HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-02-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting
October 2, 2019
2:30-3:43
Lexington Community Center
Present: Bonnie Teitleman, Sudhir Jain, Julie Ann Shapiro, Sandra Shaw, Jyotsna
Kakullavarapu, Rich McDonough, Gerry Howell, John Zhao, Suzie Barry (Selectman)
Staff: Melissa Interess, Christine Dean
Public Comments: none
Approval of September minutes
Tax Deferrment and Circuit Breaker- Pat Costello and Vicki Blier presented this great
program that seems to be an underutilized program for seniors. They have an updated guide on
programs for limited income seniors to save money. They asked COA to publicize. The program
guide is available online through the Assessor's office.
Staff Reports
Hemali Shah and Michelle Kelleher attending MCOA conference
Melissa Interess
• Sand for Seniors and Fuel Assistance programs beginning soon.
• Hemali saw 80 seniors at the Villages during Open Office hours; she will continue
monthly with interpreters.
o Created Files of Life- document translated into Chinese for non-English speaking
residents at the Villages
• Flu shots will be available at senior wellness fair 10/15 10-11:30 AM at Scottish Rite
Museum
• Matter of Balance (with MMSS) class starts 10/15
• Meet and Greet with Elizabeth Chen, Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs,
will take place at Community Center on 10/7 at 10am.
• Turkey Train trip is full.
• Technology programs and drop-in sessions facilitated by high school students are
successful; the current organizer is looking for a replacement. John Zhao will check with
Computer Club at the High School. Human Services will contact the high school
community service coordinator.
• '/2 day trip to American Heritage Museum planned for 11/15
• The Mental Health Task Force will give a progress report to Selectmen and School
Committee 10/29; includes what's been done, will be done.
Christine Dean
• Center track project- synthetic turf being installed, done by 4/2020
• Sandra Shaw asked about new gym; Christine responded that RFP being drafted for
consulting firm to do needs assessment to determine if the community needs are still in
line with what was anticipated in 2012-2015 when readying to move to Community
Center
• New walkway in rear of Community Center that connects to the garden beds and the
patio underway
• New safe driving program being developed for spring in partnership with Human
Services
• Working with Museum to develop community announcement re: parking, roads, and
being a good neighbor
• Sidewalk project awaiting the assignment of contractor, which will update the entry from
Marrett Road with a sidewalk, gates, and signage
New Business
Looking for nominating committee for future vacancies to meet on as needed basis
Liaison Reports
Transportation, Sudhir reported on Lexpress revenue and subsidized passes given out in
August.
FCOA Sudhir reported that 3 committees were formed: publicity, recruitment, fund raising.
Commission on Disability, Bonnie reported on the LexHab housing development at 34A Lowell
Street, the need for new by-laws for residential development, a complaint re: sidewalks in Depot
Square, LPS re: discipline and suspensions; and the need to explore guidelines for comfort
animals in addition to support service animals in the community, specifically public areas.
Human Services, Melissa reported that the committee is looking to update charge, goals,
function, membership to present to the Board of Selectmen in the coming months.
Housing Partnership, Rich reported that they viewed a presentation of new building at186
Bedford Street - one bedroom apartments and first floor retail businesses with some affordable
units; voted to support project
Age Friendly, will meet with UMass faculty on 10/10 to view final report.
Mental Health Task Force, Jyotsna, Sudhir reported on recent meeting which was a preview of
what will be presented to the Board of Selectmen and School Committee in October.