04-17-2026 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging, April 17, 2026
Chair Mobley called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Chair Phyllis Mobley, Gwen Block, Janet Dean, Vice Chair Beth Mason, Bill Monn, Barbara
Solum, Jane Bender, Sharon Cooprider
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
MEMBERS REMOTE: Jim Camarata
STAFF PRESENT: Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator; Jenny Potter, City Clerk; Drew
Zoromski, Digital Communications Specialist
GUESTS PRESENT: Karen Krummel; Leon Griggs; Linda Haight; Allison Streich; Steve
Dunbar; Council Member Jerry McDonald; Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health Program
Specialist, Office of Aging; Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library; LeeAnn Eiden, Senior
Community Services.
OATHS OF OFFICE: City Clerk Jenny Potter administered the oaths of office to Beth Mason,
Barbara Solum, and Sharon Cooprider.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The commissioners reviewed the agenda. Commissioner Block made a motion to approve.
Commissioner Mason made a second. All members voted in favor; the motion was carried.
The meeting was held out of order from the published agenda to accommodate schedules.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 20, 2026, minutes were reviewed by all commissioners. Commissioner Solum motioned
to approve the minutes. Commissioner Block seconded. All members voted in favor; the motion
was carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
The Commission moved to elect Vice Chair Mobley to be Chair. The motion was carried
unanimously, and Commissioner Mobley was elected as Chair.
The Commission moved to elect Commissioner Mason as Vice Chair. The motion carried
unanimously, and Commissioner Mason was elected as Vice Chair.
Update from Allison Streich, Carver County CDA. Trail’s Edge Senior Housing Funding
Allison Streich, Carver County CDA, shared updates on Trail’s Edge Senior Housing in
Waconia, which received funding from the CDA. The project received equitable development
points from the Commission’s prior input on the building. Ms. Streich shared updates and
amenities on this project as well as some other projects that are coming up and shared the various
programs that have subsidized housing available. She will continue to seek the Commission’s
input.
Information and Discussion, Jerry McDonald, City Council and SW Transit Board of
Directors, on Legislative Transit Bill
Council Member Jerry McDonald reviewed available services through SW Transit and how it
was formed. The SouthWest Transit Commission is made up of stakeholders from Chanhassen,
Eden Prairie, and Chaska. He discussed SW Prime and how it supplements routes to provide
more options to area residents. They are currently testing routes to the airport and the Mall of
America and are finding the routes to be very successful. Currently the SouthWest Transit
Commission is working to preserve its autonomy from Metro Transit.
The meeting took a short recess for an updated group photo.
VISITOR PRESENTATION
Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging, Kara Cassidy
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health Program Specialist, shared general public health updates,
including ticks, RSV and an upcoming free Senior Expo on April 21 in Chaska.
Chanhassen Library Update
Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library, shared some spring programs happening at the library,
including the book sale and the craft swap. The Master Gardener help desk begins in May.
Senior Community Services Update
LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community Services, discussed the caregiver support group, whose
attendance is growing.
Senior Center Updates, Mary Blazanin
Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator, shared that the summer Connection issue is being
delivered across Chanhassen currently. She shared that Jackie starts as the new Senior Center
Coordinator on April 27, a week before Ms. Blazanin retires. Ms. Blazanin will be recognized
during the April 27 City Council meeting, and the Senior Center will have an open house on May
1. She shared some of the scheduled summer programs.
Ms. Blazanin discussed the bingo plan for the 4th of July.
Commissioner Review and Approval of 2026 Goals and Onboarding Packet
Ms. Blazanin reviewed the updates, goals, and the year’s strategic plan. Vice Chair Mason
moved to approve the 2026 goals and onboarding packet. Commissioner Camarata seconded
remotely. The motion passed.
Commissioner Check-In Sub-Committees/Interest Areas
Commissioner Monn gave a brief update.
DISCUSSION: None
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Monn made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Dean seconded. All members
voted in favor; the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Submitted by Mary Blazanin
Senior Center Coordinator