HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-07-COA-min COA August Meeting Minutes
Date: August 7, 2024
Time: 2:35 PM
Attendees: Susan Rockwell, John Zhao, Sudhri, Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, Janet M Perry, Ellen
Cameron, Michelle Kelleher, Christine Dean, Christine Dean, Bickelman, Julie Barker, Julie-Ann
Shapiro, Sudhir Kumar Jain, Charles James
Julie S. called the meeting to order at 2:35 PM.
Public Comments
• Two residents attended as members of the public.
New Business/Announcements
• John mentioned the requests from the seniors in the three villages and planned to work with LHA
to follow up.
• John motioned for Janet to be the liaison to the Disability Commission. The motion was seconded
and unanimously approved.
Review of June Minutes
• The minutes from June were reviewed and approved by all attendees.
Introduction of New Board Members
• Julie S. welcomed Bonnie back to the board. Bonnie expressed her happiness to return after a
year away, noting her years of experience in social work.
• Janet introduced herself, highlighting her 40 years as a town meeting member, involvement with
the Commission on Disability, FISH board, and her work with the human services.
September 4th Ceremony of Age-Friendly Designation
• Michelle announced that AARP has designated Lexington as an age-friendly community. A
certification ceremony will be held on September 4th at 2 PM with photo opportunities and a
speaker from AARP. Select board members, Town managers and state representatives. The
location is yet to be confirmed, with the town office or Community Center library as potential
venues.
• Julie B. acknowledged the great work done, Sue, Janet and Julie B will not be present on
September 4th.
• Ellen asked whether to prepare refreshments for the event.
Staff Reports and Program Updates
• Christine reported on the mural project, with three winners selected by Ellen, Mitchell, and
Hemali. Full registration for activities is ongoing, with room upgrades in progress, including new
Zoom technology in the dining rooms. A community meeting about the high school project is
scheduled for October 14th, the project will not impact the center field.
• Kelsy highlighted recent trips,upcoming events, and fall activity registrations. Collaborations
with the library have been well attended.
• Michelle discussed health clinics, increased senior participation in walking programs, and the
installation of over 100 KnoxBoxes. The fall flu clinic is planned, with homebound seniors also
receiving vaccines.
• Dana introduced a new clinical and community outreach member starting in September.
Liaison Reports
Minuteman Senior Services - Sudhir
• The Director of Community Engagement, submitted a sponsorship proposal for donations. A
caregiver tool and weekly classes on Tuesdays were discussed. Contact Kelsey for more details.
A volunteer event on June 26 had over 100 volunteers contributing 21,000 hours,with 38
volunteers reaching milestones.
Transportation Committee—Sudhir
• A request was made for a new Lexpress bus as passengers cannot see the road when seated. The
new bus will address this issue. There was a discussion on why not to buy an EV van due to cost
and the need for more buses if going electric. 329 & 331 Concord Ave Village project will have
200+units, and there was a debate on whether the Lex Bus should go inside or have a stop
outside, and whether to charge annually or one-time.
FCOA—Sudhir
• In 2023, Peter Holland passed away. The FCOA funded$20K to the seniors' department services,
providing I I lunches for 800 individuals and 7 trips for 43 individuals to New England. They
also funded a Netflix subscription and two new ping-pong tables. The goal for 2024-2025 is to
increase communication,brand the community, and add new board members. Expenses exceed
income by $9,000, which was balanced by moving funds from the endorsement account. There
was a discussion on solving the funding shortage, with a proposal to reduce $20K from senior
services, splitting it between HR and transportation to LexConnect. Betty will discuss this with
Susan, the transportation manager. Ellen mentioned missing the opportunity to leverage the 50th
anniversary. A thank-you letter was sent to FCOA. Ellen noted that the donation letter to seniors
was not effective and suggested.]oining meetings. Julie S.recommended more people join the
FCOA board.
Lexington Housing Authority—Susan
• The authority received funding for an alarm system and medication cabinet. Units have been
renovated and filled. Documents need to be completed for fair housing and diversity, with 60%
Asian occupancy. They are trying to fill a resident member position and have approved Minner
Bell.
Housing Partnership—John
• HPB invited the planning board to present the muti-family housing projects under review. The
planning board provided project information for 5-7 Piper Road, 329 & 331 Concord Avenue,
231 Bedford Street and 89 Bedford Street. John mentioned housing is one of the age-friendly
domains, and COA needs to participate in the discussion to ensure affordable and available
housing for Lexington seniors.
Mental Health& Wellness Task Force—Ellen
• A new website has been launched with resources on mental health.
Adjournment
• The meeting was adjourned at 3:43
Submitted by John Zhao