08-21-2026 COA Agenda Packet1.10:00 A.M. - CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.A Approval of Minutes dated June 12, 2026
4.VISITOR PRESENTATION
4.A Senior Community Services Update, LeeAnn Eiden
4.B Chanhassen Library Update, Linnea Fonnest
4.C Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging, Kara Cassidy
4.D Senior Center Updates, Jackie Sorensen
5.COMMISSIONER CHECK-IN
5.A July 3/4 Recap and Community Bingo Update
5.B Individual COA Committee Updates as Available
5.C Fall/ Winter COA Volunteer Opportunities, Jackie Sorensen
6.GENERAL BUSINESS
6.A Resignation of Commissioner Sharon Cooprider
7.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN COMMISSION ON AGING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
SENIOR CENTER, 7700 MARKET BLVD
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Commission on Aging Item
August 21, 2026
Subject Approval of Minutes dated June 12, 2026
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Desiree Ruppert, Admin Support Specialist
Commission on Aging Minutes dated June 12, 2026
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Chanhassen Commission on Aging
Meeting Minutes - June 12, 2026
Vice Chair Mason called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gwen Block, Vice Chair Beth Mason, Bill Monn, Jim Camarata, Janet Dean
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Phyllis Mobley, Barbara Solum, Jane Bender,
MEMBERS REMOTE: Sharon Cooprider
STAFF PRESENT: Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator
GUESTS PRESENT: Judy Berland; Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library; Kara Cassidy, Carver
County Health Program Specialist, Office of Aging (remote)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The commissioners reviewed the agenda. Commissioner Camarata made a motion to approve.
Commissioner Monn made a second. All members voted in favor and the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
May 15, 2026, minutes were reviewed by all commissioners. Commissioner Block motioned to
approve the minutes. Commissioner Camarata seconded. All members voted in favor and the
motion carried.
VISITOR PRESENTATION
Chanhassen Library Update, Linnea Fonnest
Linnea Fonnest, Chanhassen Library, shared information and a handout highlighting upcoming
library programs including some expert presentations, a puzzle swap and other senior-focused
options. She also reported the May craft swap was a great success with 502 attendees.
Carver County Health and Human Services, Office of Aging Update, Kara Cassidy
(remote)
Kara Cassidy, Carver County Health Program Specialist, reported that a statewide senior survey
has been sent and she is hoping for a strong response from Carver County residents. She also
noted that ticks remain very active and encouraged people to take precautions and check their
pets.
Video Conference with The Vecino Group
Heather, Director of Supportive Housing at Vecino Group, presented virtually to the
Commissioners, staff, Allison Streich, Executive Director of the Carver County Community
Development Agency, and Mark, City Planner and Community Development Consultant for the
City of Watertown. Heather explained that the Vecino Group develops supportive, affordable
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housing with the goal of ending homelessness. Their senior housing model allots 25% of those
facilities to youth aging out of foster care, providing an intergenerational living approach that
includes skills training and education for youth residents.
The Vecino Group uses low-income housing tax credit financing along with grants, donations
and other funding strategies. Residents may also use various forms of rental assistance. The
organization does not yet have a facility in Minnesota but is interested in developing one.
Watertown was discussed due to the significant senior housing need there.
Allison and Mark will work directly with Heather on any future needs.
Senior Center Update, Senior Center Coordinator, Jackie Sorensen
Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator, provided updates on upcoming events including the
Lions Club picnic, a three-part AI series and fall programming. She noted that the picnic date
changed from June 16 to June 18 due to a scheduling conflict at Lake Ann pavilion, and
approximately 200 guests are expected to attend.
COMMISSIONER CHECK-IN:
Southwest Transit Demo
Commissioners and staff recapped the June 11 Southwest Transit demonstration, which included
a ride to the airport and drew 24 participants. Southwest Transit offers many routes including to
Minneapolis, the Mall of America and an express route to the airport at low fares. They also
provide on-demand rideshare and shuttle services that allow seniors to schedule home pickups.
Suggestions to increase public awareness included adding information to the website, offering
yearly presentations at the Senior Center and publishing an article in Chanhassen Connections.
It was also noted that the previously proposed bill to phase out Southwest Transit did not
advance.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Memorial Day Report
Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator, provided a brief recap of the Memorial Day
program at Lake Ann. The event drew about 500 attendees, and the Revitalizing Veterans
Dreams organization’s table was well-received. The group distributed promotional bags to
attendees.
4th of July Discussion
Commissioners and staff discussed the upcoming 4th of July events. Jackie Sorensen, Senior
Center Coordinator, provided a brief update on the event layout, the bingo tent and the July 3
Business Expo. Commissioners also divided a list of businesses to follow up with for bingo prize
donations. Bingo is free to play though donations are encouraged. All donations will benefit
Helping Paws and the Hortman Heroes fund.
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Rotary senior seating for the parade will be offered on the front porch of City Hall this year.
Jackie is managing sign-ups for this.
Misc.
The Commission will schedule a visit to Carver Oaks, a new affordable senior housing complex
in Carver, in September. This will be added to the August agenda.
There will be an information session on Advance Directives on October 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the
Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT – Next Meeting August 21, 2026
Commissioner Monn made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Camarata seconded. All
members voted in favor; the meeting was adjourned at 11:32 a.m.
Submitted by:
Jackie Sorensen
Senior Center Coordinator
jsorensen@chanhassenmn.gov
952.227.1124
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