HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil on Aging Board -- 2023-10-19 MinutesTown of Brewster
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Council on Aging Board Meeting
Thursday October 19, 2023
1:00 PM
Brewster Town Hail, 2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631
Board members attending: Andrea Nevins, Sharon Tennstedt, Jill Beardsley, Penny Hoieman, Jay Green, Honey
Pivi rotto,
Alternate Board members present: Jan Crocker, Eva Gorman (virtually)
Others Attending: Elton Cutler, COA Director; Marilyn Dearborn, President of Friends of Brewster
Seniors
Absent: Cindy Bingham, Select Board Liaison; Annie Rapaport, COA Program Coordinator
1. Call to Order
Co -Chair Sharon Tennstedt called the meeting to order at 1:00pm.
2. Declaration of a Quorum
Jan Crocker participated as a regular member in Laura Usher's absence. Sharon Tennstedt declared a
quorum.
3. Meeting Participation Statement
The meeting participation statement was read by Sharon Tennstedt.
4. Recording Statement
Sharon Tennstedt read the recording statement.
S. Public Announcements and Statements
None
6. Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the 9/21/23 meeting were reviewed, correcting the name Jay Cuttler to Jay Green. Andrea
Nevins made a motion to approve minutes as corrected. Honey Pivirotto seconded. Minutes approved.
7. Directors Report
Elton Cutler reviewed the Director's Report. His written report is attached.
8. Approval of Board of Health Liaison
In response to a memo from the Board of Health stating their approval of a liaison to the COA Board, the
Board voted 6-0 with (1) recusal to approve the appointment. Sharon will notify the Board of Health and
ask for the name of the appointed liaison.
9. Program Coordinator's Report
Annie Rapaport's written report is attached.
10. Update on Needs Assessment Survey - UMass
The focus groups conducted on 9/27 were well attended and included discussion of the issue of senior
isolation. The third focus group of community residents was so large that helpful feedback may not be
possible.
11. 50th Anniversary Events
More details on activities for this event were discussed. It was decided that it will be too complicated to
implement 'A Taste of Brewster' type of food event due to Health Department regulations. However, it is
still planned to have various types of food at the event. It is to be held on 6/8 from 10am to 2pm at the
Bay Property close to the Arts Center. The Historical Society will have an exhibit in the Arts Center during
the event. The Rec Department will host children's activities on the lawn. Jan Crocker reported on
progress with the Living Legacy project. Elton has submitted a capital funds request for $15,000, and the
COA will contribute $10,000.00 to the event.
12. Fundraising Updates
Jay Green reported completion of a zoom call with the Cape Cod Foundation which suggested an
expansion of scope and budget request to make our project more in line with Foundation objectives. A
draft letter of intent was circulated for submission to the Foundation for review at their November board
meeting. Comments were solicited from the Board prior to a submission to the Foundation on or about
November first. This letter will also be submitted to the Massachusetts Health and Healthy Aging Fund and
the Massachusetts Parks for All Council. Formal applications will follow to each funding source. We
continue waiting for funds to be replenished to NAR for our existing application.
13. Committee Reports
a. Recreation
Honey Pivirotto reported that the Recreation Committee is considering adult classes at night, an
end to the sailing program, benches at Town Hall, a shed at Long Pond, and more pickle ball courts
at the Bay Property and Stony Brook School.
b. Vision Planning Committee
Sharon Tennstedt reported that the Committee is preparing a PSA about the Local Comprehensive
Plan. A community forum regarding all articles in the Town Warrant will be held on October 30 at
6pm at Town Hall and via Zoom.
c. Pond and Bay Property Planning Committees
Reed Hildebrand has proposed a plan of how the property might be developed. The proposal states
that no existing building is appropriate for a Community Center. Walking trails with fitness stations
are included in the plan. A third forum will be held virtually on November 30.
d. Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee
Jay Green reported that the committee toured the park on October 25. The previous master plan
was discussed and elaborated upon.
e. Board of Health
No report
f. Finance Committee
No report
g. Select Board
No report
h. Housing
No report
1. Friends of Brewster Seniors
Marilyn Dearborn reported the Crosby Mansion event was very successful and there were more
attendees than expected. Tickets for a Christmas luncheon at Olivers on 12/13 are on sale now.
14. Questions from the Media
No media present
15. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
Online ethics training is to be completed by any Board members that have not yet done so. A seminar on
open meeting laws will be conducted next Friday at Town Hall, rooms A and B.
16. Next Meeting
To be held 11/16/23 at Town Hall, 1:00 pm.
17. Motion to Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 pm.
Respectively submitted,
Jay Green