HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-14 Council on Aging Minutes
Department of Elder Services Kathy Shelp, Director
North Andover Council on Aging
North Andover Senior Center
November 14, 2023 @ 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa
{Secretary}, Allen Naffah, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Jennifer Abou-ezzi,
Eileen Elliot, Dr. Harry Kaloustian, Joan Thompson
Absent: Tallie Abernathy, Remo Zimbaldi
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services, Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach
Manager/Assistant Director
Call to order: 9:01 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale
Minutes: October minutes had one minor correction related to attendance. Motion to approve
with correction, motioned by Maria, seconded by Jennifer.
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
Discussion on housing development laws as it relates to affordable and senior housing.
Update from Kathy Shelp:
Officially accredited.
Plan to work on SWOT analysis in January 2024.
Programming has been well attended. Adding second art class. Fitness classes will be
reconfigured to accommodate more people and policy created on attendance.
Discussion on budgeting the 10-yr horizon and grant money.
“Bridging Digital Divide” equipment to be released to the public soon +
training/research.
Active shooter training will take place at the center.
Update from Quentara Costa, related to Taxes:
Circuit Breaker Tax Credit increased from $1,400 to a maximum of $2,590 starting 2023.
It’s a tax credit program for adults aged 65 + whose property taxes and half of the water and
sewer bills are more than 10% of their annual gross income (or for renters, if their rent is greater
than 25% of their income). They also need to be under certain AGI requirements which differ for
individual’s vs married couples.
MA state estate tax exclusion has also doubled from $1M to $2M. Tax will be on the
$2M plus rather than triggering a tax on the whole amount.
Adjournment at 9:50 A.M. Alan motion to adjourn. 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