HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-08-03-COA-minCouncil of Aging Board Meeting
Town of Lexington August 3, 2022
2:32-3:45 PM
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro, Betty Borghesani, Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen
Cameron, John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Sue Rockwell, Julie
Barker
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Melissa Interess, Christine Dean, Hemali Shah,
Mark Sandeen
Julie-Ann called the meeting via zoom to order at 2:32 PM, took
attendance.
Public Comments: None
Review and Approval of June minutes
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator
• Programming going well
• Had lunches, events, ice cream social, using tent
• Sue will chaperone August trip
• Sept/Oct newsletter out next week w/OWLL
Melissa Interess, Director Human Services
• Tony Serio, Assistant Dir of Youth and Family, is
leaving, position is posted
Christine Dean, Director of Community Center
o Decision to reduce Comm Center hours on Thursdays,
Fridays through Labor Day b/c of reduced utilization and
staff shortages
o Discussed exercise equipment malfunction, repair and
replacement
o Outdoor equipment due in September
o Family Camp Out 8/19 at Community Center
Gearing up for fall w/zoom, in person and hybrid programs
Hemali Shah, Senior Services Director
o Will schedule 2 flu shot clinics at Community Center
w/Health Dept
o Theatre Pharmacy will deliver flu shots to village residents
on site
o Wei has increased senior outreach program, brought in 20
people
Commission on Disability Francine Steiglitz, Janet Perry
o Presented on the survey a committee has developed to learn
more about the behavioral health effects of Covid have had on
disabled people. They ask for COA help in publicizing and refining
the survey. They are not getting much participation.
o Loneliness, seclusion, loss of activities, relationships, crisis are
included.
o Discussion in which COA members made some suggestions. Ellen
will pass out surveys at luncheons and events
o COD may offer a panel discussion of experts to address mental
health issues and efforts
New Business none
Liaison Reports
Transportation-Sudhir Jain-Contracts for Lexpress, Lexconnect expiring,
discussed options, Rt 77 extend to Center; may find new contactor
w/more vehicles and handicapped ability; Town Manager sent letter to
MBTA re proposed changes: Rt 76 same or changed a bit, Ass’t Dir
Sheila Page described Vision Zero Program/ Network that seeks to
eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries, Planning Board proposes this for
town; Change of Lexpress, Lexconnect routes discussed in working
group for Comprehensive Plan
FCOA- Sudhir Jain- annual report, 50 year anniversary FCOA founded
1972; 7335 subsidized bus rides, need new members; Bright Ideas
$1000 for Arts program reception
Minuteman Senior Services- Sudhir Jain-Bea Holland believe MMSS
met w/Hemali and Michelle re publicizing MMSS services, will hold
monthly meetings, distribute marketing materials at library, Discovery
Day, Fall Health Day; meeting w/Executive Director and President of
Board of MMSS re how we can promote MMSS, finances and strategic
plan for 2023-24 discussed.
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman- Sandhya Iyer described
economic development in Center will have pop-up stores to add
vibrancy, looking for locations of 850-100 sq ft 15 Depot Square for
now; discussion of ramps over manholes; 7 Depot Sq will have liquor
store; Nicole Locher, chair of Dyslexia Parents presented; Effects of
Covid on disabled workgroup update
Recreation Committee Christine Dean 2 new committee members;
discussion of lighting on athletic fields
Lexington Housing-Susan Rockwell 2 meetings, a part time resident
services coordinator hired; policy for tenants on pool, playset, firepit
not allowed; Countryside renovation started, Vinebrook going to bid;
tenants mtg re relocation planning; fire system upgrade; Fed Housing
Portfolio to be phased out; Section 8 new funding tenants pay 30%
income, HUD supplements; Cambridge consultant Margaret Moran
advising
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- no update
Vision for Lexington-Jyotsna Kakullavarapu- no update
Housing Partnership- John Zhao- MBTA service to multi-family; draft
submitted to Planning Board; possible new acquisition of space goal:
more balance on utilization, housing, recreation; study committee to be
creative on affordable housing; new director
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron- no update
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- parking lots to be changed
Strategic Equity Advisory Ellen Cameron -June meeting w/Maggie
Peregrine re signing up for lower bill if eligible MassPowerChoice.com;
Martha Duffield , DEI resigned
Julie-Ann thanked Suzie Barry for her service and welcomed Mark
Sandeen as liaison from Selectboard. He spoke to Town manager re
recruitment of DEI representative
Meeting adjourned by Julie-Ann at 3:58PM
Next meeting of COA : September 7, 2022 2:30 -4PM location TBD
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman