04-23-20211
CHANHASSEN SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES
April 23, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Cerchia, Bhakti Modi, Ruth Lunde, Lisa Lyon, Dorina Tipton,
Linda Haight, Jim Camarata, Susan Kibler.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Mary Blazanin.
GUESTS PRESENT: Dawn Plumer.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Tipton moved to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Camarata seconded the
motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
SENIOR COMMISSION MINUTES:
Commissioner Lunde moved to approve the minutes with one correction to the minutes under
Housing Options for Seniors Task Force Update. The wording is corrected as follows: “Ridgeview
will partner is considering partnering with Habitat for Humanity to assist in the Aging in Place
program.” Commissioner Tipton seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Commissioner Tipton nominated Chairman Cerchia as Chair. Commissioner Haight seconded the
motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Commissioner Tipton nominated Commissioner Lunde for Vice Chair; Commissioner Lyon
seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE:
Current Commissioner Haight stated that she wanted to give another Commissioner the opportunity
to work with the Advisory Board. Commissioner Kibler expressed interest in the position.
Chairman Cerchia appointed Commissioner Kibler as the Advisory Board Representative.
APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS:
Chairman Cerchia called for motion to approve By-Laws with a change to the date shown on the
document. Commissioner Tipton made a motion to approve the By-Laws, Commissioner Camarata
seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
ADOPTION OF ONBOARDING DOCUMENT:
Chairman Cerchia provided overview on what is expected of the commission, discussed annual
goals and how they are presented to the Chanhassen City Council where they are reviewed and
approved. The Commission accepted the document as presented.
Chanhassen Senior Commission Minutes – April 23, 2021
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4TH OF JULY BINGO EVENT:
The Senior Commission chose not to host the Bingo Event this year. Decision was primarily due to
popularity and difficulty in social distancing. Additionally, it would be impossible to sanitize all
bingo cards and keep public safe.
2020 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Chairman Cerchia appointed Commissioner Camarata to join the Housing Subcommittee.
Commissioner Camarata stated that there is a lack of downsizing housing. Millennials are
challenged with starter homes and are competing with individuals that are downsizing. Interest rate
is low and there is a lack of supply. It is the lowest it has been in 18 years.
ARBOR DAY:
The Commission chose to adopt City Center Park and will begin the cleanup process in May
following each Senior Commission meeting.
MEMORIAL DAY-MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021
The Commission will participate by raising funds for Veterans Court. Chairman Cerchia and
Commissioner Kibler will be at the City Center event while Commissioners Lunde and Lyon will
staff the table at the American Legion.
SENIOR COMMISSION COMMENTS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Cerchia called for meeting adjournment. Commissioner Tipton move to adjourn;
Commissioner Lyon seconded the motion. All voted in favor and the motion carried.
Prepared and submitted by Sharmeen Al-Jaff