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on the programs, services, and design features for possible incorporation into the new senior <br />centers to be constructed in Chapel Hill/Carrbaro and in Hillsborough and reference to the <br />formal committees to be appointed for planning the Chapel Hill and Central/Northern Orange <br />replacement senior centers. <br />Jack Chestnut spoke about some historical moments that got them to this point. <br />One was when the Board of County Commissioners approved the Master Aging Plan, which <br />was a major step. Along the way the County Commissioners have supported the Master Aging <br />Plan, the Adult Day Care Center, and rental space for the senior center in northern Orange. <br />Another milestone was when the County Commissioners decided to put a referendum for $4 <br />million for the senior centers. The third thing was when the Board of County Commissioners <br />picked the design committee. <br />Jack Chestnut said that they had different forums in the community for citizens to fill <br />out as to what the seniors wanted in a senior center in northern and southern Orange County. <br />Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that one of the most critical <br />things is with demographics in that there are 16,000 seniors and in 15 years, there will be <br />33,000 seniors. He said that they really need a senior center that will be a real resource to <br />serve many seniors from a variety of backgrounds from 55-105. <br />In the summary of the report, Jerry Passmore said that there are some planning <br />implications (pg. 32) and they want to knave what agencies think about service delivery as well <br />as seniors. Some of the critical services include an information and referral center. This was <br />rated as number 1 by agency representatives and number 2 by seniors. Seniors now are <br />looking for these centers to be wellness centers and they are fortunate to have a Wellness <br />Coordinator that serves all centers and is supported by the United Way and UNC Hospitals. <br />Another important factor is that the design should be for a diverse group of seniors in terms of <br />designing for those with disabilities and it should promote self-reliance. Another critical thing <br />that came out of the survey is that it should be an agency services center. Co-location of <br />services is ideal within the senior center. The senior center should also be a volunteer-based <br />center. <br />Another service that came out of the survey was to provide a food service center. <br />Currently, the centers do not have an institutional kitchen. All meals are brought in to the <br />centers. They would like to have a food service center that would promote healthy eating as <br />part of the wellness program. <br />Also, EMS pointed out that a senior center should be looked at as an emergency <br />shelter during emergencies for seniors and to have an emergency responder in each of the <br />centers. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey <br />to receive the presentation an the report as information and refer as background and reference <br />to the formal committees to be appointed for planning the Chapel Hill and Central/Northern <br />Orange replacement senior centers. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />8. Public Hearings <br />a. NCDOT Rural Oneratina Assistance Proaram fROAPI Grant Fundina <br />The Board considered holding a public hearing and approving a FY 200412005 Rural <br />Operating Assistance Program (ROAP} fund application for $97,766 and authorizing the Chair <br />to sign the Certification Statement of Participation. <br />Jerry Passmore said that there are copies of the ROAP. This is an annual <br />application and there are three elements. One is the ElderlylDisabled Transportation Program <br />for $54,941; the second one is the Work First Transition Employment Service funds for $9,594; <br />