HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-07-COA-min
Minutes of the Lexington Council on Aging Board October 7, 2015
Present: Nancy Adler, Harry MacKay, Camille Goodwin, Marion Kilson,
Barbara Rediker, Betty Borghesani, Sophia Ho, Rich McDonough,
Gerry Howell, Ellen Cameron
Absent: Julie Shapiro
Staff: Charlotte Rogers, Kelly Axtell, Sheila Butts
The meeting was called to order at 3:05
1.Public Comments- a suggestion was made to think about the timing of our
meeting as the last bus leaves the community center around 4:15-4:30 p.m.
2.Correction was made to the minutes of 9/2/15 paragraph 2. Remove Gary Fallicks
name. He is remaining as a representative of Minuteman Services. Lou Conrad
will be the new person replacing Barbara Ciampa. Lou will be treasurer & Gary is
VP.
Paragraph 4 should read FCOA gave $40,000 for new furniture at the Community
Center & the Dana Home Fund gave $25,000.
The changes were accepted as amended
3. Staff Reports Charlotte reported that it has been very busy. OWLL programs
have started. The Window Pane Shop furniture has arrived & they are setting up.
She asked everyone to stop by to see the changes.
Technical & Building issues are still ongoing. The contractor has not yet released
the building & there is a long punch list( audio, technical, HVAC system & the
water fountains). Sheila Butts said there are weekly meetings to address the issues.
Everyone needs patience & understanding. The goal is to have a good experience
for all.
th
The OH for the Community Center is Saturday October 17. There is a meeting
tomorrow to work out individual table etc. It is planned from 10-1. The formal
ceremony will be from 10-10:30. After that there will be tours, tables with info, a
COA table, & refreshments. The LexPress will run from 9:30-1:30 & will go to
The Senior Villages & out of the town center. Nancy asked the COA Board
members to help wherever they can.
Charlotte mentioned that they are close to an agreement with Brook Haven to
supply the senior meals (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) The contract is not
st
signed yet but she is hopeful for this to begin November 1.
Kelly Axtell is back after 3 months leave. Everyone congratulated her on the birth
of her son, Spencer. Kelly mentioned that the nurse Alicia is also back & is
available on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday for home wellness visits. The town
program is free to all homebound seniors.
The fuel assistance program is available as of November 1.You must apply with
the staff. There is an intake form that must be filled out.
Next week there will be an Essential Skills Program presented by the Carroll
Center. This will be a 4-6 week skill building program on “How to live
independently at home. This is for the legally blind & is free. The program
will run from 9-1 on Wednesdays.
It was mentioned that Hemali is at the MCOA Conference this week.
Membership card are coming (key fob).There will be a bar code reader. There
will be no charge for Lexington residents. Non resident fees were discussed but
they are not finalized yet. Possible fees are Adults to age 59($50) youth ($25) &
family($125), as well as over 60 non resident (one time fee $5). There will also
be a cardio room fee at a later date. Charlotte asked the COA Board Members to
give her their thoughts regarding fees for residents & non-residents. This would
also involve meals. Due to Federal Funding meals must be open to all seniors
wherever they reside.
Ellen asked how the sign ups would be handled. Sheila indicated Lexington
Residents get priority. Two weeks after non-residents can sign up & there may be
an additional fee. Charlotte said this is in the newsletter. Sheila added that those
with resident cards would be first. Marion added that other centers (Belmont,
Natick, & Harwich) do not have a non resident fee or fee for the cardio room.
She also indicated that the Director of Concord had said they had reached
capacity & had to close some services to non residents. There was a comment
from the public indicating that non residents are here a lot. Charlotte said we
have reciprocity with some towns. It has been a problem.
Nancy felt that the $5 fee should be for a year, not for life. Betty seconded the
motion & the board agreed. There was an agreement that there is a need to
consider a higher fee for the future.
Nancy spoke about the COA Meet & Greet. She felt it was a great success (about
30 attendees). She asked the board members to bring new ideas to the November
meeting on how to maximize the meet & greet program. A possible date in
January was mentioned or a combined meeting in December with the FCOA.
Nancy spoke on behalf of Jane & the FCOA saying that they are looking for
collaboration to discuss new funding & ideas for the future of the Dana Home
Fund.
Harry MacKay spoke in regards to how the COA advocates & supports
at the new Community Center. He said in order to do this there is a need to
know how & by whom things are decided. In the past the board was responsible
to advise the town manager. How is it done now? He indicated there is a concern
of seniors over the loss of the Senior Center. There is a need to insure that the
good things that were at Muzzey don’t get lost at the Community Center.
Betty B indicated that the Community Advisory Board is not in place yet but
hopefully will be soon. Charlotte R. indicated the structure is the same with the
staff. The newsletter has been renamed the Community Center newsletter. Sheila
B. said the recreation department was renamed the recreation division but that
was done last February. She also stated that the website is incomplete & is being
redone.
Charlotte suggested a Power Point Presentation at a future meeting, if needed.
Nancy A. asked everyone to bring their thoughts to the next meeting. She also
Indicated that Minuteman Services will be giving a report at the November
meeting.
Charlotte R. suggested a change of meeting time to 2:30pm for future meetings to
accommodate the bus schedule. All agreed to this change.
No Liaison Reports
Meeting was adjourned at 4:15pm. The next meeting will be Nov 4, 2015 at
2:30pm at the Community Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Camille Goodwin