HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-14-COA-minMINUTES.
Council on Aging
July, 14 2005
Attending; Marian Cohen, Chairperson
Betty Borghesani
Bob Edwards
Paul Lapointe
Frieda Oliner
Jane Trudeau
Richard Pagett — Selccman Liason
Thomas Griffiths — School Committee Liason
Laurel MacNeil — Director of Social Services.
The Minutes of the June 7, 2005 and June 20, 2005 meetings were accepted.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
FCOA — Becky Clark and Beverly Kelley have resigned from the FCOA Board, A Nominating
Committee is needed to appoint their replacements,
Personnel - Charlotte Rogers has been hired as the new nurse for the Senior Health Monitor
program which will now be done in- house. Kelly McGee, a social worker, has been hired as well.
New Town Manager - Lauren reported having a good discussion with Carl Valente, the new Town
Manager. He visited the Adult Day Care Program. He has a vision for Town supported Social Services,
FACILITY STUDY
Paul Lapointe is chairing our facility study. He believes it is important for us to have a plan of
our present facilities including the Mill Street site in order to assess how well they serve our program
needs, Paul Lapointe, Marian Cohen and Lauren MacNeil will work on a program worksheet to help us
reevaluate our space needs.
Mill Street Issue - We need to discuss with the possibility of a long term lease with the Minuteman
Vocational Superintendant. Our present lease runs from 111105 to 12/31/07 at $1050 per month with a new
rent to be negotiated in January, 2006. Minuteman can cancel the lease with 90 days notice and the COA
with 30 days notice.
Capacity to expand our program at the Mill Street site is an issue which could involve an addition
to the building or an extra day. Finally, the issue of whether to keep a separate site for the Adult Day
Program was discussed.
Muzzey Site - With regard to our Muzzey Condo facility, it needs to be determined whether the
Town or the Condo Association is responsible for the cleaning of sewerage pipes, and other maintenance
items,
Muzzey Playfield - Paul raised the issue of whether it was sensible for us to even consider this
site. Regarding legal issues, Jane Trudeau reported that aside fi•om two tangential references to the Town
retaining the playfield property, the original conversion of the Muzzey Junior High to housing was not
predicated on the playing fields being committed to recreation, However, Jane reported that Norman
Cohen advised that a change of use would have to be approved by Town Meeting and the State Legislature,
The committee discussed the political feasibility of converting a playing field from recreational
use, Open space people and parents of children who use the field could be opposed. Tom Griffiths felt the
School Committee would be conflicted over the loss of a playing field. Richard Pagett felt a majority of
the Selectmen would probably support the conversion of the field to other than recreational use, How
would a building on that site look? The site is 1 '/z acres, A 27,000 square foot building would leave at
least 30,000 square feet for parking and open space,
Capital Expenditures Committee — There was general agreement there needs to be more
communication with the Capital Expenditures Committee,
Homework — Lauren is to contact the Minuteman Vocational Superintendant, Jane is to find out
why a change from recreational use would require legislative approval.
Respectfully submitted,
J e Trudea�Secretaiy