HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 10/08/2002e
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MANSFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING
MINUTES TO BOARD MEETING
10/8/02
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Call To Orders The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Vice President Frac&-,
Nilson.
Presents Frank Nilson, Ed Sliney, Sr., Ben Boynton, Eileen Flint, and Mary Butler, Sonia
Walgreen and Donna Harrington are excused.
Treasurer's Report: Mary Butler issued the Treasurer Report. She said the balance in the
account is $3238,62. The report was accepted in a unanimous vote.
Minutes: The Minutes from the meeting of September 10, 2002, were reviewed. On a
motion made by Mary, with a second made by Eileen, the minutes, as presented,
were accepted in a unanimous vote.
Budget: Gale presented the budget, and indicated that, because we were so early in the
year, there were no outstanding problems. Eileen made a motion, with a second
given by Ben, to accept the budget as presented. The motion passed unanimously,
Warrants: The Board examined the warrants. The warrants were accepted in a unanimous
vote on a motion made by Eileen and a second made my Ben.
Correspondence: The Correspondence file was circulated,
Director's Report: Board Terms—There was a discussion regarding those who have terms
expiring.Eileen Flint has decided to leave the Board after her term. Gale has been
approached by someone who is interested in serving. She is Norma Smith, and she
will be applying to be appointed. Eagle Scout Project—The Eagle Scouts have
contacted Gale with a project they are hoping to do. In response to those elders
needing yard work done, they are making themselves available for fall leaf raking.
The DPW picks up yard waste, so this will be a very good combined project.
Friends Christmas Party—Gale informed the Board that the Friend's Christmas
party is scheduled for Friday, December 13 at 11:30. Board members are welcome
to attend. Senior Law Day—Gale and Debi attended the Senior Law Day event at
the Attleboro courthouse with about 10 other Mansfield Seniors. The event went
very well and was interesting. There were a lot of very good questions asked by the
Seniors from the four communities—Mansfield, North Attleboro, Attleboro and
Norton. The program will be opened up to additional communities next year.
MCOA Conference—Gale will be attending the MCOA Conference at the Seacrest.
She informed the Board that she will be out of the office on Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday. Holistic Wellness Program—Gale has been in the beginning stages of
planning a holistic health fair to take place in the Spring. Fuel Assistance—Gale
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updated the Board on the Fuel Assistance Program status. The Self Help program
starts in December. The Mansfield Program has depleted its money. Gale has
asked John D'Agostino and Jack Belliveau for an additional $30,000 to
accommodate the anticipated need for subsidy for FY2003. Housing affordability
is also becoming a very large concern for Mansfield families. The Social Services
office has seen an increase in families seeking assistance with housing issues.
Assistant Director's Report: Alzheimer's Support GrouQ—Debi reported that this session
of the Alzheimer's support group is Vh over. The group has been going well.
History Series—The first workshop for local history was the "archaeological history"
of the area. The President of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society gave a
lecture and a slide show and brought artifacts dating back 10,000 BC. The neat
workshop is a joint program with the Library. The presentation will be done by;a'
personality from Plimoth Plantation, in the 1600's. Comuters—Louise Baroncelli
now has a computer. She is being trained, and she is doing very well. FEMA—Debi
and Gale told the Board that the money from the FEMA grant is finally spent
down. The money was allocated for mortgage and rent arrearages, and for food
vouchers. A decision will have to be made whether to apply for additional funds,
since the process is competitive, and we caused upset among some agencies to have
been awarded the money.
Old Business: Home Maintenance and Repair—Gale updated the Board of the Home
Maintenance and Repair Program. The Lottery for the first families was completed.
The coordinator is having a difficult time finding licensed independent contractors
to participate in the program. The Administrative Assistant will also be hired the
week of October 14`''. The person is an employee of the town and will be working
for about 16 hours per week. Triad—The Triad program has had a new
development—the Sheriff's office wishes to be involved in an advisory capacity. The
Triad will have a treasury designated by the Sheriffs Department. The relationship
will be very beneficial. Also, the Police Department arranged to have a defense
training for Seniors and non -seniors who will work with training other Seniors.'
The class, DECIDE, was taken by two members of the COA staff, They, in turn,
will teach our Seniors easy and effective self-defense techniques.
New Business: Friends' Fair—The Friends' Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday,
October 26`h. Senior Tax Work -off Program—Gale reported that the amount
available to be earned has been increased from $500.00 to $750.00. There are
some Federal tax implications with this new development, however. John will
have a meeting at the COA with all the participants,
BESI Report: Frank reported that the Annual Meeting is at the Fall River Family
Services Association. Mary will now represent the Mansfield COA.
Adjournment: On a motion made be Ed, with a second from Mary, the Board voted,
unanimously to adjourn at 8.20 pm