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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20090302 - VIII-C-4MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Dave Osberg, City Administrator DATE: February 26, 2009 SUBJECT: Senior Center Project RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION It is recommended that the City Council take action authorizing Staff to work with representatives of the Hastings School District to begin the process of negotiating for the acquisition of property located at 215 Ramsey Street to be utilized for additional space for the Senior Center, with the expectation that the City and School District will equally share in a maximum contribution totaling $50,000 for renovations at the facility. BACKGROUND At its most recent meeting on Wednesday February 25, 2009 the Joint Powers Committee took action recommending that both the City Council and School Board authorize Staff to begin the process of acquiring property located at 215 Ramsey Street to be utilized for additional space for the Senior Center, which is located directly to the north at 213 Ramsey Street. In addition, the Joint Powers Committee's actions included language indicating that it is the City and School District's expectation that each will share equally in a maximum contribution totaling $50,000 for renovation and improvements at the facility. The Joint Powers Committee authorized Staff to begin the process of meeting with a local architect or engineer to gain a more specific estimate for renovation costs. This project has been reviewed several times at the Joint Powers Committee over the last several months, and most recently at meetings of the Parks and Recreation Committee on February 2, 2009 and February 17, 2009. In addition, the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority approved at its meeting on February 12, 2009 a concept that would result in their financing the acquisition of the facility, over a period of perhaps ten years, similar to that used for the original acquisition, approximately 11 years ago. The Senior Center Advisory Council has established a $50,000 fundraising goal, if the building were purchased for remodeling purposes and for purchase of additional equipment. The action taken by the Joint Powers Committee on Wednesday February 25, 2009 states that the City and School, combined, will contribute $50,000 for renovation and remodeling costs. Additional costs beyond the original $50,000 contributed by the City and School would be borne by the Senior Center membership. The facility has been appraised at approximately $330,000. In addition, a local bank was contacted to determine a potential payment schedule. Based on a $300,000 loan, fully amortized over a ten year period, at a rate of 6.5 %, the payments would be $3,421 per month, or $41,052 per year. The annual payment would be split equally between the City and School District. If approved by the City Council and School District, which is scheduled to address at its meeting on March 16, 2009, it is expected that discussions would take place shortly after that time on the possible acquisition with the owners. At the same time, Staff will be working to acquire a more specific estimate on the remodeling and renovation costs. Attached with this memorandum are three different floor plans including the first that illustrates the situation of the existing Senior Center and office area to the south; along with two different ideas illustrating the potential expansion of the Senior Center, in the event the additional space is acquired. Another attachment includes the Hastings Area Senior Center Expansion proposal, which provides further information on the need for I 0 0 C >4 LOF ■ z 0 U) z x w 0 z 0 p Ln WZ X (n w ,. i \ uj LL LL ul 0 /� F-: LLJ -j LLJ 0 0 > F- w �0 x 0 LLI W Cl. W X z LU 0: Ir 0 a. F- w LLJ U) I-- F- U) LLJ L) w LU L) -1 =4 9 H go 0 (L -i F- 0( C) _ \__ \\ ` F- 0 Z z z uj w 20 r < L � � � 3 z . � , LLJ LU E w j\ 0 z w Y� . � \ � \ h LLJ L) -i < LU 0 LL LL z 0 S- P O (3 o C) w D LLI . � \ � \ h � S- (3 Al A 0 0 Z LLI A I-- LLI U) 0 I UL S- 1 3 10 tL IL o. 0 0 N Q t� z F C x w 0 F �z _Z 11J U 3 Y u Z W z m u �I (6 i 0 i L N i 1 N m m 'S m' O _ " J U J W O N �I (6 i 0 i L N i 1 N m m 'S Hastings Area Senior Center Senior Center Expansion Proposal The Hastings Area Senior Center's program has been a part of the Hastings community for 35 years. It offers programs that meet the social, educational, health and human service needs of persons 55 and over in School District 200. The number and type of programs have grown and changed over the years to meet the changing needs of the senior population. The program has changed from activities held in area schools and churches with no official membership, to a Senior Center at the Hastings High School with 500 members, to a Center located in the community with 1140 members. Over the years, the membership demographics and program offerings have changed. a. In 1998 we had 806 members. 68% of the members were 75 and over, 32% were 55 to 74 years of age. b. We had approximately 16 regularly scheduled programs. C. In 2008 we have 1140 members with 42% being 75 and over and 58% between 55 and 74. d. We now offer approximately 30 regularly scheduled activities. e. In 1998 we had 13,125 participants (duplicated) who participated in the program. f. In 2008 we had 17,022 participants. The challenge facing all Senior Centers is how to balance meeting the needs of the various generations of older adults. In the 2000 Census, Hastings population consisted of 6036 adults (33.2 %) 45 years of age and over. Each generation has their own identity and unique set of expectations and needs. Just as programming is adapted for the younger generations of children in our community, we need to plan for the different generations within the adult population. The G.I. Generation is made up of adults born before 1926. This generation is who Senior Centers were originally developed for. The people in this generation learned early on in life how to be good team players putting their trust in government, authority and community. This generation is a group of "doers" and "believers ". They are high achievers, fearless, but not reckless, patriotic, idealistic and morally conscience. They are dedicated volunteers and enjoy participating in group activities. They have a shrinking network of peers, have to deal with their own changing health and require information to continue their independence. The Silent Generation, born between 1927 and 1945, is caught between the "get -it done" G.I.s and the "vocal" Boomers. They are content not to make waves. Members of the Silent Generation are considered cautious, unadventurous, unimaginative, withdrawn, and silent. They feel they are a generation without a cause. They are problem solvers. This generation wants a broad range of options; travel, recreation, education and service. They prefer to be assigned a problem to solve. The Boomer Generation, born between 1946 and 1964 has strong attitudes and opinions, are self aware, and don't work well in groups. Their sheer numbers hold great influence in the country's mood. The Boomers want age friendly communities and expect hassle free and comfortable service. Many in this generation will also become family caregivers. The Senior Center is currently located at 213 Ramsey Street and has 3,200 square feet. We have one main room that can hold approximately 100 people. There is a conference room that serves about 20 people, an office, storage room, two restrooms and a non - commercial kitchen. The parking lot has 12 spaces, 4 of which are designated handicap parking. There are parking spots on Ramsey Street that the City Council did give us permission to use for longer than the designated 2 hour limit. There is also parking along 3rd Street. However, there are also a minimum of 6 staff members, from Millner Chiropractic and the Drivers' Testing Center, who use the parking on 3r Street. The Senior Center membership uses volunteers for cleaning and receptionist duties. This past year they have also paid over $12,000 in costs for utilities, publishing the newsletter, office supplies and other maintenance and supply costs. It is increasingly difficult to find available space at the Center to add new programming to our calendar. It is difficult to schedule activities so that they are not interfering with each other. An example of this was on a Wednesday when we had foot care in the conference room, an exercise class and dominoes in the main room, and people playing the Wii. This made it difficult for our receptionist to help individuals in person or on the phone while not disturbing the activities that are taking place. We are also using the Center more during the evening hours. The Center is used, on average, ten evenings a month. Some of this use is by local townhouse associations for their meetings. Since associations usually have a high percentage of seniors, this is used as an outreach opportunity to bring seniors in to the Center who haven't been here before. The Center is also rented to seniors for anniversary and birthday celebrations approximately 15 times per year. The Senior Center Advisory Council would like to propose the purchase of the other half of the building that we are currently in. This would give us approximately 3,500 square feet more, at least 2 additional restrooms and 12 more parking spots in the parking lot. There are also 9 spaces available on Ramsey Street in front of the building and approximately 17 spaces on 3 rd Street. The Advisory Council is committed to raising funds for remodeling and additional equipment (tables, chairs, desks, kitchen supplies, TV's, computers, printers, receptionist counter, window coverings, etc.) as well as the increase in utility payments. In order to remain a focal point for older adult activities and services in the Hastings community, we need to have more space and a comfortable, convenient site. There are many additional programs and classes that could be offered including fine arts, support groups, service projects, woodworking, pool tables, dances, cooking classes and resources for caregivers just to name a few. We could also move our tax assistance program and flu shot clinic back on site. The new layout would also allow for better service for walk -ins and for receptionists helping people on the phone. The Advisory Council is very excited about the possibilities and is dedicated to making this dream a reality. Thank you for all the support you have given to our program in the past and for considering our proposal.