HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-10-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 10, 1"Q,-
Attending Clark Cowen, Chair
Monica Chang
Frank Chen
John Curry
Jackie Davison
Jack Fisher
Ed Grant
Eugene Isotti
Phyllis Rand
Dan Fenn, Selectman
Linda Crew Vine, Executive Director
Steve Baran, Staff
Chairman Clark Cowen called the meeting to order at 4 40 p m
Clark noted that he attended the Cotting School intergenerational
holiday party Both seniors and young people enjoyed the event
Clark also attended the Town budget meeting
In further remarks Clark encouraged the Board members to think
about the Senior Service Corps idea It was agreed that Jackie
Davison and Gene Isotti will join Clark for lunch January 16th to
gather some useful ideas for the project
MINUTES OF DECEMBER MEETING
Due to Barbara Rubin' s absence the minutes of the last meeting will
be reviewed for approval next month
RECREATION REPORT
Phyllis Rand handed out a report of the Town' s recreation program
She also commented on the successes of the senior fitness sessions
at Strike One, the Asian fitness seminar, and the biking, tennis,
walking, and massage activities A canoeing trip on the Concord
River is planned in the spring
EDUCATION REPORT
Jackie Davison reported on educational programs in the works--Cold
Noses, Warm Hearts in February, Death & Dying in April, Senior
Alternative Housing in May, and an Alzheimer's program in
September A more detailed report awaits the return of Barbara
Rubin
COA Board Meeting Minutes -2- January 10, 1995
OFFICE FOR STEVE BARAN
The Windowpane Gift Shoppe has been transformed into an office for
Human Services Coordinator Steve Baran Sharing use of this space
will be our Meals-On-Wheels Coordinator This office needs to be
secured to protect the presence of a computer
COA REFERRAL POLICY
Steve Baran presented a draft referral policy for the Board's dis-
cussion A disclaimer is seen as necessary so that seniors receivi-
ng referral information would have a choice of services available,
without holding the Center accountable for consequences Jack
Fisher suggested that a questionnaire might be the device to have
service providers fill out a voluntary check list Additionally,
Linda Vine can review the service provider list and remove someone
seen as not offering quality service or as lacking integrity
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
1 Much work was accomplished during the Christmas break to
improve the Center's facilities the new phone system was
installed, as was the carpeting of the lower level, the
touching up of walls, and the cleaning of all floors
2 , The Rotary Club will stage a senior dinner dance January 28th
Signups are strong, with a waiting list of thirty names
Chairman Cowen and Jackie Davison plan to attend and will thank
the Club on behalf of the COA Board
3 A MediGap informational session will be held in March An
income tax assistance will be provided for seniors free of
charge from February to mid-April
4 State Representative Steve Kaufman has scheduled a visiting
hour at the Center every fourth Thursday of each month from
11 00 a m to 12 30 p m
5. An extensive discussion ensued on Linda 's forthcoming budget
presentation at the Town budget meeting Because of increases
of senior service needs, money, staff, and space all will grow
in the foreseeable future The main point to call to the
COA Board Meeting Minutes -3- January 10, 1995
attention of the Selectmen is that 1995-1996 will be the final
year in which a flat budget to operate the Center can be
managed Linda asked that Board members be present at the
budget meeting with the Board of Selectmen.
REPORTS AND PAPERS HANDED OUT
1 FY96 Program Budget on Senior Services with an organization
chart
2 Two exhibits Linda prepared to be used at the budget meeting
with the Board of Selectmen
3 . The Center library report of December, 1994
4 A Massachusetts Home Care Alert paper calling attention to
likely effects on the elderly nutrition program if the "Contract
With America" changes become law at the 104th Congress in
Washington, D C
The meeting was adjourned at 6 10 p.m
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Chen, Secretary