Senior Citizens Advisory Board

Adult Activity Center

Agenda — 17 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 4:11 p.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 MANAGER'S REPORT
6. 4 Present: Javier Figueras Gerardo Alvarez Jean Connelly Judith "Jude" Alexander Thomas Wells - via zoom Olga Girod
7. 5 a. General Updates. Director Couceyro opened the meeting with a moment of silence honoring former Chair Julian for his dedicated service. Members shared remarks acknowledging his contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on the Board and community. He was remembered as a respected leader, a gentleman, and a friend whose presence will be missed. Manager Walters highlighted the upcoming Variety Show, which will feature approximately 20 acts. Adjustments have been made to the event format to improve efficiency and enhance the attendee experience, including transitioning to a theater-style setup with simplified food service. These changes are intended to reduce extended intermission periods and allow for a smoother flow of the event. Food and refreshments will be available throughout, including snow cones that were sponsored by Gavarette Inc. An update was also provided on the upcoming Cinco de Mayo event scheduled for May 1. This year’s event will be structured as a mixer rather than a traditional seated luncheon, emphasizing dancing, social interaction, and a more dynamic atmosphere. While light refreshments and seating will be available, the event will be shorter in duration and designed to encourage greater participant engagement. Tickets are currently available for residents, with non-resident sales to follow. Manager Walters reported that summer program registration has opened for residents, with updates made in response to community feedback. Select fitness programs, including Zumba and Total Body Conditioning, have been restructured to allow for flexible registration options, enabling participants to enroll in individual days rather than full sessions. This adjustment is expected to increase accessibility and program capacity while maintaining pricing consistency for full participation. New and ongoing program offerings continue to perform well. Italian language classes, including both beginner and conversational levels, have reached full capacity, demonstrating strong demand for enrichment programming. Additional specialty programs, such as seasonal workshops like cupcake decorating, have also been well received. Manager Walters noted upcoming initiatives, including a summer lecture series and a Volunteer Appreciation event scheduled for June. Manager Walters also presented findings from recent survey efforts conducted at the Farmers Market, which resulted in a significantly expanded response pool. The majority of respondents indicated that current operating hours meet their needs; however, a notable portion expressed interest in extended evening hours beyond 7:00 p.m. Staff indicated that this feedback may be evaluated further through potential pilot programming, while also considering staffing and operational impacts. Additional feedback highlighted ongoing challenges in engaging younger demographics within the 50–64 age range, with some individuals expressing hesitation to participate due to perceptions of the Adult Activity Center. Staff emphasized the importance of continued outreach, marketing, and repositioning efforts to promote the Center as an active, inclusive environment for a broader audience. Manager Walters concluded by noting continued efforts to enhance programming, respond to participant feedback, and expand offerings that support health, wellness, and social engagement within the community. b. Special Events. - AAC Variety Show, Friday, April 17th at 1 p.m. - Cinco de Mayo Mixer – Friday, May 1st. - A Saturday at the Cinema – Saturday May 2nd showing “The Getaway” c. Administrative Updates. Director Couceyro provided updates on broader departmental operations, capital improvement projects, and citywide initiatives impacting facilities and services. Director Couceyro reported continued progress on major capital improvement projects, including the development of Phillips Park, which will feature a large-scale, signature playground structure and the City’s first artificial turf field. This project represents a significant investment in recreational infrastructure and will support a variety of programming opportunities, including youth sports such as soccer and potential lacrosse programming. Phase I of the project is currently underway, with additional amenities planned in future phases as funding becomes available. Board Member Thomas Wells inquired about the potential inclusion of adaptive or specialized programming for the blind. Director Couceyro explained that while this was previously explored, the implementation would require specialized infrastructure, including portable sound-reflective panels and dedicated storage space, which are not currently available within the Phase I design. Director Couceyro noted that while this feature is not within the scope of work at this time, it may be reconsidered in future phases. Director Couceyro also provided updates on operational initiatives, including the transition to a new maintenance contract at the golf course. Ongoing discussions regarding golf course memberships and programming were noted, with recent items having been presented to the City Commission and subject to further review and direction. Additional facility-related updates included planned improvements to the Country Club pool deck and procurement progress for the installation of shelters at Granada Golf Course. Director Couceyro also discussed the potential relocation and re-purposing of Gondola building near, which will be used as a multi-purpose activity space with potential historical exhibit components. Director Couceyro further reported on upcoming park projects, including Rotary Centennial Park and Cooper Park, which are anticipated to move into the bidding phase pending confirmation of grant funding. In addition, safety enhancements continue to be implemented across park facilities, including the installation of emergency poles equipped with AEDs and blue light systems, with additional installations planned for future park developments. Lastly, Director Couceyro highlighted several upcoming community events coordinated through the City, including the Tour of the Gables, a City recycling event, and the Carnival Baranquilla cultural celebration. While not all events are City-operated, staff continues to assist with coordination, permitting, and logistics to support successful execution.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MARCH MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER GERARDO ALVAREZ AND SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JAVIER FIGUERAS. ALL IN FAVOR;PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. 9 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
13. 10 Next meeting date is on Thursday, May 7th at 4:00 p.m.
14. 10 a. Farmers Market Flash Mob. Board Member Thomas Wells recognized the Adult Activity Center’s flash mob performance, noting that participants did an excellent job and that the presentation was highly impressive.
15. 11 ADJOURNMENT
16. 12 NOTE
17. 16 A MOTION WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER JEAN CONNELLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AND WAS SECONDED BY BOARD MEMBER JAVIER FIGUERAS. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:42 P.M.