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
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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
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