If you truly need to be able to put your feet flat on the ground when stopped, then the specialized in not the bike for you. It does not have the 'crank forward' frame style, just a slightly relaxed seat angle. If your seat height is set so you can put your feet flat on the ground when seated, your seat will be too low for pedaling, which will be inefficient and possible damaging to the knees. It might be an acceptable compromise for a short ride around the retirement compound, but not for 40 milers.

I just looked up the Electra bikes, and If I were you, I would try out the Townie 7D or 21D. The 21D has a derailleur and triple chainrings in the front for wider gearing, which is more important for hilly riding. I would probably get the 7D if I were you.