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Minutes March 7 2017Beverly Council on Aging Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Date: March 7, 2017 Place: Beverly Council on Aging Senior Community Center Board Members Present: Bob Hobbs, Claire -Marie Hart, Anne Horrigan Jessica Wistran, Larry Albert Staff Present: MaryAnn Holak, Jessica Waggett The meeting was called to order by Co- Chairperson, Claire -Marie Hart at 2:35p.m. Secretary's Report: February meeting notes were approved as written Director's Report Larry Albert raised a question about the content of the Director's Report. Does the Board need to know all that is contained in the report? MaryAnn said she would be happy to change or adapt the report according to the Board's wishes. Building Michael Collins, the Commissioner of Public Works for the City will be asking the principal of Gale Associates how to best spend the $8,500 grant awarded to look at the condition of the building after 25 years of use. The City Human Rights Commission used the building for a public forum on Thursday, March 2 The City plumbing contractor repaired the hot and cold water valves in the down stairs bathroom. The Recreation Department is using the building on Monday and Wednesday evenings for classes. Administration and Finance Beverly Hospital/Lahey Health will fund a National Council on Aging initiative, entitled "Aging Mastery Program." The city has applied for a domestic violence training grant and if received, MaryAnn and Jessica will be able to attend a three day training with police and domestic violence staff. The state Formula Grant of $81,189 has been received and deposited into the grant account. Lpi, the newsletter publisher is pushing for more ad space which means less content space for us. Staff are meeting to discuss reformatting of the newsletter We received the Rotary Club sponsor check for the Senior Day in the Park, 2016. Programs and Events Several February events were re- scheduled due to snow day cancellations of February 9 and 13 Planning for Senior Day in the Park 2017, scheduled for August Y is underway. Clients of Concern Outreach staff did a presentation to seniors living at the McLean Building on Federal Street this month. MaryAnn shared two recent opinion column published in the Salem News — one focused on caregivers and the other on the recent fire tragedy where an elderly woman lost her life. MaryAnn shared that staff have been busy with many cases of seniors in need — especially those living alone. Personnel A new part -time bus driver, Dennis Boucher has been hired and will start on March 13 Jessica interviewed Merrimack Fellow candidates for the upcoming school year (August 2017 - May 2018). College will notify us if there is a match for the position. Jessica attended a Gordon College social work internship fair on Feb. 23 Budget Spending is on target with the city budget with 4 months left in the fiscal year. Volunteer appreciation rules in the Formula grant changed this year (volunteer must not be episodic but must volunteer at least 20 hrs. to be considered for volunteer recognition events) MaryAnn had to budget less money in the formula grant due to the new rule as there will be less money for the upcoming volunteer appreciation event. Larry brought up the idea of a "contracted social work position." MaryAnn said she would look at it again, although remembers some of the barriers from her last try as union may be opposed and the amount of control or supervision we would be able to exercise with a contract position vs. a regular employee. Committee Reports The Scholarship and the Awards Committees did not meet this month. The Awards Committee will meet soon to discuss the annual "Senior of the Year" Award. Unfinished Business Standards of Independence have been approved by City Solicitor's Office Discussion on presentation by UMASS Boston. Staff are eager to get working on this project. Aaron Clausen, City Planner liked what their process entailed and thought it was a fair price for the work they will produce. Discussed response rate and staff will ask for clarification on what they do if the response rate is less than 30 %, i.e. — will they send out more surveys. Also ask what has been the lowest response rate from other communities they have worked with. Larry asked that the Board be part of the process of defining the scope of the project. The Board voted in favor of engaging with The Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging, Gerontology Institute, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts, Boston to undertake a needs assessment study to the extent that the Formula Grant will support the proposal with the understanding that board members will be involved in deciding the scope of work. New Business No new business to discuss. Meeting adjourned at 3:30p.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 2:30p.m.