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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-04-COA-min COA Minutes 10/4/17 1 Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Lexington Community Center, Room 237 2:30-3:58 Present: Betty Borghesani (Co-chair),Julie Ann Shapiro (Co-chair and chair of meeting), Nancy Adler, Ellen Cameron, Camille Goodwin, Sophia Ho, Gerry Howell, Marion Kilson, Rich McDonough, Bonnie Teitleman Staff: Christine Dean (Community Center), Melissa Interess (Senior Services) Announcement: Distribution of Materials Julie Ann Shapiro opened the meeting with a new policy announcement: people who wish to bring materials for distribution to Board members are requested to leave these materials on the table before the meeting so that Board members may look at these materials after the meeting. This policy will be announced at the next few COA Board meetings so that as many people as possible will be aware of it. Public Comments: None Review of September Minutes:The September minutes were approved as presented. Presentation of Minuteman Senior Services Programs and Funding Kelly Magee Wright, Executive Director of Minuteman Senior Services, made an eloquent and comprehensive report on the programs and funding sources of her organization. Outlining the functions of Minuteman Senior Services, she noted that her organization serves as an Aging Services Access Point that is unique to Massachusetts, an Area Agency on Aging which is one of 618 nationally, and as a Metro Boston Aging and Disability Resource Consortium one of 11 in Massachusetts. Minuteman Senior Services covers 16 varied communities in Massachusetts of which Lexington is one. In addition to the services provided for seniors, Minuteman also provide preventions services for people with disabilities who are 18 year old and older. With respect to the funding for its multiple programs, in FY17, its revenues were approximately$25 million (78%from federal and state funds, 17%senior care options, 4%from communities, and 1%from fundraising); it expenses were$24,490,566 of which most were pass throughs for purchased services (70%) and payroll (22%). Last year 30,000 people participated in all Minuteman programs; 10%of the Lexington senior population were served and the long term care ombudsman made 754 visits in Lexington. Among the key FY18 initiatives are to expand reach and engage community partnerships, to develop a strategic plan which will deal with changing family structures and opioid crisis and to explore how to measure program effectiveness in different ways. Commenting on the relationship between Minuteman Services and the Lexington COA, Kelly noted direct collaboration through SHINE counselling program, the senior dining program, healthy living programs, and the input of two local representatives, Lou Conrad and Gary Fallick. With projected federal budget cuts, advocacy will be an important endeavor in coming months. Kelly was warmly thanked for her excellent presentation. COA Minutes 10/4/17 2 Liaison Reports Christine Dean reported that this is a transition period. The Community Center staff is engaged in preparing the late Fall-Winter Guide with program registration beginning on December 4 and in working on FY19 program expansion. There was a recent joint meeting of the Recreation Committee and Community Center Program Advisory Committee which reviewed a proposal for building use and fee structure for the Community Center which will go to the town manager before being presented to the selectmen next month. She almost noted the latest summit on the Pelham property with plans for the school to open in Fall 2019 and plans for the expansion of the Community Center to be designed in 2018. Melissa Interess reported that Senior Services is kicking off its holiday programing with appeals for funds to various local organizations including the Lions Club; the Sand for Senior and Fuel Assistance programs have been announced in the Newsletter which also includes a survey. Gerry Howell is representing the COA on the Lunch Option Working Group. Nancy Adler noted that Christine Dean had reported on the recent work of the Community Center Program Advisory Committee and that she had been unable to attend the Transportation Committee meeting. Sophia Ho presented a written copy of the FCOA meeting. She called attention to the plan to solicit gifts. The Bright Ideas committee needs a COA representative. Camille Goodwin suggested that the best time for soliciting local businesses for contributions is February-March rather than the year end. Ellen Goodman said that the Recreation Committee had yet to meet, as it regularly convenes on the third Wednesday of the month. Camille Goodwin reported that the Lexington Housing Authority is planning to meet at different housing sites in order to hear about needs and issues from tenants. The meeting at Greeley Village revealed signage issues and safety hazard problems with doors. In addition, 5 senior units are planned at Pine Knoll and the Manor House complex will have 6 affordable units. Marion Kilson reported that enrollments for Fall courses are strong. Some are beginning now and others as late as November. Richard McDonough reported that Judges Row will combine rental and owned units, that some Lexington at Home participants plan to stay in their homes while others are planning to go to some assisted living facility, that Metro Collaborative Development is studying the feasibility of mixed income senior housing; Busa property is seeking CPA funding. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 3:58. Next Meeting: November 1,2017 at 2:30pm Respectfully submitted, Marion Kilson Secretary