Title
Minutes of the February 14, 2019 meeting of the Advisory Council of the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging
Body
The Milwaukee County Commission on Aging Advisory Council held its quarterly meeting on February 14, 2019 at Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Room 2, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Commissioners Present
Bettie Rodgers - Chair, Advisory Council
Barbara Wyatt-Sibley, Chair, Commission on Aging
Jason Haas - County Board Liaison
Council Members Present
Barbara Bechtel
Ruth Bevenue
David Hoffman
Karen Jackson
James Kimble
Sally Lindner
Judith Troestler
Council Members Excused
Krystina Kohler
Council Members Not Present
George Liberatore
Guests Present
Christan Carter, LGBT Center
Tom Gossett, Goodwill SEWI
Milwaukee County Staff Present
Dan Idzikowski
Jill Klecha
Beth Monrial Zatarski
I. Call to Order
Advisory Council Chair Bettie Rodgers called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
II. 1:30 - 1:40 Introduction of Members
All members present introduced themselves.
III. 1:40 - 1:45 Review and Approval of meeting minutes from November 7, 2018
Minutes from the November 7th meeting were reviewed by the Council members.
MOTION: Approve the November 7, 2018 Advisory Council minutes as presented (Rodgers moved, Bechtel seconded).
ACTION: Minutes unanimously approved.
IV. 1:45 - 2:15 Review Progress on MCDA Area Plan
New MCDA Program and Policy Coordinator Dan Idzikowski reviewed the Goals of the 2019-21 AAA plan approved by the Council at its last meeting and reported on progress made in working toward the AAA plan goals in the first month & a half of the year.
Rogers recognized the good work of MCDA staff in ensuring that meals were delivered during the recent severe cold weather to those truly in need.
Bechtel noted that dementia specialists were to conduct assessment at libraries, for example, at Brown Deer Library. Hopes that these assessments will move forward.
In regard to financial fraud alerts, Bechtel asked if MCDA is partnering with financial institutions other than the large banks, including credit unions and local banks. Noted there should also be a connection between Elder Abuse and the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care.
Haas noted that the County Board and County Executive are working more closely together since 2018 elections. With regard to the Fair Deal workgroup, Milwaukee County has been steadily increasing the amount of tax revenue sent to the State, with no additional shared revenue coming back to the County. At the same time, Milwaukee has unique responsibilities that are required by the State, but for which the State does not provide any fiscal support. Thus, Milwaukee County is asking for an increase in shared revenue for all municipalities, along with a reallocation of revenue to recognize the increasingly disproportionate share of the state tax burden that Milwaukee County residents contribute. The Resolution passed by the County Board asks the State to increase shared revenue, reimburse the County for a fair share of its expenses, and allow local governments to raise more revenues.
Wyatt Sibley reported that she sat on the Milwaukee County Fair Deal workgroup whose proposals for better resource sharing between state and local government were approved by the County Board.
Bechtel asked about hemp production as a possible revenue source. Haas noted that the County still runs a farm in Franklin staffed by the House of Corrections. Hemp production has not been considered yet.
Hoffman noted that the League of Progressive Seniors identified the financial crisis brought about by disproportionate shared revenue & brought this to the attention of County Executive and County Board.
MOTION: Advise the Commission on Aging to recognize the County Board Chair and County Executive for the progress they have been making working together for their support on the Fair Deal workgroup. (Bechtel moved, Rogers Seconded).
ACTION: Approved (Unanimous).
V. 2:15 - 2:25 Public Comment
There were no public comments.
VI. 2:25 - 2:45 Communication and Awareness Workgroup Update
The Workgroup did not present a report.
VII. 2:45 - 2:55 Announcements: Advisory Council Members (5 minutes)
Commission Chair Wyatt Sibley notes that for Aging Advocacy Day, transportation will be provided by MCDA. Encouraged attendance by Council members.
Kimble recommends having meetings in the morning rather than afternoon and encourages the Council to move its meetings from the Marcia Coggs Center to Washington Park Senior Center. Commission Chair Wyatt Sibley noted that she has encouraged committees and councils to meet outside of the Marcia Coggs Center. She stated that it is up to the Council to decide where and when to meet. She noted that the Council must also be intentional about bringing more membership and diversity to the Council. Trying to identify individuals.
Wyatt Sibley asked staff to post information in all the Senior Centers and congregate meal sites. Send agenda’s and information to Nutrition Program Director Beth Monrial Zatarski.
After some debate, Chair Rogers indicated she will put on agenda next meeting to change meeting locations. The May meeting will be at the Marcia Coggs Center.
VIII. 2:55 - 3:00 Announcements: MCDA staff (5 minutes)
IX. Adjournment:
MOTION: Move to adjourn meeting until May 9, 2019. (Bevenue moves, Lindner seconded).
ACTION: Motion to Adjourn passes unanimously.