HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-16-COA-minCOUNCIL ON AGING
Minutes of Meeting, Thursday, November 16, 2006
Attending, Betty Borghesani Marian Cohen, Chairperson
Dan Fenn Shirley Buck
Bob Edwards Paul Lapointe
Lauren McSweeney, Executive Director Leo Me Sweeney
Richard Pagett, Board of Selectmen Liaison Frieda Oliner
Tom Griffiths, School Committee Liaison Jane Pagett, Elected Member
Barbara Ciampa, Minuteman Services Liaison
Jim Goell, LexSA member
John Fedorochko, LexSA member
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the October 5, 2006 Meeting were approved with one correction,
Election of Jane Pagett to COA
Jane Pagett's application to join the COA was read and unanimously approved. Marian
will clear this with the Town Manager,
Director's Report
Lauren reported that $10,000. of the grant from the Office of Elder Affairs is
unallocated, and she is searching for the best way to utilize these funds. She has
discussed the hiring of a part time Volunteer Coordinator /Program Coordinator with
Town personnel, and is hopeful that this will be approved.
She is also considering a "needs" request for a full time Community Outreach worker to
fill increasing demands in this area which are not being adequately met at present. The
Human Services and Youth Services Committees are interested in joining her in this
request. More details will be presented at the next COA meeting.
Lauren's budget for next year is due for its initial presentation at one of the upcoming
Selectmen's Budget meetings on December 4, 8 orl 1, Lauren will present a copy of this
budget to the COA at our next meeting.
Study Proposed by Muzzgy Condo Association
The Muzzey Condo Association has proposed a study of the structural integrity and
safety conditions of the building. They are aware of numerous problems, and are asking
for $53 K from CPA funds to conduct such a study. They feel the Town should be held
responsible for deficiencies, and want COA backing of their proposal. After considerable
discussion, it was decided that Marian would respond with a letter of general COA
support for a study, since we are a tenant, but not state that we back fully all details or
demands of the Condo Association proposal, which could require extensive in -depth
investigation and committment. There are 16 applicants competing for CPA funds, so it is
uncertain how successful the request may be.
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FCOA Policy Meeting
A meeting was held with various concerned parties to clarify the operating rules for the
Friends of the Council on Aging (FCOA), Besides FCOA governing members (Susan
O'Keefe and Mary Ellen Goodwin), also present were Lauren McSweeney, Linda Vine,
Peter Kelly, Marian Cohen and David Williams, Trust Representative Guidelines were
agreed upon as to what types of projects could be funded, and the proportion of funds
available for dispersal, There will be support for COA programs, and the FCOA will
make final decisions on which ones are selected.
L Advocates (Lex AI Report
Serious concerns were expressed on the adequacy of the fire exits for the lower level of
the Senior Center. Proper signs need to be installed directing seniors to the best exits in
case of emergency. Storage of some large items, evidently belonging to condominium
residents, partially blocks some passageways. Also, there are insufficient provisions for
emergency lighting if there is a failure of electrical power, Paul Lapointe stated the Town
Building Department, including the Building Inspector, should be brought in to assess
the entire situation and make recommendations. Tom Batten, Condo Association
President, should also be advised of the concerns and become involved,
It was suggested that support be sought for procuring and operating a van to provide
transportation for seniors who otherwise cannot participate in Senior Center activities.
Some surrounding towns have such a van. Marian pointed out that this question had been
raised several times before, even to the stage of the Rotary Club volunteering to furnish
such a van, but studies indic hat d hat LexSA a and staffing it were
memberswould find ou
prohibitive. It was decided t t haw such barriers
were overcome in other towns, and report back to COA.
With regard to the pursuit of a New Senior Center, a recent meeting on this subject was
held with town officials and an architectural agency, with a resulting report that the town
should close one elementary school because of projected declining enrollment within a
few years, This could free up either the White House or the old Harrington school, which
would no longer be needed for swing space for school construction work. Tom Griffiths
stated that this new information is being studied, and does not yet offer a firm course of
action, There is an end -of- December deadline for a warrant to place articles before the
Spring Town Meeting, and Jim Goell wants to try to meet this goal, Marian pointed out
that a site for the Senior Center must be designated and approved by the Selectment first.
Selectmen Norman Cohen and Hank Manz are to decide on a proposed site by a deadline
date of December 12, If approved, a study would then be funded by next summer to plan
such a New Senior Center.
Next COA Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 3;30 PM,
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Edwards, COA Acting Secretary Pg. 2