HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-14 Council On Aging Minutes
- - 1
Council on Aging Board Meeting
Monday, September 14, 2009
Reading Senior Center-Game Room
Present:
Stacey Bertocchi, Sally Hoyt, Steve Oston, Marguerite Bosnian, Erica Deane, Margaret
Havey, George Lonergan, Carole Scrima, Dawn Folopoulos (Staff). Gina Nelson (Associate
member) has not officially been sworn in as a COA member.
6:35 PM. Meeting called to order. The Chairperson alerted the Council that meetings will
adjourn at approximately 8:30 PM.
Minutes
approved for June 6, 2009.
Administrator’s Report
- approved and accepted for June, July and August. Staff handed out
reference material providing updated details on the functions and responsibilities of the Council
on Aging and the Department of Elder Services.
Financial Report -
approved and accepted. FY09 financial summary material was provided;
FY10 sheets were not available and will be discussed at the October meeting. The following
motions for withdrawal of funds from the Burbank Trust Fund were made and all approved by a
vote of 8-0:
To spend $25 for the purchase of a gift card at a local supermarket to encourage
participation in a survey of interest in programs, class offerings and services at the Senior
Center
To spend $5.95 for a Bingo ball replacement at the Senior Center
To spend $38.99 to purchase a foot stool with a handrail to be used for easier access to
the Elder/Human Services van.
The Council discussed the Burbank FY09 final account summary, which included a new $1,855
capitol improvement item, shades and fans for the Senior Center. Thoughts were that it was good
that income interest exceeded expenses in FY09, but it might be necessary in the future to
increase the “frozen principle” amount from $250,000 to compensate for inflation.
Old Business
The Council addressed the low turnout at our tent, especially after noon, for the
o
Friends and Family Day event in June. Ideas to increase public interest included
simulated aging experiences, a raffle, and participation by the Nurse Advocate and
Social Worker staff members.
Money was saved ($170) to the Burbank Trust Fund by restricting the mailing of the
o
Pleasantries newsletter to seniors over 65 (formerly age 60 and over) and one copy
per household. COA members elected to keep receiving Pleasantries in their monthly
information packet by a vote of 4-3-1. By a vote of 7-1 the Council, after some
debate, endorsed the current 65 and over age range for seniors to receive Pleasantries
by mail.
1
- - 2
Steve gave a status report on the Senior Discount Directory. The first issue was
o
mailed this past June. Reception was favorable, but five of the business participants
have complained that the published discounts were erroneous or unauthorized.
Suggestions were made for better quality control, such as having commitments from
businesses in writing. Steve will assemble a new Discount subcommittee and hold a
kickoff meeting during the next month.
The new Senior Center handicap accessible front door was installed this summer to
o
the delight of all users. Nicknamed the “magic button,” the door was paid for by the
Town Facilities Department, not the Burbank Trust.
New Business
The Chairperson presented a list of COA accomplishments during the past year that
o
included the Senior Discount Directory, hot meal deliveries to seniors, the successful
COA Town Meeting presentation about the Coordinator of Volunteers position, the
Friends and Family Day table and responsible expenditure of the Burbank Trust
funds. Many other tasks undertaken by individual COA board members were also
mentioned.
The Chairperson led a brainstorming discussion about possible goals for the coming
o
year. Ideas included a Senior Prom, a Senior Center assessment and improvement
project, having the COA members present at lunchtime once a month, a Christmas
lunch with Rep. Tierney, and life-long learning courses.
Stephen Goldy remains our liaison from the Board of Selectmen. Kevin Leyne and
o
Matt Wilson are our new liaisons from the Finance Committee.
Staff provided material on the Interest Survey for Senior Center programs, COA
o
Board member job descriptions, Code of Conduct for B/C/C members, the new Town
streamlined Appointment process and Training for B/C/C Chairs and Vice Chairs on
September 29.
Sally described state-level cuts in services for seniors
o
Staff gave updates on the COV position and Adopt-a-Family program. No resolution
o
has been obtained on either issue.
Motion to Adjourn 8:25 p.m.
Next meeting will be October 19, 2009
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Oston,
Secretary
2