HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-18-COA-minMINUTES
Council on Aging
August 18, 2005
Attending; Marian Cohen, Chairperson
Betty Borghesani
Don Chisholm
Bob Edwards
Dan Fenn
Don Graham
Paul Lapointe
Leo McSweeney
Jane Tiudeau
Richard Pagett — Selectman Liaison
Thomas Griffiths — School Committee Liaison
Lauren MacNeil —Director of Social Services
Shirley Stolz— Capital Expenditures Liaison
The Minutes of the July 14, 2005 meeting were accepted,
BOARD of SELL CTMEN's ("BOS ") GOAL SETTING MEETING
Richard Pagett informed us of the Selectmen's Goal Setting meeting to take place on September 14, 2005,
Richard encouraged us to use the opportunity to get a sense of the BOS position on a new Senior Center,
He compared the goal of the BOS to make a decision on the DPW last year to ow' objective of having them I
affirm the need for a new Senior Center and to set a goal to make a decision to build it. Informational
materials need to be given to the BOS by September 9, 2005, Richard also suggested that members of the
COA attend the meeting on the 10 and, be prepared to answer questions. Paul Lapointe and Marion Cohen
will prepare the case for a new Senior Center to be given to the BOS,
Dan Fenn said that unless we indicated a site in our report there would be no action. A discussion ensued
about the possibility of recommending the playing field next to the present Senior Center, Don Chisholm
stated that he did not believe the Recreation Committee would be a "deal breaker," The half soccer field is
used for 6 on 6 games and practice for youth soccer. Don agreed to research how the parcel got into
Recreation and what process is required to change its use,
Our goal is to have the Selectmen request design money for construction at the next Annual Town Meeting,
However Richard did not feel we needed to recommend a specific site for this initial presentation to the
BOS,
Marion Cohen and Paul Lapointe will work on an Executive Summary to include a history, census data, .
and results of our survey, Dan Fenn suggested that our space needs be related to our specific program
needs, not standards suggested by outside agencies,
FACILITY STUDY
Paul Lapointe reported that this is a work -in- progress, His earlier spreadsheet had raised program issues
that he, Lauren, and Marion wanted to bring to the full COA Board, For example, do we want to change
the nature of our food services? Have a food court? Do we want a room with exercise equipment? And, do
we need a great room, if so how "great ?"
The initial proposal of 30,000 square feet included the Adult Day Program, Tom Griffiths commented that
a larger facility entails greater operating costs.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Lauren requested that the COA give her direction on billing clients for days missed at the Adult Day Care
Center. Our present policy is to bill clients for a full month whether or not they attend each day, Unless
the Executive Director waives the daily fee in special circumstances, However, several families have
simply refused to pay for days mussed by remitting a lesser amount. Tom Griffiths suggested we have two
(2) rates: a daily rate and a monthly rate. Paul Lapointe suggested a minimum payment amount that is
never waived. The question was raised as to practices at other Day Care programs. Jane Trudeau and
Betty Borghesani_ will research that issue.
For the time being, we will enforce our present polocy and bill clients for the full month,
The next COA Board Meeting is September 8, 2005 at 3 :30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
J
no A, Trudeau