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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-02-11 Council on Aging MinutesREADING COUNCIL ON AGING SECRETARY'S REPORT Meeting; of Eebruar~,r `11. 1985 ?'resent: Chair-person Lorna Knapp, Dick Eelone, Jane Soule.. Marcia McFarland-Gray. Betty Knox, Ann Marie McCarron, Corinne Pecoraro, S. Lester Ralph, Associate Member Frank Lemaire and Administrative Secretarv Rheta McKinley. Guests present were Ron Lanoue and Marie Patterson. Absent: Sebastian Tine, Marv Sega.llo The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p. m. by the Chairperson. A notation was made of a correction to the minutes of the January 14, '1985 meeting Page 2, second Paragraph. The first sentence should read: " Marie Patterson reported that Bob McCarthy from Mvstic Vallev Elder Services stated that he would revaluate the list of Reading's home delivered meals recipients, to see if anyone could be cut from it who no longer needs the service." On motion by Corinne Pecoraro, seconded by Bette Knox, the Board. =noted unanimously to accept-the minutes as amended. Ms, Knapp then introduced Ron Lanoue. Assistant Director of Mvstic Valley Elder Services. She read a letter to the Council from Ron, which was in response to a meeting he had with Rheta ` Mc1{inlev and Marie Patterson regarding the current work load in the home delivered meals Program. Ron's letter suggested that two steps could be taken immediately to assist the meals coordinator with daily activities: - Mystic Malley Elder Services' caterer would presort the home delivered meals by route, so that Marie would not have to arrange the meals after they were delivered to the COA - Mvstic Vallev's Case Management staff would now be responsible for following up on home delivered meals recipients who did not answer their doors when the volunteer drivers attempted to deliver the meal Ron explained how the HDM system in Reading differs from nei&hboring communities, Particularly its reliance on a corps of volunteer meals drivers. Ron said that he hoped the two changes in procedures would be of assistance to Reading's program. Other options were then discussed for providing back-up for Marie's job in the instance she is out ill or on vacation. including: filling of the open Senior Aide position and possible training; for the mealsite manager on HDM procedures. It was also agreed that clear written procedures about the Hilly program should be developed so that a substitute could Perform :Marie's tasks. t Mr. Lanou.e then answered the Board's other questions about HUMS and Mvstic Valle,v Elder Services. Ron noted that there is no fixed limit on the number of HDMs assigned to Reading. and that the program could continue to grow in response to the needs of the f'raii elders in the town. The point was also made that the Town's cash match due to Mystic Valley was reduced by an amount equal to what the community spends on the HDM coordinator's salary. FINANCIAL REPORT Jane Soule reported that as of the end of danuari 1385, the Council on Aging had expended 51% of its budget. Rheta also noted that several small accounts of funds donated to the COA were }.=doing to be combined into one revolving fund which bears interest. REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Rheta circulated a written report on recent activities to Board members. She pointed out in particular the current Job openings for a clerk in the office and a friendly visitor coordinator. Rheta also discussed her work with the library on the special programs it is running for senior citizens. The display of crafts and other items made in COA classes will be held at the library in May, during Older Americans Month. It was suggested that the positions when the state specif'icaIIv changing the Volunteer Coordinator and could also offset some of program, if' another person scheduling volunteers as HDM Board consider some restructuring of COA grant process happens again, Friendly Visitor Coordinator job to a expanding the responsibilities. This the current problems in the HDM were involved in recruiting and drivers. The new van is on order, and may arrive in a month or so. The Finance Committee will be made aware that the COA did not need to spend $4.000 of the amount appropriated for the vehicle purchase, and will return the funds to the 't'own. BUDGET The COA's budget hearing before the Finance Committee is scheduled for February 14, 1985. Copies of the budget request were made available to all Board members. In the area of personnel and planning, Corinne and Ann Marie's committee suggested the following goals for the Council: Long Term Coals: feeds assessments Policy setting Advocacy Education More coordination Communication with with Patrons for Older Adults other area. COAs Short Term Goals: Staff stabili.ty Development of more volunteer prc~-rams Personnel structure (job descr.iptions,hours...) Report with data, research, etc. to Selectmen,, Fin Com, personnel hoard to substantiate the need to upgrade and increase the hours in some positions There was also discussion of presenting a long term (5 year) staffing; plan to the Town, rather than a piecemeal approach to addressing the COAs personnel and program needs. On motion by Dick Felone, seconded by Frank L,emaire. the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. The next meeting of the COA ward was scheduled for Monday evening March '11. 1985.