HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-14 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
March 14, 2023 @ 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary},Dr. Harry
Kaloustian, Remo Zimbaldi, Allen Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Joan Thompson, Jennifer Abou-ezzi,
Eileen Elliot, Tallie Abernathy
Absent:
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager/Assistant Director; Lya
Morse, Program Coordinator
Call to order: 8:32 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale.
Minutes:
February motion to approve minutes by Harry Kaloustian. Unanimously seconded and approved.
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
· Luke will compare issues such as housing availability, affordability, cost of healthcare, food and energy, internet access, and
transportation against the agendas of local representatives.
· Sub-committee is keeping in mind that benefits given due to COVID are expiring (SNAP/MA Health).
· Committee will send a letter to representatives related to supporting any supplemental budgets to address above mentioned
issues and any other aligned agenda items.
· Formula grant given each year at $12/pp based on federal census of people aged 60+ (updated every 10-years). The governor
has proposed to increase to $14/pp. Senior Center uses an estimate for how many people are 60+, once the census is certified it’s
finalized.
· Proposal by Jen Abou-ezzi to discuss with zoning board on considering in-law apartments within North Andover as a way to
create more housing options for seniors.
North Andover Elder Services 120R Main Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
Update on Senior Center, Kathy Shelp:
· The contractors are finishing up.
· Furniture set to be delivered April 4. Items from current center to new one on April 5.
· Parking lot needs to be lined, figuring out the best way forward with that due to the timing of paving.
Adjournment at 9:02 A.M., motion by Harry Kaloustian. Seconded by Jennifer Abou-ezzi. 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