HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-01-COA-minTown of Lexington Council of Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday February 1, 2023
2:32-3:59 PM
Zoom Video Conference
Present: Julie-Ann Shapiro, Betty Borghesani, Bonnie Teitleman, Ellen Cameron,
John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sandra Shaw, Sue Rockwell, Julie Barker, Camille Goodwin,
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Mark Sandeen
Staff: Melissa Interess, Michelle Kelleher, Bea Holland (MMSS) , Christine Dean
John called the meeting via zoom to order at 2:32 PM, took attendance.
Public Comments: None
Review and Approval of January minutes, Camille abstained
New Business
• Julie-Ann proposes that we discuss a procedure for when COA is asked by
other committees to present their agenda and solicit COA approval- will be
on March agenda
• Susan Barrett will attend March COA re: transportation
Age Friendly Updates
• Senior Resources program COA voted to support update of referral
resources, will need labor, funding, working group
• Senior Parking Pass popular, will update Selectboard, request continuation
of program, est 1500 passes
Staff Reports:
Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Director
• March/April programs registration open 2/15
• 3 week Art for Mental Health finishing
• Health and Wellness by Regis OT students 10 wks starts 2/2 1PM
• 2/14 Valentine lunch, COA volunteers to help
• Wellness Clinic: covid, shingles, pneumonia vaccines, need app’t, sign
up needed
• Ongoing virtual caregivers’ group of Alzheimer’s caretakers, contact
Michelle if interested
Melissa Interess, Director Human Services
SNAP benefits ending 2/28, Ellen proposed FCOA grant for seniors w/food
insecurity
Liason Reports
Minuteman Senior Services Sudhir Jain, Bea Holland- MMSS moving to Burlington
5/1, lacks representatives from several communities, lots of volunteer
opportunities. MMSS mission: empower those affected by aging and disability
Transportation-Sudhir Jain-Lexpress contracts expiring, may need cut in services
which would make seniors suffer, Selectboard will oversee review of buses,
routes, contracts
Burlington has a contract with LYFT to give residents over age 60 35 rides per
month for $1 each. COA would like to explore this for Lexington.
FCOA- Sudhir Jain- no update
Commission on Disability-Bonnie Teitleman- update by Caileen Foley, Dir of
Housing, on Vynebrook accessibility improvements and projects; John Livsey,
David Pinsonneault updated on bus stop, bike safety for pedestestrians, disabled
Recreation Committee Julie-Ann no update
Lexington Housing-Susan Rockwell -job opening for residence service
coordinator, updated Countryside, Vynebrook progress
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- no update
Vision for Lexington-Jyotsna Kakullavarapu- no update
Housing Partnership- John Zhao- planning board updating MBTA plans, public
hearings; zoning- SPRD board subgroup to propose change to provide incentives
for developers to build smaller homes, more affordable units for town employees;
consider more balanced approach to free land, consider affordable housing
Mental Health Task Force-Ellen Cameron- no update
Lexington Center Committee-Sandra Shaw- updating signage in stores, center;
parking enforcement starts 2/1, senior parking , attractive Depot bus shelter
Strategic Equity Advisory Ellen Cameron -committee decided to meet every other
month
Meeting adjourned by John 3: 37PM
Next meeting of COA : March 1, 2023 2:30 -4PM location TBD
Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman