Council on Aging

Approved at COA meeting on 4/13/2023 Council on Aging Board of Directors Monthly Meeting February 9, 2023 1:00pm Fitchburg Senior Center Fireplace Room F I T C H B U R G C I T Y C L E R K 14 Wallace Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420 Apr 04 2024 3:30 pm Meeting called to order at 1:05pm Present: George Bourque, Peg Padovano, Deb Dion, Michele Morin, Bonnie Hautala, Joe Byrne, James Craigen, Josie Woods, Annie Demartino, Bill Walsh Not Present: George Bourque, George Rodriguez Guests Invited: Andrew Van Hazinga Guests Attended: Andrew Van Hazinga Minutes: Minutes from January meeting were reviewed. Motion to accept approved. President’s Report: • George Bourque, Chair, was unable to attend. • Michele Morin, Vice Chair, presided. Directors Report Past programs: • Superfoods & You (26 attended) Therapy Gardens Sponsored, • Craft Classes – very popular (70+ attend each month, classes held upstairs) • Vaccine Clinic – Gift Cards were donated by DPH, • Fitchburg Community Electricity Aggregation Program – very informative. Thank you to Jenn for facilitating • Lunches – January= 257 Future Programs: • St. Patrick’s Day luncheon on 3/16 w/ Irish Step Dancers. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner sponsored by The Highlands • \Breakfast with an Officer 4th Thursday of the month • Mass Advantage Part C info Session Hall Rental Update: • Online application is currently an ongoing process. Will review and discuss Draft Rental Form at next meeting Veterans Dept: • Wired, prepped, cubicles were donated • Will request a memo of understanding from the VE department Page 1 of 3  • Need to establish a plan in place for additional Veteran et al member traffic • All VA new members/seniors must sign a Code of Conduct acknowledgement and will be issued a FOB to sign in at the kiosk FY24 Budget Process • Draft budget was presented for BOD review • Salary increases were questioned. Jenn explained that the reason for the increase was due to the skills and experience level of employees • Building and Grounds should be a focus and any major repairs should be addressed Information about MART transportation • Jenn had a discussion with MART management and addressed/clarified the following o There is a need for better signage to indicate stops and no parking/loading zones o Currently there is alimit as to packages and equipment that can be brought on board which has an negative effect on those with adaptive equipment who shop. A need for better storage of these items on MART vehicles will be addressed o Drivers are NOT permitted nor should they physically assist a passenger in any way for liability reasons. o The minimum age requirement is $60 and there is a charge of $0.50/mile within the city and $0.75/mile outside of Fitchburg. Treasurer’s Report: • Sunshine Fund Donation Request & Current Balance: o An additional $25 was collected last meeting. Current balance $123 o Separate account is being managed by Josie, Treasurer • Financial Report: o Reviewed December and January reports/expenses o Jenn explained the Budget process and any changes therein o Past due rents from Sen. Cronin will be collected/pursued by the City. They will allocate as appropriate upon receipt. o Due to the increase in utilities as a result of Veteran and City Dept usage – any overage within the budget will be collect from and paid via the General Fund o Café Expenses  Will need more dishes if more people are signing up  Current capacity in cafeteria is 40 people  Members need to be educated/reminded at each meal as to the reservation requirement and sign up process Communication: None Old Business: • In response to the inquiry regarding the new Principal Clerk, Beth, skills and experience o Non profit background/experience including the Boys & Girls Club o She is a volunteer in the community and well connected at FSU o Was Principal Clerk at the Dept of Parks & Recreation o Has Grant writing, event panning and public relations experience • RFP – The City continues to work with Russ to resolve previously addressed concerns Page 2 of 3  • Moving forward, and as requested, COA BOD Approved Minutes will be posted to Facebook via a link to the City Website and COA page. • Reminder regarding Conflict of interest training o As a member of a board or committee, you are considered to be an "employee of a municipality" by the State Ethics Commission. All municipal employees are required to take the Conflict of Interest Law Online Ethics Training within 30 days of beginning public service and every two years thereafter. You must submit your Completion Certificate for this training to the City Clerk’s Office, and should also keep a copy for yourself. o Additionally, as per state law you will be emailed the conflict of interest law annually for your review. o Dates and times for training can be found on the City website Meeting adjourned at 2:10pm Page 3 of 3