Council on Aging – Minutes – March 14, 2006 at 3:00 PM
Present: Peggy Boyer, Flo Caras, Bob Curtiss, Avram Kalisky, Jack McCandless, Fez Morse, Julie Pugh, Karen Santucci, Mary Sheldon, Bob Sutherland. Guests: Sarah Cannon Holden, Anita Scheipers
Anita Scheipers, Assistant Town Administrator, described the warrant articles to be presented at Town Meeting on March 25.
There will be no override.
New expenditures in the Town budget include 4 additional firefighters (to be 4 per shift, up from 3 per shift) to enable a more timely response to calls and reduce the dependence on other towns. Ambulance and other emergencies require 2 persons per vehicle; thus if one vehicle is out, a second call (either ambulance or fire engine) needs to be handled by another town.
The COA budget was reduced by $3,000 in the final hours of adjusting the numbers. We expect a motion at Town Meeting to reinstate to this reduction.
Capital expenditures include ambulance, police cruisers, town and school computers, conservation tractor, library carpet, and school repairs.
Some road rebuilding is planned, including Codman Road.
A Housing Trust Fund is being proposed to provide a mechanism to respond more quickly to opportunities as properties come on the market. An appropriation of $900,000
may be proposed.
The Water Department is proposing a water conservation program, a Tower Road pump upgrade and other expenditures.
There is a proposal for neighborhood conservation districts, whereby neighborhoods can set up guidelines for development, under which exceptions would need approval of the Historical Commission.
Changes are being proposed to the temporary sign bylaw.
There is a proposal to limit non-affordable accessory apartments to two additional apartments a year. The hope is that this will encourage more affordable units.
A Town Master Planning process is to be proposed. An updated plan is required by the state every 5 years. COA participation will be desired.
An Agricultural Commission will be proposed.
The owner of the Whistle Stop will propose that one liquor license be allowed in town.
The warrant includes a citizen’s petition to censure President Bush.
This ended Anita’s summary of Town Meeting Articles.
Karen presented her report.
Julie will describe at Town Meeting the presentation last December of the Boston Post Cane to Dr. Bradford Cannon.
Karen was not instructed to schedule a visit by Deaconess team to describe their proposed senior housing for the BIIC property. Subsequent note: On March 22, Julie Pugh and Bob Sutherland requested that Karen schedule such a visit at the April or possibly the May Board meeting.
The first of a proposed Senior Mens’ Coffee will be held on Thursday, April 20, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM. Coffee, bagels, donuts, and conversation. No speaker, no agenda, just social interaction. This is targeted at Senior Men, but as always all are welcome. Bob S, Fez and Avram are spearheading it.
A bridge party followed by regular social bridge sessions is planned.
The trip to “Behind the Scene at Fenway” is filling up. We committed to 50 required to book our own tour. The Foxwoods trip was cancelled for lack of enough interest, but those interested may go with Lexington COA.
A Tanglewood open rehearsal in August is being considered. Bus would depart at 7:00 AM.
Outdoor adventures will come to life again when weather warms. The weekly Conservation walks are about to resume.
Next meeting of COA on April 18 at 3:00 PM, the third Tuesday, rather than second Tuesday.
Prepared by Bob Sutherland
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