===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Council on Aging Meeting Minutes March 10, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: 9:30 Present: Chairperson Deb Lincoln, Director Sue Doherty, Betty DiGiacomo, Diane Nowd, Pete Lincoln, Judy Tarbell, Barbara Brown, Sarah Grant, Susan O’Sullivan Absent: Cheryl Moisan, Jane Rabbitt, John Pesenti GUESTS: Selectman Michael Ray Jeffreys, Council on Aging Liaison to the Eagle House Supporters Pat Kennedy ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Lincoln announced that the Eagle House was chosen as a pilot site by the Massachusetts Council on Aging with Empower Success Corps Fellows to become a “Discovery Site,” where recently retired people will be trained to use their professional skills as volunteers to assist the community in various ways. Ms. Doherty explained that the program requires two “transition navigators” to serve as job coaches, and to market the program, and has Lori-Ann Tessier and Susan O’Sullivan in mind to fill those spots. Ms. Lincoln also announced that Pat Kennedy will succeed Marie Burchfield as Council on Aging Liaison to the Eagle House Supporters. MINUTES APPROVAL: Ms. DiGiacomo moved to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2020 COA meeting, Mr. Lincoln seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. CURRENT BUSINESS: 1. Rebecca Lantry, Lunenburg Historical Commission, Community Preservation Law: Topic was not discussed as no one from the Historical Commission was in attendance. 2. New Council on Aging Board Member Orientation: Topic not discussed due to lack of attendance. 3. COA Bylaws vs. Policies and Procedures: Mr. Lincoln found some grammatical errors in the updated policies. Ms. Brown recalled a discussion from prior years she had been on the board about decreasing the amount of members on the board. Ms. Doherty handed out the van driver policies and a draft of guidelines for Eagle House Participation, which the board is to read and review for the next meeting. Ms. Doherty added that she would also like to submit the guidelines to Town Council to review. 4. Director’s Report:  Ms. Doherty informed the board she has hired Property Tax Work-off participant Ann Penney to serve as a kitchen aide. Ann will be on both the town’s payroll as well as continue to participate in the property tax work-off program.  Ms. Doherty also informed the board that Eagle Scout candidate Alex Powers has completed his project and supplied the Eagle House with two handmade octagon shaped picnic tables, which allow wheelchair access. According to Ms. Doherty, Mr. Powers raised the money to build the tables by making dog biscuits and selling them, and also donated the surplus money he raised to the Eagle House Supporters. Mr. Jeffreys asked for Mr. Powers’s contact information so the Board of Selectmen could send along their appreciation for his good deed. Unanimously approved by COA at 6/9/2020 meeting via Zoom. ===PAGE 2===  Building Report: Ms. Doherty informed the board that the former AC units in the old section of the building have been replaced with new units which provide AC as well as heat. Ms. Doherty reported that the rotted porch boards are to be replaced with Trex composite decking, and have been ordered and received, but the color of the Trex does not match the existing painted porch floor. The floor will be painted to match the Trex. Mr. Lincoln asked if grit could be added to the paint to provide a non-slip surface to the porch. Ms. Doherty reported that she recently learned the renovation of the newer kitchen is being funded by the FY21 Capital Plan. Ms. Doherty informed the board that the green bench that used to sit on the porch has been discarded as it has rotted away after 22 years. Ms. Doherty also reported that she has moved the large retractable presentation shade from the old section of the building to the big room. Mr. Lincoln added that the shed will need a second coat of stain. Ms. Doherty also reported she’s spoken with Lunenburg Police Chief Jim Marino, and has found that Tanner Cole’s mother is against removing the small boulders along Memorial Drive. Mr. Jeffreys said that he is looking for a friendly way to treat the issue, and pointed out that the small boulders also pose a risk when plowing Memorial Drive after snow storms. Mr. Jeffreys also suggested the Council on Aging send a letter to Mr. Cole’s mother requesting removal of the small boulders. Ms. Doherty pointed out that when the Complete Streets project starts on Memorial Drive, there will probably be no room for the boulders anymore. Mr. Lincoln mentioned the idea of the new parking lot, and how much backlash the Supporters received when they tried to make it happen years ago, and asked about drainage for storm water runoff, and the issues it would cause for the schools when it is built. Ms. Doherty commented that it’s possible that grant money is available to take care of drainage as she’s been chosen to serve on a committee that addresses the risk associated with natural disasters, and they’ve been discussing how to prepare for storm water run-off drainage problems. There will be another meeting of that committee at the end of March.  Ms. Doherty also reported that she met with the new Parks and Recreation Director, and they discussed a few town-wide event ideas, as well as painting pickle ball regulation lines on the old tennis courts.  Senior Tax Work-Off: Ms. Doherty reported the committee has decided to raise the hourly wage of property tax work-off participants to minimum wage; however the maximum amount of money they can earn remains the same at $1,500 per year. Although the income eligibility requirement for the program has risen, applications are still being denied because the applicants, incomes are still too high, according to Ms. Doherty. ===PAGE 3===  Upcoming Events: Ms. Doherty highlighted special events going on at the Eagle House for the month of March, and added that the Bridges Together program was canceled because there weren’t enough volunteers. EAGLE HOUSE SUPPORTERS REPORT: Ms. Lincoln reported that the Supporters have cleared the cabinets of all outdated material in the old kitchen, and will keep one cabinet to store various items of general interest. Ms. Lincoln also reported that many monetary donations have been received in Lawrence (Lawrie) Montuori’s memory. Ms. Lincoln also thanked Ms. Kennedy for sending out sunshine letters to seniors who are ill, or going through challenging times. Ms. Kennedy urged all board members to let her know of anyone who is ailing, or who may be in need of a card in the mail to cheer them up. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: None BOARD COMMENT: Mr. Lincoln volunteered to write a letter to be read at the next meeting addressing the small boulders on Memorial Drive. Mr. Lincoln also commented that it’s time to make preparations for the next recipient of the Boston Post Cane. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Lincoln thanked Mr. Jeffreys for standing up for the town’s seniors at Board of Selectmen meetings. Mr. Jeffreys commented that he has short and long-term goals. As for short-term, he’s looking for ways to make the town work environment better for employees, and that he’s working toward the development of a Citizen’s Award to recognize the members of the community who exemplify service to the community. As far as long-term, Mr. Jeffreys is aiming to increase revenues, and provided using the old town dump for community solar as an example. Mr. Jeffreys also informed the board of a statewide program involving eighth graders and civic duty. And rhetorically inquired about what is the appropriate age to teach someone about civic involvement. ADJOURNMENT At 10:45 a.m., Mr. Lincoln motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. DiGiacomo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.