HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-10 Council on Aging Minutes Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
4Q11 NOV 28 PM 3 02
Date: 2014-02-10 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Arts and Crafts Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: Monthly Volunteer Board Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Steve Oston, Margaret Havey, Christine Hansen, Carol Oniskey, Kevin
Walsh, Donavin Bentley, Erica Deane, Sally Hoyt, Jane Burns (Admin)
Members- Not Present:
Tom Procoplo
Others Present:
Bill Hecht (MVES Representative), Sandy Schaffer (Guest)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Erica Deane
Topics of Discussion:
Acceptance of Minutes from January 13, 2014
Elder Services Report for January 2014 - Accepted and Approved
Financial Report for January 2014 - Accepted and Approved
Old Business:
Administrator provided the Board with follow-up information from Nancy Heffernan
regarding the current yield on the Trust funds. The current yield is 3.67% for this Oscal
year, compared to 3.16% last fiscal year, and 2.83% in FY12.
Administrator provided the Board with an update on staffing and stated that Kerry Valle will
return next week from her maternity leave to a 37.5 hour Case Worker position and that
additional hours have been added for Melissa Koster to remain in a Social Worker position
for 16 hours a week through July 1'e 2014. The goal Is to have the two positions work
opposite each other so that as much coverage as possible is gained, including Friday
morning coverage for crisis situations. The hiring of a part-time clerk for Elder Services is
also in progress with interviews completed and references currently being checked.
A motion was made by Carol Oniskey to expend $250.00 from The Patrons for Older Adults
fund for food and labor costs for the Spring Breakfast. The motion was 2"d by Christine
Hansen. The motion passed with 8-0 in favor.
Administrator notified the Board that funds may be available as of July 1" 2014 for a new
12 passenger van. Administrator is currently working on an application to be submitted by
February 2,Ih 2014 for an 80/20 split with the state. If approved, the state would pay
$46,495.00 and the Burbank fund would pay $11,624.00 with COA approval (for a total cost
of$58,119.00) for the new van. The goal would be to keep the old van to be used as a
back-up and for local trips.
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New Business:
MVES Representative Bill Hecht updated the Board on MVES on-going efforts and
highlighted their recent successes and future goals. Highlighted issues included: (1) Belly
Full of Laughs was a successful fundraiser that raised approximately $18,000.00 (2) The
meal contract is up for renewal and MVES is currently looking for a caterer to provide meals
for their Meals-on-Wheels program (3) MVES has been filling oil tanks for needy clients by
utilizing their endowment funds (4) MVES currently has a mental health worker who now
works with MVES clients. The mental health worker currently has 135 clients. (5) MVES is
working with Greater Boston Legal Services to help to publically acknowledge and promote
awareness of Elder Abuse. A presentation was done and hand-outs available.
Administrator stated that the date for the Annual Volunteer Dinner at Parker Middle School
is April 22nd 2014. Administrator also notified Board of an event titled: An Evening of Carina
and Understanding your Loved Ones with Alzheimers and Dementia that will be held at the
Pleasant Street Senior Center from 6pm-8pm on May 8" 2014. The event will Include a
panel discussion and a virtual tour.
Administrator discussed the need for more accurate recording of volunteer hours and stated
that COA Board members will now be asked to sign in at each COA meeting and to record
their monthly volunteer hours.
Kevin Walsh updated the Board on RCN goals and progress and stated that they continue
to film senior events for RCN and would like to develop a regular program schedule.
The Chair reviewed and discussed the COA Planning Role and asked the Board to brainstorm
project Ideas to work on in smaller groups as well as to brainstorm other ways that Board
members could become more involved. Administrator stated that the COA could play an
essential role with community outreach by helping to make the community more aware of
Elder Services. Administrator would like the COA to bolster Elder Services and support
them within the community.
Administrator stated that the Crystal Garden Club would like to consult with the
Administrator regarding the tasteful decorating of the Pleasant Street Center for holidays.
Administrator to keep Board updated on progress.
Adjournment: 8:18 PM
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