HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-10 Council on Aging MinutesCouncil on Aging
September 10, 1998
Pleasant Street Center
49 Pleasant Street
Reading, MA 01867-2684
Present:
Mary Andreola, Dave Brigham, Gladys Cail, Betty Cronin, Dottye Foxon, Edwina
Kasper, Beth Moore, Joanne O'Brien, Gay Williams, Joanne Wooldridge, Lois Bond
Russell Dean, Assistant Town Manager and Human Services Department Head
Chairperson Mary Andreola called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Russell Dean, Assistant Town Manager and Human Services Department Head was
introduced and welcomed to Reading.
Minutes of the June 8, 1998 meeting as amended were moved by Joanne Wooldridge and
seconded by Gladys Cail. 10-0-0
Administrator's report was moved by Gay Williams, seconded by Betty Cronin. 10-0-0.
! Administrator reported on the receipt of the EOEA Formula Grant and the EOEA Incentive
Grant. The Incentive Grant will partially fund the purchase of the "Voice Message Alert and
I Response System" telephone reassurance computerized system. After discussion Dave
Brigham moved and Gay Williams seconded a motion that sufficient funds not to exceed
$10,000 from the Burbank legacy be allocated for supplementing the FY'99 Incentive
Grant to purchase the "Voice Message Alert and Response System". 10-0-0
The Knox Box home safe entry program in cooperation with the Fire Department will be
funded by private donations because it was not included in the Incentive Grant funding.
The Home Minor Repair Program was reviewed. Lists are being prepared of local plumbers,
electricians and handyworkers who will receive invitations to participate in the program.
Legal counsel is reviewing the sample contracts that will be given to the workers. The
Formula Grant subsidized portion of the program will follow Home Care income guidelines to
determine the clients' co-payments. Requests for assistance will be prioritized to first do the
most serious safety issues.
Dottye Foxon reported on the SPICE (Seniors Police In Cooperative Efforts) planning
meeting. A quarterly schedule has been established. The kick-off meeting will be Nov. 12
with the police doing an educational program with the ham and bean dinner. Other programs
in 1999 will be March 11, June 10 and Sept. 9. All programs will feature a scam/security
theme. The SPICE committee wants to include a member of the Reading Fire Department on
the planning committee.
COA Minutes cont.
Sept. 10, 1998
Page 2
Information was presented about the FY'2000 budget and the staff's goals and mission
statements. The Board expressed grave concern about the lack of staff presence at the Center
and the inherent safety of and attention to the participants. They support a Program
Coordinator to be located at the Center whose presence will also expand activity participation.
The Board had extensive discussion about the attendance at the meal site and by comparison
the increased participation in the Meals on Wheels program. Various systems discussed to
make it easier for the folks to attend will be discussed with Site Manager Leona.
Joanne O'Brien reviewed the Medicare cuts and homebound people's deep concern about the
cut and/or elimination of services.
Next meeting will be Oct. 19.
Adjournment at 8:30 p.m.