Council on Aging
Minutes of Meeting
January 13, 2009
Chair Verna Gilbert called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Board members present: Tom Dunkers, Jim Elgin, Verna Gilbert, Phyllis Hughes, Natalie Ives, Sandy McIlhenny, Ted Read, Jean Sain, Marje Stickler and Helen Taylor. Board member Karen Rigg was absent. Associate member Nadine Bishop was also present as were staff members Kathy Mull and Angela Smith and COA Friends representative Santo Pullara.
Secretary's Report: The minutes of the December 2, 2008 meeting were approved as submitted.
Treasurer's Report: Ted Read reported that his inspection of the December expense figures showed that everything reconciled with the Town Accountant's figures. The report was accepted as presented.
Director's Expense Reporting: Kathy reported that at the half-year mark we are on target for the overall budget for the year. We were recently notified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) that our second installment of the Formula Grant was going to be delayed and there would most likely be a cut to our FY09 grant amount. It will probably remain at the same level as last year. If it is reduced, we will have to rearrange our money allotments for this fiscal year. Kathy told us she has submitted an article for the Annual Town Meeting warrant for consultant fees for social worker hours since this may be cut from next year's grant.
School Building Committee: Lee Storrs, Chairman of the School Building Committee, and school Superintendent Marie Doyle were present to give the COA Board an update of the Spalding School building project. The school wants the senior population to be up to speed on this project as everything related to it comes up.
Director's Report: Kathy reported that we have over $6,000 in our Special Revolving Account that we can use for any expenses related to food programs. We can also use this for any non-salary expenses related to transportation as we collect fees for the van. She feels confident that we will be able to meet all our needs until the end of this fiscal year even with the minimum cuts to the Formula Grant. We will be looking at how we can fund the programs and the Outreach Coordinator's two hours of salary paid by the grant if it goes away entirely next year. Her report was accepted as submitted.
Outreach Coordinator's Report: Angela submitted her December report as to her activities and hours. This was accepted as submitted.
Social Worker's Report: Peter's written report was accepted as submitted.
Transportation Coordinator's Report: Carol's report was accepted as submitted.
Friends' Report: Santo Pullara represented the Friends of the COA at tonight's meeting and reported that the Friends' fundraising appeal has been quite successful. As of January 8, a total of $14,700 has been received. He said that the Friends have a couple of possible ideas for fundraising: holding special events, sending newsletters to families of seniors, and flyers to local businesses. The Friends have reserves of about $60,000.
Travel: Sandy McIlhenny reported that this Friday's trip to the Pheasant Lane Mall has been canceled due to lack of interest. The North Shore Music Theatre may be closing so for the time being Joanne Willens won't be buying tickets. A Boston Harbor cruise to view the Tall Ships is scheduled for July 10.
Minuteman Senior Services: Jean Sain reported that the January 7 meeting had been canceled due to a snowstorm. The December MSS meeting was at Drake Village in Arlington. This is a caring community with on-site programs and services designed to help all Drake Villagers stay independent and healthy. Minuteman Senior Services has a contract with them.
Old/New Business: (1) Jim Elgin reported that the surveys are presently being printed and will be picked up at the end of this week to be taken to the post office for mailing early next week. There will be a placard in the town rotary to remind residents to complete and return their surveys. Publicity will be used to get a good response. Surveys are due by February 12. A large participation is needed for meaningful results. (2) Verna asked all board members to please be on the lookout for additional associate members. There is a serious need for more associates. (3) A long-range planning meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on January 22 at Town Hall. (4) Kathy announced there will be a COA board training meeting in Chelmsford on January 30 for anyone who is interested and
has not yet attended one of these meetings.
The next COA meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Ives
Secretary
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