HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 07 26 Reports (4)
Date: 072604
The following Document was discussed on
07/26/04 during Mayor Bush's "Report"
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To: Mayor Bush, City commissioners, & Ron Mc Lemore, City Manager;
RECEIVED
JUl 2 6 2004
July 26th, 2004
CITY OF WINT
OFFIce OF THeE~ISTYPRcJNGS
LERK
COPd- Mk.c.J~Alcl1t
Once again, It come to our attention that a series of serious allegations
regarding the operation of the Senior Citizens Association of Winter Springs has
been made by the city Manager, and certain sitting Commissioners. In response
to these allegations, it would be best to educate this Council on the day to day
operation of the Senior Center, and a little background of its history.
* 1987 - the Winter Springs Senior Citizens Association was incorporated under
Florida Law, filed their by-iaws with the State of Florida, under Statutes 103.c3,
and started their activities at that time at the Winter springs Civic Center. With
the exception of some minor changes, these by-laws have always been the way
the association operates, always In compliance with Florida and Federal law.
* 1991 - Under the guidance of former Mayor and Commissioner Phil Kulbes, The
City constructed and opened the Winter Springs Senior Center, and has been
operating In that manner since then. That Is, to provide a place for all seniors to
congregate socially, have a home away from home, and have numerous
activities that would enhance their golden years. This center presently operates
under the Parks and recreation Dept.,who have done an ouftstandlng job of
maintaining the centers Infrastructure, hiring their excellent director, and
personnel needed to assist the seniors, In all the areas that the seniors need to
,enJoy In their autumn years.
Some of the activities that our seniors enjoy besides lasting friendships, are as
'rollows: Various recreational trips throughout the Central Florida, Reduced
Lu~ches and dinners, free lunches and dinners, Pot luck lunches, Free
lentertalnment, various games, vlz.: card playing, "bingo," (which Is the main
isource of revenue needed to offset all costs Incurred In our day to day
.actlvltles). Line dancing, exercise classes, art classes, Computer classes,
Jlazzerclse classes, yoga classes.
'The day to day cost to provide all seniors needs Is a challenging endeavor and
jthrough all the years this center has been active, we have not asked the City to
1/und our costs,or set aside a line Item budget for our day to day expenses. We
have bought Kitchen equipment and furniture for our center. This center was built
f~or our senior citizens and we try hard to make it work.
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Page 2. cont.
To Illustrate our "largess" to the city, This is a partial list of costs and
donations the Senior Association has "donated" TO THE CITY OF WINTER
SPRINGS IN JUST THE LAST 2 YEARS.
1. FURNITURE, PLUSH CHAIRS, LEATHER SOFA, A DISHWASHER, OVER A
DOZEN TABLES, BRAND NEW COMPUTERS, PRINTERS, A COPIER AND
SCANNER, A DIGITAL CAMERA, ALL COFFEE, TEA, PLATES, CUTLERY.
GLASSES, SOAP, PLAYING CARDS, SOUND EQUIPMENT, SUMMER DAY
CARE FOR NEEDY YOUTHS, JUST TO NAME A FEW. THE COST OF THE
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ALONE COST OVER $2000.00. WITHOUT GOING
INTO EXACT FIGURES, OUR OVERALL DONATIONS TO THE CITY OF
WINTER SPRINGS IS WELL IN EXCESS OF $7000.00.
IN RESPONSE TO OUR DONATING MINIMAL AMOUNTS OF DOLLARS TO A
FEW CHARITIES, WE ARE ONLY OBEYING THE FLORIDA STATUTES, WHICH
STIPULATES THAT FUNDS DERIVED FROM BINGO PLAY BE USED THAT
ARE CONSISTENT WITH LAWFUL CHARITIES. WE WOULD WELCOME A CITY
REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT WITH OUR AUDIT COMMITTEE ON AN ANNUAL
BASIS TO REALLY SEE THE ACTUAL DOLLARS & CENTS AND THE HARD
WORK OUR TREASURER DOES TO KEEP OUR BALANCE SHEETS BEYOND
REPROACH.
So In closing, Comments that we are "giving our money away to everyone in
sight," Is really not true. If you would like any further Information, please let us
know.
~~ely,
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John Ferrlng, president.
Winter Springs Senior Assn.