===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Council on Aging Meeting Minutes April 11, 2023 CALL TO ORDER: 9:34 a.m. Present: Director Sue Doherty, Chairperson Deb Lincoln, Vice-Chairperson Jane Rabbitt, Susan O’Sullivan, Jim McGuigan, George Martin, Cathy Beale, Judy Tarbell, Deb Lincoln, Pete Lincoln, Betty DiGiacomo Absent: Cheryl Moisan, Diane Nowd GUESTS: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Facilities Manager Chris Ruth, Select Board Member Lou Franco, COA Liaison to the Eagle House Supporters Marilyn Talley ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Lincoln informed board members that terms are up for Ms. Nowd, Ms. Moisan, and Mr. Martin, as he filled Jacquelyn Dwyer’s seat. Ms. Nowd, and Mr. Martin will seek reappointment. Ms. Moisan cannot commit to another term. Everyone on the board expressed their appreciation for Ms. Moisan’s years of service. Ms. Lincoln introduced new Facilities Manager Chris Ruth. Mr. Franco informed the board that the article for senior tax relief has been finalized in time for this spring’s Annual Town Meeting Warrant. MINUTES APPROVAL: Mr. Lincoln motioned to approve the minutes from the March 22, 2023 meeting. Ms. DiGiacomo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: none CURRENT BUSINESS: 1. Discussion: Communication with Lunenburg Residents: Ms. Doherty has drafted an informational post card with the new Lunenburg Adult Activity Center logo to send out to residents. 2. Discussion: Warrant Article for May Town Meeting/Senior Tax Relief: Ms. Lincoln wants the board to be informed about the Senior Tax Relief article so they can help people understand. Mr. Franco explained that if passed at Town Meeting, the concept of senior tax relief will be requested on the state level as a Home Rule petition. Ms. Lemieux added that Home Rule petitions can take between 18 months and 2 years to be decided. To be eligible for tax relief, property owners will need to be at least 65 years old, and live in town for 15 consecutive years before they apply. The applicant must not have any excessive assets, and must have applied for and receive the circuit breaker tax credit. The town will match the amount of the circuit breaker tax credit, which should be no more than $1,200. If the property owner is 70 years old, they must have already applied for the pre-existing exemption (Clause 41C). The application for senior tax relief must be filled out annually. Mr. Franco went on to explain that the relief will max out at $300,000 (1 percent of the levy). The funds will generate from all property taxes of those who are not eligible for senior tax relief, which has been estimated to cost approximately $50-$60 per household per year. 3. COA Board Member Orientation Packet: The board made several changes to the latest document, and asked for a new draft to be printed reflecting those changes. Approved by COA at May 16, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== 4. COA Board Member Email: All but one have established their new town email accounts. 5. Lunenburg 300th Celebration: Ms. Lincoln informed the board that the 300th celebration committee will be meeting soon to brainstorm ideas. Ms. Lemieux added that there is an article on the town warrant to spend $5,000 on the celebration. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:  Capital Plan: Mr. Ruth reported that a bid package for the patio project will soon be published. Responses are due May 1. The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Phase 1 of the project will take most of the summer. Mr. Ruth will be in contact with engineers to draw up new plans for additional parking. A new parking lot will be requested for a future capital plan. A bid package for the generator requested in the FY23 Capital Plan is about to go out for bid.  Building and Grounds: The kitchen rehab requested in the FY20 Capital Plan should get started in September of 2023 by Monty Tech students. Mr. Ruth is looking into plumbing adjustments to address a hot water issue.  Upcoming Events: Ms. Doherty listed upcoming events EAGLE HOUSE SUPPORTERS REPORT: Ms. Talley reported that the Supporters have collected 792 bags for their clothing drive fundraiser. The Supporters are recruiting volunteers to help load the truck on April 28, 2023. The next fundraiser is the June raffle calendar, which will be shared with the Lunenburg Skate Park. The calendars will go on sale May 1. The goal has been set to sell 300 calendars, which would bring in $3,000 if achieved. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS: BOARD COMMENT: Ms. Lincoln reminded the board that there will be one vacancy on the board come July 1. PUBLIC COMMENT ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lincoln motioned to adjourn, Ms. DiGiacomo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 9:30 a.m.