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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

A. Meeting called to order at 6:07 PM
Present: Chair: Joe Armstrong, Brendan Lynch, Rocco Carrabes, Tara Stone, Pam Davis

Acting COA Director: Florence Choate

B. Minutes from November were accepted unanimously

C. Staff Reports: Acting Director Florence Choate

Budget:

Presenting fy 2009 budget on Saturday in front of Selectmen.

Florence broke down differences between 2008 and 2009 requests.

She is concerned with the repair/maintenance/property request of $6000 down from $15,000 in fy 2008. Joe has spoke to Shawn Harris about possibly changing some component items due to transition of staff/directors. Joe questionned if any one knew why there would be a drop from $15,000 to $6,000. Florence stated Joan may have been trying to reduce budget, she was under 2.3%. Joe will suggest to Shawn an increase of $5000. Still need to present budget to selectmen and advisory board for approval.

Directors Report:

899 rides, 45 LINK and 14 MAP
Charlie Pass- 271 participants, thanks to Pam, Rocco, and Jim for helping.
SSA party cancelled due to poor numbers

Plan meet and greet for December 26th at the Senior Center
Florence has been visiting other towns senior centers.She visited Marshfield's SS along with Pam and Val. Marshfield is very active, beautiful facility. Hingham and Cohasset have been very helpful/informative. Florence spoke with all 3 directors at these senior centers, they all use many volunteers. They all have volunteer coordinators (paid position) to help train volunteers, schedules, sick calls. Florence suggests that Scituate have a volunteer coordinator in the future.

Florence added survey in next newsletter for requests/ideas for programs in 2008. Brendan Lynch asked if programs were open to younger residents. Florence said the space is limited in building, seniors are priority. Other groups do come into Senior Center during off hours, including art class and cooking class. Norm Paley said you have to be careful when opening programs to younger clients because some grant funding is just for seniors. Nita Strode commented that senior programs should be the priority. If time/space left then open up to other groups.

D. Old Business

Standards of Independence.

Joe stated that Val Baker suggests we eliminate paragraph 7 reference to nutritional site employees. Jim Harmon and Brendan Lynch suggest keeping it in. Joe would rather keep it in to maximum flexibility, just in case nutrition site returns to senior center. Joe will generate report for next meeting for staff to vote on recommendations for Stardards of Independence. Recommendation will then be sent to Rick Agnew for consideration. If approved Standards of Independence will be posted at Senior Center, posted in newsletter, and made available for anyone to read.

E. Presentation by Barbara Lydon from PATH ( Pedestrians for Active Transportation and Health) They have submitted CPC application for recreational trail.

Barbara reviewed map of projected recreational trail from North Scituate to Hatherly Rd. Phase 1: design, survey, and permits

Phase 2: North Scituate-Hollett St

Phase 3: Hollett- Hatherly

Phase 4: Hatherly- Sidewalks ( not included in current application)

CPC , recreation, and historical society supportive of project
Barbara would like the COAs support. The trail would help seniors increase walking/exercise. Mrs Paley questioned funding for project. Barbara said project estimated at $950,000.
Joe wrote letter in support of sidewalk/path project. COA unanimously supports consideration of project.

D. Old Business

Letter hand delivered to Shawn Harris requesting release of $23,000.
Shawn Harris to discuss $23,000 at Saturday‘s budget meeting
Joe Armstrong welcomes anyone who wants to attend meeting with him, will email everyone on Friday with approx time.
$23,000 appropriated for studies of new/existing senior centers.

E. SSA Update

Thankyou to SSA for funding of programs at Senior Center , they have been very generous.

F. New Business

Pool table needs rehabing, needs new felt top. Awaiting estimate.
Brendan will ask K of C who they have used to restore their pool tables. Florence will survey whether seniors are interested in keeping pool table. Florence has noticed most men do programs outside of the senior center. Nita Strode commented that there is limited space at Senior Center, she stated that the pool table was not frequently used in the past. Joe suggests that discussion of pool table be made agenda item for next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 710pm

Roll call for executive session, unanimous independent votes taken by COA members to enter executive session.