2002-01-14 Council on Aging Minutes

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Council on Aging January 14, 2002 Senior Center Reading, MA 01867 E D U L E n Present: Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers, Joanne O'Brien, John O'Neill, Dottye Foxon, Ed Merullo, Betty Cronin, Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Pamela Brown (Director). Absent: Ray Cabot. Guest: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager • Dottye Foxon called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. • Peter addressed us on a number of topics, the first being the upcoming budget preparation. He indicated we need to level fund all budgets from the current year and at the same time absorb the cost of living/step increases to which the town is committed. He is suggesting that we could save some money from the shopper assistant program (about $7200 per year) - this program serves 16-19 citizens; the position is funded by grant money that could be redirected. He also proposed reducing the number of the hours for the volunteer coordinator (still keeping it at over 20 hrs. for benefits) and reducing the number of hours for the van driver (budgeted higher for the current fiscal year but already operating at a reduced level). The total savings would be around $12K. Peter also encouraged us to pursue the needs assessment - it has been talked about for a long time - and commented that identifying needs takes on more importance in difficult economic times. He also reminded the Board that Pamela is Elder AND Human Services administrator and that she has responsibilities beyond our seniors. He also updated us on topics such as the landfill and the poultry farm sale. Finally, he solicited our assistance for funding of a) a flagpole for the Senior Center ($1500- $2000), b) a gas generator for the building for use as an emergency shelter (about $5000), and c) replacement of the back door at the Center (a wood door estimated at $1000). The Board was pleased to have the opportunity to hear directly from the Town Manager on a variety of issues. • The minutes of December's meeting were approved (motion by John O'Neill, second by Joanne O'Brien). • Pamela reviewed the Financial Report. The extra $2851 in the Burbank Trust represents funds released late from the estate, sent to Peter, and routed to the Trust fund. Gay Williams moved to accept the report, seconded by Joanne O'Brien; approved. • Highlights of the Administrator's Report for December were reviewed. Pamela reported that the senior lunch at Birch Meadow had been a big success, with 50 participants (up from 30 last year). The Hitching Post's cookbook (proceeds to benefit elder services) is due to be available in May. A motion to accept the report was made by Joanne O'Brien, and seconded by Edwina Kasper; approved.