Council on Aging

Approved by COA at 12/12/2024 meeting FITCHBURG CITY CLERK FITCHBURG COUNCIL on AGING JANUARY 11, 2024 MEETING MINUTES Jan 13 2025 11:24 am PRESENT: George Bourque, Joe Byrne, Jim Craigen, Debbie Dion, Todd Goodwin, Bonnie Hautala, Margaret Padovano, Amanda Koeck (left at 1:30 PM), Andrew Van Hazinga and Myles Wilcox ABSENT: Pastor Annie Belmer and Nancy Donohue Bourque called the meeting to order at 1:01 PM and a QUORUM IS PRESENT. MINUTES from the December 28, 2023, meeting were emailed to Board members. Byrne motioned and Goodwin seconded his motion to approve those minutes. There was no discussion and Byrne’s motion received unanimous support. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: George Bourque *Nancy Donohue has been officially appointed to the Council on Aging. She regrets being away for the winter months and she’ll be unable to attend her first three COA meetings. We look forward to begin working with her at our April meeting. *Bourque will share the COA Executive Director Selection Committee update later in the meeting. All other business will be conducted prior to entering Executive Session. This is necessary because Koeck is a candidate for the permanent position and she can’t be present for the update. INTERIM DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Amanda Koeck *There is a serious issue with the building’s water supply line. This past August the Water Department recommended the installation of backflow preventers. During the installation the plumber noticed advanced corrosion and warned of imminent supply line failure. Russ Karlstad, Fitchburg’s Facilities Director, will present the situation to the City Council. Repairs are expected to range from $4,000. to $7,000. Padovano was concerned about the effect on the sprinkler system. Koeck responded the issue wouldn’t affect the proper functioning of the sprinkler system. Plumbers were in the building this morning and didn’t provide Koeck with an update. *The FY23 Annual Report to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is due in February. The report format has changed and Koeck will attend a webinar on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, to learn the new format. Formula Grant funding is based on the number of Fitchburg residents 60 years old and older. We currently receive $14. per elder which is an increase from previous totals of $12. per elder and $9. per elder. The EOEA requires information detailing the number of seniors accessing our programs and activities. Byrne suggested relocating the check-in scanner/kiosk to the foyer area. This would allow better access for veterans and others who go to the second floor of the building. Koeck commented that many veterans are only in the building to receive services from Veteran Affairs. Bourque requested that the check-in scanner/kiosk be discussed as New Business at next month’s meeting and he wants Koeck and/or Receptionist Kathy Deery Cote present to explain if/how check-ins affect Senior Center funding. Bourque asked Koeck to find out how many senior citizens reside in Fitchburg per the most recent census. Bourque further requested that today’s minutes reflect the Board’s “gratitude and appreciation” for the work Koeck does on behalf of our senior population. Applause followed. *Koeck reported the Fall Prevention program was canceled and she is actively seeking a new physical therapist to present this safety workshop. Pickleball is a “huge” success. A Leap Day Party is being planned for Thursday, February 29, 2024. Koeck wants to show appreciation to all who choose to share their “extra day” with others at the Senior Center. There is still no communication from Dave at Therapy Gardens. *Koeck distributed an updated COA Contact List. The list includes the name, address, phone number, and email address of all Board members. NO COMMUNICATIONS were shared at today’s meeting. OLD BUSINESS: *Koeck reported that she met briefly with Diana from Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center. The Friends don’t have a date for their next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: *Byrne reopened a discussion from the past with regard to the ongoing presence of a dangerous situation involving the physical condition of the Senior Center. The “pointing” of the bricks on the Grove Street side of the building continues to be in disrepair. Hautala commented the same is true of the bricks above the entrance on the Wallace Avenue side of the building. Dion reminded the Board that Byrne and former COA member Bill Walsh advocated passionately about the necessity of repointing the bricks. This situation is an accident waiting to happen. Van Hazinga mentioned the possibility of using capital improvement funds. Russ Karlstad is aware of the need to replace the mortar, yet the repair project remains neglected. Craigen motioned and Goodwin seconded his motion to send a letter to Mayor Squailia requesting the repointing of the bricks. Discussion: Wilcox supported written communication with Mayor Squailia. Bourque will work with Koeck to write the letter and Bourque will sign it. A copy of the letter will be sent to Karlstad. The motion received unanimous support. *Van Hazinga spoke briefly about some parking spaces near the ramp on the Elm Street side of the building being changed to a loading zone. That request should be brought to the attention of Police Chief Ernest Martineau and the Public Safety Committee. Chief Martineau is responsible for the designation of parking spaces and loading zones. Bourque requested we discuss the Elm Street parking/loading zone issue during the Old Business segment of our February meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: *Koeck left the meeting at 1:30 PM. Reminder: Koeck can’t be present during Executive Session because she is a finalist for the position of Executive Director. All others listed as present for this meeting remained for Executive Session which concluded at 1:46 PM. Bourque, Byrne, Hautala and Craigen are members of the Selection Committee and they updated the Board on the progress of that committee. The minutes from Executive Session will be written separately from these minutes. I will seek advice on the proper distribution of Executive Session minutes. ADJOURNMENT: Byrne motioned and Hautala seconded the motion to adjourn. No discussion. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 1:47 PM. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Dion