Council on Aging

Minutes approved by COA at 5/9/2024 meeting Council on Aging Board of Directors Annual Meeting FITCHBURG CITY CLERK June 9, 2022 11:30am Jun 14 2024 4:04 pm Fitchburg Senior Center Fireplace Room 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420 Meeting called to order at 11:32am Present: Bill Walsh, Peg Padovano, Deb Dion, Michele Morin, George Bourque, Bonnie Hautala, George Rodrigues, Joe Byrne, Josie Woods, James Craigen, Joan Goodwin Not Present: Annie DiMartino Guests Invited: Andrew Van Hazinga Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center Guests Attended: Andrew Van Hazinga Nick Squalia, Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center ***Nick requested that he record discussions so as not to lose anything in translation when reporting back to the Friends. Request approved. Members of the BOD introduced themselves to Nick and thanked him for coming. George B provided a history of the purpose of the Friends, the Charter, their bylaws, their roles and responsibilities and lack of involvement. Joan indicated that communication was poor. Nick was asked regarding current Officers of the Friends and he stated believed that Diana Metivier was President and Kenny Posco was Treasurer. Nick confirmed lapse in compliance and stated that they are working on resolving all compliance and documentation issues with the State. He stated that he can not speak to past relationships and previous conflicts but is hoping that they can get back on track and move forward with raising monies and working on behalf of the seniors of Fitchburg. Nick was thanked for his time and the BOD agreed that we should move forward. The BOD requested from Nick a list of current officers and their contact info and also asked that an Officer attend the next regularly scheduled COA BOD meeting to provide updates as to the status of the Friends filing with the Secretary of State, their finances, and their intentions. Minutes: Minutes from May 5, 12, and 26th approved. Page 1 of 4 Treasurer’s Report: Sunshine Fund – monies not collected. Balance to follow. Josie could not provide a report as she still needs answers to her questions and also needs previously requested supporting documentation and receipts. A motion was made to have the Principal Clerk provide Treasurer with any and all requested receipts, information and supporting documentation a minimum of 4 days prior to the BOD meetings. Motion was approved. Josie will present an updated Treasurer’s report in a new format once all information has been received. President’s Report: The Executive Director (ED) job vacancy was posted on the MCOA website, Indeed, and the municipal website (for purposes of applying). Resumes and applications will be reviewed by the BOD with a list of potential candidates sent to HR. Interview is to commence on or before June 17th. It was noted that the job description posted was not the same job description that was reviewed and approved by the COA BOD. The letter to the Mayor regarding the removal of, and subsequent need for, a Program Coordinator was not sent (motion approved May 26th). Councilor Van Hazinga explained the process of presenting the budget to the Council. The ED submits the budget but does not present the budget to the Council. It is the Council's responsibility to, as they see fit, review budgets with department heads prior to approving/denying budgets. The Program Coordinator position was included in the FY23 budget but was removed by the Mayor. Elections – The following nominations were made and appointments approved by the COA BOD Chairperson George Bourque (1 yr term) Vice Chair Michele Morin (1 yr term) Current Officers Secretary: Michele Morin, Acting Secretary Treasurer: Josie Woods Director’s Report/Committee Report: Programs and activities have been scheduled for July. August programs are in the works. The Café continues to be a success and is operating as usual. Page 2 of 4 Old Business: Letter to Sen Cronin’s office regarding rent reverting to $300 was sent and received. Joan drafted letters to Sally Brown and Bob Kelley regarding their conduct and that of the Lion’s Membership. Lions President Amy Greene confirmed the behavior. Joan’s letter endorsed membership suspension. As the Senior Center/COA is a public resource and not just a recreation center, a warning to Sally and Bob was recommended in lieu of suspension. A motion was made to extend an invitation to Bob & Sally to address COA concerns regarding their behavior and statements and to allow them the opportunity to ask the BOD questions regarding the COA finances, café operation and kitchen cleanliness. Josie, Margaret, and Deb abstained from this vote. Motion was approved. Six in favor and two opposed. Meeting adjourned 1:25pm Y 2022 Meeting Dates Second Thursday of the month at 1pm unless otherwise noted. January 13 February 10 Cancelled March 10 April 14 May 5 (special meeting called) May 12 May 26 (special meeting called) June 9 July 14 no meeting August 3 (special meeting called) August 11 no meeting September 8 October 13 November 17 December 8 (Holiday Luncheon) *Dates, times, additional meetings subject to change* ITEMS/ISSUES PENDING COMPLETION/RESOLUTION Page 3 of 4 Item/Issue Action Status By Laws BOD to review and amended as necessary Pending – To be placed on agenda Gutters Russell to update on approval from MHC re: non- Pending – Bill copper gutters. Written response requested. Walsh Gutters Bill to provide copy of correspondence with Pending – Bill MHC Walsh Masonry Bill to provide copy of correspondence sent Pending – Bill requesting action. Walsh Friends of the Bill Galvin will follow up. Written response Pending – Bill/Joe Center requested Armory Cafe Letters of thanks and recognition to be sent. A Pending - Joan copy to be provided to BOD. Letter from Sally Copy of correspondence from Sally to be Requested -Bill/Joan Craigen submitted to BOD Letter to Cronin’s Letter to be sent re: $300 monthly rent Requested Copy of Office Letter Sent - Joan Letter to City Letter to be sent regarding Veteran’s space Pending - Bill concerns Standards of Written confirmation from City Solicitor Pending -Joan/Bill Independence requested Page 4 of 4