HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-13 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
June 13, 2023 @ 8:30 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa {Secretary}, Allen
Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Joan Thompson, Eileen Elliot, Tallie Abernathy, Dr. Harry
Kaloustian, Remo Zimbaldi
Absent: Jennifer Abou-ezzi
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager/Assistant Director;
Lya Morse, Program Coordinator; Paula Lynch, Administrative Secretary
Call to order: 8:30 AM
Roll call by DaveVanArsdale
Minutes:
The motion to accept the minutes was made by Harry Kaloustian and seconded by Maria Rosati. Approved
unanimously by the council
General Updates from Dave VanArsdale:
· There will be a change in the agenda moving forward. The format will reflect a public committee format.
· Subcommittee list has been updated, the first name on the list is the convener.
· There was discussion regarding the Town meeting with individual's insight regarding various items on the
Town Meeting Warrant.
Update from Kathy Shelp:
· All accreditation materials have been submitted and acknowledged from the National Council on Aging. A
reviewer will be on site sometime in July and will want to meet with the Council participants and town
departments.
· A technology grant has been submitted to EOEA. Awardees will be notified in July.
· We are working on an outreach grant to address the needs of solo agers. It is due June 23 and awardees will
be notified in August.
· Related to the needs assessment, there will be three upcoming focus groups facilitated by UMASS Boston; June
21 at 10am for upcoming seniors, June 21 at 1pm for seniors and June 27 at 1pm for community stakeholders
(professional).
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
· Article 6,7 and 8 passed unanimously at Town Meeting.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
· Article 6: Acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 § 5, Clause 17E. To see if the town will vote to
accept M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 5, Clause 17E, which authorizes an annual increase in the asset (whole estate) limit for
exemptions granted to senior citizens, surviving spouses and surviving minors under General Laws Chapter 59,
Section 5, Clause 17D, by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Consumer Price Index for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for
exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2023.
· Article 7. Acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, § 5, Clause 41D. To see if the town will vote
to accept M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 5, Clause 41D, which authorizes an annual increase in the income (gross receipts)
and asset (whole estate) limits for exemptions granted to senior citizens under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5,
Clause 41C, by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer
Price Index for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for exemptions
granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2023.
· Article 8. Acceptance of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, § 5C1/2. To see if the Town will vote to
accept M.G.L. Ch. 59 Sec. 5C1/2, which provides for an additional real estate exemption for taxpayers who are
granted personal exemptions on their domiciles under M.G.L. Ch. 59 Sec. 5 including certain blind persons,
veterans, surviving spouses and seniors, and to provide that the additional exemption shall not exceed 100% of the
personal exemption, to be effective for exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2023, or
take any action relative thereto.
Update on Membership, Quentara Costa:
· No one new has indicated any interest in board chair, vice chair and secretary positions. Dave as chair, Lucius
as vice-chair, and Quentara as secretary to continue in roles for coming term.
o Allan Naffah made a motion to vote positions for the coming 2023/2024 term; Patricia Riley
seconded. Unanimously agreed.
General Discussion on Advocacy Group letters:
· The board read through three provided letters.
o Letter drafted by Lucius Michel to the Selectboard/Town Manager re: efforts of Senior Center
Staff. Dave made a motion to approve sending as drafted, unanimously approved.
o Letter drafted by Lucius Michel to MA Representatives/Senators re: supporting state proposed
increase to grant funding. Dave made a motion to approve sending as drafted, unanimously
approved.
o Letter drafted by Dave VanArsdale to Friends of the Senior Center re: acknowledging their
efforts in raising funds for the new Senior Center. Dave made a motion to approve sending as
drafted, unanimously approved.
Adjournment at 9:30 A.M., motion by Dave VanArsdale. Seconded by Maria Rosati. Unanimously agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov