HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-12-COA-min.pdf LEXINGTON COUNCIL ON AGING
BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 12, 2000, 4 P.M.
ATTENDING Clark Cowen, Chairperson
Jackie Davison
Dan Fenn
Leo McSweeney
Phyllis Rand
Nancy Freed, Staff
Donald Graham
Carol Murphy
Peg Jemison
Jane Trudeau
Steve Baran, Staff
Chris Gelling, Staff
Irving Rothman, Liaison Minuteman Home Care
Betty Eddison, Liaison Board of Selectmen
Audrey Friend, representative from 20/20 Vision Group
ABSENT Marilyn Campbell
CHAIRPERSON'S REMARKS: Clark Cowen called the meeting to order at 4.05 p.m. and
welcomed Steve Baran, staff member, and Audrey Friend, of the 20/20 Vision Work
Group, "Fostering a Sense of Community" She explained the program of her group and
asked that Board members complete the questionnaire she distributed and return it to her
The questionnaire is to survey community qualities that are important to Lexingtonians.
The minutes of the March 8 meeting were approved as written.
CHAIRPERSON'S REMARKS: Clark announced that he will be resigning at the
completion of his term in June. In accordance with the bylaws, he appointed Peg Jemison
and Jane Trudeau to serve as a nominating committee and present a slate of officers at
the May 10 meeting. The date of the June meeting was changed to Monday, June 12,
4 30 p.m.
FINANCIAL REPORT Don Graham distributed copies of the report July 1, 1999 through
February 29, 2000. All five programs are on budget, and there are no problems with the
revolving funds.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Phyllis Rand reported on the annual Women's
Conference held on Wed., March 29. There were 80 participants attending to hear Col.
i Shaw speak in the morning, attend one of three morning seminars, and listen to Rabbi
Stern in the afternoon. All of the evaluations and comments received were very favorable.
When Anne Kriebel returns from vacation, the committee will start working on Post Grad
for a Day for the fall of 2000.
MUZZEY TRUSTEES REPORT Nancy Freed reported on the trustees special meeting
held Thurs., April 6, for the election of new trustees. The issues of parking, non-seniors
using the Senior Center, and strangers, ostensibly let in through the Senior Center,
wandering throughout the building were raised by several condo owners. Residents
expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from the trustees to the
residents. This is viewed as a good sign, since two of the three new trustees, Johanna
Katz and Fred Donovan, were outspoken about this issue. Jane Trudeau was not elected
trustee but will attend the trustees' meetings that are open. Nancy noted that depositions
are being taken for the lawsuit, which will likely continue for many months.
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT Clark complemented the committee
on their work and the reports produced. Betty Eddison gave us her perspective of the
vocal opposition to a new Senior Center There was a lack of community involvement;
Town Meeting members felt left out. Although reports were made available to them at
Town Meeting, mailing the material directly would have had a greater impact. There is a
strong sense of the need for a new facility, but more detailed plans regarding room usage
are necessary to justify the projected size. The site committee will be appointed by the
Board of Selectmen at their April 24 meeting and will have a broad representation of the
community Clark Cowen appointed Leo McSweeney to the Committee; the next meeting
will be on Wed., April 19 at 3 p.m.
COA BOARD ASSESSMENT SURVEY. The Board continued the discussion of the
survey, and several suggestions evolved from this. The dinning room program has not
been reviewed recently; reports are not requested from volunteers; more communication
through an op-ed column in the Lexington Minuteman once a month; more Board
members should attend COA programs when possible.
STEVE BARAN: Steve Baran, Intake Social Worker and Veteran's Clerk, gave examples
of two cases to illustrate the scope of his work. He deals with seniors, non-seniors, and
veterans. Since he is the intake worker, he cannot see people on a sustaining basis.
Irving Rothman, Minuteman Home Care Liaison, suggested these clients might be
referred to that agency for assessment.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT Nancy spoke about the Annual Governor's Conference on Aging,
Wed., May 10 and invited Board members to attend. Those interested should return the
applications to her and car-pooling arrangements will be made.
The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Rand, secretary