Council on Aging

Approved by COA at 5/9/2024 meeting Council on Aging Board of Directors Monthly Meeting October 13th, 2022 1:00pm FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Fitchburg Senior Center Fireplace Room May 10 2024 3:59 pm 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420 Meeting on Thursday, October 13, 2022 PRESENT: George Bourque, Josie Wood, Joe Byrne, Margaret Padovano, George Rodriguez, Bonnie Hautala, Jim Craigen, Debbie Dion, Jennifer Brennan and Andrew Van Hazinga ABSENT: Michele Morin, Annie DeMartino and Bill Walsh *Meeting called to order at 1:00 pm by Chairperson Bourque and the Board agreed to proceed out of order within the agenda, specifically concerning item 3 in the Director’s Report. Michelle Marino, Fitchburg’s Veteran Services Commissioner, addressed the Board seeking our approval to transfer her office from City Hall to upstairs at the Fitchburg Senior Center. Senator John Cronin will be vacating his upstairs office space in the near future making space available for services to our much appreciated veterans. Marino reported that although no rent will be received, the Fitchburg City Council has shown great support for our veterans and she doesn’t expect any issues (funds for electricity and AC, but no rent) to accompany this office transfer. Marino answered some general questions from the Board and we voted unanimously to support and welcome Ms. Marino and the veterans to the building. The Fitchburg Veterans Council, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Marine Corps League will be holding meetings on a regular basis at the Fitchburg Senior Center. Thank you to George Rodriguez for his eloquent remarks about the community’s responsibility to support our veterans. Ms. Marino thanked the Board for its show of support and she left the meeting so we could return to the other business on our agenda. *George Bourque introduced Jennifer Brennan as the (Acting ?) Executive Director of the Fitchburg Senior Center. Jenn needs no introduction because we are all familiar with the fine work she does with and for our senior population. Congratulations, Jenn, and welcome aboard! We look forward to working with you in the future. Bourque announced that he will fund a LUNCHEON following our November 10th meeting (NOT November 17th as stated in the red binder) so that we may socialize following our long summer hiatus and also to welcome Jenn to her new position. Thank you, George. *The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the Special Meeting held on WEDNESDAY, August 3, 2022. Please note that Board members do NOT want to deviate from attending meetings on the SECOND THURSDAY of each month. *The SUNSHINE FUND has a current balance of $46.00. The Board agreed to “pass the hat” at our November 10th meeting to augment this fund. Recent funding included sending gifts to Bill Walsh (approved by Joan Goodwin) during his hospitalization and to Joan Goodwin (approved Page 1 of 3 by Bill Walsh) acknowledging the death of her beloved mother, Anne Krapf. Rodriguez requested all gifting to be reported in the minutes. *Byrne motioned to accept the FINANCIAL REPORT and Craigen seconded the motion. Discussion followed and Treasurer Wood reiterated her concerns about the format of the report and its transparency. The report is not easily understood in its present format. Wood and Brennan agreed to meet prior to each meeting to decipher the report so Wood is totally knowledgeable of the report’s contents and is comfortable presenting it to the Board so that it’s transparent and easily understood by all. *ARMORY CAFE: (Figures from July 1 - September 30, 2022) 673 meals served, $2,014 collected, $1,524.62 kitchen receipts reimbursed and $489 deposited. Bourque commented that the luncheons are positive in nature for the seniors as they are nutritional and offer the opportunity for socialization. Wood and Hautala questioned why the Cafe remained open during the summer months when the Board voted 7-2 to close the Cafe during the summer noting lack of ServeSafe personnel and extreme heat in the kitchen. Bourque reported that he found a ServeSafe certified person and he did report the 7-2 closure vote to Mayor DiNatale. Bourque explained that the COA Board is advisory in nature and Mayor DiNatale opted to keep the Cafe open during the summer months. Hautala commented that the Board should have been notified of the Mayor’s decision. *DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Board members were reminded to sign in on the computer using key cards upon arrival for meetings because our presence for meetings is linked to more funding. *Board members were encouraged to take home our red binders and review pertinent information regarding COA By-Laws, Overview of COA, Guide for Board Members, Friends of the Senior Center By-Laws, Conflict of Interest Law for Municipal Employees and Open Meeting Law Guide. Please note any questions/comments you have and be prepared to ask/discuss those issues at our November 10th meeting. *The HALL RENTAL process was reviewed. The rental fee is $500 and the renters must do the legwork. The bartender must be Tip ServeSafe. Dion motioned and Byrne seconded a request for the City Solicitor to determine who is responsible for any issues with regard to alcohol served at functions held at the Senior Center. Motion approved unanimously. Upcoming hall rentals include the Marconi Club on Saturday, November 26, 2022. The non-profit is holding a fundraiser to bring the Marconi Club, located at 36 Birch Street Passway, back to its “previous glory.” The organization will have live entertainment and a bar. The other rental is a request from the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance to sponsor a function on Saturday, March 25, 2023. *Brennan reported that the Principal Clerk’s position is open. She forwarded pertinent information to Natalia, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, on September 9th. The position is expected to be posted asap. *A clinic for flu shots and Covid boosters will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, October 20th. Page 2 of 3 *DISCUSSION TOPICS for our November 10th meeting include an update on the Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center and a request by Robert Kelly to be reinstated to the Fitchburg Senior Center. ADJOURNMENT: 2:10 pm Page 3 of 3