Jan2024Minutes.docx - Google Docs BEVERLY COUNCIL ON AGING Board of Directors Meeting January 9, 2024 2:30pm ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES Place: BCOA and Senior Center 90 Colon St. Beverly, MA Members Present: Barrence Whitfield, Stephanie Tallo, Blair Smith, Rich Tabbut, Susan Feeney, Daniel Wuenschel Members Absent: Cynthia Montalbano Staff Present: Suzanne Kosch, Chris Gomez, Bruce Doig Meeting Called to order: 2:30 p.m. Introductions: A round of reintroductions for new board member Daniel Wuenschel was provided. Daniel also offered some information on his background in the field of public and assisted housing development. He came first to New Hampshire from Pennsylvania, and then moved to Massachusetts and worked for many years with the Cambridge Housing Authority, retiring in 2004. Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes from December 2023 meeting, accepted by Stephanie Tallo, Seconded by Rich Tabbut. All in favor. Director's Report Meeting began with an acknowledgement that while it had been expected that Mayor Michael Cahill and Joscelyn Ruelle-Kersker, Beverly Chief of Staff would be attending, they are unable to do so today. Building Concerns and Usage Chris began by reviewing news that the building parking lot should be repaved by the coming spring 2024. There are also some cracks in the building ceiling that need to be addressed. The anticipated cost is approximately $3200, however, with Chris's advocacy the City DPS will fix these at no cost. Administration and Finances YTD budget reviewed. The transportation/vehicle line item continues to be the greatest expense and is close to budget. The work fixing the lift on one of the vehicles alone is $6000. Parts need to be custom made for the lift, that are no longer available for purchase. 1 A new vehicle will be purchased at an undetermined future date from the MassDot grant. The vehicle planned for is a Chrysler Pacifica. Another vehicle may be purchased with the Sharon Delaney estate gift money. Programs and Events 2020 was the last Senior Soiree, which will be returning Thursday, January 11 t'. Chris noted people are pleased with the planning and sign up so far. There were 120 tickets sold. Classes will continue for Spanish for Seniors on Friday mornings. Members went to Marblehead and participated in chair volleyball. A good time was had, despite losing the match. There is discussion regarding changing the procedure to pay for lunch. Even though paying is voluntary, as food and prep is funded, sometimes it can create stigma or embarrassing moments with the current process of collecting money. January 31 will be a program with opportunity for seniors to bring hobby projects to share and display. Many seniors wanted an art class, so a paint and sip night is in the planning of February. An earring workshop is also being coordinated. Black History month is in February and plans are underway for"The Harmonious Trio" to come to the center to sing. AA meetings in the building continue, with good attendance. Last meeting had 20 people. Chris brought up the topic of building usage, and reviewing the policy for how the building is used. Bruce noted that the Parks and Recreation department have a "tiered" system for different organizations in terms of priority. It was agreed the policy would be reviewed at the next meeting in February. Considerations include things such as costs and charges associated with building usage and profit versus non-profit entities. Chris informed members that the BCOA was still open for opportunities for internships for individuals in related educational programs. Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern No specific clients of concern were brought forth at this meeting. Personnel Updates/New Business Chris noted that the BCOA is fully staffed, and members applauded this circumstance. Chris noted that the BCOA is considering opportunities for volunteers to participate in the tax write-off program where a person can work off up to $1000 for 68 hours of volunteering. 2 There was brief discussion about ways for these opportunities to be publicized, such as the website VolunteerMatch. Stephanie offered the idea if there were opportunities right at the senior center itself. She also affirmed the idea of individuals who offer their programs or services to the senior center. There was a good discussion with regard to volunteerism in general. Bruce shared some history of volunteerism within the city of Beverly. There is a need for a mahjong game instructor Motion to accept Director's Report by Barrance Whitfield, seconded Susan Feeney. All in favor. Committee Reports Grants Committee- There was one grant application approved. Awards Committee—No new business Unfinished Business It was determined to defer completing discussion of finalizing edits for the Grant Policy until the February 2024 meeting, especially since Cynthia Montalbano should participate as she was part of developing the original policy. New Business No new business presented Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting Motion to adjourn by Stepanie Tallo, seconded by Barrance Whitfield. All in favor. Adjourned 3:32 pm Next Meeting: February 13, 2024 Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair 3