MeetingMinutes031224.docx Beverly Council on Aging Advisory Board
Minutes
Date: March 12, 2024
Place: BCOA and Senior Center, Colon Street
Members Present: Barrence Whitfield, Blair Smith, Rich Tabbut, Daniel Wuenschel, Cynthia
Montalbano, Stephanie Tallo
Members Excused: Susan Feeney,
Staff Present: Chris Gomez
Staff Absent: Bruce Doig, Suzanne Kosch
Meeting Called to order: 2:30 p.m.
Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes from January meeting, accepted by Barrence
Whitfield, Seconded by Rich Tabbut. All in favor.
Director's Report
Building Concerns and Usage
Meeting began with Chris Gomez reporting that plans for fixing heating system and paving of
parking lot were still on track for this spring and summer.
Chris noted that there is a shredding event planned for 4/12/24 from 9-noon. Funds from a
donation were allocated to support this popular event. Each individual is allowed 5 12 gallon
bags of shredding. There was come concern expressed on behalf of Chip Palmer and Brendan
MacAllister that this event not interfere with plan for paving on a weekend.
Administration and Finances
YTD budget reviewed. Budget is on track. It was noted that only 5.7% of the fuel budget has
been expended, and this was explained by a billing error which is in process of being corrected.
It was commented on and noted that items like the Senior Soiree always seem to use 100% of
budget allocation.
Programs and Events
Chris Gomez reviewed details of upcoming programs at the COA, highlighting some in
particular. The low intensity training classes; 100 people are signed up for St. Patrick's day
event; Pi Day (3/14)will be giving out pies, Seabrook Casino trip on 3/19; Game night on 3/21
with meals sponsored is Intergenerational.
Of note is hours of transportation have been extended for game night and movie night.
There is active discussion of possibly having a chair volleyball tournament with another senior
center.
Additional upcoming activity reviewed was BollyX night which is like Zumba,
Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern
AA meetings continue to be held in the building, led by a BCOA member
Personnel Updates/New Business
The new part time bus driver is fully trained and had her first week driving on her own
There was active discussion regarding the building use policy with a general agreement that the
room use rate should be increased, that the building should not be available for personal events.
Requests for building use should be focused on non-profit and senior related events, and events
proposed by city solicitors.
It was agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting. Blair commented that discretion
and approval for any building use request should be held by Chris Gomez.
At 3:25pm Cynthia Montalbano was excused.
Brad Gage proposed that some time be devoted to discussion of possible uses for space at the
new development at Briscoe property. A Bocce court is frequently suggested.
The idea for something like a"Memory Cafe" for mental stimulation was mentioned. Programs
that focus on preventing cognitive decline. Chris may explore programs the Alzheimer's
Association has in place.
There was hope expressed that there might be venues for musical performances, or music
therapy.
Chris can reach out to city planning for possible event to provide education regarding the new
ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling in Beverly.
There was also discussion regarding an educational session for seniors regarding new sources of
electric power in Beverly. Mass Power noted to be providing a program on Friday, 3/15 for the
Beverly Community Electric Program.
Motion to accept Director's Report by Rich Tabbot, seconded Barrence Whitfield. All in favor.
Committee Reports
Grants Committee-No applications this month
Awards Committee—No new business
Unfinished Business
Ongoing discussion for revisions of the Grant Policy. Suggested edits were to make language
clear to exclude from eligibility individuals who were not both Beverly residents and regular
BCOA participants as well as non-Beverly residents.
A motion to accept these proposed changes was made by Blair Smith, and seconded by Cyntha
Montalbano. It was agreed that a vote would be deferred until all board members were present.
New Business
The Building Use & Occupancy Agreement document was presented for discussion.
This included the Caterer's Agreement and Alcoholic Beverage Policy.
Sample Building and room usage policies were also provided for the Beverly Public Library, The
Carriage House at Lynch Park and Camp Paradise
Discussion as to the existence of a current policy for the BCOA.
Considerations included types of building use requests to be considered and the distinction
between municipal groups versus private groups.
Consideration was given to reasons the COA may not want to offer building use for private
events such as weddings, birthday parties or similar non-senior related events.
There was consensus that speaker events related to senior citizen concerns would be viewed
favorably.
Discussion regarding informational sessions of benefit to seniors would be reasonable, but these
would generally be sponsored by the COA as a program. An example provided would be having
an informational session regarding Harborlight Homes and development projects in the city.
Recommendation was made to create a policy if one does not currently exist
Discussion as to the role of Chris Gomez having ultimate decision making capacity for building
usage.
Chris is hoping for something equitable for potential applicants for building use.
It was agreed to continue discussion at future meetings.
Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting Motion to adjourn by Dan Wuenschel, seconded by
Stephanie Tallo.. All in favor.
Adjourned 4:05 pm
Next Meeting: April 9, 2024
Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair