HomeMy WebLinkAbout200515 - Minutes, Area Agency on AgingWashington County Commission on Aging, Inc./AAA
Advisory Council Teleconference Meeting
May 15, 2020
The bi-monthly meeting of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Meeting was held on Friday, May 15,
2020, via video conference due to the COVID-19 emergency situation.
PRESENT: Brenda Gordon, Co -Chair, Deborah Cohill, Thomas Ruhf, Harry Wagaman, Vernell Doyle and
Jessica Scott
EXCUSED: Julie Ferron, Aggie Llewellyn, Co -Chair, and Paulie Ward
ABSENT: Commissioner Terry Baker
STAFF: Amy Olack, CEO, Steve Reynolds, Chief Financial Officer, Bradley Tritsch, Chief Operating Officer,
Sherry Mauk, Recording Secretary, and Tim Fisher, Development Program Manager
Sherry Mauk did a roll call for attendance of Advisory Council members.
WELCOME Brenda Gordon opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance.
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None.
MINUTE APPROVAL (March):
The motion to approve the minutes of the March meeting was made by Paulie Ward, seconded by Brenda Gordon
and the motion carried unanimously.
Development Update: Tim Fisher, Development Program Manager
Tim Fisher stated the 2020 Golf tournament has been cancelled and we will transition sponsorships to the 50th
Anniversary. Tim Fisher stated since March 17, 2020, there have been over 60,000 views on social media. Tim
stated our followers have quadrupled from 250 follows to over 1200 followers. Tim stated there are new online
education opportunities which will be offered. Tim stated we have been on Facebook and now will be adding
Twitter and Instagram social media platforms. Tim stated that Amy will continue to provide her series known as
Living In as well there are plans for Elder Abuse topics, CPap care and maintenance, balance class, nutrition,
residents rights and scams just to name a few of the topics which will be coming up. Paulie Ward stated the series
Living In which Amy has been airing is beneficial to the community and the Seniors of Washington County.
FINANCIAL REPORT — Steve Reynolds, Chief Financial Officer:
Steve Reynolds reviewed the Financial Report for the Older American Act Programs.
Steve Reynolds explained the carry over amounts to the Advisory Council members due to COVID funds.
A motion to approve the financial report as presented was made by Paulie Ward, seconded by Aggie Llewelyn
and the motion carried unanimously.
CEO's REPORT — Amy Olack, Chief Executive Officer:
Amy Olack presented the CEO's report as written.
Advisory Council Minutes
May 15, 2020
Page 2
Amy Olack stated since March we have increased the number of meals to clients to 40 meals to one individual.
Amy stated there is a concern when we go into recovery; how will we maintain and continue to serve those
individuals. Amy stated there will unfortunately be a waitlist for home delivered meal clients. Amy stated all
clients are currently receiving home delivered meals.
Amy Olack stated the Maryland Department of Aging has indicated to us that Senior Centers will be the last to
reopen once the pandemic is over.
Amy Olack stated the staff will continue to work remotely so we will continue to lessen the risk and exposure to
our staff.
Amy Olack stated we are currently all hands on deck with loading and unloading for our Nutrition food
distribution.
Paulie Ward asked if the Commission on Aging is able to take advantage of the milk giveaways that are taking
place. Amy Olack answered we are not able to deliver milk due to temperature regulation of the milk. Amy
stated we do not have adequate refrigeration and storage. Amy stated we are disseminating that information to
our clients who are able to get out to get the milk themselves.
Amy Olack stated it will be a major challenge to keep the building which will be renovated for a new fitness room
due to not having funds to operate.
Paulie Ward asked about the N95 team. Amy Olack stated our N95 team has been trained by our nurse who has
been provided training by the Health Department. Amy stated we then provided training to our staff and
documented the training. The staff are specifically trained in donning of Personal Protection equipment properly
in order not to contaminate themselves.
Aggie Llewelyn provided a congratulation comment to all of the staff during this time. Harry Wagaman stated
there are a lot of positive things happening at a very difficult time.
Amy Olack stated she would like to thank her leadership team for all of their hard work during this time.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Amy Olack stated we are moving ahead to recovery planning. Amy stated she met with all
Program Managers to discuss communication planning, and a reopening plan.
Bradley Tritsch stated typically our staff meet with clients in the office. Bradley stated our staff continue to meet
with clients however, in a different way. Bradley stated everything is being done electronically or over the
telephone to help our clients to resources and critical benefits. Bradley stated we had a peak number of phone
calls last month. Our staff are doing daily calls to the Meals on Wheels clients checking in on them and a
screening form is done with the clients prior to the meals being delivered to the clients. Bradley Tritsch stated
there is a drop box which has been installed in the front of the building so if a client needs to drop off they will
not need to physically meet with the staff.
Advisory Council Minutes
May 15, 2020
Page 3
MEMBER UPDATES/INFORMATION: Paulie Ward stated he has received several calls from the members at
the Senior Center asking when the senior center will be reopening. Paulie stated they are anxiously awaiting until
they can get back to the Senior Center.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be the Annual Meeting which will be held on July 17, 2020, at 11:00
am and will be a teleconference meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Harry Wagaman.
The motion to adjourn at 11:45 am.
Respe��Ty submitted,
Sherry Mauk, r cording Secretary