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 – Special Meeting
🕔 Start Time: 6:34 PM
💻 Format: Virtual (Zoom Only)
👩⚖️ Chair: Karen Janowski
👥 Attendees: Voting members present: Karen Janowski, John Parsons, Nancy Ziemlak, Marilyn Shapleigh, Jean Pratteau, Ron Powell. Non-voting: Kate Harrington. Guest: Michelle Clapper.
📎 Summary: Two agenda items: Permanent Building Committee (PBC) update and appointment of new COA liaison to PBC.
🏛️ Permanent Building Committee Update
⏰ 4:18
Speaker: Nancy Ziemlak
Summary:
- Nancy officially resigned as COA liaison to PBC; expressed appreciation for collaboration and advocacy impact.
- ADA Compliance: Town plans to hire a third-party consultant to review ADA requirements for the new Recal building—an initiative Nancy had advocated for over two years.
- Inclusivity: Discussion touched on ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in design.
- Bid Status:
- Bid documents released Dec 15; available via town website bid portal.
- Contractors and subcontractors prequalified; five general contractors eligible.
- Bid closing: Jan 14, 2026 (with separate deadlines for subs and generals).
- Site walkthrough scheduled for Dec 18 at Simon’s Way.
Outcome: Nancy offered to assist members in accessing bid documents; transition of responsibilities to new liaison.
🧾 Appointment of New COA Liaison to PBC
⏰ 9:50
Discussion:
- Position open following Nancy’s resignation; meetings occur first Wednesday monthly.
- Nominee: Ron Powell volunteered; shared qualifications:
- Extensive experience in finance and project management.
- Former FinCom member; committed to representing 60+ community needs.
Motion: Nancy moved to appoint Ron Powell; seconded by John Parsons.
Vote: Passed unanimously (6–0).
Outcome: Ron Powell appointed as new COA liaison to PBC.
📅 Future Notes
- Next PBC meeting: First Wednesday in January.
- Bid review and ADA compliance updates expected in early 2026.
✅ Key Takeaways
- ADA review confirmed via third-party consultant—major step for accessibility.
- Bid process underway; documents and site walkthrough available for interested parties.
- Ron Powell appointed as COA liaison to PBC, bringing strong financial and project management expertise.
- COA advocacy recognized for influencing inclusivity and compliance priorities.
