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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-26-COA-minMINUTES Lexington Council on Aging Joint meeting with FCOA May 26,2005 Attending: COA Marian Cohen, Chairperson Betty Borghesani Bob Edwards, Dan Fenn Don Graham, Paul Lapointe Frieda Oliner Jane Trudeau Lauren MacNeil, Director of Social Services Attending: FCOA Mark Barons Susan O'Keefe, President Marie Hill COA MEETING 4 :30 to S :OOPM Role of The FCOA The COA met briefly prior to the arrival of the FCOA members. Marian Cohen stated that she hoped our joint meeting would clarify the roles of the COA and the FCOA. In defining our respective roles, we wanted to address, "how do they see their role ?" and "who is responsible for what ?" Marian hoped we would also discuss the issues of fundraising and an annual budget for the COA. JOINT MEETING 5 :00 to 6 :OOPM. Priorities: Susan O'Keefe stated that the FCOA's first priority is to streamline accounting procedures. The FCOA would like to make a deposit into the Selectman's gift account for a specified general purpose such as programming. The COA could use the money in the account for programs chosen by the COA and by Lauren. The only restrictions imposed by the FCOA would be that the COA account (to the FCOA) for expenditures and assure the FCOA that the funds be used specifically for the stated purpose of programming ( not for other purposes). Susan emphasized that the FCOA would like to eliminate the former practice whereby the COA had to ask the FCOA to fund every item individually. Lauren assured the committees that the Selectman's gift account was already set up to receive funds for the COA and a one -time procedural vote by the Selectmen was all that would be required. The members of the COA responded positively to Susan's proposal. Funding: Dan Fenn inquired as to the amount of annual funding being considered by the FCOA. Susan responded that the COA should make a "wish list ". Betty Borghesani commented that it was a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" problem. If the COA knew what amount of funding the FCOA had in mind, it would be easier for the COA to make a wish list. Dan Fenn commented that a Five (5 %) percent of principal annual distribution was a conservative common practice. Susan will research what return the FCOA is currently receiving on their funds. Susan also noted that the FCOA was more interested in funding programs than facilities. Lauren cited the annual grant to the chorus and the Five Hundred ($500) dollars per -month grants to the monthly special luncheon program, as successful programs supplemented by FCOA funds. However, in the past, once a sum was granted for a specific program, it was generally perceived that no additional sums could be requested. Susan hoped this new approach would add not only consistency to funding, but also flexibility, as well. Mark Barrons and Paul Lapointe led a discussion about funding for maintenance and capital projects at the Senior Center, Paul voiced a concern whether the Town would. continue to be responsible for maintaining the Center. The recurring sewerage backup problem was cited as a Town reponsibility. Jane Trudeau suggested that the Capital Expenditures Committee be informed about the problems with our facility. Regular communication with the Capital Expenditures liaison person would help in this matter. Paul and Mark agreed to activate a facilities subcommittee (with Mark, Paul and Leo McSweeney serving as its members) to look into needed improvements to our existing center and come up with a five -year plan. Goals; We decided that the goals of the FCOA and COA are the same. Collegiality and more frequent meetings of the two Boards would facilitate implementation of our mutual goals. The COA requested an estimate of annual funding in order to begin our program planning for next year. One item that Lauren put on her wish list was funding for a 10 -hour per week Volunteer Coordinator. It was suggested that this position could be a temporary pilot project, with no obligation to fund it beyond one year. In fact, if it were successful, the Town should take over the funding. The next COA Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at 3;OOPM. Respectfully submitted,