Okay, it's a few moments after 9. I have 9:02. Let's call this meeting to order. Um, you have >> made it yours. >> Oh, that's fine. >> So, we will uh our first item of business is to have the pledge.
>> Okay, you stand please and join me in the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with
liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. >> No, I didn't. >> I know. >> Okay. The next item of business is >> is um the approval of the March
meeting minutes. Do you have >> agenda? >> Yeah. Uh, yes, Tony does. I've got mine. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, we have it. >> You all have had a chance to read this
over. Beverly sent it over. >> Be, do you have a copy of that? Another one of your reports here. Oh, no. I got >> Oh, the meeting minutes. >> The minutes. Yes.
>> Other copies me. >> Thanks. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I'm sharing. >> I don't You have a question? No. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Any
>> No, I already >> comments or suggestions? I think they came. >> Oh, yeah. I've got one thing. >> Okay. Um, hold on. Just Yeah. If um you look at the um motions, they weren't completed. >> I'm sorry.
>> They weren't completed. Motion to accept the >> On which item, Muriel? I'm sorry. >> The motions >> second page. >> Second page. Okay. >> The last one and the other one too, I think. Was there another one? >> Motion was made. Second.
>> Yeah. It wasn't completed. >> The sentence wasn't completed. >> Yeah. It has to be unanimous or >> the answer isn't there, I think. >> Right. Okay. Um All right. So, um meeting >> Oh, I got you. >> Motion was approved unanimously.
>> Yeah. Just add that >> that >> Oh, under adjournment. you're talking about right in the very last motion was made and a second by Tony to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was concluded at 10:27. You need to put that it was >> unanimous. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> no. She's right. >> Okay.
>> Yep. >> And the same thing with the treasures report. It wasn't finished there either. >> Okay. So, it doesn't have how the vote went on your paper. >> So, the treasur's report was made >> and that would have also been >> and the vote would have been vote was
unanimous. Yes, I remember that. >> All right. And so >> any other amendments to the minutes? >> I move we adopt the minutes as amended. >> As amended, >> I'll second that. >> You'll second. Okay. All in favor?
>> I >> I >> opposed. None hearing? None. Then we have an amended set of minutes. Thank you everybody. Thank you Muriel. um treasurer's report. Muriel. >> Okay. I gave you February's that was
updated for sure. >> Um deposits that I never received. So >> might have >> I updated it. >> But March is the one >> social day is getting a little bit
bigger but not much. I got my voice. >> Yeah. The only thing is the tech grant. We've got money in the tech grant when it's a reimburseable grant. >> Oh, I just I just put that up. I we just we got that to go. I I Yeah. What happened was it was the end of the
fiscal year and I wanted to the end of their federal fiscal year and I wanted to make sure that I got the the bill to Bristol Elders and I did and I did I did the um the bills the the invoices but I never sent them to the town. I just attached them with the the report. So,
um, so that that that got sent in, uh, that's getting sent in this, um, this pay period. >> Okay. >> So, this billing period. So, >> that 560 is going to be, um, issue here. >> I'm just trying to follow you. Um, >> we don't have the first page. We only
have the second page. >> I think I have a an another >> You have a February and a March report. >> There should be two pages up at the top. Say February and March. Yeah. February and March. >> One machine went crazy.
>> No, you got two Marches, >> right? I got a February and a March. >> Okay, you need a February February. Where's March? >> That's what it was. >> Open February there >> cuz the machine went crazy. Do you want to make coffee? >> Just I think you only need one, right? >> What do you need?
>> No, nothing. I was offering >> No, no, no. It's just Lis Lisa just only had two matches. >> Yeah, >> just a blip. It's okay. Just a blip. >> Yeah, we just want to be sure. Okay. >> Okay.
>> So, there's not much else going on. >> Um, can I can I bring something up? Um, go >> ahead. >> For um, budgeting. This is probably the most appropriate time to talk about it. Um, with the one big beautiful act, um, the
feds have cut the reimbursement rate that we get from SNAP. Okay. Okay. And we are SNAP outreach partner. So we usually get around5 $6,000 a year. It's not a lot, but it's enough. And it covers some of cities. Um um because Cindy's the only one that does SNAP. Um this year they want to cut us from 50%
reimbursement to 25%. Okay. It's a lot of work. >> Who's they? >> The feds. The feds. The state of Massachusetts. They've been told that that's all they can reimburse us is 25%. Um I'm a little concerned because it's a lot of work. Okay. to do not I don't
mean a lot of work for Cindy. I mean a lot of work for me to put it all together because I have to take I have to take I have to take all of Cindy's quarterly um money all of my quarterly money and then I got to base it on the percentage
that we spent on SNAP. So we have to keep our hours. Okay. And then from that I have to take my expenses. So I take utilities for the utilities for the quarter I have to divide it by four because I have four departments. And then after that I have to multiply that
times the percentage that Cindy and I have worked on SNAP. So sometimes it's 43%, sometimes it's 50% and that's the part that I can bill. But there's a lot there's it's a lot to do in the budget. It's a lot to and because the budget
starts in October, I have to do October through July through June 30th with one pay rate and then July through September and another pay rate. So, there's a lot of work to it and I don't necessarily know for $2,500 if it's really worth it.
I just want to bring it to you guys. What do you think? I mean, >> what was it originally before they did the cut? >> We usually get between five and $6,000. It's about right. Right. A year. Okay. So, now they're going to give us 25%. So, it's probably going to be around $2,500. And it's just a lot of work to
do for that amount. Now, I'm not saying Cindy's gonna Cindy's gonna continue doing SNAP. We're not we're not going to stop the SNAP program. Okay. We're we're very vested in doing that. But the amount of money that that gets reimbursed, I don't necessarily know
that it's conducive to the amount of time that I have to >> ballpark like it take you 20 hours to get 2500 or ballpark. >> How many hours of involvement does it take from you? >> From me? Yeah. >> Um I I usually do like maybe 5% of my time and but because most of what I do
is outreach. Most of what I do is outreach and training, doing flyers, uh, meeting with people, stuff like that. I don't really do a lot of the application stuff. Cindy does all the application stuff. And we've done very, very well. Every audit we've done, we've gotten 96, 97, 98% approval rate. And they are
like, you guys are wonderful. So, we're not going to stop what we do for the people. We're going to continue doing that. That's still just like Andrea and Susan do the Medicare counseling no matter what. We don't get reimbursed. We're still going to continue to do it. >> And how often is that 2500 allocated to us?
>> That's a year. >> It's for the year. >> I mean, >> yes. >> You look at your hours over the years. >> Yes. >> If it outweighs that, then that's something we should >> Yeah. I just I just wanted some opinions. I don't you know I I just I think it's a lot of work for a director
to do to put all this together and then it goes back of and then on top of it the application um uh invoice can be 75% and the outreach they divided up invoice could only be 25%. So then I've got to make
her salary and my salary under application and and the the invoices and the utilities and the expenses make 75%. So then I got to like kind of toggle back and forth to see what I can do. It's a lot of work. It really is for
that amount of money and I don't necessarily know that it's >> No, you're probably spending more doing it. >> I think I I I think I do. And even though it's a quarter, it still takes me like four four days, five days and I'm getting it during the the year. So I >> So what's the question?
>> Do you think it's I was >> It's due in May. It's due in May. It's due May 1st. And I'm like, should I be spending my time on this or not? because there's a lot of work to get that budget together to put it in and to have them review it. So, they're concerned that a
lot of people are going to stop doing the SNAP. We're just stop doing SNAP because they're only going to get 25% like outreach partners. We're not going to stop it. We're just not going to be partners with them. So, they're not going to have to come in and do audits or anything. Cindy's still going to do her same stuff. She's still going to do
the PSIs, which are the permission slips, so that she can work with people. None of that's going to change. The work's not going to change. It's just my work is going to change or or the director >> the >> administrative end of it. >> The administrative end of it is a lot really is for that amount of money. >> The Commonwealth
there there was some talk and and I have not followed this to be honest is that the Commonwealth was going to try to pick up some of the the slack >> reimbursement rate. They can't because they have an error rate. I'm sure people have seen it. The error rate is like
16%. They're down to 11% now for the error rate. And a lot of the error rate, they used to have maybe five, six% error rate in some of their their um applications. Now it's up to 16%. I think a lot of it that had to do with COVID and the expansion of that because
people just came in and now people have to um send in their um medical expenses and things like that. And then they're finding that people did get um SNAP and you know you've seen it all over the news where SNAP is you know being fraudulent where people are doing
it but I think because they they self self-reported things and I think now that people have to report things that it's they're they're doing more um the the government is doing more which I I mean I think they should. I I mean you know with all the fraud and everything you know it's just millions
>> leaves more money for those who need it who >> Right. Exactly. Exactly. So, I I just think it's it's not for I think it's not that, you know, cost-effective for the director to be spending the time to do this, but I do think it's wonderful service that we do with our outreach department. >> Absolutely. So, absolutely.
>> I I just I I just didn't know if anybody else had any, you know, it's $2,500 a year. >> I know that it's gotten more complicated for the recipients because we're helping people in technology. they have to have an app on their phone and it's it's like they they get to see
the balance of what is in their account and quite frankly a lot of the people have a great deal of difficulty in setting this up and so we've been helping helping them do that >> and that's what Cindy does and that's what technology does and we're not going to stop doing that we're still going to
do the we're still going to provide the service it's just >> just the administrative part is too >> it's I don't think it's cost effective money I have a I have a question. I actually have two questions. One, how long have we actually been applying for it and in the future if they do give
additional money, not not continuing to be a part of the application process, does it hurt us in the long run? No, >> that's the first question. >> Not at all. >> And then the second question is >> the $2500, what is the impact, >> if any with what we're currently doing
now? >> That just goes to Cindy's salary. So when Ar is done, I put Andrea and Susan on um formula grant and I can put Cindy on um SNAP, but it doesn't always pay everything because sometimes I have to switch Cindy to to formula. So
>> it goes to their what >> their salary >> their salary. So my question would be >> she would go to formula. >> You take more. >> She wouldn't lose the money in the >> that we have. No, not at all. Not at all. No money is just a matter of account where from formula grant. But we
take the money >> it's all right. It's all all the outreach staff. It's all grant funded. All of it. It's a RAW. It's formula grant. It's um >> outreach partner. >> Right. Yeah. >> The 2500. Yes. >> Yeah. >> So it would take from another Yeah. We
take we take we would take the 25 5,000 or whatever. We we don't usually use 5,000. We usually use anywhere between three and four because I always want to keep a balance in there. But even if we're not an um a partner, an out a SNAP outreach partner now, um I'm going to
let them know that we're still going to continue to provide the service and then at a later date if they decide to go back to 50% or even increase it a little bit, we can still apply to become a SNAP partner and and they would never turn us away. >> All right. Just just for me to make sure I'm thinking this right. So 2500 we
would stop this partnership because the administrative costs, time and aggravation >> aren't worth the reimbursement rate that we're getting at 2500. >> Yes, >> that account would not be impacted because you have some funds in the formula grant which you could transfer over to make up which is really 5,000,
right? We used to get 5,000, but now we're only we're only going to get 25. >> Yes, we're going to get 25% of that. >> That line item is going to be impacted 5,000 either way. >> Yeah. >> Um and you have enough in formula to kind of self-absorb. >> There's there's a W this formula and we've always got Salvador. We haven't
even we haven't done much with Salvador. We kind of been >> so we lost 25 already anyways and you're saying the rest of the 25 it just isn't >> well they cut it. >> I mean we didn't lose 5,000. >> We need to get five. They've already cut us down to 25. And what you're saying is for that 5,000 maybe it was worth the
work but for 25 it's really not worth the work. So but we have a place to absorb that. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. We have we have a few places. Right. >> Did I say that right? I I'm hearing it. Right. >> Um when when do they start the cutting?
>> When does >> when are they going to cut it to 25? >> Question. >> Oh, October. I have the money coming in. I'll do all of our stuff this year because I'm I'm here through the end of August. So, I'll do and they're only going to have September. Yeah. Next fiscal year. >> The only thing I won't do is put the budget in for May. I'll just give I'll
send them an email. I'll let them know. Thank you very much. We're going to continue doing what we do. Um, but we're not going to be part we're not going to be a um sanctioned partner or whatever, but we're going to >> So, you're doing the reports to October? >> Yeah, we do the reports through October.
>> 50%. >> Yes, we get 50%. >> The new director can make a decision on whether she or he wants to do it. >> The application is >> the application through May. >> Yeah, he >> I have to put I have to put the application in for May. >> She or he? >> That's what I said.
>> Want to be clear about that. Well, I don't know who we're hiring. Do you? >> No, >> I didn't say that. >> What did I say? She or he? That's all I said. >> But it's just my time to do it. It's due May. >> So, you got to put the budget in. >> Final question. >> Yes.
>> Right. The Oh, can I just ask one last question? What is the name of the partnership that we actually >> It's We are a SNAP outreach partner. >> No, right. the organization that gives us the money, whether it be 5,000 or 2500,
what's who's the partnership? >> Department of Transitional Assist. DTA. >> DTA. All right. I I'm DTA. >> That's funded by the Fed. >> It's it's funded by the federal government. >> I'm just looking at it long term, like when when you dismiss a partnership, right?
>> You know what I mean? Does it affect like the COA? >> No. >> In the long run, because I'm assuming that all the COAs go through that. >> No. No. No. No. No. No. Oh, no. Just that one on your own. >> Yeah, there's not very many. There's probably a handful of COAs that are
partners because there's a lot of work to it >> and they don't necessarily have an outreach person or somebody who could do this work. We have outreach. So, because we have, >> you know, one full-time and two part-time, we have outreach staff that can do this. So, we became an outreach partner. So, this is kind of above and
be the DTA have their own staff, their own staff um >> uh service people. I love it. >> Right. Well, and CTA standpoint, >> Department of Transitional Assistance. >> And I think that >> by Beverly's participating in this
program, we've helped make life easier for the DTA in the reporting because we've done so well. But we also, I think, have to recognize that we have had a great um report card, if you will,
and that that not all um jurisdictions have had the kind of um report card that we've had. So, that's >> right. Some of the audits, some of the people don't make it past the first year or the second year because, you know, and they try working with them. Um the other thing is we could get if we had a
full-time person um just working on SNAP then we would get 100% reimbur 100 we get 50% of her 100% of her salary because it would all be on SNAP but most COAs don't have a full-time SNAP coordinator. Most of them don't. They
have somebody that's just >> and you don't see a need for that. So >> well Cindy's going to still do it. She's still going to do Oh full time. full time. No, no, no, no, no, no. She usually she spends about 53 >> anywhere between 47 and 57% of her time
on Snap because it takes >> Again, you were talking about how people have a hard time with the new app and what they do and Cindy helps people with that and she meets with them and she helps either set it up on their phone or their tablet and a lot of times she sits in the office with them and does it with
them because they have a hard time. >> Such an important program. It's food. Yes. Can I ask Beverly, can I ask what percentage of the town of the seniors or do you have to be a senior to get SNAP? >> No. Okay. No. What percentage of the
town of this town gets SNAP? >> Do you want kids involved too? Do you want that? >> Just what percentage of this town gets SNAP? >> I bet you I bet you >> it's morning exper 25 30% >> of the town gets SNAP. >> I think so. That's an important program. >> There's a lot of Right. There's well
there's a lot of children who do right because a lot of the folks that go to the food pantry are also SNAP recipients and they go to the food pantry and a lot of those folks have kids. We see grandparents going with their grand. >> So I'm well I guess my question is
administratively if you're running this town >> and it's a huge percentage of this town wouldn't it be why is it fra why is it fractionalized? Why is it why is there A B C D? Why why isn't it one organization
in the town, one department running >> social service department that umbrella question? That's a question. >> That's a question. >> That's a question I don't That's a question. Yeah, that's a question I don't have an answer for. >> I think the servicing of the younger folks with children >> is in a different area and I think it's
a lot of that's done on Fall River to be quite honest with you. Um >> I think >> with organizations that get involved with the children who need assistance and Medicare Medicaid. >> Isn't that >> what you did for >> child services? I didn't I prosecuted child abuse.
>> He was on the >> He was on the other end. >> Yeah. No, but I I do think that that's an important question and I think that that's something that >> people don't realize the function that the Council on Aging does. not all knitting all day long at the center, but
I mean the social services, the outreach, >> as long as we I think as long as we continue >> I think as long as we continue helping people come in and that is Bev's objective. This is more an administrative >> yes >> collection of data that's just turned
into a waste of time. >> So our consensus I'm sorry uh Lisa you had another question or comment. So when you said do do you want the numbers with the children? >> Yes. >> Are we also helping those families? >> We can and we do sometimes because Cindy
gets something called um uh SNAP gap report and these are people that have fallen off SNAP because they just haven't redone their applications and stuff because the paper for that assistant >> pretty much pretty much >> it doesn't have to be a senior no Cindy works with Cindy works we'll work with
anybody. So a lot of times we get grandparents, they have grandkids and there are school lunch programs and and people will come in and ask questions and a lot of the younger folks with kids can get she can help them get on the computer and they can most of the time do things on their own but they have
questions about how do I how do I show my expenses? How do what do what do I do for my medical expenses? And Cindy will tell them these are the things that will help you. this you put your rent in, put the you know the electric and the gas in, put your medical expenses in. Those count toward toward you know what you're
eligible for. So >> um I guess I guess one more comprehensive question is um I I'm guess I'm unclear about delivery of services of on social service issues. I know that this
organization is seen as the social service system for seniors. Is there such a service for for the rest of the community >> in this town? >> Not in Westport. >> Not yet. >> No, not here. >> It's what you what you have is the schools. You have the schools for
social. >> No, no, no. But what I'm saying is that's what you have. You have the schools for social services. I think the police department too might have people because I think Tony was one of those people who might have to help out when there was some things going on with
criminal stuff in in the police department and if the fire department finds something that's going on they do a referral to so >> but younger families if they qualify for SNAP there's generally going to qualify for medical assistance and many other things and those other programs are really good they have a lot of
counselors that you come in you may sit with them about say I always say it's Medicare or Medicare I forget which one it is medicaid >> but you sit down with them and then they are very good just like we are at Sandler your family qualifies for SNAP your family qualifies for this um their interaction generally is children
related so those organizations >> I guess I'm just trying to it's part of our job as an advisory board as an advisory board that's what we do I don't know it sounds siloed to me that's all I'm saying it is >> and I'm not making any I'm just making
an observation >> sounds very siloed for delivery of services of social services to this town is extremely siloed. >> We do not have in this town a department of social services. We do you know we are we council on aging is the
>> the closest thing we have >> right and and that we if somebody were to walk in we would provide them with a good referral. Yes. Which I think is >> which Tony said is Fall River. So you would call Medicaid, you would call the mass mass health assistance line and ask
them do you have a counselor who come out and help them so that they could fill although our outreach workers uh Andrea and Susan help people do mass health applications all the time. So again there's a lot of overlap that we >> and unfortunately police and fire at the
time we're involved it's unfortunately you know not a great situation. >> That is correct. Unfortunately, we don't have a group here that could kind of intervene prior to it requiring police and fire. >> So, you'd feel like, >> but when it does get to that level,
there are, you know, emergency nets that catch them and and >> we hope we hope and I think that that's that's something with a lot of small towns do not have a department of social services. I think over the years we've picked up that but uh that slack. But I
do believe that if you come to the Council on Aging, we'll make a good referral. Absolutely. Absolutely. Is service to people. You'd say, "Here, here's the phone number. This is where you would go if you have a family." Um, and so
know that we are that resource. >> We count them, you know, and people will >> No, not enough of them. Not enough. You're right. Not enough of them. I I want to say I had a conversation before he became elected, Rick Mundy, where >> I was talking to him about I had a I had
a situation. And I don't want to make it any more obvious who it is, but where the person was having issues with um after his wife died and taking care of himself. And for the next week or two or
month, we had fire and police coming to the house almost every day. >> Mhm. >> Until I finally went next door and said, "What in the hell is going on here?" >> And it turned out that we made a referral to here. >> Yeah. Mhm. And I said to Rick, I don't
think the town understands that we're we were saving money on the town by using social services versus police and fire >> to go to houses. >> Right. >> Which is and which is what Fall River does all the time. >> Yes. >> Because I spend a lot of time in Fall
River and I hear the ambulances. >> They're not for fires. >> Yes. >> They're for overdose of drugs and other things. I'm just I'm trying to move the system over a little bit to more comprehensive delivery of services so it
isn't siloed which is what it is now in this town and always cost more >> yes >> to do siloed >> than to be organized. Another factor of that, again, I don't want to belabor this, but in all fairness, is as emergency services go to houses, unless
the person's incompetent, we can't make them do things. >> And I have experiences personally where I've gone to the same house multiple times, and I would wish nothing more than to get them help, but they just won't accept it. So, there is that that avenue, too. But, so, you kind of need that emergency service. Yes, we keep
going there, but eventually at some point either the person deteriorates to where we can override their >> or we talk them into it. You know, it's a tough situation. It isough terrible. >> What is the criteria to determine if they are competent or not?
>> Usually they will go to the hospital and then the emergency room makes a decision and then sometimes they release back home within >> a day and then you're there the next week. The same scenario. You can't make a judgment call, but you're you're concerned enough. They go get seen and a
determination is made and if they're not found Yeah. >> where they're at that level of in I hate to say incompetence, but >> Yeah. I I did compet I did competency hearings at North Hampton State Hospital when I was >> It's a sad situation. >> Can't can't make them. >> Some people are just stubborn, especially in this town right now. >> That's right. independent
>> and and just so you know, some of the other towns do have their COA director working under they have a department of social services and that's what the COA director does and there's other people too. So there's a different umbrella. So like you said, it's not siloed. It's the the COA is under the Department of
Social Services and and they have this huge umbrella where they have different different things. So >> they they do some towns do it. >> We but we don't have it. >> We don't have that. >> Um >> I think that was a great idea though. I think that was a great >> presentation of information to the people.
>> Yes. That we're we're ready to um >> and if somebody knows the families that need help with SNAP, they can come to us. >> Yes. >> Great public service announcement. >> Public service announcement. That's what we have. Muriel, can we get back to your any questions? Muriel's uh treasures
report. >> Muriel. >> Yeah. Muriel, we we didn't mean to ignore you, but I think that was very good, Beverly, that that you >> Yeah. >> Um >> jumped in about the snap. Have we made a decision? >> I don't I'm probably not. >> Consensus sounds as though that we'll
let Beverly decide. And it sounds as though the decision um on Beverly's pot is that we're not going to participate May 1st with an application. >> And if the new director decides they want to, they can take a look at all of the process. I I can hopefully show them
the process in July and August because I still have to do that report. and I can show them the process and then they can take a look at it and if they want to reapply they can >> can always revisit >> May 1st. >> Yeah. It'll be it'll be the follow. Yeah. Yeah. >> Don't you think Don't you think we should stay focused? This would be very
brief. We are an advisory board. We don't tell you what to do, >> right? >> Yeah. No, no, I advisory board. We do not We're not a man. This is not a management board. That's why I bring it forward just for she did ask us >> cuz somebody might have had an opinion like I Muriel said you know maybe we
should let the new D and I and I understand that but the problem is it's coming up May 1st and it comes up so much earlier than November. So when things change my budget sometimes my budget isn't even anywhere close to what it should be because I did it in May and then things change and now it's November
and it's like okay >> can we change that? >> No it's the feds. >> Really? Really? You haven't worked you haven't worked with the feds long enough to know. >> So, do we have any more questions from Yuriel? Getting back to the treasures
report, I think we had some questions. Do we have any comments? >> No. >> Um, we also have Helen's chart uh charts um so that we can sort of explain where we are. We're about halfway through the
fiscal year and um >> Oh, more than more than half. Oh, yeah. July. You're thinking November. >> No, no. I mean, I think that that we we're more than half. And so, what we're seeing when we see the lower um >> amounts >> amounts. I mean, I think that that's
reflective of of our time of >> May, maybe I could ask one budgetary question. Uh it's going to be in your report. You talked about the social day program revolving the count was critically low. >> Yes. Um, is that something Muriel that >> our funds not going there or
>> I don't understand her number in the director's report. You said the balance in February was 28. >> It was it was a it was a throw out there. It was just a throw. >> It was 70 41,000 the balance. >> Yeah, that's the absolute dollar I just put. >> But from the data
other than attendance, nothing's changed as far as the money that's going in there. It's just the attendance is what's impacting >> the attendance is lower. We've already dropped the number of staff. Okay. And I took one of the staff people and we put it on South Coast Community Foundation because when we had voted, we voted that
one of the staff people, one of the aids could be paid for that. So hopefully that'll and we did stop seeing an increase. People are coming back from the from the um >> that's not from a federal cut that it's >> No, no, no. As far as budgetary, >> we don't Yeah, we don't get anything federal. believe a few people aren't
coming three times a week because of the cost went up, >> right? The cost went up to $60 and there's a couple of people who aren't who aren't coming. Um, but >> so you can get somebody else to fill that scholarship. >> They're getting scholarships. So, it's not even coming out of their pockets.
It's a it's it's a it's a Yeah, >> they're individual situations and and Connie does a really fantastic job of keeping track of >> this the individual situations and I know when the Connie and I have had
discussions about this and if they >> $60 a day is still so much >> less expensive >> than restit >> then I mean it's it's more expensive to have your dog taken care for the day. >> It's $10 an hour. It's $10 an hour, you
know. >> And these people are are taken care of. They're they're safe. They they're they have two wonderful meals. They have they get to socialize. So, it's >> Yeah. I'm not trying to get I'm not trying to get in the weeds. I I just want to make sure that the budget >> care of, but some of them like to come
because keep them and it got too expensive, right? >> They only have so much money. My question was just is it because of participation the income's not coming in or because of these federal issues? Is there anything other impacting while we're talking about the budget that line item? So, no,
>> this is a revolving account. >> Perfect. >> Under the town, >> right? And and it pays for itself. The town the town and the feds don't pay for anything. the the people who you're speaking about though, they've made a choice because they're widowed or by themselves and they like coming in because it's a social thing and they
felt that >> one day a week, one day a week instead of three days a week. But but the scholarships are there for them >> and they're still not coming. >> Probably not low enough. >> What did you just say? About one day a week instead. >> They're coming one day a week instead of
three days a week. They were coming three days a week. And the scholarships pay for the person that come that was coming three days a week and she has chosen to come one day a week. That's her choice. Okay. >> Oh, if it's a scholarship that has nothing to do with >> it does because she's No. Yeah. Right.
Exactly. That's what I'm saying. There's one other person that I've had a conversation with and we've talked about funding and if she needed anything because we've always talked about that there's things that we can help with with scholarships and things and she has chosen not to take advantage of that. So I can't
>> She doesn't want free money. >> Again, >> are we talking three people? >> You're talking about one or two people. You're talking about individuals. >> You're talking about Yeah. We can't That's not >> Also in in the winter, we were talking about Lisa, we were talking about the
and Tony, we were talking about the idea of the census was low, but when we discussed this, >> um it was be partially because of the weather, the severe weather. People just did not want to come out. >> They're coming back. >> So, they're coming back. >> Some of those people are coming back. >> They're not quite snowbirds, but they're
coming back. >> Again, I I only brought it up. I just want to make sure it wasn't a budgetary, >> right, >> a grant or any issue other than attend attendance. We >> attendance have to deal with attendance and the number of staff. We had to cut back on the number of staff because we didn't need them. And we were still having five staff on when we only had
nine or 10 people as opposed to 22. And it's like, no. >> Yeah. You don't think it's jacked the price up or we're giving tuna fish sandwiches instead of chicken soup or nothing like that. >> There's a lot of a lot of vectors this number. So,
>> Muriel, anything else? >> And transportation revolving has also gone up a little bit too. Um, we've been able to uh manage um I had um the transportation clerk's position put on formula grant and then put it back on
transportation revolving. So, um I think in Formula Grant, ARW the grant came in. So, um now I can take the girls in and outreach off of formula and put them on a RAW because we got that check. >> We didn't usually do it till June. >> It was easier. >> Oh.
>> To run it through for the next year, too. >> Okay. All right. So, >> we got that check in April. It's just it's so off. This fiscal year is so off for for AR >> and and we just got that check last week or so. >> Yeah. Yeah. just went in last week. So,
>> okay. All right. So, >> um then did you hand out all these other things, too? >> Oh, no. Never mind. Those are mine. I'm looking at them going, "Okay, did I those are mine? Never mind." Okay. So, the treasurer has made her report and we
have uh the supplemental material from Helen to go through. Um do we have um we have no more questions. Um, do we have a motion to accept the treasures report? >> I make a motion. >> Okay. >> To accept the treasures report as
amended. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor. >> I. >> No oppositions. Thank you. All right. The director's report. Beverly, you're up. >> Okay. Um, I applied for a $75,000 grant from the
Department of Transportation for operational funding, which means it pays for drivers. Yay. um in gas or stuff like that. And I did receive $30,000 out of the 75 that I applied for. Um the grant period is from January of 26 to
December of 27. So it's um uh two years. Two years. Yeah. Um, so and and the reason I think we got I don't know if I told people but they said that um they had we received this is from DOT we received nearly $14
million in total requests with less than 5.5 million available. >> Wow. >> Okay. So the the remember I said the need out there is really high. >> I got a question. Yeah. >> Is there is it state how much you can use for expenses and how much for >> No. No. I have to go back and I have to
go back and look at my budget what I did, but I was pretty sure that I put in mostly for um drivers, but I'll go back and look at the budget. Does this mean you It doesn't say It doesn't say on here that I can only use a certain amount for anything. It's not Yeah. >> It's just like some of the other grants. You'll get 30 and then potentially more
throughout the year or you asked for 75 and you only got 30. >> I asked for 75, I only got 30. I've never gotten this one before. >> Okay. >> This because they've never done Serta has never done the operational part of it. They've only done the van part of it. Beautiful. Um, so this is nice because last year I got 19,500 from
Bristol Elders and I didn't get that this year. So this is a good, you know, >> so this is a oneshot deal. Good. >> Yep. So and um if they do have more they might, you know, they might say some people like the in 27 maybe all of the money wasn't used for other companies or
whatever. So maybe what they'll do is um if you've got COAs that aren't using it or close their vans or do whatever, they don't have van drivers, whatever, the money goes back in. They And so anyway, so that was that one. Um, and I got the $30,000 from the Association for the
Relief of Aging Women. Um, 30,000 grant. I asked for 35, I got 30. >> Um, which is which is great. Um, and um, we're good to go. It's uh, and they do something called trustbased
philanthropy where you don't have to do this whole huge report. We still do the monthly reports. Um, Andrea, Susan, and Cindy still do their monthly report with how many people they pro how many people they have in their in their um uh roles,
how many how many um clients they have in in each person, how many is assigned to each person, and then how many services that they provide. And then they do the ARW separate, how many ARW clients they have, and how many services they provide. And a service isn't a service amount. If you have one, it
doesn't mean it's an hour. It could be 15 minutes, it could be five hours, it could be, you know. So, um, it's hard. It was always hard to gauge the hours because they wanted to know how many hours. We did the old reporting. So, now they do, um, trustbased philanthropy. So, I had to go in and meet with a board
member and the um, uh, executive director, Claire Foley, and I met with them, and um, >> they determined your trustworthiness. >> Yes. Yes. She said, "Oh, no. I'm going to be They already asked me. They want me on their board when I leave here." So
I told them that I would do that. So probably starting in I said well when's your board period? She said oh no you can come on anytime. I said okay. So probably >> I think that's a testimony to our relationship long standing with this organization and the fact that that in
tough times um that you got 30 out of the 35 is pretty remarkable. >> Yeah. I think they added maybe one new partner this year. Um, and they only have, I think, one other COA and that's Fair Haven COA. And Fair Haven COA also has a supportive day program and they do
a lot they do a lot of the scholarships for our supportive day people. Um, and it's it's really great because they I >> I recently in January I asked for an increase for their amount, too. We went to $60 a day, so they're paying that. And we also increased our transportation
fee. So, I think that's why you're seeing transportation go up a little bit and sport of day go up a little bit too because they're paying the 60 a day. >> Beverly, can I just ask maybe I should have asked with um the Treasury report, but I'm just curious conceptually
the percentage of of grants versus the percentage of fees, >> okay, >> running this place. >> Okay. Okay. >> I'm just curious because I think in talking to the public, people need to know how we go from 230,000 to 750,000.
>> And as we go forward, especially talking about the the as Patrick McBride would say, former high school, not old high school. Um the notion would be how we generate I think is important to the community. how we generate how we this
this department which is the premier department in this town >> for >> social service >> a social >> living above our means >> yes >> how do we do it and I think it's important for us to repeat every time we have these meetings and even in the
budgets whether it's helen or here >> how much money comes from grants >> yeah I don't have that >> I know you don't I'm just saying conceptually we need >> we have two programs that are all fee run the activities program, which is mostly all our exercise. Those are
feebased, okay? And those fees pretty much cover all of the costs. We don't charge them to rent a space. We don't charge them for water and that, but we usually have a little bit extra. So, if we needed to pull from activities, we could. We don't typically have to do
that too often, I don't believe. Um, that's >> But I'm just curious the percentage. >> Yeah, I know. I'm just trying to think. And then sport of day is on its own. So those two >> board also has grants you're using. So I would have to go back and look at what the fees are that come in and what the
grants are and separate because I have grants her print out the >> right but I don't know the percentage. I'd have to go back and take a look at it >> but it might be something that we can have a better look at next you know that pie chart that I have that has that I can separate that out but grant funds
and fee based funds so that you know. So that's 65% that's grant funded, maybe 30% is fees and maybe, you know, the rest of it, you know, maybe 35 I don't I'm not sure, but I would have to go back and take a look at it and I'd be glad to do that. That's easy enough to do.
>> That's easy enough to do. >> And that that is, I think, an important piece of information for us and for the town to know as we're coming into the um annual town meeting, >> right? I'll just >> I also think what David is trying to say though is that people don't realize that
the grant money that you bring in and we as a a body >> far exceeds anything right >> within the town if you're bringing in $650,000 to the organization >> and the fees are maybe and I'm just
going to throw a number out there so the public don't don't crucify me over it but if if it's only 5,000 in fees and I'm just giving a ballpark but I know I'm pretty accurate on the 650700,000 that she gets with grant money. People don't realize that the efforts to cover
all of the expenses is through grants that Beverly gets that allow us to facilitate >> the services that are so essentially needed within the town. The town doesn't give you that money, >> right? Well, the 750 is the total that
amount, right? the total including the two including the 230 that the town the 230 $230,000 that the town pays is my budget. The rest of it is all grant fees and everything. So I'll take that. It's probably >> 230,000.
>> You would never be able to do the services and I think that's the point you were trying. Well, I yeah, I think the let me just say I think the point is for the next subject on the agenda or one of them is if we ever get into the old former high school and we have a
conversation with the town about next steps. >> This is a very important piece of information. >> It's huge. >> These fees, right? Right. Yeah. I and I think the rule of thumb that I've explained to people when they've asked is that we have um a budget and we get a
third of the support from the town and two roughly roughly twothirds from other sources which includes grants and fees and you know if you'd like to make a donation you can make it directly to the friends you know or or
>> that's right they can't really come to us. I' I've been on this board more than a minute and uh >> I still have a difficult time with understanding the budget. I don't know how they do it because programs start in February. They don't pay out till March.
You got to have a report in January. And we're dealing with the town budget. We're dealing with special grants budgets. Then we have funds that are donated. And it is a >> crazy way of budgeting. And I give them a lot of credit to not only manage it,
but know when to rob $2 from Peter to put into Paul to pay Mary and it's crazy. And I I have attempted to better understand it. Um, >> it's impossible. >> And and I I I haven't been able to as of yet. I have a general understanding, but I don't know how they do it. I don't know how they do it. And I give them a
lot of credit. And that, you know, a lot of budget issues come up here, but I give you guys a lot of credit for not only keeping it plowing, but making it at least work. And we're not in constant deficits because if this was my checkbook, I'd be eating bologn sandwiches every day
>> and I would walk to work. I would walk to work. It is very very very complex. I give you guys a lot of credit to keep that going. >> Well, you found you found a social service worker in Maine. Yes. >> Who loves puzzles. >> There you go. >> Right. And when I remember my first
year, okay, and Muriel and I were going through the budget and everything and she did hers on paper and I did mine on paper. And I want to say she and I were only $150 a pop after our first year. Okay, that was it. That and we did it all and it was like wow. And she and
Miriel even said to me, you know, you've got a good handle on this. You really again because of because of some of my background. So we've always been, you know, really close with what we're doing. Granted, I know sometimes I'm off a little bit here and off, you know, but again, um, you know, it's it it is a lot.
>> I deal with a fairly large budget and >> Yeah. Yeah. It's simple compared to this. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Compared to this. And it's the dates. It's the how how >> this starts in February, July. And when you have to I don't know how you keep track of all of that. That's what makes it so difficult. Most budgets you start
January or December or July, you know what I mean? So you have a certain time period which you do too, but everyone is a different time period. Yes. >> And you guys are all over the place during the year. >> I mean is doing the dayto day like you know the checks from here. >> It's difficult and because we get all these grants.
>> There is there's a lot. There's a lot. And you're right. >> I think it's difficult as an advocate to explain it to people. >> Well, it's terrible. >> I think that's the challenge. That's why every time I listen to this, I'm trying to think how am I going how would you advocate how how would you clearly advocate this to people
>> because you sit here and you feel like you're in a maelstrom of um information. Yeah. >> And you can't connect one. >> It's impossible to do it in a two-minute conversation. So, I just tell them it's grants. I don't know how they do it. It's magic. It's all >> That's all I can decide. I have a bad
wad as well. >> Yeah, the grand >> anything else in your director's report. >> Um, oh yeah, I do have some things. Um, we got a congratulations from Massachusetts Councils on Aging that the
House Ways and Means released their fiscal year 27 budget and we are at level funded with $16 per older adult. we're not getting any cuts or anything like that. >> And the next step is the budget process to advocate the same increase to Senate
Ways and Means. So, we're um we're looking u you know, we send out a lot of I send out a lot of emails from, you know, to Senator Rogers and to Representative um Wlette. So, um we we send all that out. Um and uh um but
that's good that they're they're trying to keep it. I think um because we have so many seniors and there's so much senior advocacy in this state um we're one of the forerunners and forefront the forefront for senior services and things. So um because we have such a big
population um so and we've got Mass Councils on Aging as our sort of a membership guide guidance that helps us with the executive office of aging and independence. A >> everybody changed their name. So >> yeah. No, but it is a professional
organization that that is a great source of >> of uh information and and recognition too of of who's doing a good job and and um just to really um >> you know to to go that extra mile and to
be recognized. and also they've been a great um um advocate uh and lobbyist if you will to the the state government to make sure that we do have funding in this state. >> I applied for a couple more grants and
we're just waiting um the AARP 2026 community grant challenge uh for the emergency management category. We applied for 15,000 for replacing the emergency shelter materials with the CSS and the pillows and things. I did that in conjunction with the um fire chief
Jan Baldwin. And then um the other one was um submitted for 15,000 for home repair category for the outreach department. Agrees this funding would be beneficial to many seniors who need repairs on we were thinking stairs, railings, screens, windows, door locks,
and handles and things like that. Okay. That people need. Uh the maximum benefit for each person would be like $2,000 to do that. Um, so I'm waiting to hear from them, but I won't hear till I think it's like May >> and uh yeah, the end of May or June. They usually send you an email, but you
can't you can't um send it out. You can't send out a a flyer or anything until July because they announce it in their AP magazine and on any ARP promotions that they do. So, I'm hoping I'm hoping, you know, that we receive
something. We did get get it a couple years ago for transportation. I got 10,000. So, um, so we're on their radar. We've been, you know, before. >> Um, we received the second and third payment from the formula grant and the remaining balance of the formula grant
expected in May is $14,992.33. I don't know why they divided it up the way they did or how they did it, but anyway, because we got 14,000 and then 15,000 and then the last part is 14. >> Another example of a grant. Makes no sense how you get it, but you just get
it. manage every year. >> Every year is manage whatever they do. >> Sometimes you get the whole check, sometimes you get half the check. I don't know. We've never had the formula grant this way, but I I don't know. So, >> do you know if Do you know if the same people are administering it every year?
>> Oh, yeah. Executive Office of Aging and Wellness. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It just depends on what the state It just depends on what the state is giving them. They can't send it out until they get it. So, >> and how their budget budget is going in the state. When do they Yeah, >> they were being very cautious. I think
if I recall >> in case they had any 9C cuts or anything, they wanted to make sure they could hold back some of everybody's for because a lot of I think the school gets a formula grant too. I don't know if the police department does too, but a lot of different >> a lot of the town the towns get formula grants from the state. So, um Ar talked
about the $30,000 that I we received. >> Um Samco uh fixed our sink and plumbing issues in the boardroom. uh restroom. Um and then we had um he fixed an igniting
coupling igniter coupling on one of the heaters and the thermostats. Ever since we had those thermostats put in and they weren't put in by Samco, they were put in by Jim a long time ago. Um and ever since we've had them replaced, they always something always happens with
them. They're always kicking off. So, um, my maintenance person, uh, well, really, Helen went out and Wayne told her which ones to buy. He bought three thermostats. He's replacing them. So, we don't have to pay Samco to replace them because he's knows how to replace them. I was like, "Okay." So, he's going to
replace them. Yeah. They're easy to do. So, I told him, I said, "Do one, make sure it works before you do all three. >> Do the first one, make sure it's working, and see how how it is, you know." Um, and when we replaced them, the reason we replaced them is because they used to have this plexiglass clear
thing over the thermostat and everybody was like, "It's too cold, it's too hot." And they put knives in it. I'll pull it off and change it. So, what we did was we changed the thermostats because they were all broken. We replaced the thermostats and they must have given us old ones or something. I don't really know. And then they put pla um metal
across around it. Nobody bothers it because they can't see it. So, out of sight, out of mind. So nobody keeps say I mean they might say it's cold when it's cold because it's 50° and it's not working but for the most part they're not >> changing it up and down and up and down. If people are warm I tell them open the
window and let some fresh air in rather than changing the thermostat you know >> children. So >> yeah, with children, >> it's hard the big spaces. >> Well, you have the support of day people on one side of the wall and of course they're all cold. So that's why they have that heater in there, the split
>> and then the people that are doing exercise are hot. So I tell them open the windows and you know what I mean and open the door and let some air through there. So yeah. Um >> the problems a director deals with during the day >> it's like okaying. >> Um
so supportive day the average census went from 12 to 15. So, it is going up. Okay. Um, and we had 13 days in March. Um, and I did put that number in there, but I I like I said, I I don't know exactly when I I just that was a general number that I I thought it was 34, but
then I thought it went down to 28. So, again, >> we never we never hit 28. >> Okay. Okay. Well, it might have been it might have been in the middle of a month when I asked Helen for a number. We had didn't have everything in there. We didn't have all the deposits in there yet. So, I just asked her for the number. So, it was probably closer to 34
or something like that. Um, but anyway, it's still it's still, you know, low. >> Let's talk about staff because sometimes we have trouble getting staff. >> Yes. >> Do you notice that when you let them off or whatever, don't use them anymore? >> Are they not receptive to that because nobody doesn't want to work, but does that make it more difficult to get people to come in and work for us?
>> No. No. >> Because most of the folks are are retired. Okay. >> So, because they're retired, they don't mind working one or two days. There's only a couple of people who really rely on, you know, and and unfortunately when you're in your mid70s and you're relying on it and you have to do it, that's, you
know, so they try to be um mindful of that. And then people try to, you know, I've got Janine who works in supportive day, but she's I I'm short of driver obviously because Bill's out. So Janine's doing more of the drive-in rather than supportive day. So we're you know, we're >> I imagine I just I was curious if it's
impacting the almost the morale of the place as far as >> it's called pivoting. >> There you go. you kind of learned really well with COVID. So, you know, we kind of know how to pivot. >> And you have a number of volunteers in there that that are aids that that >> that help to make that smoother,
>> right? >> Go more smoothly, I guess. >> Um outreach has been busy, volunteer department's been busy. Um transportation has been, you know, still going. Um,
and I attended the mandatory training for SNAP partners on 330 and that's where I found out about them going from 50 to 25%. So that was why I brought that up. >> Um, a question Be, where do most of your volunteers work or
>> reception, tech, technology, and supportive day? >> Okay. >> Yeah, pretty much. I mean, even the supportive day, too. Some of them work in the kitchen. We have some people who come in and and and bake things for events that we have or whatever. So, yeah. >> Okay. >> That's pretty much Oh, well, I I
shouldn't say just that. My board members, the friends board members and the landscapers, too. Actually, we put an ad in the evergreen because we needed more landscapers and more gardeners. And I think she got four or five really good candidates to come in. So, because she said, you know, I I remember back at
least seven or eight years ago, Carol Scarbo and I on our hands and knees, the highway department dug a trench all along the exit driveway. >> Yeah. >> And we planted daffodils. And I mean, we must have planted a thousand daffodils
on our hands and knees. And she said, "I couldn't do that again anymore." So, I don't think I could do it either, let me tell you. So, um, but the the the landscape is they do it the the the yard and the in the gardens always look always look good. >> And they're on on the 30th on the 29th
of April, they're bringing in the friends are going to pay for and they're bringing in uh gravel to fix up the gravel that we have because it's all like the weeds are coming through. So, they're raking it down. And the highway department is going to come over with shovels and wheelbarls and bring it to where they need to so they can just rake
it because they said, you know, we just can't. It is heavy. It is heavy. So, um, they're going to come over. They're always they're great with us. Absolutely great. They anytime I need something, all I have to do is ask and they're right. >> Yeah, they are. They're incredible. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, um, and correspondence
for Bristol Aging and Wellness, the board met on 3:26 and reviewed the nutrition program. Every every, uh, meeting they review a program. Um, they talked about the new hires. They they had some people who were promoted. So,
then they had new hires come in. Um, and they talk about the budget expenses with deficits and balances in each budget category. uh they review critical incidents and the status of a discrimination complaint that they had. They I can't give you details because they say it's not for the public, but
just so you know, those are the kind of things that they review every month, you know. >> So, um very few very very few critical incidents. I mean, you know, sometimes, you know, somebody goes to do a wellness check and they find somebody who's passed away in their home and things like that. So other than that, um you
know, most of the critical incidents are those kind of things >> or somebody had a fall while they had a an aid or somebody there or a case worker. >> Can I add something? >> Um on your community grant challenge, I
just wanted to mention that the uh Commission on Disability has monies um and we partnered with Habitat for Humanity. Um, so if you did need any type of railings or anything with regards to accessibility, we have the monies to >> Oh, okay. that.
>> Okay. >> Um, we always look for projects to do um rather than doing it for sponsorships for >> I got a project. >> Yeah. >> And it's a onetime donation, right? They don't have to report to you every month or right
like for instance, we h the Habitat for Humanity came to the commission on disability. They up they actually had two residents that needed um uh um >> ramps. Thank you. >> I watch your meetings, too.
>> Yeah. So, ramps um and they were $2,500 each and Habitat for Humanity didn't have the money and they were two residents in Westport and they were disabled. So, we funded it. So, as a result of us funding it, we now are partners with them. >> Yeah. And um so it we kind of kill two
birds with one stone, if you will. But the thing being is is that we do get monies um >> so we always tell people if you want to come in and donate rather than getting a $300 ticket because that's where we get our funding from when you park in a handicap parking space. And if it's a
commercial vehicle, it's $600 to $1,000. Wow. >> So the monies that's how we get budgetarily uh you know >> right >> yearly. But in addition to that, we are now um being trained for grant opportunities that we're allowed to get
so we can help with the um I don't want to say old school. Are you saying old school for school? >> And then we found >> Oh, I I already know what I want. I want an automatic door on that north side. So that's We're going to you exactly. So we're going we're going to you already got some other monies put aside. So
yeah. >> Yes. The nice thing is is that rather than like, you know, and I hate to say this because there's a lot of visibility things that we do do like if they're doing like a fundraiser, a golf tournament or people come to us, you know, to to work with educational
projects, >> we really our mission is to help people with accessibility within the town. So whether it be a public building and or a private in the in the private sector, that's what we do. Yes.
>> And I did want to mention um that um uh Cheryl um she works with you. I want to say no less. >> No, no, no. >> But I did want to say that we were we were successful in in getting her uh
what she needed for her vehicle. Um, and so the nice thing is is that we lease supplied that funding >> uh for people that need any type of special um adaptility, you know, within within within their vehicle. So, we do a whole
host of things and we do have monies available. So, please come. >> Lisa, thank you. I think you mentioned that you touched on that last >> meeting, but you you weren't um the detail. We didn't have the details, but that's that's Terrific to know. Thank
you. >> Yeah. And at the last meeting, just so people >> be reflected in the minutes. So then people can read you know about what we're doing. >> Just so you know too, the last meeting the the um the audio cut out. So after about I think after Muriel's report, the
audio cut out. Yeah. So So a lot of what we reviewed didn't even get didn't even get. It just looked looked at us talking without without any voices. So, we could have dubbed we could have dubbed it in another language or something, but it didn't do it. So, I just wanted you to
know that. So, that's good that you brought that up again. >> So, >> and I do have one other thing I did send everybody. Okay. Um, this little handy dandy little two-page thing about pickle ball. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah.
>> And I wanted everybody to take a look at it. Now, I don't know. >> Further down on the >> is it? Okay, that's fine. Well, okay. Hold on. Pickle ball. Okay. Okay. So, we'll talk about that after. Um, >> but thank you for finding that. >> I put it I I did a lot of research and
kind of put it together and said, "Okay, >> yeah, I learned how to print now." >> Last morning, I was like, "What are you doing?" >> Okay. So, anything else in your report? >> No, I think we're good. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you. Okay. So,
uh, we can move on to the update on the usage of the old or former high school, >> uh, for the code reviews. And >> I just I sent an email out to the architect. I'm waiting for him to get back to me. He was supposed to do a code
10 synopsis of uh, and I'm waiting. I don't even have the contract yet for the $2,700. I was sick and then I was out on vacation in March and then he was out on vacation. So again, it was the beginning of April, but when I get back today, I will definitely email him again and ask,
you know, uh, do we have a time for this? We'd like to get it done. >> So then then we have a a a work list. >> Yes. >> Of perhaps what, you know, and to work with the the building department. >> Yeah. We can work with Ralph and see and and see, you know, there things that >> we can do.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. You don't have anything else that >> No, I I I think I think everybody anxiety levels are pretty high. We've been waiting a very long time for something that we probably could have been told a year ago that we could have
right >> been working on. But anyway, I you know, I guess we'll just have to tell people to hold on. >> Yeah, >> that's right. We need this this report. So, and there's only one expert that can get to us. No. >> Do you think I mean just want to say do you think once the report comes in I
mean we're just this would be just speculative but considering what we want to do there in terms of just using exercise classes. I can't imagine that the punch list is very >> I don't think I don't think between 9
and 10 there are very big changes because he said he doesn't even need to go back into the building. Okay. So because he doesn't need to go back and because we haven't done anything in the building, he doesn't really need to go back. He just has to compare what are the new code specifics that changed and
how does that fall in line with what he had before and that's that's what he's doing. Okay. So again, I don't think there's huge changes. Are we going to have to grandfather some things in or we may have to. Um but I know that that's what Ralph said he could go, you know,
send something up to Boston and do. Um, and a lot of the a lot of the I I just read something the other day or over the weekend. A lot of the older buildings that are being repurposed, that's what they're doing. They're grandfathering in or waving and doing it. Yeah. Because they said they want to be able to use,
they want to recycle, reuse. They want to be able to do this. And that's what they're trying to do is make use of the old school the old >> So that's Yes, it is absolutely to our advantage. So >> Correct. And it's far less expensive to rehabilitate a building for whatever the
use is than to >> knock it down and build especially if like he says the bones are really good and they keep saying that. Yeah. >> Right. And and that's what bones are good. >> When we met in December, it was in December that we met with >> Ralph and and the building department.
Yeah. I think that that was what we said. Well, code 9 says this. Let's see what code 10. And there seemed to be no discernable >> right >> difference. We're not the experts. Yes. So, we'll let the expert tell us what we
might need. And we had a our own list of things that we would want to see. As Beverly mentioned, the the um automatic handicap door >> type of those types of things that that would >> Yeah, it's more for more for comfort and
the automatic doors for safety and and ADA. The bathrooms are pretty good already. They might need a couple of little things but for the most part they you know but there's a little bit. So but it's those kind of things again if we know we can go to disability commission we can get the money to get that stuff done right
>> along with the air conditioning and the that >> which benefits anybody who uses the building. >> Of course it does. Absolutely. If you the building is supposed to be that way. So it's >> and there are people using that building right now and >> the uh school administration is just around the corner. >> So it's a better bathroom would benefit
anybody. >> Exactly. Exactly. >> It's not just for us, right? >> We're willing to do the expenditures, but it's really for this building and whoever uses it. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, the next item is the 20 uh 250th celebration and two
weeks ago uh we had um Abigail Adams come to the center and thanks to the friends, they they uh paid for that. It was a really fun morning. Yeah, we She was terrif. But there must have
been, you know, 50 plus people there. >> Yeah, there was close to 50 people. I mean, it was very well attended. Very well attended. >> Which was social day. How many social day people were? >> Probably only 10. >> And I think only 10, >> you know. >> Yeah. They just sat in the back with two, >> huh? >> The aids too.
>> Well, yeah. People that were that were sitting in the seats. There were people that came specifically for the program. and this um reenactor is really known all over and she it was just really interesting and she learned a lot
>> because she's been emailing with me um >> about the Quakers in our area and how how different the west the west coast the south coast is from maybe all that we're hearing about Paul Rivier's ride and and all that and that the the Quakers here
>> um >> were their peaceful mselves and actually had to pay taxes uh for the support and the protection and and so she's she's wanting to do more and I just said you know you got to talk to the historical societies I mean yeah and and but she
she is very and she's a college professor at le I think and and and written books and so she she was really an interesting >> yeah it was it was very wellreceived people really did enjoy it >> and she got people to participate Yes.
Yes. I had to You were somewhere. >> Yes. I had to wear a wool a wool wrap and a cap. And boy, wool is not my friend, let me tell you. >> I'm not. And I was like, "Okay." But um yeah, >> I noticed good. I think it was Fair
Haven or Madapo also had um had a program with her. >> Yes. Yes. She does Elellanena Roseville. I've seen her as Elellanena Rose >> and she wants to do it in Fall River. >> Yes. We've talked. So she she's a very busy lady at this this time, but she it
was good. And I think that, you know, that was um thanks to the the friends. >> So, >> and we had a meeting um >> Thursday evening, >> Thursday evening, last Thursday evening. And it was sort of a kickoff so that people could come in, businesses come
in, and people could come in and find out a little more about what Westport 250 is doing. and they had signs and they had people sign up and we probably had maybe 25 people there, 30 people there um to come in and find out a little bit more about the different
things that they're they're doing for Westport 250th and they're trying to get people involved and trying to get the town involved. Um I just got an email this morning that um Abner, is that his name? Who's going to do the
>> Paul Rivere did his ride in this area? Abner Brownell >> thank you Brownell. Thank you Val. Abner Brownell did a ride like Paul Rivere in this area >> and they actually got an actor and a
horse and they're going to recreate for them. Okay. And they're going to do it on April. I think it's going to be April 30th. Don't don't >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> I think it's April 30th, but I'm not positive. But I want to it's it's supposed to be and they're going to be coming in going to um the old the the
middle high school, the max school, the elementary school, and they're coming to the historical society, I think. and then and then um uh the COA, but they want people to come to the COA or the historical society, not the schools,
because they don't want people coming in and out where the kids are there because and they're doing stuff with the kids and the teachers are getting the kids um all excited about doing something with them, too, which is really great. But they did get an actor and they did get the he's going to ride through and do what he and dress full dress and
everything. So, I think he's coming to the COA around 11:00. >> Oh, that'll be great. So it's going to be really So we'll have to Yeah. So we'll have to make sure that we advertise it and we let people know. >> Helen, can if you could possibly send out a blast from from what you have when
we know more of the details because that would be fun. >> Oh yeah, that would be fun. >> Absolutely. >> I I did see something this morning on the local news of how they're covering, you know, of >> apparently the rides were during the daytime and not at night.
>> And so this may be far more appropriate historically correct. So that would be great to see see it at the um at the Council on Aging. >> I I just wonder, you know, I I know this would be a grander, larger um idea, but
>> we know historically and I would I would talk to Robin who is works at the library. She's sort of the unofficial historian. >> Okay. about the quaries that are around here. >> But when you think that they floated boats down the Westport River, >> I mean the hulls
>> and before there was Hicks Bridge. >> Yeah. >> I think it would be a cool enactment to have some kind of a boat floated. I mean that's what >> your house started at my house starting at the head where it all happened. >> But I mean that was a huge part of this. >> Yeah,
>> there was ship building here. >> Ship building. Yeah. Well, they do have the Shallop coming in and the Shallop was the boat. They said it's only a 30ft boat. I was thinking something much bigger, but I guess it's a 30ft boat and it's coming from Boston and it's coming all down the east coast and it's going to hit Bedford and Westport and Newport
and all different places. And um it's August 15. It's a Saturday and Sunday. I I think I had 14th or 15th Friday and Saturday. >> 15 or 16. Saturday and Sunday. Okay. Because Tony is driving, one of our vans, Tony and Nancy are driving on
Sunday and Nancy and I are driving on Saturday. I I called him and said, "Hey, what are you doing Sunday the 16th?" And he said, "Why? What am I doing?" And I said, "You're going to drive the van because we're going to bring people to the to the point or wherever it's going to wherever it's going to dock so that people could go and listen and and do
this stuff." So, >> and does does Dharma Voy Dharma Voyage do they still do that sort of thing? They have great vote making and >> I don't know who I don't know who is involved with this if it's the state or the mass 250 commission got it together
to do it and then they wanted Westport and like I said Westport and New Bedford and I think Newport voyage is they um they're building boat but I think that they're looking for leadership and volunteer >> help right now
>> right >> so and fall river like I said there's a it'll be on it'll be on the the Westport 250 um has a website and if you go on their website they have the events that are taking place. So they have the July 4th parade, they have the they'll have
the um Abner Brownell ride. Okay. So all of those things that are happening will be on their website so that you can find they'll have a calendar and they'll of events that are going on between now and and the end of the year or so. And the historical society has their walk going
on, their self-guided walk. Um that that so there are things that are going on, but um you're right at the website you can find out. A lot of these things are lowkey and not >> right. >> Overly publicized. >> Right. And River Day is part of that too. Right. >> Right. River day is that's coming up in
June. >> Yes. >> They'll be here before we know. >> And we'll have a van on that one too. Nancy is going to be shuttling people back and forth. We do a lot we do a lot of the shuttling. That's one of the things that our bands do. Um, and I don't charge companies to, you know, if
they're part of if they're, you know, 501c3s or three, however you say, and um, they're, uh, you know, the historical site and other thing. I don't, we don't charge. We pick up the tab for the drivers because I feel that that what we should do for the
community. Um, but they're always, you know, nice enough to give us a donation, you know, race. Yeah. Yeah. We did the We did the races. We did the walk for Westport. There's a lot of different things that we do. We did the flower. I don't get paid. So in Dartmouth. Yeah. >> I volunteer. For the record, I volunteer.
>> Yeah. And I volunteer too. >> And I volunteer too. So only my only my driver gets paid. So I volunteer too. That's great. Yeah. No. >> Thank you. Anyway, I mean it just there's a lot that's happening for the 250th. And and um so the next item is
the director's job description. I think that um in this process we have been um active. We gave um recommendation recommend recommended
um job description um items. It was sent to uh the town administrator. Um since we are not the people doing the hiring but rather the town administrator, it is
um the town administrator's purview. >> I did speak with him when and so we worked on this and uh consensus was in January that I could send it forth. I sent it to um
first part of February to the town administrator and I believe that it went before the select board. They approve it. My understanding is our town administrator is
trying to standardize the job descriptions, the professional job descriptions and others throughout the town and they're examining the steps. So, um I've been asked by our town administrator if you have anything to
add. You've seen the most recent job description. >> Um I think was presented at the select board meeting, most recent. I didn't get it till the day after that meeting. I think that's when when you got it, Beverly. been um
our um liaison to the board has been was very active throughout the process of putting um comments and everybody had the opportunity. So last call you know do you have um any other comments or suggestions? We've
asked the friends if they had anything to add as >> I have one and this is just this is just the the police officer and me >> in this document we refer to our the public that we serve as older adults in some areas and senior population in
others. Is there a like a legal term that we need to be cautious about as far as should we pick one or the other? Do they mean the same? Is seniors like a certain age? Doesn't they have to be a certain age to be considered a senior? >> Well, for AP you're 50.
>> That's what I mean. So, is that language important? >> 50. A AP of 50. And that's when you get your AP card and and all that. I'm sorry, but that's what they say. I'm sorry. And >> is that something we need to be concerned with that will this person will only work with people 50 and older?
>> No, I I think that the you know, I think that that's a good comment and I will pass that on. Y >> um >> I don't know that you know I think that within the field of gerontology I think I've told you the textbook starts at 25 right and the idea of No seriously is
that that the is the study of aging and we're all aging every day. >> So let me ask what's what do you think is a better term older adults or to call who we work with seniors? >> What would we prefer? >> I I mean I really think you it's a hodgepodge and I don't really I don't think you can get it right. I don't I
don't think I think senior has a definition where older adults doesn't. >> Yeah. And I would just say, by the way, >> and I and I apologize because I can't tell you whether it's the New York Times or the Boston Globe this morning. >> Oh, >> was an article written by um professor
talking about this is the reverse. Now, we're going to we're going to have a hard conversation at some point in this room because I think the notion is that there are seniors have dominated society. We have senior senators, senior
judges, people living in houses, uh much bigger uh I mean it's a radical approach to us, >> the seniors. We have to get prepared for this that I mean I don't I mean I don't we can't run away from >> the notion that we are the dominant
class in this society right now. >> I'm just give me a minute just >> especially in Westport. >> No no everywhere. I'm just saying I mean it's high here. It's high lots of places. >> The whole South Coast has the highest proportion of seniors or um
>> and it has housing implications. It has job implications. It has economic implications. There's a host of things. If we're not talk, if we're in this room are not talking about this, we are not doing our job. I mean, I don't know. I don't know the answer. I'm just telling
you that the trend is >> we have more than everybody else. >> Well, I think you're right. the bashing has been senior bashing or um what looking at things generationally like where the boomers and the and where but
the millennials I believe have as much of the population you know when you look at numbers but >> but anyway to get to your question I want to answer his question which is I don't know what number you would age what you should call us >> one of the things that they're doing is
there there's a whole group now that is talking about reframing aging and the language that you use. So, I wouldn't I'm not really worried about what we use right now because there's a whole group that are doing that and I've been part of some of the committees and what you
need to do because there's a lot of agism out there and they want to they want to get rid of it and they're trying to reframe how you think about aging including the language that you use. So, I I applaud you for bringing it up. >> Yeah. No, it just looks like it's two different categories where I don't think it is. >> No. Are you talking about the mass
council on aging? >> Yeah. Yeah. Ma mask council on aging. Um >> so well I think that it's >> I mean aging does say what we're doing. >> Yes. >> We're aging. >> We're all aging. >> I mean I mean I think you want a word that describes what's happening. We're aging.
>> Yes. >> I I think that that also what has been thrown in here and and some of the things that was taken out is working with the elderly and elderly I mean this >> is another term. Well, are the connotations of what the meaning is as though you know that we're all um uh
decrepit or or in need, you know, you know, and >> I agree. I think I think when you use that word, there's a certain mindset of that particular group. >> No. So, I think that you're you're you're spot on here like older adults or seniors, but whatever it is, it should be consistent >> and that's an inclusive, right? Not that
at 50 is the only time that we can do. You know what I'm saying? And again, when I read it, I just thought that I >> the two terms made it appear in my interpretation only that there were two different groups of people that were servicing and I almost wanted it to be more inclusive. >> That's a good that's just people helping
each other writing different sentences and it goes into one >> and and I like older adults rather than seniors because you got seniors that are graduating from high school too. So it's like okay because I remember talking about seniors and I was talking about the school kids and they were like well no no no no >> I'll just give you a very brief example
what that's perfect what if we take Patrick McBride's comment about um old high school he said former why don't we say former teenagers >> I like that you know why not >> but in one of the areas it talks about
teenagers supportive services for older adults in the next sentence it talks now about the departments. Yeah, the general. This is just an example. Just And in the next sentence, it talks about the council line agent will maintain services supported for the senior population. They're two separate sentences. It almost appears like it's
two different people. And I just wanted to make sure we're inclusive. That's good. >> Whoever we're talking about is inclusive. >> No. So, we can submit a word. We can submit that to the town administrator, too, and say language should be consistent across. >> I actually like former teenagers. I like that one even better.
>> We'll see how far that goes. You know that. Okay. Any other suggestions, Muriel? >> Well, mine isn't a suggestion. I want you to know that they on the personnel board, they voted the position grade >> to 10. >> Okay. Well, that's >> Yeah, but that's on the on the thing.
Just so you know, >> information. And the pay rate pay range is from 80,000 to 112,000. >> Yep. It's been classified. Yep. >> Okay. I I think that all the job descriptions may have been are being worked on. That's really
>> okay. >> All right. So, that's good to know. >> Just just to clarify what Marielle is saying, there were three different uh job descriptions. This is the uh rewritten copy that our that Chris
Vitali actually wrote. >> Right. >> We never saw this. We only saw as a board our final draft that originally went and then it was rewritten from the ones that that was that was discussed.
I'm just clarifying this. >> And so based on that when we hadn't had an opportunity to see this um that's when you know Muriel and I had actually found out by accident actually Muriel found out by accident at the town hall.
So, we wanted to have the opportunity to bring this to you and the board because they said that this was sent to you a week before the meeting which we found a
little and I I >> and it was not it was not. >> So, let's clarify for the record. It was not. >> Yeah, but it was only Helen has something to >> It was sent to her. It doesn't have to be. >> No, wait. It was sent to me. Just so you know. >> Thank you. Stop one at a time.
>> We're going to have a conversation on the table. >> But wait a minute. We're being asked today. >> You're supposed to see what >> Excuse me. Asked today based on what you have in front of me. But what I have in front of me is what I have received from the town administrator the day after the select
board meeting. Correct. >> Okay. So, what we're being asked today, what I was asked to do is to ask you to >> to any other comments and then to get back to them today. Any additional So, we've had one. >> Helen has a comment.
>> I I opened the email today that was sent from uh the town administrator and I opened up the job description and it was at a pay grade 11. >> I didn't hear you. >> Just 11 was highlighted. It was highlighted. I did watch the meeting
>> done at the personnel board on the 15th. >> But the he said he said that he thought this was the most updated and it said pay grade 11. >> No, it's not. No, >> that probably is a typo cuz I did watch the meeting and he was the advocate. Okay, >> to bring it down to 11. Matter of fact, they mentioned that the grade 11 was
because it was Bev's fault because when she came to the position, her skill set was a beyond the level 10 and to reach a compensation rate that was >> equitable for her, the job went to an 11. But he did advocate absolutely that this position should go back to a 10.
They agreed and they did take a vote. However, I live a boring life. I watch >> No, no, but that is not within our purview. That's not what we're being told to know, right? pay grade, >> but it's it's one of those things that um we're just being asked for comments and and I think that it's good to know
about the pay grade and um it just beyond responsibility. >> I I personally don't think there's any big meat and potato issues with this. This is me personally upon reviewing it. I have one more little thing that I can >> We like these little things that's to do.
>> Uh and it one of the and I think this one's important, right? It must be available to respond to emergencies, urgent situations affecting program participants, staff, faculty, including supporting the operations of the senior center as a designated warming and cooling center and assist with emergency uh preparedness and response efforts.
That's for the whole town. >> That is right. Anybody goes to that heating center, >> that is something that's a benefit that this position >> has that's responsible for that emergency services for the whole town, >> right? I just don't want people to think it's just for seniors that can utilize
that building for that and she she wouldn't be responsible for anybody that comes during those emergencies, >> right? >> And the town need to know that too. We talked about public thing. >> Good. I think that's >> Let's hope that never happens, but when it does that building is for the entire >> That's a good comment. >> I think that that's very helpful. Um,
okay. Any other comments? >> That's my >> Okay, Miriam. >> Um, to you, I want to thank Mr. Chris Vital for our town administrator for writing a terrific job description much better than what we submitted.
>> Right. Well, that's his job. And >> that's his job. >> Well, it was it it's okay. >> Whatever that may be if and we do we thank Chris. I think we and also uh one of the major contributors to this was actually Dick Brewer who gave us because
he had been working. So all of those uh corrections that they were looking at in December and January came from >> a big thick board >> quite quite quite a bit. So and Lisa, you have any you have a comment or or
suggestion to add. >> Okay. >> So the consensus pardon me >> Tony Coet. >> Okay. Marie, you had something? No. All right. So um >> I move we accept it as amended. Is this draft? suggest amended as amended by
suggested amend. >> Wait, let me take this. >> One other thing. Dick Brewer had ch had amendment at the select boards meeting. >> I have it. >> Okay. >> Um I don't know if he's going he's probably going to present it at the board meeting so that you know
>> I I spoke with Dick yesterday and so this what we're being asked to do is that this goes to Chris and he will take care of it from this point because >> clean it up. Yeah, he'll he'll clean it up. Uh I think that there were grammatical things that we had. >> There's a couple I won't we won't bring
our red pen out and and and and but other comments. >> It's in red, too. >> Right. Right. >> Well, I have have a >> I can't help it. I can't. >> Yeah. Okay. So, um >> I have a motion. >> Okay. So, we have a motion on the floor.
>> I don't have a second. >> Okay. >> I'll give you the second. Let's hear the motion again, please, so that we all >> I have a motion on the floor to adopt with the amendments that have been offered today the draft the draft um job description for the Council on Aging
>> that we received. >> Can I can I just say something? >> Sure. Yeah. >> I'm a little concerned about the word amendment because that means >> Well, what we said here >> No, no, no. Okay. Suggestions. We want comments. We want to make a motion to um submit
>> accept submit accept submitting the suggestions from this board >> to the town administrator for the draft job description. >> Okay. If you >> I I just think you say amendment then it says authority to put it in. I'm >> just choice of words. Okay. Yeah.
>> Well, this he he what I received in an email from >> our town administrator was to gather the comments and suggestions from this body. That's what I'm doing. And >> so, >> okay. I just want to I >> let's call then how about if I rephrase
it to say let me just I'll rephrase it to say instead of saying amendments I'll just say that um >> I'd like to have a motion to incorporate suggestions to the original draft that we received from the town administrator. >> Okay,
>> that's a good one. Second. >> All right. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I I >> oppose. Abstensions. >> Okay. Did everybody vote? Did everybody vote? >> Did anybody not vote? How about we do it by by roll call?
>> So, all right. All in favor >> of the amendment >> of the motion >> of the motion. >> Motion. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. I just want to I just want to make sure everybody. >> So, there were there were no abstensions. >> Did Muriel? >> Yeah. She raised her hand. >> Extensions.
>> So, it's unanimous. >> Absolutions. people people can abstain from voting, but we just to make sure I >> so we're clear. >> All right. >> I just want to say on the record, I think it's good that Chris asked us to come back to us.
>> It wasn't mandatory for him to do that. >> No. >> So, I think to his credit, >> yeah, the selectman were supportive of that also. >> We asked we asked that it come back. >> Whether he did or not, I'm just saying >> yeah, we appreciated everything. We just wanted to have the opportunity >> to look at it
>> because even when Dick Brewer was at the meeting, he hadn't seen this either. So, we were pleasantly surprised and that was on the record, >> right? He was pleasantly surprised to see it, but he also felt that we as a board should get the opportunity to see
this draft, which we didn't get to see this draft, >> which we which it was is mostly as a >> that's all that's all that's all we're saying that we just wanted to have the opportunity like Tony had some concerns or if anybody else had concerns. We just want that's all that's all we ask.
>> The only thing I would ask is and we could ask him that when he is done, it's finished. It's been blessed by the selectment. Look, we all get a copy only because so we can have it if we're in any way involved in the helping applicate. We have this to refer to the
official final stamps >> done, right? >> We can just say just we have a copy of that. >> Well, I think be prior you were given when you came on the board a copy of the job description that was done in what did we say 2014, right? >> And it was five pages long and
redundant. >> Yeah. No, this is much >> but this is clearer and this is this is what we were striving to do when we we started talking about this in September. >> The job description shouldn't say last date review 20 years ago, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. >> If anything, we did that. We brought it
up to date. It it's it's more clear, concise, >> and it's a courtesy to us. And I think um um because it's not our our role or responsibility is an advisory board. We don't have any supervisory. But I think it's
>> in all fairness, I think it's a little more than a courtesy. That's what this board is here for is to help and advise and advocate >> and it doesn't hurt unless time constraints, which I understand there was a little one this time, but just just present it because at the end of the day, >> we have our eyes and ears open too. And
as an advisory board, we are here to advocate and and I don't think it's a bad idea to have it come here uh process. You're right. We don't have the bite at the end. It's the selectman, but we're here to kind of >> give them information that maybe they don't have the time to absorb themselves. >> Absolutely. And that was why >> that was one of the reasons why I even joined this board was to be part of that
>> good >> advisory part not not necessarily get into the weeds. >> I didn't want to get into the weeds. >> All right. So we have uh that we go next to new business. Thank you everybody. >> Um the annual meeting with the friends.
I do have a date a time that um Carol had suggested um and it was >> uh perhaps we meet on Tuesday May 12th. Would you be willing or able to come for coffee the next morning, Wednesday
morning the 13th? >> Is that going to be difficult for anybody? Our our two our regular board meeting is Wednesday the 12th. May >> 12th. We often have an annual combined meeting with the friends. >> You're talking about the 13th
>> of people available on the 13th. >> Is that a joint meeting or your second? >> Yes, it's a joint meeting. >> So it would be at 9:00. Everything would be the same time >> combined. >> A board meeting. Well, we still have >> can't make it. >> I beg you pardon. >> Last we had the meeting first and then we had the
>> right. They cannot make it on Tuesday. >> So unless he was okay change it to to the same day as the friends. >> Can you make it on day? >> Well, that's part of what our discussion is. So >> is the date right now the 13th? Is that the proposed date? >> Wait. the proposed date for the joint
meeting at least the friends are to have a separate meeting because we always have a joint meeting in every year. >> Okay. >> Would you be willing to move our regular meeting? >> We won't be able to film it because we'll be in >> Right. We'll be at town hall. So, we
won't really be able to film it. That's the only thing. >> That's the That's the the um the rub, if you will. That's So, if we were to have our because we have a regular meeting. What time does the What time does the meeting stop with the front? >> 10. >> 10. >> 10.
>> Really? >> There's no way we get anything done in an hour. >> No, we're trying. >> We should try. I have. I should try. I'm trying. I'm trying. Really? >> Okay. Um, >> so >> so if that works,
>> I personally like having the two meetings if people are available. >> If they're available, >> if people's not if people aren't available, then I understand. But if people are available, I think it would be two shorter meetings rather than one very long. >> It would be Yeah. And Wednesday the 13th
at 10 would be um perhaps more social or sociable. >> Okay. >> Right, Cindy? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, you want to do the 12th and the 13th? >> Yes. We just want to make sure. >> Are we able? Is there anybody that has >> I personally can't, but don't worry
about it. I have a class at the police department dealing with oil spillage in the river. >> Somebody's coming down so I really can't. >> So that's the 13th class. >> Yes. At the COA. >> That's okay. I can >> at at the COA. >> Yes. >> Right. We're going to have >> in the tech room downstairs.
>> So is this going to be I'm confused. Is there going to be a combin combination meeting? Joint. We're not going to televise it. >> No. No. That's >> I mean we're not going to televise our meeting. >> Yeah. Yeah, we're going to do I'm going to do the day before. >> We would have our regular meeting on
Tuesday on Tuesday. >> Okay. >> Okay. Tuesday. This is why I we're just saying are you able to come to a joint meeting on Wednesday morning in addition to our regular meeting posted under 12. This is a a an annual event that uh the
COA and the friends have have done and we owe a lot to the friends for their support and we're still celebrating. It's still your 40th birthday year, isn't it? I think. >> Yes, it is. >> Yeah. Yes, it is. >> Okay. So, >> we got two meetings that week.
>> That's right. You have two COA meetings that week. Okay. >> Do you have >> something you wanted to add? >> Sort of. Yeah, I went to one of the candidates forums and they were talking about how
the information doesn't get out in town about what's going on. >> So, I thought that if the Council on Aging's newsletter had a page of news that was going on, important news that
was going on just to add to that and that would be out something else to be out in the community. >> Yes. We can do that. >> We've talked about this right after the candidates meeting forum and it will and I thought that's brilliant because
>> Beverly and and Chris have been um working on the new technology that's necessary the program and we would have room for this and the friends has have been uh a funding source for Evergreen
for quite a while on and off and so this would be very appropriate but It would very much improve the communication within the town boards and and commissions had had something that they wanted to share with the people in town. >> Isn't there a town website now uh that
the town admin uh >> town >> put up so that uh instead of posting it remember the requirement was just posting it now it's digital digitized >> so that would be good that at least we can draw that information from there too. So that's a good idea. You don't have to come here to find out when everybody's having a meeting. Now,
>> there's a website. We could take that data, >> right? >> And who knows, maybe we could be the go-to for anything that's happening in town. You go to the COA. >> That's what Cindy has has said. Isn't that I think it's a great idea. >> Why can't we use it? I
>> Okay, just give me a second. I'm just trying to process all this touch this here over there. Don't you think at some point we need either a volunteer or a paid public relations person >> who is who is responsible and can sit
here with us and tell us what they're sitting in there making notes. I mean this seems so I hate to say rinky dink. >> Well, it would be better because you'd have a centralized location to go agree that's what happened. >> I don't know if it goes through Chris or goes through us who funds it. We got a
bazillion volunteers, creative people in this town. >> Why in the world can we not harness this energy? My wife keeps, you know, it just wanted to come out just say this publicly that she said was at least for the first time in a long time there was another another
addition on the council on aging pickle ball. At least we were talking about another subject. Okay. So that we're enlarging it to a larger mean one item. But the fact of the matter is there's so much going on. >> That's right. >> And we we have to get with it. And I
don't know how. I don't know if it's a volunteer or a paid person, whether it's through the town or through this organization. We need a activities person who is >> cranking out stuff all the time. And until we do that, we are going to live
in this sort of I didn't know, nobody told me. How come? I'm not sure about that. And to to to your point, Tony, that it's hard to even understand how this all works, >> right? >> You can't watch this on TV and figure
out, >> right, >> what's happening here. And I do think that is >> something that we need to we need to think about seriously if we're going to have people um watch us and try to understand what we're saying because right now
>> can't. But I do think that the suggestion is a really good interim >> I agree you know to to getting just more of the information that >> we have a calendar of our events everybody else whatever special >> whatever events
>> yeah we do a monthly calendar but still that's you know and and again I like the idea of putting the having a page with just the news what's going on because in town because many of our seniors aren't going to get on Facebook and they're not going They're not going to do the code.
They're not going to scan that because that's what's down out there on the bulletin board is the scan. They don't the camera. They're not going to a lot of our seniors won't do that or don't know how to do that. And and so you'll be getting a lot more people coming to you. It was the same way when they wanted to do the beach passes. It was
going to get online, but it was like the library and the COA were helping people with their beach passes because everything was electronic and and digital and they still Yes. Exactly. Exact. But I liked having it in the newspaper because then they can read. >> That's a good idea page so people just
see not in with everything. >> But that's great. I think that that that's >> right. And that'd be great if we could be that central person. >> Yeah. We have we have the pages too because we just went from >> be fighting for our little flyers. >> That's right. >> They went from we went from eight pages to 12 pages and now we have more pages
to fill. So that would be a good thing to do. >> And you can have it emailed to you. That is the other thing that's very nice. It's available in paper right now, but it's also hard copy, but it's also available if you submit your email, you get it before it's available in hard
copy. >> Yes. And you get to flip pages and everything. >> That's right. >> Okay, >> that's a good idea. >> So, pickle ball. >> Oh, boy. >> Here we go. Pickle ball again. Um, but I do think that that what people don't understand is that Beverly has a pickle
ball program, if you will, set up. The the the lines are drawn. The lines are drawn. We were they they the gentlemen, they they um >> donated um a pickle ball net, which is in my in a box in my office. We haven't
opened it up yet. It's on wheels. It's portable. You lock it so that way people can put it back in the shed. Um, we got four paddles and 12 whiffle balls. And what we want to do is we want to start a a group. And I was looking through all the different places that had it. These
are just things that I just threw together some of the issues, some of the problems that people came up with. And I thought that maybe what we would do is we would have like they do with dots. They have a chalkboard and people put their name on it and they're the next person up. So that if you have four
people playing and it's not just four people in your group, you have four people playing and one person wants to step out, then that next person can go right in. So that way it's it's more social. You get to learn more about other people. >> So it seems like we need a set of rules. Yes. Is that what you're saying? >> And it sounds like we either need a
detail or a referee >> to manage this so people don't stop fighting over. >> Yeah. I want a I want a um a volunteer job. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'd be good at that. >> That's right next door with your suit on. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> We'd have a lot of broken rackets.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> You know, Beverly, I wondered when I saw that. I thought um I'd be more than happy with three other people to go out there and do an ex exhibition or I I don't even know exhibition. I think if people see people playing over there, I mean, people lots of people know how to
play pickle ball and they know the rules and and I when I went I I know some people don't, but a lot of people know how it works. Okay. And when I went over to Fall River and there was 15 people over there at the Y, okay, I didn't know one thing about it. And the guy said, "Well, this is what you do. Keep by
about 3 minutes go up there and and you do this thing and then you just team up with whoever's sitting there." It it's it's sort of a social, >> but it is >> it's a social exercise athletic exercise. And I'd be if I thought the other day if I could find three other
people, we could get a camera and see us playing out there so that you would at least see tell people, by the way, this is another another venue. >> My my yoga instructor, Marsha Hathaway, said that she would be glad to bring some people out and maybe we'll do time
where she'll do some training sessions. >> That'd be nice to have somebody or even offer an introductory class. >> Yes, exactly. Especially if you know all the rules and all of that because like I don't that I would be great. >> Yeah. Draw people in and then explain to them, >> right? I think that Yeah. If if Masha
would be willing. >> Yeah. She said to be willing to do it. David's willing to do it too. We can >> I know David's well versed in that. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, but I do but I do think that >> tennis not >> we just have we just have to make sure that we have the rules and that people are going to get handed a a rule thing a
list of rules and sign up and say they agreed to it. They agreed to come into the center and sign in they have to come in. I would like to keep it to Westport people first rather than having people from all different places come in I think because that's
what we want to do. We want to promote Westport. But again, um, you know, if people want I I don't know whether we need people to call in and and reserve a place first and it's Westport people first and then after a certain time because we're only going to be able to I mean it's outside they can keep it open
anytime they want to right again. So, but we have to have we have to have >> um I really think in the beginning we have to have somebody monitor. I really think so. Just to make sure that that's flowing and it's going and we don't have any of the problems like I kind of highlighted in the beginning because
those were the problems that people had. So rules that you we know >> already that >> you can bring lots of people have I mean even in >> over at Fall River >> people bring the net and their paddles
they bring everything with them. It's a basketball court. Yes. >> For the pickle ball thing. Okay. >> Yes. at at at at at the Y at Fall River. Okay. It's okay. We already have a pickle ball beautiful pickle ball courts over at the middle not the middle school elementary school.
>> Aren't they building something on the side of >> Mumbre and redoing that whole play area? I believe there's pickle ball. >> Well, the ones that are over at the elementary are really nice >> in the back. Yep. >> The nets are already there. The lines are already there. You want to go over
there after school and play over there. >> You can't go during the day. There has to be. >> Yeah. No, I actually walk around. >> So that's that's why we would do something during the day because there are other things that would be at night. So that way we would have staff around and available to make sure the people come in, sign in.
>> But what I'm saying is, Beverly is that this the the nature of pickle ball is that there are um some places have are using basketball courts with blinds. >> Yes. Yes. and they're bringing their they're bringing all their equipment
with them, okay? They're not signing up somewhere. They're just going over to a b like kids with a basketball going to a basketball playing basketball. Let's play pickup basketball. It's sort of on the same >> let's go play pickle ball instead of playing basketball. Okay.
>> I want to make sure those >> It's a mobile game is what you're saying. As long as you have the area, you can bring everything that you need. >> As long as you have the line, as long as the lines are on the As long as they somebody's put >> for the kitchen, >> I think to the kitchen for the kitchen
>> to start, you should probably have a sign where the pickle ball area is is >> please check in with COA prior to play. >> You could say that. >> I think that should be a basic basic sign. And then you can work on the rule because I don't know what the rules are. What the rules are. You probably need a waiver. Is that what you're talking about? Like a waiver sign. I want people
to sign what the rules are. They'll get a copy of the rules and we get a copy that they signed it. So I think out of the box we need a very clearly >> articulated sign must check in with >> COA and I think I would like it to keep
it at certain times um because of parking because of some of our other classes because of the so I think certain days and times might be more conducive and I think you know the morning time we have all the exercise the guys are all the way all you know so to be playing pickle ball and people are
driving right by them that's you know There leagues. Leagues for pickle ball. >> I'm sorry. >> Leagues. Leagues. Yes. Oh, yeah. >> So, we could almost do like not an instructor class, but like a league time. >> Yes. >> Right. Like it's only Monday, Wednesdays, and Friday, whatever. Right. Whatever day >> from 7 to 3 and then everybody gets
together. It's like an exercise class. That group gets together like a league. >> So, what David's saying though too, like say if you did give it a designated time and say like David said, it's mobile. If you chose to play pickle ball or get a a little game together, you could go after
five o'clock and set up in that area. >> They could set up their own >> and and they >> I have to find out about the town's liability. Okay. >> If they go in when we're closed, >> I think if you don't give it permission to do that, it's a >> you show up at the elementary school and play in the back.
>> Yeah. >> You get hurt different than being at a at >> No, that No, that's what I'm That's what I'm asking. I want to make sure that we're going to have a time during the day because like you said, the pickle ball courts at the schools are for after school when the school's closed. Okay. I
don't know if they sign up. I don't know how they do it. I don't know if they just show up and do it after school. So, whatever that liability is, if it's going to be the same for us, that's fine. But during the day, I want it more coordinated because of traffic and because of all class. >> Yeah. Right. But I want Right. But I
want it coordinated. >> I think we're all in agreement. And I think that that um none of us are really experts other than this is a social thing. I learned that there's a kitchen and that got my attention. That's all I really There's a kitchen. That's >> that's the closest area to the net.
>> Oh, I thought you meant a food kitchen. >> Well, I did too. >> I thought I was going to get a tuna fish sandwich at this. >> Okay. So, I'm all about it. But you can't you can't cook. >> You can't stay in the kitchen. You have to cook. >> It's just it's part of the rules. And I think that that having an introductory
class as as as you recommended would be awesome. So if we could get that on the calendar >> if we could get that recorded. >> Yes. If you get it recorded, that'd be even better. >> No, even better. >> And you could have running a loop inside the in in the building in our building. You could have a pickle hit the thing
pickle ball and then you'd see a whole thing. I mean, they'd probably already got the TV, so we want to get that on the computer. So it sounds like we we have sort of basic make that start and and if there are other rules perhaps um
Masha can can direct us on on what other rules but I do think that we have to be very clear that people have to we really want people we're going to have a rule board >> and people have to check in with the council on aging and they have to >> sign a waiver. Yeah,
>> those are so those are the three things >> me >> and I think of doing it as a class is a good idea. >> Yeah, doing it as a class. >> Perfect. And they feel like that's their group. They come they they manage themselves. >> Anybody can sign up. You know what I mean? Like >> there's a whole bunch of them that do want to play at the the elementary
school or the Mumba school or whatever school they have it at. But they we're playing during the day, but then they were told they can't they can't play till after a certain time. So this will be great. They'll probably there's a good group of them. I think there's like eight of them or so. And I'm sure they'll come and play and and maybe even help teach and things like that too, you
know, and help keep it going because I want it social open play. I don't want it where some of the issues were that four people came and they only play with each other and they, you know what I mean, and they get ahead of other people and that leaves one or two people sitting on the bench where they don't
get to play. And it's like, no, we want to make sure that it's open to everybody that if one person leaves drops out or two people drop out, two more can get in. And you know because there's if there's there's four people on a call. >> How many courts are we gonna have? >> Just the one. >> Just the one. So again, it's going to be
limiters though and then new people can. So you just want to establish that. >> Yes. >> And and again the game plays till 11 by either two points or if there's a lot of people one point. However you want to do it. I don't know how you score yet either. So I'll have to figure it out. >> Going to be out there. >> Yeah. I know. I might be the monitor for
a while. I might spend my summer on the pickle ball court. >> Oh my. But the weather's getting better and this is really a terrific thing. >> You'll figure it out. And it's a great I think a great program. >> And this was part of one of the things that was mentioned in the strategic plan that people really wanted to have it. So we we're keeping up with that list.
>> Apes credit cuz I had never heard of pickle ball until he mentioned it. Oh yeah. Never even heard of it >> till he mentioned it. >> Yeah. >> It's huge. >> They might even have it in the Olympics now. >> Yeah. I know. Learned a lot about it since. >> Huge. Huge. Uh for finally for the
topics not reasonably anticipated uh 48 hours in advance of this meeting. Anybody have any other things that they wanted to bring up? I have just one of two things is that uh I think I sent out to you board members what I had received
from this town regarding our um term and a few of us are >> Oh terms. Yeah. >> Our terms are expiring. just just give it a look and make sure that it's correct because I know that Lisa had some there was some issues here before I think with with myself. Um uh just just
I sent that out as a as a point of information. Um I also wanted to to say Beverly um we completed the tax year. tax filing year, AARP came in and I know
in other years we have had about 800 families that came through from January when they start >> to April 15th and people were still calling. Oh yeah. >> And I think that I I don't know what the number is that they they they were
exhausted. Yeah. But I think that that we have to keep in mind that we have programs like this that we have partnerships with uh groups like AARP and it keeps money and resources in our community and in people's pockets. And I think that that's something that's
important. And so that's where I think if people have questions, they can call and we'd give them a referral. Um, this year we had Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday afternoons because there were so many people. And we actually had three full pages on the wait list, not
just people that called because we had a couple of pages where people started calling early because they knew to call early and then we called those people first, but we had three pages of people and we were having people calling us on Monday for the for this, you know, for the 15th and it was like, "No, we we don't have anybody." Well, you said it's
free and it's like, yeah, but I mean, you know, the 15th is on Wednesday, you know. Yeah. >> And people would get really upset with us. Well, you know, you're not supposed to do that. >> I get a lot of positive feedback from that program. >> Yes, I get a lot of >> Maybe we should have ask Ted Hayes to do
a story, a follow-up story about it because I think it's >> it's a really good story for the town. Yeah, I think those are some of the quiet things that happened that throughout town and that's a good thing and and we can include some good news and >> I don't want it to be who you know is
where you get your information from. Right. We need to be more open. >> Exactly. Exactly. Seems to be the way it is right now. >> Okay. >> If you know the right people, you'll know everything. But if you don't >> Yeah. >> We need to get that out the other way. >> All right. So, I have one final thing in
that um our meetings, anything that's supposed to be discussed in terms of our meetings or or having to do with policy or issues needs to come before the board. Emails, we're not supposed to be emailing. I think we had brought this up
in January or Bev made us aware of that and that that is um part of becomes part of the public record. So, it's something to keep in mind. And if if you have comments or suggestions, bring it in here. Bring it here. So,
>> anything else? >> Anything else, Beverly, that you want? >> I don't think so. >> Okay, then. Um, >> anything else? Um, >> do I hear a motion? Okay, we >> I'll second that one. >> Okay, thank you. And we'll see you.
>> All in favor? >> That's right. You got a vote in favor? >> Everybody in favor? >> I oppose. >> Okay. >> No doubt on that. >> See you on the 12th of May. Thank you. May