HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-13 Council on Aging Minutes
Department of Elder Services Kathy Shelp, Director
North Andover Council on Aging
North Andover Senior Center
August 13, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M.
Minutes
Attendance:
Members Present: David VanArsdale {Chair}, Lucius Michel {Vice-Chair}, Quentara Costa
{Secretary}, Maria Rosati, Patricia Riley, Priscilla Raposo, Joan Thompson, George Kangos,
Remo Zimbaldi, Allen Naffah
Absent:, Jennifer Abou-ezzi, Eileen Elliot, Dr. Harry Kaloustian
Others Present: Kathy Shelp, Director of Elder Services; Cahla Ahlstrom, Outreach Manager /
Assistant Director
Call to order: 9:00 AM
Roll call by Dave VanArsdale
Minutes: July 2024. Motion to approve minutes by Maria, seconded by Luke. Unanimously
agreed.
Update from Lucius Michel, update on Advocacy Committee:
Discussed his letter to Secretary Gorzkowicz related to cuts against MassHealth managed
care programs. The $3.7M cut has vague language explaining the reasoning. Luke is
requesting more information on their mentioned “alternative funding sources” and any
other relevant information related to the decision.
o Motion by Joan to approve sending the letter on behalf of the North Andover
COA, seconded by George. Unanimously agreed.
Update from Kathy Shelp, update on Senior Center:
Fall programing is finalizing
Registration policy has been updated based on feedback and function.
Senior Center has taken delivery of the minivan. Max seating is 4 comfortably, 5 tight.
14 passenger van is still in repair for the AC.
Annual report is prepared and ready for distribution.
Formula grant updated, the resulting increase to the budget allows senior center to
provide more chair yoga classes – which is high demand and runs a waitlist.
Strategic Plan – Kathy passed around relevant documents to committee members
Cyber summer program has been going really well.
North Andover Elder Services 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA 01845
978.688.9560 www.northandoverma.gov kshelp@northandoverma.gov
General Discussion:
Passed around article written by Kevin Dube discussing the recent Town Meeting.
Raised question on if another CPR class could be planned given its popularity.
Discussed senior tax work off program. North Andover limits to 60 people because it’s
an expense that needs to be budgeted for. Andover has no cap, but it sounds like the pool
of dollars gets divided, so more participants means required work hours may need to be
adjusted down to accommodate the available pool of dollars that averages to each
participant.
Raised question if a shredding day be scheduled.
Adjournment at 9:58 A.M. Motion to adjourn by Maria, seconded by Luke. Unanimously
agreed.
Respectfully submitted,
Quentara Costa, Secretary