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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-14-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD MEETING APRIL 14, 1999 ATTENDING Clark Cowen, Chairperson Nancy Freed, Staff Peg Jemison Donald Graham Jane Trudeau Sheldon Spector Betty Eddison Carol Murphy Barbara Rubin Jacqueline Davison Roz Gittleman, Human Services Liaison Anne Kriebel CHAIRPERSON"S REMARKS Clark Cowen called the meeting to order at 4 35 p m The minutes of the March 10 meeting were accepted as written with correction to the heading of the minutes Clark welcomed Betty Eddison as Selectmen Liaison to the COA DIRECTOR"S REPORT Nancy Freed distributed the FY99 Budget Surplus/Deficit Summary A surplus of $19,698 'has been identified which can be used for expenses in FY99 This surplus is due primarily to the lower cost Senior Health Monitor program contract signed in July 1998 , following the submission of the FY99 budget to the town Staff met today to focus on the department ' s mission statement and on the evaluation of facility needs to plan a project to use this surplus in FY99 As reflected in our mission statement, the department ' s goal is to increase the quality and accessibility of services to our participants To meet that goal , the staff has identified the kitchen as one of the most visible and central driving points of programming and welcome in the Senior Center In addition to several program and supply needs, the staff would like to plan for an updated kitchen, including cabinets , counters and floor The floor will be replaced this year with a Service Incentive Grant through the Office of Elder Affairs Nancy noted that the $19,698 surplus must be encumbered in this FY About $15 , 000 would be used for the kitchen upgrade Friends of the COA may help with purchase of equipment Nancy distributed copies of the FY99 Meals on Wheels Budget Balance, noting that this is a fee for service account and can be rolled over into FY00 and will be used in program planning Current Senior Center programs include a number of trips, diversity teas, men' s breakfasts , and the upcoming cafe series,catered by four local restaurants, as a way to increase socializing at the Center and using the dining room as a focus of activities Larger newsletters are planned for May and June An article for the Minuteman was distributed for comments and corrections Several clarifications were made , and the suggestion made that the article be included in the COA newsletter FINANCIAL REPORT Donald Graham distributed a review draft of the Adjusted Treasurer 's Report , July 1 , 1998 - January 31 , 1999 He noted that all the figures necessary for a final report will not be available until September EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Barbara Rubin reported that the Women ' s History Month event in March was a big success , well attended, with lunch by Via Lago, music, several interesting morning programs, nd a talk on "Women in Politics" by former Senator Patricia McGovern in the afternoon DAY CARE COMMITTEE REPORT Sheldon Spector and Peg Jemison visited the Day Care site on April 6 The area designated for hair care was not being used, the room has been changed for small group use The grounds seem to be fairly well maintained Thirty clients are served, with five or six from outside Lexington The Day Care center was very lively, but seemed understaffed, considering the needs of the clients More scholarships and more printed materials about services offered are needed Feeling connected to the Senior Center and staff is an ongoing challenge We should consider having a Board meeting there occasionally An Adult Day Care/Dementia program is being researched INVITATION There will be a party on May 10, 2 00 p m at the Senior Center for the 1999 winner of the Lexington Cane Award TRUSTEE"S REPORT Peg Jemison handed out a summary of the April 6 Muzzey Trustees Board Meeting The trustees are seeking legal advice regarding the numbering of parking spaces and use of the Senior Center Peg advised that we await the outcome of the meeting of the attorneys FOLLOW-UP ON MEETING WITH JAMES NICOLORO Jackie Davison took the chair A letter was sent to Mr Nicoloro after his meeting with us , advising that his case for the restoration of funding would be discussed today We affirmed that our policy is to work with the Senior Citizen ' s Club but not to fund their activities We have to operate within the town budget Our final letter to him will include an offer to help negotiate a reduction in the rent they are charged by the Knights of Columbus , if that would be helpful e LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE The committee recently visited the Marblehead facility, which is multi-generational The building is attractive , the parking inadequate, the arts and crafts area is very nice, the lunch area was very noisy, and the very large gym dominated the building FAREWELL DINNER FOR BARBARA RUBIN Carol Murphy will make final arrangements either with Hartwell House of Dahlia ' s , on a week night in May, preferably after the May 12 Board meeting If that date is chosen, the Board will meet at 4 00 p m The meeting was adjourned at 6 15 p m Respectfully submitted, Anne Kriebel Secretary pro tem 1