HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-12 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
December 12, 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, Remo Zimbaldi
Absent: Tallie Abernathy, Joan Thompson, Dr. Harry Kaloustian
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services, Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager/Assistant Director, Denise
Casey, Deputy Town Manager, Zach Melcher, Guest Speaker
Call to order: 9:01 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale
Minutes: November minutes reviewed. Motion to approve by Jen, seconded by Lucius. Unanimously agreed.
Survey Results on Accessory Dwelling Units, Zach Melcher, Staff Planner:
· Went over survey questions and results, the survey ran 10/2 – 10/17.
· October 18, the state created a bill that includes a provision which would mandate communities to permit ADUs, but
it still needs to be passed and may change in scope. The state would provide guidance on this vs it being up to the town to
create parameters.
· This is less about allowing in-laws or relatives to live within a family home/accessory buildings and is more about
opening up these suites to those beyond the family where rent would be paid. The ADUs would be limited in sq ft. and
entirely different from something like a multi-family or even tiny houses.
· Family living in existing or newly built accessory units needs to be permitted by the town and technically these
buildings are to be dismantled once the family member passes away/moves out. It’s allowed but via permit. Whereas
outside of the family is not currently allowed and that’s what the survey and legislature is trying to decide upon.
Advocacy Sub-committee Update, Lucius Michel:
· General discussion on recent articles and points of interest.
Update from Kathy Shelp:
· We will attempt to do the SWOT analysis during the January COA meeting – TBD.
· Solo-agers grant was received and being used on a brochure advertising education sessions on the topic.
· Care/medical advocate grant received as well. Seniors apply through Cahla. Program is needs based.
· Expanding rides to medical appointments is also being pushed along.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
· Exercise programs will be expanded as of January 1, 2024.
· Piloting a translator device so non-English speaking seniors can better communicate with staff.
General Discussion:
· Tallie will be leaving the board as an auxiliary member since she’s joining the senior center team, the membership
committee will start interviewing a replacement.
Adjournment at 9:50 A.M. Dave 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