1997-08-05jul-28-97 08:05A bev council on aging 508 927 8397 P.02
90 COLON STREET
BEVERLY, MA 01915
TEL. (508) 921-6017
FAX (508) 927-8397
OF BEVERLY
MASSACHUSETTS
COUNCIL ON AGING
BEVERLY COUNCIL ON AGEING
BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 5, 1997
1:30 0.m.
OPENING: Read and approve minutes from last meeting
Director's Report
Individual Committee Reports
UNFINISHED: Bylaws
NEW: Assistant Directors salary/hours
New Committees
Ju3-28-97 06;05A bey council on aging 508 927 8397
BEVERLY COUNCIL ON AGING
Regular meeting July 8. 19')7
Mc~nbers present: Robert Marshall, Joseph Dettorre, Thomas Saunders, Anthony Dettorrc, Ellen
Skryness. Nancy Winter, Thomas Scully, Sheila Fields
Also presenl: Several senior citizens
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 PM by chairperson Robell Marshall. The board members
introduced themselves. New members Nancy. Winter and Ellen Skryness were welcomed by ~eir fellow
councilors.
Chairperson Marshall welcomed Ihe visiting senior citizens and offered them the opportunity to make
comments. All declined at that ~zne.
Chairperson Marshall read the minutes of the June 2, 1997 meeting. The minutes were accepled as read
on a mellon by Tmn Saunders seconded by Joseph Dettorre.
Executive Director's report:
lnle~m Executive Director Sheila Fields gave a review of the monthly city and enlerpfise
budget transactions.
She also reported that the Janice Lcvcsque purchased two new IBM compatible computers wilh
available grant fimds. One of the computers is located at the front desk and the other will be
placed in Ihe arts & crafts room.
Sheila is presently attempting to arrange free a "internet'~ connection through Media One, for
the COA,
Shcila advised the council that Donna Whipple has relurned to Activities Director position.
The I)ireclor's report was accepted on a motion by Tom Smmders seconded Nan~, Winters.
Transportation Report:
Tom Saunders slated lhat Ma.ry dionne told him that one of the vans needed emergency repairs
on 6/7/97. R. Marshall explained that the repairs ~vere to the two-way radio anlcnna.
Budget:
Tom Scully advised the council that the larger than anticipated FY98 budget lotal reflects grant
funding checks that are received by the City to cover the salaries for employees that fall under
the grant(s). Tom also clarified the line item pertaining to Assistant Director. This was
attached to the budget for computer purposes, etc. Tom also mentioned that he thought that it
would not be a bad idea to for the council to consider such a position and he noted thai this was
a grant funded position in the past on a 15 hours per week basis. Nancy Winter questioned why
the A~ivities Director position does not appear in the budget. Tom Scull), explained that this
position along with sererut other part time positions are lumped togelher under Part Time
St'flY. Tom also explained that ci~' employees' wages, including part time employees are
determined ~- union agreements.
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Election of Officers:
Jo~ph Dettorre wlas nominated by Anthorn.' Dettorre for Chairperson of the Council. There
were no other nominalions for tills position.
Robert Marshall was nominated by Joseph Dettorre for Vice Chairperson of the Council
There were no ether non~inations For this position.
Anthony Dettorre was nominated by.' Robert Marshall for Clerk/Secretary of the Council. There
were no other nominations for this position.
This slate was unanimously accepted by the council members and the Secreta~' cast one ballot
for all candidates.
Senior of the Year:
Following a brief discussion on procedure. the council members selected the person to be
named Senior Citizen of The Year at the Homecoming Celebration on August 7, 1997.
Communications Committee Report:
Joseph Dettorre reported that at the recent joint communications committee meeting held at the
council there ~lere five persons in attendance. Robert Marshall. Joseph Dellorre, Anthony
Dettorre and Sheita Fields represented the COA Charles Hoed represented the Senior Citizens
Club. Titere was no representation from the Friends of the COA. The issue of the Senior
Cilizens Club news items appearing in the Garden City Courier was addressed. II was agreed
that the Council would accommodate the Seuior Club by including their prepared insert inlo
the Courier each month. Dotforte further stated that flue Senior Club would have to furnish a
person or persons to insert the document each month.
Computer Classes:
Robert Marshall advised the council members that signups are being accepled for the free
computer classes thai are being offered at ~he Center for senior citizens.
Executive Director:
Tom Scully read the requirements for the position of Executive Director as set down in the last
public notice. Tom made a recommendation that the requiremenl that the applicant should
hold a professional degree in business administration be substituted by the requirement that the
applicam should hold a degree in the field of human services. Nanc3~ Winter suggested that the
advertisemenl also mention that previous related experience is desirable. It was agreed that the
ads would appear in the Boston Globe, Salem News, MCOA newsletter and the Massachusetts
Municipal organization newsletter. The cut-offdate for the receipt of applications is August 29.
1997.
B'y-Laws:
Tom Scully challenged Seaion 4 (Vacancies), Paragraph 2 which states that the Board has
authority to remove Board members under certain conditions. He explained that under the
provisions of the City Chaffer that the Board has no such authority bul thal it could make
such recommendation to the Mayor. Joseph Dcttorre suggested that a special meeting should be
held to revise m~ct/or amend the by-laws. Robert Marshall suggested that the by-laws should
require the annual election of officers to be held al the July ~neeting. The chairperson named
Nancy Winter and Anthony Dellorre to this com~niltee. Any proposals will be sent Io the City
Solicitor for review.
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Commanit>.' Services Department:
Tom Scully explained to the Board that the responsibility for hiring and firing the Executive
Director is his under the terms of the city charter. He has delegalcd the authority' to the
Director to hire and fire other employees. He does prefer howe~'er to have the Board's input in
the seleclion of the new Director. Tom also reported that the union agreements are settled 'and
that Ihe pay raises for the union employees are forthcoming. Robert Marshall slated he would
like to see a review of the part time employees wages. Marshall also suggested that wc hire
another van driver. Tom Scull>' explained that the issue of the grant money' refund has not yet
resolved and until it is resolved. the matter of a third drh,er would have to be put on hold.
The question of whether we need an additional full time was raised. Sheila will check with the
transportation section and forward her report to the transportation committee.
Tom Scull, in answer to Joe Dettorre's question explained thai an employe~ of the COA
would submit any grievance to him (Tom Scully). Joe also suggested that Tom instrue( the
fulure direetor(s) that any hiring of COA employees or any changes in emplo)ees' job
descriptions be presented 1o the Board first Tom agreed to this request,
Clmirperson's Commenls:
Joe Deltorre offered some brief remarks on the mailer of unity and cooperation. He stated tlmt
he is confidenI thai this Board will move 'ahead and achieve its goals. He also advised the
members that commitlee assignments will be announced at the next regular meeting.
Sheila will make a list of members and of fulure meeting dates. The lists will be distributed to
the members of the Board.
Adjournment:
Following several questions and conmlenls from the visiting senior citizens in attendance the
roecling was adjourned a12:53 PM.
Beverly Council On Aging