HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-08 Council on Aging Minutes
Department of Elder Services Kathy Shelp, Director
Connecting our Community through Service, Experience and Advocacy
North Andover Council on Aging
North Andover Senior Center
November 8, 2022 @ 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa
{Secretary},
Dr. Harry Kaloustian, Remo Zimbaldi, Priscilla Raposo, Allen Naffah, Eileen Elliot, Jennifer Abou-ezzi,
Maria Rosati, Tallie Abernathy
Absent: Patricia Riley
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Paula Lynch, Administrative
Secretary; Cahla Alstrom, Outreach Manager; Lya Morse, Program Coordinator, Denise Casey,
Deputy Town Manager, Laurie Burzlaff, Assistant Town Manager/Director of Operations.
Call to order: 8:33 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale:
Denise Casey and Gail, Project Manager from Gail Associates, Field Master Plan:
They are currently in data collecting period, today would be consider a stakeholder’s
meeting.
o This is for field projects in the future, there are certain projects already in the
works.
Goal is to figure out the best use of town fields which will eventually fold into town’s
master plans.
Discussion from group related to pickleball and bocce courts.
o Big request for dedicated courts vs having them multiuse. Different lines, sounds,
nets, etc.
o Courts lighted for nighttime play but they understand this can be a nuisance for
neighbors.
o Indoor courts for winter play, but the field master plan is focused on just outdoor.
Covering the fields is an option but very expensive.
o Looking at fields around Sharpner’s Pond, Berry, Foster Farm, and more. A
reminder that this town has many environmental restrictions which has to be taken
into consideration.
North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
Minutes: October motion to approve minutes by Jennifer Abou-ezzi, unanimously seconded and
approved.
Update on Advocacy Board, Lucius Michel:
Initiative to invite local reps to upcoming COA meetings and keep them in the loop.
Update on Membership, Quentara Costa:
th
No update from selectmen on filling 4 seat, but we have been in contact to make it top of mind
that we have some great candidates for the role.
Update on Senior Center, Lya Morse:
Working to partner with vendors and area talent to keep programming at center fresh/creative.
Runs senior tax work-off program. You work 100 hours to receive an abatement on your taxes.
She collects the applications and places these enrollees throughout the year to area departments.
She has been in charge of outbound trips at the center, and has been collecting feedback to make
sure outings are relevant and feasible.
Survey system in place to collect feedback on events, outings, etc. to help shape future programs.
Update on Senior Center Building (New Site), Kathy Shelp:
Still being built, but they are running with the assumption it will be open by April in terms of
figuring out programming for the Spring.
Update on Van, Kathy Shelp:
Getting parts and new van has been challenging. There just aren’t many suppliers and options.
They’ve applied for a grant with MRVTA to see if that can be of any help.
Demand for van rides has surged so it’s critical to get this figured out.
Budget increase request being made related to demand for rides (increase in gas/mileage).
Kathy will be updating/reviewing our strategic plan and SWOT analysis prior to new building launching.
Likely will propose a meeting to discuss further by February.
Motion to write letter to Town Manager related to request on increasing Senior Center budget by $12,000
made by Dave VanArsdale. Unanimously agreed. Dave will likely spearhead this effort and send to board
for review.
Adjournment at 9:40 A.M., motion by Maria Rosati. Seconded by Dr. Harry Kaloustian. Unanimously
agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary
North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov