1997-11-04 BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL ON AGING
Regular meeting, November 4, 1997
Members present: Chairperson Joseph Dettorre, Nancy Winter, Susan Albiero, Robert Marshall, Anthony
Dettorre, Joan Fairbanks, Thomas Scully. Also present Acting Director Shelia Field.
Excused: Ellen Skryness. Absent: Tom Saunders, Housing Authority Director Kevin Ascolillio..
The meeting was called to order at 1:37 PM by chairperson Joseph Dettorre.
Robert Marshall offered a motion to dispense with reading of minutes of the October meeting as printed
copies were provided to all members. Seconded by Nancy winter. Motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Rules Committee by Nancy Winter and Tony Dettorre. Nancy reported that City Solicitor
Marshall HandIcy found the latest proposal of the Rules (revised and tentatively adopted at the
October meeting) acceptable by the City of Beverly. Tony advised the COA members that he will
attach the signature and make copies for all parties concerned.
Note: Nancy also reported that Mr Handlcy congratulated the COA on being the first City body
to submit its Rules for final approval.
Building Committee. Nothing to report.
Personnel Committee: Nancy Winter reported that by unanimous approval of the COA
members, Leslee Breen has been hired by Tom Scully as Director of the Beverly COA.
The Director will report to duty.- on Monday, November 10, 1997. A brief discussion was held
regarding proposed salary adjustment for the position in July.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT BY SHEILA FIELD
Financial: Shelia gave a financial reports and answered the questions of COA members.
Chairperson J. Dettorre suggested that a line item for mileage be sought in the next
budget.
Security: Several security matters were discussed. Sheila has also requested Hayden lock Co to
review our present building security status. Tom Scully has spoken to Hayden re: security card
system. This approach is being considered pending availability of funds.
Fire Safety: Tom Scully has requested the Beverly fire prevention Bureau's advice on setting up
fire safety procedures as well as possible improvements to the existing fire detection system.
Rental: Sheila reported that the Varian Beverly Retirement Association has requested rental of
the arts/crafts room for up to 15 attendees for 2 hour meetings at 6 times annually. The meetings
would be held during our normal open hours periods. They are a retirees group and would meet
the present "use" requirements.
Assistant Director's increase in hours: Sheila requested that the COA give consideration to
increasing the Assistant COA Director's hours to 29 hours weekly. This would allow the
Assistant Director the necessary time to meet the increasing demands of the position.
Resources: Sheila reported that she has looked into some 30 additional sources for support of
COA programs and activities. She will continue to make contacts in this direction.
Anniversary Lunch: Sheila reported that the Anniversary "Dinner" has been rescheduled to a
noon on November 13, 1997. Lunch will be served at noon followed by the program of
entertainment.
Open House Meeting: Shelia proposed an "Open House Meeting", possibly at a date in
December.
First Night:: Sheila reported that planning for the "First Night" activity is nearing completion.
This will be put on at no cost to the COA. All expenses will be underwritten by various sponsors.
Transportation: The 20 passenger bus is still being looked into by Catherine Tinsley. The
Friends of the COA will consider the possibility of obtaining the vehicle. Discussion was held on
certain legal issues and restrictions that may be required by the Friends. Tony Dettorre as
Chairman of the Transportation Committee will work with Catherine Tinsley and Peter Nuccio
(Friends) on this. Note: Tom Scully recommended that any restrictions, etc. involved be reviewed
by the City Solicitor.
Grants: Sheila has written 3 additional grants to support extra costs of a 4tn transportation
department driver. She has also completed grant requests for a dispatching system for the
transportation department that would expedite scheduling and dispatching. It is possible that the
COA could receive the necessary computer so~vare and training for $500.00. The package is
valued at $2,500.00
Communications: Sheila reported that it has become necessary to assign a "dedicated"
telephone line (number) to the dispatcher's office. She has effected this measure with no impact
to the regular telephone communications within the building.
Special Information: Sheila distributed to the COA members STRATEGIC PL4N OOTLINE as
well as a POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL OF THE BEVERLY COUNCIL ON AGING.
She requested feedback from the COA members so that she can finalize the documents.
OLD BUSINESS: None
MOTION: On a motion by R. Marshall, seconded by Nancy Winter, the Acting Directors report was
accepted as given. Attaehed to this motion is the unanimous opinion of the COA members present that
SheHa Field has done an outstanding job in her role of Acting Director of the Beverly Council on Aging.
The COA members also expressed their appreciation of Shiela's resourcefulness, ingenuity, patience and
dedication.
MOTION: On a motion by R. Marsha/l, seconded by Nancy Winter, the RULES OF THE BEVERLY
COUNCIL ON AGING", as presented to the COA members in October and subsequently approved by the
City Solicitor, were adopted by unanimous vote.
MOTION: On a motion by Joan Fairbanks, seconded by Susan Albiero, the request to waive the fee to
Varian Beverly Retirees Association was approved.
MOTION: On a motion by Joan Fairbanks, seconded by R. Marshall it was voted to increase the
Assistant's work schedule to twenty-nine (29) hours weekly effective Monday, November 10, 1997.
MOTION: On a motion by Nancy Winter, seconded by Tony Dettorre the COA members approved the
"OPEN HOUSE MEETING" which will be held on December 2, 1997 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM followed
by the regular monthly meeting of the Council on Aging.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
At the request of several members, Chairperson J. Dettorre will contact Thomas Saunders relative to his
interest in attending meetings of the Council on Aging.
MOTION TO ADJOURN by Joan Fairbanks, seconded by Nancy Winter.
The meeting was duly adjourned at 3:29 PM.
Next meeting of the Council on Aging will be on December 2, 1997 at 10:00 AM.
spectfull b 'tted
on orre, Secretary