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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-05-COA-minCOA March Meeting Minutes Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Location: Hybrid/Lexington Community Center Julie Ann Shapiro called the meeting to order at 2:31 PM. Roll call was conducted. Members in attendance: Sue Rockwell, Sudhir Jain, Janet Perry, Michelle Kelleher, Ellen Cameron, Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, Jile Barker, Charles James, Kelsey Rollins, and John Zhao. 1. Public Comments Resident Howard Cloth raised concerns about the lack of action on recommendations from the 2019 Residential Exemption Committee about tax reduction for seniors and the Ad Hoc Transportation Study for seniors, which proposed curb -to -curb service. He highlighted the property tax impact of the new high school project and emphasized the need for tax reductions and improved transportation options for seniors. 2. Review/Approve February Minutes The February meeting minutes were reviewed and unanimously approved. Motion made by Julie Ann Shapiro and seconded by Janet Perry. 3. New Business/Announcements - Sue Rockwell reported the League of Women Voters (LWV) ceased offering rides to the polls. She will contact LWV to inquire about policy changes. Janet Perry suggested the FISH program as a potential replacement transportation service. - Janet announced her resignation as Center Committee Liaison due to challenges in attending in-person meetings. - Michelle Kelleher proposed rescheduling the April COA meeting to April 9th due to scheduling conflicts. Members agreed. 4. Aging in Place Resource Fair - Michelle Kelleher updated the board on plans for the fair, with about 30 organizations confirmed and a target of 40 participants. - Next steps include mapping table placements (Michelle will lead this) and sharing an article in the Lexington Times. - The fair will be held on May 6th, 4-6 PM, with board members encouraged to arrive by 3 PM. -The members discussed about how to manage participations of board members' business in the fair, and recommended to consult with the town council about any potential conflicts of interests. 5. Update on Working Group - The working group discussed about how to develop age friendly action plan since Lexington joined AARP age friendly community. COA had a list of age friend initiatives prior to the pandemic. The working group aims to revisit and revise the pre-COVID age -friendly community initiatives aligned with AARP's eight livable domains. The working group will bring its updated initiatives for full board discussion. - John Zhao raised concerns about the impact of property taxes increase to housing affordability for seniors to age in Lexington and housing development to the senior parking program. 6. Staff Reports and Program Updates - Christine Dean reported spring program registration has started, with summer programs forthcoming. Membership for pool and tennis courts is ongoing. - Kelsey Rollins highlighted health and fitness services, a mobile hearing clinic, and upcoming trips. - Michelle Kelleher noted an increased demand for the tax preparation services. - Kelsey updated on the meal delivery from Minuteman Senior Services, and will provide historical data on participating numbers for comparison over the years. 7. Liaison Reports - Minuteman Senior Services: Sudhir Jain reported a significant increase in home -delivered and congregate meals and discussed budget shortfalls for state home care services. John Zhao made observation about significantly demand increase at Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry. - Transportation Committee: Sudhir Jain noted upcoming new buses and the 50th anniversary of LexExpress. - FCOA: Sudhir Jain highlighted the reduction of grants, new initiatives, and bylaw changes. Sudhir encouraged COA members to consider volunteering at senior lunches to promote FCOA initiatives. - Housing Partnership Board: John Zhao reported that the Housing Partnership Board voted against Article 2 — Town Meeting article to amend 2023 MBAT Zoning changes. John personally supported the article due to concerns about property tax increases and its impact on seniors. Julie Ann Shapiro adjourned the meeting at 3:37 PM.