Summary
The Leelanau County Senior Services Advisory Committee met on September 7, 2023, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay. Administrator Deborah Allen called the meeting to order and oversaw the election of Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier as Committee Chairman, with Commissioner Jamie Kramer nominating her. The committee approved the agenda and the May 9, 2022 meeting minutes by a 2-0 vote (Kramer, Allgaier). Director Lena Vander Meulen presented updates on the Share Care renewal agreement, fund balance status, and upcoming millage renewal planning.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the initial public comment period. Later in the meeting, three individuals spoke in person: Patty Lesch of Northport, Kerry O'Non of Lake Leelanau, and a third speaker identified only as Keith (surname inaudible). The document does not record the content of their remarks or any response given.
Other Business
Director Vander Meulen presented the Share Care renewal agreement, which is being brought to the Executive Board for recommended approval and proposes adding wellness programming to the existing contract for an additional $44,000.00. Dawn Bousamra, Executive Director of ShareCare of Leelanau, Inc., attended and introduced herself to Commissioners. Vander Meulen also reviewed two Executive Document Summaries, for MMAP, Inc. and the Area Agency on Aging of NW Michigan, both described as renewals with no changes. She raised the need for a future committee meeting to plan for the upcoming senior services millage renewal, suggesting the County Clerk be included to clarify timeline details. Chairman Allgaier commented briefly on electric vehicles during Board Member Comment. Kramer moved to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 3:09 p.m.
Financial Summary
- Proposed addition of wellness programming to the Share Care contract at an additional cost of $44,000.00.
- Senior Services fund balance stands at just over $1.1 million.
- The department is currently serving 78 seniors for home care, with approximately $77,000.00 remaining in that portion of the budget.
- Vander Meulen indicated the department anticipates needing to draw on the fund balance to balance the 2023 budget, and this has been factored into planning for the proposed 2024 budget.
Action Items
Director Vander Meulen is to pursue scheduling another committee meeting for millage renewal planning purposes, including participation from the County Clerk to clarify the renewal timeline. The Share Care renewal agreement, including the added wellness programming cost, is scheduled to go before the Executive Board the following week for recommended approval.