Council on Aging Board

Council on Aging (COA) Advisory Board Meeting Agenda Monday, October 18, 2021 at 9:00am at Lowell Senior Center I. Roll Call Andrew Hostetler, Chairman, Lillian Hartman, Director, Beverly Gonsalves, Judith Huber, John Lawlor, Anne Marie Porter on phone, Molyka Tieng. Absent: Joyce Dastou, Vincenzo, Milinazzo, one vacancy. Visitor: John King II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Approval of Minutes : from September meeting, first by Beverly, second by Molyka, all others in favor. IV. Chairperson’s Report: Andy reported that the Age Friendly Focus Group is moving along, the survey is ready and an empowerment focus group is planned Oct. 25 as part of Age Friendly Action Group. V. Director’s Report: Lillian gave the COA Director’s report for October. She also mentioned recent award by Greater Lowell Community Foundation for Elder Mental Health and an upcoming application for MCOA Elder Mental Health grant. We will be reopening for indoor dining on Nov. 4. Statistics for a 3-year range show our participation is up from 2019 in all areas except fitness. VI. Committee Reports: a. Outreach: Beverly presented at a national conference about our mobile farmer’s market. A suggestion was made to dedicate a portion of the meeting to Outreach. Also, if we notice anything that should be brought up, the issue should be placed on the agenda. Assignment to Board members – review the Senior Center website before next meeting to provide feedback. b. HAC: Andy suggested Glady present on the EMHOT next meeting (Monday Nov. 8 at 9am). Andy will follow up with Mill City Grows to see what can be  shared from their community food assessment. We will add topics related to each committee on full board agendas going forward. VII. Items for Discussion a. Old Business b. New Business i. Election of officers for 2021-22 ii. Do the Board members want to complete another term? Lil will send a letter to the City Manager to affirm the six names to extend the terms. iii. Committee Assignments for 2021-22 7 members’ terms are set to expire 10/23/21. Andy and Lil will draft letter to City Manager requesting reappointment of members in good standing. Approval: first by Judy, second by Anne Marie, all others in favor. Vice Chairman: Judy nominated, approval first by Andy, second by Anne Marie, all others in favor. Treasurer: Anne Marie nominated, approval first by Andy, second by Beverly, all others in favor. Scribe: Beverly nominated, approval first by Andy, second by Molyka. Two thirds vote is needed for Robert’s Rules, to move election day from November to October. This item will be added to an upcoming agenda for a vote. VIII. Other :  Lil introduced Aurora Erickson, new Director of Programs at the Senior Center. In the next month, Glady Rosa will be starting a full time position as an Outreach Coordinator.  November 4, the Center will be open for indoor dining. Attendees must wear a mask and meals will be served at their tables. There will be four to five people seated at each table. Food will only be allowed within advertised hours and spaces.   Anne Marie asked about COVID safety protocols related to dining. Lil reported: o No self-serve breakfast buffet; staff will attend the breakfast area and serve directly onto trays o To limit lining up at the lunch buffet, volunteers will instead bring food to tables as much as possible o Takeout option still available o Only 4-5 chairs will be set per table (formerly 6-8). o Masks required at all times when standing up from tables o Eating at the senior center will be limited to dining room during advertised food hours, not all day o No snacks allowed at classes and other events such as bingo. o All food cleared, dining tables sanitized at 8am and 12pm. o If we get too crowded we may consider reservation system or splitting into 2 lunch seating times o Meals are available to age 60+ regardless of vaccination status o Vaccine and booster notices will be posted in dining room to promote getting together more safely  John King questioned the requirement for taking names when seniors come into the Senior Center and why this process? Lillian explained that the swipe card machine was broken and now is in operation. IX. Adjournment All in favor. Next Meeting: Monday, November 8 @ 9:00 AM