HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-05-COA-minTown of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Lexington Community Center Room 357
2:00-3:59 p m
Present: Julie Ann Shapiro (co-chair), Nancy Adler, Camille Goodwin, Sophia Ho, Marion Kilson
(secretary), Harry Mackay, Rich McDonough
Staff: Sheila Butts, Hemali Patel, Charlotte Rodgers, Philip Doyle (intern)
Public Comments: Sophia Ho reported an incident involving the treadmill that elicited a discussion of
current measures to ensure the safety of inexperienced treadmill users and the recommendation to
make even larger signs about safe procedures and available staff assistance.
Review of March Minutes: Marion Kilson noted that Michelle Ciccolo's name lacked a third "c" in the
minutes. The minutes were approved with this change.
Staff Reports and Program Updates: Hemali Patel noted that the Trip to the Tall Ships is filling rapidly;
that Passport Around the World which finished yesterday with China was a great success and pictures
are available on Facebook; and requested that Board members RSVP the invitation to the Volunteer
Lunch on April 27. Charlotte Rodgers cited the screening of James Wahlberg's film, If Only, on the
opioid epidemic followed by a panel discussion on April 6 at Cary Hall; announced the installment of a
deluxe coffee vending machine in the cafe (50 cents/cup)—this is a pilot project which is being tested as
a replacement for the senior coffee program; and announced that the position of Assistant Director of
Senior Services is at the interview stage with the hope that a replacement for Kelly Axtell will be found
by mid-May.
Lexington Housing Partnership Discussion: Three members of the Lexington Housing Partnership
(Melinda Walker, Betsy Weiss, and Jeri Foutter) joined the COA Board to discuss their concerns about
the lack of availability of affordable housing for middle income seniors. Melinda Walker initiated the
discussion with a brief history of the LHP, founded in 2003, and its 501C3 Lexington Housing Foundation.
She distributed a flyer, "What is the Housing Partnership?," detailing the charge and responsibilities of
the partnership. Betsy Weiss detailed the saga of the Selectmen's lack of interest in making land
available for middle income senior affordable housing when the Wright Farm was purchased. Nancy
Adler noted that for the past five years housing for seniors has been an annual priority of the COA
Boardth. Charlotte Rodgers recommended the development of a strategy for such senior housing. After
some further discussion it was agreed that a working group with representation from the Lexington
Housing Partnership, the COA Board, and Lexington At Home be formed to develop a plan for moving
forward with this important issue. It was agreed that the COA Board's next meeting its representative
would be identified.
Bright Ideas Update: Harry Mackay reported that six proposals had been received of which four are
being considered for funding: literary project for Lexington authors, hearing devices for smaller CC
rooms, Raki instruction for seniors, and activity trackers to increase physical fitness in seniors.
FCOA Board member and Liaison: Jane Trudeau, President of the FCOA, stated that with the revised
FCOA bylaws, the COA Board not only needs to have a liaison to the FCOA but a Board member from the
COA. The same individual could fulfill both roles. The COA Board voted to have Sophia Ho serve in both
capacities.
Liaison Reports:
• Community Center Program Advisory Committee: Nancy Adler reported a Town Meeting article
on funding a study of impact of Pelham Rd. acquisition passed recently. She also urged COA
Board members to attend the Committee's meetings usually the third Thursday of the month.
• Transportation Committee: Nancy Adler reported that the MBTA is reviewing which unsafe bus
stops to close.
• FCOA: Sophia Ho reported that FCOA is planning to send another fund appeal letter to
businesses and to individuals; Dan Fenn is drafting the letters; FCOA has not decided whether or
not to appeal to donors who responded to the first appeal. At the meeting the Age Friendly
Community project was discussed. They wish to meet the new head of Recreation.
• Recreation Department: Julie Anne Shapiro attended the meeting where the Age Friendly
Community project was discussed.
• Housing Partnership: Rich McDonough reported that town may be purchasing 5 of 16 units in
Judge's Way if it is transformed from a coop to a condo which could provide some additional
affordable housing in Lexington.
New Business: The question was raised that since Gerry Howell has moved out of Lexington, should he
be replaced on the COA Board?
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Kilson