HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-25-COA-minJanuary Council on Aging (COA) Meeting Minutes
Date: January 25, 2024
WWWARP1211 1
Location: Hybrid Meeting
Attendees: -Julie Ann Shapiro, John Zhao, Julie Barker, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Ellen Cameron,
Charles James Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, Janet Perry, Sudhir Jain, Dana Bickelman, Kelsey Rollins,
Christine Dean and Michelle Kelleher
- Public: Tylor Singh
1. Public Comments
- Taylor briefly discussed about the LHS building project and asked for COA support. She also
said the town should help seniors in need leverage the existing property tax exemption
programs.
- Julie highlighted the need for COA to reach seniors for tax exemption guidance.
2. Review/Approve December Minutes
- Janet noted a correction needed at the 4th point, suggesting it should be broader than
mobility under HBP. John: Agreed to bring the matter back to the HPB board.
-Julie moved to approve the corrected minutes, and Ellen seconded. The motion passed
unanimously.
- Motion to vote for Janet as a new member. Passed unanimously. (Moved by John, seconded by
Sudhir)
3. New Business/Announcements
4. Aged -friendly work group meeting and resource fair updates:
-John and Michelle: Discussed the resource fair timeline, with March 15 set as a response
deadline. Size of tables and participation logistics were also discussed.
- Christine mentioned that past fairs had 40 vendors, and discussed room arrangements to allow
smooth flow.
- Julie said we might want to have reception table to welcomed vendors and attendees in the
lobby.
- Michelle aimed to finalize details by the end of January.
5. Staff Reports and Program Updates
- Kelsey reported 500 registrations for 30 programs as of 12/18.
-New program Money Matter is popular
- Dana discussed her presentation about her Denmark trip.
- Michelle reported on volunteer recruitment, and senior programs.
- Julie S emphasized the need for marketing assistance for COA activities.
- Christine updated on the rooms that are set up for Zoom technology, winter program
registrations, and upcoming summer and fall programs.
6. Liaison Reports
- Minuteman Senior Services (Sudhir): Expanded services, including dining, housing support,
and cultural meals.
-Transportation Committee: No update.
- FCOA: Reviewed bylaws, fundraising efforts, and applying for Dana Home grant.
- Disability Commission: Discussed EV charging stations and farmer's market accessibility.
- Recreation Committee: No update.
- Lexington Housing Authority: No update.
- Vision for Lexington: No update.
- Housing Partnership: Met with realtor Joyce Murphy, Betsy and Ellen. Talked about ADU's in
Lexington. Senior housing and assessible units.
- Mental Health & Wellness Task Force: Zoom meeting before the holidays to look at the website
to help people for the holiday season food insecurity, family, financial support. Julia Flood
joined.
- Lexington Center Committee: No update.
-Strategic Equity Advisory Team (SEAT): No update.
7. Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 4:00.