2004-01-15 Council on Aging Minutes

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T W-6, C. (e Council on Aging Meeting at the Senior Center January 15, 2004 Reading, MA 01867 r F ` 4~ Present: Edwina Kasper, Betty Cronin, Dick Anderson, Dottye Foxon, Ruth Goldber4; S Kristin Loring Kinsella, Pamela Brown (Administrator). Absent: John O'Neill, Carol S. Patterson, Barbara Powers, Gay Williams r_ LI: Betty Cronin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. • The minutes for the October 7th meeting were approved-motion by Dottye Foxon, seconded by Dick Anderson, and carried. • Highlights of the Administrator's Report for November, and December were reviewed. • The financial report was approved-motion by Dottye Foxon, seconded by Dick Anderson. • The difference between Reading and other Senior Centers were discussed i.e., Sharon Thomas, Nutrition Program Coordinator. Sharon is a Town employee; other coordinators are employed by MVES. • Pamela provided an update about offering medical escorts to residents at Longwood Place to Lou-Ann Shine, social worker at Longwood Place. • Pamela discussed with Mr. Patti, 128 Ford about renewing the van lease, to continue at no cost to the Town. The Town will continue to take care of gas, maintenance, and insurance. Elder Services is considering a 12 - 15 passenger van like the Community Policing van. This van would not be wheelchair accessible because currently people can use The Ride if they need wheelchair access. Pamela discussed application to the State for a new van under the Mobility Assistance Program. Currently, they are not - accepting applications. Pamela is in contact with the Program Coordinator and expects to hear about the application process which hinges on the funding appropriations as determined by the State budget. MVES will allow us to use their non-profit status (5010) in applying. • Regarding the Burbank Trust, it was moved and accepted by the COA that $250,000 be unexpendable and kept in reserve. • Pamela will ask Atlantic Food to donate monthly birthday cakes and will acknowledge with sign and thanks in newsletter. • Railing for the back ramp was approved it has not been installed as yet. John Shaw, president of the Lions Club informed Pamela that they are considering purchasing materials and providing installation. $1250 donation is already on hand from an anonymous donor and Wal-Mart. • The Fix-It shop is relocating to the Arts & Crafts Rm. from the downstairs workshop. • Dottye moved that the tools/machines from the workshop be donated to the Town, Dick seconded. The motion was approved and carried. • The Reading Fire Department, while inspecting the Senior Center, has asked that the space heaters at the reception desk and office be discarded. Lt. Jackson suggested that a baseboard heater be installed in the Second Floor Office (Sharon's office). He suggested that a plexiglass window (seasonal) be installed at the Sign-up area to cut down on drafts. • We also discussed educational programs with the Fire Department to include fire drills at the Senior Center and home safety programs for seniors. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 - motion by Kristin, seconded by Edwina.