HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-01-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
2:30pm to 4:01pm
Lexington Community Center, Room 237
Present: Betty Borghesani (Co-chair),Julie Ann Shapiro (Co-chair), Ellen Cameron (Vice-chair), Marion
Kilson (Secretary), Nancy Adler, Camille Goodwin, Sophia Ho, Gerry Howell, Bonnie Teitelman
Staff: Christine Dean (Community Center), Charlotte Rodgers (Human Services), Melissa Interess (Senior
Services), Hemali Shah (Senior Services)
Distribution of Materials:Julie Ann Shapiro opened the meeting with a reminder about Open Meeting
Law G. L. c.30A, Sec. 22 that materials for distribution to Board members should be left on the table
before the meeting so that Board members may look at the materials after the meeting.
Public Comments:The sole public comment was an expression of thanks for the formation of the new
committee to review the possibility of expanding the luncheon program to Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.
Review of October 4 Meeting Minutes:The October minutes were approved with two revisions:
deletion of"legacy" in relation to FCOA gift plan and correction of Camille Goodwin's name in the same
line.
Depot Square Senior Affordable Housing Feasibility Study:Jerry Paul,who was joined by Melinda
Walker and Harry Ford, presented ideas for a feasibility study of senior affordable housing on land made
available by the town;the project would be built and run by a nonprofit company at no cost to the
town. A lively discussion ensued about options for housing and parking, the definition of affordability,
some issues of concern, and suggestions about town organizations to consult. The COA Board will
continue discussion on the topic at its next meeting.
Staff Reports: Hemali Shah reported on the current Medicare Open Enrollment which will continue into
early December and the availability of one-on-one SHINE counseling on Mondays and Fridays. Melissa
Interess reported that the Working Group on Expanding the Lunch Program has met twice. It is
considering options for working with outside vendors and exploring funding options. Charlotte Rodgers
presented a graph of the utilization of senior services over the past three years which show the
increases since moving to the Community Center especially in terms of office visits, health screenings,
SHINE, meals on wheels, and community dining. Charlotte has shared these findings with the town
manager and the selectmen. Human Services has been asked to prepare a level service budget but
intends to include two major improvements: to increase nursing hours from 15 to 20 hours/week which
would provide more service to homebound people and to fund the Age Friendly Initiative. Christine
Dean commented on the success of the Haunted House last week which drew 189 registrations and
approximately 500 people; her staff is currently planning a winter event and invites suggestions for it.
The Winter program guide is being completed with registration beginning on December 4.
Liaison Reports: Community Center Program Advisory Committee—Nancy Adler reported that the
committee has yet to meet.Transportation Committee—Nancy Adler did not attend the meeting, but
Charlotte Rodgers reported that senior ridership has tripled,taxi rides have doubled in recent months,
strategic planning is beginning, and she looks forward to having a transportation staff member. FCOA—
Sophia Ho distributed minutes of the most recent meeting. Nancy Adler noted the need for a Friends of
the Community Center organization to raise funds for the CC. Human Services Committee—Betty
Borghesani reported on the joint meeting on mental health which reviewed the risk behavior survey and
the need for the town to address the issue, as the school system has. Recreation Committee—Ellen
Cameron reported that at the most recent meeting the success of the 60+ program and family bingo
were noted. In addition, $11,500 will be saved with the grant-funded installation of LED lights
throughout the building. Lexington Housing Authority—Camille Goodwin reported on the new storm
door problems at Greeley village and that she had nothing to report on Judges Way. OWLL—Marion
Kilson noted the new poster in the foyer that calls attention to two courses beginning in November as
well as two "Winter" courses.
New Business/Announcements: Bright Ideas Liaison: no one yet. Board Vacancy Update:There will be
two vacancies on the Board in January, as Marion Kilson is resigning from the Board. The Town Manager
is interested in diversifying the COA Board. Holiday Lunches: Melissa Interess will send an email to COA
Board members to sign up for the lunch with which they can help. Board Meet&Greet: schedule at a
time that convenient for Michelle Ciccolo.
Meeting Adjourned 4:01.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Kilson
Secretary