Senior Center Presents Wish List

Citing its rapid growth over the past few years, the Council on Aging (COA) presented a wish list comprised of several projects and needed items for the to the 's meeting Monday night.

Senior Center Director Lina Arena-DeRosa came before the board Monday night with the dual purposes of introducing the COA to new selectmen Jay Leary and Kevin Conley and informing the board of the Center's expanding needs.

Chief among them is a renovation of the Center's garage door, which is too small to fit a recently-purchased 10-foot van. After dismissing other more expensive and less practical options, the Center's Garage Committee - comprised of several retired engineers - settled on a renovation of the garage's existing door, which would cost $4,825.83.

That money would likely come from a capital request at fall Town Meeting, said selectmen.

"It's a reasonable request, it's just a question of whether we have the financial wherewithal," said Leary.

Arena-DeRosa said the COA will seek sooner approval since the contractor's quote is only good until June 30 (the end of the fiscal year). She will meet with the Finance Committee on Tuesday.

Next was the Center's desire to rebuild its shed and awning, which was hit by a falling tree before collapsing under the weight of snow this past winter. Arena-DeRosa said that Keefe Tech has already agreed to have some of its students build the shed and the Center would only have to pay for supplies.

The Center has received a discounted quote of $1,900 from Ashland Lumber.

Town Administrator Paul LeBeau said the FinCom may be able to authorize a reserve fund transfer to fund the project.

"Since this is an unforseen, unanticipated circumstance, a reserve fund transfer might be possible before June 30 so we can protect against increase (in the quote)," said LeBeau.

Parking is also a lingering problem at the Center, with cars often spilling out onto Goulding Street. Arena-DeRosa would like to commission a study of parking lot expansion, which may cost as much as $25,000. She said the lot has 65 spaces, a number she like to increase by 40 if not double.

But because the property borders wetlands, selectmen told Arena-DeRosa to speak with the Conservation Commission to find out whether such a project is even possible.

As for capital expenses, Arena-DeRosa said that the Center's kitchen needs to be renovated to separate the supply closet from the kitchen supplies. She also said the Center needs a new dishwasher and that the building itself will need repairs in the near future.

The Center has recently had plumbing problems and will need its septic tank pumped soon, leaving the budget tight.

"The building is in good shape right now, but we need keep it in as good a shape as it is now," said Arena-DeRosa.

The COA also updated selectmen on its budget, which had $11,500 left as of May 30. Arena-DeRosa said the COA expects to have a surplus of $1,400 at the end of the fiscal year.

The approaching fiscal year (starting July 1) will reflect the Center's expansion. The Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while Arena-DeRosa and Outreach Coordinator Linda Marshall will be paid full-time for 37.5 hours, up from a 30-hour part-time schedule.

Lastly, Arena-DeRosa spoke about the Center's transportation program, which includes two new vans, one of which is a loaner from the Fitchburg Transit Authority. The COA, however, is looking for an influx of money given the spike in gas prices.

Arena-DeRosa said the Center receives $2,800 per month from the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority but more cash is needed from the town of the MWRTA.