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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-25-COA-min (Age Friendly Subcommittee)Age Friendly Minutes August 25, 2026 Subcommittee members: John Zhao, co-chair, Julie -Ann Shapiro, co-chair, Ellen Cameron, vice -chair, Sandra Hackman Staff: Michelle Kelleher, senior services director; Matthew Jarrell, transportation manager John took roll call at 3:04. Members approved the minutes from July. New Business Julie mentioned that planning for the senior dance in October is well under way, with organizers lining up sponsors, door prizes, a DJ, and food. Tickets are on sale. New Transportation Manager Matthew introduced himself and reported that he is meeting with various town groups. He seeks to collaborate with them to ensure that residents' transportation needs are met, especially those of seniors. He oversees Lexpress and the senior taxi voucher program, among other responsibilities. He is focusing on serving the needs of the town's most vulnerable residents. He specialized in transportation and mobility while getting his master's in urban planning from MIT. Before that he worked for various nonprofits. Board members introduced themselves in turn. John noted that the senior parking program helps seniors who still drive, but that there are gaps in meeting the needs of those who don't drive. Matthew reported that seniors are the biggest users of Lexpress, and that making it as good as it can be is a priority. Not every community has as many transportation resources as Lexington, which include the Rte 62 bus. He seeks to meet critical needs and pursue new services while also keeping budget constraints in mind. John noted that grants can help close transportation gaps. The town can also set financial criteria for residents who may need extra services. He would like to validate unmet needs and then determine the cost of meeting them. Julie reported that Concord has a long waiting list for on -demand transportation. Closing gaps in Lexington will require creativity. Ellen commented that the biggest transportation gaps involve the need to go one or two miles. John reported that a group of Brookhaven residents drive others on short trips such as to the pharmacy and grocery store. Matthew noted that Lexpress doesn't go to Brookhaven, and that serving such high -demand centers is a priority, perhaps by expanding service to weekends and holidays. The more people who use a fixed route the more efficient it is. John said he is excited to work with him on tackling these challenges. State Grant for Health and Safety Repairs John has been refreshing his familiarity with this program, which awards $5-6 million to Housing Choice towns, of which Lexington is one. Littleton received $120,000, and awards up to $7,500 to residents who meet income guidelines. John thinks Lexington could receive $150,000. Littleton's Planning Department spearheaded the application to the state, along with the Affordable Housing Trust. The Elderly and Human Services Department screens applicants. Vendors send their proposals to the Building Department for vetting. Michelle reported that human services director Dana Bickelman and herself met with outgoing economic development and housing director Carol Kowalski about the program. John would like an estimate of how much work would be involved in administering it. He is on the board of the Dana Home Foundation, which could offer a grant to help fund that work. Michelle suggested that an intern could also help manage the program. John said that the town manager and the Select Board need to sign off on Lexington's application, and that a next step is to meet with the town manager. Next Meeting Participants agreed on September 22 at 3-4 pm as the next date. The meeting adjourned at 4:04 on a roll call vote.