HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-09 Council On Aging Minutes
Council on Aging Board Meeting
Monday, February 9, 2009
Reading Senior Center Game Room
Present
: Stacey Bertocchi, Sally Hoyt, Steve Oston, Marguerite Bosnian,
Margaret Havey, George Lonergan, Carol Oniskey, Dawn Folopoulos (Staff)
Call to Order:
6:35 p.m.
Minutes:
approved and accepted for January 12, 2009.
Administrator’s Report:
approved and accepted.
The Town’s Social Worker has submitted her resignation as of August
2009.
The fate of the Coordinator of Volunteer’s position has not been
decided. Despite the difficult economic times, the Senior Center is not
in jeopardy of closing.
The COA/Public Library partnership study was further discussed,
including the desirability of seniors’ programs at libraries.
Financial Report:
approved and accepted.
Old Business:
No Senior Discount Handbook subcommittee meeting was scheduled
for January.
Carol Oniskey volunteered to select Senior Center movies. The
challenge is to provide interesting, yet non-offensive movies.
The group photo taken last month is on the Council on Aging web
page
Last month questions were raised about the ability of Elder Services
to raise funds through its own activities. Staff determined that
proceeds from fundraisers must go into the Town’s general fund.
Charging fees for Senior Center activities is acceptable only to the
extent of covering costs. Donations for specific items or programs are
permitted, but must be in a distinct donations account. The
development of a “Friends” organization and our ability to hold raffles
were also discussed.
New Business:
Cuts in the FY09 Formula Grant will be in the vicinity of $2,000, or
about $.50 per senior.
The Open Meeting Law (handout provided) was discussed, in
particular, the 48 hour advanced notice of a public meeting and the
danger of conducting business by a majority of members in a non-
public forum (e.g., by e-mail).
Staff will update the Board of Selectmen shortly on the activities of
the Nurse Advocate position.
The cost-benefit of a customary Elder Services’ paid ad in the
Recreation Division magazine was discussed. The Council voted 6-1
not to place an ad in the next (Summer 2009) issue and then to
evaluate at the next meeting whether or not to discontinue the practice
entirely.
Samples of eye-catching post-it type notes bearing the Senior Center
logo were passed out to members. The notes will be handed out
Senior Center Welcome Bags and to the public at various events
during the year.
Sally Hoyt distributed informational material from the Massachusetts
Silver Legislature on (1) the House and Senate Stimulus Package for
the elderly and disabled and (2) the 2008 Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.
George Lonergan led a discussion of the effects Medicare part D on
the elderly
Adjournment:
7:50 PM.
The next meeting will be March 9, 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Oston, Secretary