Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-03-COA-min[Type here] Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting June 3, 2026 COA-John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Sue Rockwell, Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, Janet Perry, Ellen Cameron, Sandra Hackman, Julie -Ann Shapiro Staff -Michelle Kelleher, Christine Dean, Dana Bickelman, Vineeta Kumar John Zhao called the meeting to order at 2:37 PM, took attendance. Board reviewed and approved May minutes. New Business • John Zhao attended meeting of Elder Orphans, a local group for older people living alone without available family for social and resource support • Ellen Cameron reported on emergency preparation planning, in progress • Kunal Botla, chair on transportation advisory committee, presented an overview of transportation issues in Lexington. Included: new bus contract and routes, work with developers on sidewalks, funding, transportation in neighboring communities. On -demand rides are complicated, need more discussion o Lexpress riders: 1/3 students, 1/3 older people, 1/3 adults Staff Reports Christine Dean -Community Center Director • Pool open, aqua aerobics. Rez open, Lincoln street exercise stations complete, universal design in playground Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Director • Attended conference in VA on aging services nationally, innovations, Al, caregiver support, preparation for growing population, brain health • Alzheimer's Awareness Month • Fewer trips, need chaperones. Trip to Boston Harbor 37 registrants • Michelle and office manager to be safely certified • Increase in requests for caregiver support and daycare o 3 groups currently • 20% or 9,000 of Lexington residents are "senior" [Type here] Dana Bickelman Human Services Director • Job offer for transportation manager in process • Proposal that the vacant senior services coordinator position in Human Services be reconfigured as a coordinator who would provide services through the lifecycle to all Human Services, including Youth and Family, Veterans and Transportation, in addition to senior services • Suggested inviting Sarah at Vision for Lexington to come to COA mtg to describe planned survey of residents AgeFriendly Subcommittee Update Ellen • AF (Age Friendly) talking to housing and planning boards • John sent plans for Bedford Street development proposal • COA hopes to replicate a Littleton grant of $120,000 to pay for home safety renovations/equipment that will allow people to remain in their homes. Up to $7500 per grant. Grant needs champion from Lexington staff, Dana B will take lead to submit, follow up. Building Dept has to agree so further discussion necessary before going to town mtg • Tax Action Aid- Committee to form to discuss how to disburse funds, tax deferral program Liaison Reports Minuteman Senior Services Sudhir Jain- effects of government policies on tax programs will strain state coffers. 11/26 review of state tax rate may benefit individual residents but lead to state losses and force reductions in services United Health Services has been indicted for fraud in Mass Health Program Transportation — Sudhir -presentation of senior transportation planning; need for on demand transportation Parking areas could be used for more housing FCOA Sudhir— not able to help with money for on demand Commission on Disability —Janet Perry- DC will meet with Housing voted against automated pick up and fees Recreation -no update Housing Authority Sue Rockwell— Countryside voucher and survey in process; vacancy on authority for resident vision Housing Partnership Sandra Hackman -will meet w/new chair, Nanette Burns Vision for Lexington — John Zhao no update Mental Health — Ellen Cameron - no update [Type here] Center Committee — no update, need liaison Meeting adjourned: 4:03 PM Next meeting August 5, 2026, Hybrid, Community Center, 2:30-4PM. Note: No meeting in July Meet And Greet- open house for older people to meet COA board members prior to official meeting and discuss their concerns 14 people attended Board members explained roles, goals, history and current activities of COA, highlighting accomplishments. Topics: Property tax deferral program -Vicki requested COA to promote program (51 older people last year) Day care need for older people, support for caregivers could allow people to remain in their homes Trips fewer b/c need for planning and chaperones