Woodburn Independent Online

City says no to senior group

Building a seniors-only facility not in city's plans

• Published: 11/20/2009 5:00:07 PM
• Last Updated: 11/20/2009 5:02:55 PM

Photo By: Rachel CavanaughWCC denies senior group
Beverlee Koutny went before the Woodburn City Council asking for the city to help in any way to get a senior center built in Woodburn.

WOODBURN — The Woodburn City Council has opted against moving forward with building a senior center on city land.
 
Although the six council members expressed support for the idea, which would involve a community block grant, they agreed the timing is off.
 
“It’s a noble goal,” said Councilman Jim Cox, “… but I don’t see the city at this time getting deeply involved in it in terms of financial commitments or expenditures. This is not the time for the city to take a bite out of that apple.”
 
Councilor Dick Pugh voiced even stronger concerns, noting his disappointment in citizens asking for “freebies” during the current economic climate.
 
Pugh said Woodburn should be a city that supports itself fiscally, pointing out how staff gave up pay raises this year.
 
“We’re in a recession and we have to watch every dime that we’re spending,” said Pugh.
 
“We tend to forget that. Our real objective should be to put together teamwork to try to bring in the kind of industry that fits Woodburn … instead of another place for (seniors).”
 
Yet Hubbard resident Beverlee Koutny, who organizes the current senior program, said socialization is one of the biggest factors that keeps seniors living healthy, longer lives.
She said the city should at least look at other options.
 
“I’m a little disappointed in the Woodburn City Council, that they were not more creative in their thinking,” she said.
 
“It just seems like there could be a little more thought about ‘well, how could we do it?’ instead of ‘no, it’s not the right time.’”
 
Koutny helps run the North Marion Adult Center out of First Presbyterian Church.
The facility, on the corner of Boones Ferry Road and Highway 214, hosts events like pinochle, dice games, mahjong, foot clinics, insurance assistance, law enforcement outreach and other services.
 
The organizer said they have outgrown the space.
 
“The church facility is great,” Koutny said. “We have heat, lights and a space.
 
“But it’s not adequate. We need some classrooms, we need some small office rooms. … It is a pretty crowded space.”
 
Her request is for the city to simply donate the land, she said. Her group will then seek a Community Development Block Grant to fund the work.
 
Yet City Administrator Scott Derickson said block grants are not that simple.
 
“The city probably could raise the construction funding through other charitable donations and grants,” he said.
 
“The real problem comes with paying the operation and maintenance expenses of the facility.”
 
He said with those type of grants, whoever acquires the money must monitor the center for five years. That would mean the city of Woodburn would be responsible for guaranteeing its operation, as well as project development and construction administration.
 
There could also be some matching fund commitments attached.
 
Beyond that, he said, the center Koutny proposes is in conflict with the city’s existing Parks and Recreation Master Plan, that specifies a multi-generational facility, not just seniors-only.
 
Cities are moving away from the latter models, he said, which are more restrictive.
 
“A multi-generational facility, for example, appeals to a broader customer base than simply seniors alone, helping the facility to be more economically viable,” Derickson said.
 
However, Koutny pointed to nearby cities like Silverton, Newberg, Wilsonville, Mt. Angel and Salem that all operate their own seniors-only centers.
 
She proposed the city allow her group to build the $1.5 million senior center as phase one of the long-term, multi-generational facility. That would combine the two focuses, she said.
 
Just to get the study going to qualify for a block grant, however, would cost about $43,000, according to city staff.
 
Although Koutny said the group has a talented grant-writer, Derickson voiced concerns.
 
“The proposal comes at a time when our general fund has been down several hundred thousands of dollars and our economic future is uncertain,” Derickson said.
 
“I don’t think I could in good faith recommend the city council commit itself to an ongoing construction and operational expenses that is really unknown at this time.”
 
Several council members, as well as Mayor Kathy Figley, noted that a senior center has been voted down several times as a bond measure, perhaps indicating lack of adequate interest.
 
Councilor Pete McCallum agreed with Koutny that a senior center is needed, noting how he was “embarrassed” by the voters of Woodburn, but nevertheless concurred with council.
 
As an alternative, councilors Pugh and Cox mentioned the idea of collaborating with the existing private facility at Senior Estates to make it more accessible to the public.
 
“That’s worth exploring because there certainly is plenty of facility down there,” Cox said.
 
“Why can’t they pay so much extra a month and be able to use those facilities?” Pugh asked.
 
This year, non-residents could become associate members of the residential community for $403, a price that will increase to $428 per year in January.
 
Koutny said most people her group works with can’t afford these fees.
 
For the time being, Derickson said the city can at least help the senior group start tracking data that would be helpful in the future for securing grants.
 
In the meantime, Koutny said they will continue to push the project.
 
“We’re not defeated, that’s for sure,” she said. “I think we’re going in the right direction and, as I say, a little creativity here and we will have it made. … I felt that we’ve planted a seed and hopefully it will be on fertile soil eventually.”

  (log in to rate)