Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA Minutes 12/9/2008Mansfield Council On Aging Board of Directors Minutes to Meeting 12/9/2008 Present: Sonia Walgreen, Ben Boynton, Donna Harrington, Mary Butler, Ed Sliney, Sr Norma Smith, Frank Nilson, Debra Surprenant;'and Gale Farrugia. Call To Order: The Meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM by Board Chair Sonia Walgreen. Correspondence: Gale informed the Board that the Correspondence File included a copy of a letter written by Chiefs O'Neill and Boldrighini about the Selectmen's ruling on meetings and trainings. There was a discussion about the letter and the ruling as they pertain to the Council On Aging and Social Services. Gale also stated that there was a communication from Assist -to -Sell, and the letter states that they were unable to sponsor a Christmas Party for the seniors this year. Minutes, Warrants, Budget Status To Date, and Treasurer's Report: The Board members examined the Minutes to the Board Meeting of October 14th. Mary observed that the minutes needed to be changes to reflect the date of the meeting — October 14th, not October 7th. Gale told the Board that she did not have a current budget to present because the new Town Accountant is in the process of changing procedures. Additionally, Gale explained that the new Town Accountant is using a new format to be used with Warrants. Gale informed the Board that there is a legal opinion being sought regarding the proper procedure for Board members signing the Warrants, and she hopes to have an answer about the procedure soon. The Board examined the Warrants presented in the new format. Mary issued the Treasurer's Report. She told the Board that because there was no updated budget information from the Town Accountant, she would be using the information from the last budget report. She said that the balance in the Gift Account unofficially stood at $1829.50. Ben offered a motion to accept the Minutes to the Board Meeting of October 14, 2008, with the date correction, the Warrants, the Budget Status, and the Treasurer's Report as presented. With a second from Frank, the motion was passed by a unanimous vote. Director's Report: Movie License —Gale announced that the movie license had been received, and that plans are being made to begin a movie program after the I't of the year. 20th Anniversary of the COA/Library Building —Gale told the Board that she had been approached by Janet Campbell about a 20th anniversary celebration for the COA and Library building. Gale suggested that a joint meeting be scheduled with the Library Board to discuss the issue of a celebration, and what type of activity could be done on a tight budget. Gale said that she would look into scheduling a joint meeting. COA Board Reappointments —Gale informed the Board that Sonia and Norma would need to be reappointed to serve on the Board. She said that their new terms would begin on January 1, 2009, and both Sonia and Norma have subinitted their reappointment letters. Gale also said that Ed and Ben would be reappointed for January 1, 2010, and Donna, Mary and Frank would need to be reappointed for January 1, 2011. Tai Chi Demonstration Program —Gale explained that the COA offered a Tai Chi Demonstration which was held on December 8th, and there were 25 seniors who attended. She indicated that she would like to begin a Tai Chi class, but she informed the Board that the town is currently under a hiring freeze. Gale explained that the Tai Chi teacher has been hired through the Health Department for an employee wellness program, which was done before the hiring freeze. She said that she might be able to state a case for using her for the Tai Chi program. There was a discussion about how budget cuts would impact the current level of programs, and it was felt that, if initiated, the program could be funded by the Fairfield Grant, and that the cost would be $160 per month, or $1800 per year. Medlin Meeting —Gale explained that Medlin sponsored a community meeting at the COA for town residents about the company and the request for a TIF. Gale said that the company sells pharmaceuticals and medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and nursing homes, and will be expanding in the Industrial Park. She reported that the company will be giving donations to the Fire Department, and that the meeting request was given through the Town Manager's office. There was a discussion about the use of the multi - purpose room by for -profit companies. Gale said that for meetings of this type, in the future she will consult with the Board members regarding their preference for the use of the room. Outreach Staff —Gale reported that the Outreach Department staff is very busy with end of year insurance changes and fuel assistance applications. She said that Self Help awards are between $900 and $1100. She also reported that the town is in the process of setting up a heating assistance fund. She said that she is waiting for the details of that fund. Gale informed the Board that donations have been received from the Elks, who had a dinner and dance fundraiser, and private donations. She told the Board that a senior, Bernice Bourne, was given a party for her 80th birthday, and requested no gifts for herself, but that donations be made to the fuel assistance fund. Gale said that $780 has been donated in honor of Bernice. Assistant Director's Report: Statistics —Debi reported that the COA received 504 telephone callsand had 638 people signing in for programs in October, and, with 17 working days in November, 492 incoming telephone calls and 813 people signing in for programs. Training —Debi informed the Board that she and Phyllis Butler attended and completed the required Safe Food Handling training offered by Bristol Elder Nutrition on November 12. She said that both of them received the recertification. 2009 PawSox Trio —Debi announced that she has purchased tickets for the annual outing to the Pawtucket Red Sox. She said that the tickets were purchased for the August 4ih game against Scranton/Wilkes Barre, the farm team for the Yankees. Wellness Workshop o eries —Debi said that the wellness workshop series with the CVNA was going well, after a slow start. She informed the Board that there were about 20 people who attended in October for the Loneliness and Life Transitions workshop. She reported that the next workshop, Coping with Holiday Stress and the Winter Blues, is scheduled for December 15t'. Old Business: FY2010 Budget —Gale informed the Board that she will be submitting two budgets, as requested by the Town Manager and Town Accountant —one reflecting level funding, and one reflecting a 5% reduction. She said that 5% of the current budget is $16,452, and she said that that there is only one line item able to be reduced. Gale said that a cut of 5% would result in a loss of 70% of the programs for seniors. Gale said that she would keep the Board informed of any developments. There was a renewed discussion about the Tai Chi class, and Mary offered a motion to use the Trust Fund for the Tai Chi program, since it is a new program. With a second from Donna, the motion passed by a unanimous vote. New Business: Newsletter Mailings —Gale explained that there has been recent concern from some of the members of the Friends that the newsletter mailings have become expensive. There was a discussion about the monthly newsletter and ways to consolidate or reduce the numbers of newsletters being mailed out. Debi explained that she was now able to e -mail the newsletter as a PDF file, and was planning to make an appeal to seniors who use computers to receive an e- newsletter. Frank made a motion to support the concept of the monthly newsletter and its continued mailing. Ed offered a second to the motion, and the motion was passed by a unanimous vote. Leaf Raking Update: Donna informed the Board that the Leaf Raking Program was a big success. She said that the students were able to clean the yards of 19 senior households. Gale said that the COA will send thank you notes to Home Depot, Bennys, Stop & Shop and the Police Department for _donations and assistance with this project. Housing Task Force: Donna had nothing new. BESI Report: Sonia reported that the last BESI Board meeting was very interesting. She said that Karen Cote made a presentation about the different nutrition programs offered through BESI. She said that Karen explained the Farmer's Market Coupon program, and the Brown Bag Program. She said that Melanie Ramos gave a presentation about needs assessments. Sonia reported that, in the assessments, food was at the top of the concerns list, followed by transportation needs. Questions and Answers: Mary asked Gale how the Friends' Fair was, and Gale told her that the Friends made well over $2000. She said that it was an excellent fair from the standpoint of sales. Adjournment: With all business being completed, Ben offered a motion to adjourn. With a second from Frank, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM by a unanimous vote. VOTESUMMARY 2009 -10 A vote to accept the October and November Warrants, the Budget Status To Date, the Minutes to the Board Meeting of October 14th, 2008, and the Treasurer's Report as presented. Motion —Ben Boynton; Second —Frank Nilson; Vote — Unanimous. 2009 -11 A vote to support the concept of a monthly newsletter and its mailing.. Motion —Frank Nilson; Second —Ed Sliney, Sr.; Vote — Unanimous. 2009 -12 A vote to fund the Tai Chi Program with Trust Fund money. Motion —Mary Butler; Second —Donna Harrington; Vote — Unanimous. 2009 -13 With all business being completed, a vote to adjourn the meeting. Motion —Ben Boynton; Second —Frank Nilson; Vote — Unanimous.