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 …
Special Meeting of the Commission on Seniors June 10th, 2020 Commission on Seniors to be held June 10th, 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 (June 9th, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the JUNE 10TH 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 JUNE 10TH, 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 APRIL 29TH, 2020 SEPCIAL CALLED MEETING II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. NEW BUSINESS IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Presentation: Foundation Communities: Access to Health Services for Seniors, Sofia Barbato, Director of Supportive Services B. 2020-2021 Officer Elections, Commissioner Briesemeister C. COVID-19 Response Updates and Discussion, Commissioner Lugo 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. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, …
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 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, 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, Age Friendly Plan Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Sofia Barbato, Director of Supportive Services, Foundation Communities and Commissioner Lugo, Travis County. Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:04pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS APRIL 29TH, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING A. The minutes for the Special Called Meeting of April 29th were approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Cagle second on a 14-0 vote. Commissioner Kareithi was absent. B. Commissioner Kareithi entered the dais. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. There will be a community conversation regarding people of color and COVID-19. The conversation will be recorded and then shared with the Commissioners. B. Commissioner Temperley gave update on the Social Isolation Working Group Technology Survey through the Aging Council. Aging is Cool will be providing in home services through COA PARD. C. Commissioner Kareithi gave update regarding access to food during COVID-19 response from CapMetro including Good Apple sign up. D. Commissioner Nicola gave update on food access during COVID-19 response including what 250 organizations are doing through Austin/Travis County to provide food. This includes Mobile Pantries, Drive Thru Services, large mass distributions, partnership with AISD, and ACC Highland Mall Location. III. NEW BUSINESS E. Commissioner Bordie gave update regarding access to food, incontinence supplies, social isolation, technology support, in home services, and dental services being supported by Area Agency on Aging. They will be holding their Striking a Balance- Annual Caregiver Conference this summer. F. Commissioner Hauser gave update on Meals on Wheels and how they are providing shelf stable meals during the pandemic. They have seen an influx in requests for meals. A. Presentation: Foundation Communities: Access to Health Services for Seniors, Sofia Barbato, Director of Supportive Services i. Sofia Barbato presented on Access to Health Services for Seniors. ii. Foundation Communities receives grant to provide sustainable …
Special Meeting of the “Commission on Seniors” April 29th at 10am Commission on Seniors to be held April 29th at 10am 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 28th, by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 29th Commission on Seniors Meeting, residents must: •Call or email Halana Kaleel, 512-972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov no later than noon, April 28th. 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 30 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 APRIL 29TH, 2020 AT 10AM 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 MARCH 11TH, 2020 REGULAR MEETING II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. NEW BUSINESS IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action regarding COVID-19 and resources needed for Older Adults. B. Discussion and possible action regarding FY2020-2021 budget recommendations. 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. 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 C. Update …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 2020429-03B (ii) Support for LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation 20200408-2A(2) to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes Date: April 29, 2020 Subject: Support for LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation 20200408- 2A(2) to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes Grampp Seconded By: Angel Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors supports LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation 20200408-2A(2) to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes. Description of Recommendation to Council See attached recommendation Rationale: The Commission on Seniors was created to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for seniors in Austin. LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation 20200408- 2A(2) recommends innovative ways to improve quality of life for all Austinites, including older adults, while recognizing constraints on the city budget. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bordie, Cage, Garcia-Pittman, Grampp, Hauser, Kareithi, Nicola, Van Sickle, Spain Against: none Abstain: None Absent: Jackson, Lugo, Temperley Attest: Page 1 of 2 Janee Briesemeister, Chair Page 2 of 2 LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200408- 2A(2) Budget Recommendation to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a plan for focusing resources on the most important priorities known as Austin Strategic Direction 2023, and WHEREAS, the Strategic Direction recognizes the need for a city government that works effectively and collaboratively for all of us and that is equitable, ethical and innovative, and WHEREAS, city staff has asked that City Commissions be cognizant of the limitations that recent state legislation places on the City’s financial resources and include in their recommendations opportunities for departments to increase efficiencies, improve effectiveness and attain more equitable service delivery, and WHEREAS, Austin has a wide variety of community organizations and nonprofits with objectives similar to those in the City’s Strategic Direction, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council direct staff to explore additional opportunities for utilizing community organizations and nonprofits in achieving the outcomes set forth in the Strategic Direction for the benefit of the community as a whole such as, • Coordinating with community nonprofits who can expand existing efforts while offsetting costs through donations and volunteers such as the job fairs provided by AustinUp; • Utilizing city staff to organize volunteers to provide …
1 RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20200429-03A) COVID-19 and Resources for Older Adults WHEREAS, the Commission on Seniors was created to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for seniors in Austin; and WHEREAS, older adults are the most at-risk population due to the COVID-19 crisis with recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) showing that of confirmed COVID-19 fatalities in Texas to date, 76% were Texans 65 and older ; and WHEREAS, the City is using a portion of its budget reserves to assist residents, including through the Relief in a State of Emergency (RISE) Fund for direct aid programs and health care services and related equipment; and WHEREAS, the City will need to direct additional resources in the current budget and the FY 2020-21 budget to provide relief in the form of health aid, housing, food aid, and other forms of assistance to those whose health and finances have been put in jeopardy due to the spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis has caused the City, service providers, and the private sector to innovate in providing needed services to older adults, including online recreation and socialization programming from Parks and Recreation, no charge home delivery of groceries from HEB, wellness calls to seniors from providers and volunteers, collaboration between the health and social services sectors, and many other examples; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 warnings directed at older adults have resulted in a shrinking of the volunteer pool, as it is often the “young” seniors in their 50’s and 60’s who volunteer in programs serving “older” seniors who are in their 70’s and above; and WHEREAS, even as the social distancing and other restrictions begin to be lifted, older adults will remain vulnerable and we expect older adults will be cautioned to limit their social interactions for many months longer than the general population, and many will continue to need assistance during that period; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Seniors recommends the City Council to direct the City Manager to address the following needs of older adults during the COVID-19 crisis and any subsequent time period during which older adults and those with underlying health conditions are required, cautioned or advised to limit social interaction: • Mobile testing for COVID-19 for homebound persons • Age Friendly and ADA compliant transportation to testing sites …
