Senior Citizens Advisory Board

Adult Activity Center

Agenda — 18 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 Meeting called to order at 4:00 p.m.
4. 3 a. Roll Call and Excusal of Absences
5. 4 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
6. 5 a. Approval of March Meeting Minutes A MOTION TO APPROVE LAST MEETINGS MINUTES WAS MADE BY JEAN CONNELLY AND WAS SECONDED BY JUDITH “JUDE” ALEXANDER. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. 6 SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
8. 7 a. General Updates AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete began by discussing the Code of Conduct that had been created for AAC members sharing a copy with all board members to get their opinion before it is finalized. After review Board Vice Chairperson Kelley Schild stated concern that there was no route for rebuttal against a pending punishment requesting that there be an option for the offending party to appeal up the administrative line to the Community Recreation Director. Board Vice Chairperson Kelley Schild then inquired how this information will be disseminated to members, Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that there would be a one-page document created to be posted at the facility listing the membership policies and possibly handed out when there are new memberships. Board Member Richard Thurer then inquired about improving the language on the topic of tobacco usage, to read that smoking, vaping, and use of all tobacco products is prohibited at the AAC. AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete continued by thanking everyone who participated at the Farmer’s Market Booth or Flash Mob on Saturday March 30th. Norma then discussed the new programming set to begin in April at the AAC including the Walking Club, Watercolors on Tuesday mornings with a new instructor, and a Puzzling Club on Friday afternoons. Norma continued by stating the upcoming special events at the AAC including the Variety Show scheduled for Friday April 19th and the Spring Volunteer Luncheon Fiesta on Friday May 10th with resident tickets already available for the luncheon. AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters then informed the board that they do receive a complimentary ticket for the luncheon and to please notify the staff if they are interested so that they may reserve their ticket before they sell out. AAC Supervisor Norma Gavarrete then discussed the Survey, stating that the AAC supervisors will be meeting with the Community Recreation Deputy Director Carolina Vester on Monday to finalize the details of the Survey. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then inquired if this survey is aimed to reach a new population who are not currently members of the AAC. Following discussion Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that this current survey is meant for current members, however, they will work on creating a survey that can be sent to a wider group and gather information on what they would like to see at the AAC. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then discussed the follow up to the workshop plans, mentioning that there are some key points left off the agenda listing including membership growth and resident versus non-resident registration. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that he agrees the resident versus non-resident registration issue does need to be discussed further, however the facility is funded by resident taxes and the focus of the department is to provide services for the residents. Director Couceyro continued to state that the growth of membership is another issue to consider with classes filling up to capacity and less residents getting the opportunity to participate. Board Chairperson Celia Suarez then stated that it may be valuable to focus on a handful of these issues to address over the next year. Follow Up - Workshop Plans - Senior quality of life - Senior Pros and Cons - Health Care and Aging - Cost of Housing - Senior Homeless - Board Sunshine Rules and Board Liaison b. Special Events Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro began by discussing the egg hunt on the previous weekend, stating that it was a successful event with thousands of people in attendance and that the farmer’s market just finished the previous weekend. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about having a banner for the AAC at the booth when advertising the center, Director Couceyro stated that he agreed and that there would be banners for the different department divisions when they advertise next year. Director Couceyro continued to state the April 19th movie at the Youth Center showing Jurassic World Dominion, the Bike & BBQ event on Sunday April 21st, and the Arbor Day celebration on April 26th where there will be a tree planted in the open lot across the street from the Youth Center. Director Couceyro then went over some events further down the road listing the Literacy Fest in May, the Memorial Day Remembrance Day Event, and Fourth of July. c. Administrative Updates Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro began by stating that there is a new City Manager named Amos who has been visiting the different facilities meeting staff. Director Couceyro then stated that Pickleball is still a hot topic, with the department still trying to build Pickleball courts on top of the parking garage next to Publix. Director Couceyro then stated that the Country Club Director Mitchell Zuriarrain has officially resigned to take up a job in the private sector. He then stated that Deputy Director Carolina Vester will be covering the Country Club until the position is filled with a qualified candidate.
9. 8 NEW BUSINESS
10. 9 OLD BUSINESS
11. 10 a. Discussion of usage of facility classroom for dance rehearsal Board Chairperson Celia Suarez and board member Judith “Jude” Alexander discussed the challenges they faced when scheduling rehearsals for the Variety Show around the current class schedule. Director Couceyro stated his apprehension at changing class times or canceling classes that are currently scheduled to open rehearsal space, however he stated that we could guarantee a set time for the dance group to rehearse for any performances they may need to prepare for.
12. 10 Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about reaching out to residents of a specific age range to have events specially for age ranges such as 90 and older. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro then stated that he is unsure where they could receive information with that specific breakdown stating that he spoke with the Pinecrest Director and never received complete confirmation for how they find the demographic information stating that he would reach out to for further information.
13. 11 DISCUSSION ITEMS
14. 12 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
15. 13 Date of the next meeting: Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 4 p.m.
16. 14 ADJOURNMENT
17. 14 a. Certificate to H Woods b. Survey Timeline c. Resolution re priority for continued class participation d. UM March 13 presentation e. March 30 Farmers Market impact Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about whether the certificate had been sent to Hendrik Woods, AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that the certificate had been sent along with a card signed on behalf of the Senior Advisory Board. Board member James “Jim” Berlin then inquired about an update on Fredi who attended the previous meeting, AAC Assistant Supervisor Gregory Walters stated that they were able to assist her with getting her spot reserved for future months. Community Recreation Director Fred Couceyro stated that the difference between resident and property owner needs to be specified, stating that if you own the property but rent it out you do not receive residency status. Community Recreation Administrative Assistant Susan Lainfiesta then reminded the board that the next meeting will take place on Thursday May 2nd at 4pm. Board member Richard Thurer shared with the board that he will be moving to Illinois stating that both him and his wife will be selling their Coral Gables property soon. He stated that he will be in attendance at the next meeting however that may be his last Senior Advisory Board.
18. 15 NOTE