HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-06-COA-min RECEIVED
2022 16 Aug, 219 pii7'i
Council of Aging Board Meeting TOWN CLERK
Town of Lexington April 6, 2022 LEXINGTON MA
2:32-3:34 PM
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro, Betty Borghesani, Bonnie Teitleman, Camille Goodwin, Ellen
Cameron,John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Sue Rockwell, Julie
Barker
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Melissa Interess, Christine Dean, Hemali Shah
John Zhao called the meeting via zoom to order at 2:32 PM, took attendance.
Public Comments: Ellen reported that Christine Dean won an award for outstanding work from
Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association. Thomas Romano also received an award as
New professional of the year from MRPA.
Review and Approval of March minutes
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator
■ 10 part Health and Wellness Program run by Regis Occupational Health
grad students for 24 participants. Program is ending successfully, will
repeat next year
■ First trip in March, second 4/21 to Newport Playhouse
Christine Dean, Director of Community Center
• Spring programs beginning online and IRT, including dancing, drums among
others
• Capital project-concrete walkway around Community Center
• 4 articles to be heard at Town Meeting
• Lincoln Park master plan approved for renovation of tennis courts, rest rooms
Age Friendly Update
Julie-Ann reported on 3/30 meeting:
• Discussion of 2 transportation-related topics:
o Should seniors only park at Community Center during the day? Usually
seniors only at Comm Center during day so no need for special rule.
Camille pointed out that vans can block people, Christine will speak to
drivers and have them wait in lower lot
o Sudhir and Julie-Ann reported on Lexpress extending hours of free rides
for seniors; Sudhir will get more info on numbers, discussion to be
continued
• Housing survey yielded 30 responses with 2 biggest concerns: property taxes and
resources for home maintenance, John will try and obtain more responses,
survey in Sage, Ellen to hand out surveys at senior lunch
New Business
Julie Barker will be the new liaison from COA to the Board of Health
Liaison Reports
Transportation-Sudhir Jain- learned that Lexpress buses were arriving 5-7 minutes early, he
spoke to Susan Barrett, transportation, who will alert drivers; shortage of drivers, masks still
required; proposed bus shelter in center; Arlington and Winchester would like to start program
like Lexpress
FCOA- Sudhir Jain- Raised $21, 861, the highest amount in recent years; Window Pane closing,
lack of volunteers; $1500 available for walking program for 60+Tuesdays 9:30-10:25
Minuteman Senior Services-Bea Holland-Sudhir Jain wrote an excellent description of MMSS
services for publication. This week a presentation of the financial management program was
delivered to board members. MMSS is looking for board representatives from neighboring
towns; upcoming programs on bone health, aging process; 5/21 a Mental Health Fair 10AM-
1PM
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman- Mike McLean, new Chief of Police, introduced
himself and his vision, which included the of hiring a clinician to become a well-integrated
member of team to respond to mental health issues
Recreation Committee Julie Ann Shapiro no update
Lexington Housing-Camille Goodwin accompanied new liaison, Sue Rockwell, to a meeting. LHA
consists of 5 commissioners, 1 should be member of villages so Maureen Rynn will join;
$1,000,000 allocated to replace bathrooms in village apartments; Vinebrook has landscaping
project: looking for a housing coordinator; 4/14 meeting a committee formed gathering
information to create Affordable Housing Trust; some difficulty coordinating vaccinations in
villages, now have translators
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- no update
Vision for Lexington-Jyotsna Kakullavarapu- no update
Housing Partnership-John Zhao- Board meeting 4/7 with intro from Planning Board, update on
MBTA regs; communities need zoning requirements for multi-family housing so zoning needs
amendment to allow; historical presentation of open space proposal
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron- no meeting; Melissa did a presentation to the school
committee and Selectmen on the mental health survey completed recently
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- no update
Strategic Equity Advisory Ellen Cameron and others will meet with new Police Chief, Mike
McLean
Next meeting of COA: May 4, 2022 2:30 -4PM location TBD
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman