Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors Meeting April 14th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held April 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 (April 13th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 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 (April 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 (April 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 …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Called Commission on Seniors Meeting March 26th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held March 26th, 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 (March 25th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 26th, 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 (March 26th, 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 (March 25th, 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 …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20210326-04Ai FY 2022Budget Recommendation For Planning and Increased Support To Serve the Needs of Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness March 26, 2021 FY2022 Budget Recommendations Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to implement the following budget recommendations: Seconded By: Temperley Van Sickle 1. The Austin Public Health Homeless Services Division should develop and implement a strategy for serving the needs of older adults experiencing homelessness. Implementation should begin no later than January 1, 2022. The plan should: a. Identify the housing, health care, social, and other needs of older adults experiencing homelessness, including disability, long term care, dementia care, and caregiver support and develop programs to meet those needs; b. Ensure coordinated entry appropriately matches older adults with their needs; c. Include strategies to prevent older adults becoming homeless, such as deeply affordable housing and caregiver support; d. Develop the strategy in consultation with providers serving older adults and providers serving people experiencing homelessness (such as the collaborative described below). 2. At least $2,000,000 of the FY22 budget for supportive housing and other services to prevent homelessness should be dedicated to serving adults aged 55 and older. Of this funding at least $300,000 should be budgeted for Rapid Rehousing for Older Adults (compared to the current budget of $157,750). The remainder should be used to begin implementing the strategy plan for older adults experiencing homelessness and older adults at risk of homelessness (described above). Rationale: Data provided by ECHO about the population experiencing homelessness in the Austin area shows that for all clients who entered a program between Oct 2019 and Oct 2020, 26% were age 50 or older. Nationally, data shows the number of older adults in the homeless population is growing rapidly and will continue to grow for the next decade. 1 The number of older adults in the population of people experiencing homeless requires us to revisit and adapt assistance programs that were designed to address the needs of a much younger group and fail to account for medical, social, and emotional needs that emerge later in life. Older adults experiencing homelessness have diverse needs related to their housing, health care, social, and other needs. Further, the stresses of homelessness cause premature aging; Austin already classifies aged 55 and older in this population as older adults. In October 2020, a collaborative was formed …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20210326-04Aii FY 2022 Budget Recommendation and Related Recommendations on Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults Date: Subject: March 26, 2021 FY2022 Budget Recommendation and Related Recommendations on Expanding Access to Online Connectivity and Digital Literacy for Older Adults Varteressian Seconded By: Angel Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions to expand access to the Internet to underserved people and communities in Austin. This includes older adults for whom access to the Internet means access to healthcare, economic activity, and social interaction for wellbeing. Research has shown that older adults, especially in communities of color and those with lower incomes, often lack access to the Internet, devices, and digital literacy skills. (See Rationale below). These recommendations include actions that can be taken immediately outside the budget process and recommendations for the FY 2022 budget: 1. Allocate a minimum of $25,000 in the Programming budget of Austin Public Library to develop, implement and promote digital literacy training for older adults that is designed using best practices in older adult learning. 2. Allocate a minimum of $25,000 from the budgets of Austin Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department to continue and expand the targeted distribution of technology (loaned devices, hot spots and training) to older adults to address social isolation and other needs during the pandemic. APL reprogrammed $11,000 in 2020 and worked with PARD to provide digital devices, hotspots and specialized training to older adults who could no longer participate in in- person programming at PARD and APL sites due to the pandemic. These needs will continue as Austin slowly returns to normal. Further, absent the pandemic there are older adults who are homebound and will benefit from online access to city programs and other services. 3. Allocate a minimum of $150,000 from Austin Public Health’s budget for grants to organizations providing connectivity (devices, internet, and training) to older adults in Austin that need access to the Internet. It is estimated that $150,000 could support access, devices, and training 200-250 older adults for one year. Grantees should be required to leverage other available funding from state and federal programs and enroll clients in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (see description below). 4. Direct Austin Public Health, Austin Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Housing and Planning Department and any other …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20210326-04Aiii FY 2022Budget Recommendations Education and Outreach on Senior Homestead Tax Exemption Varteressian March 26, 2021 Seconded By: Nicola FY2022 Budget Recommendations Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Manager designate at least $20,000 for door to door and community-based education and outreach on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. These funds should be allocated from any funds designated for anti-displacement efforts or the most appropriate funding source. 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 regarding anti-displacement 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, or needed assistance to, apply for the exemptions they were entitled to. 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 Commission on Seniors recommends that the next step to implement this resolution is in-person, community-based interaction with households identified as potential beneficiaries of the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. This could occur with door to door visits, and/or community-based meetings. Both options should be possible in coming months as more older adults receive the COVID vaccine. While there have been difficulties in identifying specific households, the neighborhoods at risk of gentrification are well-known. A contract or grant with a community-based organization would be used to hold community events and, if appropriate, go 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. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bordie, Hauser, Lugo, Nicola, Temperley, Van Sickle, Spain Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle, Kareithi, Garcia-Pittman, Jackson Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair
Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors Meeting March 10th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held March 10th, 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 (March 9th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 10th, 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 (March 10th, 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 (March 9th, 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 …
1 COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20210310-04A: Prioritizing COVID Vaccine appointments to People Aged 70 and Older. WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented health challenges; WHEREAS, COVID-19 vaccine immunizations reduce risks of infirmity and death, and provide significant protection from COVID-19 virus infection; WHEREAS, the vaccination of people age 65+, a critical population group, is a priority while in Phase 1-B; WHEREAS, as of February 23, 2021, 10,880 residents in the 80-plus age group had not received an appointment yet after pre-registering through Austin Public Health; another 37,434 people in the 70 to 79 age group had not received an appointment; and another 48,912 in the 60 to 69 age group had not received an appointment. WHEREAS, with the addition of teachers and childcare workers it is expected demand will continue to exceed supply in Phase 1-B at least for the near term; and WHEREAS, news stories document the difficulty for some older adults in registering for a vaccine appointment and service providers have shared frustrations with the vaccine registration system, including the email registration process, over-capacity phone lines and lengthy wait times and that it is difficult for service providers to help older adults schedule vaccine appointments. It is hereby RESOLVED that: The Commission on Seniors requests the City Council direct Austin Public Health to: • Continue to focus on the prioritization of the 65 and older population, and especially those age 70 and older, before proceeding to the next Phase; • Continue to provide and expand the support necessary to gain access to vaccines for these critical population groups, including: • Expand capacity for mobile vaccinations targeting homebound older adults and homebound people with disabilities • Expand capacity for scheduling appointments via telephone • Allow service providers who work with older adults to help clients register for appointments • Allow service providers to register clients who do not have their own email address • Allow secondary contacts, such as family and service providers, who can regularly check • Provide vaccines to volunteer drivers with organizations that commit to driving older email for notification of appointments adults to vaccine appointments Vote 13-0 For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Bordie, Cagle, Garcia-Pittman, Hauser, Jackson, Kareithi, Lugo, Nicola, Temperley, Van Sickle, Spain Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Angel Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 2
1 COMMISSION ON SENIORS RESOLUTION Resolution Number: 20210310-04B: Establishing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group WHEREAS, on February 12, 2021 Governor Greg Abbott issued a Declaration of State of Disaster for all of Texas due to forecasts of severe winter weather, including prolonged freezing temperatures, snow and freezing rain; and WHEREAS, more than 200,000 customers of Austin Energy lost power for days beginning in the early morning hours of February 15 due to mandatory controlled outages ordered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT); and WHEREAS, the freezing temperatures and prolonged power outages also caused broken water pipes, leaving many in Austin without water and with directives to boil water for the rest; and WHEREAS, the community, local nonprofits, and city council members, often in coordination with the city, identified needs and implemented relief efforts that included delivering water and food to older adults and persons living with disabilities in apartment complexes throughout the city that lost water and power; and WHEREAS, volunteers reached over 14,000 people through wellness calls and identified over 1,000 people who needed additional support including EMS, food and/or water delivery; WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20210205-006, which included in part: The City Manager report on recommended actions related to disaster relief should include, but not be limited to: • Recommendations for formalizing and improving the city’s and the community’s notification and disaster response systems for vulnerable seniors living in the community and facility settings, and for persons with disabilities, including systems for welfare checks, in consultation with the City of Austin Age Friendly Program Coordinator, the Commission on Seniors, and the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. The City Manager shall endeavor to report on these recommended actions by September 1, 2021. THEREFOR Be It Resolved: The Commission on Seniors creates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group. The purpose of the working group is to make recommendations to improve preparation, communication and response to extreme weather, disasters and other emergencies. The working group will: • Engage with members of the community, providers of services to older adults, community organizers, and city departments regarding lessons learned from the February 2021 Winter Storm; • Make recommendations to the City Manager per Council Resolution No. 20210205-006 for formalizing and improving the city’s and the community’s notification and disaster response systems for vulnerable seniors living in the community and facility settings, and for persons with disabilities, …
Versión en español a continuación. Commission on Seniors Meeting February 10th, 2021 Commission on Seniors to be held February 10th, 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 (February 9th, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 10th, 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 (February 10th, 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 (February 9th, 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 …
1 RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20210210-03B) Support for Austin’s Legislative Agenda and Advocacy WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its residents; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, each year, the Texas Legislature increasingly attempts to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; and WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy equates to censorship of Residents’ voices and is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Commission on Seniors: Endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. Believes the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. Urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively represent the taxpayers and continue to amplify their collective voices through advocacy at the Texas Legislature. Supports the City of Austin’s engagement of …
I. COMMISSION ON SENIORS REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, 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, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Natalie Cagle Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Jackie Nirenberg, Serita Lacasse, Kami Griffiths, Suzanne Anderson Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:02pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Jodi Allen from Drive-a-Senior introduced themselves to the Commission on Seniors. Drive-a-Senior is currently offering transportation to vaccination appointments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS DECEMBER 9TH, 2020 MEETNG A. The minutes for the January 13th, 2021 Meeting were approved on Vice-Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Van Sickle second on a 13-0 vote. Commissioners Cagle and Spain were absent. B. Commissioner Spain entered the dais. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS term. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Commissioner Grampp will be leaving the Commission on Seniors and not renewing her i. Commissioners expressed gratitude for Commissioner Grampp’s time on the Commission on Seniors. B. Commissioners Angel, Spain, and Garcia-Pittman’s reappointments have been confirmed by City Council. i. Commissioner Jackson is still reviewing applying for reappointment. 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 • No discussion currently. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group • No discussion currently. C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Janee D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) E. Discussion and possible action on the Equity Action Team – Standing Item (Emily De Maria Briesmeister) i. No discussion currently. i. No discussion currently. Nicola) i. No discussion currently. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Briefing: Project Connect and Austin Transit Partnership, Jackie Nirenberg, Capital Metro. i. Jackie Nirenberg provided an update to the Commissioners on Project Connect and …
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 …
