Senior Advisory Board Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Puyallup Senior Advisory Board met in person at City Hall Council Chambers on December 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 3:53 PM. Chair Mike Boisture presided. The board reviewed the 2026 work plan framework, received updates on downtown parking developments and the annual health fair, and heard a senior services report. Board members also discussed honoring the late board member Mary Butler.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously (5-0) approved the agenda as presented.
• The board unanimously (5-0) approved the October 13, 2025, meeting minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were submitted or presented.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Workplan, Goals & Objectives: Puyallup Activity Center Supervisor Doug McCormick presented an 11-point framework for the board’s 2026 work plan, including vision, volunteer engagement, outreach, fundraising, training, and evaluation. Board members asked about fundraising limitations and requested the senior center’s own 2026 plan to align support. McCormick agreed to present the center’s plan at the February 2026 meeting and provide materials one week in advance. One board member expressed full support for all goals, stating a desire to contribute actively rather than “just take up space.” Another noted the advisory board’s role is to advise based on the center’s plan.

• Parking Update: McCormick briefed the board on the Bell property (204 4th Street SW) development—a five-story, 100-unit market-rate apartment building with 70 parking stalls, to be built by Urban Olympia (same developer as the AOB lot). The AOB lot behind the activity center will be replaced with 27 angled parking spaces. The board discussed potential alternative parking on Elm Street, behind the library, and along Pioneer Avenue, but raised safety concerns about parallel parking on Pioneer. Collaboration with the post office for parking was noted as having been repeatedly refused by the city. The board requested clearer construction timelines and parking plans, and was told that once the Bell project is approved (public hearing the next night), a timeline will be provided. Estimated rents were mentioned around $2,500 market rate, with some units at 15–17% below market.

• Annual Health Fair 2026: The board discussed continuing the Spring Into Health Fair, previously led by a former board member. Board Member Jenny Krzemien confirmed her availability to organize the 2026 fair. Options included scheduling it alongside the farmers market (to attract visitors) or on a separate date due to past parking issues. Krzemien requested a marketing flyer by February and scheduled a planning meeting for early January. The board supported continuing the event as a volunteer opportunity.

• Senior Services Report: McCormick and Senior Services Assistant Shelby Grenon highlighted recent and upcoming programs:

  • Spooktacular Halloween Party (Oct 31): Featured magician Jeff Evans, sold out with 100 attendees, praised for organization.
  • Holiday Bazaar (Nov 8): 40 vendors, many sold out, raised funds via $40 table fees (increased from $20).
  • Fall trip to Lattin’s Cider Mill: Positive feedback; Lattin’s cider now available at Costco.
  • Santa Paws photo event (Dec 5): $5 per session, fully booked.
  • Santa Parade (Dec 6): Senior center bus decorated with lights for the first time, seniors on board waving.
  • Elvis Christmas Party (Dec 12, 11-1 PM at Pioneer Park Pavilion): Danny Vernon performance, limited to 250 attendees, volunteers needed at 9 AM.
  • Noon Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 11:30-1): Countdown at noon with sparkling cider, photo booth, and decorations.

• Board Member Comments:

  • BM Krzemien announced the Healthcare Providers Council of Pierce County holiday party on Thursday, distributing $3,000 to each senior center in Pierce County.
  • BM Jodi Erickson reported UW Tacoma students are receiving clinical placements and will collaborate with the Puyallup Activity Center on assessing AARP age-friendly designation alignment. She noted her recent publication in Geriatric Nursing.
  • BM Ellen Bradley-Mak thanked staff for holiday well-wishes and shared positive feedback from friends about the center’s programs.
  • Vice Chair Steve Shipman proposed creating an honorary recognition at the center for the late board member Mary Butler. Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes explained that naming any city property requires City Council approval. Shipman offered to research the process and meet with Geddes to develop a proposal for the February agenda. The board expressed unanimous support for honoring Butler.
  • Chair Boisture praised staff for the comprehensive meeting packet and outstanding programs, and strongly supported the recognition initiative.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: The agenda and minutes were approved 5-0. No other votes were taken.
• Decisions: The 2026 health fair will continue, with BM Krzemien organizing. The senior center’s 2026 plan will be presented at the February meeting. The board will pursue a formal recognition for Mary Butler, with a proposal to be developed for February.
• Next Steps: Board members will review the work plan framework and provide input at the February meeting. Parking timelines and construction schedules will be clarified after the Bell project approval. The health fair planning meeting is set for early January. The February agenda will include the center’s plan and the Butler recognition proposal.