Senior Advisory Board February 3, 2025 The Bedford Senior Advisory Board met in regular session on the 3rd of February, 2025, with the following members present: Gina Day, Chairperson Patty Blum, Vice Chairperson Lucy Snearley, Secretary Becky Ferrell Carl Miller Ida Powell Christina Schlueter Constituting a quorum. Also attending were: Mark Long, Parks & Recreation Director Janell Denton, Senior Supervisor Rob Gagliardi, Council Liaison Hunter Hardeman, Recreation manager Caryn Riggs, Assistant City Manager Steve Otto Bruce Emery CALL TO ORDER Gina Day, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:02 PM. PUBLIC COMMENTS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Patty Blum moved to accept the minutes as written for the January 6, 2025 regular meeting. Becky Ferrell seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 2. Council and Staff updates Mayor Pro Tem Gagliardi updated members of several projects being planned and completed for the city. He congratulated Assistant City Manager, Caryn Riggs, and her team, for winning an award for financial reporting. He also reminded members that the official opening and ribbon cutting of the new Senior Center will take place on February 8 from 10:00 until Noon. Janell Denton, Senior Supervisor, reported that membership is now at 1430. Since the opening in December, 642 members have been added, most of them being residents of Bedford. She also reported that Bedford residents will be able to sign up for activities one week before non- residents. NEW BUSINESS 3. Election of Vice Chairperson Patty Blum nominated Christina Schlueter. Ida Powell nominated Patty Blum, who declined. She then nominated Becky Ferrell, who also declined. Christina Schueter was elected by acclamation. 4. Discussion and possible action on Town Hall meetings for Seniors At present, there are scheduled meets at the senior center with various city employees in order to inform seniors of some of the functions of our local government. These have been scheduled through April. The board would like to add meets with some of the non-profits benefitting Bedford seniors. After some discussion, it was decided that going forward, the board would like to alternate these monthly events between city employees and representatives from organizations offering services to our seniors. It was also suggested that at least one board member be present at each event to identify concerns and questions. 5. Discussion and possible action on adding the Meals on Wheels program to the Senior Activity Center (As requested by Patty Blum). Patty Blum requested that this item be tabled since there is a cost that will be incurred if this program is added. OLD BUSINESS 6. Update on Senior Center Foundation Steve Otto informed members of the status of the future foundation. There is much work and paperwork to be filed in order to start a 501(c)(3). By laws and foundation documents must be formed, an account with the Secretary of State must be established, filings fees must be paid, along with various other actions that must be taken. Steve is working with an attorney at no charge, who is giving advice on how to complete the requirements. After all documents are completed and filed, work will begin on establishing the 501(c)(3) The name has been secured and is Bedford Foundation for Seniors. It will begin with 3 board members. Steve Otto and Bruce Emery are both well-known Bedford citizens who have served the city in numerous ways. John Little is the community relations representative for 5 Star Ford. He belongs to all the area Chambers of Commerce and is well connected throughout the area. Mr. Otto will be in charge of all paper work, Mr. Emery will solicit funds, and Mr. Little will be the contact person. Additional board members may be added sometime in the future. 7. Discussion on 2025 Senior Advisory Board goals Mark Long distributed the list of goals which were discussed at the January meeting. Some of these goals have already been met, some will not be feasible, and some are ongoing. See attached list. 8. Discussion on revised Senior Resource List (As requested by Becky Ferrell). Becky distributed an updated list of the resources and thanked the members who have identified others to add. BOARD MEMBER UPDATES 9. Board member updates. Gina Day reported that the Senior Services Alliance will hold the next regular meeting at the Bedford Senior Activity Center. This organization is part of the HEB Chamber of Commerce and works to serve seniors. Patty Blum would like to see the Meals on Wheels program moved from the YMCA to the senior center. Lucy Snearley would like to send thank you notes and sympathy cards from the advisory board when appropriate. She passed around some cards for the members to pre sign and personal messages will be included. Becky Ferrell has noticed that the buzz around town is the new center! Residents have shown interest in playing Ma Jong and would like to see that activity added. Also, it would be very helpful if there could be a tutorial session that seniors could attend to learn how to sign up for the monthly activities online. It is a bit complicated for some. Carl Miller has spoken to seniors who are still working, and would like to see the center opened on weekends. NEXT MEETING 10. The next Scheduled meeting of the Senior Advisory Board will be on March 3, 2025. ADJOURMENT There being no further business, Becky Ferrell moved to adjourn the meeting and Carl Miler seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 5.38 PM. d bhaacfae ly Gina Day, Chairperson