June 17, 2013 - Arlingtonva
COMMISSION ON AGING c/o Agency on Aging, DHS 2100 Washington Blvd. 4th Floor, Arlington, VA 22204 TEL 703-228-1700 FAX 703-228-1174; TTY: 703-228-1788 Email: [email protected]
MEETING SUMMARY June 17, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Lincoln Cummings, Molly Davis, Gordon Hasenei, Sheila Hess, Thomas Kerwin, Joan McDermott, Donald Miller, Mitchell Opalski, Candice Rose, Andrea Walker, Lena Wang, Erica Wood, Laurie Young MEMBERS ABSENT: *Excused
Kristi Dudash*, Patrick Hope
STAFF:
Glenda Blake, Meredith Eisenhart, Aaron Kocian, Susan Lane, Terri Lynch
OTHER ATTENDEES: Mary Lee Byrd, Cheryl Johnson, Jane King, Helen McMahon, James Morris The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. I.
Presentation: Hon. Libby Garvey, Member, County Board & Liaison to the Commission: Ms. Garvey is the newest member of the County Board, having been appointed just over one year ago. Before that she was on the Arlington School Board for many years. Having that experience, she knew how to get Board work done, which she sees as more important than knowing all the details. The Board sets clear policies and hires smart staff who know the details to get the work done. Ms. Garvey noted that all decisions need to answer these questions: What good? For whom? At what cost? The questions are simple but getting the information to make the right decisions is harder. She sees her role as a Board member as listening to staff recommendations and making sure that they feel right with her gut instinct and with what she hears from residents. She mentioned that the “Arlington Way” is to consider input from residents in decision-making. One of her goals is to get the Board to set priorities so that especially when budget money is tight, it is clearer where cuts should and should not occur. Ms. Garvey noted that she is a people person and feels that aging, education and safety net services should always be a priority. However, she recognizes that such things as infrastructure must be attended to in order for life in the County to be good for everyone. She noted that affordable housing is 5% of Arlington’s budget, which is more than most places, but it does not cover the needs. She said she is the one member of the Board who is against the Columbia Pike Streetcar project. She feels that it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and make transit in that area worse. She noted that similar projects around the country have shown these results. In closing, she asked two things of the CoA: to continue to educate her on the needs of Arlington’s older residents and to advocate for the Board to set budget priorities. The Arlington Commission on Aging, a body of residents experienced in matters concerning older people, advises the Arlington Agency on Aging and the Arlington County Board on aging issues. CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
In response to questions, Ms. Garvey agreed that the Village concept is beginning to show success. Neighbors helping neighbors to stay at home longer is nearly always desired and costs less than most alternatives. She mentioned having an older neighbor who was able to live at home until she passed away because her neighbors helped her. When the Vertical Village was mentioned as a way to promote the Village concept in high-rises, Ms. Garvey said that work needs to be done on sustainability. It was noted that some civic associations are starting to discuss promoting the Village concept. Ms. Garvey was asked about the National Science Foundation (NSF) move to Alexandria. She believes it is not in the best interest of Arlington nor the country as a whole and said that the County is still looking into options to try to convince the NSF to stay in Arlington. Ms. Rose is representing the interests of older residents in the Housing Study. Ms. Garvey is glad the County Manager has instituted this 3-year study because affordable housing in Arlington is a huge issue that really could stress the budget without even solving the problems. One idea being looked at is Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), which commits a certain percent of all future budget increases to a particular thing, such as affordable housing. One problem she noted with TIF is that it is unknown how much the budget will go up, and if it falls you still owe the payments for the contracts. Also TIF reduces flexibility to meet other future needs as it is difficult to change once instituted. TIF is also being considered for the streetcar project. When asked if a Public Housing Authority (PHA) is being considered, Ms. Garvey noted that it had been defeated in the past, but that she was going to look into the concept in order to determine whether she would support it now or not. II.
Minutes Approval MOTION: The motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved that the minutes of the April 15, 2013 meeting be accepted as submitted.
III.
Chair’s Report A. NVAN: The May 21 meeting had a brainstorming session on the NVAN 2014 legislative platform. Ms. McDermott briefly shared the proposed budget and legislative priorities in the draft platform. The CoA will hear more about this after NVAN approves it in July.
IV.
Director/Staff Report Handouts: The Quarterly Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s report and the Staying Home: Making Smart Choices for Easy Living event flyer. A. Law Day: Ms. Lynch noted that the 36th Annual Senior Law Day was a success. The speakers were wonderful and positive comments were received from attendees. Ms. Wood noted that there was a lot of dialogue between the speakers and attendees. B. Transition Plans: After Ms. Lynch’s retirement, Ms. Blake will provide staff support to the CoA. Ms. Blake will be the acting Agency on Aging Director until a replacement is hired. Ms. Lynch has been turning over her duties to other staff members. Ms. Blake emphasized her commitment to provide staff support to the CoA and said to e-mail her for anything that is needed. She plans to recruit for the position in the next few months, but the County’s hiring slowdown may impact the hire date.
V.
Committee Reports A. Budget: There has been no decision yet on the Arlington Mill Parking policy. Ms. McDermott has called the County Board and learned a decision is expected before the
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
2
B. C. D.
E. F. G.
H.
VI.
center opens. Ms. Hess contacted Mr. Tejada’s office and learned that any decision will be reviewed after a few months in place. Legislative: At the June meeting, the committee discussed NVAN platform priorities. They also worked on the Candidate Forum set for October 25. Membership: The committee will interview three candidates on June 19 and 20, then submit its recommendations to the County Board. Public Information and Outreach: At its June meeting, the committee continued to discuss how to promote the ADSD Speakers Bureau along with Office of Senior Adult Programs and Commission on Long-Term Care Residence outreach efforts. The 2013 50+ Expo is set for October 6 from noon – 4 p.m. The committee discussed the complimentary tables to be given by The Beacon to County groups again this year. New Media/Technology: Ms. Rose requests items to post on the CoA’s Facebook page. Senior Centers: This year’s center visits are complete. Ms. Hess and Ms. Johnson will meet soon for a wrap-up on this year’s visits and to plan for starting again in the fall. Strategic Planning: The committee completed draft revisions of the CoA’s Vision and Mission statements and the By-Laws. Supportive Services and Housing: At the May meeting, the committee met with Ms. Ollie Mann from a private remodeling firm. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), meaning she is certified to help people remodel to age in place. One of the main things she stressed is that people wait to remodel until after a crisis has occurred. It is better to plan ahead, so outreach on this is important. Ms. Mary Lee Byrd, who is a committee member, recently became a CAPS. Transportation: At their June meeting, the committee had a presentation by Simple Solutions, a group working with Arlington County to maximize returns on investment and to identify financial and personal advantages of various transportation alternatives.
Liaison/Meetings Reports A. Alliance for Arlington Senior Program: Ms. Johnson reported that the Alliance sponsored the awards at the Leadership Luncheon. B. Arlington Interfaith Council: The May meeting was at the County-owned Residential Programs Center on Columbia Pike, which is run by Volunteers of America. Ms. McDermott reviewed the services they provide. The Council had a program on transportation for low-income earners. For some workers, their income and/or work hours prohibit their use of public transit, so they are trying to set up car/van pools and identify other options to help people get to work. C. Arlington Villages: Mr. Cummings and Ms. Litman had their first meeting for the 22202 pilot village on June 13 and plan to start outreach on the benefits of aging in place. The Arlington Villages hub is on track to be incorporated in Virginia by December 2013. D. CDCAC [Community Development Citizens Advisory Council]: The Council has been meeting with current grant recipients to see how they utilize their grant funds to help them when prioritizing grant requests later this year. E. Housing Study: Ms. Rose said they are still in the study phase, the last session being on the complex issue of homelessness, defined as lacking an adequate, fixed nighttime residence. Ms. Rose needs input from the CoA to complete an assignment to identify audiences and constituencies that should be notified when the study group distributes information. Ms. Blake will send Ms. Rose information on what the Aging and Disability Services Division is doing to end homelessness in Arlington. F. Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Mr. Miller told the committee about the meeting he,
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
3
G. H. I.
J.
K.
Ms. McDermott and Ms. Wood had with Mr. Tom Hutchings and Mr. Rich Viola of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) Transportation Planning Bureau regarding pavers. The Committee is inviting them to their next meeting. Mr. Miller also told them about Simple Solutions. The speaker at the June meeting was Mr. Chris Hamilton, Chief of the Commuter Services Bureau in DES. He spoke about their PAL initiative to get all types of transit, pedestrians, bikers, and motor vehicles, to share the roadways safely by being Predictable, Alert, and Lawful. Senior Adult Council: County Board Chair Walter Tejada spoke at the Leadership Luncheon. Ms. Jerrilyn Andrews received an award for her work. Steering Committee: The topic for the July 19 meeting will be Discharge Planning. Transit Advisory Committee: Ms. McDermott shared the report Ms. Fran De Silva sent from the June 11 meeting. She reported on the “Be a PAL” contest. The review of the Super Stops prototype is in progress. The Accessibility Committee reported on the “Arlington Village Movement” program presented at their last meeting. Urban Agriculture Task Force: The task force completed over a year’s worth of study, developed 100 recommendations that promote and enhance urban agriculture, and met with the County Board about them. Vertical Village: Dr. Davis noted that they received funding for one more year, during which time they will look at different options to try to sustain and expand the program.
VII. Old Business: A. Update on Pavers: Ms. McDermott, Ms. Wood, and Mr. Miller met with Mr. Tom Hutchings and Mr. Rich Viola from DES Transportation Planning to discuss pavers. They were told that the County is using only non-beveled pavers and putting them on stone beds so they will not shift. However, when Mr. Hutchings walked to the Clarendon Metro with Ms. Wood after the meeting, he was surprised to see the pavers there that had been laid on stones only a few months before where already starting to shift. The unevenness presents tripping hazards. Mr. Hutchings has agreed to speak with the CoA at their September meeting. VIII. New Business: The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed and drafted updates to the CoA’s Vision and Mission statements, as well as the By-Laws, which had not been updated since 2005. They made neither major changes nor additional amendments, but all were modernized and made to reflect actual current practices. The By-Laws are required to remain in accordance with provisions of the Older Americans Act. A. Vision and Mission Statements: The MOTIONS were made and seconded, and following discussion were unanimously approved to accept the Vision and Mission statements as updated by the Strategic Planning Committee. B. By-Laws: The MOTION was made and seconded to approve the By-Laws as updated by the Strategic Planning Committee. After discussion, which resulted in agreement to change all mentions of “older adults” to “older persons” to be consistent with the terminology used in the Vision and Mission statements, the motion was unanimously approved to accept the updated By-Laws with the one change in terminology. The newly approved By-Laws will be submitted to the County Board for their concurrence. IX.
Announcements and Public Comment – None.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
4
MEETING SUMMARY June 17, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Lincoln Cummings, Molly Davis, Gordon Hasenei, Sheila Hess, Thomas Kerwin, Joan McDermott, Donald Miller, Mitchell Opalski, Candice Rose, Andrea Walker, Lena Wang, Erica Wood, Laurie Young MEMBERS ABSENT: *Excused
Kristi Dudash*, Patrick Hope
STAFF:
Glenda Blake, Meredith Eisenhart, Aaron Kocian, Susan Lane, Terri Lynch
OTHER ATTENDEES: Mary Lee Byrd, Cheryl Johnson, Jane King, Helen McMahon, James Morris The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. I.
Presentation: Hon. Libby Garvey, Member, County Board & Liaison to the Commission: Ms. Garvey is the newest member of the County Board, having been appointed just over one year ago. Before that she was on the Arlington School Board for many years. Having that experience, she knew how to get Board work done, which she sees as more important than knowing all the details. The Board sets clear policies and hires smart staff who know the details to get the work done. Ms. Garvey noted that all decisions need to answer these questions: What good? For whom? At what cost? The questions are simple but getting the information to make the right decisions is harder. She sees her role as a Board member as listening to staff recommendations and making sure that they feel right with her gut instinct and with what she hears from residents. She mentioned that the “Arlington Way” is to consider input from residents in decision-making. One of her goals is to get the Board to set priorities so that especially when budget money is tight, it is clearer where cuts should and should not occur. Ms. Garvey noted that she is a people person and feels that aging, education and safety net services should always be a priority. However, she recognizes that such things as infrastructure must be attended to in order for life in the County to be good for everyone. She noted that affordable housing is 5% of Arlington’s budget, which is more than most places, but it does not cover the needs. She said she is the one member of the Board who is against the Columbia Pike Streetcar project. She feels that it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and make transit in that area worse. She noted that similar projects around the country have shown these results. In closing, she asked two things of the CoA: to continue to educate her on the needs of Arlington’s older residents and to advocate for the Board to set budget priorities. The Arlington Commission on Aging, a body of residents experienced in matters concerning older people, advises the Arlington Agency on Aging and the Arlington County Board on aging issues. CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
In response to questions, Ms. Garvey agreed that the Village concept is beginning to show success. Neighbors helping neighbors to stay at home longer is nearly always desired and costs less than most alternatives. She mentioned having an older neighbor who was able to live at home until she passed away because her neighbors helped her. When the Vertical Village was mentioned as a way to promote the Village concept in high-rises, Ms. Garvey said that work needs to be done on sustainability. It was noted that some civic associations are starting to discuss promoting the Village concept. Ms. Garvey was asked about the National Science Foundation (NSF) move to Alexandria. She believes it is not in the best interest of Arlington nor the country as a whole and said that the County is still looking into options to try to convince the NSF to stay in Arlington. Ms. Rose is representing the interests of older residents in the Housing Study. Ms. Garvey is glad the County Manager has instituted this 3-year study because affordable housing in Arlington is a huge issue that really could stress the budget without even solving the problems. One idea being looked at is Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), which commits a certain percent of all future budget increases to a particular thing, such as affordable housing. One problem she noted with TIF is that it is unknown how much the budget will go up, and if it falls you still owe the payments for the contracts. Also TIF reduces flexibility to meet other future needs as it is difficult to change once instituted. TIF is also being considered for the streetcar project. When asked if a Public Housing Authority (PHA) is being considered, Ms. Garvey noted that it had been defeated in the past, but that she was going to look into the concept in order to determine whether she would support it now or not. II.
Minutes Approval MOTION: The motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved that the minutes of the April 15, 2013 meeting be accepted as submitted.
III.
Chair’s Report A. NVAN: The May 21 meeting had a brainstorming session on the NVAN 2014 legislative platform. Ms. McDermott briefly shared the proposed budget and legislative priorities in the draft platform. The CoA will hear more about this after NVAN approves it in July.
IV.
Director/Staff Report Handouts: The Quarterly Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s report and the Staying Home: Making Smart Choices for Easy Living event flyer. A. Law Day: Ms. Lynch noted that the 36th Annual Senior Law Day was a success. The speakers were wonderful and positive comments were received from attendees. Ms. Wood noted that there was a lot of dialogue between the speakers and attendees. B. Transition Plans: After Ms. Lynch’s retirement, Ms. Blake will provide staff support to the CoA. Ms. Blake will be the acting Agency on Aging Director until a replacement is hired. Ms. Lynch has been turning over her duties to other staff members. Ms. Blake emphasized her commitment to provide staff support to the CoA and said to e-mail her for anything that is needed. She plans to recruit for the position in the next few months, but the County’s hiring slowdown may impact the hire date.
V.
Committee Reports A. Budget: There has been no decision yet on the Arlington Mill Parking policy. Ms. McDermott has called the County Board and learned a decision is expected before the
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
2
B. C. D.
E. F. G.
H.
VI.
center opens. Ms. Hess contacted Mr. Tejada’s office and learned that any decision will be reviewed after a few months in place. Legislative: At the June meeting, the committee discussed NVAN platform priorities. They also worked on the Candidate Forum set for October 25. Membership: The committee will interview three candidates on June 19 and 20, then submit its recommendations to the County Board. Public Information and Outreach: At its June meeting, the committee continued to discuss how to promote the ADSD Speakers Bureau along with Office of Senior Adult Programs and Commission on Long-Term Care Residence outreach efforts. The 2013 50+ Expo is set for October 6 from noon – 4 p.m. The committee discussed the complimentary tables to be given by The Beacon to County groups again this year. New Media/Technology: Ms. Rose requests items to post on the CoA’s Facebook page. Senior Centers: This year’s center visits are complete. Ms. Hess and Ms. Johnson will meet soon for a wrap-up on this year’s visits and to plan for starting again in the fall. Strategic Planning: The committee completed draft revisions of the CoA’s Vision and Mission statements and the By-Laws. Supportive Services and Housing: At the May meeting, the committee met with Ms. Ollie Mann from a private remodeling firm. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), meaning she is certified to help people remodel to age in place. One of the main things she stressed is that people wait to remodel until after a crisis has occurred. It is better to plan ahead, so outreach on this is important. Ms. Mary Lee Byrd, who is a committee member, recently became a CAPS. Transportation: At their June meeting, the committee had a presentation by Simple Solutions, a group working with Arlington County to maximize returns on investment and to identify financial and personal advantages of various transportation alternatives.
Liaison/Meetings Reports A. Alliance for Arlington Senior Program: Ms. Johnson reported that the Alliance sponsored the awards at the Leadership Luncheon. B. Arlington Interfaith Council: The May meeting was at the County-owned Residential Programs Center on Columbia Pike, which is run by Volunteers of America. Ms. McDermott reviewed the services they provide. The Council had a program on transportation for low-income earners. For some workers, their income and/or work hours prohibit their use of public transit, so they are trying to set up car/van pools and identify other options to help people get to work. C. Arlington Villages: Mr. Cummings and Ms. Litman had their first meeting for the 22202 pilot village on June 13 and plan to start outreach on the benefits of aging in place. The Arlington Villages hub is on track to be incorporated in Virginia by December 2013. D. CDCAC [Community Development Citizens Advisory Council]: The Council has been meeting with current grant recipients to see how they utilize their grant funds to help them when prioritizing grant requests later this year. E. Housing Study: Ms. Rose said they are still in the study phase, the last session being on the complex issue of homelessness, defined as lacking an adequate, fixed nighttime residence. Ms. Rose needs input from the CoA to complete an assignment to identify audiences and constituencies that should be notified when the study group distributes information. Ms. Blake will send Ms. Rose information on what the Aging and Disability Services Division is doing to end homelessness in Arlington. F. Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Mr. Miller told the committee about the meeting he,
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
3
G. H. I.
J.
K.
Ms. McDermott and Ms. Wood had with Mr. Tom Hutchings and Mr. Rich Viola of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) Transportation Planning Bureau regarding pavers. The Committee is inviting them to their next meeting. Mr. Miller also told them about Simple Solutions. The speaker at the June meeting was Mr. Chris Hamilton, Chief of the Commuter Services Bureau in DES. He spoke about their PAL initiative to get all types of transit, pedestrians, bikers, and motor vehicles, to share the roadways safely by being Predictable, Alert, and Lawful. Senior Adult Council: County Board Chair Walter Tejada spoke at the Leadership Luncheon. Ms. Jerrilyn Andrews received an award for her work. Steering Committee: The topic for the July 19 meeting will be Discharge Planning. Transit Advisory Committee: Ms. McDermott shared the report Ms. Fran De Silva sent from the June 11 meeting. She reported on the “Be a PAL” contest. The review of the Super Stops prototype is in progress. The Accessibility Committee reported on the “Arlington Village Movement” program presented at their last meeting. Urban Agriculture Task Force: The task force completed over a year’s worth of study, developed 100 recommendations that promote and enhance urban agriculture, and met with the County Board about them. Vertical Village: Dr. Davis noted that they received funding for one more year, during which time they will look at different options to try to sustain and expand the program.
VII. Old Business: A. Update on Pavers: Ms. McDermott, Ms. Wood, and Mr. Miller met with Mr. Tom Hutchings and Mr. Rich Viola from DES Transportation Planning to discuss pavers. They were told that the County is using only non-beveled pavers and putting them on stone beds so they will not shift. However, when Mr. Hutchings walked to the Clarendon Metro with Ms. Wood after the meeting, he was surprised to see the pavers there that had been laid on stones only a few months before where already starting to shift. The unevenness presents tripping hazards. Mr. Hutchings has agreed to speak with the CoA at their September meeting. VIII. New Business: The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed and drafted updates to the CoA’s Vision and Mission statements, as well as the By-Laws, which had not been updated since 2005. They made neither major changes nor additional amendments, but all were modernized and made to reflect actual current practices. The By-Laws are required to remain in accordance with provisions of the Older Americans Act. A. Vision and Mission Statements: The MOTIONS were made and seconded, and following discussion were unanimously approved to accept the Vision and Mission statements as updated by the Strategic Planning Committee. B. By-Laws: The MOTION was made and seconded to approve the By-Laws as updated by the Strategic Planning Committee. After discussion, which resulted in agreement to change all mentions of “older adults” to “older persons” to be consistent with the terminology used in the Vision and Mission statements, the motion was unanimously approved to accept the updated By-Laws with the one change in terminology. The newly approved By-Laws will be submitted to the County Board for their concurrence. IX.
Announcements and Public Comment – None.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
CoA\2013-06-17 Minutes.doc
4
