HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-03-10 Council on Aging MinutesMINUTES BOARD MEETING MARCH 10, 1986
Present: F. Richard Felone, Aloyse Jellison, Rosemary Gibbons, F. Frank Lemaire,
John Montgomery, Penny Richards, Sebastian Tine
Absent: Woody Baldwin, Lorna Knapp, Betty Knox, Rheta McKinley, Jane Soule
The Board meeting opened at 7:30 p.m. A motion MADE, SECONDED and VOTED to
accept the minutes of the previous meeting.
Lanny Millett of American Development Group, Inc. of Boston delivered a lengthy,
interesting presentation on senior housing. It is, "a country club atmosphere
of an alternative life style geared for older people but not an elderly atmosphere."
This proposed congregate housing concept would be on the Nike site. Mr. Millett
said that the concept is in the very early stages of discussion, and our Board
was his very first contact in Reading. This week he will make a presentation to
the Reading Housing Authority. The Board agreed that this type of housing was
an exciting idea and Mr. Millett promised to keep our Board posted as to his
progress. The Board thanked Mr. Millett for taking the time to make his presenta-
tion to us.
FINANCIAL REPORT: none
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY REPORT: Rheta's report was distributed and discussed.
Motion MADE, SECONDED and VOTED to accept this rreport.
OLD BUSINESS: Dick read a letter he sent to the Finance Committee dated February,
the 28th, 1986. Penny is in the process of drafting a letter to Home Care request-
ing that the kitchen have a thorough cleaning each month. She will have the letter
ready for the next meeting. Regarding a Warrant Article asking that our services
be available to people over age sixty (60) and changing..the number of Board members
to seven, this Warrant Article was not written, therefore it will not be on the
Spring Town Warrant. Penny explained that certain questions arose after a conversa-
tion with Molly Ziegler, the main one being whether these changes have been run by.
Town Council and the By-Law Committee of the Town. The "legality" of these changes
are in question and Dick Felone, along with Penny Richards and Molly Ziegler all
agreed that it was best to hold oft' until all questions are answered. Dick also
read a memo dated February 13, 1986 received from John Agnew asking that "non money
articles, where possible, be done at the Fall Town Meeting.' Spring Town Meeting
is basically for the budget, Dick said, and Fall Town Meeting is for this kind of
administrative change.
NEW BUSINESS: Shopping Assistance Grant; The money for this grant is running out
the end of March. Rheta would like to have someone solicit some of the stores and
businesses around town for some financial assistance for the program. Sebastian
asked, "will the Town allow that?.. Does the Council have the power to go out and
raise funds on its own?" Penny suggested that Rheta give Molly a call to see whether
or not we are able to do this. "Motion MADE, SECONDED and VOTED that Penny "meet with
Rheta and, if necessary, with Molly, to look into the legality of this action and
get back to us as quickly as possible. And Rheta can pursue the proper methods of
getting funds."
Rosemary, Aloyse and Penny were the only people that showed up for the tour of the
Pearl Street School.
Selectmen's meeting with the Reading Housing Authority and COA Board on February 10th
r regarding the new senior center The meeting was called for 8:30 but Mr. Latham
arrived and spoke at 7:30 p.m. Penny, Rosemary and Aloyse were not able to hear
him speak and there was only enough time left for a small discussion.
MINUTES - Board Meeting March 10, 1986 (continued)
This Thursday night Mr. Rivers will again meet with the Selectmen at 7:30 p.m.
regarding the Senior Center. Dick will try to go and asked that any other
Board members that are able to, attend as well. Dick says the Selectmen are
not too enthusiastic about the proposal, however, they are meeting with Rivers
and Latham anyway. Dick will call Rheta to confirm the date and time.
The Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors
are asking our support in their campaign efforts to increase their formula grant
by $700,000.00. Motion MADE, SECONDED and VOTED that Rheta be authorized to
publicize the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging and Senior Centers
information to our clients showing the need for greater financial support.
Volunteer Dinner in April the Board agrees that this dinner is necessary to
thank all the volunteers that work with us during the year. Motion MADE, SECONDED
and VOTED that plans be made to have an appreciation dinner for the volunteers
in April. Frank plans to bring it up at the next Patrons of Older Adults meeting,
asking for their financial support for this dinner.
OTHER BUSINESS: A discussion ensued regarding vases for daffodils. The concensus
was not to purchase them at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Edna A. Gelman
Acting Tape Transcriber