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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 11/13/2019)11�� Minutes of the COA Board Meeting of November 13, 2019 Present: Lynda Christiansen, Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan. Josephine Madrazo, Director; Lynette Boldrighini, Assistant Director. Guest: Nancy Graf Call to Order: Board Chairman Richard Kelsay opened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. Minutes of the Board Meeting of October 9, 2019: The Board examined the Minutes of the Board Meeting of October 9, 2019. After examining the minutes of said meeting, Norma offered a motion to accept them, seconded by Lynda. There was no discussion and the minutes were accepted by a unanimous vote of the board. Estimated Budget Status to Date and Warrants: There was nothing unusual in these documents. Acceptance of the reports was moved by Joan and seconded by Norma, then passed by a unanimous vote of the Board. Correspondence: Jo reported that we have had offers from local corporations, to volunteer or provide gifts. Medtronic has 18 people willing to come to the COA to help out any way they can. So far no definite plans have been made to take advantage of this offer. Samsonite is generously providing gift bags for all attendees of our Holiday Party. Conway Realty has been kind enough to provide gift stockings of toiletries to those people who get home -delivered meals from the COA. Director's Report: Josephine introduced Lynette Boldrighini as the new COA Assistant Director, The Board warmly welcomed Lynette, who brings to the position many years of experience as a counselor. Jo is working on the application for the Formula Fund Grant, our grant through the Commonwealth's Executive Office for Elder Affairs. The amount of the grant is based on the Mansfield Town Census Report. After a short discussion, it was moved by Paula and seconded by Norma to spend $214.45 from the gift account to pay for the pens, to be given by the COA as gifts at the Holiday Party. Jo has met with Patrick Murphy of the Foxboro branch of the Hockomock YMCA. They have worked out a plan for our walking club to use the indoor track at the Y during the winter months, and also take advantage of the water aerobics classes, possibly offered at half price. Proceeds from the COA Holiday Fair amounted to about $4500, which includes a very successful raffle. There are some raffle items available for use in the future. The Birthday Bash in January will feature an Elvis impersonator. Old Business: Since we are considering changing the name of the senior center to reflect a more active community, it was decided to put an article in the newsletter asking for suggestions. The Board asked Jo if the staff could once again provide a running account of the numbers of people using the COA building, classes, etc. These statistics have been reported to us in the past, and they are very useful in tracking what programs are popular, and just how many people are using our services and facilities each month. Related to the collection of such data, Jo will secure the services of an IT professional to help us update our My Senior Center software. It was suggested that information for the monthly newsletter be submitted by the second Friday of the preceding month. New Business: Tom presented for our approval a list of Goals for the Mansfield COA Board. After some discussion, it was decided to revise the list of goals to include working on making Mansfield a dementia -friendly community. The Board also added to the goal, through which we wish to improve the community's awareness of what we offer here. We would like to erect an electronic message board somewhere visible from the COA/Library lobby, advertising our programming, both on -going and up -coming. A motion to table the approval of the entire list of goals was withdrawn and a motion was made by Norma and seconded by Paula to accept them, as amended. The vote by the Board was unanimous. The Board decided to act immediately on the message board idea, by purchasing the necessary equipment. Tom moved that the amount of up to $500.00 be allocated out of the Fairfield Account to fund this project. Norma seconded his motion. The motion passed. In addition, to further improve our visibility in the community, the Board appointed a subcommittee to explore the question of signage, both in front of our building and on neighboring streets, directing people to our center. Lynette suggested that they contact the Public Safety to see if the sign they have, but no longer need, is available. The subcommittee members are Paula, Joan and Dick. Board Treasurer Tom Keogh presented documents being developed in an effort to streamline our budget process and provide a clearer way to report figures to the Board on a quarterly and also a yearly basis (at the Annual Meeting). This system will track our budget, income, and expenses and will allow us to see what funds are spent in various areas more clearly. This data will be valuable as we assess the way we use our resources and usage of our building in the future. The Board thanked Tom and Jo for this report. Board Chairman Dick Kelsay spoke concerning our goal to make Mansfield a Dementia Friendly Community (DFC). He has spoken with some people in town already and would like to meet with a group after the holidays to set objectives. Paula pointed out that this is a cultural change for our community and we will need to set clear goals to be effective. Jo suggested that we begin with town departments- Fire, Police, Housing, and then call in other people. Dick would like everyone on the Board to work on this, starting with the following areas: 1) Research what a DFC is and what other communities are doing (Fall River's presentation to us some time ago). 2) Are there grants to support such an initiative? Paula is interested in looking into this. This will be an on -going project. It was decided to have a Board -Staff Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 11. The Board meeting will take place at 2:30 with the party to follow. Details will be worked out by Jo and the staff and they will communicate plans to the Board concerning food. Adjournment: Joan offered a motion to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Tom seconded the motion. The vote to adjourn was unanimous. Respectfully submitted, Mary Hourigan Secretary Voting Summary: 2019-00 A vote to accept the minutes of the October 9, 2019 Board Meeting. Motion by Norma Smith, seconded by Lynda Christiansen. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith, and Lynda Christiansen. 2019-00 A vote to accept the Budget Status and Warrants. Motion by Joan Hoey, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith, and Lynda Christiansen. 2019-00 A vote to spend $214.45 from the Gift Account for pens as gifts for the holiday party. Motion by Paula Topjian, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith and Lynda Christiansen. 2019-00 A vote to spend up to $500.00 from the Fairfield Account to purchase video equipment. Motion by Tom Keogh, seconded by Norma Smith. Vote: Affirmative- 6; Negative- 1. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan, Norma Smith. Voting Negative was: Lynda Christiansen. 2019-00 With all business being completed, a vote to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Motion by Joan Hoey, seconded by Tom Keogh. Vote: Affirmative- 7; Negative- 0. Voting affirmative were: Joan Hoey, Richard Kelsay, Tom Keogh, Norma Smith, Paula Topjian, Mary Hourigan and Lynda Christiansen.