The council announced the delivery of a new electric wheelchair van, valued at approximately $115,000. This acquisition was made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, requiring the town to contribute only about $24,000. The van, equipped with a wheelchair lift, backup camera, and usage-tracking software, is a substantial upgrade to the council’s transportation capabilities. The director noted that training would be provided to familiarize drivers with the new vehicle, acknowledging some initial hesitation due to its novelty. Additionally, the van will be charged using energy from solar panels at the facility, aligning with sustainable practices.

In parallel, discussions were held regarding the senior tax deferral program. An upcoming proposal by the selectmen aims to raise the income limit for the program from $55,000 to $72,000, aligning it with the senior circuit breaker program. This change, if passed in October, is set to apply to 2026 tax bills and aims to provide broader support for seniors. The initiative is designed to eliminate the need for annual public town meeting discussions by ensuring automatic yearly adjustments corresponding with the circuit breaker, thus maximizing eligibility benefits for seniors.

The council also highlighted the success of its small grant program, which assists with critical home repairs and modifications. Since its initiation in February, the program has approved 14 applications, with a 15th pending approval, distributing $120,000 in total funding. Each household is eligible for up to $7,500 for home modifications or repairs, with projects such as ramp installations, stair lifts, and roof replacements among the supported activities. Community members are encouraged to apply, as funds remain available, with the potential to support up to 16 households or more if applicants require less funding.

Attention was also directed towards policies and procedures concerning the Council on Aging. A comprehensive review of existing policies was conducted in light of the introduction of a new building. This included discussions about age requirements for services, with a proposed threshold of 55 years. Payment policies for bus trips were scrutinized to ensure clarity, as previous communications had led to confusion. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining a supportive environment where financial constraints do not exclude anyone from participating in programs.

Further deliberations touched upon the gallery policy for local artists, with suggestions to adopt a more flexible approach to the submission process. While the current policy mirrors that of the library with annual submissions, the idea of a “rolling jury” was proposed to accommodate ongoing contributions. Security concerns related to the building’s conference room usage were also discussed, particularly regarding evening and weekend access, with a consensus to focus on weekday operations to manage issues effectively.

Lastly, the council reiterated its role in educating the public about tax exemptions, emphasizing the importance of informing seniors about available options. While the application and qualification processes for programs like the tax deferral reside with the board of assessors, the council aims to ensure seniors are aware of these opportunities through regular dissemination of information.