Below is a summarized version of the Council on Aging meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Meeting Overview
Meeting Summary: Council on Aging (COA) – May 19, 2025
Start Time: 6:30PM
Format: Hybrid (in-person at the Pleasant Street Center and Zoom)
Chair: Karen Janowski
Attendees: Joan Coco, John Parsons, Karen Pinette, two guests (a prospective COA member Tom O’Connor and Bob Holmes from the Chronicle), Chris Kowaleski (Elder and Human Services), Jenna Wood, Jean Prato, Marilyn Shapleigh, John Saczynski, Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Nancy Ziemlak
- Summary: Karen welcomed attendees, introduced guests, and outlined the agenda, including select board updates, elder and human services report, funding requests, program fees, and a discussion on the recently approved senior center (Recal).
- Outcome: No select board members present; agenda proceeded with Chris’s report.
Elder and Human Services Report
Elder and Human Services Report (5:54–19:03)
- Speaker: Chris Kowaleski
- Summary:
- April was a successful month with over 3,000 interactions, above the target average.
- Volunteer efforts led by Dennis were strong; waitlists for events like Lunch and Learn were manageable.
- Notable events: Mini bus trip to Peabody Essex Museum (May 5, 13 participants), Lions Club senior dinner (61 attendees), Ted Reinstein talk (April 16, ~65–70 attendees), and upcoming health fair (May 21, 10–12 PM, ~30 vendors).
- Property tax work-off program has 10 applicants for 10 slots, starting in July, with interviews ongoing.
- Overnight trip to Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont (May 8–9, 29 from Reading, 10 from Maine) was successful despite rain.
- Online registration via My Active Center is progressing well.
- Discussion:
- Concerns raised about increasing tax work-off slots due to rising taxes post-vote. Chris noted the program increased hourly rates from $8 to $15, limiting slots to 10 for fiscal responsibility. Plans to reassess next year for potential expansion.
- Question about backup applicants if someone drops out; Chris confirmed they could fill vacated slots.
- Suggestion to advertise the circuit breaker program to help seniors financially.
- Outcome: No immediate changes to tax work-off slots; Chris to explore circuit breaker advertising and report back on Knox box numbers.
Knox Box Funding Request
Knox Box Funding Request (20:16–32:51)
- Speakers: Chris, Marilyn, Nora, John, Jenna
- Summary:
- Chris requested funding for 3–5 Knox boxes (lock boxes for emergency access by fire department) due to depleted stock. Cost: $227 each (down from $450), totaling $681 for 3 or $1,135 for 5.
- Debate on funding source: Patrons Trust ($211,000 available) vs. Schroer Trust ($39,000, no vote needed). Patrons’ purpose is social programs, raising questions about eligibility.
- Concerns about past Knox box tracking issues; Chris noted improved recordkeeping.
- Outcome:
- Motion to fund 5 Knox boxes ($1,135) from Patrons Trust passed (7–1 vote).
- Roll call: Nancy Ziemlak (yes), Marilyn Shapleigh (yes), John Parsons (yes), Joan Coco (yes), Rosemarie DeBenedetto (yes), Karen Pinette (yes), Karen Janowski (yes), Jean Prato (no).
Revolving Account and Program Fees
Revolving Account and Program Fees (32:51–40:00)
- Speakers: Chris, Jenna, Rosemary, Jean
- Summary:
- Town meeting approved a revolving account for Elder and Human Services, allowing fee collection to pay instructors. Unlike recreation, funds carry over yearly.
- No fees currently collected due to ARPA funding (lasting ~8 months). Fee structure to be assessed, potentially starting in July, gradually implemented.
- Discussion on resident vs. non-resident fees and ensuring affordability. Chris plans to consult other towns and present a proposal at a future COA meeting.
- Rosemary asked for clarification on the revolving account; Chris explained it as a flexible fund for program expenses, with payments processed securely via town hall.
- Outcome: Chris and Jenna to assess fee structure and present at a future meeting; community to be informed before fees resume.
Trust Fund and ARPA Update
Trust Fund and ARPA Update (40:56–46:08)
- Speakers: Jenna, Chris, John
- Summary:
- Patrons Trust used for Knox boxes; trust fund reports need clarification. Jenna invited Diane Morabido (finance) to a future meeting to explain expendable/non-expendable amounts.
- John noted Diane’s reports are more detailed than monthly ones; Jenna clarified these are semi-annual due to complexity.
- ARPA funds support programs for ~7–8 months, potentially until 2026, but will not last that long. Contracts are secured, but program shifts may adjust spending.
- Outcome: Diane Morabido to attend a future meeting; Jenna to provide detailed ARPA spending if requested.
Friends of Reading Seniors
Friends of Reading Seniors Update (47:32–56:08)
- Speakers: Nora, Chris, Rosemary
- Summary:
- Fundraiser planned for May 31 at St. Agnes Church (Christ the King) for antique appraisals ($10 to observe, $10/item). Advertised in Pleasantries, Facebook, newspapers, and storefronts.
- Friends group met with Chris to discuss needs (e.g., Knox boxes, meals program, bingo). $1,000 donated to food pantry for seniors.
- Strategy to grow funds now for future needs (e.g., furniture for Recal). Nora emphasized selective giving to build a donor list for future grants.
- Outcome: Fundraiser proceeds to support elder services; Friends to continue identifying needs with Chris.
Recal Next Steps
Recal Discussion and Next Steps (56:35–1:27:19)
- Speakers: Jenna, Chris, Nancy, Marilyn, John, Karen, Rosemary
- Summary:
- Recal approved May 13; permanent building committee to meet in June to discuss contracts and design development. COA members (Nancy, Marilyn) to stay involved in design and operational planning.
- Concerns about ensuring senior center focus in a shared facility. COA advocated for a formal role to represent 60+ community (~7,700 seniors in town).
- Suggestions: Form a working group for regular updates, community surveys, site visits to other centers (e.g., Sandwich), and programs like AI classes, evening/Saturday events, or maker spaces (e.g., 3D printers).
- Transportation and outreach challenges raised; many seniors unaware of Recal vote. Proposal for mailings to 60+ residents (~$5,000 per mailing) using trust funds.
- Jenna cautioned against overcommitting to frequent meetings but proposed adding a COA member to the permanent building committee and holding community meetings for input.
- Outcome:
- Jenna and Chris to propose a formal COA role in Recal planning, potentially adding a COA member to the permanent building committee.
- Community engagement (surveys, mailings) to be explored; mailing costs to be discussed.
- Nancy and Marilyn to join site visits to other centers for operational insights.
Administrative Notes
Administrative Notes (47:39–51:47, 1:27:54–1:29:25)
- Speakers: Marilyn, Jenna, Karen, John
- Summary:
- Minutes not taken; Marilyn requested a secretary or AI solution (e.g., Zoom AI companion for transcription). RCTV recording available for text extraction.
- Town hall short-staffed; no interns available. Suggestion to use property tax work-off participants for minute-taking.
- Marilyn requested tabling the needs assessment update to next month.
- Outcome:
- Karen to test AI transcription for this meeting; future meetings to use Zoom AI companion and closed captions.
- Secretary issue to be added to next agenda; needs assessment deferred.
- Adjournment (1:28:48–1:29:25)
- Speaker: John
- Summary: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
- Outcome: Meeting adjourned.
Key Action Items
- Chris:
- Report on current Knox Box numbers and circuit breaker advertising.
- Assess fee structure for revolving account and present at a future COA meeting.
- Coordinate with Jenna on Recal involvement and community engagement strategies.
- Jenna:
- Invite Diane Morabido to clarify trust fund reports.
- Propose a formal COA role in Recal planning, potentially adding a member to the permanent building committee.
- Provide detailed ARPA spending if requested.
- Karen: Test AI transcription for this meeting’s minutes.
- Nancy/Marilyn: Join site visits to other senior centers and continue representing COA on design/permanent building committees.
- All: Explore mailing costs and survey options for 60+ community outreach; add secretary issue to next agenda.
