Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/25/2005

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Senior Center Ily: [leidi A. Nelson, Asst. City Administrator & Sylvia Frolik, Asst. Community Development l)ircctor/HRA exec. Director Background: A.s city staff continues to work on issues related to vacating the current Municipal Center in 2t)06, there is a need to provide for future accommodations for the existing seniors program which is currently based in the lower level meeting room. It should be noted that space is available For monthly meetings in the new facility's Training/EOC Room. In addition to providing space for their monthly meetings, staff has been exploring the idea of what a "Senior Center" might look like and what services might be provided if the City had the opportunity to develop lhc Facility and/or programming from the ground-up. q lac proposed Crest View senior housing project in Town Center brings with it the opportunity to evaluate thc existing senior program and consider options for providing more than a 'meeting r()om', q'hcre is the potential to incorporate a Senior Center into the Crest View project at Town Center. Co-location with Crest View would provide the Senior Center with a direct link to aclclitiona[ amenities such as: >- congregate dining at a nominal cost to the participant >- recreational outings and events cultural programs opportunity for socialization with other seniors health and wellness programs In an cfi'orr to better understand the needs of seniors in the Ramsey community, a survey has been developed and will be sent to seniors that currently participate in the Ramsey Seniors monthly meetings. In addition, an article will be placed in the Ramsey Resident about the sm-roy, encouraging area seniors to respond to the survey. Crest View representatives have met with thc Ramsey Seniors twice over the summer to introduce the Crest View Seniors Housing p~'qicct to thc group as well as to introduce the idea of a Senior's Center and received feedback ab(mi thc concept. Crest View has received $200,000 in CDBG funding from Anoka County which may be eligible for this component of their project. Staff continues to work with the Crest View representatives and Anoka County regarding the use of the existing funding as well as the availability of adclitional funding for this type of project. Stall' wishes to discuss this concept with Council and receive feedback regarding the Crest View opportunity. Action Statement: Based lqyon disczt.$;s'ion. CCWS: 10/25/2005