AGING & ADULT CARE OF CENTRAL WASHINGTON (AACCW)
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
September 18, 2014
MINUTES
OPENING
Members in Attendance
Dora Adams, Barbara Berry, Peggy Berk, Margarita Comer, Linda Finlay,Judy Gladden, Noble Kelly, Peggy Kelly, Larry Lindbloom, Kristy Longanecker, Geneva McCoy Jardine, Marylu Martin, Kathleen Miller, Maureen Reynolds, Janel Rieve, William Riley, Sally Siegel, Steve Siegel, Gwyneth Thorsen, Judith Tonseth,Dean Warren, Ellen Warren, James Wilson, Leanne Wilson, Verna Zuttermeister.
AACCW Staff
Bruce Buckles, Tammy Harvey, Valerie Graber, Erin Nelson, Diane Tribble, Ken Sterner, Jill Dempsey, Kathy Wright, Christine Johnson.
Guests
None
MINUTES
Larry Lindbloom corrected the minutes indicating that he is now in his second versus fourth term on the board. Geneva McCoy Jardine added that Gwyneth Thorsen presided in the August meeting as William Riley was absent. Larry Lindbloom moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Steve Siegelseconded and the motion carried.
REPORTS
Legislative Committee–Ken discussed challenges in hosting the planned legislative forum. He sent an invitation to 18-20 current legislators and candidates however only one person in this group was able to attend therefore the forum will be cancelled. Ken submitted an alternate plan to send letters to each candidate requesting their responseto four basic questions:
1.) Economics plans
2.) Consumer protections
3.)Long term supports
4.)The question, “I am 40 years old. How will the future be for me?”
Ken will send a letter out early next week and ask the candidates for a response to the above questions in 2-3 weeks. This will allow time to review the responses prior to SCOA and Senior Lobby. We may host forums in the future to increase advocacy.
Ken discussed the current Chelan-Douglas Regional Support Network merger options and how this might impact mental health services.
Bill Riley reported on the recent Supreme Court ruling, holding the legislature in contempt relating to the mandate to increase funding for education by 4-5 billion dollars.
Membership Committee – Marylu Martin – There are currently three vacancies: two in Adams County and one in Grant County. Applications are available for members to take to their regions. October’s training will be Contracts and Fiscal; and AG Grants and Ombudsman for November.
Special Projects Committee – Judy Tonseth and Diane Tribble reported on the success of the Alzheimer’s Walk held in Moses Lake and progress to date with fund raising for the upcoming Alzheimer’s walk to take place in Wenatchee on 10/11/14. Open enrollment for Medicare Supplemental plans begins October 15th through November 7th with assistance provided by SHIBA. Bruce indicated that there are currently no SHIBA volunteers for Okanogan County but people can be served over the phone. Lincoln County is not covered by SHIBA but a volunteer from Grant County goes to Davenport to provide assistance. Future projects relating to Elder Abuse, Silver Alert, Wishmasters, and Twin Rivers radio programs were discussed. Judy Main inquired how social media can be used to promote agency programing and senior concerns and how the public can be informed of the resources currently in place. Barbara Berry suggested that Twitter and websites be utilized.Bruce mentioned that Josh could be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss what is already in place and future plans. Diane mentioned the new Community Living Connection database that will allow public access to resource information and services.
State Council on Aging-Kathleen Miller reported on the Highway Transportation Act proposal to increase sales tax, gas taxes, vehicle tabs, tolls on major roads, and increase ferry fees. She also stated that the bill does not address rural transportation challenges. Kathleen suggested a link to the Transportation bill be posted on the AACCW website. She was advised to provide the link to Josh who would enter this on the website.
TRAINING
Tammy Harvey and Erin Nelson, with assistance from Kathy Wright, Christine Johnson, and Jill Dempsey provided an overview of Fiscal and Contract Department operations.
NEW BUSINESS
Monitoring Reports- Jill Dempsey reviewed the letter sent to OCTN who completeda corrective action plan to conclude the 2014 monitoring for this contractor.
Chair and Vice Chair nominations-Tammy Harvey indicated that nominations for Chair and Vice Chair will be accepted. Steve Siegel asked if a motion could be made to keep the same Chair and Vice Chair. It was decided that it would be best to give people time to think about their interest in being nominated. Bill Riley stated that change is good but if nominated, he would be willing to serve again or assist anyone who wants to serve as chair. He will be absent for the November meeting as he is traveling to Wisconsin. Elections will take place in the November meeting.
Old Business-
Bruce reported on the outcome of the state audit. There were no findings and no recommendations by the auditor.
Members are to contact Ken by next week if they plan to attend the W4A Conference on 10/28/14 in Tacoma followed by a Legislative Reception that evening and Senior Lobby the next day.
Val reminded people to register if interested in attending the Teepa Snow Seminar to take place on 10/29/14.
Ken reported on two wishes recently granted through the Wishmasters program.
Meeting adjourned at2:30p.m.
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