Senior Advisory Board Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Senior Advisory Board met on February 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. The board approved the agenda and minutes, recognized departing Chair Mike Boisture, discussed the 2026 workplan (deferred to next meeting), reviewed exercise equipment upgrades using donated funds, received an update on senior services and the UW Tacoma nursing partnership, and considered a memorial space for volunteers. The meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Motion by Board Member Bradley-Mak, seconded by Vice-Chair Shipman. Passed 5-0.
• Minutes Approval: Motion to approve December 8, 2025 minutes by Bradley-Mak, seconded by Shipman. Passed 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received via email or in person.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Board Member: Parks and Recreation Director Cody Geddes and Senior Services Assistant Shelby Grenon announced Chair Mike Boisture's departure after eight years of service. The ad hoc committee for boards and commissions will conduct interviews, with new members expected by the April meeting. Grenon presented Boisture with a plaque of appreciation.
• 2026 Workplan, Goals & Objectives: Geddes overviewed the board's role as liaison between the City Council and the senior community. Key goals include assessing recreation needs, reviewing programs, enhancing marketing for the Puyallup Activity Center, and updating the senior resource guide. The board discussed the workplan but suggested postponing further discussion to the next meeting to allow new members to participate. Pamphlets highlighting current board members were distributed; the board expressed strong support for updating and continuing this initiative due to its value in community outreach. Production costs were noted as minimal since the pamphlet was self-designed.
• Exercise Equipment: Grenon highlighted that the Activity Center's fundraising/donation account has benefited from contributions, notably from the Healthcare Providers of Pierce County. In December 2025, that organization donated $3,000 to each senior center in Pierce County, a milestone. Much of the gym equipment is approximately 20 years old, and staff are considering investing in new bikes, ellipticals, and a rowing machine. Board feedback on future expenditures from the donation account is welcome.
• Senior Services Report – UW Tacoma Nursing Partnership: BM Jodi Erickson reported on the partnership bringing BSN nursing students to the Activity Center every Wednesday. The 11 students engage in community health assessments related to the city's age-friendly designation, and they will present on topics such as doctor visits, scams, and sit-fit exercises over the next three weeks. Erickson also described a research study on end-of-life decision-making language.
• Senior Services Report – Events: Staff summarized recent events: Christmas party with ~200 attendees, New Year's Eve celebration (ringing in the year with Australia's countdown, ~100 attendees), and Valentine's event with the Memphis Belles. The Aging Expo, themed "Flip the Script on Aging," will be held May 2 at Pierce College, free and open to the public.
• Trishaw Bikes: The three-wheel electric bikes (purchased ~2019) are currently stored due to battery issues. Former Mayor Cassima expressed interest in reviving them this spring for rides along the riverwalk trail.
• Memorial Space for Volunteers: Discussion arose about a formal memorial space to honor long-time volunteers like Mary Butler. Vice-Chair Shipman suggested a broader conversation, and staff noted that Doug McCormick would lead that discussion at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Recognition Complete: Chair Boisture was formally recognized and presented with a plaque. He offered closing thanks for his eight years of service.
• Workplan Deferred: The 2026 workplan discussion was postponed to the April meeting to include new board members.
• Pamphlet Update Approved: The board supported updating the board member pamphlet with new photos and new members; staff will manage printing.
• Equipment Purchase Direction: Staff will proceed with purchasing new gym equipment using donation funds; board feedback is invited for future expenditures.
• Volunteer memorial concept introduced: A proposal for a memorial space was introduced and will be discussed further when Doug McCormick is present.
• Meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM.