HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-12 Council on Aging Minutes P� C C M 1 fir ?: C'
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0 Meeting Minutes
2021 MAY I I PM 2: 57
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2021-04-12 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session:
Purpose: Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jacquelyn Behenna (Associate Member), Joan Coco, Jolyn Ek, Margaret
Havey, Sally Hoyt, John Parsons, Karen Pinette (Associate Member), Thomas
Procopio, Sandra Shaffer, Marilyn Shapleigh, Deborah Small, Nancy Ziemlak
(Associate Member)
Members - Not Present:
Barbara Carney, Brenda Cashman (Associate Member), Karen FoUno
(Associate Member)
Others Present:
Kevin Bohmiller, Mark Dockser, Maria Puglielli, Brian Snell, 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 6:34 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes from March: Accepted by roll call with correction to indicate that
Margaret Havey was present at the March meeting.
New Business:
• Kevin Bohmiller extended condolences on the passing of Peter Fantasia, 105 year old
resident at Artis Senior Living.
• Vaccine Update: Visits to provide vaccinations to homebound residents will begin
tomorrow. Alyse Warren, the Reading Fire Department, and the Reading Board of
Health worked together to organize this initiative.
• Elder & Human Services Administrator Position: Candidates are being interviewed.
Thomas Procopio sat in on the first round of interviews to represent the COA.
• Pleasant Street Center Van: Discussion is underway with Elder& Human Services
and the Board of Health regarding use of the PSC van for shopping trips. It is
expected that a reduced number of riders/trip and continued use of masks will be
required. Staggered schedules (e.g., allowing 1 trip every other week instead of
weekly) may be necessary to accommodate everyone.
• The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs has not yet provided information
regarding re-opening senior centers. Kevin Bohmiller is discussing re-opening with
the Board of Health; they will follow state guidelines when available.
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• Congratulations were extended to the Tax volunteers and Maria Puglielli and Kelly
Coughlin for successfully coordinating the tax help program. All returns, 137 returns
in total, were completed and greatly appreciated.
• Awnings for the PSC patio: Discussion is underway with the Reading Historical
Commission regarding the possibility of using awnings to shelter the patio at the
PSC. An awning attached to the building would require the Commission's approval.
A tent (not attached to the building) is also an option under consideration; it would
require a building permit.
• Maria Puglielli reported on plans for a May drive-by event that would provide
participants with breakfast items (e.g., a croissant from Swiss Bakers and orange
juice). Options for purchase of the orange juice were discussed and will be
researched. John Parsons made a motion to authorize $2,200 from the Burbank
Trust Fund for the breakfast drive-by event. Joan Coco seconded the motion. All
voted in favor by roll call.
• Financial Reports: Tom Procopio volunteered to help Kevin Bohmiller investigate
ways in which the reports generated by the MUNIS system could be made to be
more easily understood.
• There is interest in moving some of the exercise and yoga zoom classes to RCN to
increase accessibility. Maria Puglielli has not yet been able to connect with RCN on
this, but will reach out to Angela Merrill.
MVES Update: Brian Snell reported:
• Vaccine transportation is available.
• The Commonwealth will be providing a large cash infusion ($450 million - $550
million) for services to seniors and others who are in need of home services. The
MVES Board is exploring ideas on how to best use these funds. Brian Snell asked
that COA members to contact him with ideas. A brief discussion identified an
adjustment to the income requirements to expand eligibility for benefits, an increase
in hourly wages for home service workers to strengthen job continuity (and reduce
job hopping), and an expanded transportation program as possibilities.
Evolving Senior Center needs:
• Mark Dockser reported that discussion of the town's land and building needs is
underway by Select Board members, and he is the COA's direct liaison. This was
identified as a possible opportunity to discuss senior center immediate and long term
needs. Council members recommended that the UMass needs assessment study on
Aging in Reading that was commissioned by the town be reviewed by the Select
Board. Kevin Bohmiller will provide the report to those who do not have it. Marilyn
Shapleigh inquired how the COA could assist the Select Board regarding seniors'
needs, and Mr. Dockser advised the COA to send an email asking to be involved in
the discussion. Marilyn Shapleigh, Nancy Ziemlak, and John Parsons inquired if they
could meet informally to discuss next steps; the consensus was that informal
conversation among the three without any voting would not violate open meeting
laws.
Elder&Social Services Update: Kerry Valle reported:
• Woburn Taxi is too expensive to continue use. A request for bids from medical
transport companies is out to bid.
• The number of"boomer" clients is increasing (by 60 - 70); mental health and
isolation issues are increasingly causing stress that leads to this trend.
Next Meeting: May 10, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m. by Thomas Procopio following a motion to adjourn by John
Parsons, seconded by Joan Coco. All in favor by roll call vote.
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