0:00The meeting centered around the new senior center’s progress, with positive feedback following a walkthrough of the facility. Stakeholders expressed excitement over the multi-purpose room, likened to a ballroom, and the overall completion timeline remains on track for March 11. Updates included the senior center’s ongoing construction, with the installation of vertical granite curbing, sidewalk preparations anticipated by Thanksgiving, and aesthetic enhancements from the Field Stone insulation. The elevator installation is imminent, and rooftop kitchen units are in place, emphasizing the project’s steady advancement.

The council introduced Megan Murphy as the new full-time programs coordinator, an elder services veteran with over 32 years of experience. Megan expressed eagerness about her role, scheduling programs into March, which relieved programming responsibilities among board members. Her arrival is expected to facilitate a shift in management structure similar to past operations under former director Nicole.

Board members discussed the forthcoming fiscal year presentation concerning funds from the Friends group and the confirmed order of a new van anticipated by June 2025. The van purchase raised queries about driver requirements, clarifying the need for a clean driving record, sensitivity training, and CPR certification, though no special license is required.

19:17The council addressed various community-oriented initiatives, including heating assistance programs like SMOC and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and the TREAD program, which received 18 applications this year, five more than the previous cycle. The TREAD committee, comprising community members, is dedicated to supporting elderly and disabled residents with tax relief.

Affordable housing was another focal point, with updates on the OneStop grant of $120,000 for critical home improvements for income-qualified homeowners. The council discussed the Derky Farm property as a potential site for affordable housing development in collaboration with Metro West Collaborative. Additionally, there was a report on a one-bedroom unit for sale at Hager Homestead, targeting individuals at 60% of the Area Median Income.

36:13Board member duties and responsibilities were revisited, with Susan Mander retaining her role in the affordable housing trust. Discussions about finalizing COA board rules and regulations highlighted some document errors, which are slated for correction. The meeting minutes submission timeline was revised to one week post-approval, streamlining the process while maintaining the director’s accountability.

53:12The board examined the outdated Memorandum of Agreement between the Board of Selectmen and the Council on Aging, established in 2013. Members agreed on the necessity to update the MoA to reflect current roles and responsibilities, especially with Megan’s contribution reshaping the organizational dynamics.

In a lighter moment, the meeting celebrated Marilyn Fedele’s birthday with cupcakes, fostering camaraderie among attendees. The conversation also included the need for community feedback mechanisms to align programming with seniors’ interests, with Megan planning a “Mochas with Megan” event to gather input on future activities.

Upcoming events and community engagement were discussed, with a call for creativity in program development. The council expressed regret over missing a fall tour to The Orchards, which had been popular in the past. They also emphasized the importance of health services, mentioning an upcoming COVID-19 clinic and flu shots.

Parking accessibility during town events, like voting, was a concern, as dedicated senior parking spots were no longer available. The council plans to communicate these needs to town officials to ensure seniors’ accessibility.