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
- 🧾 Roll Call & Agenda Review 0:23
- 📘 Welcome & Orientation for New Members 6:13
- 🏛️ Select Board Update 17:04
- 📊 Elder & Human Services Report 23:15
- 💰 Trust Fund Update 29:16
- 👥 Friends of Reading Seniors Update 29:51
- 🏗️ Permanent Building Committee (PBC) Update 32:29
- 🧩 ReCAL Operations & COA Position Discussion 42:15
- 📅 Next Meeting 1:55:32
- ✅ Key Outcomes
🗓️ Council on Aging Meeting Summary
📍 Date: July 14, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📌 Location: Reading Town Hall Berger Room & Zoom
🎙️ Chair: Karen Janowski
👥 Board Members Present: Rosemary DeBenedetto, Karen Pinette, Ron Powell, Jean Prato, John Saczynski, Marilyn Shapleigh, Tom O’Connor, Nancy Ziemlak, Karen Janowski
🧾 Roll Call & Agenda Review 0:23
- Roll call was conducted; several new and associate members were welcomed, Ron Powell & Tom O’Connor.
- Minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting were approved with corrections.
- Karen Pinette volunteered to take minutes for this meeting.
- Agenda overview included updates from the Select Board, Elder & Human Services, Trust Fund, and a major discussion and vote on COA’s position regarding the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL).
📘 Welcome & Orientation for New Members 6:13
- New members were introduced and welcomed.
- A digital orientation binder is being finalized to provide an overview of COA responsibilities, Elder Services, and Trust Funds.
- Members received business cards with a QR code linking to the COA webpage.
- The COA’s mission and responsibilities were reviewed, emphasizing advocacy, education, and policy direction for Reading’s 60+ population.
🏛️ Select Board Update 17:04
- Karen Rose Gillis encouraged COA members to share concerns and ideas for Select Board consideration.
- Discussion included the future of the Pleasant Street Center (PSC), with members expressing concern about preserving the building for community use.
- Updates included:
- RCTV contract negotiations.
- Water rate committee formation.
- Potential budget override discussions.
- Members emphasized the importance of being informed about Select Board decisions that indirectly affect seniors.
📊 Elder & Human Services Report 23:15
- Chris Kowalski reported a strong fiscal year with:
- 1,833 unduplicated participants.
- Over 37,000 interactions.
- Continued success of ATS (Alternative Transportation Services).
- Staff praised for handling complex issues including mental health and homelessness.
- Popular programs included flower therapy, archery, skincare, and intergenerational events.
- Property tax work-off program had full participation.
- Waitlists noted for several events, indicating high demand.
💰 Trust Fund Update 29:16
- No new financial reports due to fiscal year-end processing.
- COA manages three trust funds, one with over $200,000.
- Reports expected at the next meeting.
👥 Friends of Reading Seniors Update 29:51
- Spring activities included health fair participation and a successful fundraiser.
- Current balance: $15,000.
- Members visited the Peabody Senior Center for inspiration.
- Emphasis on future collaboration with COA.
🏗️ Permanent Building Committee (PBC) Update 32:29
- Nancy provided a detailed update on the ReCAL project:
- COA feedback was compiled into a spreadsheet and submitted to PBC.
- Concerns raised about lack of dates on project timelines.
- Design changes included moving the exercise room to the second floor and rejecting a $150K divider due to cost.
- COA emphasized the need for small-to-medium rooms for programming flexibility.
🧩 ReCAL Operations & COA Position Discussion 42:15
Background:
- ReCAL (Reading Center for Active Living) was approved via debt exclusion in May.
- COA reviewed historical data and recommendations from the ReCAL committee.
- Concerns raised about the lack of clarity on dedicated space and hours for 60+ programming.
Key Discussion Points:
- COA members expressed concern about not being involved early enough in operational planning.
- Staff clarified that internal planning had just begun and input from COA would be welcomed in September.
- Debate centered on:
- Whether there would be dedicated hours for 60+ use.
- What spaces would be permanently designated for senior use.
- How to balance community use with senior needs.
- Members emphasized the importance of maintaining the identity of a senior center within the broader community center.
Board Actions:
- Motion 1 (Passed Unanimously):
COA endorses the dedication of approximately 9,300 sq. ft. of space (as outlined on slide 13) for 60+ use during the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM, with priority given to 60+ during evenings and weekends. - Motion 2 (Passed Unanimously):
COA must be included in the evolution of the operational plan for ReCAL to ensure the needs of the 60+ community are represented.
📅 Next Meeting 1:55:32
- The next COA meeting was rescheduled to August 18, 2025 (third Monday of the month).
✅ Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved: June 9, 2025 minutes approved with corrections.
- New Members Welcomed: Orientation materials and business cards distributed.
- Trust Fund Reports Delayed: Due to fiscal year-end processing.
- ReCAL Advocacy:
- COA voted to endorse dedicated space and hours for 60+ programming.
- COA asserted its right to participate in operational planning.
- Next Meeting Set: August 18, 2025.
