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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil on Aging Minutes 12-14-2021 EǗɒƬɕɫȢǗȤɫ ȯǱ MșǐǗɕ ÐǗɕʋȀǉǗɝ ƬɫǺʒ ÐǺǗșɒ٨ EȀɕǗǉɫȯɕ North Andover Council on Aging North Andover Senior Center December 14, 2021 @ 9:00 A.M. Minutes Attendance Members Present:Laurence Smith {Chair}, David VanArsdale {Vice-Chair}, QuentaraCosta {Interim- Secretary}, Patricia Riley, Maria Rosati {Treasurer}, Tallie Abernathy, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Lucius Michel, Dr. Harry Kaloustian Absent: Remo Zimbaldi, Heather Takesian, Eileen Elliot Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Affairs;Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager & Assistant Director; Lya Morse, Program Coordinator; Denise Casey, Deputy Town Manager; Mark Reich, Esq., Guest Speaker Call to order: 9:00 AM Roll call was read by Larry Smith. Minutes: The October minutes were approved unanimously via roll call on a motion by Jennifer Abou- ezziand seconded by David VanArsdale. Notes:November meeting was skipped in favor of new senior center groundbreaking ceremony. Introduction of Lucius Michel: west associate member. He has interest based on family experience and applied to the position via newsletter advertisement. He is happy to help on sub-committees as needed. His background is in media and marketing. Discussion re: town by-laws, Mark Reich,Esq., KP Law: Mark is a municipal attorney and here to help the board define purpose, mission, roles, etc. so we can move on from the monthly discussion related to following/understanding COA by-laws. Also worth noting, Mark issued an opinion on this matter back in September, which some of us have in writing as a During lengthy discussion and Q&A, the following points were made by Mark: Town charters have greater standing than state statutes. So as a town we look to the charter to see how the town is governed and how boards and employees interact. Any bylaws of a council or town should be read in conjunction with the charter. If there is conflict, the hierarchy of law would be Charter Town Bylaw Board Bylaw. It is not uncommon for a council or town bylaw to be in direct conflict with the charter. The charter is more actively updated and discrepancies from those updates are not noticed or immediately addressed in town and issue than a practical issue. o We are able to correct the COA bylaw to be in line with the Charter to help avoid any further confusion and discrepancies on the matter of roles/authority/oversight/etc. o Dave VanArsdale has volunteered to take a stab at re-drafting the COA bylaws. o We are not able to correct the town bylaws, but we can address discrepancies with the select board and sponsor a warrant article for town meeting. It is stressed within the meeting and Roles and Responsibilities document that the council is to act in an advisory capacity. Town manager has appointment and oversight authority. Town manager appoints personnel, ie) Director of Senior Center. o Question was raised by Dave as to WHOM we provide advice. Mark felt that it would be to the director, town manager, selectmen (whomever is involved/relevant). Despite what the COA and Town bylaws state, the COA does not have the ability to employ staff. This is a bylaw that has become irrelevant and antiquated. Kathy has let us know this in past answerable to them regarding general policy. Despite bylaw 5.9 stating- discretion as to what to do with that information. Harry asked to clarify the definitions of Authority and Oversight. Mark provided the following answers: o Authority = Hold a meeting, provide advice and guidance o How we should proceed to be an effective advisory council: The chair creates an agenda by reaching out to the board and director. Even though the COA director, town management, etc will have an opportunity to hear all ideas and feedback. The director can then do with that information what is deemed feasible from a budget, staffing, interest, and practicality standpoint. Mark gave the following opinion on COA responsibility: COA would vote at monthly meeting to bring the concerns to the town manager to raise attention to the situation. In this instance, we have no obligation or authority to hold employees accountable to meeting stated job goals, but rather be available to offer support and guidance. We have authority to raise concerns to town management. We have no oversight at the center to hire/fire. There has also been confusion in the membership process now that a committee has officially formed (where none was in place in the past). Quentara asked the question on what process should be followed since the COA bylaws may materially differ from Town Charter. Mark responded that the selectboard has ultimate say on members and does not need permission or feedback from the COA to fill seats. However, Dee is open to COA input and something to be ironed out between Jillian and the membership committee. o Quentara volunteered to write up a procedure on membership that can be circulated to Jillian, Dee, and select-persons for review and further input. This would be with the can be used for future members to provide guidance on the membership process. Discussion re Senior Center updates, Senior Center Staff: Kathy Shelp passed out a new strategic plan which will be discussed at our next meeting. We also received an updated member list. Good news is the senior center foundation is being poured in stages. February 2023 is the expected move-in date, but a mild winter may push that date ahead of schedule. passed around information on the related NEET program. She also gave an update on a senior who needed housing support. now found a new location. This has been a very rewarding part of the job for Cahla. Lya said the Thanksgiving event was great. They were able to eat together and Dave filled in on entertainment by giving jokes and historical info on Thanksgiving. The next holiday luncheon is this Thursday. Closing Thoughts: Larry asked about senior demographics in North Andover. Harry read that 30% of North Andover seniors live home alone. needs of seniors and this can be helped by knowing more about the demographics. She stressed the need for the Needs Assessment, which was recently added to our strategic plan. Given the cost of the - about the questions asked to make sure the outcome is beneficial. Larry asks us to give thought on what we want our role to be on the council beyond supporting Kathy and our thoughts on naming the senior center. Adjournment at 10:20 A.M., by a motion by Jennifer Abou-ezzi, seconded by Maria Rosati and approved via roll call unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Quentara Costa, Interim-Secretary North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845 978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov