Attachment

SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE AGENDA January 23, 2007 - 12:00 P.M. Modern Maturity Center- 1121 Forrest Avenue (Lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate times. When possible, please notify the City Clerk (736-7008 or e-mail at Tmcdowell@dover.de.us) should you wish to be recognized. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS 1. Welcome 2. Adoption of Minutes - Regular Meeting of January 9, 2007 3. Presentations: A. Carolyn Fredricks - Modern Maturity Center - Discussion regarding the various programs available to Seniors. 4. Next Meeting Date 5. Adjournment /tm S:\ClerksOffice\Agendas&Minutes\Misc-Agendas\SERVICES TO SENIORS\2007\01-23-2007.wpd THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.

SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE The Services to Seniors Committee Meeting was held on January 9, 2007 at 1.06 p.m. with co-chairs Russell and Slavin presiding. Members present were Mr. Hicks, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Massey, Dr. Matthews, Ms. Pohlmann, Mr. Snaman, and Mr. Truitt. AGENDA ADDITIONS/ DELETIONS Ms. Johnson moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Massey and unanimously carried. Approval of Minutes – December 12, 2006 Mr. Hicks moved for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Services to Seniors Committee Meeting of December 12, 2006, seconded by Ms. Russell and unanimously carried. Presentation - City of Dover Parks and Recreation – Recreational Opportunities Mr. Zachery Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, informed members about the web-site and how to find out about programs and/or services they offer. Mr. Carter informed members that most of the programs they offer are special interest programs, music classes such as piano, bus trips, which include New York City, Washington DC, as well as the Philadelphia Flower Show. Mr. Carter stated they participated in special events where seniors participate and volunteer in Old Dover Days, May Pole Dancing, Carolling on The Green, Festival of Lights, First Night Dover, and the 4th of July celebration. They have a lot of input and involvement in the activities that are planned. Mr. Carter stated the seniors in the community take part in these activities and use these services. In the spring, they offer spring and summer performances/entertainment on The Green. The performances are held on Thursday night’s beginning mid May and running through September. This is an excellent opportunity for families to come out with blankets and pack a picnic dinner and enjoy free performances. The entertainment includes rock music, classical music, Air Force Band performances, ballet, etc. A recent survey conducted by Parks and Recreation indicated that 51% of the attendees are between the ages of 56-75. Mr. Carter also informed members they have softball leagues for residents over 50 and they provide a staff person for the Senior Olympics. Mr. Carter provided brochures on the various parks located throughout the City. He noted that many people utilize the parks for the play equipment, grills, and softball fields. Mr. Carter advised members that they have installed walking paths at Silver Lake and Dover Park to connect residents from place to place. Seniors utilize these paths to get exercise and walk around. Mr. Carter stated that many of the seniors groups are using the pavilion to hold meetings and gatherings. The paths at Silver Lake lead right up to the water for easy access. They have replaced play equipment and installed benches for parents and or grandparents to sit and supervise their children while they are playing. They are really looking at enhancing the park experience. Mr. Slavin advised members that the City has begun implementation of the Blue Light program at Silver Lake Park. If a patron sees something that does not look right or if they feel they are in trouble or danger, they can push the blue light, which connects directly with the 911 Center. The Blue Lights are used on college campuses throughout the nation.

SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2007 PAGE 2 Senior Olympics, which is a big event in the state, is another activity the City is very involved in. Mr. Carter’s employee, Steve Pickering, is very involved in the planning and implementation stages of the event. Senior Olympics use the facility at Schutte Park for softball. Mr. Carter noted that Mr. Pickering also helps to coordinate track and field, basketball, and volleyball events at Dover High School. They provide staff time and help them to coordinate With the construction of the John W. Pitts Recreational Center, Mr. Carter anticipates being able to provide more programs for the senior citizens. The day time activities will be geared towards senior citizens and they will be able to utilize the walking track which will be installed in the new center. The surface area of the new facility will be constructed of rubber and cushion material, which will be easier on their knees. The City will also partner with the Modern Maturity Center to provide services that the Modern Maturity Center cannot provide. Mr. Carter indicated that the John W. Pitts Center will have two (2) full size basketball courts which can be used for basketball, volley ball, exercise class, walking track, and bleachers for spectators. The building will also have class rooms, a multi-purpose room, office space, and restrooms. Responding to Ms. Pohlmann, Mr. Carter indicated that Schutte Park is located on Hazlettville Road next to Proctor and Gamble. Eventually the area will connect to Eden Hill farm. Responding to Mr. Hicks, Mr. Carter stated, weather permitting, construction should begin around March and end in December 2007. Mr. Carter noted that a reduced fee for seniors has not been discussed. The programming fee is based on what it costs to operate a program. Mr. Carter stated it would be something the committee would have to consider. Mr. Hicks suggested that the committee recommend a reduced fee category for senior citizens. The age identified for “senior” is 55 and older as a working age. Responding to Dr. Matthews, Mr. Carter stated that it would be up to the committee and City Council to decide if the reduced fee would be for City of Dover residents only or any resident or non-resident over 55 years old. Ms. Russell informed the committee that plans are under way for a John W. Pitts Scholarship. This scholarship would be awarded to a youth who would major in sports or recreation. This is the 4th District’s way of honoring Mr. Pitt’s legacy. Presentation - Sheila Anderson - City of Dover Library - Library Services Ms. Sheila Anderson, Library Director, stated that the City of Dover Library is open seven (7) days a week and approximately 1,000 people visit the Library each day. The Library is one of the busiest libraries in the state. Ms. Anderson noted that 400,000 items were checked out last fiscal year and approximately 5,000 people per month use the computers. The Library will purchase just about any book as long as they have the funding. They have large print books on standing order as well as materials seniors might be interested in such as taxes, becoming a grandparent, health issues, etc. They also have audio books on tapes and cd’s, which are great for seniors. The City of Dover Library has a borrowing agreement with the County and 55% of the library users are County residents. The County reimburses the City for those users.

SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2007 PAGE 3 Ms. Anderson indicated that consumer health is another category of interest to senior citizens. The Library has seven (7) staff members with Masters degrees in Library Science. This is more than any other library in the state. They provide professional services, including a Consumer Health Librarian, which is funded through the State and tobacco company settlement funds. There are three (3) Consumer Health Librarians in the State, one in Rehoboth, Dover, and Bear. The program in Dover focuses on children and teens while Rehoboth focuses on senior citizens and Bear focuses on middle aged residents. All health related questions that seniors might have should be directed to the Consumer Health Librarian. Ms. Anderson discussed additional programs such as volunteering and book discussion groups, which are offered during the day. Music programs are offered at the Schwartz Center and Wesley College. Ms. Anderson informed the members they also provide computer classes on mouse use, research, fundraising, philanthropy, and office products. She indicated that they provide community outreach; however, due to staffing issues, they have not been able to provide as much community outreach as they would like. In the past they have worked with State Street Assisted Living, Harvest Years, Heritage of Dover, Westminster Village, and the Modern Maturity Center. The library tried to establish an outreach program with the Modern Maturity Center and Westminster Village, however they were looking for books to be donated, not loaned. The Friends of Dover Library usually receives the books the library will donate. Responding to Ms. Pohlmann, Ms. Anderson stated that all the programs are free. The only cost would be for copies that exceed $1.00 and fines if the books are late. Responding to Mr. Hicks, Ms. Anderson indicated that they are looking at the current Dover Post Office site and parking lot for the construction of the new library. Mr. Carter indicated that there is not room to expand the current library, which also has parking issues. They are considering a drive-up service for seniors and young mothers at the new library location. The new library will cost $18M and the State will pay half the cost. The City has established a fund to support the new library and will approach the County for additional assistance with funding. Mr. Slavin advised members that the City of Dover Charter prohibits them from borrowing more than $1M in bonds for General Fund projects. If they wanted to borrow more, it would have to go to a referendum. Mr. Carter indicated residents will be hearing more about the proposed library in the upcoming year. They plan to market the project, provide public awareness, as well as receive input from the public on the building, which the City sees as a community center as well. Ms. Anderson indicated that the State wants Dover to build an anchor library that would support Kent and Sussex County. The City of Dover recognizes that they are already an anchor library which supports other area libraries. They are first on the State’s list for new construction of libraries and received additional funding to provide professional services with persons with a Masters degree. Ms. Anderson indicated it is hard to find people with library degrees. She is the only Director in the county with a library degree. Ms. Anderson advised members that she is resigning February 2, 2007 to move to Auburn, New York.

SERVICES TO SENIORS COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2007 PAGE 4 Responding to Mr. Slavin, Ms. Anderson suggested book discussions and/or music programs for communities such as Wild Meadows and the Modern Maturity Center. She indicated that those programs would be possible, provided they have adequate staff. Mr. Slavin suggested that the library design a series of travel programs for the senior communities. Announcements Mr. Carter advised members that The 55 Expo will be held May 12, 2007 and the contact person is Sandy at 678-0892. He stated that Parks and Recreation sets up a booth every year and members of the committee are welcome to display any items on their table. Mr. Slavin stated that the Delaware Solid Waste Authority has a voluntary recycling program. This program will be free to any resident and the pick-ups will be bi-weekly. This would provide a free service to seniors. Mr. Slavin noted that the meeting dates will be discussed on a meeting to meeting basis. Next Meeting Dates and Times, Meeting Format, Etc. The next meeting has been scheduled for January 23, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at the Modern Maturity Center. The Director, Mrs. Carolyn Fredricks will be invited to present the services they provide. Meeting Adjourned at 2:07 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Sophia R. Russell and Timothy A. Slavin Co-Chairs SRR/TAS/sr/tm/jcr S:\ClerksOffice\Agendas&Minutes\Misc-Minutes\SERVICES TO SENIORS\01-09-2007 Services to Seniors.wpd