05-17-24May 17, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT: Phyllis Mobley, Jim Camarata, Bhakti Modi, Ruth Slivken, Beth Mason, Kara Cassidy,
Ruth Lunde (via phone link)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gwen Block
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Vogt, Administrative Support Specialist; Mary Blazanin, Chanhassen Senior
Center Director
GUESTS PRESENT: Patrick Jones; Barbara Nevin; Emmanuel Ngabire
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve the agenda.
Commissioner Mason seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed, the motion passed.
COMMISSION ON AGING MINUTES April 19, 2024. Commissioner Mobley made a motion to
approve the minutes from the April 19, 2024, meeting. Commissioner Mason seconded the motion. All
members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Minutes were approved and published with proposed
corrections.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS
Introduction to Kate Vogt, Administrative Support Specialist: Kate Vogt introduced herself to the
Commission on Aging, as Jenny Potter moves into her new position as City Clerk, Kate will be the
Commission on Aging’s point person in the city.
Review Commission on Aging Bylaws. Annual COA Approval Required:
A discussion was had regarding the bylaws, and the Commission on Aging came to the agreement that
some recommended changes needed further investigation and clarification before approval could be
reached. Commissioner Slivken requested clarification on the following items: the number of
commissioners required to serve; the section related to absences; procedures related to voting on items at
the meetings; and staff liaison responsibilities. Other commissioners expressed interest in learning more
as well. Commissioner Slivken agreed to send her suggestions in writing to Mary pertaining to staff
liaison responsibilities. Commissioner Cassidy will investigate neighboring cities' bylaws to compare to
our own, Mary will also look at city requirements and defer some suggestions to the city staff and legal
advisors as deemed appropriate. A motion was made by Commissioner Camarata to have Mary
investigate what, if any, changes can be made legally and what must stay the same. Commissioner Mason
seconded. Motion carried.
Review Commission on Aging Meeting and Partnership Protocol:
The commission came to the decision that some changes should be further reviewed, investigated and
discussed prior to approving the Meeting and Partnership Protocols. These included Sections 1.13 COA
Core Work, 1.3 Relationship with the Public, 1.4 Relationship with Mayor and City Council, 3.3 Terms
and Vacancy, and Open Meeting Laws; were all mentioned during this discussion. Commissioner Slivken
recommended several changes, and other commissioners asked for more clarification on some points.
Mary recommended removing section 7.5 as there is no longer a Senior Center Advisory Board but rather
a Senior Center Volunteer Corps to assist with Center events and functions. Any changes will be prepared
by Mary based on both her investigations as well as any recommendations received by commissioners.
These will be brought to the June 2024 meeting for final discussion and approval by the commissioners.
MN Housing CDA Letter from Commission on Aging:
Commissioner Cassidy shared with the Commission that the letter on MN Housing CDA has been sent.
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
4th of July Senior Patrons Tent Invitation, Barbara Nevin
Each year on the 4th of July parade there is a Senior Patrons Tent that provides a space for local seniors to
enjoy the festivities. This space is wheelchair accessible and open for any senior who is looking to escape
the chaos of navigating the parade. A sign-up sheet will be at the Senior Center for any interested parties.
Carver County Health and Human Services Updates, Emmanuel Ngabire
Emmanuel Ngabire is the new Carver County Public Health Specialist. He gave a summary of his career
history which involved working internationally, since moving to Minnesota he has been able to focus his
attention on Senior Health. He shared his excitement to be in this new position in his moment in time.
There is a large shift happening surrounding aging. We can expect to see lots of changes coming from
Carver County including aging studies, intergenerational programs, and more. Emmanuel finished his
time presenting sharing these words, “Be Bigger, Be Stronger, Live Longer.”
Chanhassen Library, Patrick Jones
The Chan-O-Laires visited the Chanhassen Library on May 4th and gave a fantastic performance,
unfortunately, the piano in the library did not work but the Chan-O-Laires made the best of it. The Book
Sale has ended, and it raised $3,100 to support the library, the next sale will be held in the fall. The first-
ever “Free Day” was held the day after the Book Sale, everything that was left over from the sale was free
to anyone in the community to take home and enjoy.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Arbor Day Recap: Commissioner Cassidy attended the Arbor Day festivities and shared her experience.
She shared that the city had attended with treats to share and had the Master Arborist there to demonstrate
how to plant each type of tree. Commissioner Cassidy was able to plant a tree with some local teens.
Memorial Day Updates:
Mary shared that the Memorial Day Ceremony will start at noon and that the Commission on Aging
donations table will be set up by 11:30 am. An announcement will be made about the table, so people are
aware of the commission’s presence. Commissioner Mobley and Commissioner Mason volunteered to
work the Memorial Day table.
4th of July Bingo Donation Letter & Volunteers:
Donation letters have been delivered to all the local businesses. Commissioners were asked to volunteer
for the 4th of July Bingo tent, and to assist in finding more volunteers to cover the needs. Mary will also
reach out to her Volunteer Corps for recruiting helpers.
Communications Committee Update:
Commissioner Camarata and Mary met with Chan Neighbors and the Sun Sailor and had great responses
from both news outlets. Note that Sun Sailor is now moving to subscription.
Bridging Program Updates:
The Book Club will continue over the summer, with much excitement from the kids involved, they will
be losing three kids due to graduation but will start recruitments in the fall to fill those spots. The
Butterfly Garden will be opened on May 18th.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Senior Center programming will be moving to the Recreation Center starting June 3, 2024. There was a
brief overview of the open meeting laws that were covered at the April 19, 2024, meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Camarata made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Mason seconded the motion.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried and the meeting adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Kate Vogt, Administrative Support Specialist
Minutes Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator