HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-06-COA-minMeeting Minutes
Council on Aging
December 6, 2023
Attendees: Julie Ann Shapiro, Ellen Cameron, Laurie Fiola, Sudhir Jain, Michelle
Kelleher, Sandra Shaw, Zehra Yar-Kahn
Zoom: Charles James, Julie Barker
Julie Shapiro called the meeting to order at 2:39 pm
There were no public comments
1. New Business Announcements – Julie Shapiro introduced the two new
members of the Council on Aging (COA) – Charles James and Zehra Yar-
Kahn
2. CAB Study Proposal- Tom Shiple and Alexis ? attended the meeting to
present a proposal to initiate a study to consider forming of Community
Advisory Board to work with the Lexington Police Department. The
proposal was discussed with the Select Board; no formal vote was taken.
Tom suggested that a member of the COA could participate on the Study
Committee. The goal of the proposed Community Advisory Board would be
to ensure two-way communication between Lexington citizens and improve
the trust between the community and the Lexington Police Department.
Shiple explained that other MA communities – Arlington, Belmont etc. had
formed CAB structures and were working. The presentation included traffic
Stop analysis conducted by the Lexington PD.
Ellen Cameron suggested the need to have a positive, marketing approach
including benefits/outcomes in other MA towns.
Julie Barker supported the idea and acknowledged the importance of
communicating the needs/issues of those Lexington citizens who are
housebound or aging in place. Training needed for PD regarding
interactions.
Sandra Shaw commented on the benefit of the Community Relations
Committee that existed in the 1970s following a youth interaction that was
badly handled by the existing police department.
Laurie Fiola supported the initiative and sited the growing diversity of the
Lexington as an important component of acting proactively to ensure good
communication.
Tom Shiple closed with the action item to further research the formation
process for CABs in other communities and identification of the resulting
benefits.
3. Review/ Approve November 1 Minutes
The minutes were unanimously approved.
4. Updates on the Age-Friendly Working Group
Julie Shapiro led the discussion on the Age Friendly Working Group which
was formed in 2019 subsequent to a University of Massachusetts study
which reviewed the current Lexington age-friendly practices. The most
notable outcome of the Working Group to date is the Free Parking for
Senior program.
• Next up will be the development of a Resource Guide for Seniors,
focusing initially on Home Maintenance & Repairs, Snow Removal.
The plan is to have a list ready by January and have an intern follow
up to make sure the data is correct.
• Another idea is to get members of the COA out in the community so
folks realize that the COA exists and is an advocate for age-related
issues.
5. Staff Reports
Michelle –
• Hired Dana Bickelman as Director of Human Services, starts
December 27th
• LCC holiday hours – 12/25 & 1/1
• Center Rec after Dark – lights track and basketball courts, sunset –
9pm, M-Th
• Winter Registration opened 12/5. Sessions begin week of 1/8
• Kelsey on Newport trip – 50 participants
• Holiday lunch 12/14
• Over 2,000 folks have renewed Sr. Parking Pass
• Lions Club and Rotary Club sponsoring holiday meals for 259
families/people ?
• $50,000 authorized for those with food insecurity, on-line
application, $75/person
Sudhir-
• Minuteman Sr. Services- Launching new Branding & Messaging campaign to
launch in March. Focus on nutrition program and Sudhir advocating for
vegetarian meals Monday, Wednesday & Friday. A survey will go out in
January regarding a vegetarian meal offering. Powerful Tolls for Caregivers
– 6-week program. Other COAs talking with the group
• Transportation - MA DOT grant to LexExpress $200,000. Warrants going to
the Select Board regarding better use of the MBTA transportation by
Lexington student population.
• FCOA - Fall Program $1,000 OWL. Overall, some cash flow problems.
Launching publicity campaign for FCOA
Housing Authority – Julie providing update from Sue Rockwell –
• Vynebrook nearing completion, 3 accessible unit construction underway
for completion by end of January. A number of Greeley upgrades
underway. Approved bid of fire alarm project. Pursuing grant to continue
Resident Services Coordinator. Fed subsidy Request application made.
Section 8 audit resulted in a score of 100%. CPA $100,000 request for
exterior repairs at 561 Mass Ave made. Repositioning plan in progress.
Required 30-public comment period will be posted. Two tenant meetings
scheduled, formal application will be voted on by Housing Authority in
January.
Laurie – Disability Commission continues to weigh in on proposed bus stop
for 1666 Massachusetts Ave.
Joyotsna – No update
Sandra – No update
Ellen – No update
6. Next meeting – January 3
The meeting was adjourned at ?
Respectfully submitted by Laurie Fiola