A Joint Meeting with Senior Commission
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner
DATE:
November 28, 2005
SUBJ:
Discussion Topics for joint City Council/Senior Commission
Meeting
The following are the Commission’s Accomplishments, Goals and Objectives for
2005:
Identify Issues Facing Senior Citizens And Present Them, With Possible
1.
Solutions And Recommendations, To The City Council:
The Senior
Commission had an open house on October 21, 2005. Approximately 60
seniors from the community attended the meeting. The open house focused on
services available in the City of Chanhassen. The attendees expressed a need
for more public transportation.
A consultant with Carver County Health Partnership was present at the meeting.
She provided an overview of the issues facing seniors in Carver County. She also
explained that the County is forming senior commissions similar to Chanhassen.
Transportation:
2. In response to the request for additional public
transportation, staff contacted SouthWest Metro Transit and provided them
with a city map reflecting all high density residential areas and major points of
interest in the city such as shopping areas, clinics, library, etc. SouthWest
Metro is in the process of purchasing a vehicle (circulator bus) to serve
Chanhassen.
Senior Center:
3. The number of attendees at the Senior Center continues to
increase. The senior commission is currently working with Sue Bill, Senior
Center Coordinator, on a “Tuesday coffee at senior center”. The Commission
has been working with Cub Foods to donate rolls to the Center. The donation
would be made through the Lions Club.
Veterans Memorial:
4. The Senior Commission wishes to discuss a veteran’s
memorial with the City Council. If the City Council is in favor of such a
memorial, the commission will contact the American Legion and begin
investigating deferent locations within the city. The Senior Commission
believes that the American Legion will help fund this memorial.
Todd Gerhardt
Joint Meeting with Senior Commission
November 28, 2005
Page 2
Communication:
5.
Computer Training:
a. The commission presented this item to the City Council at the May
2005 joint meeting. One of the most effective means of obtaining information is through
the web. Some seniors are intimidated by computers. The Senior Commission worked
through the Senior Center to begin a computer training program. Volunteers have been
recruited to provide one-on-one training to seniors. We believe this problem will correct
itself as the “.com” generation ages. This program has been very successful.
Educate Future Generations of Seniors:
b. Increase awareness of the opportunities and
challenges that face seniors in Chanhassen.
Communication With Neighboring Senior Centers and Community Education:
c.
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Coordination of events.
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Transportation coordination with other senior centers and community education.
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Work with communities within Carver County to assist in creating Senior Friendly
Communities.
Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors:
d. The Senior Commission is working to coordinate
and develop partnerships for volunteer opportunities for seniors at the library, schools,
City events such as Arbor Day, computer training, senior center duties, etc.
Senior Parking at Public Buildings:
6. Ongoing. The Senior Commission contacts local
businesses and requests the installation of “Senior Parking” signs at their parking lots.
Support:
7.
Senior Expo:
a. This goal gives staff and seniors an opportunity to learn about issues facing
seniors, what other communities are doing to address these issues, and form partnerships
with other agencies. The Expo is held once a year and the cost for this valuable service is
only $16.00 per person.
Chanhassen Heritage Preservation:
b. Continue to promote and preserve Chanhassen’s
history.
Food shelf:
c. The senior center is a drop-off location for non-perishable food items.
Inter-generational activities:
d. Work with the schools on joint activities between seniors
and students of all ages, i.e. storytelling, sharing experiences, etc.
Todd Gerhardt
Joint Meeting with Senior Commission
November 28, 2005
Page 3
Have an Annual Joint Work Session Between the Senior Commission and the City
8.
Council to Present the Goals and Objectives for the Year and Ensure that the Council’s
Vision and their Expectations of the Senior Commission Will be Met:
The Senior
Commission members are actively involved in the community. They listen and educate seniors
on programs available to them and hear the concerns and issues facing them. Through this
format, they are able to poll a representative sample and report the key issues to the City
Council.
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