HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-06-COA-minMinutes
Lexington Council on Aging
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
3:00 PM @ Lexington Senior Center
Attendees: Nancy Adler, Chair; Betty Birghesani, Carroll Ann Bottino, Camille Goodwin, Gerry Howell,
Barbara Rediker, Julie Ann Shapiro
Staff: Charlotte Rodgers, Director of Human Services; Barbara Deveau, Senior Services Coordinator; Kelly
Axtell, Asst. Director Senior Services
Assistant Town Manager: Linda Vine
Selectman: Hank Manz
Public Comments: None.
Minutes: October 1, 2013 meeting minutes revised to delete "Marion Kilson" from attendees and to
incorporate Sophia Ho's FCOA report. Carroll Ann Bottino moved and Marion Kilson seconded a motion
to accept revised minutes; the motion passed unanimously.
Staff Reports /Updates
Charlotte Rodgers circulated responses to questions: What is your favorite senior program? and What
kinds of Food Services would you like to see at the new Community /Senior Center? (responses attached)
Kelly Axtell reported on successful educational outreach programs to villages and plans to send out
mailing from Dana Home grant that will include file of life and information on services of Human
Services Department.
Barbara Deveau reported on successful recent and upcoming programs, including recent lunch and
lecture, Devali Festival, Thanksgiving dinner.
Formation of Programming Committee
Nancy Adler announced the formation of a programming committee to assist in planning for senior
programs at the new community center. She invited volunteers to express interest in joining this small
committee which will include representatives from the COA Board, FCOA, Human Services staff, and
Senior Center users. Since this committee will hold open public meetings, non - members will be
welcome at meetings. The committee will convene shortly.
Senior Transportation Meeting
Julie Ann Shapiro reported on recent meeting that she and Nancy Adler attended on October 30. The
group brainstormed participants' perceptions of transportation needs that have been met and unmet.
Unmet needs include possibilities for door -to -door service, cost issues, one -call center to assist with
identifying transportation options.
Community Center Advisory Committee Update
Betty Borghesani reported on community center related activities. (1) Town meeting approval of money
for Phase 1 structural changes at community center — bathrooms, heating and air conditioning; plans for
recreation and human services departments to move into center in fall 2014; (2) CCAC reports are
available on town website; (3) Tuesday November 19 public comment on space needs; (4) December 4
town will pass papers on community center; (5) Saturday December 14 Lexingtonians may visit
community center; (6) CCAC gathering information on program and space needs from diverse sources;
(7) CCAC members have paid or plan site visits to other centers in Natick, Belmont, Harwich, and North
Andover; (8) preparing for Phase 2 development at CC; (9) Mission statement prepared (attached).
Discussion of report focused on possibility of growth of offices at expense of program which H. Manz
refuted with information about the small footprint of offices projected within CC.
Presentation of Letter from Three Lexington Residents
Nancy Adler invited 15 minutes of presentation of attached letter which recommends the establishment
of an independent "Department of Senior Affairs" followed by 15 minutes of COA Board questions and
comments. Following the discussion Nancy Adler proposed that she, Charlotte Rodgers, and several
members of the letter drafting group establish a small working group to address the concerns raised
with the goal of ensuring that happier and healthier relationship would be established between some
Senior Center users and staff. Letter presenters affirmed interest in participating in such a group.
Meeting Adjourned at 4:30
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Kilson