COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cv COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS FOR OLDER ADULTS Strategic Direction: Health and Environment Seconded By: Angel Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Bordie Recommendation Support expansion of scope and funding for Community Health Workers for Older Adults to serve additional program participants outside of Foundation Community permanent supportive housing properties. Description of Recommendation to Council In 2018 Council approved a request from the Commission on Seniors to fund Community Health Workers focused on older adults. Foundation Communities Inc. was awarded funding from Austin Public Health in 2019 to implement aging-in-place with navigation and care management services provided by a Community Health Worker with training and expertise in serving older adults (age 55+). City of Austin-Seniors 55+ (COA-SNR 55+) project services focused on increased access to preventive services, medical appointments, and other supports to address physical health, mental health, and dental health needs. To date services have been provided to residents of Foundation Community permanent supportive housing properties. This recommendation supports expansion of services to participants residing outside of Foundation Community properties to enhance capacity for a broader scope and reach to individuals residing in single family homes or other multi-family settings. Commission on Seniors understand this $125,000 of initial funding will remain in the APH budget. This recommendation adjusts the approach to include a broader reach within existing funding levels. The Commission supports additional funding to enable the program to serve more older adults Background and Rationale: In 2018 Council approved a request from the Commission on Seniors to fund Community Health Workers focused on older adults. Foundation Communities Inc. was awarded funding from Austin Public Health in 2019 to implement aging-in-place with navigation and care management 1 of 2 services provided by a Community Health Worker with training and expertise in serving older adults (age 55+). A short period of initial program implementation occurred prior to the pandemic with a focus on the approved grant deliverables but when the pandemic hit, Foundation Communities made a necessary pivot to develop a new process for services delivery. This flexibility supports the value of an approach which uses a Community Health Worker model focused on not just health care supports but all social determinants of health, transportation, health literacy, nutrition supports, etc. An external evaluation conducted in 2021 included both qualitative and quantitative assessment of project services and participant outcomes. Both residents and staff …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Ciii MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON SENIOR HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION Strategic Direction: Affordability and Government That Works Seconded By: Spain Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY2023 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Van Sickle Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Manager continue to designate at least $20,000 for door to door and other community-based education and outreach on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Rationale: In 2018 the Commission on Seniors adopted Recommendation Number: 20181114- 4B: Recommendation on Senior Property Tax Assistance, calling for education and outreach to older adults on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Community comments identified high property taxes as a barrier to affordability for older adults living in gentrifying parts of Austin. Further, the Commission heard from older adults that they were unaware of the exemptions they were entitled to and/or needed assistance to apply. The Council passed Resolution 20190822-070 endorsing the Commission on Seniors resolution. The Council receives periodic updates on implementation of the resolution. http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=354893 A relatively new state law makes older adults who have inherited their homes with other relatives eligible for a 100% exemption by filing an updated application with the appraisal district. See: https://law.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/2020-12-ECDC-heirproperty_2pg.pdf The FY2022 budget includes $20,000 for this initiative in response to the Commission on Seniors request. The Commission on Seniors recommended in-person, community-based interaction with households identified as potential beneficiaries of the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. This could include community events and, if appropriate, going door-to-door, to assist older adults in completing the required paperwork to receive these exemptions and potentially save thousands of dollars on their property taxes. However, due to the pandemic new strategies are being developed. We are hopeful that in-person outreach will be viable in the next fiscal year. Ensuring older adults receive all the tax exemptions they are due is a low-cost way to improve affordability and reduce displacement. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Lugo, Spain, Temperley, Van Sickle Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair
1 COMMISSION ON SENIORS REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2022 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78702 and remotely. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Amy Temperley, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia‐Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Luz Lopez‐Guerrero, Martha Bauman, Martin Kareithi, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Commissioner Lugo left dais at 1:12pm and returned at 1:17pm. Commissioner Van Sickle left dais at 1:11pm and returned at 1:13pm. Board Members not in Attendance: Natalie Cagle Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor and Halana Kaleel, Austin Public Health Presenters: None Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 12:05 pm. The Commission introduced themselves. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION A. No Public Communication 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 9TH, 2022 MEETING A. The minutes from the February 9th, 2022, meeting was approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Lopez‐Guerrero second on a 13‐0 vote. Commissioner Cagle was absent. 2. ANNOUCEMENTS A. Meeting has occurred with auditor’s office about audit of older adults access to services. These are preliminary discussions; the office will reach back out to the commissioners around June 2022. Please send recommendations to Chair Briesemeister. 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item No discussion currently. B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. i. i. ii. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group This working group needs a new member, meets every 4th Tuesday of the month. iv. v. i. ii. iii. i. ii. iii. iv. v. 2 Community Support and Health Services Working Group Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Chair Briesemeister) i. No discussion currently. D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesemeister) i. Working group will meet after the next Joint Inclusion meeting on March 29th. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY22 Community Service Award. The Commission on Seniors FY22 Community Service Award survey …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 9TH, 2022 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 OR VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesmeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Amy Temperley Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION In person: Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign-up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. Via telephone: Call or email the board liaison at Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov or 512-972- 5019 no later than noon, February 8th. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Speakers will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS NOVEMBER 10TH, 2021 AND DECEMBER 8TH, 2021 MEETNG 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesmeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD): Anna Lan from Capital Metro and Laura Keating from the City’s Housing and Planning Department will present an overview and answer questions about the equitable transit-oriented development project to plan for equitable outcomes for area residents of all incomes and backgrounds along Project Connect corridors B. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors Joint Inclusion Committee C. Discussion and possible action on a Resolution regarding cold weather shelters Representative. (Commissioner Temperley). D. Discussion and possible action on Budget …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: (20220209-04C): Cold Weather Shelters WHEREAS, The Commission on Seniors serves as an advisory board to the City Council concerning the quality of life for seniors in the Austin area and to help ensure older adults are productive, independent, and healthy; and WHEREAS, Cold weather puts seniors experiencing homelessness at significantly greater risk for death and adverse health impacts including hypothermia, heart attacks, kidney problems, liver damage, frostbite, or worse; and WHEREAS, The effectiveness of the cold weather shelter is decreased when the population it serves does not know, from night to night, whether the shelter will be open; and WHEREAS, The Winter Storm Uri After-Action Review (https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/HSEM/2021-Winter-Storm-Uri-AAR-Findings- Report.pdf ), shows that the City of Austin was unprepared for winter weather response, especially during Winter Storm Uri. Sixty four percent of the people who died during this storm were aged 60 and older; and WHEREAS, As of December 2021 there was no cold weather shelter plan in place. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Seniors makes the following recommendations relating to cold weather shelter planning for the City of Austin. • By September of each year the city shall develop and implement an annual cold weather shelter plan for the city for that a minimum includes: o Coordination of outreach activities prior to cold weather events to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are aware of the available options. o Nightly cold weather options, rather than only when the temperature falls to below freezing, are available. o If a temperature cut-off is necessary, raise the shelter activation temperature to a minimum of forty degrees Fahrenheit. This recommendation was made following a study of over 100 cold weather shelters in 2010 by the National Coalition for the Homeless (https://nationalhomeless.org/wp- content/uploads/2014/02/Winter_weather_report.pdf). o Extend cold weather shelter morning hours till 10 a.m. and provide adequate space in day centers to accommodate people who would otherwise remain outside. Date of Approval: February 9, 2022 _____________________________ Record of the vote: For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, Cagle, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Lugo, Temperley, Van Sickle. Against: None Absent: Nicola, Spain Attest: _____________________________________________
1 COMMISSION ON SENIORS REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2022 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78702 and remotely. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Amy Temperley, Erica Garcia‐Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Luz Lopez‐Guerrero, Martha Bauman, Martin Kareithi, Natalie Cagle (entered dais at 12:29pm), Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Diana Spain and Emily De Maria Nicola. Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor and Halana Kaleel, Austin Public Health Presenters: Anna Lan, Capital Metro, Laura Keating, City of Austin Housing and Planning Department, and Krystal Otworth, Age Friendly Intern, MSSW Candidate. Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 12:08 pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION A. No Citizen Communication 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS NOVEMBER 10TH, 2021 AND DECEMBER 8TH, 2021 MEETNG A. The minutes from both meetings were approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Lopez‐Guerrero second on a 11‐0 vote. Commissioners Cagle, De Maria Nicola, and Spain were absent. 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Commissioner Kareithi announced Orange Line Working Groups and Community Design Workshops. An email was sent to Commissioners by staff liaisons. A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item No discussion currently. B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. i. i. ii. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group No discussion currently. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. 2 C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Chair D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesemeister) Briesemeister) No discussion currently. No discussion currently. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD): Anna Lan from Capital Metro and Laura Keating from the City’s Housing and Planning Department will present an overview and answer questions about the equitable transit‐oriented development project to plan for equitable outcomes for area residents of all incomes and backgrounds along Project Connect corridors Commissioners received a presentation on the Equitable Transit‐Oriented …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS JANUARY 12TH, 2022 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesmeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Adam Hauser Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain Amy Temperley CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign- up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS NOVEMBER 10TH, 2021 AND DECEMBER 8TH, 2021 MEETNG 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesmeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS Representative. A. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors Joint Inclusion Committee B. Review and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY23 Budget Engagement Survey. C. Discussion and possible action on a resolution regarding cold weather shelters (Commissioner Temperley). D. Discussion on Community Engagement for FY23 Budget Process. A. Age-friendly Austin Update, Tabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Program Coordinator. 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Seniors please contact Halana Kaleel at 512-972- 5019.
Commission on Seniors Community Interest Announcement AGE-FRIENDLY AUSTIN FORUM: SOCIAL PARTICIPATION Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at 1:00pm Remote Event: Age-friendly Austin Forum Series (all events) Tickets | Eventbrite A quorum of Commission on Seniors members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission on Seniors business will occur Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
COMMISSION ON SENIORS DECEMBER 8TH, 2021 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesmeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Adam Hauser Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain Amy Temperley CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign- up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS NOVEMBER 10TH, 2021 MEETNG 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesmeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation: Long Term Care Project Update, Rose Lewis and Jessica Murray, Design Institute for Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin. B. Review and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY23 Budget Engagement C. Discussion and approval of Commission on Seniors Budget Working Group A. Age-friendly Austin Update, Tabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Program Coordinator. Survey 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Seniors please contact Halana Kaleel at 512-972- 5019.
Commission on Seniors Community Interest Announcement AGE-FRIENDLY AUSTIN FORUM: TRANSPORTATION Thursday, November 18th, 2021 at 1:00pm Remote Event: Age-friendly Austin Forum Series (all events) Tickets | Eventbrite A quorum of Commission on Seniors members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission on Seniors business will occur Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
COMMISSION ON SENIORS NOVEMBER 10TH, 2021 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesmeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Adam Hauser Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain Amy Temperley CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign- up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS OCTOBER 13TH, 2021 MEETNG 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesmeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Update: Parks and Recreation Department (PARD): Adult 50+ Programs, Kelly Maltsberger, Program Manager, PARD, City of Austin. B. Update: Aging Affinity Group, Commissioner Amy Temperley. A. Age-friendly Austin Update, Tabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Program Coordinator. 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Seniors please contact Halana Kaleel at 512-972- 5019.
Commission on Seniors Community Interest Announcement AGE-FRIENDLY AUSTIN FORUM: OUTDOOR SPACES AND BUILDINGS Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at 1:00pm Remote Event: Age-friendly Austin Forum Series (all events) Tickets | Eventbrite A quorum of Commission on Seniors members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission on Seniors business will occur Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
COMMISSION ON SENIORS OCTOBER 13TH, 2021 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesmeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Adam Hauser Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain Amy Temperley CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign- up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS JULY 14TH, 2021 MEETNG 2. ANNOUCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesmeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation: Overview of Civil Rights Enforcement in Austin, Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer, City of Austin. B. Presentation: Library Department Initiatives Update, Emi Johnson, Austin Public Library C. Discussion and Approval of the 2022 Commission on Seniors Meeting Schedule D. Discussion and Possible Action on the City of Austin Budget Process (Chair Briesmeister and Commissioner De Maria Nicola) 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS A. Age-friendly Austin Update, Tabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Program Coordinator 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Seniors please contact Halana Kaleel at 512-972- 5019.
Commission on Seniors Community Interest Announcement AGE-FRIENDLY AUSTIN FORUM: CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND EMPLOYMENT Thursday, September 9th, 2021 at 1:00pm Remote Event: Age-friendly Austin Forum Series (all events) Tickets | Eventbrite A quorum of Commission on Seniors members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission on Seniors business will occur Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors Meeting July 14th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held July 14th, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 13th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 14th, 2021 Commission on Seniors Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-972-5019 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Seniors FECHA de la reunion (July 14th, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (July 13th, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-972-5019 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar). • Una vez que se haya realizado una …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20210714-04C: Recommendations to City Council on Emergency Preparedness and Response WHEREAS, the Commission on Seniors advises City Council on matters related to older adults and all Austinites were gravely impacted by and some are still recovering from the extreme winter events of February 2021; WHEREAS, older adults are identified by National Center for Environmental Health (NCED) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention as at-risk members of our community due to social vulnerabilities that can be disproportionately impacted by disasters; WHEREAS, these winter weather events strained services, including emergency management services, utility infrastructure, transportation, and communication networks which are under the auspices of the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the lack of effective communication to the public by Austin public utilities and the government instilled a lack confidence in local government during Winter Storm Uri; WHEREAS, emergency response plans should include identifying the at-risk populations and vulnerabilities in the community to provide the right information at the right time before, during, and after disasters; WHEREAS, Austin City Council recently appointed the first Resiliency Officer and has proactively prepared for extreme weather events recognizing their potential devastation to the local economy in the response to Climate Resilience Resolution 20190509-019, which specifically called for opportunities for city staff and the community to work together and comprehensively address extreme weather impacts and increase Austin’s climate resilience; WHEREAS, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP)—designed to assist in the ongoing economic and public health efforts—was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden. Included in this bill is $195.8 million dollars for the City of Austin, portions of which can be used to make necessary investment in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; WHEREAS, advanced notice of the polar vortex was given by the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio and knowledge that it would create historic lows and winter storms in early February yet the city was still underprepared for this event, for example by opening only one warming center; WHEREAS, once Austinites experienced the unprecedented and widespread failure of the state’s electric grid and subsequent failure of water pipes and infrastructure, it was too late to gather resources, and traditional emergency networks failed and digital communication was not coordinated when the emergency set in, which created confusion and misinformation; WHEREAS, Winter Storm Uri updates became increasingly unavailable to those who lost electricity and internet; WHEREAS, those most vulnerable …
Commission on Seniors Community Interest Announcement AGE-FRIENDLY AUSTIN FORUM: RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION Thursday, June 10th, 2021 at 1:00pm Remote Event: Age-friendly Austin Forum Series (all events) Tickets | Eventbrite A quorum of Commission on Seniors members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission on Seniors business will occur Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
