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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-04-09 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING Secretary's Report April 9, 1984 Present: Administrative Secretary, Rheta McKinley, Chairperson, Lorna Knapp, members, Dick Felone, Marcia McFarland, John MacDonnell, Mary Ottino, Corrine Pecoraro, Sebastian Tine, and Associate Member, Frank Lemaire. Absent: Betty Knox, Lester Ralph The regular monthly meeting of the Council on Aging Board met on April 9, 1984. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 by Chairperson Knapp. SECRETARY'S REPORT John MacDonnell stated there was no mention of a discussion regarding paying Rheta for five extra hours a week she has been working. (The tape shows there was a lengthy discussion regarding this subject but no resolution of same. No motion was made as it had been voted on at the December 12, 1983 meeting.) Chairperson Knapp stated that payment couldn't be made as there was no money to cover it and the Finance Committee has not approved it. John stated it had not been approved for next year but the money is available before June 30 of this year. There was a lengthy discussion as to the availability of the money and the approval of the Finance Committee. Lorna doubted there is money in the salary account and John insisted there is money in the salary account and the Council was_free to spend it. Rheta stated there are 14 weeks remaining in fiscal '84. There is a balance of $14,415. and anticipated expenditures of $13,659 leaving possibly $1,000. Sebastian stated $14,415. represents 30% of the salary item with 75% of the year finished, leaving an overage of 5% which comes to $2,386. which has been carried for some time as an overage in the salary account. Rheta stated that there is an extra week this year and starting June 24 three employees will get a thirty cents an hour increase. Chairperson Knapp suggested the Council wait for another month or so and make sure that the money is available rather than overspend. Sebastian suggested taking the bull by the horns and paying Rheta for the extra hours. He said the Council shouldn't wait until the last week as there is six to seven thousand dollars sitting there and we face the prospect of finding things to spend it on in the last week. John declared we can pay overtime, and we have the money to do so. There is a principle of equity here because other departments are paying overtime. The Finance Committee said we could pay it if we have the money. We have the money. We are talking about $30. a week for 14 weeks which amounts to $420. Council on Aging -2- April 9, 1984 Lorna stated the Finance Committee didn't want us to increase the hours. John said, "That's for next year. There is a difference between paying 5 hours overtime and creating a job at 35 hours a week vs. 30 hours a week. As of July 1 it will be 30 hours a week unless the Finance Committee makes it 35." Chairperson Knapp declared the minutes of 3/12 accepted. John MacDonnell asked whether or not a motion had been made regarding the discussion of the extra hours and was 'informed that no motion had been made. Lorna questioned John about his statement in last month's minutes that any surpluses in the Council be transferred to the van fund. She said the Town doesn't work that way; if any money is left over it goes right back to the Town. John said that the Finance Committee recommends that the money that didn't go to pay for the meals be transferred to the van fund. Lorna stated it could be if the Town wanted to do it but they had to approve the van request first. FINANCIAL REPORT Sebastian repo-Ae'd as of March 31 expenditures in the general fund amounted to $37,893.17 which represents 69.43% of budget. Breaking that down, we have spent 70% of our salary-budget, 66% of our energy items, and 66% of our non- energy items. That means we are not spending the money in accordance to the passage of time. We have a balance of $4,000. in the Home Care Hot Lunches due to the arrangement with Mystic Valley Home Care to pay the salary of the Meals on Wheels Coordinator, and $1460 in Home Care. These two figures repre- sent the balances of a $5,000 item and a $2,000. item we have been carrying year in and year out to reimburse Mystic Valley Home Care. Since we have been relieved of this obligation we have this money just sitting there. John stated that this money could not be used for Rheta's salary as it had been earmarked for a specific thing. Lorna said maybe the Town will choose to put it toward the van. Sebastian reported there was a balance of $195.77 against the $300. given by the Jay Cee's, and $180. in the revolving fund; no balance in the Elder Affairs Grant, which has expired, and 21.42% on the new grant has been spent, leaving a balance of $2505. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY'S REPORT The piano dedication is scheduled for April 11. Board members are welcome and Lorna plans to attend, as do Paul Landers and the Council's new liaison, Molly Ziegler. Picnic - the date for the picnic has been changed from May l to May14 due to a conflict with the band. The Junior Women's Club has agreed to pay for the band and make a May pole. They have also offered to transport homebound people. Volunteer Tea - date has been changed from May 8 to Wednesday, May 9. The Junior Women's Club will provide the refreshments, set up and serve, and pay for the entertainment, which will be a childrens' group of violinists. The musicians will perform at 1:30 and the tea served at 2:00. Council on Aging -3- April 8, 1984 Lorna reported she had been contacted by teachers from the Barrows School asking her to speak to their classes again this year. She accepted their invitation and will speak to them at that time about having the children attend the picnic. Rheta reported that the bank prefers to hold the 4th of July celebration at the Community Center. It will be held on Monday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m. Re- freshments will consist of punch, cake and cookies provided by the bank; they will also pay the band. Rheta reported that due to lack of interest on the part of the Seniors, plans for an exhibit have been dropped. Rheta and Dick expressed disappointment in the performance of the Continental Cablevision. Original idea was for them to provide a 1/2 hour weekly program with senior citizens participating, and the Council choosing the subjects. It was agreed that Donna Barat Tucker had worked hard but there is a lack of commitment on the part of the Cablevision people. The motion was duly made, seconded and VOTED that "a letter be written to Continental Cablevision, with copies to the Advisory Board and the Selectmen, expressing the views of the Council." It was decided that Rheta and Dick would collaborate on writing the letter. Corrinne had two questions; 1, re the State Budget, and 2, the visiting program. Rheta responded she had supplied the Board with material on the State budget and after she had an opportunity to review the subject more thoroughly would be glad to answer any questions by phone. The visiting program has not been ex- panded due to the lack of Seniors requesting help. Dick said he would talk to Donna about televising a program directed to this program. Rheta introduced three staff members; Ruth Turnquist, Outreach worker for 3 years, Connie Walker, Clerk, for four weeks, and Marie Patterson, Meals on Wheels Coordinator for 18 months,and a volunteer for two years previously. Ruth Turnquist and Marie Patterson, respectively, explained their duties and gave a few examples of some of the problems involved. The Board congratulated them on their dedication and efficiency. The caring way in which they carry out their duties is most impressive. NEW BUSINESS As John MacDonnell was due at the Town Meeting and had to leave he asked that the following motion be entertained..."The Council write a letter to the Selectmen asking consideration of changing th position of the Council on Aging Clerk to Administrative Assistant, 35 hours a week, at $7.90 an hour, comparable with other departments in the Town, based on the principle of equity." After dis- cussion, the Chairperson asked for action; the motion was seconded and VOTED. There was no audible abstention. Council on Aging -4- April 9, 1984 Due to the.long agenda, Frank Lemaire gave a brief report of the Directors' Meeting of the Mystic Valley Elderly Services, Inc. The report mentioned that the Geriatric Outreach Team may be discontinued, and, letters were requested to be written pointing out the need for this valuable service. Rheta reported the case of a client who is living under very unsanitary con- ditions and who owes large utility bills. She has refused to allow Ruth in the house. It was decided that helping to pay her bills at this time would not solve the problem. The matter was tabled for the present until Ruth can visit her and assess the situation. Lorna, Marcia and Corrine attended a meeting at.Cedar Glen. There were about 20 in attendance. Jeannine Timlin intimated the small turnout was a protest as they felt they were being left out of activities. The Board cited several in- stances of their lack of interest. Suggestions were offered as to how they could be made to feel more welcome, one of which was to hold one of the summer programs at their facility. Another was to again invite their participation in the monthly Tea Dance. The motion was duly made, seconded and VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 9:50. Next Board Meeting will be on may 14. Respectfully submitted, Aloyse 'Jell ' n Recording Secretary