BODAug2021 Beverly Council on Aging Directors Meeting
Date: August 3, 2021
Place: Beverly Council on Aging, 90 Colon Street, Beverly,MA 01915
Members Present: Susan Feeney, Clare-Marie Hart,Bob Hobbs,Blair Smith, Stephanie Tallo
Staff Present: MaryAnn Holak, Samatha Kossow
Meeting called to order: 2:36 pm
Secretary's Report: The Board reviewed the June 29 minutes. Blair moved to accept the
minutes with corrections, Bob seconded, all in favor.
Director's Report
Building Usage
• A compressor in the HVAC has broken and a replacement has been estimated at$11,750.
We are investigating alternative replacement options that would be more environmentally
friendly.
• The building maintenance budget was adjusted in order to pay for a sidewalk replacement
in the front of the building. This work is not yet scheduled, and may need to be used for
the compressor replacement.
• There was a leak from one of the air handling units in the pool room. The water leaked
through the ceiling into the Arts & Crafts Room downstairs. The leak was stopped
quickly and serious damage was averted. There will be additional charges to replace the
coolant in the system and prevent a broken pipe due to freezing from occuring again.
• There was a building tour to look at sustainability options and upgrades. This may
include updates to the HVAC system and solar panels.
Administration and Finances
• Samatha reviewed the Senior Day in the Park ticket sales to date and provided an update
on the number of sponsors confirmed for Thursday's event.
• For FY 2021 the BCOA spent 94.4% of the city budget-there were savings in electricity
and vehicle fuel/maintenance.
• There was a request from City Hall to use COA buses and drivers to provide
transportation from Apple Village to Lynch Park for the concert series this summer.
• The dining room is now reopened for coffee and snacks in the morning for limited hours
to allow for cleaning.
e Masks are still required for hallways and restrooms and for all those who are not fully
vaccinated. Masks are optional while in classes/activities for those who are fully
vaccinated.
Programs and Events
• There were 17 participants at a Woodman's trip and 10 participants on a trip to Salem
Willows in July.
• The board was given copies of the Walk in the Woods walking safety brochure.
• The theme of the August newsletter was "it's okay to be happy". There are two"happy"
themed events planned for August: a screening of the movie, "Happy" followed by a
discussion with the Activities Coordinator, and a"Happy Hour"with Amanda.
• Creamsicle Day is in August. We have invited guests to wear orange and join us outside
for a creamsicle and lawn games.
• Pizza and Movie Night is officially back - sponsored by Ledgewood and Seacoast
Nursing and Rehab. Capacity for this event is currently limited to 50%.
• The BCOA received an award from the National Alliance for Community Media. The
Livin' the Good Life show"Arthritis Exercise with Gail" received first place for Public
Health Programming.
• The Farm Stand program has been well attended and successful.
• The BCOA collaborated with the Beverly Farmer's Market to schedule Senior Hours at
the Farmers Market on Monday, August 16th. The Senior Center will provide
transportation and the Farmer's Market will open an hour early for older adult patrons.
Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern
• Staff are meeting with the YMCA to discuss potential program collaboration on August
1 Oth.
• Case review meetings are continuing on a regular basis with social work, outreach, and
administration to discuss clients of concern.
• The Ipswich Council on Aging hosted Congressman Moulton's team for a meeting about
COA needs.
Personnel Updates
• Tess McColgan is the new Activities Coordinator, beginning August 5th at Senior Day in
the Park. She has two meet and greets scheduled for August.
• There are a number of staff with planned vacations in August.
Susan moved to accept the Director's Report as presented, Blair seconded - all in favor.
Committee Reports
Grants Committee
• One grant was reviewed and approved by the grants committee.
• Committee meetings will resume in-person prior to the COA Board meeting.
Awards Committee
e The Senior of the Year's family is travelling from Ohio to attend Senior Day in the Park
this week. MaryAnn has been coordinating with the family to help them arrive for the
event..
Unfinished Business
• Samatha reviewed the Board Member roles for Senior Day in the Park.
• We did not receive a match for the Merrimack Community Engagement Fellowship
program. We have explored using the funds set aside for this program to hire a part time
Community Engagement Coordinator. The board supported this idea.
• Bob moved to defer the vote for slate of officers until September, Blair seconded - all in
favor.
• Discussion of Strategic Plan will be at the October 2021 board meeting.
New Business
• September is Senior Center Month. The topic of this year is "Let's Celebrate Senior
Centers" and Senior Centers are encouraged to choose their own theme that resonates in
their community. The board is encouraged to think about possible themes.
• Susan moved for the creation of a transportation subcommittee, Blair seconded. All in
favor.
Announcements
e There were no announcements.
Meeting adjourned at 4:14 pm.
Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 2:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Samatha Kossow, Assistant Director