HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-14-COA-minCOUNCIL ON AGING
Meeting: Thursday, June 14, 2007
3:30 p.m.
Attending: Lauren McSweeney, Director, Social Services
Betty Borghesani
Shirley Buck
Jim Barry,LexSA
Marian Cohen, Chairperson
Jim Goell, LexSA
Bob Edwards
John Fedorochko, LexSA
Paul Lapointe
Loren Wood, LexSA
Frieda Oliner
John Ruffing, Architect
Jane Pagett
Leo McSweeney
Jane Trudeau
Liaisons: Hank Manz, Selectman
Tom Griffiths, School Committee
The Minutes of the May 10, 2007 meeting were approved.
Selectmens' Goal Setting Meeting
Marian Cohen requested that we discuss COA goals to be submitted to the Selectmen at
their annual goal setting meeting on July 10 A new Senior Center and Transportation
needs are our first priorities. Hank Manz requested that we submit our proposals with
particularity and in detail. If we want a service we need to explain "why."
Transportation
Our transportation needs relating to service to the Senior Center were discussed. Lauren
McSweeney reported that the lack of regularly scheduled service to the Senior Center by
Lexpress causes anxiety for Seniors who arrive on regular service, but then must call for
pickup. Jim Goell suggested that having two routes that stop at COA would be useful for
Seniors. Tom Griffiths suggested that regular stops would alleviate Seniors' anxiety
about being picked up. Jim Goell mentioned having a COA van. Marian felt that issue
might be addressed when it becomes certain where the new Senior Center will be located.
Lauren suggested COA invite the Transportation Coordinator to one of the Board
meetings to discuss Lexpress.
A new Senior Center
Paul Lapointe discussed timelines that force COA to act. For example, if the Council on
Aging wants to be considered for CPA funds, it must at least notify CPA that COA will
be submitting a proposal by November 2007. A detailed proposal can be submitted at a
later date.
With regard to the COA's RFP for an opinion as to whether the White House site is
appropriate for a new Senior Center, Paul described the heavy workload of the PBC. The
PBC has 35 to 45 days after the override vote to put a bid package together for the new
DPW facility. In addition, they are "down" two members. Citing this work load Paul
stated that combining the RFPs for the four studies authorized by Town Meeting for the
Senior Center, Munroe, East Lexington Library and Carey Hall might be the best way to
ensure the COA study would be done in the near future.
Marian Cohen, Paul Lapointe and Leo McSweeney will be the COA liaisons to the PBC.
Paul also laid out the task for the COA to "flesh out" its space needs. Shirley Buck
suggested that John Ruffing could help with this task,
B_ .laws
Jane Trudeau submitted for COA review our revised Bylaw (that had been voted upon at
an earlier meeting as reviewed and modified by Carl Valente). The COA incorporated
Carl's changes into this document to be submitted to the Town Counsel for final review.
Voted; A vote to remove the three -year term limit was taken and it passed,
Jane Pagett stated that having updated Bylaws could be helpful when defining the role of
the COA and the FCOA. John Federochko noted that involved Bylaws might be difficult
to read. Lauren told us that the COA's new Bylaws and minutes, and finance statements
will be available in our Senior Center library.
Cable Television
Bob Edwards reported that copies of "Lexington Remembers" will be available at the
Senior Center and Cary Library. There will be seven programs. Four of them have been
shown 12 times from December to the present. Two more are completed and are being
scheduled. Bob said there would be more publicity in advance of performances by Dot
De Dominico and the Choral Group at Brookhaven and the Young At Heart Singers. Jim
Goell suggested having commercials about the programs.
Director's Report
1. COA is still looking for a Social Services Coordinator, The Council on Aging
wants to be proactive and collaborate with the Police and Fire Departments.
2. The offices of the nurse, social services coordinator and youth and family
coordinator will share one single space (fleeing up room for more program
space).
3. The new software, "My Senior Center," purchased for COA by the FCOA will be
installed next week, There will be a training class on August 15 There will be a
raffle for those making early data entry.
Next meetings July 12 and August Stn
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cording Secretary