HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-02 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading L G F I V L D
Meeting Minutes TGWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2123 DEC 12 PH 12: 02
Council on Aging
Date: 2023-10-2 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: Council on Aging Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Karen Pinette, lean Prado, Marilyn Shapleigh, Nancy Ziemlack, Debbie
Small, John Parsons, Joan Coco, Linda Connors, Karen Janowski
Members - Not Present:
Karen Fotino, Rosemarie Debennedetto
Others Present:
Nora Bucko, Chris Kowaleski, Mark Dockser, Jenna Fiorente
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Tawadros
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order at 6:36
Nancy Ziemlak asked to make a change to agenda- to move elder services report to
the top topic of discussion.
Elder services report: Chris shared a strong September event attendance.
October is looking just as busy if not busier with scheduled events.
Center updates: New gas kitchen stove has been ordered with an electronic
ignition. One of the vans broke down and DPW replaced the transmission. Chris
thanked DPW for their efforts. The tax volunteer program is likely coming back next
season. The volunteer coordinator position has been posted. There is a sound
company coming in to look at the acoustics at the center. Heat was turned on in the
building last week. Cooling side was serviced last March and a filter change in June.
Heating maintenance in October. Exhaust chimney will be examined to ensure it is
sealed properly. Exhaust and intake will also be examined. A second more
comprehensive air quality test will take place within the month.
SB Update: Mark Dockser
RFP has been issued. Late October all proposals will be in. Selection committee will
meet and determine which proposal will be selected.
ReCalc Liaison Update: John Parsons
No update.
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Approval of minutes.
Karen Janowski moved to approve minutes from September 11th. Karen Pinette
Seconded.
Amendments discussed.
Vote passed with a quorum as amended.
Karen Janowski Move to accept 9/18 minutes as written.
Marilyn Seconded.
Amendments discussed.
Vote passed with a quorum as amended.
ReCalc Update: Mark Dockser
Mark shared that ReCalc is finalizing the question list to ask peer communities
regarding programming at other centers. Once the designer is hired, there will be a
ReCalc group to get the designer up to speed.
Symonds Way Report: Karen Janowski
Meeting this upcoming Wednesday will include discussion on dog park, Reading
Pickleball Association, and RFQ (public/private partnerships) process.
Jenna spoke on behalf of Chris Kowaleski requesting 1200 from Burbank trust fund
for October events. Jenna took back the request in order to facilitate funding from
ARPA. Karen Janowski rescinded her motion to approve funding from Burbank.
Trust Funds/ARPA Funds:
Jenna asked to meet with Nancy Ziemlack, John Parsons, and Chris Kowaleski to
guide discussion regarding reallocation of ARPA funds. Ideas will be brought forward
in November meeting.
Elder services Liaison update did not take place as Karen Fotino was not present.
The Senate Bill discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
Vote on COA rep to serve on RFQ committee: Nancy Ziemlack nominated
Nancy Tawadros. Karen Janowski seconded. Vote passed unanimously.
Discussion about communication and outreach strategy: Nancy Ziemlack
summarized discussion regarding tasks that would be doable and folks that
volunteered for each task. Additional Council members provided updates on their
efforts.
Name change or PSC: Nancy Ziemlack stated that the word "senior" may have
negative connotations. She suggested another brainstorming session to discuss
changing the name of the Pleasant Street Center.
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Inclusion in town capital plan. Nancy Ziemlack shared that she and Marilyn
Shapleigh wrote a letter to the Select Board requesting the PSC be included on the
town capital plan.
Marilyn encouraged participation in the Board of Health Survey.
Karen Janowski made a motion to adjourn at 8:12.
Marilyn Shapieigh seconded.
Unanimously adjourned at 8:12.
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