Senior Services Commission

Approved Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Senior Services Commission Village of Northbrook May 14, 2015 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Village Hall. Present were Chairman Rosenberg and members Bachrach, Caldwell, Ganitopoulos, Moore, Stern and Vass. Also present was CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz, Realty and Mortgage (R&M) Representatives Crane and Jaworski, and Recorder Anetsberger. Chairman's Report Chairman Rosenberg reported that Mort Wax's term has ended and he chose not to remain on the Commission. Village President Frum appointed Fred Rosenberg to fill the position on May 12, 2015. Chairman Rosenberg asked that the record show the Commission's gratitude to Mort for all of the years he chaired the Committee and that the Commissioners send their good wishes for the future. Chairman Rosenberg reported that Rob Sabo is no longer our liaison. CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz will be the temporary liaison until a new one is appointed. A change in the 2015-30 ordinance will allow two members who reside outside the boundaries but work in the senior service industry and perform a portion of that work in Northbrook to sit on the Commission. President Frum appointed Robert Caldwell to the Commission on May 12, 2015. Bob Caldwell is the owner of North Shore Family Care. He has been in business approximately five years and he is active in both the Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. President Frum and Trustee Israel recently talked about searching for a member of the clergy to join the Commission. Melissa Earley, chair person and president of the Northbrook Clergy Association will look into making a clergy recommendation for the Commission. President Frum has contacted Neil Warnygora, Executive Director of Covenant Village of Northbrook. He will also look to make a recommendation. The Committee is entitled to nine positions; one of the positions has to be filled by an individual from Crestwood Place. Review and Approval of Minutes A motion to accept the March 19, 2015 Senor Services Commission minutes was made by Member Vass and seconded by Member Bachrach. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. Manager's Report Representative Crane reported that the new furniture for the first floor common areas was installed. The residents stated that it is much easier to get in and out of than the old furniture. Two tenants were lost since the last meeting. One went to a greater care facility and one moved out of state to be with family. At the current time Crestwood Place has an occupancy rate of 100%. Budget and Finance  1) Review of February 2015 Financial Report There were no issues with the statement. Member Ganitopoulos, seconded by Member Stern moved to approve the February 2015 Financial Report. On voice vote, the motion passed. 2) Review of March 2015 Financial Report Chairman Rosenberg made an inquiry as to the $3700 favorable variance in building repairs. The item dropped from $12,600 from the previous month. Representative Jaworsky reported expenses of $4500 in carpeting for the activity room, $3000 elevator expense, fewer apartments had turned over, and the remainder was miscellaneous expense that included the performance of daily maintenance. Chairman Rosenberg pointed out HVAC maintenance in February had a favorable variance of $7,700 and is now $5,600. R&M responded that repairs had been made. Chairman Rosenberg stated that Professional Services in February were listed as $19,600 favorable variance but to date are $22,700. R&M replied that they did not spend what had been budgeted. Member Stern, seconded by Member Vass moved to approve the March 2015 Financial Report. On voice vote, the motion passed. Old Business 1) Discussion of Toilet Replacement Program Chairman Rosenberg asked for feedback from the Village and the floor as to the industry standard height for a standard toilet. Conflicting information is found online. Representative Crane offered that a a new term called "comfort toilet" is being used and it is 16 1/2 inches in height to the top of the bowl. The toilet seat adds an additional one inch in height. Representative Crane offered that this unit would be desirable for Crestwood as the current toilets have only a 14 inch height. Chairman Rosenberg asked CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz if he had any information or questions on industry standards with regard to toilet height. CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz stated that the information presented at tonight's meeting on toilet height was adequate and sufficient. Crestwood has 84 apartment toilets and 3 public washroom toilets that have a height of 14 inches. A grand total of 87 units are in need of toilet replacement at a cost of approximately $35,000. CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz stated that there is no funding in the current budget for toilet replacement at Crestwood Place. Chairman Rosenberg stated that the money would have to come out of the Crestwood Reserve Fund. The question was raised as to how many units at one time should be replaced. The cost of replacing ten toilets is equivalent to replacing one shower. Member Ganitopoulos felt that the toilets should all be replaced at one time. Discussion followed and all were in agreement. An amended motion to replace all 14 inch height toilets at Crestwood Place that are currently below standard height with new comfort height toilets was made by Member Ganitopoulos and seconded by Member Moore. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. The new toilets will all be replaced at one time. CFO/Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz will have Public Works prepare the documents to go out for public bid in early June. Rowitz will try to get the item placed on the late June Village Board Meeting Agenda with work hopefully beginning in July. New Business Commissioner Caldwell and Commissioner Vass desired to have a tour of Crestwood Place and view the apartments. Commissioner Bachrach and Manager Crane will make the arrangements to have their tour completed before the July 9, 2015 meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2015 and will be held at Crestwood Place. Chairman Rosenberg hopes to increase the number of meetings held at Crestwood Place to a maximum number of three per year. He stated that it would give Crestwood residents an opportunity to interact with the Commission and their assurance of being heard. Member Bachrach spoke out that it was a great idea. Adjourn Member Vass moved, seconded by Member Ganitopoulos to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. /s/S. Anetsberger Recorder