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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-01-09 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING Secretary's Report January 9, 1984 The regular monthly meeting of the Council on Aging was held on Monday, January 9, 1984, 7:30 p.m., Room 8 at the Community Center. Attendees: Chairperson Lorna Knapp; Administrative Secretary Rheta McKinley, members, Dick Felone, Betty Knox, Marcia E. McFarland, Sebastian Tine, John MacDonnell, Lester Ralph, Corinne Pecoraro, Frank Le:paire. Associate ?.ember, Bill Hughes, Fin Com Representative. Corrections to Minutes of Previous Meeting: Page 1 - It was suggested that the written report on Mystic Valley Elder Serbes be shortened as it was for the Board's Informational purposes only, and did not require a vote. Page 3 - Under New Business, it was noted that the $7.10 hourly rate should have been $7.90. Also, a wording change was recommended, in the last sentence of the first paragraph of that section, to say that Ms. McKinley is often working more than 30 hours a week, and is being paid only for 30 hours. Page 4 - The correct date for the Council's next meeting should have been recorded as January 9, 1984. It was voted unanimously that the minutes should be accepted as amended. Financial Report: Sebastian Tine noted that the financial report he presents each month from the town computer print-outs represents only the accounting of the COA's general fund, not the agency's total budget. As of January 9, 1984 the COA has expended from its general fund $25,553.32, leaving a balance of $22,309.68. 53.39% of the overall general fund for the year has been spent to date, though there is a greater variance between line items as to the percent expended. Sebastian also reported that the state COA formula grant funds of $3,188 have been received. Report on~ Mystic Valley Elder Services: There has been no meeting of MVES since the Reading COA Board's last meeting. Therefore Frank Lemaire had no'. official report to present. There was brief discussion regarding a recent newspaper article which presented several criticisms of the Area Agency. Frank reported that he has copies of MVES audit reports available for review, and that the items cited in the article have been resolved. Council on Aging -2- January 9, 1984 Report of the Administrative Secretary Rheta McKinley presented a written report of December's activities to Board members. She noted that it had been a very busy month for the COA. There was a good turn-out at the last Tea Dance, and the next one will be held 1/19/84 at Frank Tanner Drive. A committee is now in place for coordinating the monthly dances, with Aloyse Jellison as its chairperson. Rheta also distributed a thank-you note to the COA from the family of a home- delivered meals recipient. It was noted that additional volunteers may be needed around Christmastime next year to.help with the delivery of donated gift items. Budget Discussion: Rheta reported that she had spoken with Paul Landers who informed her that the Finance Committee did not want the COA to utilize new salary scales in developing its budget request for FY1985. However, he did indicate that the COA should include the increase in hours/week for the van driver, the home-delivered meals driver, and the administrative secretary (but at the present salary rate). Mr. Landers was unavailable to attend tonight's meeting, but he did indicate to Rheta that the Selectmen are in favor of upgrading the Administrative Secretary's position. The Board also discussed transferring the expense of the home-delivered meals driver back to Mystic Valley Elder Services, as it is an expense associated with the regional nutrition program which MVES pays in other communities. This change would reduce the COA budget by some $5,000. The bill from Home Care for the year came in, a total of $6,396.67 for the Hot Lunch and Home Care accounts combined. It will be roughly the same amount for next year. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the budget as amended by transferring out the expenses of the HDM driver, and using current salary rates for employees. The COA budget hearing before the Finance Committee is scheduled for January 16,1984 at 9:45 p.m. Piano for Senior Center: Rheta contacted the School Department to see if there is a piano available which the Senior Center could use. Though no.piano would be available until summer, if it could be arranged at all, the COA will submit a written request to the School Department for the equipment. It was also suggested that a classified advertisement asking for donation of a piano be placed in the local newspaper. Council on Aging -3- January 9, 1984 New Business 1. The COA outreach worker has recently identified several frail elders who do not have, and cannot afford to purchase, smoke alarms. It was approved by unanimous vote that the funds from the Jaycees be utilized to purchase smoke alarms for such frail town residents. Rheta will check with the Fire Department on their availability to assist with the installation of the detectors, and other volunteers will be sought. 2. Dick Felone reported that he reached Donna Barrett Tucker and has arranged a meeting for himself and interested others to discuss Cable TV pro- gramming with=her. The meeting will take place in the afternoon on January 18. 3. Lorna Knapp, announced that the COA will hold open meetings again this spring at each of the elderly housing complexes in the community. The purpose of the meetings will be to get feedback from older people about the COA's present programs and activities, give an opportunity for elders to have their questions about services answered, to receive input on other unmet service needs, and to.set aside time for individual suggestions for new programs or activities. Specific dates and times will be~•scheduled, following the general outline of: Frank Tanner Drive March Cedar Glen April Peter Sanborn Place May Members will be notified of the actual times and dates once scheduled. 4. Sebastian Tine raised the issue of what the COA should be doing to plan for a move from the current building if/when it is sold (sale of the property was approved at Town Meeting). The Board discussed the implications a change in ownership of the building could have, and decided there should be some advance planning done. Rheta will contact Paul Landers and ask him to get in touch with the Town's space needs planning committee to.assure they are taking the COA's needs into consideration. The Board will discuss this move in the future. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, t. Marcia E. McFarland Board Secretary