North Cook News

Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens’ Commission met Feb. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

Present: Frederick Feldman, Chairperson, Sharon Adams, John Eggum, Dottie Hardy, Maureen Seleski, George Weber, and Tem Williams

Also Present: Karen Hansen, Liaison to the Senior Citizens Commission

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Minutes from 11/19/18

COMMISSIONER WEBER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER EGGUM MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 19, 2018 meeting. ALL CONCURRED

IV. REPORTS

A. Chairperson

Chairperson Feldman reported that Commissioner Sharon Foss had resigned.

Chairperson Feldman reported that he had met with Village Manager Randy Recklaus on Wednesday, January 16 to discuss the impact that Boards and Commissions have upon the governance of the Village of Arlington Heights. They had discussed the (tabulated) results of this commission’s participation in the Survey Monkey. Chairperson Feldman expressed that his impression of the upshot was that there is some “siloing” in Arlington Heights. Each commission looks at its job, but there is no interface between the commissions. There were hopes that there would be some synergies and exchange of ideas between those commissions with similar interests, for example: the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities, the Youth Commission and the Housing Commission. There would be a follow up report to all boards and commissions.

Chairperson Feldman had expressed to Mr. Recklaus his expectation that there would be more direction from the Board to the Commissions, rather than the Commissions initiating the issues. Chairperson Feldman had provided a laundry list.

Chairperson Feldman reported that due to the Open Meetings Act, the Commission had been advised that no more than three commissioners could participate on the Age Friendly Community Certification Committee. Chairperson Feldman and Commissioner Weber had agreed to step off the Committee, and now, with the resignation of Sharon Foss, there was an opening. Chairperson Feldman noted that any interested commissioners should get in touch with Dr. Motto. This group was no longer considered a subcommittee of the Senior Citizens Commission.

B. Senior Center Manager

The Senior Center Manager provided a short report, noting that the tax program was in play at present and that there had been the attempt to use voice mail to capture the information of those needing appointments. The Senior Center added on call staff. The senior center was open on those cold days and one evening until 6:30pm.

C. Senior Impact Reports

1. Not for Profit Corporation

The Senior Center Manager noted that Arlington Heights Senior Center Inc. was making some changes in their fund raising plans and experiencing some other changes as well.

2. Senior Center Advisory Council

The Senior Center Manager indicated that the Advisory Council was making its spring program plans. She noted that a benefactor to Arlington Heights Senior Center Inc. had made a generous donation designated for afternoon programs.

3. Legislation

Chairperson Feldman noted that of the nineteen bills pertaining to senior citizens, none had come out of committee.

4. Age Friendly Community Certification

Chairperson Feldman suggested passing as Dr. Motto was not present.

V. OLD BUSINESS

A. Kenneth Hood Senior Service Award

Commissioner Weber noted that the commission always has the opportunity to review past nominations. He noted that this past year, the number of applications had “dried up,” but there was fortunately an excellent candidate. He reported that Commissioner Williams had joined the committee.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Eggum noted having run into Mayor Hayes, and was thinking about round table discussions with state representatives. The consensus was that this was a good idea. Chairperson Feldman asked Commissioner Eggum to take the lead on this and Commissioner Eggum agreed. Commissioner Seleski provided the historical background that Harper College used to take the lead on this.

Commissioner Williams noted that the seniors providing programs at School District 25 would start on March 19, due to a January weather glitch.

Commissioner Adams asked how the snow-shoveling program was going. The Senior Center Manager reported that she had 130 households and 13-15 teens. She noted that more students were needed, especially on the north side of Arlington Heights.

VII. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Announcements/Correspondence

Commissioner Weber noted that the program’s numbers were slightly ahead of last year’s. He had lost two volunteers. The SHIP program managed to handle the workload.

VIII.ADJOURNMENT

https://arlingtonheights.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/Meetingsresponsive.aspx