Council on Aging

Approved by COA at 4/11/2024 meeting. FITCHBURG CITY CLERK FITCHBURG COUNCIL on AGING MARCH 14, 2024 MEETING MINUTES Apr 16 2024 3:28 pm PRESENT: George Bourque, Joe Byrne, Margaret Padovano, Bonnie Hautala, Todd Goodwin, Jim Craigen, Debbie Dion, Amanda Koeck and Andrew Van Hazinga ABSENT: Pastor Annie Belmer and Nancy Donohue VISITORS: Eleanor Zichelle, Rose D’Alessio and J. Edmund Daniels Bourque called the meeting to order at 1:02 PM and a QUORUM IS PRESENT. MINUTES from the February 8, 2024, meeting were emailed to Board members. No vote to approve those minutes was needed because there was not a quorum present and no official business was conducted. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: George Bourque *The Fitchburg City Council appointed Amanda Koeck as Executive Director of the Fitchburg Senior Center on March 6, 2024. Koeck’s term expires on August 25, 2025. Dion questioned Van Hazinga about the short term given to Koeck. Van Hazinga explained that most City jobs are three year contracts and Koeck is serving the remainder of Jennifer Brennan’s term as Executive Director. *The Principal Clerk’s position is currently vacant. *Joe Byrne was nominated for the Vice-Chairperson’s position. Motion by Craigen and seconded by Goodwin. Unanimous vote of approval. *Debbie Dion was nominated for Recording Secretary. Motion by Goodwin and seconded by Hautala. Unanimous vote of approval. Koeck will prepare all correspondences from the Council with assistance from Bourque. * Prospective COA members, Zichelle, D’Alessio and Daniels, (listed above as visitors) were introduced by Bourque. All three visitors are awaiting approval by the City Council. Van Hazinga explained the appointment process to them. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Amanda Koeck *Koeck distributed two handouts: 1. Senior Center’s FY25 budget request. Koeck stated that she would like to complete one year on the job before she can best identify who/what she needs to include in future budget requests. She highlighted the need for a Resource Director vs. a Program Director. Bourque requested Koeck to seek supplemental funding from Mayor Squailia for heat and electricity citing the building’s general use by other municipal departments. Formula Grant funding should not be used for utilities. 2. FY23 Large Council on Aging Annual Report Summary. *The water line supply repair work is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024. *Mayor Squailia has directed Chief of Staff Alexander Vera and Deputy Chief of Staff Myles Wilcox to work on the format of the Building Use Request Form. *February programs were successful, including a book talk and the Leap Year Party catered by Roots. The next luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It will be catered by Finicky Fork and Tommy Rull will provide musical entertainment. The volunteer SHINE counselor has returned on a monthly basis to provide free health insurance information, assistance and counseling. No COMMUNICATIONS were shared at today’s meeting. OLD BUSINESS *Mayor Squailia recently visited the Senior Center with a representative from the Historical Commission. She is aware of the upcoming water supply line repair work and the critical need to repoint the exterior bricks. Van Hazinga reported that Russell Karlstad, former Facilities Director, was advocating for capital improvements before his resignation. However, the Senior Center is not deemed a priority. A long term funding source might be necessary to save the building. NEW BUSINESS *Padovano noted the two hour parking limit on parking meters surrounding the Senior Center. Bourque stated that the 2024 orange parking placards allow for parking beyond the two hour limit. NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, April 11, 2024 ADJOURNMENT: 1:39 PM Respectfully submitted, Debbie Dion