2001-05-07 Council on Aging Minutes

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P Council on Aging May 7, 2001 Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 fM1f F Present: Joanne O'Brien, Ed Merullo, Betty Cronin, Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers, Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Ray Cabot Excused: Mary. Andreola, Dottye Foxon Guests: Russell Dean, Assistant Town Mgr., Marie Ammer, Social Worker • Betty Cronin called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. • Minutes from the Feb. meeting were read and approved. Motion made by Joanne, seconded by Gay. • Russell reviewed the financial report with us - motioned for approval by Joanne, seconded by Gay, approved by all. • The administrator's report was given verbally by Russ and by Marie. Russ indicated the search for candidates for the vacant elder Services position is on-going. Interview appointments from the initial candidate pool have been set up. Earlier interviews were encouraging, but not fruitful. Marie spoke about the use of the Center by groups for meetings, and about the soon-to-be computer center. Two computers will be set up initially (by the end of this month) and the hope is that we can work with the Technology Club at the High School for basic training of seniors new to computers. There was discussion of the need to set up policy regarding the use of the computer lab - Ray Cabot and Ed Merullo volunteered to do some research on other Centers with such equipment. Russ will bring a draft policy on email - working from the town's policy - for the Board to review, this will need to be different since the existing policy addresses employees and the new one will address individuals using town property. Marie also reported that fuel assistance applications numbered 74 this year (up from 7 last). She also noted that there will be a white board in the Center listing activities, and that a cover (weather protection) will be added to the outside bulletin board. Volunteer Recognition reception is this week. Betty has been doing a great job of working on the Ramblings, and is updating the publication Elderberries. Acceptance of the report moved by Gay, seconded by Dick, and approved. Dick reported on his recent activities with MVES: Equal Choice (seniors to get help and stay in home vs. going to nursing home), discussion of current census information for Brad Jones' mailing re: Circuit Breaker tax reduction program,. prospect for addition to Peter Sanborn Place, and the Gov't Pension offset. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.