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Council on Aging to rewrite MedBus rules as driver stays through April
Summary
Director Colleen Thompson said MedBus driver Dennis Dries agreed to remain through April 1, 2026, prompting plans to rewrite MedBus guidelines to limit abuse of service, cap monthly trips per patron and add driver protections; the board also noted a review of the GATRA contract and upcoming discussions about state funding for senior services.
Colleen Thompson, director of the Council on Aging, told the board that MedBus driver Dennis Dries has agreed to continue in the role through April 1, 2026. Thompson said the board will revise MedBus guidelines to address alleged abuse of the rules, limit the number of monthly trips or stops a single patron may use, and add provisions intended to protect the driver’s time and wellbeing.
Thompson said she has consulted Town Manager Liz Denney to avoid potential legal issues while drafting the new rules. The minutes record no formal vote or final policy change; Thompson described the rewrite as a staff action to be completed before the driver’s contract status is revisited.
The board also noted it is reviewing its contract with GATRA, the regional transit authority; the minutes record the contract review but do not include details on proposed changes or a timeline for a decision. Separately, Deb Batson reported that OCES is pursuing state funding and introduced a new Money Management program; funding for home and senior care for low-income residents is scheduled for discussion at a Feb. 25, 2026, Zoom meeting.
No formal motions or votes on transportation policy appear in the minutes. The matter of MedBus staffing and the GATRA contract review were recorded as ongoing items for staff follow-up.
