HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-01-COA-minMinutes of the Lexington COA Board Meeting of
April 1, 2015.
Attendees: Nancy Adler, Ellen Cameron, Sophia Ho, Harry Mackay, Richard
McDonough, Barbara Rediker
Staff: Kelly Axtell, Charlotte Rogers, Hemali Patel, Karen Simmons
Nancy Adler opened the meeting at 3 PM.
Public Comments: None.
Review of Minutes: Accepted unanimously.
Hemali Patel provided a reminder about Patriots' Day - -more riders are needed for
the seniors' bus -- and also Cinco de Mayo (pizza lunch). A sign -up sheet for lunch
servers was circulated. Two trips have been scheduled for May- to Patriots Place
and Brightview in Arlington.
Kelly Axtell announced that volunteers are needed to staff the COA board table on
Discovery Day, May 23. The table will be shared with the FCOA.
Charlotte Rogers said that she also will recruit volunteers from the Human
Services Committee. She reported that seniors are increasingly affected by poverty
and indicated that we need to know more precisely how many are in this category.
There are unmet needs across the population - from children to seniors. Relevant
trends with respect to these difficulties must be identified.
Karen Simmons reported that the Community Center is progressing nicely with
moves starting in early June. She noted that thanks are due to the Rotary Club for
their donation toward the billiard room, to the FCOA for contributing furniture, and
to the Dana Home Foundation for their support of the Wellness Room and senior
programming.
Charlotte Rogers added that new phone numbers will be assigned to staff. A special
Newsletter will deal with the Center opening. Community TV and Lexmedia will be
used to provide necessary updates.
Discussion of COA Board priorities (cont'd). The role of liaison from the Board of
Selectmen was discussed briefly together with the reality that the COA Board is
appointed by and is charged with advising the Town Manager with regard to affairs
relevant to seniors. A critical function of the Board is to facilitate communication
between citizens and Town government and staff. Important characteristics of
Board members thus include being approachable, committed and accountable.
With respect to communication, Meet and Greet sessions should be continued.
Karen Simmons said that she will actively seek feedback during and after the move
to the new Center and report back on problems and difficulties. The aim is to have a
smooth transition including a seamless shift re sign -ups, use of credit cards etc.
A morning coffee is planned for MAY 8 (9 -10 AM) that will have the aim of
explaining registration procedures etc. to seniors.
This discussion will be continued.
Discussion of support for article of the Commission on Disability on sidewalk
materials. After a brief discussion Barbara Redicker proposed a motion to
support which was the seconded. The vote of Board members was positive and
unanimous.
Next meeting, May 6, 2015: Gary Falleck of Minuteman Senior Services will attend.
Transportation also will be on the agenda.
Respectfully Submitted: Harry A. Mackay