No, >> I know. Anybody have any extra? >> Yes. >> All right. I'd like to call the January 12th Council on Aging meeting to order.
Uh we will start with a roll call vote. I a roll call attendance. Um we have Joan Koka. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Guess I should Joe, we couldn't hear you. >> I thought it was open here. >> Karen, are you talking? >> Yeah. >> Can you hear me? >> No, you're not getting the audio.
>> Wait a minute. Wait a minute. >> She's here. >> I'm here. Whether you can hear me or not, Try again. Can you hear us?
>> Yes. >> But you can hear me. >> I thought I had it. >> We just had >> Karen, can you talk? Maybe it's Joan. >> No, it's great. This is Karen. Okay.
>> Could you hear me? Can you hear them? >> Yeah, I can hear them. >> They can hear me. >> We can't start without >> Joan. It's an issue on this end. We're trying to resolve it here.
>> Oh, okay. >> Okay. Turn that down. >> Okay. >> I can't. No. >> I don't know your computer, >> Joan. Oh, wait. It looks like it might work. Karen, can you talk >> here?
>> Can you hear me? >> No, they are talking and we don't hear it. >> CTV. >> Wait a minute. >> Yeah, but they don't. They're not on here. >> One more time. >> Try it again, Karen. >> Speak. >> I'm here. Can you hear me?
>> I can hear Karen. >> I can hear Joan. reboot. >> I wonder what happened. >> So, we could figure out >> just gonna reset it >> and then just log back in.
>> We're still on with our CTP, so it's fine. We have a chlorum in the room if we can. >> Just did this on Monday with PBC. >> Yeah. One thing they know today is
10 available >> working on my word. These are mixed up letters. They have to make words out of. >> It's good. I like it. a lot of stuff just >> ah Karen.
>> Hey Joan. >> I think they're trying to reboot. >> Oh, I don't understand why you and I could do it, but they can't do it. >> I know. It's crazy. Oh, somebody had new. >> Oh, Rosemary.
>> I don't think she I don't think her picture is there. >> Not yet. >> Oh, we lost ICTV. Nope, >> they're still here. We lost video of you. >> Yeah, we lost video.
>> Oh, you can't see our lovely face. >> No, we can't. Oh, there you are. >> Oh, yeah. All right. >> There it is. >> I think we're all set. >> We're all set. >> RCTV.
>> They're on the Zoom. We just And Rosemary is as well. Make sure >> you there too. >> Yes. >> So, can you do some >> Hold on. Let me go to Let me just adjust this really quick.
>> Let me just do the show not participants. >> Yeah. >> No, heard it. I heard it. >> A little motion that we should all be here in person. And I wish we could.
>> It's so much more. But they extended, right, Jane? They >> How long can we leave virtually? Oh, that's better. Another year. >> Okay. >> All right. Roll call. I'll go by the um
the website. So, John Parson here. >> Joan Coco. >> Yes. I'm here. Yay. Rosemary de Benadetto >> here. >> I'm here. >> Okay. I forget. Do I say the associate
members too? >> It doesn't matter. >> Yeah. For roll call. Kate Harington >> here. Hoy. >> Aaron Pette >> here. >> Ron Powell >> here. >> Jean Pra >> here. >> John Sinski >> here. >> Marilyn Chappley
>> here. >> Tom O' Conor >> here. >> Nancy Zimlac >> here. Karen Janowski. Thank you all. So, I'll go over the agenda. Um, first item actually is going to be public comment and the appointment of
Secretary that should have been removed from a while ago. We do have Nancy who's doing an excellent job as I secretary. Thank you. >> Please more >> maybe I'll sign up for another year. Our
big thing is welcoming Terry Bell >> to be our >> Yes. >> Yes. >> We're so grateful. >> I'm gonna come back and give you a moment. I'm just going to go through the agenda. Give you a moment. No worries.
>> Um a select board update. U Karen Rose Gillis did say that she was going to be unable to attend. She did give me um if no one else is here, she did give me a few things that I can update people about. Um human coming by
virtual soon. >> Elder human services report with Carrie and Jenna. Elder human services proposed budget with Jenna and Jane Rowan. Trust fund report including the Burbank funds
used since last request. ARPA update and request and possible vote for funds with Jenna. PBC update with Ron Powell. Operations update with Jenna. Evening activities majong with Jenna Wood and
Caribbe and Carrie. COA working group for recal update with the Rick working group members. Recal updates at the PSC January 29th. Approve November and December meeting with COA meeting minutes and approve joint meeting
minutes with COA recreation committee. And then we'll discuss future agenda items and John will lead us to a journ ajourn. >> I I think the um evening activities maj
>> you can add but actually I have spoken with Jenna and she has an update. >> Yeah, we spoke with Jill. >> Oh, okay. That's why I changed it because there we have a great update. So, um,
and so Harry, welcome. We're so thrilled that you are here. >> Thank you. >> You've been Maybe you can tell us a little bit about your background and what >> Do you want me to stop in the beginning? >> I was born at Mel Rose. No.
>> So, I'm I'm a Stonem resident. uh born and raised and I went back to Stone with my to raise my family. Um and I started my career off at the district attorney's office as a victim's advocate and I was there for six years and then I twisted and kind of wanted to work with elders
because my grandparents both became aged. They were aging in place. Um and I worked for a nonprofit the sister agency of Mystic Valley called Minute Man. And then I was going to multiple towns. I wanted to focus on one specific town and then applied to Reading and I've been with Reading for almost 14 years. So
that's my job history. So I've been an advocate for a long time, >> probably since the womb actually. My dad was a police officer, my mom was a teacher, so I was born into public service. >> And so your experience with the 60 plus
community, you bring a different perspective. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's more hands-on perspective, but I think nonetheless, it's a good perspective because I've been working with all different types of people for a very long time, especially the senior population.
>> Yeah. People who are homebound >> homebound and isolated and >> Yeah. >> And we look forward to hearing that about >> Yes. You know, because it >> Oh, I got stories. >> Stay away from us. >> Yeah. but also maybe how we can broaden our outreach in terms of meeting the
needs of the 60 plus community as well. >> Yeah, absolutely. Great. >> Yeah. >> Now, Carrie, I think it's awesome with your background that you're doing this position. What about the position that you held prior to this advancement? Are
you going to be doing both and how are you going to do that with an assistant or not? >> It's a balance and I Yes, I'm doing both. Um, luckily, um, I've got, we have an amazing staff here at the senior center that I don't
want to take credit for being in charge of anything. Everybody here is in charge. Everybody here runs this place. Everybody here takes control. Everybody here has a has a purpose and a role, but it goes well beyond their purpose and role. So, we're all kind of working together
>> to help each other out and make this is this transition as easy as possible. And I have the support of such I mean they're here right now. I have an amazing staff that's here supporting us. So, >> but my concern is why haven't they
signed even if it was an intern student uh doing an internship from college just to help people? >> How about we add that? >> Okay. We want to make sure that we're meeting your needs as well. So, we're here to support you >> and it may be something that at some point we put on an agenda item or
something. Yeah. Well, Janet just got um increased to 30 hours, which is excellent. And then Liv has been doing a lot more case management to help me too. Um which has been, you know, challenging for me to give up some of my clients because I like to call them myself, but
she's been helping tremendously with that. So, I think all of us kind of pitching in and helping. But I've done my job for so long that I don't I can do it in my sleep. Like, it's so easy. It's just easy for me. keep informed any way
that we can advocate for you. >> Absolutely. This this new role, the administrator role, is is newer for me, so I'm learning and I'm just right now in the the position of trying to balance both and making it work the best way I can for myself. Yeah. Without >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. Well, we're here to support you. We know you'll do an amazing job. We really appreciate stepping forward and with her desire for the elderly to see him. That's awesome. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yes. You're welcome. Thank you. The other thing too is public comment.
I should have said that too. Is there any public comment? >> Did you notice Karen here? >> Okay. Seeing none, uh I see Karen joined. Um Karen Rose Gillis had sent me some information, but Karen, since you're here, you're just in time for the
select board update. >> Great. And um yeah, feel free to share Karen's update. She did tell me she reached out to you, which is awesome. Um I'm also the liaison to the permanent building committee. So and you were there and so um I did attend that and um
the project is going along very well but um it's it's all focused on the building at this point. It's not really focused on the programming and how we'll use the building, but they welcomed, you know, Ron as the newest member and representative from the Council on Aging. And um it's a good smart group
and so um we will just keep working on the the detailed design of this fabulous project. >> So you want me to add the select board update from what Karen wrote? >> Please. I have no idea what she wanted to add. Thank you.
>> Okay. So, um, she so her her notes to me to share with the council are they're beginning the town manager review process. They executed a an agreement with RCTV. There will be a new liquor store located in the section of the former Staples
store. The process for the search um, the search process has begun for the new superintendent of schools. They welcomed Carrie as the new position of administrator of elder services. And that there is a forum. She wanted
everybody to be reminded that there is a forum this Wednesday at the library for the Walkers Book Pride area in future planning. And she also wanted me to mention the Martin Luther King Day celebration which will be held next Monday.
Um, clarity and Jenna. Next item on the agenda is the elder human services report which is in the path. >> Did you want me to share it on the screen or >> Sure. So, do you want me to start with the
stats or do you want me to start with the highlights? >> It's up to whatever you would like to. >> I'll start with the the highlights. Um, so for December, we had a holiday party with Marina Phillips. That's always a big success and super fun for the
seniors. Um, we did something different this year with police. They came over and did karaoke with a cop which was super fun. Um, ne next time we do it, we want to promote it a little bit more because we had a low turnout, but um I think it was the timing,
>> but it was it was hysterical and amazing and the cops all came over and it was great. Um, we did a scams program with the sheriff's department which was a big success. Um, Monday lunch with bingo is bringing in a tremendous amount of
people almost to the point where it's too many people. Um, because we have an exercise class in the in that starts before bingo and we have to turn the room over really fast. So, I had to come down here and patrol the room today to
make sure there was no incident. Um, open enrollment was amazing this year. Um I don't know what the stats are for um Joanne and Mike, but >> it was 147. >> Yeah, 147 people they saw for open enrollment for Shine, which is just
fantastic for two people. Um M mindful Crafting came in. Um Cultural Curious came in. We have a ukulele class that's been awesome to listen to and super peaceful and very calming. Um and then Coolage Middle School started back up with their with their song. They used
to do this years and years ago. They'd come in and perform in here and like the parents come and record it and it's ador it's adorable and great. Um so that was fun. Um some highlights from behind the scenes. Um LPI, our printing company for the newsletter is moving towards
printing Canva only. So Canva is a program online where you can make documents and um flyers and things like that. So, this company is no longer taking the format that we were using before. So, we have to switch over to Canva, which Janet and Anna and myself
have all been trying to do. So, it's good because we're already in that mode to do it and switch to for LPI, so we can stay with that company. Um, and Janet did and I well, so we came up with a list of like some homebound seniors and Janet did Sanford seniors last year
and this year the list kind of changed a little bit. So, we filled um 16 buckets of sand and delivered to 15 seniors. Um uh last year's program was done specifically on referrals from me for home violence, but this year people
called it. Um it's been super helpful for home health aids and aids that are seeing these clients regularly because it's been super extra icy um for them to have be able to throw down a bucket of sand just in the steps. Um, and that's been super great. And it was cheap to
do, a cheap and expensive thing. It only cost us $179 and we can get the sand down at DPW. Um, I just would like to see Janet get some help with delivering because it was a lot of work, heavy lifting. Um, social services, uh, we saw
the biggest event yet for adopt a family. Um, I've been doing it since I've been here. We saw 100 recipients and 160 donors donate um to people to families and elders in need. Um and this year we did something a little
different. We did a giving tree um for some of my homebound clients and I started with 10 because I wasn't so the client we had a tree outside my office and people would just come in and take a ticket off the tree and then go buy something and bring it back and then me
and Liv the nurse delivered the gifts. I want it to be bigger next year because it was super successful and people really did it. The sad thing is we lost three elders after they got their Christmas gift. They all passed away, but at least they got to get a Christmas present before they passed and it was
lovely for me to be able to visit with them before they passed away. So, it was very heartwarming and humbling and we got a lot of, you know, positive feedback for that. So, as as far as the stats,
the graph, if you want to go up to the the first number is duplicated and the second number is unduplicated. So, as you I don't know if you can take a look at it. Um, this is for the month
of December. Um, so we came up withund 1,783 people have been talked to. 421 people have been talked to. 100 1,783 interactions with
how that kind of plays out. Keep in mind December is kind of a wonky month just because we have a lot of holidays. I was out a bit trying to use some time. Um, all staff was taking vacation time. Um, so it's a little bit lower than what it has been in the past, but nothing too
crazy. Love, you know. Um, also always our health and fitness classes are always topnotch and and our phone hugs are always busy. Um, and I think it volunteers. >> Oh, yeah. and the volunteers. Um, we did
they had 75 hours just in December, which is incredible. So, it's important for me. I'm I like to run the stats. I like to run them for myself because I like to I'm slightly in a competition with myself because I like to see how many people I talk to once a
month. And so I like to increase it as it goes. It's my own little game I like to play when I'm running my reports. So just because I talked to a 60 people and it is 120 comes up to 120. I I this
month was really crazy with a lot of individual clients. So I could have talked to one person but it took all it took like the whole day to like work with them. So just to clarify if that looks lower than previous numbers in months.
That's all I got. >> It used to have duplicates and >> it is >> it's in the graph. >> Yeah. The first number is the duplicated and the second is >> not the explanation what it what it means like
a key. Thanks. >> Yeah, thanks. That's a good question. >> And then the other question I have is on the highlights you stopped at central services but um what was the voicemail?
>> Oh sorry I was trying to read fast. So we we have had the ability through our uh my senior center to do a voice blast like so Linda was calling everybody to remind people or tell people you know oh we're close to the holiday or oh there's an event coming remember you signed up.
So through my senior center, we tested it and Melinda recorded a message and blasted it to one person to see if it worked and it did to tell them, you know, reminder there's an event tomorrow so that we don't have to spend all that time calling everybody.
So then we did it again for a big event. I think we did it. Did we do it for the holiday? Holiday holiday and it worked amazingly and it was great and the and it reminded everyone to come and she didn't have to call 55 people to tell them. Yeah. So you have my active center. >> Huh?
>> Do you mean my active center? >> One person. My senior center which is also my active center. >> So do you have to access two different ones? >> No. So my active my active center and my senior center are the same. My active center is just the online version of my senior center. But when you log into my
senior center it'll c you can have a call like you can put it in to make a phone call with it like a voicemail and it and it calls everybody. >> Yeah. on the administrative side of the software. >> Okay. So, we we don't see the my senior center at all. We just see my accuracy.
>> Yes. >> Two things. One, this is great. Thank you. Sure. >> Um I see you didn't get the total people served here. Did they do need help figuring out I'm making my senior center do that? It's a different calculation. >> Well, I was kind of looking at as this is a new year.
>> It's typically done in a school year. So time because it was up over 30,000 I think on the last we track >> if you want to switch the calendar here at some points do the transition so we
can see what's happening. >> Um the other thing is the phone thing is wonderful but do we have the capacity to keep both landline and um cell phones numbers in the system? >> Yes. Yes. my mine for example, I didn't
get it. You've got my landline. >> I think it probably calls the first number listed, >> right? Just again, I'm not criticizing the primary the primary number. >> Get it straightened out. >> It should have left you a message though. No. >> No, it won't. Your landline can't accept it.
>> Landlines can't accept robocalls. >> Uh certain kinds voicemail or text messages >> or things that are connected to text. Was this dress up for one event? >> One of we did it one event. >> So if you weren't signed up for that
event, you wouldn't have whatever the event was. >> Good point. >> That would heat up. >> Yeah, I'm just >> Thank you, Carrie, for this update. I know that you mentioned that you are taking the statistics a little bit
differently from the way they've been done previously, right? So that might be harder than to see year to date. >> Right. Chris was logging two interactions per month. Yeah. >> And this shows you how many people um were served. So 421 unique participants,
but 421 of those participants came 1,783 times or out of those 421 participants like they called a couple times or whatever be. So >> Chris used to show that, but it's different when you do the year to date
because it's looking over the months of years that doesn't mean you can't change. >> Yeah, we can reach out to him and ask him how he calculated that number. Um I was having trouble coming up with >> it's a different calculation. >> But if you do add all these first
numbers, >> right, >> that equals about 3,000. >> But the point is for the year, you'd be taking all the November ones and you have to and duping >> it's a different duping them and saying over the fiscal year, how many unique
people in total have we served? It was over 3,000 in in the last month. It's been growing but still >> I thought those are the interactions but I'd have to look at the last >> annual interaction there and we make it in a month.
>> I think I know what you're saying. >> Yeah, I think we do have to accept that Jerry might do things a little bit differently. So, you know, whatever you can do. >> Thank you. I'm looking now. >> The MCO may be in health because they're really big in my senior service. So, they may say, "Oh, do this or send you
something." And it's good to try different things, but data is so important and drives so much of how we reach out to the public. >> Yeah. >> That um we would have to do a a
re-education being if we changed the way that data is being generated. >> Just I agree or we'll we'll wait and see what you think. But I think one of the things might be we just go with Chris's method
through November and that this is so that then we move forward with this. But see what you can resolve. >> Okay. >> Because I know yeah we we looked at it and it was a little bit different. So >> um and so we want accurate data. So if
it's not accurate that's what I'm hopeful either. So yeah, >> again, I think MCA might be able to sympathize, oh yeah, >> and I appreciate you adding in those highlights from because that's not
typically information that we get. Yes. Around some of those other, you know, I think it's important. Yeah. >> And one of the things too when you talked about the adopted family Yes. >> and the social, you know, the social services, that's not something that we are playing a significant part in,
right? And I would love to see us become more involved. >> Yeah, absolutely. They're always needing >> volunteers down there, especially and you know, next year we we're trying to do it in in a shift form because a lot of people tend to come in the early morning and then people trail off by
midm morning and then but when the recipients are coming to pick up their presents, we have a lower number of people to like assist putting stuff in the car and that kind of stuff. So it's we're trying to work it so that we have a balanced volunteer group coming in. So those are things that some of that we
>> that you guys would want to participate in. Yeah, absolutely. >> As much as possible. >> Yeah, totally. >> With enough notice for Yeah. So you can carry that you said that. I think that's awesome to do that. But if there is any need that you find you really need it
that maybe you were specific holiday or something that we when I say we I'm speaking for myself and I'm speaking for the council to assist with us because we advocating for the
>> Yeah, absolutely. We used to do a Christmas in July. We can bring that back maybe in July. Um like a holiday meal in July. Well, like a just a meal. We did a spring meal. We used to do all those. The problem right now is just delivering things and getting out is is
hard. Um, but the cops used to do it. Used to deliver them. So, if that's something we want to talk about for the future, it's definitely would be great and a great help for us. >> Yeah, maybe we can put that on as an agenda. Well, we'll talk about a future agenda item. Okay.
>> You did have volunteers all the time to deliver food, didn't you? Yeah. What? >> You used to have volunteers to deliver food. I remember delivering it. >> Yeah. You did it. >> Yeah. >> John. >> Yeah. So, can you do
>> you hear our interest? So, let's talk about that in the future. >> Okay. Thank you. The uh proposed budget, the outdoor human services proposed budget report 27. Agenda and Jane. >> I think Jane's gonna Okay. Am I am I
taking the point on this? >> Yes. For the uh FY27 budget. >> So, uh as you all know, the select board has asked us to reduce our budgets or um the finance committee's asked us to bring in
a 2.5%. Um so right now we are projecting um to keep um all of elder and human services stable for next year. So it's level funded for next year. So we're not
rejecting any cuts right now. Um there was a pass where we look through it. We're looking for some cuts by divisions both my sides of the department. >> Thank you sir. >> Am I not loud enough? >> No. I'm sorry. Um, so we're planning a
level services budget, level funded budget. So level services, we're providing the same services at whatever the cost is. Uh, this year we're providing a level funded budget. It's the same number last year will be next year, FY26, FY27.
Um, so for elder human services, what that works out to is $35,500. um $253,800 of that is in salaries for FY27 and that is offset by $110,000
um in state grant support. So this the salaries are 350 363,000. So it's offset by the state grant. um the expenses side is uh $51,700
and that is the same that is budgeted for FY26. So there's no increase but there's no decrease and we are seeing decreases in other budgets. So this is something that I have advocated for with the manager and with CFO and they have
been able to maintain this level funded budget which is not the case. Sorry, I have vocal I have vocal issues. I can't I can't Yeah, there's no microphone. So, maybe we should talk about that. Um, >> so at any rate um
that's where we are right now. Our biggest concern are um two line items. These are my biggest concerns right now are two line items. um meals and um this kind of this line that's bucket other
expenses um we have other expenses is funded at $16,000. uh FY25 it came in at, let's see, $18,000
is what we paid. That was the actual in FY24 it was $17,700. So our experience is in the past that we exceed that $16,000. So we're going to have to stay at 16 this year, FY26 and
FY27. What's in that category? >> Um, I'm gonna defer to Jenna on what goes into that category. >> That could be plates for the the kitchen. We have a supplies item, but sometimes we go over on the supplies item. So, it could be
that. Um, we we also had to pay for an operational consultant, so we took that out of other expenses this year. Um, also we use a good portion of it for programming. So, if we're running out of our programming line item, which is very
>> 13,000. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, then we go into other expenses as well. So, really anything that's that comes up, um, we just we put in there. I think one year we needed a bunch of repairs done, too. We we might have done the landscaping, just things
like that. >> Yeah, it's it's it's kind of a catch-all. Um, >> so yeah, programming is budgeted at 13,000 for next year. It's currently budgeted at 13,000 for this year. For FY25 it we spent at 14,000.
Um so 13,000 is low. Um and then for meals were budgeted at 15,000. Our meals have been offset by ARPA funds really. So we haven't spent a lot of money in in meal delivery. I think uh FY25 it was $895.
Um, so our CFO is like, "Well, clearly we're overbudgeting the meals at 15,000." Like, "Oh, no. Oh, no, we're not. We are absolutely not because we that money has run out." And so, um, so this is really where, you know, we look to um other funding sources that we
have. We have interest on some trust funds. We have there's another bucket, $50,000 >> donation, >> the donation account that we can look to. Um, and so that's those are funding sources. Other ways we can address these problems is to look for different
vendors or different um providers. So, um, we've had great meals in in recent years, which has been fantastic. And I think that that has been a contributor to what's helping engage people to come because the meals are good and um
without any interest in maligning other organizations. Some other meal services in the past um that have been provided have not been loved. It's my understanding. Um, so one of the things I'm thinking of and and
we'll be meeting with um the school department food services. They do catering. They have a catering division which works very well for them because it helps them keep all of their staff employed and working and they have a full commercial kitchen and they do
catering and I've been to their stuff and it's kind of awesome. um not to put too but they do a beautiful job and they do a beautiful job with um you know this is gluten-free this is dairy free like anything food related you know that
safety related so Katherine Franetti runs that program there she's very motivated so we might see if we can do a lunch and learns with them or you pick something and and start serving with them and seeing what that looks like in
terms of cost. Um we don't have to procure it because we're buying it from ourselves. Um and their food is really quite good. I had them cater my department head breakfast the other day. So um I paid for that myself out of pocket
just for the record. But um >> they just cater other town departments or do they cater like if I wanted a birthday part? >> Yeah, that's an interesting question. I don't know if they do private catering. Um but like the school department does events so they've been doing events.
They've been doing the MLK breakfast. Um they did that last year and you know they're just fantastic and they work like really work well with everybody. They they have all the gear and so um we've also talked to the book about doing something very similar. Y um
>> same concept having the students kind of cook maybe a cake for the birthday lunch instead of going to Mark Basket. So Janet and Ann are meeting with the Boke again to like recircle back about that. >> Exactly. So that these are other ways that we can reduce our cost but not
reduce our quality. Okay. Which is important because we think that the the quality and the safety of the food is important and being able to meet the need is any way and I think that's awesome with the V. I've been there in their pastry shop. >> Oh yeah.
>> I've taken cooking lessons there. But on another note, as far as programming goes, I know um what about to keep the cost and bring different programming in for volunteers? There's so much talent
possibly within our community that we should tap into for them, individuals willing to volunteer for a program to say volunteering to conduct and teach. I just want to say we've we've tried a lot
a lot a lot a lot and the push back we get is that people want to be paid. >> No, I I I mean we can try again and we can try again and again. Um but most people don't necessarily want to do it at no cost, >> but we do have people who come in at no
cost, >> right? We have some >> we have the IT person, right? >> But but not not as many as we would. >> So maybe this could be another future agenda. in the community. >> Just I might talk to Peter elsewhere up
there. They said that >> something on the order of half didn't quote me on a number but a vast number of their programs were run totally for free by volunteers and was really powerful method of also engaging the
community. They're going to I don't know what magic does their sprinkler but we need some >> it's a different community. Yeah, >> it is. I'll make the same thought I made this morning. In the amount of time that I've been following stuff from senior center, I have never seen you ask the
board volunteers to with who have something that they would like to offer. So you say you tried I don't know how far long ago that was. And >> our volunteer coordinator is here if we'd like to have her chime in if she'd
like to. Um we have a monthly feature that is in on the writing um writing post online in our newsletter and online where we feature a current volunteer and request for other volunteers. We have a list
that is present in the building of multiple volunteer opportunities including a section that says bring your talent to us. Um we have spoken we've we've had um currently our IT is a volunteer who comes in. We've had several people come in. We had one
gentleman was going to do a life journaling, but then he found out other senior centers paid and cancelled us. So, we are trying to find people. We I we have last year received over 120 applications for volunteers who want to come in and help and do things around,
but finding somebody with a talent who wants to teach is where we're we're still working on it. So, I mean, we're we're doing our best and I can obviously do more. Um, but this is >> But you just got our hours put up today. >> I I only I was 18 hours, then I was 20
hours and I'm also assisting with programming. So, but I can obviously do more. Um, but we do posts and I can provide anyone a list of the of the materials that we give out. We them out to schools. We put them in the p we get into the writing chronicle the post and we've also done a post on our website.
on the town website I just found. >> Thank you. So you have to very proactive. >> Yes, that's what Yep. And so we list specific opportunities such as serving um running games um like we have a volunteer who teaches cheer volleyball. We have students who
come and do games. we put out for shine for um doing our tax prep um working in the gardens and then so we have specific jobs and then the general please bring your talent to us um so that's how we've
done in the past but if people have specific programming we can put out that you want we can search for a knitting expert or whatever you would like I can do that like we did that for a majam instructor so if there's things that people would like to see they can reach out to me and I can search for specific
areas. Um, but we do put it out to and we also have contact all the high schools, high school teachers and we're trying to get them in here as well to do things. >> Has her hand raised whatever. >> Oh, I don't know if you want to take
>> Oh, Karen, >> quick question. I was just wondering just what is the going rate for like somebody that you just mentioned who said, "Oh, I need to bail on you because they're going to pay me." What what what is the cost of some of these this programming? >> Well, some I mean it depends. They were
looking at like 150 an hour. Um but then it goes up to 350 an hour. >> Okay. Thanks. >> It's expensive. system. >> I was just going to suggest that maybe you have a section on the website, the
town website for EHS that has volunteer opportunities with a job description and um you know people I know that's how I got involved um when I retired.
So that might be that might be another thing to do. Thank you. And Jane, I have to say I was in introducing Jane because this is the first time that I've been online. >> Well, we've been online, but for you
know, we we're thrilled that you as the assistant town manager are here with us tonight and helping us welcome Carrie. >> We're thrilled. Yeah. >> I mean, it's amazing this the staff is here. Jane's here. It's great. Thanks so much for coming. >> So, it's going to be a regular party
from now on. We're having a good time. >> Yeah, >> we're going to have a good time. Um, just on on that item, if you don't mind, Madam Chair, um, through you to Miss Shappley, I think that's an excellent recommendation that we reach out to PBD different community. I want to thank
Janet for all her work as a volunteer coordinator. She's done tremendous work. One of the things that she's done is to bring back the senior tax worker program. Um, and that might be a way that it could be a financial inducement
to a volunteer. Um, and so it's something that we can look at and ask the select board to increase the number of volunteers that we allow. Um, and another matter that um, Miss Valley just explained to me or reminded me of is that we have an income cap um, on who is
eligible for that program and some communities do not have income caps. So in order to sort of manage where we are with that, we we might just increase that cap and increase that and see where that goes and what that does in terms of attractiveness. So I think, you know,
with Janet's uh expertise, I I don't mean to speak for her. Um but that's something that we could look at um as well because that might help meet that need. I know some other communities have a lot of volunteers, but it's through that >> because people's should be valued for
their time. Their time is valuable no matter what age they are and they they and I understand that. So, um, so let's see what we can do around that. >> So, thank you everybody's had a chance to speak that would like to. Tom, I know
you have to leave soon. anything any just want to make sure everybody has had a chance before I call people who have already spoken. >> Yeah, I just two questions for G. Um, you mentioned that it's a level funded
budget. So, I'm assuming that all town departments are adhering to this and that budgets and other town departments are not being increased. And then the other thing is that um the it sounded
like when you gave examples for the FY25 and 24 budgets that there there was more money allocated. Um but there's less money allocated this year. And help me with the math here. I
am not a good math person. >> No, you're you're fine. there there was no more money allocated in previous years. We just over spent the line item and we took it from an underspent line item. Okay. So, so it wasn't it wasn't that we and it was at that point we're
like, okay, we need to, you know, find another source because we're now open. >> So, the money was within the EHS budget, but it was just taken from somebody else. >> Correct. Correct. And so, and it's really important. So, and then the other thing to answer your first question, um,
most of the other departments are are either staying in that 2.5% or they're below or they're seeing cuts. Okay? And some people can cut more in other departments than than others can. What has happened since the last override,
right, in 2018 is that we we are able to turn back less and less to the town at the end of the year. there's less money left in reserve that goes over to free cash. And so that's been okay for a while because we've had ARBA funds and CARES money and all these
different things. Um and so we have delayed sort of the inevitable in terms of so as our as our budgets come down or we can't increase them um or we can't increase them by much. most of the increases are in salaries not in
expenses um because we follow the classification plans and you know union contracts. So um so the expense lines tend to stay flat. I mean most of my departments have been flat for since the last override. You know
for the most part they haven't really increased. Um and so it's just been less we spent more of those line items out and then you know there's less that goes back to the town. And so that's how we know when we're getting to a point where we we need to have a conversation with the community about is an override a
good decision? Are we there yet? And generally you you don't do that until you're at a point where we're feeling some pain. the Elder and Human Services budget has some rainy day funds that we can we can tap into so that this budget
doesn't suffer as we go forward and in case an override doesn't pass, we can still provide programming. So, we have to be really smart and strategic about how we spend our money and that's why we're talking about um how we can do meals differently and um and still have
that good quality, but then also, you know, what do we want to do around programming? And I think we got some really good suggestions and we we look to partner with everybody here and and the and the elder uh community in general to get that those ideas and that feedback.
>> Does that answer your questions? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Good questions. >> Next item is the trust. Thank you so much. The trust fund report including urban funds since last request update and request and a possible vote for fun.
Thank you. >> Sure. So, what I thought I would do because in the last meeting, Chris had requested $5,000 for some bills and some programming. So, I wanted to be as transparent as possible on what that money was going toward. So, we have um
all this compiled. Most of them are our fitness classes. some um you'll see podiatry that's a service and we have a couple lunches on there and the remaining budget is around $900 that we haven't used of that
funding. Um and just to let you know we requested 5,000 and it's only the middle of January and we haven't paid January instructors. So this was just for December alone for the programming. Um, so we are hoping to ask for another
5,000 to help with the programming. We do have the donation account we can rely on um and tap into until we start charging in April for our programs. But it would be great if we could get the support from the funds to just give us
another month or two to kind of offset um our programming costs because ARPA is running out. Um, we only have $5,000 left in ARPA that vary in between several different instructors. Like some
instructors, we had to make contracts for all of our instructors. So, at the beginning of the year, um, we had to procure a certain amount of money. So, some folks have some remaining, some don't. Um, I have a spreadsheet of that as well. And so we have a total of
$5,000 left in the ARPA funding for that. And then for our meals, we have 3,200 for professors market uh Monday lunches. And we have around um 21,000 left for our trips, which is great. So that will probably see us through this
whole fiscal year. Um and Fat Larry, who does our lunch and learns, we don't have any money remaining for them. So that's kind of where we're at. um is to get that support. We will be charging for a majority of our programs
um starting in April with our new platform and that will include all the programs that you see here, probably more as well as the birthday launch and um the community launch. and Carrie has Carrie and the team have
been going around and talking to a lot of the seniors that have been coming and telling them of these changes and we'll be updating them too at our recal chat that we'll talk about. Um but they're aware that it's coming. We're going to put something in the pleasantries next
month and Carrie tell them about your little your conversations that you've been having. So, um, we've been sprinkling little seeds of what the cost might be in the future, and we're getting a lot of positive feedback that people feel very guilty coming here and eating for free. They
feel guilty not contributing. They feel guilty not paying for things. So, they're happy to pay for what they want, what they get. >> When will they be notified that there's start charging Friday, April? When are you going to tell people? So, we're telling people if they come to the recal
chat, we're telling them on the 29th. The staff has been going around and informing people at different events and programs. And then we'll be releasing something in an email blast and in the pleasantries um at the end of at the end of the month. So, in the February pleasantries,
all the information will be out about charging and also about our new programming software platform. And Jenna, so these December costs in programs
>> were not included last year when the programming for the APA funds had to be solidified and contracted. Yeah. So, we had to pretty much guess how much it would cost for
just one year and we couldn't go beyond the one year um with our contracts. >> Yeah. I I forget exactly when the program and contract went out, but we couldn't do that in good faith and do two years because if we sucked up that
money with one vendor for $6,000 and let's say something happened and that person left, then we would lose $3,000 of the ARPA funds. >> Okay? So that's why we did the one-year contracts for everyone. So we pretty much made it till the end of what we were hoping to make it to. Um and then
we knew that we were going into a new system. Um so I looked today too. We started using ARPA funds in 2022. >> Um and we're now which is FY23 and now we're going into FY27 and we're in
calendar year 2026. So, it's gotten us pretty far and we've done a lot of amazing things with it. >> So, >> absolutely. But now it's getting a clientele Yeah. adjusted >> that they're going to have to contribute to participate.
>> Absolutely. And I think we mentioned in the last time too, we talked about it a little bit for the lowincome folks. Um there's a scholarship program that we're going to put together. Newton has one. Wreck already has one in the town. So Carrie's going to be working closely in coming up with something so that people
can fill out an application. We we also know that some people are maybe too proud to fill something out like that. So she'll be having some transparent conversations with with her clients and just telling them the options. And >> there's also a difference between want
and need of like I can't have it and I can't afford it versus I don't want to pay for it. So, we have to really have that that has to be distinguished, too. Some people just don't want to pay, but they can't afford to pay. So, there's a difference.
>> Jenna, I have a question. I know when we approved the money, $5,000, we thought it was going to be for December and January, >> right? I knew that wasn't going to be enough because the vendors alone in a month for the fitness classes are 3,260
on my spreadsheet estimate. So >> and in December was these aren't even all the classes that we usually offer in a month. We usually because a lot of them are missing a week because of Christmas. So
>> it will probably be helpful to to calculate out monthly what is what is the total cost? >> Yes. 3,260 for the v for the fitness vendors. >> All right. That's just fitness. >> That's just fitness. Anything else? not lunch and learns, not lunch um the other
lunches, but we also have a spreadsheet with that too of like the rough estimates of costs >> and is the expectation once the the um payment system will go into effect that the payment will cover the all of the expenses. >> That's correct. >> So including like how will podiatry
work. >> So each client will pay the fee that I think it's $40 that she charges per person right now. >> Initial is 50 >> and then follow is 40. Thanks. Okay. >> But it's cheaper than for some than a copay. >> Absolutely. If they don't have insurance.
>> Well, yeah. Or if >> So then the expectation is in April all of these expenses will be covered by the fees. >> Correct. >> Okay. So you need something that's going to >> get us until that point.
>> Take us to March 31st. >> Okay. No, I'm just trying to do the numbers in mind, >> but we also have the donation account we can we can tap into as well. >> I'm not sure. Do people know about the donation account? >> I didn't know it exists.
>> So, it it's around $50,000. So, that's money that's been accumulated over the past several years and people will come in, they'll donate $150 and in honor of someone who's passed away or just a good faith donation for $100 and it goes into
this account. So, um it's discretionary unless like the specific donation goes into the account and it's supposed to be for something specific. Like if someone comes in and donates $10,000 for like new teapotss in the kitchen or something like that, then that would need to go towards new teapotss in the kitchen. But
to my understanding that there's nothing in that fund right now that lines up with something like that. So, it's completely discretionary >> cuz I think we initially when when it was aligned to something, we did it immediately. We someone bought like plates for the kitchen at one point
>> and we bought them right away when the donation came through. >> So someone wanted to come in and donate. I want to have a lunch sheet and pay for the lunch sheet. Someone want to hear that someone came in and said, "Well, St.
Patrick's don't take it out of the budget. I'm donating." >> Yep. Yep. and they and they could pay if they wanted to donate, they could pay the food vendor directly or they could make a donation to the town and then we could pay for it. That's probably the way I'd prefer to do it. Um, I don't
know about you, but streamline it a little bit. But >> now, is there any way to make this novel to those that don't know about a donation? >> Like tell people about the donation
>> was in the newsletter. We can we can definitely inform people that it exists and >> we can't solicit that it exist. >> Yeah, we can't solicit but inform Yeah, I think that's fair. And we did um we did at one point send out letters and I
followed up with the town manager and the assistant town manager about this, but we used to send out letters um to local businesses sp to sponsor our summer concerts in Wreck. So, um, we're we might have to work with town council
and and reach out on some of those ins and outs because if we are able to do something like that, of course, we would reach out to the businesses and say, "Hey, would you like to sponsor a lunch and learn or whatever." Um, and people do come forward and and offer to to do
that. Um, like >> who's coming in for the lunch? Pearl Street, residents of Pearl Street, they're coming in and doing a lunch with chicken soup and >> ice. Yeah. >> Ice cream socials, things like that. So, there are some businesses who reach out who want to be involved.
>> And will that be free? They are donating that. >> Um, yes. Yep. That's free. >> So, that's a great idea to work with that. Um, what are you asking? What are you anticipating you will need? Well, we were going to be um
you know, respectful because we know that in the last meeting there was a little bit of push back with the programming money. So, we were going to just ask for another $5,000 um to get us through probably January.
>> And then you'll need to request again in February and March. >> Yeah. >> Yep. But, you know, we could also again tap into that donation fund. It's an option. I I hope we can help as much as we can in any way we can. I do know the
documents for the Burbank Trust have the council was a legacy policy. It was established in 1998 and sent to the trust fund commissioners and it explicitly says I I'm not going to be able to say it verbatim, but the gist of
it I've always understood is the money is not to support basic ongoing operational programs. It's meant to be shortterm. Um, doesn't say novel, but it says something like that. It It was meant to
be above and beyond the normal order of business and not a replacement for town budget is kind of what I took away from it. Um, it it it's it's on it should be on file with town commission. It's in our famous blue notebook. You probably get a copy of it
as well. You've got the blue notebook. Um, and I I'm just concerned that we're starting to talk about a lot of money. If it's $5,000 a month for these are all most of these things have been around for as long as I've been in reading. Um, so they're not new things. They're
things that we were able to pay by other means through ARCA. And just mindful of we've also got responsibility to the press to stick to its original intent. Yes, it does say unrestricted, but let's indeed all the stuff town meeting gave
it to us to do in line with the wishes of the donor in their letters to the attorney and all. It just we need to not assume this is like our pledge is the bottom line. It's not >> right and and that's what the push back is. >> Yeah. And I was just confused last month
too because historically we have requested it for things that happen on a consistent basis like the birthday lunches we were always requesting. we were requesting money for pizza and a movie and those are things that happen on a monthly basis and it's programming. So it was a little confusing to me that
but I understand because it's a more more programs that we requested and a bigger chunk of money. So >> there's also a thing in the lead book which Chris didn't get to make copies of but I'm working with Tim Clerk. They're we're making progress. I've got the
upload link now so we're going to get this stuff online so everyone can access it. But the birthday lunches, it used to be just the birthday cake. It became the birthday lunch I think around >> with ARPA. Yeah. >> Yeah. It is so popular though.
>> And I'm not saying we don't want to do that. I just want >> We talked about that today. >> We just need to understand >> because I used to be here back in the day. We had to scrape the bottom of the barrel. >> That's why we're going to charge for the birthday lunch. >> I understand. If we want people to continue to make huge donations like Burbank and that
certainly would be a blessing, we need to be very mindful of the spirit with whom which which they were given. There probably are cases where we've pushed a little over the line trying to be hopeful, but I start to worry when 5,000 turns into 10,000 and 15,000 and 20,000
for for programs that most of them we we've had for a long time and and we need to be looking at other options and hopefully fees will take care of it. But it it is different from ARPA money which is just here. Go keep your town together
during ARPA. It sounds too Oh yes, Ron. >> I just want to ask this is just a temporary stop gap until April, right? >> Yes. So >> it you can >> it's not really reoccurring. It's like a
non even though it's monthtomonth. It's a non-reoccurring charge because we're leaving ARPA and we're switching to feebased program. Yeah. So it >> and we could have we could have started this earlier but we were going into a
new system and we didn't want people to learn a system and then have to go into a new system. We didn't want the 60 plus to go through that >> too many at once. Yeah. One transition, >> right? We wanted just one transition. So that's why we're a little bit behind on
it. So >> I just caution. >> No, absolutely. I understand. >> We don't want to lose saying I'll donate and then seeing the money go off and >> it's something different. You know, it's a different different processing one at a time.
>> My only comment about my only concern about your comment, Bonnie, is is that I don't think we know what's going to happen when they start charging. And some of these are fixed costs. So, you um contract with an instructor for the
classes, but if the fee causes enrollment in the class to go down, it's not going to be covered for that month. >> We could cancel it. We would cancel the class. >> This Well, yeah, >> if it doesn't hit the minimum amount of money. >> Okay. But minimum amount of money, but it's minimum to cover all the costs or
would you do it? >> Yep. It'd be a minimum amount of participants that we would need to offset the cost of the instructor >> and you can do that with no uh without losing any money to the
vendor because you're cancelling at the last minute. >> Yep. They would they we're meeting with them all this month and it'll be in the contract that if they have x amount of participants the class will have to be cancelled. >> Okay. So it could be also a good
incentive incentive for them to lower their prices, >> right? Yeah. For people to stay by their word and count as if they paid. >> John, >> John had his hand up before. >> You were first then. >> Well, right now a lot of people come from other towns here for the classes
because they're free. >> True. >> Every other town around here charges for them. So when you start charging for them, you may see the attendance go down at first. >> Yeah. Absolutely. You're right. And then that's a great point about the non-residents too. All the non-residents
will pay um $5 more per class as a non-resident. >> So that will also help. Ju >> just to address what Ron was saying, just to give you some background, Ron, before Opera, uh I was on the council probably about six years. Almost every month we gave money out of these trust
funds for something. So it's not unusual to give them. So we will carry them. I I assume, you know, through uh the end of March, but after that, we're still going to be having to rely on some of these trust funds. So, we have to be careful about
how much we spend. This is just a comment that's been made before um in light of this whole conversation and again, as a newbie who knows nothing and who looks so forward to reading the background on these
finally this notebook. I know. I know. It's coming. It's coming because I feel like we could use I could definitely use that education. But the other piece that I know has been commented on and asked for in this meeting is >> if we could have please have a projection.
>> Yeah. >> Of what to expect from a fund in terms of the amount that's earned in a year. So we know I mean it's January and you're asking us you think you're going to need this amount of money for the first four months. I don't know how much we expect
that fund to earn and that might have not that I have a vote but if I had a vote would matter to me. >> Yeah, I've asked for that multiple times. I just still haven't gotten it from the finance department. >> But that's an important piece I think that voting members would want to have >> when thinking about
>> there's only so much I can do >> voting yes or no >> and Kate just to address that I know Jenna has reached out to them multiple times. I'm not sure what the delay is but that we are we continue to request that. Yeah, but we did look back from a year that she did calculate the interest
and it was around 17,000 >> for one of the years >> fastest. So >> in the events we've done and having been secretary for seven wonderful years I actually detailed minutes on all those expenditures going back and n there were
some that people kind of winced over and said are we crossing the line but most of them were special events it was it's January 15th day let's have a party and it was a special thing or it was
bring in some special entertainer or some special. They were they were the nature of the short-term special above and beyond kind of thing. Not all of them for sure. The birthday cake people have told me they didn't used to be a birthday cake. And in the same notebook
fell there's minutes from a meeting where the um treasurer was asked about if you start something that's special and then want to continue it, can you pay it for it going forward? and she said yes if it wasn't something that was
part of the norm and you created it you can sustain it. So there's wiggle room but we it just it's very different from ARPA and again part of that policy is we don't the council just and it can change its opinion but it requires a vote of
the full council. Um the practice was to spend the interest and not hit the principal because we want this to last. So that's why it's so even if you could tell us what we got or he whoever it is what we got last year. >> Yeah. And that's the thing that's the thing too. If there there was a way to
vote to not just expend um the interests and look into the principal if that's something that the council would want in the future if the operating budgets do stay >> pretty slim. But but again,
>> we're doing what we we need to do >> and and I respect what you're saying and after these tough times, we can go back to that or I I would love to also get the opinion of maybe town council or >> someone to kind of look at the trust
funds to make sure that it that is kind of the intention of the funds. >> Um because we want to do that, but we just don't want to like >> there's two things. It's the intention of the fund, but there's the discretion of the council on aging because the two were to interact,
>> of course. >> Yeah. >> So, Jenna, what if we don't fund? >> Well, we use the donation account and uh that's it. >> Should we tap into it? Yeah. >> So, >> do we have a motion?
>> I have or we have programming. We might have to >> We can have a motion and continue discussion. Does anybody want to make a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Was this a formal request tonight for
>> Yeah. to approve $5,000? Yeah. >> Are we sure there's no money left in ARPA? Have we used every penny? Because Chris said we want to make, you know, we kind of want to keep a little cushion. >> Yeah, we have 3,200 left in the meals. But that
>> But what about ARPA as a whole? >> ARPA as a whole? It's >> it's around 30 30,000 in in encumbered funds and 21,000 of that is the trips. So there's very minimal left in programming. There's 5,000 left in programming.
There's 3,200 left in meals and then the rest is like the trips. So it's like a little over 30 I think. >> So the trips are the royal tourist trips and we all we already encumbered those funds. So those can't be changed. At the
beginning it was 55,000 and now we're down to 21,000. Yeah, we have to cover everything. >> By this by December of last year, >> I thought I heard 10,000 lost 24 >> 21,000 left in trips, >> but and think of the whole ARP of funds that that's there. Is there anything
left that's unencumbered, right? >> No, no, we had to encumber all by the end of last year. >> Yeah, the deadline was December. No, I I I understand the role. I just Chris Chris sounded like he thought there was a little bit of cushion. That's why I'm asking any He didn't want to use up his
cushion. >> I guess his cushion was virtually done. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> So, Jenna and Carrie and asking us to to fund $5,000. Was there a motion to do that? >> Be specific. >> What?
>> To cover costs prior to being charged? I don't understand. I'm so in and the the remaining amount of money will be come out of the town donation account. Is that what will
happen? >> Yep. So, we do have a minimal amount of money remaining in our operating fund as well that we'll use. Um, so I think just the funding for $5,000 and I think we can specify that it'll be used towards
the fitness programs. >> The fit. Okay. >> The programs that you see here, not the lunches. >> Does that mean we won't have lunches? >> Nope. We'll still have lunches. Again, we have 3,200 left. >> Yeah. So, that was all right. >> And then we have 14,000 left in our
meals in our operating budget. So, when it runs out, we'll still have some money to to run those meals. Um, so we'll still offer some meals for free, like the lunch and learns, but we'll start charging for like the community lunches and the birthday lunches. And we want to start charging sooner, but I I don't
want to overwhelm these everybody in the community. >> Yeah, we want to get them. >> I want to give time for people to process it. >> So, all of the fitness are is everything there except podiatry and the lunches. Everything else you're you're asking us to cover?
>> Yeah, there could be some some fitness classes that aren't on here that we just didn't get invoices for yet. Um but yeah, it would be anything fitness related and the podiatry obviously is a service but >> and not art. Would art be covered?
>> Yep. So art. Yep. Art would be So you're right. That's not a fitness class. But >> so basically I don't want to say in order to get these programs in for January if we didn't have the trust fund.
>> We would use the donation account and we'd use the operating fund. >> We should. >> And then you would not need to ask us >> for that, >> right? >> You don't do you don't need a vote if you're >> No, we would like a vote. >> I know you would. Yeah, we would like
either way we would like a vote for the $5,000 for and we could just say general programming. And you know, again, I'm going to be we're going to be transparent. We're going to list all the costs out and all the classes and the vendors and we'll be
>> see what December did. >> Yeah. I I thought when we voted on this in December, >> it was Linda. >> No, I I know it was 5,000, but I didn't think I thought it was for a couple of months, two, three months.
>> We were told in January, and Jenna did say that it >> Yeah, there's $900 left. So, there are still some probably a few vendors that we can pay with that um for the month of January. >> Just pay each
If we're going to continue this conversation, I do want a motion. Otherwise, we'll stop the conversation. Is there a motion? >> Yes. >> Okay. I make a motion that we take $5,000 out of the trust funds and put it
into operations for the meals or whatever it is. >> The programming for the program. >> The program, >> not not exercise, right? >> Second. the exercise program. >> So, art's not a fitness program, which Karen pointed out, and neither is
podiatry. It's a service. So, it we would like to say, you know, programming and services under the discretion of staff, and we'll give you a list of what we pay the $5,000 out of. I mean, it's not really. >> Is there a second?
>> Second. Senator, >> thank you. So, Senator, the motion on the floor is to take $5,000 out of the trust funds. We need to be specific about which trust fund >> for a bank or out of the Burbank trust
fund to cover programming. Um, why don't we just list all those in when it's for those activities because I agree. complexes yoga body and brain best
exercise art senior fit zumbo line dancing strength and balance chair yoga this is the motion right now what >> I'm justating John motion >> you know friendly I mentioned >> I was just restating the motion and what
it is is to cover the programming including fitness podiatry and um >> whatever we need >> and I from the urban lunch from not no not lunch. >> No lunch. So and we do have a second
Joan. Is this now we can discuss? >> Now we can discussion. >> Yes. >> Um it's been talked about so many figures I'm losing track. How much would it cost just for the fitness programs? >> Around 30 3,260 a month give or take because sometimes they run more classes
in a month, sometimes they run less. >> You said 3,260. >> Yeah. I'd like to amend the emotion to be $3,300. >> Oh jeez. >> Instead of the 5,000. >> Yes.
Is there a second on the first vote on we either accept a friendly amendment or >> do anybody second my amendment? >> We need a second on this amendment >> and then we can discuss this amendment.
>> Okay. >> No, we have to vote on the first one. Madam, Madam Chair, usually the friendly amendment is accepted by the person who makes the main motion. >> This isn't necessarily friendly amendment, >> right? I understand.
>> Okay. But there's a motion on the floor. >> Yes, we have to vote that. >> Motion. >> Are you voting on the 5,000? >> Yes. >> I'll second the 5,000.
>> Yeah. So, can we Yeah. Can we see the participants? >> So, in terms >> Oh, I have to stop sharing my screen. One sec. >> So, in terms of um accepting I'm sorry, I I need help. In terms of accepting an amendment
on the floor, you need >> I don't think we can amend until we vote. >> No, no, you you've got to vote on the amendment first. >> You're you're changing the total amount from 32 from 3,300.
>> Yes. And there is a second >> in Maryland second. >> Well, >> right. But if John accepts it, that's what they do at town meeting. >> So if John accepts it from he will take his amendment instead of
making it >> but he doesn't. >> But the other way I see it is we can vote on this motion and then if it's voted down then we consider other motions. I just want it to pass. that too. >> We just want to support you.
>> Thank you. >> I don't want it to be so hard. >> There's no secrets. >> You have to vote on the amendment. >> No, I thought we he does not have to accept it. >> Right. >> Right. He doesn't have to. >> No, he does not. That's what I just said. Right.
>> Accept it. >> Is there any discussion on the amendment? >> Well, I just want to say that that John is getting a point. This John is getting at the point that I was wondering about. You know, you're asking for 5,000 and you said you'll be transparent with what
it gets spended on, but you're asking it to cover these expenses which don't come to 5,000. So, >> well, but but again, we don't know how many classes are in a month or not. In podiatry, we could have 20 clients, we could have 10 clients. So, it's a
guesstimate. It's like the 3,260 is an average of how many classes and how many clients we have, but it's not a guarantee monthtomonth that it wouldn't be a little bit more, a little bit less. You know, these things have been slow >> and with the flu season happening, we've had less >> broad is my being transparent.
>> 3,300 to 5,000 is a large variant for those instances that you're talking about. It's my only also there's sometimes there's five five um weeks in a month. So in December we did have art
five times and he didn't take a break. So he was actually more last month than he was in on a normal month. So, but isn't that excuse me for a minute? Joan, if you want to speak, can you raise your hand and I'll
call on you? >> Yeah, I can't raise my hand. Okay, >> but it can um the programs be controlled? Just because there's five weeks, does it have to be a full five weeks of fitness? I mean, if we're
concerned about budget, we >> offer them weekly. >> I know, but if we're concerned about budgeting, >> some setbacks need to be determined. >> I mean, it's not going to be a problem when we start charging in a few months.
So, >> was you already know what January will have to charge? for January. Bring us a budget for January with the request is all is my >> let's do this in a manner that reflects
what we're trying to accomplish. Here's the budget that we need for January. Can you fund this budget? Can we not fun this budget? >> But if we can't fund it, Maryland, >> well, we can fund it. I mean, we know we have the money and you know where we are. I I agree. We hate that. And I I
looking at this I'm listening to well food was covered that was by our book but we had two meals on there. So why >> why don't we just vote why don't we just vote the 5,000. If it doesn't pass we'll go to 3,300. >> No we have to vote on the amendment. We
have to vote on the amendment first. >> Yeah. You accept the 3,300 his amendment or you don't? What do you think John? >> Well no that that's only before the his motion. >> Yeah you're right. It's not any anyone who hasn't spoken yet.
Rosemary, >> I do not accept the 3,300. You're nickeling and diamond. You're cutting it too close and you don't know what's coming along. I would back the 5,000. >> Thank you, Rosemary. Karen, do you have
anything or Joan, anything you'd like to add? >> I seconded the 5,000 and I stick with that. >> I would stick with the 5,000. Okay. Anyone else who hasn't All right, everybody has spoken. Okay, so we will vote on the amendment. I'll do a roll
call vote. Let me just So, actually, um, John, we're voting on the amendment, which is to take 3,300 from the Burbank trust fund to pay for just the
programming as it's been explained. That would be the budget. >> Just for the fitness. >> Just for the fitness classes. >> Just for the fitness classes on that list. >> Okay. I don't care. >> I'm just saying. Yeah. I don't care. Just There's lunches on the list. I'm
just suggesting we support this this program. That's all. >> So, I'll take a roll call vote and we'll start. Karen, >> are you >> Joan? >> No. >> Rosemary? >> No.
>> John? No, >> the amendment. John Parsons. >> I give up. I can tell. Yes, I'm voting in favor. >> Marilyn, >> um I'm voting. No, but I won't be if we have to do it
next month. >> Nancy, >> I'm kidding. >> Yes. >> Yes. 33. >> No. No. Yeah. No. No. >> You're voting for 3,300 for John's. >> No, I'm voting no. >> Okay.
>> And Jean? >> No. >> And Karen? >> No. >> So, what is that? 71. >> Did you get John? >> I did. >> So, no. >> So, the vote the amendment is is not is
Yeah. is not passed. And now it sounds like we've done enough talking and we can vote on John's motion. So, that's your amendment did not pass. Now, we're voting on John's motion, which is to fund $5,000 for programming and fitness
to come out of the Burbank Trust Funds. And I will do a roll call vote again, starting with you, Karen Panette, >> yes. >> Joan, >> yes. >> Rosemary, >> yes. >> John, >> yes.
>> John Parson, >> no. Marilyn, yes. Nancy, >> no. >> Jane, >> yes. >> Karen, yes. So, that vote passes 8 to one.
So, you have $5,000 taken out of the Burbank's trust fund to pay for program and fitness. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> I said yes. >> Okay. Just so I understand, did we approve art as well? We did. We're
giving them plat. >> John's eliminated art, which is really possible. >> It's art, podiatry, and fitness. Correct. That's in the ad. That's in the the most. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just not lunch. Just not meals.
Just >> uh Okay. PBC. We're a little past update with Ron Powell. Thank you all. Good conversation, but we we are here to support six club activities. No. Yeah.
So, PBC update, members of the council. Yes. Before I begin, I would just like to thank the council on aging for the voter confidence in appointing me to the permanent building committee and I truly appreciate your trust and your support. And I also just want to thank Nancy for
her time and dedication um in the role before me. She did a lot of thoughtful work and I'm grateful for the foundation that she laid that she built she built before I stepped in. The way I I see my role is I'm just trying to understand how the building
will work for seniors dayto-day so that we can raise issues early and constructively. And that's really what the permanent building committee is concerned about the physical plan. There's three buckets. There's programming, there's operations, and there's physical
plan. Permanent building committee is focused on the last one, but really all three interact and they decisions about the physical plant are affected by programming and operations as well. So glad that both Carrie and Jenna and Jane
are here. So I think the the the major update that came out of the meeting was that the bid phase has been extended. It was supposed to wrap up on January uh January 22nd, but that's been
extended to February 5th and the impact uh for that means that the actual vote on the general contractor is not going to be taken up until February 11th. So on that date, the permanent building committee will be choosing a general
contractor. Um that also impacts other dates as well because uh you know other the start on other tasks on the project timeline are going to slip. But they're still anticipating
a soft opening in May or June of 2027 and then a a formal opening in September 2027. Uh we're working on a budget of 27 point approximately 27.1 million. Thus far we've committed 2.7 million of that. So
we're 10% committed already of which we've spent about 1.5 million. Uh and by we I mean our OPM, our owner project manager which is um >> Turner Town. Yes, thank you. Turner
Turner Towns and um the there's been 103 pre-qualified contractors that have expressed interest in bidding. So, uh there's a lot of interest. The >> uh what's the number again?
>> 103 pre-qualified contractors. Uh one thing I also want to mention is we've spent 1.5 million. But, uh one thing that we look at is burn rate in project management. how how much are we spending versus how much work we're getting done just to make sure we're not spending
more than the work we're doing. And right now we're right on target. We're actually a little bit under on our burn rate which means that we're being pretty effective and efficient. So far so good for this project. It's going pretty well. Um,
one of the things that it was interest uh that was very that the council had a lot of interest on in was the accessibility peer review that's being conducted by a firm called KMA KMA architects and they are conducting an
ADA MAV which is Massachusetts Architecture Access Board and Universal Design Review and they're expected to complete that by January 18th. So, we should have uh that report back from
them shortly after that. We talked about proprietary systems. There's a uh building access and security system that's currently used in other buildings by the town. Um and rather than put those that those
particular things out to to general bid uh request the request was made by the town to continue uh to use those systems so that they integrate well with the other uh physical buildings that the
town owns. And um we approved that that will go out to a special kind of bidding process where we can bid exclus where the those proprietors can bid exclusively uh for that. And I think that was everything that I had.
Um does anyone have any questions, comments, >> suggestions? >> Thank you. >> On schedule plus >> Yes. There's three things that they're examining, Americans Disability Act,
NAAB, and Universal Design. So, one of the things that I think was very encouraging was that everyone seemed very responsive uh with universal design as a concern. So, um, you know, very pleased to hear that and I think it's in
large part because the council has made that a made that you have brought clarity and attention to that. So, >> I think due to your efforts, Nancy, >> yes, you were everybody,
>> right? I mean it sadly came out of the COA but you represented it well to the BBC sheet >> and they were very responsive and and put in the an accessibility. So they were very responsive to hear what you
are other comments or questions. >> I just have a question. It's an outstanding question that's been outstanding for a while and it has to do with the flooring for each of the floors and um I just wondered if you got any
resolution >> about that one room with the zipper room, right? know about all of the flooring in all of >> you know the flooring in every single room. >> You want to know what the flooring is
for every single room and what the limitations are and it's been written and submitted numerous times. >> I thought it was just specific to that Zumba room. >> I can send you a copy of what we >> Okay. Was that to the permanent building
committee? >> It's a good question, Nancy. This is one of those questions where, you know, we talked about those three different buckets, program, operations, and physical plant from permanent building committee. They're going to they're not going to be
specifically concerned about flooring, but but obviously the the programming matters greatly. whether a room is going to be shared um for multiple purposes, how will that impact um how will that
impact how it's going to be used by seniors? So, it's probably >> So, what what was >> So, I didn't bring it up at the I didn't bring it up at the last meeting. No, go ahead. But >> but you might want to bring it up because this is something that the
architect Joe had brought out to us in multiple meetings and had the usage of programming >> in certain rooms would not be adequate due to the type of swarming. >> Right. >> Yeah. And I know that I did ask after
that meeting about specifically the Zumba room and he did get back to me Colin and Joel about that room and said that yes, it's interchangeable. You can put tables and chairs on it if you would like >> and
it's one time >> and it's cushioned for fitness and >> flex. >> And it's very flexible. It's a flexible use program. It's very safe in writing >> to do Zumba. It is in it is in writing. I can send it the whole email to the council on aging. >> Oh, in the other floors, too.
>> Right. And and I'm sorry I I wasn't aware of all the other floors, but I could reach out and ask details on the other flooring. >> Yeah. Because he in several meetings that I was in when we were in the beginning of the design stages of the workshops, he has specifically stated
like the great room, okay, for tables, but this other room, if you needed it for a conference room, you could not. It would damage the floors. So they're thinking cost effective also, but our concern is for clientele for the usage
of these rooms to expand the programming if a room needs to be used. >> Well, and that's my point. This is Ron's point about yes, they're only thinking about the building itself, but what you do in the building itself ultimately affects what you can do in the building
itself. And so we need to know the flooring and its capability of every room so that when we're thinking about programming suggestions, we know, oh, we could suggest that this could be held in here. Oh, or that's not going to work because that flooring's not appropriate
for that kind of activity. So the answer to the question is relevant to thinking about program >> and along the same lines. It might be that we the flooring that may be
suggested for a particular room. it it it might not be the best decision giving that given that I know it's a lot of space, but it's it's a limited number of rooms that we have to program. So, if we
can't put tables and chairs and and have those kinds of activities on the big room, then we let's stay here. >> So, so Jenna, this is often comes up. This has come up repeatedly. So, I guess the big thing is just let us know if
there are any limitations. >> Yeah. And I'm sorry, I was completely in the dark about every single room in the flooring. I thought it was just specific to that one room. >> And that and I did reach out and I asked about that, but I can ask about the other rooms and the flexibility in all the other rooms, but I can also tell you
from a staff standpoint, too. Um, you know, their opinions matter as well. Um, and I know that Joel has specifically met with everyone from day one with the programming and knowing what is going to take place in each of these rooms and
the intention behind each room and the programming of each room. So, I would hope that that design reflects flexible spaces. Um, and you know, they are professionals and have built these buildings and we went in person and saw the floors and things like that. So, but
we can get more specific details. Jane, do you have anything to add? >> I do. I just I just want to add um I think it's a I think it's important to have what all the floors are and we'll we'll get that into the program manual as well, so it's memorialized and we just know forever how that will be done.
So, I think there's no problem with that. That's that's getable for sure. Um but some of the choices in the flooring was done deliberately for safety. So some of so that it it maximizes the safety of the participants doing certain kinds of activities that particularly that flex floor right so it softens the
joints when you're you know with impact and stuff like that so we wouldn't want to necessarily make a change for to make it particularly in that space we need to look at that just to make sure that I'm not you know wrong >> are there any specific rooms that you're
concerned about the flooring on for what programs >> I think We don't even >> it. This is just good information to have and we need it for the programming >> and um um if one of the rooms is just
going to have flooring that's suitable for one particular activity that that cuts out a room that can be used for example for art or for something else. It's it's
just a common sense question to ask and to make sure that we are we are getting the flexibility that we need in this building and we don't end up with a building that were we're restricted to
what we can do because of how the building was built. It would be interesting to hear how he has handled this other because Joel has done this multiple times, how he's addressing this particular issue in other because I'm sure it's
>> just a quick question. What's what's Joel's last name? >> He's the so he's the principal vice president >> and I'm sure you so you can I would suggest that you take back we just want to understand if there limitations and
I'm sure he's considering these factors in I think he is, you know, they're >> they really do mean well. They're they're they've done a lot of >> There's no I know, Jenna. There's no criticism. >> It's just information about the building
that we have asked for repeatedly since the spring >> and have not received. >> Yeah. And it's interesting because I didn't know this at all. So that's >> I was going through a permanent building committee, not
don't don't know this piece. >> I would go through. >> So we'll get the information. We'll reach out to Joel tomorrow about all the rooms and their flexibility and the flooring. Um I don't know if he's going to know the exact brand of flooring because you have to send it out in the
bid and then it could be >> Yeah, I believe I'm looking for the bid documents right now actually. Um but my understanding, Madam Chair, with your Sorry, are you clapping or did you mean to hand raise >> the requirements for the flooring are written in the bid documents, not
necessarily the brand, right? So, it's the requirements so that the whatever goes in is established. And I think we had some broad strokes before when we went to um their offices because they put, you know, a room this big full of
products to to look at. And then they'll narrow that down and we'll have a little bit more um choice they can make. John, >> put it the other way. >> Wouldn't what the room's going to be used for determine the type of flooring they want to put in it? >> Yeah. >> Rather than the flooring to use the room
for something? I don't understand what you're >> Well, we don't have the specifics on how each room will be used. >> Um, >> well, maybe it'll be easier once we have specifics what rooms are going to be used for. >> Have specifics on that.
>> No, we don't. You may. We don't. You may but yeah >> at the meeting for example when we were I was saying to everyone this is the biggest room we've got and this is really tight with 20 25 people and the answer was that we've got the gym but
this was when Re was saying but we need the gym which is all fine anymore but what you offered was you know we've always got the multi-purpose room and I said is the flooring cushioned and is it >> no but you can still use the multi-purpose room for Zumba you
Yes, you could. If you really needed to, you could. >> But we but we won't. We won't. But we could. >> At a time, please. >> So, and I said the 25 people in the gym. If you have over 25 people in the gym, we could go to the gym, but also there's
limitations with each of these classes and how many people the instructors can actually take. >> 25 is too tight in this room. And this is the size of our biggest room other than the gym. >> Right. Well, children's eyes. They're dancing in the
kitchen. >> But the desk the desk space counts. It's not like an open space that you would have at the new center. >> Very tight. It's not pleasant. >> It could be more than one session that they could offer to >> Well, they could do that here, too.
>> I just want to remind everybody, we've talked about it a lot. Chris, who was here before us, of course, preached it the most. Everything's going to change once this building opens. Uh we we as as recalc not recal we visited 16 17
different centers and talk to people and that was one of the things that we heard so many times once it got opened three months later four months later everything was different. So we've got to remember that we keep uh I shouldn't I don't know use the word nitpicking but we but we keep finiting everything. Uh
it's it's not necessary I don't think. >> Okay. I'm going to You've heard what we had to say. >> Sure. Yeah, we'll get that information. >> I'm going to move on to >> Oh, Rosemary has her hand raised. Sorry. >> Oh, Rosemary, sorry. >> I'm listening to you talking about flooring, which is a very important
decision. The room you're presently in is where we do Zumba twice a week. And that flooring is the worst for our knees and legs. flooring and anything else that you don't want to spend money on 10 years down the road better be done
correctly right from the beginning and it's not the room that has the flooring for Zumbra isn't going to be used 724 so it can be open for other groups >> I think one of the things too though like Marilyn and Nancy both have have
Joe had promised that information and it has not been received so that's Do you could just >> Yep. We'll follow that when people. >> Okay. Operations update with Jenna. >> Yep. So, the programming update, we came
to the we had a council on aging recreation committee joint meeting in December. And we have also received feedback from the from the council. Thank you for all your feedback on the um draft membership packet and the fitness packet. We were able to meet and
go over the draft membership packet, get back comments, also to comment back on the gym. Uh we sent a little memo out as a group. And um that's pretty much it. We're going to meet again to go over the fitness packet and answer questions from
the Council on Aging from the fitness packet. And then in a couple weeks, we'll move on to the operations and the budgeting. So you use the spreadsheet format that we we requested. >> Yep. >> Yep. I made the spreadsheet for you guys. >> Issues. >> Yep.
>> And that was something that you sent out to all of us. >> Yes. Yep. Jen, could you highlight were there things that were suggested that um staff of or um inappropriate or
um um with the draft membership packet? I don't think so. Do you do you guys recall anything? We actually thought the companion question was was really great about how do we um
how will they be monitored when they're coming in and out? Will they need a key tag? So, >> we had a great conversation about that. We thought there was a lot of a lot of great comments and then there were some comments that maybe weren't necessarily relevant to the draft membership packet,
but they were still great questions and um about programming and things like that. So there's nothing that stood out to me as inappropriate in that particular um line of questions. >> We ask questions about show. Yeah. So I I was just a little confused because
there were two two sections where there were comments about um well they they tie together with the standards of independence and um the in the first response um your your response
was that that's what's in place currently here at and then I think later on you were responding to a more specific comment which was around are these going to be >> the same standards. In other words, originally when you presented the
material to us, the standards of independence were for 60 plus and we said this is a possible problem. Your second comment seemed to indicate that yes, you recognize that saying these standards only apply to 60 plus could be
possibly an issue legally or under uh discrimination kind of things. And it said you were going to consult. Yeah, we're gonna ask Albert. >> I'm I'm taking that as sort of the move going forward is that oh yeah, maybe we can't say these are just for 60 plus.
>> Yeah. And I think that some of those um some of the things in the standards of independence apply to Yeah. many people, >> right? >> Yeah. >> So it it could be something that we adopt as part of our waiver for everyone
to do. Okay, >> that's exactly we're suggesting. >> Yeah, but but it may not. We're going to ask Albert his opinion. We can talk to legal about about that. But the standards of independence was something that was adopted by um specifically the
Council on Aging and the town manager. Yeah. For this building. >> Okay. >> But yeah, we're we're definitely open to that. And I really appreciate you sending along that information spreadsheet information because that was something that we had
recommended after last meeting that it would be that council found that helpful and that way every every point was addressed which was really helpful. >> Great. Thank you. >> Um just so I understand process I know there's tons of meetings in this it's a
discussion at this point. It's not a carped in stone. Um, is there a point with because I had questions about a couple of your feedback things and think maybe I didn't word my point well. So you understand what I was saying because I didn't do it well enough where I want
another pass because the answer doesn't fit what I was trying to do. Is this something that will happen in a discussion meeting down the road? What's the next giving feedback? My suggestion would be if you have that feedback as a Council on Aging member immediately that you respond back with
>> with your comments and then we take them right back to the operations group and then yeah, our intention is to have another follow-up meeting on the comments if >> okay >> the council thinks that's >> what what they would like. Um because we still need to do the fitness membership
packet. >> That that works. Okay. Just wanted to know what the prize I don't want to get into nitty-gritty here now. I think we're nitty-gritty ourselves to death tonight, but there are >> Yeah, we would love the feedback as soon as you have it. >> Okay, great. Thank you.
>> Okay, next item is evening activities my job. >> You want to take it or take it? >> What's that? What are we talking about with the we want to implement them or the the issue with the maj? >> Yeah, I'll I'll take a step. I'll take a stab and then you can add some color as
Jane would say. Um so we were approached to do a nighttime programming maong class by Jill Scholman. >> Um which was really exciting. Anna spoke with her um quite a few times and there's some emails flying back and
forth about it. So she said that she had eight people currently that participate in the maon and it's at her home and she would like it to come to the senior center um pleasant street center at night. So we were like okay well we the
rule is that we have to market this to all of our cons all of our clients. So we can't just say you can come here with your seven majon participants and >> what >> and play. um we can't do that because that's not how we operate. But certainly
if we put it on for people to register for this class and there's a maximum of eight people, we assume that maybe the eight people will be the only people who sign up. Who knows? But there could be more interest, but we have to open it up to everyone on a first come first- serve
basis. So after that, it seemed like she did just want those people to come and in perpetuity and not really have it open to anyone else. So we reached back out to her about renting here and she could
rent the room for however long she wanted to and I sent her all the information and again Anna went back and forth with her as well. Um but she never got back to us and followed up on the um if she wanted to rent or not. So she we
could definitely do a maong class here, but we have to offer it to all of our clients in in advance and everyone has to have the opportunity to sign up first come first serve and if not she can rent the space. So those are the two options and I think the staff did a good job of
communicating. >> Yeah, we communicated it from the get go. >> I think that's great. I think >> Yeah, we would love it >> for Yeah. >> Yeah. for a night time. Yeah, John. >> Um, you you're talking about participants and you're talking about
classes. Is is she planning on running classes or just I mean when I think of I was thinking of signing up for the maj. That's why why I'm asking. Um, but I wouldn't want to go get into a a room with eight people who have been playing
maj unless there were specific classes. So So which is it? What I was told it was a volunteer who teaches. >> She teaches them, >> but she doesn't want to take on more than eight right now >> and it's four sessions.
Um uh I think the sessions are two hours long. So it's four sessions. She brings in all of the um equipment and you have to have mars. So she brings all that in. But Nancy,
what I'm hearing Jenna say is she didn't want to do that. I >> She didn't. >> Well, she was she was >> she had an she had a group. >> Yeah. She had a group of people that she just wanted to come and that would be the only eight that could participate >> to offer to at the senior center as an
opportunity for us to join. >> She'd have to get another teacher. You mean >> you you did hear directly back from her to say that in February she would not? >> That's what I was under the impression of. Yes. >> Yeah. And we gave her the option to rent too if she >> just wanted space cuz she didn't want
people in our home. >> I I've got to confess over Christmas I was trying to play ma with my grandchildren and my sevenyear-old and my nineyear-old could beat the heck out of me. >> I need lessons. I don't need a learning curve. >> Yeah. So we're completely there. Is
there another person? >> I was just going to just say that >> is there another person that might be I know >> right now we don't have a major um they just come in and play on their own but >> Oh >> yeah during the day. >> So there's an impromptu group that that
plays >> they play on Friday. >> Okay. It is >> they play on um >> they play on Friday. >> They know how to play Thursday. >> Thursday is Friday, right? Maybe one of them would be willing to teach. >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> It sounds I believe there's several that would like to learn how to play this. Maybe there might be a volunteer within the group here that's already playing. Maybe we should ask that group if anyone wants to teach a beginner's class. See if
>> Janna has a some insight. >> We looked into that. We we we searched for volunteer to teach ma. the ladies that play Maja now only want experienced players and they don't want to teach anyone they've asked that >> beginner >> so we did look into we found instructors
for a fee who will do it we we reached out we did a special advertisement for a volunteer maan instructor we couldn't the library had somebody but they also requested payment so we we did a a whole targeted search about eight months ago
for a ma beginner instructor volunteer and we So it's we have people who are willing to if we can we hire instructor but again that adds to programming costs etc. But we did look into that um
>> so maybe this is something to add in April when because it'll be a paid >> right because we would pay for it right participant. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So if we could find someone even paid and we charge for an evening maon or another daytime maon
whatever um if someone wanted that instructional piece >> I think if I don't know if they've done but the jester I think they have a module >> yes a lot of them the the the teachers
are paid >> um but so we we can do another push I think it was eight months ago we did, you know, advertising, reached out, we reached out to other centers who had instructors, but they did, and actually they were quite expensive for some
reason, like $200. >> Um, but we can I can do a second push, >> you know, we can keep trying. >> So, can I just um follow up? I I think as courtesy maybe to get back in touch
with Jill because she's she is experienced. She is doing it. She was waiting for a response. It it took a bit of a a time for her to get the response back. So on behalf of Jill, I think it
would be a um courtesy to reach back out to her. >> We did respond >> today. We responded a while ago and she never got back to us. >> So I don't think it's our responsibility to reach back out to her. So certainly if she need wants a followup, you can
speak with her and tell her to call us if she missed that communication. Um and Anna was a little bit delayed in getting back to her. I think by maybe a week >> because it was Christmas >> because Chris was leaving. Well, anyway, it's we >> so I just think it's worth following up
with her >> again um because she's a great resource. >> She's a good teacher. She has she has the class outline >> and you've reached out and so and so you're looking into this for April and
you're Yeah. And again, thank you. Thank you. >> Email her again tomorrow and say, "Hey, just following up. Never heard from you." Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Sure. >> All right. Next item. >> Okay. Um, so the working group has met
several times since it was formed and as part of our work, we uh compiled two documents which we had asked to be included in the packet for this meeting. They were not and it's going to affect
uh what I can do right now. So the first part of our update had to do with um specific feedback to the I think it was called programming policy plan that was presented at the
December 15th meeting. So the workg group um on a spreadsheet took what had been presented took the comments that were made during that meeting in the discussion that followed the meeting as well as comments and other concerns that
were raised as we as a group talked about it and compiled a document. It's quite a large document. How many pages? >> Um well there's a lot of white space on it. It's but it's a little too long to go through tonight. Now we'll distribute
copies to those of you who are here. >> Let's let's hold on for a minute. just give us you know the update without >> I can't with this I can't update >> no this is >> our feedback to the whole committee because there's too much if you want I can't give you a
highlight of this because we went through the policy and we responded just like we did with every previous presentation and our intent was to come to the council and say here's the feedback of what we heard from you at the meeting
and fur further feedback that we've surfaced. If you agree with this, we'll send it on to the operations committee. So, I don't know with this first document that we can really summarize it in any way. >> No.
>> So, this this I didn't know it was done. >> Yes. >> It came under a >> when we submitted when we submitted a gender request, this was submitted under >> a different title. Okay. >> Um I forget what the title was,
but it was se >> Can I see it? Because I this does not look familiar to me. >> So um so one of the things that Oh, okay. This one. So one of the things that I held back on because you guys
have worked very hard and I appreciate that. But we were so the feedback that has been submitted so far to the operations working group has been dealt with and they are continuing to deal with it and they are working with you know they're doing the spreadsheet
they're doing you know so that they are getting back to us. My concern was uh we were not taking into consideration what the operations group was already doing and well the information that they sent last Wednesday, the spreadsheet information that Jan had sent as well as
the summary of the you had also you had two two documents that you included and the second one was a um talking updating us about based on the feedback that you got from the recreation committee as well as the COA. So I wanted to hold off
on this because I I believed that the the operations group and especially Carrie now is a new member as well. So she's bringing in different perspective and uh I wanted to hold off because I wanted to see what Carrie Perry's
contributions as well as you were responding to everything that we were doing. So I wanted to hold off and see >> but they have that >> and I agree with you and I did want to say that this document that we prepared
which is specifically in response to what was presented on December 15. This was prepared before we got the comments that you made in the materials you just sent for this meeting. So this document would not reflect some of the comments
you made on that. I didn't want to say that I'm about to say that, >> right? None of them. Let's say that >> um because we hadn't seen your comments. >> But this document is specific to that last presentation. has nothing to do with any feedback
we've given to them before because the feedback that we've given to them before is all on previous presentations about other aspects of the planning that they've been doing. So this would have
been new feedback to them. >> It's the next segment of the spreadsheet, right? You're building >> could you then take the information says that um that the operations group be sending out an update of Stol before
they look at this. I don't really >> Well, can I put could I put your request on hold for one minute because now I want to see how you're going to proceed with our second >> because then we sent you we also sent a second document as to be included and I
think that's the one that you think um should be more reflective of the fact that car's new and that there's new that they're working on it and everything. So let me say to the council so that so the working group as we've worked on
specific feedback to specific pieces that we have received has also surface some concerns that we have that are not tied to any specific document that we've received so far but
that are more general concerns about the process that are going on. and we we prepared a document that articulates four concerns that we had and also a proposed action for addressing those
four concern. And our intent was again that you would receive this document in your packet and have a chance to review it and that we would have a chance to discuss it tonight. And if the council
agreed with these four concerns, we would then have the council's approval to guess in addition to everything else you've said, we agree with these other four sort of overarching concerns and my intent right now is to
pass out to people here a copy of that document and go through it. I would not as chair I would like to not mess that up. I do review it. It's I feel that it is um not reflective of the parameter
spirits that we want to that we have as a council on aging. I think that it's uh the tone of it is um is not what I want represent JS as a COA. I think that
I mean you can pass it out and people can see but the tone of it I'm very concerned if it gets out into the public because if it's passed out we do have to post it online and I think that the tone is very adversarial and combative and
it's not what I want to represent as the council on agent chair. I think that I can understand the concerns. I can understand you put a lot of work into it but the tone of it is um and I I'll I'll tell you I put it in generative AI two
different ways and I said what is the tone of this and it and I can you improve it and the improvement was was far greater. I'm worried about the tone and I'm worried because I've been talking to other people in the community and there's um you know we heard very
clearly and people can disagree with me. We heard very clearly at the preservation committee that the joint meeting that they're very concerned but I've had people say in the younger people and community say they're very concerned it's important to be a a senior sector. So how do we resolve
these issues in a collaborative manner? And I took it upon myself as the chair to make the determination that this did not um support our willingness to collaborate with uh town staff with u
with the PBC with other people and uh I made the decision that if you want to to and I couldn't talk about it with you because that would have been an open meeting law violation but if you could look back and change the um some of the
adversarial statements in it. I think that it would be a better reflection of what we're doing as a COA. I think um it was quite there's you know there's good information there but the way that it
was addressed and and especially the you know some of the things were demands and I don't think that that is our role as a COA to make demands and Ron you're on the committee too and I'm sorry I we can't really make demands
we can um you know we can Jenna is responding to things that we've we've done and we've seen PBC is responding. So I think that we need to acknowledge things that have been worked out and um continue to work in a very collaborative way. I think the joint meeting that we
had with the recreation committee was an opportunity for us to deep learn and so they concerned to be brilliant and I felt that John is um was
not a reflection of the type >> perspective that we want to project to the community. I I was very concerned about problems. I really read it and digested it. I'm like this this does not reflect well on our
stance as representing a 60 plus community. I think that you know the the points can be made but in a more collaborative way. >> Could I ask who's on on the working group
>> or and Ron? We approved it at last month's meeting. >> They worked really hard and I absolutely, you know, acknowledged that it was a hard, you know, they spent a lot of time on it, but I was very
concerned about it being posted um and being something that we would discuss and, you know, that it would be out in the community because not every, you know, I think we just need to present a more collaborative and I was, you know, I've
been talking with Carrie too. So, you know, you're bringing a new perspective as well and I think giving Carrie the opportunity to be a working member in the um operations working group. I just didn't think that that reflected well on
what we are trying to do as a seal and I understand you know I I can understand you probably have a million things to say back to me but I made a decision as the chair that um I honestly didn't want it out in public because I
really feel like it reflects u a combative confrontational perspective that is not representative for who we are as a state in Maryland. Um >> it's almost ironic because I think what we're seeking is to create a
collaborative environment that we're not feeling and that's why we're upset. >> Okay. >> And that's yes, but I think yes, but that did not speak collaboration. But it did not speak collaboration. And and I
know that I understand that there are times that you don't feel heard, but I think that we are seeing the operations group is responding to things that we're talking about during our COA meetings. I mean, that spreadsheet was absolutely an an example of something that we
requested and every single point was addressed. So, I think that I just want us to be pre, you know, the community see us as working collaboratively. We all want an amazing
retail community center and I that document it does make me thought that that is where that frame of reference. It's so >> so it's word and not necessarily what we want to accomplish and describe
>> but also isn't the role of the chair if there are so this was a working group that um worked very hard to put this together um and that your comments on it would
have been a great discussion for the entire board to take pardon. >> So my concern would be that what's been done is we've
put together our thoughts and um provided some direction and that would have been a very good comment and the working group could have gone back and
edited or or done But I I I you know it's it's part of the whole thing and I I I admit it. I made a decision because I didn't even want that to be I mean it's we can discuss it but
I I wanted didn't want that out in the community because there's been a lot of push back and I thought that that would not be um a document that the COA really wants out there because there is push back from the community in terms of
they're concerned about uh because of their concerns community have concerns as well And that document does not speak um collaboration. >> Um I can understand where you're coming from. >> Could you talk a little louder, please?
>> I said I can understand where the chair is coming from and her comments, >> but a working group was put together for a specific purpose. The goal of this new build is for senior
center recap. I think part of the problem here is that the COA some of us including myself wish we had been included in a various
meetings for administration etc. It seemed after the design workshop, we were just cut right off and I feel the COA members had to constantly ask what's
going on, what's going so that I think this is one of the purposes of this working group is to bring forth whether they're from the past concerns or the present concerns to put them on paper
and let those know and when I say those no if it's the general public fine but we are here to advocate for the elderly and there are a lot of things and a new bill and I think it's going to be
fabulous for the whole town but we do have concerns that we're not the 60 plus community or the 70 plus or the 80 and the 90 are not forgotten in the programming and the youth. There's a
lot of need in this town to recognize and respect the elderly. I'm all for athletics. I'm all for the growth of the youth, but we have adults, elderly people that have contributed to
this town. So, I'm sorry if the wording is not the way it should be, but I think we should address this as a working group working very hard to communicate our needs that it be discussed.
>> And I would just ask that you maybe look at the document again and see how it would be presented. One of the things I just do want to ask the working group. So, we've been hearing the operations working group and Terry, you're new to
this and you're going to add a new perspective to this, but the operations group has been, you know, you met with us in October and November. We had the joint meeting >> and the um I just want to finish my thought and then I'll then you and then John and you have been responsive to
what we have uh we've contributed and you've listened to feedback and John has pointed out as we know things are going to change. We haven't even selected a contractor yet and so there is time to refine these
things and so um and we know that things once it opens up it's going to change as well but I think that we are hearing from the operations working group and correct me if I'm wrong are you listening to us >> I didn't shut my mouth during the
operation meeting >> yeah this was her first meeting yeah she didn't shut her too that I wanted us to give Carrie an opportunity to participate. This was her very first meeting tonight. She is now a new member of the operations working
group. So, I wanted to give that um that reality time to um take impact as well. And I didn't want to overwhelm her too with their first meeting. Yes, John. Sorry. >> I haven't seen that document. I don't know what's in it, but the issue seems to be not what you're saying, but how
you're saying it. >> Yeah. So maybe it's got to be presented in a different way. >> Yeah. >> Also like is there um >> is there I think the scope of the working group was to respond to
you know the direct programming policy or the direct draft membership packet. not specifically give lists of concerns and demands to staff and like that. >> So, it's actually in the minutes what
the um what the what the mission was. >> And then if you saw the document, >> wait, I'm sorry, John was next. >> Yeah, because if it wasn't relevant to the programming and it was something a little bit different than that, I think all of us would have been a little
takenback if it didn't have to do. But I think that document, the programming one that you came up with that that seems to be maybe less adversarial and specific to kind of what we went over. So not necessarily saying like you should or
shouldn't do something, but you know, staff might have been a little bit takenback if it didn't have something to do with like what was presented and something a little bit on the base. >> It's very frustrating sitting here listening.
you know, John, myself, uh, the the three members online, >> basically, we have no idea what you're talking about. We haven't seen the document. We we we pretty much understand what you're saying, but but we we you know, we can't totally relate to it because because you've read it and
we haven't. So, are you sure that if this got if if this this was passed out, it would have to be posted? >> Yes, I am. >> Are you sure? Everybody knows. I think the fact that we're talking about it being said it's a public document and
anybody can request it. >> Yeah. >> So I mean we're talking about two documents >> not published as part of an agenda >> and as you can all guess we've got some deep
concerns that I didn't think I finished. >> I'm sorry. >> Are you going to call me a pro again? No, not now. >> I thought I was the I didn't know I was the grunt, too. >> Um, then I would like to make a motion to table this discussion until the next
meeting. >> Okay. So, you I I Okay. >> Yeah. John second. Anyone I would just like to say that I'm concerned with a motion to table this
discussion till the next meeting. And Ron, you might be able to help me think this through. Then means we still can't give you this document or a revised version because you haven't
even seen this one. So the conversation right now is about this one. So, we couldn't clean it up and revise it if we table it till the next >> Oh, yes. >> I think you can >> what? >> How can we talk about it if we haven't seen it? >> Well, that's my problem. I think I think
that what the working group is saying that we'd like to release it so that you can see it. >> Uh that doesn't necessarily mean that it reflects what the Council on Aging, >> right, >> agrees to. It's just a >> work that they've done and
>> the council as a whole can respond to it. >> Yes. >> I guess they can do some good emotion in the floor. I don't know if this pertains >> Well, you can talk about the motion. >> I know. I'm thinking about it about something else. I think >> I'm thinking about roots of how we can
proceed because we have means five people out of 12 have deep concerns on the council. So, we need a way to be able as a council as a whole to talk about them and being afraid that someone else is going to be upset by it.
You know, we're upset by what some of the things we're hearing. I mean, we need a path. I don't know if it's an executive meeting. We need you like that idea. We could have an executive meeting. I I can't do a motion till we finish yours. >> The motion on the floor.
>> Yeah. So we can make a motion. >> So the motion is to table the discussion until the next meeting >> after hearing some of this after what K pointed out. I I'll resend the motion. >> Okay.
>> She pointed out they can't revise it. We'd still be talking about this thing we've been talking about since Hey, does everybody know that the game to decide who the Patriots are playing is on Rosemary? Yes. Rosemary. You're on mute.
>> Rose, you there? >> Yes, I'm here. Can you hear me? >> We can. >> All right. I I just want to uh throw out a thought for future meetings coming from the Pleasant Street Center. The volume generated from your group to us
out here is very poor. So I don't know if you need a microphone or you have to have some sort of technical adjustment, but I can I missed most of this meeting because we can't hear you. >> Oh yeah, it's true. >> And somebody else made a comment about speaking louder just a little earlier.
So it must be across the board that we cannot hear you properly when when we're um not attending the meeting in person. >> We will try to speak up more more clearly. >> But I think something has to be done
technically to generate a a larger volume. >> Yeah, we can reach out to it about that and um we could always move to Yeah. move to a different room at the town hall. I make a motion that we schedule as soon
as possible, within a week if possible, an executive session special meeting for just the council to inform people what we're concerned about and to talk about what the council >> um Madam Chair, >> there's probably a motion on the floor.
>> No, no, he resended his motion. >> What is it? >> John, he took back his motion. >> I'm sorry. Yes, madam chairs over here. Excuse me, John. There are um there are specific reasons to do executive session
that are allowed under the law. Um I'm not sure this is one of them, but we can check tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Um if you're if you're immunable to that. Um when you said executive meeting, >> Yeah. >> Um because executive session is specific thing. Um I thought you meant sort of
like a meeting with with staff or um the working group could meet with with myself and Jenna and Carrie um and and with maybe the chair and the vice chair. >> Well, responding to the concern that we don't want to get this out if it doesn't reflect the council. So, all I'm saying
is we need a way for the council >> to talk about some of these issues and just as we aren't your staff staff isn't part of the council. >> No, completely complet Well, when you said executive meeting, that's kind of where my mind went. Okay. Um, so
executive session has uh very specific rules that are that allow executive session under the law. Things like litigation, things like um labor negotiations, etc. And I don't know that this particular item would fall under an executive session. Um, so we can double
check that tomorrow for sure with the town clerk um and and get back to through the chair. Um, but I would I would say that that's my guess is it's probably not uh >> a quick Google search of mass law. It's just it doesn't follow.
>> It was a good trial though, wasn't it? >> No, it was I like I like where you were going with that, Marilyn. I understand. >> I think it's a great idea with the staff. I don't I'm not privy to the detail, but I would certainly be amanable to working
to sitting down with the working group and seeing if we can >> have a discussion that helps allay some of these concerns as we're in this transition and then you could refine whatever it is you want to bring forward. >> Yeah. In the inter.
>> Yeah, of course. The problem for me with that view is that and this is what we were trying to bring forward is this is the concern of the working group of five individuals. Yes. >> We don't know >> how the rest of the council feels or
would feel after hearing our concerns. >> Sure. >> Until we ask the council that. So for the working group just to meet I think is a skewed perspective again. kids and so I don't know that that's the best way
out of this. >> I think we're just looking for affirmation from the council that we're on the right track and if we're not then the council needs needs to let us know. The council as a body >> I mean is it too difficult for a working
group to exist outside of the committee >> because usually that's why usually working groups are made up of staff. >> Now I'm going to like point of order here. This is this is not okay. And and you're right, this is not gonna that's not going to pass the executive session
um um limitations. Sometimes committees have to discuss um difficult things and you know the working group has gotten some feedback but the council and agent created a working group. Just so you know Karen Karen just so you know I
didn't call on you you know I did say point of order. Yeah. I just I think we're getting off track here. >> But Karen, you do know that you'd still need to be called on. >> Not for a point of order. Madam Chair. >> Yeah, we do.
>> Yes. Okay. >> So, so I I did just want to say to Jenna Wayne in the minutes it says recal working group was formally recognized. Purpose consolidate COA feedback for recal.
Modify questions and concerns. report back to the full council. Recal is a lot larger than just the operational documents that have been presented and that's how we have understood our charge. >> Sure.
>> Everything related to rehab. Secondly, and I I understand your concern, Erin, about tone and your perspective and push back from the community, but it would be
my view that that is why the Council on Aging exists, which is to push back regarding the needs of the 60 plus community, which have been documented to
be underserved at this moment. And so, yes, we do so recognizing that there are multiple viewpoints in the community and there's going to be push back. But I feel like as council, the place we should stand is being the ones that are
pushing back about what should happen for the 60 plus. >> Yeah. I'm looking at the um at the at the mission that we approved too and you know it says coordinate communication with staff with BDC and the public so you know it's organized feedback focus
on universal design. the December 8th minutes. The December 8th minutes and this was taken from it's number eight on page two members. We voted to form a regional working group
>> and so um because I'm looking at the minutes that are dated make sure I'm looking at minutes from November 19th. Well, and then we go and then No, we have to look at the minutes because that was not an official vote back then.
We're looking at the minutes on >> Oh, okay. So, you're saying vote? Okay. >> December 8th is when we voted. And so, um >> and that's that's AI generated, too. So
we didn't have to go back to the narrative to the actual >> go back and listen to the November to the December 8th minutes and that is exactly what was said was um and in fact you and handed a piece of paper to
whoever read the motion and so with what you had written out in the motion. So it was purpose is to track recal designeration details organize feedback focus on invertical design pattern and coordinate communication with staff of
the PBC and public. So that is and that is exactly what was in the in the meeting from December 8. So, um, >> it's disgusting page >> number eight.
>> I do apologize to those of you who were really in the dark. I I I'm very sorry about that and I did make a decision and um I probably should talk talked with Ibra beforehand to make sure that that
is something that I can do legally. You know, that is the purview of the chair. But I I will based especially on this mission that we approved in the December 8th. I it it it uh I understand that there are there are concerns, but I felt
like some of them we've been, you know, we were addressed even since this document was written because then you you um sent us out an email and so I mean you're working with us and this was not um
Jane, do you have any do you have any any suggestions on where we go from here? Um what well u madam chair what I'm hearing is that you have a discomfort level with the document that's been presented to you to be placed on the agenda. So you
could make a request that the working group revise the document which I think you did. Um and and for tone is what I heard >> you said. Um so if the working group would like to make that revision and resubmit it it's the chair determines
how what goes on agendas. Um, and if the work group chooses not to do that, then you can decide at some point whether or not you want to put it on the agenda. Um, but it seems like small ask. >> Yeah. >> You're not asking for a content change.
Is that correct? >> Yeah. Well, except I'm I'm doomed because if you're going to read what it says in the metad as the mission as the working group is supposed to
specifically focus on specifically and only on design and operation details, then I could see that by your own concerns concerns that these will not be
specific to >> well let them be specific to this to what you position that you >> but part of what I said part of what I said in introducing this is as we've looked at the specifics of what we have
there are concerns that are not specific to those >> that have concerns that are broader about the whole process that we're engaged in right now. So if
we're specifically formed to focus on design and operation details as they're presented to us, then that makes this document in a sense. They were working with >> the other members may disagree with my
perspective. I'm trying to be >> I would just ask you to revise it in light of the tone and then in light of what your mission is and that was approved unanimously at the December 8th meeting. I
the purpose of the document the presentation was to get the opinion of majority of the council. So by you saying no they don't even know what's in it.
>> Right. So, so >> what's the purpose of the working group? Then >> I would just ask you for the next meeting to revise it and to you know look at what the specific um mission that we gave you and we
>> but in our sense this is what the mission was or is >> well no well I'm sorry. >> Go ahead. >> Um I think what Karen said is there's two points there. Is this within our
mission? Which which that's debatable and we could have that debate if we rewrite it in a more acceptable manner. Then we could provide it to the council for feedback and the council could say, well, you
know what, we don't think that's within this or whatever. Um, so I think there are two points there. So I am asking and then we >> Yes, John. >> I make a motion you pass on a copy of
the document to everyone and we table it till next meeting so everyone has a chance to read it, make their own opinion about it and talk about it then because I haven't seen it. John hasn't seen it. I don't know who else hasn't seen it, but >> on anybody up there hasn't seen it
>> and they won't get it tonight because it's >> so let's just do something instead of talking about it because I'm just wasting time right here I think. >> So yes, is there a wait first of all is there a second to John's motion to pass out the document?
>> I second it. >> Thank you Rosemary. Any discussion about that? Yes, John. To me, it's very very difficult. Um, I I really believe when you set up a working group or or any type of a group, you've got to let them you got to let them do their thing. You you can't constantly be
be micromanaging. But by the same token, Karen has spoken very cogently about this whole thing. And she obviously um she's an intelligent person. She she she's picked up a lot of points in there. So, to me, the whole thing is is terribly confusing. Um I don't think a
special need will help unless you had something that's different because a special >> So any other comment on the motion? >> Yes. >> I would like to say while I apprec I appreciate John's motion is intended to move us along.
>> You you clearly have deep concerns and um >> wait what did you just say? You don't think you have anything to talk about? Actually, we do >> I guess this is discussion building. I I I would see a constructive process would
be for us to take a look at it. Um take in your your concerns are as valid as ours. We've all got strong opinions on this. Um but we need we don't want this to drag on for months. It's important and it needs to get dealt with back um
where it seems possible. So I would ask for special meeting going back to that. Um I don't think I need a motion for that. I just need to ask. >> We didn't motion on the floor. >> All right. So I would say connecting to the motion don't hand it out now because
it will just enrage people and not be what we then want to discuss in special meeting. >> And I think implicit what was saying is we'll revisit this. Is this >> okay? We do. So, right, we do need to vote for John's. But I think what we're
trying to say is that as two of the working group, >> we're willing to go back, take a look at rewriting this, >> but because we really feel that there's an urgency in looking at this and deciding whether or not it expresses the concern of the council on aging. We
would like to have a special meeting which we can deal with after we vote on motion. Any other um discussion about the motion that's on the floor which is to pass out those pass up the documentation and the the two documents
and um discuss them at the next meeting. Any further discussion? Okay. I will take a roll call vote starting with um John. I'll start with you. You made the motion. >> I agree. I don't pass it. Whatever.
>> So you want to pass. The vote to approve the motion is to pass out is to pass out the documents. >> Okay. John Rosemary, >> I agree. You should pass out the documents. >> Okay. Karen Pette, >> no.
>> Joan Coco, >> yes. >> John Parsons, >> no. >> Marilyn Shley, >> no. >> Nancy, oh my goodness. Nancy left. >> Yes. Um, yes.
>> Jean Pra. >> Did someone keep trash? >> Yes. >> No. So, it's the four in favor, five against. The motion does not pass. >> Can we have a motion to have a special
meeting within a week if possible with meet as quickly as we can and see what we can do understanding what your concerns are? So a a special COA meeting is um pointing hand.
>> Okay. So um so I don't know that we need a motion. We can just >> I don't think we just need to ask for it >> because this is you know there's so many unknowns and we do want to resolve this. think it's the the the uh idea is that
people would like to meet in next week. Um you think that gives you enough time. >> We'll make it if you if you get a date, we'll make sure we give you the documents. Next Monday is a holiday
or Wednesday night. work. >> Oh, yes. >> How does the 20th work for people? >> There's just um no room. The great room is booked on Tuesday the 20th here.
>> So, I just have to look at other rooms to see if they're available town hall. So, >> we have met upstairs as well. >> Yeah, we've met. Yeah, the checkup there's a little tricky and it's very
Let me turn quick. >> Karen, I can't make the 20th. >> Is that >> Don't stop. Don't stop if everybody else can. >> You'll still get the information ahead of time. >> That's fine. Review. Um, is the 21st
available in this room? >> Are people available on the 21st? and go back in. So, sorry. >> All right. You'll be looking that up. But in the meantime, we do um that's actually a future agenda item anyway. So, let's um we can talk about the
minutes. Um, you've done a great job on and so I hope everyone has had a chance to review them. So, we need a motion for approving the November 19th minutes.
>> Second. >> Uh, we need a roll call vote. Rosemary, do you approve the November 19th minutes? >> Yes. >> Karen Pette, >> yes. Joan Koko, >> yes. >> John Suzinski, >> yes.
>> John Parson, >> yes. >> Marilyn, >> yes. >> Nancy, >> yes. >> Jean, >> yes. >> Aaron, passes unanimously. We have um the minutes on December 8th. >> So, I move to approve the minutes. Yeah,
I didn't even say that. So, you have to let me at least say it. >> Uh, okay. December 8. Um, so now motion to approve the minutes on December 8th. >> You have Okay, >> I have a correction. I was in attendance
on the 8th. I was via Zoom. >> Okay, >> so >> that just needs to be updated. >> Okay, thank you, Jean. Any other any other corrections or >> Yeah, John Parson's name is spelled wrong.
>> What? You didn't catch it >> or >> Well, my wife was Italian. >> Okay. Um, roll call vote on the December 8th minutes. Karen Pette, >> yes. >> Rosemary,
>> yes. >> Joan, >> yes. >> Doninski, John Parson, >> yes. >> Marilyn, >> yes. Nancy, >> yes. >> G, yes. >> Karen, yes. Motion passes unanimously.
And then we have the joint minutes. Um, Jenna um submitted these these minutes, the joint meeting of recap of COA and the recreation committee. Any uh I have a
motion on the December 15th minutes. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any any changes? Any Yes, Nancy. >> Um I I read through the the minutes as
written by Jenna and I read through our document >> um that describes the and I think that there are some things missing from from this So I would like my personal opinion is
that we should wait until we have our meeting to go over this document that um outlines you know some of the things again to
some extent it it's a bit of a tone issue but >> yeah you do you think that there what do you think is missing in the >> I some of the comments We we we've made a decision not to go over this this meeting, >> you know, but but we're speaking
specifically about the minutes. >> Yeah. And I just think I I I can't talk about them because we can't talk about these >> at that you haven't even made that document.
>> Oh, no. But I did it >> and I and I made the document before we received or we made the document before we received. >> So you would like to hold off on >> I would just like to hold off until we have our special meeting and then
>> but typically when we when we vote not to approve minutes it has to do with u something is missing or something needs to be corrected. >> I I think >> I think so. I I just think what's missing are some
of our comments >> made at the meeting >> that were made at the meeting >> more of a summary. I didn't put everyone's I mean there was a lot of comments. I would have been there all evening making the comments. >> Um but certainly if that's the critique
that people want more comments in there, we can go back and put everyone's com but I you know we can't do word for word. I mean that's not something that peaceful in a several hour. >> You have specific um point if it's a
general how much is I'm flattered to be noticed. There's a lot of Marilyn said Marilyn said Marilyn said and I did I'm not questioning that. It's just that everyone else you're gonna get it. >> Everyone else on the council that was there
that you were talking about. >> I'm sorry I'm speaking. Um, I I would just ask that the other people be recognized for their contributions as well. I realize you can't have every single one, but it's Marilyn did this and Marilyn and nobody else and that just isn't the way it
went. And to the public, it kind of comes out, well, there's that Marilyn Lou again. So, I would ask that there be fair presentation, the breadth of commentary that went into this.
Well, there's still a motion on the table. Do we Who made Who made a motion? You did. >> The other the other comment I want to make, Jane, can you help me with this? Because if the rec committee approves them as written, then what happens then? If the Council
on Aging makes changes, >> can either ask the recreation committee to approve that document or we could >> tonight. Yeah, we can debate that. >> Um, I beg your pardon. >> Say the chair. We can debate that for an hour.
>> Yeah. Um, >> and we can make a note that the that that the council on aging added made some changes and and and approved a revised document and send it over to recreation for their information. They could choose to adopt that document or
they might not make any changes or they or they may say, "You don't agree with these changes." So, >> so I guess um so a meeting at maybe that will help us
in terms of okay uh so uh future agenda items one is that we will have a meeting it looks like. Did you find out? >> Yeah, the 21st looks like it's okay. >> Okay. And that works out for everybody
here and that works for you as well. >> Okay. So, is it 6 o'clock? Any other? So, the next week's meeting will specifically address the um the recal that counts on aging working group will
that will be the agenda items. Okay. and you'll have um made some revisions and we'll hand out those documents ahead of time so people can review them. >> Well, that's Wednesday. So, no need. >> Oh, yes. >> So, it needs to be posted
>> Thursday. But the the documents we can send out on Okay. >> Monday. >> A written copy? >> A handwritten? Yes. You'll get a digital copy >> ahead of time. >> Can I get a written copy? I'm asking >> at the meeting. >> Oh, I'll be
>> No, you need it ahead of time. You want a printed copy? >> Yes. >> I'll one over to you. Whoever wants a printed copy, we've got them here. >> Those won't be changed. >> You're not changing those. >> These are not changed,
>> right? So, if you want to give him a copy of that. >> Um, but I can walk over to you when we have a final approved one that's going on the agenda. I'll walk one over to John. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll have to drop a
>> I can print them out, too. I mean, one of the things that I've done in the past is >> printed out copies and left them here and then people people. >> Yeah. All right. We'll let you know.
>> Is there any more specific that you could share with us in terms of what you mean by tone? Even an example, this sentence had the wrong tone. So, we don't just >> I think that's hard for her to do without anybody else. >> That's right. Never mind. Never mind.
>> So, it's guessing games on both sides. Okay. >> Shen of AI. It would did a really nice job. >> Did it. And what did you ask? >> All right. >> Um, >> so any other So that's our that our
meeting next Wednesday, January 21st, 6 o'clock meeting here. And then we'll meet the third um the second Monday of the month in February. That's not the which is the n not a holiday. Thank you
all. I do um do appreciate the conversation, the discussion. I appreciate and I appreciate and I know John very frustrated. I'm sorry. We need a motion to adjurnn. So, I'll make a motion. Just let me say I
I've been on on Zoom many times and I agree with what Rosemary said. It can be very difficult. >> And then I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> I second it. >> The one thing before we adjourn, I'm sorry. Um, it is easier to hear, I think, in that upstairs room because
it's smaller. But anyway, um, roll call vote. Let's say Rosemary. >> Yes. Yes. >> Coco. >> Yes. >> John Suzinski. >> Yes. >> John Parson. >> Yes.
>> Marilyn Shappley. >> Nancy Zimlac. >> Yes. >> Jean Fredo. >> Yes. >> Karen Janowski. Yes. >> Okay.