HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-19-COA-min (Age Friendly Subcommittee)Age Friendly Subcommittee
Minutes
May 19, 2026
On Zoom
Participants: John Zhao, cho-chair, Ellen Cameron, Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, Sudhir Jain,
Sandra Hackman, Michelle Kelleher, senior services director
John called the meeting to order at 3:04 and called the roll. There was no new business.
Meet and Greet
The group discussed the upcoming meet -and -greet opportunity with community members at the
Community Center on June 3. Either John or co-chair Julie Ann Shapiro will open the event—an
informal opportunity to seek public input on the work of the COA and the town's senior services.
The event was announced in the Sage newsletter, through the town's online Link to Lexington,
and through FCOA and OWLL. Michelle will provide refreshments.
The event and the ensuing COA meeting will be in-person only.
Transportation
John noted that the subcommittee's research showed that most area towns offer some kind of
program through which seniors can obtain last-minute transportation—the transportation "gap."
Michelle agreed to invite Kunal Botla, chair of the Transportation Advisory Group, to the next
COA meeting, on June 3, to update the board on transportation services and consider how to
address the gap. Sudhir asked subcommittee members to send any information from their
research so he could compile it for Kunal.
Bonnie wondered whether the subcommittee should provide Kunal with a list of questions to
consider ahead of time. John will work with Sudhir and Michelle on an email to Kunal.
Mihelle noted that the LexConnect contract is due for renewal. LexConnect is a subsidized taxi
voucher program for residents aged 60 and older designed as a safety net for medical
appointments and errands. Michelle suggested the potential for using funds for that service to
help close the gap.
Ellen asked whether Lexington at Home, a private organization composed of participants from
various Lexington neighborhoods, provides rides, but it does not.
Housing
Michelle updated the subcommittee on Littleton's state grant used to fund home health and
safety repairs for low-income seniors. The town planner applied for the grant, and the Affordable
Housing Trust voted to support the application. Towns that receive the state grant must spend
the funds within 9 months.
The town accepted applications from residents through February, and awarded 17 households
$7500 each in October, November, and June. Littleton produced a website and flyer to notify
residents of the program and encourage them to apply. The assistant for elder and human
services acted as the point of contact for residents. Compliance with the terms of the contracts
was sometimes an issue: some contractors sought early payments from homeowners.
Ellen noted the need to develop a game plan for a potential program in Lexington. John agreed
that we need to gain consensus regarding the intent to apply and support for the program.
He noted that rehabbing existing homes is part of the Housing Partnership Board's mission, and
would like to meet with incoming HPB chair about developing a program in Lexington. Sandra
agreed to contact new Planning Board chair Bob Creech about the application and program.
John recapped the action items from the meeting. The subcommittee agreed to meet again on
June 23.
Sandra moved to adjourn, and Bonnie seconded. The meeting ended at 3:57 on a roll call vote.