Senior Citizens Advisory Board

Adult Activity Center

Agenda — 18 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 4:08 p.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 MANAGER'S REPORT
6. 4 Present: Thomas Wells Javier Figueras Gerardo Alvarez Judith "Jude" Alexander Jean Connelly Olga Girod
7. 5 a. General Updates. Manager Walters provided an update on upcoming programs and activities at the Adult Activity Center. He reminded the Board that the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon would be held on June 5 at The Palace and thanked the many volunteers who continue to support the Center throughout the year. Manager Walters shared that the Cinema Series would continue on June 6 and announced the launch of a new Parkinson's Support Group in partnership with the Parkinson's Association. The group will meet twice each month and provide educational resources and support for participants and caregivers. Manager Walters also introduced a new Day Trippers program, which will offer organized museum visits and lunch outings throughout the year. Additionally, he noted that the University of Miami's "Aging Like a Pro" lecture series had concluded following the expiration of the grant that funded the program. Beginning in July, Baptist Health South Florida will partner with the Adult Activity Center to offer a new monthly physician lecture series, "Doc Talks," featuring presentations on a variety of health topics. Manager Walters informed the Board that planning was underway for Senior Week in August, which will include educational presentations, wellness activities, vendors, and community events. Staff also began preparations for the annual Halloween Spectacular later this year. Lastly, Mr. Walters shared that former Adult Activity Center Manager Norma Gavarrete had returned as a volunteer and is assisting with the development of a new cooking class for participants. b. Special Events. - Friday, June 5,2026: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at The Palace from 1 - 4 p.m. - Saturday, June 6, 2026: A Saturday at the Cinema: Hoosiers at 11 a.m. - Thursday, June 18th, 2026: Parkinson's Support Group. - Thursday, July 2, 2026: Day Trippers: Lunch and Learn. - Saturday, July 4, 2026: Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at the Bitlmore Hotel from 5 - 10 p.m. - Saturday, July 4, 2026: Sensory Friendly 4th of July from 7 - 10 p.m. at Ruth Bryan Owen - Saturday, August 6, 2026: A Saturday at the Cinema: The Color of Money at 11 a.m. - Friday, August 7, 2026: Annual Quinceañera Celebration at The Palace from 1 - 4 p.m. - Senior Week prep: August 17th - 21st c. Administrative Updates. Director Couceyro provided updates on several departmental initiatives and capital improvement projects. Director Couceyro discussed preparations for the City's Fourth of July Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel, noting that the event will once again feature fireworks and a drone show. He also shared that Summer Camp programs would begin the following week and that staff were preparing to welcome approximately 500 to 600 campers across the City's recreation facilities. Director Couceyro updated the Board on several park improvement projects. He reported that the recent community meeting for Ponce Circle Park was well attended and received positive feedback from residents. The conceptual design remains available for public review, and community comments continue to be accepted through the City's Park Projects website. Director Couceyro also reported that Rotary Centennial Park and Cooper Park remain in the procurement phase, while construction at Phillips Park continues to move forward with improvements to the athletic field, pickleball courts, playground, and other amenities. Director Couceyro informed the Board that the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants were not included in the State's adopted budget this year. Although the City's applications were not funded, staff will continue pursuing grant opportunities as funding becomes available. Director Couceyro concluded his report by discussing upcoming State budget considerations related to the proposed increase in Florida's homestead exemption. He explained that, if approved by voters, the change could reduce municipal property tax revenues in future fiscal years and require local governments to evaluate strategies for addressing potential revenue shortfalls. Although the proposal would not affect the current fiscal year's budget, City departments have already begun reviewing long-term financial planning and identifying ways to prepare for any future impacts while continuing to provide quality services to residents.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MAY MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER OLGA GIROD AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER GERARDO ALVAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. 9 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
13. 10 A. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 2nd at 4 p.m. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER JEAN CONNELLY TO BREAK IN JULY AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER OLGA GIROD. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. 10 Board Member Thomas Wells first shared concerns regarding recent interactions between Florida Power & Light (FPL) and senior residents. He explained that he had assisted two elderly homeowners who had signed easement agreements allowing FPL to install underground transformers on their private property. He expressed concern that the homeowners may not have fully understood the documents they were signing and discussed the challenges they encountered in attempting to have the easements modified or removed after they had been recorded. Board Member Wells encouraged other Board members to educate residents about reviewing any documents carefully before signing and offered to assist residents facing similar situations. Board Member Wells then raised questions regarding the City's fee schedule for pickleball instruction. He noted that while tennis lesson fees were included in the adopted fee schedule, he did not see pickleball lesson fees listed and expressed concern that residents could become confused regarding authorized instruction on City courts. Director Couceyro explained that the City's pickleball professionals are approved through the same procurement and authorization process as tennis professionals and that private instruction is not permitted on City courts unless instructors have been approved by the City. He stated that staff would review the fee schedule language to clarify that the existing policies apply to both tennis and pickleball instruction. The Board also discussed scheduling lessons during non-peak hours whenever possible to maximize court availability for recreational users. Staff explained that instructors work with the City to minimize impacts to public play and that the department continually evaluates court scheduling based on participation and demand.
15. 11 ADJOURNMENT
16. 12 NOTE
17. 12 The Board continued its discussion regarding the Adult Activity Center Art Show and reviewed the current distinction between professional and non-professional artist categories. Board Members discussed whether maintaining separate categories discouraged participation or created unnecessary confusion for participants. After discussion, the Board agreed that removing the distinction would create a more inclusive event while allowing all artists to compete together regardless of experience level. BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS MADE A MOTION TO ELIMINATE THE NON PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES FOR THE ANNUAL DR. WILLIAM SCHIF ART SHOW AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER GERARDO ALVAREZ. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. 17 A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER THOMAS WELLS TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AND WAS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JAVIER FIGUERAS. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:51 P.M.