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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOA 01/18/2000RECEIVED MANSFIELD COA BOARD MEETING,y t. ?FICE January 18, 2000 QQ DEC 21 PH 12: 55 MASc%,.6I8SETTS Present: S. Walgreen, E. Flint, M. Butler, B. Boynton, D. Harrington, F. Nilson, Farrugia, Excused: Ed Sliney, Sr. Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m. Motion to approve December minutes of COA board meeting. Unanimously passed. Motion to approve budget status, warrants and treasurer's report. Unanimously passed. Gift account: $2684.06 Director's Report Tax Assistance — The program begins on February 9s' with Margie Oldmixon in charge. She is currently in training for this program Heritage Pot Luck Luncheon — Scheduled for this Friday, January 21 providing no problems with the weather. Easton Lincoln Nursing Center — Is coming' in on January 27th for a talk on "What to look for in a nursing/rehab facility." Computer training — Frank Nilson was originally scheduled to participate in a "Cyber Seniors" training course but he was unable to make it due to a conflict in his schedule. Gale will let Ben Boynton know of any future courses planned in the future. Escort Driver — Gale still has not been able to find anyone to fill this position. John Sharpe has been helping out with the additional load. Assistant Director's duties — The staff has been chipping in helping out with the kitchen and other responsibilities until the position is filled. Meals Back up Drive — Lauren Morales who has been covering for Tom Malay while he is out slipped and fell last week at Bicentennial court. She has already returned to duty and will be covering until the end of February when Tom is due back. Assistant Director's report In December, the GATRA van traveled 1,670 miles with 491 passengers and 931 signed in at the center. Old Business Chi Chong — Run by Suzi Hansen brought in 25 people to the center for the program. Meeting with John D'Agostino, Town Manager (7:45 p.m.) Question of town manager from board is "What has the Town and GATRA negotiated and where does the COA fit in?" There has been increase demand for rides for the senior and disabled and the need for a second van to be secured to go along with this demand. The town is going to be starting a program that will provide van service early am and late p.m. for rides to the train station for the general public. Counter to the time of the needs for the seniors. Question then is whether the COA wants to run this program or contract out this portion to an outside provider. John feels it would be prudent with the rising cost of liability for transportation services for the Town to secure an outside agency that can provide the same quality of services to the seniors and pass on this saving to the town. With this new contract, the COA will be able to meet the rising demand for ridership for the seniors and disabled in town. John also assured the board that we would have input on the contract. Safeguards for seniors would be put in place. For example, performance standards set, language for availability of another vehicle in case of the van breaking down, and to receive a report on a monthly basis for services provided to COA clients. How clients would make these arrangements and to whom they could complain with any issues would be worked out. The board also felt it important that the COA work with the new provider during this transition period (a time frame to be worked out). John recommending going with the GATRA contract based on similar experiences with surrounding towns already receiving these services. John also informed the board that the town was a little closer to a deal for purchasing land between the gas station and building. This could provide an additional 35 parking spaces. This all could take place as early as the next town meeting provided the land could pass a clearance of non -polluted land. In addition to the good news of additional parking, the town was closer to providing fencing needed along the back of the building because of the opening of recreational fields directly behind the center. The planning board and the town -building inspector have mandated additional parking before the permit for use of these fields can be obtained. The fencing will prohibit individuals using these fields to cut behind the building. Meeting with John ended at 9:00 p.m. Frank Nilson made a motion that the COA board accept the town manager's recommendation for the COA no longer to provide GATRA van services to the seniors and disabled and a new contract provider be secured by the town for these services. Motion passed unanimously. Gale to contact the town manager asking him to help us put into words our recommendation for a new contract for van services for seniors and the disabled. Ceiling fans — Ben Boynton obtained three quotes for installing ceiling fans in the community room One bid from Keefe for four fans at a cost of $1,700. Another bid from Immediate Electrical Services for three fans at $1,365 and a final bid from Webber Electrical for 2 fans at a cost of $650 plus permit fee. The COA boarded voted to accept Webber's bid and to pass along these quotes to the Library Trustees with our recommendation of the Webber contract. The money will come out of the building account. New Business Assistant Director's Position — A total of eight applicants were received by Gale. Of those, Gale felt three were very qualified applicants. They had good credentials and were impressive during the interviews. There was a motion for Gail to choose out of the applicants presented this evening her new assistant director. Passed unanimously. Committee Reports BESI — F. Nilson said there wasn't much to' report at this time. Hoping to change one or two names of committees. Would report more at next meeting. Question and Answer—none Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.