HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil on Aging Board -- 2024-03-21 MinutesTown of Brewster
Council on Aging Board Meeting
Thursday March 21, 2024_:> _- -;1:
1:00 PM
Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631
Board members attending: Andrea Nevins, Sharon Tennstedt, Penny Holeman, Jay Green, Honey Pivirotto,
Eva Orman (alternate)
Others Attending: Annie Rapaport, COA Program Coordinator
Absent: Jill Beardsley, Laura Usher, Jan Crocker (alternate), Elton Cutler, COA Director,
Marilyn Dearborn, President of Friends of Brewster Seniors, Cindy Bingham, Select
Board Liaison
1. Call to Order
Co -Chair Nadrea Nevins called the meeting to order at 1:02pm.
2. Declaration of a Quorum
Andrea Nevins declared a quorum with Eva Orman participating as a regular member.
3. Meeting Participation Statement
The meeting participation statement was read by Andrea Nevins.
4. Recording Statement
Andrea Nevins read the recording statement.
S. Public Announcements and Statements
None
6. Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the 2/02/24 and 2/15/24 meetings were approved unanimously.
7. Discussion of New Action Plan Text
A full draft was distributed for review and comment. S. Tennstedt noted the difference in approach and
content across the 8 domains of the plan. Also distributed was the initial outline for the domains. S.
Tennstedt asked the authors of each domain to review the respective draft content and revise as needed
to follow the outline. She also recommended inclusion of a ninth domain to be titled "Infrastructure and
Resources" that would address concerns and constraints of the current building as well as needed staff in
the future. It was recommended and decided that the Board would hold another retreat to review edited
text and finalize objectives and actions for all of the domains. This session is scheduled on Friday April 12
from 9:00am to noon at the COA. Edited text will be distributed prior to this session for all to review.
8. Update on Housing Initiatives
A. Nevins announced that Jill Scalise will attend the April 18 Board meeting to provide an update on
housing initiatives to better inform actions for the Housing domain of the next 5 -year plan.
9. Discussion of 50th Anniversary Event
S, Tennstedt reported that the following has been arranged for the town -wide party on June 81h from
11:OOam to 2:OOpm at the Bay Property:
• Online registration will be required through Event Brite. This will determine how much food to
order.
• Two musical groups have been scheduled.
• Living Legacy interviews are underway. A $350 award from the Cultural Council has been received
for banners to be hung inside the tent and later used for a traveling display at Town buildings.
• Plaques and flowers will be given to the Living Legacy honorees and to Brewster's oldest resident.
• Games and activities planned by the Rec Department
• The event will be filmed by Town staff.
• Golf carts will be available for transport from the parking area on the front lawn.
• Publicity will include postcards mailed to all residents; announcements on the Town website and
social media; signs and posters; features on Lower Cape TV and Channel 8; print articles in the Cape
Cod Chronicle and Cape Cod Times.
Event t -shirts are being ordered. Board members were asked to provide preferred sizes.
10. Directors Report
Elton Cutler's written report was reviewed in his absence.
11. Program Coordinator's Report
Annie Rapaport reported on recent events and programs. February programming was described as strong
and well -attended. March programming is diverse and going well. Specific programs are described in the
Program Report included in the meeting packet. The Brewster Health and Wellness Fair will be held on May
17 at the Baptist Church from 2-4:30pm, There will be approximately 40 organizations attending.
12. Fundraising Updates
Jay Green reported that the NAR grant of $7500 for benches on Brewster Road has been received, NAR will
purchase the benches and donate them to the Town and will also pay for their installation. Procedures will
now be arranged.
In consideration of the use of Gages Field behind the COA building for a parklet was explored. Currently
the field is managed by the Little League and used for games. At other times it is available for use for
programs. For example, the Tai Chi classes use the fields in good weather. Future uses will be explored,
13. Committee and Liaison Reports
a. Drummer Boy Park Advisory Committee
Jay Green reported that the report is being developed, with recommendations for stormwater
management, a pavilion near the playground, playground improvements, and additional accessible
benches and picnic tables. The plan will be presented for Town Meeting approval in May.
b. Recreation
Honey Pivirotto reported that the Recreation Committee will meet next week and had nothing
further to report.
c. Board of Health
Penny Holleman reported that the Board's focus is now on enforcement of the new Title V
regulations.
d. Housing
No report
e. Pond and Bay Property Planning Committees
Sharon Tennstedt reported that Plans for both properties have been finalized and were presented
at a virtual forum. The Plans include costs estimates and estimated tax implications, Open Houses
for both properties are scheduled in April. The Plans will be presented for vote at the May Town
Meeting.
f. Cultural Council
No report
g. Finance Committee
No liaison has been appointed.
h. Select Board
No report
i. Friends of Brewster Seniors
No report.
14. Questions from the Media
No media present
15. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None identified
16. Next Meeting
Next meetings are on April 12, 2024 at 9:OOam at the COA and on April 18, 2024 at Town Hall, 1:00 pm.
17. Motion to Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 2;20 pm.
Respectively submitted,
Sharon Tennstedt