Re: Opening and Welcome

 Commission Chair Ciriaco Gonzales called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m.  

Re: Approval of Minutes

Chair Gonzales asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to March’s    minutes.  There being none, the minutes were approved as written. 

Re: Club Reports  

Chair Gonzales, reporting for the Bethany House Club on behalf of Doug Bly, advised that the club now has their slate of officers ready for elections.      

Audrey Beck, reporting for the Young in Heart Club, said they will be honoring our military veterans with a special gift and hand crafted “Thank You” card.  She also noted that in preparation for the next club year, nominations and the election of officers would be the main agenda item.  In closing Audrey said the May 17th Officer Installation will be held in Purcellville, Virginia.

Stu Crump, reporting for the Willing 3 C’s, said about twenty members attended the March 17th meeting.  Chris Veirs was unable to attend so Stuart presented the Center’s plans for the 25th Anniversary and information on the last Commission meeting.  Stu went on to say that the nominating committee was chosen.  The program was a combined St. Patrick’s Day and Black History Month celebration as the later was postponed from February. 

Stu reported that Mary Stedman Rhodes, poetess, presented an excellent program of her readings.  In closing Stuart said a pot luck lunch was served.                                                           

Pete Sante, reporting for the Triple F Club, said there had been no meeting since his last report, adding the next meeting will be held may 14th at the Old County Buffet.          

Steve Lipson, reporting for the Senior Associates Club, said last meeting was held April 3rd with twelve members in attendance.  The Treasurer reported $1,900 in the club’s account.  He went on to say that the new President, Lois Darling, will continue to be responsible for arranging trips as long as she can but has found few members willing to sign up to go, probably due to the cost.  He went on to report that some members have tried to make reservations for some of the Senior Center Anniversary activities but have been unable to do so due to the limited space.  He also mentioned that some of the club members have been complaining about the parking problems at the Center.  In closing, Steve said the regular reports were read and refreshments were served. 

Jonathan Triandafilou, reporting for the Affordable Housing Committee said he and Ciriaco had met with Ed Duffy, the city’s Community Development Program Manager, and others.  One suggestion was made to increase the number of MPDU’s in the city.  He and Ciriaco will be meeting with Mr. Ed Duffy to discuss the report that the Commission submitted two years ago and explore the possibilities of resurrecting the issues for another effort with the Mayor and Council.

Re: R.S.I. Meeting

No one was able to attend therefore the problems with the Bridge players and parking were not raised however Jill gave a report on the latest discussions regarding the bridge players.  They have been moved to the Carnation Room to relieve the congestion in the building.  The parking problem should be alleviated when the new parking area is finished in June or July.

Re: U.S.M. Report

Ciriaco noted that the Federal Rally is on the calendar for May 10th as he urged everyone to plan to attend.  He went on to say that U.S.M. has been tracking ninety bills, forty-one have passed, eleven have been withdrawn.  There has been more visibility on seniors at hearings and eight or nine of the bills passed by the legislature have been supported by U.S.M.

Re:  Old Business

Jill Hall came in to the meeting to expand on the history of the Duplicate Bridge program at the Center and the proposed changes in order to accommodate both the Center members and the bridge players.  Following Jill’s comments Ciriaco reminded the Commissioners of the importance of attending functions at the Center and their support for activities.

The Home Maintenance proposal was discussed and will be presented by the committee to Burt Hall for feedback.  It will then be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.

Re: Staff Report

Lorraine thanked those who attended the 25th Anniversary activities and reminded everyone of the upcoming Silver Jubilee.

Lorraine also said the Needs Assessment Survey is undergoing it’s final revision and letters preceding the survey will be sent out shortly.

With there being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.