The committee acknowledged the necessity of a full-time kitchen, auditorium, game room, and entertainment spaces to match the facilities found in neighboring towns. Discussions included the potential for seeking endowments from private foundations, rather than relying solely on federal or state grants, to fund these spaces. The idea of approaching affluent families in the town for support was brought up, with a suggestion to convene a private meeting to gauge their interest and willingness to contribute.

Further, the committee reviewed space needs and conducted preliminary calculations to gauge minimum square footage requirements for various spaces. These estimates, still needing architectural input for additional space considerations such as utility rooms and hallways, are to be shared with the Town Administrator and the Select Board.

The meeting touched upon the challenges faced by the Council on Aging in hosting events, including the logistics of transporting supplies to different venues due to the lack of a dedicated space. This issue underlines the greater problem of inadequate facilities, which not only complicates event organization but also limits program attendance.

Parking was another concern, particularly the potential loss of parking spaces near popular event venues and the danger posed by heavy traffic in areas under consideration for new facilities. Safety for the elderly population, especially considering traffic speeds and the risk at busy intersections, was highlighted as a key consideration for any future location.

In terms of next steps, the committee plans to consult with architects to validate space needs and start a more comprehensive assessment of potential sites. This will involve creating a grading matrix to evaluate locations based on various criteria, such as ADA access, adequate parking, and proximity to other town facilities. The next meeting is scheduled for two months later to allow time for progress on these action items.