The meeting’s primary focus was the operational and strategic planning for the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCal), a long-anticipated project aimed at enhancing community services for the town’s aging population. An operational plan was introduced, outlining responsibilities, stakeholders, and guiding principles for the center. The council emphasized the importance of creating an age-friendly space that caters to the senior population while remaining accessible to all community members. Safety, environmental consciousness, and inclusivity were identified as key design principles.

Emily, a long-time member of the Recreation Committee, shared insights into the center’s planned features, which include a senior hub with amenities such as a lounge, cafe area, fitness room, and programming space. Activities like exercise classes and wellness screenings are intended to foster community engagement. John Sasso, an operational consultant, stressed the importance of translating the vision into a practical application, noting the necessity of ongoing community engagement to address emerging needs.

Concerns about the operational plan’s focus on logistics rather than participant experience were raised. One participant suggested forming a group to explore how the new facility would enrich senior users’ lives, questioning what benefits would justify the $28 million investment. The council acknowledged that while operational planning is crucial, it must also focus on enhancing community engagement and reducing senior isolation.

Traffic and transportation issues were also a discussion point. Concerns were voiced about the anticipated increase in traffic due to the new facility, existing challenges near the Burbank hockey rink, and other incoming projects. A feasibility study involving a traffic engineer was conducted, with plans for further discussions on parking and traffic flow in upcoming meetings. Although a recent grant application for piloting a transportation program was unsuccessful, efforts to explore regional collaborations for shuttle services with neighboring communities are ongoing.

Representation of seniors in planning discussions was another key issue. There was a call for more active involvement from seniors in the planning process to address their unique needs. While some staff members over 60 are included in the current planning, there were concerns about the lack of representation from retired seniors, which could be vital in ensuring the center meets the community’s needs effectively.

In a related matter, the council discussed the need to update the Council on Aging manual, which had become outdated and unwieldy. A proposal to streamline the manual by retaining core documents and linking others online was made, emphasizing clarity and accessibility for new members and the community.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon the council’s trust funds, with a representative noting that these funds had been largely preserved to allow growth until ARPA funding runs out by the end of 2026. The council discussed the gradual introduction of a payment system for programs, emphasizing the importance of a user-friendly system, particularly for seniors who may not be technologically adept.

The council also received updates on the Public Building Committee’s ongoing work, including architectural modifications due to mechanical issues and plans to break ground on the new facility by February. The committee stressed the importance of staying within budget and ensuring that design updates align with the center’s operational goals.