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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-04-COA-minMinutes: Lexington COA Board Meeting June 4, 2014. Attendees: Nancy Adler, Betty Borghesani, Camille Goodwin, Sophia Ho, Gerry Howell, Marion Kilson, Harry Mackay, Barbara Rediker, Julie Ann Shapiro Staff: Charlotte Rodgers, Kelly Axtell, Barbara Deveaux Several guests attended. Public comments: Jane Olsen described a program, Family Promise Metrowest, that is operated by churches in Natick and provides extensive help, temporary housing and respite for homeless families. The program called Lift Up Lexington is similar but does not involve the housing component. Nancy opened the meeting at 3:10 PM. Minutes for the May meeting were approved unanimously as amended. Kelly noted that • the Newsletter moves to the new schedule, appearing every two months. • the villages are becoming nonsmoking sites and will provide cessation programs. In discussion, a visitor raised the point that members of the Chinese community ignore hallway signs because they often are not written in Chinese. This issue is being addressed. Signs and Housing Authority notices should be translated. • information about a Minuteman Senior Services forum on hoarding will be forthcoming • coffee costs are high and have become difficult to absorb. An increase in price from 25 to 50 cents was discussed together with initial examination of other methods (e.g., soliciting donations from local business) for defraying costs. Barbara reported • on the success of trips to New York City and Cape Cod and described theatre trips that are imminent. • Gerry Howell expressed congratulations to staff that organized the "Live Your Life Well" program which was well evaluated. Barbara said that the program may be repeated. Charlotte provided a report (with Handout) regarding the LexConnect program. Nancy suggested that discussion be continued as an agenda item in the August meeting. CCAC update: Betty reported that some glitches had been identified recently. The preliminary budget is not enough to cover some changes /possible improvements under discussion. These matters will go to Town Meeting for resolution. FCOA update: The handout that was circulated was filed with the Dana Home sponsors as a report on the success of the OWLL program. Announcement: Claudia Knight has been hired to do publicity. Brief discussion concerned placing COA minutes and other matters(e.g., schedules) on the FCOA web page. New Business: Nancy announced that two vacancies exist on the COA Board. Interviewing will occur during June. Gerry reported on education for Chairpersons regarding the Open Meeting Law and discussed the main topic, remote participation in meetings. Next meeting: August 6, 2014. Respectfully submitted: Harry A. Mackay