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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-2014 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee,,..0 0ity Of THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS AND COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS OR DURING PUBLIC DISCUSSION * AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Wednesday, October 1, 2014, 3:30 PM Harvat Hall / City Hall 410 East Washington Street 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED a. Minutes of the meeting on 09/24/14 (pages 3-12) b. Memo to Asst. City Mgr. — Funding information from other Iowa Communities (pages 13-21) 3. RECEIVE RE -FORMATTED SENIOR CENTER EVALUATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT (pages 22-24) 4. REPORTS FROM CONTACT MEMBERS RE LOCAL AGENCIES / CONSORTIA a. Elder Services — Information presented at July 21, 30 meetings. b. HAAA — Information presented at July 7, 21, 30 and August 18 meetings. c. JC Livable Communities — Information presented at July 7 and 30 meetings. d. Shelter House — Information presented at July 21 and 30 meetings. e. Pathways — Information presented at July 21 and 30 meetings. f. Consultation of Religious Communities — Information presented at July 21 and September 3 meetings. g. Free Medical Clinic — Information presented at the August 18 meeting. h. MECCA — Information presented at July 30 meeting. i. JC Mental Health — Information presented at July 30 meeting. j. VNA — Information presented at the July 30, and August 18 meetings. k. Compeer — Information presented at the August 18 meeting. I. Hospice — Information presented at the September 3 meeting. m. SEATS — Information presented at the September 3 meeting. n. Hispanic Community — Information presented at the August 18, September 3, September 24 meetings. 5. DISCUSSION OF CHARGE TWO — RECOMMENDATIONS ON CURRENT FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES 6. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA) (agenda continued on page 2) Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee Agenda October 1, 2014 Page 2 7. TENTATIVE THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE October 15 October 22 November 12 November 24 Special meetings if needed 8. ADJOURNMENT * Speakers are asked to limit remarks to five minutes and wait until after everyone has had the opportunity to speak once before approaching the podium again on the same topic PAGE 3 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 1 MINUTES DRAFT AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 — 3:30 P.M. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL Members Present: Joe Younker (Chair), Jay Honohan, Rick Dobyns, Mercedes Bern -Klug, Hiram Rick Webber Members Absent: Jane Dohrmann, Ellen Cannon Staff Present: Geoff Fruin, Marian Karr, Michelle Buhman RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Younker called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED: a. Minutes of the Meeting on 09/03/14 — Younker noted that they received a piece of correspondence from Ina Lowenberg just before the meeting. He asked for a motion to amend the Consent Calendar to include this correspondence. Dobyns moved to amend the Consent Calendar. Honohan seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. Karr noted that Michelle Buhman's name was misspelled in the 9/3/14 minutes b. Correspondence — (1) Nancy Olthoff, (2) Ina Lowenberg C. Memo to Asst. City Mgr. from Director of Transportation Services — report on SEATS Honohan moved to accept the Consent Calendar as amended with the spelling correction and Lowenberg correspondence, seconded by Dobyns. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CENTER EVALUATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT: a. Second Draft Subcommittee Report — Honohan (pages 19-25 in the meeting packet) — Younker noted that they have received a second draft of the subcommittee's report. Honohan incorporated the amendments discussed at the last meeting into this second draft. Younker then asked if the subcommittee had had a chance to review the report as revised by Honohan. Dobyns asked where the revisions begin, and Younker noted that they begin on page 19 of the packet. In general, Younker noted, the portions that are double-spaced and underlined are the revisions that were made. Dobyns commented on page 21, regarding the vision statement, asking if this is what already exists. Honohan replied that it is. PAGE 4 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 2 Dobyns stated that on page 5, which are the minutes of the last meeting, it states that Dobyns recommended that they change the word 'primary' to 'central' in the statement. Younker pointed out that this change is on page 20, where it states 'the Senior Center is the central resource.' Honohan then brought up an issue on pages 20 and 21, where he states he has been chastised about the difference between 'licensed,' as opposed to 'qualified.' The amendment would read: The additional staff would need to be licensed, professionally trained individuals. Senior Center member Bryson Dean stated that the Center is not in the situation to take care of people that would need a daycare center. She added that the wording was questioned because it made the staff at the Center sound unqualified, and continued that the staff there is highly qualified. The Director was a nurse previously. However, the Center is not a licensed daycare center or medical care facility for seniors. Discussion continued on this matter, with Members reading the paragraph for better clarity. Honohan moved to delete the sentence 'and further the additional staff would need to be professionally trained individuals.' Webber seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. Younker then stated that he would entertain a motion to adopt the second draft of the subcommittee's report, as amended, as the final report from the subcommittee. Honohan moved to adopt the second draft as the final draft. Webber seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. b. Brief Summary — Younker then stated that Bern -Klug had prepared a brief summary, and he asked if this was a summary of the Senior Center evaluation as a whole. She responded that what she got from the last meeting was that this be a one- or two-page summary within the formal report, and within the appendix would be the subcommittee's full report. Younker suggested that they hold the discussion for this item and take it up when they reach agenda item #5, when they will be discussing the final report template. REPORTS FROM CONTACT MEMBERS RE: LOCAL AGENCIES / CONSORTIA: Elder Services — None HAAA — None JC Livable Communities — None Shelter House — None Pathways — None Consultation of Religious Communities — None Free Medical Clinic — None MECCA — None JC Mental Health — None VNA — None Compeer — None Hospice — None SEATS — None Hispanic Community — Webber stated that he attended a meeting at the Library where the Hispanic group for the Council on Worker Justice met. He listened to the testimonies of many of the workers that the group has made contact with. He added that not only does this group deal with the Hispanic population but also the many other immigrants in the community. He believes this will give them a more accurate picture of the various ethnic groups within the community, PAGE 5 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 3 and their senior populations. Webber stated that another place, the Church of the Nazarene, is said to be a place where immigration issues are centered. He will attempt to make contact there, as well. Bern -Klug suggested that future minutes include the date of when agency information was presented for this section, instead of saying 'no information'; that way someone could go back to those specific minutes and read what was presented on that particular issue. Younker stated that he would most likely defer to Karr on this, but that the minutes do capture what was discussed at that given meeting. Therefore if no new information was given, the minutes should reflect this. Karr suggested that the agenda could include that information. She agreed with Younker's comment that the minutes are what was shared at that specific meeting. Younker suggested it say, for example 'materials presented at ' whatever date of the meeting this was presented at. Honohan asked if this wouldn't be too much work for Karr. She responded that it will most likely save more work at the end, especially since the Committee is getting down to the wire and the reference could be a big help in clarifying things for people. OOIViy yr rliymY ""Vwf I JI lxuV Iu"y MIy" TNT I -IllyV rnwu"JU- a. Memo From Jay Honohan — Target Population — Honohan stated that as he was working on the preliminary final report draft he looked at some of these agencies, and who it is they are supposed to serve. For instance, Hospice serves primarily seniors who are not well and need in-home care. He believes this service is different from Elder Services, for example, or Shelter House. Honohan shared his concern over the Committee's charge, asking what it is exactly that they are supposed to do, and questioned how many of these agencies they should be focusing on. Dobyns stated that he sees this Committee's task as recognizing that there is a problem or concern. It is not their task to answer it. Dobyns stated that he would recommend to the group that the deciding body — the Senior Center Commission — that the governance and membership of that body be changed to include stakeholders in some of these areas in the community, meaning the not -for -profits. The Commission could take a broader look at these issues, and not only involve the Senior Center. Dobyns suggested the Commission needed to look at the types of agencies that this group has been looking at. Dobyns added that this group does not need to micromanage the decision. He believes they should 'kick' this decision down the road to a governance body that is bolstered. That way when decisions are made regarding the Senior Center, it can also include others who are stakeholders in the well-being of seniors in the community. Honohan responded that the way he sees the Senior Center Commission is that its primary goal is the Senior Center. He believes it should not be interested in, for example, what Elder Services does, or Hospice. He believes this Committee needs to tackle those issues, not the Senior Center Commission. Honohan stated that their charge is to come up with something to submit to Council as a final document and not to make this go into 2015 or 2016. Younker stated that perhaps they are getting ahead of themselves a bit. He stated that he understands Honohan's concern about target population. However, the charge to this Committee also includes the use of financial and physical resources. The charge says that the recommendation should include commentary regarding the specific segments of the senior population that they are intended to serve. Therefore, Younker believes they do need to consider the target populations of these other groups they have been reviewing. Going back to Younker's comment about agency representation on the Senior Center Commission, Bern -Klug stated that there probably should be some reciprocity that for every one of these PAGE 6 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 4 agencies, that someone from the Senior Center sits on their governing board, as well. Dobyns stated that they could certainly recommend this, but that they, of course, do not have authority over these other boards. Discussion continued on this topic, Webber added that as long as everyone is represented equally across the board he would be willing to discuss it further. Bern -Klug stated that she agrees that the stakeholders need to be represented on the Commission, but she believes that this is who makes up the Commission currently — both members of the Center and supporters. She added that 'kicking the can' down to the Senior Center is questionable in her opinion. Dobyns stated that he agrees, but that what he is suggesting is a Commission with more stakeholders in it. Honohan stated that he believes this is way beyond what their charge is, that he agrees with Bern -Klug in asking what the role of the Senior Center Commission is. Bern -Klug brought up the preliminary report that they just approved, stating that it says in it that the Senior Center is doing exactly what it should be doing. She noted that nowhere in this report does it suggest making changes to the Senior Center Commission, adding that this might come from a different part of the report from this Committee. The discussion continued with Dobyns stating that they have a dilemma, that there is an acknowledgement that there are other entities that have needs and respected worthiness to receive funding. He is looking at the duties of this Committee, as articulated by the Council, and it says, 'Identify any obstacles, including facility considerations which may be hindering the City's ability to serve the senior population.' He stated that he would recommend that the current constrained mission of the Senior Center Commission is an obstacle to be able to make decisions involving the people who should make decisions about these other areas. Younker stated again that he believes they are getting ahead of themselves. He believes they need to first discuss and agree on the format and the structure of the report. He asked that they take up agenda item 5c to do this. b. Memo From Jay Honohan — Preliminary Draft of Final Report C. Memo From Asst. City Manager — Final Report Template — Younker noted that on page 36 of their packet is the template that Asst. City Mgr. Fruin provided. He stated that this template can help them structure their report and follows what other committees have used in the past to present information such as this to the Council. Younker stated that he would like to discuss this template with the Committee, and then once they've done this he believes they can look at Bern-Klug's summary and decide where it will best fit. Also Honohan's report should be reviewed, as far as the best placement for it in the final report. Then Younker would like to discuss specific recommendations. Discussion began on the template, with Younker first reviewing the Committee's charges. 1) To evaluate the current vision, mission, programming, and recent accomplishments of the Senior Center as detailed in the 2013 Annual Report; 2) To make recommendations to the City Council on how Iowa City should use current financial and physical resources to meet the needs of Iowa City seniors; and 3) To identify the obstacles, including facility considerations, which may be hindering the City's ability to serve the senior population, and to make recommendations that would minimize or eliminate such obstacles. PAGE 7 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 5 Younker stated that he would like to get some agreement on the structure, and then go to discussing how to fill in the template. They can deal with line edits as they move forward. Bern -Klug asked if there is going to be a recommendation section, or if the recommendations will be at the end of each charge. Younker responded, stating that on page 43, for instance, there is a recommendation to minimize obstacles. Honohan asked to go back to page 38, asking if rather than 'Conclusion" it should state "Recommendations.' Fruin suggested he walk through the template with the Committee to help them understand his thought process here. He stressed that this is the Committee's report and that they should go with whatever format is best for them. After the last meeting's discussion he thought there was some struggle with what the final report might look like, and he hoped that this template would give them some help in that area. He then reviewed each section, noting that the first section would be an overview of the Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee, more for historical reference than anything else. The summary would be just that, a summary of the Committee's approach to their charges, and then a summary of the main objectives that they want to convey to the Council. This would include a summary of the Committee's recommendations and any key findings that they wish to stress to the Council. Fruin suggested that the subcommittee's report be in the appendix, with the summary in the main portion of the final report. Continuing, Fruin stated that he believes the recommendations will come primarily in charges 2 and 3 (resolution #14-37). With charge 2 he believes they should convey to the Council that they did take the time to understand the City's financial resources, that the Committee understands how the Senior Center is funded, and also how the City provides funding to non -profits within the community. As for the detailed reviews of the various agencies in the community, Fruin stated that the Council would not necessarily need to know this information. General statements referring to these agencies would be good, ones that show what the overall needs are in the non-profit sector that serves the senior population. Fruin continued to clarify the main points that this report should include. In regards to City buildings or physical resources, Fruin stated that some commentary on how the Senior Center is used by non-members and others would be helpful here. He noted that some commentary on what they learned from their discussions with the Parks Department and the Library would be good, as well. On charge 3(resolution #14-37) , obstacles to serving the senior population, Fruin stated that what the Council is interested in here is what populations are not accessing the City services today and how can outreach help here. He suggested transportation issues and whether an additional staff member could be used to try to engage people in these settings. A conclusion would then finalize the main recommendations of the Committee, followed by the appendix. Fruin noted that the Committee is not bound to any of these suggestions, and that they should feel free to edit the template however they see fit. Younker agreed that the template will be helpful in organizing their final report. He stated that he would like to come to some agreement about the structure of the report before they move on. Honohan stated that he likes the template overall. He stated that he would volunteer to put portions of what he has done for the Senior Center evaluation into the provided template, and then bring it to the next meeting for review. Younker agreed that much of what Honohan has prepared could be used in the executive summary portion. Bern -Klug brought up page 42, under City buildings — she noted that this has all been addressed in the Senior Center report. Fruin agreed, stating that the PAGE 8 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 6 report does address this. He stated that if the Committee were to recommend any changes to the use of these buildings, this is the section where those would be. The discussion continued, with Dobyns stating that he agrees with Honohan's approach to filling in the template and which sections the subcommittee's report and others will best fit. He stated that he believes the sections where recommendations will be made should be left blank for now, as they will need to have some further discussions as a whole on what they want here. The descriptive sections, according to Dobyns, are what Honohan should fill in on the template. Younker agreed that the Committee as a whole needs to weigh in on these, and that what Honohan has prepared is really the background information supporting the report. Bern -Klug stated that from her perspective there is one piece missing — what is the City's responsibility to senior citizens? She asked if the City Council has any type of statement that covers this. Fruir noted that every Council may view this differently. Bern -Klug stated that one of her recommendations would be to have a clear statement from the City Council on this issue. Dobyns addressed this issue, of how should the City prioritize available resources in preference toward the older population. Younker spoke to the City Steps prioritization and how the different needs have been prioritized. Bern -Klug noted that this is all federal funding and subject to their regulations. Fruin noted that the federal government provides the categories and the local government prioritizes them. He further explained that senior services, therefore, could be made a number one priority this year, for example, and then perhaps the following year homeless services would be number one. Honohan stated that he thought this was one of the things they were going to look at further, that they discussed it early on regarding how some of these priorities were reached. Dobyns spoke to the City Steps and how if this Committee, for example, did not recommend prioritizing services to the elderly, what would that say to the issue. Bern - Klug asked how much weight this would have though, if the Committee is made up of senior advocates to begin with — how would other groups feel about this. Fruin stated that the whole prioritization process goes well beyond just this Committee. There are public meetings and outreach to all of these various agencies to get a feel for the prioritization and needs. He added that what the Council needs to hear is what the Committee found out when speaking to the other agencies that serve the elderly. Younker asked if there was any further discussion on the template portion of the report. He stated that he would suggest the Senior Center evaluation subcommittee take a look at completing charge #1, filling in the template that begins on page 41 of the packet. Bern -Klug stated that they have done this, on pages 26 and 27. This is the summary of the subcommittee's report, and she suggested Members make any suggestions now if they have any. Younker stated that he would like to have the subcommittee as a whole work on this issue prior to the next meeting. Bern -Klug stated that she would then recommend they change the template to match the report as they have already met five times as a subcommittee. She does not believe another meeting to change this information will be productive. She pointed out that their report follows exactly what the Council asked for, and that the template is not set up that way. Honohan stated that he will work on this and will email Bern -Klug and Webber regarding issues. This way they may not need to hold another subcommittee meeting at this point. PAGE 9 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 7 PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA): Senior Center Commission and Steering Committee member Kathy Mitchell thanked the Committee for providing the meeting agenda and materials. Mitchell spoke to earlier comments dealing with Honohan's revising of the staff experience paragraph. She noted that not only does Senior Center Coordinator Kopping have extensive service in aging studies with her doctorate, and 20 years as a nurse, but Program Specialist Michelle Buhman has 17 years of experience and is currently working on an advanced degree in aging studies. Mitchell stated that she wanted to address the 'gaps' in the template, noting how difficult it will be to differentiate who is a member and who is not a member at the Center, or the Library, or even the Rec Center. Shirley Lindell (presented a letter) and stated that she has been a member of the Center for about three years now. She enjoys many of the activities offered there. She stated that the activities that she participates in provide her with 'preventative' medicine for mind, body, and spirit. She stated that the last meeting was quite confusing, and she thanked the Committee for having the agenda available this time around. However, at this meeting she stated that she became angry about the 'argumentative, condescending, arrogant, and dismissive behavior' of Dobyns towards Honohan when he was making his draft report suggestions. She added that she does not appreciate this kind of attitude toward seniors. Lindell continued, stating that after that meeting she went back to the Senior Center and asked that members of the staff help guide her through the internet so that she could access all of this information. She stated that after looking at the information it was easy to see that the Senior Center could not have obtained the accreditation that it has, as well as be in the top 2% of the Senior Centers in the nation without being very cognizant of the money that was being spent. She noted that the staff is extraordinary, as are the huge number of volunteers. Lindell stated that she questioned if there wasn't a hidden agenda here, or if it was the golden rule — those that have the gold make the rules. One of the arguments, according to Lindell, had to do with the word 'primary source' in regards to the programs and services. This was changed to 'central,' and has been addressed. However, Lindell felt this flew in the face of the vision statement of the Senior Center, which says, "It is to be the community's primary resource for the highest quality programs, services, and opportunities that promote optimal aging." She stated that she disagrees with this. Another argument had to do with quantifying statements such as 'many' and 'a lot' when talking about members and non-members at the Center. Lindell stated that trying to get accurate counts of members and non-members at all of the various events and programs would not be a good use of staff's time. Lindell then stated that many members of the Senior Center pay it forward by going out into the community, such as at care facilities, where they provide concerts and visitations for the residents. In November, members will be giving a program at the Library, for example, to commemorate Veterans Day. Lindell gave several examples of how members of the Center play an important role in the community. She stated that if anything good is to come out of this Committee, it will be that they have rattled the cage of those who have been complacent about their highly valued Senior Center. Mary Gravitt shared an audio/video recording of the February 18 City Council meeting. She noted that she attended the last City Council meeting, and the Friday following she received a letter from the Mayor (distributed). She stated that at first she thought it was funny, until she realized what she believes is happening. Gravitt spoke about First Amendment rights and how people have the right to take their problems to their government and not be threatened for it. She stated that basically she is being accused of attacking Dobyns at that Council meeting, and stated that she did not attack him at the last Council meeting — she only stated a fact. She PAGE 10 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 8 reported she said it that it was 'unethical for Dobyns to be on the Ad Hoc Committee because he is a Member of the City Council, and that he cannot dictate the final document because he is going to vote on the final document.' Referring to the audio of the February 18 Council meeting playing in the background, Gravitt stated that in the recording Throgmorton can be heard arguing that it is unethical for Dobyns to be on this committee. This is what she herself said — that it is unethical for Dobyns to serve on this committee. Gravitt then spoke to the civil rights of the members of the Senior Center, stating that they have been violated. She continued to voice her displeasure in what she sees as a lack of civil rights for certain people. Gravitt reiterated her displeasure at Dobyns being allowed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee, saying again that it is unethical. Bern -Klug asked Fruin if it is typical for the Council to appoint one of its Members to an ad hoc committee, such as this. Fruin noted that the City puts together a number of ad hoc committees and that sometimes they are ones with public meetings, and other times they are meetings to review requests for proposals. He stated that to answer Bern-Klug's question, it is not unprecedented for the Council to put a Member on a committee that will make a recommendation to the full Council, where that Council Member will then vote on the final item. He stated that he can give several examples — one is in regards to a project at the corner of Court and Linn Streets and the call for developers to send in their ideas for this site. There is a review committee that will make a recommendation to the Council, and two Members are on that committee. Continuing, Fruin stated that you also see this with planning documents. Last year, for example, the Council adopted a downtown streetscape plan. This committee had a Council Member serve on it. Mary Dusterhoft, 4121 Franklin, stated she attended the meeting in February 18th Council meeting, and said that Dobyns demanded to be on the Ad Hoc Committee. She stated that she believes he has an agenda. Jody Wiley spoke to the suggestion of changing the Senior Center Commission. She added that all of these organizations trying to tell the Senior Center how to run themselves would be an absolute nightmare in her opinion. She believes that if they want to get a group together with representation from all these groups, that this would garner better cooperation. Senior Center member Mary Guttman asked what the make-up is of the Senior Center Commission and what its charge is. Honohan explained the makeup of the Center's Commission — seven members, six of which are appointed by the City Council, and one is appointed by the Commission itself. There used to be representation from the County, when they were providing 20% of the budget, but this ceased. In order to have someone from outside the City on the Commission, the Council allowed the Commission to appoint that seventh member. They meet monthly. As for the staff of the Center, the City Administration is in charge of the staff. The Commission makes recommendations to the Council and to the staff, and is really only an advisory group. Mary Gravitt addressed the Committee a second time, stating her argument is about Dobyns' agenda, and that the Council knew it to begin with. They knew how Dobyns felt about the Center building and she believes his agenda is set. Gravitt suggested that everyone look at the February 18`h Council meeting to see what she is talking about. She stated that what she is telling everyone is it's mostly about SEATS, because SEATS did not fight back. Gravitt again stated that what has been done is unethical — that it is unethical to have Dobyns on the Ad Hoc Committee. PAGE 11 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 9 Mary Gravitt addressed the Committee a second time. She stated that her argument is about Dobyns' agenda, that the Council knew it to begin with. They knew how Dobyns felt about the Center building. She believes his agenda is set. Gravitt suggested that everyone look at the February 18th Council meeting to see what she is talking about. She stated that what she is telling everyone is it's mostly about SEATS, because SEATS did not fight back. Gravitt again stated that what has been done is unethical — that it is unethical to have Dobyns on the Ad Hoc Committee. Karr asked for a motion at this point to accept all correspondence from this evening. Honohan moved to accept correspondence. Bern -Klug seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. PENDING ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: Younker stated that at the next meeting they will start drafting their recommendations. He stated that if others have specific agenda items to get those to Karr in a timely fashion so they can take those up. Karr noted that the meeting is next week so she will need these as soon as possible. A Monday noon deadline would allow things to be in that afternoon's packet. Bern -Klug asked if she could speak at this point. She stated that they have heard a lot from people about Dobyns' intentions and agenda. She stated that Dobyns is a very committed geriatrician in the community and has spent his life taking care of older adults and trying to improve their quality of life. She asked if he could share what his hopes for this Committee are, or if he is specifically concerned about certain sub -populations' needs that it would be helpful to the Committee as a whole. Younker responded that he wants to be careful about talking about issues that are not on the agenda and possibly recommendations at this point. Honohan stated that he would like to make one comment about this issue. He agreed that he and Dobyns have had their share of disagreements, but that he was appointed by the Council to be on this Committee. Honohan stated that they must respect him and the Council for this choice. He added that even if he disagrees, this is the Council's decision. He asked that Dobyns be shown the same courtesy as everyone else. TENTATIVE THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE: October 1 October 15 October 22 November 12 November 24 Special meetings if needed ADJOURNMENT: Honohan moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 P.M., seconded by Webber. Motion carried 5-0, Dohrmann and Cannon absent. Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee September 24, 2014 Page 10 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2014 PAGE 12 Key., X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member at this time TERM o o O o O O O O O O -� fA Ut W O V V V W l0 l0 O NAME EXP. O w a � O � N w O � N � W o -J cow O N A O A A .a A a .a A 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X X Joe Younker Jay 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X X Honohan Mercedes 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X X Bern -Klug Hiram 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X X Richard Webber Ellen 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X O/ Cannon E Jane 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X O/ Dohrmann E Rick 12/1/14 X X X X X X X X X X Dobyns Key., X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member at this time PAGE 13 r�ui ®gar CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMUKANUUM Date: September 29, 2014 To: Ad-Hoc Senior Services Committee From: Geoff Fruin, Assistant City Manager Re: Funding information from other Iowa communities Earlier this month, Jane Dorhmann inquired with me as to whether Iowa City had information from other communities regarding their non-profit agency funding practices. The information was not readily available but I offered to conduct a quick email survey of other Iowa communities. After compiling the information the Chair and Vice-Chair asked that it be distributed to all committee members. When doing these surveys, staff typically contacts the ten largest cities in Iowa, as well as our neighbors of Coralville and North Liberty. As you will see, a few cities did not offer responses and thus are not included with this information. The information presented is a summary of what was provided to us by the respondents. Some responses were more comprehensive than others and often times additional follow-up and questioning is needed to fully understand the practices of the communities. Similarly, it is not uncommon for various respondents to interpret the questions differently, thus some information provided may not be a perfect 'apples to apples' comparison. One thing to keep in mind is that some cities have access to different sources of revenue that may permit or restrict their ability to fund non-profit operations. For example, access to local option sales tax, gaming revenue, and federal CDBG funds differs between each community. Finally, one should consider that in some locations the county government may play a role in non-profit or senior activity funding. In those instances, that information may not be reflected in the information below. As a reminder of Iowa City's funding practices, I have attached the Iowa City budget report that I previously sent to the committee to the end of this memo. The information from other communities is summarized below: Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids does not provide any funding specifically for senior services. Senior service funding it provided on the County level with the discretion from the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Linn County Board of Supervisors Linn County through Linn County Community Services funds 10 non-profit agencies for a total amount of $310,755 from the General Fund in FYI 5. Linn County funding for senior services includes: $7,252 for Aging Services, a non-profit agency $54,578 for Meals on Wheels through Horizons, a non-profit agency. Seniors could be served by the other eight funded non-profit agencies although the service is not specific for seniors (health, housing, self-help, etc.) September 29, 2014 Page 2 Sioux City PAGE 14 Sioux does provide non-profit agencies with financial assistance. These are aided respectively by general fund money, state and federal grants as well as a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). While the agencies that are awarded this money do not specifically fund senior services, they do provide money to agencies that provide senior services. Such examples would be the American Health Association, Midtown Community Center and more. In total, the City of Sioux City spent $567,209.54 in FY14 for non -profits. Waterloo Waterloo does not provide funding to non-profit agencies. Nor does it provide funding to senior services. Hotel and motel tax funding is available to non -profits through an application process. However, this funding is typically directed to non -profits that support tourism. Council Bluffs The City of Council Bluffs has not provided funding to nonprofits; however they have engaged in local financial matching of projects. For example, the City recently contributed $100,000 to a new YMCA building. Similarly, the City gave $100,000 for an $800,000 match for a Neighborhood Association nonprofit. These are the only contributions the City has provided in the last ten years. The City has a non-profit Senior Center that provides a wide range of programming opportunities from physical fitness, to arts and crafts, to entertainment, to meal service and other social opportunities. The City did donate the ground after a 'brownfields' clean-up. Ames Ames provides funding to local human services agencies, including to those providing activities and services for seniors. The City participates in a unique joint effort called ASSET (Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team) to coordinate services and allocate funds to human services agencies. ASSET is a partnership between the City of Ames, Story County, United Way of Story County, the Iowa Department of Human Services, the Government of the Student Body at ISU, and Central Iowa Community Services (the mental health services region that includes Story County). Each funder provides its own source of funding to purchase human services. Volunteers help make recommendations about what services each funder should purchase, and the governing bodies of each funder make final decisions and enter into contracts with the human services agencies. This helps ensure that the same services aren't being purchased by multiple funders, which provides accountability to the process. Ames' source of funding for these services is local option sales tax revenue. In 2013/14, the City allocated $1,084,978 to human services through ASSET. The primary recipient of ASSET funds for senior services is Heartland Senior Services. It coordinates adult day care, nutrition, activities, and other programs for seniors. The City contracted with Heartland in 2013/14 for a total of $148,374. September 29, 2014 Page 3 West Des Moines PAGE 15 The City of West Des Moines does provide monetary funds to non-profit agencies through Hotel -Motel tax funding. Of the agencies that received funding during FY 2013-14, one of those agencies would have provided services specifically to seniors that was the Iowa Senior Games which received a contribution of $7,850. Until recently the City of West Des Moines did provide an in-kind contribution for senior services, as West Des Moines provided Polk County with space for a congregate meals site for seniors in our Community Center. Polk County has recently constructed a new senior center in West Des Moines with land that City of West Des Moines sold to Polk County for $1.00. This location opened in March of 2014. The City of West Des Moines does have a Human Services Department that provides several services to seniors, which includes a transportation program. This department had a budget of $960,351 in FY 13-14. The City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation department does provide several senior activities, (senior bus trips, senior recreation leagues, etc.) but those activities usually have a user fee associated with the program. Dubuque Dubuque does provide funding to non -profits agencies and organizations as well as senior funding. The City Recreation department provided $18,200 CDBG and $1,800 General fund in FY15 to Hills and Dales Senior/Lifetime Center. The City also provided $7,500 in FY14 general fund to fund the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). In FY14 the City of Dubuque spent $2,691,670 in non-profit funding which included both CDBG and general funds. The budget for FY15 is $2,712,501; this also includes both CDBG and general funds. The vast majority of these funds went to support economic development, tourism and transit agencies. North Liberty North Liberty does provide funds to non-profit agencies. General fund dollars are given to four specific programs, Family Resource Centers $50,000; North Liberty Community Pantry $12,000; Johnson County Housing Trust Fund $8,000; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters $1,000. An additional $20,000 is allocated for other programming that may come up during the year. North Liberty does not fund senior activities specifically. Rec staff facilitates senior dining every other Friday, but there are not City funds specifically allocated for it. Coralville Coralville provides funding to non-profit agencies. In FY14 the actual amount was $116,732.50; in FY15 the budgeted amount is $123,470. The funding source is the General Fund. Coralville's senior services are provided through departmental activities, particularly through the Parks and Recreation Department and the Coralville Public Library. Although the City does not designate specific funding for senior activities, they offer programming that is specific to the senior population as well as programming that meets the needs of seniors through the time of day it is offered, accessible parking and meeting location, affordability, and other factors, which allows for broader offerings, greater participation, and increased inter -generational interaction. Previously distributed iPAV3, 8acket Assistance to Social Service Agencies Iowa City annually provides funding to area social service agencies and non -profits. To receive funding, agencies must apply and go through a competitive process that involves a review and recommendation from the City's Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) and an ultimate decision by the City Council. Funding decisions are guided by a federally mandated five year locally adopted Consolidated Plan, which Identifies the most critical priorities for the community. Iowa City refers to our five year plan as "CITY STEPS" and is currently in the process of drafting a new plan that will guide funding decisions for the next five years. Funding to agencies is distributed through two separate, yet related processes. The first process is the Aid to Agencies process, which focuses on operational needs of agencies. The Aid to Agencies program Includes federal dollars and local dollars from property taxes and utility accounts. The federal funding fluctuates on a year to year basis and we generally expect a downward trend in federal revenues in the coming years. The local dollars are also subject to annual appropriations by the City. Due to the 2013 property tax reform legislation, we expect stagnant or declining property tax revenues over the next ten years. Therefore, adding additional local funds to this process will likely require cuts in other areas of local government operations or an Increase in our local property tax rate. The second process is a competitive allocation of federal funds (CDBG and HOME) for non -operational, typically capital related expenses (e.g. physical construction). These projects go through a similar review process and are guided by the same five year plan. As with the Aid to Agencies program, the federal revenue is projected to be on a downward trend. For the five-year period of 2011 through 2015, the City identified the following needs as high priorities in the CITY STEPS plan: Housing Needs o Non -student renter households up to 50% of MFI: Small families, specifically renters, experience the greatest degree of housing problems. Existing affordable housing demand exceeds projected demand, and the need for rental units far outpaces the need for owner units. With the cost of home ownership outpacing real median household income, providing assistance to rental households would be more cost-effective at this time. o Persons and families at -risk for homelessness: With more "new homeless" being created during the recession, it is critical that efforts be made to assist them in maintaining their current housing, and not increase the number of homeless in Iowa City. Rental assistance, including rent and utility deposits, achieves this objective and is far more cost-effective than transitioning out of homelessness. o Owner -occupied housing units: Elderly and small family owner households experience very high degree of housing problems, especially cost burden. Weatherization, emergency rehab and rehab activities help to decrease monthly utility costs and preserve and maintain the Citys affordable owner housing stock. In addition, physical improvements including handicap accessibility features that may assist elderly owners to age -in-place is a high priority. Community Development Needs o Public service activities that focus on crime prevention and awareness, child care, youth services, life skills, financial literacy, substance abuse services, mental health services, homeless services, transportation and employment training are high priorities. As a result of the recession, there are many more households at -risk for becoming homeless due to job loss, etc. Assisting these families with day care, life skills, etc. to maintain their job and housing will be a priority. o Public facilities, specifically the structural facilities that house the public service providers listed above. In addition, child care facilities that are affordable to LMI households or accept Title 20 funding would be a high priority. Investing in the physical facilities used by non-profit organizations would prolong the life of their facilities and enable the agencies to continue their missions. Park and recreational facilities, flood prevention and mitigation strategies in low income neighborhoods are also high priorities. o Economic development activities, specifically employment training and micro -enterprise loan financing. Senior Services were identified as a medium priority in the plan, although it should be noted that many of the high priorities benefit the senior population. The 2011-2015 CITY STEPS Plan can be found at www.lcgov.org/actionplan. PAGE 17 FY13-15 Aid To Agencies History Agency FY13 Request FY13 Actual FY14 Request FY14 Actual FYSS Request FY15 Actual Main Priority -CITY STEPS 4 C's Community Coord. Child Care $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $1,850 $10,000 $5,000 High - Child Care Arc of Southeast Iowa NA NA $4,000 $2,163 $5,000 $5,000 Medium- Handicap Services Big Brothers/Big Sisters $35,000 $32,000 $40,000 $29,325 $35,200 $30,000 High - Youth Services Community Corrections Imp. Assoc. NA NA NA NA $10,000 1 $0 High -Crime Prevention & Employment Training Compeer of Johnson County $10,000 $5,000 $6,000 $3,313 Missed Deadline $0 High- Mental Health Services Crisis Center of Johnson County $42,000 $40,000 $49,540 $38,000 $49,540 $40,000 High - Homeless Services, Medium - Health Services Domestic Violence Intervention Program $55,000 $50,000 $52,500 $47,500 $50,000 $45,000 High -Homeless Services (as it relates to housing) Elder Services Inc. $55,620 $52,000 $60,000 $48,819 $50,000 $30,010 Medium -Senior Services Extend the Dream Foundation NA NA $20,000 Not Eligible NA NA Medium- Handicap Services Four Oaks - Pal Program $1,000 $1,000 NA NA $5,000 $0 High - Child Care Free Lunch Program $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $5,000 Medium - Health Services HACAP - Food Reservoir Backpack Program NA NA NA NA $28,000 $12,000 Medium - Health Services Hillcrest Family Services NA NA $4,000 $0 NA NA High - Mental Health Services Housing Trust Fund of JC $8;000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $24,000 $24,000 High - Housing (non -student renters under 50%MI) ICCSD Family Resource Centers NA NA $50,000 $10,000 $37,500 $15,000 High - Youth Services IC Free Medical/Dental Clinic $8,000 $7,500 $10,000 $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 Medium - Health Services IV Habitat for Humanity - Furniture Project NA NA NA NA $10,000 $5,000 High- Homeless Services Johnson County Social Services NA NA $10,000 $6,000 NA NA High- Employment Training Mayor's Youth Employment Program NA NA $15,000 $6,000 NA NA High- Employment Training MECCA $20,000 $18,950 $33,022 $16,880 $20,000 $15,000 High -Substance Abuse Neighborhood Centers of JC $63,000 $60,000 $70,000 $51,000 1 $60,000 $50,000 High - Youth Services/Child Care Pathways Adult Day Health Center $5,000 $4,879 $5,000 $4,000 $15,000 $5,000 Medium - Senior/Handicap Services Rape Victim Advocacy Program $14,000 $12,000 $15,400 $10,325 $12,000 $10,000 High - Crime Prevention, Medium - Health/Legal Services Shelter House $40,000 $36,500 $64,500 $32,525 $64,500 $45,000 High - Homeless Services The Dream Center NA NA $39,300 $0 NA NA High -Youth Services United Action for Youth $65,000 1 $60,000 $65,000 1 $53,500 $72,000 $49,000 High -Youth Services Total Request: 1 $425,620 1 $391,829 1 $625,262 1 $378,700 1 $567,240 1 $397,510 Note: No other agency that exclusively serves seniors has applied for Aid to Agency assistance in recent years. it should be noted that agencies identified with amain priority other than Senior Services may assist the senior population through their services (Example: Free Lunch Program). FY13-FY15 CDBG & HOME Competitive Application History Housing CHARM Homes LLC- Rental Housing CJs Construction, Inc. -Rental Housing Hawkeye Area Comm. Action Program -Rental Rehab. The Housing Fellowship - CH DO Operating Funds The Housing Fellowship- Rental Housing Iowa City Cohousing - Downpayment Assistance Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity - Homeownership Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity - Owner -occupied Rehab. City of Iowa City - Owner -occupied Rehabilitation Shelter House - Rapid Rehousing (TBRA) Successful Living - Rental Rehabilitation 3 Diamond Development - Rental Housing Housing Total Public Facilities Arc of Southeast Iowa - Playground Iowa City - Downtown Faqade Imp. Community Mental Health Center - Accessibility Crisis Center of Johnson County - Rehabilitation Domestic Violence Intervention Program - Facility Rehab. Extend the Dream/PATV - Facility Rehabilitation HACAP - Playground Iowa City Free Medical Clinic - Facility Rehab. Mayors Youth - Facility Rehab. MECCA - Facility Rehabilitation NCJC - Facility Rehab. Sudanese American Community Services - Property Acq. United Action for Youth - Facility Rehab. Public Facilities Total TOTAL: Note: The yellow highlight Indicates the project was specifically geared to seniors. Other projects may serve the senior population but not in an exclusive manner. Other senior oriented projects to receive these funds In recent years include Lexington Senior Housing $275,000 (2001), Concorde Terrace Senior Housing $275,000 (2000) and Regency Heights Senior Housing $150,000 (1999). PAGE 18 FY13 FY14 FY1S Requested FY13 Requested FY14 Requested FY15 Amount Allocation Amount Allocation Amount Allocation $61,650 $61,650 $61,650 $61,650 NA NA $650,000 $0 NA NA NA NA $360,000 $290,014 NA NA NA NA $20,630 $19,260 $23,250 $17,630 $20,000 $15,000 $258,239 $0 NA NA $300,000 $200,000 NA NA NA NA $100,950 $0 $120,000 $0 $150,000 withdrawn $100,000 $0 $90,000 $90,000 NA NA NA NA $220,000 $200,000 $300,000 $300,000 $250,000 $140,000 NA NA NA NA $75,000 $75,000 $300,000 $0 NA NA NA NA NA NA $450,000 $0 NA NA $2,080,519 $660,924 $984,900 $379,280 $845,950 $430,000 NA NA NA NA $100,000 $75,000 NA NA $50,000 $0 NA NA $183,564 $100,000 NA NA NA NA $300,400 $160,000 $120,000 withdrawn NA NA $172,076 $172,076 NA NA NA NA $35,360 $0 NA NA NA NA $40,000 $40,000 NA NA NA NA NA NA $85,371 $20,000 NA NA $119,424 $0 $114,270 $70,000 NA NA $339,767 $12,500 $59,645 $23,850 NA NA $111,500 $111,500 $55,000 $55,000 $84,000 $0 NA NA $50,000 $0 NA NA NA NA NA NA $122,620 $25,000 $1,302,091 $596,076 $534,286 $168,850 $306,620 $100,000 $3,382,610 $1,257,000 $1,519,186 $548,130 $1,152,570 $530,000 PAGE 19 The Senior Center The Senior Center budget consists of several revenue and expense categories. General Fund (i.e. property tax) support of the Senior Center is not listed as a revenue, but rather it is expressed as the Net Difference at the end of the table. As with most departments, the bulk of the expenses associated with the Senior Center operations are personnel related. Specifically, this refers to the salaries and benefits of the 6.5 permanent employees. SENIOR CENTER REVENUES LOCAL GRANTS CULTURE & RECREATION MISC. CHARGES FOR SERVICES PARKING CHARGES CONTRIBUTIONS & DONATIONS MISC. MERCHANDISE OTHER MISC. REVENUE RENTS PARKING RAMP REVENUE ROYALTIES & COMMISSIONS MISC. TRANSFERS IN TOTAL REVENUES EXPENSES REGULAR SALARIES OTHER SALARIES GROUP INSURANCE SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA AND COMMUNICATION TRAVEL & TRAINING UTILITY SERVICES BUILDING R&M SERVICES EQUIPMENT R&M SERVICES IT EQUIP R&M SERVICES OPERATING SERVICES INTRA -CITY SERVICES MISC. SERVICES & CHARGES GENERAL SUPPLIES COMMUNICATION SUPPLIES BOOKS & PERIODICALS COMP & PRINT SUPPLIES AGRICULTURE SUPPLIES FUELS & LUBRICANTS FY2013 FY2014k FY2015 ACTUAL REVISED BUDGET ADOPTED BUDGET (70,000) (59,215) (70,000) (54,701) (56,427) (54,680) (14,459) (16,698) 0 0 (22,000) (17,050) (37,130) (40,000) (51,000) (7,736) (12,491) (7,736) (6,719) (27,500) 0 (1,624) (1,539) (1,624) (17,035) 0 0 (322) (299) (322) 0 (2,500) 0 (209,724) (238,669) (202,412) 382,006 406,211 418,245 7,650 10,456 9,091 56,976 56,576 56,267 29,310 31,443 32,092 33,426 36,585 38,063 3,715 11,275 14,404 29,796 33,543 31,832 3,459 4,401 4,355 51,957 49,675 55,492 19,634 40,786 24,858 435 99 452 267 324 278 40,255 53,640 43,013 36,377 35,149 37,454 28,983 30,551 28,513 17,671 20,035 19,431 0 251 251 659 1,583 1,500 1,760 0 3,000 66 0 69 0 9 15 FY15 Notes: Johnson County contribution Memberships and lessons Parking fees Friends contribution, donations and fundraising Sales of merchandise Building and locker rent Vending 6.5 regular employees and temporary employees Overtime and longevity Financial, computers, survey ($10k), building engineer Mailings and advertisements Conferences Gas, electricity, etc. HVAC, pest control, loading dock repair, painting, etc. Laundry, printing, snow, work study, instructor fees Computer, software, copy and other support fees Dues, parking fee ($22k), piano tuning, elevator permit Office supplies, new furniture, cleaning supplies, etc. newspapers Wireless building access, computer lab software fees R&M SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT R&M SUPPLIES OTHER SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS (NOW BUILDINGS) OPERATING EQUIPMENT IT HARDWARE/SOFTWARE TOTAL EXPENSES NET DIFFERENCE 665 0 1,667 702 73 75 25,849 28,776 27,498 0 0 7,605 6,872 15,000 0 0 41,138 13,000 0 18,000 0 778,491 1 925,579 868,521 (568,766) 1 (686,910) (666,109) PAGE 20 Misc. building repair needs, small tools, etc. Fitness equipment, Great courses videos, volunteer gifts, member appreciation events, etc. Fitness room flooring Technology upgrades in rooms 202 and 208 General Fund contribution to the Senior Center (property tax allocation) Note: Significant building expenses are budgeted in the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Examples of types of projects that could be in the CIP budget include new HVAC, roof replacement, and large scale flooring or remodeling. The current CIP does not have any Senior Center related projects. Also, the above information excludes smaller Senior Center accounts that do not play a significantrole in the overall budget. Such programs include the New Horizons Bond, Senior Center Chorus, and otherspecial events. ' The FY 2014 budget ends on July 1, 2014. As is the case in most years, the Senior Center is expected to spend less than their budget authority. Currently, actuals for FY 2014 are just under 80% of budgeted expenditures, while revenues are tracking closer to 90%. Similarly, it is expected that the Friends of the Center will be providing approximately $14,000 to cover expenses with programs they have sponsored. PAGE 21 Parking and Transit The Parking Division has an agreement with the Senior Center to provide discounted parking to those that are permitted through the Senior Center. The Senior Center pays a lump sum of $20,000 to the Parking Division annually for this benefit. Below is a table showing annual hours used by the Senior Center and the corresponding market rate value of those hours. The difference is highlighted, which states the variance between the market rate value of the parking hours used and the Senior Center payment. FY14 numbers are not complete, but will likely vary as the City implemented its first hour free rate structure at the beginning of that fiscal year. Senior Center Parking FY11 FY12 FY13 56,669 61,491 55,820 Annual Hours Rate $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 Total Value $ 42,501.75 $ 46,118.25 $ 41,865.00 Senior Center Payment $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Qitferetice ' ; ;$22,501:75 :'$26.118:25. $23;865:00:: The Transit Division offers a reduced fare, off-peak transit pass to seniors that reside in Iowa City. There is a 50% discount off of the base transit fare for those 60 years and over. This can be utilized Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm and after 6:30pm. On Saturdays, the pass is honored all day. In addition, if income qualifications are met, a low-income pass can be obtained that allows free rides to the user during off-peak hours. Below is a table that shows the number of rides seniors with this pass have taken in each of the last three years. The difference is highlighted, which shows the variance between the market rate of the rides and the actual payment collected from the seniors. Senior Off -Peak Pass FY11 FY12 FY13 23630 25342 2550'. Rides Regular Fare $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 1.00 Total Value $ 17,722.50 $ 19,006.50 $ 25,509.00 Senior Fare Value(50'%o Discount) $ 8,270.50 $ 8,869.70 $ 12,754.50 PAGE 22 Honohan 9/28 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee 1. Establishment of the Committee The Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee was established by the Iowa City City Council on the 18th day of February, 2014. II. Committee Members (Here for the members, copy the chart that Geoff set out in his template on page 39 of the packet) III. Committee Chargel The Committee's charge was as follows: A. To evaluate the current vision, mission, and programing, and recent accomplishments of the Senior Center, as detailed in the 2013 Annual Report. Further, and to review the current demographics of the participants served by the Senior Center Survey of Members, Former Members, as well as other available data resources from the Senior Center, and determine whether segments of the senior population are not accessing available services. A summary of this committee evaluation and its final related findings shall be included in the final written report to the City Council. B. To make recommendations to the City Council on how Iowa City should use current financial and physical resources to meet the needs of Iowa City seniors. These recommendations should consider the City's use of existing resources and the vision, mission, and programming required to more effectively serve the growing senior population in the community in accordance with the inclusive and sustainable values expressed in the City's Strategic Plan. Such recommendations shall include commentary regarding the specific segments of the senior population that they intend to serve. C. To identify any obstacles, including facility considerations, which may be hindering the City's ability to serve the senior population and to make recommendations that would minimize or eliminate such obstacles. IV. Meetings The Ad Hoc Committee Chair Joseph Younker, vice chair Jane Dohrmann, members Mercedes Bern -Klug, Ellen Cannon, Richard Dobyns, Jay Honohan, and Rick Webber, staff Marian Karr and Geoff Fruin, 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) minutes b) correspondence ' The City Council's Resolution takes up over two pages. In keeping with Joe and Jane's idea of the report only 4-5 pages, I think we should not put in the entire resolution. PAGE 23 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 Senior Center, and other agencies. Charge 1 Evaluation of the Senior Center V. Description of the Senior Center In 1981, the City of Iowa City completed the rehabilitation of the old Post Office building at 28 S. Linn, 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 floor was added to make more efficient the use of the vertical space above the assembly room. The building has a variety of offices, meeting and exercise rooms. VI. Key Considerations a) Areas of excellence A copy of the full evaluation is attached to this report identified as exhibit "A". In both the full evaluation and this summary we have broken down the charge to specific points. Evaluate the current vision, mission, and programing, and recent accomplishments of the Senior Center, as detailed in the 2013 Annual Report. The Senior Center is the primary resource for quality programs and services that promote optimal aging for seniors in the Iowa City community. The Center's programs promote active aging at a consistently high level. The Center achieves its vision, "to be the communities primary resource for the highest quality, programs, services, and opportunities that promote optimal aging." The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center is the only nationally accredited senior center in the state of Iowa. 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 and the comments from members during the Ad Hoc Senior Service committee meetings indicate high satisfaction with the center. The Senior Center is a strong community asset supporting thousands of persons a year to learn new skills, make friends, share interests, and engage more fully in the community. The committee recognizes the Senior Center leadership for using financial and other resources well as it works toward fulfilling its mission of promoting optimal aging in our community. d• In 2013, 360 unique classes were offered at the Center. 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, and English language learners. PAGE 24 Honohan 9/28 To review the current demographics of the participants served by the Senior Center Survey of members, former members, as well as other available data resources from the Senior Center, and determine whether segments of the senior population are not accessing available services. 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 $10 for low income seniors. In addition to the members, many older adults and younger people benefit from programs. -o The Center staff consists of the, coordinator, program and community outreach specialists, operations assistant, two maintenance workers and three part time staff assisted by the Senior Center Commission, the Steering Committee, and senior volunteers. The current level of staffing does not permit providing activities and services for people experiencing advanced dementia or other cognitive impairments requiring supervision and assistance. b) Opportunities 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 the Center should be considered by the Senior Center Commission and Steering Committee. Scholarships for low income should be continued and encouraged. Ethnic and racial diversity in the participants at the Center continues to be a concern of the Senior Center Commission, Steering Council, and the staff and efforts are being made to increase diversity. The pool of seniors who black, Hispanic, and Asian is small. Additional staff as requested in the past could assist in outreach programs. However with current budget restraints it is not probable that any additional funding would be available. c) Data gaps and identification of issues for further review/study i The Senior Center Commission, Steering Council (composed of volunteers), and staff should continue their efforts to increase the racial and ethnic diversity at the Center. The Senior Center Commission, Steering Council (composed of volunteers), and staff should evaluate membership fees and other ways to assist in funding the operational budget. The committee considered asking the staff to collect demographic characteristics of nonmembers who participate in activities at the Senior 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. AllIVA 1/ I wo w� I WIN N a me I V,, Choose Hotireirnent Series HoUvounaut {jos ai vavlos fm Hvery Budget DISCARDED IOWA CITY from Iowa Ci(y Public Libra, MAR _ s 2001 PUBLIC LIBRARY �, quote press Guilford, Connecticut 091`) 8 CHOOSE A COLLEGE TOWN FOR RETIREMENT bring to their communities. The air is generally cleaner because there aren't the fumes of factories in most of these towns. �c' College towns respond to their constituencies, which are mainly the students, faculty, and staff of the college and often include the profes- sional and nonprofessional staffs of the regional hospital nearby. Their needs include not only a better cultural life but also a safe, stimulating, and healthy environment in which to raise families. Those needs might encompass more parks and open space, hiking trails and bike paths, municipally or regionally funded sites and programs for recreation, edu- cation and culture, health and safety of the poor and working class, cleaner drinking water, protection of the local ecology, recycling pro- grams, and a multitude of other amenities for the community. Being less populated and away from metropolitan areas, college towns tend to develop their own unique identities, communitywide recognitions of being part of something that is not only bigger but also of value. In turn the communities give back to their members a sense of importance instead of a world into which we fall lost, as is often the case in large cities. Sometimes the identities are around the colleges, but sometimes they are around the areas' histories and local color. The Heat Is On What about climate? Well, if climate is the most important factor in your choosing a place to live in retirement, then use that as your first measurement. Climate charts for every town are included in this book and indicate average highs and lows during different months of the year. If climate is your only measurement, then don't bother buying this book. just move to Florida, Arizona, or southern California. But I have to tell you, you can't get away from the cold without trying really hard. Even in southern Mississippi and Alabama, I saw the familiar warning sign that I thought was saved for the northern climes: BRIDGES FREEZE BEFORE ROADS. Another thought is that if you can afford to keep your home in the North and have a place in Florida, you could live in both places as need- ed. i knew nannlo ;,, W..., _. 7. i ......... t Visitors Bureau (CVB). I had left the pleasant 7( International Airport and landed in the unbearab Phoenix. By the time I reached my rental car, I wa; was of little relief. So I asked the person I was speaking with at th "How do you stand it?" I asked. She responded, " now. You can see that the restaurants use misters lightly. It helps cool us off. And, of course, everyth We do our outdoor things in the evening, when ten "We get about three months a year of this we-, "But you live in Santa Cruz. Don't you get three r What do you do? You put on a jacket and raise tl you lived in Burlington, didn't you get the very cc three months? So you bundled up. We all adjus climate. It just isn't really a factor." So that is why you should read this book. Clin in making our lives satisfying. The complexities some cold and snow or heat and sun. For a richer choices to create an appealing retirement, read thi: Here, There, and Everyu In some ways I've been preparing to do this book a life filled with twists and turns. In my early college to other universities to visit friends who were studel school and hit the road in 1971, college towns becan journeys. I came to understand early that the wonder visiting were special, and a lot of their specialness w tional community was entwined in the life of the returned to school at the University of California at found that I felt at home again in a college environ Life led me in many directions. Eventually I ste later my then -wife and I moved to Burlington, wh a position at the University of Vermont. In 199 and writing of Choose California, Don suggested that I consider doing a book on college towns. It was a natural fit. In the eight succeeding months, I traveled, researched, and wrote Choose a College Town for Retirement. From an original list of 150 towns culled from research on the World Wide Web and written materials, and a long conversation with my old friend Bob Stonehill in the Education Department in Washington, D.C., I cut the list to 100 towns. Several trips had me cover 15,000 miles by airplane and 20,000 miles by car through 33 states. In the end, I visited about 85 college towns, and from those visits I pared the list to a final group of 63 in 29 states. This is not a places-rated book. I may have my group of favorite towns, and you'll know many of them when you read the book. But the book isn't really about what I like. It is about giving you information about college towns in many states with different geographic amenities so that you will have something to work with when you think about where you might like to live. I didn't go everywhere. I didn't make it to 17 states, and, mostly for logistical reasons, I didn't make it to all the towns on my preliminary list. I can guarantee you that I am not suggesting any place that I have not seen. And I can tell you that, whether or not I wanted to, I could have a good life in any town in this book. I apologize to the residents of towns that I didn't see or passed on including in this book. It doesn't mean you don't have a decent town. I will endeavor to look again to see if what I am seeking is there. And I would like to be able to check out the states I missed—especially Hawaii. ? All Things Must Pass I set out to see what I could find. I had a set of criteria to work with from the start: • The town had to be a distinct community. • There had to be at least one college or university that could be seen as a major focus of community life. • There had to be a hospital, preferably a medical center serving a region. • There had to be a cultural center, which could be the college itself. • There had to be parks or open space and recreational areas. 11\I AV UU411.. p 1 There had to be a senior center or programs for seniors. • At least one college in the town had to offer educational opportu- nities to adults, preferably to seniors in particular. • A government, chamber of commerce, college, church, or other organization had to hold events that brought the community out of their homes to interact together. This could be street fairs, concerts in the park, historical celebrations, or any other form of recreation. • There needed to be a cultural life. It could take the form of art or historical museums, musical performances, theater arts, or dance, and the groups or performances needed to have a student/faculty or community component. • The town's location had to be beautiful, the streets pleasant to walk, and the people friendly. I was rarely disappointed. How This Book Is Organized The sections split the areas into seven geographic parts and are then alphabetized by state. From New England to the Northwest and California in a smile across the United States, you will swing from the Atlantic Ocean through the great mountain formations, desolated deserts, and low and high plains to the shores of the Pacific. The town chapters are organized as follows: • A general introduction to the history and geography of the town, its climate, and other notes of interest • The college or university and its offerings for seniors in the areas of classes and library use • Ways to have fun in town and around the general area • Descriptions of the costs of owning or renting a home or apartment • The hospitals in the area and other health services • Ways to entertain the grandchildren when they come to visit • Addresses for a variety of organizations of importance in the town, to help you know the town better • Public transportation and airports • Web sites for finding out more about the town and the college or university 11111 111IIIIIIIIIr MI'M WT]=, i' Ibuquerque has seven(geographi- cally distributed but with coordinated pro- gramming), my home - GUEST town of COLUMN Shenandoah (pop • 5.500) has one, and Iowa City has an excel lent one. 1 . What I'm talking about are Dan Adams facilities that provide centralized, low-cost, well-planned ac- tivities for active seniors, ieflned by me as people )ver 55 who want to do nore than just "sit on the ?orch" in their "golden ,ears." Indeed, most cities and :owns have at least one cantor center dedicated o enhancing the quality )f life of older adults by aroviding places to con- ;regate, make friends, mrsue lifelong learn - ng opportunities, learn ibout and improve health Ind fitness and per - raps most importantly — ,ocialize with peers and ust have Ran! ll' it weren't for the '008 flood, Cedar Rapids !ould be well on its way o having a superb facll- ty, serving the needs of ill age groups and not list older adults. Pre- lood, much planning lad gone into a new 50,000 -square -foot com- munity center assoct- ted with "15 in 5" -- the nitiative to provide 15 new resources in Ce- ar Rapids In just five 'ears. Since the flood, towever, the initiative's dans have stalled — un- erstandable, given the hanging priorities the lood has forced upon us. My model for what houkl exist has been vailable in Iowa City Ince 1981. Activities pro- ided In the Iowa City/ ohnson County Senior 'enter in Iowa City's eautifully renovated Id downtown post office nclude: various dances, Am SlesiaroA/IDo Gazelte Volunteer Sharon fingers (center) serves milk to Georgia Roo (left) and Richard Edabum, all of Cedar Rapids, during the luau. gural lunch at the Witwer Senior Center's senior meals program at the Ecumenical Community Center, 805 Second Ave. SE, on Feb. 21, 2009. After being displaced by the flood of 2008, the center has focused on serving hundreds of meals dally at the center and several other sites in the county, plus some home deliveries. Cedar Rapids should make the needs of active seniors a priority with a well -located facility where they can participate in multiple activities with minimal costs and transportation hassles. Although a multigenerational community renter would fulfill all the needs expressed here, It might be too grandiose a plan given post -float! priorities and a fragile economy. activity list at www.ic- gov.org/default/?td=1215. The centrally located Brian Huy/The Gareae Muria WHHl,m 00 of W.JG..+.. --a- .­.. .......a. ....,.-a Continuing Education, fitness centers, private lessons, etc.), they are geographically dispersed, often expensive, perhaps Inaccessible for senior who may be transporta. tion -challenged, and are all planned independent- ly and not as coordinated activities. Like Iowa City, Cedar Rapids should make the needs of active seniors a priority with a well -locat- ed facility where they can participate in multiple activities with minimal costs and transportation hassles. Although a multigenerational com- munity center would fulfill all the needs ex- pressed here, it might be too grandiose a plan given post -flood priorities and a fragile economy. If that is the case, plans should be scaled down to something achievable in the short- term with a goal of lent one. What I'm talking �t,,,,rr e,•o Ban Adams facilities that provide centralized, low-cost, well-planned ac- tivities for active seniors, defined by me as people over 55 who want to do more than just "sit on the porch" in their "golden years." indeed, most cities and towns have at least one senior center dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of older adults by providing places to con- gregate, make friends, pursue lifelong learn- ing opportunities, learn about and Improve health and fitness and per- haps most Importantly — socialize with peers and just have fun! If it weren't for the 21x08 flood, Cedar Rapids could be well on its way to having a superb facil- ity, serving the needs of all aqe grnups and not had ton, 2bti r�...,�._a nmurin comer ated with "15 lin 5" — the initiative to provide 15 new resources in Ce- dar Rapids in just five years. Since the Rood, however, the initiative's plans have stalled - um derstandable, given the changing priorities the Flood has forced upon us. My model for what should exist has been available in Iowa City since 1981. Activities pro- vided to the Iowa City/ Johnson County Senior Center in Iowa City's beautifully renovated old downtown post office include: various dances, weekly group walks, Friday afternoon movies at the Bijou (in the Iowa Memorial Union), bus trips to regional events, picldeball and classes/ lessons in such diverse topics as watercolor, banjo, impressionist art, Spanish and pottery mak- ing. Additional group ac- tivities include a ukulele or(JesU,1 a band, a drill and dance team, a theater group; chess, bridge and quilting clubs; games of all kinds and pvprriep Volunteer Sharon Rogam (canter) serves arBM to tisorgla Roe (left) and Richard Edabum, all of Cedar Rapids, during the Inst gural lunch at the 111ttser Sankt Center's senor meals program at the Ecumenical Community Center, 1105 Second Ave. SE, o Feb. 21, 2009. After being displaced by the flood of 2008, the center has focused on serving hundreds of meals daily at th center and several other sites in the county, plus some home deliveries. Cedar Rapids should make the needs of active seniors a priority with a well -located facility where they can participate in multiple activities with minimal costs and transportation hassles. Although a multigenerational community center would fulfill all the needs expressed here, it might be too grandiose a plan given post -flood priorities and a fragile economy. activity list at www.ic- gov.org/defatilt/?id=1216. The centrally located Iowa City facility has a coffee shop with a large, comfortable lounge and newspaper reading area. And, although congre- gate meals are avail- able, meal services are separately funded and operated and constitute just a portion of what the center has to offer. Discounted parking is available via covered walkway, and bus trans- portation (city, campus, LIFT) is available at the doorstep. Annual mem- Brian Ray/The Gazette Made Williams, 92, of Wellman, performs wall squats using an exercise ball during a fitness class designed to help seniors Improve their balance on Sept. 10, 2010, at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center in Iowa City. The center offers an extensive list of services and activities. which provide access to most activities without additional cost. Like Iowa City's cern let,, Cedar Rapids' Wit- wer Senior Center's mis- sion is to provide healthy aging and wellness programs arid nutrition services. At Witmer, how- ever, space constraints rently limited it to a din- ing room for the meal program, the Ecumenical Center Community Room and space in the Linn County History Center. The greater Cedar Rapids area has approxi- mately 45,000 people over, the age of 55. Although facilities already exist c._ a-. .... ... "I .... ._u_ Continuing Education, fitness centers, private lessons, etc.), they are geographically dispersed often expensive, perhaps inaccessible for seniors who may be t•anspm•ta- timnchallenged, and are all planned independent- I� and not as coordinated activities. Like Iowa City, Cedar Rapids should make the needs of active seniors a priority with a well-locat ed facility where they cat participate in multiple activities with minimal costs and transportation hassles. Although a multigenerational com- munity, center would fulfill all the needs ex- pressed here, it might be too grandiose a plan given post-nood prior•itie. and a fragile economy. If that is the case, plans should be scaled down to something achievable ht the short- term with a goal of evolving it into the type of facility Cedar Rapids really deserves long- ternr. Dan Adams of Cedar - Rapids is retired Rock- well Collins engineer who has sine visited senor centers in Albuquerque, Phoenix and the Wash- ington, D.C. area. He is a member of the long-term planning committee 4l the Wittver Senior Center. Comments on the senior center ideas may be made Celebrating 25 years in Iowa City, The Center brings seniors together Back in 1981, a dream became reality as the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center opened its doors, allowing Iowa City area residents 50 and over a chance to revisit life- long interests as well as discover new talents. Twenty-five years ago, the concept of a sen- ior center was fairly new, with the first senior centers in the United States established in the 1940s. In the mid 1970s, Iowa City area seniors were meeting in the Johnson County -owned Close Mansion on Gilbert Street. A commu- nity group began to look at using the Iowa City Recreation Center as a senior meeting place. Over time, support began to grow to revamp the former U.S. Post Office at 28 S. Linn Street into a senior center. The building had been vacant fnr several years after the Post Office t moved to a new building i4meone on South Clinton Street. <.. _Ileus ir_ Under the leadership of a =-rior centR Iowa City Mayor Robert t( I- elieve Vevera and City Manager -e said du r _J plant a i. .: is to .tie futr,:: e. To act; :::r support l a town U,: eaJ with yot people is i COfltir,- . I y and u L: ab8lty to, Neal Berlin, Iowa City pur- f - )ur aetion� serve ours _ es in the _::r: sent and chased the building from a® '"'= Elder Services, Inc. in Iowa City, IA 1 1556 S 1st Ave Ste A, Iowa Cit.. Elder Services, Inc. Write a Review Not Rated 15`,6 S Ist Ave Ste A, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 338.0515 Additional Contacts Elder Services, Inc. (ESI) is the premier regional resource specializing In services for elders and their caregivers In eastc ntral lowa.Mission:The mission of Elder Services, Inc. Is to: Provides programs, services, and resources to assist persons age 60 and over in Johnson County and east central Iowa to stay active, Independent, and safe in their homee.Logo:ESI has chosen the elderberry plant as its logo. Elderberdes are long-lived, strong plants that grow around the vrodd. The strength, longevity, nourishing and wrative properties of this plant make it a faring symbol to remind us of the unique and positive attributes and contributions of our older citizens, and the importance of maturing and sustaining them throughout their Iifetime.History.Elder Services, Inc. was founded in July of 1980 as Elderly Services Agency (ESA) and was created to serve residents of Johnsen County age 60 and over. Its original mission was to help older people remain safely in their homes as long as possible by coordinating and delivering paid and volunteer services. In the Spring of 2000, ESA moved to a bigger facility while modernizing its infrastructure and program design and officially changed its name to Elder Services, Ino.Services:ESI Is both a provider and advocate for senior citizens' ability to live Independently. ESI Is dedicated to working with clients to determine Individual needs and desires and to present choices to them in both the selection and delivery of services. Our success Is measured by the quality of life experienced by our clients who are able to remain safely and independently in their min homes. *Follow = Be the fast of your fdends to like this. ©© _s"'r• m' 1,u ti n u_, r..m Business Details Category (Edit) Civic Clubs & Organizations Additional information The One Place To Call for Information and Assistance To Help You Stay in Your Home., Elder Services, Inc., We Are A Non -Profit Agency With 25 Years Experience Providing Assistance To Thousands in the Older Adult Community., Chores and Companionship, We Are A Partner Agency of the United Way of Johnsen County .," i.,me On this Unna.... llnn Products & Services (Edit) • Assisted Living • Assisted Living Services • Care Assessment and Coordination • Care Management • Care, Planning & Management • Caregiver Assistance • Counseling • Faith In Action Program • Family Caregiver Counseling • Geriatric Assessment & Intervention • Geriatric Services • Health Services • Home Assistance (Chore, Home Repair, Respite) • Information • Meals • Memory Loss Education • Memory Loss Nurse Specialist • Personal Care Assistance . Respite Care • Senior Dining & Home Delivered Meals • Social Services • Volunteer Opportunities (Rsvp) • Volunteer Opportunities - (Rsv • We Help People 60+ Stay Safely In Their Homes by Offering the Following Services: In Business Since 1985 http: //www. superpages. coml by/Iowa-City-IA/Elder-Services-Inc-L... 1 of 2 10/1/14, 2:48 PM OPINION The Gazette Editorial Board Letters guidelines rm McDougall, publisher, Lyle Muller. editor: Jeff Tec 'on Lenglh OmH: 250 words opinion page editor. Becky Lutgen Gardner, compam ce^tent E-malC editorial@wurcemedia.net Information director: Todd Dorman, Jennifer Hemmittgsan. Mdl: 3cx 511, Cedar Rapids. IA 5240E columnists; Otrabeth Hlatlky, dlreKar, community relztcIs' QPxstlattsT: ;315) 39882E2 a Chuck Peters. company president: Joe Hladky. compan, chalnnan jeH.iCCklenbutg@S UMemed2.net SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011 84efaWte M THE GAZETTE'S EDITORIAL Get real about taxes for roads 1 he Vehicle Miles Trav- eled tax is an intriguing concept. .he University of Iowa is set elease the results of a $14 lion federal study on the fea- lty of basing a road -use tax the miles traveled by Iowans. zarchers installed GPS de- s on 2,500 Eastern, Iowa ve- les that reported miles driven cellular transmitters. dost drivers went into study opposing this sort axation through remote :king. But by the end of the dy, 70 percent were OK with ring their mileage monitored I just 9 percent were strongly Posed. 3ut intriguing research does necessarily make for real - Ad public policy. is tr'1e that Iowa taces Dallas HcMlhe Gazette critical decisions on how to pay for mounting road construction needs. We applaud Gov. Terry Branstad for appointing a task force to delve into the issue. Iowa currently relies on a per gallon gasoline tax that is less reliable now than in the past as Iowans drive more fuel- efficient vehicles and hybrids. Alter, atives will be needed in the future. But let's face it, the biggest current problem with Iowa's fuel tax -based road fund is that our leaders have lacked the courage to raise the gas tax in keeping with our basic transportation needs. It's been more than two decades since the last increase. Politicians of all stripes have been concerned more with the next election than the deteriorating roads and bridges. A gas tax increase is a tough political sell. But it's easy to see how a GPs -tracked VMT tax would he even more politically difficult. In the real world, poli- ticians don't get to try out a tax tint before making it law. It has to be sold up front. You can imagine the strong opposition to government mileage tracking. Commuters who live in Iowa's fastest- growing suburban communities would likely lead the opposition. Politicians, being politicians, would likely carve out all sorts of exceptions for groups with lobbying prowess. That's already happened with the gas tax. And what about out -of -staters who roll across our roads? At least they have to pay the current fuel tax. And it will be years before technology ad- dresses all the concerns about privacy and fraud raised by the VMT concept. The VMT's day may come. Meantime, we need a realistic fuel tax. ■ comments: tnegazene.com/ category/opinion/edlmnal or edltodialOsoumemedia.n ?111 3 R. needs a centralized senior center e lbuquerque has seven(aeoaavh,- _AL 4 __4_ A look at our history e were mak- ing good time through the hills of Tennessee. But I couldn't resist the urge to detour. As a lifelong history geek. I've always wanted to see a Civil War battle- field. walk ma place where history actually happened- I hadn't had the chance until our re- cent road trip south. The only problem was, with many miles to drive and limited time. I had to pick my battle. But I was motivated. With the war's sesquicen- tennial approaching, the great conflict is going to be front and center like no nthpr time in my lifer.