Council on Aging

Approved by COA at 6/9/2022 meeting. FITCHBURG CITY CLERK COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jun 14 2024 4:03 pm SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 12:04 p.m. - 1:04 p.m. PRESENT: Bill Walsh, George Bourque, Josie Wood, Bonnie Hautala, Joan Goodwin, George Rodriguez, Peg Padovano, Annie DeMartino, Jim Craigen, Joe Byrne and Debbie Dion ABSENT: Michele Morin *Minutes from previous meeting on May 12, 2022, and an updated treasurer’s report were not received and/or approved because today is a special meeting. PRESIDENT’S REPORT *The purpose of today’s special meeting is to provide an update on the Search Committee process and timeline to hire the next Executive Director and to view and discuss the newest job description for that position. *There are TWO major changes to the job description. The first modification is the Executive Director is NOT responsible for the physical upkeep of the building. Russell Karlstad, Director of Facilities, is responsible for all building maintenance issues. The Board agrees with the first change to the job description. The Board disagrees with the second modification which allows the responsibilities of the Program Coordinator to be included in the Executive Director’s job description. Joe Byrne reminded the Board that combining the two jobs is a critical error. The Board will send a letter to Mayor DiNatale reiterating our opposition to the removal of the Program Coordinator’s job from the Senior Center budget. Thank you to Joan Goodwin for comparing and contrasting the two job descriptions. *All of the COA Board members are interested in serving on the Search Committee, but that many people is not feasible. Bill Walsh recommended that the COA officers and Joe Byrne, Past COA Vice- Chairperson, serve on the committee. There was no opposition from the Board. Thank you in advance to Bill Walsh, George Bourque, Michele Morin, Josie Wood and Joe Byrne for serving on this committee. *Bill Walsh met with HR’s Susan Davis on May 24. Ms. Davis said the COA Board will elect the next Executive Director and submit the candidate’s name to Mayor DiNatale who will make the final decision. The COA Search Committee will present their choice for the next Executive Director to the Board prior to submitting that name to Mayor DiNatale. Please note that Ms. Davis will sit in during interviews. The same procedure is being used by the Fitchburg Public Library’s Board of Trustees as they search for a new librarian. *The position of Executive Director has not yet been posted. When the job is posted it will appear on a statewide register for municipal jobs. There will not be an in-house posting because it’s not a union job. Due to the pending late posting the expected two weeks of interviewing candidates will be pushed back to late June and extended into July. Please note that FY 23 commences on July 1, 2022. *The City will set the salary range for the position of Executive Director. Bill Walsh cautioned that the salary range is likely to be too low to attract candidates to apply for the position of Executive Director because the job description also includes the responsibilities of the former Program Coordinator. DIRECTOR’S REPORT *Joan reported that she is not willing to extend her retirement date. She planned to retire in early July 2022, but changed her retirement date to June 30, 2022, after meeting with Tina (last name ???) to discuss her retirement options. If she doesn’t retire on or before June 30, 2022, she will not be eligible for a COLA raise for two years. The Board told Joan to protect her retirement benefits and do what is best for her and her family. She was advised by the Board to procure everything in writing from City Hall. Joan joked that preparing for retirement has become a part-time job and she will get everything in writing. *Joan told the Board that she is willing to work a few days a week at a per diem rate to assist during the period of time following her retirement and the appointment of her successor. Bill Walsh will send a letter to Mayor DiNatale making this request for Joan’s service. *Our COA Annual Meeting will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. The Board sent a letter to the Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center requesting that a representative of their organization attend our June 9th meeting to discuss their status. No response has been received. Finicky Fork will cater a luncheon following our meeting. NEW BUSINESS *George Rodriguez requested the possibility of once again serving coffee at COA Board meetings. All of us agreed and yes, that will happen. No motion is necessary. Thank you, George!!!