2003-04-01City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Council on Aging
Subcommittee: n/a
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2003
Place: Beverly Council on Aging/Senior Community Center
Board Members present: Joe Dettorre, Mary Lou Mital, Robert Marshall, Cynthia Montalbano,
Margaret Sullivan, Bruce Doig, Kathy Burns, Thomas Scully
Board Members absent: Susan Albiero-Gadbois
Others present: Leslee Breen, Director
Meeting was called to order at 2:15 p.m.
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
The reading of the minutes of the March meeting was dispensed and accepted as presented.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Leslee reported that the quarterly statistical report would be distributed in May,
as the statistics are not current because of her absence. Beano is now giving us $50.00 more per week in
rent. Leslee reminded everyone that three individuals’ (Susan, Margaret, and Mary Lou) terms on the
Board would be ending. She asked that these individuals let her know if they wish to remain on the Board
and asked other members to keep potential candidates in mind. Building usage and Beano balance was
reported. Leslee stated that the Enterprise enclosure is incorrect and she is working on correcting the
information.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Building Committee: Met on 3/29/03 and decided that the center would no longer take any private rentals
unrelated to senior events. The group is still debating the City’s usage of the building. Tom will talk to the
Mayor about usage and custodial coverage.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT:
Leslee reported that at present there would be a 27% decrease in State Grants and that possibly could
increase to 40%. That means that our present grant of $5.00 /elder could go to less than $3.74/elder.
There is a push right now by the Governor’s office to merge the Office of Elders with the Health &
Human Services Department. This would not be to the benefit of the Elders in the state. The members of
the Board of Directors were encouraged to contact Mary Grant and Fred Berry to let them know that we
were opposed to the merging of the two offices. Leslee was asked to draft a letter; Susan would sign it in
behalf of the Board. Tom Scully talked about meeting with Fred Berry and discussing what is happening
with the Governor’s office and the legislature. We should be prepared to cut even more.
OLD BUSINESS:
Approval of one outstanding rental for S. Field was approved.
NEW BUSINESS: In discussing the Budget for the coming fiscal year, Leslee spoke about what to cut to
make up the current deficit. Her recommendation was to decrease the nutrition coordinator line item from
$13,000 to $4,028. This would cover the immediate necessary budget cuts. It was agreed that the Board
would not increase fees for member services. Leslee asked for clarification for the Enterprise account
regarding the water. The Board would like that expense to be eliminated. The board voted to approve the
nd
Budget with a motion by Bob, a 2 by Mary Lou, and Kathy Burns abstaining from the vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. NEXT MEETING: May 6, 2003, 2:15p.m. at the Senior Center.