The council’s director provided an encouraging report indicating that the number of sign-ins for events had surpassed a thousand for three consecutive months. This achievement was particularly meaningful given the fewer days in November due to holidays. The board acknowledged the considerable efforts of the staff in facilitating these activities, which included providing 180 rides during this period and handling numerous outreach efforts.

A point of discussion was the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The directive for departments was to submit level-funded budgets without increases unless justified by inflation or other unavoidable costs. An additional $10,000 was allocated to the operating budget to cover increased expenses. A potential cost-saving measure was identified within the mental health referral service program, as the current provider’s costs were anticipated to decrease. This could result in a streamlined budget increase of only 2.8% for operational expenses, excluding salaries. However, concerns were raised over the unpredictability of future needs due to the transition to a new building and uncertain participation rates. It was suggested that if additional resources were required, the department could approach the finance committee again for support.

The council also discussed the senior tax work-off program, which logged 4,427 volunteer hours, translating to a financial benefit of approximately $66,500 for the town. The veterans tax work-off program accounted for 315 hours, amounting to about $4,725. The increased participation in these programs was attributed to effective outreach efforts and high engagement during the recent election year. However, the program’s timeline was identified as a limitation, as volunteer hours must be completed by the end of March, yet the program does not restart until July. This gap potentially reduces volunteerism during those months. A dialogue ensued about possibly modifying the timeline to allow for more continuous engagement.

Further contributing to the community’s benefit, the council highlighted several upcoming events and activities. A New Year celebration is planned, featuring appetizing snacks and a music performance by Todd Goodwin. Additionally, educational workshops on fraud and scams, decluttering, and downsizing are scheduled. A trip to the American Heritage Museum and a history session focused on classic country music are also on the agenda. The council expressed excitement about these initiatives, recognizing them as valuable opportunities for community engagement.

The meeting also touched upon the council’s transition to a new building, with updates on the senior center’s construction progress. Permanent power is now live in the building, and ongoing work includes kitchen installation and interior painting. The completion date remains set for March 11, despite a delay in sidewalk work due to frost conditions. The logistics of moving into the new building were discussed, emphasizing the need to maintain outreach services during the transition. Suggestions were made to have staff split between the old and new locations to ensure service continuity.

In the realm of community support, the council discussed food donation needs at local pantry boxes and commended the Rotary Club for its support of recent events. The council acknowledged the important role that these initiatives play in supporting the elderly population, particularly during challenging times.

The council also reviewed updates to their rules and regulations, emphasizing the importance of clarity and compliance in operational procedures. A motion was made to accept the amended regulations, with a specific amendment correcting a typo in the mission statement.

As the meeting drew to a close, there was an acknowledgment of the challenges of connecting with new elderly residents who may not be aware of available services. The council considered revisiting past outreach practices, such as sending informational broadcasts to every household, to address potential communication gaps. Additionally, there was a proposal to engage with realtors to create a welcome packet for new residents.