Council on Aging Board

SALEM COUNCIL ON AGING Minutes of Regular Meeting Date and Time: January 16, 2018 at 5:19 P.M. Meeting Location: Board Room, 401 Bridge Street Members Present: Lynda Coffill (LC, Chairperson), Julie Carver (JC, Secretary), George Barbuzzi (GB), Donna Clifford (DC) Members Absent: Elaine Heredeen (EH, Vice Chair), Abigail Butt (AB), John Russell (JR), Alice Williams (AW) Also Present: Teresa Arnold, (TA, Director of the COA) Clerk: Kathleen Fitzgerald Meeting Called to Order LC calls the meeting to order at 5:20 P.M. Motion made by JC to approve the November Minutes, seconded by GB and passes unanimously. Old Business: Housing – LC had a meeting with the Salem Housing Authority, joined by TA and JR to discuss ways to be a bridge for seniors being evicted because of multi-family homes being bought and then rents going up. Jane Guy was contacted about CPA funds which can be used for this. Jane originally completely dismissed it as impossible, but after being sent additional information softened her position, was concerned that there are a number of agencies that could provide assistance and she didn’t want to duplicate the effort with CPA funds so she sent a list of those agencies who would provide help. TA stated she would chat with the social workers about this. LC and TA met today with Amanda Chiancola who suggested taking a look at what agencies are doing and trying to fill any gaps. There is a lot of movement in the City with regard to housing. The Affordable Housing Task Force is looking at a number of approaches. They are first looking at City owned land and possibly adding another story at Lee Ft. Terrace and Pioneer Terrace but worried about flooding. Mass Housing is preparing a report which should be out in the Spring. Also looking at places in the City but the issue is either ledge or wetlands. -1- There was discussion about the Inclusionary Building Ordinance which will up the amount of affordable housing. Affordable housing metric is based on 80% of the average income not just in Salem, but the whole region. Salem is at 60%, but housing prices don’t match the region. There is going to be a housing workshop to try to get more affordable housing, but developers have to get something in return – i.e. 10% is affordable housing but must help them with things such as expediting permitting process. LC suggested that they be partners with City to help bring about changes. Also, looking to expand auxiliary housing in addition to caregivers and family. There was a discussion about ways to make development more attractive. St. James’ and St. Mary’s schools have gone out to bid. Concerning the St. James site – a meeting was held with neighbors who seem to be in favor of senior housing, LC informed the Board that it was a very good meeting with the Salem Housing Authority in terms of a wealth of information and we will continue meeting with the Housing Authority. New Business: Dominic Pangello has been contacted about the vacancy on the Board. AW’s friend had been away but will send in her application for review. Friends Update -- JR was not present and TA gave an update. TA spoke about how we could raise more money and advised that the annual appeal was about to be launched targeting people 60 and older, and suggested targeting children of seniors. TA advised that she and the Friends had been in touch with Lore Cody. Lore’s background is in non-profits and she is interested in becoming a member of the Friends and her contribution would be doing some grant writing. She wants to get to know the organization better; i.e. municipal budget and needs we have. TA advised she would be meeting with her and looking for ways to bring in more funds. TA advised that last year Rep. Tucker did a program on SATV on what kinds of programs were offered and the people who benefit from them. Director’s Report: TA advised that last week she attended a meeting at the Beverly Council on Aging led by Cong. Seth Moulton who wanted to know the needs of area COAs. Congressman Moulton was advised that there is a need to have more respect for seniors and senior services; i.e. housing issues for seniors, social isolation and mental health issues. TA advised the Board that LC was featured in the January Newsletter. No one featured in the February Newsletter because it was a full issue, but we would like the seniors to know who the Board Members are and would appreciate a bio from all members so they could also be featured. -2- TA informed the Board that 371 congregate meals were served in December. Social Services – 261 seniors over 60 were serviced and 14 under 60 serviced, North Shore Physicians Group: Diabetes Lecture – This was the first in a speaker series by North Shore Physicians Group in collaboration with Salem for All Ages and very well attended. In March there will be a cardiac lecture. Lectures will be every other month on the second Tuesday. TA is talking with the Alzheimer’s Association and we will be hosting a meeting in June and will have the latest information on Alzheimer’s at that time. TA advised that enhanced fitness now has a waiting list. Kathy McCarthy had a meeting with people from the YMCA who advised that people should be graduating from enhanced fitness and moving on which would open up the class for those on the waiting list. Marie Nickerson, the instructor, will be targeting those in the class who are ready to graduate to the next class to create space for new people. Transportation – In December, there was a total of 1,493 rides -- 285 rides to medical appointments; 74 rides for employment; 462 for shopping/errands; 590 to COA and 82 miscellaneous rides. TA advised that regular driver meetings have started, and that budget season is around the corner so we will be looking at salaries and possibly putting in some new requests; i.e. full-time driver. Food Bank – Monthly food bank is going well. Approximately 65 people being served. Next Board Meeting: February 20, 2019. A motion to adjourn is made by JC, seconded by GB, and passes unanimously. The meeting adjourns at 6:00 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Clerk -3-