Council on Aging

Approved by COA at 9/9/2024 meeting. FITCHBURG CITY CLERK FITCHBURG COUNCIL on AGING May 10 2024 3:58 pm APRIL 11, 2024 MEETING MINUTES PRESENT: George Bourque, Joe Byrne, Margaret Padovano, Bonnie Hautala, Todd Goodwin, Jim Craigen, Nancy Donohue, Debbie Dion, Amanda Koeck and Andrew Van Hazinga ABSENT: Pastor Annie Belmer VISITORS: Rose D’Alessio and J. Edmund Daniels Bourque called the meeting to order at 1:08 PM and a QUORUM IS PRESENT. MINUTES from the March 14, 2024, meeting were emailed to Board members. Byrne motioned and Goodwin seconded the motion to approve those minutes. There was a unanimous vote of approval. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: George Bourque *Nothing to report at today’s meeting. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Amanda Koeck *Mayor Sam Squailia asked Koeck about missing meeting minutes. Koeck contacted former secretary Michele Morin to obtain 2022 minutes from our June 9 and October 13 meetings. Those minutes were distributed and we will vote on their approval at next month’s meeting. We also need to approve 2023 minutes from our April 13 and May 11 meetings. *Koeck partnered with HR to interview five candidates for the vacant position of Principal Clerk. The field was narrowed to two finalists and then Koeck and HR agreed on the top candidate. An announcement from HR is in a “holding pattern” due to budget issues. Koeck was told “not to fret” as the City Council works through “crunch time” in the midst of budget season. *Koeck recently met with City Councilors Andrew Van Hazinga and Paul Beauchemin and FPD Traffic Unit Supervisor Sgt. Daniel Boudreau to discuss the location of the loading zone adjacent to the Senior Center. The Wallace Avenue loading zone will be relocated to the corner of Elm and Grove Streets near the handicapped-accessible ramp. Signage for parking spaces on public streets can only be posted as no parking, time limited, loading zone or handicapped-accessible. Therefore, the Wallace Avenue sign reserving a parking space for the Director of the Senior Center will be removed and that space will be made available for public general parking. *The water supply line repairs have been completed. The final cost was $2,000 less than quoted and the City budget covered the cost. *The Friends of the Fitchburg Senior Center (Friends) sent letters to their members stating their desire to dissolve the organization. The letter stated they would like to disperse their funds to another 501(c)(3), but not to the Fitchburg Senior Center. The City Solicitor informed Koeck that a judge’s approval is required to disperse funds. The funds are currently frozen. Koeck was able to contact a board member of the Friends who has been very helpful with this situation. *The Friends met at the Fitchburg Senior Center on April 10, 2024. Their goals are to elect new board members and organize an annual meeting. *Byrne stated that major support is expected from the Friends. He urged the Council on Aging board members to join the Friends and attend their annual meeting. * It’s the Council on Aging’s preference that we move forward together and encourage/support the Friends in an effort to plan future activities. *Koeck requested a new Wayfair coffee cart for use in the kitchen and during events at the Senior Center. The cost is approximately $300. The Friends ordered and paid for the coffee cart. *Today’s Finicky Fork/Tommy Rull luncheon was well-attended by our senior population. Mayor Squailia’s Inaugural Ball will be held at the Senior Center this Saturday, April 13, 2024. We are looking forward to a performance by acoustic guitarist Johnny Girouard on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Girouard will perform at 12:00 PM in the Card Room. AARP will offer their Smart Driver Course on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Padovano shared positive comments about the course. Donohue suggested checking with your auto insurance company to determine if you will be eligible for a policy discount. The Friends will host a luncheon on Thursday, May 23, 2024. *The Building Use Request Form continues to be addressed to determine the accuracy/legality of a liquor license as it relates to appropriate liability insurance. This is being done with input from the City Solicitor. COMMUNICATION *Koeck received a letter from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. The House Ways and Means Committee has released its FY25 budget, and it included a $15 per elder increase. This figure is based on the 2020 federal census. OLD BUSINESS *Elm Street parking/loading zone adjacent to the Senior Center was addressed by Koeck earlier in today’s meeting. See Executive Director’s Report above for those details. NEW BUSINESS *No New Business was discussed today. NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, May 9, 2024 ADJOURNMENT *Goodwin motioned to adjourn and Byrne seconded the motion. No discussion. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 1:48 PM. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Dion