Leadership Northeast Meeting Notes/Minutes from April 21, 2009

The April 21, 2009 meeting of Senior Leadership Northeast was convened at the Worthington Bank building in Colleyville at 8:59 AM by Chairman Ed Havran.

 There were fourteen (14) individuals present representing five (5) Northeast Tarrant County cities.

 Jenni Hale, from Worthington Bank, welcomed everyone and gave a history of the bank and spoke about the various services they offer. 

Minutes were approved as reported on the website. 

 Ed Havran spoke about the worldwide economic events which we’re experiencing, particularly in the newspaper industry (severe decrease in size and increase in cost).  The Star-Telegram is the most profitable paper in their group but how long will that last?  The dairy industry is essentially bankrupt.  Farmers used to receive $4 or $5 a gallon, now they get $1.  Feed prices are skyrocketing which equals in increase in beef prices.   He also spoke about AARP and an article from the Austin American Statesman about the need to cure the healthcare industry.  He reported that last year 9 patients made 2700 visits to the a hospital.  Average cost of each visit was $1000.  We need disease management programs.  We can set an example.

 Rebecca Barksdale, from Commissioner Fickes’ office, reported on the new Senior Task Force formed a few months ago.  She handed out notes from their first meeting discussing the needs of seniors in Northeast Tarrant County including healthcare (controlling costs, education, prevention programs), transportation programs (CARS, STS, NETS, Care Corp etc. and the need for more), isolation (this problem will only get worse with the aging Baby Boomer population), the economy (more seniors are needing to go back to work), substandard housing, and identity theft and fraud.  The Task Force has prioritized healthcare and will be meeting later this month with Linda Reynolds from North Hills Hospital about disease management.

Rebecca also talked about various other services available through the county, the Historical Commission, the commissioner’s newsletter, and the Summer Youth Employment Program.

Other discussion included:  our education system and the quality of our students versus international students, a Letter to the Editor about eliminating testing, our unemployment rate versus 3-4% of Asians unemployed, the Stimulus (are we saving too much?)

 Mitzi Long, who represented State Representative Vicki Truitt, gave an update from the current legislative session.  (7,326 bills, 2524 in the Senate and 4802 in the House) one bill has gone through both.  SB 855 (TLOT) the Local Option transportation bill passed the Senate.

Sam mentioned the write-offs at JPS for the care of illegals and the indigent (72% unwed mothers)

Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Rebecca Barksdale