HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-13 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING
January 13, 1997
Berger Room
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2684
Present:
Mary Andreola, Gladys Cail, Betty Cronin, Dottye Foxon, Mary Mundjer, Ellen O'Hara,
Gay Williams, Joanne Wooldridge, Lois Bond
Excused: Naaz Page
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Chairperson Mary Andreola.
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner attended the meeting to update the members regarding the
changes within the Human Services Department. He gave a brief overview of the history of the
department which encompasses four divisions: Elder Services, Recreation, Health, Veterans
Services. Recreation Division may evolve with the schools to yield a Community Recreation
Department. Health Division is now settled with Jane Fiore as the Health Administrator. He
presented a plan to have the mission of Elder Services expand to encompass the human services
functions. This is not intended to diminish elder services. A new program request for the FY 1998
includes budget for a social worker or contractual services with a social service agency to assist
wi h young families or individuals. The Administrator would supervise programs, events,
revolving funds and holiday programs. Hechenbleikner referenced this as building on the strengths
of RES and providing those strengths for all ages.
Questions followed his presentation.
Wooldridge asked about extra staff support for the increased work. PIH: no additional support
staff.
Williams asked when this change would be reflected in the budget. PIH: not determined.
Cronin suggested property tax program workers might be able to help with new program
responsibilities.
Andreola expressed concern about compensation for increased work load.
Williams raised possibility of broadening COA to include human services issues. This promoted a
positive discussion. Issues to be explored: expanding mission of COA; by-law rewrite; effect on
EOEA grant; reaction of EOEA.
Process will be: l.) budget implications; 2.) Town Meeting response to reorganization.
Hechenbleikner is exploring joining old Human Services Department with another department.
Hechenbleikner left the meeting.
Members continued to reflect on issues raised by the Town Manager. General consensus was that
this format will work. There was strong affirmation that the focus of RES not be diminished.
Minutes of the December 9, 1996 meeting were accepted on a motion by Mary Mundjer and
seconded by Dottye Foxon. 8-0-0
Financial report was reviewed and accepted on a motion by Betty Cronin and seconded by Gay
Williams. 8-0-0 The members discussed periodically transferring money from the Shopping
Assistance Fund to the Revolving Fund so it would be more accessible to elders in need. A
suitable amount would remain in the Shopping Assistance Revolving Fund to cover any future
problems that may arise with EOEA Formula Grant funding. The Board will continue this
discussion.
Administrator's report was reviewed and accepted on a motion by Joanne Wooldridge and
seconded by Dottye Foxon. 8-0-0
Further discussion topics included:
1.) Follow up with 128 Ford regarding donation of a van; what happens in three years; what are
the Town responsibilities.
2.) Thermostat at the Center continues to be a problem on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Follow up needed with DPW. The settings are correct but the furnace is not responding
appropriately.
3.) Reflections on the holiday parties and how the good will can be evenly distributed
throughout the year.
4.) Patrons for Older Adults has a fund for birthday celebrations. Can Elder Services approach
PFOA for Monthly donations of birthday cake and supplies for the Center?
5.) Update rolodex at the Center with emergency contact information in case someone is ill.
Mary and Gladys to work on project.
6.) Secure 350 Trust fund grant application.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois K. Bond