HomeMy Public PortalAbout2016-03-28 Sr Center Report w Attachments._201605051248095987 Town of Watertown
Town Council Committee on Health and Human Services
Report of the Meeting of March 28, 2016
A meeting of the Committee on Human Services was held at the Coolidge School Apartments on Monday,
March 28, 2016 at 7:00pm for the purpose of gathering community input regarding what the Town is seeking
in the next director of Senior Services and related Matters.
Members in Attendance: Councilor Tony Palomba, Chair, Councilor Aaron Dushku, Vice-Chair, and Councilor
Michael Dattoli, Secretary. Also in attendance were Town Manager Michael Driscoll, Councilor Piccirilli,
Councilor Feltner, Councilor Falkoff, Councilor Kounelis, Deborah Rosati, Director of the Health Department,
Peter Canola, Director of the Recreation Department, State Senator Will Brownsberger, Pat Gold, Chair,
Council on Aging, members of the Council on Aging, staff members of the Senior Center, members of
Watertown for All Ages, Joanna Duffy, Watertown TAB, and more than 60 members of the Watertown
community. The sign-in list is attached. (Attachment A)
The Chair began the meeting and introduced guests. Pat Gold presented the services, programs, and
activities provided by the Senior Center/Council on Aging and background on the Council on Aging. Bob Shay
from Watertown for All Ages presented on trends in senior services and information about what other
communities provide for seniors.
Attendees participated in small group facilitated discussions which focused on two questions. (Attachment B)
There were ten groups that reported to the Committee and attendees. (Attachment Q
Suggestions in response to Question #1 - What services, programs and activities would you like to see provided
by the Senior Center/Council on Aging? included:
➢ service sharing between neighboring communities
➢ partnerships with organizations and community resources (HATCH, Boys & Girls Club)
➢ expanded transportation
➢ shuttle service upgrades
➢ designated parking at the senior center
➢ increasing number of volunteers (utilizing high school students,
➢ adjusting hours
➢ focused outreach
➢ adding support groups, guest speakers
➢ lunches with entertainment
➢ programs with more opportunities for technology, exercise, art, and music.
Suggestions in response to Question #2 — What are the skills and qualities needed in a Watertown Director of
Senior Services to implement these services, programs, and activities? included:
➢ experience with fundraising, grant writing and marketing,
➢ ability to collaborate with the community (town departments and organizations),
➢ experience with diversity,
➢ experience mobilizing volunteers,
➢ track record of managing programs,
➢ knowledgeable about State regulations,
➢ background in gerontology and advocacy
Several residents spoke during the open forum.
➢ Marilyn Petitto Devany stated that the Council on Aging once lost a grant due to a multi-generational
focus and that the same credentials and demeanor of outgoing Director Caryl Fox is what we should all
be looking for in her replacement.
➢ Russ Arrico (Fayette Street) suggested that we keep the Senior Center independent from other
community groups.
Michael Donham (Royal Street) said he spent five years on the Council on Aging and found it was
difficult to add new programs without cutting back on others. The part-time staff are wonderful,
however, it is hard to accomplish as much as one would like. As a Town, we should decide to do more
for the Senior Center.
Jackie Dobson stated that Watertown for All Ages does not have intentions to take over the Senior
Center, as was previously suggested by another attendee.
Burt Greenberg (Duff Street) stated that a two-million dollar budget limits what can be done and that
there has to be balance because there is a cost for everything. Also, the parking lot needs to be
resurfaced.
y Elodia Thomas (Marion Road) said the town is changing in many ways and that there are many cohorts.
We need to come together on key areas where we agree and work together.
The Chair closed the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and for participating in the discussion. He
stated that he hoped the responses to the two questions would help inform future planning and assist in the
hiring of a new Director of Senior Services. He also emphatically stated that the Senior Center is not closing.
Councilor Palomba made a motion that the Committee leave the referral open. Councilor Dushku seconded
and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Minutes prepared by Councilor Dattoli.
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Questions for small group discussions:
1 . What services, programs and activities would you like to
see provided by the Senior GenterlCouncil on Aging?
2. What are the shills and qualities needed in a Watertown
Director of Senior Services to implement these services,
programs and activities?
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