Aging Board minutes 061406 - Laserfiche WebLink

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- 2 - Steve Lackey reviewed the Senior Issues Team agency allocations totaling $38,269 for FY 2007. Florence Soltys asked Orange County United Way’s total allotment and was told between $700,000-800,000. Mr. Lackey summarized the history of the allocation process that resulted in such a low percentage of the total funding going for senior programs. He reminded the joint session that United Way is in the process of developing a new allocation process that may resolve some of this inequity. Jan Wassel cautioned that, based upon demographics, future older givers may put their resources elsewhere. Ms. Soltys added that Orange County government’s funding to non-profits has a similar bias, which reflects society’s attitude in general. She thanked Mr. Lackey for his advocacy on behalf of seniors. Jerry Passmore reviewed the architect’s drawing for the new Central Orange Senior Center. He stated that this facility will serve as a hub for Orange Public Transportation. The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to review this design at its June 27 meeting. It is hoped that bids will be let in September and the building will be ready for occupancy next May. He added that the Seymour Center construction is progressing with completion scheduled around February. Florence Soltys gave an update of the MAP planning process. The draft of the Update 2006- 2010 is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Commissioners on September 7. After presentations to the municipalities’ governing bodies, the final draft will be presented for approval on October 17. Jack Chestnut noted that, at the recently-held Senior Speak-Out at Northside, property taxes were a major source of concern. Gwen Harvey reported that the BOCC had directed staff to research this issue and prepare a report for review after the summer break. Discussion followed on the efforts made to date to examine the issue of taxes. Mr. Chestnut stated that the high cost of eyeglasses and hearing aids was also mentioned at the Northside forum. Following these comments the joint session was adjourned. The meeting of the Advisory Board on Aging was called to order by Chair Jack Chestnut. The minutes of the May meeting were approved as mailed upon the motion made by Florence Soltys and the second by Jan Wassel. In the Friends of the Senior Center for Central Orange report, the fundraising projects in process included the Las Vegas night and shopping spree raffle tickets that will be available at Saturday’s Hog Day. The funds raised will no longer have to be spent on Center utilities after the move to the new facility next spring. The Friends plan to redirect their funds to scholarships and program enhancements. Jack Chestnut noted that the Friends of Chapel Hill yard sale proceeds will also be earmarked for program activities, as the Friends’ rent commitment terminates June 30. Florence Soltys reported that the Central Orange Adult Day Center was approaching maximum enrollment. Laura Deloye has been employed as the program director. The Board of Directors representatives Jack Chestnut, Ken Reeb and herself will be presenting their request for $50,000 in county support at the June 19 county budget hearing. She summarized the proposed PACE program and its potential impact on day care participation in Orange County in the future. Ms. Soltys also gave a summary of the NC Commission on Aging’s report to the State Legislature. The recommendations included an increase in day care subsidies, promotion of day care in CAP care plans, funds for 10 new ombudsmen positions statewide, funding for senior