Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging
Monday July 10, 2017 - Meeting Minutes
Members Present: Jim Riesberg (chair), Karen Brown (vice chair), Ky Agnew, John Zabawa, Wade Buchanan, Jean Nofles, Ben Moultrie, Karin Stewart, Josh Laipply, Tony Tapia, Susan Franklin, Mindy Kemp, Sharron Williams, Jayla Sanchez-Warren. On Phone: Sallie Thoreson, Steve Child, Dave Norman, Claire Anderson, Christian Marcel Itin, and Bonnie Silva.
Participating members constitute a quorum.
Approval of Agenda and June Meeting Minutes
The following additions to the agenda were offered.
Agenda item #II: Approval of June Meeting Minutes and Approval of Agenda, agenda item
#IIa: Opportunity for Public Comment, agenda item #Xb: Opportunity for Public Comment, agenda item #Xc: News to Use.
June meeting minutes approved, July meeting agenda approved.
Public comment: None
Advocacy Policy and Procedures
Policy drafted and introduced by Wade Buchanan. Intended to provide guidance on how Planning Group will decide whether to lend support to an external effort or activity.
Under the proposed draft, for the Planning Group to endorse, the proposed activity must fall within the charge and scope of permissible activity set forth in HB 15-1033. Activity must align with the goals and recommendations set for in the 2016 Action Plan and be in keeping with the Planning Group’s role as a bi-partisan, legislatively-created entity. The Planning Group must be mindful about the appearance of endorsing another group and, as such, will keep control of its name and message. No support will be lent to an external activity or effort unless the Planning Group maintains control of its message. (This will be ensured by Planning Group issuing separate correspondence, in its own name, indicating support of a particular action or effort. The Group will not simply sign on to a group letter or other correspondence not within the Planning Group’s control.)
A decision needs to be made as to whether decision-making authority will be vested in the Executive Committee (by either unanimous or majority vote) or require majority vote/approval by majority of quorum) of the full Planning Group. Jim Riesberg raised issue of decision-making by consensus, which has historically been the strategy employed by the Planning Group, and if consensus is not reached, then majority vote will control. A final decision is needed as to how decision-making authority will be handled.
Concerns center around the fact that the Planning Group composition is intended to provide a diversity of opinion and this must be preserved in whatever process is employed. In addition, concerns were raised regarding compliance with the Open Meetings law and if the Executive Committee can take action on behalf of the group without publicly noticing the meeting (whether decision is made in person or by email). Discussion took place around the idea that Planning Group should decide whether to lend support and Executive Committee will be authorized to make decisions about how to carry out that support. More clarity is needed as to how this process would be carried out.
Discussion took place about whether to allow electronic voting as an alternative. Concern was expressed on whether Planning Group members open email regularly enough if a quick decision was needed. The group realized there may be more requests during the legislative session and responses may be needed quickly. Ben Moultrie said he preferred 12 votes to take a position, but understands need to be nimble, and noted that, in practicality, only the Executive Committee has that capability. He said there is trust that the Executive Committee would bring any action to the full Planning Group at the earliest possible time.
Karen Brown expressed that phone polling may need to be added to the bylaws. Mindy Kemp pointed out that it was important to comply with the state’s Open Meeting Laws. It is her understanding that email voting would be difficult to do under those laws. She knows some groups have held emergency phone calls, but announced the meetings ahead of time to comply with the law.
Jim Riesberg noted that under the law, members of the Planning Group may convene in groups of no more than five members without complying with the open meetings law, as long as no formal action is taken.
Action Item: John Zabawa made motion that document be revised to take Planning Group discussion into consideration and revised version will be submitted to members for further review. Motion seconded and approved. Members will submit comments and suggested edits to Sinergie Project staff by July 26. Sinergie Project staff will incorporate suggestions into revisions to present to the Planning Group at the August meeting.
Planning Group Interviews: Summary, Conversation and Discussion
Overview of interview summaries and common themes was provided by Andrea Wilkins with the Sinergie Project. Major themes include need for business plan, interim report, more focused meetings (Planning Group and Subcommittees), consideration of fiscal constraints in Colorado budgeting process, including TABOR, need for additional data to fill existing gaps in information and understanding of shifting demographic, need to effectively disseminate data and information that has been collected.
Andrea Wilkins noted a lot of data/research has been collected. However, members believe there are gaps that need to be identified. Comments that data needs to be accessible and need to activate the research. Some expressed lingering concern that that a report or plan would help the focus of the Planning Group.
The interviews indicated advocacy means different things for different people. Many feel that advocacy should take the form of raising awareness of the public. There is a realization that there is a need to push for changes to meet state needs. It is also important to build coalitions. Several people expressed that TABOR needed to be directly addressed.
Wade Buchanan expressed concern about how TABOR was addressed, noting that budgeting problems will still exist regardless of TABOR.
In addition, members suggested more focused meetings and a need to leverage presentations, research and reports. A suggestion was made to have subcommittee chairs take part in Executive Committee meetings. Sinergie Project staff noted the bylaws have a requirement that Executive Committee is to give subcommittee charges/scope of work. There needs to be better communications between all groups (Planning Group, Executive Committee and subcommittees.)
Mindy Kemp noted that at Senior Day at Capitol, there was recognition that several bills around aging were passed this session, and believes this group and others have had a positive effect on legislation being passed.
Jim Riesberg noted concern had been expressed that access to parking for monthly meetings was difficult. He noted that plenty of parking is available at the cultural center parking lot.
Susan Franklin said she believes a 2017 interim report would be useful and wondered who would be the audience for that? Karen Brown believes that it would be the same focus as last year’s Action Plan: legislators, media and general public.
Jim Riesberg is not enthusiastic about doing an interim report. He believes we need to publicize and push the 2016 Action Plan out and not do anything to distract from that. He thinks a report on achievements is appropriate for the end of year, but thinks the focus of the Planning Group should be on the nine recommendations. He noted that many Coloradans have not read the full Action Plan.
Karen Brown said it would be important to chronicle the Planning Group’s progress this year.
Priority Survey Results: Developing Action Items for Top Priorities
Overview of survey results was provided by Gene Rose with the Sinergie Project. These include:
- Creating a position focused on aging issues in the governor’s office was overwhelming top priority
- Only five issues received ratings of 7+
- Housing concerns are low
- Intent is for recommendations to drive the action of group
Planning Group members broke into small groups, members participating by phone constituted an additional group. The four breakout groups discussed the top priorities, as identified through the survey, with the exception of priority #1 (aging position in the governor’s office), which was discussed as a group.
Survey Priority 2: Comprehensive State Budget on Aging. Members of Executive Committee met with JBC, Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB), and Legislative Council staff to discuss Planning Group goals and recommendations. Kevin Neimond, JBC, will identify agencies that deal with aging issues and gather budget information. The Planning Group will need to follow up on this. It was suggested that Planning Group members be provided with talking points (in regard to state budget information pertaining to aging) to assist them as they highlight and promote the Planning Group’s work. Questions that will need to be answered through the comprehensive budget: Are we spending state funds on the right things? Are there places where additional spending is needed? There is a need for more qualitative assessment and review of these issues. Wade Buchanan notes that Planning Group should encourage institutionalization of the comprehensive aging budget and direct the JBC to update it every couple of years.
Survey Priority 3: Ensure Older Adults are Free From Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation/Ensure Effective Adult Protective Services (APS) are Available. CDHS has received extra funding this fiscal year to increase staff capacity around this issue. Mindy Kemp will be able to provide more information on how this recommendation moves forward. Planning Group would like an update on the newly established Office of Public Guardianship and how it will be funded. The Planning Group would also like information (updates on implementation and funding) on newly established program to protect seniors from financial abuse (HB 17-1253) and the PACE Ombudsman expansion (HB 17-1264). Jayla Sanchez-Warren notes that Denver has a forensic team on elder abuse and neglect and there is activity around this issue at the city and county level as well. It would be helpful for the Planning Group to gather information on local efforts as well.
Survey Priority 4: Implementation of Local and Regional Plans. Group discussed the need for collaboration in developing comprehensive plans on aging. Many cities and counties have aging plans. Planning Group needs to work to accelerate connections with counties and municipalities. Jim Riesberg has connected with and made presentations to Colorado Counties Incorporated and the Colorado Municipal League. There needs to be an ongoing effort to sustain communication and education between the Planning Group and localities around the state and the Group should explore establishing some type of liaison relationship. Group also discussed the possibility of engaging with Colorado foundations that focus on aging or related issues. There is also a need to engage the business sector and ensure they understand the challenges and opportunities the shifting demographic will bring. There are a number of good models that illustrate county/municipality collaboration. John Zabawa notes that Jefferson County is one example. CCI could be a mechanism for facilitating communication with Colorado’s 64 counties and sharing information on best practices.
Action Items: Recommendations of breakout group discussion should go to subcommittee on local and regional implications and planning, which is working on Action Plan recommendation #9. Key charge for subcommittee is to identify communities where good collaboration is taking place. Also need to engage AARP age friendly network to see if there is an opportunity for collaboration and to educate more regional and local communities around state about the Planning Group’s work and its value. Also need to reach out to state economic development office for dialogue around Planning Group’s/subcommittee findings. Jayla Sanchez-Warren reports that a lot of this is underway within the subcommittee.
Priority Number 5: To Help Communities Reinvent Themselves so that Colorado Seniors have More Opportunities to Age in Place and Remain Active. Would like CDOT coordinating council representative to present information to local and regional implications and planning subcommittee on coordinating council’s role and history. Request subcommittee determine by survey what other groups are doing in regard to mobility (best practices). Need to develop communication and education on what multi-modal transportation options for seniors means and why it is needed. This would also lend support to transportation funding bill.
Action Items: Transportation funding bill is critical. Planning Group should work on getting it passed.
Priority Number 1: Creation of High-Level Position within the Executive Branch.
Jim Riesberg reports that Lt. Governor has announced her office is working on this and is trying to identify a funding source. Planning Group members have met with the Lt Governor to discuss Action Plan recommendations. Office has recently hired a health transformation consultant who is from Vermont and is in Colorado every other week. Jim Riesberg met with this individual to review Action Plan recommendations. A key focus in Lt. Governor’s office is on transition planning but the Planning Group has made inroads and the Action Plan has received attention.
Committee, Subcommittee and Administrative Reports
Executive Committee:
Met with Kevin Neimond with the JBC to discuss work on a comprehensive aging budget. Alice Wheat with Governor’s office (OSPB) will add her numbers to the information compiled by Kevin. Kate Watkins (Legislative Council Staff) has done a lot of work on aging issues and is also working to provide information to the Planning Group. Kevin should have information to Alice within the next couple of weeks and Executive Committee expects to meet with these individuals again soon. The conversation around this work was positive but staff were honest about not having funding. Staff acknowledged importance of work, however, and noted that aging must be one of the issues considered when work on the state budget gets underway. Governor’s budget is due to the Legislature by November 1. JBC will then work on their budget.
Subcommittee Reports:
Local and Regional Implications and Planning Subcommittee: Roberto Rey with AARP provided a presentation to committee. Steve Child reports progress on development of a subcommittee action plan to guide work. Notes that a lot of the subcommittee’s priorities cross over into the work of the Implementation subcommittee. Subcommittee questions process for implementing subcommittee recommendations - If subcommittee makes recommendations, who implements them? Jim Riesberg notes that once a recommendation is made the Planning Group will consider it and make determinations about how it should be implemented. Dr. Vince Savage, Executive Director of Aspen Homeless Shelter, recently joined the subcommittee. There are at times similar health and economic issues between homeless and aging community.
Implementation Subcommittee: Next meeting on July 13. Will consider input from 15 people who filled out priorities survey and will consider information generated through breakout groups. Lisa Carlson has put together a spreadsheet to track progress and activity.
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee: Presentations/interactions with SRC (re: innovation in transportation), upcoming talks with Panasonic City Now and GM. Goal is to bring recommendations to full Planning Group for implementation. Subcommittee members also met with Olli and attended design process session. The Consumer Technology Association is very interested in collaborations regarding work on aging issues.
Workforce Development Subcommittee: State Demographers office presented on newly released report on employment impact from senior spending. Gave group sense of where growth opportunities will be. During the next subcommittee meeting group will hear from the Colorado Workforce Development Council on workforce training.
Aging Caucus: Jim Riesberg reports that all legislators contacted indicate they are interested in participating. Next steps will focus on getting interested parties together for a conference call to determine how the caucus will be established. A letter will be sent out to current elected officials to inform them about the aging caucus.
Regional Meetings
An update on the regional meeting planning was provided by Andrea Wilkins with the Sinergie Project, focusing on updates for the August 24-25 meeting in Grand Junction.
Dave Norman has spoken with Deb Bailey about putting together a health care panel for the meeting.
Dave also plans for the local AARP group to provide information on livable communities and Steve Child will talk about Club 20.
Sinergie Project staff will work with Executive Committee to further develop the agenda possibly focusing on legislative activity and Planning Group activity and outreach to local communities. Will also work with Dave Norman to solicit and facilitate public input.
The citizen input portion of the meeting on August 24 will take place through the regular meeting of the State Commission on Aging, which will be held at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction. Mindy Kemp is coordinating this event. Sinergie Project staff will follow up with Mindy to assist.
Fundraising Plan and Discussion
Gene Rose presented a draft plan from the Sinergie Project on fundraising. The group recommends a three prong strategy: grants, donors, and engagement with business community.
Possible grant targets: DRCOG, AAPR, Next 50 Foundation, Caring for CO, others?
Plan will be supported by compelling communications strategy and talking points. Target of at least 4 grants in 2017. Need feedback from group and suggestions for 2018 targets. Sinergie Project will be responsible for case statements and behind the scenes work. Planning Group members will be responsible for solicitations.
The group recommends seeking funds from the state while keeping in mind there are a lot of challenges and fiscal constraints.
In regard to donors, target goal will be to identify 30 potential donors for 2017, continue discussion for potential donors for 2018. In regard to business community, it will be important to link aging issues with business interests and economic development opportunities. Regional meetings will provide a key opportunity here.
Key Obstacles:
- No established donor base
- Need to create documents that support funding requests
- State budget restrictions
- Time investment necessary to build donor relationships
Willingness and training of Planning Group members will be key to fundraising success. Draft budget included in plan is set at $400,000 though more discussion is needed and it will be necessary to determine funding needs for subcommittees. Should develop a bare bone budget and dream budget to help establish parameters.
Wade Buchanan raises concern that we do not have time or capacity to develop individual donor program. Other Planning Group members agree with this concern. Believes focus should be on strategy number one and three, followed by strategy two as a lesser priority.
Ben Moultrie notes that there is significant capacity within the foundations located in Colorado. (18 community foundations)
Karen Brown has reached out to the Colorado Cares Foundation and provided letter of interest. We need to identify where we have existing relationships within foundations or business community, target those and build strategy for outreach.
Steve Child suggests setting up mechanism on website where individuals can make donations. Also could be useful to participate in Colorado Gives Day in December.
Wade Buchanan notes that Planning Group is not a 501(c)(3) and this will limit our options. May need to identify a 501(c)(3) that would act as sponsor organization/fiscal agent. Without affiliation with 501(c)(3) status this will make donations less appealing.
Jayla Sanchez-Warren notes that DRCOG has 501(c)(3) and she can check into this as a possible sponsor.
In determining budget and fundraising goals, it is important to consider what would Group wants to accomplish by end of 2018. Mindy Kemp notes that it would be helpful for Sinergie Project staff to develop a checklist to help gauge progress toward requirements of enabling legislation, which would help group determine what they want/need to accomplish next year. (Sinergie Project is in the process of developing such a document.)
Jayla Sanchez-Warren notes that a media strategy and public education are top goals she would like to see accomplished in the next year.
Sharron Williams indicates plans to contact King Soopers to propose a concierge program to assist seniors getting groceries. Jayla Sanchez-Warren notes that Walgreens is another potential supporter within the business community. (Walgreens has a partnership with National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.)
Ben Moultrie notes that the Rose Foundation runs money through 9 News for Senior Source. We should explore how we can tap into this relationship.
Action items: Priority will be placed on strategies one, three, and then two. Sinergie Project staff will continue developing fundraising plan in accordance with this discussion.
Public Comment: None.
Other Discussion:
Sharron Williams attended event sponsored by Diana Degette and shared Planning Group work and goals. Jim Riesberg notes that the Denver District Attorneys Office and Denver Police Department have established a unit on elder abuse. Further notes that 400 AARP volunteers packed 210,000 meals for needy seniors in July. (AARP meals are an important service but illustrates why we need to redefine aging – this is not where most seniors are. People need to see another positive aspect.) Ky Agnew notes that AARP communicated this information through Facebook and thinks it would useful for Planning Group to establish a Facebook page. Mayor Hancock is making pitch for Denver to get into mobility business. Planning Group will be interested see where this goes. Josh Laipply has additional information and will share with group. Finally Jim Riesberg notes that Colorado has three counties that have longest life expectancy in U.S. – Pitkin, Gilpin, and Eagle.
Adjourn: 3:07 p.m.
Next Meeting: August 14, 2017