HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-12-12 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING
Secretary's Report
December 12, 1983
The regular monthly meeting of the Council on Aging was held on Monday,
December 12, 1983 at the home of Lester Ralph at 237 Woburn Street.
Attendees: Chairperson Lorna Knapp; Administrative Secretary, Rheta McKinley;
members, Dick Felone, Betty Knox, John MacDonnell, Marcia McFarland, Mary
Qttino, Lester Ralph and Sebastian Tine; Associate Member, Frank Lemaire,
and Finance Committeeman, William Hughes.
Absent: Corrine Pecoraro
Chairperson Knapp called the meeting to order at 7a44.
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed.. The motion was duly
made, seconded and. VOTED to accept the report as written.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Tine reported as of November 28 expenditures amounted to $190533.61
leaving a balance of $240329.39. This represents a 40.8% rate of expenditures
at the 5/12 point of the fiscal year.
Chairperson Knapp reported that notice was received from the Department of
Elder Affairs that a :rant for $30188 has been awarded the Reading Council
on Aging.
MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES, INC.
Fir. Lemaire reported on the meeting of Mystic Valley Elder Services held in
Wakefield on November 29. He expressed the hope that the budget of $4,544.132
will be increased. A letter from Dr. Rowland states the need for the
services of a registered nurse one day a week to review the cases of the
elderly frail. Her function would be to supervise the Supervisors and Case
Managers. The Directors have asked the Executive Administrator to meet with
the area agency directors to jointly approach the Commissioner for clarifica-
tion of a number of points, particularly the use of one registered nurse for
one full day to supervise several thousand clients. The next meeting will
be held January 19# 1984.
Chairperson Knapp announced that a new method of funding is being implemented.
Basically, the State will give Home Cares so much, per head for each client.
The amountt. will be pr6- determined. If Home Cale, or the hospital, can run
an efficient operation and. save money, they can keep the profit. If they
have an aver-run., they°vil not be reimbursed. Chairperson Knapp feels this
method of funding will prevail for the next five years for many social services.
Council on Aging December 12, 1983
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY S REPORT
Administrative Secretary McKinley presented a typewritten report of her activ-
ities for the past month. In addition to the listed accomplishments, she re-
ported that John MacDonnell represented the Council on Aging Board at the Town.
Meeting, and he reported that the nursing home warrant article was -
passed with very little opposition.
It was Agreed that the Annual ginner was a great success with a record number
of seniors in attendance. It was noted that Austin Prep may not be available
for the Annual Dinner next year and consideration of this fact should be given.
TEA DANCES
There was a brief discussion regarding the Tea Dances. Two deuces have been
held in the Community Center and one is scheduled for December 15 at Peter Sara--
born Place. Those who attend are enthusiastic and express interest in the con-
tinuance.
BUDG-ST DISCUSSION
Administrative Secretary McKinley announced the forms for the budget have been
received and the due date is December 30. It was suggested that the Budget Com-
mittee composed of John Ma,cDonncll, Marcia McFarland and Sebastian Tine, meet
with Ms. McKinley, date to be determined at end of present meeting. Mr. Mae-
Donnell stated "We have to hold to 2.5%o of whatever our adjusted budget is, and
this figures will have to come from FINCOM".
PIANO
The need for a piano for the Senior Center was discussed. The following ideas
were considered:
1. Investigate the possibility of getting the piano from the
pearl Street School.
2. Run an ad asking for the donation of a piano.
3. Approach the Patrons for Older Adults for a gift of a piano.
VAN
Frank Lemaire reported on his research on prices for a new van. He reported
the followings
Chevrolet, 12 passenger, gas eng-`,ne, 8 cyl 4+11,852 - discount price
t. as to diesel " 8 cyl 13088 so of
Ford 0 to gas 6 cyl 12,o66
Dodge has not made an offer at time of this report.
It was estimated that turn -in value would run between 43,000 - $4,000
Mr. Lemaire said he would call the Patrons for Older Adults. 't`reasurer, Mary
Herrick# and inquire as to possibility of a gift donation.
Council on Aging ®3- December 12, 1983
DONATIONS
There was a brief discussion regarding a gift from the Council to Austin
Prep in appreciation for the use of the school for the Annual Dinners It
was agreed $100. would be appropriate. Two of the school employees have
gone to a great deal of effort for the last five ye ars and Ms. McKinley
suggested their efforts should: be recognized. It was decided to give each.
gentleman a $25.00 dinner gift certificate. Approval for this expenditure
has been granted by the Selectmen.
The motion was duly made, seconded and VO`SD "that $100, be presented to
Austin Prep".
The lotion was duly made, seconded, and VOTED "that a $25. gift certificate
be given to two school employees."
After consulting with Lester Ralph regarding the legality of the wording it
was decided to amend each motion.
The motion was duly made# seconded and VOTED to amend each of the above motions
by adding "for services rendered."
BOARD OF HEALTH
There was a brief discussion as to possible programs for the elderly that
the Board of Health and Council on Aging could jointly sponsor. No definite
suggestions were offered and Chairperson Knapp suggested the Board give the
idea further consideration.
DISCRETIONARY GRANT
Administrator Secretary McKinley made the suggestion that consideration be
given to the idea of applying for a discretionary grant.* She asked
the Board to consider this action and determine the amont to be requested
and the needs it could fill.. Furnishings for the lounge, and $1,500. toward
the purchase of new van were mentioned as possibilities.
NEW BUSINESS
John Ma.cDonnell introduced the subject of upgrading the position of Mse
McKinley to Administrative Assistant at the rats of 7,10 per hour. He
stated that under the 'down By-laws the Board must present the request to
the Personnel Board and state why the position should be upgraded. With
the greatly increased workload qtr. MacDonnell believed a new classification
and an increase in weekly work hours should be requested, as Ms. McKinley
is presently working 35 hours a week and being paid for 30 hours.
The motion was duly made, seconded and VOTED to"resent to the Personnel
Board the proposition that Mrs. McKinley's classifi cation be charged to
eAdministrative Assistant'', then go to the Finance Committee and request an
increase in salary to $7.10 per hour and an increase in work hours of five
hours a week."
*If grant funds are available in the coming year.
Council on Aging -4- December 12, 1983
The motion was duly made, seconded and VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 81450
Next meeting will be January 19, 1984.
Respectfully submitted,
„
Aloyse'Jelli~on
Recording Secretary