MEETING MINUTES
February 5, 2009 ~ 3:00 PM
HOLDEN SENIOR CENTER
PRESENT: Brian Bullock, Town Manager; Karen Halley, Wachusett Food Pantry; Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager; Louise Charbonneau, Director, Holden Council on Aging; Cheryl Owoc, Outreach, Holden Council on Aging; Jack Chandler, Holden Fire Department; Susan Marsh; Rev. Rich Simpson, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Jim Robinson; Maureen Buffone, Secretary; Rebecca Evanoff, CERT.
Call to Order - Brian Bullock/Karen Halley
Karen Halley called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
Jim Robinson moved to accept the minutes from the January 22nd meeting, as revised, which was seconded by Jack Chandler and passed unanimously. The name "Karen" was substituted for "Paula" on line 5 under "Fuel Assistance/Heating."
Food/WFP Update - Karen Halley
Karen reported that the food pantry is still receiving food from state and federal sources, and the food pantry needs the use of a truck of ample size to pick up their surplus food allocations from the central distribution point. Brian Bullock volunteered a town DPW vehicle that we would drive to the site and return the goods to the food pantry. Brian will follow up on making arrangements with Karen.
Fuel Assistance/Heating - Louise Charbonneau/Cheryl Owoc
Cheryl reported that they have nine (9) outstanding requests; five (5) for heating, amounting to $770.00, and four (4) for electricity, ranging from $110.00 to $1,000.00. Some of the requests are for both oil and electricity. Requests are starting to come in quickly, which is what was expected. Some people are almost out of oil and some are close to the end of fuel assistance. Everyone requesting help is given information on food stamps, fuel assistance and the food pantry.
Louise is going to meet with Melissa at the Landmark to try and get a Help at H.O.M.E. article in next week's issue.
Fire Safety/Fundraising Sign - Jack Chandler
Jack reported that the fundraising sign still needs to be painted and updated.
Jack will have someone bring smoke detectors to the next food pantry distributions.
Jack is still looking into having a radio station. Brian Bullock said the town is purchasing an electronic sign which is meant to replace the sign at the corner of Shrewsbury and Main Streets. The new sign may be placed in front of the senior center.
Fitness (building fitness/energy conservation) - Donna Fitch
No representation
Facts (reference manual) - Cheryl Owoc
The reference manuals have been distributed and people are using them.
Rebecca talked to Melissa at the Landmark regarding the Emergency Preparedness Open House on February 19th. Doug has put the information on the town website. There will be ten (10) backpacks available for sale, stocked with emergency supplies and information.
Susie looked at some of the websites provided by Rebecca. She said that "ready.gov" is very clear, but some of the others are not as clear.
Treasurer's Report - Jim Robinson - Fundraising Tally
Jim reported that just over $3,000.00 was collected in January, with one (1) disbursement for an electric bill. The ending balance in the account is just shy of $27,000.00. This amount will be confirmed with the town accountant. Jim has added a line to the bottom of his report showing receipts for the current month. Jim sent an email to the committee suggesting the balance from the Help at H.O.M.E. account be transferred to the Welcome Aldrich account. Jim made the following motion:
"I move that $8,000.00 of the Help at H.O.M.E. fund balance be transferred to the Welcome Aldrich Relief Fund."
The motion was seconded by Rev. Simpson and passed unanimously. Once it is recorded in the minutes and approved, Jim will communicate this action to the town accountant.
There was also discussion on using funds to help people pay for their pharmacy bills. These will be taken on a case by case basis. A cap of $500.00 for most disbursements seems to be reasonable. Brian said that the balance should be drawn down each year, leaving $10,000.00 in the account. The goal should be to give people a jumpstart to get back on track.
The Help at H.O.M.E. business cards have been modified to add "www" to the website address.
Clergy Outreach - Rev. Rich Simpson
Rich asked if there was anything that he should be doing to help get the word out to any of the churches that may not have been contacted. The consensus was that most of the churches have been heard from.
Banner Update/HCTV Option/Our Mission
Karen received prices from Jack LaPrade on 16' and 20' banners. The cost of the 20' banner in one color is $935.00 and the 20' banner in two colors is $1,325.00. Brian said the 16' banner is not worth getting because it is difficult to read. We should have a sub-account in the Help at H.O.M.E. account for publicity. Jim said we should strive to raise money to do the banner the right way. Brian is willing to go to Woodmeister with the Help at H.O.M.E. booklet and talk about the number of people that have been helped and request funding for the banner. They can have their logo on the ends of the banner.
Running a blurb on HCTV is still being discussed in lieu of a banner. Making it more personal inspires people to help out.
The Selectmen's letter to the residents of Holden concerning the ice storm will be sent out today or tomorrow.
Karen asked if our mission statement is still being met. Is there anything we are missing? Are we meeting the information and support that we are striving for?
Set Date for Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Holden Senior Center.
Adjournment
It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 4:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Buffone
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