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Board - Committee - commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2025-11-19
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: monthly meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
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Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Room
Session:
Version: Final
Marilyn Shapleigh, Kate Harrington., Rosemary Debenedetto, John Parsons,
Nancy Ziemlak, Karen Janowski , John Saczynski
Members - Not Present:
Joan Coco, Karen Pinette, Deborah Small, Sally Hoyt
Others Present:
Chris Kowlowski, Karen Rose Gillis, Jenna Wood
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Nancy Ziemlak
Topics of Discussion:
1. Call to Order
The meeting of the Council on Aging (COA) was called to order at 6:01 PM. by Karen Janowski at
6:01pm. Live captioning was enabled and confirmed to be functioning.
2. Attendance: A quorum was present.
3. Approval of Minutes .
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed.
Corrections noted:
• Removal of incorrect attribution regarding who called the meeting to order.
• Addition of the time of adjournment.
Motion: To approve the minutes as corrected.
Second: Rosemary D Vote: Unanimous approval (6-0)
3. Select Board Update
Karen Rose Gillis provided a Select Board update, including:
• Approval of the commercial tax rate.
• Summary of a recent Select Board retreat focused on improving meeting conduct and communication.
• Anticipated annual retreats each November.
A question was raised regarding the Select Board liaison to the Permanent Building Committee (PBC) for the
ReCAL project. Follow-up information was requested.
4. Elder and Human Services (EHS) Report
Chris Kowal0ski presented the October EHS report:
• Approximately 3,300 interactions in October, exceeding the 3,000 target.
• Continued growth in participation and program demand.
• Multiple programs reached capacity, resulting in waidists.
• Strong performance by staff and volunteers was noted.
Discussion acknowledged that participation levels are approaching capacity limits of the current facility.
Highlights included:
• Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Representative Brad Jones reached capacity (175 attendees).
Page 1 1
• Ongoing popular programs: Bingo & Lunch, Movie & Pizza, Kamoke with Police, and Harrow's
Chicken Pot Pie Dinner.
• Discussion confirmed that larger community events could potentially be accommodated in the future
ReCAL gymnasium, subject to logistics and storage considerations.
Current practices were reviewed:
• Reading residents receive pnority registration.
• Non-residents may participate when space allows.
• Recognition that seniors frequently attend programs across communities.
• Non-resident donations occur but are not formally solicited.
Future consideration of a membership identification system distinguishing residents and non-residents was
noted.
5 Trust Fund Report
Chns Bowski reported:
• Trust funds remain healthy and continue to grow.
• ARPA funds are nearing completion; trust fund requests are expected to resume next month.
• Discussion revisited past practices of estimating annual trust fund interest to support advance
planning.
• Potential shift to quarterly or semiannual trust fund reporting was discussed.
• Appreciation was expressed for recent trust fund donations and Friends Group support. No funding
requests were presented this month.
6. Budget Overview
• FY27 budget is level -funded, with no increases beyond staff contractual raises.
• No new staff or expense lines are proposed.
• Program fees are expected to begin in the coming months.
• Detailed budget materials will be available following the December Select Board meeting.
7. ReCAL Project Update Project Status
Project remains in the Design Development / Construction Documents phase.
• A 90%Construction Document is under review by town committees, subject -matter experts, and the
PBC.
• Construction anticipated to begin February 2026, with a soft opening projected for June 2027.
• Project was reported as currently under budget.
• Emphasis was placed on universal design principles, beyond minimum ADA compliance.
• Topics discussed included flooring, lighting, furniture, accessibility, and flexibility of spaces.
• Confirmation was provided that:
o The ADA Coordinator is reviewing plans.
o COA and Recreation Committee members will participate in final finish and furnishing
selections once a contractor is chosen.
Members expressed concern about limited public communication following the ReCAL vote.
Discussion inducted:
• Potential outreach events (daytime and evening).
• Possible trust fund request (up to $1,000) to support outreach.
• Inclusion of guidance on accessing town meeting notices and project updates.
This topic was added to future agendas.
8. Establishment of ReCAL Working Group
A ReCAL Working Group was formally recognized. Purpose:
• Consolidate COA feedback on ReCAL.
• Codify questions and concems.
• Report back to the full Council.
The Working Group will not vote or make decisions.
9. Orientation Packet Update
An updated COA orientation packet is nearing completion and will include:
• COA structure and responsibilities.
• Trust fund documentation and donor intent.
• Relevant bylaws and statutes.
Materials will be posted online as accessible, searchable PDFs, with printed binders available.
10. Future Meetings
Gage 1 2
• December 8, 2025: COA meeting (short agenda)
• December 15, 2025: Joint meeting with the Recreation Committee
Future agenda items include:
• ReCAL outreach planning
• Trust fund requests
• Committee member removal procedures
• Working Group reports
III.Adjournment Motion: To adjourn
Second:
Vote: Unanimous approval
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:58 PM.
Recorded meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD7zLoPuJT8&t=338s
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Board - committee - Commission - Council:
Council on Aging
Date: 2025-11-19 Time: 6:00 PM
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street Agenda:
Purpose: COA Monthly Meeting
Meeting Called By: Chris Kowaleski on behalf of Karen Janowski
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Notices and agendas are to be Posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk's hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings mutt be submitted In typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably
anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However, the agenda does not necessarily include all matters
which may be taken up at this meeting.
6:00
.; Call to Order. Attendance, Approve
Minutes
Karen Janowski
6:05
.. Select Board Update
Karen Rose -Gillis, Karen Herrick
6:10
J Elder & Human Services (EHS) Report
Chris Kowaleski
Trust Fund Report and Funding Request and
Chris Kowaleski
Vote
6:20
,1 BH+A Boston Visit (Building
John Parsons
Fixtures/DetaiWFlooring)
Chris Kowaleski
6:30
7 PBC Update
Nancy Ziemlak
Connected Reading Open House on October
Marilyn Sbapleigh
28th Update.
6:50
a Orientation Packet
Marilyn Shapleigh
Chris Kowaleski
7:00
ReCAL Draft Document Discussion
Karen Janowski
Marilyn Shapleigh
., Open Discussion ReCAL
Karen Janowski
Open Meeting Law
Karen Janowski
7:20
.; Future Agenda Items
Karen Janowski
7:30
;; Adjourn
Karen Janowski
The Agenda has been prepared In advanm and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates Will be discussed
at tee meennia. MuNavar We agenda dues not necessarily Include all matters which may W taken up at this meeting.
Page I 1
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Topic: COA November Monthly Meeting
Time: Nov 19, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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This agenda has been p®oemd In advance and represents a IIstIn9 of topics that one chair reasonably antkipates will be discussed
At the meeting. hoymyer the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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This Agenda has hem prepared In advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reaamahly antidpates will be discussed
M Me meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily Include all matters which may he taken up at MIS meehrig.
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Draft Fitness Room Packet Feedback (four documents)
Compiled by Marilyn Shapleigh and
presented for discussion at the 11/19 COA Meeting
General Comments that Apply to all Packets:
• Please request ADA Coordinator and Universal Design Specialist review of all documents
• How will 60+ be prioritized? How can we ensure that priority of 60+ is established in
spaces before they are leased out? How will a "first come, first served basis' policy
support "60+ priority'?
• Is there a need to maintain multiple memberships? Elder Services, REC, Veterans, and
Fitness Equipment Room?
• Do Fitness and Fitness Exercise Equipment Room policies/forms apply to the
Exercise/Zumba/Yoga room (sometimes referred to in discussion as the "exercise
room")?
Draft Fitness Equipment Room Packet (4 Documents):
1. Fitness Equipment Room Packet Document 1(intro): Reading Center for Active Living
Fitness Equipment Room
• Many YMCAs and other facilities REQUIRE attendance at an instructional orientation
session. Has that been considered? What are the liability issues?
• Some facilities require medical approval for participation. Do we want to consider?
• Expectation that participants be able to utilize the equipment independently would
potentially exclude many who could use the equipment safely when with a companion.
How is this being considered? This is an important inclusivity topic (and applies to other
documents).
• Need language to support & encourage use by those who need some level of assistance.
• Equipment list includes equipment not included in ReCAL Budget —please review.
• General Fitness/Fitness Equipment Room Polity questions and concerns:
o How will verification of paid Fitness Equipment Room be handled?
o Cost to use the Fitness Equipment Room? $0 for 60+ because the entire building
is a replacement for the senior center located at the PSC? Sliding scale based on
income?
2. Fitness Equipment Room Packet Document 2: Reading Center for Active Living Fitness
Room
• Perhaps change title to "Fitness Equipment Room Rules" to clarify. The first paragraph
might be more helpful elsewhere (e.g. on 1st document in this packet)?
3. Fitness Equipment Room Packet Document 3: Policies & Procedures
• How will participants know rules and regulations if they waive orientation?
• May participants bring a personal trainer of their own choice into the room?
• The policy in the packet states that the Fitness Equipment Room is for age 18+. Yet,
during discussion, It was said that It will be "all ages". The language gets fuzzy...
"fitness room" vs "fitness equipment room". All of this needs to be clarified and to be
consistent with expectations set in public meetings (including, but not limited to. the
Town Meeting.
4. Fitness Equipment Room Packet Document 4: Fitness Equipment Room Participant
Registration Form
• Also capture any special needs info the participant wants to provide?
• Why would a fee be charged if no trainer support or room supervision is available?
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