01-15-2021CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
January 15, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT AT THE SENIOR CENTER: none
MEMBERS PRESENT via ZOOM: Lisa Lyons, Ruth Lunde, Bhakti Modi,
Dorina Tipton, Linda Haight, Mack Titus.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerry Cerchia, David Crouch.
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Mary Blazzanin
STAFF ABSENT: none
GUESTS: Dawn Plummer, Allison Streich, Kate Aanenson
Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner Lunde chaired meeting. Commissioner Titus moved to approve the
Agenda. Commissioner Modi seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion
carried.
Senior Commission Minutes:
Commissioner Titus mo ved to approve the Minutes. Commissioner Lyons seconded
the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Presentation by Allison Streich, Deputy Director – Carver County CDA:
Carver County CDA (Community Development Agency) provides affordable housing
opportunities and fosters community and economic development. The CDA manages
approximately 630 housing units, 223 multi-family units, and over 130 project-based
vouchers to support people in need. Some of the properties are age restricted (e.g. for
Seniors) and others for the general population. Allison highlighted various projects
and identified various types of affordable housing in Chaska, Carver, Chanhassen,
Victoria, Waconia, Watertown, Mayer and Cologne.
• The Bridges Program serves low-income individuals with mental illness to
provide them with supportive resources and housing assistance. The rental
subsidy is temporary and is intended to bridge the housing gap between
exiting treatment centers, institutional facilities, and homelessness to
permanent affordable housing.
• The Permanent Supportive Housing program provides rent assistance for
homeless and disabled individuals.
• Housing Trust Fund assists homeless or near homeless people with disabilities
to gain entry to housing and to achieve residential, economic, and emotional
stability. Program participants pay 30 percent of their household income
towards rent and the HTF subsidy covers the balance of the rent payable to
the landlord.
• Metro HRA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program for Carver
County. The Housing Choice Voucher program uses the existing private rental
market and provides payments to private landlords on behalf of low-income
renters.
Additional information available at the CDA website: carvercda.org. Allison
discussed how several Carver County communities have initiated projects to bring in
affordable housing.
Kate Aanenson discussed the proposed next development of Powers Ridge, which
includes 50+ units of proposed affordable housing for those within 60% of Area
Median Income (AMI). Kate shared that Chanhassen is considering applying for a
Community Growth Partnership Grant from Carver County CDA.
Commissioners had multiple good questions and comments for the discussion with
Allison and Kate.
Housing Options for Seniors Task Force Update:
The Task Force on Housing provided updates on what they have been learning and
discussing in the last month. Additional suggestions related to Housing should be
forwarded to Commissioners Lunde, Haight and Titus for consideration.
Commissioners Lunde, Titus and Haight reported that they have been learning and
educating themselves on topics related to housing for seniors. Commissioner Haight
has information about making seniors safe in each room of their dwellings. They are
obtaining information (have already talked with ACE hardware) regarding changes
that help seniors to live safely in their homes, “Age in Place”. Commissioner Titus is
interested in conducting a survey of people in Affordable Housing to obtain input on
noticeable needs they have identified.
Dawn Plummer, Carver County Health and Human Services:
Dawn Plumer from Carver County provided information on Covid vaccinations
administered thus far and plans for next phases. Information is available on the Carver
County website. There was discussion on where to offer vaccinations for Seniors.
Commissioner Haight suggested polling places as convenient venues for seniors to
receive vaccinations.
Commission Task Force report on recommendations for driving the
“Information, Education and Outreach” goal.
Commissioner Modi reported that they are still compiling information and will be
ready to work with City Tech Team shortly.
Senior Commission Annual Goals:
Commissioners agreed to keep current high-level goals. Additional details can be
added to the strategic plan if appropriate.
Senior Commission Comments:
Sharmeen Al-Jaff advised that the Chanhassen Housing Resource guide is in final draft
and will be sent to design team shortly.
Commissioner Titus noted that the Website for senior information should be made high
priority.
Sharmeen Al-Jaff informed the Commissioners that 3 Senior Commission vacancies
will become available shortly and interviews will be conducted in February for
potential new candidates.
Adjournment:
Commissioner Lunde called for meeting adjournment. All voted in favor and the
motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff