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
🕔 Start Time: 06:12
💻 Format: Hybrid (Zoom + In-person at Pleasant Street Center)
👩⚖️ Chair: Karen Janowski
👥 Attendees: Voting members: Karen Janowski, Rosemary DeBenedetto, Joan Coco, John Suzinski, John Parsons, Marilyn Shapleigh, Nancy Ziemlak, Jean Pratteau. Non-voting: Kate Harrington, Tom O’Connor, Ron Powell. Staff: Jenna Wood, Kerry Valle (new Elder Services Administrator), Jayne Wellman (Assistant Town Manager).
📎 Summary: Key topics included welcoming new staff, Select Board updates, Elder & Human Services report, FY27 proposed budget, trust fund allocation vote, PBC update, operations and programming updates, evening activities, COA working group concerns, and future agenda planning.
🖋 Opening & Attendance
⏰ 2:12
Discussion: Meeting called to order; quorum confirmed after technical issues resolved. Welcomed Kerry Valle as new Elder Services Administrator; shared her background in advocacy and elder care.
Outcome: Kerry will balance new role with prior responsibilities; staff support emphasized.
🗺️ Select Board Update
⏰ 15:29
Highlights from Karen Rose Gillis:
- Town Manager review process underway.
- RCTV agreement executed.
- New liquor store planned for former Staples location.
- Superintendent search process launched.
- MLK Day celebration scheduled for Jan 19.
- Forum on Walkers Brook/Route 28 planning at library Jan 14.
Outcome: Informational; no action required.
📎 Elder & Human Services Report
⏰ 17:58
Speaker: Kerry Valle
Highlights:
- December Events: Holiday party, karaoke with police, scams program with sheriff’s dept, Monday lunch & bingo (high turnout), ukulele class, Coolidge Middle School performance.
- Open Enrollment: 147 Shine counseling sessions completed.
- Volunteer Impact: 75 volunteer hours logged in December.
- Social Services: Record Adopt-a-Family program (100 recipients, 160 donors); new Giving Tree initiative for homebound seniors.
- Safety Initiative: Delivered 16 buckets of sand to seniors for icy conditions.
- Stats: 1,783 duplicated interactions; 421 unique participants (December).
- Tech Update: Implemented automated voice blast system for event reminders via MySeniorCenter.
Outcome: Strong engagement despite holiday schedule; plans to refine data tracking and expand outreach.
💰 FY27 Proposed Budget
⏰ 33:23
Presenter: Jayne Wellman
Summary:
- Level-funded budget for Elder & Human Services: $305,500 (includes $253,800 salaries offset by $110,000 state grant).
- Expense lines: Programming $13,000; Meals $15,000; Other expenses $16,000 (historically exceeded).
- Concerns: ARPA funds nearly depleted; need alternative funding for meals and programs.
- Strategies: Explore partnerships (school catering, vocational school pastry program), vendor negotiations, and volunteer-led programming.
Outcome: Maintain services without cuts; creative solutions for cost control.
🏛️ Trust Fund Report & Vote
⏰ 52:28
Discussion:
- December programming costs exceeded prior $5,000 allocation; only $900 remains.
- ARPA balance: $5,000 for programming, $3,200 for meals, $21,000 for trips (encumbered).
- Staff requested $5,000 from Burbank Trust for January programming (fitness, art, podiatry).
- Debate over donor intent and sustainability; concerns about reliance on trust funds for routine expenses.
Vote: - Amendment to reduce request to $3,300 failed (7–1).
- Motion for $5,000 passed (8–1).
Outcome: Funds approved as temporary bridge until fee-based system launches in April; scholarship program planned for low-income participants.
🏗️ Permanent Building Committee (PBC) Update
⏰ 1:30:39
Speaker: Ron Powell
Highlights:
- Bid phase extended to Feb 5; GC selection Feb 11.
- Budget: $27.1M; $2.7M committed; $1.5M spent; burn rate on target.
- 103 pre-qualified contractors expressed interest.
- Accessibility peer review by KMA Architects (ADA, MAAB, Universal Design) due Jan 18.
- Proprietary systems approved for security/access integration.
- Timeline: Soft opening May–June 2027; formal opening Sept 2027.
Outcome: Project progressing; universal design prioritized.
⚙️ Operations & Programming Update
⏰ 1:49:02
Speaker: Jenna Wood
Summary:
- Reviewed COA feedback on membership packet; spreadsheet format adopted for tracking responses.
- Legal review pending on Standards of Independence applicability across all ages.
- Next steps: Address fitness packet questions; move to operations and budgeting discussions.
Outcome: Continued collaboration; feedback encouraged.
🎲 Evening Activities – Mah Jongg
⏰ 1:54:15
Discussion:
- Volunteer offered to teach evening class but later declined; prefers private group only.
- Options: Open registration for all or rental arrangement; volunteer search ongoing.
- Paid instructor may be added in April under new fee system.
Outcome: Staff to follow up with volunteer; explore alternatives for evening programming.
🧾 COA Working Group – Recal Feedback
⏰ 2:02:17
Discussion:
- Working group prepared two documents:
- Feedback on Dec 15 programming policy draft.
- Broader concerns about process and priorities.
- Chair withheld documents from packet citing tone concerns; urged revision for collaboration.
- Motion to distribute documents and table discussion failed (4–5).
- Agreed to special meeting Jan 21 to review revised documents and address concerns.
Outcome: Working group to refine tone; council to revisit feedback in dedicated session.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Kerry Valle welcomed as Elder Services Administrator; strong advocacy background.
- ARPA funds nearly exhausted; trust fund allocation approved as temporary measure; fee-based model starts April.
- Recal project on track; universal design review underway; GC selection in February.
- Operations group responsive; membership and fitness policies under review; legal input pending.
- Special COA meeting scheduled Jan 21 to resolve working group concerns and ensure collaborative approach.
