HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-01-11 Council on Aging MinutesCOUNCIL ON AGING
JANUARY 11, 1993
BERGER CONFERENCE ROOM
16 LOWELL STREET
READING, MA 01867
Present: Mary Andreola, Gladys Cail, Leonard Dergay, Dorothy
Foxon, Ginny Lane, Eva Hakanson, Loretta Spaulding,
Irving Stackpole, Sal Mele, Lois Bond
Absent: Linda Nordberg (excused)
Guests: Mrs. Dergay
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Irving Stackpole
in the Berger Conference Room.
Minutes of the December 14, 1992, meeting were accepted as
amended on a motion by Ginny Lane and seconded by Dot Foxon.
9-0-0
The Financial Report was accepted on a motion by Mary Andreola
and seconded by Eva Hakanson. 9-0-0
The Director's Report was accepted on a motion by Gladys Cail and
seconded by Sal Mele. 9-0-0. Copies of Robert's Rules of Order
will be distributed at the next meeting so members can become
familiar with acceptable ways to facilitate discussion at meet-
ings.
Mary Andreola reported on the "Traveling Road Show" that has gone
to Peter Sanborn Place and Cedar Glen and will go to Tannerville
on January 12. Average attendance has been 35. The question about
the first floor toilet has come up but at Cedar Glen the atten-
tion was focused on whether there would be smoking in the new
center. Also discussed was the consolidation of programming into
one building.
Irving Stackpole reviewed the recommendations for action that
were endorsed by the Senior Center Advisory Committee, COA and
the Board of Selectmen. He reviewed the request for a no toilet
variance rather than the one handicapped toilet variance which
would require construction rather than the requested year's as-
sessment as prescribed by the BOS. The State Plumbing Board will
again look at the issue on Feb. 3 and may possibly rescind the
Nov. 4. variance. The building may be ready by Feb. 1, but we may
not be able to take occupancy. Mr. Stackpole thought the SCAC
had done a good job.
Dot Foxon reflected on the effect on the seniors. She suggested
writing to the State Plumbing Board affirming it is wrong to
delay the opening because the seniors are the "losers".
Loretta Spaulding expressed concern about the insensitivity to
seniors' needs as reflected in the design of the center. Council
members responded to her comments: Hakanson, Foxon and Andreola
Page 2 - Jan. 11, 1993
talked about how they explored the issue and made their own deci-
sions. Gladys Cail expressed dismay over the WHDH radio talk
show.
A motion to adjourn by Dot Foxon and seconded by Ginny Lane was
defeated 2-5-1. Discussion continued.
Sal Mele asked for more open communication and less animosity.
Leonard Dergay suggested that written explanations of the process
be frequently repeated.
A discussion of the old bylaws produced the following motion by
Gladys Call and seconded by Sal Mele to forward the Rules of Or-
ganization and Procedures to the Town Manager, Town Counsel and
other appropriate individual or bodies. 8-0-1
Liaison Reports
Patrons for Older Adults - Loretta Spaulding had no report.
Cracker Barrel - Mary Andreola reported the members are looking
forward to moving into the new center.
Irving Stackpole asked Sal Mele to be chairperson of the Open
House Committee. Mary Andreola and Gladys Call agreed to assist
him. It was suggested that members of the community also be in-
vited to join the committee.
The Council members encouraged Lois Bond to meet with the Board
of Health to explore the smoking issue in municipal buildings,
specifically the new center.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Gladys Cail and
seconded by Mary Andreola.
Respectfully submitted:
Z /S Id T- 1 W
Lois K. Bond