I can confirm that a quorum is present. I'd entertain a motion to open the meeting. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. We'll do a roll call of our
voting members. Chuck, why don't you start us off? >> Chuck present. Susano present. >> Chris H present. >> John Fer, >> present. >> Damon Jesperson. And our illustrious
leader. >> Uh, I would entertain a motion to approve the meeting minutes as written. >> Approved. >> Motion. Second. >> All those in favor
>> I'm standing. >> All right. >> Wasn't here or can't. >> Well, you can. It just doesn't make a lot of sense. >> Well, you can because we send them out at your camp and you read them. So,
>> yeah, you got to be present. You >> do. Yes. Okay. Well, or acknowledge the conflict of interest at not having attended the meeting. >> Yeah. Um so it's easier just to
um so the big thing for the chairperson's report is that we got the uh space needs assessment site recommendation revised out to uh my illustrious editors
and tour. She did such an awesome job. >> Uh but it went to you. You read it >> and I read it. Yes, I did. >> So, you get credit for that and uh and the report has been sent to all of you so we can discuss it today. Beyond that,
there's just been the normal business of uh for me anyway, signing documents and stopping in to make sure there's no food going waste. Uh so with that said, I'd like to move on to
the report. Um my hope today is to put the shades down so Chuck doesn't go blind and to um
thank you. My hope today is to get any final notes, comments or edits and get an approval so that I can schedule to submit this to the selectman who can then put it on the town meeting warrant so that it is
submitted as a report so that we have a starting block from which to proceed with the town. Um, so, uh, I guess in order to do this by the
books, we should entertain a motion to approve the, uh, the report as written and then if we need discussion and amendments, we'll do that after we've made the motion. So, if
I get a motion, I'll >> make a motion to approve the ad hoc report. Is there a second? >> Second. >> And now discussion in which any amendments, concerns, questions,
uh, can come up. Having served on many committees, three different town hall projects. I know the work that goes into this. You put a lot into it. I think we should all thank you and everybody else very very
much for it. Even if there are segments you disagree with. I mean >> there was a lot of work, a lot of time pull it all together. >> Thank you, Chuck. >> And there will always in any
site selection be disagreements and >> differing opinions and that's I think the nature of the beast. So that's why we try to get as many as we can in and talk about them and then we'll talk about them again at the next time. >> It's amazing how much open space there
is in the town of um approximately 13 fully taxable. Think about that. >> This is a pretty big town. >> So there is a lot of open space. So yeah, there's there's room to
>> So how much of that is wetlands or not >> parks, churches, recreational schools. >> So >> yeah, >> Martin Burns. >> Yeah, that's huge. 7,000 acres, I think. 6,000 acres.
>> We have 27 right in the middle of it. >> Yeah. >> What a spot. >> Especially in the summer. >> Yeah. Oh, >> all right. >> I just have a question on the some of the spaces that you know you have in the
report that you specifically listed as being considered for the COA ruled out the three final ones. I'm not entirely sure I understand where I think it's the first one um which was
adjacent to the library. >> Mhm. >> But it's not on L Street. It's not on >> so that the library is on. So where like where is it? >> Yeah. So basically that piece of property connects
>> over basically almost to this lot and goes back to the library from here. So it sort of wraps around the house that's right there >> and goes it's sort of >> it's a weird pork chopy shape. Um >> and do I have
>> may I go ahead? >> There are two accesses to that. You go into the library baseball field to the very very left there's a stone wall. There is 7 and 1/2 ft between the
baseball wall and the stone wall access to the property out back. The second access when you come in Ken's way. You know the dinosaur? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Right after the dinosaur there's a road that goes to the right.
>> Okay. You go down that road and then take an immediate left and that's where your >> that road carries a private way. >> The library there. >> It does. >> And this is also access to our propert.
>> Yes. If you tra Yes. Eric thought that's where it was. I didn't get the sense that helps a lot. >> It is built access.
[Music] >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> All right. >> A um baseball field out of it. Exactly. A separate field. Right. >> So, yeah, it's a nice piece of property.
It was donated to us for the use of public use and to remain so if I remember correctly. >> I don't believe it can ever be sold. Um I believe it's >> Yeah, I'd have to look at the company, but I don't think we
>> I'm going back 20 years, but I'm pretty sure I looked it up when we did that. >> So anyways, sorry. Uh >> thanks for the clarification. So Susan had asked a a good question
which is can we include the plot plans with each of the properties because >> that would make it easier. So if people think that's a good idea, I'd entertain a motion to include those uh in the report so we can make a
motion, second it, and then discuss. >> First we need the motion. I know. >> Okay. Did Jerry make the motion? >> No. Jerry didn't Jerry was just admonish saying second to last >> motion to include.
>> Thank you Jerry. All those in favor I >> um is there any discussion? It adds a little paper but I think it probably is a good idea. >> I think it's a nice idea. I think it's people visualize that a little better.
>> Yes. >> Okay. All those in favor? Hi. >> Wow. >> Well, I thought this might take us a long time, but I'm hearing crickets. So,
I would entertain uh vote to uh include the amendment and uh bring this report to the select. I could get a motion to that effect. So,
>> I'm Yeah, I was going to say I thought we did. >> We just voted to include the amendment. >> Y >> and now we have to vote to approve the report amended and bring it to the select people. >> Got it. Okay. >> I'm trying to do it very by the book
for which I have admonished in the most severe terms. Miss Gerald in the most severe I don't. >> Okay. >> So, you made the motion, right? >> Yes. I'll second. >> All those in favor? I
>> motion carries. >> Could I ask a question? >> Um what I was really when I first saw um things because I worry about perk tests and storage and >> um great idea to have a a disposal, a
garbage disposal, but if you're on a septic, can you have the a garbage disposal? I noticed before, you know, >> if it is designed into the septic plan, you can do it. >> Oh, >> yeah. >> I didn't know.
>> It just was cuz I didn't know and I thought that's a great idea. >> But if we can't, we don't have one here either, so it's no. >> No, I know you don't have one, but it's a great idea. When I saw it, there was some really good ideas that we put in here. This is a really well done report.
>> Yeah. Different restaurants have grease traps and things like that. They have to be so designed into it. Of course, it takes the cost and throws it way way way up. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Question. >> Yeah. >> I have a question. Is the report going
to the friends for just a courtesy or for review and approval? >> It's going to the select board. >> Oh, I thought you said it was going to submit it to the friends too at some point. Um, I'm sure we'll give it to them because it's part of they may want
to fund raise for it. Um, so >> I was confused on that cuz I I thought for some reason one of the friends next time. >> No, the official channel is from us to the select board to town. >> Okay.
>> And the friends are sort of outside of that. Uh >> well, they would get involved when when there's been a selection and then money needs to be raised to then raise the building. >> What is the next select meeting? >> Yeah, they're 51.
>> When is the next select meeting? Tomorrow night. >> Uh I think so. >> Is it? Yeah. >> Second floor, right? >> It's usually second floor. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's been so long. Well, actually, if you notice, the select
board wasn't tapping any summer sessions. >> Yeah. Think it will make it there for that long? >> No. >> Okay. >> I had I didn't want to put it on the agenda and have to pull it off cuz I thought that would cause >> give them time to >> Got it. Makes sense. Okay. Thank you.
>> But, uh, speaking of the friends, I think the last meeting may have been cancelled. Uh the last meeting with you were I had my surgery and then the this week actually I had a doctor's appointment. I was going to give you the
notes but the doctor cleared me and said everything's cleared and cancelled the meeting. So that opened me up. So I will now give you the report and regrets. >> All right. >> As the leazison okay um and my computer's down. Um
this was mostly a financial meeting for them and this was uh they meet it monthly and it's not all members of the friends that this type of meeting uh they they first started off with their personal donations which they are
getting still and they wanted to note they got a very generous one from Joyceos who used to be president of the fin not the fin the board. Yes the board of aging. Uh then they went up to business donor appeal. They sent out 87
letters to businesses. 21 came back and a total solicit from that was from the total solicit. Some of them they went to in person and they said except for one they were really well received and they do it back and they were just going to
give them a return call the end of November beginning the end of October beginning of November and they also mention that the COA has tabled the brochures about them and is kept there permanently if other members
just drop in. Ah the friends what they they are very proud to say they are on Google she drive which is on the cloud and not everyone on the board member of the board has access to every document
>> which was really I'm a newbie here and I thought that was a really bright move because there are so many different committees among them that they say okay you need this info you need this info you need this info uh and they have very
limited access to the people who have li everything have limited access. It's not then they're not they're pretty good. All right. They're also um there are people here that are very competent like Susan is with hers. All right. The
treasures report you bought from Jim Car was nothing unusual. One thing is they have different accounts. One at the new report 5 cent saving one at the institution for savings. Oh, >> they also mentioned a paycheck
>> which had I don't know they mentioned I think it has a total of which are maturing soon and they were discussing what they don't >> we have to leave the door close all the way for a meeting we can't do that
>> that's close and then they also mentioned mentioned that they have an application in to happens in January to the Cummings Foundation. >> You would know about that for local bank grants and they thought maybe I don't
know at the upcoming foot clinic whatever. So they're applying to the Cummings Foundation, but they're also applying to a couple of different >> Yeah. So they're applying for grants. >> And what they're simply looking at is not only interest rates, but the different banks have different
uh minimum standards for offering a a grant and they really are going with the best rate. Then we went on to uh fundraising and they have really fundraising. I don't know if anyone attended. We attended the Gro which was
a fundraiser in October where 20% of your bill even the liquor went to the fina the friends >> the friends and it was awesome and we saw a lot of different people there. So that was really accident and I don't
know if the Simpkins still own the grog or not, but they're right down the street. So >> yeah, you know >> if they still call she's lost her parents and >> she's lost her husband as well. >> Yeah, I know. >> But she's still in charge and she has a
new manager. >> That's excellent because the food was even better. >> You know by any chance? >> Oh, I don't know if I have a a final number on that yet. They were waiting when I spoke to Maria last week. I think they were still waiting on the final number.
>> Yes. And in fact, I'll go on to that. Um, no, they didn't have the number. Then they went to they were talking about they have obviously this quilt raffle. I think it's going to be raffled off at their holiday boutique. Correct. >> And they have the calendar every month
raffle. And those are here too. It's these. >> Yes. And these are great. Uh, in fact they said um I asked them if anybody returned them at the cash prizes and they said one did. He said take it back.
Yeah. So that was nice. Uh they are going they were going to I don't know what they thought did it to solicit. >> They did that on Friday this >> Yeah. of October the 23rd. Yeah. And they did that and they they're really
gung-ho. really done. And um the holiday boutique is the big thing coming up and it's Saturday, November 5th from 10 to 3 at the library. >> I think it's the 15th. >> Oh yeah, the 5th is >> the 15th. Excuse me. I have a five there and I misread it. You know, it's a
cataract surgery. I got to put these readers on. Huh? >> What is it? >> A holiday boutique. They're really fundraising. All right. what they're going to have. They have uh tables set up and they uh had 12 vendor tables so
vendors can set up all of them filled. So, they are really psyched about that. >> I believe it's a cash. I'm not sure. They didn't bring that up. Cash only or not >> because I'm not sure if they're on Venmo or anything like that. >> So, it's all individual
>> individual vendors >> vendors and they'll have the quilt raffle. will have maybe. And they're all full and >> they're all handmade items. >> And they have 21 raffle baskets. >> Like it's like a craft fair. >> It's a craft. It's like
>> I think they try to jazz it up. They they call it a holiday boutique, but it's essentially a craft fair. >> Okay. >> So, a lot of all these vendors. Last year they had someone who made homemade soap. They had someone who made honey. They had all kinds of different jewelry.
Um there's several different vendors there. So >> yeah, they have actually 21 raffle baskets. So either of the vendors uh each vendor has to give an item contributed, >> right? And then I think she was making other baskets.
>> Yeah. So that's really awesome. There's lots of chances to win different things. >> Yes. >> Tickets. >> And what they're looking for is I don't know if they have it yet, but a donation for printing. Stir that in. But I don't know if they'll have it
>> and 10 to three. >> And that's about all that they had said. There was nothing unusual, but they are doing an awesome job. They did mention I think in the um in January I believe they said they meet
with you when they come to fruition or not. When did they they mentioned the date that they decided you know they're going to give the COA. >> So they made a decision at the beginning of the year what they will donate to the COA. They gave me half of that at the
beginning of the fiscal year and then they'll give me the other half. >> That's Yeah, they they knew it. I didn't. They just listened. Um they also um I don't know if I mentioned this but before there the donors at their
businesses they're going to give them a reminder call. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> And that's that's about it. >> And they do send thank you notes out to everybody. >> Oh, they're excellent. Which is having donated when I was young to when I thought you know uh to it was called
Finco. silk film called Find the Friends that um I never thank you >> but I didn't realize at the time that if you made it out to them at the time it never I mean they would they would never acknowledge it at a select board meeting
but if you make it up to the COA you're telling anyone who's listening it will be acknowledged board meeting but no >> well thank you very much >> you're welcome Can I just let you know that I just finished doing the island taxpayer association newsletter and in
the events I did include the fundraiser you were talking about the holiday boutique. It's kind of a jazzy term. It's a line. It's not an article about the COA per se, but I did >> Thank you. >> I'm quite sure and I'll make a point. They're going to love you.
>> Yeah. >> I appreciate the extra. No, they they're really um they're very energetic. >> This is a busy time of year for them. Like they tend to some for some reason
all these events >> well so many things happen in the summer and people go away >> and then when I get we feel this cold coming on this, you know, >> but they're they're very busy group and they um we appreciate all they do to
help us. Is that on the big one? >> All right. Hear the record. >> Okay. Uh, last week we had our knowyear community health fair. It was a huge success. We had a lot of people coming in. I did not count numbers. I didn't
check people off when they came in. It was just a come and go. Um, we had several new vendors. We had Senior Footw Wise who is our new foot care nurse. We had New England Hearing. We had which is a new um, hearing clinic for us. We're going to work with them to do a
presentation after the holidays and then get them in here on a regular basis for hearing screenings. Our regional public health nurse, Pam Palumbo, who has been to a couple of different traveling chefs to give some information. Um she was here at the health fair. She had a bone
density screening tool. >> Um that was very popular. Um and then the other new addition this year was Conley's pharmacy. So instead of going through our health department to and have our public health nurse do vaccines, the uh health department
collaborated with Conley's pharmacy and they were here giving um not just flu shots. They did a multitude of things. You could get your first shingle shot. You could get a COVID vaccine. Uh I think they had pneumonia. >> They had RSV. Uh and then I think they
had they had one other uh but there was many different options people could have. Um so that was a big draw for us as well. So we are hoping to collaborate with them again next year. Uh but overall that was a really great event. We got some great coverage in the newspaper as
well. Uh I think what helped was there was coverage before the event and then after. So it got the word out. So, um, Matt Petri and I will talk about the veterans event that's coming up and our Thanksgiving event both before those
events, um, and after. Uh, two recent food programs we had, we had a new company called Therapy Gardens do a soup master presentation. It wasn't exactly what we thought it was going to be. >> Um, we got two types of feedback. Some
people loved it, other people said they wouldn't come back to something like that. Um, so if we were to use them again for something else, we have other questions we know we would ask uh to dig a little bit deeper. We thought we asked some good questions and it again it wasn't totally what we thought was
happening. Um, but it was still I thought it was still a good program and we we might revisit them just with different expectations. Uh, and then we had cooking with Bill. Billo came did another cooking demo that was very well attended. That's a very well-liked program. Um, and I believe we're going
to work with him again after the holidays. >> Anything with food as well. >> That's true. Um, all right. We are currently in the Medicare open enrollment period that goes through, I believe, December 7th. Our Shine counselor is filling up fast. I know I'm getting calls from Newport residents
because new reports Shine counselors are full. >> So, we prioritize Newbury residents. So, anyone who calls, if they're from out of town, we're referring them to 1800 Medicare. That's a 24-hour uh phone number people can call. Again, it's open
enrollment. Everybody's calling. So, I would just ask people to have a little bit of patience when they call there. Uh we do have a presentation with Max, our shine counselor on Tuesday, November 4th at 4 p.m. here. He's giving a general
overview about Medicare. He's not speaking to people one-on-one about your particular issue or your particular issue. >> That's at 400 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4th. We ask people to call us and register for that. If you would like to speak to Max, you can either call us. We
will give you a plan comparison form that you fill out. Puts all your information on there. We give that to Max. He then calls you to discuss your personal situation. Um or you can come to this event and get the plant comparison form there and then Max will
work out a time to to talk with you. Um upcoming events, we have Halloween game night. That's tomorrow night at 4. We have a lunch and learn with Cheryl Wall who is the footare nurse from Senior Footwise. That is on uh Wednesday the 29th of October at 11:00 a.m. Right
after that, the Delvina Theater is back with a performance of Jack the Ripper. That starts at 9:00 p.m. We have a holiday craft class. We are glass fusing ornaments. We did this last year. It was uh very popular. That's on Wednesday, November 12th at 100 p.m. Our
veterans lunchon is Thursday, November 13th at noon here at the Council on Aging. Our Thanksgiving lunchon is Wednesday, November 19th at noon here at the COA. Our first foot clinic with Cheryl will be on Monday, November 24th,
and that's beginning at 8:30. These clinics will be the fourth Monday of every month. So, we had a different foot care nurse. We had some feedback from people um and we went in another direction and found this footare nurse. So, we're going to try her. She is uh a
bit more expensive than the previous nurse. The previous nurse was $30 for a visit. This nurse is $75 for a visit. >> So, what's the difference? >> So, the $45 difference, uh there's a difference in uh services. >> Yes. You're not just getting a quick toenail clip. >> Okay.
>> Um but it's also from our standpoint, uh she uses an autoclave to clean her instruments. everyone gets a everyone's cleaned in between each I I had feedback that people weren't coming back because they felt like the the area wasn't clean in between patients. Um there's
different things like that. Uh but again, it's not just a quick toenail clip. So I am certainly aware of a $45 difference. So, I'd gone to the friends and asked them for the first, it's really the first 15 patients, um, which
works out to maybe the first two clinics. I have the friends covering the $45 difference. So, that people are still paying $30. So, the people that have been coming regularly, they're not going to see a difference in the cost, but I believe they're going to see a
difference in the service. After that, we applied for a grant from through HSPAN specifically for the footare clinic. So, I have funds uh I'm going to say I have funds. They told me the grant was approved. I don't have the check in hand yet. It's coming sometime this
month. So, hopefully by Friday this check will be here. Um but that will then supplement going forward until I believe October. So, a year >> and then I will reapply for that grant or hopefully the friends is applying for
uh a couple different things and that can help us. >> It's on their agenda. They're really looking for >> that is the plan is to have it supplemented so that people will see a difference in the service but not in the cost. >> On the foot care, I just wonder I went
to the community fair. she was here and I actually talked for her for a while. And she also does um foot problems like plantar fascitis and type of shoes and things like that >> and what you might need for support. So
she does go beyond. She does have a lot of different products too, different foot soaks and lotions and things like that um >> that if people are interested they can uh purchase through her. But her focus is uh she does things uh like a consent to treat form. She does a medical
history, foot medical history with you. >> Uh she will reach out to your podiatrist if she feels like there's an issue going on. She'll take a before and after photo if we have someone who family can't be here. They would like to have an update on what's going on. She's happy to uh
collaborate with families. >> So she's a nurse. Yes. She's a diabetic when we when cut their toe off the oral care, >> right? But she is actually a she's a certified foot care nurse, but she's also a wound care nurse and uh she does not have a the last footare nurse would
not take someone if they run blood centers. Um this one will. >> So she has a lot of uh experience and certifications that we were involved with. So I'm hoping >> this is why we're doing this lunch and learn with her. We've had her at the
health fair so people could meet her. We're doing a lunch and learn so people could meet her. She's also this lunch and learn is a little presentation about um how important care is as you age. Um and then we'll start our clinic in November. Our upcoming holidays at the office is
closed is Tuesday, November 11th for Veterans Day and Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving. I will put in my plug for neat drivers. We are always in need of uh drivers for the NEAT program. Dory Sawyer who was the administrator of NE was here at the health fair. She connected with several people.
>> Um so I'm hoping that that transitions into some volunteers for her. New is highly reliant on the knee program to get people where they need to go for medical appointments. We have drivers that stay local but also go into Boston.
Um and it's uh it's a beautiful program that helps people remain independent. Um, but it's dependent on volunteers. So, I will put out my shout out that if anyone's interested, you can call us. Uh, we can connect you with Dory or you
can go on the NE website, but it's Northern Sex and Transport. And then lastly, our van driver uh gave us notice last Thursday afternoon. So, while we look for a new driver, our van program will be on hold and we will get that moving as soon as possible. That's it.
>> All right. fan grab a foot. He resigned. Y >> um is there any new business that anyone would like to bring up so we can put it on the agenda for the next meeting? >> I have a
a grand question really long range when you go before the select board with this report. What what what present action are you anticipating? Uh what will they what will they conduct on their level uh
before it goes before town hall? >> Um >> town meeting >> town meeting. So I expect that they will ask some questions about the about what went into it, how we did the work that we did and I expect they will accept the
report. >> What will it warrant? What will what will actually uh what's going to be the station for the warrant uh purely voting on the location or will we talk the arithmetic as well? >> No, at the warrant it will be we will
probably present as other committees have done. So you know how FinCom gets up and has a slide deck. Um my expectation is that the select board will ask us to put together that sort of
presentation where we talk about the process that we went through and the recommendation that we made and have some slides showing the various locations that were taken into consideration and the thoughts behind
how we ranked them the way that we did. Um and then it becomes a question of prioritization for the select board. So we've asked uh capital planning to
have the council on aging permanent home as something that they consider. You know just like anytime the town makes a large investment it's a slowm moving mechanism to get it moving forward. So we are uh
trying to get the awareness built about this at this point and get it built in a way that wherever the town takes it, you know, there are things >> that we didn't consider probably that might be good solutions. Um, but we have
to get the the community talking and understanding what is needed and what goes into this sort of building to make it successful so that we can get it moving. And then, you know, what the select board chooses to prioritize
for capital planning is out of our hands. So >> I guess I guess the question I have is what will the what will the town citizens at the town meeting be asked to vote on? >> So right now they will be asked to vote to accept the report
>> the report only but >> to to put the next step forward on the warrant is up to the selected people as far as choosing a site, choosing a budget. Um that's not something we we
could do a citizens petition if uh we find the select board is unreceptive or unresponsive. Um but we need to talk to them first. >> Um
and it would be a very I think without the select board it would be very hard to get a building built. Um even with the citizens petition we could ask you know citizen petition to raise the money is something that we
could certainly do. Um but I think it would be very hard without the support of the selection board >> and and any element of private money as well as tax based money for the town. >> Yeah. question is whether grants are
available and capital campaign on a private level to augment whatever the tax base can bear with this a village of 6,500 people that's going to be it's going to be a difficult a difficult bill to pay.
>> Yes. >> Ah may I? Okay. Um my past experience has been report like this goes to the select board they find needs the study committee the study committee will say yes we need a building committee this is
the direction we'll go in then the building committee will present to the select board they put it on the ballot >> that's the process I've been through before I don't imagine it's changed a whole heck of a lot so but this is this gets the ball rolling that's what we
need we need to get this ball rolling. >> Oh, we have a deadline coming up in >> Oh, yes. >> 2027 19 207 May >> and actually funding ends this December.
>> That's huge. >> I madeated on this back three years ago. >> Yeah. >> So, >> yeah. Yeah, >> we are moving in the right direction but yeah >> step one >> government slowly >> but this has come out in front of them
before I there was a group of >> it was a space needs committee before >> yes they were so it's not like it's newation >> when it was in Newbury elementary with one room >> yeah and they were pushing back then then they were pushing now
>> yeah ball What was the bomb? >> Parking. >> Oh, >> yeah. Access to it. >> Yeah. >> When you went into the kitchen, it was all kids. You know, you get your coffee and Yeah.
>> I just have two questions. Is the town also um discussing the select board, I guess, discussing what's going to happen with our town hall when those leases end. >> I don't know. like or or can we stay
here? >> I do like the fact that this report did put things in like that and stress that when you >> combine things you lessen the cost because you might be able to add on and I do like that that was added on.
>> Yeah. So yeah, that depending on where is located. >> Exactly. And I think that the stress what came through is >> seniors need socialization, young social and instead of being out there >> and the fact that you're here with the
town hall was really great. >> Yeah. >> Um >> and the school presents problems of its own, >> you know. I mean, >> yeah. David, are you going to present the report to the select board or just give
it to them? >> I move I have to talk to Alicia about what she would like. You know, I expect they'll want the presentation. >> He's the chair though. >> Oh, yes. Sorry. Forget that. >> Uh that it's Bill who
>> I will talk to Bill about. >> Yeah. uh and see what they would like um scheduling wise and how to make it work. Um >> because I think if you're going to do a presentation, it would be good if some of us could volunteer to be at that meeting to support.
>> Yes, I will certainly let the COA know when it when that presentation happens so that the members of the ad hoc committee can be there if they so choose and you guys as well. Um, you had another question that I I
feel like we got sidetracked from. Did it get answered? >> No, I asked that was about what is the town going to do when >> Yeah, we don't I don't know. That's uh no longer in my perview to decide
>> and they I know the select board is juggling a lot of things at the moment. Sorry. >> Yes, they always are. >> Oh, it's always that way. Just when you think you have one thing covered. Sure. >> Yes. Uh do we have a proposed meeting
date for the next meeting? I see you looking at the calendar. >> So the third Monday is the 15th of December. I'm sorry. We're going to November. >> Um the 17th of November. >> Um I believe
I might have done a week before that. Okay. So, I would entertain a motion to set our next meeting date for November 17th at 9:00 a.m. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> All those in favor? >> I I >> And I entertain a motion to adjurnn. Uh for you do Oh, I had a uh debacle with hearing aids and I just thought I would bring that up. I had a set that was 5
years old. They would not repair them anymore. It's beyond. So, I shopped around and I tried a set of those Oracle hearing aids that you buy online. They were very reasonable. Was under $200.
>> What a mistake. >> Oh, I was going to say >> they don't charge for beans. So, the charge only lasts 3 or 4 hours and they squeal constantly. Every time I get in my truck and lean against the side, it
would squeal. If I put a hood on, it would squeal. >> Yeah. >> I returned those and I went and I bought the really, really good set. It is so worth the money from the new. >> You bring up a really good point that
maybe because it's a COA, they might I don't think we have some sort of a presentation on this because I know I had friends who went from Costco and they were great for about a couple of years and I know I went for the Mercedes Benz and they're wonderful. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. And what I'm saying I don't know does that >> so New England Hearing who is here at the health fair we're going to do a presentation after the holidays. That would be excellent because I know when I was in that position what do you do? M I asked your mother actually for a
recommendation and I was very very pleased with the recommendation and unfortunately uh price Medicare will only pay for the examination hearing examination. So this is a big >> it's a big >> money and to get really good ones is big
money. >> Yeah, I know. I know. >> Would you call big money? I've been wearing herinades for over 40 years. So I understand herinades very well. I I started with them. >> I bought my hearing aids first from um
hearing aid specialist and at the time uh I had and you know I had some tough Medicare insurance and they paid for something like 1,400. The herinades were $5,000. They're good hearing aids. So I got the
same herinades at Costco for $13.95. shame. Costco gave me the best hearing test I've ever and I >> you had a positive and again after so many years they uh but two people >> this fell apart this didn't work as well
but you know things have changed and the other thing is a hearing specialist will give you insurance and then you can put they don't know that you can put it on your homeowners insurance >> so but there's a whole like thank you I'm glad that's coming up >> my whole thing was here is be wary of
online Yes. >> Okay. Go to a specialist. >> I think you get what you pay for, too. 200 bucks. >> Ridiculous. I mean, >> you might as well just get one of those ones that use these.
>> No, but these are these are great. These are great. And And >> And how long have you had them? >> Uh these herinades, the one I forget which herinades I'm wearing because they I had two sets. And these herinades I probably had 5 or 6 years. The ones I
bought originally 15 years and they're still good. >> But the as things have changed and the production of things and the technology changes, it makes a big difference. And again, I think the person I went to for advice had two hearing aids. >> Mhm.
>> You know, and two sets of hearing aids. And again, I >> And she still doesn't listen. Well, you know, >> one other question before we close. Is there any update on the Triton Snow Angels program? >> So, they are accepting uh I'm I'm
accepting people if they are interested in that. Again, they are recruiting volunteers. I cannot guarantee that if you call us and you need a snow angel that you will get one. So, I would suggest to people that you have a backup plan. Um, again, this is a a program
they like to do, but it's just like neat. It's volunteered. So, if they don't get volunteers, the other problem is the island is a big problem. There's not a lot of kids over there. >> They're going to try to promote it and see if we can get some volunteers. >> Yeah, >> I do talk. >> So, that is also in the PA newsletter.
There's a whole page with um Jess is her name at Triton who runs the program over there. um information about the program, city volunteers, and a a poster that's an insert. And so I'm working closely
with her to try to get more. >> She tries her very very best. Um and I believe she actually went over and helped someone herself last year. So, um, but if people know younger folks that are willing to be volunteers, it's very helpful.
>> We're still trying to find out who Ross is. Anybody know Ross? You know Ross? You know the kid that walks around and just stops. >> I know of him, but I don't know him. >> He's always just out there with his room. He's has >> This is Op. >> Yeah. >> You have a guy in a day, huh?
>> Yeah, we do. >> He's a sweet boy. He really is. He's He's an old older kid. um he's got some issues, but he just sweeps up the island if there's, you know, sand or snow at the center street. And
>> I don't know who he belongs to. So I I'm trying to find a way to contact him to see if his family would have him be a volunteer for individuals. I don't know. >> Right. So anyway um >> but yes after they brought it up before
I reached out to superintendent for it and then we had a discussion emails back and forth. So we are trying but again it does depend on people stepping up. So I do want to stay again state again that if you're working from home this could be a good coffee break. you know,
doesn't have to be first thing in the morning, but people can, uh, sorry. Um, anyone can volunteer and help out provided they're old enough. So,
>> well, this is almost like a double-edged sword because you have high school students who don't get their license till the end of high school. So they might need a way to get to your where you are, but at the same time, if you're
snowed in, you can't get out. >> Mhm. >> So there's a lot. It's not easy. >> I mean, the plan, I think, initially was to try and get you someone local within your neighborhood, right? >> So someone coming from Bfield driving over to the island is going to, you know, that's not the point of it. But
that's what it's been kind of turning out to be because there's not >> Last question. Is there any update on the cover for the man? Not yet. I'd actually just reached out to Tracy about that. So, she was reaching back out to R.J. Kelly. So, we're still waiting. >> Okay. Very good. All right. Motion to
adjourn. Second. >> All those in favor? I >> Thank you all. >> Thank you all.