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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-03-11 Council on Aging MinutesREADING COUNCIL ON AGING Secretary's Report March 11, 1985 Present: Rheta McKinley, Administrative Secretary, Lorna Knapp, Chairperson, Members, Dick Felone, Marcia McFarland Gray, Betty Knox, Ann Marie McCarron, Jane Soule and Sebastian Tine; William Hughes, Fincom representative. Absent: Corinne Pecoraro Chairperson Knapp called the meeting to order at 7:30. She in- troduced Mr. William Denhard of the First Congregational Church's housing corporation, United Church Homes. Mr. Denhard stated the town has been directed by Town Meeting to dispose of the Community Center. His organization would like to obtain the building either by lease or sale and renovate it for the housing of elderly and handicapped. The Senior Center would be preserved in its current location. Mr. Denhard enlisted the aid of interested people of Reading to write the Chronicle, Selectmen and Town Meeting members recommending the sale to the United Church Homes. The alternative would be to sell to private industry to be used for condominiums. Mr. Denhard cited the success of the Peter Sanborn Place which is owned and operated by United Church Homes. In order to obtain funds from Federal Housing and Urban Development the request would have to be made by May 15. In answer to a question, Mr. Denhard stated taxes would be paid to the town. There was a brief discussion concerning the possibility of obtain- ing the former gymnasium as part of the Senior Center. This would enable the Council to conduct all their classes under one roof. After a lengthy discussion motion was made by Jane Soule "that the Council on Aging write to the Selectmen supporting the sale of the Community Center to the United Church Homes for the intended use of elderly housing with the stipulation that the Senior Center remain." Motion was seconded and passed. Chairperson Knapp abstained. Motion was made, seconded and VOTED to accept the minutes of the previous meeting of February 11, 1985. FINANCIAL REPORT Ms. Soule stated the Board was now at the 2/3 point of the fiscal year. She mentioned that the salary account for the substitute driver was high and Rheta explained it would balance out at the end of the year because the instructors' and the full-time van driver's accounts were under the 2/3 percent. Council on Aging -2- March 11, 1985 ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY'S REPORT The Administrative Secretary's Report was reviewed (copy attached). It was suggested that Lee Roberts, the new Friendly Visitor, be asked to attend the next Council meeting. Rheta stated that Ms. Roberts was started at $.5.50 an hour; $5.78 had been set aside for Joan Dehne. Rheta had hoped to give Ms. Roberts an additional hour but is unable to do so as the grant has to go to the first of October and there is only $182. available. It was noted that over 700 seniors received surplus butter, cheese and dry milk. This was the largest distribution on record for Reading's Council on Aging. OLD BUSINESS Ann Marie gave a brief report on the progress of the subcommittee appointed to study the staffing needs of the Council office. She stated the committee is attempting to make an organization chart to determine the hours required for each position, and write a job description for each member of the staff. She plans to investigate how other neighboring towns' Councils operate. At this point there ensued a lengthy discussion as to Rheta's title. Dick Felone stated the Union only recognizes two titles, "Administrative Assistant" and "Clerk." He further stated that the position Rheta holds is a managerial one and shouldn't come under the Union. He stated Rheta is functioning as an administrator and is hiring people whose pay is only fifty cents an hour lower than hers. He claimed the Board should take a stand before the Selectmen. He cited the instance of the Selectmen's failure to reappoint John MacDonnell and the Board's meek acceptance of the decision. It was suggested that with the change in administration currently taking place, the chances of action will be improved. Ms.McCarron agreed with Dick's views and said she would be an advo- cate fpr Rheta. Dick said in conclusion that the first order of business should be to get going on upgrading Rheta. One member stated that if the request was not granted the whole Council on Aging Board should resign. The Chairperson asked the committee by the next meeting to come up with a plan and suggestions of the steps to be taken so that the Board can go before the Selectmen. She added it would be helpful if as many of the Board as possible be present. Chairperson Knapp read a letter of resignation from S. Lester Ralph. NEW BUSINESS There was a short discussion concerning the recognition of volunteers. Council on Aging -3- March 11, 1985 Rheta estimates there are between 60 and 70 volunteers. The motion was made, seconded and VOTED"to have a dinner for the volunteers in late April.". The Patrons for Older Adults will be asked for funds for this occasion. Rheta informed the Board that the Junior Women's Club is sponsor- ing a program for senior citizens to be held at the Masonic HaLL. It will be on April 24 from 2 to 4 o'clock with music and re- freshments. The Board is invited to attend. The Reading Public Library is devoting the month of May to senior citizens. Rheta is working with their staff to plan for the ex- hibition of articles made by the Council on Aging's classes . OLDER AMERICAN DAYS May is designated as Older American's Month. Rheta would like a special program for each week, and welcomes suggestions. The picnic will be held on either May 29 or 30 depending upon the availability of the Wakefield Retired Men's Band. The Jr. Women's Club will make the May pole and pay for the band. GRANT Chairperson Knapp notified Rheta of a Mystic Valley Elder Affairs grant available for shopping assistance. There was very little lead time but Rheta replied to the RFP, meeting the deadline with five minutes to spare. There was a short discussion regarding the three vacancies on the Council Board. Members were asked to think about replacements. Chairperson Knapp read a letter from the Congregational Church re- questing participation in their Heifer Project. It was decided the Board would not act as it did not apply to the elderly. As this was the last meeting for Marcia McFarland Gray the Board bid her farewell and wished her:well. The motion was duly made, seconded and VOTED to adjourn at 9:35. Respectfully ubmitted, Aloyse JeT~1r~on Recording Secretary