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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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