SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE

The Services to Seniors Committee Meeting was held on November 28, 2006 at 12:27 p.m. with Co-chairs Russell and Slavin presiding. Members present were Mr. Hicks, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Massey, Dr. Matthews, Ms. Pohlmann, Mr. Snaman, Mr. McNulty, Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Truitt.

Mayor Speed welcomed members and expressed his thanks for their willingness to work together to provide good and innovative ideas. Mayor Speed stated that any recommendations presented to Council will undoubtedly produce positive changes for seniors in the community. He also stated that the senior population is the fasting growing demographic in the City and the County and making improvements in the services offered to seniors will have a positive effect on the community as a whole.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Ms. Pohlmann moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Matthews and unanimously carried.

Self Introductions of Membership

Members of the Committee introduced themselves and provided background information on their personal and professional experiences along with their interest in the committee.

Welcome by Co-chairs Russell and Slavin and Explanation of the Committee’s Purpose

Mrs. Russell expressed her thanks to members for their willingness to be involved with the committee. She also encouraged members to share information and to ask questions. Mr. Slavin provided members with a brief background on the origins of the committee. He stated that within the second district there is a high population of seniors in various communities, like Luther Towers and Wild Meadows. He also stated that there are several areas, including the library and local recycling efforts, that can be examined to find ways to benefit seniors.

Mr. Slavin informed members that the committee will begin to gather ideas, listen to members of the community who are currently providing services to seniors and identify improvements. This can be accomplished on an individual basis or through various organizations within the City. Mr. Slavin also stated that when reviewing items for changes it is helpful to clearly identify what to keep, what to stop doing and what to start.

Mrs. Russell provided members with information on the Seniors Victims Advocate and Triad. The Seniors Victims Advocate is an organization that works with seniors providing guidance and transportation. Triad addresses issues that pertain to the safety and security of seniors. Triad has an emergency cell phone program available for seniors who don’t have access to telephone service. Cell phones are available for emergency calls to 911 only. Mrs. Russell stated that the cell phones are available from the Department of Justice and if anyone is interested in this program they can contact her for additional information.

Mr. Slavin informed members that the purpose of scheduling monthly meetings into April is so that the committee will be able to forward recommendations to Council in April 2007, so that any requests for funding may be considered during the budget preparation process. Included in the recommendations will be decisions regarding extending the committee, if necessary, and it’s appointments.

Mr. Slavin requested that Mr. McNulty make a presentation to the committee during the January 23, 2007 meeting regarding services to seniors offered by the Dover/Kent County MPO.

Mrs. Russell indicated she would like to invite a speaker from TRIAD and Legal Aid to present at a future meeting. She also stated that copies of “A Guide to Services for Older Delawares” and “A Guide to Services for People with Disabilities” will be distributed to members at the next scheduled meeting. Mr. Slavin suggested that the Modern Maturity Center, Dover Housing Authority and the State Housing Authority be contacted regarding presentations at future meetings.

Dr. Matthews indicated her interest in health care and would like to invite Dr. Mohammed Malik to give a presentation on health care. Mr. Slavin indicated that an invitation would be extended to Mr. Malik along with a representative from Bay Health.

Mr. Slavin informed members that future discussions will center around the following issues as identified by committee members:

            •          Housing

            •          Utilities Cost

            •          Health Care

            •          Recreation

            •          Transportation

            •          Public Safety

            •          Medicare/Medicaid

Mr. Snaman questioned if the committee could be provided with a list of current services the City offers to seniors. Mr. Slavin indicated this is the first time services to seniors has been examined and information on the City’s services is currently being gathered.

Mrs. Russell suggested that the committee consider coordinating a Seniors Expo in the near future.

Discussion - Meeting Dates and Times, Meeting Format, Etc.

The next meeting has been scheduled for December 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room at the Dover Police Department. Representatives from the Dover Police Department and Robbins Hose will be invited to present the services they offer to seniors.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:04 p.m.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Sophia R. Russell and Timothy A. Slavin

                                                                                    Co-Chairs

/hf

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