COABOD120523Minutes 1
BEVERLY COUNCIL ON AGING
Board of Directors Meeting
December 5, 2023
2:30pm
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Place: BCOA and Senior Center, Colon Street
Members Present: Cynthia Montalbano, Barrence Whitfield, Stephanie Tallo, Blair Smith,
Rich Tabbut, Susan Feeney
Members Excused: Daniel Weunschuel
Staff Present: Suzanne Kosch, Chris Gomez, Bruce Doig
Staff Excused:
Meeting Called to order: 2:30 p.m.
Secretary Report: Motion to accept minutes from November 2023 meeting, accepted by
Stephanie Tallo, Seconded by Barrence Whitfield
Director's Report
Building Concerns and Usage
Chris began by sharing some good news that Bruce Doig and Mayor Cahill added to the agenda
for an upcoming meeting with DPS and city CFO Bryant Ayles to discuss paving the Senior
Center parking lot this coming winter.
Susan Feeney inquired if members of the Advisory Board should attend, however the DPS
meeting is a non public meeting.
Chris added that he would also meet again with Bryant Ayles regarding building lighting and the
HVAC system. He noted that approximately 90% of complaints received pertain to heating.
Chris noted that Mayor Cahill said he would intend to come to the January COA BOD meeting
to discuss building concerns and usage.
Administration and Finances
YTD budget reviewed. No outstanding items of concern.
70% of the annual transportation/vehicle budget has already been expended
A donation of 40 tickets to the upcoming show A Christmas Carol at the North Shore Music
Theater was made to the BCOA. Given that the show for which the tickets were donated is
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December 7 h (2 days away) efforts were made to have the donation approved, and special efforts
will be made to advertise their availability to all seniors, such as on Facebook.
Cyntha Montalbano shared compliments with regard to the new bus driver
Ongoing exploration of a MassDot grant for an 8-10 passenger vehicle, that pays up to 80% of
the vehicle.
There was discussion introduced by Stepanie Tallo about reestablishing a"Friends of the
Beverly Council on Aging and Senior Center" as a fund raising entity. Bruce Doig explained
some of the history, and the function of a"Friends" group as a tax deductible 5013c non-profit
organization. Chris Gomez envisions this for the year 2024.
Discussion of potential persons who would be interested/invested in driving this initiative.
Persons who would be especially interested in supporting fundraising initiatives would be good
candidates. Discussion that a person sitting on the BOD would not be a candidate to also
participate as a member of a "Friends" group.
Chris shared that Tufts will resume a matching grant for the New England Sustainable Farms
program. While this is good, it does entail a cost after two years during Covid for which Tufts
funded 100%.
Money was received from the state Formula Grant. Plan is for some of this to be applied for
maintenance and to "spruce"up the outside of the building areas and the upstairs space. Brief
discussion ensued regarding ideas for a gazebo to provide shaded areas and exercise areas
outside.
A donation check was received in the amount of$197,000 from Sharon Delaney's estate. While
not enough for a parking lot there was discussion about perhaps a memorial plaque dedicated for
the parking area, when paved.
Programs and Events
Bohdi day is upcoming on December 7 h with a drum circle by Omdrum's Mitch Pashawari
Cohen.
Chris shared that the Traveling Chef program continues to become more and more popular
There is planning for the BCOA to begin serving breakfasts again
A meeting will be scheduled with Executive Director of Bootstraps, Susan Gabriel about
coordination of programming
Other highlights of possible programming included Composting with `Black Earth," and Green
Jeopardy.
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There will be a Menorah making celebration this coming Sunday hosted by Chabad of
Beverly/Salem and Rabbi Mendel Barber. The Beverly Salem Chabad is a new Jewish center on
the North Shore.
As of this time there are 60 people signed up for the Senior Soiree. Capacity is 120 tickets.
SeniorCare, the Aging Service Access Point for Beverly will be hosting office hours at the
BCOA monthly beginning with 12:00-2:00.
Senior Care is also promoting its new Assisting Care Partners to Thrive program as well as
program on 12/11 on personal safety—how to protect oneself.
Chris shared that staff had an active shooter drill recently. Numbering all entrance and exit doors
to the building is under consideration. This is to prevent confusion in an emergency and clarify
what is the front and back of the building.
Meetings/Activities/Clients/Clients of Concern
No specific clients of concern were brought forth at this meeting.
Personnel Updates/New Business
No new information
Motion to accept Director's Report by Rich Tabbut, seconded Cynthia Montalbano.
Committee Reports
Grants Committee-No applications presented
Awards Committee—No new business
Unfinished Business
Discussion was concluded regarding changing the day of the COA BOD meeting to the second
Tuesday of each month, but retaining the time of the meeting at 2:30 p.m..
New Business
No new business presented
Motion to adjourn BOD Meeting Motion to adjourn by Stephanie Tallo, seconded by Barrence
Whitfield
Adjourned 3:36 pm
Next Meeting: January 9, 2024
Respectfully submitted: Blair Smith, Chair