She asked me if I knew where she said it on live again. >> Yeah. No, for me, I don't want to give you I want Get up. But I'm sitting here
just now. >> You see what that said? All right. Now it's >> Where am I? >> John's iPad is talking. Whoever >> she can hear what we're saying. >> Can you hear the video?
She's doing it. As soon as works, I'll let you know. >> Thanks for the patience. I know. >> How many are you missing? >> One. >> Well, they I think they're online, but we can't tell.
>> No, he's Ron's there and John's iPad, who I hope is >> Ron and John are here. >> I I recognize Ron's voice. >> Can we do a roll call? >> Hello. >> Can we see them? just hearing their voices.
>> I just shut off the video because of the Zoom bomb, but I can certainly turn it turn it on. I was advised to keep the video off, but um I can just keep an eye on it if you want their videos on. >> Jenna, are you stating that you got Zoom bombed again?
>> No, just before. So, in the setting, it says um don't allow people to start their video on here. So, I just disabled it. So, um I can try to take off that setting if everyone wants me to. No problem. >> Well, I just wonder, Jenna, do I have to
be able to see? Do we need to see them to then say that we have a quorum? >> No. >> Okay. All right. We'll do a roll call. All right. I will call the June 8th,
2026 Council on Aging meeting to order. Um, I'll start with roll call because I think that's really important. John Parsons >> here. Joan Koko, Rosemary De Benadetto, Sally Hoy,
Kate Harrington here, Karen Pette, Ron Powell >> here, >> Jean Pra here, John Suzinski. >> Who's John's iPad? John Suzinski, are you here? He's on mute. He has to unmute.
>> Can you unmute please? >> Chapley corner. Okay. So, I will um here's an overview of the agenda. We are starting with the approval of
meeting minutes from April 2026 and May 2026 followed by public comment, select board update, friends of 60 plus update, elder and human services report and trust run reports and upcoming events at
the center COA at Housing Street Center. And there will be a vote um on fresh bond request, survey update and discussion, COA working group update and possible votes, small space recount discussion and vote and voting on a
chair. We will undergo a reorganization tonight that will take effect at the next meeting. Voting on the chair and the vice chair future agenda and we will adjourn there. Karen. Karen, can I make a special request to
move up the discussion on the maker space alternative for a possible vote? Uh because I will be leaving early to be joining the permanent building committee meeting and I would like to actually have input from the council on aging on that before I
join that meeting. >> Sure. Let's um let's see how it goes and um if we can start it at 6:30. How's that sound? >> Uh, I was actually planning on leaving at 6:30, but I can stay till I can stay
a little bit later. >> Okay. All right. Let's see how it goes and we'll we'll take that um out of order at that time. >> Um Karen, sorry. Um, can you just ask Carrie or Janet to turn the video on at the Pleasant Street Center on the on the
um panel there because we can't see you. And I also enabled people to um use their video or profile picture if they want to now. So just an FYI allowed >> um it should now. >> I'm here.
>> I I still can't use my >> It's not allowing it, J. >> Oh boy. Okay, continue then. >> So we can only see you in a live very large screen. Okay. All right. So,
>> she's on the one. >> So, the first the next item is the approval of the meeting minutes. So, let's start with April 2026. I hope everybody had a chance to review the minutes. Are there Can we have a motion?
I just have one really minor thing. Um, so we're starting with April. Sorry, I said May. Hold up. Go make sure I get the point right. So, This is the April baby. Um, so in the list of voting numbers absent
on that, you see it right at the start of the minutes. Um, anyway, sounding is listed as a voting member absent. She's not. >> So, >> okay. I see that. I I'm going to move her. I will move I will fix that.
>> Yeah. >> I keep getting muted. >> Can anybody hear me? >> Yes. >> It keeps telling me you're muting me. >> No, we can hear you.
>> I'm going to mute you in a second. >> April meeting. >> Okay. So, I moved uh Sally Hoy. Uh, unfortunately, I can't share my screen. Um, but I am making the edits in real
time here because they need to be approved by the end of this meeting. >> A quick question. I'm sorry. Did you say April? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I also have to leave this meeting at 6:30 myself. >> Okay. >> So, if we're gonna vote on something,
I'm with Ron. Let's do it now or do it sooner. >> That's John. Yes. >> Okay. Any other changes to the minutes? >> Yes. >> Oh, yes. Marilyn, >> um on the minutes, um a big improvement, Ron, still a couple of small things. On
approval, prior minutes, it says a correction was made regarding a previously referenced Burbback fund interest. Actually, it was just requested and because the information was act >> Oh, I I see you. I see you now. Now I
can see them now also. >> Actually, there go again. >> Anyway, the minutes get approved as they were with the error as stated because that's what was said at the meeting and discussion of the error was sort of deferred to later meetings.
>> Okay. Can I just Can I just have a motion on how you'd want that rewarded or just tell me how you'd like that rewarded? >> Uh, how about a change made to requested? >> Correction. A correction was made regarding a previous reference. Burbank
trust fund interest. >> Just change it to requested instead of made >> um was requested. >> Yeah, you could leave it there if you want. You could say discussion of the error was deferred to future trust fund agendas. I want
>> uh discussion was deferred. >> Discussion of the error was deferred to future trust fund agendas. >> Gotcha. Okay, hold on. Discussion >> of the error was deferred to future
>> agendas. Whatever Thank you. I got it. >> Um, >> thank you, Marilyn. >> What else? on the draft of what you called the member resource packet. um
you simply said that it had to go to staff and actually we walked through that and I don't think we need to get into all the details but the bottom line was that it was next to go to Laura Jim for approval and pending her request for
modifications we would do whatever we need to do and then get it posted >> is that under is that under draft policies number seven number four for council member resource packet. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Yes, I see it now.
>> Okay. >> What what would you propose to uh correct that >> or revise it? I would put in a sentence simply say I would simply put the packet will now
go to Laura Jim for review and sign off. Okay. So, the packet will now go to for >> for final review and and sign off. >> Yeah. Well, it's not final for for review
>> for for for review and sign off. >> Yeah. And then you if you want the packet will then I'd be certain then you've got will return for final edits. I would say the packet will then return for final edits and if changes are requested and council approval then it
will be posted on the town website. So we agreed to so it's been through elder services. Um okay so we'll just >> Oh so so wait a minute. So here's what I have now. I have the council reviewed the draft council member resource
packet. Discussion included citation fundraising language and formatting issues. Staff clarified that hyperlinks not functioning within the PDF version would be active when posted online. The packet will now go to Laura Gem for review and sign off. Did you want
something after that or just cut it out there? >> You can cut it out there. I mean the next step is that if Laura wants us to do something, we >> depended what we actually discussed during the meeting. >> That's what that's what we said in the meeting. So, the packet will then return
for final edits if changes are requested by Laura. >> Hold on. Hold on. The packet will return to the >> final edits. Go ahead. The packet will return for final edits and what
>> if changes are requested by Laura and and then COA approval and then it will be posted on the town website is what we said at the last meeting. Hold on. You're speaking faster than I can type. So, packet will return for final edits if changes are requested by Laura.
Period. Stop. And then next sentence. >> Then there will be COA approval and then it will be posted on the town website is what we said last month. >> Okay. Followed by COA approval
>> and then posted on the town website. >> Okay. Can I just Okay, last one. Um, item that's it's around nine somewhere. Trust fund and future agenda items.
>> I see it. Yeah, I got it. Yep. >> You might not need to do it because Karen's going to walk us through all this tonight. So, we could probably just leave this. So, it's fair amount. I wanted to itemize. It says a agenda additional future agenda items were identified. I wanted to identify them
because no one would know what they were, but parents a little while tonight, so I'm happy. Okay, >> they're on tonight's agenda. Is that satisfactory? >> Yes, it is. >> Okay. I have a motion to to approve
April 11th, April 13. April, April. >> Is there a second? >> Don seconded it. >> We'll have a roll call vote. Pra, >> yes. >> John Parson, >> yes.
>> Marilyn Shapley, >> yes. >> Oh, no. I'm not voting. John Sinski, >> yes. >> Ron Powell, >> yes. >> Yes. Passes unanimously. All right. Now, we can go to the May 11th meeting.
>> Okay. Any discussion? I have just one minor one. Under the Sorry, I lost my place. Under the uh RCT recording authorization number 10.
>> Yes. >> Does council it says that to edit um the recording of a prior meeting? Wasn't it for the meeting we were in, not a prior meeting? Uh so so the zoom
bomb occurred at the April meeting. So the the minutes >> no the it occurred at the May meeting. >> Are we sure? So it's just the word. >> So
>> prior recording of >> recording of >> Yeah. >> of the meeting to remove. Got it. Okay. >> Of that meeting. >> Recording of the meeting to remove. >> Got it. So, the council discussed authorization for Reading Community Television to edit
the recording of the meeting to remove offensive and inappropriate content resulting from a Zoom disruption. >> Yeah. >> Good. >> Any other changes? >> Could make a small um July meeting schedule. Everything you wrote is
correct. You might want to add that um 10 staff confirmed that the COA could meet in July if we want. We don't have to have staff here. We just would not be online. It would be an in-person meeting if you chose to. >> And I think >> uh I'm sorry I didn't hear most of that.
Can you tell me that again? >> July meeting schedule. You've got two sentences. They're fine. >> Yeah. >> I would just add a third. Um staff for town staff confirmed that the CO because it was asked the COA could meet in July
in person if we wanted to. It's just we would not have RCTV or Zoom >> or staff >> or or ST, right? We wouldn't we would not have staff and I believe John Parson suggested we discuss it at the next
meeting as our chair that night. >> Okay. So, town staff, let me town staff confirmed that COA could meet in person >> in July >> in July >> if desired. >> But didn't that happen? >> No. >> No, >> it happened the time of the meeting.
>> It certainly did. I listen. >> Yeah. Just keep it simple. The town staff confirmed that a July meeting could be held. >> That's exactly what I would say. >> Perfect. I'm happy. All right. Any other changes? Could I have a motion to accept?
>> And I move that we accept the minutes that >> I second it. >> John Suzinski seconded. Roll call. Jean Prada. >> Yes. >> John Parson. >> Yes. >> Marilyn Chap. >> Yes. >> Kate Harrington. Yes, >> John Sinski.
>> Yes, >> yes, the motion passes unanimously. Next item on the agenda is public comment. And um I see that we do have a number of people from the um public >> from from the town who I imagine some of
you would like to speak and if you could stand up and uh whoever would like to speak if first of all how many of you would like to speak? Okay. So PNC, you'll go first. If you could stand up, um, state your name and um,
street now. Street. >> Hi everyone. Keep it less than three minutes. >> Oh yeah. >> Okay. >> Hi everyone. My name is Nancy Zimlac Park Drive Reading Residents. Um I'm he the reason that I wanted to speak was I
wanted to speak on behalf of Ron Powell who is our liaison to the permanent building committee his proposal for small program meeting room space. So he's going to talk about it later, but
basically one of the big major changes would be that instead of the divider being installed completely while the building is open, the infrastructure for the divider would be installed and then the divider could be installed at a
later date. Cost less money and um some fundraising efforts or whatever could happen as a result of it. And uh by opening up the maker space as a small meeting room space that um um allows a
lot of the programs that happen here at the uh senior center to be in a properly spaced room. And um and I know Ron is going to talk about it later, but my my
um objective also in speaking is we need to make sure that this building is designed not only for the current users of the senior center, but we're looking at future growth. The senior population is growing in Reddit. So let's keep that
in mind as we make decisions about recal. >> Thanks. say that's what buy me. >> Um I just want to talk about Could you state your name? >> Oh, I'm Janice. Hi. I live at 70 Westcraftoft Road in Reading. I've been
a Reading resident for 53 years and um I'm just concerned about some of the things that are going to happen with the senior center and um and one of them is the the new paying pay for the month instead of pay as you go. Um, a lot of
us are are seniors, all of us are older and part part of that is everything is going up in our life. Our groceries, our our electricity, our um car, the gas and all the rest of it. And I think it would be easier for us if we could pay as you
go and then if you can't if you have a problem, you just don't go to the to the meeting. And I wasn't happy with the idea of well if you can't you pay for the month but then if you can't make one of the meetings and say you have to take care of a grandchild that morning or
something then you don't get the money back. They put it toward uh the next time and um I would like the money back. You know, I think that's another thing. And I'm concerned about how the people who live in this neighborhood who walk
to the senior center, how are they going to get to the new senior center? Um, you know, will there be a bus available that will come, you know, at different times of the day and then how will they get home? Will that same bus come back and get them, you know, and bring them back home? Those are some of my and that's
what I've heard about from the people in the class that I'm in. And I'm not happy with this charging people more who are out of reading in a a a touching town or whatever it might be because I've gone to other senior centers and I've never been asked to pay more because I'm not
from that town and I think it's not welcoming to people coming in. I've noticed the difference. The class numbers are definitely down and um so that's a concern of mine too. So it's not a big deal but it's just something I wanted to bring to your attention and I appreciate listening. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Well, I do appreciate you all coming tonight. >> Thank you. >> All right. The next item on the agenda is the select board update. Any new
information from the select board? >> Yes. Um so I have select board. I appreciate um being in these meetings and learning so much. Select board as a whole has not heard very much about either this project or the Kllum project. So, I've asked the town manager to give us an
update and um I'd love for you guys to play a role in that because it's not just a building update, although we want to know, you know, where we are in the finances and things like that. There's like there's so much more for both projects. So, that'll be coming up. And um the other thing I wanted to let you
know is that the library has just opened a new terrace space. The the ribbon cutting was Friday night. The weather cooperated, the New England weather cooperated. It's beautiful with an amplification system. It is lovely for small events on plan air. Um so just wanted to let you know that that is up
and uh it's just lovely. And then um uh all this year I've been I've been um attending lots of group activities at the library and here to get a feel. And I just wanted to specifically thank Ron Marilyn and um
who else? Oh Nancy Tumi. In the last week I met with all three of you. spent significant time just bringing me up to speed. Uh Marilyn was kind enough to walk me through the current uh floor plans and um Ron and I talked about this divider issue and and Ron and I are both
serving as leaison to the permanent building um committee as well. So it's just so important to keep that information flowing. Um um and also I've attended friends of 60 plus events. So, you know, I'll just say my take. I I certainly
>> Can you give more like from the select board update to anything else that we need to know from the select board? >> Any other discussions that that pertain to the need to know? >> Um, not off the top of my head. This is
unusual an unusual format for this committee. Actually, no other committee asked the select board to come in and do this. But do you have any questions? Is there something that you think I maybe should have brought up? >> I just I know historically like we had Karen Rose Gillis and she would almost always just give us the update from
select board meetings. So it was just like things that we would need to know about things that you discussed at the select board meetings. So that has been the pattern that we've had. >> Okay. >> With Mays don't work that way. All select board members work a little differently. >> But um we're we're on time so I will I
will wrap it up. Thank you. >> All right. Friends of 60 plus update Norabako. >> Yeah. Um well, we had our second annual antiques appraisal. Um I think it's May 20th. It was during the day which was a little different because we had it on a
Saturday the original one, but um was a lot of fun. Uh we didn't have as much attendance as we typically did, but um it really is an entertaining activity. Um the appraiser is from Reading and he's extremely
knowledgeable um and very witty and he um loves doing it. He's going to come back next year and we raised about $1,300 and we also there was an opportunity drawing which is a raffle part of that part of the raffle and um
there actually was a Picasso there. someone didn't know we had >> so you never know what's going to show up but um >> so thank you for everybody who came we're going to continue to do this for fundraising um and also we supported the
life transition program that's going on here it's active and I guess it's got good attendance successful >> you know you maxed out the binder program maxed out at 30 Wow, that's a lot. >> Yeah, that's excellent. And there were
several of us who attended the >> the Oh, no. The appraisal. >> The appraisal. It was very entertaining, isn't it? >> Yes. Even if you don't bring anything, it's very entertaining. >> Thank you. >> And Terry
on time to so um the elder human services report. So, as you can see from my numbers, I'm not going to read them all, but all of those in red are from my senior
center and all of those that are highlighted are for Rect Tech. So, I'm toggling between two systems because we're still using two systems to get stats. So overall I think the most important
number is that we had 835 signups in rect which is a is huge for the month of May. Um and fi 5 574 of those people were unduplicated. So we serviced 575 four 574 people in rect and that's not
including the people that signed in through my senior center. So, a lot of people that take the all the people that take the exercise classes and have to pay are all using Recre Tech and some people are slowly kind of trickling in from my senior center. So, that's
explains that. Um, and then our volunteer hours have just been consistently up um with lots of programs here at the center. Um uh Jane Wman has brought uh her office hours to the senior center and they're very well attended. Um she's pretty well
packed uh for 15minute appointments. Um Biff has come back from his hiatus and is doing lamp repairs. Um again a light transition binder. We had our first session and we had 30 clients enrolled. Um, the sound of healing did a sound healing class and it
was funded by the cultural council so we didn't really have to pay for that which was lovely. Um, we are having Phillips Academy present a philosophy program for free and these boys are 17 years old and just presenting on philosophy which is super great and very smart future
leaders I hope. Um, we had a tech talk talk to help folks enroll in Rect Tech because, you know, we don't want low enrollment. Um, people haven't come to that program despite saying they're having issues with Rect Tech. So, I think people are just trying to figure it out on their
own. Um, I'm no longer the intern, just so you all know. I am permanent. >> Congratulations. Um, we're averaging about 30 clients for community lunch, but unfortunately we've had some cancellations the day of and
and sometimes when money isn't attached to things, we tend to see that. Um, there's no real accountability to hold their spot. So, we've been giving the fire department some food. Um, the other piece that I kind of wanted to
go in too was that and Jenna can chime in as well, um, is about the the exercise and the fitness programs because I've been hearing all the situations from that. Um, I want to let you all know we did receive a private
donation um, $6,000 this week. So, we're able to put that in the donation fund to be able to help offset some cost. Um, but >> excuse me, was 10,000 um >> 1,000 is from one person, 5,000 from
another. >> That was they they both were anonymous. They both were >> Young Women's League of Writing was $1,000, >> right? Young Women's League. Yeah, they should get >> they do that. I think they've done that in the years past. Um
so the current month monthly sessions that we offer for programs here at the center are art palms chair volleyball strength and balance body and brain yoga and best is two times a week and I just
want to clarify the fest is free um and we're working on bringing line dancing back with better enrollment and we're trying to find a new Zumba instructor. Um, with that being said, the projected estimate currently for fitness classes
in our per month would be around about 2,000 or 24,000 per year. Um, enrollment for many classes is going well, but some are experiencing lower numbers now that participants have to pay. We would like to give participants the option to register in advance, but on a weekly
basis for flexibility as they have requested. In order to do this, we are requesting a buffer of of money from the Burbank trust fund of $10,000. We will run classes that still have an associated fee. However, if a certain amount of
participants do not sign up for a given day, these funds will still allow us to pay the deficit owed to the instructors. So, for example, if an instructor is a $75 per class and we charge $5 participants and only 10 participants show up
for that class, that would be a $25 deficit and we'd need to put $25 back in for the teacher and that's what the Burbank would pay for. Um, and it would help fund the instructor to continue the class. Another option for finance is that we take 10,000 from the
Burbank P fund to pay in totality for the fitness programs for the next five or so months and let the revolving fund continue to grow without program fees. Um, option two is easier for invoicing, but staff is willing to carry other options from the council on aging. Um,
if more funding is needed after this period of time, we received two general these are the donations we received last week. So, we'll put those towards if we need additional funds to help sustain the revolving fund. >> Um, again, as stated in prior meetings, the
staff has again confirmed with finance that the use of the Burbank funds can be changed at any time with a majority vote from the COA. These were concerns stating that the majority the there were concerns stating that with a majority vote, the COA can also decide to extend
more interest if they choose to do so. So, that's um what we're thinking. I'm also asking for $5,000 from patrons to help pay for community lunch for six months. >> So, so 5,000 from
>> is that for community residents only? >> Excuse me. >> Is it for only reading residents? >> I don't believe so. >> But is there a charge for non-reading residents? Could it be? >> No. No. >> Yeah. There would still be the same $5
charge for a non-resident right now. >> Not for lunch though. Not >> Yeah. Not for lunch. No. >> Is the priority for lunch for writing residents? >> It's mostly writing residents. Yes. >> And we we do put And the other centers, I have to say, are doing this as well.
They are prioritizing their community first and putting kind of out of town on weight lists and then if options open up, they're letting outsiders come in, too. And >> that's not an uncommon thing within other centers. >> And the community lunch is the lunch on Tuesdays. >> Correct.
>> And so you're asking for 5,000 for the community lunch from patrons. And you had two options for the bird bank. >> Yes. >> What are those? Because they are written here. What are those two options? >> So um let me go back.
>> 10,000 from Burbank to pay in totality for the fitness programs for the next five months. Yeah. So, discussion against Kate and then Jean. >> Well, >> I just want to say it it would have been very helpful to you bring that up because I'm a little confused, too.
>> So, so you gave us two $10,000 options. The second one that you just mentioned was the$10,000 would simply pay for the fitness for the next I forget what you said >> so that the revolving fund can grow. >> Okay. So under that one, I'm assuming that
what you're saying is you're going to continue to charge participants and that money would go into the recovering fund. Correct. Okay. So we would be actually underwriting the cost but you'd still be charging participants, right? >> Okay. and you're and it would be easily charged.
>> And the first option was you want a buffer, you just want $10,000 given >> and we wouldn't >> and then it would be used if participant fees don't pay the total cost.
>> Correct. >> And then there just might be some unexpended sum of money from that 10,000 you're saying. >> Correct. >> Okay. It's basically to build up a slush fund in the revolving fund is what the point of either way.
>> The first one doesn't sound like it builds up the revolving fund. >> No, the finance department felt it would be better to do the second option. >> Yeah, the second one is clear on how that would help the revolving fund. The first one just sounds like >> the buffer actually becomes sort of the
slush fund. >> Well, the reason is cuz instructors >> No, I get the reasoning. I'm just trying to understand that >> they didn't they were cancelling classes if they didn't have enough people that was >> Jean and then and I do also want to u go
over the amount that we do have available I did send it out as a packet but I do want to if people have question about what we actually have available to us through these through the interest but G ahead >> now the 10,000 is for how many months
>> probably I would guess five right Jenna did you think it's about But yeah, >> yes, I did a new calculation with the current programs that we're running um with the intention obviously of adding a couple more and uh that's where
we're at around 2,000 a month or 24,000 per per year. So, um it would give us about 5 months at the 2,00 and maybe more if you decide on option one because if there's somehow a big um
uptick in participation because we went back to the weekly, then it kind of becomes a moot point that we wouldn't really um need that offset buffer. But we just don't know. >> Another question. >> Do we have a donation fund? Do you have
a donation fund? And what's the total in that donation fund? >> Is it 50,000, John? >> Yeah, it might be um back it might be back up to 50 with our donations that we just got in, but I don't know offhand um what the amount is. We tend to use that
um as a lastditch resort um and would prefer to use something that's you know acrewing interest and um has a has a lofty amount of money in it like the
trust fund. We think that's a far better option at this point than dipping into the donation accounts um that kind of just sit there. So >> but is the donation fund putting into account that's used that is gaining interest is one question. The second
question is I what is the limit that we can disperse from the trust funds annually? Is there a limit >> interest? >> Just the interest and with the economy the way it is I don't think we could give $10,000
>> you can expend. >> Yes. So, at from the Burbank fund, there's um and Karen sent this out, there's a $95,000 expendable amount that you can spend right now in the interest. Um, however, at any time with a majority vote, you
can change that to expend however much money you want that's currently in the fund. And you have the authority to also vote. Um, I know there was a concern before that you didn't think that the use of the funds was for weekly program weekly programs and you weren't in favor
of um, doing the fitness programs, but you can also vote to change that as well. So, we verified that with finance. >> So, just to review um, do you I can explain what we have available. >> Can I just throw up my two slides?
>> One is what you're going to share with us. I question whether we actually have that much interest in this fiscal year's profit from her bank account and I question the 90,000 but Karen's going to explain it and I hope to understand it.
Um, the other is you're talking about, it sounds like somewhere between 24 and 30,000 for the 12 month window, which I believe is way over one year of interest, which we could do for a while because we didn't do anything while we
used up ARPA, but it will run out. Oh, and the third question is, did we get clarification on that policy that said that we are not allowed to overcharge for elder services programs? So, we can't be building the revolving fund by
overcharging for the costs of an event. Did that get changed? I'm done. Okay. So, I did share the elder services trust funds. I did meet with Diane Morvito and Sharon Angstrom last week.
Um Carrie and Jenna also joined. And so, Diane is the town treasurer. Sharon Angstrom is the town accountant. And so it was very informative. Um I I sent out the Elder Services Trust Fund document
um for people to have a chance to look at and I don't know Jenner if that would be helpful if you want to share it as well. Uh the so it showed a balance of Janu July 1st 2025 of the three trust funds that we have um responsibility
over the Burbank fund, the patient for older adults fund and the Laura Parson's funds. There are three trust funds. The original amounts the non-expendables um total is 347,687.
That's in the line all the way to the left. >> Yeah. Sorry. Not on that. >> It's an easier form. >> Janet, do you have it to share? >> Okay. Well, you're looking.
Um, I don't think what you sent out provided that. I just opened up the documents. Um, but hold on. Let me click the link that's living inside of this email to see if that gives me what I need. >> It say it's labeled elder services trust funds.
>> So, okay. And then the expendable at the beginning of the um fiscal year of 2025, it gives the totals at that time. Then it shows the investment incomes total was 13,000 and that was through February
of February 2026 and then it shows the expenditures that we have tapped into from the trust fund so far this this calendar this fiscal year and again it reinforces the nonexpendable
um columns as of December as of June 3rd 2026 and so The expendable amount is taken into consideration the investment in in income that had been acrewed and the expenditures and it shows in the last
column to the right what our current expendable amount is. There it is on the screen. So it's what we have from those three funds is 156,269 which is the interest income that has
been acrewed since these um since these trust funds began. >> So I think heard you say that this information the source for it was the town treasurer. Is that correct? Because
that wasn't indicated in your email. It was from the town treasur and the town accounts. >> Okay. >> And the other thing some of us we've seen the figure of 388,000 for the Verb bank fund and that is what motivated me
and I know some of us have had the question what what does this mean? And the $388,000 amount for the Dorothy Burbank trust fund is actually um oh my goodness word finding problems.
What principal plus interest number? >> No, it is the unreal unrealized gains that that the town accountant and the town treasurer have to show as part of their um reporting to the state. So
that's why we have that $388,000 figure. If we were to disperse that fund today, that is the amount that it would be worth today. But that is not how it works. when we think about um acrew
about accessing the the interest amount. >> Yeah. My question is how are they defining expendable? In the past when they have done that they've gone back to the original document and said we can spend it anyway we want and yes but we do have
a policy that says only spend the interest. this 95,000 I would bet you a hot fudge Sunday with a cherry on top is the sum of the interest over the last x many years that and that's not taking out expenses it's
just saying this is what you earned >> right >> and we need to know year by year what got actually subtracted out of that so out of the interest part what's left that's the piece I keep asking for >> but Marilyn if you look on the screen it
shows shows the expendable amount in July 1st of 2025 was 93,610. >> It's not defining what it >> but let's go across. And then it shows the investment income of 8,184. Then it shows the expenditure of 6,400.
>> You're looking at this one. >> Yeah. And then it looks at the expenditure of 6,400. So that is deducted from the investment income for this year. >> For this year. And then it does show the expendable total of 95,000.
Why do you think that that is different? >> Because it's not showing the prior years. >> But why do you think that they did it differently based on what we're seeing here? >> Because it and million reasons. It wasn't requested when they put in for the report. They're just looking at this
year. What did we spend? I I would like to know how they're defining expendable because on other conversations it has come up as well because the original document said we could spend if we so set the policy anything we wanted
but 30 years ago the council set the policy of only spend interest and we've done well and it's grown it's been a conservative but healthy responsible way to grow a fund. I just want to
understand. I could be wrong, but this doesn't convince me until I see the definition of expendable. >> Well, and the dates the way the dates are on. I'm sorry. >> And the thing that makes me really wonder is in March when we got this and we got a lovely report that says
yearbyear on each of the funds, interest income, and that's just interest income, not taking out the expenses back then was over 80,000 for Burbank. So, and that was as of last November. So market conditions being what they are, it could be up to 90 something now, but that's
just income. That's not taking out the expenses, which is why I asked for yearby-year expenses so we can see. >> So So I'm not convinced at all. >> Okay. I I'm looking I I would be So we need clarification. Is this somehow
different from previous years? Because based on this calendar, this fiscal year, it looks like they've done exactly what you are saying, Marilyn. But you have concerns that they have not been consistently doing it in this manner. >> We haven't received this report since
FY19. >> We haven't seen any. >> We haven't. So, >> okay. >> Well, because we haven't been dispersing any we haven't been expending any money out of these accounts until recently. >> We have >> since FY19. We certainly have. It was around when started. So for the past
several years, we have not until December of last year. >> But going back to FY19, we certainly were. >> And that's why I also included in the the sheet in the um the email I sent out today a historical
um document that showed the dispersements since like the past eight years. But that's but it's not >> that was just to give and that was just to show people what had what we have historically dispersed
through the trust funds over the years. So >> and what I'm saying is these numbers have not been subtracted out of those numbers >> and we aren't sure about that but we >> That's right. It's a question. That's my question. Okay. I would be happy to be wrong. I'd be happy to I'd be happy to
say take aund,000 and go with it. My other questions still stand. My understanding of the policy, unless you found a way to change it, is that we're not allowed in elder services to charge more than the cost of the program. So, I don't know how this revolving fund is going to grow except through random
gifts. Um, and that seems to be a cornerstone of this policy. And the other one, I forget right now, but there was a third. And Jenna, we did bring up that question about um
the making money, you know, that we can charge above what we're paying to our um to our instructors. >> Yes. Because there's other unanticipated fees that go along with programs like refunds. Right now, um you know, the a
member in public comment said that, you know, they'd prefer to get their money back completely and not use towards the next program. But if it's $5 a class and they want that money back, it's $10 for a refund. So, right now, we're just eating that cost and that's why we're charging the non-residents more. So, we
can afford to do refunds and things like that. Um, but yeah, there's um unanticipated costs that come along with these programs. There's, you know, if you're running a lunch, you have to buy the plates and you have to buy the coffee and you have to buy all these other miscellaneous items. So that's the point when you're um charging for
programs is to um charge the amount that you think you know it would be without like price gouging obviously but there's other unanticipated costs that you have to account for in that cost. Um, and then also like the rentals right now, the
rentals, we're going to look into creating a rentals revolving fund, but right now those go into the revolving fund, um, as of recently. So, we can use those to offset our programming fees, too. But that's not like a a large amount. So, but that's another way that we can build
up the revolving fund. >> Um, you're saying if you have to refund $5, you're charged $10. Is that because the credit card process was initiated? Who's
Why the five extra dollars? Did I misunderstand that? >> Yeah, that's just a protocol on refunds um through the software systems and just just as an administrative thing that that it costs the town. So, if we were
to process credit card refunds, I think it would might it might even be more. So, for example, I think Lexington even charges $25 for a refund. So, whatever you pay, they charge um you know, you can't go to the class. It's Yeah, you get a refund less $25 because that's
what it costs to um have that trans it's the transactional fee to process the refund. >> But Jenna, you made the point earlier that you're going to a weekly um registration. When is that starting?
Well, it's pending what goes on here tonight. Um, if you know the or if you guys don't if you guys decide to table it until you get a little bit more information about the trust fund, um, then you know you could revisit it at the next meeting. But that is dependent
on on funding. So, we can't just start it now with the donation that we got and then hope that we'll get trust fund money after that. um we really need to make sure that whatever we're implementing now is sustainable at least
for the next year um or you know six seven months till we get to the override. So um that's kind of where we're at. >> Can I continue on a question? >> Um we have a shortfall within the elder and
human services division. Is that because it wasn't um requested for an increase in the annual budget to run EHS
and I don't feel at this point if the trust funds are to be generated and given it's just am I correct for physical activity exercise programs what about the other programs that we might
want to sponsor from the trust trust fund that are different where our money is gone for the year. >> We're trying our hardest right now to make most of the program a lot of the programming that Anna is implementing
does not cost with cultural grants with fees from instructors. We're trying our hardest to get those people to come in. Unfortunately though, a lot of these people want to be paid. The the fitness instructors would want to be paid for the classes. Well, that's their business,
>> right? It's their job and we don't have the funds to support that. >> But why is my question? I don't understand. >> Because we were we didn't get an increase in our budget. >> Why was it asked for >> Yeah, we we did ask um about the funding
for the past couple years. The intention was always to be in a position where we could get that money back to sustain the level of programs that we wanted to. However, we know that in the past couple years the override's been being discussed. So, we were asked and I know
Jane has come to these meetings and and spoke about this as well in depth and said that hey, everyone was told level funded budgets. The town does not have any more money right now. So right now we're just asking if the Council on Aging is willing to expend some of these
trust funds so we can at least, you know, keep these fitness programs going on a weekly basis instead of a monthly basis because that's what the people um there would would like and it's a funding issue and the staff is getting
beat up about it and I understand that and and we're we're pretty strong and resilient, right, Carrie and Janet? But um you know just getting us through this time and seeing what happens with the override. We would just really appreciate it if the trust funds could
could help us out. >> Okay. I would like to just put a put a hold on this conversation right now because I know Ron does need to leave. We'll come back to this because it is going to be a possible vote. Um I am going to take the small space recal
discussion and vote out of order. Ron, would you like me to share um your proposal? Okay, >> that would be great if you could, Jenn. >> Absolutely. >> Let me just um so
and thank you, Madam Chair, for um considering that request to take it out of order. Appreciate it. All right. So, so, so over the past several weeks, I've spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the divider study that BHNA
prepared back in March, the cost estimate, and also the town's proposed maker space alternatives, um, which I think is are were a very serious initiative, um, on the part of the town. So, thank you for that. The
more I've looked at the information, um, my thinking has evolved over time. I still think there's real value in in adding, uh, space for smaller programs, support groups, shine appointments, meetings, and other activities that
don't necessarily require a large room. Um, I don't think that that underlying need has changed, but at the same time, after reviewing the study and the estimate provided by BHNA, I have a much better appreciation for the town's concerns regarding cost, scope, timing,
and overall project stewardship. So, the proposal we're discussing is not simply a room divider in the ordinary sense. It's a highly integrated overhead acoustic partition system with significant associated construction costs. I like to refer to it the
proposal that uh BHNA gave us is like the Cadillac of partition systems when we're really looking for a Toyota. Um but in response to those concerns, the town has proposed maker space alternatives for room 230 intended to
provide additional flexibility for smaller programs. of those alternatives. Well, I should probably just talk them at at a high level. Option one proposes taking the make the room 230 and providing approximately 500 square feet,
I think it's a little bit less than that, space for small programs. Um, so that with a with a with chairs and a and a conference table that can accommodate approximately up to 18
people, maybe more. Uh, option two proposes a smaller room, approximately 365 square ft with a an outer space for computers. And that's option two. I
think of those two options. I I believe option one comes closest to addressing the original objective which was to provide small program space. So the divider as you may recall was to take the flex program room divided into two
equally sized 500 square ft spaces for small programs. And that was something that the council discussed and voted on and supported that that concept. Um option one creates a small program room
about that size. So it does achieve creating the right size space for small programs and uh that could support current needs. So I believe option one comes closest to that to that objective.
And as I thought about it more uh I've increasingly come to view this as two separate questions. So one is the um the the divider itself like what do we
want to do for the divider? And then the second uh question is which maker space option uh best achieves the need for uh rights size space for small programs. So again
I think option one is the better option. That's what I I prefer but uh certainly up for the council to discuss both options. And as far as the divider, um, sorry, uh, Jenna, can you go back to the top of the page there? So, this is what
the this is what the, um, architect quoted. Um, so it uh the quote is for uh the partition itself, which was approximately 100.
Sorry, I can't see it. 130, that's small for me. $137,500. But there's also other changes that are associated with the cost um that uh
possibly go in right now or at least we can ask the architect to go back and say which of these costs can go in. Um one of these the structural beam is going to go in whether or not we proceed with the divider or not. that that structural
beam is going in to support the gym that's above the flex program room. So, that really should not be part of this project. Um, but these other costs like the finishes to the bulkheads, the AV equipment, the electrical, HVAC, fire protection, security, wood blocking,
it's possible that some of these could be implemented now and would open the door for possibly uh installing a partition later should the need arise. So what I was proposing because I I think there is some
uncertainty about whether or not the town feels that there's a need for a partition or based on demand whether it would even be used. So so maybe it makes sense to um plan for the possibility put it put in the enabling structure to
support it down the road. Um and then reassess after a few years of operation whether or not the partition is needed. um that that would um ensure that the if you know there was a need for it in the future that the cost would be
minimalized um by putting these changes that we could put in now um these enabling features in now. So, my proposal is to um move forward with the maker space
room 230 option one and then actually defer uh action on putting the divider itself, but asking DHNA to examine which of these additional enabling um
components, these items can be added now and what would be the cost savings if we implemented them now versus two to three years down the road. Should we see the need for the partition arise in the future?
>> So Ron, I have a question for you. You have um the COA has unanimously um endorsed the concept of a divider. >> So you and that has been shared with the PBC.
>> Yes, it has. that you are you are proposing you're bringing this proposal to them tonight. >> Yes. >> At the PBC meeting. >> So >> So nothing really has changed about that. We are unless anybody wants to
take you know wants to undo a unanimous vote. Um, so I was just wondering, >> so, so our vote was to encourage the permanent building committee to consider a divider as a means to provide for small programming needs for current and
future small programming needs that it has done. I mean, it has it has considered it. It hasn't voted on it. Um, it's on the agenda tonight up for a possible vote. Um the town has I think
consistently expressed concern that um it is it's a a sign a significant amount of cost to implement something that may or may not be used. I think there is some uncertainty about what the demand is going to be um when recal opens for
small programs. I think there are differing views on that. Um, so I I understand the hesitation and reservation to put in a a fairly expensive project that there's
uncertainty about its use, but that doesn't prevent us from putting in the enabling infrastructure to put it in in the future should that need arise. So you'll >> proposing >> you'll continue to um to let them know
that we have endorsed the concept of a divider during that discussion tonight as our PBC representative. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. And are you are you also
looking then for um for uh this discussion about the maker space option because to be honest I would propose a third option. >> I have a third option. So I my third option would be that the maker space uh
moves to the arts and crafts room because that's a larger space and arts and crafts is very often considered part of a maker space. >> Karen, uh Karen, if I could just interrupt you just to continue the thought on the divider. What I'm
actually proposing is that if the if the permanent building committee decides not to move forward with the divider that we're proposing that they at least move forward with considering the enabling infrastructure changes to support a divider in the future. That's the motion
I would like to make tonight at the permanent building committee and I would like to say, you know, I'd like to be able to tell the permanent committee building committee that the council on aging has considered the matter. >> Can we Okay, that's up to us. I, you
know, personally, I feel like the PBC, this is their that's what they have been put in charge of by the town. So, um, it would be interesting to hear their conversation as well. Yeah. J. >> Yes. And one of the things they're going to ask is what how does have you
discussed it with the Council on Aging and what it is it what is its point of view? So that's why I believe >> I I don't micromanaging the PVC and that's what I'm a little concerned about. Yes. G. Okay. >> No, we're not. No, we're not. No. I'm
I'm offering this as a alternative for the per permanent building committee to to consider. And the first question they're going to ask is, "Have you brought this forward before the Council on Aging?" We're not telling them what to do. We're proposing an alternative to
the divider. >> No, I didn't go yet. >> Oh, you were still raising your hand. Sorry. >> I I can see my thought is this. The maker space and the arts and craft room were given much
thought from day one of the needs for the seniors and also intergenerational usage. Definitely the mechanics has to go in if they're not going to put the full unit
in. You have to make sure if we're putting those mechanics in in two years down the road, the wall that needs to be submitted and installed coordinates with the mechanics that are in because a lot of this equipment is discontinued
constantly. Has it ever been considered we have three conference rooms in this building that I'm quite sure that are not going to be utilized all the time versus taking the maker space or the arts and
crafts room? Why can't there be a schedule and the interim >> the and the interim to use the conference rooms? Put the conference rooms on a calendar. It's open. You can use this face for program. No, someone else is going to be using it. We have a
massive conference room on the second floor. If a door is put in at the billiard's room, that is usable. The veterans have a conference room and there's another conference room and another location. So, definitely go for the mechanics if a wall is not going to
be included. That's my But there's alternate to use small space in the interim versus taking away from the maker space or the arts and crafts room. >> Yeah. Um, North Andover ran into this issue when that was built about two and
a half years ago. They could not afford the physical divider, but they put in the ceiling mechanics. I haven't been up there in a while, but a few months ago I was told it is in this year's budget and this year they're very happy to be putting in the divider that they
couldn't afford then and everyone's really happy and sees that's the model we're looking after. It's it's not an unusual proposal in terms of the options. Personally, I would break them apart. I think the putting in the ceiling stuff is one thing to vote on. I
think a second thing is do we want to do something to combine the maker space? It's really just moving the equipment from maker space into the arts and crafts room. Personally, I think that makes tremendous sense because I think there are arts and crafts that will use maker space equipment and make it a full
conference room for all purposes in what's currently called maker space. And also we will graciously accept access to that conference room that's way within wreck as well. I think that's been well established that could be used for multiple purposes.
>> I think it's very important to point out that the the options for the maker space will provide small program space for current needs but it doesn't address the future needs at all. >> That's great.
>> That can only be addressed I think by uh using utilizing the flex room that way and adding the partition. The town has said that they don't want to spend that money. They don't see the need. They don't see the demand. >> Um but but that doesn't prevent us from putting those changes in place to
support it in the future. >> Well, they have to go ahead Kate. I I just want to say I think our previous vote supporting a divider would lend credibility to the argument that whether we take a vote or
not, the Council on Aging would support putting the infrastructure in for divider down the road because it still would get us to the PR principle we voted on. And yes, maybe it makes sense as Ron is saying that you then
have time to test this out, but the structure is there. Yeah. >> Well, I think they also need to consider you're going to have a 55 and to a 65 plus which are classified age bracket which
are classified seniors. They're a working group. They're going to want activities in the evening and on the weekend. So, if you have a divider in there, we can't put the full unit in now. Mechanics definitely need to go in.
The town is growing. We have to look at the population that is below the 70, 80, and 90 group. You have to think about the young. They're young, 55 to 65. Time
goes by fast. They're going to want the I hear it all over town within my own kids. >> They're going to need extra small space. >> So, we are all in agreement. and we're all in agreement in terms of the need of the small space. Absolutely.
>> Um I do think that our previous vote does cover this as well. Um so Ron, you can again reiterate the u the previous vote that we are in support of the divider. Um I do I know that you do need to leave and I know we want to u
continue on with our meeting. Uh, do we would anyone like to make a vote about um some of the options for the maker space that that Ron can then discuss because I do think that is something that they will ask. >> I think we need two motions. I think we
need a motion in support of installing the ceiling equipment now because that's a distinct it's a distinct financial plan and the financial plan has been their big issue and it's distinct. So, I would like to make a motion, if I may,
that the council respectfully ask the PCB to consider or reconsider, because this did come up very briefly in the conversation, installing, and Rod, please give me the correct wording for whatever the hardware should be up there,
>> enabling structure to support a partition. >> Mechanical. >> Okay. Is there a second? Also >> second >> and further discussion >> hearing none.
>> So we're voting on this is the first >> Could I add to that? Are we going to do something else? >> Well, any discussion? I suggest that we support the mechanics within the ceiling
if they feel the PDC feels they don't want to put the complete >> that's fine. >> Yeah, >> that's for the buyer. >> What is the amendment again? I'm confused. >> If it is not
it I recommend it. I recommend we put in a complete wall unit including the mechanics complete. >> We've already done >> a divider. We voted on that. But tonight, if they go forward, just the mechanics would be
doable. >> So, is that an amendment? Isn't that what Marilyn has said? >> She did, but I I'm afraid that if we don't put it either on, >> they won't take it. You're you're saying if they stick to their guns and do not
want to put the full thing in, we're asking that they consider putting in the ceiling >> whatever it is. >> That was your Yes. >> I didn't say they >> I just said we recommend >> Well, would that if they don't
>> they put in the infrastructure if they don't vote to approve a whole park, >> right? Right. Do you accept? >> How about this? I motion in the event that the permanent building committee
elects not to proceed with installation of a divider in the flex room. I move the council on aging recommend that the permanent building committee and project team evaluate whether structural support, electrical roughins, ceiling accommodations or other reasonable
infrastructure elements can be incorporated during construction to preserve the option of future divisibility of the flex room and report back to the feasibility and estimated cost of such accommodations. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes.
>> What? What is the be this is? So are you withdrawing your motion then? >> Marilyn, >> I'm accepting friendly amendments of everything. >> You should withdraw your motion. I'll withdraw my motion and defer to Ron >> and and Rod, read the beginning again because there was
>> in in the event that the permanent building committee elects not to proceed with installation of a divider in the flex room, I move that the council on aging recommend that the permanent building committee and project team evaluate whether structural support,
electrical roughins, ceiling accommodations, or other reasonable infrastructure elements can be inor incorporated during construction in order to preserve the option of future divisibility of the flex room and then report back on that feasibility and
estimated cost of such accommodations. >> All right. So the the key words at the beginning were I move to evaluate. >> Right. >> That was the word I was waiting for. Okay. So you move that they will evaluate >> and I second that motion.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. So we're just asking them to evaluate that. Yes. Evaluate that proposal that you are making. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Okay. Roll call. >> John Parsons. >> Yes.
>> Rosemary. Rosemary de Benadetto. >> Yes. >> Kate Harrington. >> Yes. >> Jean Prao. >> Yes. >> Yes. Powell. >> Yes. Yes. All right. Is there a Is there a motion
about the maker space? >> You want to make it? >> Well, there's some there's a lot of Yes. Do you have a motion? >> I think we'll change. >> Well, and then we'll get the then we'll have a discussion. >> Could we wait to see what they say
tonight and then >> you're talking about August? >> No, we can meet in July. >> What are they going to meet? No, they're discussing the maker's desk tonight. >> They're discussing with a possible vote tonight. That's why um that's why both of these motions were important.
>> Uh can I take a crack at it? >> Sure. Breathe. I hope it's this guide is long. >> Well, I move that the Council on Aging express its support for maker space option one as the preferred alternative among the options presented by the town.
Recognizing that it appears to best address the need for additional SP small program space. >> Is there a second? >> Can I amend it or is that just >> Well, is there a second? >> Yes. >> There's no second.
>> Are you going to move it? >> Okay. Is there another motion? >> Um, I amend I I accept what >> Nobody seconded it. >> I know. >> So, you need to move. You need to make a motion. I need to make I want to make a motion or you can how do you make an amendment? >> Well, you're making a new motion because
nobody >> I'd like to make a motion that the council on aging express its support for option one versus option two with the caveat that it would be best to move the maker space equipment into the big arts
and crafts room. >> That's really two different ideas. >> It's a different model. It's model zero as opposed to one and two >> and you could propose that right as a whole new alternative you could ask. >> All right then I'll stick with propose
that and Ron would say the council discussed this. >> Okay then I'll second I'll second bronze. >> Okay. Is there discussion? Rosemary you had a question. >> I do have a question. We're talking about 500 square feet which I have no idea how big that is. know the size of
the rooms here in this building with 500 square ft compared to like where they play because it's so that's smaller. >> This room is a thousand I believe. >> Huh? >> This room is approximately a thousand thousand. >> So half of this
>> half of this 700 is my understanding. >> Space. >> No, I haven't. Hold on. No, that's the divider thing. >> Tell us how big is 500. >> Somebody's saying
>> I have it. If I could read it. >> Wait, they're talking about this room right here. We s >> Jenna would know the size of the maker space. Is Jenna still online? The rooms that we use up small. Yes. Those are bigger square feet. It's
bigger than those spaces. >> Okay. Are you sure? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Definitely. So um so I do have um a point I'd like to bring up. I am not in support of option one. I do believe that we need a
larger maker space area. I think in terms of thinking of the future. It's interesting. I went I visited several um other town senior centers and what two of them said to me is the arts and
crafts spaces are being less utilized which they find very interesting and so I think as we think about the future people are looking into using more innovative approaches so I do think a
larger space is going to be important And I'm and I do very much want the small space that is currently defined as the maker space. I think that that is a perfect location for um many of the smaller activities that will happen like
12 to 20 people. I think it's an ideal space for that. Um, one of the things that I when I spoke with Pat Tomkins last week, his his proposal was that they would set up the electrical that would allow either space to be set up in
that way. But I um am not in support of this motion. >> Well, why are I I don't understand why you're against option one because you made a very strong argument just now for option one. Yeah, because option one is keeping makers the maker space there.
Where do you want to put it? >> No, it's not. It doesn't make a decision. >> All it's doing is it's proportioning it's proportioning that room 230 to support small program small programming. >> It's not making a final determination on
what to do with the maker space. I thought it to me I thought that option one is saying um set up the maker space for both small groups and the maker space and that's the way I'm interpreting it and that's why I want to
be clear that I want the maker the maker space to be moved to a larger area that I think is more forward thinking and the smaller space which we seem to all be in agreement of the need for would remain in what is currently called the maker
space >> room 230. Yeah, >> room 230. Yes. Now, do you Well, I was just going to say I I agree with that view point either. I mean, my ultimate frustration is that in saying we don't
need divided because we don't need small spaces, but because we want to plate you, we're going to go to other rooms to create a small out of that option. I liked the concept of merging the maker
space and the arts and crafts and having a truly small program space and I took it to mean exactly the same thing that you just told Ron that that option one isn't doing what we're saying in this
>> I don't know if we take the maker space am I correct they're going to keep a table and chairs in there like a a continuous conference room or something for people to go in
and sit around table. Well, the purpose of putting a divider in and having two open floor plans I know that >> what I know but by them taking that maker space I feel it's going to be we're never
going to get a divider. They're going to say it's a small space, but the purpose from the beginning was to have a maker space in an arts and crafts room, which we do not have here now. >> I I say just go for the divider and do
the mechanics. >> All right. So, any So, any other comment? Because we can vote on your motion, Ron, >> but then we can have a motion. >> Let's Well, let's see how the motion goes. >> All right. >> All right. So would you mind reading back the motion, Ron, so we can be clear
on what we're voting for? >> Yeah. I move that the Council on Aging express its support for maker space option one as the preferred alternative among the options presented by the town recognizing that it appears to best address the need for additional small
program space. >> Thank you. We have a second. So we'll do have a roll call on that vote. U John Parsons. >> Yes. Rosemary Jenadto. Yes. Kate Harington. >> No.
Dean Po, no. Sh. >> No. So that uh and Ron Powell, sorry. Ron Powell. >> Yes. >> So that did not pass by a three to four vote.
Is there Oh, there >> I'd like to make a motion that the the option you described of moving the maker space equipment out to combine it in the arts room with the arts and crafts leaving the current maker space as an
allpurpose program room behavior. >> Yeah, as such. >> Okay. Any further discussion about that? >> So, so what specifically? So, so the town presented design
proposals. Are we not endorsing either of those design proposals? >> We are not. >> Okay. >> But we have one that's really close and better. >> Well, that's what I think. It's like I I I feel like it's it's basically option one except that the maker space
equipment goes in the arts and crafts room. >> Exactly. >> Am I Am I right? >> Yes. Right. What you just stated was option one except that the maker space furniture goes in the arts and crafts room instead. >> Yes. >> To me, >> can we vote? >> There's not going to be any additional
design changes as as far as the permanent building committee is is concerned regarding the motion that's on the table. >> There could be there might be vents or something. >> I mean, what kind of equipment they have? >> There may be minor ones which is why I think this motion better covers
>> the choice. Any further discussion? >> Okay. So again, roll call vote. Jean Prao, >> yes. >> John Parson, >> yes. >> Shley, >> yes. >> Rosemary Benedo. >> Kate Harrington, >> yes. >> Ron Powell,
>> yes. >> Yes. >> So that's a unanimous vote. And so thank you for um representing us at the PBC meeting. Some of us will be joining later on. Thank you, Ron. Thank you.
>> Thank you. All right. To the discussion of the trust funds. Um, so we've we've been discussing it. Okay. Yeah. >> Well, yeah, you're ready. >> Well, I was just going to try to wrap it up so that we can get you a a a proposal for a vote.
>> Okay. I mean, that's fine. My point is that the way we've heard this Oh, wait. I think I had a question, but no, I forgotten that question. But again, my point is just you came to us with what I
think are actually two requests. One for either buffer fund or I forgot the other one, plus money for meals, the total of which would be about 15,000. Looking the historical document
you shared with us that in of itself is more than we typically spend and I think we already appropriated 5,000 >> earlier or maybe we're looking at but well okay >> yeah so I'm also worried about the
amount of money without having some of the answers to the question we have about how much money we really have to spend >> so we did what we did expend is shown in that document I think with I I don't have it open again. I think it was what 7,900 was expended from the trust funds
for this year and that is for this fiscal year. So that is less than historical once our funding um if you consider our funding if you consider before our funding. So um so we for 2026
federal year fiscal year we expended less than we normally do historically. if you to look at the average. But so now we're thinking about fiscal year 27. And so you are asking for two different
amounts. >> Maybe we go with one tonight until we find out for sure. >> Well, I just want to say that the patrons if we don't I mean the whole point of the community lunch is a social gathering, right? For people to be able to eat and enjoy each other's company.
And if we don't have the funding, it's going to be cancelled. >> We're requiring >> it'll be patrons every year >> because it's it's a lot of money per year to host to have >> So you need an effective July. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Aaron K.
Thank you. Because Carrie speaking jumpst started my mind in this direction again. So that was another piece of the thing was um so the 5,000 for the lunches start essentially July as opposed to so it is going forward. Part
of my frustration with both these funds is they come to us as requests without any evidence of long-term planning about what will happen after that. So they're presented as one-time expenditures now, but I don't see the thinking around how
you'll continue either the lunchons or the the other programming going long term. But I do I mean I'm very supportive of the request for the community lunches and have no problem breaking those two things out and giving community lunches.
>> What is what is the average cost per lunch? I'll defer to Mike. Currently, the is cost at $6.50 per person for a full sandwich, cookie, and chips. So, if we're averaging 34 people, I believe
it's like 285 265 somewhere around there. >> So, and if with the money given, we would have to have to cap it rather than we keep it open now and we have to let the the school know we can advance the number. So if you if the money
appropriated is that much tied to 650 in person then we will cap it at 30 and just keep the number 30. When it was on Monday lunches funded by the ARPA funds we had 50 people in here at 850 person. >> So
>> so you're averaging what about 1,500 per lunch? >> 285 say 300. I mean it depends on if it's egg salad or chicken, you know, but like about 2.85. Yeah. >> Like it can vary about $20 per week depending on the entree.
>> So it's about 1,200 a month >> for the lunches. >> And how would these lunches pay before our >> before our val people pay $2 each before it was done? We only had about six people eating.
>> Okay. So, we're improving the quality of the foods >> and we're using the schools at a le at a lesser cost at a reduced cost and we're providing better food from what I hear >> and potentially employing some of the lunch ladies, you know, down the road at
the new building to be able to continue working. >> This is she with nutritionists. We're trying to change that from what we had been had before. So, there's a nutrition who's on staff for reviewing our honeys as well.
>> Is there a grant or anything where we don't use Mystic Valley? Can they supplement? I mean there's not a lot for we we applied for different grants like but we it's not for funding of the meals per se like we're we applied for a grant a
nutrition grant you know see if we get that but for these specific meals we haven't found a brand that will fund the you know the meal programs. >> So you haven't tried the new Mr. Kelly lunches at all? It's the same >> the same
>> the name of >> and we want to continue to offer them at no cost to >> I mean my thought for a community lunch this is just my vision is that it should be free to bring people to come together and it might be the one good meal that they eat a week rather than eating a
hungry man or a frozen you know a canned meal. >> Okay. >> You know a lot of these people that we come in we don't know their financial situation. I don't know and it's a lot of new people and I'm it's you know I would like to be able to offer that. >> So before we have any more discussion
can we have a motion and then we can >> go ahead. I I don't have a question. I've just got a lot of thoughts. Um in the 12 years I've been on the council we've never spent this type of money that I can remember out of the trust funds. And it concerns me the um the donation fund
that Carrie talked about is one that does not create any interest and and these do. Um and I wonder what is that what is Schroeda doing? Is is is Schroeda contributing anything to any of this? >> So the the birthday lunch is um I don't
know my exact figure but it's >> it's like 10,000 years. It's more because you have food two people about equality per person. >> So I mean is it coming out of >> Yeah, we could take it out of Schroer if
we needed to >> potentially. >> Why wouldn't you? >> I mean but why wouldn't >> we one time I'm Go ahead Sean. I was going to say the same thing I think >> but we used to get the shorter report. Just the other thing is my thought too.
I'm not so sure it wouldn't be a bad idea if we could get Diane Morabido to address the council. >> Yeah. Yes. So we get a just a better understanding because it it it gets confusing. >> I agree. >> As much as much as Marilyn and I lock point
she she is finding an awful lot of uh information in these trust funds that I don't think the rest of us really find this. Those are just my thoughts. >> Um I really like the idea of funding the lunch. Um I would like us to do it to
our greatest potential. I'd like it also to be something that we've thought through at least 12 months on the math to say is this really going to be sustainable for the whole 12 months. I mean maybe it's a dollar a lunch and we can afford it. You know, I mean, if you
look at what you're looking at taking this from patrons for the lunch, patrons has averaged between six and at most 9,000 a year in interest going back to 2020. And you're looking for 10,000.
Um, it's just tight. I would like to understand the math. Again, you know, if it if we could do it for a dollar, I don't think that's a great burden and it might make the difference. I'd like >> We can't take cash. >> Pardon me? We can't take it. >> Well, so they give you a credit card for a dollar and you know, they sign up for four lunches and they give you $4. I
mean, I don't want us to fund something that's not sustainable. And this seems like a fairly simple thing because we're not dealing with the what do we pay people and all that. Let's see if we can get the math right on this one. And it would be great to fund it. I >> I'm telling you the math is 285 a lunch
for 30 people. >> So for how much do you need for a full year? 285 a week, which we can cut it. If you don't want me to do it, we can no >> It comes to about 5000
>> a month. It's actually 1,200 a month. >> And why stick to 30? This room holds 60 if it's really >> I understand, but why would >> we're trying to keep the cost down so that we don't have to get into arguments. >> It's possible. If we've got a great program that people love, they'll come.
If you build it, they will come. That's >> we have we if we open it up it's open to 50. We get 30. An example I had 35 signed up on last week and I'm only down to 26. Everybody cancels and then we
lose all of that money. So we'd love it to be 50. We haven't been at 50, >> but this is just what's coming. So we're not limiting anyone. >> We offer it up. It's advertised. We speak about it every event. It is what that's who's coming right now.
>> And I think 30 for a brand new event is pretty impressive. >> And we publicized the menu so everybody knows what it is. Maybe nobody likes egg salad. That's why the numbers are down tomorrow. But like you know like >> but we but we advertise it's open up to 50. But this we're just telling you what
we're getting and that's >> I understand. I just tried successful. >> So it's 285 time 52 >> if you think about for the year. And so one of the things I'm hearing from Maryland is we want this. We want to
fund this. >> Yes. >> And what's 285* 52? >> Somebody hasn't calculated. >> Hey Siri, >> 14,800. >> All right. So that's 14,000 that you the only way to fund this is through the trust fund.
>> Correct. >> Okay. But now we're also so the other you also want us to fund 10,000 towards um >> fitness >> for fitness so that >> and to to appease the people so that we
don't have a revolt >> which we're already having. >> Well just sorry >> for the food alone you're only asking for how much for 6 months? 5,000. >> So what did you say was 12 52 * 285 was 14,000 right?
>> 14 a year. Yeah. >> So, it's already >> So, the five is not even getting a five. >> Yeah. They're only asking for 10,000. So, you're going to run 4,000 short. I I just want us to think through this from at least a 12. >> But I think I mean, we're going to have meetings between now and I wanted to see
the projection. So, I feel like we get criticized for overestimating and then criticized for underestimating. And I'm getting defensive because it's extremely frustrating as staff. Well, we can't predict who's going to show up and we we don't want to throw away food. So, we
want to cap it so we're not tossing food. It's just it's like an it's a a battle we face here all the time with this population. People come, people don't come. And we if I had a crystal ball, I'd be a lot >> but we're projecting that it'll be about
14,000. >> That's my projection, right? And we asking for 10 >> but and Okay, Kate. Well, I was just going to say, I mean, for me, this isn't this goes back to the frustration I expressed. Whatever we do tonight, whether we gave you 5,000 for the next
few months, 14,000 for a year, well, I guess not if we did 14,000, what is the long-term plan for maintaining the programs that we're funding in the short term? Jenna threw in something earlier in the comments when we first started this conversation about the
upcoming override. Well, you're not going to be getting an increase in elder and human services budget for FY28. If you didn't get one for 27, you're not getting it in 2028. So, where in FY28 is the 14,000 going to
come from? Where is the extra money to handle whatever issues are happening with fitness programs, etc., h going to come from? And I heard you say that you cannot handle cash and I know that that
is a town policy. But I also say it's a town policy. Town policies can be amended just like we keep being told our Council on Aging policies can be amended. And if it would be helpful to go back to accepting cash, I can't
believe that we can't have that conversation with whoever in the town decided we can handle cash. We handled cash in the past. Someone needs to come and explain what the issues are, which is not the same as
paying instructors cash. I get that issue, but handling cash is a separate question. No, I agree with Kate. In the past, it was always a little job or people would collect cash, three bucks, whatever it
was. But also, at one time for birthday parties, we didn't have lunch. We just had a cake. >> We can do that. I mean, we might have to consider that if if we need
>> we have a budget concern here. >> The other thing is patrons in the establishing document says we're to use the income from it, i.e. not the principal. And if all we're getting is as much as 9,000 a year in interest,
this is going to go over that. We're we're bound by these things. We aren't making them up. I mean, this was part of the gift to the town. We just need to understand the detail and help brainstorm on this. I mean, we want to make this happen. Personally, I don't
think a dollar a lunch or something like that if it made the difference is a is a prohibitive thing. I think people would think it was fun. What can you buy for a dollar these days? Nothing. >> Okay. But we knew for the um for the lunches to continue >> Yeah. >> through the summer. You do need money.
Okay. >> For the summer. That's two months. So why can't it come out of the uh the the donation fund or Schroeder? >> Schroeder's no different than Burbank and >> I just don't understand why you can't
use the donation fund. I'm sorry. >> And then what would we pay for because there is still the you know because we can't keep shoving it to other you know other funds. We are responsible over the Burbank and the Patriots and the Parsons fund. So, what are we what are we
suggesting will come out of the funds that we do have control over? >> That's something we need to the other sum that they're asking for. >> Somebody want to make a motion. >> No, but state something. I I attend the
community lunches and one of staff has done a fantastic job of putting it all together. Janet has looked everywhere for the least expensive items. At some point, have to pay. We have these funds.
Take the interest out that we need and give it to our staff who was scratching everywhere to to save a buck. And are you talking about collecting cash? You're going to have a revolt here because people right now are paying
cash. They told they should pay cash. If all of a sudden you say, "I'm collecting the two or five." Well, you How can't we Why can't we pay for the classes? So, you can't do that. >> You cannot do that.
>> Is for like the memory cafe and social services, not for >> I still don't understand why the donation fund is so sacred, so untouchable. >> What is the donation fund? >> Gifts. >> What is it? >> It's gifts from people, but I don't think we want to make that as a practice
to use it for like >> Have we received gifts? >> We just got $6,000 this week. >> Wow. It's around $50,000, isn't it? >> It's separate from friends. It's a separate No. >> Yeah, it's separate from friends. Yes. >> Do people know they can donate? I don't
think people know they can. >> It's in the newsletter every month. >> Friends is in the newsletter. >> Okay. So, we have an issue >> that we as a COA need to re need to deal with tonight. There is um the community
lunch that cannot be continued without funding and there is also the request for um for the fitness program while the revolving fund is built up. What are we going to
do about this? >> No, I'm not going to make a motion. I want clarification. I think this needs more discussion. Is there a possibility to do a special meeting just to discuss this and review the budget? >> What additional information do you feel we need?
>> Well, this was just presented to us tonight. We have a lot of questions. Should we take it out of this fund, this fund? Why not the donation funds? I think the council needs to review the length and more detail of what the
dollar amount is going to be. So, one of our options because we did know that we have been telling staff to come to us asking for money. So, they have come to us asking for money. We can we can um do something short term. >> Well, I agree with that.
>> We can but I really do believe as a council that is our responsibility. Yes. To fund something. Yes, Tom. >> I just think that we've got to address the uh the lunches. I It's been pointed out here. It's a social event. Uh we're
going to try to grow the the organization and it seems that yes, there's some people like cancer at the last minute, but there seems to be a strong base here. Uh I think we're missing an opportunity as as seniors
um to to address this. I I think tonight we should leave here understanding that we've committed to the lunches for next year. I don't know if we have to commit for the whole year. I apologize. >> You could do six months >> then. That would be my suggest. I would
like to see at least a half a year and get a better picture of where we are financially. But I think tonight um the council should commit. >> I need a motion so that we can continue discussion. We will have discussion after we have the we need the motion
first then we can continue the discussion. You're making motion. >> I make a motion. >> Thank you. Thank you. I make a motion to continue this discussion, but meanwhile to keep us a really valuable program floating, I would say that we uh
authorized up to $2400 for lunches for community lunch through the summer. In meantime, they set up specific meetings to get into the detail and think how can this work long term because again, we are limited by law on how much we can take out of patience. So
it means we've got to think about maybe take some out of it's a big discussion. It's not a but and we still don't know. I know you believe you know that I don't believe that we have the right answer on um what expendable means. We still have answers to be answered. So we still do
not know how much money we truly have. >> Is there a second? >> I second it. >> Yeah, that was very lengthy. So you you you're moving to fund 2400 up to >> 2400 out of the patron >> out of patron. And there is a John, you
seconded it. >> Yes, I did. >> Okay. And now there's discussion. >> I still want to get an answer as to why it's sacred that it can't be touched. >> It's sacred, but we can't touch Burd. >> What? We go through
>> I just seconded something to what I was. If she had said Berg rank, I would have seconded that, too. I I I want to get more. >> I think that people I think a lot of people that donate want to see like >> things done in honor of their family or in a memory or something is in honor of
their family, >> right? But >> do they do they make any specific >> people do? Yeah, sometimes they do. Well, my my other thought is though you mentioned for two months on that first motion >> that is not going to give programming
sufficient time, >> right? This is just for the funding for the food, >> right? But they still have to put in the programs a month and a half in advance like for September. >> That's a whole different >> That's a different boat. >> But how are they going to notify?
>> Am I right, Carrie? that you need. >> Yeah, let's just let's just stick to the >> but if we're only giving them money for two months, the third month they're not going to be able to hold. >> Well, we can discuss discussing it again. >> Well, you know, we do have a a downward
people don't come as much in the summer they travel. So, there could be a shift in the summer. We were just saying two months. >> We're saying up to $2,400 but not July and August. Okay. >> Any other Okay. I just want to make so I
was thinking about that for summer. So when does the cut off to make a reservation for lunch? I should know this because I read it but I don't remember. >> So when the Thursday so the Thursday fire and then you put the orders in >> they order it on Thursday and then we
have the lunch on Tuesday. >> So if it does begin to taper off you might have some heads up then you can do Right. Exactly. Okay. >> All right. Any further discussion? Roll call vote. Jean, >> yes. >> Doug Parson,
>> yes. >> Chapley, >> yes. What am I voting? Just $2,400. >> $2,400 up to $2,400 for community lunches for two months. >> Yeah. Out of >> the Yes. in the future for more money. Yes.
>> Okay. >> Karen Janowski. Yes. I think what we what we want you to understand too, Carrie, is we want these things to continue and so we want to fund them. We are concerned about the sustainability. >> Yeah. I'm concerned about the
>> right. So >> right now Yeah. >> Yeah. And that's I think so this passed unanimously. So you have funding for the next two months. We really believe that this is a value. That's what I heard from every every member tonight. Um but we are concerned about the
sustainability and you know making sure so you have a motion >> already. Okay. >> All right. But so yes, when will funding for this center for the food be
discussed again? We've done temporary and so what we want to do is come up with something or work together to see what we can do. >> We do now tell us we do also need a trust on vote um on programs.
>> Yeah. >> And so that was a while ago. Can you tell us again? >> Sure. Can >> we are requesting a buffer from Burbank, $10,000, we will run weekly classes
instead of sessions. You'll get rid of the sessions, which is what everybody wants to get rid of. Nobody wants to do the sessions because people can't commit to four classes. It'll get rid of refunds. It'll get rid of the whole
issue we're coming up with is pe people not signing up for the classes because they can't commit to form. I think it'll create an increase of attendees to come to the classes if they can pay weekly and pre-register for the class and pay
$5 each week. And I think we'll see an uptick of clients participating because of that. So with that being said, if a certain amount of participants do not sign up for that given day, then these funds will still allow us to pay the deficit owed back to the instructors
because the instructors are naming the price of the class. Not us, not Jenna, not Jane Min. The instructors have said they want to make this much money or they're not coming. So, in order for us to pay the instructors, we need a buffer because we don't have any money in the
revolving fund to pay the instructors the amount they wish to receive to run the class. So, it's essentially you're asking for 10,000, but the point is then you will have enough in a revolving fund that you will no longer need correct
money to supplement the program. >> Correct. >> How does that add money to the revolving? So because all the money then goes into the revolving fund, >> correct? Goes in
>> but it but it's paying for itself. We don't make money here. The money that comes in goes directly to the instructor. >> The money that comes from the extra money would be so that if people cancel or don't come to the class, we can still pay the instructor.
>> I get that point. But we're going to give you $5,000. Let's say for this week you need a uh you have $100 in obligations to instructors. You only get $75 from people signing up, right?
>> So, you need $25 out of this. What you're taking the money out of is the $5,000 pot of money we're giving you. And over time, and we have no idea how long the time period would be, that money may be expended, right? I don't
see how that feeds the revolving fund in any way. It becomes a revolving fund >> only if the numbers are above what the what what would be >> well then that goes to the question that was asked earlier that we don't have an answer for which is can you then put
that money in the revolving fund because we're not supposed to charge more than a program cost. So I'm a little still confused on >> but Jenna Jenna said because that was something that I asked about in terms of approving that pamphlet was it was about
events as opposed to programs and Jenna said that there you know yes you can you can pay more you can get more than what um you can bring in more than you.
Do we know the source of that document? Because Jenna says she believes it. I trust that she's not lying to us, but I I would like to know what the legal sources who wrote that document. There are a lot of state laws that mirror it for elder services. I don't
know where it came from. I think it's worth understanding it before we abandon this thing that's been in the booklet for 30 years. That's all. Um, >> yeah, it did did make a distinction. Remember I I pointed that out. It was event versus program. >> It didn't say program. It just said
event. >> It says event which is an I you know it's a event is a one-time thing. >> Well that's your definition of it. We don't know. I would just like to know the legal source of that document before we abandon. >> Oh you know. Thank you.
>> So the the town is not allowed to make money on any service that we provide. for example, and with in within Mass General Law. But the cost doesn't just account for, for example, with the lunches. The cost is not just the lunch.
It's also having the staff running, having the lights on in the building. So, if you have a a an event, you charge $5, but you end up with and it only costs $25, but you end up with 30. That extra five goes towards power to the
light. So you can cover all of your costs. It's the same thing with dog licenses. It costs the town50 cents per license, but we charge $10 per license because of all the additional costs that we have with mailing with staff and and
the database and all that sort of stuff. So you can't make money on anything, but you you can justify that extra five bucks. So, how about if we have So, the instructors is charging $75. You've got
20 people, 25 people under $25. So, that's $50 over what we're paying for that instructor. What happens to that $50? >> It goes towards the additional expenses of using this building. >> Okay. >> The lights of the building,
>> the uh the having this building staffed. >> Okay. >> And that sort of thing. >> So, that So, then yeah, this That's allowed and that would that's money that would then go into the revol. >> Yes. Okay. >> Let's get like restaurants and charge $20 a meal >> and includes the overhead. Yes.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> That so yes the uh program we're talking about u with the instructors do do we have an idea what the average attendance has been?
But if you can just >> I think palms palms went down a little bit because of the force it the sessions the sessions skewed things. >> So it because people didn't want to commit to four >> classes a month. Those enrollments did
drop a little bit because people didn't want to commit to the four classes. >> But so we don't know what >> we don't really know. >> It's an unknown fact. >> It's an unknown thing. And so we just don't like that. >> Linda's got her hand up. >> I just I just have some of the numbers
because I kind of looked at this. Like for one example, strength and balance was used to be 34 people probably about 50% were out of town that now runs about 12 to 14. So between fee and the fact that some of
the out of town has dropped off considerably, that's a big factor that's changed the numbers as well. But but is that part of the reason because opera was given they were getting free glasses from every
>> everyone was coming because it was for free. So one example and you could take this as you see we had pom pom class um she was running around 12 to 14 the price came in she um for June it was six
she told me she would not run the class six then she decided to run a freight >> and we had 19 people come and 13 were not ready >> but because this is the part of it was
they're all how do I state is taken back as they have to pay now. >> Well, no. And I think the instructors got used to the cost that they were getting. >> Exactly. So, it's twofold. It's a fee for the instructor and those that were participating now have to say if I
really want to come >> side of that equation, we have yoga. She may get four to six. She's a-okay with >> she'll run for like best she's doing. She's volunteering. >> She's with body and brain. She she gets a small body. So some of the instructors have a high threshold of they need it to
be a certain number as Terry is saying and some say no I still want to do this and >> I'm doing it out of the kindness >> I'll take it I'll take over >> you know >> right again our goal is to use this money to
the benefit of the elders in the community sincerely all want that to happen but I'm concerned about the sustainability of these trust funds if we're starting to spend more than the annual interest and this could quickly
add up to that. I don't have a comfort level yet of the numbers to believe that it won't and that's the comfort level I would like to see before I voted for anything long. If we want another band-aid for a short term, I'd be fine with that. Just But we need to really
talk this through as a group and look at the numbers and think about that because if the trust funds are going to be run dry, they're gone. And right now they're a real asset and there's been lots of talk about using some of that money for maybe furnishing one of the rooms in the
new I mean there have been lots of talks that are more than daily operating costs of Pleasant Street. >> In my opinion I feel like the exercise classes bring health and wellness to this community. >> I'm not I'm not challenging that. I'm just saying it warrants a deep
discussion. That's all. And Carrie, your figure of 10,000 was for how long? >> I think we said five months. >> Yeah. >> It's very nice for five months.
>> So that's four years even at the 90s. >> And Carrie, that is to help pay for the instructor. Correct. >> It's to help either offset program fees
or to create help create a sash fund. >> Do you do you think it would be best to just start and say, "Okay, we're doing away with the four week payment." >> We can't without money even start
the We got to be able to pay the instructors. >> So would you need that full amount if we just said let's do it for a couple of months and see? I I don't want to keep sw this is becoming a exhausting task and my the staff here can attest to
this. We can't keep changing pro the way we do things because we're going to all end up having I don't know headaches every day which we already do. We have to either keep it I I personally think if we make this change to weekly, it's got to be something that we do for a year because we can't go back and forth
and keep flip-flopping. It's too much on us. It's too much on the front desk. It's too much on the programming. It's just it's too much all around. >> You need 20,000, not 10. >> No, I'm saying if I I want to see how it
goes. If if the if in six months no one comes because they don't like it, then >> we reevaluate. I really don't want to have to do that. I really want to keep it consistent for a little bit longer. >> What we have found is the sessions are >> they're not going well.
>> So, when would you start this car? July. Probably July one. >> You would over the summer and we wouldn't wait till September. >> Probably not. >> Well, can I make a request? I gave $5,000. Can I ask if that goes towards
this amount so that then we only need to get $5,000 more for the next number of months? Can we do that? >> Yeah. I >> This is why I made the donation. >> Okay. >> Because I believe very strongly in this. And then that way we can do 5,000 and
that'll at least get us through the end of the year. >> Thank you, Karen. In fact, there's that something that I was just getting because I was about to make a motion for 5,000. And then Carrie went into her thing about not wanting to change it
that frequently, which makes sense, too. And so, if the total combined would be 10,000, I'm willing to make a motion that we appropriate >> 5,000 um to and I would move I would move that that
money that both sums of money the 5,000 donation and the 5,000 taken from the trust funds be put uh simply be used to offset any expenses that come up and not get into wording involving the revolving
fund or anything >> I move that the council on aging approve um up to $5,000 to offset the expense of running the exercise classes >> registrations don't cost
>> do we need to add in in combination with the 5,000 >> I don't know donation I don't know >> and that this money be combined with previous gift donated $5,000 to create a fund of 10,000 that
>> any further discussion so it's coming. Did you say where it was coming? I did not because I don't know. >> Oh, okay. >> They're telling you their needs. Please vote for their needs. People who come here don't like to pay a month in
advance. People who come here don't like to have to get a doctor's note >> to get a refund. That is absolutely ridiculous. So that will end. >> Yes. >> Good. It should.
>> I think it's important for this motion to pass from not only what we're hearing from the staff, but for the people that are coming. I think the the program needs to show consistency. >> Yes. uh people out there need that uh
the routine the consistency from a program if you show them that I think they will support the program but if you show them a program that's that's been here this month and gone next month I I think uh people are going to look elsewhere but I I think for a good
program to run uh it needs to be consistent and have a track record >> well I think what you're saying is good be I'm Kate, >> well I was just going to say and I don't know where and how to make this comment
but at some time within the next we think right um we get some sort of proposal from staff and how this is like
it's got to be sustainable and if it's not sustainable then we're just You got to get a plan. >> Yeah. So that again, Carrie, that's we agree with you. We don't want there to have to be another gene. We want things
to be sustainable. Things are looking even worse in 2028. >> So that's why we really, you know, try to anticipate all of this. Any further discuss? Oh, Jean, you had a point. So Gary, when will this weekly, again, I
think you answered this, but I probably went right over my head. When will the weekly sign up start? Do you have any idea? >> I said easy to staff. Probably July. >> July. >> Probably July. See, and I think that
would be great because we got a monster. >> I think that would be great because then those who participate here who have not been happy say, "Wow, they really did listen." >> So I I give kudos to you. >> Yeah. >> Thank you.
>> So that's good. >> Genie, what is that? What What did you just ask about? >> Because when are they going to start doing it on a weekly basis? >> Because they want to probably put it in the July news and the July news. Exactly. Is that for other towners also
to pay? Are they not pay the same amount? >> I think I think they have to pay more. >> Well, and not all in all fairness to that. I know some people say other places don't, but I have seen other depending on the program. Certain towns
do charge $5 extra >> pertain I think some programs they do. Not a North Ready. I'm talking other >> seniors. You make that decision. You make that decision. >> Okay. >> So, we need to vote. Oh, did we vote?
I'm so >> any other discussion because I would like to vote. >> I I would like to know on the fiscal year will be coming up. Is elder services asking for more money? >> The budget for 27 is set.
>> Yes. It was voted on meeting and they didn't ask. >> They didn't ask >> and so yes, that's another issue. >> Why not? >> I would have liked to hear more of a an override conversation, but anyway. Um,
so let's vote on Kate's motion uh to approve $5,000 in combination with the donation to fund up to up to 5,000 to fund through Six months six months
>> for bank to fund programming. >> Yes. >> Second. >> No, it's already now we're voting. Okay. Jean Prao. >> John Parson. >> Yes. >> Marilyn Chapley. >> Yes. >> Rose Benadto. Kate Harrington. Karen
Janowski. Yes. >> Okay. Wow. >> You got some money. It's a start. Is it enough after all >> for the next couple of months? We got a lot of work to do. >> We'll have to see. >> All right. The next >> the next item on the agenda is the
survey update. I just basically uh let's just keep this short. I I sent it out to people. Um I wanted you to know that that we are moving forward with this and that um you
know, I've been working on it with Libby. um Miller and she is a data she's getting her mers in data analytics and occupational social science at UMass Ammeris >> and she also worked at the UNH survey
center during the final year. She actually sent me some additional comments after I sent this out. So I just want you to see this is a work in progress and if you have any um ideas or thoughts on it um please shoot them to
me. I will bring them um we'll bring it to the next meeting. And >> why are we doing another surveys? All we do is surveys. >> We haven't done >> We haven't done one. It's a great question, John, but we feel like we want to hear what people, especially as we anticipate moving forward into the new
center, and we just want to, you know, our responsibility is to advocate for the needs of the 60 plus community. And this is one of the ways that we can achieve that goal by identifying what the needs are. >> And how is the survey going to be
distributed? >> That'll come up when we, you know, it's a great question again, but we will finalize all of that information. We will do it online, you know, we'll do it. We'll try to get as much um feedback as possible, you know, online paper
copies here at the library at the town. Yes. Town leaving at a town hall. So, and again, even a discussion about is it just for the 60 plus community, is it for the town? So anyway, so I did want to just make sure that people are aware
if you do have feedback. Um, please feel free to email me and we will continue this discussion. Okay. Thank you. The COA working group update and possible vote. I know we're down. We just have Kate and Jean currently on the COA
working group. Um, my understanding is >> resigned. >> Yeah, Marilyn resigned. Um, >> not for political reasons. Yeah, family illness. I just don't have enough hours in the day. >> So, it's just Jean and Mary and and
Kate. >> Jean and Kate. And so, just is there an update that you would like to share? >> We don't have an update that you meet. >> Okay. And I think the operations >> to how we can be
>> so operate and the operations group from what I understand hasn't been meeting either. So >> they stopped everything. >> Yeah. Everything's on hold. >> So they can be. We can't until some decisions are made by the land or this council.
>> So because the question was not raised as to whether we >> violating rules that we were told we absolutely are not obligated to honor. >> No, the questions are there needs. It was in the email. I said
>> you and or the council need to decide >> um who can be responsible for posting. Are you going to assign that to a staff member so that you'd have to look staff member or could one of us simply fill
out the form and post it or sec and then secondly are we required to do hybrid meetings in person? So currently I don't oppose anything. It's all through staff. So it would be posting again for staff.
It doesn't have to be that. It's your decision or the council's decision on how the operating group where it could the town process. There's a form and you just send that to be posted. So, someone
can do it, but Laura wants a decision from you and or this council telling her that it's okay for me or Jean or whoever to do that. So, we can I >> Yeah, it's a lot of work to post.
>> It's a lot. It's a lot. >> I'm telling you. Then the other part of this is who else is there anyone else within the council that wants to participate in this? because then if it's only two of us, we can't even
discuss items offsite because >> so that that's another reason why I wanted to put it up on the um as an agenda item to see if there was any other interest from anyone else to join
the the working group. I know we're down to just the memories, but >> um does anyone else want to join the working group? Tom, >> you're interested. Okay. >> All right.
So, yeah. Okay. Third member. So is it a decision to um work with it? >> Yeah, I think it was a motion or >> um I don't it doesn't seem like you can
make a motion that you can um that you could since you so we're discussing it tonight. We are recommending that you move forward, that you continue on and that you
post your meetings and give an agenda and you do it through logic, right? Yeah. As I said, there's a so all that. What's your agenda? What's new? Yeah. So then the other question will be
required to have hybrid meetings in >> which it's so I I don't know. I'm sorry. I I mean it's hybrid meetings are more a matter of convenience for the public. the law is you got to announce the public
meeting and so the posting would include we're meeting here at this time so it would still be open to the public but it just wouldn't be Zoom which quite frankly mean
>> well it's not just that it's >> if you've ever tried to book a room for a small group in this town during daytime hours it is almost impossible and if the requirement is that it then
has to be able to have zoom capability it becomes even more >> and then two days how many days no >> so right >> plus we were told for July that there was no obligation that we have it be online we just had to understand we
would not have staff there to do it but why would we have a more restrictive hosting for a workg group than for the whole committee Can I just ask if can you use one of the upstairs rooms like after COA? I mean, >> yeah, it would all depend upon timing
and stuff because that depends upon timing of our schedules, right? >> You know, the former working group often met in the evening because Iron now I don't know time schedule. So we have to see what works best for us and that if
anyone else does join us >> and then it's the duration of the time of that meeting because sometimes our meetings could go on for >> the hours we meet from 3 to 6 upstairs.
I don't know what the >> you know how that works out. That's issue that we always run into. So >> how does that work in terms of Is this is this building always open in the evening? >> I think it depends on availability.
There's a lot of different Sometimes there's wreck is using it upstairs with classes. Sometimes this room's being used. I know like the garden club comes here. It's different but it's not always
but it might be on Tuesday volleyball's tomorrow night in this room. >> Okay. >> Is it? Yeah. Right. It's going it's going to take some stuff. Okay. So, if not, I mean, so moving
forward, there's no need for vote. You got a new member and the three of you can use the template and then hopefully you can find hopefully this space on occasion will be available to you.
>> All right. deciding that it does have to be open on on Zoom or not. >> Let me confirm that. >> Okay. >> All right. Then you'll let me know. >> So, we're probably not going to do it while I'm not there anymore. But they probably won't do it in someone's living
room anymore because who knows who's going to come. But >> we could do it. >> People in your living room. >> Look how hard it is to get the library. >> I know the library is tough to get. extremely. >> Oh, >> okay. Thank you. >> All right.
>> Whipped. >> Oh, we're almost done. Yeah. So, >> yeah, we had a 5:30 meeting and we're still going. >> This Well, we had a lot to discuss. >> We did. So this is um every June or July every
board >> June >> but through like July 21st or something. Every uh board needs to or council needs to be re needs to reorganize. >> And so this is um a reorganization meeting.
>> So we have um we need to vote for a chair and a vice chair. My understanding is you'd like to continue to be chairman. Annie thinks I'm crazy. >> Oh, that's a requirement. Um,
>> is anyone else interested in being chair? >> That was my question was can the chair and vice chair can basics continue or is there a ter can't? He's been doing it for seven
years or more. So, does anyone want to move to nominate anyone? I just don't want to nominate nominate. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, all right. >> Second.
>> Thank you. >> So, we need to vote. Okay. So, you have to do the vote. I can right >> call. You did the roll call. Yeah. passed over. Roll call, please. >> Okay. >> Uh
yes. >> You didn't say his name. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You can ask K. She can vote for >> Oh, you can vote for yourself. K. >> Yeah. >> Rosemary. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you all.
>> I know when I ran when I was nominated last year. Well, it was volunteer because nobody would speak. Nobody wanted to take on the position. So, it's ended up in it. Yeah. >> Right. >> So, hopefully you all have a year to think about it. Future agenda items.
>> Vice chair. Oh my goodness. >> I If she's willing, I nominate Kate as vice chair. >> I'll second that. >> She has to be willing. >> Okay. >> Are you willing? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Jean. Yes.
>> John Marilyn. Yes. Karen. Yes. >> Thank you. Great. So, >> thank you all. >> And thank you for your dedication. >> John, you've been vice chair for quite a while, haven't you? >> I think so. >> More than the two years. >> Can he still say it's time to adjourn? Of
>> course. Not yet. >> So, future agenda items. Um, >> oh, July meeting. >> Yes. Yes. >> So, um I did talk with with Jenna about
this too because I I did listen to last month's meeting and I know that this question came up and we can still meet in July. So, would we like to >> and I know Sherry, you won't be able to join us. >> I don't. >> But, um yeah, Kate,
>> well, I just wonder if July could be a good time to have the meeting that we've talked about with people who can tell us about the trust fund. They're not gonna I think with vacations it might be >> okay together. >> I'm sorry. I thought I had that information
>> because I did meet with with >> D. I know but it's so >> Sharon and they did tell me that this was the information >> but and I thought I had it but I'm still getting questions. So >> So but one of the things too I do want you to know this Marilyn too.
>> Um so Sharon did send me this. She um I met with the chair of the council on aging. They requested a monthly year-to- date budget report be sent each month with invoice detail for the fiscal year included. I've attached the report as I ran as of today which I sent out. Um
please send this report each month to Carrie Valley so she can put in the COA leaning packets. So I want you to know that that will happen moving forward. >> That's a good thing. Um, but I wanted to read the words exactly >> because you know again I thought that
the information was was >> but there's some question about whether it's accurate or not. Well, but I guess my my thinking was even beyond the specifics of the dollar amounts and stuff, the
meeting that Marilyn had described, it could be useful. And I think John echoed that with background on what each point is and what we're allowed to spend it and what the actual rules of regulations are
would be, right? I think it was two meetings ago you suggested bringing the people in to have that. >> Okay. So, some members still are unclear about that about because it's all it's the interesting >> John. Are we still unclear about that? I
could raise a question right off. >> Yeah. I I I I find some of it kind of foggy. I really do. >> Yeah. And I still question what is interest? If all we're looking at is return on investment, that's not interest. What do they mean when it was founded? Did they have interestbearing
accounts that made sense? And do they still have interest bearing? What is interest? And this gets into the what is their philosophy? Are they trying to maintain the purchasing value of these trusts as opposed to just the original principle? I'm assuming they are, but no
one should assume. I mean, if they weren't, you could spend a lot more money. You could I just there's questions that we should just give people answers on. I'd also love for us to have the meeting we've talked about many times which we've never had which is to really just brainstorm on what
would you know we kind of do this crisis management with the spending the funds I would love for the council as a whole to think you know in the best of worlds what could we do for the community as a whole of 60 plus that maybe we use these funds for and maybe there isn't anything
and maybe it's crisis management of the operation but I would love for there to be thoughtful discussion of that, especially for Burbanks. It's a lot of money. I mean, we could buy furniture for the new building. We could do any number of things. >> No, we don't want to do that. >> All right. We're on some John doesn't
want to do that. I'm not thrilled. But anyway, I would just love a discussion that's councilwide. Um, we're in a unique position and using stuff like survey data to inform us. Let's think about what needs are that aren't maybe being met as opposed to this how are we
going to feed them next month which is not a trivial thing. I don't mean to trivialize it for a moment. It's very important, but we have the opportunity to think of other things as well. And >> I'd just like to see a discussion of it. >> Well, and whether or not we do a July
meeting, you know, whatever. But Marilyn's comments in light of our whole discussion tonight and everything. I mean, when we come back together, let's say we don't do a July, we're coming back in August, we are going to be
within months an override vote about the FY28 budget. And when you talk about managing prices, you know, at the best we're going to be able apparently to hope for would be that we're going to get exactly the same amount of funding
in Elder and Human Services that we had for FY27. Um, regardless of what happens in an override, whether we get money in the override or whether we not, the way they're describing it, our budget's not going to increase no matter what. So,
how do we move forward with health and human services would be a discussion I'd like to have. Thinking long term, how, you know, do we just keep scraping by? Rose keeps talking about stretching out. Well, you know, we're looking at at least another year of doing that. um and
possibly worse if the override fails. So, I think for us to start wrestling with some of that would be important sometime soon. And I think that that hopefully that that's what's driving a lot of us because we're thinking ahead
>> and that's first I know a lot of work went into getting this information on the fun is not as accurate as this should be One of the things that concerned me tonight um
and I didn't hear the answer or maybe I missed the answer was um there seems to be some money in in the account I think was in if I heard it correct donations >> and um that that account doesn't earn any
interest in this day and age. >> We aren't sure about that. >> We aren't sure. We don't think that's all. >> And if and if it's the answer is it's not earning interest I I think it should
be addressed. That's all others. >> Fund donation town. >> Okay. Um so so let me just the future agenda items philosophical discussion
about >> I like I would like a philosophical discussion about the priorities of agents that And what you done in the past just at least for a few years they picked
specific ones. You can't be all one all things to all people. So for a period for example they did the dementia friendly program. It was great and it ran its course but it was great. We could pick something concrete that here's something we see that we could
help with. It's just an example. I would like to see us have bigger picture goal that we agree. If maybe we can't, then we can't. >> Can I say the furniture is already a public?
>> It is. Yes. >> Excellent. Yeah, I heard that kind of you just threw on. Yeah, kind of. So, >> we still talking about future agenda items? >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, you know, these people are too deep for me. I I've just got
smaller trivial things. But I I I learned today that um it can't won't touch the computers or the or the the printer downstairs. >> I was I heard two two different answers. One is because they weren't the ones that that that recommended them and the
other one was is because uh the town employees don't use them. So I I I would I would just love to see a letter go from the council to the town manager and the five selected persons saying that we think uh whoever made up that policy is
crazy and u we we'd like to see that changed. >> What's the policy again? the it will not touch the four computers or or the the printer downstairs in in this room in this building >> because hasn't worked for a long time.
>> I know. >> So then whose responsibility is it? No one knows. >> Yeah. People like Carrie uh >> to hire some >> you know take it apart. You know >> I think I think the town should should take care of it. >> You have to you have to hire someone
when we have an IT person. The town IT staff is not allowed to touch the computers in basement allowed to >> correct and I think that policy should be changed by somebody for
>> I bet there must be some volunteer in town. >> I think the printer's met. >> So basically you need a new printer. >> Yeah. But there might be a volunteer in town, but I still think the policy should be changed. >> Yeah, it's a bad policy. >> Well, I don't I don't know if the word
would be changed, but I think we're going to have the same issue moving into the new >> We're not bringing those computers on. >> You're not bringing those, but you're going to have the same issue, >> but I think laptops are a little bit. >> I think it's going to be different. >> You still need someone You still need
someone who will take care of. >> Okay. >> Anything else? So, so Kate, I want to make sure to me what what I'm hear you saying is sustainability of funding and programs. >> Well, yeah, it's maybe a less than philosophical discussion. She wants to
talk about the philosophy of the trust fund. I want to talk about how do we sustain elder and human services >> going forward? >> Moving forward. Yes. >> You know, given the issues we've already faced and >> Yep. >> And how is that tied to those two, you know, understanding what funds we might
have available and stuff, but And then the except they have to think going forward into the new building. I mean, >> how are they going to promote new programming without money?
>> Well, they do project. >> Exactly. >> They did project that the new building would cost just to to run it about 500,000. Right. >> Right. Yes. >> Which is not currently in the budget. >> Sure. Well, how does that happen when you're planning something?
>> We have a volunteer government. We do the best we all can. >> Yeah. >> Well, I'm saying clearly you have to serve it on the future agenda. >> Yeah. >> Serve it. >> Okay. Anything else? >> Right now.
>> Motion to second. >> Are we still >> And off to the PBC meeting we go. Off the vote. Yeah. Yes. John. >> Yes. >> Thank you all. the long one, but Okay.