Council on Aging

City of Chicopee Council on Aging June 27, 2024 . Members Present: S. Tawrel, S. Gelinas, K. Rousseau, M. Rider, H. Lenhart, K. LaBreck, A. Monroe, L. Houle, S. Michalik, D. Naumchick Staff: Sherry Manyak Guest: Stan Walczak, C. Mills, and Mayor Vieu I. Call to order  The meeting was called to order at 4:45pm. There was no request to record the meeting. II. Public input  Stan Walczak visited as the outgoing past president of the Friends of RiverMills. He wanted to express his appreciation for all the work and support he received from his fellow officers. He discussed some of the many events and the donations obtained that the group helped to bring to RiverMills. Events ranged from things for veterans as well as free lunches and coffee for participants as well as other programming. The membership has more than doubled over the last 2 years and more than $157,000 were raised so the outstanding debt to the City of Chicopee was paid by the group so the building has been paid for completely. An emergency fund was set up for seniors for anytime a senior has a need for prescriptions or utility bills etc. assistance will be provided. The group has become affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and has hosted meetings on 2 occasions. The Friends also donated $25,000 for new chairs for the patio by the garden. He also thanked Al Picard and Steve Michalik for their efforts in keeping the Friends running. Finally, he thanked Sherry and the staff of RiverMills and their work to support the seniors.  Cindy Mills also thanked Stan Walczak and his partnership on the board. III. Review of minutes  Minutes from the May 14, 2024, meeting were reviewed and accepted as written. IV. Mayor Vieu  Sue Tawrel presented the boards concerns over the patio and the planned shade covering.  Mayor Vieu described the site as a brownfields site. SLR is a design company that will cost 52,000 just for that step. The total expense is $600,000. The patio that is currently there was built by donations of  former members. The center also wants to move the large rocks in front of the center. The group does not want the patio disturbed and did not want the expense to be exorbitant.  Moving forward the COA board should address concerns over planning updates for RiverMills directly to the mayor as opposed to Lee Pouliot so that he is best informed.  The Mayor’s goal is to have the municipal building are landscaped appropriately.  Comments were made about the neglect of the landscaping in front of the center and that the parking lot is not visible due to overgrowth.  The HVAC system was discussed. The current system has never worked efficiently. Dave has asked to replace the system and there is a current budget request for this to happen. V. Business Reports. A. Executive Directors Report  Sherry presented the directors report for RiverMills. The floors were redone and look wonderful. The new chairs have come in and the participants have positive feedback about them. The garden room will be complete soon  There are issues with the coffee makers which are discontinued so they are unable to obtain the parts. The center will mostly need to purchase new coffee makers.  A full-time driver started Monday as well as a full-time clerk. There is a part time administrative position left open.  Planning the 10-year Anniversary in September on the 26th.  The carnival was a big success but will be held either in the spring or fall to avoid the heat.  Report was unanimously approved. B. Café and Kitchen Revenue Report The Café had very good sales in May because the main cafeteria was closed. The main cafeteria was at a loss because of the closure. C. Fiscal Reports  Sherry reported on the May budget. The center currently has about $20,000 left in the budget and is on target for the yearend. Many of the expenses have been related to maintenance. remains on target for all budget lines. It was noted that the future custodial budget was reduced due to reorganization of that department.   The fiscal report was unanimously approved. VI. Transit Grant Program  The center was awarded a grant to pay for a new van. The grant was for about $250,000.  MCOA grant was approved to support the memory program  VII. Gardening Grant/Project  This project is moving forward, and vegetables are already being harvested. VIII. Special Committee to approve the final Fiscal Budget FY 2025  A special meeting will be needed to approve the final budget once City Council review it.  Six members are needed: Kathy LaBreck, Lynne Houle, Audrey Monroe Claire Gemme, Sue Tawrel, Karen Rousseau, Doreen Naumchick  The meeting will be 7/3/24 at 9am. VI. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm Next meeting July 3, 2024, at 9am Submitted by Karen S. Rousseau