HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-14-COA-minMINUTES
Council on Aging
February 14, 2006
Attending Marian Cohen, Chairperson
Betty Borghesani
Shirley Buck
Bob Edwards
Dan Fenn
Don Graham
Paul Lapointe
Frieda Oliner
Jane Trudeau
Tom Griffiths, School Committee
Lauren MacNeil, Director of Social Services
Diane Snell, Office Manager
Guests: Jim Goell
Marnie Terzian
Verna Thayer
The minutes of the January 12, 2006 meeting were accepted,
Senior Center Action Committee
Marian Cohen reported on the presentation by Maria Constanides of the final report of the
SCAPC to the Board of Selectmen on Monday, February 12, 2006. The SCAPC narrowed the list
of possible sites for a new Senior Center to Munroe School, Muzzey Playing Field, and Harrington
School, with Munroe School being their first choice, Tom Griffiths stated that Harrington School
will not be available for at least ten (10) years. The size of Muzzey Playing Field will not
accommodate a 20,000 square foot building and adequate parking.
The problem with Munroe School was obvious at the BOS meeting. The Center for the
Arts now occupies the building and many of its supporters attended the BOS meeting and spoke
against being displaced by a Senior Center, Dan Fenn also expressed concern about "booting
out" one worthwhile organization to provide another organization with building space.
In response to a question by Dan Fenn regarding the Muzzey Playing Field, Paul Lapointe
showed a layout drawn by Charles Horning which Illustrated the problem of fitting a 20,000 square
foot building and adequate parking on that site.
Marian Cohen noted that Munroe School is in disrepair; it has not been maintained. The
Town Is subsiding private businesses presently using the site. Currently, no rent Is being charged,
but Jeff Lipsky, Executive Director, is proposing that the Center pay Twenty Thousand
($20,000.00) Dollars per year. The Town in turn would invest Two Million ($2,000,000,00) Dollars
to Two Million Five Hundred Thousand ($2,500,000.00) Dollars in improvements. Paul Lapointe
said the present situation is untenable. There are liability issues for the Town. The building is not
handicapped accessible.
Marian reported that the Selectmen have requested more information on our attendance
and program space needs, Marian will be on the BOS agenda at a future meeting. She Is giving
them the "Survey of Town Residents" October 2003 and a new document she prepared,
"Lexington Senior Center FY 2005, Programs, Services, and Activities." The COA
enthusiastically supported Marian's suggestion that seniors turn out the next time we are on the
BOS agenda.
Frieda Oliner asked as to whether or not Kline Hall located at the former Fernald School
site is a possibility for the Council on Arts. Paul Lapointe stated that interior rehabilitation of that
building would also be expensive.
Tom Griffiths suggested that the COA ask the BOS to decide the best use for Munroe and
to assess: 1) Is it safe? 2) Is it ADA accessible? 3) Is it free of liability?
Paul Lapointe stated we should emphasize that the COA is being practical and flexible in
scaling down new space to 20,000 square feet and agreeing to two (2) sites instead of one larger
facility,
Public Relations
Several members and guests spoke to the Issue of how to mobilize the Seniors, A
petition and letters to the Minuteman newspaper were suggested.
COA Position SCAPC Report
This MOTION was made by Paul Lapointe, The COA has reviewed the SCAPC report
and wishes (1) to express its willingness and flexibility to consider something other than a single
site for the Senior Center, (2) strongly urges the Board of Selectmen to determine the future use
of Munroe School as soon as possible, and (3) supports funding a feasibility study of Munroe
School and of the existing Muzzey Senior Center to confirm that the SCAC proposal will support
the COA program. The COA voted and passed this MOTION.
The next COA meeting will be March 9, 2006 at 3;30 p.m.
R spectfuliy subRitted,
J e A, Trudeau, Secretary