HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-20 Council on Aging MinutesTown of Reading TOWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2025-10-20 Time: 6:30
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: COA Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Karen Janowski, Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prato, Karen Pinnete, Ron Powell,
Thomas O'Conner, John Saczynski, Nancy Ziemlak, John Parsons
Members - Not Present:
Joan Coco, Rosemarie Debenedetto, Sally Hoyt, Deborah Small, Tony
Lionetta
Others Present:
Christopher Kowalaski, Jenna Wood, John Sasso, Emlly,Karen Rose Gillis
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: ,Nancy Ziemlak
Topics of Discussion:
Council on Aging —Meeting Minutes Date: October 20, 2025 Meeting Recorded and Posted
https:/Aw .youtube.mmAvatch?v=2Oy7uHudEJY
1. Call to Order 6:30p & Minutes Approval unanimously by all present a/or on Zoom
- Meeting called to order; quorum established.
- Previous meeting minutes approved unanimously.
2. Secretary Appointment
- Discussion on need for a designated minute -taker.
- Nancy Ziemlak volunteered and was unanimously appointed Secretary.
3. Select Board Update — Trash Contract
- Town will remain with Republic Services.
- Waste Management's proposal raised cost/accuracy concerns.
- Service reductions include no amside bulky bumables or metal pickup.
- Town to offer scheduled drop-off options; item -based pickup remains available.
4. RECaL Draft Policies Presentation by Jenne Woods and Chris Kowaleski
- Membership Packet (famiiyfindividual, emergency contacts, consent forms, Standards of Independence, track
roles).
- Fitness Equipment Room (usage ages, safety, fee structure, orientation requirements, key tag access).
- Rental Policy (room eligibility, insurance, food/kitchen rules, fee schedule).
- Annual review planned for all policies.
5. Member Discussion Highlights
- Emphasis on maintaining priority for older adults.
- Concerns about safety for younger users, fee affordability. and protecting senior -only spaces/hours.
- Members requested more time to review finalized policy drafts.
6. Elder & Human Services Report
- 3,048 September program interactions; strong volunteer participation.
- Popular classes at capacity.
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- Thanksgiving Dinner scheduled for Nov. 21 at Teresa's Prime.
- SHINE counseling surge: 48-person waitlist due to insurance plan changes.
7. Trust Fund Update
- Trust fund balances increasing; minimal recent spending.
- Request for annual trust report and interest income projections.
- Discussion on possible COA representation on the trust board.
8. PBC Update
- Pickleball parking waiver for five spaces granted on ReCal site.
- Budget stable; contractor prequalification and solar study ongoing.
g. Outreach
- COA will attend Connected Reading Open House on Oct. 28; volunteers needed.
10. Meeting Time Change
- Monthly COA meetings will move to 6:00 PM, starting next month.
11. Next Meeting
- Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM.
12. Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:30pm
Meeting called to order by Nancy Ziemlak
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