Council on Aging

Council on Aging Board of Directors Monthly Meeting June 10th 2021 in the Fireplace Room, meeting at 11:30am Call Meeting to Order at 11:30am Present: Bill Walsh, Joe Byrne, George Bourque II, Peg Padovano, Bonnie Hautula, Josie Wood, Deb Dion, Annie DeMartino, Michele Morin, Joan Goodwin Not Present: James Craigen Guest Russell Karlstad., Facilities Director: Russell says that another $50K from the state for structural masonry repairs for the front of the building is currently in appropriation. Russell will provide documentation that there will not need to be a preservation architect for this project. The current proposal for spending the earmarked $50K and $25K: The machinery is already in place for disinfecting the air in the hall the ionic system just needs to be installed. In the proposal there will be outlets added to the front office and other rooms in the building to trigger the use of COVID funds air filtration devices will also be added to that space. The Board’s biggest questions are related to the electrical cost of the air filters and how much noise these unit will make in the small area. The Board wants to assess the need for and cost of the ionic system (installation and running of the ionic system in the hall) and the need and cost for repairs/ to replace windows on the building before they can move forward with either option. Russ said he would provide this info to the Board. Russell left the meeting at 12:18pm. Motion accepted to approve previous meeting minutes. Treasurer’s Report: A. Sunshine Fund: $171 B. Financial Report: President’s Report: A. Elections: Joe is nominating George Bourque II for vice chair and is seconded. George Bourque II is the new Vice Chair of the COA Board. B. By Laws: Topic moved to a later meeting. C. Program Coordinator: Joan handed out an impact statement on how not having a Program Coordinator has affected the other jobs at the senior center. The Board would like to invite someone of the Mayor’s office to come and talk with the Board about how needed an activity coordinator is for the success of the senior center. Motion to invite someone from the Mayor’s office and a City Councilor to discuss the importance of a program coordinator. Approved. Motion that Joan continue to do only her job and not undertake all the responsibility of the Program Coordinator at this time. Approved. Director’s Report: A. Final Budget: The contractual changes with union positions are not completely on the budget as many union contacts need to be updated. Mayor spoke with Joan regarding a possible part time Program Coordinator in the future. B. Lions Club: The senior center has $10K in the Lions Club account. There will be no more hall rentals at this time. C. Programs: We are currently in the middle of Craft week at the Senior Center. We also have a virtual road trip series starting June 23rd , and our first large event Summer Jazz with Clyde Wheatley. D. Opening: We have lost more than 70 senior members here at the center and have also noticed a decline in the ability of our current members. Communications: New Business: DPW has fixed the ramp on the side of the building. Ruel Electric has repaired the switch in the hall as it broke recently so we couldn’t use the ceiling fans in the hall. The Board will email and reiterate to the Facilities Director that we need documentation about the need for a preservation architect in regards to the structural masonry repairs and a needs assessment for the ionic system and windows repairs/replacement. Old Business: Motion to adjourn at 12:57pm Next meeting July 1st 1pm at the Senior Center in the fireplace room.