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Home My WebLink About2021-04-07-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting April 7, 2021 2:30-3:40 PM Zoom Video Conference Present: Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen Cameron, Betty Borghesani, Julie -Ann Shapiro, John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Gerry Howell Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Hemali Shah, Melissa Interess, Christine Dean, Suzie Barry, Diana Bishop, Bea Holland Julie-Ann called the meeting to order, took attendance and read Charlie Baker's instructions on public meetings via Zoom. Public Comments: None Approval of March minutes Staff Reports: Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator Grab n Go breakfast April 15 • Expressive art project painting puzzle pieces and assembling for Community Center display • Along with Kate DeAngelis in Recreation, intergenerational connections planting projects • May/June Sage mailed Hemali Shah, Assistant Director • Vaccine update: 50 homebound seniors will get. 2600 seniors >75 received, 1815 age 64-74 vaccinated Melissa Interess, Director of Human Services • Mental Health Task Force working on mental health survey questions for community distribution, assisted by Sudhir and John from COA • Speakers on Autism 4/12 6:30-8:30PM, Supporting Your Child's Mental Health 4/15 at 7- 8:30PM • May is Mental Health Month-details tbd Christine Dean, Community Center Director • Virtual fitness classes ongoing • March Scavenger Hunt had 100 participants, will choose photos to display, great feedback, gift cards to be distributed • Backyard grab and go egg hunt kit from Lion's Club on 4/8, +200 participants Age Friendly Initiative Updates: • Senior Parking Program -Proposal written with goals of helping seniors with convenience, small savings along w/boost for local businesses. Will submit to Select Board with letters of support. COA Board voted unanimously to support the proposal • Purple Table Reservations tabled for this month New Business-none Liaison Reports Minuteman Senior Services -Diana Bishop and Bea Holland -Reviewed Protective Services, discussion of visibility in the community of MMSS, may do publicity Transportation-Sudhir Jain-No increase in Lexpress ridership, will do mtg w/riders to see how to improve; rides for medical appointments now free w/$40,000 grant; MBTA plans making payment easier w/vending machines, may be one at the Community Center; MBTA will increase capacity to 93% by fall, 2021; Bus Rts 72 and 76 consolidated; safety program for cyclists with lights, reflective material and safety info. FCOA-Sudhir Jain- FCOA providing letter of support to COA for parking proposal; 47 donors of> $100, giving donors vouchers $25 for Lexington Arts and Crafts; fundraising total $13,975. Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman- Discussion of Full Inclusion Resolution Article 30 for TM; update on COD input to Traffic Safety, new construction projects, meeting w/Transportation Advisory Comm 3/2/21 Human Services Committee-Betty Borghesani-ongoing discussions w/police on their policies and practices, may do survey of other towns, interest in having MSW work for police and accompany them on calls, increase in number of calls with suspected psychiatric issues Recreation Committee Ellen Cameron— Discussion of snow removal from playing fields to allow for use; new bench on golf course; DPW and Recreation Department received design award for facility design Lexington Housing-Camille Goodwin no update Vision for Lexington (formerly Vision 20/20)Jyotsna Kakullavarapu -no update Housing Partnership-John Zhao- 2 hr mtg 3/21 Pamela Hollis, exec director in Arlington on how Arlington achieved low income housing project in 2 locations, invited to vote on Article 30 Full inclusion; letter to Select Board to replicate Arlington's Affordable Housing Trust, LexHab more units; Article 36 for Town meeting is citizen's petition for surcharge on new or rebuilt construction to fun affordable housing;John impressed at knowledge of committee members Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- Rich M — no update Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron-survey in process, well done Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- parking in Center will be updated w/meters on street, kiosks in parking lots, hope to be able to pay for parking w/app Citizen's Advisory Committee-Ellen Cameron- no update Next meeting of COA: May 5, 20212:30-4PM via Zoom Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman