiller will be operational once we have warmer temperatures. The biannual fire suppression system inspection for the kitchen brought to light a code mandated suppression system upgrade. Due to the age of our system, the tank and control head must be replaced by 2016. With the upcoming fire alarm panel replacement project it may be prudent to have HITECH install the control wiring for the new head while they are on site. We will keep you posted. Craig 13uhman, Maintenance Worker III 319-356-5227 ® craig-buhman@iowa-city.org 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Memorandum To: Senior Center Commission From: Michelle Buhman, Program Specialist Re: Program Report Date: March 19, 2015 Proaram Committee Update The Program Committee held a successful Instructor Meet and Greet on Friday, February 27, in the Assembly Room. The goal of the Program Committee was to meet current and future presenters and solicit feedback on ways the Program Committee can help improve their experience teaching at The Center. The committee also asked attendees for input on how to improve the AV equipment in rooms 202,208 and the Assembly Room. A sub -committee was formed and met on March 17 to plan the next Instructor get-together. Sub -committee members, Frankel, Rolenc, Dorfman, and I decided the next step to getting feedback from instructors is to create a survey to identify barriers to teaching at The Center, unmet needs, ways the committee and staff can improve their experience as well as questions that will help staff develop a New Instructor Manual. The Committee also welcomed two potential instructors, Tom Stevenson and Al Dawson. I am working with both Stevenson and Dawson to develop programs for the summer session. Program Update: In addition to the numerous professional services and volunteer opportunities Spring 2015 Program Guide offers the community: • 104 Unique Classes, Special Events and movies series (2 classes cancelled due to low enrollment) 23 Groups and Clubs • 5 Performance Groups Several new programs have been created since the publication of the Program Guide • The Senior Center's Reading Aloud will join Loren Horton, Ina Loewenberg at the State Historical Society on March 26, 2015 for a program called "History For Lunch". (See attachment) • Megan Johnson, MPH student intern, is working with Chef David Burt from Four Square Meals, to offer a free lunch and learn on Wednesday March 25. (see attachment). Johnson has created an informational flyer about nutrition that will be distributed at the program. • Ashley Bente, Aging Studies practicum student, is working with Emily Light to offer a weekly Trivia program. (see attachment) • Voices of Experience and Reading Aloud will be offering a program titled "Spring Fever" on April 14 at 2:30 pm in the Assembly Room. Watch for more information soon. Promoting Optimal Aging for Johnson County 28 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240 - 319-356-5220s www.icgov.org/senior Lud Gutmann will be reading from his memoir Richard Road: A Journey From Hate at the Iowa City Public Library on April 12 at 3 PM. Gutmann is a member of the Center and this program is co -sponsored by the ICPL. Books will be available at the event with 25% of the sales going towards the Senior Center's Operational Budget. I am working with Senior Center member and volunteer Janet Forrest to put together a program on April 30 at 2:30 PM to celebrate the International Day of Dance. The program will feature ten different dance programs currently offered at The Center. More information about this program will be made available at the next meeting. Last year's EarthBox Program was a success. This year I hope to continue to support last year's locations, Emerson Point, Bickford Cottage, Pathways and Ecumenical Towers and expand the program to include individual homes. I plan to submit a request for funding to Friends of the Center in the next couple weeks. Visibility Action Team The Visibility Action Team is no longer pursuing a Sage Affiliate status. Sage changes their guidelines and benchmarks in 2014. Unfortunately the team does not have the resources available to meet the new criteria. The team held their first Intergenerational Forum at the Iowa City Public Library on February 23, 2015. Over 30 people attended ranging from age 16 — 70+. The facilitator of the February event, Kendra Malone from the UI Chief Diversity office, has indicated that she will not be able to facilitate future events. The team is planning to work with interested community members to develop additional events. The VAT is planning to host a LGBTQ PRIDE "Senior Prom" on Friday June 19`h at the Senior Center. (See attached save the date poster) Student Interns Megan Johnson, MPH student intern, is collecting participant demographic information. The results of this information combined with the 2014 demographic survey will provide staff with a solid base of information on Senior Center users. Johnson has collected information on over 900 participants. Johnson is also collecting fitness class and equipment evaluations. Ashley Bente, is working on her Aging Studies Certificate and Communications Major. As a part of her internship at the Senior Center she is working with participants to identify ways The Center can improve communications with our members. She has met with members to review the current layout of the program guide, discussed communication issues between members and student volunteers as well as working with Emily Light on the Trivia program and with SCTV. A complete report of her progress will be provided at the April meeting. "THINKING ABOUT WORLD WAR ONE; POETS AND THEIR POEMS" With Loren Horton, Ina Loewenberg and the Reading Aloud group An astonishing number of published poets were killed in World War I. From them, and from the few who survived, we have a good description of several phases of warfare, including what the battlefield was like, the comradeship among the soldiers, and how they thought and felt about why they were fighting. Loren Horton will discuss these issues, and the Reading Aloud group will read poems by Rupert Brooke, Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and others. Loren Horton received degrees from UNI and the University of Iowa. He taught history for many years, worked at the State Historical Society of Iowa for more than twenty years, and is the author of books of history and poetry. READING ALOUD is a poetry -reading group based at the Iowa City Senior Center. It has been in existence for ten years. Its mission is to bring the pleasure and enlightenment of poetry far and wide within this community. Ina Loewenberg is its founder and leader, and the dozen or so readers participate actively in choosing poems to read and designing programs. Readers will include Michael Chan, Jim Curry, Jonni Ellsworth, Chuck Felling, Mary Gutmann, Pat Huff, Ina Loewenberg, Nancy Lynch, Carl Malone, Kathy Mitchell, Betty Norbeck. IOWA DFPARTMFNT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS vvv„ci v, I vu, vMua,c IVIGGIJ a„u �-.v-,vu„uc, and executive chef of The Red Avocado (1999-2012) Receive recipes and tips for creating tasty and nutritious dishes at home .Stir fried cabbage and peas with black beans, cumin seed and bay .Seared spinach with buckwheat, garlic and lemon. The Lunch & Learn will take place in the Assembly Room on the First Floor of The Center. Please RSVP by Monday, March 23rd to ensure enough food is prepared for all attendees ; Call 356-6220 to Register (Registration is FREE) Downtown Iowa City l 1 28South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240At n®oC{ Q 319-356-5220 • www.icgov.org/senior rrlll l� Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to f.n,participate in this program, please call 319-356-5220 48hours inadvance, CITY OF IOWA CITY March 25 - April 29 competition leading up to our Room 202 May 6th tournament! � Bring your own team, join one when you arrive, or play solo! r Trivia Categories include: History, Literature, Science, Sports, Geography, Movies, Current Events, TV, and more! � Free and Open to All Ages! (No Registration) � Refreslunents provided! °� 2 < �� x 3 K , Senior Center Steering Council Minutes March 12, 2015 Attending: Ed Rolenc, Chairperson; Michelle Buhman, Staff Liaison; Lynne Cannon, Vice Chairperson; John Schmidt, Membership; Kristin Kromray, Staff Liaison; Kathy Mitchell, Commission; Emily Light, Staff Liaison; Lorraine Dorfman, Program; Linda Kopping, Staff Liaison; Ina Loewenberg, Outreach, & Gail Brehio, Secretary. The meeting was called to order at 10:50 AM. The minutes were approved as amended. Committee Reports: Membership Committee —John (John was commended for his Press Citizen article.) • The Welcome Breakfast was a success with 40 attending & 12 touring afterwards. • The Annual Meeting will be April 23`d, with Chairs to give overviews. • Nominations to the Steering Council are being sought this month. • The Group of the Month video is on Kristy Cameron's exercise class. Outreach Committee — Ina • The ambassador program was discussed. • The Iowa Retirement fair was discussed. • The Reading Aloud group has three programs planned. • They are seeking articles for the Press Citizen. • They are distributing The Center Guide. • Their goals were discussed. • Next month's meeting is April 1st. • The committee could use more members. Program Committee — Lorraine • 35 people came to a Meet & Greet social for instructors past, present, & future. Another is planned for the end of May. The need to limit speaking time was noted. • A new philosophy instructor will teach at The Center, alleviating the burden of the current instructor. • The merits of Al Dawson giving a 13 session class as a new instructor on Victorian History (Lewis Carroll) in the fall were discussed. • Whether there should be incentives to complete Senior Center classes was brought up. • Mention was made that the committee really didn't have the option to turn down a class proposal. Commission Report — Kathy • 20-25 band members came to the joint Band -Commission meeting. • The City Attorney will represent The Center to negotiate a resolution over equipment & music. • The Senior Center became aware that the NHB had hired a lawyer. • They held elections. • They discussed recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee. Remarks from Linda re: the band issue A 10:30 AM meeting today was set up between attorneys to discuss band issues. The Steering Council discussed the response written by Linda Kopping to letters submitted to the City Council regarding the band that were in the City Council packet. Linda felt it important to address each issue raised. The Steering Council discussed potential difficulties with the band even after an agreement is reached. Michelle was concerned about the negative publicity's impact on donations. Remarks from Linda re: fund-raising • She's needing to follow the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee concerning the raising of funds. A new committee for this is needed: • A consultant was found & a one-year contract made. • She'll be using a lot of time working with The Friends of the Center. • There may be grants to those who promote poetry. • Decisions on the use of the kitchen space are needed. • The liquor issue is still undecided due to time-consuming issues with the band. Old Business • The parking ramp sign issue is currently being addressed. New Business • There is a planned Trivia program for The Center, including a tournament & prizes. • There will bean Honoring -Your -Wishes documentary the evening of April 16`h. The next meeting will be held April 9`h. The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Gail Brehio, Secretary Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Recommendations Plan of Action Developed March 2015 Linda Kopping Goal Objective Target Area Action Person Steps Taken Outcome Diversify Funding Review and evaluate Membership Fees Form Committee of Commission current revenue generating members and volunteer leadership practices to determine if (Committee A) to review current positive changes can be fee structure and make made. recommendations. Governmental Support Using available resources (grant application, meetings, city staff, and commission) attempt to secure Increased funding from the County. Using available resources (participants, meetings, city staff, and commission) attempt to garner financial support from area cities. Facility Rentals Ask Committee A to evaluate current fee structure for facility rentals and policy/make recommendations for improvement. Ask Committee A to evaluate current program scheduling and marketing to identify and implement changes that will facilitate rentals. Ask Committee A to evaluate future use of kitchen space and other areas of space use in the facility. Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Recommendations Plan of Action Developed March 2015 Linda Kopping Goal Objective Target Area Action Person Steps Taken Outcome Create and Implement a Strategic Fundraising Plan that will Support and Sustain the Mission of The Center Develop the Strategic Fundraising Plan Identify a consultann to develop plan and train staff LK 1. Identified/Secure Contract/Legal Review Secure financial support from Friends of The Center to help fund Consultant SEE SEPARATE WORK PLAN Marketing to improve public perception of The Center Articulate value delivered, outcomes of services provided Promote positive image of aging in all materials Increase community awareness of into rgenerational and community programs and services Plan Ahead for Future Needs Incorporate depreciation line item into operational budget Incorporate capital improvement fund line item in the budget. Establish Annual Operational Fundraising Goal Factor in public services provided when calculating percentage Improve Staff Skills in Fundraising Training and Education Join AFP Attend Monthly AFP Lunch and Learns Attend local conferences Work with consultant as needed. Use AFP Website Resources. Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Recommendations Plan of Action Developed March 2015 Linda Kopping Goal Objective Target Area Action Person Steps Taken Outcome Increase Provide interior and exterior Transportation Advocate with City for a bus stop Accessibility accessibility of facility to directly in front of the handicapped to The seniors. accessible entrance on Washington Center Street. Work with City to develop improved Senior Center signage for the Tower Place parking ramp. Advocate with City officials for longer crossing periods, and improved snow rernoval at Intersection of Linn and Washington Streets. Ask for evaluation of the safety of paint used to designate crosswalks. Facility Have an ADA assessment of the facility. Modifications as necessary. Increase To increase participation of Outreach Work with Heritage Area Agency to Participant low-income and minority develop a partnership that will Diversity populations in Center activities support training and and services. implementation of the Enhanced Fitness program. Work with community partners and volunteers to develop volunteer -led or minimal staff involvement outreach programming e.g. Garden Box Work with community leaders to reach under -represented groups. Use available resources to meet needs/interests. Promote use of the low-income scholarship. Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Recommendations Plan of Action Developed March 2015 Linda Kopping Goal Objective Target Area Action Person Steps Taken Outcome Optimize To assess opportunities to Collaboration/Awareness Continue to provide operational Services increase efficiencies and of Need and meeting space to organizations Provided to leverage resources among serving adults over 50 years: Community agencies serving seniors 1. Congregate Meal program Residents 2. AARP Tax Services Over 50 3. Senior Health Insurance Years of Information Services Age. Counseling 4. Private Counseling 5. Visiting Nurses Association 6. Senior College 7. Retired Teachers Association Continue to partner with 150+ the University of Iowa and community organizations to provide programming each year. Continue to host University of Iowa students as volunteers and students doing internships and practicums. Maintain staff participation in 1. Johnson County Livable leadership roles of organizations Community —Board and Activity involved with services provided to Group adults over 50 years. 2. Johnson County Board of Health's Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan 3. Honoring Your Wishes advanced care planning 4. Oberman Center 5. Johnson County Task Force on Aging 6. Lifeline Advisory Board Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Recommendations Plan of Action Developed March 2015 Linda Kopping Goal Objective Target Area Action Person Steps Taken Outcome Use participation at all meetings, 1. This is an ongoing activity among conferences, fairs, etc. to establish all professional staff contacts with other service providers. Discuss common areas of interests, perceived needs and potential areas of collaboration. Consider with the Senior Center Commission a request for funding to contract with an outside organization to do a community - wide survey of older adults to increase understanding, determine needs, gaps in services and barriers to access. Create an To establish a vision and WHO Model/AARP Model Work with Johnson County Livable 1. AARP plan has been in place for Age -Friendly guidelines for attaining the Community and AARP Guidelines some time. Community vision of an age -friendly for a community for successful 2. Planning stages with JCLC Board community. Create an aging (released spring 2015?) to members —in progress. enactment plan and move evaluate and implement changes as forward with the same. possible. Increase affordable housing (low and mid - income) with universal design for older adults downtown. Implement Full Participation Awards