Minutes

Bexar Senior Advisory Committee

Friday, February 14, 2003 – 10:00 a.m.

Members Present:

Sue Ackerman rep by                        Julia Castellano-Hoyt                  Norma Cheeves

  Sharon Baughman                           Laura Cisneros                           Alex Davila

Elsa Davis                                         Victor Garcia                             Ray Foley rep by

Oscar Garcia                                     Suzanne Huber                            Richard Duffy

Santos Hernandez rep by                    Jan Jarosek                              Marcia Katz

  Mary Will                                         Ida Kenny                                 Hon. Ruth Jones McClendon rep by

Yvonne Lozano                                   Lewis Marshall                            Bill Heineman

Winn Murnin                                       Nancy Rheams                         Alicia Rodriguez

Steve Saldana                                     Rev. Gene Sheppard                 Lily Porter-Tarrillion

Dorothy Whitenack                              Tito Villalobos Moreno

Members Excused:

Chris Alderete                                     Barb Dampman                         Maria Hernandez

Sterling Neuman                                  Jimmy Toubin

1.       Call to Order  - The meeting was called to order by Alicia Rodriguez in the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

2.        Roll Call – Roll call was taken as reflected above.

3.       Consider and act upon approval of the Minutes of January 10, 2003 – Upon correction to the minutes, motion was made by Lewis Marshall to approve as amended and seconded by Steve Saldana.  Motion carried.

4.       Citizens to be Heard (Limit to Three Minutes) – Ms. Leslie Hoy informed BSAC members that a Guide for Caregiver’s of Visually Challenged Individuals was available, which included information about the caregiving process as well as strategies to help the caregiver cope effectively.  The cost of this is $10 per copy.  For more information, please contact Ms. Leslie Hoy at 520-9030 or Ms. Bonnie Truax at 344-1479.

5.       Staff Report – Carol Zernial, Bexar Area Agency on Aging Director briefed BSAC members on the following:

• Benefits Checkup Screening Tool has a new prescription drug screening tool which may be accessed at the www.benefitscheckup.org website.

• Federal Government has a new website www.regulations.gov that will let you make on-line comments to rules published in the Federal Register.

• Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services have ordered all of their contractors to stop providing education to Medicare Beneficiaries. 

• Of interest, are the changes to Medicaid program that the President is proposing to block grant Medicaid placing a cap on what they allocate to the States.  Eighty-two percent of Medicaid that goes to seniors would be considered optional, meaning that nursing home residents could be released.  Such proposed cuts would be detrimental to our seniors stating that the City of San Antonio has a 2-year waitlist and the Bexar AAA has a 600-person waitlist.   Ms. Zernial further informed that Mr. Jimmy Toubin, BSAC Chairman, has called an Emergency Grassroots Advocacy Meeting to build a coalition of persons interested in making a legislative advocacy effort in Austin.  Mr. Toubin would like for all present to speak with their local Board members.  Also, a tentative meeting has been set for next Thursday, February 20th   Also, would like to create a phone or email tree where persons can call in to voice their concern. 

• BSAC members were referred to the Legislative Update regarding the FY03 Final Omnibus Measure report outlining the FY03 .65% cut to OAA programs.

• February 20th, Nellie Garay, Caregiver Specialist will join an initiative called “Salud Hispania which is an effort  to address Alzaheimer’s issues for the latino community.  A health fair is being planned for this fall.

• Kerry Finnegan, Bexar AAA Vista Volunteer updated BSAC members on her recruitment efforts for the Benefits Counseling Program.

• Ms. Julia Castellano-Hoyt updated BSAC members on the Senior Day at the Capitol event.  She indicated that it was very successful, well-sponsored and the ribbons that our Bexar delegation wore were outstanding.  Over half of the attendees were from Bexar County and she expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Laura Cisneros for an exceptional  job in providing meals to the participants.

6.       Chairperson’s Report – No report

7.       Subcommittee Status Reports

A.      Access & Assistance – Ms. Suzanne Huber referred BSAC members to the attached  sliding scale donation schedule for some of the services provided.    No action required.

B.      Allocations and Monitoring

• Carol Zernial presented an update on Guardianship and reported that a meeting was held with United Way of San Antonio/Bexar County, Bexar County representatives and AACOG and have agreed to leave the Guardianship Contract as is through September 2003.  There is discussion on possible joint RFP and restructuring.  At this time, there is no action required.

C.      Family Caregiver Support Program – Mr. Steve Saldana asked for consideration of the following:

• Vendor:  John A. Brown Co. to provide Residential Repair.   Recommendation:  Favorable Review

• Vendor Agreement Changes for Right At Home a current vendor, adding Personal Assistance Service.  Consensus of BSAC members was favorable.

• Rate Change for Christian Senior Services Grace Place as presented.   Consensus of BSAC members was favorable.   Ms. Sharon Baughman, C.S.S. abstained.

• Rate change for Comfort Keepers as presented.  Consensus of BSAC members was favorable.

D.      Information, Special Events and VISTA – Ms. Elsa Davis presented an update on the Senior Day at the Capitol indicating that it was a great success.  She also thanked all of members of the committee, the sponsoring agencies,  Ms. Laura Cisneros and Ms. Carol Zernial for all of the support provided.

Ms. Carol Zernial presented an update on Vintage Arts Festival scheduled for May 18, 2003 at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Ms. Laura Cisneros reported that the Proclamation for Older American’s Month is scheduled for Thursday, May 8^th, at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.  The Special Events Committee will be securing the Spanish Governor’s Palace for the Senior Breakfast.

E.       Nominations/Bylaws and Legislative – Mr. Lewis Marshall reported that the committee would like to finalize the Alternates and proceeded to read those BSAC members who have not designated alternates.   He further reminded members to please sign up for the Grassroots Advocacy group.

F.   Informational Items – There were several information items presented:  Sweetheart Dance on 2/26/03 at the Convention Center; Not Forgotten Campaign, Living Longer and Loving It, on 5/1/03 at St. Paul’s Community Center; Older Battered Women’s Conference at the Bright Shawl, 5/30/03

10.       Adjournment – There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.