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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- …
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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. …
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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, …
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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 …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 2020429-03B (i) FY 2021 Budget Recommendations Garcia-Pittman Seconded By: Angel FY2021 Budget Recommendations Date: April 29, 2020 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors submits the attached recommendations on the FY 2021 budget, using the “Root Cause Analysis” format requested by the Equity Office. Description of Recommendation to Council See each attached recommendation Rationale: See each attached recommendation Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bordie, Cage, Garcia-Pittman, Grampp, Hauser, Kareithi, Nicol, Temperley, Van Sickle, Spain Against: Abstain: None Absent: Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair Jackson, Lugo none 1 of 7 2021 Budget Recommendation Outreach to Older Adults Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? One of the most prevalent comments from Commission on Seniors community outreach** is that older adults say they are often unaware of activities and services available to them from the city and city-funded providers. Respondents requested more promotion of services and activities (such as on TV, radio and utility bills), and some suggested having community navigators to help older adults who seek information. **The Commission on Seniors conducted extensive community outreach to inform our budget recommendations. More than 50 people attended the Commission’s February 4th Community Budget Engagement session at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center. In addition, the Commission drafted an Age Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey that was provided online and in person to approximately 80 attendees at the AARP South Austin Chapter meeting at the South Austin Senior Center. The survey was available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. More than 300 online responses were received. Problem: What is the problem you identify? Older adults are not always aware of the services and programs available to them in Austin. Promotion through online and social media are not reaching many older adults. Older adults also seek more information and assistance in determining which services and programs are appropriate to their needs. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? Without extensive survey research it is difficult to know who is not being served. It is striking that older adults who attended Commission-sponsored community engagement meetings or responded to our surveys consistently make similar comments about wanting more communication, more outreach, and more help. We can only assume that there are many, many older adults who feel the same way, but did not receive our survey or attend an engagement meeting. We …
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COMMISSION ON SENIOR SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Special Called 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, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Natalie Cagle, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Billy Jackson and Fred Lugo Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Age Friendly Plan Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: None Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 10am. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION A. Zenobia C. Joseph, Title VI Testimony—Citizen Communication, COVID-19, and FY 2020-2021 I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS MARCH 11TH, 2020 REGULAR MEETING A. The minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 11th were approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Cagle second on a 13-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Lugo were absent. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Support Staff Taylor shared on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) response to COVID-19 regarding Older Adults. i. There is wide partner sharing to address gaps in services, as well as what is going well for the Older Adults Taskforce as part of the Social Services Branch of the EOC. ii. Regular meetings have been occurring with Council Offices regarding needs of Older Adults during this time. B. Commissioner Kareithi discussed CapMetro is continuing free fares through the month of May. III. NEW BUSINESS Adults. A. Discussion and possible action regarding COVID-19 and resources needed for Older i. Recommendation approving Covid-19 and Resources for Older Adults were approved on Commissioner Nicola motion, Commissioner Van Sickle second on a 13-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Lugo were absent. ii. Commissioner Angel attended the District 10 Townhall on COVID-19 and strongly supported this recommendation based on what she heard at this townhall. B. Discussion and possible action regarding FY2020-2021 budget recommendations. i. The Commissioners reviewed three recommendations: FY2021 Budget Recommendations, Support for LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation 20200408-2A (2) to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes, and Proposed Land Development Code Recommendation. ii. Recommendations approving the FY2021 Budget Recommendations were approved on Commissioner Pittman-Garcia motion, Commissioner Angel second on a 13-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Lugo were absent. iii. Recommendation approving the Proposed …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS MARCH 11TH, 2020 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Amy Temperley Sally Van Sickle Diana Spain 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 CALL TO ORDER There may be discussion and action on any of the following items: AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Each speaker signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be called in order of sign-up and will be allowed three minutes to speak about items posted or not on the agenda. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 12TH, 2020 REGULAR MEETING AND THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FEBURARY 14TH, 2020 JOINT MEETING II. ANNOUNCEMENTS III. NEW BUSINESS IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Requests and Recommendations. B. Planning and Discussion of Older Americans Month 2020 Activities and Events. 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 and recommendations from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Janee D. Review and discussion of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) E. Update on the Equity Action Team – Standing Item (Emily De Maria Nicola) Briesmeister) i. See agenda Item III.A. V. VI. STAFF BRIEFINGS A. Presentation and Review of After-Action Report of Community Engagement for Budget. B. Request Facility Tour of WellMed, San Antonio. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Suggested agenda items for FY20. B. Presentation Request from Senior Access. VII. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health Department at (512) 972-5019 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Seniors, please contact Halana Kaleel at …
COMMISSION ON SENIOR REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2020 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting at City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78702. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Billy Jackson, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Natalie Cagle, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Fred Lugo, and Martin Kareithi. Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Age Friendly Plan Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: None Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION A. None I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 12TH, 2020 REGULAR MEETING AND THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FEBURARY 14TH, 2020 JOINT MEETING A. The minutes for the Regular Meeting of February 12th and the minutes for the Joint Meeting February 14th were approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Grampp second on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Spain, De Maria Nicola, Lugo, and Kareithi were absent. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS when ready. A. Support Staff Tabitha Taylor will provide COVID-19 update from Council Kitchen B. Meals on Wheels can provide input on services for home bound individuals. C. Aging is Cool is concerned about isolation of seniors during this time. D. If a confirmed case is identified there will be a public announcement, and Austin Public Health’s investigation team will work to identify individuals exposed. E. Update on Senior Tax Exemption Resolution was provided, there will be another response provided with an after-action report by May 2020. i. Chair Briesemeister reviewed the memo provided and noted that it states there is no state law. She thinks this is inaccurate. ii. There is no mention of Williamson County. iii. Support Staff Tabitha will share this feedback on behalf of the Commission on Seniors. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget Requests and Recommendations. i. Budget Recommendations are due by April 10th. ii. Expect a special called meeting for the end of March. iii. Recommend voting to let the Budget Workgroup submit the budget iv. Commissioners review Budget packet prepared by Support Staff. v. Commissioner Garcia-Pittman requested demographics for the social service recommendations. contracts. B. Planning and Discussion of Older Americans Month 2020 Activities …