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08-16-24Chanhassen Commission on Aging, August 16, 2024 Meeting was called to order at 10:03am by Commissioner Cassidy. MEMBERS PRESENT: Gwen Block, Jim Camarata, Kara Cassidy, Ruth Lunde, Beth Mason, Phyllis Mobley, Ruth Slivken MEMBERS ABSENT: Bhakti Modi GUESTS PRESENT: Allison Streich, Deputy Director, Carver County CDA; Emmanuel Ngabire, Carver County HHS; Sharmeen Al-Jaff; Elyette Block; Jeff Miller. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Lunde seconded the motion. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. COMMISSION ON AGING MINUTES July 19, 2024 Minutes were reviewed. No changes noted. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 19, 2024 meeting which was held at the Carver County Health and Human Services location in Chaska. Commissioner Mason seconded the motion. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: none VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: Allison Streich, Deputy Director, Carver County CDA, presented highlights from the Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis for Carver County with an emphasis on Chanhassen Data. Allison provided an overview of the study along with final analysis and recommendations for housing needs in Chanhassen and Carver County. Discussion revolved around types of housing, costs, availability, accessibility and aging in place services in our community. She especially noted that Aging in Place initiatives impacts the home sale market, keeping homes unavailable for resale much longer than in the past. Other discussions revolved around increasing costs of HOA and other insurance, which impact those with limited income to stay in their current homes, and information on how to use this study to improve housing options for 65+ residents. Alison will send a copy of the study to Mary to share with the COA at the next meeting, particularly noting the Chanhassen specific data. Final comments covered data to consider as Chanhassen plans for housing seniors in the next six years, with the following quote: “Between 2023 and 2030, senior (age 65 and older) population growth is expected to be strongest in the Chanhassen submarket, with the addition of 1,972 seniors (54% growth), followed by Chaska (1,055 senior, 36% growth).” Allison’s power point presentation as well as the study will be posted with the COA minutes on the Chanhassen Website, as well as linked to the Chanhassen Senior Center information page on the City of Chanhassen website. LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community Services was unable to attend. Mary shared information about the upcoming Dementia Friends session on August 27, sponsored by Riley Crossing and presented by LeeAnn Eiden. Commissioners were encouraged to attend if possible. Emmanual Ngabire, Carver County Office of Aging, invited Commissioners to attend the County wide Commission on Aging meeting scheduled for Friday, September 6 at the MN Arboretum. He encouraged commissioners to come ready to discuss visibility of programs for seniors in and around the County, and to share current work being done for this population group in their city. Special speakers and small discussion break out groups will be part of the event. Chanhassen Commissioners volunteered to help as table group discussion leaders and greeters. Commissioners able to attend from Chanhassen are Commissioners Cassidy, Camarata, Block, Lunde, Mason, and Slivken. Other invited cities include Watertown, Waconia, Chaska, Hamburg, Victoria and Cologne. Mary Blazanin provided an overview of the Chanhassen Library’s fall schedule as sent by Linnea Fonnest, who was unable to attend the meeting today. COA DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. 4th of July. Commissioner Lunde suggested starting requests for corporate donations earlier in the year, preferably January or February, to allow companies the time needed to secure donations from their main offices. She also asked for better clarification on the letters going out related to General Park and Recreation donations from local businesses and how the 4th of July Bingo donations differ. Commissioners agreed to begin planning for the 4th of July Bingo event in January 2025. 2. Communications Update. Commissioner Camarata reported that Carver County is in the process of investigating the possibility of creating a county newspaper. Commissioner Lunde updated a list of initial cities interested in combining efforts on a newspaper. She stated a group is also working on a voter guide which can be digitally promoted for the upcoming election year. 3. Bridging with Seniors Update. Commissioner Slivken reported that the high school seniors who’ve graduated from Book Club said their goodbyes at the last meeting and want to stay in touch with the older adults in the group. The book club is starting up again in the fall; Chanhassen Library created flyers and posters to promote it. Commissioner Slivken will be meeting with student volunteers soon. She stated they are available on weekends to take part in programs/clubs. They may also be interested in offering Tech support help for older adults, and the possibility of partnering on a Red Cross Blood drive. She would also like to create another Butterfly Garden project with them. OPEN DISCUSSION: None ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mobley made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Camarata seconded the motion. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried and the meeting adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 11:36am Minutes prepared and submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator.