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.
Meeting Title: Council on Aging
🕔 Duration: ~1hr29min
💻 Format: Hybrid (Zoom + In-person at Pleasant Street Center)
👩⚖️ Chair: Karen Janowski
👥 Attendees: Karen Janowski, Nancy Ziemlak, Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prao, John Saczynski, Rosemary DeBenedetto, Kate Harrington, Ron Powell, Jenna Wood, Chris Kowaleski (final meeting)
📎 Summary: Topics included approval of minutes, Select Board update, Elder & Human Services report, trust fund funding request and vote, outreach event planning, Recal feedback process, working group formation, member removal, and future agenda planning.
🖋 Opening & Attendance
⏰ 1:24
Discussion: Meeting called to order; confirmed quorum. Acknowledged Chris Kowaleski’s final meeting and upcoming farewell tea.
Outcome: Attendance noted; minutes approval deferred for further review.
🗺️ Select Board Update
⏰ 8:10
Speaker: Karen Rose Gillis
Summary:
- Clarified liaison role for Permanent Building Committee (Mark Dockser remains special liaison despite not being on Select Board).
- Budget season updates: presentations from Police, Fire, IT, Board of Health; focus on keeping budgets lean.
- Town Manager review process underway; RCTV contract nearing completion.
Outcome: No action required; informational update.
📎 Elder & Human Services Report
⏰ 13:18
Speaker: Chris Kowaleski
Summary:
- Expressed gratitude to staff and volunteers; highlighted growth in programs and volunteer base (70+ volunteers).
- November highlights:
- Thanksgiving Dinner (175 cap, 171 attended) at Teresa’s Prime; strong turnout and positive feedback.
- Police Harrow’s Chicken Pot Pie Dinner (65–68 attendees).
- Special Programs: Harvey Leonard climate talk (60+ attendees), Big Dig Lunch & Learn, Adopt-a-Family (100 recipients, 160 donors).
- Intergenerational Jeopardy Night with Bridging Generations Club—students eager for more events.
- Monthly interactions exceeded 3,000 goal; strong participation despite waitlists for popular programs.
Outcome: Continued emphasis on social engagement and quality programming.
🏛️ Trust Fund Report & Funding Request
⏰ 25:55
Discussion:
- Trust funds remain healthy after ARPA period; minimal withdrawals in recent years.
- Motion: Approve up to $5,000 from Burbank Trust for December–January expenses:
- Community lunches (6 events)
- Birthday lunch
- Exercise instructor fees
Debate:
- Concerns about aligning spending with donor intent (above-and-beyond services vs. routine operations).
- Suggestions to revert birthday lunch to cake-only; caution against setting precedent.
- Acknowledged transition period before new payment system implementation; ARPA funds nearly depleted.
Vote: Motion passed 6–1.
Outcome: Funds approved as temporary measure; future programming to return to operating budget and participant fees.
📣 Outreach & Community Event Proposal
⏰ 52:00
Discussion:
- Proposed COA-sponsored social/informational event (“Swinging 60s”) to promote inclusion and teach residents how to access town updates (e.g., meeting notifications, health info).
- Considered trust fund allocation ($500) for refreshments; motion withdrawn pending new director appointment.
- Consensus: Event aligns with COA mission; revisit in early 2026.
Outcome: Deferred; planning to resume after leadership transition.
🏗️ Recal Feedback & Working Group
⏰ 1:09:42
Discussion:
- Reviewed membership packet feedback (pages 13–14 of meeting packet).
- Suggested tracking responses via spreadsheet for transparency.
- Motion: Form Recal Working Group to organize COA feedback and liaise with staff/PBC.
Members: Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Prao, Ron Powell, Nancy Ziemlak, Kate Harrington.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Outcome: Group tasked with focusing on universal design, operations, and senior use patterns.
🧾 Member Removal
⏰ 1:20:00
Discussion:
- Motion to remove Tony Lionetta due to non-participation (attended one meeting, indicated intent to resign).
Vote: Passed 6–0.
Outcome: Vacancy to be posted by Town Clerk; interested candidates may apply.
📅 Future Agenda & Next Meeting
⏰ 1:24:34
Next Meeting:
- Dec 15 joint meeting with Recreation Committee (Pleasant Street Center).
Future Agenda Items: - Permanent Building Committee update
- Recal working group report
- Trust fund interest projections
- Outreach event planning
- Lunch & Learn updates (potential monthly Recal session)
✅ Key Takeaways
- Chris Kowaleski honored for transformative leadership; farewell tea scheduled.
- Trust fund allocation approved as short-term bridge for programs during payment system transition.
- Recal Working Group formed to consolidate feedback and advocate for universal design.
- Community outreach event concept supported; planning deferred until new director onboard.
- Member removal process executed; vacancy to be filled.
- Future focus: Recal updates, budget planning, and enhanced communication with 60+ community.
