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2002 03 15 .. ; . AGENDA CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION Friday, March 15, 2002 10:00 A.M. TO 11:30 P.M. CHANHASSEN COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. Approval of agenda. 2. Goals and Objectives for the year 2002. 3. Congregate Dining & Meals on Wheels. 4. Update on Senior Center Activities. 5. Senior Center Parking during Library Construction. 6. Senior Commission Comments. Adjournment * The next Senior Commission meeting will take place on April 19, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. . . .. . CITY OF CHANHASSEN 77DO Markel Boulevard POBox 147 Chanhassen. MN 55317 Admlnlstration Phone: 952.227.1100 Fax: 952.227.1110 Building Inspections Phone: 952.227.1180 Fax: 952.227.1190 Engineering Phone: 952.227.1160 Fax: 952227.1170 Finance Phone: 952.227.1140 . Fax: 952.227.1110 Park & Recreation Phone: 952.227.1120 fax: 952227.1110 Recreation Center 2310 Cou"er Boulevard Phone: 952.227.1400 Fax: 952227.1404 Planning & Natural Resources Phone: 952227.1130 Fax: 952227.1110 Public Works 1591 Park Road Phone: 952227.1300 Fax: 952227.1310 Senior Center Phone: 952.227.1125 Fax: 952227.1110 Web Site www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us . .i. MEMORANDUM TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager FROM: Shanneen AI-Jaff, Senior Planner DATE: March 14, 2002 SUBJ: Goals and Objectives for the year 2002 The following are the Commission's Goals and Objectives for 2002: 1. Identify Issues Facing Senior Citizens And Present Them, With Possible Solutions And Recommendations, To The City Council: In 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, the commission discussed the possibility of a "Senior Needs Study" with the City Council. This goal remains a priority for the commission. The study would be similar to that which was conducted in 1990, open ended with no preconceived ideas. The study would take place after the release of the 2000 census. The Metropolitan Council projections indicated a 45% increase in the senior population at the end of the decade. The 2000 census has been released and reflects seniors ages 55+ makeup 10.2% (2,071 seniors) of Chanhassen's population (20;321 persons). In 1990, they made up 9.2% (1,079 seniors) of the city's population (11 ,732 people). The senior population has doubled and the percentage of the overall population has increased by 1 %. The city conducted a citywide survey to assess the needs of the community. The study concluded that senior needs revolves around lifecycle housing. The Senior Commission is requesting to conduct a senior focused needs study. Staff contacted Maxfield Research to get a cost estimate on such study. Maxfield's advice was not to delay the study beyond 2003 since the data from the census becomes outdated. As to the cost of the study, it depended on the depth of the study, but the range given was between $12,000 and $15,000. Should the City Council approve this request, staff will send out RFP's around January 2003. 2. Transportation: Transportation continues to be an ongoing challenge for seniors. Although seniors often express a need for transportation, we have been unable to pinpoint one effective method. The mission and objective of the commission is to help resolve senior transportation problems, and improve existing transportation service, i.e. Southwest Metro Transit and . Todd Gerhardt, City Manager March 13, 2002 Page 2 CART. This goal is consistent with Strategy 5, Encourage and promotes community connections; work with a variety of groups (commissions, other government agencies and private entities) to ensure that the public transportation needs of Chanhassen residents and businesses are met. Staff is currently working with Southwest Metro Transit investigating fixed routes that will connect seniors with commercial and medical establishments. The route that was discussed with the transit provider extended the length of Coulter Boulevard and West 78th Street. . Senior Center: The number of activities and attendees of the center continues to increase. Some activities have been moved to the Recreation Center while others have a cap on how many may attend. The Senior Commission has requested the seniors be considered for the existing library space. The library space will not be vacated for at least three years. As planning for the space begins, please consider moving the senior center to . that location. The additional space will make operations easier and parking more convenient. The commission also intends to encourage volunteers (other than seniors) to participate in serving and delivering meals for congregate dining and meals on wheels. Current driver volunteers inClude four (mother and child) teams, seniors, commission members, business owners in the community, and working non-senior adults. The total number of volunteers including food servers exceeds 60 people. 3. Communication: a. Information and Referral/Senior Information Line: In 1999, the Senior Center was rewarded a new computer and software from United Way. Staff continuously advertises the program and makes people aware of the availability of the service. b. Educate Future Generations of Seniors: Increase awareness of the opportunities and challenges that face seniors in Chanhassen. . c. Communication With Neighboring Senior Centers and Community Education: · Coordination of events. · Transportation coordination with other senior centers and community education. ., . Todd Gerhardt, City Manager March 13, 2002 Page 3 4. Senior Parking At Public Buildings: Ongoing. The Senior Commission contacts local businesses and request the installation of the signs at their parking lots. 5. Support: a. Senior Expo: This goal gives staff 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 $15.00 per person. b. Chanhassen Heritage Preservation c. Urgent Care Facilities . d. Food shelf e. Inter-generational activities 6. Have an Annual Joint Work Session Between the Senior Commission and the City 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. This goal is consistent with Community Involvement. The Senior Commission members are actively involved in the community. Each member is assigned the duty of attending a senior activity once a month to listen and educate seniors on programs available to them and hear their 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. 7. Older American Month: Celebrate the month of Mayas Older American Month. . KYR march 2002-cell phone contracts Page 1 of 3 .~ ._",.....:lftlfJ.1MBRPROTECT10N.VlVlS/ON ~MNA GO H ome..C.h. a ".t.'.............O ..flle. e.... Classroom Resources Search Contact.u.. s... ... ... ........_ull""~ . ..Is Consumer Home Car Shop March 2002 Consumer Alert Fraug Read and Understand Cell Phone Contracts Health Know Your Rights The past few years have seen an explosion in cellular telephone use. In fact, one study shows that one in three Minnesotans currently has a cell phone! Reasons for deciding to "go wireless" include business or personal needs, security or convenience. Whatever the reason for considering wireless service, the final decision should be made with great care. HQl!l!llg Et;<f~!2mu Fin~nce Phon~ Privacy Consumers hold the responsibility to read and fully understand the terms of wireless calling plans before finalizing any decision. Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch suggests that consumers use the following guidelines to help evaluate wireless service programs. Recall Roundup Senior Center ~ Why do I want cell phone service? If you can answer this question, you will be better prepared to choose a calling plan that fits your needs. Take a minute to ask yourself: what will be the primary purpose of this phone? How often and how long will I use the phone when I call? Will I use the phone mostly when I travel or mostly from home? To whom and to where will I make most of my calls? What functions do I expect my cell phone to perform? Some cell phones offer call waiting and caller ID features, while others offer text messaging and internet access, Some cell phones have covers that guard the keypad, while some come with clips and accessories. Some phones cost hundreds of dollars, while others are refurbished and cost nothing. Whatever features you choose, understand that you are buying a cell phone to use with your plan. The phone is not typically returnable and cannot be used with other companies' plans. . What is the bottom-line cost of my first bill? Cell phone plans include a monthly fee. This is the rate usually seen advertised and is typically contingent on a one or two year contract. When you start service there are several additional costs such as the price of your cell phone, an activation fee, any postage and handling charges, and possibly a deposit. Complete an itemized calculation of all the costs to determine the actual price of the first month's bill. Mail- in rebates can usually be used only after your first 30-day billing cycle. n~~~ .1...~ ~~II..I~_ n~__.:~~ ~_~..:""~_ 1...~_.~ ~....~~..~.~ ~~..~_~~~ :~ .1...~ ~_~~ .1...~. T n,:1I KYR march 2002-cell phone contracts Page 2 of3 . 1J'Ut:~ aut: \:t:IIUli:t1 ~t:l\'I\:t: I'IU\'IUlCl 1Ii:t\'1C UUIC'lUi:t..1C \:U\'ICIi:t~1C III ..IIIC i:tlt:i:t ..1Ii:t...I. nlll use the most? Ask to see a map of the service provider's coverage area. Determine what constitutes your "home calling area." If you live near the edge of a particular calling area, you may want to consider using a plan where the signal is more reliable. What are the conditions of the "free trial period"? Understand the details of a promotional trial period. If your phone does not work exactly as you expected or if your coverage area is inadequate, you must attempt to resolve your problem quickly. Keep records of your contact with the company, and ask representatives for confirmation numbers to help you verify your conversations. After the trial period expires, cellular providers may attempt to enforce early termination penalties. What is the duration of the contract? To get certain rates, you may need to enter a one or two year contract. You may not actually sign a contract, however. Rather, the company will consider your use of the phone as your binding agreement to the terms set forth in its contract. Be sure to investigate what steps you need to take to end or continue your service at the end of the contract. In many cases, the contract may be automatically renewed unless you contact the company to terminate the service. . What is the termination fee if I cancel my calling plan early? 100 - $200 is not an uncommon penalty for early termination. Canceling your service within the trial period will prevent you from being assessed termination fees. When do "peak" and "off peak" times occur? "Peak" time is the part of the day when consumers can expect to pay the highest calling rates for their calls. Different providers have different peak times, which can make a big difference in your choice of calling plans. Ask for the service provider's definition of peak and off peak hours. What is the cost of "roaming fees" with this plan? Many calling plans include fees for calls made and received outside of your home calling area. This charge is known as a roaming fee. Know the price of this per minute fee and evaluate how often you may be charged for this fee given the service provider's coverage area. What sort of long distance calling plan comes with this service? Be very clear about the rates associated with your long distance calling plan. "Free long distance" usually means that there is not an additional charge to place a long distance call if you call from your home calling area. If you are outside this area, you may have to pay for roaming charges to connect your call to your home area, which can be quite expensive. Additionally, your calling plan minutes may be deducted regardless of if the call is long distance or local. . Should I use a pre-paid calling pla~? An alternative to agreeing to a service contract is to use a pre-paid calling plan with your cell phone. A pre-paid plan allows you to buy minutes that can be spread over a period of time, so if you use your phone infrequently it can be cheaper than paying for KYR march 2002-cell phone contracts Page 3 of 3 . monthly airtime that you may not use. Since you will not be signing a contract with this program, the terms of the pre-paid minutes are subject to change. In general, pre-paid plans are best for very occasional callers, and for consumers who have less-than- perfect credit as no credit check is needed" If you have a problem or concern about your cell phone service, act quickly to resolve your issue. Keep records of the efforts you make to solve your problem including the time of your call, the name of your customer representative, and the action that was taken. If you decide that you need further assistance resolving your cell phone dispute, have additional questions regarding cell phones or another consumer issue, contact the Minnesota Attorney General's Office by phone, mail, or electronically as follows: Office of Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch 1400 NCL Tower 445 Minnesota Street St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 296-3353 1-800-657 -3787 TIY: (651) 297-7206 TTY: 1-800-366-4812 . @2002 Minnesota Attorney General's Office. .