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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 01/08/2007Mansfield Council On Aging Board of Directors Minutes to Meeting 1/8/2007 RECEIVED 07 FEB 21 PPS 2:07 MANSFIE) -Q MASSACHUSETTS Present: Donna Harrington, Frank Nilson, Ed Sliney, Sr., Norma Smith, Benjamin Boynton, Sonia Walgreen, Gale Farrugia, Debra Surprenant, and Town Manager John D'Agostino. Call To Order: The meeting was called to order by Sonia Walgreen at 3:25 PM to allow additional time for a presentation by Town Manager John D'Agostino. John D'Agostino: John presented an update and lengthy discussion on the revitalization of the downtown district, to include the proposed construction of a new senior center. John informed the Board that there were significant funds available through TOD (Transit Oriented Development) and DHCD (Department of Housing and Development). The proposed TOD project would be an ambitious redevelopment program centering about 400 to 500 feet around the train station. John pointed out that the projections on senior population increases concur that a new senior center is needed to adequately serve not only the numbers of seniors who will live in Mansfield, but also the types of services which should be offered to seniors of all ages. John explained that the downtown area project would include a housing component with provisions for affordability—most likely a condominium project dedicated to income eligible seniors funded through the town housing fund. John also said that he envisions this project to be more representative of a "village" with housing, restaurants, markets, and the senior center included in the mix. He informed the Board that he feels that a 19,000 to 25,000 square foot facility would be adequate for the COA needs. He feels that the TOD would have funding for about 70% to 80% of the total cost of the COA. Most of the project money would be from Federal sources. He said that he will is most interested in proposing a project that would have a housing component, a senior center and a fine arts center. John said that the town owns some land that could be combined with MBTA owned land and some privately owned land that would make this project feasible. He admitted that this is an "aggressive" project, but he said that he feels that all entities involved are very interested. There was a discussior0bout the traffic congestion and John said that he feels that the peak train traffic times are just prior to and just after the end of the COA program day. There was a discussion about the RT. 106 upgrade issue, and the downtown redevelopment plans. Gale asked John about the possibility of forming a committee to work on the new senior center plans. John said that he feels that forming a committee would be in order, and the committee members should represent a good mix of people—positive, but progressive with a 20 year vision. With the discussion and update being completed, John left the Board meeting. Correspondence tile: The Correspondence File was circulated. Gale noted that the Correspondence File contained a newspaper article from the Sun Chronicle about "My Senior Center," and a letter written about the condition of the Multi-purpose Room after a scouting troop used the facility for a meeting. Minutes: The Minutes to the Board Meeting of December 12`h, 2006 were examined. Ben submitted a motion to accept the minutes as presented. With a second from Norma, the motion passed by a unanimous vote. Treasurer's Report, Budget, Warrants: The Treasurer's Report was issued by Mary. She informed the Board that the Gift Account balance was $1345.45. Gale presented the Budget to date and the Warrants. Ben offered a motion to accept the Treasurer's Report, Budget and Warrants as presented. Donna gave a second to the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote. Director's Report: Mike Berry—Gale reported that Mike Berry, legislative aide to Representative Barrows, attended an Outreach Meeting. She said that he was interested in some information that he had taken away from that meeting and presented it to Rep. Barrows. Mike and Rep. Barrows met with other legislators, and they would like to sponsor legislation to mandate that cities and towns have social workers on staff. Gale said that she has organized a meeting with other directors to discuss this. Town Report—Gale told the Board that she has finished the narrative for the Annual Town Report and it has been submitted. Mansfield Housing Rehab Program—Gale reported that the Community Development Program has designed a survey and it will be sent out to several residents. Arthritis Exercise Program—Gale informed the Board that the first class of the new Arthritis Exercise Program was held, and there were 15 students. Gale said that, although others had signed up for the class, they did not come and felt that the bad weather may have played a part in the low attendance. Assistant Director's Report: Statistics—Debi reported that for the month of December, there were 868 people who signed in for events, and there were 424 incoming telephone calls logged. December had 19 % working days. There were 181 volunteer hours banked. PawSox—Debi informed the Board that the annual trip to the Pawtucket Red Sox was in the planning stages. She said that the trip will probably be on July 19th, and will be purchasing the tickets soon. Updating Brochure—Debi reported that she was in the process of updating the COA brochure. She said that she will print some copies and distribute them at the next Board meeting. Meals Program—Debi said that the meals program is still quite popular, and the comments about the food are positive. Old Business: The Old Business discussion about the proposed new senior center took place at the start of the meeting. New Business: Donations—Gale told the Board that the COA has received some donations recently. The Mansfield Elks has donated $1,000 for the Fuel Assistance Fund, and $250 from Coldwell Bankers and $50.00 from Jim Cowell have been deposited in the Gift Account. Housing Task Force: Donna had nothing new to report. Questions and Answers: None. Adjournment: With all business being completed, Frank offered a motion to adjourn the meeting. With a second from Mary, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM by a unanimous vote.