A discussion centered around the Permanent Building Committee’s progress on selecting an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) for the new Senior Center project at Simon’s Way. The committee has received all relevant documentation, including surveys and community meeting notes, and aims to move forward swiftly in October. The timeline for schematic drawings is projected to take three to four months, with emphasis on community engagement throughout the process. The importance of transparency was underscored, especially since additional taxpayer funding will be required for construction management, necessitating a town meeting vote.

Financial aspects concerning the OPM and architectural drawings were clarified, with confirmation that costs would be covered by previously allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Permanent Building Committee expects to make a recommendation soon, with the goal of presenting the project in January and reaching a town meeting by April. The project timeline is ambitious, given the simultaneous priorities of the Center for Active Living and the Killam School project.

The significance of pickleball as a senior activity was discussed, with plans to incorporate both indoor and outdoor facilities into the new Senior Center project. This requires additional planning and collaboration with architects and the OPM.

The Friends of Reading’s 60 Plus group, represented by Anarie and Joanne, shared progress since their incorporation in February. They highlighted their participation in a fair, which garnered significant interest and support for their initiatives. The group aims to increase recognition for Reading’s senior community and has plans for an official launch event on October 1st. Fundraising and public relations efforts are ongoing, with interactions with the Cummings Foundation and a focus on private community support and donations.

Updates on council activities included monthly statistics and upcoming events, such as an ice cream social and Labor Day lunch. A new nurse, Olivia, has been introduced at the Pleasant Street Center. Ongoing office hours for local representatives at the center were also mentioned, improving accessibility for residents needing assistance.

Sustainability efforts were discussed, particularly the initiative to reduce plastic waste by installing a filtered water fountain and using pitchers with lids at events.

The ARPA funding update revealed approximately $165,000 remaining in the budget, with plans to use this for programming and supplemental spaces. Members discussed the need for contracts with vendors to secure funding by the end of the fiscal year. Clarifications were made regarding the timeline for spending encumbered funds, which must be committed by the end of fiscal year 2024 but can be spent until the end of fiscal year 2026.

Discussions on campaign finance laws and ethical guidelines were led by Donna Brewer, who provided clarity on the limitations of public resources in supporting the new Senior Center project. The council can advocate for appropriations at town meetings but cannot use public funds for ballot questions. Members expressed frustration over these restrictions, particularly the challenge of informing the public about the Senior Center’s needs without breaching legal boundaries.

To navigate these complexities, it was suggested that council members could use personal funds for initiatives like lawn signs but must not solicit funds from external groups. Additionally, while members can present information at community gatherings as private individuals, they cannot distribute advocacy materials at such events.

The Massachusetts Council on Aging Conference scheduled for October 23-25 was discussed, with a motion approved to allocate $860 for up to four members to attend. This motion was met positively, with members committed to remaining engaged and informed on issues impacting their constituents.