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NOTE: Action items are shown in boldface, and motions are italicized.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Cay Bettinghaus, Jackie Campeau, Nina Else, JoAnn Furay, Walt Heidenfelder, Roice Horning, Jean Kyle, Bob Lanky, Bill Minard
CITY COUNCIL: Debbie Koop
STAFF: Tami Fischer, Edie Richey
CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMISSION LIAISON: Harry Cullis
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by JoAnn Furay, Chairperson.
I. Approval of Minutes and Chair Notices - The minutes of the June 12 and July 10, 2002 meetings were accepted, with one pen-and-ink correction: the name of Harry Cullis in the July minutes.
JoAnn took the opportunity to make some statements about Mayor Burkholder's attendance at our last meeting, and the issues that came up. She observed that part of the reason Commission members may have stumbled a little in addressing the Mayor's concerns is that the Commission currently has no specific "projects" on which it is working. She stated that this is alright, that we just need to be present and visible in the city, and projects will unfold as time goes on. She asserted that the Commission has indeed found its niche, a two-fold one: being a senior voice in city government and City Council (eg., participating in the development of the city's comprehensive plan); and informing seniors, via Looking at Lakewood and other media, of issues pertinent to them.
Tami suggested that the education and networking piece of our work is very
important. We cannot really do anything until we're informed and educated. It's
all an evolving work.
On another topic, JoAnn noted that the missions booklet we were given at the
last meeting is correct as to our terms of office.
II. Housing Report - Jean Kyle reported that the city will break ground the end of September on the new development which is replacing Vance Terrace. The only other new housing for seniors is Carmel Oaks, on Jewell next to White Fence Farm. Those units will cost $800-1700 per month. The project is partly financed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and 12% of the units will be for low-income. There are a lot of people in their own homes, with paid-off mortgages, who don't see they can afford to move. Lakewood has a lot of ways of helping those people. There are also programs to clean up and fix up and repair homes and yards. This makes a difference to the entire neighborhood. There are also a lot of people not eligible for financial assistance. Some take in boarders, juveniles, people with Alzheimer's. Not enough people know about all the help that's available. The Jeffco Adult Protection Team can step in and help people. Jean asserted that a survey is not a good way to get information and get things done. There are lots of services the Lakewood Housing Department offers that we need to publicize. Nina recommended Joni Seivert, Joni's Connections, as a referral source for seniors. Debbie suggested an information article explaining the differences between assisted living, independent living, etc.
Tami responded that there will be an article about affordable housing in the
next issue of Looking at Lakewood. During the last week of October, there will
be an open meeting at which will appear representatives from various agencies
and companies. Bill commented that the age demographics are changing, and that
changes needs. Tami reported that a summer intern in her office was assigned
to look at all the affordable housing units in the city, mapped out by Ward.
Debbie commented that this review should not be finalized yet, as Ward boundaries
are going to be changed. Tami said her office is not ready to release the information
until she's comfortable with its accuracy. However, preliminary information
indicate that 60% of Lakewood housing stock is owner-occupied. Of the remaining
housing, which is rental property, only 4.1%, housing 5,900 individuals, meets
affordable housing guidelines. Of the 144,000 Lakewood population, 28% are seniors.
There are a lot of people who work in Lakewood but cannot afford to live here.
Tami estimates that in about two months she should have the full report ready.
III. Cultural Diversity Liaison Report - Harry Cullis reported that during the public comment period of his Commission's last meeting, Rose Watson talked about a lack of minority participation in Cultural Center events. The Center is struggling with how to get increased participation. On another note, Lakewood on Parade will be held this year at Belmar Park.
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Ken King, Lakewood Police Department, entered our meeting at this point to discuss
a new program entitled Streetwise: Building Safe Communities for Older Adults.
The initial offering is funded by a grant. This is a 5-week citizen police academy
for seniors. Ken distributed a brochure explaining the program and inviting
applicants, but stated there are only 15 openings. However, the program will
include materials that can be copied and distributed. Ken also mentioned the
Watch Your Car program, a state-wide initiative. If you have listed your car
in this program, it means the car should not be found being driven between 1:00
a.m. and 5:00 a.m. During those hours, law enforcement will stop the car and
see who's driving it. Cars in the program are designated with a decal of a blue
car with eyes on it.
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IV. Communications Committee Report - Jackie Campeau reported that the Committee
last met July 31 and worked on a brochure for card stock manufacture. They will
be working with Kathy Cable and Al Pinel on the brochure. Jackie announced that
we should have our logo and brochure ready by the next meeting. Kathy did receive
the article the Communication Committee wrote for Looking at Lakewood on scams
related to Colorado's no-call list. The Committee has also submitted an article
for Together Newsletter. Roice will be included in interviews on an October
50+ television program focusing on Comprehensive Planning as it relates to seniors.
Roice asked that we come to the next Commission meeting with questions we would
like answered, as he will be able to structure the interview questions. Edie
mentioned that there will be a brief article about our Commission, inviting
people to attend our monthly meetings, in the Fall issue of Senior Statesman.
V. Legislative Report - Walt Heidenfelder suggested that concerns about legislation be a topic for a 50+ interview when the state legislature reconvenes.
Bob Lanky reported that the Commission's Legislative Committee made recommendations to the Lakewood Legislative Committee on six of the many bills considered by the Colorado Legislature in 2002. The recommendations were on bills we believed had potential to significantly affect senior citizens. The bills were:
· SB-73 concerning protection of homeowners against abusive loan proactices
· SB-162 concerning Medicaid prescription drug card program
· SF-081 concerning the provision of prescription drug coverage
· HB-1010 concerning the efficient delivery of quality care to seniors
· HB-1029 concerning expansion of the program of all-inclusive care for
the elderly
· HB-1039 creating a consumer directed care pilot program for elderly
care
Our Committee recommended a provision for delegation of responsibility in HB-1010 and support of all the bills except HB-1039. The Lakewood Legislative Committee supported HB-1029 and SB-81. Bob had no information on their position on the other bills our committee made recommendations on. All three of the SBs were PI postponed indefinitely (meaning killed). All three HBs were enacted and signed by the governor.
Walt gave a brief overview of the upcoming ballot initiatives: election reform,
easier voter registration, further TABOR tax cuts failed, mail-in ballots [88%
of voting is now done by mail]. Referendum A addresses term limits. Referendum
B is about public ownership of health facilities. Referendum E would make Cesar
Chavez Day a legal holiday. The English Language ballot issue is possibly the
most controversial. It calls for immersion programs and reduces choice and reduces
flexibility. One year bilingual, then sink or swim.
JoAnn informed us that Walt has prepared a 45 minute presentation on TABOR,
which we will hear at a later meeting.
VI. Retreat Goals and Objectives - Tami Fischer distributed the Working Action Plan, which is a working document that we can change and add to. JoAnn suggested we take it home. If we have questions or things to add, bring it to the next meeting. Tami will e-mail the document to JoAnn so she can keep it updated.
VII. Comprehensive Plan Update - Roice Horning distributed a report summarizing the July 24 meeting of the Planning Commission, outlining the history of the Plan and its current 39 goals. He suggested that there is potential for LSCAC policy recommendations in several areas. He believes that the Plan update seems of sufficient significance for the LSCAC to devote a meeting or more to its review and the preparation of recommendations in the areas of transportation, and the involvement of Boards and Commissions in reviewing. He noted that there is no mention whatsoever of senior citizens specifically anywhere in the document. Edie responded that no population is mentioned in specific terms.
Roice suggested that we secure the approval of the Planning Commission Chair for a November or December presentation to LSCAC in coordination with the City Planning Department. It may be useful to include a member of the Planning Commission in our review meeting. Roice also suggested that a copy of the latest approved Draft Comprehensive Plan be provided to LSCAC members at least 10 days prior to our review meeting. Members should be asked to study the plan prior to its review. Additionally, Roice suggested we ask that a LSCAC representative be present at the September 25 meeting of the Planning Commission, when further work on the Plan is scheduled.
Cay commented that health care and emergency care is not mentioned in the Plan. Roice responded that this is a plan of policies, not of actions. It is a very big picture view and is fairly abstract by design, like a Super Structure. Walt asked if such a policy statement would be appropriate, including a statement that the City would like to see urgent care facilities within 5 miles of every citizen, or a 15-minute response time, or the like.
VIII. Information Sharing and Updates
RTD policy makers meetings will take place August 16, 7:30 p.m., and August 28, 4:00-7:00 p.m. RTD would like to visit one of our meetings and tell us about their projects, including the West Corridor Light Rail. Members of LSCAC agreed by a show of hands that we would welcome such a presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Nina Else, Secretary
The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the provision of services. For disabled persons needing reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a city service program, call 303-987-4840 Voice/TTY, as far in advance as possible. Alternative formats of this document available upon request.
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