Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors Meeting January 13th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held January 13th, 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 (January 12th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 13th, 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 in order 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 (January 13th, 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 (January 12th, 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 …
RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20210113-03B): Seating in Parks, Greenbelts, Trails and other Open Spaces WHEREAS, the City of Austin has added to the inventory of parkland, greenbelts, and trails through application of voter- approved bond funds; and WHEREAS, much of the existing parkland, greenbelts, and trails lack adequate benches that would help older adults, children, people with limited mobility and others use and enjoy these green spaces; and WHEREAS, seating encourages walking, socializing and enjoyment of green spaces because there is somewhere to rest; and WHEREAS, the Austin Age Friendly Action Plan includes the following goal and strategy: Goal: Increase access to and utilization of parks, open spaces and public buildings. Strategy: Increase the number of parks and public spaces that are equipped with functional seating at frequent intervals, drinking fountains, shaded resting areas, walkways suitable for wheelchairs/walkers and accessible public restrooms; and WHEREAS, the privately funded "memorial bench" program needs expansion; and WHEREAS, non-profits and businesses may want to work with the Parks and Recreation Department through the Partnership Program to further the City's ability to provide adequate seating in parkland, greenbelts, and trails. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Seniors recommends the Parks and Recreation Department to emphasize the placement of benches on trails and other developed parkland areas at appropriate intervals based on professional guidance and the design elements of the trail or other green space so older adults and others can enjoy the parkland assets. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Seniors recommends the Parks Department promote the "Memorial Bench" program and encourage community partners to support expanding the number of benches and related infrastructure available for residents, including older adults. For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Hauser, Temperley, Spain, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Lugo, Angel, Grampp, Cagle, Bordie, Van Sickle, Jackson, and Kareithi Date of Approval: January 13th, 2021 Record of the vote: 15-0 Motioned By: Varteressian Seconded By: Grampp Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Attest:
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2021 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Billy Jackson, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Natalie Cagle, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: None Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Eric Bailey, City of Austin, Public Works Department Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:04pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS DECEMBER None 9TH, 2020 MEETNG II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. The minutes for the December 9th, 2020 Meeting were approved on Commissioner Hauser motion, Vice-Chair Varteressian second with discussed corrections on a 15-0 vote. A. Commissioners Grampp, Jackson, Angel need to reapply to serve on the Commission on Seniors since their council districts have new representation. They can continue to serve up to 60 days after January 28th or until the position is filled by the council district. B. Request to take part in community engagement for Reimagining Public Safety. C. At December 16th Community Resilience meeting there was a call for a creation of a community resilience plan, and a call to action on how boards and commissions can collaborate as well as find community members to participate in the process. Ideas for this can be shared with Commissioners De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, and Van Sickle. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item i. No discussion currently. B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group Metrics are being updated and reviewed. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group No discussion currently. C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee (Janee Briesmeister) i. No discussion currently. Briesmeister) i. No discussion currently. Maria Nicola) i. No discussion currently. E. Discussion and possible …
Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors December 9th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held December 9th, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (December 8th, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the December 9th Commission on Seniors Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-972-5023 or Tabitha.Taylor@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Tabitha.Taylor@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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Seniors FECHA de la reunion (December 9th, 2020) 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 (December 8th 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 512-972-5023 or Tabitha.Taylor@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors November 18th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held November 18th, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (November 17th, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the November 18th 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 information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Seniors FECHA de la reunion (November 18th, 2020) 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 (November 17th 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). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors October 14th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held October 14th, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (October 13th by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 14th Commission on Seniors Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at Halana Kaleel, +1 (512) 779-1162 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Seniors FECHA de la reunion (October 14th, 2020) 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 (October 13th, 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Halana Kaleel, +1 (512) 779-1162 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al …
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Billy Jackson, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Natalie Cagle, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister and Martin Kareithi. Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Colleen Billiot and David Crabb. Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian called the Board Meeting to order at 8:03am. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS SEPTEMBER A. The minutes for the September 21st, 2020 Meeting were approved on a 13-0 vote. Chair Briesemeister and Commissioner Kareithi were absent. None 21ST, 2020 MEETING. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. None III. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation: Austin's Digital Inclusion Strategy, Colleen Billiot, Public Information i. Update was given on the State of Digital Inclusion in Austin including was is being done for older adults and COVID-19 response. B. Presentation: PARD Programs for Older Adults, David Crabb, City of Austin Parks Specialist Senior and Recreation i. Update was given on virtual programming being offered to older adults. C. Update: Homeless and Aging Initiative, Commissioner Amy Temperly i. Update given by Commissioner Temperly. D. Review and approve meeting schedule FY2021 i. The 2021 Commission on Seniors Meeting Schedule was adopted on Commissioner Spain motion, Commissioner Nicola second on a 13-0 vote. Chair Briesemeister and Commissioner Kareithi were absent. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Commission Work Plan – Standing Item i. No discussion currently. B. Updates from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group • No discussion currently. • No discussion currently. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group • No discussion currently. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group • No discussion currently. C. Update on Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) D. City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) i. No discussion currently. i. No discussion currently E. Update on the Equity Action Team – Standing Item (Emily De Maria Nicola) i. Commissioner Nicola has not been able to consistently attend these meetings. A. The Age …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors September 21st, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held September 21st, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (September 20th by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 21st Commission on Seniors Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at Halana Kaleel, +1 (512) 779-1162 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission on Seniors FECHA de la reunion (September 21st, 2020) 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 (September 20th, 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Halana Kaleel, +1 (512) 779-1162 or Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al …
Commission on Seniors Resolution 20200921-03D Lugo Seconded By: Grampp Date: September 21, 2020 Subject: Reallocation of Austin Public Library funds serving older adults Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the reallocation of funds, awarded to Austin Public Library in fiscal year 2020 in the amount of $11,000. The original intent of funds was to develop educational and cultural programs for older adults. Due to COVID-19 older adults are experiencing greater social isolation and digital divide. The recommendation supports reallocating funds for the purchasing of technological devices, such as, software, hotspots, related training and support to reduce social isolation among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent appropriate and practical APL should partner with the efforts of the Austin Social Isolation Task force. Description of Recommendation to Council The Commission on Seniors supports APL reallocating funds previously designated to serve older adults through technology needs that will help reduce the social isolation among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, including: • Devices and software • Mobile hotspots • Training and support for users Rationale: Preliminary data conducted by the Austin Social Isolation Taskforce suggests that almost half of the survey participants (49%) do not have broadband internet access; 60% of people who currently use technology, said they still needed someone to help them. Almost all of the survey participants (91%) said they’d be unable to pay for digital literacy training or devices without assistance. Agencies serving older adults in the Austin area have reported that the social isolation of older adults is of growing concern during the COVID-19 shut downs. More and more services and programs have moved online, including programming directed at older adults from PARD and other city departments. Yet as the survey shows, many older adults lack access to devices, internet connections and skills to take advantage of online programming. Vote 11-0 (4 absent) 1 of 2 For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Cagle, Grampp, Hauser, Kareithi, Lugo, Nicola, Temperley, Van Sickle, Spain Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Angle, Bordie, Garcia-Pittman, Jackson, Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 2 of 2
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Natalie Cagle, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Billy Jackson, Jacqueline Angel, and Patricia Bordie. Staff in Attendance: Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:02pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS AUGUST 12TH, A. The minutes for the August 12th, 2020 Meeting were approved on Vice-Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Van Sickle second on a 11-0 vote with minor edits. Commissioners Jackson, Angel, Bordie, Garcia-Pittman, and Lugo were absent. B. Commissioner Lugo entered the dais. None 2020 MEETING. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. None III. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution Reallocation of Austin Public Library Senior Programming Funds i. Commissioners discussed resolution. ii. Resolution of Reallocation of Austin Public Library Senior Programming Funds was adopted on Commissioner Lugo motion, Commissioner Grampp second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson, Angel, Bordie, and Garcia- Pittman were absent. B. Commissioner Garcia-Pittman entered the dais. C. Presentation was given on the 2019 State and Federal Legislative Update by Brie L. Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, City of Austin. D. Presentation was given on Austin Social Isolation Taskforce Overview presentation was given on behalf of Jennifer Emerick, Co-Founder, Heart and Soul Taskforce by Serita Lacasse, Senior Access. E. Presentation was given on Seniors and Law Enforcement Together committee (SALT) by Veronica Saldate, Office of Community Liaison, Austin Police Department. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Commission Work Plan – Standing Item i. No discussion currently. B. Updates from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group • No discussion currently. • No discussion currently. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group • No discussion currently. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group • No discussion currently. C. Update on Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) D. City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) E. Update on the Equity Action Team – Standing Item (Emily De Maria Nicola) i. No discussion currently. i. …
Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors August 12th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held August 12th, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 11th, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 12th Commission on Seniors Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov or 512-972-5019 no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live COMMISSION ON SENIORS AUGUST 12TH, 2020 AT 1:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesemeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Erica Garcia-Pittman Martin Kareithi Jacqueline Angel Patricia Bordie Karen Grampp Adam Hauser Natalie Cagle Billy Jackson Fred Lugo Emily De Maria Nicola AGENDA CALL TO ORDER There may be discussion and action on any of the following items: Amy Temperley Sally Van Sickle Diana Spain I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS JULY 8TH, 2020 MEETING. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. NEW BUSINESS care facilities. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Presentation: Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision, Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Sustainability, City of Austin. B. Resolution on transparency of reporting COVID-19 cases at nursing homes and long-term C. Update on the Re-imagining Public Safety Task Force, Janee Briesmeister. A. Update and review Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Updates and review from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20201112-03B): Transparency of Reporting COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities WHEREAS, more than 40 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in Texas are of residents and staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; and WHEREAS, on May 7 the Austin City Council passed Resolution 20200507-59 to combat the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including the testing, deployment of “Strike Teams” to facilities with clusters and ensuring all facilities have sufficient PPE and testing equipment; and WHEREAS, despite these efforts Austin Public Health Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott stated on July 14: “Our nursing home defenses have been penetrated, and we are seeing numbers like we were seeing early on in this outbreak,” he said. “This provides us evidence that we have to do better at reducing the community transmission, and two — we have to have additional resources to do more aggressive testing and containment.” In addition, KXAN reports that Texas leads the nation with the most nursing homes reporting staffing shortages in each key metric tracked by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and WHEREAS, according to AARP Texas State Director Tina Tran: AARP has been collecting personal accounts from people across the country who have loved ones in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. We’ve heard from family members who have been kept in the dark about the well-being and care of their loved one. Others have been deeply concerned by the shortage of staffing and adequate personal protective equipment. And tragically, some have lost loved ones who were never even tested for COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County COVID-19 website does limited reporting on resident and staff COVID cases and deaths in nursing homes and long term care facilities, includes these cases under the heading “clusters” rather than on the Dashboard, and does not identify facilities by name. Dr. Escott has stated that there is a legal opinion preventing the city from identifying each facility, despite HHSC and CMS doing so; and WHEREAS, both the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) (https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/coronavirus-covid-19 ) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (https://data.cms.gov/stories/s/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Data/bkwz-xpvg/) identify the names of nursing homes and long term care facilities in their reporting of COVID-19 data; and WHEREAS, KXAN uses Texas HHSC data to identify Austin-area nursing homes and long-term care facilities with COVID outbreaks. https://www.kxan.com/investigations/kxan-continues- …
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Billy Jackson, Diana Spain, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Natalie Cagle, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Emily De Maria Nicola Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Age Friendly Plan Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:02pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS JULY 8TH, 2020 MEETING. A. The minutes for the July 8th, 2020 Meeting were approved on Commissioner Grampp motion, Commissioner Cagle second on a 14-0 vote. Commissioner De Maria Nicola was absent. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS Psychiatry. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Commissioner Pittman-Garcia introduced guest Dr. Li who is studying Geriatric B. Commissioner Lugo discussed strategies sent out for caregiver support. This information was shared with the Chair, additional information will be sent out to the rest of the Commission after the meeting. A. Presentation: Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision, Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Sustainability, City of Austin. i. Presentation was given by Celine Rendon and Zach Baumer. IV. OLD BUSINESS ii. The Community Climate Plan will be released for public comment soon and invited the Commissioners to provide feedback. B. Resolution on transparency of reporting COVID-19 cases at nursing homes and long- term care facilities. i. Commissioners reviewed and discussed the draft resolution. ii. Edits were made regarding typos and grammar. iii. The Resolution on transparency of reporting COVID-19 cases at nursing homes and long-term care facilities was adopted, Commissioner Temperley motion, Vice Chair Varteressian motion on a 14-0 vote. Commissioner De Maria Nicola was absent. C. Update on the Re-imagining Public Safety Task Force, Janee Briesmeister. i. Chair Briesmeister asked the Commissioners if they would like to be part of the discussions of the Re-Imagining Public Safety Taskforce. ii. Commissioners Temperly and Spain are interested in representing the Commission on Seniors and being part of these conversations. A. Commission Work Plan – Standing Item i. No discussion currently. B. Updates from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces …
Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors July 8th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held July 8th, 2020 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 7th, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 8th, 2020 Commission on Seniors Meeting, residents 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 information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •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 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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live COMMISSION ON SENIORS JULY 8TH, 2020 AT 1:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesemeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Erica Garcia-Pittman Martin Kareithi Jacqueline Angel Patricia Bordie Karen Grampp Adam Hauser Natalie Cagle Billy Jackson Fred Lugo Emily De Maria Nicola AGENDA CALL TO ORDER There may be discussion and action on any of the following items: Amy Temperley Sally Van Sickle Diana Spain I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS JUNE 10TH, 2020 MEETING. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. NEW BUSINESS A. Review and approval of the 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review Report. B. Presentation: City of Austin COVID-19 Response, Long–Term Care Taskforce, Stephanie Helfman, Austin Public Health C. Presentation: Building an Intergenerational Metropolis: An Assessment of an Intergenerational Day Center, LBJ School of Public Affairs D. COVID-19 Engagement Work with Equity Office, Janee Briesemeister IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Update and review Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Updates and review from Working Groups – Standing Item i. …
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Billy Jackson, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Natalie Cagle, Amy Temperley Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Age Friendly Plan Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:01pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION A. Teresa Ferguson, AustinUP, Older job seekers now face more barriers with COVID- 19. AustinUP has been hosting virtual job fairs and presentations. As well as providing tech assistance. Many individuals have been laid off or furloughed. AustinUp has created advocacy campaigns targeted towards employers showing the value of intergenerational workplaces. B. Valerie Deyo speaking on behalf of herself and Mary Clark, Systems in place are not friendly to Seniors. Mary Clark’s home at 1906 E. 21st street has been put into Historical Status. It was approved as such without valid criteria being met, as well as without Mary Clark present. There is a lack of education provided to Seniors regarding property with Historical Status. C. Linda Thomas, spoke about their property being put into Historical Status without D. Donna Clark, spoke about their property being put into Historical Status without valid valid criteria being met. criteria being met. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS JUNE 10TH, 2020 MEETING. A. The minutes for the June 10th, 2020 Meeting were approved on Commissioner Hauser motion, Vice Chair Varteressian second on a 11-0-2 vote. Commissioners Cagle and Temperley were absent. Commissioners Van Sickle and Spain abstained from the vote. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS 13th. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Chair Briesmeister read statement from Jessica Lemann, Associate State Director, AARP Texas. care facilities. i. In this statement she discussed COVID 19 in nursing homes and long-term B. City Manager will make Proposed Budget Announcement for next fiscal year on June A. Review and approval of the 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review Report. i. Commissioners reviewed and approved the Annual Internal Review with pending revisions from Workgroup Chairs. ii. The 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review Report was adopted on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Grampp second on …
