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Home My WebLink About2020-10-07-COA-min Town of Lexington Council on Aging Board Meeting October 7., 2020 2:35-4:05PM Zoom Video Conference Present: Bonnie Teitleman., Ellen Cameron., Betty Borghesani, Julie Ann Shapiro, John Zhao, Sudhir Jain, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu, Camille Goodwin, Sandra Shaw, Rich McDonough Staff: Michelle Kelleher., Hemali Shah, Suzie Barry, Diana Bishop, Bea Holland, Melissa Interess Julie Ann Shapiro called the meeting to order, took attendance and read Charlie Baker's instructions on public meetings via Zoom. Public Comments: None Approval of September minutes with two corrections Staff Reports: Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Coordinator • Grab and Go 50 participants • Uptick in nutrition appointments and talks as well as other programs as people become more comfortable w/Zoom • Paperwhite pickup 10/29- 30 people signed up Hemali Shah, Assistant Director • DPH Flu Clinic 10/20 with 113 shots for people > 75 with safety plan • Christine Dean-The final presentation to the public for the needs assessment was held on September 30th. The slides and recording of the presentation can be found on the capital projects page of the Recreation website. • Positive response was received from the Neighborhood postcard initiative Age Friendly Initiative Senior Parking Program • Julie Ann and Betty will meet with parking management on 10/9 to present the proposal for feedback Commerce Program • John Zhao has list of local businesses on spread sheet, will send list out to COA members along with list of items to discuss with businesses • COA members will choose businesses to contact; will ask how they can make their businesses easier for seniors to patronize o For example: call in, delivery, pick up, easy payment on phone or online, shopping for gifts; they will offer marketing and express appreciation to them • May offer publicity in Colonial Times and Sage; pursue collaboration among Retailers' Association and Chamber of Commerce • Goal: Keep people out of stores but still buying • Deadline: November 2 for Colonial Times November., 12/1 for December What is a next Age Friendly initiative? • Set up working group to discuss list and prioritize for January 2021, COA will look at the eight domain list o Possibilities include: Publicize financial aids: tax rebate, fuel assistance; housing, safety resources; informal telephone check-in program for seniors; resources for affordable internet connections and devices New Business Julie Ann and Betty received an email from Lexington citizens asking for COA support for a systemic racism resolution, Article 8, to be on the warrant for 2nd town meeting. This would be a non-binding permission to work towards dismantling systemic racism wherever it is identified. Due to unforeseen circumstance of the timing of the request COA made an exception and voted unanimously to support this resolution. Liaison Reports Minuteman Senior Services- Bee Holland and Diana Bishop —Both mentioned the current situation regarding budget as the state hasn't passed new budget. 70% of MMSS budget is through the state, which is concerning. Bea mentioned that she was impressed with MMSS having hired staff to look at improving programs and services based on data collection Transportation- Sudhir Jain -All transportation services across the globe, and including MBTA, Lexpress, and others, have faced low ridership since COVID. They are coming back, but most of us are seeing that more transit dependent riders are, naturally, the ones who are predominantly riding. Services that are mostly focused on white collar commuters, such as commuter rail, have been the slowest to come back. Planning is working on a long-range traffic mitigation design and plan. The long range plan is to have a more vibrant use of that underutilized area, and traffic congestion and related transportation services will be key to recruiting businesses to the area. FCOA-Sudhir Jain - no update Commission on Disability- Bonnie Teitleman - presentations by Johnny Cole, Dir of Equity and Student Support and Ellen Sugita on LPS plans for students w/disabilities and special needs; projects with Human Rights Committee (Dyslexia Month, No Hate Month, and effects of pandemic on students) Human Services Committee- Betty Borghesani - The committee discussed its purpose, goal and mission and the best way to continue forward. Recreation Committee- Ellen Cameron - Discussed two playgrounds that need replacement; golf has been busy since it reopened Lexington Housing- Camille Goodwin, no update Vision 20/20- Jyotsna Kakullavarapu — reviewed history of group and its mission going forward Housing Partnership- Rich McDonough - explained role of HP: Promote and support affordable housing in Lexington. Shared some data from Metrowest Home Consortium Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee- Rich M - no update Mental Health Task Force- Ellen Cameron no - update, meeting coming up Lexington Center Committee- Sandra Shaw - The committee meeting on 10/8 will include an update on the Center Streetscape, a business update on current status and vacancy rates in the center and the 2021 plan for bike share and the bike path Next meeting of COA: November 4, 2020 2:30 -4PM via Zoom Submitted by Bonnie Teitleman