05-15-2026 COA MinutesChanhassen Commission on Aging
Meeting Minutes - May 15, 2026
Chair Mobley called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m.
MEMBERS’ PRESENT:
Chair Phyllis Mobley, Gwen Block, Vice Chair Beth Mason, Bill Monn, Barbara Solum, Jane
Bender, Sharon Cooprider, Jim Camarata
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
MEMBERS REMOTE: Janet Dean
STAFF PRESENT: Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator
GUESTS PRESENT: Judy Berland; Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health Program Specialist,
Office of Aging; Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library; LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community
Services
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The commissioners reviewed the agenda. Commissioner Monn made a motion to approve.
Commissioner Camarata made a second. All members voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 17, 2026, minutes were reviewed by all commissioners. Commissioner Mason motioned to
approve the minutes. Commissioner Monn seconded. All members voted in favor and the motion
carried.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Camarata provided an update on his meeting with Heather from Vecino Group, a
company that builds senior housing but allots 25% of those facilities to youth aging out of foster
care. Their intergenerational living approach aims to prevent homelessness and includes skills
training and education for youth. Vecino utilizes low-income housing tax credit financing and is
interested in developing a facility in Minnesota. Watertown was identified as a potential location.
A teleconference with Vecino will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.
Commissioner Monn provided an update on the transportation bill, noting that it eliminates the
carve-out previously granted for transportation providers such as Southwest Transit, Mississippi
Valley and MetroLink. Under the bill, bus services would be consolidated under Metro Transit.
He also noted that the Southwest Transit demonstration is scheduled for June 11.
Commissioner Mobley highlighted two upcoming seminars: “A Broader Framework for
Minnesota’s Solos” being hosted by the Minnesota Gerontological Society on May 21 and “Back
to Basics: Minnesota’s Long Term Services & Supports Policies & Programs” hosted by the
University of Minnesota Center for Healthy Aging & Innovation on May 20.
Update from Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator
Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator introduced herself as the new Senior Center
Coordinator and shared updates on upcoming events and her goal to expand volunteer
opportunities.
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 hantavirus, ticks, free sharps collection at the Environmental Center and upcoming free
55+ programming in Victoria.
Chanhassen Library Update
Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library, shared information on upcoming library programs
including the craft swap and senior-oriented options.
Senior Community Services Update
LeeAnn Eiden, Senior Community Services, discussed the caregiver support group and an
upcoming webinar “Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss” hosted by the University of
Minnesota on May 20.
DISCUSSION:
Memorial Day
Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator, provided details about the Memorial Day program
at Lake Ann. The COA will host an informative table featuring materials on the Senior Center,
upcoming events and the Senior Guide. In addition, the Revitalizing Veterans Dreams
Organization will host a neighboring table where they will hand out bags and accept donations.
Lake Ann Picnic
Commissioners discussed the upcoming Lake Ann Picnic on June 16 at 11:30am hosted by the
Lions Club. 113 participants registered so far.
4th of July
Commissioners and staff discussed strategies for obtaining donations from the community for
prizes. Additional topics included event shirts, bingo caller, overall layout and the need for a new
bingo machine. Commissioners also noted that the July 3 business expo will include a COA table
to provide Senior Center information.
Misc.
“Your Local Epidemiologist” email updates were shared as an optional resource.
Commissioner Event is scheduled for Sept 10 in Waconia.
Next meeting is June 12th, one week earlier due to the June 19 holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Block made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Mason seconded. All members
voted in favor; the meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
Submitted by:
Jackie Sorensen
Senior Center Coordinator
jsorensen@chanhassenmn.gov
952.227.1124