HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-14 Council on Aging MinutesCouncil on Aging
January 14, 2002
Senior Center
Reading, MA 01867
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Present: Dick Anderson, Barbara Powers, Joanne O'Brien, John O'Neill, Dottye Foxon, Ed
Merullo, Betty Cronin, Edwina Kasper, Gay Williams, Pamela Brown (Director). Absent: Ray
Cabot. Guest: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
• Dottye Foxon called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
• Peter addressed us on a number of topics, the first being the upcoming budget preparation.
He indicated we need to level fund all budgets from the current year and at the same time
absorb the cost of living/step increases to which the town is committed. He is suggesting that
we could save some money from the shopper assistant program (about $7200 per year) - this
program serves 16-19 citizens; the position is funded by grant money that could be
redirected. He also proposed reducing the number of the hours for the volunteer coordinator
(still keeping it at over 20 hrs. for benefits) and reducing the number of hours for the van
driver (budgeted higher for the current fiscal year but already operating at a reduced level).
The total savings would be around $12K.
Peter also encouraged us to pursue the needs assessment - it has been talked about for a long
time - and commented that identifying needs takes on more importance in difficult economic
times.
He also reminded the Board that Pamela is Elder AND Human Services administrator and
that she has responsibilities beyond our seniors.
He also updated us on topics such as the landfill and the poultry farm sale.
Finally, he solicited our assistance for funding of a) a flagpole for the Senior Center ($1500-
$2000), b) a gas generator for the building for use as an emergency shelter (about $5000),
and c) replacement of the back door at the Center (a wood door estimated at $1000).
The Board was pleased to have the opportunity to hear directly from the Town Manager on a
variety of issues.
• The minutes of December's meeting were approved (motion by John O'Neill, second by
Joanne O'Brien).
• Pamela reviewed the Financial Report. The extra $2851 in the Burbank Trust represents
funds released late from the estate, sent to Peter, and routed to the Trust fund. Gay Williams
moved to accept the report, seconded by Joanne O'Brien; approved.
• Highlights of the Administrator's Report for December were reviewed. Pamela reported that
the senior lunch at Birch Meadow had been a big success, with 50 participants (up from 30
last year). The Hitching Post's cookbook (proceeds to benefit elder services) is due to be
available in May. A motion to accept the report was made by Joanne O'Brien, and seconded
by Edwina Kasper; approved.
• Regarding the Computer Room Training, Pamela reported that the second class had just
finished up. Theresa, the instructor for the class courtesy of RMLD felt very good about the
class. She however, has other projects and is not sure that she would be able to be the
instructor again. Pamela noted that another possibility is to get volunteer help from TASC.
Mentoring is now on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. She also reported that there was
some interest in the computer room voiced by participants in the Low Vision support group.
Pamela has contacted the Carol Center for the blind to ask about a partnership with us, to
have classes for low vision folks. They were receptive to the idea and will visit the center.
Pamela also indicated that if we can get the means for low vision folks to use the computers,
we might be able to make them available to low vision children in the summer.
• The Christmas Eve delivery of hot meals to seniors went well. Next year Pamela will have
some other staff person work with a Board member to coordinate both Thanksgiving and
Christmas meal deliveries to free her up for the Adopt a Family program.
• In Other Business...
• Two groups in town donated personal, wrapped Christmas gifts for seniors at Christmas.
The secretary has been asked to write thank you notes to the Young Women's Group and
to the Methodist Church Women's Group.
• In February the Ramblings will be produced on a Microsoft product rather than on Page
Maker as in the past, in an effort to have more staff personnel able to support its
production. We talked again of mailing the Ramblings to all seniors in town (60 and
older), and about getting labels printed out of the town census database (Pamela will
research with the town's IT personnel).
• RE: Needs Assessment, Pamela has talked to the Salem State graduate division to see if
we might get a graduate student to work with us on the project; a meeting has been set for
February 12`". If we go this route the project would not begin until next September
(school cycle) and likely would be part of a two-semester course. Utilizing such an
approach would yield a thorough assessment, would save on staff time and effort, and
would help in building a relationship for future ventures with the school. The student(s)
would develop the questionnaire, collect, analyze summarize and report on the data.
• Dick reported that he is serving on a subcommittee at Mystic Valley for advocacy and
planning.
• RE: Circuit Breaker legislation Dick reported that there would be a mailer to all seniors in
the Mystic Valley coverage area alerting them to this opportunity. Dick is working with
Brad Jones on a mailer for North Reading and Reading.
• We discussed Peter's "wish list" and voted to purchase a flagpole for the Center as well
as pay for the replacement door; both would be paid for out of the Burbank funds. We
voted to have further discussions with Peter regarding the generator - i.e. find out what it
might take to have one that could carry the air conditioning, with thoughts of considering
this as an expenditure next year.
• The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,