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Senior Commission debates role, communications and forming independent nonprofit to boost donations
Summary
Commission members discussed clarifying the Senior Commission’s purpose, publishing contact information, and the possibility of creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or 'foundation' to accept tax‑deductible donations for senior programs.
Commission members and staff discussed the advisory role of the Senior Commission, the benefits and limits of publishing commissioners’ contact information, and the potential for an independent nonprofit to raise funds for seniors.
Kathy Lewis described the commission as historically “an informational board” that acts as a community liaison and receives program updates from Parks and Recreation. Commissioners debated whether the commission should be more actively project-driven, like Stow’s arts commission, which brings concrete projects to city administration.
Several members supported creating an independent nonprofit (a 501(c)(3)) or a ‘foundation’ to collect tax-deductible donations and fund senior center activities. One commissioner said donations were easier to raise and track through a separate nonprofit identity and observed care programs in the past faced fundraising obstacles because donations to the city were not tax-deductible. Another member said local accounting firms often provide administrative help to small nonprofit boards.
On communications, commissioners asked whether individual commissioners could be listed with contact information on the city website. Staff and council members warned this raises legal and operational questions; one commissioner said the mayor would likely oppose publishing personal contact details. City council member Kyle Feldman said communication improvements — including a potential full‑time public information officer — would help reach seniors who do not use email.
No formal action was taken; the group agreed to collect suggestions and present proposals at the next meeting on Nov. 18.
