BOD 6-11-2024 Meeting Minutes Beverly Council on Aging Beverly Council on Aging Advisory Board Minutes
Date: Tuesday June 11, 2024
Place: BCOA and Senior Center, 90 Colon Street
Members Present: Barrence Whitfield, Blair Smith, Rich Tabbut, Daniel Wuenschel,
'Stephanie Tallo
Members Excused: Cynthia Montalbano, Susan Feeney
Staff Present: Suzanne Kosch, Chris Gomez
Staff Absent: Bruce Doig
Meeting Called to order: 2:36 pm.
Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes with corrections from May 2024 meeting, by
Stephanie Tallo, seconded by Barrence Whitfield. All in favor.
Brief discussion regarding the Accessory Dwelling Unit educational forum held 5/13.. It was
attended by only three people. Maybe considering offering again if the time was not good for
interested people.
Also of note was that the Medicare educational session was canceled due to lack of interest.
Director's Report
Building Concerns and Usage
Chris shared that the HVAC system was fixed and HVAC is now functional throughout the
building. Noted that the weather has not been exceedingly hot, but good to have AC in main
hall.
Parking lot remains to be paved. There is no set date at this time.
No other outstanding building concerns at this time.
Administration and Finances
Chris reminded board that due to BCOA picking up full cost of Farmer's Market/Farm Stand this
year, that he may consider supplemental sources of funding such as grants.
Discussion regarding food insecurity in general and that the COA has seen an increase in the
amount of food given out. This led to acknowledgment and discussion regarding increased need
for affordable housing in Beverly and trends of ever increasing rent prices.
There was mention of the Daily Table store on Lafayette St. in Salem as an excellent source of
produce and dry goods at affordable prices.
The anonymous donation of 5K was received. Use is unrestricted.
Programs and Events
The complete list of activities for June was reviewed. There were a total of 18. On 6/20 there
are three programs planned the same day.
This year Elder Abuse Awareness day will be on 6/17 and held at the BCOA. In past it has been
down at City Hall. This is in collaboration with Senior Care.
It was noted that the BCOA and Senior Community Center will be closed on Juneteenth.
The First Baptist Church in Beverly is hosting a free screening of the film Origin on Tuesday,
June 18, 2024 at 7 PM as part of a two-part community conversation. The screening is part of the
event Overcoming Oppression: From "Origin" To The Observance Of Juneteenth as a Federal
Holiday, This will also included a community discussion on Wednesday, June 19, about the film
and the significance of Juneteenth.
Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern
AA meetings continue to be held in the building, led by a BCOA member
No new specific elders at risk identified
Personnel Updates/New Business
A new driver was offered the open position. His name is Kipp, and plan is to begin on 7/11
A modest goodbye is scheduled for Lynda on 6/26.
Committee Reports:
Grant Committee:
Three grant applications were available for review, but insufficient attendance of grant
committee members for decisions. As all were for AC, and generally these are approved, Blair
agreed to contact excused grant committee members subsequent to meeting to ascertain their
vote.
Awards Committee—Next meeting of the members of the Awards Committee will be 6/24 at
2:00 pm. This includes Barrence, Stephanie, Susan and Cynthia.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business: None
Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting Motion to adjourn by Stephanie Tallo, seconded by Dan
Wuenschel All in favor.
Adjourned 3:56 pm
Next Meeting: June 24, 2024
Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair