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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-02-COA-minTown of Lexington Council of Aging Board Meeting Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 2:34-4:00 PM Zoom Video Conference Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro, Ellen Cameron, John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Sue Rockwell, Julie Barker, Camille Goodwin, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Suzie Barry, Laureen Fiola Staff: Melissa Interess, Michelle Kelleher, Kelsey Rollins , Christine Dean John called the meeting via zoom to order at 2:34 PM, took attendance. Public Comments: None New Business • Welcome to Suzie Barry (liaison) for the Town • Welcome to Laureen Fiola appointed as new member of the COA committee. Review and Approval of June 13th minutes. Sudhir J approved, Laureen F seconded. Ellen C, Jyotsna K, Julie B, and Sandra S. Sue Rockwell abstained. We have open positions available on the COA so please try and encourage people to join. Looking for the following position of secretary. Please let John Z and Julie -Ann S know. Laureen F will take on Liaison for Disability and John Z will continue as Liaison to Housing Partnership Board. Note on Tree Statement The Tree Charter and letter was presented to the COA and sought their support. Comments from the Council. Ellen C liked his presentation and said it was scientific and professional. John Z shared with the Council an observation of where a tree in his neighbourhood was taken down as a part of a house demolition. Motion to support the Tree Charter and endorsed by Sue R, and Sudhir J. Approved by the Council, Jyotsna K (Absent) but later available and gave approval. Parking Program On June 21st 2023 the Select Board have approved and made permanent the parking pass for seniors. Human Services and COA gave a presentation to advocate for the benefits to seniors. The Select Board have asked that feedback be given after 2 years on the uptake and any other commentary. We would like to thank John Z, Julie-Ann S, Sudhir J and Sue R for the work and input to getting this through. Michelle K and Melissa I. working on the renewal process which will occur at the end of October 2023. This will be advertised locally through the newsletter and the new parking sticker will be teal in color. Staff Reports: Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Director Michelle distributed a letter individually to each member of the COA from a Lexington resident. This pertained to Senior Lunch recommendation and feedback. Michelle K is arranging for the flu clinic to be set up in September and October. It will take place at the Community Center, Brookhaven is having a health fair where they will offer flu vaccines, and further clinics will take place in the 3 villages. Unsure if there will be a covid clinic and waiting to hear. Michelle K will let us know if they need volunteers. Kelsey R reported on the uptake for the Jazz festival in July, ice-cream social. 50 people attended Castle Island. The memory café continues to provide support to caregivers and is advertised outside of Lexington. Christine Dean, Community Center Director Christine D reported that the fall program will be available online on Aug 1st 2023 with sign up for Fall on Aug 22nd 2023. Dana Home Grant is sponsoring the forever fit program again and will also be offering free Dayoin Health classes Friday and Saturday. Cary Library Art Program: A calligraphy exhibition will be on display from September through October at the Community Center and the artist will be offering a free workshop. Ping Pong: piloting a new offering of times 1:30 to 3:30pm in the Dining room to accommodate demand. Kids program: - summer coming to an end last 2 weeks. Supporting the summer staff with bagels, cream cheese, mindfulness on Monday, motivational stickers, water and access to the ice cream truck. Capital Program: hardcourt surfaces at the Center Rec (including basketball and tennis courts) been upgraded. November 2023 see website. Equipment in Gym: repairs awaiting funding. Minuteman Senior Services: Sudhir J reported that MA health coverage would like to connect with the COA to discuss updates. A course on falls/balance is running for 8 weeks from September 21st. Sue R advocated that it’s a good course with 1/3 exercise, 1/3 home assessment and can take up to 12 people in the Lex Community Centre. Kelsey R stated they are already getting sign ups. Kelsey R reported that September is Fall prevention month. Did Stroke awareness in the past and well attended. Minuteman Brain Imaging have a new logo. Lexington largest community of diverse populations and Sudhir J is involved. Last year the annual volunteers were 500 who gave more than 25,000 hours helping older people with the Minuteman Services. Transport Sudhir J feedback on meeting of Transport on July 26th. Public survey in Lexington done to plan ahead for the future needs. Online meeting that John Z attended which involved Schools, and seniors. September 13th meeting at Cary Hall in the evening to discuss transport. October Select Board will discuss the final report for Dec 2023 and outcomes. Sudhir J reported that 165 bus passes were sold and 60 bought by seniors. Question by COA? Free senior parking then why not free bus passes? Melissa I. explained that it cannot be given to seniors for free because of the way the price point is set up. Funding would be lost if it was free. This is also part of the State regulations. SUFA Reception Lifetimes Fundraising for the COA was $10,600 in 2022, $15,300 in 2023. Question why is it less? Michelle K is doing more to advertise in the newsletter, Lex Time Magazine, and gain more visibility. Peter Holland & Board were present to design a logo and invite more than 60 artists of all abilities to submit their designs. Deadline Aug 20th 2023 with a $25 fee. Rec Committee No update Lexington House Authority Sue R reported that she attended 3 meetings. Federal, audit and survey reports. Vinebrook has 2 projects remodeling and on target for 10,11 and 12. 7,8 and 9 end of Aug and 4,5 and 6 then. Upgrade fire alarms, cut through walls and found mold. These should have been done simultaneously. Financial situation funding needed from federal agency and capital projects operational funds. This will now end and Cambridge Housing Authority Deputy Director came in to speak to them. Countryside Village – section 18 an amount for each unit that is flexible. Section 8 voucher units will quality for site related. Rental assistant program before qualify property (cap on the number of units). Section 18 for the 17 units. Sandra S asked about other funding but Sue R stated that this was restricted from Government. Vision for Lexington Jyotsna K no updates. Next meeting August 21st 2023 Holding Partnership Board Wendy Mann new Chair. John Z shared there is ongoing discussion about a real estate transfer fee to fund affordable housing. $1M dollar homes could incur 0.5% to 2% transfer fees. It is up to the Town to act on this. Mental Health Task Force Ellen C reported there has been no progress or meetings on this task force. Funding is from the America Funding Act to get together all partnerships (older, younger) to engage and discuss mental health. This is a 5 year funding and Julie B asked if this could be potentially lost with no activity and perhaps come against the COA for not using the funding. Michelle K to update . Community Centre Sandra S no update. Meeting adjourned at 4pm.