HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-10 Council on Aging Minutes Town of ReadingRI: GEIVED
Meeting Minutes -TOWN CLERK
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2021 APR 27 AM 10; 32
Board - committee - commission - council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2020-08-10 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session:
Purpose: Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jacquelyn Behenna (Associate Member), Joan Coco, Karen Fotino (Associate
Member), Margaret Havey, John Parsons, Marie Perrot (Associate Member),
Karen Pinette (Associate Member), Thomas Procopio, Sandy Shaffer, Marilyn
Shapleigh
Members - Not Present:
Barbara Carney (Associate Member), Brenda Cashman (Associate Member),
Jolyn Ek, Sally Hoyt, Pooja Parsons (Associate Member), Debby Small
Others Present:
Kevin Bohmiller, Mark Dockser, Maria Puglielli, Kerry Valle
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Marilyn Shapleigh
Topics of Discussion:
Note: Meeting was conducted via a Zoom video Conference call (Open Session - Remote
Meeting).
Call to Order by Thomas Procopio at 6:32 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes from June: Accepted.
New Business: Thomas Procopio made a motion expressing the Board's gratitude and
recognition of the hard work and effort done by the Human and Elder Services staff over the
last 5 months. Margaret Havey seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Human & Elder Services Report: Kevin Bohmiller reminded us that a big issue at our last
meeting had been the need for full time funding for the open Human & Elder Services
Administrator position and "waved" a "hat's off" to Mark Dockser and all those who helped
in the successful effort to advocate for this. A budget amendment that would support a full-
time employee passed and the Town Manager has expressed his understanding of the
importance of filling this position; more Information Is anticipated by the next Council
meeting.
The town purchased 14 Chromebooks and expects to make them available to the
community very soon. They will be available for a 2-month loan and will include a simplified
user manual and access to wifi hot spots if needed. If the program is successful, the Council
may be asked to help with funding for additional Chromebooks. The anticipated cost is
approximately $500/unit including service.
Scuttlebutt members are becoming acclimated to Zoom and Facebook.
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Tax Help AARP volunteers prepared over 50 returns spaced 12 feet apart in the Great
Room. Residents drove up, dropped off their paperwork, & asked questions by phone.
On 6/16, Medical transportation started with permission from Reading Response, using
Woburn Town Taxi. 50 rides have been scheduled so far. There are some issues with non-
ambulatory cases; Reading Response will have to put this out to bid.
The Board of Health approved putting the van back into service with minimal volume (2 to 3
people on the van, 6 feet apart, wearing masks), hopefully within a couple of weeks. A
sanitizer spray is used to disinfect. Joe Beninati wears a face shield and mask and has a
fiberglass panel behind his seat. Transportation to medical appointments will be a priority.
Grocery shopping transportation may be available down the road.
Meghan Putney from Dementia Friendly will be presenting to the Select Committee
tomorrow to ask for support in achieving Dementia Friendly Status for Reading.
Marie Puglielli reported that the virtual programs are going well. Approximate attendance at
each Zoom session has been as follows: Drawing & Zentangle (6-8), Book Club (8), Tai Chi
(18), Chair Yoga (30). In addition, Better Balance has been offered via local TV. More
programs are coming in September, including anti-anxiety and eating healthy. Tele-bingo is
being researched. So far, instructors have been paid from the Elder Services budget, but
they are expensive and financial support from the Council may be needed going forward so
that these classes can continue to be free of charge to participants.
Kerry Valle reported that the team has talked to 6,165 clients since March. They have
approved 185 for the food bank (61 new). The Memory Cafe will now be offered monthly.
34 new Life Lines were approved and many older models replaced. There have been
approximately 150 inquiry calls about medical transportation and 52 new people signed up.
Overall, the caseload has increased substantially.
Accepted.
Financia/Report: Reading's senior tax relief programs and efforts to communicate
information about them were discussed. Programs include Senior Tax Relief, the Circuit
Breaker program, and the Tax Worker Credit.
The Command Group has not been receiving requests for a place to stay cool during the
extremely hot weather. Kerry Valle confirmed this and reported that she has been checking
on frail residents.
Requests for mail-in ballots are due by August 26th. Notices are being sent out to remind
residents of the availability and deadline.
Because there are no Select Board Office Hours at the senior center, the Select Board is
discussing the possibility of a monthly"Call - In" session. Marie Puglielli will advertise the
hours in Pleasantries, once they are set. Mark Dockser will let her know the decision.
As indicated on the financial reports, we have not been spending any money lately.
Accepted.
Open Meeting Laws: John Parsons commented on a Chronicle article about open meeting
laws, noting that it would only be a violation to meet outside of scheduled meetings if a
quorum of Board members was present. Mark Dockser pointed out however that even if
less than a quorum attended a meeting of this type, "serial communication" could result if
the results of the meeting were shared with other members and cautioned that the rules are
complex.
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Next Meeting: September 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. by Thomas Procopio following a motion to adjourn by John
Parsons, seconded by Thomas Procopio. All in favor.
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