HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-29-COA-minTown of Lexington Council of Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday March 29, 2023
2:38-3:59 PM
Hybrid Conference
Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro, Betty Borghesani, Bonnie Teitleman, John Zhao,
Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Sue Rockwell, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Ellen Cameron
Staff: Michelle Kelleher, Melissa Interess, Mark Sandeen (Selectboard liason)
Julie-Ann called the meeting via zoom and in person to order at 2:36 PM, took
attendance.
Public Comments: None
Review and Approval March minutes, 1 update
New Business
Advocacy groups requesting COA support
• COA has not had policy re: advocacy groups appealing to COA for support
• Unanimous yes vote to allow advocacy groups to present to COA, support
for individual requests to be determined prn
o Case: Article at town meeting re: to extend waiting period for clear
cutting,
o Will present to COA
Age Friendly Working Group
Senior Parking Program
• Will report success to Selectboard and request to make program ongoing
with 2 yr duration, mail renewals
• Police determine length, location of parking; they think sticker could be
improved to look like current stickers they use
Resource Reference Program
• Plan to update resource guide with how to make home safe, vendors and
other relevant info
• Will reach out to FCOA, others for funding
• Unclear who will collect data, prepare
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Director
• Christine Dean at conference
• Lexington received 3 awards, ceremony 3/28
• Kelsey Rollins has been hired as Senior Services Coordinator , starts
4/10
• Open positions:
o Office manager
o Veteran’s Director
Liason Reports
Minuteman Senior Services Sudhir Jain National Seniors Program 1972 on social
connections, celebration of volunteer coordinators program, 5/20 run/walk fund
raiser; Bea Holland and Sudhir had mtg with director on publicizing MMSS
Transportation-Sudhir Jain—Transportation manager Susan looking for
suggestions on route changes; letter sent on driver shortages, inability to meet
demands; webinar on MBTA 4/27 1-2PM; preparation for driving in retirement
FCOA- Sudhir Jain, Betty Borghesani- FCOA, COA joint mtg possibility April, John
and Julie-Ann will develop agenda; workshop on enhancing technical and social
media skills for all ages
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman- David Pinsonneault updated on
farmer’s market, presentation on variance for 7 Hartwell Avenue; update from
library; sidewalks measured and inspected annually
Recreation Committee Julie-Ann 3/27 Recreation plan presented to Selectboard
Lexington Housing-Susan Rockwell -Countryside update complete, residents
happy; new Resident Services Coordinator shared with Acton hired, speaks
Mandarin; future conversion to electricity
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee-
Vision for Lexington-Jyotsna Kakullavarapu no update
Housing Partnership- John Zhao- 2 meetings, Articles 33, 34 MBTA Community
Compliance Open Space permit, promote smaller, more diverse housing;
2 Issues: affordability and accessibility; looking for COA (or other ) volunteer to
attend, vote Housing Partnership, meetings on 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month
(John will consider)
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron- no update
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- looking for more stories and people
living in center, retail on street level, residences above
Strategic Equity Advisory Ellen Cameron -Hemali has grant, has sent poll to group
on structure, meetings
Meeting adjourned 3:52PM
Next meeting of COA : May 3, 2023 2:30 -4PM hybrid Community Center/Zoom
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman