Lakewood Senior Citizens Advisory Commission Minutes of November 13, 2002


Lakewood Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
MINUTES

November 13, 2002

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Cay Bettinghaus, Jackie Campeau, Nina Else, JoAnn Furay, Walt Heidenfelder, Roice Horning, Barbara Kostner, Jean Kyle, Bob Lanky, Bill Minard

CITY COUNCIL: absent

STAFF: Edie Richey, Tami Fischer

CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMISSION LIAISON: Harry Cullis

GUEST: Faye Hastings, Commission applicant

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by JoAnn Furay, Chairperson.

I. Approval of Minutes; Chair Notices - Roice moved to accept the minutes of the October 9, 2002 meeting; motion seconded and passed. JoAnn announced that the City Council Study Session on November 18 has three items on the agenda, one of which is our Commission. JoAnn asked that any members interested in officer positions for the coming year let her, Jackie, or Nina know. JoAnn talked to Christina in the City Manager's office, who is sending out individual letters to current members, informing us of the dates of our terms of office. After some discussion, Commission members decided to hold a pot luck dinner following the December 11 meeting, and to meet as usual in the Mart T. Starr Building.

II. Housing Report - Tami Fischer gave a draft Power Point presentation on affordable housing in Lakewood, and members provided comments, critiques and suggestions.

III. Communication Committee Report - Jackie reported that in lieu of its scheduled October 2 meeting, committee members attended the Sentinel newspaper's open house, where they discussed submission of articles. The Sentinel prints a quarterly issue on senior matters and seemed very receptive to submission of articles, including any human interest stories.
Jackie distributed copies of Tami's article, "Choosing Wisely About Housing", which was printed in the September issue of Looking at Lakewood. JoAnn distributed copies of the article about stress and the holidays which was submitted for the upcoming December issue of Looking at Lakewood. Jackie reported that Kathy Cable has been very supportive of the articles we have submitted, and that the committee is still working on the Commission brochure.

IV. Cultural Diversity Liaison Report - Harry reported that the Cultural Diversity Commission met November 6. The Spanish-English class project is moving forward with Stein Elementary School as the site. The classes teach language and culture in a fun way, without being threatening. Also, Cultural Audit and Diversity training for city employees is moving forward, with Dallas consultant Dr. Michael Lindsey. The Commission has been discussing whether to use the word "diversity" or euphemisms instead. The City is trying to be proactive with city employees; the City direction is not just to pay lip service to diversity. The theme for next year's Lakewood on Parade may be diversity.
The Cultural Diversity Commission is exploring alternative ways of attending meetings and has changed its bylaws to allow phoning in to follow and participate in discussions at meetings. They have also established an executive committee.

V. Comprehensive Plan Update - Roice and Cay both attended the November Town Hall meeting. Roice distributed the first stage on the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan in draft form. He highlighted a few areas we should look at. The next Planning Commission meetings will be December 4 and December 11. After discussion, it was decided that Roice would invite Roger Wadnall, Manager for Strategic Planning, to visit our December 11 meeting for a short presentation. JoAnn will invite Tom Quinn from the Planning Commission to come as well.

VI. Information Sharing and Updates - We decided we would discuss proposed bylaws changes over our potluck at the December 11 meeting. JoAnn distributed copies of the current bylaws and the suggested changes. She asked that any further suggestions for the bylaws be sent to her by November 20.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 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.