HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-10-COA-minMinutes
Lexington COA Board Meeting
July 10, 2013.
Attendees: Nancy Adler, Betty Borghesani, Carroll Ann Bottino, Sophia Ho, Gerry
Howell, Marion Kilson, Harry Mackay, Barbara Rediker
Staff: Charlotte Rodgers, Kelly Axtell, Barbara Deveau,
Many guests
3:00 Nancy opened the meeting.
Public Comments: Positive comments were made about the Meet and Greet
meetings. Several guests agreed that they should continue, (including many on a trip
to Maine).
Review of June minutes. Approved unanimously.
Staff reports:
Kelly:
• The Dana Home Foundation grant will fund Paulette, who interned recently;
she will be working as a PT program assistant and also do outreach..
Charlottes - - - Deleted:
• EOEA Formula Grant Budget is being finished out at this time.
• Kelly and Barbara are working on the Executive Office of Senior Affairs grant.
• Good responses to reduced fees for trips — especially the one for a day in
Boston.
Jeanette (transportation):
• Provided handouts with analyses of ridership etc. Response to recent
programs apparently good; more formal evaluations will be carried out later.
• Thank you FCOA for contribution and support
• Nancy asked about possible barriers re use of programs: Paulette will do
relevant outreach to publicize etc.
• Free rides on LexPress will continue as voted by the Selectmen at a June
meeting.. Increased ridership at non -free times may be related to free -ride
program. Thank you Board of Selectmen.
• Jeanette thanked the COA Board for the letter to the MBTA.
Windowpane Shop:
• The shop will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday each
week and will close on Thursday. Other possible changes (e.g., monthly sales
of clothing) are under consideration by store volunteers.
• An area will be set up with desk, phone, computer, small table and chairs to
be used by Shine and tax advisors as well as staff for swing office space when
other areas are unavailable, for convenient space to meet with people lacking
mobility, and for privacy.
• Carol Ann Bottino described conversations with the Office of Selectmen re
office space, the Shine and tax advisors re their busy periods, infrequent use
of the elevator etc. The Shine and tax advisors reported to Carroll Ann that
they were unaware of their pending move and had not complained about the
location of their current workspace.
• A letter from three users of the Senior Center that protested the "plan to
change the nature and operation of the Windowpane Shop" was presented
and involved in the discussion. The letter contained suggested alternatives to
the taking of Windowpane Shop space to help in dealing with privacy and
accessibility matters. The alternatives included use of space at another Town
office location, scheduling changes, and addition and improvement of signage
and office numbering.
• Harry Mackay outlined why his vote re acceptance of the proposed plan
would be negative. His concern is the expansion of dedicated office space to
the detriment of other activities and aspects of the overall program of the
Senior Center.
• Vote taken to support the new Windowpane Shop plan: In favor of accepting
proposal- 6., Against - 2, Abstain - 0.
Update on Community Center planning:
• Betty Borghesani reported on progress (e.g., some offices may be available
for occupancy in January) and difficulties (no space for large meeting areas,
no kitchen facilities).
• The CCAC needs to hear about people's needs, preferences etc. to facilitate
creation of an integrated Community Center.
Other business:
• Nancy proposed adding'advisors' to the COA who might represent broader
and more varied views of community needs. Harry Mackay noted that this
might be accomplished via 'Associate membership' as suggested at the recent
COA training session. The topic will be discussed at a future meeting.
Next meeting: Sept. 4, 2013.
Respectfully submitted
Harry A. Mackay