06-20-2025 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, June 20, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Mobley.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Jane Bender, Janet Dean, Beth Mason, Phyllis Mobley, Barbara Solum, Bill Monn
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Camarata
GUESTS PRESENT: Allison Strich, Carver County CDA; Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health
and Human Services – Office of Aging.
CALL TO ORDER: Phyllis Mobley, Vice Chair
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The agenda was reviewed as submitted. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve the
agenda. Commissioner Solum seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
May 16, 2025, minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve the
minutes. Commissioner Bender seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
New Commissioner, Bill Monn was welcomed and introduced. He was appointed by City
Council to fill a vacated 3-year term. He will take his oath of office next week at City Hall.
Allison Streich, Executive Director, Carver County CDA, Trails Edge Follow-up Discussion
on Commission Input
Allison Streich returned with follow-up information from her last meeting with the Commission
on May 16 related to Carver County CDA’s funding for the Trails Edge 55 and better housing
project. She presented another summary of its history and progress, as well as recent changes
based on last month’s feedback from the Commission for improved safety and accessibility.
Streich highlighted improvements to the building based on those recommendations as well as
universal design codes, such as carpet design, hallway handrails, kick plates, transition strips,
cabinet designs, and others. The recommendation for an extra elevator is too cost prohibitive.
Streich thanked the Commission for their input and will submit documents as needed to move
the project forward for funding. She will submit for funding again and communicate through
Mary for the Commission as to its progress in funding and construction.
Commissioner Discussion – Areas of Interest / Focus Projects & Sub-Committee Reports
Commissioners discussed their various interests and positive changes to make while serving on
the Commission on Aging. Commissioner Dean reported on information related to Advance
Directives. Commissioner Bender is pursuing how to better market information to seniors about
the many resources available to them. Commissioner Mobley is interested in working with the
Senior Center on offering programs on brain health and wellness. Commissioner Monn is
interested in better transportation education. Commissioner Mason is working on a Senior
Resources document. Others are interested in volunteering and improved communications.
4th of July Donations and Volunteer Check-in
Mary noted we received many generous donations from local businesses for the 4th of July Bingo
event. Thanks were extended to all the Commissioners for gathering these donations. Mary will
send an email with volunteer details and instructions for those able to help on the 4th.
Memorial Day Recap Commissioner Mason reported that Memorial Day events went very well
and the non-profit organization, Revitalizing Veterans Dreams, accepted donations, greeted
veterans and gave them care packages which were appreciated.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging
Kara provided updates on what other Commissions in our area are working on this summer, such
as speakers and tables at local fairs and farmers’ markets. She invited the COA to the Annual All
Carver County Commissioner meeting on September 5, 10am-1pm at the Arboretum.
Senior Community Services
SCS was unable to attend. Mary shared notes from Lee Ann Eiden. Jon Burkhow from SCS will
be attending BINGO on July 4th and Lee Ann will be at the Business Expo on the 3rd for the Act
on Alzheimer’s. Commissioner Mobley also offered to assist at the Expo.
Chanhassen Library
Library staff were unable to attend. Mary shared notes from Linnea Fonnest, Adult Services
Librarian. about upcoming Library programs.
Chanhassen Senior Center
Mary reminded Commissioners of the Lions Club Picnic at Lake Ann on June 24. Several
Commissioners volunteered to help serve. Over 200 people are pre-registered. Mary noted that
the fall program brochure will be mailed mid-July. She is anticipating getting into the new Senior
Center space this fall, but it could change based on construction progress. She shared quarterly
report data, which noted the Senior Center serving 2,774 patrons from April-June, 2025.
DISCUSSION
It was determined that the COA will not have enough commissioners available for the July 18
meeting for a quorum. Commissioner Bender made a motion to cancel the July meeting.
Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Mason made a motion to approve adjournment. Commissioner Block seconded.
All members voted in favor; the motion was carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:28 am.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator