Council on Aging

City of Chicopee   Council on Aging Minutes   November 8, 2016     Members Present: C. Gemme, S. Michalik, S. Tawrel, E. Laflamme, S. Gelinas, K. Rousseau, & J. Lukasik       Staff: S. Lapollo       Excused: Henry Lenart, Mary Moge, Sue Phillips       Absent - Ron Chapdelaine, S. Alvira, E. Doucette       I. Call to order   •          The meeting was called to order at 4:45 p.m.       II. Public input   •          Mr. and Mrs. Bernash were attending for the first time. Clare expressed an interest in becoming part of the COA board. She has been volunteering at the center and has been part of the Friends of the senior center.     III. Review of minutes   •          Minutes were reviewed and accepted as written. There was no request to record the meeting.       IV. Financial Report   •          The director reported that the payables were sent out this week. It was noted that the elevator maintenance budget line needs to move from special services, plus $1000 from the departmental new equipment line. This was done to ensure there will be enough in that line to cover all of the expenses that fall into that category. There are no other expenses to note at this time.   •          The new 60 new chairs that were purchased have arrived. It was noted that the sliders on the bottom of the chairs need to be changed to make it easier to  move on carpeting.   •          The financial report was accepted as written.       V. Director’s Report   •          The Director’s Report was distributed.   o          S. Lapollo announced that the Elder Affairs will be funding the Formula One grant will be fully funded at $121,161 and the contract should be online soon. There is concern that there could still be budget cuts after the first of the year, depending on state budgets.   o          The director distributed a report on statistics for RiverMills utilization. C. Gemme noted that             The Octoberfest had 55 people in attendance             Tasty Tea had 20 participants             C. Gemme asked that members of the board attend some events and bring friends.             C. Gemme presented a visual of all the staff to help the members understand all of the staff and their roles.   •          J. Lukasik noted that he attended a health forum at the Holyoke Senior Center and commented that there were about 200 people attending lunch. There were over 300 people attending BINGO.   •          It was noted that Chicopee residents need to be more aware of all that is offered at RiverMills. Getting men to be participants is still a challenge, but improving.       VI. SALT Report   •          There has been no meeting since the last COA meeting, so there is no report.       VII Search Committee   •          There was a request for the essential hire form in order to begin the process of posting the position.   •          The position description has been reviewed and has been submitted to the Mayor’s office.   •          The goal is to fill the position early in December,  with the plan for S. Lapollo will finish her service in January. There has not been established for S. Lapollo’s last day. She hopes to be able to have some time to collaborate with the incoming director.   •          A celebration recognizing S. Lapollo’s contributions to RiverMills as the Director is planned January 12. More information will be provided in December.   VII. Chair Report   •          C. Gemme reported on the Open Meeting Law. Several members attended an update about the law and the board will be working to include these components consistently in the future.   •          A holiday party is planned at the Collegian Court in Chicopee on Tuesday, December 6th at 6 p.m. The COA meeting will be Dec 13, 2016.   VIII. Member Input   •          S. Michalik reported that many people have been asking for soup from the Café. He was told that there has been limited shopping done for the café and the supplies for the soup have yet to be obtained.   o          S. Lapollo reported that a program assistant is in the process of being hired. One of the people has a food service background. This person should be able to do the shopping   o          E. Laflamme raised that this needs to be a priority as the new director comes on.   o          S. Lapollo noted that there much more business and that there are many fresh food selections.   o          The group asked that soup items be added to the shopping list so that this can be offered as soon possible.   o          It was recommended that this be held until the new program assistant.   o          A motion was made to table the effort to begin selling soup until the new staff is hired and COA board members meet with the Mayor.   X Upcoming events   •          Christmas Party is planned   •          Fitness Breakfast   •          Concert 12/8/16   •          Mayor will be visiting on Thursday 11am   XI. Meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.   •          The next meeting is December 13, 2016 at 4:45.           Submitted by         Karen S. Rousseau