Council on Aging Board - October 13, 2026

The Westport Council on Aging Board held its regular meeting to discuss board operations, administrative reports, upcoming community programs, and municipal facility updates. Early in the meeting, the board announced an upcoming meet-and-greet reception for new director Lauren on October 30 and noted a memorial tree dedication scheduled for former board secretary Carol Vidal. Due to a scheduling conflict with the annual Veterans' Breakfast on Veterans Day week, the board voted to move its November meeting to Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on organizational matters, including a review of proposed subcommittees and a contentious debate regarding town bylaws governing COA officer positions such as treasurer and secretary. Members debated whether to hold elections immediately under current town bylaws or await legislative clarity on whether COAs operate as advisory or supervisory bodies. Ultimately, the board approved the amended September meeting minutes and voted to postpone both the election of board officers and the approval of the July meeting minutes to the November meeting. Members also discussed public outreach strategies and the cable television show produced with the Commission on Disability.

Director Lauren delivered the Director's Report, reporting on recent building improvements, floor maintenance, and repairs to the facility's partition wall. Program updates for September included 25 seniors enrolled in the Supportive Day Program, 488 van trips provided across 21 days, 332 volunteer hours, and 334 outreach hours. The board also reviewed an updated financial snapshot report and discussed upcoming events, including an October 14 flu clinic with the Board of Health and an October 28 Halloween bingo event. Select Board liaison Richard Brewer provided an update on the Old Westport High School reuse master plan, noting a consultant report on project scope and cost projections is scheduled before the Select Board on November 2, 2026.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.