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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-14-COA-minCOUNCIL ON AGING Meeting, Tuesday, September 14, 2006 Attending were; Shirley Buck Marian Cohen, Chairperson Dan Fenn Leo McSweeney Bob Edwards Jane Trudeau Lauren McSweeney, Executive Director Richard Pagett, Board of Selectmen Liaison Tom Griffin, School Committee Liaison Barbara Ciampa, Minuteman Services Liaison Henry Cravis, League of Women Voters Liaison Jim Goell, LexSA, visitor Minutes of Previous Meetnnr; Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with the following correction. Lauren McSweeney stated that she is applying to get one part time Cleric and one pant time Administrative Aid (Program Coordinator) for 18 hours each per week. The previous desire for a Volunteer Coordinator has been put on hold for the present. COA Vacancy Don Graham has resigned from the COA for health reasons. We will miss his valuable contributions, and appreciate his many years of service. This creates a vacancy, and Marian has a possible candidate for the position. Nominating Committee for FCOA A Nominating Committee for locating a Vice President for the FCOA was formed. Dan Fenn will head the Committee, assisted by Leo McSweeney and Bob Edwards. Dan asked to see a copy of the FCOA By -Laws, which includes a description of the position, for guidance, and Bob agreed to provide one from his previous files. The Vice President will be expected to replace the current President next year, Meeting with Minuteman Services on Food Preparation A meeting will be held at the Senior Center next Tuesday, September 19, at 10;30 AM to discuss the Cafeteria and Food Services operations with representatives of Minuteman Services, the present supplier. There have complaints that food is overcooked, is only re- heated from earlier preparation, and is thus not appealing. However, to do cooking on the location requires an attendance of at least ten persons per day. This goal has not been typically reached recently. Shirley commented that the Bedford Senior Center has good attendance, but opens the cafeteria to people of all ages. COA members are urged to attend this meeting, if possible. Director's Report Lauren said that the use of FCOA funds is on hold at the moment, until a question is settled as to whether a large portion of them are restricted for use only to support Pg. 1 facilities in a new Senior Center, Some Town representatives feel that this is the case, but documentation of this has not been found. Susan O'Keefe and Lauren McSweeney are attempting to resolve the issue with Town personnel, Richard Pagett stated that the Trustees of the Public Trust should have the necessary information. A meeting was held and actions planned by representatives of the Assessor's Office and other town officials on the subject of Tax Exemptions and Abatements. Helpful approaches are being offered for those having difficulty paying their taxes, The Day Care program is now up to about 20 -22 participants, even though fees have been increased, The 5 —day program is functioning, with I 1 participants, Most payments are being received without complaints or delays. The Rotary Club is providing support by funding upgrades to the facility (new carpets and paint). LexSA Petition for New Senior Center Jim Goell stated that the petition was progressing well and receiving many signatures, There was considerable discussion as to whether the petition should be posted at the Senior Center, so that seniors could sign it at any time. Lauren has resisted posting or displaying such documents, because it invades the privacy which many seniors depend upon at the Center, Also, once started, such an action could get out of hand, with numerous requests for similar accommodations, The opposing view was that is a public or town facility, and as such, open to all forms of expression of opinion. It was decided to check with the Town Cleric to see what the policy is for other town buildings, and what applies here, The matter will be discussed at the next COA Meeting — October 5, 2006. "Lexington Remembers" Bob Edwards reported that the new program suggested by Mary Gillespie to video - record elderly town seniors' memories of Lexington's early days was off to a good start, Two sessions have been completed, both with citizen John Quinlan interviewed by Dan Fenn. There will be a showing of the first program at 2 PM Sunday, October 1 at the Downstairs Meeting Room of the Cary Library, All are invited. A modest amount of funding ($ 500,) has been requested from FCOA to provide copies for Selectmen, Cary Library, etc, Barbara Ciampa suggested that the Lexington Arts Council might also want to support such a program, Historic Building_ Consideration Marian has a copy of a letter proposing that the Muzzey Building be classified as a Historic Landmark. Some town committees are considering this proposal, COA By -Laws Marian established a sub - committee to investigate the status of the COA By -laws, and to work on updating them, Jane Trudeau and Dan Fenn volunteered, Marian will provide background material (past write -ups), A review is planned for the November meeting. Pg. 2 New Projector for Muzzey Room Jim Goell pointed out that the projector for showing power -point presentations in the Muzzey Room is old and getting dim. A new one is needed. Marian stated that Lauren's COA budget is very tight, so the way to pursue this is to request funds from the FCOA. However, in view of the existing conflict (presently unresolved) as to limitations on the use of FCOA fiends, and the need to research the projector model to be bought, there could be a delay in obtaining a replacement. The next COA Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 5 at 3;30 PM, Respectfully submitted, Robert E. Edwards, Acting Secretary Pg. 3