SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MAY 2, 2000
1:30 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 1:40 p.m. Committee members present were Chairman Dean Alexander, Fernando DiBella, Gloria Imbruglia, Janet Nilsen, Lil Olfern, Marguerite Olson, Marvin Simon, Dorothy Tillinghast and Norma Welke. Absent was Jeannette Davis. Also present were Recreation Supervisor Bette Stark and Glenda Warren recording the meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - April 4, 2000
Chairman Alexander noted there was a change on page 3, next to the last paragraph, which says, "Chairman Alexander thanked Messrs. Middaugh and Alexander." Mr. Alexander should read "Mr. Allen."
Lil Olfern made a motion, seconded by Marguerite Olson, to approve the minutes of the meeting with the above revision. In a voice vote, all voted in favor with Ms. Davis absent. (Motion carried 9-0)
3. GUEST SPEAKER
Director of Community Services Sandy Steen and Fred Bellis of the Broward County Property Appraisers Office distributed a directory of County phone numbers and a brochure regarding homestead exemption. She discussed the new senior exemption of an additional $25,000 exemption from the County millage for people over 65 with an adjusted gross income of less than $20,000 a year. She advised that ten cities also have an additional $25,000 exemption from their city millage. It was noted that income over social security and tax free municipal bonds count toward adjusted gross income.
Mr. Simon questioned if Davie was part of the additional exemption and was advised they were. Ms. Steen explained a resident must apply and qualify each year for the additional exemption.
Ms. Imbruglia questioned when the exemption goes into effect and was advised it would be effective on the November, 2000 tax bill.
Discussion ensued regarding the exemption and adjusted gross income with regard to social security and income generated from other sources.
Chairman Alexander thanked Ms. Steen and Mr. Bellis for attending and providing information.
Chairman Alexander also mentioned his intention to procure a speaker from the Fire Department to address fire safety in the home, and a representative from the Police Department to address fraud prevention, further noting the importance of disseminating those issues to the community.
Discussion ensued on the File of Life and Pet Alert.
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Meeting Times and Location for Committee
Chairman Alexander noted some members expressed a problem with the earlier hour. The majority of the members noted a preference for a 2:30 p.m. meeting time on the questionnaire. Members were having difficulty with the 1:30 p.m. meeting time. It was suggested to return the meeting time to 2:30 p.m.
Discussion ensued with regard to the 2:30 p.m. meeting time.
Ms. Tillinghast requested a vote on the issue. Chairman Alexander felt the meeting place should be a fixed location to avoid confusion for the public attending. Ms. Nilsen questioned morning hours for meetings. Mr. DiBella questioned why there would be confusion having the meetings at different locations. Chairman Alexander explained the public would not know where to go and the importance of the community attending. Mr. Simon expressed his concern with the distraction caused by people walking in and out of the meetings. Ms. Tillinghast suggested the meetings be held at the police station. Mr. Simon made a motion, seconded by Ms. Olfern, to start the meeting at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Alexander, Mr. DiBella, Ms. Imbruglia, Ms. Olfern, Ms. Olson, and Mr. Simon were in favor and Ms. Tillinghast and Ms. Nilsen were
opposed, with Ms. Davis absent. (Motion carried 7-2)
Ms. Olson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Simon, for the location of the meetings to be at the police station. In a hand vote, all voted in favor with Ms. Davis absent. (Motion carried 9-0)
Ms. Stark advised she would request the room on a regular basis.
4.2 Transportation
Chairman Alexander indicated Town Administrator Mr. Middaugh attended the last meeting and a report was made that Mayor Venis made a firm commitment to have some form of public transportation within a year, and that Mr. Middaugh had gathered information from the members regarding their feelings and would be coordinating with the Committee regarding any input the members and public may have.
Chairman Alexander advised that he, Mr. Middaugh, and Mr. Will Allen viewed the City of Margate's transit system and discussed funding and assistance from the County. The County was encouraging municipalities to have their own bus service linked to the County system. Chairman Alexander felt that was fine since some places, such as doctors, are outside of the Town's jurisdiction. The County provides bus route maps, assistance in setting up bus service, and financial assistance.
Chairman Alexander advised Mr. Middaugh visited other jurisdictions to view their system and met with the County.
Ms. Nilsen questioned whether the system would be in place within a year. Chairman Alexander reiterated the Mayor was in the process of fulfilling his pledge.
Mr. Simon noted his previous suggestion regarding the following: help from supermarkets in getting transportation to shopping facilities, the building of a covered terminal, shuttle buses, defraying costs of the bus system, and possible on-call buses.
Members of the audience complained that they were unable to hear the proceedings.
4.3 Davie Update/Senior Column
Chairman Alexander advised the Davie Update had seven pages devoted to organizations and anyone with input should contact Bette Stark or Sharon Kent of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Ms. Stark advised the information for the next issue was due by May 10th. Ms. Stark also advised the Davie Update indicated dates, times, and locations of meetings and invites the public to attend. Other topics addressed are transportation, goals and expectations, and speakers to be presented.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Report on Transportation
Chairman Alexander advised that was completed in 4.2.
5.2 Bike Rally and Family Festival - May 13, 2000
Ms. Stark advised the information on the bike rally and family festival should have been received in the mail. The bike rally was being held on May 13, 2000, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Robin's Lodge. Volunteers were requested to help at tables to distribute literature and information.
Ms. Imbruglia volunteered from 12:00 p.m. until it closes.
Ms. Olson volunteered to be there whenever needed.
6. COMMENTS AND/OR SUGGESTIONS
Ms. Welke inquired if Davie was going to buy the Sunrise Water Plant. Chairman Alexander responded they were working on it.
Ms. Nilsen stated her interest in it because of the expense of Davie water. Chairman Alexander reported Davie's water is 28 percent less than Sunrise, that Sunrise water is higher to Davie residents and not to Sunrise, and that Davie is paying a 25 percent surcharge to Sunrise.
Discussion ensued regarding the court case on this issue. Chairman Alexander advised on the cost of taking over the plant, the need to build additional plants, and that there were a lot of considerations on how the Town should proceed.
Chairman Alexander stated this was an issue that would be discussed at another time.
Chairman Alexander advised there were informational items to hand out.
Ms. Olfern provided the Older Floridians Handbook, information on laws and programs affecting older Floridians from the Area Agency on Aging. Chairman Alexander also passed out bookmarks and literature on telemarketing fraud and asked the members to disseminate the information to their groups.
Ms. Stark stated Parks and Recreation was a friendly customer oriented community service and if anyone needed anything to call her.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
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