Wellington advisory committee recommends council consider dissolving contract with Senior Club

The Wellington Senior Advisory Committee voted to recommend that the village council consider dissolving the contract that provides a financial backstop to the Senior Club and allow the club to operate independently. Chair (Speaker 1) introduced the motion to open discussion on the Senior Club27s contract and later moved to recommend the council dissolve it; the motion was seconded and committee members voted on the record.

The debate centered on three themes: duplication of services between the village27s community services programs and the private Senior Club, the club27s reliance on village funds, and concerns about seniors on fixed incomes. The chair argued the village now has the staffing and programs to serve seniors directly and questioned the incentive structure of a contract that replenishes the club27s treasury if it falls below $50,000. "When you have these activities, then rather than charging $10 and then using $30 from your Treasury to subsidize it, charge a fee that will that you will be able to cover the costs for," the chair said, urging the club to pursue self-sufficiency.

Other members countered that many seniors rely on the club27s social meals and that some members live on fixed incomes. One committee member noted the club27s dues revenue and reserves: "With 500 members, they're generating $15,000 in dues every year" and the club reportedly holds about $80,000 in treasury funds. Members discussed alternatives including reallocating any contract funds to village-administered senior programs, forming a subcommittee to plan expanded village outings (theatre, mall shuttles), and increasing outreach so more seniors learn about village services.

The motion to recommend dissolution was seconded and voted on; staff (Jennifer) said she would bring the committee27s recommendation to staff and the village council for consideration. The committee request to staff included notifying the Senior Club and offering an opportunity for the club to present to council. The record shows both aye and opposed responses; the transcript contains conflicting audible responses on the roll call. Staff confirmed the recommendation will be forwarded to council for formal action.

The committee did not pass an ordinance or take final council action; rather, members agreed to forward the recommendation and requested follow-up reporting when council considers the matter.