BODMeetingMinutes09102024 Beverly Council on Aging Advisory Board Minutes
Date: Sept 10, 2024
Place: BCOA and Senior Center, 90 Colon Street Beverly, MA
Members Present: Blair Smith, Rich Tabbut, Daniel Wuenschel, Cynthia Montalbano, Susan
Feeney, Barrance Whitfield
Members Excused: Stephanie Tallo
Staff Present: Suzanne Kosch, Chris Gomez
Staff Excused:
Meeting Called to order: 2:35p.m.
Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes of meeting on August 13 by Cynthia Montalbano
Seconded by Rich Tabbut. All in favor.
Director's Report
Building Concerns and Usage
Discussed LED lighting system installation in the building. National Grid program offering free
installation, but no dimmer. Dining room to be brighter, other areas need consideration.
Estimated cost of$60-70,000, mostly covered by grants
New fridge to be added for food storage
Administration and Finances
Budget reports attached, currently in the third month of FY25. Buyback time hit(?)up due to
Linda's retirement in July.
Changes in lunch counting system for volunteers
A motion was made by Cynthia Montalbano to accept the Director's report, seconded by Rich
Tabbut, all in favor.
Programs and Events
Upcoming events: Sit and Tone, Walk in the Woods, Beverly Airport trip, Jazz band
performance, Social bingo, Beverly American Singles performance.
New intern is starting soon, working 20 hours a week. Will be focusing on the Leaf raking
program and Senior Breakfast Club.
Intergenerational program with Hannah school kindergarten being explored.
Senior Day in the Park recap: doubled ticket sales, some minor catering complaints. Discussion
on improving the sound system for future events. Suggestion to spread out speakers for better
sound distribution. Request for board member recommendations
Transportation and Accessibility
Discussion about purchasing equipment for wheelchair users in bathrooms. Clarification on
COA's policy for serving people with disabilities. Transportation department is very busy, vans
breaking down frequently. Over $3,000 already spent on transportation maintenance.
Transportation obligations for seniors and people with disabilities. Discussion about age
requirements and disabilities. Clarification on funding tied to serving people with disabilities.
Budget concerns regarding fuel and maintenance costs.
Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern
Discussion about seniors showing signs of decline. Mention of 3-4 elder adult protective services
reports per month. Clarification on center's ability to assist after reports are filed
Committee Reports:
Grant Committee: No new business
Awards Committee—No new business
Unfinished Business: Work with Erina and sustainability office to finalize LED lighting
proposal. Arrange installation of new fridge for food storage. Follow up with Hannah school
about intergenerational programs. Explore options for wheelchair assistance equipment. Discuss
sound system improvements with event organizers for next year.
New Business:
Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting by Cynthia Montalbano and seconded by Barrance Whitfield.
All in favor.
Adjourned 3:40 pm
Next Meeting: October 8, 2024
Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair