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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-18 Public Service Committee minutesDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL Public Services Committee Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Council Chambers — 5:00 p.m. Minutes of Meeting Chairperson Alutto called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Committee Members present: Ms. Alutto and Ms. Fox. Mr. Reiner arrived at 5:36 p.m. Staff members present: Ms. Crandall and Ms. Nardecchia. Aoino in Place Update Ms. Nardecchia and Ms. Crandall provided a PowerPoint presentation to aid in the update. Ms. Nardecchia stated that there was an Agency Summit on March 16 and then there were seven community conversations held in May and June. Four of the sessions were resident focused and two of the sessions were caregiver focused. There was one session held with the Senior Program members from the Dublin Community Recreation Center. The first four sessions had to be closed out because there was such interest in the community, but it was important to keep the groups at 25-30 people. There was an Agency follow-up in August to share with those agencies that attended the summit in March the results of the community conversations. Each of these community conversations had a visionary focus. The results of the conversations resulted in similarities between the different groups. They discussed similar themes and similar challenges. Ms. Crandall stated that the priorities were different from the agencies and residents. The priorities that were heard from the residents were: • Housing (size, type, location, maintenance and cost); • Navigation (how to find services); • Transportation; • Service availability (how to get to the services, and how to get services in-home). The emotion was impactful in the resident sessions. The attendees shared: • They love living in Dublin; • Fear and frustration; • Anxious sense of urgency to get answers; • Wanting to have purpose and belong; and • Wanting to be treated respectfully. Ms. Nardecchia stated that Cardinal Health's Fuse contributed to this discussion. They were also fortunate to have three Ethnologists participating. These are professionals that study markets at Fuse and two were present at each of the sessions taking notes to ensure that the right information was being gathered. Ms. Nardecchia shared that they spent a half-day with Fuse analyzing the data. They were able to summarize the data by focusing on the following topics: • Make decision making less stressful; • Create a sense of community belonging and purpose; • Get them the services they need (both in-home and outside the home) • Address housing needs. Public Services Committee Minutes of 09-05-18 Page 2 of 6 Ms. Fox stated that it is difficult to know where to begin, but when it is broken down into focus areas, it can be managed. Ms. Crandall stated that from the summary that was developed, staff narrowed it down into some areas of focus that were: Housing, Transportation, Central Hub, Services, and Connections and Engagement. At Council's goal -setting retreat, the subject of housing market was discussed, so this will give Council the opportunity to include specifically needs for older adults. Ms. Alutto stated that this will be a challenging sub -section to tackle. The housing stock will be difficult due to Dublin's high standards and being able to bring in affordable housing. Ms. Fox stated that when we look at housing, we look at it in the generic sense of the word. There are opportunities now called house -sharing or co -housing that is multi -generational. She suggested a shift in the way housing is thought of and discussed. She stated senior housing all looks the same and no one wants to live in it. Could it look more like a college dorm with bedrooms and shared housing areas in the center? Council may have some power when developers come forward, to tell them what specifically we want in this community. Ms. Nardecchia stated that what was heard from residents is that people don't want to live in silos. They don't want to be in an age-specific environment. Ms. Crandall stated that some universities are having students living with older adults. Ms. Alutto agreed and stated that we need to find some creative ways to solve the housing stock issue. Ms. Crandall stated that, regarding transportation, there will be some things brought back from the mobility study. A trial will be conducted with a circulator to provide mobility around the assisted living areas to see what kind of impact it could have. Ms. Crandall stated she realizes it would have to expand, but this is the trial phase. Ms. Nardecchia stated the village -to -village model will help also. Ms. Crandall stated that they didn't want to focus on housing or transportation, but rather next three: Central Hub, Services and Connections/Engagement. • The Central Hub is the idea where there is one central location to go for information and resources. Staff is working with Syntero on a location for this hub as well as two part-time navigators to assist people at the hub. • In conjunction with this will be an evaluation of services that are available and where the gaps may be. Ms. Nardecchia stated that the gap is very concerning because there are usually criteria regarding income that must be met to qualify for certain services. • Connections/Engagement portion was lively and a lot of ideas were shared. Staff heard from attendees that they want to be involved in events and activities, so it becomes the responsibility of the City to cross-check each event to make sure that it is open and available to all age groups. Recreation has done a great job of programming things for older adults. Making sure that older adults have the opportunity to participate in civic events such as voting, Citizen U, etc. Volunteerism needs to be repurposed and refocused so the expertise and knowledge of the "boomer" age group is utilized and valued. Ms. Alutto stated that with regard to volunteerism and presentism of older adults, it would be great to benchmark ourselves now and then continue to monitor those numbers in 6, 12 or 18 months to see if the efforts we are making are paying off and having a positive impact. Ms. Nardecchia stated that an organization called Road Scholar has something called a "Caregiver Grant" for travel. This is an example of bringing awareness and bringing these types of issues into Public Services Committee Minutes of 09-05-18 Page 3 of 6 our day-to-day lives. Ms. Fox stated that when it comes to implementing plans, it would be great to have an advisory group from these stakeholders and agencies to monitor feedback and make sure that needs are continuing to be met. Ms. Nardecchia stated that a number of people have shown up in her office since these conversations offering to help where needed. Ms. Alutto stated that one of the pieces of this Central Hub idea is being able to have immediate feedback and focusing on a few things to make sure they are meaningful contributions. Ms. Crandall stated that some municipalities have formal commissions, but it would be wise to start with an advisory group to get that real-time feedback and be able to prototype a few things with them. Ms. Nardecchia stated that the Village -to -Village concept is not new, a couple of hundred cities around the country are doing this. This is a subscription service for whatever help is needed and then vetted interested neighbors and residents offer to help fulfill the need. It is also an opportunity for the senior to mentor. This is ideally a grass-roots type effort, but there are governments that start them. Clintonville and German Village have established programs and Ms. Nardecchia shared that she will be meeting with many villages in Central Ohio about their programs. Ms. Fox stated that Dublin Bridges might be able to look for people who might want to help. Ms. Nardecchia stated the vetting piece is very important. Ms. Fox stated that maybe these two programs could complement each other. Ms. Nardecchia agreed. Ms. Crandall stated that the recommendations are: • Creation of the "Hub" for navigation and services. Staff has been working with Syntero to identify what it would take to get this started. Specifically: o website development o co -located services o part-time navigators • Partnerships have been established with Ohio University, Syntero, the area agencies on aging (in three different counties) to talk about education programs that are already available. The Ohio University, specifically Dean Leite, has an interest in becoming more involved as their next building may be focused on this issue. They are interested in aging wellness centers and in involving their College of Gerontology and related programs to Dublin. Dean Leite would like to see the co -location site implemented with Ohio University possibly leasing the space and making it available for free for agencies and resources. Syntero has been an incredible partner and through a grant has an individual focusing on older adults. Ms. Nardecchia stated that she would like to meet with Dr. Hoadley to talk about some ideas involving schools. She stated there is a great deal of interest in these topics in the community. Ms. Fox asked if Cardinal Health would remain involved. Ms. Crandall stated they will remain involved. Ms. Fox suggested that organizations like the Alzheimer's Association may be interested in being involved or with funding. Ms. Nardecchia stated that it would not be unusual to ask the local agencies on aging for help with funding also. Staff is currently studying what our residents are paying these agencies so that will be known before any conversations about funding take place. • Examine the Village -to -Village model • Reconvene internal City Staff team — many departments need to be involved • Continued engagement with residents and caregivers • Explore funding options, there may be a few foundations that this may align with their vision. Public Services Committee Minutes of 09-05-18 Page 4 of 6 Ms. Fox stated that she thought co -location should be prioritized above the website development. Ms. Alutto stated that at the last Summit, this was discussed and it was determined that the vast majority of our seniors are very app savvy. It was discussed that the app should be developed first and the website second. The website would have to be phone friendly. Ms. Nardecchia stated that we have to be careful of the perception of a senior. They are a savvy, former professional, educated people. In response to Mr. Reiner's question regarding the correct terminology, Ms. Nardecchia stated that they are using the term "older adults." Ms. Alutto stated she likes saying they are our most experienced citizens. Ms. Crandall shared cost estimates for the implementation of services, such as: • Website (outside company — not the City) Anitial development $8,000-$10,000 oOngoing annual maintenance $6500 • Co -Location oStaffing and operating expenses $56,500 oOne-time expense of laptops $7,000 (possible donation opportunity) • Education programs and services provided by other agency partners would be free of charge. Ms. Crandall stated that she was hoping to bring this to Council during the upcoming budget cycle, so in January it could start to be implemented. Ms. Nardecchia stated that Syntero would provide their site for in-kind. Fridays and Saturdays are great days for the space and time to be available. Ms. Fox clarified that discussions are being held with OU for co -location eventually, but right now it would be at Syntero at a location in Dublin. Ms. Rinaldi, Syntero, stated that she has a location at Frantz and Rings Road. There is a co - located primary care office in the building as well. This is a great way to get something started. Ms. Crandall stated that they know all they could handle out of the Syntero office right now are the navigators and educational classes. The City Buildings are an option for educational classes as well as the Dublin Integrated Education Center free of charge. Ms. Nardecchia stated that this will eventually have a lot of volunteer support under it as well, such as tax advisors, specialized individuals offering their time for free. In response to Mr. Reiner's question about OU, Ms. Crandall stated that the navigators would operate on Friday and Saturday out of Syntero. OU is currently touring commercial space. Dean Leite would like a proof of concept to help him make the case for a wellness center for older adult services, that might include wellness, rehabilitation services, etc. Mr. Reiner stated that McConnell is all about a location where they can meet several needs at once. Ms. Nardecchia stated that the term concierge' was brought up many times. People want to talk to a person who know the how and where to get services. Ms. Alutto stated that it can be complicated because Dublin is in three counties, so it's hard to know what will be available to you and who you need to talk with. Mr. Reiner stated that he always thought Corazon had the best potential for what we needed. Ms. Nardecchia stated that there is a vision there for that kind of center we need to get to, but to begin this process Syntero is an expert on intake and can answer the who, what, when, where, why questions. Public Services Committee Minutes of 09-05-18 Page 5 of 6 Ms. Nardecchia stated that the following is the progress that has been made: • A discussion has been had about website development/app development; • There is an Alexa pilot project happening for 12 clients of Syntero to receive 12 Alexa devices with the support of volunteers to teach them how to use these devices for living enhancements. • Co -location site, • Age friendly businesses — Ms. Nardecchia has asked the Dublin Chamber of Commerce through their Leadership Dublin program to create an age friendly business certification. • Village to Village, and • The RFP is out for mobility. Ms. Alutto expressed her enthusiasm for the age -friendly businesses and how that can benefit so many. Ms. Nardecchia shared a summary of a presentation that she presented regarding an age - friendly business. She also shared that an Eagle Scout will develop a genius bar, or tech support concept that will allow people to bring their technological questions about any device to the Recreation Center for help. Ms. Fox expressed her gratitude for the work that has been done and feels this could put Dublin ahead of the game. The marketing will be important and letting people know how to get involved. Ms. Nardecchia stated that we will need some branding. The website company will help us in conjunction with the City. The communications plan will be a part of the final recommendations. Ms. Crandall suggested bringing this to Council to make sure there is support for this starting next year. Mr. Reiner shared that he tried Bird and Lime apps recently. He thinks there is a purpose for the scooters as a mobility solution. Ms. Crandall stated that the City would need to weigh the pros and cons. Mr. Reiner stated that he believes some of the basics are simple, but some of the problems with these is the density of the City. Dublin wouldn't be a problem. Ms. Alutto agreed that the scooters will be part of a larger mobility conversation. She expressed that she wants to bring this to Council and be very clear about what they are requesting. Ms. Crandall stated this is a very meaningful project for the community. Ms. Fox clarified the costs that the $56,500 is the total of the items that were discussed. Ms. Crandall stated that was correct. Ms. Nardecchia stated there will be some grant requests also. Ms. Alutto thanked Syntero for their partnership. Ms. Alutto stated she requested media be present to hear what Dublin is doing for the community. She inquired as to whether or not any other communities were taking this comprehensive look at creating a place for people of all ages to live. Ms. Nardecchia stated that Columbus is well into their five-year plan, but cities that are similar size to Dublin, she is not aware of any. There are many communities out west, in Colorado for example, is very active in this way. Ms. Alutto stated that she would like a little more information about that because she would like to be able to say that this City has invested a lot of money in development and the like, but this City is as equally invested in its people. Approval of Minutes of April 30, 2018 Public Services Committee meeting Mr. Reiner moved to approve the minutes of April 30, 2018. Ms. Fox seconded the motion. Public Services Committee Minutes of 09-05-18 Page 6 of 6 Vote on the motion: Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms. Alutto, yes. The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Acting Clerk of Council