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