5.Senior_Affairs_Committee_Meeting_Minutes_04_25_2022_FINAL1
Minutes – Senior Affairs Committee
Senior Affairs Committee Meeting
Chair: Debi Quade, Cervera Real Estate
Vice-Chair: Oscar Llorente, Director Network Development Mount Sinai
City Liaison: Luis Callejas, Aide to Commissioner David Richardson
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TO: Members of the Miami Beach Senior Affairs Committee
DATE: April 25, 2022
SUBJECT: MINUTES OF THE SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON APRIL 25, 2022 –
VIRTUAL MEETING
Attendees:
Carolina Cuadros, Natacha Fernandez, Debbie Quade, Magui Benitez, Gaby Baglietto, Gabriel
Paez, Enilda Thomas, Larisa Cajiao.
Absentees:
Maria Marrero, Gladys Navarro, Sandra Ala, Oscar Llorente.
Special Guests:
Susan Holtzman, Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava
I. Introductions and Roll Call
Chair welcomes and shares the Committee’s mission statement
Attendance is taken.
II. Approval of February 2022 minutes
Motion to adopt the minutes from the previous meeting held on March 2022.
Motion made by Gabriel Paez
Motion seconded by Enilda Thomas
Motion passes unanimously, 8-0
III. Age Friendly Initiative, and the Thrive 305 results presentation by Susan Holtzman, Office
of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava.
Susan began her presentation:
My role here is to connect you with the County services and also to work on policy affecting the
elder population.
The survey consisted of online and in person engagement, The idea was to gather information to
help identify the needs of residents in the county, broaden civic engagement within the county and
especially in the over 55 population.
Susan highlighted that the survey did have trouble getting 85 and older participants. When asked
about what the best way to reach, the survey concluded that email is the number one way to reach
anybody. In the younger groups, social media is the best way. Older adults also focus more on
television and newspaper.
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Minutes – Senior Affairs Committee
Survey results also note that housing is a major issue. The county has been building affordable
housing units as well.
Miami Beach in transportation ranked very high but lower in opportunities in employing for older
adults.
Questions and answer period began. Presentation ended.
IV. Senior Center Representative Report and Discussion
A. Blackstone Apt - Maria Marrero: Absent
B. Council Towers South - Natacha Fernandez: Mentioned that the repairs for the apartments
and elevators are going well. During the daytime, residents participate in samba, exercise at
federation Towers. The Pride and the salsa fest was excellent.
C. Council Towers North: Gladys Navarro: Absent
D. Federation Towers - Magui Benitez: Mentioned Earth Day activities held.
E. Four Freedoms House - Enilda Thomas: Noted that they are doing well and that the community
room is now open. Also, residents are happy that Indian Creek is open, and the traffic is improved.
F. Rebecca Towers – Vacant
G. Stella Maris House - Gaby Baglietto: Asked to know about the progress regarding the
crosswalk signs on Harding Ave and 87th Street. A motion was made:
o The Senior Affairs Committee urges the Mayor and City Commission prioritize the
installation of a pedestrian crosswalk, including a flashing pedestrian crosswalk light,
at Harding Avenue and 87th Street.
Motion made by: Gabriel Paez
Motion seconded by: Gaby Baglietto
Motion passes: unanimously
H. UNIDAD of Miami Beach- Larissa Cajiao: Reported on center activities.
I. At-Large - Debbi Quade: No update.
J. At-Large - Carolina Cuadros: No update.
K. Hispanic Affairs Committee Chair - Gabriel Paez: No update.
L. Jewish Community Services of South Florida - Sandra Ala: Absent
M. Vice-Chair Oscar Llorente: No Update
V. Discuss March Calendar of Events
Calendar of upcoming events was reviewed.
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Minutes – Senior Affairs Committee
VI. New Business
A. Proposed 2022 Meeting Dates
i. Monday, May 23
ii. Monday, June 27
iii. Monday, July 25
iv. Monday, August 22
v. Monday, September 26
vi. Monday, October 24
vii. Monday, November 28
viii. Monday, December 26
B. March Meeting Topics
Hurricane Season preparedness.
C. Staff Liaison’s Report
City Liaison Callejas introduced his activities and provided an update on the upcoming food
distribution activities put together by his Commissioner, David Richardson. The city will
continue to hold two walks-up distributions per month:
• May 19 food Distribution at 833 6th Street.
• May 26 food Distribution at 7501 Collins Ave.
Provided a summary of April City Commission.
• The next City Commission is May 4, 2022.
VII. Closing
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2022.
Motion to adjourn was made.
Motion made by Gabriel Paez
Motion seconded by Gaby Baglietto
Motion passes unanimously, 7-0
Meeting Adjourned at 10:33am.