Monterey Council on Aging
Minutes January 13, 2016
The meeting was opened at 10 am with all five members. Also present were Chief Backhaus, Michael Johnson and Cynthia Weber for portions of the meeting. Minutes of the December 9, 2015 meeting were approved.
Emergency Preparedness Chief Backhaus presented a broad review of the procedures and resources in place by the commonwealth, the county and the town. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency – www:mass.gov/mema and Monterey Police Department – www:montereyma.gov/police have important information. For non-emergency Monterey Police dial 528-3211 and the dispatcher will call them. For Emergencies dial 911; also the phone at the town hall door is for emergencies. Communication - house phones are dependent on Verizon and proximity to its battery backup for emergency switching. Cell phones may work depending on phone and service. AT&T works and Verizon will when the tower on Chestnut Hill is
complete. Cell towers have their own generators. Communication from town can be received in several modes by registering on Blackboard Connect with a password. Shelter - mema web site lists items for emergency kits. Two sources of heat, a furnace and a fireplace are a plus. Town Hall can be a warming station if needed. It has a generator. Monterey is part of Southern Berkshire Emergency Management for additional resources. Checking – The police department does house checks on vulnerable people. Sgt. M. Johnson checked some during the recent, brief power outage. The council will add to that as they become known to us. Planning - Review list of seniors for phone outreach, phone tree. Send an e-mail about Blackboard Connect. Michael Johnson interested in the organization of volunteers Costco sell packaged emergency kits.
Events First Choice Tours will send information about Hyde Park and the Culinary Institute to R. Champigney. J. Rodriguez will inquire about lunch at Roadside Store. N. Champigney reported that card games started yesterday with bridge and pitch for twelve players.
SBETC C. Weber reported that connections for medical appointments in Lee and Pittsfield have been made. This is available for any senior, any one disabled and any children needing a medical appointment. A child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. She brought the Transportation Agreement for signing. The full appropriation for 2016-2017 is $2,422.50 .
The meeting adjourned at 11:30. Chief Tryon, FD came by with regrets that his work responsibilities prevented attendance.
K. Purcell
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